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SEPTEMBER 2021
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We wi ROCK You! Join Us And Play The World's Most Social Game On Ice. Fun For The Whole Family At The Markdale Golf & Curling Club! Read more on Page 16
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MASTHEAD EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS MICHELLE PATEY JENNY JELEN Administrator at the Grey Highlands Author, Journalist and Horse Chamber of Commerce. Trainer / Coach with a Writing Habit JENNIFER THOMPSON Markdale Resident and Owner of L & W Bookkeeping Professionals
TYSON RIER Sales Representative for Huron Tractor in Chatsworth
JEFF WILSON Priceville Resident and Accomplished Cartoonist, Blogtoonist & Illustrator
LORRAINE IRWIN Rocklyn Resident and Owner of Pure Music Garlic Products
LOUELLA MARTIN KEVIN ARTHUR LAND Markdale resident and co-owner of Arts Educator and Owner of Speaking Azure Highlands Homestead Volumes Books & Audio in Flesherton JONATHAN NHAN MIKE WIXSON Pharmacist, Diabetes Coach, Hypnotist Producer of the Hello Country Podcast & Co-Founder of Curate and Upgrade & Owner of The Pod Plant AAKASH P. DASAI TALISA HASKINS Markdale Resident and Deputy Mayor Flesherton Resident & Registered of the Municipality of Grey Highlands Psychotherapist ROBERT IANTORNO Curious fellow, Resident of Singhampton
JASON TODOROFF Barrister & Solicitor; and Resident of Holland Centre
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TABLE OF CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p8
Papa Country kicks off the Family edition with his monthly Publisher’s Note.
FAMILY MATTERS...p10
Jason Todoroff touches on some recent changes to Family Law in the Federal Divorce Act.
WELLNESS...p12
Flesherton’s Talisa Haskins writes about Mental Health in her first article as a new Editorial Contributor.
COVER STORY... p16
A family sport like no other; Curling registration starts soon at the Markdale Golf & Curling Club!
FEATURES ...p18
Go fly a kite - or watch others do it. Plan to attend a great family event just outside Markdale.
BLAZING TRAILS ...p22
Alexis Brenner writes eloquently about rocks. Yep, rocks. Read her story about adventure & curiosity.
FLESHERTON CALLING... p28
Everyone’s favourite local bookstore owner, Kevin Land, interviews artist Janice E. Longeway.
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HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE is the only free, monthly magazine of its kind focused on life in Grey Highlands. It’s delivered by Canada Post to homes and farms with Kimberley, Markdale, Flesherton, Heathcote, Maxwell, Singhampton, and Priceville addresses, as well as every business in Grey Highlands. Copies are also available for pick-up at selected local businesses. We capture life in Grey Highlands by highlighting the many positive contributions to our community by local farmers, business owners, elected officials, and residents. Hello Country is proudly independent and published from a barn / pick-up truck / stable / home office in beautiful Flesherton, Ontario! From our family to yours, we thank you very much for reading! No part of this publication in any of its forms may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE FAMILY EDITION Hello and welcome to our Family edition. We’re featuring the fastest-growing family sport on ice this month. That’s right, it’s Curling! Check out our cover story on page 16.
Photo: Jenny Jelen
We’ve also included a number of feature articles on local businesses starting on page 18. I’d also like to draw your attention to the 9th Line Kite Festival being held at Nicholls Farm on September 18th & 19th. It’s the first of its kind in Grey Highlands and should prove to be a wonderful experience for all in attendance!
PAPA COUNTRY
Publisher, Hello Country Magazine hellocountrymagazine@gmail.com Instagram: @hellocountrymagazine www.hellocountry.ca
Thank you very much for reading!
Roger “Papa Country” Tumminieri (416) 788-0716
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FAMILY MATTERS HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED One of the more significant changes involves the replacement of the highly contentious terms, “Custody” and “Access.” These are now referred to as “Decision Making” and “Parenting Time.”
JASON TODOROFF Barrister & Solicitor 519.986.4494 www.jtlawyer.ca
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a lot of challenges for families, whether related to school, work, vacations, or simple everyday routines. It has also created a host of challenges for those involved with family law matters. Courts had to adapt to social distancing and lockdown mandates. A lot of the in-person court dates migrated to virtual platforms online or over the phone. It was during this time that there were significant changes made to the Federal Divorce Act.
