Kawartha Life Magazine

24
CHRISTMAS EDITION 2011 - VOLUME 11 #7

description

December 2011

Transcript of Kawartha Life Magazine

Page 1: Kawartha Life Magazine

CHRISTMAS EDITION 2011 - VOLUME 11 #7

Page 2: Kawartha Life Magazine

December 31, 2011

705-738-547750 Anne St. Bobcaygeon

Town & Country Decorating Centre

Page 3: Kawartha Life Magazine

Advertise with us in the Showcase editionShowcase your business locally and help ‘showcase’the entire Kawartha region into the GTA!

For full rates, information and to secure your ad space call Roger at 705-300-2196 or email [email protected] us online at www.KawarthaLife.net

For three months, January, February and March 2012,

Kawartha Life Showcase edition is distributed at the

tourism, trade and consumer shows in the Greater

Toronto Area. It also has a local household distribution,

and goes into Peterborough, Haliburton and Kawartha

regions through the InfoPik stands. Add 130 drop off

locations and you bring your message to more than

50,000 readers in your target market. Full colour and

glossy, the Showcase edition features the beauty of the

Kawartha region through images and articles. It incudes

where to stay, where to play, where to eat, people of

interest, places and local events.

Page 4: Kawartha Life Magazine

The Kawartha Lakes area has so much tooffer for the Christmas season. This latestedition showcases some of the placeswithin the area to shop,dine and visit. Thisis our first ever Christmas edition atKawartha Life that we have done, and ourwriters Geoff Coleman, Brian Markle,Karen Hogg and John Crossen haveincluded stories and features we hope youwill enjoy.

Sincerely,Don MacLeod

PUBLISHER:Don MacLeod

EDITOR:Miriam Newton

ACCOUNT MANAGER:Roger Leclerc,

Advertising Works705-300-2196

[email protected]

EDITORIAL:Geoff Coleman, Karen Y. Hogg, Brian

Markle, Michael Robinson,John Crossen

©Copyright 2011: All rights ar e reserved and articlesmay not be published without the written permission ofthe Publishers. While every ef fort has been made toensure the accuracy and completeness of this paper, thePublishers assume no liability for loss or damage due toerrors or omissions.The Publishers cannot be held accountable for anyclaims or results thereof as advertised in this publication.

DearFriends

Contents

Keeping coyotes warySubmitted by OFAH ......................6

Getting here andthereArea map ............................................8

Young’s Point toPeterboroughCruising the Trent ........................10

Look who’s up atnightJohn Crossen ................................12

Welcome to theTrent-SevernMap of the Trent-Severn ..........14

Only bearshibernate during aKawartha winterJohn Crossen ................................16

When Santa ArrivesKaren Y. Hogg ..............................18

Page 5: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 5

Christmas is her time ofthe yearKaren Y. Hogg ..............................20

Avoid injury while workingoutHealthy Living ................................................22

November and DecembereventsKaren Y. Hogg................................................23

To advertise in this spotcall Roger Leclerc

at Adworks705-300-2196

or [email protected]

Page 6: Kawartha Life Magazine

6 November 2011

Keeping coyotes waryHunters play a role in controlling coyote predationProvided by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters

Coyotes are truly wily animalsand their relationship withpeople, wildlife, and the landis complex. With no naturalpredators, hunters play a keyrole in keeping the coyote

wary and under control, especially near humandevelopment.

True coyotes are smaller canids (dog ordoglike mammal), usually weighing no morethan 15 or 18 kg. They seldom take pr eylarger than themselves, but can be a scourge ifand when they turn their attention to livestock.

Through most of southern and centralOntario, and in some agricultural areas ofnorthern Ontario, coyotes are more often a

mixed breed of coyote and eastern wolf, (thenative smaller deer-eating wolf, not the largergray [timber] wolf).

Wildlife scientists now call this mix ofeastern wolf-coyote an “eastern coyote.”Farmers, hunters and trappers have, forgenerations, called them “brush wolves”recognizing them as more wolf-like than apure coyote.

Eastern coyotes are a predator of deer andsnow-shoe hares and other small mammals.They can exist around farmland without aproblem, but when “rogue” animals develop ataste for beef calf or mutton, they can be adamaging and evasive predator, and causefinancial and personal grief.

Rogues are typically one pack in which a

livestock-killing adult has taught the pups todo the same. Increasingly over the last 10-15years, farmers have been forced to claimcompensation for livestock losses to roguecoyotes and wolves.

Wolf and coyote numbers reflect theavailability of prey more than anything else.When deer, rabbits, hare, and beaver are asabundant as they have been over the lastdecade, coyote pup survival is higher, packterritories are smaller, and there are moreeastern coyotes out on the land coming intocontact with humans and livestock.

