Maria Leal’s journey: A calling with a purpose

Maria Leal’s life changed in 2009 due to an unexpected brain aneurysm that left her with no choice but to sell her automotive business and start her dream life all over again.

Raised in Acrozes on Graciosa Island – an Island just off of Portugal, Maria Leal travelled to Toronto, Canada, at the age of six where she lived for 30 years until she and her partner and ‘cheer leader’, Mary Lloyd, decided to start their own vintage auto parts business called M&M’s Auto Parts.  M&M’s quickly became successful so in 2003, Maria expanded her business to include a repair shop as well which she ran for six years.  “I was a workaholic, even on closed days, I was still there,” says Maria.

During the latter part of the year, Sunday afternoon on August 4th, 2009, Maria’s whole life changed due to an unexpected brain aneurysm which kept Maria ill for almost two years.

“I was home doing what I do every morning – grabbing a cup of coffee, checking my Facebook and e-mail in my studio outside of the house when all of the sudden, I heard a pop in the right side of my head and instantly got dizzy.  I managed to get in the house to wake up her mother in-law who was living with us at the time and told her that she needed to drive me to the hospital because there was something wrong.  My mother in law new there was definitely something wrong because I don’t like hospitals,” says Maria.

At the hospital her mother in law left her there and rushed out to tell her partner.  When they came back, they were informed that a vain in her brain had burst and she needed immediate surgery and was then rushed to Toronto Western Hospital to have immediate surgery.  “I never had such a fast car ride in my life,” says Maria.

A week following the surgery, Maria had to undergo another surgery because another blood vessel broke.  Her partner was told to call her family because they thought she wouldn’t make it through the second surgery.  Fortunately, the second surgery went well and corrected the issue.  Following this, Maria was kept in ICU for three weeks and a week in an observation room before being discharged from the hospital.

Upon her discharge, Maria underwent physiotherapy for just over a year including having to learn how to walk all over again.  “Due to this, I lost my business, had to sell my home and basically start all over again while still trying to get back on my feet.  I was depressed turning to drinking and moping around constantly.  I had no ambition; nothing,” says Maria.

Because her partner was making a good income to support her, Maria was unable to get any assistance, disability or government help at the time.  “We had to sell the business because I didn’t even know how to run the shop anymore.

“I hit rock bottom, I did, until I finally made a choice that I knew I had to make and move to Toronto to temporarily leave my partner, Mary, while finding myself again and off I went to Toronto to get myself an apartment.  I freaked my whole family out, got an apartment and a good paying job working for Canadian Tire on Keele and Saint Claire as a Service Advisor in the automotive field.  I was hired on the spot because of my background as a licensed mechanic,” says Maria.

Maria worked there for a year before she was laid off only a week before Christmas.  “I was getting tired of city life anyway and wanted to move back into a small town where I could enjoy fishing, less traffic and so on.  Maria was hired again on the spot at Canadian Tire in Wasaga Beach as Service Advisor.

Maria came to Wasaga Beach just over a year ago in February on a new venture and journey to ‘find her-self’ and follow her dream of living once again in a small town environment.

The following day after Maria moved into her new home in Wasaga Beach she drove to the corner store to ask the owner where the bait shop was so she could get some minnows to go fishing and to her surprise, she was told that she had to travel to Barrie or Orillia and that shocked Maria.

After three months of only part-time work, Maria made a big decision in her life to tighten her belt, join Ontario Works and get involved with the Self-Employment Centre and get herself back where she wanted to be.  And that was running her own business once again.

Fishing since the early age of five, Maria’s always had a passion and interest in fishing and the fishing industry.  “I spent most weekends at the cottage in which I still go to on a regular basis, fishing for bass, pike, perch and trout,” says Maria.

Maria started her new business journey by researching various fishing locations around the area, networking with business owners and anybody who gave her an ear to listen.  With only positive responses, Maria decided this was her new calling.  A calling with a purpose!

Leal’s Reals will be the only Bait and Tackle shop in Wasaga Beach and she is very excited to announce that Leals Reals will open this spring.  Maria is a strong and determined woman who will not give up on her journey so stay tuned!

For more information about Leal’s Reals, please feel free to call Maria 705.770.4129 or e-mail with any questions you may have @ mgleal@csolve.net.