The elimination of these terms is a positive development as “Custody and Access” were always emotionally charged terms that often impeded parties from resolving their matters. There are additional changes meant to emphasize family dispute resolution (FDR) mechanisms. Lawyers and clients are now required to consider different ways of resolving contentious family law issues before resorting to the court system, such as negotiations, mediations, and collaborative family law. This serves many goals, such as reducing the strain on our court system, reducing legal costs for participants, and resolving matters in a less confrontational manner. JASON TODOROFF BARRISTER & SOLICITOR 7A Main Street East, Markdale jasontodoroff@gmail.com www.jtlawyer.ca 519-986-4494
FARM LIFE KEEPING BUSY They say August is Grumpy Farmer’s month. I haven’t been grumpy the last month I wouldn’t say, but it does kinda feel like things have been wildly busy the last while! Almost as though I have one foot on a slippery banana peel and the other on a skateboard careening downhill. We run around like skinned chickens carrying a loaded box on their back and every so often peering out cautiously, hoping things haven’t shifted too wildly on the back, before tucking heads down and running again. Thankfully, this is a season that will end and so for now, we ride it out as best we can! LOUELLA MARTIN Azure Highlands Family Homestead Markdale, ON azurehighlandshomestead@gmail.com
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HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
TRACTOR TALK WITH TYSON RIER With winter fast approaching, now has never been a better time to check out a new John Deere compact tractor. Shown here is the John Deere 1025R tractor with available factory installed cab and loader. These small but mighty tractors pack a big punch and make quick work of any job. Best of all, their efficiency will get you back to spending some quality time with your family. With the current deals on, including 0% financing for 60 months and cash discounts, it’s more affordable than ever to own a John Deere tractor. Backed by a 2 year base warranty and a 6 year powertrain warranty, you have nothing to worry about. With features such as a driveover auto connect mower deck, front and rear snowblower options, and quick park loaders, the sky’s the limit for these tractors. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Stop in today and see how our Huron Tractor family can help.
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(1) Offer available 02 February 2021 through 29 October 2021. 0% purchase financing for 60 months on new John Deere Compact Tractors. Down payment may be required. Representative Amount Financed (“RAF”): $30,000, at 0% APR/ACR, monthly payment is $500 for 60 months, total obligation is $30,000, credit charges/cost of borrowing based on RAF is $28. Monthly payments/cost of borrowing/credit charges will vary depending on amount borrowed/down payment. MSRP cash price based on highest priced product in the series as of January 1, 2020: $51,398 (includes estimated delivery, freight, set-up and a $50 documentation fee), plus taxes. Minimum finance amount may be required; representative amount does not guarantee offer applies. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Dealers free to set individual prices. Additional dealer fees may apply. Financing on approved John Deere Financial credit only and dealer participation. Contact your dealer for details. May not be combined with other offers. Discounts or other incentives may be available for cash purchases. By selecting the purchase financing offer, consumers may be foregoing such discounts and incentives which may result in a higher effective interest rate.Get $650 OFF Offer available 02 February 2021 through 29 October 2021. Get $650 off the agreed upon purchase price of a new John Deere 1 Series Sub-compact Utility Tractor. Offer may be combined with purchase financing offers. Attachments and implements sold separately. Some conditions apply. Contact your participating dealer for details. Offer subject to availability and may be discontinued or modified. Taxes, setup, delivery and freight charges not included.† Attachments and implements sold separately. Some conditions apply. See your participating dealer for details. Offer subject to availability and may be discontinued or modified. Taxes, setup, delivery, freight and preparation charges not included. (2) Offer available 04 May 2021 through 29 October 2021. Get $1000 off the agreed upon purchase price of a new John Deere Compact Utility Vehicle when two or more qualifying John Deere or Frontier implements with a list price value of $450 each are purchased at the same time. Offer may be combined with purchase financing offers. Attachments and implements sold separately. Some conditions apply. Contact your participating dealer for details. Offer subject to availability and may be discontinued or modified. Taxes, setup, delivery and freight charges not included.
