15 Easy-To-Make Healthy Snacks To Try This Halloween

Timeline Photos

Expanding the Limits of Custom Bathrooms THE BATHROOM HAS traditionally been the hidden place where we exercise essential hygiene and – to put it delicately – perform our purgative functions. Our purpose for going there has not changed. Yet, a growing school of thought says if we have to do it, why not do it in style? Bathroom technology has given us shower heads that can either apply a vigorous massage or saturate the body with a gentle mist…and play music while doing so. Bath tubs are transformed into perfect spas, thanks to multiple jets and sensor thermostats. Even toilet seats have gone high tech. Many are now molded to ergonomic perfection and some models even have a bidet function. The overall décor found in a modern custom bathroom features a variety of exquisite fixtures, while the old linoleum floors and bland backsplashes have given way to meticulous tiling, stone or wood finishes. There is still, however, painstaking detail put into ensuring the room will still stand up to the humidity and dampness that comes with its use. As Colin Haley of Caledon Tile Bath & Kitchen Centre so aptly puts it; “(The bathroom) is the ultimate in both functionality and elegance. It is the best of both worlds.” When planning and constructing the dream bathroom, it is inevitable that the mindset of elegance and ambience will collide with that of practicality. For example, the most ornate bathroom still needs a proper vent system. Floor registers have taken on a tres chic look over the years and can satisfy the most discerning décor palate. They are made of fashionable materials that can range from antique and polished brass to cast iron to high-end wood finishes, and the grill work features an array of fashionable motifs. Unfortunately, in a high-humidity and heavily used area such as a bathroom, metal is prone to rust and denting, while wood can eventually warp. Cast iron is rugged enough, but lacking in color selection. High impact plastic is often recommended. Besides sporting high quality finishes, it is completely rustproof. There is another attractive option on the market. Caledon Tile and other custom renovators offer vents carved from the same tile that covers the rest of the room. From an aesthetic standpoint, their benefits are obvious. They blend in perfectly and do not detract from the overall theme. The fact they are built into the floor makes the floor easier to mop and clean. From a practical viewpoint, however, one must ask whether the strength of the tile has been compromised by the cuts, as well as what are the chances of chipping. Colin points out that waterjet cutters are deployed to make the vented tiles. “The cuts are precise. They don’t affect the tile in an adverse way.” The waterjet uses a high-pressure jet of water, or a mix of water and abrasive substance, to cut a high variety of materials. It provides a swift, smooth cut and accuracy so awesome that it’s the method of choice in the aerospace industry, where many parts are engineered to the micron. The vibrations caused by saw cutting can cause fissures in a tile that will render it more fragile. With waterjet, that problem does not exist. The strength of the vented tile is often reinforced by backing it with a metal plate. Access to such new technology has allowed Caledon Tile to expand its creativity and bathroom design offerings. An example of this is a recent job in Hamilton, where the inlays were intricate patterns involving various colours of marble. No bathroom ventilation is complete without a fan; the device that sucks the dampness and odour from the air and sounds like a small aircraft when doing so. There is no need to fret, however. Fans have also evolved to a point where they won’t detract from the beauty of a custom bathroom. The noise emitted by a fan is measured in “sones.” Less expensive fans are as high as four sones, which is as loud as your average TV set. There are fans available, though, that will adequately vent the air at just one sone, (about as loud as the hum of a quiet refrigerator), or less. “They are a lot quieter,” says Colin, “but they are also more powerful. Bathroom fan technology has come a long way.” What it all boils down to is that new technologies have vastly expanded the limits of what can be done when designing and constructing a custom bathroom. In a way, the boundaries are set only by the limitations of your imagination and, of course, your budget. “Aesthetically,” summarizes Colin, “you can have beauty that you have never had before.”