Media:

Melanie Vollick is the owner and founder of Write Way Communications (Professional & Reliable Writing Services).  She is an active advocate of sustainable living and has a B.A. with Honours in Environmental & Resource Studies from Trent University.

e-mail: melanie@writewaycommunications.ca.

web: http://melanie@writewaycommunications.ca

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriteWayCommunications

If disorganization is interfering with your life or business and you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, it’s time to get your “Ducks in a Row” and get organized.

To achieve success with your business or home-life, you will need to take the necessary steps by clarifying your priorities and deciding how you want your lifestyle, belongings and business arranged.  Organization takes time, but when you get into the habit of it, life becomes so much easier!  It just so happens that Rachel May, business owner of Ducks in a Row, loves to declutter.

Rachel loves helping others in need and is the one friends call when they move or need assistance finding organizing solutions for their homes.  She has experience working with people of all ages to establish organized, functional and healthy spaces.  Clearing the way for enjoyable easy living is possible with Ducks in a Row!

Once the organizing and purging is done, it feels like fresh air for the brain. Through Rachel’s company, she is able to offer a full range of services with the resources to get the job done.  She is member of the Professional Organizers of Canada having obtained a Certificate in Professional Organizing from QC Design School in Ottawa in 2012.

Rachel thinks of moving as a brand new beginning.  It’s an opportunity to reassess possessions, discover hidden and forgotten treasures; and more importantly – a time to get rid of excess before the move. People often feel overwhelmed and unnerved when their living environment is filled with clutter. Reorganizing your home helps create new found space and order and perhaps avoid a needless move.

Rachel has moved nearly twenty times in her adult life and this has taught her how to visualize new space. A professional organizer can recommend products or systems which will make your new home comfortable and functional – especially for those who are facing challenges such as downsizing while also trying to maintain their independence.

Every assignment is unique and begins with an initial consultation requiring a custom approach, based on the circumstances involved.  With an agreed strategy of services needed, an appropriate system is then implemented and no additional costs beyond the original estimate are incurred without the approval of the client.

Professional organizing can vary from an initial consultation to complete “hands on” support. The fee for service depends upon the task at hand. The true goal of a professional organizer is to provide a safe living environment and help the individual maintain a clutter free and functional home and also help to improve business settings and office space.

“I am fascinated with gadgets and systems that make people’s lives easier, but above all, I love a challenge and seeing it through to the end!  Being an Organizing Professional enables me to combine my passion and skills in a way that brings order to an otherwise busy and often chaotic way of living,” says Rachel.

So, you’ve finally decided it`s time to get your Ducks in a Row!  Ducks in a Row offers a wide variety of professional services to suit your organizing needs such as the following:

• In home consultation
• Decluttering
• Downsizing
• Home Sale Preparation
• Complete Moving Solutions
• Setting Up New Residence

Rachel also specializes in the challenging task of digitizing your photo albums.

Contact Rachel to discuss additional scopes of work at 705.445.0050 or feel free to visit her website:  http://www.ducksinarow.me/.

Frieda Linke’s two tier business and art gallery on the main street in Stayner displays the works of 17 local artists as well as her own.

Her venture began with her daughter, Arrin Wager, four years ago from their home studios in Stayner.  Frieda also displayed her work at the Venders Market for almost two years before she decided to branch out and expand.

Frieda celebrated the Grand Opening of her business, Linkes Local Arts, in Stayner, on March 26, 2011.   The store features a varied and well-rounded selection of artistic pieces from paintings, woodwork, glassware, and jewelry and fabric artwork from the works of traditional and non-traditional artist.

“You can be a beginner or you can be a professional.  It’s all the same here,” says Frieda.

The gallery is part of Stayner’s welcoming downtown business core with displays of work from artists and artisans from this region.  In every corner of this unique gallery you will find artistic creations.

Frieda embraces the growth of the art movement in and around the area and clearly has a passion for art and the community and she has always had a strong interest in the artistic world.  “This is not a job to me, it’s a passion,” explains Freida.

Last year, Frieda founded Art in the Park which is sponsored by Stayner’s Chamber of Commerce and she is also a Chamber member.  The next event is set for July 20th so be sure to check it out!

Influenced by the works of artists such as The Group of Seven, Robert Bateman and Frida Kirta, Frieda tries to put a part of her in each piece that she creates – hopes, fears, happiness and sadness.  “All that makes artists who they are translates into the artwork we create,” she explains.