Many wildlife biologists believe that light tomoderate coyote hunting doesn’t significantlyaffect coyote numbers year to year, but that itdoes play an important role in keeping these

Page 7: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 7

animals wary. When people hunt wolves andcoyotes, they develop a healthy respect forhumans, and become more wary and lesslikely to become livestock killers and comeinto conflict with humans.

“Hunting coyotes with dogs can be veryeffective at taking coyotes. They probablywon’t affect numbers noticeably, but they canbe especially helpful at targeting roguelivestock killers, and preventing livestockdepredation,” says Ed Reid, Wildlife Biologistwith the Ontario Federation of Anglers andHunters.

Winter is the time the parties hunt mosteffectively, using specialized houndsequipped with radio collars. They hunt largetracts of lands between and acrossconcessions.

Reid adds, “Wildlife managers need to beaware that livestock predation could becomemuch worse if deer and other game are notsustained at healthy levels. If deer numbersdrop, brush wolves might switch to findalternate food sources, such as more livestockand pets.”

For information on coyote and wolf huntingregulations, refer to the 2009 HuntingRegulations Summary published by theMinistry of Natural Resources, available onlineat www.ontario.ca, at ServiceOntario centres,and at many outfitters.

Page 8: Kawartha Life Magazine

8 November 2011

Getting here and th

Page 9: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 9

here

FREE ESTIMATES • NO PRESSURE • FULL SERVICE

253 KENT ST. W., LINDSAY705-878-4074 • [email protected] • www.firesalive.com

FREE ESTIMATES • NO PRESSURE • FULL FREE ESTIMATES • NO PRESSURE • FULL S074 [email protected] www.firesa

Fall Clearance

live.com53 KENT ST. W., LINDSAY

074 • [email protected] • www.firesa53 KENT

FIREPLACE & B.B.Q.

Model2100 EPA

Woodburning StoveoveStS oS ovetoveSt

$749

705-878-402

8-402

GOURMET GRILLSAward Winning Products

AAggggnggng

INSTOCKFULL

ACCESSORIES

HUGESAVINGS!

GOURMET GRILLSGOURMET GRILLSAward Winning ProductsAward Winning Products

GO G SGO G S

$179

TREASURES AND VISION FOUND HERE!Explore the eclectic collection of treasures old and new

that bring originality, warmth and design into your home.

The Finishing Touch

221 MAIN ST., [email protected] 705 -738-6273

14 Oak St., Fenelon Falls, ONt: 705-887-5808 • f: 705-887-1121

Photography Supplies • Custom FramesAlbums • Scrapbooking • Die-casts & Trains

14 Oak St., Fenelon Falls, ONt: 705-887-5808 • f: 705-887-1121

Page 10: Kawartha Life Magazine

10 November 2011

The last of this five part series,“Cruising the Trent”, takes usfrom Young’s Point toPeterborough. The risk of tip-toeing the rocky waters of theCanadian Shield is over but a

test of patience remains. In a distance of only14.4 km, seven locks are navigated in order todrop 43 m. This may seem a simpleprocedure, but when boat traffic is heavy andthe locks must be opened and closed whileyou wait your turn, nerves become frayed. Butisn’t that what boat travel on the Trent Severnis about: being willing to cast aside thestresses of city life, to put your feet up andenjoy tranquil surroundings, to read a goodbook uninterrupted or to work on a crosswordpuzzle while the world spins by? Perhaps, if itdoesn’t spin too slowly.

Like other dams on the system, Lock 26 atLakefield backs up the waters of theOtonabee River to enlarge and deepen thewaters above it. The result is long narrow andshallow Lake Katchewanooka, with shallowsless than a metre deep. However, the mainchannel is well marked with depths over 6metres. There are three famous sites along thelake: Lakefield College School and the twofarmsteads of sisters Susanna Moodie andCatharine Parr Trail, although little evidence oftheir presence remains. Prince Andrewattended Lakefield College which evolvedfrom a large farmhouse in 1887. Englishpioneers, Susanna and Catharine becamefamous authors, creating a factual andCanadian writing style used by such authors asPierre Berton and Farley Mowatt. Susanna’smost famous memoire is Roughing it in theBush, Catharine’s The Backwoods of Canada.

After passing through the narrows at HaigPoint, boats soon reach Lock 26 at Lakefield.In early July, the Lakefield Jazz Art and CraftFestival takes place beside the river, offeringfree jazz performances and workshops. Artsand crafts can be purchased with an eclecticvariety of forms displayed, from stone andhemp jewelry to gourds and recycled fabrics.