Timeline Photos

Timeline Photos

Creative Notes Feature: Adam DeWitte, Artist THE BEAUTY, AND EXTRAORDINARY benefit of being a freelance writer for this magazine, is the incredible people, places, craftsman, artists, families, that I get to meet. Just when I think I have been impressed, I get impressed again, and again, and again. Meeting Adam DeWitte, a young talented artist, who lives here in Dufferin County, is just that … impressive, and as you read on, you will see, it’s not only because of how talented he is, but also, because of the person he is. When I sit down across from Adam, I can see he is shy, or so I thought. Yes he is quiet, but it is not necessarily because he is shy, but as we being to speak, it is more that he is “thoughtful” when he answers my questions, he wants to make sure he is accurate, and truthful about the words he uses. A rare quality indeed. Adam has been painting since he was 19, and slowly has been developing his own style, which has helped him achieve two unique brushstrokes he now uses in his work. “What I find the most important thing about a painting is the colours” says Adam. They are so important in his process, and significant in brining the finished product to life. When you look at his art, you are struck by with a sense of familiarity in some of Adams paintings. That is because Adam takes a lot of his inspiration from many of the beautiful landscapes right here in our own backyard of Dufferin County. I asked Adam about his inspirations, and he said “there are unbelievable landscapes here in our area. Quite often you will find me with my camera in places like the Bruce trail, Mono Cliffs, Island Lake, and even some of the family farms that hold so much history and beauty.” Adam was not reluctant to share his process when beginning a new piece of artwork, “I take a photographs first, and look for things that stand out explains Adam, “and I look for the right lighting”, not necessarily the brightest, but something more special than that. Once that mission has been accomplished he chooses the best photo, and embarks on his own system of creating his masterpiece! Adam explains his process in these words, “I take the blank canvas and I paint the entire surface a flat colour, from there, I sketch the painting with a brush. During this process I utilize math to manufacture the scale and positioning of the piece. And then I go to work!” It was no surprise to me that Adam utilizes math, as we spoke about his schooling. “My background is in graphic design”, coupled with illustration courses he took while attending Georgian College in Barrie. He is not quick to share it, but eventually I learned that he won a “Merit Award” for achieving outstanding marks. Adam goes on to share that the artists he is inspired bay are that of “The Group of Seven”, and “Van Gogh”, “it’s the impressionist technique that I currently apply to my artwork, I like how you can take a photo, and alter it by using different brushstrokes.”, he goes on to say “I like the challenge of being able to exaggerate my photos with colour and lines. This young artist, paints everyday. From start to finish it can take upwards of 100 hours or more to work on a piece, which all depends on size and intricacy. I asked Adam where he paints. He was quick to give me this very funny answer. “Actually I paint in my parents basement, but I don't live there or anything like that”. Dually noted Adam! Adam’s work can been seen locally at places like “The Orange Bistro”, and “Dragonfly Arts”. He is also a member of a local group here in town named “Brushfire Artists”, which is a group of local artists, from the Dufferin County/Headwaters area. This group often holds art shows. Dates, times and locations are listed on their website - http://www.brushfireartists.ca As we finished our interview I asked Adam what was in his future from an art perspective? “I just want to always be improving my skills, sometimes I look at my finished product, and see how I could have made it better, or different. I also may want to delve into the “realist” area of painting, just to expand my skills”. What a great answer, from this very talented young man.