The encouragement Frieda has received from her family members has given her inspiration especially from her mother, Helen, who always believed in her talent even when she doubted herself.

“Mom never got to see how far I’ve come, but I feel her spirit and sometimes I hear a soft whisper, ‘good going kid’,” says Frieda.

Frieda describes her artwork as ‘Contemporary Realism’ and works with acrylic and oil paints, pastel, charcoal and pencil.  She sells her work mostly out of the studio; however, you will also find her work throughout online galleries and on her website http://linkeslocalarts.com/.

Fill your home with one of kind artistic creations or buy something for that special someone who will cherish it for years to come.  Stop in at Linkes Local Arts for all of your art supply needs and if you can’t find what you want, Frieda will be more than happy to order what you need.

7293 Hwy. 26 Stayner

705.428.5870

http://linkeslocalarts.com/

Judy Garbutt has dedicated her belief that industrial hemp will be huge in the future by offering High on Health hemp products online and in her new storefront located in Collingwood.  Her dream of educating the public about the many useful benefits of hemp has finally come true!

High on Health is a family-owned and operated venture that started in 2011.  Founder, Judy Garbutt, has recently opened her storefront doors to the public and is selling amazing ‘Ontario grown’ hemp products that focus on healthy living for people, the planet and pets!

“We believe in using locally sourced resources for ethical, economic and environmental reasons and to further provide our customers with the freshest, most wholesome and beneficial products we offer. We’re confident that you will be impressed,” says Judy.

Where else can you find totally digestible plant protein and the most perfect balance of omega essential fatty acids (EFAs)? 

The word is getting out: “Hemp IS Nature’s Best Super-Food” for people, pets, and the planet.

With the growing concern of the state of the environment and increased cancer rates, people are looking for healthier food supplement choices. Judy shares her passion for hemp and all its healing properties in her products available at her new storefront and also for purchase online: http://www.highonhealth.ca/and on High on Health’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HighOnHealthCollingwood.

She is confident that hemp growth and production is on the rise and strongly believes in creating jobs and sharing her passion and dream with her family, grandchildren and future generations to come.  “Industrial hemp will be huge and our mission is to raise awareness on the benefits of hemp and to educate the public about the unlimited possibilities of its resources; its natures perfect high protein food source,” explains Judy.

Why is hemp so nutritious?

Hemp seed has been used to treat various disorders for thousands of years in traditional oriental medicine and it contains the most essential fatty acids (EFS’s) of any nut or seed oil, with omega-3 and omega-6 (EFA’s) occurring in the nutritionally optimal 1:3 ratio.

Did you know?

Seventy percent of adults who eat a typical western diet do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids, and at the same time, they get too much omega-6 fatty acids.  This imbalance is known to cause a wide range of health problems.

Why hemp for pets?

“They like the nutty flavour,” says Judy.  As well, it is important to note that hemp is truly Mother Nature’s favourite and longest-running recipe for people and our beloved pets.  High on Health products can aid to alleviate animals from weight troubles and to help lower cholesterol.  Remember: hempseed is protein-rich and we need this fuel to keep us feeling satisfied for longer periods of time.  The seed gives us the perfect balance of omegas in the oil and helps with proper cell growth!  What more could you ask for?

Well, we can’t forget to mention Bo.  Who is Bo you ask?  Bo is an Australian Labradoodle, mascot, and best friend to High on Health business owner Judy Garbutt. Bo represents Choose Healthy for Pets. He has toured with Judy to countless trade shows and farmers’ markets and is always a show stopper! Drop in to High on Health and say hi to Bo.

High on Health celebrates hemp for all of its amazing resources and features products from companies who have a similar passion to make a difference and will be celebrating their grand opening this month on January 24^th from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Judy is also very excited to be part of this year’s X Games in Aspen Colorado which is also held on January 24^th, 2013.  We all know Judy can only be at one place so join High on Health in celebrating their Grand Opening!  There will be a variety of scrumptious hemp treats served so bring along your appetite.  As well, the ribbon cutting won’t just be an ordinary ribbon; Judy will be cutting a real hemp rope to celebrate her success!

High on Health is located just behind the new bulk barn in Collingwood at 345 First St., Suite #2.  For questions about products, please call 705.293-HEMP (4367).

