{proclaim} WINTER 2020/21
The Best is YET To Come! 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
Live it for a day... Live it for a lifetime!
Your FREE Guide to Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brantford, Oxford, The villages of Hamilton + Gift-giving extraordinaire / TEAM MAGIC / OUT OF THE ORDINARY / nifty neighbours / SIP & SAVOUR / History, Arts, Entertainment, Outdoor & a whole lotta unabashed local pride!
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2694 River Road, Cayuga 905.515.1670 ian@vanoschbuilding.com 4 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
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What’s inside Live Small Town / Winter 2020-2021
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Let’s Get Social There is never a shortage of praise for Live Small Town magazine with so many local- loving folks reaching out via social media. Here are just a few of our faves!
Meet Your Neighbours Never before has community been more important and these three individuals are actively bringing us all closer together.
Small Town Sunday Jay Perry’s Ultimate Insider’s Guide highlights what to eat, buy, explore and indulge in around Ontario Southwest.
Gift-Giving From marvelous marketplaces to historic downtowns, supporting local community shops has never been so easy and plentiful.
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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.
Photo by Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com
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Small Town Changemakers Meet some of the most amazing people, places and businesses making a difference in your community and learn how you can help them do it.
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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.
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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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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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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. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 5
Love Where You Live! WINTER VOL. 4 NO. 3 PhotographERS
Tara Carpenter, Nancy Domsic Kings, Marc Douglas, Spicy Jan, Jay Perry, Mike Schymkiw, Erika Strada, Nicole VanQuaethem, Writers
James Albert, Russell Baer, Linda Blakney, Tara Carpenter, Paul Cheney, Michelle Guitard, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Spicy Jan, Arjan Lamers, Kerstein Mallon, Sandy Marincic, Adrianna Michell, Emmalee Nother, Jay Perry, Lisa Pielechaty, Tara Shannon, Kate Sharrow, Laurie Spieker, Erika Strada, Nicole VanQuaethem, Sara Moody Veldhuis, Jennifer Villamere, Kerry Walford, Tim Zwart Copy Editor
Alberto Candela
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Live Small Town magazine is printed four times a year and distributed throughout southern Ontario via various tourist associations, related services, retail locations and limited home distribution. Copyright 2021 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.
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Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 7
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 is built. We’ve started our own “town” within these very pages, and we’d love to introduce ourselves and invite you inside! 8 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Emmalee Nother
KERRI KELLY-PARKINSON
livesmalltownmag.ca What can we say about 2020? If anything, this year has taught me resilience, shown me love, kindness and support on a new level. I am thankful for my family, friends and a wonderful work crew! I am proud of my kids and their strength and adaptability. I hope in some way our magazine can bring a smile to your face as we support our fellow businesses. Now more than ever we need to shop local and help all of our communities flourish during these uncertain times. Let’s all stand together unified and positive. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season. Love, peace and laughter to all.
Spicy Jan
tastyroadtrips.com Pivot, pivot, pivot! I am filled with pride at the strength and courage we have to pivot when we least expect it. My mantra is #foodbuildscommunity and I am so darn proud of the food and drink community that I work alongside in southern Ontario. Chefs, farmers and food providers weren’t sure if they could make delivery and curbside pick up happen. And yet, they did. We weren’t sure what it would look like, online shopping for food and drink, delivering beverages with dinner, and yet we figured out quickly how to build this into an adaptable business model. This spicy gal is so darn proud to work in a community where resiliency and adaptability allow us to say “bring it on, I got this.” I raise my glass to all the talented chefs, farmers, food providers, bakers, breweries, wineries, pizza-makers and jelly creators. You have my utmost respect!
KATE SHARROW
livesmalltownmag.ca Kerri and I started our local loving magazine in 2017 as a way to share the things we love; places we go and people we admire. To us, every person, place and thing has a story worth telling. Live Small Town magazine grew from our love of the small-town communities we had grown to know and the ones we still wanted to discover. We believe in living local and supporting homegrown talent and we hope to inspire you to join us as a resident, a visitor, or an investor, to search out the hidden gems that make our southern Ontario small towns so wonderful to explore.
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.
NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL
I live in a beautiful small village on the shores of Lake Erie and am surrounded by family, friends, art, local beauty, goodness and my two sweet dogs Bella and 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
Adrianna Michell
The summers spent on my grandparents’ farm taught me about the importance of maintaining rural economies and supporting local farmers, businesses, and creators. Now as a university student living in a city, I still am connected to these values through my art, scholarship, veganism, and environmentalism. I know that as I grow, I should always remember where I was planted.
villamere.com I live in Hamilton where there’s a guy who has fashioned a dog sled out of a shopping cart and he mushes his team through the GO Station parking lot after dark. This magazine helps people like me get out of Hamilton to encounter nature in a more rural setting. Buy my national best-seller, Is Canada Even Real?
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 9
Sarah Gurney
Simcoe Simcoe
From our family to yours, From our family to yours, we would like to wish you a we would like to wish you a happy and safe winter season happy and safe winter season as we all look forward to an as we all look forward to an amazing new year! amazing new year!
celebrating celebrating
26 26 years years in business in business
The should bebe Theway waya aflooring flooringstore store should FIND YOUR STYLE. AND COMFORT LEVEL. WEWE MAKE IT EASY. FIND YOUR STYLE. AND COMFORT LEVEL. MAKE IT EASY.
Park Road 41, Simcoe 519-426-2619 nufloors.ca/simcoe Park Road 41, Simcoe 519-426-2619 nufloors.ca/simcoe
I was born and raised in a 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 four-year-old, you can find me picking at my guitar, baking something yummy, or tackling a messy reno project around the house. I am also one of the sales teammates at Live Small Town magazine! If you are in the Brantford/Paris area and have an interest in becoming one of our beloved and valued advertising partners, please give me a call at 226-220-7340 or email me at sarah@livesmalltownmag.ca Jay Perry
jayperry.ca Over the last eight years, besides working as a photographer, I have been spending my Sundays travelling to small pockets of Ontario and documenting my day trips online. Whether it be stories of unique individuals, delicious food, or historic landmarks, I’ve been detailing every event through photo, video and words. Look for this regular feature in Live Small Town mag but also please like us on our Facebookpage and my adventures on Instagram. I have some exciting ideas coming up and I can’t wait to show everyone the beauty that resides in our small towns. I also started a charity called Friends With Heart, that has raised $182,255.87 and provided 2,500+ children with positive memories in an attempt to restore the magic of Christmas to them and their families. Kerstein Mallon
Growing up, in the magical 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.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 11
Tara Shannon
I moved from Burlington to small-town life several years ago. When I say small town, I actually mean rural Hagersville. It was a bit of an adjustment. My closest neighbours are cows and buffalo. No longer could I pop out my front door and find all of the latest conveniences at my finger tips. But, you know what? I love it now. There are so many wonderful businesses out here offering everything I could want. I’m a cook by trade and I love to write too, and out here where the buffalo do in fact roam, I have inspiration galore: from rolling farm landscapes to Lake Erie, the Grand River, and hiking trails, plus the fresh produce, cheese, honey, grass-fed and organic meats, not to mention the locally produced wine, beer, and cider. Everything is within minutes of my home. I am in heaven. NANCY DOMSIC KINGS
olliandella.com I was born with a wild imagination. My mother was naturally very creative, so I grew up painting, planting, sewing, baking and creating so many creative things. The second I picked up my first camera, I became obsessed with capturing all 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. Tim Zwart
timjzwart.com I embrace being a round peg in a square hole. A walking contradiction, I am a single dad of two small children, an American void of ignorance, I love poutine but not maple syrup, and love sports but not hockey. I am a publishing veteran, magazine editor and author. My first book, Reload: Changing the Way We View Guns in America, is available on Amazon. 12 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
MARC DOUGLAS
marcdouglas.ca I am Marc Douglas a wedding/lifestyle photographer. I wouldn’t change a thing about growing up in the small town of Paris where I discovered a love for photography. Photography has always been a labour of love for me. My ultimate goal has always been to show the beauty, strength and enthusiasm in my subjects. As a father of two amazing children, I am a proud supporter of all things involving fighting childhood cancer. I believe in enjoying all the little moments because you never know what tomorrow brings. Nicole VanQuaethem
simplynicnutrition.com As a registered holistic nutritionist, culinary nutrition expert and owner of Simply Nic Nutrition, I focus on empowering people to make healthy choices. I have my masters of science in rural planning and development where I focused most of my research on local food systems, agri tourism, culinary tourism and food access. Combining my passion for nutrition and local food, I teach people to eat within the seasons and to become connected to food. In my free time, when not in the kitchen testing recipes, I love getting outside, and cuddling and exploring with my little dog Chloe. Lisa Lalonde
smalltownmortgage.com As a born and raised Paris, Ontario, resident, I know the big heart of small-town living first hand. We have valued lifelong friendships, numerous neighbourhood gatherings, and memories of my husband and I freezing our butts off at the arena watching hockey or melting on the soccer field while cheering our boys and their team mates on. Running my business as a mortgage agent with TCG Lending Centres and being the finance manager for Live Small Town magazine gives me the opportunity to meet and work with other small town residents like myself, who share my passion for the small town lifestyle and the feeling of community it creates.
Sara Moody Veldhuis
UniversalArtsManagement.com I’m a classically-trained trombonist and singer, a photographer, and in my daily life, I teach music to teenagers - and love it. I’ve been a Juno Awards judge, floated an orchestra on a barge, and have secrets about Celine Dion that I will take to my grave. From a young age I’ve lived life on max: at 12 I went solo to Japan, toured Europe with a band in high school, and met my husband in an orchestra when we were 17. Together, we’ve made a great life with our two kids and a bunch of kitties (want one?) on our little patch of paradise: a farm in Haldimand County. Rhonda Arnott
Born and raised in Hamilton, I often visited my grandparents in Selkirk. Who knew that Jarvis would one day be my home sweet home? I live here with my handsome and lovable husband. For 20 years, I worked in executive sales and always had an entrepreneurial heart so five years ago I took a leap and opened Ty-Kobee Tea & Coffee Co in Port Dover. I am part of the sales team of Live Small Town magazine. Being in business myself, I know how important the right advertising is. You never want to be a ‘hidden gem’! Message me at rhonda@livesmalltownmag.ca. Can’t wait to help you shine! Sandy Marincic
sandy@ubenefit.ca I’m an avid motorcyclist, world traveller, cook, artist, woodworker and thinker, and I am slowly learning that all opinions needn’t be shared. The way we humans mesh with one another (or not), and how we mess with nature (or not) is a fascinating jigsaw puzzle. I am on the floor looking for the missing pieces – they must be somewhere, no? I also own Benefact Benefit Consultants, where I encourage my employer/ employee clients to work as a team; when people enjoy shared goals and work towards them together, success follows. All of the above is based on the ability to care.
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brantfordgolfandcountryclub.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 13
MORE THAN A MAG!
There’s no sibling rivalry between Live’s printed & social media pages. They both bask in all the attention each gets! It is easy to get excited about the arrival of the latest and greatest Live Small Town magazine! The paper is shiny, the photography is beautiful and the anticipation of who we shone a light on is thrilling. Many folks tell us they have kept every copy since we started the mag just over four years ago. The content is evergreen and is a 100 per-
cent local smorgasburg of community building. Our team of advertising partners and creative folks are proud of this and we look forward just as much as you do to discovering all that is uniquely fabulous in Ontario’s southwest. Some readers have questioned if we are afraid of running out of content. Not even possible!
There are so many people doing amazing things here. The biggest problem we find is that most local lovelies are modest and don’t blow their own horns. Good Lord, blow away! People are chomping at the bit to support you, including us at Live Small Town magazine. Additionally, our magazine may be popular but our social media communities are constantly buzzing with readers who just can’t seem to get enough of us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Here are just a few posts we thought we would share.
MONDAY FACTS • Most folks don’t crack their first smile until 11:16 am • Over 50% of all employees are late to work on Monday • The average time people moan about it being Monday is 12 minutes • Statistically Monday is the least rainy day of the week • Most office employees only man- age three-and-a-half hours of productive work on Mondays • The word Monday is derived from Old English monandæg and mondæg meaning “moon’s day” • If looking for a deal on a new car, Statistically Monday is the day to buy • Monday is the best day to buy chicken wings at Main 88 Pizza Pub in Hagersville, Ontario because they are just .88 cents each and they are the best around! 2,044 People Reached, 186 Engagements, 83, 7 Comments, 12 Shares 14 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Main88 and Elberta Farms Country Market photos by Jay Perry jayperry.ca
Let’s Get Social Too!
LET’S GET SOCIAL! With over 6,128 followers on twitter, 5,540 on Facebook, AND 2,600 On Instagram, there was no shortage of praise for our LAST issue of Live Small Town Magazine. Here are just a few of our Faves.
Popped into a really sweet shop in Brantford, Ontario called Urban Cottage - Life Style Store. It is a fashion-forward, lifestyle store that carries an array of items for entertaining, and home decor with a focus on sourcing from Canada. They currently work with over fifty Canadian suppliers! 2 McBay Rd, Brantford urban-cottage.com Pop in and check them out! 6,919 People Reached, 1,704 Engagements, 63, 5 Comments, 26 Shares
Elberta Farms Country Market Paris elbertafarms.ca The farm came to be in 1967 after the Berta family started selling their extra fruits and vegetables on the side of the road to make a bit of extra money. Joseph Berta decided to take his wife’s name, Elizabeth and combined it with their last name to come up with the perfect name for their small business. Elberta Farms. Many years later, they have become a onestop-shop for local produce, farmfresh eggs, fruit, homemade pies, syrup, plants and so much more. It really is a great love story coupled with an amazing family-run farm. #eatlocal #supportfarmers #ourlocallovingpartner 7,526 People Reached, 1,934 Engagements, 534, 2 Comments, 23 Shares
TEAM MAGIC As many of you did, we started this year with so much promise. The beginning of our fourth year was pretty exciting with most of our advertising partners back in the mag alongside many new ones and tonnes of inspiring local lovelies to fill our pages. 2020 has been a huge challenge for us all but I have never been more aware of the quality of character that surrounds us and our ability to rally, come together and grow. Our team feels proud to shine our light on every person in this magazine and wish there were more pages to contain them all. 3,485 People Reached, 259 Engagements, 61, 5 Comments, 16 Shares
@tourismoxford Thank you for all that you to to promote nutrition and local food! @branttourism1 Woo!!! Can’t wait for the next mag! @phbspark Great to hear your story of inspiration! @olliandella You’re always up to something cheeky and wonderful. @lokastudio I can’t wait to sit and read this gorgeous mag from cover to back. Always incredible content. Thank you all so much. @gloriakingma Can’t wait to see it. Looks wonderful! @cloud9eventservices This will be my #campingreading by thefire! @oasisdrivein Thanks for including us! We’re so happy you enjoyed your visit. @ameliecwellness Well done! @universal_arts_mgmt So happy to share news about #DanFewingsTheSongChef @suzievinnick @beardwalsh and yes...even @eddievanhalen with all of you in this beautiful issue! @goodbreadcompanycanada This edition looks great. @atkinsong22 Omg give me some. @barbaramackay Caniche French Bakery - Oh no another calorie ridden bake shop to try! But I must. @helenagunn This is a wonderful idea, l look forward to reading your stories. @brendawivell I have known and collected Steve Smiths’s work for years. His story telling that accompany are an integral part of each piece, only add to and exemplify his passion for his artistry and heritage. So glad to see his feature. @punchbowlmarket&bakery Thank you!!! Lovely magazine; they are all gone lol. @rachaelgeorge Beautiful!!!!! @adampeet Great to see the transformation about town! #cayugarising @sarah gurney Schlegel Villages - This is where my Papa lives and they really all do have beautiful hearts!! @artwithHEARTstudioinc. Love Joy Bakery Café. @theminga Thank you so much Live Small Town Magazine for a supply of your latest mag...we sure love having them at the cafe...and hearing our customers delight in getting a copy... and our staff too...we all love it!