Timeline Photos

A Special Shop IT’S A BEAUTIFUL STORE. You know it from the moment you lay eyes on their clever sign. It’s a wood carved swinging sign, in the shape of an old school bustier, the kind you see the piano player wearing in those old cowboy movies. This unique sign sits atop the gorgeous storefront, complete with two large bay windows that display what you can tell just from looking, are beautiful quality-made “intimates”, for both women and men. As you walk through the door, this is where the “experience” of The Scented Drawer begins. If you are lucky enough, like I was, you’ll get to meet the lovely owner, Nicole Bechthold-Coon. There is something special about her the moment you shake her hand. While she has a splendid demeanor, it quickly becomes apparent that this lady is not just another pretty face, she is one smart shop owner. Having opened The Scented Drawer 12 years ago, and coming from more than 20 years in the industry, Nicole knows her stuff, and it’s obvious that her staff does as well. “I’ve spent a long time in this industry, in varying roles, and with various companies. The benefit was that I was able to see many sides, in both craftsmanship and materials.” This industry experience is something that is very important to this owner, and it shows in her product choices. The store has a very easy and comfortable feel to it, beginning with the soft music that plays in the background, to the two comfortable wingback chairs that sit tucked away upfront, perfect for those male visitors that come solely to accompany their ladies on their shopping expedition. “We want our clients to have the best experience possible, to not feel any pressure, to feel safe to ask questions of any kind, and to leave feeling well taken care of, informed, and most of all pretty.” That last sentiment led Nicole and I, joined by her equally lovely sister-in-law Alison, into a conversation that quite frankly, I walked away from feeling inspired. For Nicole and Alison, it goes beyond having quality products and a beautiful store. Their mission is steadfast in health, education, and the understanding that we all have different bodies. Nicole explains, “We are constantly changing when it comes to our bodies. Beyond the fluctuation in weight, there are hormone issues, lifestyle issues, age issues, and many health issues that have an effect on how our bodies remain in flux. Our goal is to help women understand what is happening to their anatomy, and find things that fit them according to who they are, at that moment in time.” These ladies are able to fit just about any body type, at any age, and at any size. It’s not just about the “fit” for Nicole and Alison, (which is very important), but it’s more about how the client “feels”, and that they can leave the store feeling that they’ve been heard and taken care of, exactly how they need to be. As we continued our conversation, we began to speak about the topic that makes this place even more special than I could ever have imagined. Inspired by Alison, Nicole embarked on a journey to educate herself and staff to become certified in lumpectomy and mastectomy fittings, and then choosing the “best of” in specialized products to bring in to the store. Alison bravely shares with me, “In 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My life was turned upside down between the initial shock, the fear, the surgery, the chemotherapy, and every single emotion you can think of. Apart from all of those things, there was a loss, a loss beyond just the physical part of losing my breast. I felt like I had lost me. I didn’t feel normal anymore, and had no idea how to get back there.” From this point, the mission for Nicole was to find the best products in the market to help women going through this terrifying time. To help them find comfort, to find quality, to find support…to find normal again. Enter Amoena. Founded in 1975 by Cornelius Rechenberg in Germany, Amoena’s focus has been on supporting women worldwide. As the industry leader, they combine technology with supreme comfort to offer an extensive range of bras, swimwear, sleepwear, and breast symmetry products that address the needs of every woman. They come in all shapes and sizes, for every body type. And they are pretty! I was lucky enough to sit in on a medical training session with Nicole, and Susan Lohin from Amoena at Headwaters Hospital, where they educate health care professionals on pre/post surgery products to help the patient through the process of healing, and then eventually, introduce lifestyle products that can be fitted so their life can get back to a regular routine. What most women don’t know, is that immediately after surgery the patient can be put into a “recovery camisole”, clothing that they can step into if they cannot raise their arms, and comes complete with pouches to hold the drainage tubes. They also provide several breast forms in different weights, so that each woman can choose which form they want to use. The materials are soft and breathable, providing the client with more comfort than they normally would have during the healing process. There is a patented technology Amoena uses that adjusts the temperature of the breast forms, as the body changes temperature. These products help with the alignment of the patient’s body, “Where the spine and shoulders were once holding the weight of the breast(s), once that weight is no longer there, muscles in the area will begin to atrophy as they are no longer being used. The weighted breast forms aid in the prevention of muscle deterioration in these areas.” There is a progression that each woman will follow through the healing process. Once they’ve begun the first few weeks of healing, they can move in to a light compression bra that helps bring the swelling down. While these products are for women “post surgery”, they are also designed for the everyday woman. The styles and colours are beautiful, ranging from your everyday bra in simple shades, right through to lace bras with matching panties, gorgeous swimsuits, and sleepwear that you would see in every lingerie store, products making women feel pretty, feminine, and like themselves again. The options are endless with the Amoena products, too many to mention here, but Nicole and team can give you all the information you would need. The knowledge that Nicole and her team bring to this topic is extensive, but more than that, they provide a safe place where women are taken care of, treated special, and walk away feeling empowered. I will wrap up this article with an interesting exchange I witnessed during the training session. One of the participants told Nicole that she had been to her store, and had been properly fitted for her size. She went on to express to Nicole that it literally “changed her life”. A powerful, heartfelt statement, and one that I’m sure there’s no more beautiful note to end on.