•         I love omegas
•         I love protein
•         I love hemp

Photos & story by: Melanie Vollick, Write Way Communications

Melanie Vollick is the owner and founder of Write Way Communications (Professional & Reliable Writing Services).  She is an active advocate of sustainable living and has a B.A. with Honours in Environmental & Resource Studies from Trent University.   

e-mail: melanie@writewaycommunications.ca

Web: http://melanie@writewaycommunications.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriteWayCommunications

Breanna Gilpin who is a senior skater with the Collingwood Skating Club has shown much dedication and commitment over the ten years that she has been on the ice.

Breanna is now 16 years old and started skating when she was just 6.  Her interest began when she would go to watch her older sister, Jackie, skate at the arena.  Her mother signed her up after just one session of watching her sister.  She has been enjoying it ever since.

“As a test skater that competes only locally, her enthusiasm towards skating impresses us.  We think all parents would agree that it makes you feel satisfied for your children when they find an activity where their interest only grows year after year.  We love seeing the commitment she has made to figure skating and we have learned a great deal about the sport ourselves,” says Breanna’s mother, Marj Gilpin who is also a member of the Collingwood Skating Club.

Most recently, Breanna achieved both her Gold Interpretive and Gold Skills test.  She has been involved in several competitions throughout her career and her strongest influence is Patrick Chan.  “He is the greatest skater I have ever seen and I believe he is one of Canada’s greatest prides yet.  His performances draw me in and allow me to be able to understand the stories that he tells,” says Breanna.

Breanna is a grade 11 student at Collingwood Collegiate who loves to play soccer and participate in the school Nordic ski team during the winter.  She is also a school council member with an interest in music playing the piano.  “Piano is my favourite instrument and it’s a lot like figure skating.  There are a lot of focus, feeling and technique required,” explains Breanna.

Breanna has been very fortunate to have been able to work with three very skilled and experienced coaches: Janet Collins, Christine Howell and Michael Koshilka.

“Janet has the special quality of knowing exactly how to push a skater to achieve their next step.  Christine has the best choreography in the area, most definitely farther, and Michael has been my dance coach for a very long time.  All in all, my coaches are very talented and I would be nowhere near as successful without them,” says Breanna.

Breanna’s commitment to figure skating has grown year after year and this is very apparent with her love for the sport.  “The focus that you can tap into is incredible and you can get very wrapped up with every moment.  You don’t really notice anyone around you when you concentrate like this.  I like the feeling of getting that involved in the sport,” says Breanna.

In January, the Collingwood Skating Club is hosting the Huronia Funskate.  All of the seniors, most of the intermediates, and even some Canskates, have been preparing for the competition.  “This year, we will finally get to enjoy it on our home turf,” says Breanna.

For more information about the club visit – http://www.collingwoodskatingclub.com/.

Diagnosed on the cusp of adulthood, Simon Williams was thrust into being an adult far too quickly.  When most kids were dating and looking to enrol in University, Simon was spending all of his time at the Toronto General Hospital meeting with oncologists and making life and death decisions.

Simon was diagnosed with leukemia at the early age of 17 and what followed were eight years of intensive cancer treatment and an unrelated bone marrow transplant when he was almost 26.  Years of recovery shadowed his treatment and life really just began for Simon when he reached 30.  “I have focused a lot of energy on a healthy lifestyle and living my life to the fullest,” says Simon.

Simon was born in London, England and grew up in Toronto.  He moved to Collingwood in 2007 and the same year, Simon and his wife Shirlee formed Buddha Rider – a Yoga & Cycle Studio in Collingwood (http://buddharider.com/).  He is a proud father of two 13 year old twin boys and has a university degree in Fine Art History/Business.

As the Director of the events division for Infield Marketing (www.infieldmarketing.com), Simon finds himself giving back to the community and often sharing his story with parents of children going through this disease to give them hope that one day their children may be also be cured.

Simon oversees many events and fundraising initiatives and, in 2010, Simon rode across Canada to raise $35K and as a team, almost $2m, for the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation’s, Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.  The journey took the dedicated team 17 days in total to ride from Vancouver to Halifax.  “It was exhilarating, exciting, adventurous and extremely emotional,” says Simon.

This year, the Run.ca event takes place on September 22^nd, from Toronto to Blue Mountain and again on October 13^th, from Ottawa to Montreal.  “This year, we are anticipating 700 participants alone in the Toronto to Blue Mountain Run,” says Communications Manager, Sara Forbes.

