{appreciate} FALL 2018
top-notch Attractions, Art, entertainment, FOOD, DRINK, history and Outdoor Adventures. It is Just down the Road & around the bend in Beautiful Southwestern Ontario.
Where Local Love grows
Live it for a day... Live it for a lifetime!
Your FREE Guide to Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brantford, NEW CREDIT, six nations of the grand river, Oxford + Local Farmers gaining ground / Eating out ethnic / wellness matters / Arts, Entertainment & Outdoor + A mag Chock-a-block full of local lovelies!
The perfecT pairing of STyle, relaxaTion, local flavour & aTTainabiliTy
Whether you’ve come for a day of relaxation at our spa, to dine at our beautiful lakefront restaurant that specializes in local cuisine or to golf on our expansive greens, you’ll know you’ve come home! We’ve created an inviting playground for the young at heart and you are all welcome to join in.
davidsportdover.com // golfatdovercoast.ca // elementsdayspa.ca 2 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Simcoe
celebrating
over
2O years in business
The way a flooring store should be FIND YOUR STYLE. AND COMFORT LEVEL. WE MAKE IT EASY.
456 Queensway West, Simcoe 519-426-2619
nufloors.ca/simcoe
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 3
Stone for the heart of your home
Brantford Granite & Quartz is a local family-owned and operated business in lovely Paris, Ontario who carries an impressive array of natural stone in our 5,000 sq ft showroom. We are committed to providing products and services that are competitively priced and of superior quality. Let our experienced staff guide you through designing your dream. From start to finish, we take pride in ensuring that your final product is perfectly crafted and will last the test of time and add value to not only your home but also your life!
535 Paris Rd, Paris 519-442-1400 4 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
bgq.ca
What’s inside
COVER PHOTO Courtesy CANADA Tourism CONTENTS PHOTO BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com
Live Small Town / FALL 2018
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Small Town Changemakers Meet some of the people, places and businesses making a difference in your community and learn how you can help.
Farm Tour It is so convenient to pop over to the grocery store for food but have you ever stopped to think about the farmers who provide it?
Small Town Sunday Jay Perry’s Ultimate Insider’s Guide that highlights what to eat, buy, explore and indulge in around Ontario Southwest.
Love Matters Yet again, another small town recruit tells the story of how her family made their way to rural Ontario and what keeps them loving local.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 5
What’s inside
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Team Magic Every dream begins with a plan, and our current magazine would like to introduce you to the team of talented folks who helped to make Live Small Town possible.
Arts & Culture From world-class artists and live theatre to intimate concerts, get introduced to local talent and discover the best places to soak up and enjoy the culture.
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Food for Thought Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth, a rich palette, or simply enjoy a night out on the town or quiet afternoon to relax, we’ve got the place for you.
Nature Calls When the weather is nice and your agenda is open, there’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors and we want to get you pointed in the right direction.
52 Deep Roots We help bring local history back to life, and tell you where to look for heritage, knowledge and wonderment in your community. Let’s get out and explore! 6 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Even though our pages are chock-ablock full of local lovelies, we know that the supply is limiless and around every corner new faces are emerging. Please know, we want you to reach out. Help us shine the light and persist if we have not squeezed you in quite yet!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com
Live Small Town / FALL 2018
ADVERTISI NG F EATU R E
Eat, drink & be innovative!
We hear plenty of agriculture buzz terms: large and small-scale farming; precision technologies; environmental sustainability; global food systems; local farm markets; food safety and traceability; rural place-making and agri-tourism. How do all these pieces fit together in the industry? What jobs are available? Study Agri-Business Management at Fanshawe College and learn the ins and outs of agricultural production and food innovation in the 21st century. Fanshawe College recently introduced a new graduate certificate program in ‘Agri-Business Management’ to respond to the needs of farmers, food processors, and agri-tourism businesses in southwestern Ontario. The program has been designed for students who have already completed a college diploma or university degree, or who have significant experience in the agriculture and food sector. Through the program, students will acquire in-depth knowledge, develop a network of contacts, and be prepared for a management position with an existing business. Some students may even be motivated to start up a new company! Check out the line-up of courses: Agricultural Marketing, Food Safety and Traceability, Sales and Relationship Management, Employee Relations, Canadian Occupational Health and Safety, Managerial Accounting, Precision Technologies, Leadership and Management Fundamentals, Agricultural Finance, Pest Control Management, Issues in the Agri-Food Industry, and New Media Marketing. Beyond the classroom, students interact with guest speakers, visit farms, and enjoy experiential learning opportunities through work placements with local employers. A few students may have the chance as well for a summer job in the Fanshawe ‘Taste Test Booth’ at local farm markets, where we introduce new and innovative food products to customers. Fanshawe offers the ‘Agri-Business Management’ graduate certificate in London as well as through the Simcoe/ Norfolk Regional Campus. Prospective students who enjoy the look and feel of a rural community may wish to look
closely at Norfolk County. Few regions can offer such an inspiring backdrop for an education in agriculture. The diversity of crops grown in the Norfolk County is truly spectacular. Drive down the highways and backroads and one will discover an abundance of sweet corn, apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and lavender. Norfolk is the top producer of strawberries, squash, zucchini, cabbage, and rye in Ontario, and the leading grower of pumpkins, ginseng, peppers, asparagus, and tart cherries in Canada. Greenhouses contain lettuce and other greens, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal marijuana. Tobacco continues to be a lucrative crop for many farmers. Chickens, pigs, cattle and goats are raised locally. Sprinkle in a growing collection of excellent wineries and craft breweries, and the scene is set almost perfectly... the only way to make the image better is to jump in and get involved! Students interested in taking ‘Agri-Business Management’ at Fanshawe should contact Fanshawe’s Simcoe/ Norfolk Regional Campus at 519-426-8260 or simcoe@fanshawec.ca.. Employers in the industry interested in having students on work placements can get in touch as well.
634 Ireland Road, Simcoe, ON 519-426-8260 fanshawec.ca/simcoe Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 7
FALL 2018 VOL. 2 NO. 3 Art Director & Editor Kate Sharrow PhotographERS
Tara Carpenter, Kaytee Dalton, Nancy Domsic Kings, Marc Douglas, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Sara Moody Veldhuis, Jay Perry, Erika Strada, Francine Tausney Writers
Catherine Bentum, Tara Carpenter, Paul Cheney, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Donna Ferrawey, Kerri Kelly-Parkinson, Kerstein Mallon, Adrianna Michell, Ryan Milford, Jeannette Muir deMontfort, Emmalee Nother, Jay Perry, Kate Sharrow, Jessica Stirling, Erika Strada, Ian D. Thompson U.E., Nicole VanQuaethem, Jennifer Villamere, Lacie Williamson, Tim Zwart PROOFREADER
Prominent Homes is family owned and oPerated.
Kari Raymer Bishop
eacH of our Projects is built on tHe foundation of trust and our customers know tHat tHeir new Home, cottage or office is built witH quality and care.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Georgia Atkinson, Helen Bingleman, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Donna Ferrawey, Patricia Howden, Kerstein Mallon, Kerri Kelly-Parkinson, Tara Shannon, Kate Sharrow, Erica Strada Small town Gal/Owner/ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Kerri Kelly-Parkinson kerri@livesmalltownmag.ca SALES TEAM
Darlene Burgess darlene@livesmalltownmag.ca Sarah Gurney sarah@livesmalltownmag.ca Shara Keates shara@livesmalltownmag.ca Tara Shannon tara@livesmalltownmag.ca Francine Tausney francine@livesmalltownmag.ca
This award winning Townhouse Condo Development is located in Waterford’s prestigious Yin Subdivision. Our 1475 sq ft bungalow designs offer a spacious layout while enjoying the perks of condo living with the luxuries found in a single-family home.
Over the next three years we will be building 37 estate homes on Newport Lane in Somerset Subdivision, one of the most desired areas of Port Dover. Many of these lots back on to the wooded area of the Black Creek Conservation and other lots have walk-out options with seasonal creek views.
Development has continued in this Simcoe subdivision behind Holy Trinity High School. Prominent has purchased 10 of the most opportune lots to build on starting in spring 2019. Contact us today to design and build your custom home.
prominenthomesont.com 519-426-9186 8 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Small town Gal/Owner/ PUBLISHER Kate Sharrow
kate@livesmalltownmag.ca Live Small Town Magazine is printed four times a year and distributed throughout Southern Ontario via various tourist associations, related services, retail locations and home distribution. Copyright 2018 Live Small Town Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Opinions and comments reflect those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the editorial and staff. At the time of publication, we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible. Please feel free to contact us with any concerns or corrections you may have.
1400 Northumberland Street, Ayr 519-632-7413 or 1-800-265-8792
ayrmutual.com
#ayrmutual Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 9
Team Magic
Authentic people, engaging stories and a sense of community fellowship are what make small towns what they are, so it should come as no surprise that these are the pillars upon which the Live Small Town concept are built. We’ve started our own “town” within these very pages, and we’d love to introduce ourselves and invite you inside! 10 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
KERRI KELLY-PARKINSON
livesmalltownmag.ca Another season and another Live Small Town Magazine is coming your way! Watching the trees transform into an array of wonderful colours brings such a sense of calm... or maybe things feel calm because the kids are finally back at school! Who is kidding who? Nothing has been calm in my life since Kate and I created this magazine almost two years ago but I could not ask for a better person to help sift through the chaos. Cheers to my fantastic business partner and friend. Happy Fall to all of our readers and please take the time to laugh, love and be thankful each and every day.
Kari Raymer Bishop
NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL
I live in a beautiful small village on the shores of Lake Erie and am surrounded by family, friends, art, local beauty, goodness and of course my sweet dog Mia. I will explore all the hidden gems that our lovely wee towns offer and share those experiences with you on social media and in the pages of Live Small Town Magazine.
Emmalee Nother
I’m a local lady with a love for all things country, hockey and small town. Born and raised in beautiful Haldimand County, my passion for where I grew up runs deep. My adventures have taken me from coast to coast in the entertainment biz but I always return home to my rescue dog, Duke, and my cats on the farm.
KATE SHARROW
livesmalltownmag.ca It is hard to believe that two years ago Kerri and I started developing the concept of Live Small Town Mag. We were two gals, not remotely in a position to be without a pay cheque yet so driven to find more meaning in our 20 plus years in big box publishing. We have faced many hurdles throughout this journey but building our team of advertising partners, and work mates has been fulfilling because we have come to realize that we were never alone in our belief system. Meaningfulness is key to happiness and as we juggle our long list of to-dos we are reminded that community does matter.
A born nurturer, I love to help make anything grow and am happiest when I am investing in the growth of my child, garden, students or community. I am a teacher, beekeeper, landlady, writer, activist, and general nuisance. After traveling all over the world, I have found my home in Paris, where I live with a kind professor, a wild child and a sweet dog.
Jessica Stirling
sowshegrows.com I am a mother to two spirited children and I am raising them rural. Passionate about teaching them to enjoy life’s beautiful simplicity and the importance of supporting a local food system. I am a big dog lover and daydreamer. I enjoy listening to music, wandering aimlessly through fields and forests while getting lost in all of nature’s splendour. An arbitrary artist and a random maker of many things - knitted, crocheted, sewn and beyond. Much of my adventure is captured on my blog sowshegrows.com. Life is a journey worth slowing down for, so join me as I stop and pause for the turtles crossing the road.
J.C. VILLAMERE
villamere.com Besides shining a light on folks doing pretty amazing, change-the-world stuff in this mag, I also write for ET Canada, Villamere: The Lowbrow Magazine of High-End CanLit and I’ve just released a book: Is Canada Even Real? How a Nation Built on Hobos, Beavers, Weirdos, and Hip-Hop Convinced the World to Beliebe.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 11
Adrianna Michell
The summers spent on my grandparents’ farm taught me about the importance of maintaining rural economies and supporting local farmers, businesses, and creators. Now as a university student living in a city, I still am connected to these values through my art, scholarship, veganism, and environmentalism. I know that as I grow, I should always remember where I was planted. Nicole VanQuaethem
Come Discover Haldimand Haldimand County’s Fall-Winter 2018-19 Community Guide Discover community events & programs, municipal information, tourism destinations, business resources and much more.
View it online at HaldimandCounty.on.ca/communityguide or pick up your free copy from any County office, library or museum.
12 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
simplynicnutrition.com As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Culinary Nutrition Expert and owner of Simply Nic Nutrition, I focus on empowering people to make healthy choices. I have my Masters of Science in Rural Planning and Development where I focused most of my research on local food systems, agri-tourism, culinary tourism and food access. In my free time, when not in the kitchen testing recipes, I love getting outside, and cuddling and exploring with my little dog Chloe. Francine Tausney
Hi everyone! It’s such a pleasure to be working for Live Small Town Magazine where I get to share the many gems of small-town life with my wonderful friends and neighbours. My early years growing up in Tilsonburg taught me the important values of community, neighbours and smalltown living. I was raised in London, but always knew that small-town life would forever be my calling. Having now spent 10 years in beautiful Paris, I can say that this calling has become my living dream. When I’m not managing the community market at the Paris Wincey Mills Co, I can be found exploring my passions of photography, interior design and spending quality time with my grandson, children, husband (Chris) and our lovely dog “Miss Ivy”. If you’re in Paris or Port Dover and you would like to join me for a tea to talk about the magazine and how we can support your growing business – please don’t hesitate to call! 519-267-1287
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 13
Jay Perry
A family owned business that offers
A Complete pACkAge
jayperry.ca Over the last five years, besides working as a photographer being heavily involved in growing my charity, Friends With Heart, I have been spending my Sundays travelling to small pockets of Ontario and documenting my day trips online. Whether it be stories of unique individuals, #delicious #food, or #historic #landmarks, I’ve been detailing every event through photo, video and words. Look for this regular feature in Live Small Town Mag but also please like us on our Facebookpage and my adventures on Instragram. I have some exciting ideas coming up and I can’t wait to show everyone the beauty that resides in our small towns. MARC DOUGLAS
Serving Brantford and surrounding area
marcdouglas.ca I wouldn’t change a thing about growing up in the small town of Paris where I discovered a love for photography. My goal is to show the beauty, strength and enthusiasm of my subjects. As a father of two children, I am a proud supporter of all things involving childhood cancer. I believe in enjoying all the little moments, because you never know what tomorrow brings. Shara Keates
For over 35 years, Antler Services Inc. has been providing exceptional service and knowledgeable insight to home owners, businesses and larger industries. Starting as a small pest control business run by brothers Syd and Dan Antler, it wasn’t long before they expanded into other areas, such as landscaping, lawn maintenance, and small engine repairs. Our customers and quality workmanship has remained our main focus over the years, and our entire team works tirelessly to ensure complete satisfaction. No matter what your needs, our ongoing mission is to provide the best service possible. LANDSCAPING • LAWN CARE • LAWN CUTTING • SNOW REMOVAL • ALL SEASON MAINTENANCE • SMALL ENGINE SALES & REPAIRS • PEST CONTROL • GARDEN CENTRE
40 Roy Blvd, Brantford
antlerservices.com
14 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
All back roads, all the time! That’s my motto! (And if I see a bakery, I must pull over!) My husband, three kids and I have called St. George home for the past 12 years. Small town living in Tilsonburg is where it all began for me. After venturing off to London for a few years, I found the beauty and peace of small town living was calling me back. I truly believe life is about connecting with people, whether that’s at a local restaurant, hair salon or a park bench in the heart of town. Small town living makes that connection a daily reality. I am excited to partner with you and I can’t wait to show off your unique Oxford County business! I’m always out and about and would love to talk with you about your advertising needs! Please call 519-448-3958 or email shara@livesmalltownmag.ca
NANCY DOMSIC KINGS
olliandella.com I was born with a wild imagination. My mother was naturally creative, so I grew up painting, planting, sewing, baking and creating. The second I picked up my first camera I became obsessed with capturing the small wonders around me. To date, my permanent creative status allows me to be an art director by trade, photographer by fate and remain imaginative by nature. I spend most days in the middle of a creative mess or treading lightly while adventuring with my husband, two funny kids and our little Westie pup at our side. Sarah Gurney
I was born and raised big city, but am now a selfmade small townee. I live for weekends wandering shops, parks, and pretty places with my funny husband and son duo. When I have a spare moment not chasing my two-year-old, you can find me picking at my guitar, baking something yummy, or tackling a messy home reno project around the house! I am also one of the newest teammates at Live Small Town Magazine! If you are in Brantford and have an interest in becoming one of our beloved and valued advertising partners, please give me a call at 226-220-7340 or email me at sarah@livesmalltownmag.ca Donna Ferrawey
I’m an excursionist! Since I was young, I loved to explore all of the areas around me. My husband Jim and I go for “Drive Abouts.” That means jumping in the car, set to wander aimlessly. We find some of the most interesting places when we don’t know our destination, sometimes getting lost. Small towns, big towns, country lanes, and everything in between is where we wander. It’s fun finding new and interesting places to share with you. At home on the shore of Lake Erie, I love spending time with my husband, my armload of kids, grandchildren, my cat Murri, and my BFFs.