LivingSpaces & LifeStyles Magazine

Timeline Photos

CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL to work with on your home can be a daunting task. The architect, contractor and other experts behind a major project will shape the changes to a living space, and many homeowners become hesitant to make a final decision. When it comes to your landscape design, this is doubly true. Modern trends all lean towards getting the most use out of a garden: discreet lighting for comfort late into the night, ‘garden rooms’ for privacy and the impression of added space, and year-round designs that retain their beauty even in the middle of winter. Since many people are opting for complete garden overhauls, there is pressure to hire the best of the best: a landscape architect who can meet your needs while making you feel comfortable and confident. In today’s market, homeowners can shop around and compare reputations, price points and areas of expertise – but the job is more demanding than reading labels. The lucky clients feel the beginnings of an excellent working relationship at their first or second consultation. When choosing a landscape architect, be ready to have at least an hour-long chat with a handful of different professionals. Much of the decision will be intuitive, depending on your impressions and comfort level, but there are also some points to keep in mind throughout the process and bring up at your various meetings. Can they listen to your needs and match your style? Some landscape architects specialize in a particular style or part of landscape design, such as water features, lighting, natural stone, outdoor kitchens – and the list goes on. Still, most take pride in their ability to fulfill a client’s desires without imposing their experiences or personal tastes on them. In an initial consultation, the suggestions and options they present will help you judge if they understand, and are able to match, your tastes. Are they landscape experts, in theory and in practice? Different professionals in the landscape design profession offer different degrees of service: there are architects providing plans that can be passed on to a landscape contractor, as well as design and build teams that offer a complete service. Both ends of the scale have drawbacks and advantages, and finding the right balance can be tough. It is very important that architects are experts in landscaping materials, not just conceptual design. If they lack the knowledge of natural stone, concrete, wood and the other structural elements of a garden, there is no guarantee that their plan will be practical or even possible for a contractor to execute. On the other hand, design and build teams can draw up plans with a detailed knowledge of the difficulties, expenses and time periods involved, but they are rarely as experienced or adept when it comes to the nuances of many styles of garden design. Somewhere in the middle there are the true artisans of landscape design, who have combined their talent for conceiving a beautiful outdoor space with the knowledge and organizational skills they need to see a project through to completion. In consultations with architects, it is good to probe their technical knowledge and dedication to their work, alongside your questions about style and vision. How big is their repertoire of connections? If you find an architect who is prepared to manage the other professionals involved in a landscaping project, your next question should be: where are those professionals going to come from? A landscape architect’s connections in the field can make or break the end result of the project. The best architects – those who take real pride in their work – will not only have a list of tested and trusted contractors, but will be willing and eager to work closely with them, or at least supervise construction at various stages, instead of simply handing off their designs. A large repertoire of contemporaries in different fields will also open up more possibilities for your garden. Features like pools and spas, large trees, irrigation systems and outdoor kitchens all require the involvement of suppliers and specialists; a good architect will save you another shopping expedition and quickly find the best product at the best price. Are they cognisant of budgets? The simple fact is that everyone has one, and they don’t want to feel pressured to overextend it. Many landscaping projects are major investments: potentially as high as 30 to 40 per cent of the cost of the home. You should always discuss your budget in the early consultation phase, otherwise you might end up with unfinished work or an expensive design that you can’t use. Your landscape architect should be prepared to help prioritize your wants and needs to maximize the money spent, or offer short and long-term phasing plans that can be modified over time. When it comes to budget, comfort is the most important thing, and the best professionals will strive to retain it. Will they be helpful, available and communicative from start to finish? When it comes to landscaping, the design on paper is never exact. Even if no unforeseen obstacles crop up during construction, you will almost certainly be struck with new inspirations as you watch your garden take shape. Experienced architects know this and will encourage you to express yourself at any stage of the project. Considering these factors will sharpen your intuition as you shop for landscape design professionals, and asking questions about some or all of the points will help you gather relevant information at every consultation. The architects will want to learn about you as well, in order to decide if the project is right for them, so it helps to be prepared with your ideas, your budget, and some visual aids. Combine clippings from magazines and landscape portfolios with photos you take throughout the day whenever a garden element catches your attention – even if it’s just a single colour, feature or finish. At every meeting, be aware of the architect’s experience, commitment, level of involvement, and practical knowledge. With open lines of communication, the right relationship will be unmistakeable when it forms.

Timeline Photos

We've hidden "Sophie" in our magazine. If you can find Sophie you have a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant in our Fall 2016 issue! email us the page number and your info at: info@greatlivingspaces.com