The Lakefield Literary Festival is held tohonour past resident Margaret Laurence onthe Saturday nearest her birthday of July 18.Famous authors attend to perform readings.There are numerous shops, restaurants andpubs to visit with Lakefield’s main street aneasy walk from Lock 26.

Now the Otonabee River passes throughTrent University, the creation of Canadianarchitect Ron Thom. Described as “The IdyllicCampus” by Arthur Erickson, buildings rise inspectacular fashion almost from the river, butnever so high that views of the nearby hills ar eobscured on either side of the Otonabee. Thearchitecture is modern, ranging from Bauhausto Post Modern. Surfaces consist of concrete

and course aggregates, reflecting the glacialorigin of the land and the historic stone farmhouses and public buildings of the area.Boaters glimpse walkways, ramps, terracesand steps that link and create friendly spacesthat make this a walking campus. The awardwinning and graceful arch of Faryon Bridgestraddles the canal linking the east and westbanks of the campus. Spectacular views ofTrent make this portion of the waterway mostrewarding.

Finally, the most famous landmark and lockon the system is reached: Lock 21, thePeterborough Lift Lock. Completed in 1904,this largest lift lock in the world and bigbrother to the Kirkfield Lift Lock can only be

CRUISING THE TRENT

Young’s Point toPeterboroughStory and photos by Brian Markle

Page 11: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 11

CAYGEON EVENT CENTRERestaurant, Sports Bar and Patio – Bowling – Banquet Hall

DEWY’S RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR• Bowling Leagues • Rock N Bowl • Archery Lanes • Dances• Banquet Hall for Weddings Suitable for up to 300 people

Ample parking for commercial vehicles. Snowmobiles welcomeCheck out our website for specials and other events at www.caygeonlanes.com

705-738-1881 - 255 MAIN ST. - BOBCAYGEON, ON K0M 1A0

CAYGEON EVENT CENTREU N D E R N E W M A N A G E M E N T

described with enormous figures. One of the largestconcrete structures in the world when built, it contains19,879 cubic metres of cement. Each of the two boatchambers is 42.67 m long by 10.06 m wide by 2.13 mdeep and weighs 1542 tonnes including water. Thefoundation is 12.19 m deep and an additional excavationof 22.9 m was needed to accommodate the pr esswellsand hydraulic rams upon which each chamber sits. Thelocks work in the same manner as those in Kirkfield. Thetwo boat chambers sit side by side, one higher than theother. Boats enter each and doors swing shut holdingboats and water. The higher chamber takes on an extra30 cm of water making it heavier than the lower. Like ateeter totter, the heavier one falls forcing the lighter oneup. Gates open and boats continue up or downstr eam.This is accomplished through a complex system that usestwo giant rams or rods, and hydraulics linking one to theother. Near the 30.48 m tall twin towers lies the lock’ svisitors’ centre. There, films and displays chronicle thebuilding of the Peterborough Lift Lock.

Lock 20 leads to Little Lake and the dramatic waterspout of Centennial Fountain. If arriving on a Wednesdayor Saturday evening between late June and late August,boaters can enjoy a free concert in nearby Del Crary Park.All that is needed is a lawn chair or blanket.

Entering Little Lake means we have completed the tripfrom the Kirkfield Lift Lock to Peterborough. We havefallen 67 m and travelled 130 km past limestone bankslined with cedar groves, avoided numerous submergedrocks near Canadian Shield shorelines, passed scenicfarms and forests and witnessed a great variety of touristaccomodations from cabins to luxurious resorts. Thesystem beckons boaters to continue south to LakeOntario or west through Lake Simcoe and the SevernSystem to Georgian Bay. If you decide to continue on,Kawartha Life wishes you good sailing!

Page 12: Kawartha Life Magazine

12 November 2011

Look who’s upall nightStory by John Crossen

John Crossen owns Buckhorn Observatory –www.buckhornobservatory.com. Jupiter (right)image by Brian Colville of Cambray, Ontario. Orion(left) and Pleiades (above) images by Gordon Rife ofSchomberg, Ontario.

Page 13: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 13

The nights of winter arecold, crisp and filled withwonders. From lateNovember through toearly spring we will havethree remarkable travelers

gliding silently overhead.The first is the giant planet Jupiter.

The swirling ball of gas is 1000 timeslarger than planet Earth. It is home to 63moons and is so large that all of the restof the planets in our solar system couldfit inside it. Next to the Moon, Jupiter isthe brightest object in the night sky –even out-dazzling Sirius, the familiar DogStar in Canis Major.