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 15
Change Makers
Sometimes it’s the little day-to-day efforts that go unrecognized that end up having the biggest impact on community. BY Kerstein Mallon Norfolk, Ontario’s garden. A place to call home. For those of us who know and love this little Eden, the magnificent landscape is a constant reminder of how fortunate we really are. Hwy 3 slides its wieldy way towards Simcoe and every year, without fail, there is a colourful burst of head-turning beauty, illuminating the roadside. As it turns out, right here, in this little oasis, is a place renowned to horticulturists and growers around the world. Every year more than 300 horticultural producers, breeders, buyers, wholesalers and marketers from across North America and Europe attend the Sawaya Garden Trials open house. The visitors are looking for leading-edge plants as they prepare their plant programs for the following season. These plants will ultimately be grown for major suppliers such as Costco and Walmart. Breeders and specialized licensing offices are looking at the most current innovations of annuals and perennials grown specifically for this purpose. The Sawaya’s grow 80% annuals and 20% perennials. The owner, Melhem Sawaya, a horticulturalist by vocation, specializes in growing these new cultivars and preparing reports on new plant hybrids within existing assortments. It is important to test the plant’s hardiness to determine if the plant will be a commercial success before it is launched. Sawaya has been a greenhouse consultant for 30 years. His process involves every aspect of growing, from seed to sowing, to fertilization and propagation. The result of his knowledge and experience is “Proven Winners”. A variety of plant that has been whittled down to the perfect performer. The secret, “non-bias growing”. Each plant receives the same amount of love. And evidently, Melhem’s green thumb is a recipe for success. This roadside attraction services a huge portion of the North American bedding plants industry with approximately 3,750 different varieties on the premises. And Mel and his family work tirelessly, year-round to achieve world-class results. Once the trials have been completed and the decisions made, the Sawaya’s prepare for their annual sale. These alluring blossoms are made ready for purchase. With the help of local volunteers, the garden centre invites everyone to come along and partake in the experience. Plants are sold for $20 per basket and 100% of the proceeds go to local charities, including the Norfolk General Hospital, 16 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Norfolk Family Resource Centre and Jarvis Community Christian School. The family believes in community. And they are happy to share. Another well-kept secret of this stunning location is, should your heart desire retreat and sanctuary, you are invited to stroll among the petals. To breathe deeply and absorb their essence. A treat to behold. A sensory overload. The Sawaya family is in process of expanding the outdoor trials and building a new greenhouse to allow for year-round trials to be done on plants such as Tropicals. There will also be meeting space for conferences and workshops that can be utilized year-round. As they continue to strive for greatness, Melhem is reliving a new dream. And according to his daughter Lara, “The blessing of living in Norfolk County is “you can do anything that makes your heart happy, right here in your own back yard”. And isn’t that the truth! For more information check out their website sawayagardentrials.ca
Also nestled on this picturesque farm is the Blue Harvest Hair Design & Spa blueharvestsalon.ca, owned by Melhem Sawaya’s lovely daughter Lara Sawaya-Norman. This beautiful oasis of calm is the perfect location for promoting the self-care and reflection that we all so clearly thirst for and deserve.
BEYOND THE FRONTLINES It's Always Vital to Care Support our COVID-19 Response
hamiltonhealth.ca/covid Beyond the frontlines, Hamilton Health Sciences continues to need your support. There is an ongoing and urgent need for vital equipment and patient amenities as care continues for patients from throughout the region. Help define “the new normal� by making your donation today.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 17
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The Olive Board - Charcuterie & Wine Bar has been an exciting addition to the Grimsby and Ancaster culinary scene but reservations are highly recommended due to their popularity. They offer an extensive wine list, a casual, hip atmosphere and an inspired menu. Be sure to check out their Sunday Brunch Charcuterie. Curbside pickup and gift cards are also available at both locations. theoliveboard.com
Home Grown
Behind every good person, there has usually been some good food. At Live Small Town, we’d like to celebrate both by highlighting the best local foods and recipes around, while introducing you to the creative and talented people who make them possible. From innovative techniques and ingredients to updated twists on some of our old favorites, this is your one-stop shop for everything food, family and fellowship. After all, every food journey starts with a single bite.
Jan’s Tasty Road Trips
Our ever-growing food scene just keeps expanding. This has foodies in larger cities pretty envious, making this their choice dining destination. BY Spicy Jan Living life local is the mantra shared with every guest on every tour as Tasty Road Trips highlights small towns with big tastes. Remember, this spicy gal grew up in the big city where
the hustle and bustle were the norms and I sure didn’t know any different. Yet give a girl an ounce of smalltown charm, quiet streets, inspiring entrepreneurs and delicious local food and you
have yourself a ‘tasty road trip’ afternoon adventure. As we are craving unique staycations of ‘what to do’ with the criteria of safe, social circle and delicious, I decided to curate a new tour, a self-guided tour, just for you! Jan’s Tasty Road Trips is heading to Ingersoll to explore these must-visit food destinations. Urban is falling in love with big tastes in small towns and Ingersoll sure ticks that box. Come tour with us and explore local, one bite at a time. Cheers, Spicy Jan
Jan loves curating tour experiences to tempt the senses with local food and beverages. Email hello@ tastyroadtrips.com or visit tastyroadtrips.com.
A TASTE DESTINATION Spicy Jan did the gut-busting work for you and distilled
it down to four Ingersoll, absolute must-try locations this issue.
The Olde Bakery Café theoldebakerycafe.com The Olde Bakery Café is iconic in downtown Ingersoll welcoming visitors who long to purchase a bag of fresh-baked goodness. I was in awe of the constant flow of bakery visitors who dropped by to have their daily sweet, grab a lunch wrap or enjoy a slice of Sue’s famous Cherry Cheesecake or Carrot Cake with a fresh ground Café Latte on the side. OBC has a separate gluten-free kitchen on-site to ensure everyone can safely indulge. The recipes Sue and her baking team use today are almost 40 years of family recipe favourites. Ask Sue about the baking history in her charming location.
The Elmhurst Inn & Spa elmhurstinn.com With 32 acres of sprawling trails, approachable fine dining, an on-site spa and overnight accommodations, this destination location is a rural hidden gem just waiting to be explored. It was my first visit to the Elmhurst Inn and one my palate will never forget. A culinary masterpiece was prepared by the talented Chef Daniel. Grilled Filet Mignon with potato leek rosti, grilled asparagus, a sauté of sundried tomatoes, smoked bacon, spinach and fried shiitake mushrooms with a marsala reduction. Trust me on this, visiting The Elmhurst isn’t ‘going for dinner’, it’s a dining experience.
The Wine Cellar and Cheese Shop winecellaringersoll.com Cruise down Thames Street and notice “The Wine and Cheese Shop” on the side of the old bank building, which draws you in like a good billboard. As you walk inside, pause for a moment and take it all in. Rows and rows of perfectly placed charcuterie accompaniments, over sixty local and imported artisanal cheeses and wine kits in the making fill this hidden gem location with woodsy aromatics. Owner Annelies, has a keen sense of culinary pairings and delights in ensuring your palate will be perfectly pleased after every visit. Ask Annelies about their monthly cheese subscription box.
Chocolatea chocolatea.ca If you missed going to camp as a kid, you must consider Truffle Camp led by Chocolatier Cindy owner of Chocolatea in Ingersoll. Cindy is the creative mastermind behind every melt in your mouth chocolate from recipe to local collaborations. What started through home sales and markets has grown into a sweet adventure filled with ganache, caramel and a variety of peanut butter creations. Build your own box to enjoy or gift, from four to twelve pieces. Cindy and her Tea Sommelier husband Steve, are an amazing dynamic duo of sweet gourmet in the Chocolatea kitchen.
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Healthy living isn’t as hard as you may think.The region has so much to offer to support healthy living and eating. BY Nicole VanQuaethem It’s the time of the year again when we may have a runny nose or tickle in our throat. Although this is completely normal, there are still things we can do to support our overall health and immune system during the cold and flu season. Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic pill and it includes a combination of healthy eating and lifestyle changes. You can also take certain supplements to help support your immune system but if that isn’t an option for you, there are lots of great benefits you can get from food. I don’t think it’s a surprise that healthy eating has been linked to improved immune health which largely has to do with decreasing inflammation in the body but there are also specific foods
you can focus on during cold and flu season to give yourself that extra boost. Some of the top food recommendations I have are foods rich in vitamin C which include but are not limited to red bell peppers, spinach, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, oranges, broccoli and strawberries. I also recommend considering cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts. This is because cruciferous vegetables are known to boost your immune system due to their high nutrient content. Next, I recommend choosing foods that are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to help decrease cell damage. Some of these foods include but are not limited to: blueberries, dark leafy
greens, sweet potatoes, garlic, turmeric, onion, as well as fish like salmon and tuna which are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Lastly, you need to support your gut health since a large majority of your immune system is actually in your digestive tract. Some ways you can do that are eating things like sauerkraut, coconut yogurt, kimchi and fibre in the form of grains and ground flaxseed. However, a big piece to supporting your gut health is also stress management and resting your body! So, what about lifestyle habits? Stress can play a major role in your immune health so finding ways to manage it that work for you is key. Sleep is another big one and since many of us aren’t getting the recommended 7-9 hours a night, our bodies have less of a chance of fighting off the common cold or flu. I also recommend that you move your body daily. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout every time especially since high-intensity workouts have been known to increase cortisol and add more stress to our bodies. With that being said, movement is an important part of any healthy lifestyle. Lastly, I want to touch on supplements. Since we live in Canada and it gets
dark and cold, many of us are not getting outside in the direct sunlight and getting enough vitamin D. Supplements like Vitamin D3 maybe something for you to consider, especially during the winter months and it will also support your immune health. If you can find one with a carrier oil, like MCT, then you get bonus points since the healthy fat will help your body better absorb the vitamin D3. Other supplements that you may want to consider are a probiotic to help support your gut health as touched on earlier, zinc which helps with inflammation and immune cell health, N-acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) which helps increase levels of glutathione in the body, also known as the “master antioxidant”, and a quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement. There are lots of other supplements you can take but I always recommend trying to get these nutrients from food as much as possible. Supplements are a great way to fill in the gaps depending on your individual needs. So, remember to eat a wide variety of whole foods, manage stress, move your body and prioritize your sleep. Enjoy! xo Nic
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 20 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Photography by Nicole VanQuaethem
Simply Delicious Dishes
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On the Map
Willibald Farm Distillery, Brewery & Restaurant Ayr drinkwillibald.com Do you love gin? Well, brace yourself for the perfect medley of honey, juniper, coriander and angelica root, infused with cardamom, grapefruit peel and caraway. Oh no, they did not stop at gin but have some pretty unique beers brewing like Brick Tour Coconut Stout, Pumpkin Spiced Milkhous and Mai Tai Tiki DIPA to name a few. Be sure to check out their restaurant menu too but reservations are always recommended.
Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery Waterford bonnieheathestate.ca Everything charming about Norfolk County can be experienced at this picturesque acreage of vineyards and lavender fields, and the products from both are as wholesome as the earth from which they came. Guests are welcome to explore the property, enjoy a glass of wine or hard cider in our winery, and shop in our lavender boutique.
Sip & Savour From vintage wines to microbreweries, unique IPAs and lagers, there is so much deliciousness to sip and savour in southwestern Ontario’s booming wine, beer, spirit and cider scene. Our hard-working team has been raising a few glasses to selflessly lend a hand and create suggestions to accompany a delicious meal, a small gathering or event this year but we ran out of space and sadly could not include everyone. This is just a starting point for you to explore the fresh and distinctive flavours our area has to offer. Cheers! BY Kate Sharrow
Flux Brewing Company Scotland fluxbrews.ca Flux Brewing is one of the area’s newest, family-founded, locally sourced, craft beer manufacturers. They have six core beers on tap and four rotating to the season. Their tasting room has a large roll-up door overlooking a 1,500-square-foot patio, one-acre pond, rolling farm fields and a rustic barn off in the distance. Their chocolate milk stout, Rocket Science is a must-try, starting point!
22 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Upper Thames Brewing Company Brickhouse Brewpub Woodstock upperthamesbrewing.ca This quality, small-batch brewery not only offers a fine selection of their own suds, but their Brickhouse Brewpub also offers 25 taps of other Ontario craft breweries and a pub inspired menu with many beer-infused ingredients. Currently, they are offering taproom and patio dining, takeout food and retail bottle shop services.
Brewers Blackbird Brewery and Kitchen Ancaster brewersblackbird.ca Say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new! Formally the beloved Rousseau House, this revamped restaurant is now serving up laidback dishes like wood-fired pizza and plenty of house-brewed local craft beer. The community is thrilled to experience and enjoy Ancaster’s very own craft brewery. Ask about their unique micro wedding receptions hosted in their beautiful historic location.
Bains Road Cider Company Dunnville bainsroadcider.ca For the last ten years, there has been something unique brewing in Haldimand County! Bains Road Cider Company is the county’s first and only licensed winery and cider producer. Everything they produce is made with locally grown fruit such as pear, apple, cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, currants, peach and some pumpkin thrown in as well!
Concession Road Brewery Co Jarvis concessionroadbrew.com Always brewing up something new, Concession Road Brewing Co. is Haldimand County’s first brewery. With a focus on small-batch, seasonal, and experimental brews they source a variety of hops and local produce as it comes into season. Their beers also rotate regularly as they have produced over 60 different variations since opening in 2018.
Blueberry Hill Estates St Williams blueberry-hill.ca This 100-acre, family-owned, lake-front, winery farm offers a fine array of fruit and grape wines alongside a selection of crisp ciders. In addition, they host a seasonal farm market featuring local fruit and vegetables, baked goods and preserves while selling many items year-round in their winery retail store and online. Including a selection of great gift baskets.
Paris Beer Co. Paris parisbrewing.com As the newest kid on the block, Paris Beer Co. sports a diverse and growing team of local individuals who should be proud of what they are creating. Farmers and brewers working together to use their business as a force for community good. Located in historic Paris Wincey Mills, the group only started brewing in August of 2020 but will definitely add deliciousness to the markets already amazing local food scene.
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Steel Town Cider Co. Dundas drinksteeltowncider.com Steel Town Cider Co. is the newer micro-brewery on the block, bringing a bit of sweetness to the city’s smallbatch scene. Located in the heart of the Dundas Valley, the brewery uses the best of Ontario’s apples to craft unique flavours with a local focus. Available for pick up and take home at Merit Brewing Company at 107 James St North in Hamilton. meritbrewing.ca
Bell City Brewing Co. Brantford bellcitybrewing.com Brantford has the perfect conditions for growing hops and has had a brewing history that dates back to 1845. But today, if you’re looking for a brew to pair with just about anything, then Bell City Brewing is the place for you. Featuring an eclectic selection of IPAs and Ales, these local legends make it their business to produce a beer for any palette. They also have an impressive pairing menu to compliment.
Abe Erb Brewing Co. Ayr, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph abeerb.com A Canadian staple with American roots, the team at Abe Erb loves celebrating Kitchener-Waterloo’s rich heritage while toasting to its beer-filled future. All beers are brewed in-house with core brands available year-round with rotating seasonal and small batches. While each location offers a unique pairing menu, be sure to check that your preferred locale is open during Covid-19.
Burning Kiln Winery St. Williams burningkilnwinery.ca Rich in heritage and situated in one of the most striking areas of Norfolk County, this award-winning winery was uniquely built upon a repurposed tobacco farm. Honouring the historic charm of years gone by, they offer a wide range of wines, a summer patio restaurant, a breath-taking wedding venue and an array of live music and entertainment throughout the year.