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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CHAMBER THE CHAMBER FAMILY At one time, the definition of “family” required a relationship by blood, but the word has, for many of us, taken on a broader meaning. We now have families of relatives related by blood or not, friends who are so close we call them family, and business families that seek to create interactive, supportive relationships that are beneficial for all involved. The Grey Highlands Chamber of Commerce is one such family. We care about our Members’ personal and professional priorities. We share in their successes, lift them up if they falter, and keep in touch. While we don’t tuck our Members into bed, we do seek to celebrate our Members’ birth with grand opening events. We worry about their health, and are happy when the Chamber Plan can provide them with the medical coverage they desire. We don’t want them to worry about money, so we offer our Members discounted car, life, and home insurance, and Member-to-Member discounts. We help our Members chase
away the nightmares of business struggles and lead them toward success by providing information on training opportunities, marketing programs, and financial supports. We hold family reunions in the form of monthly networking sessions. We reach out to Members not on their birthday but on their business anniversary. We beam with pride on our Members’ successes and boast to everyone on social media and in The Advance. We invite you to join our family of businesspeople, and feel the support around you. MICHELLE PATEY GREY HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 13 Toronto St S, Markdale greyhighlandschamber@gmail.com www.greyhighlandschamber.com 519-986-4612
WELLNESS MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS decision that is best suited for your family. There is one common theme among many youth as they prepare for another academic year: anxiety. As adults, we certainly have felt the impact of the changing world over the past 19 months. Fear, frustration, grief, confusion, isolation, sadness, etc. The range of emotions has been vast. The younger generation has met much of the last two years with great resilience; learning to adapt and adjust at a moment’s notice, but that doesn’t come without great strain. As we all prepare for another year in the classroom, whatever your classroom may look like, encourage conversation about the continual changes. Help to identify emotions that your children may be experiencing and validate those experiences. It is okay to TALISA HASKINS feel whatever it is they are feeling, and it is Registered Psychotherapist even more important to talk about it. If you www.talisahaskins.com are struggling with your own stresses or worrying about how to talk to your children 519.800.5602 about the ongoing change in your lives, I It’s that time of the year again; the school bells are ringing would be happy to help. and our children are ready for another year of learning. Talisa Haskins This year, much like the last year-and-a-half of school, will certainly be different. Whether you are sending your Registered Psychotherapist children to school, keeping them home for virtual school, or homeschooling, I applaud you for making the difficult
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HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
WELLNESS STORIES YOU TELL Can you remember the last time you had a conversation with someone that turned out to be a complete misunderstanding? It was almost as if you were having two different conversations. It’s funny because it happens more often than we think, and it illustrates how we often put our own meanings onto the words of other people. Think about thoughts and ideas that run through your head. How accurately do you think you can describe those thoughts into words? Simple descriptions about concrete objects may be easy. How about describing bigger concepts, like friendship, or love? These ideas may not be easily described, but we may turn to metaphors to more easily express our ideas. Stories have themes. Stories can be used to express things that a simple phrase cannot express. We are naturally hardwired to express our thoughts and feelings through metaphor. In the book Clean Language by Judy Rees, she details the work of David Grove and describes a set of questions used to explore the metaphors of other people and elicit the meanings of those metaphors, without putting our own meanings onto the words of others. We enter into every moment of communication with our own perceptual filters and this can colour our understanding of another person. This can lead to many misunderstandings. We often hear the words of others, but place our own meaning onto those words. If we can take a moment to understand that language is an imperfect way of expressing our thoughts and feelings, we can begin to understand that there is room within listening to another person so that their meaning may not be the meaning you first assign to their words.
that we tell ourselves. We often have predefined narratives for ourselves. We make up stories and repeat them to ourselves like they’re facts, when in actual fact, we can change the story at any time. Consider the collection of stories that you tell yourself. Which stories do you like? Which stories do you want to change? One major story in all of our lives is the story of our worklife. So often, we define ourselves by the jobs we have or the career path that we find ourselves on. This story becomes a major part of our identity, to the point where changing it seems like an impossibility. And when someone does change their story with respect to their career, it can seem like a shock. I recently made a change in jobs and while it was a shock to many people, I think the shock of it all is still landing for myself. Setting one book down and opening up a brand new story seems almost surreal in the early stages. It’s like starting a new book, and not knowing how it’s going to turn out. You might even ask yourself, “Why are you starting a brand new book when you don’t know how it’s going to end? You could just keep reading the same book that you’re familiar with”. Sometimes the book you’re reading gets boring. Sometimes you don’t realize how bad the book you’re reading now is until you start reading a new book and find out how much better stories can be. If you look back, you might realize how I’ve used metaphors about stories and books to describe a fraction of the feelings surrounding leaving one job to look for a new career. Consider the stories you are telling yourself. Be curious about how you can change the story.