Timeline Photos

THERE IS A GROWING desire to eat food that’s grown closer to home. There’s the radical, romantic notion of revolution. The proud proletariat, waving hemp shopping bags like flags; marching through the farmers’ market and yearning to overthrow that corporate empire we call Big Food. Others, like Margaret Galati of Rock Garden Farms, offer a more pragmatic explanation. Simply put, the local stuff is more nutritious and tastes better. Located on Airport Road, north of Caledon East, Rock Garden Farms is a visual example of how locally produced food is carving a larger niche in the food chain. Since its small beginnings as a roadside produce vendor in the 1980s, Rock Garden Farms has sprouted into a bustling 2,000-square-foot venue for hundreds of local farmers to display their wares. As its name denotes, Rock Garden Farms also farms and markets its own produce. Rock Garden does go to the food terminals to obtain product, but Margaret explains it is still locally grown. Area farmers save time by selling at the terminal, rather than approach each retailer individually. In regards to food imported from the U.S. and other countries, she states that “anything stored and transported long distances will lose its flavour. There’s no way around that.” There is documented evidence that buying local also has a substantial financial impact. A 2010 Brock University study of the Niagara region concluded that, if the area’s 435,000 residents directed just $10 of their weekly food budget to local producers, there would be a $226 million infusion into the Niagara economy. As well, by buying from local producers, shoppers can keep on top of what their food actually is. “Organic” is a favourite buzz word in the industry nowadays, since it suggests adherence to healthy farming practices that include limiting the use of pesticides. Margaret considers Ontario pesticide standards “very good,” but cautions that people should regard the term “organic” with some healthy skepticism. “There are very few actual certified organic farmers. “By buying local, though, you will always know there’s a level of pesticide…But you will also know how much.” By buying local and building a relationship with local farmers, consumers are inevitably more knowledgeable. They can keep tabs on when the freshest produce is in-season, as well as query the farmers about such things as sustainable production. Sustainability, through biodiversity, can be a byproduct of purchasing from local growers. Area farmers would be aware of a community’s particular wants and would therefore alternate their crops accordingly. Corporations, on the other hand, must cater to mass markets. As a result, they tend to squeeze large amounts of a specific crop out of a single field. Anyone with a grade school knowledge of agriculture knows that is not good for the soil. As for organic production, an ardent cynic may figure it’s motivated as much by profit as it is by conscience. After all, food with the organic label will always cost you more at the supermarket. Regulatory legislation from both the federal and provincial governments seems, on paper, to be sound and cover all the bases. The level of enforcing these measures, however, has come under criticism. The federal Canadian Organic Standards outline how livestock must be housed, fed, transported and slaughtered, as well as how specific crops and produce are to be grown, harvested and stored. The rules also list how pests and diseases are to be treated; which substances, methods and ingredients may not be used; and what environmental factors must be taken into consideration. In a National Post article, the Frontier Centre for Public Policy - a Western Canada-based think tank - issued a report critical of the inspection process. The centre felt organic practices were being monitored, but there was inadequate inspection of the products, themselves. The report also claimed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, itself, does not provide certification, but rather accredits private businesses to do it. “The greatest perversion lies in the fact that most CFIA-accredited organic certifiers also collect ‘royalties’ of between 1% and 3% on their clients’ gross revenue,” the report said. “So, a certifier really has no incentive whatsoever to crack down on a client who might be breaking the rules.” But let’s put the official squabbling aside and concentrate on the chief reason outlets like Rock Garden Farms are growing and prospering. Their locally grown seasonal food is just plain yummy! Rock Garden Farms and its suppliers have developed a relationship wherein both know it’s in their best interests to provide only the best. The customers, after all, are also their neighbours. A gleaning from the company website succinctly summarizes Rock Garden Farms’ mandate and raison d’etre…“We're people oriented here, and if you have questions or need tips on gardening or how to prepare or cook our fresh ingredients, we'd love to help!”

Timeline Photos

Helping Your Kids Excel in the Classroom (NC) At the start of the school year, we all want to help our children put their best foot forward. And it turns out that equipping your children with the right nutrition is just as important as providing them with the right school supplies. Nutrition plays an essential role in building and boosting brain power in children and giving them the energy they need to take on the world. Make sure they get enough of every food group, including often-neglected healthy fats that are an important component of a nutritious diet, especially omega-3 fatty acids. These long chain fatty acids are one of the most important nutrients for brain development, and have been shown to improve cognitive performance and problem-solving skills in children. A convenient and easy way to include this essential nutrient in your child's diet is with high-quality omega-3 supplements. Avoiding certain foods is also important. Sugary foods might cause a temporary jolt of energy but they can also result in a quick drop in blood sugar levels, leaving your child feeling sluggish. Try opting for fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds during snack time instead. Healthy whole foods with fibre help to control blood sugar and will keep your child feeling full and energized longer. Green leafy vegetables are high in folate, which is especially important for brain development and health, but they can sometimes be a hard sell with kids. An easy way to help your picky ones get more greens is by incorporating them into a kid-friendly milkshake. Amp up the nutrient factor by using fortified ingredients, like Orange Naturals' nutrient-dense shake mixes that are tailored to support a child's developing needs. SUPER STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE: Try this delicious Super Strawberry Milkshake recipe to boost your child's veggie intake on-the-go. It tastes so great, they won't even know they're getting their greens and vitamins! Ingredients: • 5 frozen strawberries • 1/2 banana, sliced • 1 tsp vanilla • Orange Naturals ND Shake Kids powder, vanilla flavour (choose amount according to your child's age) • 250 ml (1 cup) rice milk or organic milk Directions: 1. Put all ingredients into a high-powered blender, then pulse until smooth. Add more milk to adjust consistency to your child's preference. Serve immediately. Find more healthy on-the-go recipe ideas online at orangenaturals.com.

