Swinging through the County one day, on the way to other destinations, Kearns and a friend thought they’d stop and attend TASTE! a celebration of regional cuisine. They were delighted. Kearns felt she already had a “feel for the place” by the time she made Prince Edward County her home in 2007.

Kearns’ story of her first encounter with TASTE! parallels her vision in creating a lifestyle magazine to celebrate Prince Edward County and the Quinte region. She has published County and Quinte Living for the past three years, a magazine that features an everyday look at the community and people she loves. Kearns feels connected to the area and that through her publication she is giving a glimpse into the life in the area. “The County has a kinder and gentler feel as opposed to a bustle and yet, the people are proactive and energetic,” Kearns affirms.

Kearns became a TASTE! event supporter as she viewed the opportunity as a natural “partnership.” Both the event and her print and online magazine offer ways to experience the variety of delectable culinary treats and vineyard offerings. She is inviting people to share in the abundance of a Prince Edward County lifestyle.

We’re glad Donna Kearns drove through and returned to stay!

Ineke Guadagnin

Trevor Crowe wants to showcase Prince Edward County. His company Crowe Video Productions is a local, full-time producer of the latest web videos and specializes in capturing local businesses in a creative way. Crowe’s company also provides training and online tutorial videos, live event streaming through social media, multi-cam event recording to Blu-ray, wedding videography and film or VHS transfers to DVD. This extensive list of activities keeps his team busy!

Since setting up shop in Picton in the spring of 2010, business has quadrupled. Today’s County retailers, whether they are art galleries or cheese factories, “rely on traffic from websites and social media sites for their business,” Crowe shares. Crowe Video Productions’ work entices web viewers to stop and look at dazzling videos posted on his clients’ websites. In one project, County Showcase, he collaborates with the local Prince Edward County associations to produce short business web videos that will be prominently featured on tourism and visitor homepages. He sites that statistically, 90% of tourists go online to plan their trips. Crowe feels that his compelling videos increase the chances of a tourist choosing his clients’ businesses.

Crowe and his wife are out house hunting to move their family back to Prince Edward County. Crowe Video Productions’ is committed to becoming a fixture in a growing community. Supporting an event like TASTE! a celebration of regional cuisine came from a desire to be a part of this region’s growth. Crowe Video Productions will be on location shooting a promotional piece for the event and rubbing shoulders with clients who know the success of his work. Then he’ll get back to house shopping.

Okay, not really. But Caroline Granger has created her own mission to raise $50,000 to support Ontario’s military family resource centres; not for profit organizations located on every base across Canada that support local military families.

Why this? Why now? Not long ago she and her 14-year old son Quinton were on the 401 just ahead of a procession carrying a Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan. People stood on bridges along the route from CFB Trenton to Toronto holding Canadian flags to honour the soldier making the final journey down the “Highway of Heroes,” and she and Quinton got talking about what it would be like to be a military family.

“I got a whole different viewpoint that day,” she says, perhaps more sensitive suddenly to what military families must be experiencing.’ Rather than just feeling sad, Caroline decided to do something positive. “There is always something you can do to help,” she says. Her one-year battle plan is to donate 50 cents from every bottle of Trumpour’s Mill wine sold in LCBOs and $1 from each bottle sold in restaurants to local Military Family Resource Centres.

If you were to praise her for this admirable sacrifice, she’s likely to respond “Sacrifice? What sacrifice.” She and we know that most of us will never make the kind of sacrifices our military families make.

The $50,000 she hopes to raise will flow like good wine into special programs for children, spouses and social support systems. To paraphrase the Blood Donor motto ‘it’s in her to give.’ To Caroline, who spends as much time in the vineyard as she does in board rooms at this time of year, it’s a natural thing to do.

“The least we can do is help make sure their families are okay,” she says. “I think soldiers appreciate that.”