Having an understanding of this can help you You can find Jon at thecuratorium.ca/learnmore broaden your perspectives in your communication with others. When you begin to look at things Jonathan Nhan from a perspective outside your own, it can help Co-Founder, Curate and Upgrade to grow understanding of different viewpoints. This applies in just the same way to the stories
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Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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THE [re]CALL PROJECT PODCAST JOHN BUTLER a straightforward and engaging way, including a Cast of Characters of local people of the time and excellent hyper-local historical photos. This is an honest and engaging view of a changing time, space and paradigm, and should be on every Grey Highlander’s booklist. Listen to John Butler talk about his life, the House of Refuge, and about his beloved Community of Grey Highlands, today and way back when, on The [re]CALL Project. John’s book, House of Refuge, Grey County’s Home for ‘Poor,Old and Friendless Folk’ is available from the author via an email to agora@xplornet.com
Robert Iantorno Host - The [re]CALL Project Podcast
ROBERT IANTORNO Host - The [re]CALL Project Podcast This month’s guest on The [re]CALL Project is a local historian, eccentric and friend by the name of John Butler, currently residing in Port Law. John was born in 1946 in Caterham, England, and grew up in Sudbury before moving to Markham. We discuss John’s life, community involvement, and how he bought “100 acres of lousy farmland” in Grey Highlands to “help maintain his sanity” years ago (it didn’t work). He has an encyclopedic memory, a sharp wit and can speak like nobody’s business. You will love hearing John’s perspective on local history and community dynamics. John combined these passions and began scouring old copies of The Flesherton Advance and the Markdale Standard from the early 1900s, eventually unearthing amazing chronicles written by Frederick Gee, a former soldier living with disabilities within the House of Refuge, an early manifestation of social welfare in Grey County, that once stood where Grey Gables now stands. John became so enamoured with the subject of the House of Refuge, that he wrote a book about it: House of Refuge, Grey County’s Home for ‘Poor,Old and Friendless Folk’. The book is a compilation of the amazingly frank and honest chronicles of Mr. Gee, which include details of life and other inmates within the house, and thorough descriptions of its operation, which included a functioning farm and gardens operated by the inmates themselves. Historical and societal context is provided by Butler in
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HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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COVER STORY WE WILL ROCK YOU!
Picture this: you wrangle the kids, hop in the ole pick-up and head on over down the road to the Club to meet up with your friends and their kids to enjoy a few ends of the fastest growing game in Grey County CURLING! Like bacon and maple syrup, Curling is not just a Canadian tradition, it’s a winter rite of passage. It’s a pastime that attracts folks and families alike, who want to socialize and compete amongst one another while coming together as a community something we haven’t been able to do for so long. One could argue that Curling is Community. What better opportunity is there to partake in a family-friendly activity during the harsh winter months within the warm and comfy confines of a local indoor rink? I caught up with Heather Miner from the Markdale Golf & Curling Club to get a better sense as to how the Club is engaging with new Curlers and how they can join. 16
“New curlers are always welcome!” Miner exclaims. “We offer special, deeply discounted rates for new members for their first year membership. We also run New Curler instructional clinics at the beginning of the season,” she continues. “We even offer a Pay-As-You-Play option for Snowbirds and those just looking to try Curling out.” There you have it. Easy to join. Easy to learn. Easy to start playing. Fun Fact: Yours truly, Papa Country, was a member of his high school Curling team in Grade 10. Let’s just say I wasn’t the best on the team, but I sure did have fun. My memories of Curling are all positive and it’s a sport I’d like to get back into, especially now that I have a family. Ever since I met Jeff Wilkinson from the Markdale Golf & Curling Club, I’ve been so impressed by how inclusive and inviting the Club is. There’s no pretension or snobbery. Just nice people having fun. I suppose you could say that the Curling Club has a real
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
By: Papa Country
THE MARKDALE GOLF & CURLING CLUB
85 Edith Avenue, Markdale www.markdalegolfandcurlingclub.ca
chill vibe, but that would be a horrible pun. Stay tuned for the Club’s registration night on October 7th at 7:00pm. Regular Curling will commence on November 1st and continue until the end of March. There are many leagues to pick and choose from – ladies, mens, mixed, doubles, recreational, competitive, youth and “Little Rocks”. Safe Curling rules will be in effect – modified rules and special social distancing on the ice based on guidance from Curl Ontario. In the spirit of Curling’s Scottish origins, I’ve written a poem inspired by Robbie Burns for your reading pleasure. Ye who hath never curled, Hath not experienced the world, As is should be, and as it were, To fight against the winter burr. And if ye shall now begin, To slide a stone with a grin, Upon the ice of Grey County, Ye shall surely reap its bounty. Hath ye never curled?