The Sears Great Canadian Run is a long distance team running relay that raises funds and awareness for childhood cancer research and treatment at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Teams of up to 20 will run 100 km. or 125 km. relay-style from  north of Toronto to Blue Mountain Village. There’s also a 25 km. option from Stayner to Blue Mountain Village.

The top Toronto fundraising team last year was Journey for Jacob (over $70,000 raised).  They’re a team of family and friends who are rallying for a 4 year old boy who is battling Stage 4 Wilm’s Tumor (liver cancer). Please view their page here: http://searscanada.akaraisin.com/pledge/Team/Home.aspx?seid=4839&mid=10&tid=41366.

Simon firmly believes that anything is possible.  For more information about The Relay to End Kids Cancer (Great Canadian Run), visit:

• Website: http://www.TheRun.ca
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GreatCanadianRun
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GrtCdnRun
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miGQDeRsmf0

After 45 dedicated years in radio and 41 years at the Peak FM, morning host John Nichols or better known as “your morning friend and go to person” is celebrating his retirement.

John remembers his first day at the Peak as clear as a bell and it just so happened to fall on Ground-Hog day back in 1971.  “What impacted me the most was how small the original location between first and Second Street was with only four rooms with just five employees.  As well, there were no windows other than the one at the front of the station.  So, it was a little claustrophobic to say the least. What impressed me though was how welcoming the listeners were. But alas, Wiarton Willie didn’t show up to welcome me and I can’t remember if he saw his shadow that day or not,” says John.

Back in 1964, John was part of a Rock “n” Roll band called The Randells singing and playing the organ. They played at all of the hot spots in the Midland area.

John was one of the very first to be accepted to go through the Career Academy in Toronto back in 1967.  “My love of music got me into radio,” says John.

“As I was listening to the new songs coming out on CHUM-AM at the time, I heard an advertisement for Career Academy and after the audition the Academy said ‘ya, we’ll take you’ – this was the beginning of my career in radio and television broadcast,” says John.

Over the years, John’s main function at the Peak was to look after the morning show which is a disc jockey type show from 6 to 10 am.  “I like to think of myself as that go to person, particularly in the case of winter storms and the weather person who lets everyone know if the buses are cancelled,” says John.

At 9 am John also hosts an interview program called Chats.  It’s broken up in two parts with a couple of guests each day such as a resident in the community who has done something neat, a book review or an interview of a small business owner.

John’s time at the Peak has been very rewarding and he will miss it immensely.  “There are many great memories over the years, not to mention the great staff that have become family to me,” says John.  John’s biggest learning curve during his time with the Peak has been the rapid advancement of technology and computers.

“I had to learn everything on the fly so it was a pretty steep learning curve especially since being introduced to the first computer and later learning that yes, in this time and age, most households own a computer.  In radio, technology has advanced so rapidly that keeping up with it has been quite a challenge for me,” explains John.

Over the years, John has received the Order of Collingwood, the Companion to the Order of Collingwood and the Province of Ontario Volunteer Award as well as a host of others awards.  He has and will continue to be very involved in the community as a volunteer and “go to person.”

John currently volunteers as a Land Steward on the Bruce Trail with the Bruce Trail Conservancy, and the Community Christmas Cheer which collects food and monies for the less fortunate as well as the  Collingwood Hospital Foundation Christmas draw, now in its 33^rd year, just  to name a few.

“Introducing the Christmas draw has been the most rewarding experience for me.  It was by chance that it happened, all from a beautifully, handcrafted, doll-house donation in 1980.  A big thank-you goes out in memory of Gerhart Brueske who started this; his thoughtfulness has helped so many.  He walked into the station one day and he had a picture in his hand and he said ‘hey John, I’ve taken this picture to all the service clubs in town and asked if they would like this doll house to raise money for a special cause and no-one would take it’, explains John.  With a target of raising $1,400 that year, we hit it with two days to go.  Today, we accept several donations from local businesses and raise at least $40,000 annually.  That’s an astonishing $700,000 over the 33 years,” says John.

John grew up on a dairy farm in Midland.  He describes it as ‘hard work and early hours’ – definitely an upbringing most suited for the career choice John chose as the early morning show host at the Peak.  “We started at four in the morning milking the cows and lots of times during the summer during harvest, we wouldn’t get to bed until 10 o’clock at night making for a long day,” says John. John has been happily married to his wife, Marie for 43 years. They have two beautiful daughters that John is very proud of, Shana, who lives on Long Island and operates her own Autism clinic, “Aspire”, and Jennifer, who has a dance studio, “The Extension Room”, on Eastern Avenue in Toronto.