The Seven Sisters of the Pleiades ridehigher up in the night sky during the longdark winter nights. The girls are a largeopen cluster of stars who present

themselves as a misty patch about thesize of your thumbnail at arm’s length ona Moonless night. But in a pair ofbinoculars the ladies burst into life.Following a line up to the right fromOrion’s belt will bring you to our sirens ofthe starry night.

This brings us to the constellation kingof the winter sky – Orion. The mightyhunter also serves as a sign post with thethree distinct stars that make up his beltpointing down and to the left towardsthe winter’s brightest star, Sirius. Movingto the right of his belt takes you up to aV-shaped group of stars representing thehorns of Taurus the bull and ultimately tothe Seven Sisters.

So even on a cold winter’s night youcan bask in the friendly warmth of thistrio of celestial companions.

Page 14: Kawartha Life Magazine

14 November 2011

Kirkfield Buckhor

Coboconk

La

Bridgenorth

Lindsay

Pete

BobcaygeonFenelon Falls

Rosedale

Kirkfield Buckhor

Coboconk

La

Bridgenorth

Lindsay

Pete

BobcaygeonFenelon Falls

Rosedale

41

40

36

34

35

33

39

3837

32

31

19

30

27

2

20

21

22 23

224

ug

og

Trent

Goose L.

Canal L.

Dalrymple L.

Head L.

Mitchell

L.Buckhorn

L.

Lower

Talbot L. Bass L.

L

Buckhorn L.

Crystal L.

Gol

Chemong L.

Mississagua

Sandy L.

Cameron L.

Four Mile L.

Shadow L.

Silver L.

Lake

La

ke

Ba

lsa

m La

ke

Pig

eo

n

Gu

ll

Lake

Upper

Ch

em

on

gL

.

Stu

rgeo

n

Welcome to theTrent Severn WateWelcome to theTrent Severn Wate

Noble CandleFACTORY OUTLET

Canadian Made CandlesChic Accessories ~ Giftware

A Gem in the Jewel of the Kawarthas

855 County Road 121, Fenelon Falls, ON K0M 1N0

705.887.2555

EADESWell Drilling Inc.• New Drilled Wells• Pump & Pressure Systems• Well Decommissioning• Well Rehabilitation & Upgrading• Well Yield Tests• Fully Insured • O.G.W.A. Member• Water Wells Pump Sales & Service• Licensed with Ministry of Environment

Greg Bullock, 254 Blackbird Rd. RR#1, Lindsay705•374•5480

[email protected]

CompetitivePRICES!

Page 15: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 15

Youngs Point

rn

Burleigh Falls

Douro

akefield

Hastingserborough

Youngs Point

rn

Burleigh Falls

Douro

akefield

Hastingserborough

28

26

25

Lake

L

n

.

Wolf L.

Anstruther L.

Clear L.

d L. Jack L.

S tony

Kasshabog L.

Lake

erwayerwayCodyInn

Dine at the

Restaurant

Delic ious Canadian and Chinese CookingDine In or Take Out Monday through Sunday11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. • Closed TuesdayRestaurant closed for season from Nov 29, 2011 and re-opens on Feb 29, 2012www.codyinnrestaurant.ca

Located across from Lock 31 at1966 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn,Ontario K0L 1J0 705-657-8812

Book your next

party for any

specia l occasion,

customized menu to

suit your budget

Professional Nail technician and Nail Artist, providing sculptedgel nails that require no glued on tip nails.No odor, encourages natural nail growth.Available 7 days per week and evenings.

Nail Biters Welcome. Your Own Nails, Only Better3 LUCAS ST., LINDSAY

t: 705-320-8337 • m: 705-934-2680 [email protected]

Naturally Yours Gel Nails

Page 16: Kawartha Life Magazine

16 November 2011

Only bearshibernate duringaKawartha winterStory by John Crossen

Once upon a time wintermeant closing up thecottage, mall walking, TVand snuggling under thecovers. That’s all changed.The late fall and winter

months are filled with healthy outdooractivities the whole family can enjoy. Some,like skiing, hockey and ice skating aretraditional favourites with tourists and localsalike. But as usual, you can also find theunusual hidden away in the Kawarthas.

Did you ever consider rounding the familyup for a winter horseback ride? The snow-covered beauty and magnificent silence of therolling hillside is an experience they’ll longremember.

You can make it all come true at the 250-acre Bay Ranch Equestrian Centre nearBobcaygeon. Here you’ll find everything youneed from the horses to riding gear. Trail ridesare tailored to your skill level. Children under10 can join the horsey set with indoor ponyrides. There are “meet ‘n greet” sessions toacquaint rider and horse as well as bolster thenovice’s confidence level.

