{groove} SUMMER 2018
top-notch Attractions, Art, entertainment, FOOD, DRINK, history and Outdoor Adventures. It is Just down the Road AND around the bend in Beautiful Southwestern Ontario.
Staycation Destination! 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 + SMALL TOWN. Big Dreams / (chef & farmer) FEEDING IT FORWARD / Sleep tight B&B style / Discover what’s wet & wild with our 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 lake front 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. SUMMER 2018 3
4 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
What’s inside
COVER PHOTO Courtesy Southwest Ontario Tourism CONTENTS PHOTO BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com
Live Small Town / SUMMER 2018
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Small Town Change Makers Meet some of the people, places and businesses making a difference in your community and learn how you can help.
Summer Fun Come with us on an amazing journey and make the most of your summer by keeping cool adventuring through all that is wet and wild.
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 her story on how she made her way to rural Ontario and what keeps her her loving local.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 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.
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!
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Small Town. Big Dreams! Six of our neighbours who dreamt of a small town life and decided to gear down, jump off the crazy train and make a new life worth boasting about!
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.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com
Live Small Town / SUMMER 2018
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. SUMMER 2018 7
Summer 2018 VOL. 2 NO. 2 Art Director & Editor Kate Sharrow PhotographERS
Nancy Domsic Kings, Marc Douglas, Dave Evans, Anna Fairley, Graham Ferguson, Ryan Hodnett, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Steff Kelly, Kendell Mcleod, mishafotos.com, Jay Perry, Erika Strada, Francine Tausney, waltenberry.com, Lacie Williamson Writers
Stone for the heart of your home
Grace Burns, Nikki Campbell Schram, Heather Cardle, Tara Carpenter, Amelie Chanda, Sherry Dresser, Dave Evans, Christine Grim, Shelley Hamilton, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Kerri Kelly-Parkinson, Kerstein Mallon, Adrianna Michell, Aliki Mikulich, Emmalee Nother, Jay Perry, Kate Sharrow, Jessica Stirling, Erika Strada, Nicole VanQuaethem, Jennifer Villamere, Tim Zwart
SOCIAL MEDIA
Georgia Atkinson, Helen Bingleman, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Donna Ferrawey, Patricia Howden, Kerstein Mallon, Kerri Kelly-Parkinson, Kate Sharrow, Erica Strada Small town Gal/Owner/ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Kerri Kelly-Parkinson kerri@livesmalltownmag.ca Small town Gal/Owner/ PUBLISHER Kate Sharrow kate@livesmalltownmag.ca
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 8 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
bgq.ca
Live Small Town Magazine is printed four times a year and distributed throughout Southern Ontario within 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. SUMMER 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 Summer, sunshine and all smiles are on this gals face! Thrilled to bring you the newest issue, chalk a block full of great outdoor things to do. I love this time of year! The kids are home from school (all teens now, so fingers crossed for me!) We are firing up the BBQ for great fun with friends and family. I am looking forward to visiting all of our advertising partners and trying out the wonderful new places we featured like glamping with my hubby and kids, zip lining, market shopping and downtown strolls. Thanks to everyone that reads and supports our Live Small Town.
NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL
Lacie Williamson
I am a full time visual artist and performer, known for being covered in paint, basically all the time. When I’m not creating, I enjoy mud, sunshine and dancing barefoot. Strangers constantly tell me I have a heart of light, so I do my best to brighten people’s days on my daily adventures across Southern Ontario. With a background in journalism, marketing and events I own and operate LVW Creative Barracks, a studio gallery in Dunnville. I perform regularly as a comedian, and with Improv Niagara. I am a member of Haldimand Art Works’ Board of Directors, and co-chair their annual signature event: River Arts Festival and I love living small town!
KATE SHARROW
livesmalltownmag.ca When Kerri and I first started this mag, she madly hit the streets to build sales and I was managing the content and design. I was alone without teammates and struggling. I am a social gal but my 18 year old cat was not pleased that I was home and my teens didn’t notice I was. The Jehovah Witnesses stopped calling on me because I was too keen to see them and my three gold fish workmates promptly died. Fast forward one year. Our team is growing fast. Not only is our creative team amazing but we just welcomed three sales gals. All too spectacular to be flushed down the toilet!
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.
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.
Emmalee Nother
MARC DOUGLAS
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 husband and father of two children, I am a proud supporter of all things involving childhood cancer.
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.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 11
Your Outdoor Playground
Adrianna Michell
The summers spent on my grandparent’s 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
simplynicnutrition.com I am a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Culinary Nutrition Expert and owner of Simply Nic Nutrition, I focuses 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, cuddling and exploring with my little dog Chloe.
Experience the beautiful Grand River by kayak or canoe, or try your luck at catching ‘The Big One’ with a fishing charter on Lake Erie. Enjoy waterside camping and explore the shoreline for fossils. Dine on local fare and visit small towns and villages for one-of-a-kind finds.
For more information visit TourismHaldimand.ca or call 1-800-863-9607
12 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
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 small town 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
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 adverting 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 body Glove+
Wincey mills, loWer level 31 mechanic sT. Paris oPen Thurs
saT
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 13
Jay Perry
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!
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 as well follow 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. 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 day dreamer who enjoys 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. Leah Santarelli
friendswithhearts.com
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A sense of community, really knowing my neighbours, the shops, the food, the roadside markets, and an appreciation for the beauty in nature, is why I fell in love with small town living. If I am not busy being creatively crafty or cooking up yummy treats for my family, you will find me exploring community! I too am one of the newest sales gals to join the Live Small Town Magazine crew! If you are in Norfolk-Haldimand and want become one of our advertsing partners, please send me an email! leah@livesmalltownmag.ca
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, love poutine but not maple syrup, and love sports but not hockey. 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. Louise Jessup
etsy.com/shop/AllOverTheMapStudios I am a small town, artist gal based in Kitchener and I love the life we have “crafted”. When I am not creating, I am running madly after my four boys... sons William and Clark and a Portuguese Water Dog named Winston and of course my wonderful husband.
Visit GoodTimesInBrant.com today & share your experiences using #goodtimesinbrant
STEPH KELLY
I’ve always loved everything nature and wanted to have a career working with animals. Currently I work three jobs in a vet clinic, a horse barn and in a wildlife rehab and my passion has not even peaked yet! I spend most of my free time outside hiking, camping and exploring photography. All of these things combined has encouraged me to enroll in college this September to pursue a career in Fish and Wildlife Technology. I am so excited to expand my knowledge of flora and fauna and continue to share it through photography. If you have ideas for the mag or would like to join our team, please feel free to reach out. kate@livesmalltownmag.ca.
Experience Wee Watch There’s so much we can help you with. Call us and let’s talk!
Childcare Careers Home Childcare brantford@weewatch.com
weewatch.com
519-758-2703 Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 15
Small Town. Big Dreams!
KATE SHARROW
Grimsby I have always loved the spirit of Hamiltonians but in 2000 I was a new mother and looking for something else. In the city, I played the game of smiling at strangers and would be always met with an uncomfortable glance away. When I moved small town, my world changed from isolation to belonging to an extrended family. Folks would not only smile at me first but wave from passing cars and leave fresh loaves of bread on my porch. It is a way of life that completes me.
Have you been dreaming about a small-town life? Just maybe the six lane gridlock has finally gotten to you, or the hubcap thieving desperadoes, the constant bedlam of mega urban hoo-ha, or the dogged clip of tar paved expansion. What ever the reason, you are not alone. These are just a few folks who have geared down, jumped off the crazy train and made a new life worth boasting about! BY Kate Sharrow
Grace Burns
Christine Grim
Paris My small town life is all about walking downtown with my friends to cute little restaurants, staying at the school to watch sports games, homework sessions at the coffee shop, and long strolls with my best friend talking about everything and anything under the sun. My small town life has a constant feeling of safety that I will never forget, where ever I go. This community has all the little things that make me love living in a small town.
Tillsonburg horizonnaturalhealth.com I moved away to the big city 35 years ago and loved life in the GTA but as the city got bigger, my visits home meant more to me. The visits with my aging mom also became increasingly important to me so I moved home 5 years ago and spent almost every day of the last two years of her life with her. Now I’m bringing much needed, big city stateof-the-art therapies to small town communities in order to help people live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
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Shelley Hamilton
Cayuga I grew up in a large city, and to decompress I used to take country drives on Sunday. It was on one of those drives that I ended up in the small town of Cayuga. It was then I realized for me, that I needed to move here. After I moved the feeling of being choked out by the busyness stopped immediately, the towns people are welcoming and I knew I found my home, my town. Small town living takes away the “me” mentality and puts back the “we”.
Nikki Campbell Schram
Heather Cardle
Port Dover artwithheartstudio.ca I moved to Port Dover when I was 19 on my own on a whim, after growing up in Hamilton. I had family in town and had spent summers here. I also always had felt very drawn to the town. Now I am 29 - I still live in Dover, am married to a Dover man, have two Dover kids and I own a business in Port Dover! I have been embraced by this town and I am thankful every day for the opportunities and love that can be found here.
Brantford heathercardle.com I spent most of my life in Scarborough and have been in Brantford for over 12 years now. My family and I enjoy experiencing the arts, dining out, local theatre, festivals and hiking/cycling the vast trail system that is outside our door. Through my photography I have been able to meet so many wonderful families, capture incredible events and document the wealth of wildlife that also call Brantford and Brant County home.
LET’S GET SOCIAL!!!
With over 6400+ followers on twitter and 2500+ on Facebook, there was no shortage of praise for our SECOND issue of Live Small Town Magazine. Here are just a few of our Faves! Aliki Mikulich I love your magazine - so local, so beautifully designed, great photography and very well written articles about things that are relevant to us! Dawn Barron-Bommarito Love your magazine! Well crafted, great content, beautiful pics and layout. Kelly Bulbeck This is a great little magazine that features local businesses. I’ve discovered a few lovely places to visit this summer, that I didn’t know existed until reading about them! spicyjan1 Love it... congrats on highlighting all things beautiful and delicious in our small towns! Bravo!!! roomsandblooms Great mag! Just picked up our first issue! Congratulations!! deliciouslybrantford My dreams are filled with eating. (And supporting local... but mostly eating!) flashback_consignment This magazine is definitely a treat for the eyes... LOVE IT! roblamothe LOVE what you ladies and your team have created!!! stormderby Your magazine is fantastic! I mention it to everyone I come across... and was so happy to see my picture! I’m very honoured...thank you for making me a part of your pages! graemebachiu You guys are doing a great job with the mag. Every week someone mentions you to me. lorrieeveritt Just picked up my first copy on Saturday at @frannisattic! Loved it. Visually beautiful and the content is amazing. So excited to see so many local businesses near our Long Point cottage that we know and a few that we need to check out. Michelle Munroe-Walton Love this magazine!!! I look forward to every issue. Awesome. haldimandhouse Love your Mag & so do our Customers! Every edition is Beautiful. Thank you!
Brantford’s Premiere day sPa We specialize in an array of therapeutic practices, massage, luxurious aesthetic services, studio classes, and of course profound relaxation. Open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday.
519-759-1311 202 Grand river ave, Brantford i Grandwellness.ca
Franni’s
ATTIC Over an acre of antiques, uniques & collectibles curated in the historic Howey Hardware Building.
Feeling Hot!