My point is, if I didn’t live in Cherry Valley, Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada, North America, The World, The Universe – I would jump at the chance to enter a contest to win a whole summer in the County. Yowza! Four weeks in a cottage close to Sandbanks Provincial Park (biggest freshwater dunes in the world, folks) plus a ton of entertainment, food and wine thrown in. It’s another brilliant idea cooked up by the economic development office and Taste the County™ together with Sandbanks Summer Village, who are great sponsors of local initiatives – like the TASTE! event and now this whole Summer in the County thing for 2011. Sandbanks Summer Village is an old-fashioned, state-of-the-art cottage resort in Cherry Valley, and, no, that’s not an oxymoron. From what I’ve seen and heard it has all the laid-back charm of an old-style lake resort, and a heck of a lot more conveniences. But I digress.

So, Sandbanks Summer Village are contributing four weeks accommodation for FREE and local wineries, restaurants, galleries, even a cooking school, are adding wining, dining, entertainment and goodness knows what else to the prize.

Anybody in Canada can enter, and, get this, they have an online ballot you can fill out. You can see the ballot and all the prize details at www.visitpec.ca/contest. No point in me entering. I can already just ride my bike down to Sandbanks to swim, then come home and drink some County wine in my garden. Wish you were here? Enter the contest!

Prince Edward County, ON, (July 28, 2010): For the month of August, Prince Edward County is going to see a lot of Amelia Earhart. The Festival Players production of Amelia: The Girl Who Wants to Fly begins August 4th and runs through to August 28th. Eliza-Jane Scott stars as iconic aviatrix Amelia Earhart in this new musical, written by John Gray (who wrote the well-known Billy Bishop Goes to War). The show opens on Wednesday, August 4th at 6:30pm, playing under a grand tent in the fields behind the Waring House in Picton.

In 1930’s America the celebrity machine of the day created an idol whose image resonates even now, 70+ years after her death. Amelia Earhart…Why did she want to fly? Where did she come from and how did she become who she was? Gray’s examination of this infamous figure is part biography, part romance, part comedy and part musical. We’re taken along for the ride. And what a thrilling ride it is.

“What an honour, truly. The talent onstage and behind the scenes is immense. The play is a love letter to history, steeped in nostalgia of the period. ” says Artistic Director Sarah Phillips who heads this production. “Of course we all know the name, Amelia Earhart – but what do we know of her really? It’s been fascinating bringing John Gray’s version of this celebrity flier to life.”

The group brought together to work on this show is brilliant: Eliza-Jane Scott (Festival Players, Stratford Festival, Stage West) plays the title role of Amelia Earhart, Karin Randoja (Buddies in Bad Times, Caravan Farm Theatre, National Arts Centre) plays her earth-bound sister Midge and Christopher Sawchyn (Canadian Stage, Citadel, Canadian Opera Company) her publicist turned husband. The trio is joined onstage by music director and pianist Michael Barber (Theatre Aqaurius, Mirvish, Stratford Festival) and Sarah Phillips, Artistic Director of Festival Players, directs.

Amelia: The Girl Who Wants to Fly plays from August 4th – August 28th. Check the website for schedule details, www.festivalplayers.ca. Tickets can be purchased in person at Books & Company, 289 Main St, Picton, by phone at 613.471.1991, 1.866.584.1991 or online at www.countytix.ca. Seating is limited so it’s best to purchase in advance.

Media contact:
Sarah Phillips or Yorrick da Silva
sarah@festivalplayers.ca
yorrick@festivalplayers.ca
613.399.5677

With the increase in traffic to Ontario ’s newest wine region and the need for help in creating an overall positive experience as the visitor enters the County was evident. Taste the County, Prince Edward County ’s Destination Marketing Organization solicited the help of Sandbanks Summer Village , Prince Edward County ’s newest cottage development to coordinate with The County Way Restaurant, Hillier Creek Estates Winery and the Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism and Commerce to bring you Prince Edward County ’s newest visitor kiosk.