And what’s a Curling poem without a few moderately amusing Curling jokes: How does the Curler deal with his personal issues? He sweeps them under the rug. Who is every Curler’s favourite Hollywood actor? Rock Hudson How do Curler’s like their eggs? Hurry Hard Boiled What’s not a joke is that Curling spots are limited and soon will be filled. Will you be one of the lucky ones to start Curling this year at the Markdale Golf & Curling Club? MARKDALE GOLF & CURLING CLUB 85 Edith Avenue, Markdale www.markdalegolfandcurlingclub.ca markdalegccinfo@gmail.com (519) 986-2890
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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FEATURES 9TH LINE KITE FESTIVAL Following sixteen months of lonely lockdowns and frustrating restrictions, Grey County residents are excited about finally getting a chance to attend public events and safely catch up with friends and neighbours. And what better opportunity than a festival of kites! Spread out over 36 acres of open fields, the 9th Line Kite Festival is a perfect opportunity to reemerge: safely and socially distanced! You can bring your own kite, make a paper kite at the festival, or – if you’re really feeling motivated – you can dust off your sewing machine and try to win first place in the kite-making contest! And if you don’t feel like flying a kite at all, you can just show up to watch. The festival features out-oftown guests flying stunt kites, enormous inflatables and one-of-a-kind original hand-made kites. 9th Line’s Featured Flyers are travelling from as far as Port Colborne, Ontario – and even Montreal! The festival will also include food vendors, live music, hiking trails and
9th LINE KITE FESTIVAL Sept. 18th & 19th 135091 9th Line, Markdale www.9thline.ca
scheduled kite performances. This free all-ages event is taking place over two days at Nicholls Farm, which is located at the exact geographic midpoint between Markdale and Kimberly! Check out the website for details: 9thLine.ca
THE BARRHEAD THE BARRHEAD
@thebarrhead 735198 W Back Line, Markdale www.atthebarrhead.ca
it’s a good tired and we’ll be home with family everyday instead of dreading the next business trip to the west coast. The kids will actually get to see our work and understand what we do rather than just think we’re professional Zoom callers. We believe our kids will learn so much from this experience and the little discomfort that comes with it only makes them stronger especially when we tackle it together.
We hope that they’ll look back one day and be proud of the bench they painted, the tiles they cut, the vegetables they planted, and the Making a move to a new town 2 hours away from lessons they learned in life and friends and family is not for everyone. We made the business. decision after we found the most beautiful property here in Markdale with a business to run onsite which After we open, we hope you’ll was a bonus. After 20+ years of working in the stop by and say hi. We’re looking corporate world we were ready for change, needed forward to meeting you. to slow down a little and enjoy the outdoors and nature that our family loves so much. -Jennifer, Chris, Myah, Graydon and Moffat Running a small business will be hard and tiring, but 18
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
DAVID MILES; THE CO-OPERATORS
By: Papa Country
When I think of my family, the following images come to mind: my wife, our kids, our farm, our animals, and an overall sense of happiness. Do you know what the next thing I think of is? Insurance. I know it might sound crazy, and certainly this is not something I would have thought of years ago, but if I’m honest with you, the first thing I think of when I think of my family is being able to protect them. God forbid, if something were to happen to me, what would happen to them? When we first moved to Flesherton from Toronto, one of the first people I spoke to was Sharon at The Co-Operators in Markdale. I was actually kind of shocked (in a good way) by how personable and friendly she and her colleagues were. I guess I’ve just become accustomed to dealing with large, faceless corporations who are just out to make big profits with little to no customer service.
DAVID MILES
Miles Insurance & Investments Inc. 43 Main St. West, Markdale 519.986.3353
“I have children of my own and I can totally appreciate the feeling of wanting to protect my wife and family. Insurance and investments aren’t the first things that come to people’s minds when | Financial Advisor they think of family, but they’re just so important Insurance and Investments to making sure everyone is taken care of.” Inc. I soon met David Miles, the Owner of the Markdale Miles and Dundalk locations for The Co-Operators. He 43 Main Sreet West, Markdale, ON, N0C 1H0 (519)986-3353 (519)big 986-3518 tuned for F: some changes from The Cotook great care of us when two of our hydro poles T:Stay Main Stretcoming East, Dundalk, ON,feel N0C 1B0to reach out soon and free blew down in a wind storm not too long ago. He 40Operators T:to (519)923-2313 (519)923-3061 David Miles F: with any insurance or investment had this to say about Family: questions.