LivingSpaces & LifeStyles Magazine

Timeline Photos

Cabinet Refinishing: a Great Way to Get a New Look YOU KNOW THAT moment when you first meet someone, and when you walk away, the first thing you say is “wow, what a nice guy”, or even more so, “wow, what a helluva guy”? Well enter Jay Presswood, owner of You Wood ‘n’ Believe, and he really is “a helluva guy”! Beyond the fact that you instantly feel at ease with Jay, with his demeanor making you feel like you’ve known him for years, you find out that there is so much more to him than just being a great guy. He truly loves his craft, and sees it from a perspective quite different than most in the construction / renovation industry. “I’m an artist”, explains Jay. “I love that I have the ability to envision what the client wants and needs, and from bottom to top, I am able to provide their vision, and the finished product is like a piece of art to me.” I wanted to talk to Jay specifically about a recent project he completed, refinishing his client’s kitchen cabinetry. I asked Jay the benefits of refinishing vs. a full renovation. “Well the obvious part of refinishing, is that the cost is much more reasonable than a full kitchen renovation would be. There are so many changes you can make with simply refinishing, ones that not only improve the look of your kitchen, but also the value factor of your home. A small investment can lead to a large return on that investment.” Jay goes on to explain, “For this particular project, it was not as simple as a basic refinish job, as there were some quality and workmanship issues that needed to be addressed in order for the project to meet a high quality end result. To put a “band-aid” solution on a construction job is not in the best interest of my client, nor is it who I am, or what I’m about. My work has to be the best that I can deliver to my client, so that their investment makes sense, and because they’re spending their hard earned money, and I respect that.” Other than the cost savings benefit refinishing can provide, Jay tells me, “I can also take the existing client cabinetry, and more than just changing the colour, I can customize with other options, and give the project a completely different look and feel, without having to start with completely new materials.” This is where his artwork comes in to play. Jay can look at what a client has, take what they have, and transform it to bring his client’s vision to life. As I continue to speak with this proud business owner, he also makes it clear that with his 31 years in the industry, he can work on any project, of any size and scale. “I can do a project from the foundation, through to any build, and on to any renovation. This can include a custom built fireplace, or the renovation and rebuild of a moldy wet basement into the rec-room of your dreams. Jay goes on to explain, “I handle every single detail, right down to the perfect moulding and trim, and if I can make something custom for a client, it’s even extra special for me.” I was curious to ask Jay about the scale of the projects he works on. “I will work on a tiny powder room in a small apartment on a limited budget, or I can build a $2-million dollar home from the ground up. The thing is with me, is that I love what I do. I’m passionate about my work. Every day, I have to pinch myself when I arrive at a job site, and I think, wow, I get paid to do this, I get paid for my hobby, and for the love of my craftsmanship.” And you can see it when you speak to Jay, that it’s a genuine love for the work he does, and specifically for the “finishings” portion of his work. “All the nuts and bolts of renovations and builds need to be there, but my favourite part is in the finishings. The vision the client has finally come to life, and the moment I’m done, I take a step back, and take in the finished work. I’m so proud, proud that I was able to deliver quality workmanship and a beautiful result to the client who trusted me enough to have me work on their largest and most important asset.” So I say to you Dufferin County, we are quite lucky to have this kind of contracting company, one that is run by this kind of professional right here in our own backyard. Unfortunately we do have to share him; when I asked Jay the geographic area he serves, he laughed and replied, “Well, I work on projects anywhere from Deerhurst, to Grand Valley, and down to Rosedale in Toronto. Not to mention, I just got back from a project in the Arctic Circle!” That’s right…you read that correctly. Out of all the contractors there are to choose from, from anywhere possible, Jay was selected to work on a large project just a few kilometers south of Nunavut, based on his reputation for being one of the best there is! It is also important to note that Jay and his wife Margaret, are heavily involved in the community, donating, and volunteering to many of the local non-for profits, that make this community so special. So yes indeed, Jay Presswood is “one helluva guy”. More than a contractor, he is an artist dedicated to his work, because he only wants the best for his clients. I say “one helluva guy indeed”!