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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 Adrianna Michell Let’s face it, factory farming is the new normal. The massive scale of industrial farming sacrifices quality and care for a low cost. But that isn’t the only way forward. Local farms offer a new way of thinking about and caring for animals. While we may not be able to visit farms like we used to, local organizations are adapting to our disconnected times by encouraging reconnections with what matters. Whether a virtual farm tour or by sponsoring an animal, places like Ralphy’s Retreat pig sanctuary are inviting public education while their doors stay closed. Ethically sourced and compassionately kept animals also mean better products. Cumbrae’s sources their products from caring family farms that have a passion for what they do. At every stage of the process—from feeding to butchering— Cumbrae’s treats their meat with care. Beyond these more traditional understandings of what a farm can be, Red Horse Sense brings an innovative new therapy to the barnyard. Horse sensing goes beyond typical animal interactions to recognize the support an animal can give. These three farms are challenging the factory farm to create communities and cultivate a different way of thinking about farming. By boosting the local economy and collaborating with other local farms, these businesses are bringing a new generation of farming to the fore. 24 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Cumbrae’s
Dundas cumbraes.com As a local butchery in Dundas Village, Cumbrae’s is committed to doing things differently. The butchery is concerned with the entire process of how their cuts make it to your family’s dinner plate. Unlike many factory farms, Cumbrae’s is involved with the production from the food their animals eat to the way their products are prepared. As their slogan states, they “don’t just deal with farmers,” they are farmers, butchers, and chefs—ensuring what they serve is the best it can be. Cumbrae’s set up shop in Dundas to serve the food scene in the Hamilton area, but their products don’t have far to travel since they source from local farms in Ontario. Their commitment to transparency means that you know that your Wagyu is purebred and that your pork is coming from a small abattoir from Ontario or Quebec. Whether you are looking for something to cook up later or enjoy now, Cumbrae’s is committed to the meat that is artisanal, local, and made with care. From their butcher shop sandwiches to smoked brisket and heritage pork, they are in the business of raising the best meat by cultivating relationships with the farmers and the animals in the country, and the educated and informed customers in the city.
Red Horse Sense
Brantford Help yourself heal with horses? Yes, that is right and you do not need previous experience with horses to visit and learn from these empathetic animals. According to Red Horse Sense, animal energy helps heal you through grounding practices that don’t involve riding. By learning to care for an animal and cultivating mindfulness, children and adults alike can build empathy, self-esteem, and responsibility. Founded on FEEL, or Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning, Red Horse Sense uses the horse’s intuition to support the participant in a judgement-free environment. For those who aren’t comfortable with talk therapy, FEEL can be especially helpful for developing new skills. Red Horse Sense also runs a Little Unicorns Day camp where kids can connect with animals in a safe, comfortable and caring environment. Alongside the kid’s day program, their Nurture, Nature, Nutrition program brings in a holistic nutritionist to help parents and children create healthy eating practices. Whether in a group or individual session, these horses can be healing. Call 905-9211458 to discuss your individual needs. Private and group sessions are both available.
Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary photo by Jay Perry jayperry.ca
Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary
St Williams ralphysretreat.ca Starting in 2003 with one rescued horse, Ralphy’s Retreat has since evolved into a non-profit rescue caring for a bustling family farm animal. Located on a private family farm in Norfolk County, the sanctuary is home to cats, donkeys, horses, and of course, pot-bellied pigs. While Ralphy, the pig after whom the farm is named, has since passed away, his legacy lives on in the over 100 pigs living at his retreat. Some animals have come to Ralphy’s after abuse, abandonment, or neglect, which has inspired the non-profit to raise awareness of mistreated animals. Although they are closed to the public due to Covid-19, they are still working to educate the public and fundraise through virtual tours. Virtual visitors can see the friendly faces of pigs like Peaches, Finnegan, and Esme who were brought to Ralphy’s as piglets, or Rupert who was unfortunately kept in a confined space before coming to the farm. When in-person visits resume, Ralphy’s will continue their commitment to animal-assisted interactions with children and adults, working with the community, and creating a positive impact for humans and animals alike. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 25
Isn’t it time for a getaway? Come explore beautiful Port Dover with its never-ending collection of unique shops and gift-giving ideas. Wander through the quaint neighbourhoods of this historic harbourfront town then finish your day with a delicious culinary adventure at the Beach House restaurant and experience the unsurpassed beauty of our Lake Erie view. above all, stay safe and get ready to have an amazing new year together!
Please let us share our restaurant with its unique coastal cuisine and tropical trends in one of Ontario’s best small towns, Port Dover. 2 Walker St. Port Dover 519-583-0880
26 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Culinary Arts
DINING GUIDE
HAGERSVILLE 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. With large flat screens, it is the perfect place to watch the game. JARVIS Devine’s Country Restaurant Stillwaters Plate & Pour - Paris. Stillwaters offers a vibrant, extensive menu that focuses on market-fresh quality ingredients sourced as locally as possible. Enjoy their extensive draught beer menu from around the world with lunch, dinner or a late-night snack. Check out their website and social media for their daily features and amazing value. stillwatersplateandpour.ca HALDIMAND COUNTY CALEDONIA Wally Parr Sausage
791 Hwy 6, wallyparrsausage.com For the last 30 years or so, Wally Parr Sausage has been something of a local institution, especially for those who can appreciate the work that goes into making a delicious sausage. Be sure to make it out to their meat-tastic retail emporium on Highway 6 in Caledonia. It boasts more than 300 items, including their famous sausages. Cayuga Shelly’s Family Dining Restaurant
Photo by AY PERRY jayperry.ca
1192 Kohler Rd. shellyscatering.wixsite.com/ shellysrestaurant This unique restaurant is set in a remodelled old church and quite often has live music serenading its patrons. The home-style fare is also heavenly. Twisted Lemon
3 Norton St W, twistedlemon.ca Featuring fresh, uncomplicated food. 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 Debb’s Cuisine On Queen
109 Queen St, debbs.ca A creative approach to flavour and presentation, Debb’s food is divine and the setting is hip with rustic elegance!
116 Talbot St E, devinesrestaurant.ca Famous for their all-day breakfast, savoury lunches and homemade desserts that are nothing short of divine. Concession Road Brewing Company
17 Talbot Street E concessionroadbrew.com Haldimand County’s first and only craft brewery that is focusing on small batch hand crafted ales and is located in an old fire hall.
Julia’s Bistro
217 Niagara St. juliasbistroandcatering.com Julia satisfies anyone’s craving for homemade Italian cooking while adding her unique style. The Minga
146 Queen St, They offer coffees, salads and sweets, many of their ingredients are organic, and sourced locally. You can’t beat their organic, fair-trade coffee for $1.80. FISHERVILLE Fisherville Hotel & Tavern
2 Erie Ave S, thetav.ca Built as a hotel for travelling salesmen in 1853, the Fisherville Hotel & Tavern remains the destination for tourists and travellers alike. Explore an amazing local craft beer selection and honest food, or stay overnight to experience history and a small-town pace on your country getaway.
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. Langton Andy’s Drive-in Restaurant
3710 Hwy 59, andysdrivein.com Norfolks only ‘50’s inspired drive-in diner that is famous for their footlongs, sundaes and Piggyback Burger, all using only quality ingredients. PORT DOVER The Beach House
2 Walker St. Great family, great food, great staff, great prices and a stunning view right on Lake Erie.Sunday brunch eggs benny is a must.
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Get excited about cookinG aGain
The Olive Oil Co. offers 60+ flavours of premium extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. Come in and “try before you buy� at this inspiring locally owned family business. Find delicious gift giving ideas! Gourmet delights include artisanal pasta from Italy, sweet and savoury jellies, tapenades, olives, along with beautiful locally made charcuterie boards and pottery.
358 King George Rd, Brantford 519-304-6600 Be sure to check our hours on our website before visiting.
theoliveoilcompany.ca 28 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
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David’s Restaurant
168 New Lake Shore Rd. davidsportdover.com This refined Canadian restaurant with a lake view offers an upstairs lounge with live music on weekends.
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Mustard + Relish
301 Main St, mrburger.ca If you love really good burgers, proper fries, great drinks or Beach Day Pops, heaven awaits you here.
THE NEW DELICIOUS!
The Dover Cheese Shop
307 Main St dovercheese.com The Dover Cheese Shop is a food lover’s paradise. It offers a 100 specialty artisan cheeses sourced from cheesemakers in Canada and around the world, gourmet spreads and preserves, kitchen accessories, a premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar, and a wide selection of handmade chocolates.
Mainly Grilled Chicken
BLT on Cheddar
Roasted Garlic Red Pepper Smash
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. SAINT WILLIAMS Burning Kiln Winery
1709 Front Rd, burningkilnwinery.ca An amazing winery that honours local agri-heritage and the culinary bounty.
Bacon Egger on Cheddar
Western on Cheddar
Grilled Chicken Club
Field To Table Country Dining 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.
SIMCOE Barrel Restaurant
131 Queensway W. barrelrestaurant.ca A warm, inviting atmosphere with fresh homemade 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. The Combine
352 Norfolk St S, thecombine.ca Fun, honest food built on local bounty. A fabulous handmade brick oven, garden patio and wine menu. Joy Bakery Café
126 Robinson St, joyofnorfolk.ca What an excellent place to visit with friends to drink good coffee, eat fabulous baked goods and simply relax. Locally-sourced deliciousness at its best.
88 MaIN ST S, HaGERSVILLE 905-768-4040
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TURKEY POINT The Jetty Bar & Grill
TASTY ROAD TRIPS TOURS unforgettABle food+drink exPerienCes
236 Ordnance Dr, thejetty.ca The Jetty is a casual eatery with a picturesque view of Lake Erie and a 150seat patio. The restaurant is open yearround with a great weekend breakfast that residents and cottagers love. WATERFORD Ritzy Cakes & Eatery
20 Alice St, robinsritzycakes.com A spectacular small-town bakery also serving coffees, teas, paninis, soups, Belgian waffles, breakfast and so much more. Did I mention their treats?
AwArd-winning Community influenCer A toast to Paris tour • one Bite at a time tour ladies weekend getaway Packages We create food + drink experiences in small towns, with big tastes. Celebrating farmers, chefs, food creators, makers & unique shops. Come tour with us!
info@tastyroadtrips.com / tastyroadtrips.com
County of Brant Harley Kristi’s Market Kitchen
226 Middle Townline Rd. Satisfy your cravings for local creations at Kristi’s Market Kitchen. Fruits, veggies, delicious baked goods, gift baskets and so much more. Enjoy a fresh coffee or an amazing lunch on the run. Mount Pleasant Devlin’s Country Bistro & Catering
Simply Nic Nutrition is dedicated to helping empower people to make healthy choices for themselves and create long-term and sustainable goals and changes. For information on coaching, workshops, or menu plans please visit simplynicnutrition.com or email info@simplynicnutrition.com
the freshest food with the friendliest service 131 Queensway W, Simcoe
519-426-0068
Patio • Dine-In • Delivery • Catering • Take-Out
www.barrelrestaurant.ca 30 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
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. St George La Cantinella Ristorante Italiano
16 Main St, S. lacantinellastgeorge.com If you could scoop up a cup of passion and place it in a bowl you would have captured the very essence of this amazing restaurant. Each dish prepared in this inviting restaurant nestled in the heart of County of Brant is slowly simmered with heaping helpings of tradition. PARIS The Paris Wincey Mills Co
31 Mechanic St, winceymills.ca A hub for culture, cuisine and
community, this is a one-stop tourist destination. Open year-round (ThursSat) it boasts local vendors and multiple dining options. 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.
CR EATI N G
B EA U TI F U L
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 to be desired.
PRemium eSPReSSo, Single SouRced coffee, dAilY BAked TReATS, lunch & locAllY SouRced ingRedienTS!
The Cobblestone Pub
111 Grand River St N. cobblestonepub.ca This laid-back, old-time watering hole features a menu of gourmet versions of pub favourites and is a mainstay for neighbours and visitors alike.
mE m oR I Es
joyofnorfolk.ca 126 Robinson St. Simcoe 519-420-9999
SIX NATIONS of the grand river TERRITORY Ohsweken Burger Barn
3000 4th Line, burgerbarn.ca They’re 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. They offer 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. BRANTFORD Myra’s Bar & Grill
19HolidayDr, myrasbarandgrill.com Located at the amzing Best Western
T oGETHER
The perfecT pairing of STyle, relaxaTion, local flavour & aTTainabiliTy in porT Dover!
Be sure to visit David’s on Tour at The links at Dover coast during the golf season + Dover cab will bring it right to your port Dover doorstep! Check out our website for more details.
19 Holiday Drive, Brantford 519-753-8651
bestwesternbrantford.com
davidsportdover.com golfatdovercoast.ca elementsdayspa.ca
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Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre, hotel guests and locals enjoy chic ambiance, friendly staff and awardwinning food. The Olive Oil Co
Gift Baskets • Personal & CorPorate CaterinG Cheese trays • Gourmet meals • Gluten free & veGan foods olive oils & aGed BalsamiC • loCal artisans
358 King George Rd, Brantford Offering over 50 flavours of premium olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar (with a tasting bar), they also stock an array of other gourmet delights and gift-giving ideas, including gluten-free goodies, pastas, and more. Cafe Andreou
104 West St Fine dining in an 1865 home with Italian and continental cuisine. Enjoy exquisite food with hospitality at its finest. Elements Casino Brantford
40 Icomm Dr, elementscasinobrantford.com Table games, slots, a poker room and great shows draw people to this venue and the great breakfast, lunch and dinner menu keeps them coming back!
ancastercheese.ca
356 Wilson St E, Unit 3B, Ancaster 905-304-0114 ancastercheese@outlook.com
Ignite Your Journey Rhonda Arnott Confidence Coach Motivating female entrepreneurs to find their confidence by stepping into their power and make a lasting and prosperous impact in their business.
www.rhondaarnott.com Walking in confidence one step at a time.
Oxford County ingersoll The Olde Bakery Cafe
120 Thames St S. theoldebakerycafe.com Offering healthy breakfast and lunch options with an array of tasty, not-sohealthy pastries — just like grandma used to make! Tillsonburg d’Lish Kitchen Cafe
518 Broadway #1 dlishkitchencafe.ca A hearty diner creating tasty food for health-concious bodies. From chickpeas to kombucha, your belly will thank you. Woodstock sixthirtynine
639 Peel St, sixthirtynine.com Offering an amazing, ever-changing, locally-sourced seasonal menu, a lovely patio and an elegant dining experience, sixthirtynine has become a destination restaurant for the region and beyond. Tandoori Knight
511 Dundas St, tandooriknight.ca If you love Indian food, this is a muststop place to eat. Everything is flavourful and fresh and the portions are always generous. 32 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Ancaster Ancaster Mill
548 Old Dundas Rd, ancastermill.com Situated beside a creek with a large dining room built out overlooking the falls and boasting menus that highlight the best of the season’s local and organic products. Don’t miss their Champagne Sun brunch. Brewers Blackbird Brewery and Kitchen
375 Wilson St E, rousseauhouse.ca Say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new! Formally the beloved Rousseau House, this revamped restaurant is now serving up laidback dishes like wood fired pizza and plenty of housebrewed local craft beer. The community is thrilled to experience and enjoy Ancaster’s very own craft brewery.
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un r Comm roduce u O g n i Serv tario P Proudlyarm Fresh On Local F
The Olive Board Charcuterie & Wine Bar
220 Wilson St E, Ancaster and 376 Winston Rd, Grimsby theoliveboard.com A charcuterie and wine bar that brings good food, wine and friends together in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. Dundas Detour Roaster’s Cafe
41 King St W, detourcoffee.com Gourmet roasts from around the world prepared as a pour-over, as well as coffees of the day, espressos, a range of teas and a light, delectable bistro menu.
353 Governors Rd East, Paris 519-752-2047 OPEn all wintER The One-Stop-Shop for gift giving!
local • seasonal • comfortable • creative
Celebrate the Everyday
India Village
Dundas: 100 King St. W. Ancaster: Wilson St. E. fineindiancuisine.ca If you love Indian food, you’ll be spoiled for choice as India Village has two locations. Try the korma shahi, with its rich and creamy coconut-drenched vegetables and the butter naan is out of this world. A variety of gluten-free and vegan meals are also available. Thirsty Cactus Cantina & Grill
2 King St E, thirstycactus.ca Whet your whistle with one of their amazing 24 beer taps, enjoy an inspired Southwest menu, and of course a super friendly and fun atmosphere!
prepared meals Meals to go, soups, desserts+ food Eggs, dairy, cheese, meat, baked goods, specialty coffee and tea, breakfast, antipesto, pesto, preserves, sauces, oils & dressings, snacks, baking & cooking, honey, syrups & spreads, spices, drink +
352 Norfolk St S, Simcoe 226-440-3369
thecombine.ca
local makers & decor Decor, fashion, health & beauty, sustainable, woodwork, kids, candles + Local. International. Delicious.
Quatrefoil Restaurant
6 Sydenham St. quatrefoilrestaurant.com Quatrefoil Restaurant has been offering one of the finest dining experience since opening in May of 2010.