A huge amount of gratitude goes to Sandbanks Summer Village who contributed a kiosk, a large map structure and hired a person to man the booth, The County Way Restaurant who provided the property space and built the frame for the sign, as well as to Hillier Creek Estates Winery. Thanks also to Home Hardware who supported the project by transporting the kiosk to its new home.

The new visitor kiosk is located at the junction of Highway 33 and County Road 1 near Consecon.

Come see us! We welcome you.

Tempting Providence wins awards wherever it goes and it’s sure to win the hearts of audiences in Prince Edward County. The show, written by Newfoundland playwright Robert Chafe, has been touring since it first hit the stage in 2002. For one week only, from Monday July 26th to Friday July 30th, local theatre goers will be treated to a remarkable experience. The show opens on Monday July 26th at 8pm, Fields on West Lake, Bloomfield.

Robert Chafe and director Jillian Keiley collaborated to create a magical and imaginative piece based on the life of one of Newfoundland’s most beloved nurses. Myra Bennett came to Newfoundland from England in 1921 when she heard of the need for her services. She found an isolated community, no roads, no electricity, no doctors for miles. She set bones, pulled teeth, delivered babies…whatever was needed. Ms. Bennett singed on for a year and stayed her whole life. She was known as the “Florence Nightengale of the North” and has received numerous awards from both Canada and her native Britain. Tempting Providence is an elegant tribute to a remarkable woman, full of humour and heart.

“We’re lucky to have them here. They’ve toured all over Canada, the UK, and into the US. Having them right here in Prince Edward County is a coup. I hope people take advantage of the opportunity. It’s an inspiring story and a beautiful production, “says Artistic Director Sarah Phillips. “The show has won awards worldwide. It’s a masterpiece.”

Getting into the spirit of all things Newfoundland, East & Main Bistro in Wellington is hosting “A Scoff & a Yarn” (A NFLD-themed, three course, pre-show dinner) on Wednesday July 28 and Thursday July 29. Reservations for the 5:30 sitting are recommended in order to have plenty of time before the 8pm show. Those interested in adding this taste of Newfoundland culture to their evening are asked to call 613.399.5420 to reserve a table. From the Farm cooking school is sponsoring this dinner event and applauds the local farmers and producers who’ve helped to make these meals possible. A portion of the dinner sales from that night will be donated to Festival Players.

Tempting Providence plays from July 26 – July 30 only at Fields on West Lake, 15786 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield. Check the website for schedule and details, www.festivalplayers.ca. Tickets can be purchased in person at Books & Company, 289 Main St, Picton, by phone at 613.471.1991 or online at www.countytix.ca. Seating is limited so it’s best to purchase in advance.

Driving along Closson Road in Hillier, Prince Edward County the calming scent of lavender permeates the air. Prince Edward County Lavender is nestled among the rolling hills in the heart of Hillier wine country, on a farm rich in history dating back to the 1830s.

Following a visit to Prince Edward County a few years ago owners Rolande Ann Leblanc and Derek Ryles decided to leave Whitehorse, Yukon for a warmer climate and planted themselves in a circa 1835 house on Closson Road. They had in mind that the house could be turned into a B & B and the fields could grow lavender. After a few years of renovations and adding to the existing house, they now have a large home that accommodates about eight guests in the three guest rooms, their own living quarters and an extension for Derek’s parents.

From just about any window there is a view of either the stunning lavender and white plants or the huge herb garden. Rolande and Derek’s passion for their plans is evident everywhere. Visitors can join them in a short tour of the fields and learn about the different varieties of lavender they grow and the history of lavender, detailing this amazing flower’s myriad of uses throughout the ages.

Derek and Rolande had travelled around the world and viewed lavender in New Zealand and Provence. They figured that if the soil was good enough for grape vines and vegetables, it would be great for lavender. So in the summer of 2005, they planted half an acre of lavender. The following spring they added more plants and completed a one acre field. They have since added over a dozen of different lavender cultivars and each summer continue to add more!