Open year-rOund 1014 Bay St, pOrt rOwan 519-586-8577 339a Main St, pOrt dOver 519-583-0015
1011 Bay St., Port Rowan 519-410-4861 Mon-Sat: 10-4 & Sun: 11-3 Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 17
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Change Makers, 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
100 Women Who Care Norfolk Norfolk County 100womenwhocarenorfolk.ca Outstanding! As of May 9th, 2018 the organization 100 Women Who Care Norfolk have managed, in just four short years to raise in excess of a quarter of a million dollars! Each member committed to a donation of one hundred dollars 4 times a year. The money helps local charities decided on by a vote. (100 members x $100.00 = $10,000.00) It is obvious that Norfolk has a lot more then a 100 ladies who care. Just amazing! 18 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Owl PHOTO by Steph Kelly
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.
Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge Jarvis hobbitstee.com Founder Chantal Theijn and her volunteers at Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge near Jarvis have been helping thousands of sick, injured or displaced wildlife since 2007. This facility which runs on donations and grants does their best to keep wildlife wild. They work to return the creatures to their habitat or relocate them when well enough to survive. One of their goals is to educate the public to coexist with nature.
The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise Mt. Forest, Kitchener and Paris therawcarrot.com Rebecca and Colleen started The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise in 2014 with the firm belief that everyone should have the opportunity to find a meaningful place in the workforce. With each bowl of gourmet soup they create, individuals on the Ontario Disability Support Program are provided honest work and learn on-the-job kitchen skills. Most stay and work at one of the 3 locations in Paris. Mt Forest or Kitchener while others go on to find jobs using the skills they have acquired. You can buy Raw Carrot Soup on location or in many farmers markets and retail stores such as Farmboy & Foodland. These ladies advocate for a hand up instead of a handout and they have a vision to open locations across Canada. Can you really change peoples lives by making soup? Yes, and The Raw Carrot is doing it!
COmfORt & StyLE. CLOSER tHEn yOU Can ImaGInE! Hearth & Home has spent the last 40 years plus, specializing in gas fireplaces, heating, cooling, and water treatment products and services. Focusing on the growth of our expertise, we have become Brantford’s home comfort specialists! Offering many diverse and related services to make life easier for you and your family. We are proud to say that our growth is a direct result of our dedicated team of employees, our repeat business and referrals from satisfied customers. To ensure satisfaction, we designed the House Trained Program. Besides being schooled in every aspect of making your home comfortable, on the heating and the cooling side, it is instilled in every one of our employees to treat your home like their own. Leaving it as they found it, with a full clean up that
stresses careful attention to detail. At Hearth & Home we also pride ourselves on strong family values. Through our support of charitable groups and programs, we hope to help them make our community the best place to live. Is it time for a new air conditioner or furnace? As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer for Brantford and the surrounding area, Hearth and Home can assist in helping you choose the right products for your home comfort needs. All consultations are complimentary. Does a bigger A/C unit cool a house more quickly? Getting a larger unit then your home requires will present some problems. If the A/C unit is too big for your home, it will lower the temperature too quickly, but it won’t
run long enough to remove the moisture/humidity. You will be left with a house that feels damp and clammy. Conversely if the unit is too small for your home, it will run continuously and will not achieve the temperature or level of comfort that you want. Home owner maintenance tips? Remember that your air conditioner uses the blower on your furnace so it is just as important to keep your furnace filter cleaned or replaced in the summer months. It is recommended to put in a new filter every month. A clean filter assists with the efficiency as well. Do a monthly check of your outdoor unit and make sure it is clear of leaves and debris. And remember when in doubt, call your qualified professionals.
224 Braneida Lane, Brantford 519-756-4374 24 HOUR SERVICE myhearthandhome.ca
Home Grown
Behind every good person, there has usually been some good food. At Live Small Town, we’d like to celebrate both: 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 by Anna Fairley realsimplevegan.com
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Whole Food Diet
Healthy living isn’t as hard as you may think! The region has so much to offer in terms of supporting healthy living and eating. There are healthy food bloggers, not-for-profits, restaurants, coaches, and more that are all dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. BY Nicole VanQuaethem Real. Simple. Vegan
realsimplevegan.com After being a vegetarian for years, Anna Fairley’s compassion for animals and the environment helped her transition into a vegan diet. Two years ago Anna set up her Instagram @real. simple.vegan as a way to show others how they can eat both cruelty-free and delicious meals. Anna continues to share positive information and recipes to her followers and her goal is to demonstrate that eating a diet without animal products isn’t limiting or challenging, but actually produces opportunity in the foods we eat. For Anna, eating a meatfree diet has been a positive experience and has made her more mindful for herself, animals and the environment. If you are looking for mouth-watering and healthy recipes then be sure to check out her Instagram and website. There you will find great inspiration for healthy snacks, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and more!
Food4kids
Brant-Haldimand food4kids.ca Food4Kids is an organization that provides healthy food to youth aged 4-14 on weekends that are facing food insecurity. The organization prides itself on providing students with nutritious foods in a way that avoids stigmatization. Rachel Boateng, Executive Director of Food4Kids Brant Haldimand, modeled after Hamilton’s very successful program, began piloting the program in 2017. Rachel’s professional background as a Registered Social Worker has given her experience in working with people facing homeless-
ness, mental health as well as child welfare. Rachel is passionate about providing nutritious food to youth who are food insecure because she has seen firsthand how an unstable home environment early in life can lead to further problems into adulthood. She states that “Providing stable, healthy nutrition for children has been proven to improve their performance in school both academically and socially leading to increased graduation rates.” There is a clear need for this service in the region with over a hundred students on the waiting list. If you would like to get involved, Rachel and her team are looking to increase community awareness so volunteers are always needed!
Carpenter. Denise and Matt began growing sprouts in their own home and they eventually started growing them for friends and family! Soon they had a small business where they grew and sold sprouts. Denise has educated herself in both holistic and organic nutrition and has a thirst to learn as much as she can! Her dedication for nutrition is what makes this café unique. The café has many healthy and organic options featuring lots of raw salads, juices, smoothies and even raw desserts! Not only does the menu feature healthy foods but it is also a hub for learning and education and they are passionate about people taking what they learn into their own homes. The owner’s also support their community by taking proceeds from certain smoothies and putting it back into the Six Nations community.
The Sweet Spot Organic Juice and Salad Bar
Ohsweken staysweet.ca Located in Six Nations is a café that is truly dedicated to healthy eating. The Sweet Spot Organic Juice and Salad Bar is owned by Denise McQueen and Matt
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. SUMMER 2018 21
Simply Delicious Dishes Finding a balance between a wee bit of Culinary crazy is my secret to keeping friends & family close BY Kate Sharrow Publicly to family and friends, I pride myself on making everything homemade from scratch. Recipes coupled with flavour and that noticeable ingredient of love! Secretly I have gone out of my way to grab the glory of the winning dish at communal buffets by plying the recipe with copious amounts of butter. But what only a trusted few know is that the best recipes have often covertly come out of a box. A long list of carefully discarded cake batter boxes, market fresh pie tins, rice strategically thrown around the room and flour powdering my rump has not been beyond me in this solitary quest to hold (my self proclaimed) title as “Culinary Kitchen Queen”. That said, the jig was almost up when Lococo discontinued their delicious, premade Tikka Masala rice dish that was my boyfriends
favourite meal. In the end, it was easier to replace the boyfriend then to admit to my tomfoolery. Recently I found myself convalescing from seasonal sniffles while expecting a house full of beloved foodie friends for tea. Folks that are brilliant chefs and not a one would ever think of chintzing on making their own ice cream or ketchup from scratch. It put me in a precarious situation on the eve of festivities as my home was a mare’s nest of chaos and I still had to produce a sweet masterpiece for dessert. Well it would take more then that to make me quake. After running the gamut of Pinterest finds and pondering taking claim over Beamsville’s Angus the Pie man Butter Pecan Tarts, I settled on the easiest solutions of all and no one would be none the wiser if I hadn’t been stumped on a recipe to
share today. Let’s just hope that they are all too busy prepping for our next dinner to read my musings. Italian Ricotta Lemon Pound Cake Yields 8 servings 1 Box Duncan Hines Classic Yellow Cake Mix 4 Eggs 300 Gram Container of Ricotta Cheese 1 Lemon. Zest and Juice. 1 tsp of Vanilla 1/4 Cup Melted Butter Glaze 2 Cups of Icing Sugar 1/4 Cup of Butter 4-6 tbs of Milk, Hot Water or Lemon
We can thank Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford as the originator of afternoon tea. Whilst visiting the 5th Duke of Rutland in the mid-1840s, she found it increasingly difficult to not starve and die of boredom after breakfast, while waiting for her 8 pm dinner. So she began taking an afternoon snack and very quickly started inviting friends to join her.
Kate Sharrow is a mum of two uniquely beautiful teenagers. 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. 22 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
On the Map
Sleep Tight!
The Reeve Bed and Breakfast Dunnville thereevebedandbreakfast.com There is no better way to describe this than by saying that for this night I felt like The Lady of the Manor. Built in 1869 by the first Mayor of Dunnville and totally renovated with taste, class and exceptional care to detail by Lee and Luke this luxurious boutique style B&B has everything you could possibly need or want provided for your comfort, making your stay exceptional.
Palm Trees and Polar Bears B&B Port Rowan palmtreesandpolarbears.com A group of friends getting away for a fun weekend of art, shopping and relaxation will find it all here. Rudy and Sharron have created an oasis in their century home as well as a place to express your creativity taking assorted classes in the Art Barn. An added bonus is the sweet little gift shop where you can purchase the works of local artists.
The best holiday destination is right in our own backyard of beautiful Southwestern Ontario and these B&Bs make it so inviting! BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL
H
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LAKE ERIE
The Grand Corbel B&B Caledonia thegrandcorbel.ca Besides being one of the rare pet friendly B&Bs, a lot of hard work has gone into the decor and comfort of this home away from home but what comes naturally I think is the way in which Carrie cares for her guests. Swim, soak in a hot tub, have a game of pool and in the morning after a great night’s sleep she will send you on your way with a belly full of delicious food.
Just for You B&B Thamesford bbjust4ucanada.com Watch the sun rise and set here with its 360 degree view in the midst of rolling country fields while enjoying the hospitality of hosts Ron and Gerard. With the use of a hot tub, a pool and a games room this four bedroom B&B is suitable for family or group stays. After a delightful European breakfast the areas proximity to city as well as small town life is there to explore.
R&F Alpaca B&B Otterville You can enjoy complete privacy in this suite above the garage if you so choose but after meeting your lovely hosts you may change your mind. Learn all the wonderful characteristics of the timid yet curious Alpacas that are raised lovingly by Roelf and Francien while you enjoy that same degree of care put into making your stay as enjoyable as it can possibly be.
Asa Wolverton Manor Paris Each B&B offers something that makes them unique and appealing to different tastes. If you are not into the pampering spa like places but being surrounded by lovely antiques appeals to you then this one is steeped in history. Dressed in period costume Judy Acri brings the past to life serving tea in her formal dining room or on the verand a of this 1851 manor on the Grand River.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. Summer 2018 23
Please let us share our restaurant with it’s 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
Turnip the Beets
Looking for something healthy and local? We have a bajillion places and events to suit all tastes and budgets. Here is just one delicious option. BY Lacie Williamson Could you imagine an event that captures the peace and community of country living in the summer, while offering music, art and food for the whole family? Turnip the Beets welcomes audiences of all ages to cozy up, under 150 year old willow trees at Shared Harvest Community Farm and Education Centre. Turnip the Beets begins in the early afternoon of Saturday July 28th, 2018 and ends with a bonfire and fireflies under the stars.