Let the people eat! 114 King St. E. Burford 226-922-0353
olivamarket.ca
301 Main St., Port Dover 519-583-3337
mrburger.ca
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Meet Your Neighbours
Never before has community been more important and these four individuals are actively bringing us all closer together. BY Emmalee Nother Photography by Mike Schymkiw In extraordinary times we often turn to those familiar faces around us who bring comfort and a feeling of joy. In our small towns, the glorious glimmers of happiness and togetherness come from inside our wee communities, our friendly neighbours and our closest families. While this year has been nothing short of remarkable, many of our small business owners have gotten to know us better as they have changed course to help keep our little moments of normalcy and comfort alive. While we have to stay apart physically, the beauty of this moment has brought us closer together. Our local restaurants and shops run by smalltown families have become the faces that bring us our daily dose of delight and that bit of the good ol’ days we currently crave. We’ve been given an opportunity to stay within our community bubbles and support our local restaurants, shops and makers more than ever before, helping the local mom and pop shops to stay afloat while fostering new relationships, embracing a slower pace of life, reconnecting with your roots and best of all, having a familiar face to greet you when you need it most. These three outstanding family businesses are not only shining beacons of joy in their communities, but they are neighbourhood staples that allow us to continue to connect in a meaningful way.
he picturesque beach town of Port Dover is a summertime staple for country and city folk alike. With its sandy beach, delicious restaurants and sweet little main street shops - it’s not hard to see why this small town is a top road trip destination. Among the many shops and stops, you will find icon-
ic Dover landmarks like The Beach House, Fisherman’s Catch, The Dover Dairy Bar, The Surf Shop, Grand Trunk Station and Knechtel’s on the Beach. What do these shops all have in common? They are all owned by one legendary family, the Knechtels. A little over 60 years ago, Fred Knechtel, a man with
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a true talent for connecting with people, and his family embarked on a journey. It started with the purchase of the first restaurant, what is now simply referred to by the locals as “Knechtel’s”, a little place to grab some fresh Lake Erie perch and pickerel fish and chips. As the years went by and local real estate came up for sale, Fred would see new opportunities to support his community and save some unique landmarks. Soon there was a shop for each of his five kids. To this day, even after both Fred and Betty’s passing, their businesses are bustling with tourists and town folks alike with all five children still at the helm, now with their own children in the mix. As you walk down the beach you might notice something a little out of the ordinary that just might bring a smile to your face. During the warmer months, Peter Knechtel, one of Fred’s children, dots the beachfront property with real palm trees from a nearby greenhouse giving a lovely little nod to the summer holidays. If you angle your camera just right for a selfie, no one can tell whether
you’re on a tropical vacation or a cheeky staycation! The alluring beach Port Dover is known for has quite the connection to this notable family that you may not know about. It is actually privately owned by - you guessed it, the Knechtel Family along with a few other locals. Together they graciously allow for all to share the beach each year, so those from far and wide can enjoy what this magical beach town has to offer. In recent years, Peter and his family installed accessibility mats on the beach enabling those who use devices like walkers, wheelchairs and strollers to have beach access and experience the sand beneath their toes when they couldn’t before. The Knechtel Family has deep roots in Port Dover and for them what’s most important is giving back to the town, people and its visitors who have embraced them over the years. The legacy Fred started those many moons ago, has created a true centre of community and compassion within this incredible beach town and will be carried on for generations to come.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 35
f you want to meet a family that pours themselves into what they do, look no further than the Borne family, owners of The Olive Oil Company in Brantford. To Mark, Noreen and their son, Derek, the community is on par with family. Every single person who walks through their shop’s door is welcomed in a way that makes you feel like you’re invited to dinner. And you know dinner is going to be unbelievably scrumptious since bottles of their oils and vinegars will be peppered all over the table for tasting. They opened their retail shop about 3 and a half years ago, but their zest for olive oil and balsamic vinegars was sparked several years earlier by trips to Europe.
Being able to taste the difference between high-quality superior olive oil fresh from the press and what we are used to from the grocery store painted their palate for a new venture. They needed to bring that luxury here but in an affordable and accessible way. From the moment they introduced the Brantford community to their luscious olive oils, they knew they were doing what they were called to do. They wanted to give their customers a unique and robust experience by offering the opportunity to taste their oils and vinegars before buying and tailoring their products to your tastebuds. With every customer who squeals with delight as they try one of
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their over 60 varieties, it fuels their passion for their product and their purpose. Much like wine, olive oil has many flavour notes and the possibilities are endless when creating new and exciting meals that perk up your tongue and change your regular routine into something extraordinary. If the thought of an elderflower white balsamic or a Madagascar black pepper infused olive oil intimidates you, Derek will put your mind at ease. The master of their social media and king of the kitchen makes the most entertaining and easy-going YouTube videos with simple, yet superb recipes anyone can make. His personality shines as he enthusiastically guides you on
a culinary adventure. The Borne Family is truly grateful for the embrace of the community and credits them with helping to build their business from day one. They believe that you cannot be a successful business without community, and they attribute their success to the warm welcome they continue to receive day after day. The Olive Oil Company offers the highest quality olive oil and balsamic vinegars so that they can serve their community healthier, more indulgent flavours that will help nourish their friends and families. For the Borne Family, this isn’t a job, it’s a journey and they take great pride in adding that extra pizzazz to our palates and our lives.
ucked away in the vibrant village of Dundas is a sensational family owned and operated business making some of the most delicious, homemade, foods the areas has to offer. The father-daughter team of Reuben and Lorelei Charles have been serving the community their amazingly flavourful menu items for over 30 years. What started as a little shop inside the Hamilton Farmer’s Market blossomed into what is now a beautiful storefront that takes you to an exotic place far away the moment you step in the door. Right now, I think we all need that kind of wonderful escape! Reuban and his late wife emigrated to Canada in the mid-sixties and worked as registered nurses in the Hamilton area. As time passed, the family purchased a farm to grow and raise their own food. This became a labour of love for Reuben and he got his first spot in the Hamilton Farmer’s Market selling poultry. As a business-minded man, he grew what he offered to his clients frequently – if a customer asked for it, he would try to find it or bring it in. By the time Lorelei was 21, the market space was extensive, and they were selling a menu of homemade items made by Reuben himself. Now a market staple, a community had built around the family. They held many meaningful relationships with their regulars but after almost 30 years and some changes within the market, a decision was made, and they knew they had to find a new place to grow. Their only fear would be if their dedicated customers would follow them to a new location.
In the fall of 2019, Lorelei, her husband Kevin, and her father opened Sensational Samosa as a brick-and-mortar storefront in Dundas. They expanded the menu and added a little bit of everything for everyone, whether you are gluten-free, vegan or a bonafide carnivore. Reuban is a firm believer that variety is the spice of life and with over 13 varieties of samosas alone, they are certainly living up
to their name. Sensational Samosa also offers fresh salads that Kevin creates and prepares, several types of hummus, award-winning soups and an assortment of homemade, ready-made meal options that make cooking for the family quick and easy. Lorelei and her family are unbelievably grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community that welcomed her family in with open arms
many years ago. Having grown up in Dundas her entire life, she’s so happy to bring a piece of her heritage and historic home. While many of their customers are still finding their way back to Sensational Samosa after their move from Hamilton’s downtown core, the new connections they are making are a beautiful beginning to a long and fruitful future. As they say, “if you build it, they will come”.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 37
Our totally insider, Town-by-town, hidden gem-by-hidden gem Guide to what’s new, hot, and legendary in BRANTford & The County of Brant. It’s 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 The end of October swiftly brought in some extremely cold temperatures that made me break out my winter coat abnormally early in the year and although I’m not a huge believer in fate, mother nature sure did give us a treat for my third time exploring Brantford. It was an unusually warm day the first week of November when I started my 24 hours in the telephone city, and as seems to be the new normal, I brought along my good (and really tall) friend Kyle Andrew with me. We were tipped off and told to check out a place called Our Kitchen Brantford which from here on in, I will refer to as OKB. Our Kitchen Brantford began as a dream of having a certified kitchen in their home. That dream quickly turned into something more when it became clear that other small businesses had that same dream - unlimited kitchen access to work in and expand a small business. It was evident after talking to OKB owner 38 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Catherine Jelly-Ferrar that she has a passion for helping other entrepreneurs flourish and grow their business. If you have outgrown your home kitchen and looking to expand your business, OKB offers a Public Health approved commercial kitchen for rent at affordable prices. If you need more information, please visit them at ourkitchenbrantford.ca. While browsing the retail storefront of OKB, my eyes were pulled to a very specific and interesting flavour of jam. Spiced Caramel Pear Jam, as the label read, made by The Jelly Girls. I quickly put two and two together and not only does Catherine Jelly-Ferrar own OKB, but she also co-owns and operates a business that creates, in my opinion now, the world’s best jellies. A family-run business, they offer Vanilla Pear, Blueberry Jalapeño, Pear Toffee, The Hot Great Garlic Scape, and so many more as well as other products. After you put this magazine down, I strongly urge you to check out The Jelly Girls website to view everything they are cooking up over there or make your way to OKB to pick some up. thejellygirls.ca.
Catherine asked if I would like to meet the individual who is currently responsible for creating The Jelly Girls delicious products and of course I said yes! A red plaid apron-wearing, tattoo-covered, and as I was soon to find out, Double Red Seal Chef greeted me with a friendly hello. Enter Julie Yurcak, aka. Chef Jeulz. Not only is Chef Jeulz the OKB commercial kitchen manager, ‘fixer’ of appliances, but she also uses the kitchen to bake and create her own custom cakes, as well as run a catering business. She is quite the go-getter and does it all. If you need a cake for your next event or want to put your catering needs in the best hands in Brantford, you need to pop into OKB and talk to Chef Jeulz. After our visit to OKB, it was time for Kyle and I to head over to Steel Wheel Brewery. Located at 105 Powerline Rd. in Brant. Steel Wheel is the area’s first craft brewery and is owned by Cindy Blair and Harold Kuret and opened its doors in 2018. Now, unfortunately, I was in the midst of a 100-day alcohol-free venture, but sometimes a guy has to be a great
Julie Yurcak, aka. Chef Jeulz. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 39
Owner of Our Kitchen Brantford and co-owner of The Jelly Girls, Catherine Jelly-Ferrar 40 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
My good (and really tall) friend Kyle Andrew enjoying some suds at Steel Wheel Brewery located in the County of Brant
friend and bring his friend along to a brewery, and although there didn’t seem to be much arm twisting, Kyle volunteered to be the beer taste tester and give his feedback for this article. Kyle ordered a flight of Steel Wheel beers which came as, Oat Stout - Flavours of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and toffee lead to a lightly sweet finish. Moderately bitter and pairs well with flannel, scarves and all things fall. Märzen Lager - This malty, coppery-hued beauty is sure to please! A Bavarian-inspired German lager with notes of bread and toast finishing with a light sweetness. Raspberry Sour - This sour is tart, refreshing and oh so raspberry. Fresh Hopped Pale Ale - They harvested their Cashmere hops while the wort was brewing and loaded a hefty 30 pounds of fresh hops into the brew making this the freshest hop pale ale ever! And if that wasn’t enough, Kyle was intrigued by the Station Pale Ale - An easy drinking American-style ale made from a blend of barley
and corn. Dry hopping with Mosaic hops adds some great aroma, and he ordered a single of it. After careful and what seemed to be an incredibly hard decision, Kyle said his favourite was in fact the Station Pale Ale with the Märzen Lager coming in a close second but raved at how good every beer was. It’s a shame I only get a few short paragraphs to talk about this brewery which sits in a renovated 1890’s farmhouse, has a backyard beer garden, and is aptly called an “on-farm craft brewery” because I want everyone to know how incredible Steel Wheel Brewery is. If you want the full back-story and more info, please visit steelwheel.ca. And let it be known, Cindy and Harold, that when my 100 dry days are over, please save a seat at the bar for me because I’ll be back! From there, Kyle and I were starting to get hungry so we made our way over to the Best Western Brantford which was our hotel for the night. We were hungry and tired and needed to
Steel Wheel Brewery owners Cindy Blair and Harold Kuret
refuel asap so we decided to grab a bite to eat at the hotel’s restaurant, Myra’s Bar & Grill. The place smelled delicious and we were ever pleasantly surprised at the menu options! We started with the arancini with housemade marinara and literally after the first bite, we both looked at each other and exclaimed “This is hotel food?”. It was beyond delicious. For our main, we ordered the chicken Parmesan with fresh house-made pasta and once again, it was amazing. For dessert, we had the peach bread pudding a la mode. It was so warm and soft. Basically, melt in your mouth. Guys, I really have no idea how else to say this, but even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you really need to include Myra’s into your food plans. If you would have told me that the food was from a high-end, fine dining restau-
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Best Western Brantford and Myra’s Bar & Grill.
Breakfast at the historic Kingswood’s Restaurant. Established in 1934.
rant, I would have believed it! They make you feel incredibly safe as they adhere to all Covid-19 protocols and if you are lucky enough to get Andre as your waiter, you’ll be treated like royalty. (Side note: I’m sure the entire wait staff is also just as amazing but Andre was pretty special). After dinner, we were provided with a small tour of the grounds by the hotel’s event planner, Melanie Mackay. She was telling us how this Best Western has been serving the community for over 30 years and is actually one of Brantford’s most sought after wedding venues. They offer catering for any type of event from two to 550 people and can customize any menu including cultural cuisines. We even got to see one of their wedding receptions rooms which was beautifully decorated by Cynthia Hefferan of Now & Always Decorating nowandalways. ca. They have a beautiful courtyard where the wedding ceremony can take place and basically offer a onestop-shop for all your events. Take the planning hassle out of your hands and put it in the hands of the professionals at Best Western Brantford. Our rooms were also surprising. The size of them, the ceiling height, the fireplace, a mini-fridge and microwave, as well as a jacuzzi tub. Yes, there was a jacuzzi tub in there but no, Kyle and I didn’t get down to
our Speedos and hop in. The room was insanely clean but let’s talk a little bit about that giant bed. Comfy would be an understatement. If you ever need to feel tremendously relaxed and want the best sleep of your life, then stop what you’re doing, go directly to this hotel and thank me later. But bring the magazine with you so you can finish the article while feeling like you’re lying in the softest clouds. All in all, we had a great stay at the Best Western Brantford. The location of the hotel is incredible for so many different reasons. It’s basically at the centre of everything. It’s 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport and close to golf courses and fishing spots. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and thank you to Jacque Dwyer who took care of Kyle and I. Check out myrasbarandgrill.com and bestwesternbrantford.com for more info. After a fantastic sleep, we said our goodbyes and made the short drive over to The Kingswood for breakfast which apparently is Brantford’s longest-running restaurant. It is a locally owned and operated family diner serving good, fresh, homemade meals, salads and soups with daily specials. The atmosphere was exactly what I hoped it would be. A friendly environment of individuals who seemed to
know each other and meeting friends at The Kingswood for breakfast was part of their weekly routine. Kyle ordered the eggs Benedict with peameal bacon while I opted for the three large buttermilk pancakes. We didn’t talk much when our food arrived which is a great sign that we were enjoying our meals. And that’s when, right then and there, I stamped The Kingswood as my go-to breakfast spot in Brantford. I mean, I’m not sure I can fully describe how fluffy those pancakes were and Kyle, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of the egg’s Benny, made note that it was most likely the best he had ever tasted. If you are looking for the perfect home-cooked breakfast, well, I found it for you and once again, you can thank me later. A big thank you to owner Lori Misener for the hospitality and our uber-friendly waitress Kerri for taking such great care of us. For more information, search The Kingswood on Facebook. And thus, concludes another trip to Brantford. Every time I come back; this city impresses me even more. I always seem to find something new here. Times are super tough right now and I urge you to try your best to avoid big box stores this winter season and check out some of the local places Brantford has to offer. Make sure to schedule some extra time because you won’t want to leave. Thank you to everyone we met during our 24 hours in Brantford. You make it hard to leave but super easy to come back. We will see you soon! And as always, if you have any ideas on where I should head next, please shoot me a message on my Instagram at @jayperry. Talk soon!