There will be a listener appreciation day, all day, on Monday, December 17^th at the Red Hen Restaurant in Downtown Collingwood. John’s retirement is planned for Dec 21^st and will be going out in celebration of their 33^rd annual Peak FM Collingwood Hospital Foundation Christmas draw which all began from the doll-house donation.

The new host for the morning show will be John Eaton, the current Operations Manager.  Welcome aboard, John Eaton, and a big thank-you for the many memorable years of hosting the morning show, John Nichols!  You will be missed!

Drivers ‘love’ them or absolutely ‘hate’ them – the roundabout located on Mountain Road near Blue Mountain Resorts and the new roundabouts at High Street, Hwy. 26 and Mosley.  Bring it up in conversation and brace yourself for the reaction.  How is it that driving around a circle can create such a stir in our community?

In Canada, roundabouts are used relatively infrequently.  And it seems that people are inherently resistant to change.  It’s simple, really.

A roundabout is an intersection at which all traffic circulates counter-clockwise, to the right of a central island.  Basically, a roundabout is a transportation management tool that moves traffic through an intersection without the aid of traffic signals.

“The roundabouts are there in place of traffic lights. Perhaps you prefer to stop? I don’t. I like them. What I don’t understand is how any license holder finds the roundabout a big scary mystery,” says local driver, Kerrie Pinkney.

The progressive philosophy of a roundabout is to maintain a high quality of life for people.  Given that the communities of Collingwood and The Blue Mountains both promote sustainability and part of being a sustainable community includes being “pedestrian friendly,” roundabouts are large pieces of the puzzle.  Residents in neighbourhoods with suitable street environments tend to walk and bicycle more, ride transit more, and drive less.

There are a number of benefits to roundabouts in terms of traffic control and, for us all in Ontario it may be hard to understand and accept without a detailed explanation.

The roundabout has undergone significant design and driving rule changes since first being introduced in 1905.  Now, according to the Federal Highway Administrations, installing a roundabout typically results in a 76% reduction in injury-accidents, a 40% reduction in fatalities, and a 40% reduction in pedestrian fatalities.  Yes, we have seen a few accidents on the new roundabout by Blue Mountain but given the lower speeds that one is able to travel on the roundabout these accidents have not been fatal.

Pedestrians are safer at roundabouts for a variety of reasons including shorter crossing distances (one or two lanes maximum) and the pedestrian only has to look in one direction when crossing.  As stated earlier, the speed of vehicles is lower and there are fewer places where collisions can occur.

“They’re just meant to eliminate stoplights, and speed things up on all single lane roads that you would otherwise be sitting at when red with your engine running and doing nothing, leaving an even bigger carbon footprint with all the stop and go that has been forced upon us, says a local driver from Stayner, Trevor Murray.

A modern roundabout is better for the environment than a signalized intersection because it creates shorter delays for motorists and shorter vehicle queues. Recent studies have shown that idling vehicles emit larger amounts of pollutants than vehicles traveling at moderate speeds.  Based on this finding, fewer idling vehicles at a roundabout will result in lower emissions than the same traffic at a signalized intersection.  A roundabout is more in harmony with emissions control initiatives and “anti-idling” practices than a signalized intersection.

The roundabout concept has been successful in Europe and Australia and is becoming more popular in Canada and the U.S.  They provide environmental benefits by reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

“Roundabouts have a number of benefits when compared to conventional intersections, namely the fact that the roundabout can handle more traffic and do it in a more efficient manner and reduce pollution as motorists are not waiting for a traffic signal to turn green as their vehicle engine is left idling. They also reduce vehicle speeds and vehicular conflict points and in doing so reduce the potential for severe collisions or serious injury,” says Media Relations Officer (Collingwood and The Blue Mountains detachment of the OPP), Martin Hachey.

Roundabouts can however take up more land than our traditional intersections and aren’t necessarily feasible in certain locations.  If lighted signals are incorporated into the design of a roundabout (sometimes it is necessary) more lights are required than with a regular intersection.  Not to mention, they can be intimidating to those who are unfamiliar with them – like anything new.