Stonebridge Community Services is committed to delivering professional, high quality home care and health and wellness services in Oxford, Elgin and Norfolk Counties. Home Care services provided by Personal Support Workers and supervised by a Registered Nurse. Health & Wellness services provided by Occupational Therapist, and Certified Senior Fitness instructors with oversight by a Registered Kinesiologist. Preventive Health Services: We offer a variety of supports and services, designed to help ensue a good quality of life throughout the aging process, such as our In-Home Personal Activity & Exercise Plan, our 12-week, Health-E Steps Program and our free Community Exercise programs held throughout Norfolk County.
stonebridgecs.com 200 Broadway St. tillSonBurg 519-842-3200
Wayne’s Warehouse
Today’s sTyles yesTerday’s Prices columbia merrell adidas burTon deus Thrasher Vans Polar body GloVe+
Wincey mills, loWer leVel 31 mechanic sT. Paris oPen Thurs
saT
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 15
Slowdown, unplug, experience the fall colours and flavours of Oxford County with a country drive.
Tara Shannon
I moved from Burlington to small-town life several years ago. It was a bit of an adjustment and when I say small town, I actually mean rural Hagersville. My closest neighbours are cows and buffalo. No longer could I pop out my front door and find all of the latest conveniences at my finger tips. But, you know what!? I love it now. There are so many wonderful businesses out here offering everything I could want. I’m a cook by trade and I love to write too, and out here where the buffalo do in fact roam, I have inspiration galore! From rolling farm landscapes, to Lake Erie, the Grand River, and hiking trails. The fresh produce, cheese, honey, grass fed and organic meats. Not to mention the locall produced wine, beer, and cider. Everything within minutes of my home. I am in heaven. As one of the newest sales gals to join the Live Small Town Magazine crew, I look forward to meeting you! If you are in Haldimand County and want to become one of our advertising partners, please send me an email at tara@livesmalltownmag.ca Ian D. Thompson U.E.
photo: ted douglas
get inspired and find out details at
tourismoxford.ca
519-539-9800 1-866-801-7368 x3355 tourism@oxfordcounty.ca www.tourismoxford.ca Woodstock, tillsonburg, ingersoll, norWich, tavistock, drumbo, embro 16 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
caledoniahistory.org Born in Caledonia, I have spent years researching local history. I have toured thousands of people through my Creepy Caledonia tour, and have been recognized by the Lieutenant Governor and the Ontario Heritage Trust. My ghostly stories, years of historical research, thousands of photos, videos, and documents are available online at caledoniahistory.org. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in History from McMaster University, am the Chair of Caledonia Canada Day, the Metro Loop Victoria Day Fireworks, and a Director for the Caledonia Agricultural Society. In addition, I serve on the Pastoral Council of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton. But my full-time job is at an aerospace contractor in Cayuga.
Tim Zwart
timjzwart.com I embrace being a round peg in a square hole. A walking contradiction, I am a single dad of two small children, an American void of ignorance, I love poutine but not maple syrup, and love sports but not hockey. I am a publishing veteran, magazine editor and author. My first book, Reload, is available on Amazon. Kerstein Mallon
Growing up, in the land of fairies and leprechauns; twixt twilight and morning dew, I learned there’s more to life, than meets the eye. Exploring ancient ruins, offered an understanding of the past, present and future and how they intertwine. Now living in Ontario’s Garden, enables me to meet wonderful people and visit truly remarkable places. It’s my absolute pleasure to be able to share these unique stories with you. Darlene Burgess
Some of my fondest memories as a child and into adulthood have been doing BIG things in SMALL towns. From apple picking to wine tasting, canoe and kayaking, cycling, attending county fairs, music and artisan events, frequenting local restaurants,getting creative with rustic and shabby chic decor and building our home by working with a local builder and his contacts to complete our project. I’m an advocate of supporting our community vendors and businesses, and have been known to stop by curbside lemonade stands while on the road to encourage young entrepreneurs! If you’re a small-town business owner/ operator in the Norfolk area looking to make a BIG impact on your customer base, then please reach out to me. The team at Live Small Town Magazine can help you realize your ultimate potential. I can be reached at 647-821-3488 or darlene@livesmalltownmag. If you have ideas for the mag or would like to join our team, please feel free to reach out kate@livesmalltownmag.ca.
Brantford’s Premiere day sPa We specialize in an array of therapeutic practices, massage, body treatments, luxurious aesthetic services, yoga studio classes, and profound relaxation. Open 6 days a week Monday - Saturday. Sundays are available for private rentals, workshops and retreats. Please inquire directly for further details.
519-759-1311 202 Grand river ave, Brantford i Grandwellness.ca
Heating • Cooling • Plumbing • air Quality • Controls • FirePlaCes
3160 alPs rd, ayr 519-632-7116 prioritymechanical.ca
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 17
Kindness and caring is contagious!... It is the “bug” we should all hope to catch. I am a huge believer in paying it forward... hence my desire to showcase all of these “earth angels” and shine a light on the meaningful ways they help the people in our small-town communities. Talk about it, get excited about it and most of all - act on it! I will be showcasing acts of kindness in each issue of Live Small Town Magazine. If you have a special story, person or place that you would like me to showcase, please reach out. Wishing you all smiles, happiness and love.
Closet Couture Boutique Brantford closet-couture.ca Finding just the right outfit makes any day a bit better. Shopping while knowing your purchase helps someone else at the same time, takes it to a new level. Closet Couture Boutique in Brantford offers casual to formal wear, including all the accessories you may need. Proceeds from each treasure you buy goes to help Nova Vita Women’s Shelter. It’s shopping with your heart!
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Changemakers, Having an Impact in a Community Near You! Sometimes it’s the little day-to-day things that go unrecognized in our lives which end up having the biggest impact BY Donna Ferrawey
Haldimand-Norfolk Shoebox Project shoeboxproject.com/haldimand-norfolk-counties.html Even a small act of kindness can improve someone’s day. Thanks to people like you, The Haldimand Shoe Box Project continues to provide needed personal items and small gifts over the holidays. Fill a small box with necessities from their list, then wrap it and drop it at the assigned depot. Google Shoebox Project for details in your area. Congratulations. You have just became a local Changemaker! 18 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Youth C.O.R.E. Conquering Obstacles Reaching Excellence cashn.on.ca/tag/core Youth C.O.R.E. is the advisory group for youth in the care of the Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk. It is also proof that at any age or circumstance we can all be Change Makers. This is a small group of youth who see value in giving back to the community. Each of them has been either a Crown Ward or part of the foster care system, and knows how it feels to struggle in life. The group has organized many successful ways to support the community, including a Pay It Forward theme where they hosted a staff food drive at CAS that benefited Family Service and Independent Youth Emergency Food Cupboards. It also allows workers to take food to youth struggling financially while the profits from a raffle and poinsettia sale enable the purchase of gift cards for three families at Christmas.
61 Grand river St n, PariS 519-302-3000 stillwatersplateandpour.ca
Home Grown
Behind every good person, there has usually been some good food. At Live Small Town, we’d like to celebrate both by highlighting the best local foods and recipes around, while introducing you to the creative and talented people who make them possible. From innovative techniques and ingredients to updated twists on some of our old favorites, this is your one-stop-shop for everything food, family, and fellowship related. After all, every food journey starts with a single bite!
PHOTO Courtesy of Ontario Tourism
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Simply Delicious Dishes Eating healthy has never been so Simple. All you need is a bit of creativity!
Photography by Nicole VanQuaethem
BY Nicole VanQuaethem Although the summer has come to an end, it is important to remember that local food is still here to stay! There remain great options into September such as muskmelon, peaches and grapes. With that being said, there are also options into the winter months due to greenhouse production. During fall and winter you can still find local sweet potatoes, lettuces, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, broccoli and apples. It’s easy to come up with excuses for not to buying local like: “my grocery store doesn’t carry local” or “I didn’t have time to look”. Many of us have become removed from our food system, which makes it much easier to forget or create excuses. However, its important to think critically about where your food comes from and also the people and work that bring your food from farm to table.
So, how can you support local and stay healthy as you ramp up for a busy fall again? For starters, I always recommend taking a look at the Foodland Ontario availability guide. Check out what is in season and simply research local producers in your area. Many County websites also have valuable links and resources to help direct you to local food producers. You can even research local farmers markets, which are great places for one-stop shopping. My second tip is to menu plan. Now that you have an idea of what’s in season, you can begin to plan meals that incorporate those foods. Perhaps that means batch cooking a squash soup, or a stir-fry with local peppers and onion. Not only does this support local producers but it also means fresher and more nutritious foods on your plate.
Healthy Harvest Lunch Ingredients • 2 slices of homemade bread from Courtland Bakery (gluten-free options also available) • 1-2 tbsp of Feta cheese from The Dover Cheese Shop or Second Mouse Cheesetique • 2-3 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half from Sovereign Farms • 1-2 fresh basil leaves, sliced from Country Herbs • 2 tbsp hummus • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar from The Olive Oil Co. • 3-5 olives, diced
Directions 1. Toast bread 2. Add olive oil to a frying pan and heat cherry tomatoes for about 5 minutes on medium heat 3. Spread hummus on the toast 4. Top with feta, basil, tomatoes, olives and drizzle with balsamic Enjoy!
Nicole VanQuaethem is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Culinary Nutrition Expert and owner of Simply Nic Nutrition, where she focuses on educating and empowering people to make healthy choices for themselves. She also has her Masters of Science in Rural Planning and Development where she focused most of her research on local food systems, agri-tourism, culinary tourism and food access. Nicole grew up on a farm, which inspired her studies and work in rural development in southern Ontario. Combining her passion for nutrition and local food, she teaches people to eat within the seasons and to become connected to the food they eat. In her free time, she likes to spend time in the kitchen testing recipes, getting outside, and cuddling with her little dog Chloe. simplynicnutrition.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 21
On the Map
Around the World Juniper Dining Co. Paris juniperdiningco.ca If you are looking for something different, this is the place! This authentic Lyonnaise-inspired French bistro is perfectly nestled in historic and picturesque Paris Ontario. Not surprisingly, the ambiance is as genuine as the cuisine, embodying a cool urban simplicity. The menu is delicious, creative and local where possible. Currently I am obsessed with their Pea Risotto with smoked ham hocks. Divine!
Don’t look now, but there’s a definite buzz around Southwestern Ontario’s culinary scene. No matter what you are craving, chances are there’s a restaurant, bar, winery or bistro in one of our small towns that will not only satisfy, but also leave you spoilt for choice. But in this issue, we were on the search for ethnic variety and found some gems. So really, there’s no excuse not to break outside your comfort zone, explore a bit and partake in some top quality food and drink right on your very own doorstep. BY Kate Sharrow
My-Thai Restaurant Brantford+ mythai.ca With seven locations in southern Ontario, there’s no need to travel for authentic Thai cuisine. From their signature Pad Thai to crisp mango salad and spicy curries, all dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back. My-Thai is also veggie and belly-friendly, offering a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. I chatted with Vanh Kalong, the owner, about the compassion she had for her employees and customers and tears filled her eyes - possibly the key to her success.
Urban Parisian Port Dover urbanparisian.com This French-inspired bakery/cafe has cornered the market on culinary sin and has disguised it as a triple chocolate brownie sandwiched with marshmallow meringue and then paired it with a Peruvian double shot of Organic Ice Cappuccino. It is probably one of the most dangerous places to visit if you are trying to slim down. Lunch is served Tues. through Sun. 11 am – 4 pm.
Chef Rich Francis Six Nations Top Chef Canada’s third place winner, Chef Rich Francis, resides locally on the Six Nations Territory and has big plans to share his traditional Indigenous dishes with the community of Hamilton this coming spring when he opens his ground-breaking restaurant. Some of the ingredients he aims to include are moose, whale and seal but changing food safety regs must occur first. Stay tune to be amazed!
Hyatt Restaurant Dunnville hyattrestaurant.ca Haldimand County seems to be fond of their “Canadianized” Chinese food as most of their small towns host at least one. The Hyatt Restaurant in Dunnville has been frying up our beloved chicken balls and chicken fried rice for over 40 years. Not the fanciest venue and past management affected their popularity a smidge but they are back on track, frying up a storm.
Pho vn Restaurant Tillsonburg I would have passed by this modest, Vietnamese and Thai food restaurant in Oxford County if I had not been told by numerous fans that it was amazing. The prices are very reasonable for the quantity and the authentic burst of flavours left me writing a love letter to their Pad Thai. The best I have ever tried, hands down! Fast, cheap, unpretentious, healthy and delicious. Well done!
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Barrel Restaurant Simcoe barrelrestaurant.ca If authentic Italian cooking in an oh-so-intimate setting is on your culinary wish list, then Barrel Restaurant will not disappoint. For more than 30 years, this resto has been serving classic Italian fare but also boasts some new and innovative takes on the cuisine with several gluten-free options. All of this - plus the simplicity of fresh ingredients, and secret family recipes passed down through generations keeps folks coming back!
The Tartan Diner Caledonia On the south of the bridge and tucked away at the back of a small plaza, this Haldimand County diner has a mixed-bag menu of homestyle soups, sandwiches, chowders and fish and chips, but every day breakfast is served up Scottish style! Tattie scones, black pudding, square sausage, haggis, beans and eggs. Open weekdays from 8-2 and weekends 7-2. Be sure to check them out!
Tacos Mexico Food Truck 49 Peel St. Simcoe. Open Thurs & Fri. Brace yourself for an array of oh-so aromatic Mexican dishes - filled with perfectly seasoned meat of your choice and fresh veg. Featuring tacos, tortas, quesadillas, burritos and gringas, these culinary masterminds don’t disappoint. Open May long weekend to approx mid October, depending on the weather. So come hungry and eat your way through their amazing menu!
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The Grand Bayou Cajun Kitchen Paris thegrandbayou.com This place’s rustic menu showcases some complex flavour and if anything can transport you to N’Orleans and compel you to bare all for beads, it is their Fat Jack’s Jambalaya, frog legs or Bourbon St. Pulled Pork Pizza. Their friendly neighbourhood atmosphere, combined with regular, daily specials, entices diners to return again and again.
Julia Marchese is a Candidate for Haldimand’s Ward 6
Mango Salad Ingersoll mangosalad.ca Save the cost of airfare, this authentically curated Thai restaurant transports you direct with their exciting decor and aroma radiating from the kitchen. The menu also has so many freshly diverse options for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike and a wellpriced, week-day lunch menu. For all these reasons, it can also be very busy, so be sure to make a reservation. Don’t fret; they are open 7 days a week and ready to delight.
Taal Fine Indian Cuisine Brantford taalfineindiancuisine.com If you love Indian food, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Taal Fine Indian Cuisine. Try the Jaipuri which is a delicious fusion of peppers, onion, ginger, garlic, green chilies, exotic spices and coconut. Better yet, try the Sarso ka Sagg - a famously rich and tasty Punjabhi dish. But if you can’t decide, their lunch and dinner buffet offers great value with a taste of just about everything!
Julia’s Bistro Dunnville juliasbistroandcatering.com Although this bistro has obvious Italian influence, owner Julia Marchese recognizes that culinary diversity can bring a small town closer together and often shakes up her Saturday buffet menu with culturally diverse options such as Indian, Chinese, or Greek items. For $15 a person you are fed, entertained and surrounded by a tonne of community love!