David Miles
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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VIE TAEKWON-DO What better way to understand the teacher than to speak with her students? We interviewed three such students to gain some insight into how they have benefited from training under Michelle Taylor, Owner and Head Instructor at Vie Taekwon-Do in Markdale; specifically within the context of the pandemic lockdowns. Dante, a 15-year-old Priceville resident and 1st Degree Black Belt said: “Ms. T has been amazing throughout the pandemic. She even went so far as to train us in her own backyard with all the social distancing and Covid safety measures in place. Training with her really does help you get in shape physically and mentally.” The lockdowns have been hard on everyone, and teenagers have not been immune to the negative byproducts of social isolation. Lincoln, a 13-year-old Priceville resident and 2nd Degree Black Belt said: “Training here has helped me a lot with resilience in general.” Which he said has helped him tremendously to navigate the pandemic. Bullying in schools came up in our conversation and both Dante and Lincoln felt strongly that their knowledge of Taekwon-Do has made them feel more confident and has boosted their self-esteem. Billie-Jo, Lincoln’s Mother and a 1st Degree Black Belt student who started at Vie Taekwon-Do at
MICHELLE TAYLOR
5th Degree, Owner & Head Instructor Vie Taekwon-Do the age of 38 said: “Michelle teaches discipline, confidence, respect, and self-control; all of which are transferable life skills. Vie is a family!” It’s pretty amazing how one person, who started in a barn with a heavy bag, has made such a positive impact on the Grey Highlands community. Over the past 9 years, Michelle Taylor has taught students from 4 - 78 years of age. “Vie is a home away from home,” she says. “To become a student, you first have to make the decision to walk through our door and once you have, you are on your own personal fitness journey.”
VIE TAEKWON-DO 22 Main St. West, Markdale www.vietaekwondo.com (519) 216-7076
& PRICEVILLE RESIDENT
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HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
HELLO COUNTRY KIDS BACK TO NORMAL? It’s been a very long time since I’ve been to school. Mommy homeschooled me all of last year. I’m looking forward to going back to school and making new friends. I’m going to miss my little Brother, though. He’s not old enough to go to school yet. I hope we get to stay in school all year without any lockdowns. I really want life to go back to normal. By: Big Brother & The Little Guy Subscribe to our new YouTube channel Hello Country Kids
Big Brother is ready for school with his favourite mask.
(519) 986-3119
11 Main Street East, Markdale Tues to Sat: 10:30am to 5:30pm Closed: Sun & Mon
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S ’ Y E L L JO DAIRY BAR 519.924.0230 & VIDEO The store with a little bit of everything!
We’re OPEN 9am-9pm, 364 days of the year! • For your last minute grocery needs • Competitive prices with local grocery chains • We scoop ice cream cones all year!
23 Collingwood St • Flesherton
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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BLAZING TRAILS ROCKS & CURIOUSITY Last month while working on a project near Ravenna, I stumbled upon a surprise ... a rock. We stumble on rocks all the time but this one was different. This one was filled with different shells squished into the layers of the limestone. Curiosity piqued, I started investigating more of the rocks in the area I was working in, and lo and behold, there was more of this super cool rock stuff scattered around on the ground.
ALEXIS BRENNER
DB Trailblazers Some of the rocks were the shells wwww.dbtrailblazer.ca upon shells squished in layers of the limestone. Others looked like grasses or sea plants flattened into the With so much to see on the local conservation rock. Some had shapes of waterfaring and community trails, and the ones in your creatures from many, many moons ago. own backyard, there are plenty of reasons to get out and get curious. Go inspect a rock or It is so neat to look at a snapshot of the three and see if you can find any fossils from ocean from eons before today preserved another age. And please consider leaving in rock. What was happening on earth rocks where they are when possible as they when these creatures lived? Was this from are often houses for tiny creatures of today, where I was now standing or was this rock too. brought here by a glacier or a human? Do you have a neat rock you would like to The rocks lead me on a learning journey visit more? A spot on your land you like to about shelly limestone and fossiliferous explore? limestone. I now know one of my new favourite words is fossiliferous. Apparently Many of the trails we create feature a turn this discovery is not all that rare though it or a pass near a special rock. They can act was new to me. Fossiliferous limestone is as a spot to rest, a marker, or a meeting often made in shallow waters in the oceans point. Some are craggy and covered in moss and is currently forming today in these while others are smooth or sparkly or tightly circumstances still. layered. Whatever the rock, if it is somewhere you want to spend time, we can help you get The opportunity to learn something new there. is a great gift we are given every time we DB TRAILBLAZERS explore. www.dbtrailblazers.ca Grey County is abundant with interesting and impressive rocks and rock formations. It is part of what I love about living here. Rocks are cool. Rock feels like an anchor. Something steady in a storm.