“I don’t know if people are against roundabouts in general…. but the ones they have been building around here are ridiculous!  I know for one I am going to need a change of pants the first time I encounter a tractor-trailer in one of those things when it’s busy traffic. Should be exciting! Just remember, you can’t be on a rig’s right-hand side when they’re trying to navigate that tight turn,” says driver Ken Maynard.

They aren’t always the perfect solution and if the community in which they are installed fails to educate themselves or each other it can result in lower acceptance.

We would like to think that in our community we are progressive in trying out and ultimately accepting new and different approaches for environmental and transportation issues.  Try to think of the roundabout as a ‘traffic calming’ program developed to provide the greatest benefits to pedestrians, bicyclists and local residents, while imposing the greatest costs on motorists who drive intensively.

The Rules Are Simple:

1. 1. Approach
2. 2. Yield
3. 3. Enter
4. 4. Exit

Important points to remember when approaching a roundabout:

• -Reduce your speed (presently posted as 50km/h)
• -Select the correct lane to negotiate the roundabout – remember that motorists entering a roundabout have to yield to traffic already in the roundabout.  This means that traffic attempting to     enter the roundabout may have to come to a complete stop while waiting for an adequate gap in traffic to enter safely.
• -When exiting the roundabout, make sure you signal your intention and watch for other vehicles so you can exit safely.
• -And, never stop in a roundabout unless traffic conditions require it.

For more information, go to www.ontario.ca/roundabout.

Melanie Vollick is the owner and founder of Write Way Communications (Professional & Reliable Writing Services).  She is an active advocate of sustainable living and has a B.A. with Honours in Environmental & Resource Studies from Trent University.   

e-mail: melanie@writewaycommunications.ca

web: http://melanie@writewaycommunications.ca

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriteWayCommunications

On a recent Apple Pie Trail Media tour guided by Krisitin Ellis, the Marketing Coordinator with the Blue Mountain Village Association, I discovered many delectable and tasty apple treats in and around Blue Mountain.

The Apple Pie Trail is nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and the sparkling shores of Georgian Bay and home to  more than thirty tasty apple varieties, says Leslie Huffman (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) including the McIntosh, Northern Spy, Ambrosia and, the latest Red Prince– to name a few.

The trail has 33 businesses from Collingwood to Owen Sound  each providing authentic local products and experiences all year long (except for the seasonal markets).

We hit a new record of 12 wonderful stops and shops in one day following the self guided map in the Apple Pie Trail brochure which is available at – applepietrail.ca.  We started at the Espresso Post in Collingwood where we were served an apple caramel latté with a homemade reduction of honey crisp apples drizzled on top.  Wow – to die for!  What a great way to start our tour and day.

Our next stop was at Ashanti where we cozied up to a warm apple crumble muffin with cinnamon and nutmeg made by the Blackbird Pie Company.  Many trail members partner up sharing yummy recipes and products.  And if you stop into Ashanti try their new mouth-watering apple strudel bar which is baked in house.  You won’t be disappointed!

It was a lovely day for a tour and our next stop was off the beaten track to visit Chef Phillip Tarlo’s “Willow Trace Cooking Academy” and B&B. What an amazing place.  Nestled in behind a pond with a family of ducks, the B&B is on 10 acres and is a must stay if you are visiting the area.  Tantalize your taste buds and book a class with Chef Tarlo to learn how to make amazing apple crepes.

I have to admit that the next stop at Heavenly Sweets was one of my favourites.  Owner, Heli Vogrin spoiled us with an apple caramel cheesecake.  I can still taste it and I’ll certainly be going back for another piece.  Just down the road, we stopped in to check out Grey Heron Designs.  Their hand crafted apple wood buttons or apple inspired hand dyed sock yarn make for lovely gifts for that special someone.  Some of their yarn apple sock kits include yarn dyed to match the Delicious, McIntosh, and Red Prince.

We stopped at the Ravenna Market for the most amazing toasted veggie sandwiches and I purchased some homemade apple jelly and sparkling raspberry and apple cider. The owner mentioned that they go through an astounding 5000 pounds of spy apples a year!  A big thank-you to Roy for sending  us home with what felt like a 5000 lb. apple pie – delicious!

It only seemed appropriate to stop next at Georgian Hills Vineyards for a quick wine tasting.  The Award winning Ida Red Frozen to the Core desert wine certainly complimented my lunch at the Ravenna Market.