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 23
Please let us share our restaurant with its unique coastal cuisine and tropical trend in one of Ontario’s best small towns, Port Dover. 2 Walker St. Port Dover 519-583-0880
24 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Wellness Matters
Exploring reiki and hypnotherapy on my journey to wellness has thankfully taken me to a place of peace. BY Kate Sharrow Like many people I often forget to stop and enjoy the simple desserts of life. It was late last summer before I realized that I had not even taken the time to sit on my veranda, breath deeply and enjoy the continuous symphony of flowers blooming in my garden. I won’t purger myself and say that starting this magazine had knocked me off my game. I really have never been good at self-care and mindfulness, oddly priding myself at being the queen of multi-tasking. A typical day might involve spider poo removal, pie making, house painting, magazine designing, and child rearing into one afternoon, yet forgetting to comb my hair or check to see if my clothing was on inside out. I had spent a lifetime forgetting to love myself and being insanely busy with Live Small Town Magazine had just amplified
my neglect. Nearing the end of 2017, after reading numerous self-help books, fermenting many stinky cabbage cleanses and after failing at hip-hop aerobics and yoga for seniors (I am 47), I decided hypnotherapy was the obvious answer. Three members of my family had been treated at Willow-Glen Clinic in Caledonia with great success so I decided I would give it a try. Helena and Tony offer a unique blend of hypnotherapy and reiki. At first I was suspicious that it would be a mix of hokuspokus and smoke screens, but remarkably it changed my life and opened my eyes to the energy around me and within me. During my sessions I would be guided back through my life, to my little girl self, so that I could
clearly understand why it had been exceptable for me to not care for myself. I then was lovingly led through the process of retraining my habits. It wish I could tell you that it has been a simple process. It was not. I had to dig deep and be honest with myself and with Helena. I had to look directly into my vulnerability so that I could understand it and release it. I also learned through this unique healing process, that the power to continue to heal was within me and that I was the best hynotherapist. Besides hypnotherapy and reiki, Helena and Tony produce The Eliminators - three 100% natural, immediate response, flower essence products that elevate mood
and healing imbalances. One is for hot-flashes, another for weight release and the last for stress relief. At times, I have come close to mixing all three up in a gin and tonic and pouring it down my shirt but for the most part, a few drops under my tongue have done the trick. I am so thankful that I began this process of selfcare with Willow-Glen. The work is not done but I am clearly on the path to healing and if I do get lost again, I will always be able to find my way back. willowglenclinic.com
Kate Sharrow is a mum of two uniquely beautiful young adults. Sister to many lovelies. A daughter to an amazing mum. The sweet heart of someone even sweeter. Friend to an ever growing medley of gorgeous people. Business partner and friend to Kerri in creating Live Small Town Magazine. She is the queen of multitasking, spider poo removal, home renovations, culinary brilliance, toe nail painting, story telling, child manipulation, magazine making and she has man hands. She is yet to master combing her hair before noon (really 3 pm or later) and can be found most days, dishevelled in pjs, spinning in a sundry of directions and living small town perfectly, unperfectly. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 25
111 Grand river St n, PariS 519-442-1820 cobblestonepub.ca
26 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Our Compliments From Vintage Wines to Microbreweries and unique IPAs and Lagers, let us lend a hand with suggestions to accompany your meal or gathering
The Ultimate Breakfast Club Established in 1934, Kingswood’s Restaurant set the trend of homemade local goodness. BY kerstein mallon Breakfast. Healthy, nutritious, important and very popular on the weekends. Many families share the traditional bacon and eggs, coffee and conversation. It’s that one time of the day, where you can sit back and take your time. The old adage “it’s the most important meal of the day” is transferred from generation to generation. And every cook will tell you “There is an art to making the perfect egg. The egg needs to be
the star of the show.” Brantford has a few options to choose from, including the Kingswood, located at the corner of Colborne St and Gilkison St, slightly off the beaten path. The moment you walk in, you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Its nostalgic atmosphere, accompanied by the din of friendly chatter and the scent of your Mom’s kitchen on Sunday morning, is so inviting and warm.
The friendly staff immediately invite you to sit at the first available table (if there is one) and the kindest words ever spoken, are delivered: “Would you like a cup of coffee?” This humble breakfast spot offers fresh, homestyle meals. Full plates to satiate the most gregarious appetite. The portions are designed to keep your body fully fueled for at least the next 24 hours and the cost is reminiscent of happier days, when money troubles didn’t exist. If you are looking for the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast simply, this is the place to be; but of course, they also offer many other family friendly dishes as well.
About Schep’s Bakeries Norwich schepsbakeries.com Our country is a melting pot of cultural treasures from all over the world and thankfully when folks come here they often bring recipes from home. When Arie Schep relocated his family to Canada in the early 1980s from Holland, he opened a small bakery making Stroopwafels. Since then, their sweet treats have become so popular that they are available in many large retail stores in Canada and hundreds of thousands of these delicious syrup waffles are exported to the United States every year.
Bitte Schön Brauhaus New Hamburg bitteschonbrauhaus.com Opened in late 2016, this brew house offers six ever-changing, draught taps as they are constantly testing new flavours and combinations. Their retail store offers growlers, crowler cans, smaller cans and bottles.
Blueberry Hill Estates St Williams blueberry-hill.ca This small family-owned, lake-front, winery farm offers a fine array of fruit and grape wines alongside a selection of crisp ciders. In addition, they host a seasonal farm market featuring local fruit and vegetables, baked goods and preserves.
Rush Creek Wines Aylmer rushcreekwines.com Located on the North Shore of Lake Erie, Rush Creek Wines offer many unique fruit wines including blackcurrants, elderberries, gooseberries, raspberries, huckleberries ++. The winery also offers complimentary tastings, a robust gift boutique, and a delicious brushetta and dessert bar.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 27
SOW SHE GROWS Preserving memories In late summer and early fall we find ourselves surrounded by an abundance of beautiful fruits and vegetables begging to be saved. Heaps of tomatoes for sauce or salsa, zucchini for relish, cucumbers and beets for pickling, peaches for canning and kernel corn and beans for the freezer – the list is endless as can be. These moments take me back to my own childhood when my grandparents would work side by side preparing beets, cucumbers and peaches to can for the cold months ahead. They had a wonderful system with designated tasks that was full of laughter and love. It is this very memory that inspires me to carry on the tradition of preserving bits of summer and fall harvest with Lilah and Max. Showing them how they too can save and enjoy our local bounty has become our very own kitchen tradition. They help ready the bushels of tomatoes for pureeing by washing away any dirt or debris and then take turns adding the blended bunch to a great big pot. They carefully stir the simmering tomatoes as they boil down to the thick hearty tomato sauce we can in jars or deep freeze. Using measuring cups, they sort fruit to be cleaned and frozen for winter smoothies. This is always a favourite task because half of it is eaten as we go! I also cut up green peppers that Lilah and Max carefully spread on to parchment covered cookie sheets to flash freeze before we put them in storage containers. This makes it easy to grab handfuls for soups and stews throughout winter. Lilah counts jars while Max counts peaches and they both ask questions along the way. “What is blanching? Why do we do it to peaches and other
things like green beans?” I love the chance to explain the science behind how we process various things! No preservation season is complete without applesauce - a definite favourite in our family. Lilah and Max look over the apples before we practice peeling them – slow and steady. They take turns reading measurements and making sure we add the correct amount of lemon juice and cinnamon. Taking care, we heat the pot on the stove and mix the apples as they start to soften while coming to a boil. I always have two sets of eyes watching as I pour the hot applesauce into the sterilized jars. They watch again as I submerge jar into the water bath and then later remove them. Both children cautiously observe to help prevent accidents! While we wait for the jars to process, I take the time to go over food safety and the important reasons behind ensuring we are storing our foods correctly. It’s amazing how much information little minds can absorb about preservation along the way! So many questions asked and answered about this timeless life skill and teaching Lilah and Max to preserve their foods brings me so much joy. Knowing we can savour the best of Southern Ontario’s yield as the days shorten and the temperatures drop is something we have come to love and will continue to appreciate for years to come together!
Jessica Stirling is mother to two spirited children and is raising them rural. She is passionate about teaching them to enjoy life’s beautiful simplicity and the importance of supporting a local food system. She is a big dog lover and day dreamer who enjoys listening to music, wandering aimlessly through fields and forests while getting lost in all of nature’s splendour... typically with her little ones in tow. An arbitrary artist and a random maker of many things - knitted, crocheted, sewn and beyond – she is always adding new mediums to her skill set and fine-tuning those she already has acquired. Much of her adventure is captured on her inspiring blog sowshegrows. com. Life is a journey worth slowing down for, so join her as she stops and pauses for the turtles crossing the road. 28 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 29
Inspired by French Bistros and Lyonnaise Bouchon cuisine, Juniper Dining Co. is a modern fine dining restaurant with a comfortable and casual environment, located in Paris, Ontario. We marry quality local and seasonal ingredients with inventive cocktails, local beers and carefully chosen wines to create memorable experiences, time and time again.
3 Elm St, PariS 519-302-2200
juniperdiningco.ca
12 Broadway St w, PariS 519-442-5555
cedarhouseparis.ca
NE IG
Culinary Arts
OURHOO D HB
NORFOLK COUNTY Normandale The Normandale Century Inn and Restaurant
2326 Front Rd, normandaleinn.com Stay for a few nights or a single meal and enjoy their licensed outdoor patio featuring delicious country cuisine. PORT DOVER David’s Restaurant
168 New Lake Shore Rd, davidsportdover.com This refined Canadian restaurant with lake view, offers an upstairs lounge with live weekend music. Knechtel’s
15 Walker St, knechtelfoods.ca A Port Dover signature beach front destination for over 50 years, serving Lake Erie Perch and Pickerel, burgers, foot-long hot dogs, and ice cream cones.
Stop by to watch the game, grab a pint, hunker down and prepare to never want to leave until you’ve eaten your way through our menu. Whether it’s our sinful pizza, our stop-your-heart sandwiches, or our lick-your-figures-clean wings, we take pride in everything we make.
88 Main St S, HaGERSViLLE 905-768-4040
Lago Trattoria
301 Main St, lagoportdover.ca A menu that features freshly made Italian fare with seasonal twists. Enjoy fresh pasta, sauce, gelato, and more. The Crepe House
2012 Park St, crepehouse.ca A quaint eatery set in an 1880s house features sweet and savoury crepes along with espresso drinks.
Fresh meals Just heat & eat
SAINT WILLIAMS Burning Kiln Winery
1709 Front Rd, burningkilnwinery.ca A spectacular winery that honours agricultural heritage, culinary, and cultural bounty of Norfolk County. SIMCOE Barrel Restaurant
131 Queensway W, barrelrestaurant.ca A warm inviting atmosphere with fresh home-made Italian food, gourmet pizza, chicken, veal, seafood, and gluten-free items. A casual Italian restaurant at its best. Celebrating 30 years of great food. Dine in, patio, takeout, and delivery available.
With over 30 years experience in the food and hospitality industry Chef Scott Dammeier has created this fresh meal prep service to provide healthier meal choices for those who have very busy lifestyles, or simply just want healthier meal choices without processed ingredients that fit everyone’s budget. IDeal for SenIorS
scottsfreshmealprep.com 74 Scott avenue Paris 519-717-2580
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 31
The Combine
352 Norfolk St S, thecombine.ca Fun, honest food built on local bounty. Handmade brick oven, garden patio and wine menu. Joy Bakery Café
At Brantwood Farms, we grow a variety of fruits and vegetables - beginning with rhubarb and asparagus in the spring and picking continually through the summer season to apples and pumpkins in the fall. Be sure to come visit for our Fall Festival Sept. 22-23, Sept. 29-30 and every weekend in October, including holiday Monday. 11am-5pm daily Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin picking, a straw castle, corn maze, pony rides, train ride, face painting, corn box, plenty of snacks and so much more!
126 Robinson St, joyofnorfolk.ca What an excellent place to visit with friends, drink good coffee, eat fabulous baked goods and simply relax! Locally sourced deliciousness at its best. TURKEY POINT Sandbar On The Beach Featuring local food, groceries & prepared meals Fresh from local farmers, bakers & chefs; organic produce, eggs, coffee, dressings, meals, treats & more Visit the market or order online for pick-up
1008 King St. W. Unit A, Hamilton 289-396-2392
realfoodmkt.ca
45 Cedar Dr, sandbaronthebeach.com Come for the breathtaking view of Lake Erie from their incredible patio, then stay and enjoy a meal with an assortment of craft beers and a tasteful wine selection to pair. WATERFORD Kerry’s St. James St. Eatery
10 St James St S, A relaxing and nostalgically retro atmosphere with an amazing cup of joe and tantalizing homemade fare! Ritzy Cakes & Eatery
Scott’s Family Restaurant
GET FRESH!
100 % DELICO USNES S
Order Now delicious
brantwoodfarms.com
1560 Old Brock St, The Catherwood and The Kiln is a family-style restaurant famous for homemade pizza, wings, and the Nitehawk sub! Dine in, or take their flavourful feasts to go.
345 Argyle St S, theargylestreetgrill.com Upscale eatery at family-friendly prices. Mainly fresh and local products makes the Argyle a must-try. Oasis Drive-In
Open daily for breakfast & lunch 7am - to 3pm 74 Scott Ave, PAriS 519-442-6511
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Vittoria The Catherwood and The Kiln
HALDIMAND COUNTY CALEDONIA Argyle St. Grill
Open 7 days a week 251 Powerline Rd, Brantford 519-759-4383
20 Alice St, robinsritzycakes.com A spectacular small-town run bakery also serving coffees, teas, paninis, soups, Belgian waffles, breakfast and so much more. Did I mention their treats?
22 Argyle St S, Opened in 1927, Oasis is Canada’s oldest drive-in restaurant. Pop in for their tasty foot-long hot dogs, golden fresh cut fries or a big scoop ice cream cone.
Cayuga Shelly’s Family Dining Restaurant
JOIN US AT THE
1192 Kohler Rd, shellyscatering.wixsite.com/ shellysrestaurant This unique restaurant is set in a remodelled old church, and quite often has live music serenading its patrons. The home-style fare is also heavenly.
WINCEY MILLS MARKET Located in Downtown Paris
Twisted Lemon
3 Norton St W, twistedlemon.ca Always expect a fine dining experience but make a reservation because this place is a hot spot for flavour junkies. Be prepared for gourmet surprises. DUNNVILLE Julia’s Bistro
217 Niagara St, juliasbistroandcatering.com Julia satisfies anyone’s craving for homemade Italian cooking while adding her unique style! The Minga
146 Queen St, Serious coffees and sweets; many of their ingredients are organic, and most are sourced locally. You can’t beat their organic, fair-trade coffee for $1.80! HAGERSVILLE Hewitt’s Dairy Bar
LOCATED AT 31 MECHANIC STREET IN PARIS
WM-Live-Mag-Ad-Fall-2017.indd 2
winceymills.ca
2017-09-08 11:47 AM
4210 Highway 6, hewittsdairy.com/dairy-bar Featuring an old-time lunch counter feel that looks right out of the 1950’s, a great selection of ice-cream treats and simple diner fare. A reminder that not everything has to change. Main 88 Pizza Pub
88 Main St S, This place offers the best pizza around, with lots of flavourful toppings on a thin crust. The bar is well stocked with beer and spirits, and with large flat screens, it is the perfect place to watch the game. JARVIS D&D’s Family Dining
2091 Main St, dndsfamilydining.com A restaurant that radiates a family atmosphere with great food and personable patrons. Make a reservation!
Dine-In • Delivery • Catering • Take-Out
barrelrestaurant.ca
Today I choose joy! 126 Robinson st. simcoe 519-420-9999 joyofnorfolk.ca
Devine’s Country Restaurant
116 Talbot St E, devinesrestaurant.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 33
Famous for their all-day breakfast, savoury lunches and homemade desserts that are nothing short of divine.
Let’s be friends! We are not a registered charity; we are a community of friends working together to restore the magic of Christmas for families in need and over the last 8 years we have raised $110,888.84 and provided 1386 children with positive Christmas memories!