info@dbtrailblazers.ca Instagram: @dbtrailblazerswildscaping (519) 447-4474
From rocks smoothed by rivers and those flattened by glaciers to the Swiss-cheesy rocks of the Karst topography throughout the region, we have a unique area filled with a deep geological history that is told in the abundance of rocks we find here. 22
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
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15 Main St. W., Markdale Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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THE LIFE OF A GARLIC FARMER PART 8 Who is family? Growing up, I didn’t have a large family. There was just mom, dad, my brother and I, and our grandmother who lived with us. For family squabbles, that was more than enough when it was usually my mom who put her foot down or, if it was really bad, she would add in that, “wait ‘til your dad gets home!” But she came from a family of 5 brothers and sisters and my dad came from a family of 7 kids and my grandma had 12 siblings to grow up with. Can you imagine how crazy that must have been at dinner time? Family reunions were incredible and very large, and so much fun when you got to see all your cousins. I couldn’t wait to have a large family with all that much chaos. Now back to reality...2 kids are more than enough to pull your hair out when all you want is a second of quiet time. There were times I got some quiet time, but the kids were usually doing something they shouldn’t have been doing; so bye-bye quiet time. They survived so things were great. But as our kids grew up, somewhere along the line I became a “fun mom” to all of their closest friends and there was the big family I’d always wanted. There were times dinner was not for just the four of us but 1 or 2 added in. I learned to cook for an army and years later I guess I still do. They all have helped Paul plant and harvest garlic and even have worked in the commercial kitchen with me. All of my boys or girls stop in to the farm for a visit. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. To Paul and I, they will always be family to us and we love them all just as much as our own kids. I’ve rubbed their backs over a broken heart or have cheered them on when they have done something super amazing and yes, offered years of wisdom and advice for all who wanted it. They are all grown up now and I have been introduced to their future partners and I am so proud to have gotten a wedding invitation or two so I can cry along with their happiness. I even have a couple of Kassidy’s closest friends who are expecting their own little ones and I’m so proud to be included in all the pictures and baby news for years to come. 24
PAUL & LORRAINE IRWIN Owners, Boars Rock Farm & Pure Music Garlic Products www.puremusicgarlic.com
As I write, I’m getting a little teared up thinking about my dream of having a huge family that I didn’t have, but ended up gaining through deep friendships. Not all family is from your blood, but they will always be with you when you least expect it. And for that thought alone, that’s all that matters. Lorraine Irwin is a mother, a wife, a theatre buff and the owner of Pure Music Garlic Products. She makes all of her gourmet garlic products using Organic Garlic grown on their farm (Boars Rock Farm). Check out her ad on Page 7. PURE MUSIC GARLIC PRODUCTS puremusicgarlic@gmail.com puremusicgarlic.com @puremusicgarlic (519) 942-5410 BOARS ROCK FARM 136407 Grey Road 12, Grey Highlands boarsrockfarm.ca @boarsrockfarm
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
Boost Your Soil Health this fall with All Natural Volcanic Ash (Basalt Soil Amendment)
“The secret to growing healthy and nutritious food begins with the soil.”
VB60+ uses • Regenerative Agriculture • Home Gardening • Landscaping • Orchards & Vineyards • Greenhouses • House Plants
This is the beginning line of an article from the website Growing a Greener World. It is a very interesting read about “The Most Important Soil Amendment No One Ever Talks About”. If you are looking to boost your soil health we encourage you to check it out! www.growingagreenerworld.com/rock-minerals-as-soil-amendments/
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
Black Market Produce - Markdale
The Black Family have been using VB60+ on their farm for the last three years. This family operation not only raises livestock but they also have a Market Garden. They have used this Basalt Soil Amendment to improve their soil’s health to produce higher yields & more importantly, better tasting food that is good for you. We stopped in recently to grab some of their Sweet Corn and were blown away at how delicious it was. It was not hard to taste the difference that quality makes. Stop in and try some for yourself just off of Hwy 10, south of Markdale.
Available in: • Bags • Containers • Ton Totes • In Bulk (by the truck load)
519.377.6107
breadneragrominerals@gmail.com breadneragrominerals
For more information and detailed breakdown please visit
www.breadneragrominerals.com
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HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
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Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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THE ARTS FLESHERTON CALLING While it is not a commonly held belief that all roads lead to Grey County, nonetheless a wide variety of people are attracted to the area. Undoubtedly, the preponderance of natural beauty results in a greater proportion of artists in the mix.