The event features a variety of family-friendly entertainment including an interactive kid’s improv comedy show, art activities, pony rides, face painting, vendors and more. Enjoy farm fresh organic produce, thanks to their amazing volunteers preparing and serving vegan meals and snacks all day. You can even sign up for a CSA share, or purchase some fresh produce to take home with you. Farm manager, Kevin
Hamilton, offers guided tours of the farm throughout the day, a fun educational experience for the whole family. You wouldn’t believe what kids will eat when they see where it grows. Headlining this year’s Festival is singer/songwriter Jason Pollmann, originally from Cayuga, ON, and The Great Escape, an acoustic project by 23 year old Melanie Lindfield. Other musical performances will include Chad Everett Brown, Erie Gales, Solstice, Teal and more. Plus, DJ Brize of the Killer Beets Collective, known for his family-friendly dance parties in Niagara, will wind down the night with his chill vibes. This event always has an element of mystery, thanks to the creative folks that frequent the farmland, you
never really know what to expect when attending. In past years, the event has included aerial acrobats, tall bikes, fire dancers, jugglers, half-pipes for skateboarders and BMX, hula-hoops, bubbles and so much more. The magic of the Festival comes from those that attend, sharing what they have to offer in order to make a memorable experience for their families and others. If this sounds like an event for you, I have an organic cherry to top your vegan dessert – if you don’t want to go home, you don’t have to. Shared Harvest offers limited camping opportunities for those who call in advance to make arrangements. The craziest part: anyone under the age of 18 gets in for free, and tickets are only $10. For more information visit sharedharvestfarm.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. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 25
Two UniqUely UnforgeTTable dining experiences in downTown paris!
61 grand river sT n, paris 519-302-3000 stillwatersplateandpour.ca
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
Tradition Grows BY kerstein mallon
Farming practices have certainly evolved over the past century, but one thing remains constant, the community anticipation of the Annual County Fair. There is an air of excitement, in the weeks leading up to opening day. Farmers preparing to feature their finest. Contestants preparing to display their very best. Chats about corn dogs, bloomin’ onions, candy floss and funnel cakes. Meetings about this year’s events highlights and plans to surpass the standards impressed by previous years. The Paris Agricultural Society has been the owner and operator of the Paris Fairgrounds, since 1923.
Their continued success is largely attributed to the dedication and hard work of more than 500 volunteers and 55 committees. Their focus is to promote and conserve agriculture throughout the County of Brant and surrounding areas, through continuing the annual fair tradition, as well as, providing the facilities to enrich the health and education of the community as a whole. Their vision is to have a solid volunteer base that offers a fiscally viable, environmentally friendly year-round event facility that will continue to engage, educate and promote agricultural awareness in the community. Over the years, permanent buildings have been built. These buildings showcase Fair exhibits
such as livestock and poultry, fruits and vegetables, this year’s newest tractor, home crafted items, art and photography, and many more attractions. The buildings are also used yearround for trade shows, weddings and family celebrations, community fundraising events and meetings. The large open areas are ideal for outdoor events as well, such as motorcycle races on the track, equestrian camps and competitions, as well as music and art festivals. This year the Paris Fair has been acknowledged as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario. So between August 30 and September 3, while you ponder the lingering days of summer, bring your family out to experience the unforgettable sweet scent of fried dough; the unmistakable, mingling aroma of livestock and the best Bull, bread and begonias this side of this side of the Grand River.
Upper Thames Brewing Company Woodstock upperthamesbrewing.ca This high quality, small batch brewery not only offers a fine selection of suds, it also boasts an array of family friendly parlour games, a great patio, live music every Saturday, Charcuterie boards, pepperettes and some pretty great food trucks hanging about.
Blue Elephant Craft Brew House Simcoe blueelephant.ca Owner Heather Pond and brewmaster Sarah Fritch are harnessing local organic barley, wheat, hops and pure water to produce an array of spectacular, small batch beers that are available on tap and in their Brew Store. Stop by and pair it with some delicious local cuisine.
Villa Nova Estate Winery Simcoe villanovaestatewinery.ca Vines went into the sandy soil in 1996 and little did they know, they were leading the charge of Norfolk’s fledgling wine industry. Their wide selection of wines and ciders are made with 100% local fruit and their vineyard trails offer visitors a lovely opportunity to bask in the beauty of the area.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 27
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
Culinary Arts 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.
Fresh meals Just heat & eat
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. 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. SPRING 2018 29
Scott’s Family Restaurant
At Brantwood Farm, 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. We also offer pick your own strawberries and apples, schools tours, birthday parties and Fall Festival weekends in October.
100 % DELICO USNES S
Order Now delicious
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
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
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
Open daily for breakfast & lunch 7am - to 3pm 74 Scott Ave, PAriS 519-442-6511
10 St James St S, A relaxing and nostalgically retro atmosphere with an amazing cup of joe and tantalizing homemade fare! Ritzy Cakes & Eatery
20 Alice St, robinsritzycakes.com A spectacular small family-run bakery also serving coffees, teas, paninis, soups, Belgian waffles, breakfast and so much more. Did I mention their treats?
HO
GET FRESH!
Vittoria The Catherwood and The Kiln
M
eO
HALDIMAND COUNTY CALEDONIA Argyle St. Grill
345 Argyle St S, theargylestreetgrill.com Upscale eatery at family friendly prices using mainly fresh and local products makes the Argyle a must try.
Open 7 days a week 251 Powerline Rd, Brantford
Oasis Drive-In
519-759-4383
brantwoodfarms.com
Open 7 days a week 334 Main St. Port Dover 519-583-9493
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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.
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.
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Cayuga Shelly’s Family Dining Restaurant
1192 Kohler Rd, shellyscatering.wixsite.com/ shellysrestaurant This unique restaurant is set in a remodelled old church, and quite often has live music serenading it’s patrons. The home-style fare is also heavenly.
OURHOO D HB
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’s 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!
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
HAGERSVILLE Hewitt’s Dairy Bar
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!
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Devine’s Country Restaurant
116 Talbot St E, devinesrestaurant.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. Summer 2018 31
Famous for their all-day breakfast, savoury lunches and homemade desserts that are nothing short of divine. 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!
Featuring local food, groceries & prepared meals Fresh from local farmers, bakers & chefs; organic produce, eggs, coffee, dressings, meals, treats & more
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.
Visit the market or order online for pick-up
1008 King Street West Unit A, Hamilton 289-396-2392
BRANT COUNTY BURFORD Cravin a Burger
realfoodmkt.ca
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 County 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. Dine-In • Delivery • Catering • Take-Out
barrelrestaurant.ca 32 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Today I choose joy! 126 Robinson st. simcoe 519-420-9999 joyofnorfolk.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
What to expect? Casual dining with a delicious twist on gourmet comfort food. We boast a love for local ingredients, often hand crafted with glueton free and vegan options. All accompanied by an array of craft brews and inventive cocktails. Our tradition of Live Music Fridays and Prime Rib 1/2 price Sundays will continue on and perfect our family, friendly atmosphere! Follow us on social media for details of our Grand Reopening!
12 Broadway St w, PariS 519-442-5555
thecedarhouse.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2018 33
THE Beautiful town of PARIS
PolkaDot Palace
Summer Sale 23Rd AnnuAl 1/2 PRICE SAlE PARIS JEwEllERS AuguSt 12-18
PReSChool
Flown in fresh weekly from Canada’s East Coast CuStom deSiGnS at
31 Mechanic St. Paris Paris, Ontario. Wincey Mills 519-757-7617
54 Grand river St. n. 519-442-2176
Mike Manes
1 Grand River St. N, Paris 519-761-3591 mikmon.manes@sympatico.c RemaxTwinCity.com
34 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
39 Gibson St, Ayr 1084 Rest Acres Rd, Paris
519-302-3200
The Hollow Willow Health Store
Broker
Warm, caring atmosphere. Children who are happily involved. A clean, safe environment. A variety of learning materials. Nutritious meals. 6 am - 6 pm
BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS & NOTARIES REAL ESTATE, WILLS, ESTATES, CORpORATE & GENERAL
For your health and more, look for the orange door!
19 WILLIAm ST, pARIS 519-442-2287 ghunter@tarrisonandhunter.com 15 Grand river St n, PariS, 519-442-6001 thehollowwillowhealthstore.ca
tarrisonandhunter.ca
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!
JOIN US AT THE
WINCEY MILLS MARKET Located in Downtown Paris
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. 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.
LOCATED AT 31 MECHANIC STREET IN PARIS
winceymills.ca
The Cobblestone Pub
111 Grand River St N, WM-Live-Mag-Ad-Fall-2017.indd 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.
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Two agents, one fantastic real estate experience. Call us before you make your next move.
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 Fourth 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!
mindy forrester
nanCy J. forrester
sales representative
sales representative
519-732-5006
416-580-8421
1044 Cannon St. E , Hamilton OFFICE: 905-308-8333 forresterandforrester.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 35
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!
If you do nothing else this summer — if you spend ever sunny Saturday watching old movies on the couch under blankets, if you forget what tan lines look like, if you don’t even drive by a lake — do this one thing for yourself: Visit a farm. Restore your lungs with fresh air. Buy fresh food to sustain you and your family, and in turn help sustain your farming neighbours. Smell the Earth, fresh, in its miraculous bounty. Marvel at the ingenuity and hard work of your farming neighbours and let it inspire you. Your summer needn’t look like a Coachella Instagram: you don’t need swimsuit abs for this or advance tickets. There are no velvet ropes to separate VIPs. Tank tops are allowed. Flip flops, too. Farms offer a taste of the wholesome goodness you were designed for, so ensure you visit at least one for yourself this summer, and let it change you from there. There is real, wholesome life all around you. Let it in.