BRANTFORD Cafe Andreou
104 West St, Fine dining in a 1865 home with Italian and continental cuisine. Enjoy exquisite food with hospitality at its finest. On the Lam
106 Queen st, onthelamrestaurant.com What a unique restaurant. Gourmet and RAW menus, fine wines, craft beers, old school cocktails all in a really cool location. Check them out! Strodes BBQ & Deli
403 Fairview Drive, strodes.ca Open since 1937, Strodes not only carries a variety of select cuts of chicken, beef, poultry, lamb and other specialty meats, but also serves up homestyle lunch options. BRANT COUNTY BURFORD Cravin a Burger
121 King St, A burger place with a 50s 60s rock and roll atmosphere that brags that their food is not fast food; it’s just served fast. The Log House
131 King St, theloghouserestaurant.ca With their family, sports bar geared atmosphere this eatery certainly is a small town gem. Mount Pleasant Devlin’s Country Bistro & Catering
704 Mt. Pleasant Rd. devlinscountrybistro.com This former combined general store, post office and residence has been an enduring fixture in the community for over 125 years, adding Devlin’s Country Bistro in 1990. Offering contemporary Italian cuisine with a unique and delicious Californian flair.
friendswithhearts.com
34 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
St George Abigail’s Tea House
2 Main St, abigailsteahouse.com Located in an old bank in a picturesque village, they offer an exquisite dining experience in a calm and beautifully
ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! WE OPEN EARLY AND STAY LATE EVERYDAY! BRANT COuNTY’S LARGEST PREmIER muLTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE CENTRE. Chiropractors Registered Physiotherapists Athletic Therapy Program Performance Gym Facility Massage Therapists Acupuncture Counselling Services
Osteopathy Bioflex Laser Therapy Bracing Custom Orthotics Footcare Nurse Nutrition Supplements Occupational Therapy
SPECIALTY Family Medicine Injection Clinic Optometrist Performance Gym Sport Specific and Personal Training
Bring this magazine into the clinic and recieve • Reduced Impact Concussion testing – 20.00 per test (Regular Fee $40.00 per test) • 30% off all braces, sports nutrition and clinic merchandise • FREE 15 minute consults with Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Services
Physiotherapy & Rehab Services 519-302-2000 Chiropractic & Rehab Services 519-442-2237 1084 Rest Acres Rd. Units 7 & 8, Paris cobblestonemedicineandrehab.com
THE Beautiful town of PARIS
Fall in love all over again!
PolkaDot Palace PReSChool
Flown in fresh weekly from Canada’s East Coast 31 Mechanic St. Paris Paris, Ontario. Wincey Mills 519-757-7617
Warm, caring atmosphere. Children who are happily involved. A clean, safe environment. A variety of learning materials. Nutritious meals. 6 am - 6 pm
39 Gibson St, Ayr 1084 Rest Acres Rd, Paris
519-302-3200
The Hollow Willow Health Store
For your health and more look for the orange door!
Broker
Mike Manes
CuStom deSiGnS at
54 Grand river St. n. 519-442-2176
36 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
15 Grand river St n, PariS, 519-442-6001 thehollowwillowhealthstore.ca
1 Grand River St. N, Paris 519-761-3591 mikmon.manes@sympatico.c RemaxTwinCity.com
antique-inspired environment. Reservations are always recommended. Chef In A Box
181 Brant Rd, chefinabox.com This gas station turned gourmet food truck (of sorts) sure is something to see, and the food is not bad either especially the lobster mac and cheese. Worth the trip and sure to fill you up! PARIS Juniper Dining Co.
3 Elm St, juniperdiningco.ca Inspired by French bistros and Lyonnaise Bouchon cuisine, this modern restaurant marries quality local and seasonal ingredients with inventive cocktails, local beers and carefully chosen wines to create memorable experiences, time and time again.
Secluded 10 acre property includes large portion of Watts Pond just minutes to all the amenities of Paris. Great family home with amazing potential. Featuring 2 kitchens, 6 bedrooms, 4 bath total, a greenhouse, shed and multi car garage/workshop all with hydro. It is the perfect spot for your dream home!
Stillwaters Plate & Pour
61 Grand River St N, stillwatersplateandpour.ca A globally inspired menu, created by Chef William Thompson of Food Network’s Top Chef Canada, coupled with a breathtaking rooftop patio leaves nothing left to the imagination.
TWO AGENTS, ONE FANTASTIC REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE. Sales Representatives Mindy
Forrester 519-732-5006 & nancy J. Forrester 416-580-8421
1044 Cannon St. E , Hamilton OFFICE: 905-308-8333 forresterandforrester.com
The Cobblestone Pub
111 Grand River St N, cobblestonepub.ca This laid-back, old-time watering hole features a menu of gourmet versions of pub favourites, and is a mainstay for neighbours and visitors alike.
Picked to Perfection
SIX NATIONS of the grand river TERRITORY Ohsweken Burger Barn
3000 4th Line, burgerbarn.ca Known for their amazing gourmet burgers that are always served with a surprising twist. Their southern style comfort food is sure to satisfy any appetite. Offering daily specials and all day breakfast. If you bring the whole family there will be something for all! Village Cafe   1875 4th Line, If you are near Oshweken be sure to go to the Village Cafe. The food is reasonably priced, delicious and the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming. If you are looking for something traditional, the corn soup is a must!
Seeing Red
Open year-rOund 1014 Bay St, pOrt rOwan 519-586-8577 339a Main St, pOrt dOver 519-583-0015
find us in 2 locations 7 days a week 334 Main St. Port Dover 519-583-9493 1049 Bay St. Port rowan 519-586-8181
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 37
With Fall being the season of harvests, our farmers are busy making sure we have what we need to feed our families healthy, hearty meals to keep us going in the cooler months. Supporting local farms is not only a great way to get the freshest produce, but it’s a fantastic way to celebrate Fall and give thanks to the small-town folks who bring our food from farm to table.
Written by Emmalee Nother
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Marc Douglas - marcdouglas.ca
Gaining Ground
s the breeze gets a little crisper, we start reaching for comfort. That wooly sweater that always feels so warm and cozy, a hot cup of tea always within grasp. We start thinking about plenty of perfect pumpkins, sweet, juicy apples, luscious pies and robust stews. What makes harvest time the most wonderful time of the year is the beautiful bounty our farmers bring in from the fields, the rich meats they carefully prepare and the tasty treats that we can make with the freshest ingredients grown, cultivated and cared for with love. Small town farms are all about fall, y’all. Devon Acres Organic Farm Brantford devonacres.wordpress.com Autumn is a lovely time to take in the vibrant colours that nature has to offer. A simple Sunday drive along the Grand River can turn into a magical, picturesque painting of leaves, birch trees and whispering pines which can lead you to a scene you may not often see – majestic Belgian workhorses tilling a field or collecting hay. Devon Acres Farms is located in Brant County, just west of Brantford, and uses this more traditional and charming approach to farming. It’s truly a family affair as the Kirby family, along with the help of the Hewitts and the Simons families run this farm that produces everything from organic vegetables to pasturized meats. You may think you’ve stepped back in time, but this farm truly believes in the power of Agroforestry, the planting of trees and shrubs around crops, to improve and foster the diversity of local plants and animal species in the area. This makes their farm a natural place for our environment to flourish and renew itself, while benefitting the wonderful flora and fauna that grows along the shores of the Grand River.
Along with their keen interest in helping our ecosystem, they also have a vested interest in their local community and sharing the wealth that their farm produces. Devon Acre Farms is currently celebrating their 25th year of supplying those near and far with Community Shared Agriculture or CSA boxes, for short. This program allows them to have a reliable stable market for their crops and a place where anyone who wants vegetables fresh from the farm can receive them on a weekly basis. The best part of participating in this tasty program is visiting the farm and talking with the farmers themselves! This sustainable program helps with seed purchases, equipment repair and many of the costs around getting each season into full swing. If you’d like more information, their website has a detailed list of what is available and how to be a part of the program. Their vast list of veggies and herbs is exquisite and the quality is nothing less than top notch. There’s no boundary to what delicious, delectable harvest meals you can create with their ravishing vegetables! They also have a farm gate stand open to anyone who comes by. It’s worth a little road trip to pop in for some delightful dinner prep and a solid snack! If homemade soups and slow-cooker stews are more your fancy, their pasture-raised cattle, lamb and chickens are a great addition to any harvest meal. The rolling hills, bordered by orange and amber leafed trees, are the roaming ground for all of their herds. Their beef and lamb are available in a number of different popular cuts and are of premium quality. Make sure to plan your trip as soon as possible, as their cuts often sell out quickly due to the mouthwatering taste and high standard of their meat products. Worth of a day trip in itself, this 3-acre farm packs a punch when it comes to everything you need for that perfect harvest meal. If you’re lucky, they’ll have some of their decorative corn or vibrant sunflowers to adorn your family table with as the perfect seasonal centerpiece!
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Marc Douglas - marcdouglas.ca
Brantwood Farms Brantford brantwoodfarms.com If you’re looking for a farm in full fall fun mode, Brantwood Farms is your one-stop-shop for food, fun and festivities! Just a little jaunt down the country road, located in Brant County, this farm has it all for a full day of family activities. Every fall, this farm transforms into a magnificent display of everything you’ve ever wanted to do during the season. Corn maze? Check. Pick-your-own apple season? Check. Hayrides and a haunted barn? Check and double check. It’s a total fall experience not to be missed. Early September opens up the beginning of pick your own apple season, a time that is eagerly waited for by many in the area. With 18 different varieties of crisp, juicy apples, they corner the market on the best varieties and carry through the entire season. Starting with the Sunrise and Gingergold types, they go through to some newer favourites like Ambrosia and Honeycrisp. Let us not forget the staples of Macintosh, Empire and Courtland! If you are looking for that perfect apple for your next delectable dessert, start here at Brantwood and make it a date to pick your own. It’s almost impossible not to eat one before you’re in your car! There’s something truly magical about a fresh picked apple you plucked from the tree yourself. Now, Brantwood Farms wasn’t always the fall festival hotspot that it is today. Founded in 1891, the Pate Family
has planted and grown its roots in Brant County from a traditional farm to what it is today. Over decades, various aspects have changed but their pride, passion and dedication to agriculture still remains the same. Their goal is to bring the best homegrown and locally produced veggies to the local community. If they do not grow something themselves, they carefully source from local growers in the area, supporting their neighbours and supporting local. Every fall, Brantwood Farms transforms into a fall festival. On weekends the farm is open to the public for young and old to enjoy. You can do the traditional events like the epic corn maze, pony rides and hayrides or you can opt for something a little different. Have you tried pumpkin bowling? Maybe you’d like to test your skills at the apple sling shot? There are even tractor Go-Karts. If you can imagine a fall event or activity, chances are Brantwood Farms has it included in their weekend fall festivities. There’s absolutely something for everyone, at any age! We suggest you make a day out of it as you will not want to miss any of what this farm has to offer. Along with their autumn affairs and produce, they also carry a wide variety of baked goods, like fresh from the oven breads, cookies, pies and dumplings that change with the season’s fresh offerings. They also have a plethora of preserved products including jams, jellies, spices and pickles. If you can’t make it to the farm, many of their products can be found at local farmer’s markets in Brantford, Paris and the Hamilton area. Start planning your weekends now, you may want to visit this farm once or twice, because it’s just that nice!
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Marc Douglas - marcdouglas.ca
Orange Door Acres Mount Elgin orangedooracres.ca Located in a small little community with a big soul, Orange Door Acres is nothing short of a harvest heritage homestead. Originally built in 1880, this farm has a rich history in Mount Elgin, a tiny town just a stone’s throw from Ingersoll, in Oxford County. Owners Tim and Donna Norris were self-proclaimed city folk from Cambridge, looking for a change of scenery after the last of their children flew the coop. With hopes of a small hobby farm, their search led them to this wonderful area where they quickly learned that farming was not just all feathers and fields! They were honoured to be the third family to own this little piece of heaven nestled in between lush hillsides, country fields as far as the eye could see and dense wood lots. But their 5-and-a-half-acre farm needed a few updates to make their country dreams come alive. In true small town fashion, their neighbours, along with the rest of the Mount Elgin community pulled together and offered their help and support to make the farm what it is today. With humble beginnings, they created a small chicken coop from an existing horse stall and in 2017 they were accepted into the Artisanal Chicken program through the Chicken Farmers of Ontario. Not too long after, a powerful storm left a portion of their barn destroyed. Turning the negative situation into a positive one, the Norris Family saw it as an opportunity to build an addition to their barn, allowing them to expand and become the farm they are today. Currently, their pasture raised chickens are sold at three farmers markets, three retail outlets, two restaurants, as well as their retail store located on site. It’s been a labour of love, and worth every bead of sweat and ruffled feather in the process. Their biggest reward is how the community
and beyond has embraced their little Orange Door farm! The ruffled feathers along the way have led to farming some of the top artisanal chicken in the area. Humanely raised without the use of antibiotics, their chickens live a lavish life, grazing outdoors in the fresh country air, the way the Norris family believes it should be. This love and care creates the most tender and flavourful chicken you’ve ever had – perfect for slow roasting, creating a meal that could feed a family for a few days in the chilly days of autumn. The most common question they’re often asked is why they named their farm “Orange Door Acres”. Staying true to their roots and the traditions of those who owned the farm before them, they painted the doors on their farm the same colour as their tractor. Before the farm was aptly named, those who took the opportunity to visit would tell people to just go to the “farm with the orange door” and it stuck. Often the simplest things in life give light to glorious little gifts, and the naming of their farm was just that! Taking a trip to find that infamous orange door is well worth it. With a wide variety of chicken products to choose from, they can satisfy everything from your Sunday night football chicken wing cravings to your warm chicken soup for the soul days. It’s a farm worth clucking about!
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Kaytee Dalton Photography kayteedaltonphotography.com
King’s Heritage Farm Hagersville kingsheritagefarm.com Nestled just outside Hagersville in Haldimand County sits a small, sustainable family farm that’s cholk full of seasonal produce, flocks of chickens and the most mouthwatering, unique homemade preserves. King’s Heritage Farm was founded in 1945 by Lloyd and Margaret King and is now proudly run by their granddaughter Katharine Brown, her husband Andrew and their four children. Lovingly carrying on the traditions that the King Family laid the groundwork for, the Brown Family has not only maintained the grounds but has done a wonderful job of including new elements that showcase their heritage. Although on the smaller side of things, this farm offers a large amount of award-winning, bountiful goods. If you look closely, you may recognize some of their products from the Norfolk County Fair where they have taken home first prize honours for their old fashioned jams and jellies! With a talent for preserves, Katherine uses recipes and techniques she learned from her Grandma Margaret, truly honouring the farm’s deep family roots. The peach jalapeño jelly is a showstopper and tastes like a little bite of heaven paired with any local cheese. The perfect amount of sweet with just enough heat! A new addition to their farm came in 2014 when the Brown Family decided to help with the diminishing bees in the area. The beautifully coloured hives are hard to miss on the property and are fully managed by the entire family.
These hives not only help to pollinate the produce on the farm, but help the local ecosystem to grow and be a healthier place for both man and beast to thrive. The raw, artisan honey is hand cranked out of the comb and solar energy helps push it through a sieve to create a healthy, floral and wonderfully flavourful wildflower honey. With family traditions being the core of King’s Heritage Farm, they continue with many time-honoured activities. They still raise a small amount of livestock, like pasture-raised chickens, laying hens and Woodlot Tamworth pork. Despite their size, they harvest a great deal of fresh eggs from their happy, little brown hens who spend their days living their best lives, outside scratching and eating grasses. Their roasting chickens live the same lifestyle and although that means raising them takes a little longer, the final product is a tender meat with pure flavour. These chickens are so delicious you have to join a waiting list for them! Their veggie patch follows suit; it may be small but it sure is mighty! Always staying true to their roots, they use their very own produce to create their jams and jellies, so that should give you a little glimpse into the variety they offer. The beauty of it all is that they have a self-serve farm shop where you can go and peruse all of their seasonal offerings. They also welcome small groups of children, birders and nature lovers alike to take in the local biodiversity of the farm and it’s 45-acre, 150-year old woodlot complete with a little lake. With a passion for all things sustainable and environmental, Katharine’s late father and her daughter Alysse began actively spreading milkweed in the wildflower pasture to support the Monarch butterfly migration in the area. It was and still is a labour of love and a wonderful way of continuing the legacy of her father and her entire family.
