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by Janice Henshaw – Has there ever been a better time to enjoy our outside grounds and gardens? There is no pressing need to spend hours packing for a big camping trip or making reservations to fly far away. Instead, this summer can be a great time to focus on building or renovating our patios and decks and turning them into a relaxing and fun gathering place for family and friends.  First off are patios; they are a ground-level outside dining or social area that can be made of concrete,Read More

Life has changed for everybody since physical distancing rules were introduced. How have people adapted to create a new normal in these very abnormal times? To get a little window into some of the ways our community is getting along, we asked a teacher, a reverend, a new mom, a small business owner and someone celebrating a birthday what their day looks like now. You’ll see that technology has supported and enabled many of them, but it is no replacement for face-to-face interaction. Will these few months change the wayRead More

by Janis Jean – The Front Steps Project was the brainchild of Boston photographer Cara Soulia and her friend Kristin Collins, and has sparked a movement of more than 300 photographers to help raise money for local charities.  From a safe distance outside, Soulia took photographs of local families on their “front steps” during the COVID-19 pandemic, while recognizing each family’s commitment to stay home and stay safe.  Local photographers Jo-Ann Way of Nuttycake Photography, Tracey Scott of Tracey Scott Photography and myself of Janis Jean Photography collaborated on aRead More

by Joan Saunders – I am going to freely admit something that may elicit either knowing nods or gasps of dismay: if I had to choose between chocolate and lemon, I would always pick lemon. I know! If you’re passionate about chocolate you might be recoiling in horror, but I do love the tang of citrus and with spring in full bloom, lemon is a vibrant flavour to use in cooking and baking. Spending so much time at home I’ve been cooking meals that I enjoy, that are comforting to meRead More

by Jo Barnes – Kids never listen to their parents; it’s a common complaint. In the case of one local farmer, we’re glad he didn’t. Shawn Dirksen, owner of Northstar Organics, chose not only to carry on with farming like his parents and grandparents, but finds his work and those who collaborate with him all deeply satisfying. “I grew up on a farm in St. Catherine’s, Ontario. My parents encouraged me to get out of farming!” laughs Shawn. “But it’s what I want to be doing.” The toil and tenacityRead More