36 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
STAM FARMS
Hagersville Since April, this family farm has been offering eggs again in that self-serve, honour system tradition that farms and heartstrings favour. Just “help yourself to some in the fridge in our stand, leave change in the jar provided.” C’mon. You can’t resist. The charm draws you in like a powerful tide is what I’d say if this was a fishing story but it’s a farming story so whatever the relevant harvest idiom is would work really well here. Last year, the farm grew about 35 different types of produce, from asparagus, beans and beets to tomatoes, watermelon and zucchini. Expect a similar variety this season plus canned goods like pickles and salsa and on one very special day of the year, homemade pie. Stam Farms also produces honey and free range lamb, eggs and chicken. Not enough for you? Wow, you really need a lot from your local farm. Luckily, Stam has your back come autumn with pumpkins, straw bales, corn stalks and other
fall decor. Stam Farms offers a membership program that provides participants with a five percent discount on all meat and a discount on produce that ranges from 10 to 25 percent. We’ll leave our change in the jar provided, now where’s the tip jar? FRESH START FARM
Waterford freshstartfarm.ca On a nine acre farm in Boston, Ontario, Ben, Lisa, and their little son Henry have realized their dream of growing great food. Now in their seventh growing season, Fresh Start Farm offers a Weekly Veggie Box CSA program (CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture if you’re new here). It begins in mid-June and provides you with 16 weeks of fresh, organic veg, and lots of it! It’s enough to cover a pair of vegetarians (or an omnivore family of four) for a week, according to the Fresh Start Farm website. What comes in the box? The answer, seemingly, is everything. Fresh Start will grow about 40 different types of produce this season, from arugula to zucchini. They provide familiar staples like blueberries and cucumber as well as new favourites like kohlrabi and komatsuna. The secret to your unbeatable coleslaw this year may lie in one (or all!) of the five types of cabbage they’ll grow. Fresh Start Farm would probably let you take all the victorious glory, though. They seem cool like that. CLOVERCROFT FARM
Paris clovercroft.ca Lead farmer Ryan Shantz is serious about ensuring you enjoy your veg. That’s why the gang at Clovercroft follow strict organic growing practices and pay extra special attention to the soil. “Instead of tilling our fields, we manually broadfork our permanent beds,” according to Shantz online. “Care for the soil is an integral part of growing intensively without tractors. Vegetables need complex soil that is alive to reach their potential.” And after Shantz puts this much effort into vegetables from the soil on up, he’s not going to risk his veg in your dumb, clumsy hands! That’s why the Clovercroft website offers a handy-dandy ‘A-Z Vegetable Storage and Handling Guide.’ (Note: also handle the farm’s fresh organic eggs carefully because eggs, generally speaking, are easily breakable.) Clovercroft offers a 21-week CSA subscription and they have four different programs, including a very limited number of “Working Shares” wherein you trade farmwork for a vegetable share and a chance to “connect intimately to your food.” Just remember to connect with care! And enjoy all the wonderful ways your local farms can make you feel phenomenal this season. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. Summer SUMMER 2018 37
A mission to put an end to hunger by caring and rethinking how we respect the food that farmers bring to market, will make this a reality. BY Tim Zwart Superhero movies are all the rage these days, and for good reason! They regale us with tales of heroism, selflessness and sacrifice, all packaged inside a couple hours of nonstop action and thrills. The lore of the hero is seemingly as old as time itself, and at its heart, represents truths that we all aspire to live by. Sometimes to achieve extraordinary things, it takes extraordinary efforts by extraordinary individuals or heroes, if you will. To make a difference in the world doesn’t always require a costume, cape or super powers, however. Sometimes all it takes is the will to see a
better world, an empathy for the greater good, and to meet like-minded people who share the same vision. They say every good hero needs a good sidekick, and we’ve stumbled across a couple who are looking for YOU to join them! The first member of our dynamic duo consists of Norfolk County’s own Dusty Zamecnik, unassuming farmer, Canadian Horticultural Council member, and one of the area’s most eligible bachelors. Dusty owns and operates EZ Grow Farms, one of the province’s largest growers of fresh blueberries and strawber-
ries, and is also a partner in Hometown Brewing Company, which produces some of the best tasting beers and lagers anywhere in the country. Zamecnik pioneers many cutting edge techniques and technologies in pesticide reduction and leverages mainstream outlets such as social media channels, to educate the public... he even has his own podcast (a first for a farmer, to our knowledge)! His partner on this heroic mission is one Jagger Gordon, celebrity chef, Feed it Forward mastermind, and perhaps Toronto’s most charitable single dad. Jagger has been giving back to the community in a variety of ways for decades, and through his Feed it Forward initiative, has recently started ramping up the help. Food connoisseur by day, Gordon spends an astounding amount of time preparing nutritious frozen meals for the needy and hungry, focusing on minimizing the
amount of food waste in Canada, while maximizing the amount of full stomachs. He is the Executive Chef at several Toronto-area restaurants and resorts, and is set to open the world’s first ever “Pay What You Can” grocery store in the Toronto’s north end this summer. What brings these two men together to make a difference in their communities? Well, I did I guess... but once introduced, both Jagger and Dusty were off and running, utilizing their respective platforms and assets to team-up in a variety of amazing ways. Dusty is now donating a substantial number of crops that would have otherwise gone to waste to Jagger’s program, and Jagger is then utilizing that product in a variety of meals and dishes for the needy. The Feed it Forward team has also been gifted a plot of land north of Toronto with which to grow their own crops, and Dusty plans to donate some of his plants, expertise and insider-info to aid in establishing and maintaining this farmland. This team of food rescue heroes is always looking for sidekicks, so if you’d like to donate your time, food, and corporate sponsorship dollars, there really is no greater cause to get behind. The big city chef and the small-town farmer: proving once again that we’re all really living in this one small town that is Ontario.
Left Farm photo by Marc Douglas marcdouglas.ca, Right PHOTO by MISHAFOTOS mishafotos.com
Feed it Forward
Chef Jagger Gordon and Dusty Zamecnik
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. Summer 2018 39
If you want a destination that absolutely rocks in diversity of flora and fauna & number of activities you can engage in, look no further then An Ontario Southwest Staycation! laze on a beach, SWing from the trees, Get wet & wild at a water park. THE Skies the limits!
Written by Emmalee Nother 40 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Many Photos courtesy Southwest Ontario Tourism
Gone Wild
ith summer heating up, we often look to the waves to cool us off. No summer is complete without a road trip along the South Coast of Lake Erie. The sandy beaches, the infectious smell of foot long hot dogs and the ever so creamy and frosty local ice cream shops. But there are some hidden treasures a little more inland or on the paths a little less travelled that you may not know about that are essential to adding to your summer adventures. This Summer why not spilsh splash into trying a few of these small town cool down hot spots. Long Point Eco Adventures lpfun.ca Luscious woodlands, miles of soft sand dunes and some of the most breathtaking wildlife you will ever see is hiding right in our backyard in Norfolk County. Long Point is known worldwide for its bird migration, national wildlife area and for it’s unbelievable beach views, but have you ever zip lined though the tree canopies? At Long Point Eco Adventures, you not only can learn about bird migration, but you can feel like one of our feathered friends. The 2.5 hour tour definitely puts some wind in your sails and as you speed through multiple platforms and a 40 foot rappel. You’ll be sure to
Vanessa’s Bees at Long Point Eco Adventures
feel a nice, cool breeze that will surely make you forget about the summer heat. Fear not, if heights and channelling your inner hawk is not quite what you had in mind, Long Point Eco Adventures has plenty of options to help you beat the heat. Why not jump in a kayak and experience “The Canadian Amazon”. Yes, you read that correctly. This 4 hour guided tour through the Big Creek National Wildlife Area explores the allure of our native Carolinian forests while paddling through the internationally recognized marsh and wetlands. If you’re more of an angler, they also offer a little piece of tropical fishing paradise as part of their Long Point Bay Kayak Fishing expeditions where you can expect to see many types of bass and pike. They even have programs where you can learn to fish or charm honey bees! For an extra special experience, you can get out on a 24-foot Zodiac boat and explore the world’s largest fresh water sand spit that stretches an impressive 42 km out into Lake Erie. This tour immerses you into the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and human access is restricted to protect the unique fauna and flora of the area. The trip allows those who are on it to be some of the very privileged few who get to see the stunning views including the historical lighthouse and the protected habitat that houses such exclusive creatures.
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Luna Adventure lunaadventures.ca Taking a walk on the wild side just got a little easier! Luna Wilderness Adventures offers fully guided and outfitted Canadian wilderness expeditions for all ages and skill levels. Located in Brant County, they specialize in gorgeous Northern Ontario canoe explorations. They supply everything you need for your entire expedition including your meals, lodging and all of your gear to experience Mother Nature at her finest. With several different trips to choose from, you can find the prefect getaway that will take you to some of Ontario’s most majestic locations, while teaching you valuable life skills and allowing you to reconnect with nature. Teaming up with local yoga teacher Trish Dingman, they have created what just might be the
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most relaxing outdoor voyage one could dream of. Taking 4 to 5 days off the grid, you will find yourself exploring the windswept pines, the glimmering rocky tundra of the Canadian Shield and the scenic shoreline that you will be canoeing in, all while practicing yoga in some of the most picturesque places in Canada. This trip leaves you feeling centered and one with who you are and the beauty of our amazing country. The perfect Om away from home. If the backcountry is calling but yoga isn’t your game, their 7-day guided tour in Temegami is a trip of a lifetime. As you canoe along Lake Evelyn River, you will take in the stunning cliffs, mysterious petroglyphs, wonderful waterfalls, and incredible wildlife sightings the area has to offer. You’ll learn to listen to your instincts, to coexist in the wilderness and transform any fear you may have of the outdoors into understanding, respecting and honouring nature. Anyone from the outdoor aficionado to those who wish to reconnect with nature will find something exciting and sublime in this adventure. Luna Adventures also offers snowshoe and winter camping expeditions that allow you to see and experience the Canadian wilderness at its best. The thought of that should cool you down in a hot minute! For more information or to book one of their awe-inspiring trips you can visit them on Facebook
Photo Courtesy Earl Haig Park
Earl Haig Park
Wet and Wild Water Parks When the weather gets warm, we get wet! Our small towns are sprinkled with water parks just waiting for someone to splash around in. Right in the heart of Brantford is a fun-filled water adventure at the Earl Haig Family Fun Park. The season opens in June and is a brilliant place for children young and old. With a variety of water attractions available, your family can bounce around the spray pad, lounge in the lazy river, practice your backstroke in the swimming pool or simply slide down the water slide as many times as you can. Once you dry off you can relax in one of the many picnic areas or head on over to the batting cages or mini putt and test your sport-
Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company & Grand River Rafting Company
ing skills. Earl Haig Family Fun park is not just a day trip, it’s a day destination. Mosey on over to Byng Island Conservation Area if you’d like the option of both the great outdoors and man-made comforts. Byng Island offers the joy of camping, boating, fishing and hiking the Grand River and Lake Erie shores. The 190-hectare park showcases the crisp green foliage of our Carolinian forests, cool waters of the river and creeks and lively marshlands while also offering modern amenities, like the largest outdoor swimming pool in Canada that can hold up to 1000 people at a time! There’s a little something for everyone at Byng Island! Head a little upstream you’ll find Lake Lisgar Waterpark located in Tillsonburg. This gem of Oxford County offers wet and wild fun for everyone. With trained lifeguards on duty at all times, this is a perfect place to take the wee ones. There are a boundless number of things to do here thanks to their generous amount of water toys they provide like inflatable rafts, slides and tubes. If you want to feed the daredevil in you, their giant twister water slide not only is a beast to look at, but exhilarating to slide down. Maybe you’ve got an inner pirate that needs some attention, or some little deck mates that require a ship. Lake Lisgar has one of the most epic pirate themed playground areas located just outside the water park facility. Trust me, you’ll be hooked.
Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company heritageriver.com This extension of the Grand River Rafting Company packs a huge punch in the paddling landscape. Located in scenic Paris, Ontario, Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company provides everything you need to experience the Grand River at its best. Whether you prefer a self-guided canoe tour of the serene waters and wildlife or require a more guided approach in your kayak, this family owned and operated venture will make sure you are well prepared and taken care of with that same down home hospitality. Not leaving any paddle unturned, they also have paddle boards available and if you’re all about staying ashore, they have plenty of on-land options for you too including edible plant hikes, First Nations adventures, cycling, farm gate experiences and so much more!