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Our totally insider, Town-by-town, hidden-gem-by-hidden-gem, guide to what’s new, hot, and legendary on Six Nations Of The Grand River and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation TERRITORIES All the stuff you absolutely must eat, do, buy and indulge in to make the most of your time off the sofa and loving our county! Written & Photographed by Jay Perry
I really need to thank everyone who has been following my Small Town Sunday articles. I am thrilled with all the messages, feedback, and ideas on where to venture to next and I hope to meet some of you on one of my many adventures! One of the things I enjoy most about Live Small Town Magazine, is how I get to experience all of these incredible events that I never knew existed while stepping way outside my comfort zone and this issue started with just that. One of the suggest46 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
ed attractions, when we announced we were going to explore Six Nations of the Grand and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, was to attend the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow or the Three Fires Homecoming Pow Wow. Although they sounded interesting, I did not fully understand what a pow wow was. I knew it had to do with Indigenous cultures but it wasn’t until my quick Google search that I understood that pow wows are celebrations that showcase Indigenous music, dance, apparel, food and crafts. Unfortunately I would be away at
the end of August and would miss Three Fires so I decided to check out the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow in early July at Chiefswood Tent and Trailer Park. I was a mere ten steps past the entrance gates when the feeling of elation started to consume my entire body. All I could think of was, “Where am I? This is the best festival ever!”. Rows of food tents to my right, rows of various crafts and merchandise vendors to my left, and straight ahead was the pow wow dance area. My love for everything edible automatically drew me right but the dancing tugged harder at my imagination
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and won me over. The clothing was mesmerizing. Never had I been this close to traditional Indigenous dancers and it was incredibly beautiful. I remained transfixed for a few dances before the delicious aromas lured me away. Lunch time! As I walked up and down the rows of food, my hunger slowly grew more intense but I had no idea where to stop. Each booth contained an array of items that I would love to try. All at once Frybread Frenzies’ jumped out, as an item on the menu that caught my attention and pulled me in like a high powered tracker beam. The Traditional Navajo Taco! Tacos would be my go-to food every day, all the time, and every meal if I could and the lineup was long so I knew it was worth the wait. I ordered a beef Navajo taco, still not knowing what to expect. Would it be a soft or hard shell? Would it be spicy or mild? Would it be so delicious that I would spend the rest of the day in line ordering more tacos? Well, my idea of a taco was thrown out the window when they handed the magical meal to me. Thick and soft Frybread lined the bottom, followed by a homemade spicy beef and bean mixture and then topped generously with cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. It was delicious and could not be eaten without a fork and knife.
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I had a fantastic time attending my first pow wow - from the phenomenal cultural dancing, the tacos, the craft vendors, to the generosity of everyone there. I highly recommend you experience one every summer. The entire community comes together to celebrate each other and everyone is welcome. I was so honoured to witness these Indigenous people keeping their traditions alive. Although I try my best to cover a tonne in one visit, the pow wow easily engulfed the entire day which meant I would be returning again soon to explore more. Talking Earth Pottery was another place suggested by many. The Smith family was said to overflow with fiercely creative and grounded talent that spanned generations and
mediums. Greeted by Steve Smith, a life long potter creating alluring art with his hands, I was blown away at the care, precision of the stories woven into the pots. These pieces are easily worthy of a presence in the top shelf galleries of Paris, and New York. In fact, I believe buyers would be salivating. Steve was so gracious to tour me through his private workshop where the magic happens and the more he spoke, the more I was in awe of his modesty and goodness. I was moved by how important it was that his wife, daughter and granddaughter were all involved in creating the pottery pieces and that seemed to be what he was most proud of. I also had a short talk with Steve’s incredible daughter Santee Smith.
She is a mother, multi-disciplinary artist, award-winning producer, and choreographer. The longer I spoke to her, the more I became completely fascinated by her. The work alone that she is doing for Indigenous communities is admirable and her accomplishments are vast. Be sure to check her out at kahawidance.org. I left feeling pretty Zen but excited for my next stop. Once upon a time for about five years, music was my profession and I couldn’t leave without paying a visit to Jukasa Recording Studios. Again, I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially in such a remote area. Possibly a recording studio in someone’s basement entered my
mind. But, as with the majority of my excursions, I was left blown away and completely surprised. Jukasa is a massive building and collection of media - a recording studio, radio station, post production, and a school. It is a literal playground that has been the eyes and ears to artists from all over the world. I walked past the gold and platinum records of Three Days Grace and July Talk, just two insanely talented bands of the hundreds who have made music with Jukasa. I was given a full studio tour from head engineer, and really rad dude, Darren Magierowski, who filled me in on how the studio operates. Although numerous major
label bands are drawn to Jukasa, they also serve indie bands. In addition, if you and your friends want to lay down a couple tracks, they will welcome you too. My previous studio experiences have been mainly with Toronto-based venues. They often have a knack for making the entire experience feel shady and so it was nice to see that there was an alternative solution so close to home. Visit jukasamediagroup. com and prepared to be amazed at the roster of talent that has been through their doors. Driving passed Six Nations, on the way to Port Dover, there are giant billboards that attempt to lure you off
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course by boasting the best burgers around. Yes, I’m talking about the legendary Burger Barn. I’m upset at myself for not taking the bait before. Luckily, today my sidekick was someone who loves adventures just as much as I do and this lovely lady was none other than my seven-yearold niece, Lauren. After picking her up, we took a 45-minute cruise from Grimsby. Driving the back roads so she could enjoy the horse farms along the way. We even spotted a llama farm!
Once there, we were pleasantly greeted and taken to our booth. Lauren opted for the chicken fingers, fries and strawberry milkshake while I wanted to get crazy so I ordered the signature Mac and Cheeseburger - a burger topped with their homemade mac & cheese, crispy bacon and cheddar cheese with a side of onion rings. The burger menu was massive and although it was hard to commit to a selection, after taking my first bite, I was extremely happy with my decision. Having mac & cheese on a burger was a first for me but I can confidently consider it as one of my top five burger experiences of all time. I also smeared it all over my face, and my niece was polite but noticeably disappointed by my sloppy eating habits and appearance. Seriously aim to make it out to Burger Barn this month, and every month after that. Bring your family and definitely bring an appetite.
Thanks to everyone at Burger Barn for making our visit a memorable experience. We will be back very soon! With that, my latest adventure had come to a close but I was already eagerly planning my return. There are so many places suggested by readers that I still need to explore. If you have recommendations please let me know so I can include them in my itinerary for next time. I already know I’ll be returning to the pow wows next year!
If you enjoyed this piece and wish to see live videos while I’m adventuring into these small towns, then follow me on Instagram at @jayperry for behind the scenes look at what is going on. But more importantly, where should I head to next?
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Deep Roots
Did you know: According to Bell, inspiration for the telephone came to him on 26 July 1874 during a summer visit to Brantford. While watching the currents in the Grand River, Bell reflected on sound waves moving through the air and realized that with electricity, “it would be possible to transmit sounds of any sort� by controlling the intensity of the current. Based on his new insight, he sketched a primitive telephone.
Alexander Graham Bell at the opening of the long-distance line from New York to Chicago
Living History
With the fast pace of our lives seeming to accelerate at every turn, we should all take a moment to reflect on the numerous stories, places, memories and people that have truly made here one of the greatest places on earth to call home. Each of our communities, counties and towns have contributed their own unique piece to the tapestry that can collectively be called Canada; and there is no better way to chart a course towards the future, than by glancing back to honour the past.
A Grave Mistake
Ian Thompson leads brave souls through Caledonia’s historic downtown on lantern-lit two-hour walking tours every Saturday eve in October, featuring real-life ghosts and ghouls that interact with tour-goers. Reserve your tickets below. caledoniahistory.org/tours
Totally not the same unfortunate horse but you get the idea.
As the chill of winter returns, the spirit of young Jessie Macgregor warns of the ever present danger it brings BY Ian D. Thompson U.E. Caledonia’s most recognized landmark was our one and only nine-span bridge. Since its completion in 1927, it has been the only bridge of its kind in Canada. The concrete bridge, reinforced with iron rods, was opened for traffic on Friday November 27th 1927. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 3 pm on that Friday afternoon; the ribbon was cut by T.J. Mahoney who was the M.L.A. for South Wentworth at the time. The first car to cross was that of the wife of the contractor. Caledonia’s first bridge was washed away when the ice broke on the river in 1861. Two temporary bridges were constructed between 1861 and 1874. When the next bridge was built in 1875, it was built to stand through the ravages of the Grand River. In 1926, a span collapsed when a truck carrying a load of stone crossed. The span was replaced, but the old bridge was in need of a replacement. The winter ice froze thickly, shore to shore, during the winter. Many farmers and townspeople would use the ice as a road. Our story begins during the days of Caledonia’s 2nd bridge. The 6 span iron
bridge was built with an iron gate at its North end. A toll was necessary to cross the bridge. The iron swing gate was built to prevent drivers from crossing without paying the toll. It cost 25 Cents for a team of horses, and a single horse cost 15 Cents. Many of the people that used the ice as a road did so to avoid paying the toll to cross using the bridge. On a cold spring day, Miss Jessie Macgregor was told by her mother to go across the river and buy a loaf of bread from A.E. Jones Bakery. She was given enough money to pay the toll for her horse to cross the bridge and for the loaf of bread. As Jessie was making her way down Dumfries Street (Currently Argyle Street South) she thought about the bakery. She had a craving for a sweet treat. She pictured the display window; it was always full of cinnamon buns, butter tarts and the bakeries famous butterfly buns. She licked her lips at the thought of all the yummy treats. She approached the river and made a quick decision to go across the ice, which had not yet broken. With the 15 cents she would have used to cross the bridge
she could buy a butterfly bun. She made it safely across the river and tied her horse to the lamp-post in front of the bakery. She bought the loaf of bread and her sweet treat and left the bakery. She mounted her horse and started back towards home. She got to the river and noticed some cracks in the ice farther downstream. Nevertheless, she did not have enough money to cross the bridge so she started across the ice. When she got about half way across the river the ice beneath her began to shift and gave way underneath the horse. The horse fell into the cold waters of the river. At that time Jessie had no idea of what was about to happen. All around her the ice started to crack, there was an ear splitting noise and Jessie realized that the ice above the dam had broken! The ice cold water came rushing over the dam towards her and she was pulled under. At the time a contest was being held by the Caledonia Volunteer Fire Department
and the person who guessed the exact date and time that the ice broke would win a prize. A member of the fire Department was always out watching so that they could determine precisely when the ice broke. This day was no exception, and a member of the fire department saw the ice break, and a young girl go down the river with it. He quickly called the rest of the fire department and they were there within 10 minutes. Despite their best efforts, Jessie drowned in the river that day, just under the South end of the bridge, just three meters short of the bank. To this day, those who walk under the bridge or walk along the West shore of the river on the South side of town when the river is frozen, claim to hear screams. Some even say they can feel the touch of someone grabbing at their ankles, as if trying to get out of the river. Is this a coincidence, or is it the spirit of Jessie Macgregor attempting to warn people to stay away from the river’s edge?
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Aging Gracefully
In this fast-paced age of instant gratification, it’s often easy to overlook and under appreciate the value of a hard day’s work. Sometimes the best results come from patience, process and purpose; after all, good things come to those who wait. BY Tim Zwart
Please feel free to reach out and let us know about other special folks, businesses, and organizations that are aging gracefully within your community!
History is all around us, and sometimes it pops up in some of the most unlikely of places. Have you ever been in your favourite local spot, looked around at the charming atmosphere surrounding you and thought to yourself: I wonder how long they’ve been here? As a writer and history buff, stumbling across a great story can be exhilarating. But sharing that story, conveying the emotions I felt and invoking them in others, is where the real excitement and sense of satisfaction lies. The following are three of my favourite examples for the latest instalment of our Aging Gracefully series. Brantford Golf and Country Club
Brantford brantfordgolfandcountryclub.com For those who enjoy the sport of golf, history often plays a big role. One of the most ancient of our pasttimes, the modern origins of the game date back to the romantic isle of Scotland in the mid-1400s, and it has been growing in popularity ever since. Golfers will often go to extraordinary lengths to experience that history firsthand, and there is perhaps no better course to discover it than the Brantford Golf and Country Club. One of the oldest clubs in Canada and fourth oldest in
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all North America, these hallowed grounds have been making and sharing memories for over 150 years. And it’s not hard to see why. Designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson, Canada’s “godfather” of course development, the course is the perfect blend of breathtaking scenery and challenging play. Moving several times since its creation in 1873, it now occupiesa site that is both picturesque and serene. Located along the banks of the Grand River, the club has gone on to produce some of the best male and female talent in the game today, with PGA veteran David Hearn, and LPGA mainstays Alena Sharp and Jennifer Kirby among them. A visit is a must for both locals and newcomers alike, with truly something for everyone!
Knights Beach Resort
Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association
Tillsonburg havards.com Few things inspire more awe and wonder than the miracle that is flight. To watch the majesty of an eagle coasting through the skies, or to witness a multi-ton assemblage of metal and technology take to the air is nothing short of amazing. It allows you to channel the very same wonder and innovation contained within the Wright brothers during their famous “first flight” of 1903, and one can quickly become hooked as a result. Exhibit A: the men and women of the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association. Established in 1985 at a small grass airstrip in Woodstock, ON, the CHAA has been going strong ever since, attracting both newcomers and enthusiasts alike. What is a Harvard, you may be asking? Developed in the late 1930s, these single propeller planes were designed to be used as training aircraft for the US Air Corps, and were then introduced to Canada a short time later. One of the first to fly one was RCAF pilot Norm Beckham—one of the original founders of CHAA--and he quickly fell into a life-long love affair with the plane. He talked constantly about acquiring a Harvard, and quickly did just that as soon as he left the RCAF. The original plane was a fixer-upper purchased for $4100, but the club has now grown to include international members the world over.
Dunnville knightsbeach.com As collective members of the human race, we all have similar stories, memories and experiences that leave a profound impact on our lives. We all remember our first haircut, lost tooth, romantic crush, or learning the hard way why we shouldn’t stick things in electrical sockets. And included in that group for many of us, are the nights spent camping out under the stars or frolicking in sand and surf at the beach. It’s almost impossible to do either without enjoyment—if you discount the presence of bugs while camping—but to do both simultaneously is almost assuredly a good time. Enter the good folks of Knights Beach Resort. For over 50 years, this hidden gem has been providing camping, beach, cottage and RV fun for singles and families alike, and has no shortage of amenities or activities to treat you. Located in Haldimand, ON on the banks of the mighty Lake Erie, Knights Beach is the perfect spot for a weekend away, day trip, or social gathering. The term “something for everyone” tends to get thrown around quite often, but in this case it is quite literally true! The resort offers everything from on-site laundry service, to sporting courts, to wagon and trails rides, a games room, children’s outdoor playground, and everything in between. Be sure to visit this reigning “Campground of the Year” winner!
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Alligators in the river!
