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Posted on Monday, October 24, 2011 1:12 PM
Barrie & District Christmas Cheer Fundraising Event 2011 Come on out to the Simcoe County Museum November 19th & 20th for the artisans Christmas craft show and gingerbread decorating competition and help support the Christmas Cheer Campaign in an effort to reach their fundraising goal. See you there! |
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Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 10:33 AM
After several months away from Chef at Heart, I am happy to say things will be back up and running for October! The last few months have not gone as originally expected but excitedly many changes have come from it. Instead of taking time off for professional development in a new seasonal work opportunity, I ended up facing a lengthy illness and had to go through a lot of personal and professional growth to get back on track. Having been diagnosed with a wheat allergy (amongst other things), I have been exposed to a whole new world of food and while I struggled at first, I have learned so much about gluten-free options and cooking and food allergies in general. While I knew I had a corn allergy and had already been exposed to the world of food allergens, going gluten AND corn-free was a whole new experience and meant reeducating myself on many basics. I've learned so much about new products (new to me anyway), new cooking techniques, new suppliers, and have met so many new people and support groups along the way. Naturally, some of these changes will be incorporated into the updated Chef at Heart. Thankfully I had a culinary background and was able to adjust fairly quickly to a whole new diet and lifestyle but I'm aware not everyone has that advantage. One of the changes at Chef at Heart will be to share more recipes, tips and services for those with food allergies or sensitivities, and those with special dietary needs. Some of our old services will remain while others will be changing or going altogether. The focus will be less on servicing large groups, but returning to helping individuals and families. Hopefully you will return in October and check in often. I'm looking forward to being back in business, reconnecting with everyone, and making new relationships along the way. Jennifer |
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Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 11:36 AM
Driving in the car this weekend to spend Easter with family, I heard a frightening statistic on the radio: 1 in 3 Canadians will get some form of cancer in their lifetime. Hearing that statistic and remembering April is Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, struck a chord and made me want to do something extra to help fight this horrible disease and therefore I am writing this piece. Cancer has struck both my own and my husband’s family in the past and sadly this year it hit close to home once again. Our children, just five and seven years old, know more about the effects cancer can have on families than children their ages should and unfortunately, we know that our families are only two of so many affected by this disease worldwide. Every year my husband participates in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, riding his bike for two days with hundreds of other cyclists from Toronto to Niagara Falls with the goal of raising funds to help fight cancer, and every year without fail, I work behind the scenes to help raise funds on his behalf. This year I am determined to work harder. Every day scientists work hard to break the cancer code and develop new treatments and once again, this year my husband Peter and many other cyclists are training hard for the ride and asking for the support of friends and family. I am amazed every year as my children and I cheer the riders cross the finish line in Niagara Falls. There are hundreds of riders but not every rider is an athlete or cycling enthusiast. Many of them are cancer survivors. Some of them are riding a bike for the first time in years. There are men, women, and even children that attempt this ride along with countless volunteers that help make the ride possible. The collective support behind the whole event is overwhelming. The money raised by the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefits The Campbell Family Institute at Princess Margaret, one of the top 5 cancer research centre’s in the world and since 2008, the ride has raised an incredible $45 million. The conquest of cancer is a monumental task but one that must be undertaken and with continued support, hopefully we will all see an end to cancer in our lifetime. My husband trains to help fight cancer. My children and I cheer to help fight cancer. Many of us give to help fight cancer. We can all be part of the movement to fight cancer. In honour of spring and Cancer Awareness Month, I’ve posted a recipe that is full of vegetables, fiber, vitamins and minerals, all believed to be effective in the fight against certain types of cancers. Look under the Recipes category for Puree of Vegetable Soup. This soup is perfect for summer with the combination of fresh seasonal vegetables, lemon and dill and can be served hot or chilled. To learn more about the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, you can visit www.conquercancer.ca. If you wish to make a donation and help support the ride, go to www.conquercancer.ca, click Ontario (or your province) and then click the green button at the top of the screen DONATE. From there you can search for a rider’s name and make a donation on their behalf. If you wish to make a donation on Peter’s behalf, search for Peter Gatis. Thanks to everyone for your support. No doubt, this year's ride will be the most successful one yet and with any luck, the girls and I will be proudly cheering Peter and the other riders on as they cross the finish line in Niagara Falls on June 12 and raise the money needed to cure cancer. Jennifer Gatis |
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Chef at Heart: Posted on Sunday, January 09, 2011 4:08 PM
Under construction - stay tuned for recipes, dietary information, and more! |
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