You can also mount up for a winter’s ride atValentia Equestrian Centre just outsideLindsay, Ontario. For neophytes Valentia offersthe trail ride in the form of a lesson that lastsabout 3 hours. They begin with a groomingsession where the rider and horse become

familiar with each other. Next is a ridingsession where you learn the basics of “drivinga horse”. Then, you hit the trail. Helmet andboots are supplied just bring your winter coatand gloves.

Are you more in the mood for a romanticsleigh ride for two? Valentia Equestrian Centrecan accommodate that, too. Plus you canexperience the fun of the original 4-hoof driveby skiing behind one of the horses on a towrope. It’s winter’s version of waterskiing and abundle of laughs for everyone.

Late autumn is filled with festivals. One ofthe prime warm-up events prior to Christmasis Bobcaygeon’s Festival of Trees. The eventtakes place in scenic Settler’s Village andfeatures fully decorated trees which will beauctioned off to support the village and localcharities. Depending on the day you attend,you and the kids will also be treated todisplays and a variety of entertainment andsnacks. Every day brings something fun andnew. The event is in its 11th year and justcontinues to grow bigger and better.November 13, 14, 15 and16 are the dates andin the true spirit of Christmas, admission isfree.

Be sure you put Santa Day on your “Crankup for Christmas” list, too. Fenelon Falls is theplace to be and November 26 is the day to bethere. Santa’s Workshop opens at 10 in themorning and the other activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides, a large petting zoo andmore begin at 11 the same day. The family willenjoy the fun all day long. Later that eveningSanta joins the big parade with as many asseven marching bands, brightly lit floats andpeople dressed in costumes representing yourfavourite TV, movie and music stars. And ifthat’s not enough, the Santa’s big dayconcludes with a magical display of fireworksin the night sky. It’s all courtesy of the FenelonFalls merchants, just come and enjoy.

Ice fishing may be familiar to many, but in

2011 Buckhorn and Lower Buckhorn Lakesopened for ice fishing for the first time. So ifyou’re looking for a new fishing hole, drill inand shanty down. It’s a nifty new way to havefamily fun and take home some tasty rewardsfor dinner.

Most people are content to walk the dog.But how about racing Rover? Dog sled racingis becoming an increasingly popular sport.And best of all, it’s one that you and the familycan really get wound up in just as spectators.The excitement of the race and theremarkable union between trainers and dogscan be amazing. Then there’s the beauty ofthe trails as well as hot cups of chocolate andcoffee.

Something you might not expect is that thedogs aren’t all huskies. A number of largerbreeds can be adapted to the sport. Andforget about shouting “mush”. That’s allHollywood.

For those interested in really getting intothe sport we suggest one of the holidayweekend rentals where you can learn thebasics of handling the dogs and the sled. Butbe forewarned, being in good physicalcondition is a must. The dog’s don’t do all thework.

Those with a more relaxing holiday in mindwill enjoy watching and feeding the deerherds at Viamede Resort. The elegant hoteland cottage complex is located on the shoresof Stony Lake. In addition to deer watching onthe tranquil winter landscape, Viamede alsotreats its guests to cross-country skiing,snowshoeing, and some of the finest dining inthe Kawarthas.

This article should have given you somenew ideas on how to “kick it up” in theKawarthas this winter. But we’ve only brushedthe snow off. Dig into the sidebar foradditional contact information and even morefun. If only those sleepy old bears knew whatthey were missing!

Page 17: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 17

Kawartha winter hotspots:

� Lakefield Polar Fest – www.polarfest.ca � Fenelon Falls Santa Day – www.santaday.ca � Nick of Time Christmas Craft show –www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com � Dog sledding in Haliburton –www.winterdance.com� Buckhorn District Snowmobile Club –www.bdsc.ca� Bobcaygeon Snowmobile Club –www.twinmountainssc.ca� Kawartha Lakes Snowmobile Club – www.klsc.ca � Bay Ranch Lodge & Equestrian Centre –www.bayranch.ca � Valentia Equestrian Centre –www.valentiaequestrian.com� Speed Skating Oval –www.ontariospeedskatingoval.com� Outdoor Family Fun –www.peterboroughsnofest.ca� Christmas by Candle Light –www.langpioneervillage.ca� Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber ofCommerce – www.bobcaygeon.org� Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce –www.fenelonfallschamber.com � Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce– www.lindsaychamber.com� Minden Chamber of Commerce –www.mindenne.org

Page 18: Kawartha Life Magazine

18 November 2011

When SantaArrivesWhen SantaArrives

Page 19: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 19

Santa Claus is known by many names, butstill the jolly old elf is known by childr enaround the world. At this time of yearchildren anticipate the sound of sleighbells on the night air and watchexpectantly for the man in the red suit to

come to a location where they can whisper in his ear.As the count down to Christmas Eve arrives and thestockings are hung by the chimney with care, and milkand cookies are placed out on the table, sleepy headsbegin to dream about the goodies that they haveasked Santa to bring them. To make their dreamscome true here are a few locations where the kindlyold gentleman and his elves might be found thisseason. There’s a visit with Santa following most of theparades.