A long legacy of transformative innovation has blazed the Canadian trail to prosperity and these Norfolk forefathers lead the charge BY Tim Zwart When one thinks of the word “alligator”, you may envision long rows of smiling teeth, a snout and eyes gliding just above the water’s surface, the violence of nature documentaries, or a sub-par athletic team from the University of Florida. Most think of them as the ultimate apex predator, perfectly evolved for their ecosystem, constant, steady and timeless. A word association result you are unlikely to get? The combination of alligators and Canada. And though not normally thought of together, alligators have been roaming Canadian waters since the late 1880s! Of course, we’re not talking about actual alligators here, but something just as powerful and perfectly suited for the waters they occupy: the alligator tug. For those not familiar, the tug boat has historically been one of the most important water vessels to our history and civilization. Still in use today, the
objective of the tug is quite opposite to its scaly, reptile counterpart. It typically exists to save, guide and assist other boats through treacherous or tedious terrain, chaperoning them away from potential danger. But in Norfolk County, the rich history of alligator tugs is something far more innovative and essential. First brought to the waters of the River Lynn by James
Peachy and John West in 1889, the alligator tug revolutionized the farming and milling industry seemingly overnight. Taking the name from its adaptive nature, the contraption was one of the first to operate seamlessly between land and water, leveraging the power of steam and simple mechanics to move both itself or large loads of logs through the water with ease. Attach a cable to a secure spot several hundred yards away, and the tug could propel itself over land surprisingly easy; once it hit water, large paddles in the rear allowed it to con-
tinue the journey and deliver up to 60,000 logs to their destination in no time. Soon alligators were “breeding” and popping up all over Canadian waterways for the better part of the next five decades. But as with most technology, Father Time eventually came calling for the alligator tug. The invention of the diesel engine rendered them largely obsolete, and most were abandoned and forgotten. Only a single tug remains, rescued in 1991 and restored to its original glory. It now permanently resides moored off the coast of the Lynn River, back where it all started.
Tim Zwart is a featured columnist and frequent contributor to Live Small Town, and the former Editor-in-Chief for Outdoor Lifestyle magazine. His work has been featured on several media outlets, and he is a frequent guest blogger on topics ranging from landscaping to politics. His first book, Reload: Changing The Way We View Guns in America is available on Amazon, and he is currently wrapping up completion of his debut novel, tentatively titled Divided Minds. Transplanted American and dedicated single dad, Tim spends a bulk of his free time raising his two children, Skylar and Jaxton. His writing can be found at timjzwart.com, and on all major social media platforms. 56 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
ADVE RTI S I N G F EATU R E
Adventure Awaits!
They say if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. Now, Fanshawe College can help turn your love of the outdoors into the career you’ve always wanted. Adventure Expeditions & Interpretive Leadership is an accelerated co-op diploma program combining academic courses and field expeditions. Offered exclusively at Fanshawe College’s Simcoe/Norfolk Regional Campus, this exciting program will prepare students to be leaders in the growing fields of eco and adventure tourism and interpretive guiding. This program provides the training, practical skills and eco-tourism industry experience to prepare graduates for work locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. This unique program embodies 3 equally important goals – developing world-class naturalists; training skilled adventure/outdoor leaders; and preparing talented and savvy business people. Students graduate with a passion for sharing with others the wonder and beauty of nature. Students develop knowledge and skills in a variety of areas including: marketing, business, communication strategies and media, ecological practices and principles, ethical engagement of wildlife photography, flora and fauna, geology, group assistance and guiding, environmental interpretation and education, professional ethics, management of national and heritage of natural areas, interpretive techniques and wilderness first aid. Nestled in the heart of Norfolk County, it is offered in a unique and beautiful environmental area, right in our own backyards. Through this program, our students have the rare and amazing opportunity to learn about this renowned conservation region. Students will also experience 3 Adventure
Expeditions (The North Shore, Winter Camping Techniques, and Canoeing and Kayaking) and a 4-month co-op work term in addition to their classroom studies. They also now have the opportunity to earn 16 industry certifications upon graduation, ensuring they have the skills and qualifications to be successful in a variety of relevant disciplines. The Program Co-Coordinator, Robin Tapley, has been called “Father Nature” a nickname that he’s earned through years of interacting with the natural world on an increasingly profound level. Driven by curiosity, a passion for adventure and enough energy for ten, Robin seeks to explore the diversity of the natural world to create unique ways to share this with others. He has led expeditions around the world including Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, and Mount Everest. Robin has worked to meld his experiences with the many opportunities for adventure found right in our backyard. Are you interested in becoming a student of this incredible program? Come by to tour the campus, or call us today to talk about any questions you might have, and start your adventure, right here in Norfolk County! Let us help to turn your passions into the perfect career, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
634 Ireland Road, Simcoe, ON 519-426-8260 fanshawec.ca/simcoe Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 57
Heirlooms & Antiques Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.
Looking to spend a day antique hunting? Need to find that perfect period piece to enhance your home? Take a drive down our country roads, stopping at flea markets and local shops to search for treasures then pop into one of our quaint eateries for some local fare... Here are some of our favourite places. Alfred Street Nostalgia
97 Alfred St, Brantford Anderson Auctions
7 Clonmel Ln, Port Dover www.jimandersonauctions.com Artiques Hagersville
23 Main St, N, Hagersville Caresa Antiques
1182 Windham Rd 9, Windham Centre Cattail Cove Interiors
1012 Bay St #4, Port Rowan CJ’s Antiques & Refinishing
4080 Hwy. 24, Vanessa cjsantiques.ca Classic Vault Emporium
A lifestyle like no other!
12 Main St, S, St George Colonel Mustard Antiques
7014 Hamilton Rd, Putnam Courtland Treasures Antiques and Emporium
Port Rowan, Port Dover, Long Point, Turkey Point and the shores of Lake Erie Adult communities, cottages and lake town homes
CINDY VANDERSTAR, SALES REP.
519-718-2460
682 James St, Delhi Crossroads Antique Market
1146 Colborne St E, Brantford Top Trending Fashions
Artizan, Grace & Lace Parsley & Sage Catherine Lillywhite Jacqueline Kent Pinkstix purses GorGEoUS décor!!
cindy@peninsularealty.ca
Deer Creek Antiques & Creations
1703 Norfolk County Rd 45, Langton Flyers Cafe & Bakery (some antiques)
144 Queen St, Dunnville Franni’s Attic
1011 Bay St, Port Rowan Grand River Antiques
1540 east, Hwy 54, Caledonia grandriverantiques.com Haldimand House Marketplace
Call me to live the dream!
22 Argyle St S, Caledonia haldimandhouse.com Henry Dobson Antiques Inc
955781 Gibson Ln, Drumbo Independently owned & operated
The Kilted Moose
PENINSULA REALTY INC. BROKERAGE
57 Talbot St W, Aylmer
1008 BAY ST, PORT ROWAN 519-586-2626
peninsularealty.ca
58 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
1407 Hwy 59, Port rowan 519.586.3817
Main Station Collectables & Pawn Shop
28 Alice St, Waterford
Maus Park Antiques
289 Pinehurst Rd, Paris mausparkantiques.ca Miller & Miller Auctions
59 Webster St, New Hamburg millerandmillerauctions.com Modern Hipster Antiques
70 Thames St S, Ingersoll modernhipster.com Needful Things Pawn shop
75 Broadway, Tillsonburg Nice Old Stuff
2037 Main St N, Jarvis niceoldstuff.ca Old Country Store
Simply Nic Nutrition is dedicated to helping empower people to make healthy choices for themselves and create longterm and sustainable goals and changes.
80 Alice St, Waterford Old Town Hall Auctions
13 Burwell St, Paris oldtownhallauctions.com One of a Kind Antiques & Collectibles
97 Wilson St, Woodstock oneofakindantiquemall.com Orange Cat Antiques
200 Brant Ave, Brantford Paris Road Antiques
548 Paris Rd, Paris parisroadantiques.blogspot.com Pickers Antiques Warehouse
Inside C- Squared Menswear 334 Main St., Port Dover & 1049 Bay St., Port Rowan (opening June 1st) + Crossroads Trading Post & Flea Market 1146 Colborne St. E., Brantford The Henhouse Shoppe
163719 Brownsville Rd., Brownsville Tillsonburg Antiques Plus
6 Old Vienna Rd, Tillsonburg Time Capsule Antiques & Retro Nostalgia
For information on coaching, workshops, or menu plans please visit simplynicnutrition.com or email info@simplynicnutrition.com
168 Queen St, Dunnville timecapsuleretro.blogspot.ca Towpath on the Grand
Experience Wee Watch
14 Talbot St W, Jarvis towpathonthegrand.com
There’s so much we can help you with. Call us and let’s talk!
Toys ‘n Stock
676888 16 Line, Tavistock Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association
Childcare Careers Home Childcare
2041 ON-6, Jarvis wafma.ca
Proudly serving our community since 1984!
Waterford Antique Market
80 B Alice St, Waterford waterfordantiquemarket.com Webster R Antiques
brantford@weewatch.com
weewatch.com
519-758-2703
1146 Colborne St, E, Brantford Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 59
Arts & CULTURE
For many people, music is an invaluable part of daily life and often contributes to your mood. Some music can make you feel joy, sadness, energized or melancholy and so it should not be a surprise that music therapy is seriously considered by many wellness practitioners as a viable prescription to managing life struggles. On November 17, the CIGI Campus in Waterloo is hosting Music Care Conferences 2018 and will be discussing the connection between music and well-being as we age. They will address issues such as cognitive health, rehabilitation, dealing with grief and loss, while reducing isolation and loneliness. The Music Care Conference is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the role music plays in care. Participants include allied healthcare providers, family and volunteer caregivers, care receivers, musicians, faith-based and community agencies++ musiccareconference.ca
Canadian singer, songwriter, actor, author, and local Hamilton expat, Ian Thomas will be on hand at this year’s Music Care Conference, sharing his very own story of music and wellness. ianthomas.ca
Inspiring Minds
Arts and culture are an important resource in our path to building stronger connections with the present and the past, serving to document and preserve stories and ensure that history is shared. They beautify public spaces, help forge relationships where there is diversity and become stewards of strength in community. At Live Small Town, we love to promote local participation and bonds. We believe one of the best ways to engage is through the arts.
Coming November 16-24 to the St. Mary’s Parish Hall
On the Map
Break a leg!
The artistic spirit of local theatre is alive and well in small town in Southwestern Ontario and the variety is limitless! BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL Ichthys Theatre Productions Brantford ichthystheatre.ca In 2000, Lorna Stratton made a life time dream come true and created an inclusive community theatre where local people can use their talents to make the world a better place. The surround presentation style enables audience participation as it brings all ages together to produce works that focus on social awareness and relevance to all generations with thought-provoking stories.
Brantford Comedy Festival Brantford brantfordcomedy.com The excitement begins to build in August as hundreds of comedians compete in the weekly competitions held at The Polish Hall in Brantford, hoping for a chance to work the stage at the Sanderson Centre for Performing Arts in September and win the $10,000 prize. Jamie Stephans’ love of comedy lead him to create this competition, now in its 9th year and it has led to many rising stars.
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Walters Dinner Theatre Bright walterstheatre.com Grandpa played the fiddle and so began a lifetime of family musical entertainment. Eleven years ago, after spending their lives touring the world, this musical family fulfilled a dream and opened their own theatre on their family farm. A big red barn holds all the magic to make your night out complete. Enjoy a country style buffet, and a wide range of musical and dramatic entertainment.
Stars On Stage Dance & Performing Arts Caledonia starsonstage.ca Even as young as two and half years of age, your kids can make lifelong friends while they learn team work, listening skills and growing their self esteem while having a great time doing it. Krista Damant believes that a family-friendly place to study dance, theatre, and vocals should be available to everyone so she also offers Dance Therapy classes for those that require special care.
Otter Valley Playhouse Tillsonburg theatretillsonburg.com Bringing theatre experiences to the area for over 35 years, this community playhouse has gone from performing between basketball games at the local high school to offering three performances every season in their own theatre. Located in a picturesque country setting on Potters Road in Tillsonburg, their summer theatre camps for children and teens also produces a teen production each year.
Simcoe Little Theatre Simcoe simcoelittletheatre.org Enabling local talent to shine for 73 years, this community-based, not-forprofit theatre is run by dedicated volunteers who help with the mission of joyfully creating entertainment in one of the longest running community theatre groups in Southern Ontario. People of all ages are encouraged to bring their love of performing to the stage with this inspiring organization.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 61
Oxford County artist David Skinner started painting after retirement as a means of passing the time and utilize his brain. davidskinnerart.ca
Arts & CULTURE
By Adrianna Michell
Oxford Creative Connections
oxfordcreativeconnections.com Heritage is at the heart of the Oxford’s creative community. With a mission to preserve local arts and culture, this non-profit brings their diverse membership together through festivals, events, and galleries. Their repertoire includes visual artists, photographers, musicians, sculptors, and more. This fall you can support Southern Ontario’s artists by visiting one of their events like the Remembrance day art exhibits. Stay connected to community, regional art works, and history this season with Oxford Creative Connections.
FROM AROUND HERE We certainly have a prime breading
ground for talented folks. Here are just a few!
Phil Hartman Brantford Comedian Best known for his 8 years on the comedy show Saturday Night Live, Phil helped develop the character Pee-wee Herman and appeared in many successful Hollywood films but unfortunately was not lucky in love and was killed by his bride in 1998.
John Bemrose Paris Arts journalist, novelist, poet and playwright This Paris-born journalist, novelist, and professor’s work can be read in The Globe and Mail and the National Post. Read his latest novel The Last Woman for an engrossing story set in Ontario’s cottage-country.
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Michelle Nolden Brantford Actress The Time Traveler’s Wife and Saving Hope actress has been gracing the screens of the film and television industry since 2000. The Gemini Award nominee has also tried her hand at writing and directing, with her 2007 debut, Loonie.
Graham Greene Six Nations Actor Over the last 40 years, this award-winning First Nations actor has appeared on screen and stage. Well known for The Green Mile and the Twilight saga, his recent work includes a Riverdale episode and the film Molly’s Game.
nikki campbell-schram
Photo by Sara Moody Veldhuis
Port Dover artwithheartstudio.ca Arts and youth programs are the centre of this local gal’s work. Well known in the community because of her involvement in the arts scene, Nikki Campbell-Schram works to provide spaces of empowerment and creativity for youth in her various roles. The director of Art With a Heart, kids art director at Waterford Old Town Hall, and the cultural ambasDreamcatcher Charitable Foundation
Six Nations dcfund.ca Kids, community, and culture encompass this foundation’s mandate. Through sponsorships for performers, art shows, or events, they work to support Indigenous artists and the broader community. Attentive to the unique barriers Indigenous youth face, the foundation offers
arts, education, health, and sports support so kids can continue holistic growth within the community. Their 14th annual gala fundraiser is set to take place October 25th and will raise money for their ongoing efforts. Since 2004, Dreamcatcher has hosted the gala to recognize leaders and gather support for their financial grant programs. This year the gala will be hosted by
actor Debbie Allen and former pro-basketball player Norm Nixon, with musical performances by Taboo and Logan Staats. This fun-filled night will also include dancing, an awards ceremony, and dining. Support Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation by attending their gala this fall and participating in the continued cultivation of future leaders through the kids of today.
Neil Peart Hagersville Musician, songwriter, producer+ The hands behind Rush’s drum solos, this Haldimand son is now a member of the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. Influenced by jazz and swing styles, the now-retired percussionist’s career spanned four decades.
Pauline Johnson Six Nations Actress, Poet Although she died over 100 years ago, Pauline’s legacy continues in the Canadian literary canon. Her defining voice has been recognized contemporarily through museum commemorations and the City Opera of Vancouver production.
Joey Muha Port Dover Drummer Norfolk’s resident industrial metal drummer has received millions of YouTube hits. The 26-year-old musician has previously played with Jungle Rot and Threat Signal, and has performed in Asia, Europe, and North America.
sador at Norfolk County Heritage & Culture, she keeps busy working to promote dramatic, visual, and performance arts. Making the switch from working as a bartender to the creative community, Nikki has directed theatre productions among other programs. As a cultural ambassador, she uses contemporary arts to promote the living history of Norfolk County. This creative young entrepreneur has many colours on her palette!
Kevin Zegers Woodstock Actor From the 1997 Air Bud to the popular series Fear the Walking Dead in 2018, this Oxford County actor has had a prolific career. With over 40 Hollywood starring roles, Kevin will be seen on screens for years to come. Plus he is not hard to look at!
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 63
Portrait of an Artist
They help us negotiate connections between ourselves and the world. Make us think more deeply, strive more intently, feel joy more profoundly and bring meaning and purpose to humanity. These are the artists behind the art.