Besides producing Ontario’s best apples, Beaver Valley has also given birth to a burgeoning wine industry. This unique part of the valley with its own microclimate, dictated by Georgian Bay, provides the exclusive conditions to grow hardy grape varieties discovered by growers to survive the long, arduous winters. The blossoming wine region born in the midst of the apple orchards is an added attraction for visitors.

Coffin Ridge is Southern Georgian Bay region’s first winery to open to the public, but Rob Ketchin, owner of Georgian Hills Vineyards is also working hard to establish the area. Together, these two wineries have built a phenomenal local wine industry to complement the flavours of the regions’ apple varieties and recipes.

One must-stop on any tour of the trail, with over 50 years serving the region with friendly, old-fashioned hospitality, and the best home baking anywhere, is Grandma Lambe’s in Meaford on hwy. 26. “We have a five generation farm that started out of our family’s garage in the 40’s.  In 1984, we opened our retail store which features a wide variety of homemade pies, jams, locally grown veggies and much, much more,” says Grace Lambe.

In the quaint town of Thornbury, we stopped at the Cheese Gallery for tastings of specialty cheeses and to load up on more goodies.  The owner most certainly knows her cheese so feel free to ask any questions while you are visiting!

Next we stopped in at the Farmer’s Pantry just south of Clarksburg.  This place is unquestionably the perfect family getaway destination.  They have a market full of goodies, a vast array of farm animals for the family to visit with such as bunnies, miniature donkeys, goats and even an educational reptile room with a diversity of skulls to learn about.  Book a candy apple clinic with your family and design and create the most deliciously perfect candy apple.

Our second last stop heading home was at Oakley’s Farm Market where we loaded up on beautiful sunflowers and fresh apples.  To end our fabulous day, we stopped into the Simplicity Bistro to be greeted by the chef himself.  Chef Scott Chalmers served us a beautiful apple matchstick salad with bacon, goat’s cheese, mixed micro greens and purple spinach!  The smoked apple bread and apple butter to accompany the salad was the perfect combo.  Thanks Simplicity!

With our car loaded down with everything from Kolapore smoked apple-wood trout to Apple Pie we felt happily connected to our local area. We met farmers, chefs, market owners all thriving on the apple industry.  With 21 more stops to experience my apple pie trail map awaits. The Apple Pie Trail has brought our ‘local gems’ together all the while creating a culinary experience like no other.  For more information visit – www.applepietrail.ca or call 705.443.5522.

Looking for a great place to eat with a spectacular view of the airport runway, a friendly inviting staff, along with a warm and comfortable atmosphere?

The Edenvale Aerodrome has consistently been growing adding new runways, taxiways, ramps and most recently, the restaurant, Bistro 26. On June 15^th, the Bistro opened their doors and began serving up moderately priced whole foods coupled with an extraordinary view to top it all off.

Originally owned by Base Borden and now owned by Milan Kroupa or better known as ‘the Visionary’, the Edenvale Aerodrome has gone through many different transitions in order to reach the brilliant stature that it holds today.  Milan purchased the 380 acreage about eight years ago.

“Milan opened the restaurant so that his pilots would have a great place to relax and eat while also building opportunities for everyone to be on board,” explains the restaurant manager, Fiona Brownhall.  As a businessman with several ventures on the go and owner of United Cleaning Services, this is where Milan chooses to sit down, unwind and enjoy a tasty bite to eat.

The unique location of the restaurant overlooking a four kilometre fully lit runway draws people in from all around. It’s a beautiful place to fly from with easy access to the Georgian Bay shore, close to the longest fresh water beach in the world, Wasaga, the Blue Mountains and breathtaking central Ontario farmland.

The menu is diverse at the Bistro featuring many locally sourced foods and the chefs are more than happy to accommodate nutritional needs or special diet requests.  “We have to be adaptable and work together to figure out what people want to eat,” says head chef, Dennis Thornton.

The Aerodrome also features full fuel services for anyone looking to gas up their aircraft, as well as hangers for those who wish to rent out suitable storage for however long they may require it.

Drop by the new Bistro and enjoy their delicious menu while watching the airplane activity from their spacious patio or inside for a more formal environment.  Or you may want to check out their first offering of live music on August 3^rd from 7 pm to 10 pm.  Too Nice is a reggae band under the influence of Jamaica, Barbados, Southern California and the Canadian Shield (www.toonice.ca).  See you there!

www.bistro26.ca

www.edenflight.com