NOVEMBER:� 11-13 — Kawartha Settlers’ Village Festivalof trees 738-6163 � 20 — Lindsay Santa Claus Parade at 2 p.m.Call 324-2393� 20 — Lakefield Santa Claus Parade, 1:30start 652-9961� 23-27 — Peterborough Festival of Treesand Santa Breakfast 743-1705� 26 — Fenelon Falls Santa Day and parade,activities at 11 a.m., parade at 5 p.m. 887-3409� 26 — Warsaw Santa Parade & Tree Lighting,parade 5 p.m. 652-8392� 26 — Minden Santa Parade, 11:30 a.m.,meet Santa Nesbitt Memorial Arena 286-1936

DECEMBER:� 3 — Woodville Santa Claus Parade 439-2664� 3 — Omemee Santa Claus Parade, at 1.pm.799-7087� 3 — Peterborough Kinsman Santa ClausParade, start 4:45 p.m. 742-4271� 3-4 — Christmas by Candlelight at LangPioneer Village Museum 295-6694� 4 — Coboconk Santa Claus Parade, 1 p.m.454-8441� 4 — Pontypool Santa Claus Parade, at12:30 p.m. 277-2302� 9 — Little Britain Santa Claus Parade, at 7p.m.� 10 — Bobcaygeon Kinette Santa ClausParade, at 5 p.m. 738-2202� 10 — Millbrook Santa Claus Parade, 1 p.m.� 10 — Kinmount Santa Claus Parade 488-2635� 10 — Santa’s Pancake Breakfast (8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.) Lions Hall Bobcaygeon 738-4372.

All numbers are 705 unless otherwise noted. Please note thatdates and times are subject to change. Please verify bycalling ahead to the information numbers provided.

BIG

EventFloral & Decorating Company

Meredith Montgomery705-887-5155

[email protected]

bigeventfloral.com

13 Francis St. E., Fenelon FallsMaking Special Events Spectacular

Committed to detail and quality.Established in 1983, R. M. Smith Contracting Limited, has a history ofmasterfully built Homes and Renovations. This unique combination of,

superior craftsmanship, and knowledge of the newest materials andtechnology, makes them number one in their industry.

406 Gifford Dr., Ennismore, Ontario K0L 1T0705-761-0464 • [email protected]

Page 20: Kawartha Life Magazine

20 November 2011

Christmas is hertime of the yearStory by Karen Y. Hogg

Mr. and Mrs. Claus are amongstthe most popular charactersduring this holiday season.

Page 21: Kawartha Life Magazine

November 2011 21

Entertaining is what Fenelon Fallsarea resident Sharon Bell is allabout. In 1999 she startedworking as Checkers the Clown.As her business grew clientsstarted asking for different

services and eventually she developedCheckers Entertainment Services. As that grewSharon started to hand-pick professionalentertainers and services from conferencesaround the world and to date she has a varietyof 350 professionals she can call on for anynumber of events.

Clients ask Sharon to use her abilities to fillall the needs for their creative events includingall the details. “As one Christmas seasoncloses we start to think about what we canprovide for the next season,” says Sharon,adding that clients book from six months totwo years ahead and she gives her clients areminder in June to book their event location,caterers and entertainment. “It’s important toget entertainers booked that early, and theclients appreciate the reminder.”

With 10 prime dates leading up toChristmas and not counting weekdays, Sharonsays that the Christmas season, which startsright after Halloween and runs to the lastSunday before Christmas, probably accountsfor more than half her yearly income. Theother half comes from entertaining forbirthdays and for all the major holidays likeFamily Day, and Canada Day and events of allkinds. “If a customer has a theme, I can comeup with what will fill their event needs,although I don’t do anything sinful orimmoral,” she laughs. She adds that shecreates the costumes for whatever is requiredand her mom actually sews them for her andshe now has more than 200 outfits.

Doing a count down, 12 weeks—9weeks—six weeks to the start of the Christmas seasonhelps with organization and while clients maynot have a specific date when they call theymust have a tentative date. If calls come inearly enough she can also accommodate allthe holiday and Santa events.