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Photo by Graham Ferguson
Long Point Island Hugger Tours
Our Southwest shores With summer sun we all think fun at the beach. The summer staple and tried and true answer to the ultimate cool off. We’re incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by some the best beaches in Ontario and during peak season, people travel from thousands of miles just to spend a few days on our sandy shores. With a list so long it could be a feature all to itself, here’s a few of the stand out beaches you should wiggle your toes into this season. It’s just not summer until you’ve grabbed a foot-long from The Arbor and you’ve slowly sipped a Golden Glow on the pier by the lighthouse in Port Dover. This sandy shore is the perfect family friendly place to visit for a day or stay a little while in one of the cozy cottages around town. In the summer the beach gets a Port Dover Beach & The Beach House
mini face lift including real palm trees and an accessible walkway on the sand, allowing those who require wheelchairs, strollers or anything with wheels to have access to the beach and not feel left out. Truly a beach for everyone! As Port Dover is one of the more wellknown beaches that surrounds us, it often gets a little crowded if you don’t get there early in the hot summer months of July and August. No worries, because just down the road you can get the same look, the same feel and the same lake with good beach access and loads of yummy beach side grub to tickle your fancy. Turkey Point is the place to head to! If you’re looking for an absolutely unbelievable meal after a long day of building sand castles and boogie boarding, head on over to the Turkey Point Hotel. If wetting your whistle cools you down, the Turkey Point Hotel just got their own signature beer thanks to the lovely local folks over at Hometown Brew Co. Beaches and beers, sounds like a match made in Summer heaven. Swimming on over to Haldimand County, Rock Point Provincial Park is a gem that locals love! With the added bonus of having camping on site, you can make this beachy day trip into a wet and wild week of adventure and discovery. Here the shores of Lake Erie have slowly receded away after millions of years, exposing the fossils left behind from a former flourishing coral reef. These fabulous fossils have embedded themselves in he the limestone shelf along the beach. People both young and old have been known to spend hours on the beach, just searching the limestone rocks for cool finds and little fossilized treasures. With a 2km hiking trail, a perfect platform to view the sand dune and just over one kilometre of sandy beach with an accessible shoreline, it’s hard not to make Rock Point a point to go to sooner than later!
Long Point Island Hugger Tours longpointislandhuggertours.ca Looking for a wild excursion that has a low impact on the environment? Long Point Island Hugger Tours is just the thing. Captain Graham Ferguson exudes a boundless passion for all things Mother Nature, specifically for the unique ecosystem within Long Point. This on-water boating tour operates sustainably, taking to heart the fragile balance of the areas waterways and habitat. The pontoon boat is electric and can take from 8-10 people at a time to allow guests to have a more personal tour of the beautiful locations along the bay. Proud to offer natural history tours of the inner bay and lake marsh systems, the Captain will guide you through this magnificent landscape and you can rest easy knowing your tour made as small of a ripple in the environment as possible. Now departing from both Port Rowan and Long Point.
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South Coast Watersports southcoastwatersports.com Sometimes cooling off can also mean taking a mindful moment for yourself. Get into the Zen of things with South Coast Water sports. Based out of Port Dover, this hub of all things water and sport has everything you need in order to get the best out of Lake Erie. Their specialty lies in stand up paddle boarding (SUP), think a surfboard with a paddle. From teaching first timers to the most elite, they have something that will challenge you and make you happy, their main focus if for every customer to have fun and get the most out of being on the water. SUP yoga is the real deal that often ends up with you getting a blissful workout while taking in some extraordinary views. It’s impossible to come off the water not feeling cool, calm and collected!
Grand River Dinner Cruises grandrivercruises.ca If you’ve spent any time on the Grand River between Caledonia and Brantford on a summer’s night, chances are you’ve spotted the delightfully charming Grand River Dinner Cruise boats cruising gracefully down the shores. This iconic local business has been sailing the same 20 kilometers of the Grand River for over 40 years and sets sail to 3 boats every season aptly named the Grand River Belle, Grand River Queen and the Grand River Princess. The cruises are nothing but a unique experience where you can take in the area’s rich
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indigenous culture along with quaint farming towns and lush forests along the shores. The Grand River flows through over 300 kilometres of the heartland of Southern Ontario and many of our small towns are located along its banks. The Grand River Dinner Cruises let you experience this Canadian Heritage River in all of its beauty while also devouring a delicious meal. You will often see boatloads of buses parked outside their headquarters in the summer months, but do not fret. Each boat comfortably seats an entire bus of passengers and don’t worry about fighting for a great view. Once on the boat all tables are arranged along the windows, making sure all of those both big and small can behold the breathtaking views and maybe even spot an eagle or two while noshing on the home-cooked meals provided. While dinner may be in their name, they also offer scrumptious lunch cruises as well as options for private cruises and nature cruises along the tranquil waters. Every cruise is completely wheelchair accessible and with advance notice they can accommodate almost any dietary restriction. Don’t miss walking around the promenade deck that surrounds the dining area! That’s where some of the best views of our wee, wondrous communities can be taken in.
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Physiotherapy & Rehab Services 519-302-2000 Chiropractic & Rehab Services 519-442-2237 1084 Rest Acres Rd. Units 7 & 8, Paris cobblestonemedicineandrehab.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018
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Our totally insider, Town-by-town, hidden-gem-by-hidden-gem, guide to what’s new, hot, and legendary in NORFOLK COunty (And a smidge of Haldimand). 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
So this was kind of how this entire article unfolded... an email from Live Small Town co-owner, Kate Sharrow lands in my inbox saying, “Hey Jay, I think you should feature the lovely ladies from Ride The Bine in your next Small Town Sunday article. You know, they do that amazing wine and beer tour in Norfolk
County.” Beer tour? SOLD!!!! It then got better because after a phone call with one of the tour owners, she expressed how excited she was to have me come out and also encouraged me to bring nine of my friends. Again, SOLD!!! It was set. On the Sunday of the May long weekend, myself and nine of my closest friends were scheduled to Ride The Bine on their Full Pint Tour. So what the heck is Ride The Bine anyways? Let me tell you.
It is your very own slice of delicious heaven! Susan Judd and Amanda Dooney, are the fierce female duo who decided it was time for the Norfolk county to have it’s own guided tours. An experience that also took the keys out of your hand and let everyone enjoy a glass or two (or many more in our case) of adult beverages while seeing the beauty of small town living. When I asked Susan why they started this,
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she said, “Amanda and I both wanted to start Ride the Bine because of our love of the local products we were seeing produced in Norfolk County. We wanted to find a way to share the stories and businesses with a larger group of people and wanted to fill a need for transportation in the area all at once. Amanda and I both agreed in the Spring of 2016 that a wine tour should start in Norfolk. In the fall of 2016 we had both decided we wanted to pursue the opportunity so we decided to join forces and utilize our complimentary skill sets.” You leave the driving up to them 50 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
and the Full Pint Tour takes you to a selection of four local breweries in their comfy Mercedes van while you are served up a flight of cold suds at each location. Truly a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Norfolk County but the question remained, “How the heck are 10 guys from Stoney Creek getting home?” Mermaid Limo to the rescue! They picked us up and escorted our group there and back in a beautiful 24-person limo bus. They were on time, the bus was spotless, and our driver Dan was extremely pleasant and accommodating. A huge thank you goes
out to them for making our Ride the Bine - Full Pint Tour even better! We met Susan and Amanda (#sumanda) at our first stop, Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm, which is just south of the small town of La Salette. Ramblin’s owner John Picard took us on a tour of his facilities and throughly explained the brewing process. He completely captured the attention of us ten thirty something men who just started out wanting to drink a tonne of beer. John would then bring us into another section of the farm where they make their own potato chips! What??? Boy oh boy were they delicious and the seasoning options were amazing too. This wasn’t in the brochure. Best surprise ever! The Roost is the restaurant at the farm and is where we headed next. I
ordered Grilled Cheese #4 — made of marble rye bread, old cheddar cheese, white cheddar cheese, crumbled smokey bacon, and topped with sauerkraut, with a side of Salt’n’Vinegar onion rings. I paired my meal with their Country Lager — a classic hop-infused, European-style brew with a golden amber colour and a creamy head. The beer was incredible. A perfect start to this day and I’m so happy I now live in a world where seasoned onion rings exist. Thank you Ramblin’ Road, thank you. We all hopped into the Bine and we were off to our next location, Charlotteville Brewing Co. It was our first time in the vehicle and I was stunned at how big it was. Fitting ten of us in the van was no problem and they even had a ton of space in the back for all my camera gear and the armory of bags of chips everyone had purchased. Along the way, Susan hit us with some pretty interesting information
like the fact that Charlotteville Brewing was made up of two old barns were once located in London and moved intact to Simcoe. How amazing would that be to witness those two barns cruising down the highway. I also heard a rumour that the move was done in exchange for a really expensive bottle of scotch. I don’t know how expensive that bottle was but do I ever love how small towns are keeping the barter system alive. We met with owner, Melanie Doerksen, who shared more of the breweries history while we sampled their incredible beer. Charlotteville Brewing is a very new business but the decor and rustic small town vibe, created an atmosphere that they had been carved into the community generations before. We were now three beers deep — not counting the few that the guys had tossed back in the limo bus (but not me as I had to take pictures and was trying to be somewhat professional), and heading for New Limburg Brewery. Susan told us how the owners had turned an old school into a brewery. The old gymnasium was now a brew room but they had left the old basketball nets up. I love when people embrace history like that. The owners having moved from Limburg in the Netherlands to Limburg in Belgium, had come to appreciate the Belgian style beer and decided
to try to recreate that beer culture within a business. New Limburg was born. With an emphasis on the Belgian style, they came out with their flagship beer, the Belgian Blond. Before we started sampling, I inquired about a sign I spotted that read “Beer Soap”. Turns out New Limburg and the Norfolk Soap Company have teamed up to create beer-infused soap. I guess you could say it gives a new meaning to the word suds. The place was packed with thirsty tourists and our group managed to grab the last available picnic table. We were then greeted with a flight of four beers — Wit, Belgian Blond, Dubbel, and Petit Blond. They certainly were astoundingly refreshing. While heading to our final stop, I asked Susan and Amanda about their
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other tours and discovered that they have all sorts. The beer, wine and cider tours are very popular but they also have tours that include a stop at Whistling Gardens, an award winning botanical gardens that includes a lunch or dinner at David’s Restaurant in Port Dover or a pick-your-own fruit or vegetable experience including some wine and beer stops! Something for everyone. They currently have two vehicles in Norfolk, and one vehicle that will be offering tours in London and St. Thomas. I could not help but become more and more impressed with what these women created and I admired their entrepreneurial spirit. The Bine was now headed to Jarvis and once again I would be paying a visit to Concession Road Brewing Co. I had met up with them in last issues Small Town Sunday feature and was excited to reconnect and happy that my friends were now going to experience it. As we savoured our flights of beer my friends Chris and Jeff broke out in song and serenaded us with the public guitar had on hand
and the entire room joined in as we were all throwing back beers. Thank you Concession Road for welcoming us into your brewery and making it a memorable way to end our day. Five minutes before our scheduled pick up time, sunglasses wearing, handsome Dan, our Mermaid Limo driver showed up to take ten cheerfully sauced men back to Stoney Creek. Wow! What a day that was. I have struggled to fit everything about our amazing day into my article because the entire Ride The Bine experience could be turned into a novel. Who knew that there were so many breweries in that area. Not even mentioning wineries and cideries. I can see how much fun this would be for bachelor or bachelorette parties, day trips with friends, or intimate work outings just to name a few. If you want more information, please check out
ridethebine.com for more details. New this year to Ride The Bine will be a complimentary digital photo album of the experience! So not only can you leave your keys at home, but cameras too. Enjoy the moment, enjoy the day, and enjoy small town living at it’s finest. Susan and Amanda were both such a pleasure to spend time with and their knowledge and expertise of the area was phenomenal. I wish I could tell you everything we learned, but again, that would need a novel and you should definitely experience it for yourself. 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
Living History
With the fast pace of our lives seeming to excellerate at every turn, we should all take a moment to reflect on the numerous stories, places, memories and people that have truly made us 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 honor the past.