1 Paul Cheney
Visit Paul’s booth at Wincey Mills in Paris, where he sells his artwork along side high end watercolour painting supplies. 64 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Paris paulcheney.ca Increasingly, I am drawn to the simple wisdom found in the eyes of a bird or animal. Perhaps it is the complicated world we live in and what they represent in terms of serene knowledge, wisdom and simplicity. My paintings represent a fleeting moment... the animal is studying me just as much as I am studying it but before I truly hear what it is trying to say, it is gone. There is a secret understanding of the world around us in those eyes. Maybe, if I do this enough, I will gain a hint of that
understanding. I am always trying to push the limitations of paint and paper. I make my own paints free from fillers and packed with pigments and spend countless hours testing brushes and paper. I enjoy and learn from teaching others in my classes and workshops. The biggest fallacy with art is that an artist is born with a secret talent or skill. Art is no different than learning to play the piano or figure out a math problem—you have to work at it. Nothing is impossible, some things are just really hard.
Jeannette Muir deMontfort
Simcoe I’ve been working in mixed media for 15 years creating whimsical pieces that depict nature. I also focused on landscape painting while doing my degree and have always taken inspiration from it. Living in Norfolk provides many opportunities to explore the genre. I recently had a show at the Lighthouse Theatre in Dover. “Piecework” drew on my interest in local environs and I based the artwork on scenes at Big Creek, and Port Dover. My work involves mixing layers of paint, encaustic, mediums, papers, digital images and ephemera on canvas or panel. Because I use so many materials I find the process of creating becomes an important part of the piece for me. More recently I have been incorporating machine and hand sewing into my art which gives it another dimension. Several of my friends are quilters and I’m always inspired by their work. I’m really happy with where my art journey has taken me so far – and I’m excited see where it takes me next!
Ryan Milford
Brantford falselifecasualty.com I began sculpting from a desire for unique horror (film) memorabilia to display in our household. I later started to sculpt heads and body parts for the casualty simulation field; and refined my skills to venture into
2 the architectural arena as well, restoring/repairing ornate trim and ceiling medallions. I think my drive to create comes from the process itself. I really enjoy sculpting an item, molding it and casting in whatever medium I choose. Every piece I create has many processes before completion and I think it’s great to be able to make a tangible item out of nothing but a thought. Looking at what I do as sculpting and molding without sticking to a genre means the possibilities are endless as well. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 65
The River Arts Fest
Two fabulous weeks of celebrating the artistic sights and sounds of the culture scene in Haldimand County BY Lacie Williamson Mark November in your calendar, and make time to head to Haldimand County to experience River Arts Festival - a two-week multidisciplinary celebration of Canadian arts in rural Southern Ontario. Beginning the first Saturday of the month, enjoy hundreds of things to see and do including eight galleries; a downtown walking art tour with more than 60 participating artists; a one-day film festival; free workshops and seminars; live music in
historic intimate settings; plus a month long self-guided culinary tour throughout Haldimand. 2018 marks the thirteenth year of the Festival, which welcomes thousands of people to Haldimand County to experience culture in intimate settings at a pay-what-you-can-afford ticket price for most events, if they are not free. The Festival is known for hosting award winning musicians, such as Leah Daniels, Jerome Godboo, or Garnett Rogers, while also putting
the spotlight on young local emerging artists, and making sure they are paid fairly. The festival’s annual music programming includes a couple headliner nights, a Blues Matinee, an open mic night with a separate open mic night for youth, and a variety night where locals of all ages are invited to audition and share their talents. The visual arts portion of the programming includes an exhibit and sale designed as a walking art tour throughout the downtown core of Dunnville, to explore the local shops which host the art in their window displays. Start your tour at the Festival’s Main Gallery at Flyers Cafe, before checking out the Children’s Art Gallery at LVW Creative Barracks, the Youth Arts Showcase at The Minga, while making time to stop in and see local
artists William Biddle, Audrey O’Mara and Gloria Kingma in their studio galleries. Plus for the entire month of November, visit Grandview Lodge Long Term Care Facility to view the Seniors Art Exhibition, and a popup group exhibition at the Dunnville Public Library. This year’s festival will see an expanded all-day Film Festival, and the addition of more family-focussed daytime entertainment and Taste of Haldimand Culinary Tour. Taste of Haldimand invites foodies to enjoy a featured special of the month, at participating restaurants, to enjoy a unique seasonal dining experience and to help raise support for the festival. A portion of each Taste of Haldimand Special sold goes back to River Arts Festival. For more information, visit riverartsfestival.ca.
Lacie Williamson is a full-time artist, operating her own studio and gallery, LVW Creative Barracks in Dunnville, Ontario. Within her space, Lacie teaches creativity to people of all ages and offers local artists the opportunity to show and sell their work. When she’s not teaching or writing for us, you can often find her at local cultural events, like Hamilton’s monthly Art Crawl selling hand-made items or playing her ukulele. In addition to her artistic talent, Lacie is also a performer, as a player of Niagara Improv’s monthly Improv Fallout, and as a stand up comedian. She is the secretary of Haldimand Art Works’ Board of Directors, and co-chair of the organization’s signature event: River Arts Festival which takes place every November in Haldimand County. 66 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Documentary Lifestyle Photography
inspired by a wild imagination and documenting the intricacies that define daily life; celebrating the in-betweens, knowing that every moment counts Limited availability for Documentary Lifestyle Photo Sessions in 2017. Email info@olliandella.com to book your session today! olliandella.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 67
Events & Activities THEATRE
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11 NELSON ST, BRANTFORD, PHONE 519-753-4118 FAX 519-753-2596 djmaltbylawoffice@gmail.com
KND
Backstage Capitol Theatre
93 King St, Delhi backstagecapitol.com Open year-round, this unique and historic venue plays host to live performances of Celtic, Folk, Vintage Rock & Roll, and a host of other genres! Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corp
247 Main St, Port Dover lighthousetheatre.com The theatre is open all year-round for a variety of events, including concerts, public meetings, community fund raisers, dance recitals, workshops, band rehearsals and classes. The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
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As live theatre continues to grow in popularity, lovers of the performing arts across Canada have begun noticing an emerging trend: big cities aren’t the only places to find a good show. Small towns and local theatres are churning out quality performances, and their well-known theater companies, and impressive resumes mean a trip to the theatre is even closer than you realize!
Quality Outdoor Krahn Poly Resin/ Ashley Furniture/Indoor/Outdoor Area Rugs. Home Decor, Indoor/Outdoor Metal Art, Garden Decor/Unique Gifts & So Much More.
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88 Dalhousie St, Brantford sandersoncentre.ca A vintage, vaudeville and silent movie theatre opened in 1919, this local gem showcases plays, classical music, dance and more. With seating for 1,125 guests, it is also the home to the Brantford Symphony Orchestra. Simcoe Little Theatre
1019 Bay Street, Port Rowan 289-407-3008 dlakesidedecor@gmail.com
33 Talbot St N, Simcoe simcoelittletheatre.org Open for 71 years, this community theatre offers a grand selection of drama, comedy and classics. Waterford Old Town Hall
Years Young! 199 King Edward St. PariS 519-442-7110
68 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
76 Main St S, Waterford oldtownhall.org A restored historic building that boasts a 180-seat auditorium, the Waterford provides our communities with cultural diversity as a music, artistic and theatrical production venue.
GALLERIES
Nothing boosts your own personal creativity more than visiting art galleries. Akin to osmosis, being around art and in the company of creative folks makes you feel more creative! Our small-town communities are rich in this talent, and there is no better way to experience it than to pop into one of these local showcases. Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant
20 Ava Rd, Brantford glenhyrst.ca Located in Glenhyrst Gardens, a beautifully landscaped sixteen-acre park on the banks of the Grand River, the gallery offers contemporary fine art exhibitions, guided tours, classes, lectures, events, and art rentals.
Longer thicker hair extensions in the comfort of your very own home and because you know you’re going to look fabulous, Luv Lux is offering a free mini photoshoot for every hair install. luvluxhairparis@gmail.com luvluxhair.com
Holly.O. Gallery
16 Charlotte St. Paris (one street north of the Arlington Hotel) hollyo.ca Paris artist Holly.O. welcomes visitors to her gallery and studio. View Holly’s collection of original artworks and take a behind-the-scenes look at her sunny studio space! Gallery is open by appointment throughout the year.
photography by francine tausney
The Oak Gallery
313 Main St, Port Dover theoakgallery.com This new gallery offers the work of both local artists and those from afar, showcasing metal, wax, acrylic, glass, ceramic, wood, watercolour, oil and ink artistic creations. Two Turtles Iroquois Fine Art Gallery
Brant County Hwy 54, Ohsweken twoturtle.ca This modest gallery brings you the best of Iroquois culture and symbolism, celebrating nature in the form of original paintings, soapstone sculptures, limited edition acrylic prints, Giclée prints and lithographs.
If you have an artistic idea or passion, let us know! At Live Small Town, community participation is not only welcomed, it is desired. Help us stay in touch with new ventures and old, change makers and folks that help build us up. kate@livesmalltownmag.ca
Studio/Gallery art Show, november10 & 11 Studio & Gallery 16 Charlotte S., PariS by aPPointment hollyo.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 69
Arts & Culture MUSIC VENUES MARC DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
In each issue, Live Small Town will highlight a few of the diverse entertainment venues that our counties offer, and what makes each one unique and worth attending. New shows and events are being added all the time, so be sure to check your local listings and news sources for updates, and spread the word! The DT Concert Series
97 Grand River St N, Paris dtconcertseries.com This seven-part music series housed in the historic Dominion Telegraph Event Centre in downtown Paris, Ontario, is presented by Arlington Hotel and Noisemaker Management. It is an intimate venue, offering an up-close-and-personal musical experience with some of Canada’s most talented live performers. Brando’s on Market
135 Market St, Brantford brandos.ca When the sun goes down on Market Street, the party is not far behind and you’ll find festivities aplenty every night. A hot spot for local bands and talent, including rock, funk, soul, blues and live DJs every week, you can tell right away this isn’t your average bar! David’s Restaurant
168 New Lakeshore Rd, Port Dover davidsportdover.com Every weekend this beautiful, waterfront venue pairs live music with the best martini and wine selection around, adding a delicious menu that boasts the bounty and spoils of Norfolk County. Flyers Bakery and Cafe
marcdouglas.ca
70 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
144 Queen St, Dunnville flyersindunnville.com Here at Flyers you’ll find a crazy combination of sweet treats, savoury soups, local history, art and concerts. Whether your jam is folk music, rock or jazz, there is always something to rock out to. They are also billed as one of our great breakfast joints, so come
for a visit, stay for the night, catch a show and enjoy our beautiful county for the day. You won’t regret it! La Salette Historic Church and Hall
88 LaSalette Rd, LaSalette lasalette.ca Nestled in the scenic rural hamlet of LaSalette, Ontario this magnificent Gothic Revival style church now acts as a community-owned-and-operated venue for local concerts and theatre. Feel free to reach out to rent this location for your event, or check out their website for booked performances.
MASTERS IN THE MAKING At Haldimand’s hands-on art studio & gallery with programming for all ages
Manny’s Place Live Entertainment
125 Stanley St unit #2, Brantford mannys-place.com Manny’s has all the elements of a great concert venue. A clean lounge setting, pub-style seating with flat screen TV’s for the sports enthusiast, weekly events and live entertainment on a huge stage that is fully loaded for sound and lighting. OLG Casino Brantford
LVW CreatiVe BarraCks
125 Queen Street, Dunnville bARRAcKSbyTHEGRANd.cA
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40 Icomm Drive, Brantford 519-752-5004 olgslotsandcasinos.ca Besides the obvious entertainment, there is always something going on at OLG Casino Brantford - from comedy, to Elvis tribute bands, to a wide array of current musical celebs. Check out their web calendar for exciting lineups.
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Shared Harvest Community Farm & Educational Centre (and music)
834 North Shore Dr, Dunnville sharedharvestfarm.ca A certified organic vegetable farm that also is host to live music, music festival Turnip the Beets, harmonica retreats, music dinner nights and open mics. PLUS tons of workshops and educational opportunities for all ages. Their goal is to support the community and focus on working together to make a healthier and more engaging life for all.
Be Original
Whistling Gardens
698 Concession 3 Townsend, Wilsonville whistlinggardens.ca Truly a match made in heaven... Waterford Old Town Hall has teamed up with Whistling Gardens to offer some pretty signature concerts of Juno award winning talent, such as Sarah Harmer and Ron Sexsmith. More to come, so stay tuned.
A Marketplace of Antiques, Accents, Gifts & Souvenirs. Open 7 days a week. 334 Main St. Port Dover 519-583-9493
308 Grand River St N, Paris • petvalu.com
1049 Bay St. Port rowan 519-586-8181
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 71
NATURE CALLS
Out & About
Seasons are ever changing. The altering weather is a gentle reminder that all things end, but can begin anew. Search out the treasure trove of things to see and activities to do in our communities. The sky’s the limit when it comes to natural beauty and outdoor adventure, so grab your fishing rod, pack your sunscreen and dust off your hiking boots - the great outdoors is calling!
Isn’t she grand!
Home to an amazing variety of plants and animals, the Grand River watershed faces uncertainty as we welcome development. BY Adrianna Michell Millions of homes sit on Grand River watershed plots. Regardless, most homeowners don’t know that their settlement has impacted the local flora and fauna, causing widespread habitat loss. The 6,800 square kilometre watershed is the largest of its kind in southern Ontario, but is more often known as the lands that encompass Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, and more. Communities can’t be entirely blamed for the changes in land use, as
generations of farming have also altered the regional ecosystems. The many rivers that feed into the watershed have made the land especially arable over the centuries; its cultivation supported the livelihoods of families, but now must be preserved for future generations. The watershed is home to more than 90 species of fish - about half of all species in Canada. 80 species at risk are found in the watershed, making it an especially important place
for conservation efforts. The surrounding water systems, farmlands, and forests interact and affect the health of one another. Nearby forests create habitats for critically at-risk birds and mammals, while also reducing the risk of floods for homeowners in the area. To give perspective to how devastating habitat loss in the watershed is, the 19th century saw settlement that reduced the forested area from 30% to only 5%. Over time, species that were once abundant and contributed to the healthy functioning of our ecosystems have dwindled, largely due to human intervention. The watershed’s health is looking up, though, with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) having had many successes in reviving the watershed. The community has been critical
in protecting and restoring ecosystems thought lost. The conservation authority has reintroduced species of fish, worked with the municipality to remove unnecessary dams that prevent fish from spawning, and controlled burning prairie lands. Homeowners in the area are needed to further preserve the watershed’s biodiversity. Families can plant native wildflower and grass species, restore wetlands on their properties, and plant trees and shrubs along waterways to soak up toxins that may harm the water. The Grand River watershed is not lost; with cooperation between the GRCA and local residents, work done over the past decades to revitalize the area can continue. Future generations will see natural habitats thrive.
SPECIES AT RISK Habitat loss is the biggest threat to the most vulnerable.
Left Photo by Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com
Here are just a few in our communities that need a helping hand.
Blanding’s Turtle Distinguished by its sunny chin, these turtles might otherwise be considered unremarkable, but are integral to local ecosystems. This creature’s biggest threat isn’t a fellow animal, but rather the vehicles that interrupt their traditional mating routes.
Red-headed Woodpecker It is easy to identify this species, but not so easy to spot in its home of dense wooded areas. This bird’s crimson feathers are now a special concern for wildlife authorities in Ontario as their numbers dwindle due to increasingly sparse forest habitats.
Milksnake Earning special concern status from human harm, this snake should only be feared by small prey. Milksnakes hide in tall grasses and enjoy living in abandoned fields and farm buildings. This lovely creature can be found across the entire watershed.
American Badger One might think the only badger in North America would be a secure species, but this weasel family member isn’t so lucky. Vehicles and the loss of habitat have made it endangered. These striped mammals live across the central watershed.