All of the events Checker’s EntertainmentServices provide are family oriented with Santaand Mrs. Claus being amongst the mostpopular. “I have Juno Award winningmusicians that provide family shows, and wehave animal shows, birds of prey and farmanimals to name a few of the types ofentertainment provided. “We even do a farmpetting zoo on the third floor of a Torontohigh rise. We have professional face painters,balloonists, glitter tattoos, loot bags, pick-a-pocket children’s entertainers and an improvshow.” Along with all that, and depending on

the event, there’s a portable sleigh, popcorn,candy floss and sno cone machines. Whateverthe need, this lady can provide everythingfrom caricaturists to mascots. Not all theparties are for children as Sharon doesopening events for high rises, home buildersand year end parties for companies andcorporations.

Although Sharon still does many eventsherself she always makes sure to go to largerevents where she might have as many as 15entertainers hired, she recalls one recent eventwhere they had to accommodate 500 or morepeople.

“I’m fortunate to have ahubby who driveseverywhere, helps pack andunpack and is also part of theact,” she admits.

Asked why her business is so successful,Sharon says she believes that providing thecustomer with exactly what you say you aregoing to provide, being reliable, trust- worthyand honest and getting back to peoplequickly when they call has all been part of theequation.

This year she won the 2011 Readers SelectAward Winner Favourite Children’sEntertainment.

Being organized is also a big part of successand Sharon is a very organized person, shewrites all the client proposal agreements forservice, contractor’s agreements with all thedetails, and invoices and orchestrates all thedetails from insurance and mileage and costsanalysis to booking contractors and seeingthat costumes get to their destinations ontime. “People think it looks easy but the pr epwork is costly and time consuming. Still, sheadmits she wouldn’t have it any other way. “Ilike the excitement of the Christmas Seasonit’s a challenge to put together an event andsee it come off successfully. If the clients arehappy, the contractors are happy, the familiesare happy then I’m happy.”

Checkers Entertainment Services canprovide events all across the county. One ofher largest this year saw her put twenty-fourentertainers across Canada, two per provincefrom B.C. to Nfld., for a chain store event.Sharon also does creative art workshops andlaughter therapy presentations for specialinterest groups.

Asked why she does what she does, Sharonsays, “It fulfils and challenges the creativepassion in me.”

Checkers Entertainment Services can bereached at 705-878-6852 and web pagewww.checkersentertainmentservices.com

Above: Group shot of one of CheckersEntertainment Teams working for a Holiday Eventat the Toronto Hilton.

Page 22: Kawartha Life Magazine

22 November 2011

To advertise in this spotcall Roger Leclerc

at Adworks 705-300-2196or email [email protected]

Perhaps no New Year's resolutionis as common as resolving to getin shape. After a holiday seasonfilled with treats and socialgatherings, it's no surprise manypeople hope to shed a few

pounds once the season has come and gone.With exercise on the minds of many, it's a good

time to go over a few pointers to ensure that thenext trip to the gym does not end in injury.

� Be careful of "no pain, no gain." Manybeginners feel their workout isn't working ifit's not hurting. While mild pain is to beexpected, it's up to the individual todetermine if the pain is indicative ofsomething bigger. Swelling and extremestiffness are not normal, and individuals shouldcease working out if either of those problemsarise. For beginners, expect muscle sorenessafter the first couple of workouts. This can bepainful, but it's often a result of workingmuscles that have not been taxed in quiteawhile. This pain should subside, and once themuscles grow accustomed to being worked,the pain, stiffness or soreness should nolonger appear after a workout (this may take aworkout or two for the muscles to get used toit). If the pain persists, do not continue toexercise through an injury. Any persistent painshould be discussed with a physician.� Know your limits. Beginners need to beespecially aware of their exercise limits.

Initially, they shouldn't attempt to do exercisestheir bodies can't handle. Lifting too muchweight is common for beginners. Ideally, liftsmaller amounts when beginning a workout toget the motion of the exercise down pat. Asworkouts progress, a person can thengradually add weight. Many fitnessprofessionals feel adding 10 percent eachweek is a safe and effective approach, butindividuals will know after a few workoutswhat works best for them. It's good to pushoneself, but don't push too hard and increasethe risk of injury.� Work with a trainer. Personal trainers canhelp beginners immensely. Trainers can teachbeginners how to use machines and stretchproperly and can answer any questionsbeginners commonly have. Trainers can beexpensive, but many gyms offer one or twofree personal training sessions to newmembers. Once those free sessions arefinished, individuals can continue with thetrainer or choose to go on their own. But if thefree sessions are made available, beginnersshould take advantage of those sessions tohelp get their fitness routine off on the rightfoot.� Fewer repetitions, more sets. A commonmistake when beginning an exercise regimenis to dive right in without really knowing theins and outs of a routine. For example, manypeople load up on repetitions (reps), feeling