Photo Courtesy Southwest Tourism
The Ingersoll Ontario, Gothic Revival style, Elm Hurst mansion was built in 1872 as the residence of James Harris and location for his world renowned Cheese Factory. Now it is the home of the 49-room Elm Hurst Inn & Spa. elmhurstinn.com Did you know: The Oxford County communities of Ingersoll, Norwich and Otterville were all final stops on the Underground Railroad – an informal network that helped 19th-century fugitive American slaves reach freedom in Canada. Ingersoll was home to the third largest black settlement in Upper Canada before Confederation.
Pathfinder
The world took notice of this man’s dignity and pride that transcended the demeaning roles Hollywood offered and fostered change. BY Tim Zwart To reach the status of icon in a community, it takes work. You must be an industry leader, accomplish something never before seen, or go crashing through that imaginary glass ceiling on your way to the stars. Such people are rare to find, but rarer still is the individual who can accomplish such things simultaneously, in multiple communities, blazing a trail for numerous others to follow. Many of these inspirational figures are rarely appreciated during their day, and it is only with the context of history and societal progress that they are viewed through the proper lens of greatness. And perhaps one of the most important Canadian (and First Nations) trailblazers in
our history, was one Harold Preston Smith. Unaware of Mr. Smith? You’re not alone. Few people knew or remembered him by his name of birth. But if given his stage name—that of Jay Silverheels—immediately, recognition is born. One of the very first well-known sidekicks on television, Silverheels stared in the role of Tonto in the longest running American western of all time: the iconic Lone Ranger. For the better part of a decade, the combination of Silverheels and leading man Clayton Moore entertained audiences the world over, with some of the best action scenes and witty banter yet seen on television. Always leaving you in suspense and
wanting for more, Silverheels truly brought the character of Tonto to life, while his method acting and believability immediately established the birth of the mainstream aboriginal star. In fact, Silverheels played the role so well, that it was increasingly hard for him to get work as anything but a Native American after his Lone Ranger days. A man of many talents, Silverheels went on to have a robust film career as well, appearing in dozens of movies following his break-through role. An accomplished stunt man and athlete, Silverheels was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1997, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is a veteran of WWII, and is the father to six children. Sadly, he passed away in 1980 after a series of strokes, but his influence lives on in the form of the Indian Actors Workshop, founded in 1966 to provide training and opportunity for other aboriginal actors and artists in Los Angeles.
Jay Silverheels (Harold Preston Smith) comes home in 1957 and is greeted to a parade of fans in Brantford.
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. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 55
SO W S H E G R O W S Old treasures, New Life Travelling through our beautiful Southwestern Ontario countryside, I find it so easy to let my mind wander off to a simpler time. One where handmade was better, clothes were in fashion for more than a month and gadgets were used until they just couldn’t be repaired anymore. A time where things were bought with purpose and intention not just because you had to have it. I started to realize how wrapped up in consumerism we as a society really were after my daughter Lilah was born. Having kids means acquiring stuff and loads of it. Endless lists of things you think you need and a whole lot you most definitely don’t need but you plan to buy get anyway. Too many outfits that will never be worn, too many shoes and too many toys. I truly wanted to steer Lilah and Max away from this way of life and thinking towards a more minimalist thought pattern. One day while I was pondering this, a thought instantly came to me Antiques! What a great way to transport ourselves back to a time where less was ok and things were mended and passed on, not tossed! Wandering through shops such as and the Crossroads Antique Market in Brantford or Franni’s Attic in Port Rowan it is so easy to see how carefully crafted items from the past really are. They were always built to last and can be passed on through generations – heirloom quality
Here are just a few treasure troves bound for your discovery.
and pride in craftmandship. Picking through trinkets and treasures with Lilah and Max while answering curious questions as they arise is a lot of fun! What is this for? What does that do? I can see their minds at work as they make their own imaginative observations too. An ordinary bread box from the 1950s is really a super, top secret candy cupboard or a fountain pen used for making magic! Along with all of their enjoyment in discovering antiques comes the opportunity for me to teach the kids a little bit about history. It’s nice to take the time and explain things such as typewriters and old style sewing machines. These are particularly fascinating for children that are growing up with computers and modern crafting equipment! Giving new life to things forgotten is something we have taken to as a family. We enjoy switching everyday items with pieces of the past that spark a memory or some other element of joy. A vase bought impulsively years ago from a big box store is rehomed to someone who will love it more and instead we repurpose an old pitcher found while antiquing. The pitcher will charmingly house summer blooms on the dining room table. It certainly is such a lovely gift to surround ourselves with the sweetness of nostalgia.
1 Paris Road Antiques in Paris, 2 Artiques in Hagersville, 3 Maus Park Antiques in Paris, 4 Modern Hipster Antiques in Ingersoll, 5 CJ’s Antiques & Refinishing in Vanessa, 6 Crossroads Antique Market in Brantford, 7 Courtland Treasures in Delhi, 8 Franni’s Attic Antiques, Uniques and Collectibles in Port Rowan, 9 Cattail Cove Interiors in Port Rowan, 10 Tillsonburg Antiques Plus in Tillsonburg, 11 Pickers Antique Warehouse Inside C- Squared Menswear in Port Dover & Port Rowan (opening June 1st) + Crossroads Trading Post & Flea Market in Brantford, 12 Nice Old Stuff in Jarvis.
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. 56 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
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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. Oasis Drive-In
Caledonia haldimandhouse.com/oasis Sometimes, a little nostalgia goes a long way. There are certain sights that spark a youthful exuberance in us, and perhaps none more so than a good old-fashioned drive-in diner. Something about the experience transports you back in time, allowing you to experience the best of days gone by. And if a
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blast from the past is your cup of tea, then there is no better snapshot into the history than The Oasis Drive-In in Caledonia. Considered Ontario’s—and likely Canada’s—oldest functioning drive-in restaurant, The Oasis has been serving customers great food and free smiles since 1927 and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down any time soon. Appropriately named The Oasis, it greets you like mirage from your youth, seeming almost too amazing to be true...until the food convinces you of its authenticity. All of your classic favourites are here, from traditional drive-in eats like burgers, hot dogs and homemade fries, to perfect after dinner treats like hand-spun milkshakes and old-fashioned ice cream cones. Visions of old Chevys and sounds of Bebop music race back from your memory, and you could almost swear you could see a waitress cruising by on roller skates (you didn’t). As charming a place as you’d ever want to eat, the atmosphere and history may originally attract you, but the food will have you coming back for more!
Evergreen Hill Farm
Annandale House
Tillsonburg Often, true genius is recognized only through time. The likes of Jefferson, Newton, DaVinci and Franklin were seen by some as irrational in their day, and their keen eye to innovation and the future was at times met with doubt and skepticism. Why would one purposefully fly a kite in a thunderstorm, conduct experiments around the clock like a hermit, or entertain the strange notion that man could one day fly through the clouds? To most of society, these seemed like a waste of time and energy to pursue. But through a select few with vision and dedication, the world was forever changed. And one of those men was a little-known Ontarioan named Edwin Tillson. A career entrepreneur and the first mayor of the town of Tillonsburg (incidentally founded by his father), Tillson embarked on a journey to construct the ultimate retirement home in 1880, and his project still stands tall to this day. This stunning manor took over 7 years to complete, and is literally a living testament to history, architecture and art. Coming in at a $30,000 price tag (the average home of the day cost just under $20,000), equivalent to almost $700,000 now, Tillson spared no expense in creating a one-of-a-kind dwelling with all the perks and amenities of the day. Still stunning today, Annadale House is definitely worth a visit!
Port Dover evergreenhillfarm.ca Romance and farming are two things that we normally don’t associate with each other, but it’s those who think outside the box that ultimately end up having the most lasting of impressions. Case in point, the good folks at Evergreen Hill Farm. Family owned and operated by the Sowden family for the past six generations, the hallowed grounds of Evergreen Hill have been a thriving part of the farming community since 1865. Everything from cattle to chickens to crops exist on the hundreds of sprawling acres that make up the Sowden’s pride and joy, but it’s the newer additions that have been catching the most attention recently: classic horse-drawn carriages (told ya there was romance to come!). Like a scene straight out of movie (seriously, they’ve been in several), the majestic team of Belgian draft horses at Evergreen provide an instant “awe factor” to any gathering or occasion, and the selection of wagon or sleigh to accompany them is seemingly endless. Picture an enchanting wedding entrance complete with a stunning white open carriage; a full sized and authentic stagecoach for western themed gettogethers; a quiet ride through the snow on a classic Victorian sleigh, complete with hot chocolate and the one you love; or even a group trek aboard period-style covered wagon. Whatever the occasion, the Sowdens have the perfect compliment to make it a day to remember.
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160th Paris Fair August 30 - September 3
3 nights of Demolition Derby, Monster Truck Show, rides and Sunday’s concert featuring Canaan Smith and Andrew Hyatt. Freestyle Motocross, Crazy Crew BMX show, livestock shows, craft and hobby exhibits, Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo featuring a sloth and Miss Chomps A Lot and so much more!
Heirlooms & Antiques 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 Street North Hagersville Caresa Antiques
1182 Windham Rd 9, Windham Centre
Buy your tickets online starting July 1st at Ticketscene.ca
parisfair.com
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 Street, 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
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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
14 Talbot St W, Jarvis towpathonthegrand.com Toys ‘n Stock
676888 16 Line, Tavistock Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association
2041 ON-6, Jarvis wafma.ca Waterford Antique Market
80 B Alice St, Waterford waterfordantiquemarket.com Webster R Antiques
1146 Colborne St, E, Brantford
W.E. Saunders Paint & Home Decor. For over 70 years we have combined family tradition, quality products and exceptional customer service. Offering a retail location to help you with all your DIY projects, painting needs and home decor. Come on in and check us out! 2053 Highway 3, Delhi 519-582-2621 wesdist.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 61
Arts & CULTURE
By Adrianna Michell
Portrait of Helen Capron (Daughter of Hiram Capron, the founder of Paris Ontario.) By Robert Reginald Whale, 1875. Oil on Canvas.
Located on a lush garden and arboretum, Glenhyrst Gallery hosts over 700 pieces in their permanent collection. Historical and contemporary work occupy the space, but their focus is showcasing local and national works and Indigenous artists. Since its conception in 1956, Glenhyrst has displayed Canadian art, including important artists such as members of the group of seven and painters eleven. Dedicated to conserving Canadian artworks, Glenhyrst has restored and displayed a variety of mediums important to the art canon. Portraiture, quilts, and more come from a variety of communities and of different styles. When visiting, enjoy one of their tours or explore their sculpture gallery after viewing the expansive permanent collection. glenhyrst.ca
Robert Reginald Whale was born in Altarnun, Cornwall in 1805 but in 1852, he and his family emigrated to Canada and settled in Burford. Whale supported himself and his family through the sale of his artwork which was a challenge in rural Ontario but today his work represents a valuable historical record of early Canada.
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.