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GIFT GIVING Year Round
From marvelous marketplaces to historic downtowns, supporting local community shops has had a bountiful resurgence. Carefully crafted goods created and curated by family-owned businesses and unique, beautifully handmade wares by local artisans and crafters have become a popular choice to purchase for others and to treat ourselves. With so many wonderful, whimsical places to shop, here’s a cozy, little guide with some of the best shops, hidden gems and gift-giving ideas this area has to offer! 44 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Haldimand County based
Pure Linen Envey linen fabric retailer selling Dunnville online only. purelinenenvy.ca Linen is an all-natural textile made from the fibres of the flax plant. It is one of the oldest fabrics produced in the world and goes back many thousands of years. Pure Linen Envy sprung to life in 2016 when two local Dunnville gals realized that Canada needed an affordable source for quality linen. Recently they also expanded to offer extra-wide linen fabrics for bedding. Nothing quite compares to linen bedding, but this was never an affordable option until now!
Give the gift of deliciousness! Tasty gifts are always a special
Pure Linen Envey Photo by Lisa pielechaty
treat. Below is a curated collection of scrumptious ideas.
olivá market Burford olivamarket.ca I don’t think buying food has ever been so entertaining. olivá market owner, Dan Santosis a refreshingly wacky character who has created a one-stop-shop for all kinds of unique gifts and yummy goodness. Much of his merchandise is sourced from local artisans and makers, as well, they carry an impressive array of unique international cuisine that is not often found in many of our small towns.
Plant Inspired Kitchen Woodstock plantinspiredkitchen.com Lisa Friesen is a registered holistic nutritionist, yoga instructor, mom and wife, who loves cooking and teaching people to cook with real ingredients. Her cooking classes are an amazing gift-giving idea but are on hold temporarily due to Covid-19. Another gift idea for your loved ones is her healthy plant-based meal and sweets packages that she offers for delivery.
The Dover Cheese Shop Port Dover dovercheese.com Jenny Ball is passionate about what she does. She has curated a store that caters to the cheese-lovers every need. Providing quality cheeses (many local and Canadian-made), unique products and custom catering for large and small events. This is not your average supermarket cheese section and if you are looking for something unique and delicious, you will find it here!
Dutchman’s Gold is committed to offering plastic free, sustainable packaging.
Dutchman’s Gold Carlisle dutchmansgold.com Growing demand for local food makes it the perfect gift-giving idea and southern Ontario is bountiful! Dutchman’s Gold has almost four decades of delivering a wide array of unpasteurized, award-winning natural honey-based products to your gift baskets. Their products are also sold all over the world and are Kosher, Halal, HACCP and Organic certified.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 45
Small Box Shop
There’s a certain enchanting feeling about wandering through historic small towns and villages with flurries dancing through the air. An echo of the past quietly hums in the background as you take in the architecture and the landmarks that have lasted through centuries. Skipping through the shops one by one you get a sense of how mercantile life once was and how it’s making a triumphant return. 3
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1 Candela Interiors, Brantford candelasoapco.com 2 The Keeping Room, Dundas thekeepingroom.ca 3 Baskets “n” Bundles, Ancaster basketsnbundles.ca 4 Paris Jewellers, Paris parisjewellerscanada.com 5 Second Chance Records, Caledonia secondchancerecords.ca 6 Coyle Country Store, Tillsonburg coylescountrystore.com 7 Doerksen Country Store, Port Rowan doerksencountrystore.com 8 Wabi Sabi Crystals, Paris wabisabicrystals.com 9 Shear Creations Gift Shoppe, Port Rowan 10 Modern Hipster Antiques, Ingersoll modernhipster.com 11 Megs + Clarke, Everything Kids, Brantford megsandclarke.ca 12 Cheap Shabby Chic, Dunnville 13 Iroqrafts, Ohsweken 14 Classic Vault Emporium, Saint George 15 Kari’s of Ancaster, Ancaster karisofancaster.com 16 The Bicycle Shop, Brantford thebicycleshopbrantford.ca 17 Ickys Variety, Six Nations of the Grand River ickysvariety.ca 18 Michaud Toys, Jarvis michaudtoys.org 46 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
DOUBLE-DUTY DESTINATION. Supporting local can be one of the most pleasant
The Minga Cafe photo is from Haldimand County based Moyaa Shea Butter moyaasheabutter.com, Woodstock Art Gallery photo of Dundas potter, Scott Barnim scottbarnimpottery.com
experiences where you discover unique finds in places you might not expect.
The Minga Cafe Dunnville The Minga is a not-forprofit D.R.E.A.M. program cafe and community centre. A team of volunteers whose mission it is to build the community’s capacity to empower youth. They also offer healthy, locally-sourced, organic, handcrafted food and fairtrade organic coffee and tea alongside an extensive market where local entrepreneurs and artisans can sell their goods.
Lynden Park Mall Brantford lyndenparkmall.com I often get stressed in huge malls but this is the perfect sized mall and actually feels like a small town. Not too big, so I have no worries about getting lost. With approximately 95 national retailers, they have been one of my one-stop-shopping choices since 1974. I also love that they offer a complimentary emergency diaper kit to families. Just one of their wonderful services.
Located in Paris, The Paris Wincey Mills Co. is an adorable market place in a historic factory mill, that is definitely worth a road trip. They are home to a tonne of local food, culinary shops, local vendors, cafes, flower markets and more! It’s a great option to explore if you’re looking for the perfect gift-giving destination. winceymills.ca
Woodstock Art Gallery Woodstock woodstockartgallery.ca Give the gift of inspiration, creativity and art with adult, teen or children’s art classes, workshops and programing. WAG has it all!. Most local art galleries have amazing gift shops and are often the go-to place for unique items made by local artists and artisans and proceeds from purchases often directly support local artists and a make a huge difference in our community.
The Shop at Sweetwater Boston, Norfolk County theshopatsweetwater.ca While exploring the rolling hills of rural Norfolk, I discovered this gallery-style shop showcasing an inspired selection of small-batch, local makers. Jaime Jagt has curated a collection of health and beauty products, artisan decor, earth-friendly items, clothing, and many items for children. She believes that life isn’t about possessions, but about finding joy in the perfect piece.
Carefully-crafted goods from marvellous marketplaces in our quaint small towns make some of the best gifts, whether for a reason, a season or just because. We’re so lucky to have so many of these wonderful hidden gems sprinkled throughout our neighbourhoods. Besides the four places above, some of my favourites are The Gem, nestled in the picturesque town of Paris . thegemparis.ca. Oakhill Marketplace in Brantford, and The Shop in Princeton in Princeton theshopinprinceton.ca and they all house some of the loveliest local artisans, each with their own passion and unique designs. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 47
Hewitson House Dundas Like many of us, Shoshanna Hewitson found herself with a lot of extra time on her hands when Covid-19 hit and decided to start her own business. Hewitson House creates natural stovetop potpourri simmers and sells them on Etsy, at From the Attic Interiors in Paris, Essentially Yours in Brantford and at the Handmade House in Dundas. Her simmers include an array of dehydrated fruit, herbs, spices, plants that are mostly sourced locally. Simmer away for hours! Just add water to the bag’s contents, keep on low heat and replenish with water when needed!
GIFTS OF DECOR & MORE. Whatever your desired style or budget, our small-town
communities offer a wide array of boutiques to please the décor-lovers on your list. So much more then decor! Fashions, cosmetics, jewels, books and more.
Bella & Coop Boutique Caledonia, Grimsby, Cayuga bella-coop.com In 2017, mother and daughter team Michele and Remi Stonehouse decided to chase a lifelong dream and opened their own beautifully curated shop in the riverside town of Caledonia. Three short years later, they have added two more locations and created and inspired a décor-loving community of customers. New items arrive weekly and can’t help but inspire.
Louis Lime Vintage Design & Decor Ingersoll Jen Prouty-Walsh is an Interior Stylist and the owner of Louis Lime. She prefers to assist clients who have unique and eclectic tastes. She likes to work with their existing decor, and then proceeding by adding or subtracting elements that pull it all together and creating an environment that they feel comfortable in - a space that will truly reflects who they are.
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Urban Cottage – Life Style Store Brantford urban-cottage.com This fashion forward life style store carries a wide variety of items from entertaining, home decor and home furnishings. They currently deal with over fifty Canadian suppliers with new products hitting the floor daily so there is always something new and exciting to see. Many of the items they sell are also made from recycled or sustainable resources.
Creations Art Gallery & Frame Shop Ancaster creations-gallery.com Struggling with finding the perfect gift to give? Give someone a one-of-a-kind gift of art while supporting local artists. Since 1985 this family-owned shop has been offering wide selection of works by emerging and established, Canadian and international artists who represent a broad variety of styles. They also offer framing and matting services.
Enviro Super Hero
The thought behind a gift is what we all focus on but thinking about the impact of the present long after that initial box opening can make that thought all the more valued. Here are just a few Canadian-made, sustainable stocking stuffers and destinations for the cco-conscious giftees and gifters that truly say, “I care about you and the future of our planet�. 3
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1 A Greener Place, Waterdown agreenerplace.ca 2 The Shop at Sweetwater, Boston, Norfolk County theshopatsweetwater.ca 3 Green Ninja, Ancaster, online greenninja.ca 4 Cottage North Soapworks, Port Dover cottagenorthsoapworks. com 5 Mrs. Greenway, Grimsby, Dundas, and Elora mrsgreenway.ca 6 Goodness Me! Natural Food Market, Brantford, Hamilton, Waterdown, Guelph, Cambridge, Barrie, and Waterloo goodnessme.ca 7 Living Eco Store & Refillery, Paris livingecostore.com 8 The Hollow Willow Health Store, Paris thehollowwillowhealthstore.ca 9 The Wellness Post, Port Dover wellnesspost.ca 10 Rather Green, Brantford rathergreen.c 11 Sloths & Molasses, Simcoe slothsandmolasses. com 12 Horn of Plenty, Dundas hopurbanmarket.ca 13 Healthy Planet Ancaster, Ancaster healthyplanetcanada.com 14 Sustainable Folk, Norfolk County, online (opening Delhi location spring 2021) sustainablefolk.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 49
in anCaster Village you Can‌ shoP loCal. support our local restaurants, shops and businesses that support the area where you live, work and play!
ve Dri lley Da
Wilson street east
Dining, arts & lodging
Fashion, home DĂŠcor & shopping
general services & sport
Come Join us in the Village On Wilson Street East in Ancaster, Ontario
hair, Beauty & aesthetics
healthcare & Dental
shopancastervillage.com
ve Dri ery om ntg mo
Wilson street east
municipal services, schools & Churches
Ancaster BIA
Professional services
AncasterVillage
ancaster Bia 314 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Ontario L9G 2B9 289-239-7828 Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 51
bringing together food, friends + wine Looking for Casual Sophistication to enjoy at home? Enjoy from a variety of beautifully assembled Charcuterie Boards loaded with cheeses, meats, assortment of artisanal breads, olives, pickles, spreads & dips. A variety of Salads, Shared Plates, Flat Breads and Wine also available.
curbsidepickup
the board.com
gift giving made easy! Customizable Packages Available. Contact us for Details. 376 Winston Road, Grimsby • 905.902.WINE (9463)
l
220 Wilson Street East, Ancaster • 905.928.WINE (9463)
Ancaster’s first and only modern boutique hotel, located in the heart of the historic town village. Ideal for leisure stays, corporate clients and wedding guests! The Barracks Inn is a century stone building featuring 18 luxuriously appointed suites. Each of our deluxe suites offers a subtle blend of unique period décor and modern in-room technologies. The Inn’s timeless, understated elegance, along with its first-rate guest amenities, provides the ultimate experience in Ancaster hospitality. 425 Wilson St. E. Ancaster 289-445-1234 Toll Free 833-996-2083 reservations@thebarracksinn.com thebarracksinn.com
WHY LIST YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS? Our services include Registered Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy but we also offer Chiropractic for both humans and animals alike!
People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers. Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from during this time of year, so your home has less competition. Less competition means more money for you.
Bodywise Health & Rehab now offers chiropractic services for your furry friends! Animals suffer from the same ailments as people do, they just can’t tell us. Whether it’s a high-performance animal or your aging best friend, animal chiropractic can help keep your pet moving and feeling better.
To learn more, visit DianePriceTeam.com
905.308.8333 @DianePriceTeam
385 Wilson St. E., Suite 102 Ancaster 289-442-7332
bodywiseancaster.ca
shopancastervillage.com
Ancaster BIA
AncasterVillage
Ancaster BIA 314 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Ontario L9G 2B9 289-239-7828 Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 53
Hasn’t this been a year to remember!
To protect public safety due to the spread of Covid-19, we decided to temporarily close our shop on March 20, 2020. Thankfully, we continued to take gift basket orders by phone and managed to deliver them all safely. Our shop is now opened by appointment only and we are continuing to fulfill all customer requests for our popular gift basket service. We would love to meet with you personally but if you prefer, we will be happy to discuss your gift needs by phone 905-304-8626 or by email at heather@basketsnbundles.ca
Visit our website for a Virtural tour! 386 Wilson st. E. AncAstEr 905-304-8626
basketsnbundles.ca
2020 Travellers’
Choice Winner Voted top 10% of all restaurants worldwide.
Join us for “A true taste of India’s finest cuisine” with two locations to serve you. Our menu caters to those seeking an authentic variety of dishes prepared with fresh, local Indian ingredients.
From our family to yours, we wish you all a Happy and Healthy Winter Season with only the very best in the New Year! 253 Wilson St E, Ancaster 905-648-6800 judymarsales.com
370 Wilson St. E., Ancaster | 905.304.1213 100 King St. W., Dundas | 905.628.1314
fineindiancuisine.ca
Come Join us in the Village On Wilson Street East in Ancaster, Ontario
Thornberry Outlaw
& AssOciATEs limiTEd • REAl EsTATE BROkERAgE Our personalized professional services achieve positive results as well as establish an effective broker/ client relationship based on a bond of trust and confidence, which today can only be obtained through mutual understanding and communication. Originally Nora Thornberry Real Estate Brokerage established in Ancaster since 1957.
Robert G. Outlaw Broker 905-648-4408
Signy Outlaw Broker of Record 905-541-2811
Christian Sherk Salesperson 905-807-1029
311 WilsON sT. E. ANcAsTER 905-648-4408 sigoutlaw@hotmail.com
Rastin’s PhaRmacy
Our dedicated team is here to help with your pharmacy needs this chilly season! 323 Wilson St. E., Ancaster 905-648-6343 HOurs: Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 7 PM Friday 9 AM - 6 PM Saturday 9 AM - 4 PM Sunday Closed 352 Wilson St. E., #2A, Ancaster, ON, L9G 2C2 www.ancasterlaser.ca
shopancastervillage.com
rastinspharmacy.ca
Ancaster BIA
AncasterVillage
Ancaster BIA 314 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Ontario L9G 2B9 289-239-7828 Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 55
Deep Roots
Annandale National Historic Site Tillsonburg Throughout our history, there are a select few with vision and dedication to change the world and one of those men was a littleknown Ontarian named Edwin Tillson. A career entrepreneur and the first mayor of the town of Tillsonburg (incidentally founded by his father), Tillson embarked on a journey to construct the ultimate home to retire to 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. Annandale House is definitely worth a visit!
Starting November 30, the first floor of Annandale National Historic Site will be opened and decorated for Christmas by appointment only and The Pratt Gallery, which regularly showcases the work of local artists and items from the museum’s collection will be hosting an exhibit of the history of Christmas ornaments. Also, by appointment only.
With the fast pace of our lives seeming to accelerate at every turn, we should all take a moment to reflect on the numerous stories, places, memories and people that have truly made Southwestern Ontario one of the greatest places on Earth. Each of our communities, counties and towns have contributed their own unique piece to the tapestry that can collectively be called Canada and there is no better way to chart a course towards the future than by glancing back to honour the past.
Photo by Jay Perry jayperry.ca
Living History
Past & Present Understanding the connection between past and present is essential in our quest to possess direction.
Karen Kain Ancaster Born in Ancaster Karen Kain went on to become the most gifted classical dancer of her era. Her 20-year career as a principal dancer took her around the world where she captivated audiences with her confidence, talent and classic beauty. One such captivated person was artist Andy Warhol who depicted her outlined in diamond dust, a new medium for him but one that spoke volumes of his feelings for this great Canadian dancer.
BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL
H a m i lt o n
H
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MAN
D COUN
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LAKE ERIE
Pauline Johnson Six Nations Pauline Johnson was born in 1861 on Six Nation Reserve to an English mother and a Mohawk father. Her life until the death of her father in 1884 was an idealistic life of privilege where she spent her days as a young lady of leisure canoeing down the Grand River and writing poetry. Until her death in 1913 from breast cancer she was celebrated worldwide for the dramatic recitations of her poetry.
Women in industry Brant and Brantford During WW1 Brantford’s industry reluctantly had to depend on the “weaker sex” to fill the jobs of men fighting overseas. Although still referred to as “girls” by the men in charge these women proved they had the skills, strength and ability. When the war ended being put back into their place could not have been easy for them but just maybe this laid the groundwork for the lives we live today.
Florence Carlyle Woodstock Born in 1864 Florence Carlyle grew up in Woodstock with a mother who nurtured her artistic talent and encouraged her to follow her dreams. At a time when women were not allowed to pursue an art career after marriage, she stayed single and lived her life as an artist. Her modernistic style and figurative painting of woman allowed her to enjoy life on her own terms travelling and honing her talent.
Abigail Becker Long Point In 1854 Abigail Becker was the 24-year-old wife of a trapper living in a cabin on the north shore of Lake Erie. One stormy November night a ship became stranded and with little thought for herself and the fact that she could not swim she waded out in shoulder-deep frigid water and dragged the drowning men to shore where she and her children had built a roaring fire. It is no surprise that this heroic woman became known as the Angel of Long Point.
Judge Helen Kinnear Cayuga Born in Cayuga in 1894 Helen grew up to be a formidable woman, a pioneer for women in a profession that was largely dominated by males. Her many firsts included being the first woman to practise law in Niagara in 1920 and to argue before the Supreme Court. She was appointed the first woman judge in Canada in 1943 at a time when women were not even allowed to sit on juries until 1952.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 57
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 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 Live Small Town magazine’s Aging Gracefully series. P.L Robertson
Have you ever been so consumed with a task that you take a step back to reflect? Who first had the bright idea of decorating a house with Christmas lights, you might ask? Or where did zip-ties come from? Why are wreaths in the form of a circle and not a square, and what madman invented tinsel? Who was the first to see a bushy-tailed, twitchy creature scurrying up the side of a tree and uttered the word
58 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
“squirrel”, as an appropriate descriptor? They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and for many things this is true. Sometimes the right person needs to come along at the right time to solve all of our collective problems for us. One of those people was the late, great P.L Robertson. If the last name sounds familiar to you, it should. You’ve probably encountered Robertson’s work quite a bit in your life and never realized it. Born in Haldimand County in 1879, P.L helped to popularize and mass-produce the square-socket drive for screws (now commonly referred to as the “Robertson” head or drive). Anytime you’ve seen or used a screw with a square in the middle of the head (as opposed to a cross shape or a simple slit), you’re likely looking at the result of Robertson’s work. Ford Motor Co. actually, requested exclusive use of the screw but was rejected by Robertson. The company, now named Robertson Inc, started in Milton in 1908 but now has a head office in Burlington. The popularity of the Robertson screw continues to grow all over Canada but unfortunately, it is now manufactured overseas in China.
Port Ryerse
As is often the case in small towns across Ontario, you don’t have to dig too far to find history buried under the surface of Port Ryerse. Its layers contain scandal, a cross-country pilgrimage, and a royal past. Peeling back the layers can reveal things about both its founders and its current occupants. To start with, the founder of the town, Lieut-Colonel Samuel Ryerse, who was a bit of a nomad and born in New Jersey, was a United Empire Loyalist who fought with the British Queen’s Rangers during the American Revolution. At the conclusion of the war, Ryerse and his team were given land in New Brunswick, in exchange for their honourable service. Soon thereafter they recognized this land to be unusable, with large swamps and poorly irrigated soil making farming and building difficult. Ryerse and many others petitioned the Crown for new land and after some time and much patience, they were granted their request to relocate their community. The catch? The new land was in the province of Ontario. So, many of them packed their things and started walking towards present-day Norfolk County. Port Ryerse became a thriving and bustling hamlet of water trading, milling, logging, and fishing. The times may have changed, but the beauty remains, and each year thousands make their way to this community. Brantford Cricket Club
brantfordcricket.com Over the past few years, professional sports championships have been kind to Ontario. We’ve seen the Toronto Argonauts win the Grey Cup, Toronto FC earn the MLS Cup, the Toronto Raptors hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy, and the Brantford Cricket Club winning a major cricket championship? Outside of local followers, few may be aware of this last accomplishment, but it should in no way diminish the efforts made by the club and their leadership. Though the sport has been around since the 1800s, its popularity and presence on the major sporting stage have been a story of patience and perseverance. Often overlooked by the local population, it is in large part due to the positive contributions of Ontario’s immigrants that this fast-paced sport has been making a major comeback in Brantford. Led by team President Jason Chahal, the club has gone through a bit of a renaissance in recent years. Gone are the days of inferior leagues and second billing on sporting fields, and in their place came an upgrade in both competition and home-field advantage. The club has been on an upward trajectory since Chahal arrived in 2014, and the best is yet to come. Now officially part of Cricket Canada, the Brantford Cricket Club is creating a model not only for other cricket clubs to follow but also a blueprint for small-market teams of any sport to take notice of. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 59
8%
Discount until March 1, 2021 when you mention the promo code Haldimand8
Pure Linen Envy
Heirlooms & Antiques Looking to spend a day antique or vintage hunting? Need to find that perfect period piece to enhance your home or wardrobe? Looking for some retro tunes or previously-enjoyed gems? 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... ANTIQUE SHOPS Antiques at the Sawmill
RR 1, Ayr Antique Chevrolet Parts
1221 Hwy 5 W, Dundas antiquechev.com Alfred Street Nostalgia
97 Alfred St, Brantford Anderson Auctions
7 Clonmel Ln, Port Dover jimandersonauctions.com Artiques Hagersville
23 Main St N, Hagersville Linen is a natural material woven from flax plant. It has been used for thousands of years and it is making a huge comeback in recent years, as people begin to realize all of its benefits. The texture of the material begins to transform after the first wash and becomes softer as you continue to wear it.
Bird & Bee Vintage at Wincey MIlls
Pure Linen Envy is the most affordable linen fabric retailer in Canada. We carry only 100% linen fabric, in different weights and over a hundred colors.
Caledonia Furniture Finds
Our store is online only and we operate and ship out of Dunnville, Ontario.
Gift Certificate Available!
31 Mechanic St, Paris birdandbeevintage.com 127 Argyle St S, Unit #5 caledoniafurniturefinds.com Caresa Antiques
1182 Windham Rd 9, Windham Centre
purelinenenvy.ca
Cattail Cove Interiors
1012 Bay St #4, Port Rowan Cheap Shabby Chic
148 Queen St, Dunnville Christie Antique and Vintage Show
InspIre Create MotIvate registration for winter arts programming is now open with strict safety protocols in place! visit out website to check out all that we offer! 33 Norfolk St. N. Simcoe artwIthheartstudIo.Ca
226-567-5500 60 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
1000 ON-5, Dundas christieshow.ca CJ’s Antiques & Refinishing
4080 Hwy. 24, Vanessa cjsantiques.ca Clappison Corners Antiques
845 Highway 6, Hamilton clappisonantiques.com Classic Vault Emporium
12 Main St S, St George Collectors Centre
46 Colborne St, Brantford collectors-centre.business.site
Colonel Mustard Antiques
7014 Hamilton Rd, Putnam Country Corner Antiques
3067 ON-3, Simcoe Courtland Treasures Antiques and Emporium
682 James St, Delhi Covey Coin & Supply Centre
92 Simcoe St, Tillsonburg Crossroads Antique Market
1146 Colborne St E, Brantford Deer Creek Antiques & Creations
1703 Norfolk County Rd 45, Langton Forch’s Record Store
59 Dalhousie St, Brantford
Comfort & StyLe. CLoSer thAn you CAn ImAGIne!
Franni’s Attic
1011 Bay St, Port Rowan Freelton Antique Market
248 Freelton Rd, Freelton Grand River Antiques
1540 East, Hwy 54, Caledonia grandriverantiques.com Grand River Antique Society
Cayuga grandriverantiquesociety. yolasite.com
Hearth & Home has spent the last 40-plus years 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! 24 hour SerVICe
Haldimand House Marketplace
22 Argyle St S, Caledonia haldimandhouse.com Henry Dobson Antiques Inc
955781 Gibson Ln, Drumbo Hilltop Furniture & Antiques
88 Dundas St E, Waterdown Judiths Antiques
18 Short Rd, Dundas
224 Braneida Lane, Brantford 519-756-4374
myhearthandhome.ca
Selkirk Village with a history by the lake
The Kilted Moose
57 Talbot St, W, Aylmer Lancome Antiques
1413 Brock Rd, Dundas lancomeantiques.ca 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 Mizener’s Antiques & More Market
367 ON-5, Dundas mizenersmarket.com Modern Hipster Antiques
70 Thames St S, Ingersoll modernhipster.com Naturally Country Gift Shop & Tea Room
5020 Tyneside Rd, Mount Hope Needful Things Pawn shop
75 Broadway, Tillsonburg
Museums
Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum Cottonwood Mansion Canadian Drilling Rig Museum
Shops
Barnwood Wine • Erie Collectables Muirheads Variety (Gas) • Town & Country Foods (LCBO & Beer Store)
Restaurants
Fisherville Tavern • The Hen House Hoover’s Marina • Rainham Centre Dairy Bar Shelly’s Family Dining • Sunflower Cafe
Events
Robbie Burns, Heritage Day Car Show, Super Sat. Gas Fest, Fish Fry & Dance Drilling Rig Open House Illuminated Tractor Parade
locally owned and operated
Selkirk Chamber of Commerce selkirkchamberofcommerce@gmail.com www.selkirk-ontario.com View historical and drone videos... Historical Tour... Read National Magazine Article on Selkirk and Haldimand County
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 61
Nice Old Stuff
2037 Main St N, Jarvis niceoldstuff.ca Old Country Store
80 Alice St, Waterford Old Town Hall Auctions
13 Burwell St, Paris oldtownhallauctions.com
NatuRally moistuRiziNG.
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
100% pRemium veGaN iNGRedieNts.
Inside C- Squared Menswear 334 Main St, Port Dover & 1049 Bay St, Port Rowan + Crossroads Trading Post & Flea Market 1146 Colborne St E, Brantford Queensway Antiques
88 Queensway W, Simcoe Rock Chapel Antique Market
167 5 Hwy, Hamilton rockchapel.ca
you aNd youR family aRe woRth it!
Tattered and Torn
903 Haldibrook Rd, Caledonia etsy.com/ca/shop/TatteredanTorn Southworks Antiques
73 Water St, N, Cambridge southworksantiques.com The Back Shed Antiques & Primitive Crafts
2388 Highway 3 E, Jarvis thebackshed.ca
Your great gift giving ideas begin here Soap • Bath • Body • home Care refillery • 35+ artiSanS
The Fox and Fawn Antiques
93 Broadway, Tillsonburg foxandfawnshoppe.com The Freelton Antique Mall
248 Freelton Rd, Freelton freeltonantiquemall.com The Henhouse Shoppe
163719 Brownsville Rd, Brownsville The Yellow Farmhouse
697 Stoney Creek Rd, Caledonia Tillsonburg Antiques Plus
6 Old Vienna Rd, Tillsonburg 10 King George Rd, Brantford 519-304-5414
wylderose.ca 62 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Time Capsule Antiques & Retro Nostalgia
168 Queen St, Dunnville timecapsuleretro.blogspot.ca Towpath On The Grand Antiques & Collectibles
14 Talbot St W, Cayuga towpathonthegrand.com Toys ‘n Stock
676888 16 Line, Tavistock Typical Collector Antiques
2125 Amesbury Cres, Burlington Unique Boutique Gifts Antiques
Alice St, Waterford Waterford Antique Market
80 B Alice St, Waterford waterfordantiquemarket.com Webster R Antiques
1146 Colborne St, E, Brantford MUSEUMS (some of our many) Bell Homestead National Historic Site
94 Tutela Heights Rd, Brantford bellhomestead.ca
WINTER IS FOR THE BIRDS!
A little bit country, a little bit urban, we cater to the backyard farmer and the small town enthusiast. We are also a one-stop shop for Birders! With over 100 feeders and a variety of bird seed mixes.
Canadian Drilling Rig Museum
4858 Rainham, Selkirk canadiandrillingrigmuseum.com Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope warplane.com Chiefswood Museum
1037 Hwy 54 E, Brantford chiefswood.com
Doerksen Country Store
1086 Bay St, Port Rowan 519-586-3901
doerksencountrystore.com
Grace & Lace Catherine Lillywhite Papillon Saxon Chocolates Ella & ollie kids line Pinkstix purses Lil’ Llama baby gifts Charlie Paige Jacqueline Kent GorGEoUS Christmas décor!!
Dundas Museum & Archives
139 Park St W, Dundas Westfield Heritage Village
1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rockton Eva Brook Donly Museum
109 Norfolk St S, Simcoe norfolklore.com Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
64 Sulphur Springs Rd, Ancaster Haldimand Museum & Archives
8 Echo St, Cayuga Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum
290 Harris St, Ingersoll Myrtleville House Museum
34 Myrtleville Dr, Brantford brantmuseum.ca Personal Computer Museum
13 Alma St, Brantford pcmuseum.ca Port Dover Harbour Museum
44 Harbour St, Port Dover portdovermuseum.ca Ruthven Park National Historic Site
243 Haldimand Hwy. #54, Cayuga ruthvenpark.ca Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association
2041 ON-6, Jarvis wafma.ca Thames Valley Museum School
656 Main St N, Burgessville
10 reasons to pamper yourself... Seriously? The only reason you need is that you deserve it! Our full-service salon & spa offers our guests a high-quality and safe pampering experience that promotes a quality, self-care lifestyle. 5113 Hwy 3, Simcoe
blueharvestsalon.ca
Tis the season to treat yourself! 1407 Hwy 59, Port rowan 519.586.3817
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 63
Arts & CULTURE
Kolton Stewart
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.
Photo by Russell Baer russellbaer.com
Lynedoch koltonstewart.com Kolton Stewart credits his small-town upbringing with keeping him grounded and humble. Born in Toronto, he was raised in Norfolk County, where he still lives today. “I love the perspective that country living has given me. The contrast between home and work, which is almost always in big cities, has made me really appreciate the important things in life!” It has also given Kolton the resilience to weather the lock-down during the pandemic. “My work stopped temporarily once the pandemic hit, so I had the opportunity to concentrate on my music, and I am used to being on my own, so it was ok!”. Upcoming projects for Kolton include the Disney+ movie “Sneakerella” (an exciting and modern take on Cinderella!). He is back for Season 2 of the Netflix series “Locke and Key”, and he is writing and recording original music and covers.
Noise Makers
They bring community together by weaving stories and emotions in the spirit of sharing and forging bonds. BY Sara Moody Veldhuis I am writing this article after work on November 6... an insignificant date by all accounts except one: today was the last day of my first semester teaching high school instrumental music, to a class of beginner grade 9’s, during a pandemic. It’s a wee bit historic! I am tired. So tired and yet I feel triumphant. We’ve done a lot this semester, my students and I, and we did it all in 22 days! Typing that sentence and seeing it in print from the glow of my computer screen makes me laugh out loud. How on earth did we manage it? We were outside almost the entire time (as playing instruments inside is not considered safe right now). And yet we learned how to hold, make a sound and actually play real music with these new instruments. We learned to read a whole new language. Allthe-while, we survived the sweltering sun and freezing cold frosts, crazy winds that blew our music stands over, bee stings and bug bites, and both brain and body fatigue! It sounds unbelievable but it’s all true! The night before school started this year, I received a call letting me know I would be permitted to use actual woodwind and brass instru-
ments in this class. I had been waiting a long time to hear those words, and even though I had been preparing a back-up plan for teaching without instruments, I was hoping in my heart that we would be given this green light. Teaching music without these wind instruments wouldn’t have given the students the experience they signed up for. You see, when a child has the musical instrument that they want to play, placed in their hands for the first time, it is life-altering! I’ll never forget moving outside to play that first day: it was like a seismic shift had happened in the room. The walls and carpet and ceiling tiles were buzzing with the energy that the students were giving off, they were so excited to finally be learning their instrument! It was life-affirming, and my heart swelled! And then we set up our chairs and stands in our socially-distanced outdoor classroom, amongst the trees and wilderness that surrounds my rural high school. As I stared at these students, who were now unmasked before me for the first time, I started to cry. I couldn’t help it. All the worry...All the stress... Everything we have all been going through since March...