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OF THE
PHOTO By Tara Carpenter
OUT ORDINARY
Connecting with nature offers a wealth of benefits, not to mention the sheer enjoyment of being surrounded by beauty. So go play outside! BY Tara Carpenter Mother Nature’s outdoor classroom has so much to teach if we only embrace her wisdom. The Indigenous peoples of this land have known this for thousands of years. Being in the classroom at school was always a challenge for me as a young active farm kid. I remember staring out the window of my classroom dreaming of being free outside climbing trees, running down the lane, going for a horse ride or playing with my goats. My fondest memory of elementary school was the day my grade 2 teacher took us
outside to collect leaves for an art project. Imagine going outside during class time! I was so overjoyed to get out of the box to learn that it made an indelible memory deep within me. This kind of impact that nature can have on children in the realm of education is a grassroots direction that we seriously need to consider as a society. When you spend time outdoors you accumulate knowledge that you cannot learn from a book, the internet or inside a traditional classroom. You learn from the weather:
tolerance, anger, joy. You learn about the plants and trees that feed and heal us. You learn from the creatures that we share this planet with. You learn about yourself: trust, respect, confidence. All of this deeply rooted environmental education leads us in a direction in life that we can only receive from being connected to our home planet Earth. Outdoor classrooms encourage a living level of education that encompasses spiritual, emotional and academic learning. Southwestern Ontario has so much to teach us, from the sandy beaches of Long Point to the flowing waters of the Grand River - all waiting to be found within the biodiversity of the Carolinian Forest. Just get out there and let nature educate you!
Tara Carpenter discovered her love for nature and the outdoors at an early age while growing up on a Norfolk farm. She has always been an avid enthusiast of nature and travel, and for 17 years she roamed all corners of the globe in search of adventure. From sailing Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to hitch-hiking across Canada, Tara has made herself at home in nature’s embrace. Grounded by the unique challenges of motherhood, Tara now encourages other parents and their families to get outdoors and foster their own passion for environmental connectedness. For info on programs connect with Terra Trails or GROWE Grandriverrafting.ca/grand-river-outdoor-wilderness-education 74 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Our Ontario southwest offers a copious quantity of wild edibles just waiting to be gobbled up by anyone who knows where and when to forage. Here are just a few of the delights to be had. Clovermead
Nature’s Calling
Simcoe naturescalling.ca Outdoor environmental education at its finest with a mission to promote conservation and stewardship of our environment through outdoor learning and classroom programming. Be nature-educated by attending a nature-themed program, attend a wilderness camp or even enroll in Forest School. This groundbreaking environmental education is what learning is all about.
Aylmer clovermead.com Four generations of beekeepers have inspired the Hiemstra family to open their hearts and farm to educate people on the importance of the almighty bee. Come outside to learn about the workings of a beehive and the value of food pollination all the while learning your limits of how much fun can be had down on the farm. Book a class trip or guided tour this fall.
Wild Grape Vitis cordifolia The tart and flavourful wild grape is at its sweetest after the first fall frost. This is an ideal time to harvest for wine, jellies and cordial that will be rich in anti oxidants due to the deep purple color of the fruit. Indigenous peoples drank sap from the vines to treat stomach issues. In a survival situation cut the vine to drink the sap as a source of water.
Ancestral Voices Healing Centre Six Nations Tourism
Ohsweken sixnationstourism.ca If you always wanted to educate yourself on the Haudenosaunee culture of the Grand River then come explore the Six Nations community. Take a tour of the Chiefswood, Kayanase’s longhouse, Woodland Cultural Centre, or Kanata Village. Let Six Nations Tourism guide your way to learn more about our local indigenous community and be taken to another level of cultural education.
Ohsweken ancestralvoices.net Healer Gail Whitlow, a Haudenosaunee elder who offers visionary guidance and self healing, is just what the doctor ordered! Her wealth of traditional plant knowledge is the product of a life’s journey traveling the world to learn with other shamans. Gail offers direction in self healing through medicine that is wild harvested, plus a variety of related workshops.
Wild Rice Zizania palustris L. Called Mano’min by the Chippewa peoples this purple-black coloured native rice with a smoky-sweet flavour was well worth the intricate labour intensive harvesting process. The harvest began by beating the delicate slender grains into the canoe by paddle. Today this native grain is considered a delicacy. To retain all the richness of this wild edible do not overcook.
American Chestnut Castanea dentata The nut of this once-prominent Carolinian tree species was an important food for the Indigenous peoples of this area before a devastating fungus that causes chestnut blight. The nut can be eaten raw, cooked or dried to be made into a flour for soups, smoothies, stews and baking. Traditionally leaves were used to treat burns, inflammation and whooping cough. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 75
Rural Roooots!
Rural recreation is the cure-all you’re craving and roots are so cool and underground, they’re like the most indie thing in the planet. Put those two things together and you’ve got (yell it!) Rural Rooooots: Your indispensable, unconventional guide to bucolic wonder and countryside cravings. BY J.C. Villamere
Please feel free to reach out and let us know about other farming folks, within the community who are doing it different!
It’s an established fact that as The Most Canadian Woman in the World, my body is comprised of 90 percent maple syrup. What is less known is that my remaining 10 percent is made up of honey. (That is also why I attract so many flies.) We are lucky to be surrounded by bee lovers and honey producers. You can reap the sweet rewards of their labour not just in the form of honey but also a range of practical, durable, beautiful products for your home, made locally by your neighbours. But maybe the greatest gift from our local beekeepers is the way they are trying new things, broadening their horizons, and supporting the natural ecosystem. In the process, they’re also spreading a sense of wonder in the capacity of the nature that surrounds us. Honey, like wine, takes on the flavours of the nature it’s built from. That means your region’s honey tastes like no other in the world. Get out and taste it!
76 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Bishop Family Bees
Paris bishopfamilybees.com Have you ever tried a product that was so good that you actually took the time to post a positive review online? Good for you! We need more of that. Get online and give products you love some love! But you know who has beat you to it? Fans of Bishop Family Bees’ honey. Wow, this gang is all over the Facebook page for this small, family-run honey operation in Paris and they’re posing love like this: “So good! The honey is amazing as are the other products. They also make great gifts but get one of everything for yourself too!” writes one fan who I won’t name here in the name of privacy but whose comment is readily readable at facebook.com/ bishopfamilybees. I’m sharing this one specifically because I really like the way this user thinks: Get gifts, and hey, you know what, buddy? Get a little something for yourself while you’re at it, eh? Actually, get one of everything for yourself. And there’s a lot to get! Along with your honey, grab
soap, body and lip balms, candles, and beeswax food wraps, too. Be sure to hit up beekeeper Kari Raymer Bishop, who sells individual jars and cases of honey from her front porch in Paris, before she runs out of liquid gold for the season. Vanessa’s Bees
St Williams vanessasbees.com Ah, a garden apiary tour at Whistling Gardens: sounds divine! (Before you ask, an “apiary” is a location where beehives of honey bees are kept and I know that because I just googled it and what a learning journey this has been so far for all of us.) Vanessa’s Bees offers bee-focused tours through Long Point Eco-Adventures that also include perfect picnic spots among ponds and fountains nestled in 20 acres of award-winning botanical gardens. Teachers and educators will be happy to hear there is also a program for children and classes to learn about honey bees through lessons, exploration, and activities. Vanessa, a successful Fanshawe College graduate, and her partner, landscape designer Cam Beck, are dedicated to creating native pollinator gardens to help support healthy bee habitats. Looking for honey made from 100 percent happy bees? Vanessa offers single-source, raw and pure honey jarred on premise by the beekeeper. Looking for honey made from a 100 percent happy beekeeper? That’s in stock, too. Vanessa sounds totally in-tune with the zen work environment of honey bee colonies where a buzz is as good as an ohm. Beekeeping It Real
Guelph As terrific as the other aviaries mentioned above are, I really feel like they missed an opportunity for a bee-utifully punny name for their pollination operations. This guy didn’t, though. David Stotesbury really came through for us. He didn’t just pick a pun-tastic name for his operation; he’s a wealth of information about honey of all kinds, whether it’s raw, pasteurized, liquid, crystallized or creamed. And you know you can trust his expertise because he’s also the lead hand and beekeeper at the University of Guelph where he manages honey bee colonies and is at the forefront of honey bee disease detection and treatment. For five years (and over 1,000 stings!), Stotesbury has been beekeeping it real (heh) plus offering pollination services and hive products for beekeepers whether you’re a large operator or a start-up apiary. Raw honey is also available by the jar or by the case. You want beeswax candles? Stotesbury offers those on a seasonal basis in the fall and winter. You need a punny honey t-shirt? This guy’s got your back. Visit him at facebook.com/BeekeepingItReal for details. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 77
Golf Now, Pay later! Join today as a Golfing Member for the 2019 Season and play the remainder of the 2018 free! Our rocks will hit the button when it comes to your curling needs! Competitive, Recreational, Mixed and Little Rock leagues available.
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brantfordgolfandcountryclub.com 78 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
On the Map
Doctor’s Orders Bypassing the pharmacy for yoga classes has become the newest magic pill in the journey to healing what ails us. BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL AmÊlie Chanda, Wellness Coach Port Dover ameliechanda.com You will run into Amelie at many places through Norfolk County. She can be found leading yoga classes in everything from strawberry fields to lavender fields as she inspires us all to get healthy and get active. The word dynamo comes to mind when she gets going on the subject of adopting a healthy active lifestyle. Whether she is on water or land, the natural world is her studio.
Indigo Lounge Tillsonburg indigolounge.ca Tapping into the imaginations of their young students through playfulness and creativity, Indigo Lounge sees the huge benefits this practise gives their students. With storytelling combined with breath work, meditation, and the mindfulness of learning to be present in the moment, students learn to better concentrate and focus on tasks and help those with ADHD reduce medications.
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Back in Play Dunnville & Fisherville Laughing on demand for an hour may sound impossible but laughter is contagious and soon you find it easy. Using mindful breath and meditation combined with laughter, Susan Cuming brings it all to Grandview Lodge in Dunnville where wheelchair and bedridden patients raise their heart rate and increase endorphins, resulting in medication reduction. She also can be found at Zaandi Studio in Fisherville.
Yoga You Brantford yogayou.fit We live our lives the best we can but coping with past traumas can cause us to suffer from stress, phobias, addictions, depression and even chronic pain. Addressing the whole person by taking individual personal history into account, this one-on-one yoga therapy can lead you on a healing path to becoming the person you were born to be and living your life to its fullest capacity.
Ageless Arts & Yoga Paris agelessartsyoga.com There were a few of us that had never been in a kayak before but life is an adventure and Kayaking, Meditation and Yoga was an experience I would not want to have missed. Leaving the modern world behind and peacefully paddling down the Grand River with a stop along the way for lunch and yoga under the century-old trees left us all a bit changed for the better.
The Twisted Fish Port Dover twistedfish.ca Throughout her life, Christie Delahaunt has experienced the benefits yoga has had on her own health issues so it is no surprise that this caring teacher would expand her busy studio to include those suffering from Parkinsons. Working with Parkinsons Canada she has through gentle movement and mindful breath work helped her students experience better mobility in their daily lives.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 79
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Brant, Haldimand & norfolk Community information dataBase
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Recreation & Adventure GOLF Brant County • Arrowdale Public Golf Course • Brantford Golf & Country Club • Brantford Indoor Golf Club • Brant Valley Golf Club • Burford Golf Links • GolfNorth Properties • Heron Point Golf Links • Northfield Golf Centre • Northridge Public Golf Course • Mystic Golf Club • Paris Grand Golf Course • The Oaks of St George Golf Club Haldimand County • Cayuga Golf Club • Coral Creek Golf & Country Club • Dunnville Golf & Country Club • Freedom Oaks Golf Club • Highland Mini-Golf • MontHill Golf and Country Club • Sandusk Golf Club • The Dunnville Golf and Country Club Norfolk County • Fescue’s Edge Golf Club • Greens At Renton • Lynn Meadows Golf Club • Norfolk Golf & Country Club • Pine Valley Golf Club • Sandusk Golf Club • Springview Farm Golf Course • The Links at Dover Coast • Woodside Greens Golf Park TRAILS Brant County
Brant has a trail system that is envied the world over, and our network of trails and pathways is used by walkers, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. Check out some of the most popular trails below, as well as some of the lesser-known gems (our personal favorites). For more information, visit brant.ca • Apps Mill Trail (GRCA) • Burford Lion’s Way • Grand Valley Trail (GVTA) • Green Lane Park 80 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
• Hamilton to Brantford Trail (GRCA) • LE & N Rail Trail • Mt.Pleasant Walking Tour • Mt.Pleasant Nature Park • Nith River Trail • Paris to Cambridge • S.C. Johnson Trail (GRCA) • TH & B Rail Trail
• Is Everyone Canoeing Without Me? • Why’d they put Drake in a wheelchair? • How do you get #JustinTrudeauHair?
Haldimand County
Haldimand is home to some of the most spectacular and scenic hiking trails around, many found along the Grand River and in our local parks and conservation areas. For more information, visit haldimandcounty.on.ca • Blue Heron Way • Chippewa Trail • Kinsmen Park Walkway • Patterson Walkway • Ramsay Walkway • Rotary Riverside Trail • Thistlemoor Park Pathway • Thompson Creek Restoration • Townsend Recreation Trail
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Norfolk County
Norfolk has a stunning selection of trails that takes you through an array of wetlands, grasslands, forests and farmer’s fields. Come visit us and explore landscapes that you have never been to before, while experiencing all the amazing adventures this county has to offer! For more information, visit norfolktrails.ca • Andy and Helen Spriet Trail • Backus Woods • Big Creek National Wildlife Area • Brook Conservation Area • Delhi Rail Trail • Hay Creek Conservation Area • Lynn Valley Trail • Long Point Eco-Adventures and
Burning Kiln Winery • Long Point Provincial Park • Norfolk Sunrise Trail • Port Rowan Wetlands • St Williams Conservation Reserve • Sutton Conservation Area • Turkey Point Provincial Park • Woodlots in Norfolk County • Waterford Heritage Trail
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Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 81
Our family has traveled the distance to set a life changing course for clean living and found ourselves in good company in Oxford Country. BY Catherine Bentum We were youngish and maybe foolish, but we had dreams. One of those dreams was if you don’t do it, you’ll likely always regret it. So we quit our jobs, sold our house, packed up our bags and our baby and moved across the country to start an organic vegetable farm on the land my husband James grew up on just outside of Woodstock, Ontario. We cared about eating clean, unsprayed, nutrient-dense vegetables and had encountered a few market garden farms before we moved to Ontario. We were inspired by the care of the land and the farming lifestyle. We also read books by trailblazing farmers like Elliot Coleman, Jean-Martin Fortier, and Joel Salatin. So armed with dreams and some 82 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Photography by Carolyn Bentum Photography carolynbentum.com
Living our Dreams
head knowledge we launched our own organically managed, 3-acre market garden farm in the spring of 2012. And because we sensed the importance of this life change, we bravely (yet unwittingly) faced all manner of adversities. We left dear friends and family behind, started over with nothing because the business took everything for a while, lived like nomads for too long and didn’t see each other much the first couple of years. But it wasn’t all loss. We gained as well, in a different but deeper ways. James has had the chance to live and breathe his passion for soil. He studied soil biology in University, but never actually worked with soil in this way. I have had the opportunity to stay home to raise four beautiful children while also putting my English degree to use writing content for our website, various applications, and business plans. We also got to eat our own vegetables which are so fresh and so good. We have steadily made connections with people in Woodstock and have been happy to discover a thriving community of people who care about supporting the small farm movement. We look forward to seeing our customers every week and they ask about our kids and how the farm is doing. We are now in the middle of navigating new plans for our future and it seems that following our dreams is a continuous act of paying attention to the things that give us life and keep us moving forward. It seems dreams can be anything... whatever is inside of us that can’t be quieted. It doesn’t matter what it is. It just matters that we do it. For info on where to find our vegetables, details about our CSA program or for chefs, visit our website at bentumfamilyfarm.com or contact James or Catherine through email at info@bentumfamilyfarm.com.
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Long Point Eco-Adventures provides you with a unique experience. From the moment you arrive on-site, you will feel the relaxing effects of nature, and the warm welcome of our staff. We are a fun-loving, outdoor adventure company, here to provide amazing experiences with our world-class guides, zipline and canopy tours, accommodations and more!
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We invite you to experience our spectacular winery which honours our agricultural heritage and celebrates the culinary and cultural bounty of Norfolk County. Be sure to check out our a summer concert series! Open 7 days a week.
1709 Front Rd, Saint Williams Live 519-586-9858 it for a day.burningkilnwinery.ca Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2018 83