David Hudson Dance photo by Kendell Mcleod
David Hudson Dance thedhdc.com After a history of excursions into the Canadian contemporary dance community, David Hudson found his way to a permanent place in the region this year. To Hudson, dance is embodied connection—people moving through narratives of self and community, not restricted to narrow ideas of what performance art can be. That’s why he recently collaborated with Brantford’s Don Warrener’s Martial Arts Academy to put on introductory dance workshops meant to inspire.
Greatful Living Port Dover Launching this Summer, Greatful Living is a philanthropic clothing line that cares for the Great Lakes. The company promotes a way of life that is entirely Canadian and dedicated to preserving local freshwater sources. Since 20% of our water supply comes from the lakes, 20% of proceeds go back to what sustains us. Visit them at 13 Reasons in Port Dover on June 30 where they will be popping up a shop to sell Tanks and Ts.
Ross Butler Gallery Woodstock rossbutler.gallery Featuring an extensive gallery of original works and archives, the gallery preserves the legacy of its namesake. Butler, during his lifetime, went from small town, self-taught artist and cattle breeder to Canada’s premier agricultural creator with commissions by the likes of the Ontario Government. Now visitors can visit the gallery’s 100 acre estate near Woodstock for an immersive look at his work.
The Breadwinner Simcoe deborahellis.com Based on the book of the same name by Simcoe author Deborah Ellis, and produced by Angelina Jolie, The Breadwinner has received a nomination at the 2018 Academy Awards. This heart warming animated film tells the story of 11 year old Parvana who disguises herself as a boy to support her family. Nora Twomey directed and premiered the film at the Toronto International Film Festival to much acclaim.
Iroquois Ink Ohsweken Specializing in traditional designs, Iroquois Ink seeks to renew connections with Haudenosaunee tattooing. With their intricate artistry, each tattoo is created in collaboration with the client for custom works that represent identity and community. Artists use symbology to connect the wearer to their history. Whether through an arm band or a traditional hand poke tattoo, ink becomes a link to heritage.
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On the Map
Song & Dance
From boogie-woogie, to fusion jazz, we’ve no shortage of music fests and we certainly know how to throw a party! Paris Drinks Fest parisdrinks.ca August 18 Brace yourself for a celebration of all things locally delicious. Spend the day savouring craft beer, wine, spirits, cider, food and a whole lot of great music under the trees in Paris’ Lions Park! Local lovely, Terra Lightfoot will be joining the jubilation along with Fast Romantics and the Julian Taylor Band. Shuttles will run all day from a dozen+ locals. Buy tickets online or at Bird & Bee Vintage in Wincey Mills!
Hagersville Rocks Hagersville hagersvillerocks.com July 27 & 28 If you’re looking for the perfect summer soundtrack, look no further than this year’s Hagersville Rocks concert event at The Amphitheatre in Grant Kett Memorial Ball Park. Headlined by LeE hARVEY OsMOND, Mudmen, The Vaudevillian, James Barker Band, Freedom Train, River Town Saints, and many more. Get your season kick started with a local musical celebration like no other!
BY Kate Sharrow
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Brantford International Jazz Festival brantfordjazzfestival.com September 14 to 16 Now in its 10th year and attracting more than 28,000 people, the Festival has grown to be one of the largest and musically diverse events in the region. With four stages providing a continuous lineup of Traditional Jazz, Big Band Swing, Spanish and Afro-Cuban grooves this free event will be sure to please music and jazz lovers everywhere.
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Caledonia’s Grand Country Music Festival caledoniasgrandcountrymusicfestival.com September 1 & 2 Just two years young, this licenced, all age music fest showcases some of the most talented Canadian Country Artists and will take place inside the Old Arena on the Caledonia Fairgrounds. A local band will launch the night off followed by two Canadian Country Music Recording artists. After the concert stick around and kick up your heals at the after party.
South Coast Jazz Fest Norfolk County southcoastjazz.com August 17 to 19 Celebrating the vibrant culture of Norfolk County with the musical beauty of jazz this fest takes place at several venues in the Port Dover area including Riverfront Park, the Port Dover Community Centre and Burning Kiln Winery. Musical guests Kellylee Evans and Brian Dickinson along with many others and promises to be a fun filled few days of worldclass music, wine and food!
Lynn River Music and Arts Festival lynnriverfestival.com Simcoe August 3 to 6 Since 1967 Simcoe’s Wellington Park and Clifton Park has been host to this amazing weekend of free, live entertainment and family friendly activities. Three stages of music, 100+ craft, commercial, and food vendors, a beer garden, Kids Zone exhibitions, and raffles are all on hand at Norfolk County’s largest summer event.
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
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F amil y F un! Park open June-September
brantford.ca/earlhaig 101 Market St.S., Brantford (next to the Charity Casino)
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Lazy River Waterslide Splash Pad Mini-Golf Batting Cages Snack Shack
Discount rates available Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 65
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.
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words�. It is my goal to showcase our organic world and its frailty, while generating a desire to return to our roots. My passion is to work with charitable organizations supporting them in humanitarian causes.
Dave Evans
Scotland daveevans.myportfolio.com I have been photographing the beauty of the natural world since I was a youngster. As an amateur enthusiast it was challenging to capture the full majesty of a scene. Over time I embraced new technology and post processing techniques to intensify the impact an image can have on the viewer. With a focus on shining light on the essence of humanity my impressions are designed to be thought provoking. After all: “A picture is worth a thousand
What attracts me to Nature Photography? We are so fortunate to have all the elements available to capture a natural scape right in our backyard of Southern Ontario. The Hamilton escarpment is home to 100 waterfalls and cascades flowing along the Bruce Trail. The Grand River banks are abundant with plants and water fowl. Our four seasons create a variable backdrop for all nature lovers to enjoy. Why travel to foreign places to capture natural scenes that are in and around our backyards?
2 Aliki Mikulich
Brantford alikimikulich.com I have always enjoyed making things and exploring materials. It has never been a question of why make art. I get fulfilment from expressing myself visually, and when something I have made speaks to someone, it is a thrill to experience this connection. To have someone react to what came out of my head! My
Sherry Dresser
Simcoe Creative expression has always been very important to me. Clay gradually became my medium of choice—an art form that became a passion. When I first began using a pottery wheel, I strived for perfection. My style has gradually evolved and now I prefer the imperfect. Finding the pot’s personality, and leaving the maker’s mark behind. When
main body of work is created with plaster, metal and paint, depicting farmlands, solitary little figures and animals that are overwhelmed by the expanse around them. I have been making simpler pieces on plywood, depicting farm animals. The often taken for granted creatures that are regular players in our lives. They are staring head on at the viewer as if posing for a portrait. Our rural royalty! I look at a piece of art I analyze what makes it pleasing to the eye. What it is that grabs and holds my attention. The conclusion, for me, is about finding the balance between form and design that reflect beauty in everyday life. In a world of mass production, I strive to create pieces that feel good in the hand. Pieces that evoke a feeling of connection or triggers a fond memory. In addition to creating a selection of tableware, I also produce award winning sculptures that tell their own story. The possibilities with clay are an endless fascination for me, as I continue to explore the many facets it has to offer. To view samples of my work please visit Dresserclayanddesign on Facebook and Instagram.
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Arts & Culture MUSIC VENUES
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
InspIre Create MotIvate Kids & adult Classes Birthday parties Day camps
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
Studio & Gallery 16 Charlotte S., PariS by aPPointment hollyo.ca 68 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
518 Main Street, Port Dover
226-567-5500
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. 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.
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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. They focus on community support that focuses on working together to make a healthier, happier more engaging life for all. 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. 308 Grand River St N, Paris • petvalu.com
1049 Bay Street Port rowan 519-586-8181
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Events & Activities THEATRE MARC DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
As live theater 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! 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
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
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
marcdouglas.ca
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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.
MASTERS IN THE MAKING At Haldimand’s hands-on art studio & gallery with programming for all ages
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 even an art rental service…not to mention their permanent collection of over 600 pieces! The Black Wall Art Gallery
3 Elm St, Unit 2, Paris theblackwallgallery.ca This gallery recently opened, and has quickly become the place in the community to shop for one-of-a-kind, Canadian pieces. Artists are featured in a variety of disciplines, including acrylics, oils, water colours, glass, metal, wood, pottery and mixed media.
LVW CreatiVe BarraCks
125 Queen Street, Dunnville bARRAcKSbyTHEGRANd.cA
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.
• Is Everyone Canoeing Without Me? • Why’d they put Drake in a wheelchair? • How do you get #JustinTrudeauHair?
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
Available from your favourite bookseller
dundurnpress
@dundurnpress
dundurn.com
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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 are calling!
History and Mystery
Left Photo by Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com, RIGHT Phot by Lacie Williamson
Now inhabited only by birds, Mohawk Island Lighthouse houses a faint memory of danger, isolation and promise. BY Lacie Williamson If you walk to the end of Port Maitland’s Pier and look west on a clear day, you may see, what I call, the ghost of Lake Erie: Mohawk Island Lighthouse. Towering 64 feet above a small exposed rock shelf, 4km off the Erie shores of Dunnville’s high banks; only the shell of the old lighthouse remains to tell its stories. It is the only existing, stone-built, integrated light-tower and residence in all of Canada, and was the first lighthouse to be built on an island in Lake Erie. Constructed in 1846 the Lighthouse was a navigational aid from the southern
end of the Welland Canal. Scottish immigrant John Brown, built the Lighthouse, having never built one before, and was soon hired to build another ten across Ontario’s Great Lakes. During their construction 4 supply boats full of limestone crashed and sank. Of the proposed ten, only six were built, located on Chantry Island and Point Clark on Lake Huron; Cove Island, Griffith Island, Nottawasaga Island and Christian Island in Georgian Bay. Unfortunately, Mohawk Island Lighthouse is the only Lighthouse of the seven, to be decommissioned. In its early days, the light
mechanism operated with weights and chains, it had to be wound once a day, which required a lighthouse keeper to live on the island. In 1933, Richard Foster, the lighthouse keeper of 11 years, turned on the stationary winter lamp, as he waited for his son’s arrival, to take him back to shore until the spring. A drop in temperatures and the fierce Lake Erie winds overpowered their little boat. Two days later, their boat washed ashore, near Port Colborne, both men had lost their lives to the elements. Richard Foster would be the last Lighthouse Keeper on Mohawk Island. After the tragedy, a battery system was installed to power and operate the
Lighthouse. Unfortunately, the Lighthouse was gutted when vandals set fire to the structure, which lead to its decommission in 1969. Nowadays, you can get closer with a canoe or kayak, but be weary with larger watercrafts. The underwater terrain surrounding the island is full of rocky channels and shelves, which make navigating close to the island rather tricky. The location has been monitored since the 70’s as a Canadian National Wildlife Reserve. Access to Mohawk Island is restricted seasonally, prohibited from April 1st through July 31st each year to accommodate the nesting migratory birds.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 73
OF THE
LEFT PHOTO By Ryan Hodnett
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 Summer adventures during my childhood consisted of my dad dragging us all up wilderness camping in the boonies of northern Ontario for a two week break from life on the farm. No pool, no washroom, no running water; just fish, leeches and black flies for playmates. Little did I know all those moons ago that these family adventures were the first of many I would have in my adult future. Adventure: definition... ad·ven·ture
An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
“her recent adventures in Australia” Synonyms: escapade, feat, experience, excitement, thrill, stimulation, risk, danger “she traveled the world in search of adventure” engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory. “they had adventured into the forest” Our children require these unusual, thrilling, precarious, stimulating and risky adventures to develop properly both mentally and physically. I’m not saying that they need to be eaten alive
by black flies while peeing under a tree in the remote wilderness of Northern Ontario but, they do need to be set free to discover the wild world around them. As caregivers we need to abstain from this “Be Careful!” addiction we have when it comes to kids. If they don’t make mistakes and get the prerequisite bumps and bruises, how will they learn and attain the confidence in themselves to navigate this world. Here in South Western Ontario there are a multitude of opportunities for your tribe to engage in an exciting activity or explore unknown territory. Don’t think you have to explore far-off exotic places to have a thrilling adventure. So much adventure awaits us in our own Carolinian forested backyard and here are just a few!