The lack of music and concerts and musical experiences in my life that the pandemic has taken away - all of this had built up inside me and I simply couldn’t hold it in any longer. I looked at these eager, young faces, taking their first baby steps as musicians, and it made my heart burst with joy. I felt a sense of relief and belonging for the first time in months. And then I let the tears fall. As our days together passed, the students rapidly became musicians. They learned that their instruments, these awkward-looking pieces of metal or wood with holes and keys and slides protruding everywhere, which sound like dying animals when you first blow through them, can, with time and practice, be turned into something truly beautiful! Along with the music they were fumbling through, the students learned perseverance, commitment, and patience, with themselves and with each other. They began to understand that when you want to do something badly enough, something that is seemingly impossible, you have to really work to get it. It can’t be attained just by hitting “send” or tapping “like” or “share”. They realized that making music is hard, but it is seriously rewarding when you get that first sound and it starts to sound good... when you can play those first five notes... and then your first test... when strangers start to say “hey - that is really beginning to sound
awesome!”. In our outdoor classroom, the weather was our biggest friend or our worst enemy. Rain sent us scurrying inside, but on those days, we invited professional musicians to video-conference with us from their homes around the world. One such musician was Kolton Stewart, who is passionate about giving back to young students the way he was mentored growing up. “If I can inspire just one person then it’s worth it”, he said. And inspire them he most certainly did! Today, on my last day with these students, they made a point of saying how much they are going to miss my class, a class they had for only 22 days spread out over 2 and a half months. I am really going to miss them too! I will never forget our time together, in our outdoor classroom: the quiet stillness of it, with our instruments echoing out over the woods and the birds answering our musical questions in the most charming conversation I have ever heard. A boy in the class had said once “this is really beautiful out here”, and we had all paused, in silence, to take it in. He was right, and not just about the location, but about how we were changing each other’s lives, in the most wonderful way possible: through music! I wish everyone could experience what my students and I have shared! The world would be a better and happier place! Of this I am certain!
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 65
Portrait of an Artist
They help us negotiate connections between ourselves and the world. They 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.
michelle guitard
Women in mask painting is a mixed media on basswood and the landscapes is acrylic on canvas.
66 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Ancaster michelleguitard.net Art is my favourite subject! I feel very blessed to be able to make art and talk about art on a daily basis through painting and teaching. I have been a professional artist for over 20 years and art instructor for the last five. In the spring and fall, I teach art workshops in my studio Art and Soul Creative in Ancaster. Throughout the year I also teach at the Dundas Valley School of Art, I run weekend art retreats in Collingwood four times a year and a retreat in San Miguel Mexico twice a year. I love to share everything I’ve learned with my students and feel very strongly that no matter what level you are, you can learn to paint and develop a creative eye. I love to see people move through the creative journey and create beautiful work. My teaching fully informs my own work and process and vice versa. I will see breakthroughs in the classroom by my students that I take to my own easel. It’s been a very exciting process for me. Most of my work is embedded in nature and the natural organic world. I love to experiment with colour, texture and imagery. Most of my work is inspired by northern Ontario and the West Coast. I was born in Vancouver so my work is heavily influenced by the aesthetic and landscape in both regions. As an artist, I love all aspects of the creative journey and I love to take people with me along for the ride!
Laurie Spieker
Waterloo grandriverglassworks.com A woodlot in downtown, 1960’s Dunnville offered a green playground and leafy sanctuary for the neighbourhood children. Unless my nose was in a book, I could be found there. This hideaway sparked my love for trees, plants and life in all its woodsy forms. Thus, my glass art is based on close
observations of nature. Stepping on a humble towpath, I seek the unnoticed and revel in closely examining the graphic grace found in our natural environment. I am celebrating 13 years of owning and operating Grand River Glassworks this year. A lot has changed since building forts in the woods and the path to this moment has been rewarding. Paul Cheney
James Albert
Mount Pleasant alchedesign.com I discovered my love for woodworking at a young age. Inspired by my father, who is a carpenter, I began building toy swords, bird boxes, etc. In 2010, I restored a century home and, in the process, salvaged much of its heritage by transforming old wooden floors and cabinets into unique pieces of furniture. I had found my passion and, established Alché Design Co. Inspired by my love for the outdoors, Alché Design Co. is committed to sustainable woodworking. All our furniture and accessories – from harvest tables, live edge benches, wood installations, bars and charcuterie boards – are built using 100% FSC Ontario Hardwood or locally salvaged lumber.
Paris paulcheney.ca Increasingly, I am drawn to the simple wisdom found in the eyes of a bird or animal. Perhaps it is the complicated world we live in and what they represent in terms of serene knowledge, wisdom and simplicity. My paintings represent a fleeting moment... the animal is studying me just as much as I am studying it but before I truly hear what it is trying to say, it is gone. There is a secret understanding of the world around us in those eyes. Maybe, if I do this enough, I will gain a hint of that understanding. I am always trying to push the limitations of paint and paper. I make my own paints free from fillers and packed with pigments and spend countless hours testing brushes and paper. I enjoy and learn from teaching others in my classes and workshops. The biggest fallacy with art is that an artist is born with a secret talent or skill. Art is no different than learning to play the piano or figure out a math problem—you have to work at it. Nothing is impossible, some things are just really hard.
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Linda Blakney
Brantford lindaleeblakney.com Art is part of nature. To be an artist, you have to have a passion for it. To be a passionate artist, you must be obsessed with learning about other artists and working with accomplished teachers and mentors to build a repository of knowledge. Besides that, there are two things that will help activate an artistic passion. First, you need to dedicate thousands of hours in the studio, experimenting with new ideas, materials and technics. Second, you will need to teach, because when you teach, you learn as well. I have estimated that during my artistic career, I have over 30,000 hours of art practice, both in the studio and workshops learning. My art is abstract, my materials are always different and the enthusiasm for creative expression is unrelenting. Yes, it is easy to say I am obsessed with art.
kerry walford
Cayuga kerrywalford.com I am an artist inspired by the rural Ontario landscape. I paint landscapes with playful brush strokes, lots of colours, and a focus on bringing beauty to simple things. My hubby and I moved out to the small town of Cayuga nearly two years ago after falling in love with the 175-year-old English farmhouse that we call home today. We are excitedly planning several renovations to the home which include creating a studio and gallery space that will be open to the public for workshops and shows. Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this hidden gem of a town nestled between the Grand River and pastoral farm fields. 68 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Arjan Lamers
Simcoe lamersandco.ca I think the most common question I get about my painting is “why paint cows?”. I’ve tried to think of a deep-rooted meaning behind my paintings, something really artsy, something that would have made my art instructors proud at University, but I’ve never been able to find one, other than; I like the way they look when I paint them, so I do. When I was studying art history, I was never attracted to the highbrow art, riddled with symbolism, meaning or some deep-seated political message. I appreciated the work of Jeff Koons and his inflated balloon sculptures, Takashi Murakami and his brightly
coloured Anime styled paintings and Jackson Pollock for his general lack of concern of what art should be. I generally don’t consider myself a ‘good painter’, in the technical sense of the definition. I spent very little time training with painters and chose to focus on my drawing skills instead. Every time I try to stay true to the colours, I tend to stray. The bright ones always pull me in. I find myself constantly trying to limit my colour choices, to avoid the temptation of colouring the whole cow red. I look at colours, not as a hue but more as a value, much like when I am drawing and looking for the lights and darks in an image. I don’t know how much longer I will paint this way. I’m guessing it will prob-
ably change soon. Not because I don’t love the work I do, but more so because I find change to be a great motivator in my work. I tried to paint a frog for the first time. It looks pretty good, so maybe I’ll stick with that.
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On the Map
Makers Market
Theatre performer, vocalist, and published writer, Vanessa Spence.
Our local art scene is bursting with talent. Here are just a few who are sharing resources to enhance community culture. BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL
Mary Maxim Paris marymaximretail.ca Sifton Products required a shakeup and what better than to name the store after one of their employees known for her homespun work socks. The strategy worked well and Mary Maxims was born. The move from Manitoba to Paris Ontario in 1954 was a big win for us. Entering this store for a crafter is much like entering a candy store for a small child with eyes bigger than his belly.
The Talia crop top by Nikita Bucholtz of So Divine Crochet
JR Custom Woodworking Simcoe Growing up watching his dad dabble in woodworking ingrained a thirst for wood in Justin Rowe. This love of wood was awakened about 8 years ago when he set up his own workshop. Recently he started to explore the mystery of epoxy. Waiting to see how each pour unfolds into its own unique piece has him hooked. Creating his beautiful charcuterie boards, tables and even doors has become a passion for him.
The Shop in Princeton, An Artisan Market Princeton theshopinprinceton.ca When it comes to Christmas this year many of us plan on using our dollars to support local businesses. One-Stop Shopping is made easy at The Shop in Princeton where 65 local artisans peddle their wares in this family-run shop. All year workshops are offered so you can try your hand at getting creative and coming home with unique items to surprise your family.
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Steve Parton Dundas partonbooks.com Fighting cancer is not usually a funny matter but Steve Parton has used humour to fight his formidable enemy. It became evident that his journal written for his family could be used by others going through the same fight. His book Cancer Trip: Curing Cancer with Humour. And Pot. And Chemo. is a guidebook for others to find their own way between the two worlds of conventional and naturopathic medicines.
Ichthys Theatre Productions Brantford ichthystheatre.ca In 2000, Lorna Stratton made a lifetime dream come true and created an inclusive community theatre where local people can use their talents to make the world a better place. The surround presentation style enables audience participation as it brings all ages together to produce works that focus on social awareness and relevance to all generations with thought-provoking stories.
White Flame Company Selkirk/Hamilton whiteflamecompany.com Ron Pavlovich is one of the very few Certified Master Chandlers in the world with a well-earned reputation for creating excellent products. With his daughter, Rhonda, their hand-poured candles and spa products are created in Haldimand County and sold in their shop in Hamilton along with a large selection of gemstones and oils. This is a must-stop in your journey to living a truly holistic life.
Harmony Square Harmony Square
Grand Wellness Grand Wellness
Hudson Public Hudson Public
Bell City Brewery Bell City Brewery
Whether you want cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, fantastic family fun, Whether you want cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, fantastic family fun, or culinary delights, you’ll find it all in Brantford - the big city with a small town feel. or culinary delights, you’ll find it all in Brantford - the big city with a small town feel. Visit us in person or online to plan your trip. Visit us in person or online to plan your trip.
discoverbrantford.com discoverbrantford.com
BRANTFORD VISITOR & TOURISM CENTRE • 399 WAYNE GRETZKY PARKWAY BRANTFORD 1-800-265-6299 BRANTFORD VISITOR & TOURISM CENTRE • 399 WAYNE GRETZKY PARKWAY BRANTFORD 1-800-265-6299
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Events & Activities THEATRE
As live theatre continues to grow in popularity, lovers of the performing arts across Canada have begun noticing an emerging trend: big cities aren’t the only places to find a good show. Small towns and local theatres are churning out quality performances and their well-known theatre companies and impressive resumes mean a trip to the theatre is even closer than you realize. Backstage Capitol Theatre
Twilight. Acrylic on canvas. 36”x36”
Gallery/Studio open by appt. throuGhout the “holiday SeaSon” and beyond! 16 Charlotte St., pariS 519-442-7211 hollyo.ca
Small town living meets big service
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 long for a variety of events, including concerts, public meetings, community fundraisers, 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.
Lee Ellery, Agent
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.
Cell: 519.476.9602 lee@dumfriesmutual.com
Waterford Old Town Hall
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76 Main St S, Waterford oldtownhall.org A restored historic building that boasts an 180-seat auditorium, the Waterford Old Town Hall provides us with cultural diversity as a music, artistic and theatrical production venue.
GALLERIES
Nothing boosts your own personal creativity more than visiting art galleries. Akin to osmosis, being around art and in the company of creative folks makes you feel more creative. Our small-town communities are rich in this talent and there is no better way to experience it than to pop into one of these local showcases. Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant
From my family to yours, I would like to thank you for supporting the shop at sweetwater over the last year. You made all the difference!
20 Ava Rd, Brantford glenhyrst.ca Located in Glenhyrst Gardens, a beautifully landscaped 16-acre park on the banks of the Grand River, the gallery offers contemporary fine art exhibitions, guided tours, classes, lectures, events, and art rentals.
Thank You
Holly.O. Gallery
16 Charlotte St. Paris (one street north of the Arlington Hotel) hollyo.ca Paris artist Holly.O. welcomes visitors to her gallery and studio. View Holly’s collection of original artworks and take a behind-the-scenes look at her sunny studio space. Gallery is open by appointment throughout the year.
AN ARtisAN ColleCtive
Bringing the beauty of small batch to you with a focus in Norfolk County
2619 Cockshutt Rd Norfolk County 905-537-3936
theshopatsweetwater.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. Two Turtles Iroquois Fine Art Gallery
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649 Colborne St, W, Brantford 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.
Unwrap your senses as you step inside our little shop. Enjoy hand crafted natural soaps, bath and body care, local artisans wares, gift giving ideas, home & decor.
Wildwood Art Gallery & Studio
24 Winnett St, N, Cayuga WildwoodCayuga.com This new gallery is home to artist Kerry Walford who specializes in oil paintings of rural Ontario. The gallery will also feature the work of local artists, offer art classes for children and adults, and host several art shows throughout the year.
Visit our website to learn about our online art classes and art kits! We’re also open by appointment for art viewings. 24 Winnett St N, Cayuga 905.929.4902 info@wildwoodcayuga.com wildwoodcayuga.com
Because you are important, we request that everyone wears a mask.
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10-4 Private shopping is available at request 359 Main St. Port Dover 519-583-3977
cottagenorthsoapworks.com
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NATURE CALLS
Out & About
It’s hockey time in Canada. Hockey is one of Canada’s great pleasures. It is woven into the fabric of many of our lives and there is definitely something magical and quintessentially Canadian about playing hockey on an outdoor rink. The backyard hockey rink can also be a passed-down tradition of parents creating a safe place for family and friends to make chilly memories. So, this year, rather than hunkering down in front of the TV, take matters into your own gloves and create some winter fun. If you are not up to making your own, James Hillier School in Brantford has an amazing outdoor rink.
Seasons are ever-changing. The altering weather is a gentle reminder that all things end but can begin anew. Search out the treasure trove of things to see and activities to do in our communities. The sky’s the limit when it comes to natural beauty and outdoor adventure, so grab your fishing rod, pack your sunscreen and dust off your hiking boots - the great outdoors is calling.
On the Map
The Big Chill
Photo courtesy of tourism Hamilton tourismhamilton.com
Meet your new favourite winter sport. Don’t even think about putting your bike away during the winter chill! Grab a fat bike and head out on one of our many trails. Dundas Valley Mountain Biking Trail, Turkey Point Provincial Park Mountain Bike Trail, and Hardy Road Trail in Brantford are just a few that challenge. This winter sport has been around since 2005 but has gained more popularity in recent years as an exciting activity that gets you enjoying the great outdoors during the winter months.
Fish tales. Ice fishing on our Great Lakes has always been a long-standing Canadian tradition. The anticipation of peering down the hole waiting to wrangle up a big one is an essential winter experience. Jimmy Riggin’ Ice Fishing in Port Rowan, Grand Passage Outlet in Ohsweken are just a few locals who can help you with all your fishing plans. Baer Fishing Adventures St. Williams offers guided walk and wade tours along the Saugeen river all fall, winter and spring for steelhead.
The weather outside may be frightful, but you can still have a blast this winter. Be sure to check local websites for availability due to Covid-19.