This summer they have 2.5 acres planted with a variety of cultivars of Lavandula Angustifolia (English lavender) and cultivars of Lavandula X Intermedia (hybrids L.Ang./L.Latifolia), commonly called Lavandin. As the lavender plant takes three years to mature each visit to their farm gives one a different view and appreciation of the beautiful purple fields.

From the harvest they produce soap, essential oil, hydrosol, sachet and a myriad of lavender culinary products such as lavender chocolate, herbal teas, infused vinegars and just about anything they can think of that is lavender friendly.

Two years ago they expanded their plant base to include a variety of herbs: spearmint, chamomille, calendula, lemon balm and more. All the herbs included in their Herbes de Provence, herbal teas and other herb mixes are grown on their farm. Exciting new products are coming out of these fields each year!

To contact Rolande or Derek visit www.peclavender.com.

County Artists and Business Owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson of Moontide Studio Gallery and Love Nest Studios were the hosts for the 2010 Annual Chamber of Commerce BBQ event held at their farm on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

Tara and Andrew, proud members of the Prince Edward County Arts Trail produced by Taste the County, were joined by some of their colleagues from the 27 studios and galleries who make up the Arts Trail. Members showcased samples of their fine artwork along an “Arts Trail” specially cut through the fields on their farm featuring sculpture, paintings, glasswork, photography and more. Visitors were invited to “walk the trail” to see the wonderful works on display.

It was a magical summer evening with good food, a gentle breeze, good company, and the music of the Seventh Town a local folk trio playing in the background.

Tara & Andrew moved to the County from Toronto in 2007 where they ran a successful graphic design creative studio called FIRE ENGINE INC. for 10 years. They continue to operate that business from the County for their Toronto clients, and are also now both County artists.

Andrew is an encaustic sculptural painter. Combining branches, wire, fibre, stones and other natural elements into his unique work, he takes his imagination – and paintings – truly beyond the board. His works can be viewed in his Century-old barn gallery. Andrew also offers encaustic painting workshops at Angeline’s in Bloomfield which have become very popular.

Tara is a photographer and fibre artist. Tara handcrafts unique fibre art nests out of fibres, twigs and other found materials. Her fibre art sculptures are symbolic of the comfort of home. Her works can be viewed at Tara’s Love Nest gallery in their restored chicken coop. In 2009, Tara was chosen by the Community Futures Development Corporation to be sent as an emerging artist to the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. Tara’s fibre art nests became the featured product of the show and were featured on hundred of thousands of promotional materials and throughout mainstream media.

For more information on Tara Wilkinson, visit www.loveneststudios.com or Andrew Csafordi at www.andrewcsafordi.com

For your copy of the Prince Edward County Arts Trail e-mail tastethecounty@bellnet.ca.

Arts Trail artist Mel Wilder of Bloomfield Studios with his glass sculpture in front a Bloomfield B & B

Bloomfield, where friends meet, is a village applauded for its charm and character. The Art Action Committee of the Bloomfield Area Business Association is committed to enhancing this by bringing public art to the village.

Best known for its shopping and dining, Bloomfield also demonstrates pride in the presence of its many gifted visual artists.

The works of local artists were chosen by residents and are featured throughout Bloomfield in their front gardens to offer visual pleasure to both visitors and residents alike. All of the sculptures are for sale and the information of the artist is located on each piece.

Prince Edward County Arts Trail artist Mel Wilder of Bloomfield Studios has three beautiful glass sculptures adorning the front gardens of Bloomfield village residents. Mel’s glass pieces show the word love translated into five different languages. Visit the website of Bloomfield Studios to learn more about Mel’s creations in blown-glass.

Public art has been shown to increase a sense of community in big cities and hamlets alike. Art inspires conversation and memories for people of all ages.

To obtain a walking tour brochure listing all of the sculptures and their locations email tastethecounty@bellnet.ca or stop by the Bloomfield Area Business Association Tourist Centre, 289 Main Street, Bloomfield, Ontario.