the more repsthe moreeffective aworkout will be.However,beginners oftenfind fewer repsbut additionalsets is moreeffective. So instead of doing 4 sets of 10reps, do 5 sets of 8 reps. This might seem toosmall to make a difference, but beginnersoften tire near the end of a set, and doingfewer reps per set can help them avoidfatigue and make the most of each repetitionand set.� Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout anexercise regimen to remain hydrated.Maintaining proper fluid levels helps avoidcramping and dehydration, which can bringtheir own batch of painful side effects,including nausea and heart palpitations. Forthose who workout in the early morning, besure to drink water before working out toovercome any dehydration that may haveoccurred while asleep. For those who workoutafter work, be sure to drink water throughoutthe day so the body is fully hydrated when thetime comes to hit the gym.

Beginners might want to utilize a personal trainer toensure their workout routines start off on the right foot.

TRAINING TIPS

Avoid injury whileworking out

FENELON CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Marc Bérubé

68 Colborne StreetFenelon Falls

K0M 1N0705-887-9701

Keep ActiveKeep Active

Page 23: Kawartha Life Magazine

NOVEMBER:� 5 — Christmas Open House,Lockside Trading, Young’s Point 705-652-3940www.lockside.com � 5 — Lakefield Legion ChristmasMagic Craft Show and Bake Sale 9 a.m. – 3p.m.� 6 — Remembrance Day Service,Cenotaph. 1 p.m. Buckhorn CommunityCentre� 11 — Remembrance Day Service,Cenotaph Park, Lakefield10:45 p.m. 652-8452� 11 — Remembrance Day Service11:00 a.m. Kinmount Cenotaph� 11-13 – Festival of Trees - KawarthaSettlers’ Village 738-6163� 18-19 – Autumn Dinner Theatre atBuckhorn Community Centre Call 657-8833 or www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com� 19 — Christmas Bazaar 10-3 atKinmount Community Centre� 20 – Kawartha SledaramaSnowmobile Show at Morrow Park andMorrow Building in Peterborough (9 a.m.-5p.m.) 745-6979 or www.ramashows.ca� 22-27 — Festival of Trees,Peterborough Memorial Centre 742-1705� 25 — Christmas Music Night 7:30Galway Hall

� 26 — Fenelon Falls United ChurchWinter Dreams Market Bazaar and Cafe.Open 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Cafe 11-3 p.m.)� 26 — Pontypool ChristmasCavalcade, events all day, procession 4:30p.m. start community council offices� 26-27 — In the Nick of TimeChristmas marketplace at Buckhorn� 26 — Dave Beckett exhibit atGallery on the Lake meet the artist 1-4 p.m.� 27 — Lighting of the ChristmasTree, at the Buckhorn Buck. 5:30 p.m. 657-8833� Nov. 27 — Christmas Open Houseat Boyd Heritage Museum in Bobcaygeon Call738-9482� 26-27 — In the ‘Nick’ of TimeChristmas marketplace at BuckhornCommunity Centre Call 657-8833 orwww.buckhorncommunitycentre.com

DECEMBER:� 1 — Community Tree Lighting 7P.m. Kinmount Railway Station� 3 — Burnt River Blooms Tree LightingCeremony. Info. 454-1231� 3 — Christmas in the Village,Breakfast with Santa 8 a.m. at Kinmount

Community Centre, Children’s Crafts, meetSanta at the Post Office and follow him to aparty at Royal Canadian Legion.� 3 — Salem Alpacas ChristmasGathering at 363 Salem Rd. in Manilla Call705-786-2023 or www.salemalpacas.com� 3-4 — Bethleham Live, Lions ParkCoboconk, 7 p.m. start� 3-4 — Christmas by Candlelight, 5p.m.-9 p.m. Lang Pioneer Village, Keene,www.langpioneervillage.ca� 4 — Bobcaygeon Legion ChristmasBake & Craft Sale. Info. 738-2710� 11 — Bobcaygeon Royal CanadianLegion Kid’s Christmas Party, at noon tickets$10. Info. 738-2710.

All numbers are 705 unless otherwise noted. Pleasenote that dates and times are subject to change.Please verify by calling ahead to the informationnumbers provided.

November 2011 23

November,DecemberEvents

November,DecemberEvents

Page 24: Kawartha Life Magazine