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.
Whistling Gardens
whistlinggardens.ca Visit the National Award Winning, Internationally acclaimed and one of Canada’s only privately run Botanical Gardens and see why Whistling Gardens was recently voted as one of Canada’s Best Botanical Gardens. Explore nearly 20 acres where you can view over 4,000 different plants. Contact Educator Terra Trails for Outdoor Themed Educational Programs in the Gardens. Birley Gates Campground
birleygatescamping.com This hidden treasure offers spacious campsites in a tranquil setting along the banks of the Grand River which provides the feeling that you are exploring an unknown territory. Come for the day if you seek to play on the river or have a picnic with a view of the stunning and historic Three Sisters that will take you into an epic scene from the Lord of the Rings.
Leaping Deer Adventure Farm and Market
leapingdeer.com Authentic rural adventure awaits your family with an exciting day at the farm where you will fall in love with the locally homemade tasty treats, fuzzy critters in the animal shed and the corn-cob express. Take a chance by attempting to make your way through the ever-growing 10 acre corn maze where you run the risk of endless fun while getting lost in the escapade.
Stinging Nettle Urtica Drinking nettle tea is like taking an internal bath, washing away toxins and purifying the system; creating a chain reaction of healing in your body. Steam or boil to rid this mineral rich plant of its nasty sting. Even the sting that gives this plant its nasty reputation can be used as an effective, natural remedy for pain relief. Avoid if pregnant or have diabetes.
Violets Viola odorata Traditionally violets were an ancient symbol of springtime fertility and used as a love potion. Now both the leaf and flower can be made into a tea to ward off cancer by cleansing your blood and strengthening your immune system. These sweet smelling flowers which peep out from their heart-shaped leaves, make a charming garnish to salads, soups, drinks or cakes.
SNIPE
snipehq.ca Like the thrill of a ghost story? With Six Nations Investigates Paranormal Encounters you will get the real deal. Hear stories passed down by Haudenosaunee elders of the Six Nations. Their mission is to pursue evidence of the existence of the paranormal through stories, paranormal encounters and ghost hunting. Take a chance and venture to the other side with SNIPE.
Plantain Plantago major Browse your lawn for this widely spread plant and use as a poultice for insect bites, rashes and cuts. Plantain tea acts as an anti-inflammatory, stimulates new cell growth and gives your immune system a boost. If you have a toothache tuck chewed leaves in between your gums and inner cheek to ease the throb. Pick young leaves and add to a salad, soup or sandwich.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 75
On the Map
Garden Grows Lets celebrate plants grown locally in our fields and greenhouses and cultivate a passionate community. BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL Stop and Go Market Brantford Don’t judge a book by its cover, instead walk inside this market and find a sprawling interior filled with plants lovingly grown by Marie and Frank Pace. Stop at 741 Colborne St. W in Brantford, it’s the place to go if you are looking for vegetable, bedding plants, succulents, trees and hanging baskets as well as expert advice gained from 48 years of experience.
Kayanase Ohsweken kayanase.ca Restoring Mother Earth and raising awareness of their rich heritage is the mission of this Aboriginal owned greenhouse at 993 Hwy #54 in Ohsweken. With over 300 native species of trees, shrubs, herbaceous and perennial plants this business is expanding rapidly. The seeds collected locally by staff are processed and grown for restoration projects as well as retail sales.
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Makkink’s Sunflower Farm Tillsonburg makkinks.com Looking to add another preparty to your wedding day? Why not a DIY your own bridal flowers? Hilde grows cut flowers and succulents and you can choose from over 50 varieties to create your perfect wedding decor. Saving money for the honeymoon and getting together with your friends and family to learn from an expert can help make your wedding day so special.
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Kalis Greenhouses Waterford At 1279 on Old Highway 24 just outside of the small town of Waterford you will find this lovely greenhouse brimming with bright vibrant flowers. Specializing in beautiful arrangements in unusual baskets and containers they also encourage you to bring in your own containers so that your garden will be uniquely your own. Friendly service with the motto “What we do is different”.
Northview Greenhouses Delhi Nancy’s daughter Jennifer was 5 years old when the Sym’s first opened their 5000 sq ft greenhouse at 2152 Hwy #3 between Simcoe and Delhi in 1988. Now mother and daughter work together with Jenn in charge of the growing decisions. Specializing in hanging baskets and planters you will also find seedlings for vegetable, herbs and flowering plants to create your own garden oasis.
Alton Maple Lane Farm Dunnville On Haldimand County Road 17 outside of Dunnville you will find a beautiful display of plants for your garden needs. For 3 generations Altons have been growing plants for market sales on their 19 acre farm. Lorie and Bob first met during college when she worked on the farm and now 3 kids and 1 grandchild later they are still running the garden centre beside their century old home.
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60 Ava Road, Brantford, Ontario 519-752-3731 matt@brantfordgolf-cc.com
brantfordgolfandcountryclub.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 77
Three generations come together to breed and train top quality reining horses and world class show horses. BY kerstein mallon This summer, set off in the cool morning mists of Norfolk County, to treasure the pastures, the slow rolling streams, wooden fences and grazing horses. The gift; few interruptions, cascading songs of jubilant birds and that beginning-of-time, fresh earth scent. One possible stop along the unbridled paths is, Fletcher’s Horse World. A place where three generations have crossed the boundaries of time, to come together with one idea. The business, Reining Horses. Historically, Reining
comes from ranch horses. Working on open range land with no pens or buildings, cattle needed to be handled. And cowfolk needed a horse that could stop and turn, or sprint forward on command. Horses with these skills were essential and have always been prized. Today, this silent language can be seen in action at Fletchers Horse World in Waterford, ON. This family run business encompasses the very essence of living life to its fullest. Owners Sharon and John Fletcher, along with
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thing you do”. This humble family has built a world class facility for equestrian aficionados everywhere. Their passion for their hobby has created a location where learners and experts gather to demonstrate their love for this unrivaled bond with Nature. Currently, they own fifty world class reining horses. Their focus is to promote reining in Ontario. Their pride and joy and their first horse, ‘Wimpys Tinseltown’ is the highest producing stallion in Canada and a world class champion. He was purchased on a handshake. He is 14 year years old, has sired 66 foals, has $140,000 in earnings and is a celebrity at the Royal Winter Fair. Sharon says “It’s a lifestyle, once you have one, you can’t turn back”. Wimpys Tinseltown has exceeded their wildest dreams and with him, they have made many friends over the years. They host the Canadian Reining Classic Horse show among other esteemed events and enthusiasts from all over North America visit the area every year to participate. To find out more about this unique local business, visit their website at fletchershorseworld.com
photo by waltenberry.com
The Heart of a Champion
their grandson, Brandon Sparkman, who operates the trailer division, are committed to being the best they can be. Prior to their adventures in Reining, Sharon and John owned and managed the drag strips in Cayuga and St. Thomas. John’s early years were spent on a farm and at fourteen, cars became his focus. After many successful years in the automotive industry and with the ultimate accomplishment under his belt, being inducted in to the Canadian Motor Hall of Fame, John and his beautiful wife decided to change their direction. As fate would have it, in 2004 they met, Walter Hellier, a renowned local Horse Breeder and they purchased his facility in Waterford. This new enterprise took patience, love and learning. Even with their ample experience of event management, being busy took on a whole new meaning. According to John, their momentum was “If you’re committed to wanting to be great, you’re going to be busy and you are going to achieve a higher level”. And in the words of a true Canadian, he says, “Your level of commitment, is the standard with every-
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. SUMMER 2018 79
need Help?
Brant, Haldimand & norfolk Community information dataBase
info-bhn.ca
search for information on • Children & Youth Services • Counselling • Disability Support Programs • Financial & Social Assistance • Food Banks • Government Programs • Health Services • Housing & Home Care • Libraries & Educational Services • Mental Health Services • Newcomer Services • Parenting & Family Programs • Recreation • Service Clubs • Seniors’ Services • Transportation Services and so much more!
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.
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
S A L E S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E
Matt Shellington
TRAILS Brant County
80 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
515 Park Road North Brantford, ON N3R 7K8 BUS: 519-756-8111 DIRECT: 519-717-7038 mattshellington@gmail.com
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
• 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 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 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
Forever Summer Tanning SeRViCeS • UV tanning (Both lay down and stand up units) • Fully automated VersaSpa spray tan booth • infrared Fit Bodywrap • Offering packages and membership programs for all services
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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Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 81
As a wellness coach, Amelie Chanda helps people to develop complete fitness and nutrition plans that fit their lifestyles. She motivates and empower people to feel amazing, energized and confident to make physical and spiritual health their top priority. ameliechanda.com
Love Matters
Following my heart led me to peaceful Norfolk County. To a beautiful life of love, community and endless possibilities... the place I call home. BY Amelie Chanda It was the spring after my first year of college when I followed my heart and my life switched gears. I had planned on spending the summer in my hometown in northern QuĂŠbec until this hot guy from Port Dover invited me to visit. I decided to hop on the train and come explore southern Ontario. I will always remember that drive from the train station to Port Dover. Farmers were working their fields and planting their first crops. The vibrant colors were amazing. The trees were blooming and everything looked so alive. The first asparagus of the season was for sale at roadside stands. I was really excited to see what this area had to offer. I came for a weekend and stayed for the summer! The strawberries came and I started to fall in love with Norfolk (and with the guy too!). 82 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
I got to connect with where the food I was eating came from. I feasted on blueberries and corn and every other crop that Norfolk County grows. Everything was fresh and so yummy. By mid summer, the long nights at the beach made me want to stay forever. Nineteen years later, I am still here growing a family and a business, happy to be part of this tight knit community. I married my college sweetheart and we are raising two nature loving kids! We love being active and there is no better place to live than Port Dover. We can walk down to the beach from our home to get on our paddle boards or watch the sunset. We visit Turkey Point to enjoy mountain biking and beach days. There is nothing better than camping in Long Point for the weekend with our feet in the sand. The growing list of local wineries and craft breweries is an added bonus for adult time! Beyond the natural beauty of Norfolk County, what I love are the people, the community. Port Dover has this small town vibe that is awesome. I stop in to see Brad at Urban Parisian for the best coffee. Jenny at the Dover Cheese Shop always offers me a taste of her amazing products. Emily at M’s Good food saves my busy nights with quick meals plus we catch up on what our kids are up to. A few years ago I launched my Wellness Coaching business right here in Norfolk and I have not looked back. I get to inspire people to eat local, seasonal food. I host events that empower people to discover active living in our area and introduce them to unique experiences and cool local people. I get to live a life I am excited about every single day.
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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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Adventure AwAits! -ADVENTURES ECO
BOOK ONLINE
lpfun.ca
CALL 877-743-8687
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 519-586-9858 burningkilnwinery.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2018 83
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