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A bit of fun for everyone. The Haldimand Chippewa Trail is a picturesque route that boasts the option of cross-country skiing, cycling, dog sledding, equestrian access, geocaching, hiking, and snowshoeing. Connecting to the Hamilton Chippawa Trail at Haldibrook Road then running 2.7 km south along the old Georgia-Pacific rail line close to Caledonia. You are also likely to catch a glimpse of a lion or a tiger as a portion of it runs alongside the Killman Zoo.
Winter is for the birds. Birdwatching is a wonderful way to venture out with friends and family in the chilly months and to discover the beautiful outdoors. Marshlands are abundant throughout the region, which provides the perfect ecological area for birds who are braving the colder climate. Grand River Valley Forest from Paris to Cambridge, Lawson Nature Reserve in Ingersoll, and Long Point Birding Trail are just a few for you to visit.
Sweet-water sap bragging rights. As Canadians, we’re saps for a good ol’ maple sugar bush! As the first sign that warmer days are getting near, we start to crave something sweet. Chambers Maple Syrup in Waterford, Richardson’s Farm and Market in Dunnville, and Hunter’s Maple Bush in Troy are just a few one-stop-shops for all things maple. Or venture into the past and learn the history behind the taps at Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton, complete with a hearty pancake breakfast.
Let there be light. As a child, I think the wonder of the annual Simcoe Panorama was something that brought the magic of Christmas alive. This November, the oldest light festival is Ontario, marks the 62 years that the switch will be thrown and thousands of lights decorating the park turns Simcoe into a winter wonderland. For years bus tours have brought visitors from all over Ontario to enjoy and celebrate the joy of Christmas in beautiful Norfolk County.
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OF THE
PHOTO By Tara Carpenter
OUT ORDINARY
Connecting with nature offers a wealth of benefits, not to mention the sheer enjoyment of being surrounded by beauty. So go play outside. BY Tara Carpenter “The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and comprehend what we see.” Albert Einstein. The genuine gift of nature is presented to us every time we walk outside our doors. Nature has continually given to humanity without asking for anything in return. Should we be more considerate, thoughtful, and appreciative of these life-giving gifts from our natural world? With mindless consumerism barreling out of control all around us, southwestern Ontarians are provided with a
multitude of local gift options that we can bestow upon our friends, families, and ourselves this season. Take the approach of giving a generous donation to a local environmental group that will have your gift generating an impact for years to come. There is a multitude to choose from and our local beloved ecosystems will benefit as well. Support talented resident entrepreneurs, artists, crafters, and homegrown farmers that will grant you a sustainable, locally handcrafted, truly unique, and one-of-a-kind treasure.
Where we direct dollars can have an assured impact on our communities. Our tradition is usually to buy brand new. Maybe this is the year to attempt an innovative technique of giving that is more considerate of our precious Mother Earth. Deliver recycled, re-gifted, up-cycled, second-hand, or even hand-made authentic gifts to your loved ones. Nature is a sincere gift to be cherished, so think outside of the gift-box this giving season! Maybe it’s time to see how our artisans, crafters, and nature can change your views on consumerism. Our local economy and the exquisite environment will thank you! “All good things are wild and free” Henry David Thoreau.
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 hitchhiking 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 76 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.
The Shop at Sweetwater
Iroqrafts
Boston theshopatsweetwater.ca A gallery-style shop showcasing small-batch makers with a focus on celebrating all that is handcrafted. In a world of instant satisfaction, the art of the craft is slowly disappearing. Sweetwater supports local makers who love what they do and take the time to make sure you will love it too. Life isn’t about lots of objects, it’s about finding the perfect piece.
Ohsweken sixnationstourism.ca/artstudios-gift-shops/iroqrafts/ Iroqrafts on 1880 Tuscarora Road in Ohsweken is the largest arts and crafts store on the Six Nations. Offering a huge variety of indigenous books, traditional art, handcrafted moccasins, stunning sculptures, intricate beadwork, and a multitude of crafting supplies. You will be in awe of this shopping experience, so give yourself a few hours when going to Iroqrafts.
Ninebark Physocarpus spp This bush is part of the rose family and can be identified by its exuberant peeling bark and striking nectar-filled flowers. The roots can be boiled and placed as a poultice on burns, sores, and lesions. The inner bark was traditionally taken as an emetic by people who were “dizzy in pain” and as a laxative. The plant contains chemical triterpenes in the stem bark.
Nature Conservancy of Canada
giftsofnature.ca NCC has the perfect eco-friendly gift ideas for any nature lover. Help endangered and threatened species in Canada with the gift of giving back to nature. Share your gift with someone special by symbolically adopting a polar bear, snowy owl, lynx, puffin, or wolf. By adopting a habitat, you are helping to protect many endangered and threatened species in Canada. Ottercreek Woodworks
Tillsonburg ottercreekwoodworks.com Using only local hardwoods, the Ottercreek Woodworks is a busy place full of vision, creation, and of course sawdust. Rediscover nature at the award-winning From Tree to Table Experience. Gain knowledge about the trees of our Carolinian Forest with woodworker David Schonberger. Create your own live-edge charcuterie board and enjoy a handpicked selection of the local terroir including local artisan charcuterie, cheeses, preserves, and bread around a feasting table.
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana All parts of this fall-blooming deciduous shrub were used by the Iroquois to heal sores, ulcers, tumors, and coughs. The inner bark specifically was used to induce vomiting and sore eyes. Today it is well known for its topical astringent qualities in commercial preparations like cosmetics, soaps, mouthwashes, and ointments. The oily nutritious seeds can also be eaten.
Hawthorn Crataegus spp Hawthorn flowers and fruits are famous in herbal medicine as a heart tonic. Due to the high protein content traditionally, they were mashed to make a dried bread that would be used in pemmican and soups. Try in tea to treat insomnia and inflammation, as a cold drink or even juice for wine! Do not consume if pregnant, nursing, children, heart condition, blood pressure.
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Adapting a dream Father-daughter team Steve and Kassidy Greulich, wouldn’t let anything stand in their way. Not even a pandemic. BY Tim Zwart As a parent, one of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is the value of never giving up. When you give your word, keep it. When you commit to something, follow through. And when things get tough, it is always the toughest of us that pull up our socks, roll up our sleeves, and refuse to take no for an answer. Raising a daughter in a male-dominated world can be hard and navigating the gender stereotypes to break through the proverbial glass ceiling can often seem daunting. Dads, or good ones anyway, are constantly engaged in an internal struggle of trying to balance the little girl
that they’ll always see, with the world-toughened woman they know their daughters will need to become. To do both takes a special kind of man and father, and more often than not, that father has contributed towards raising a pretty amazing woman. Steve and Kassidy Greulich are two such people. From the early age of 9, Kassidy had one dream: to follow in her father’s footsteps and compete in an Ironman triathlon. Steve was already an accomplished triathlete himself, and the values of competition, commitment and stick-to-itiveness were instilled in Kassidy from a young age. He taught her
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the value of hard work and how to progress towards a goal, and she continually pushed herself to reach for the finish line. By the time she was 19 years old, Kassidy was ready to compete in her first-ever triathlon. Unfortunately, the rest of the world was not yet ready for her. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives in immeasurable ways, and the Greulich’s were no exception. In a new reality where social distancing and face coverings were now commonplace, sports and competition were instantly given a back seat to health and survival. So how does one compete in triathlons if you’re not even allowed to enter them? Well for a father-daughter team who’s used to routinely ignoring the word “can’t”, you design, build and compete in your own race, and that’s exactly what they
set out to do. Working with the owner of the park along Silver Lake where the Greulich’s keep a trailer, Steve set to work turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Swim distances were marked off with flags in the water, a cycling course was mapped out, and even custom t-shirts and medals were created to add to the authenticity. The goal? Kassidy aimed to finish the race in under 14 hours, while Steve set his sights on a sub-11-hour race. The result? A 12-hour and 19-minute completion for Kassidy, with Steve finishing the course in just over 10 hours. Completing your first triathlon at 19 years old, far quicker than you had planned? A great feeling. Doing it with your dad, who had been preparing you for this moment since you were a little girl, and wouldn’t let anything, not even a pandemic, stand in his way? Priceless.
We’re looking forward to... STAYING TOGETHER in our apartment while getting great care, ENJOYING DINING with new friends and KEEPING SOCIAL through Village programs.
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Gain an appreciation of nature and art. Take in a local trail then warm up at the Woodstock Art Gallery with their David Milne and animals of the artic exhibits. There is more art to explore at the Station Arts Centre and Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre. aPPreCIaTe naTure Explore cheesemakers, restaurants, artisans and museums celebrating Oxford Counties cheesy past and present. Get all the details to plan your gouda escape www. OxfordCountyl CheeseTrail.ca OxfOrd COunTy CheeSe TraI Spend the night and don’t rush out of bed in the morning. Relax at a cozy inn, wander around a gallery, enjoy a hike in the crisp clean air, then warm up with a hot cocoa, a massage, or a fireside dinner. You’ll never regret trading in palm trees for country comfort with a winter getaway in SleeP Inn Oxford County.
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When the time is right we would love to see you. It’snever too early to dream about your next adventure. Visit our website for trip inspiration and safe travel tips. TourismOxford.ca Or email us for a custom itinerary tourism@oxfordcounty.ca Travel Safe Tips! Please remember to consult with public health guidelines for safe travel practices and to follow all of the precautions, including wearing masks indoors, frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distancing, as well as limitations on gatherings and travel.
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Getting out & about.
Winter, spring, summer and fall, we have no shortage of activities for outdoor enthusiasts who come to play in beautiful southwestern Ontario.
TRAILS County of Brant
County of Brant and Brantford have 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 favourites). For more information, visit brant.ca
Cell: (519) 761-8810 Fax: (289) 203-1321 Lisa@TCGLendingCentres.com
KND
Ltd
automotive Lube + Oil + Filter + Fluid Levels + Tires Computer Scanning Engine Control System MTO Safety Inspections for Cars and Single Axel Pickup Trucks Engine Tuneups & Cooling Systems Tire Repairs & Balancing Durashield Dripless Rustproofing Brakes • Suspension • Air Conditioning
Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday and an even better New Year!
308 Grand River St N, Paris • petvalu.com
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Years Young!
199 King Edward St. PariS 519-442-7110
• 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 Nature Park • Nith River Trail • Paris to Cambridge • S.C. Johnson Trail (GRCA) • TH & B Rail Trail BRANTFORD
• Apps Mill Trail (GRCA) • D’Aubigny Trail • Hamilton to Brantford Trail (GRCA) • Mohawk Park 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 take you through an array of wetlands, grasslands, forests and farmers’ fields. Explore landscapes that you have never been to before while experiencing all the adventures this county has to offer. 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 Provincial Park • Port Rowan Wetlands • St Williams Conservation Reserve • Sutton Conservation Area • Turkey Point Provincial Park • Waterford Heritage Trail Hamilton
Known as the City of Waterfalls, more than 100 waterfalls have been identified in the Hamilton area along the internationally-recognized Niagara Escarpment. So much beauty to discover here. conservationhamilton.ca • Bruce Trail • Christie Lake Conservation Area • Dundas Valley • Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area • Rockcliffe Waterdown Mountain
Bike Trail • Royal Botanical Gardens Loop Trail • Sherman Falls • Spencer Gorge Conservation Area • Spring Valley • Tiffany Falls Conservation Area • Valens Conservation Area OXFORD COUNTY
This small list of trails does not begin to introduce a fraction of the diverse trails in Oxford. Visit oxfordcountytrailscouncil.ca to find out more. • Beauty Creek Trail • Chesney Wilderness Area Trail • Lawson Nature Reserve • Oxford Thames River Trail • Pittock Conservation Area • Roth Park • Secord Trails Care Community
Documentary Lifestyle Photography
Documentary Lifestyle Photography
inspired by a wild imagination anddocumenting by a wild theinspired intricacies thatimagination define dailyand life;documenting celebratingthe inspired by a wild imagination and documenting the intricacies that define daily life; celebrating the the intricacies that define daily life; celebrating the in-betweens, knowing that every moment counts in-betweens, knowing that every moment counts 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 Limited availability for Documentary Lifestyle Photo Sessions in 2017. Limited availability forfor Documentary Photo Sessions availability DocumentaryLifestyle Lifestyle Photo Sessions in in 2017. Documentary Lifestyle Photo Sessions in 2020. 2021. Email Limited info@olliandella.com to book your session today! olliandella.com EmailEmail info@olliandella.com totobook book your sessiontoday! today!olliandella.com olliandella.com info@olliandella.com bookyour your session session Email info@olliandella.com to today! olliandella.com
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 20
voted #1
reAder’s CHoiCe Winner for Best HypnotHerApist.
A HeAling AlternAtive tHAt sootHes tHe soul tHrougH Hypnosis, reiki treAtments.
Helena is humbled by the communities outpouring of support. As a way of showing our appreciation during these difficult and stressful times, please email us at tony@willowglenclinic.com to receive a complimentary MP3 hypnotherapy session download.
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.
184Email Caithness St. W. Caledonia willowglenclinic.com info@olliandella.com to 289-284-0114 book your session today! olliandella.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 81
MY TOWN
Celebrating Difference Moving to a small town helped my family realize a life of purpose and meaning. One adventure at a time. BY Shannon Horner-Shepherd Mom to Gabby, ambassador, advocate and small-town adventurer.
We had always been a Norfolk County family, but we moved to Port Dover in 2012 after a change in life circumstances. I had fallen in love with Port Dover in 2010 when I began running and met some “Doverites”. The welcome feeling I received and friendships I developed made moving to Port Dover an easy choice when the time came. I needed a place that I could raise my family, most of all I needed a place that I knew would be accepting. Meet my daughter Gabby. Gabby is an amazing, sparkling 22-year-old young woman. Gabby lives in the beautiful lake town of Port Dover with me (her mom) her two brothers and her sister. Shortly after birth, Gabby was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Partial Trisomy 13. The doctors said her condition was “incompatible with life” and she would probably not
live to see her 2nd birthday. If she did live, she would be so disabled that she wouldn’t know anything about the world around her. We all seek to be included and accepted, to be valued and contributing members of our community. We crave genuine meaningful connections with the world around us and those in it. For most of us that is something that comes easily. For those with disabilities, it can be a struggle. History tells us that those with complex disabilities are hidden away from society, denied the opportunity to show the world the value and worth that they have. They merely exist in this world without truly being a part of it. Potentially living their lives not being given the things that we all seek. Love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. This is where the glory of smalltown living comes in. Small towns have the unique ability to wrap their arms around you, to shower you with love when you need it most. To be a pillar of support when you may be at your most vulnerable. No matter what your abilities
82 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
you can become woven into the fabric of a small town. Small towns not only accept our differences, but they also help celebrate them. Without the kinship of a small-town mindset, Gabby’s life would never have spanned the globe. This was clear recently when Gabby was hoping to attend her prom with a date. We had an outpouring of love from everyone who shared her story and helped make it happen. From the Simcoe Reformer to the Washington Post, Today Show, Yahoo, and The Hockey News Magazine. I owe that to the small town we live in. With their help, her life has purpose and meaning. She touched hearts and changed perspectives. Gabby continues to seek adventure in small-town living. We scour the pages
of this wonderful magazine looking for new and unique opportunities for her to explore and fill her days. Using it as a road map, guiding her to ensure she lives her best life. From wine tasting to restaurants and local museums. Barn quilts to waterfalls. Every time Gabby has a new adventure and explores a new place or meets a new person, she is breaking down barriers, helping to chip away at the stigma that surrounds people with disabilities. Making connections in the world around her and proving that we are more alike than we are different. Showing us that with the love of a small town surrounding you, no matter what your abilities, you can live an awesome life with purpose and meaning.
TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER! 8 - 1084 Rest Acres Rd, Paris ON, N3L 0B5 3 Maple Ave N, Burford ON, N0E 1A0,
Always Accepting New Patients! We OPEN EARLY and STAY LATE daily! Call us today!
(519) 442-2237
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Offering state Of the art technOlOgy and treatment sOlutiOns in Brant cOunty’s largest spOrts medicine and cOncussiOn clinic. fOcused On Bringing tOgether an elite team Of prOfessiOnals whO are ready tO serve all yOur healthcare needs!
WIShINg YOU & YOUR fAMILY A SAfE WINTER SEASON & AN EVEN BETTER NEW YEAR! Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2020-2021 83
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