Janice E. Longeway moved to the area last year and opened the “J. E. Longeway Art Studio & Gallery & Refuge” on Highway 4 on the way to Maxwell. Born in Waterloo, she came to be an artist through a circuitous route. She studied journalism at Carleton University and imagined she would become a roving reporter like Jan Tennant, her idol from the CBC, who travelled to the world’s hot spots for political unrest. Before she could approach the campus newspaper, she began to entertain other forms of writing. An early project to create a children’s book with a friend was her first stab at creative endeavour, and one she enjoyed, although it did not reach fruition. She headed west in 1985 and settled on Salt Spring Island in B.C. She plugged into the strong arts community there and began writing poetry. It was an extension of her lifelong passion for words and, of course, reading. However, as many artists learn, the apprenticeship is a long one, and often involves the process of discovering exactly what form one’s art might take. Long gone were the days of line drawings she created as a child (some of which she still has), and the dance recitals she performed in the living room with only her mother in attendance. Her return to the visual arts as an adult was in the form of pointillistic sketches of houses and properties on the island. She wasn’t influenced by the great practitioners of pointillism of the past like Georges Seurat or Paul Signac. Janice was on a quest, in search of a technique of her own.
KEVIN ARTHUR LAND
Owner, Speaking Volumes Books and Audio 12 Toronto Road, Flesherton kevinarthurland@gmail.com www.kevinarthurland.ca
When she moved to Toronto in 1986, she began a long period of experimentation with style and subject. Much of this early work was rudimentary, and some of it embarrasses her today, but she knows it was an essential part of her evolution as an artist. One year as Christmas was pending, her then boyfriend asked for the gift of a painting, and she created “a cabin in a snowstorm”. His response encouraged her to do more, and she was able to arrange for a show in her hometown of Waterloo. Success there led to a move to Port Stanley, where she met artist Ron Kingswood, who influenced her work tremendously, and Paul Schleusner, an artist-owner of a gallery where she was invited to display her work. Over the last twenty years, the shows (and the moves) have continued whether in Waterloo, Port Stanley, Toronto, London, Ruthven, and now Flesherton. She was even chosen as Artist-in-Residence in Panama. These days, she is enmeshed in different interpretations of the same grand old tree on a property down the road, trying to capture as many aspects of it as she can. Janice posts her work on her website and gets the occasional commission to keep herself busy, all the while remaining vigilant for something in the natural world to take hold of her, and lead to a new series of paintings. Residents of Grey County can see her latest work at a show in the Flesherton Gallery in Spring 2022.
Not So Gently 30”x40”
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J. E. Longeway Art Studio & Gallery & Refuge 407178 Grey County Rd #4, Flesherton, Ontario www.janicelongewayart.jimdo.com
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
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HOUSING UPDATE BY GREY COUNTY REAL ESTATE INC. With the busy fall market upon us, things continue to move at an astonishing pace. The demand for all types of property continues to demonstrate strong consumer confidence in the newly established market values. Prices across Canada are up and many sellers are taking advantage of increased equity in their properties by either downsizing or relocating to other areas with lower priced properties. Locally, a substantial percentage of the buyers come from other parts of southern Ontario who have equity in their home but are finding home ownership in the major centres has become out of reach. Generally, we refer to these buyers as being motivated by the “drive until you qualify” effect, meaning they drive north until they find something they can afford. On the other hand, we also see this effect with sellers. Long-time residents are leaving the area in search of lower priced homes. Some are going further north to areas near Sudbury or North Bay, while others are heading out east to New Brunswick or Nova Scotia.
attending previously postponed events. This has led to a dip in sales activity. If we look at the statistics we see that, historically in our area, mid-summer tends to provide a market lull as families concentrate on beach, cottage, fun, and games knowing that soon the kids will be heading back to school and the lazy days of summer will end. So, what should we expect in September? As we see it, the seasonal change of colours usually spurs the desire to settle down before the cold winds of winter move in. With inventory continuing to be at an all-time low and the high demand for rural and small-town properties, the current market conditions appear to be here to stay. But there are a lot of possible changes on the horizon, so stay tuned for the latest updates.
With COVID restrictions opening up, people are finally enjoying summer activities and
BILL
WALKER
MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
519-371-2421 ▪ 1-800-461-2664 100 - 920 1st Avenue West Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K5 bill.walkerco@pc.ola.org www.billwalkermpp.com
ERIC ROBERTSON, BROKER GREY COUNTY REAL ESTATE INC. 39 Main St E, Markdale www.greycountyrealestate.com 519-986-2552
Free Event!
Join us for this two-day magical event, featuring kites of all sizes! Bring a kite, or just come to watch. Some of Ontario’s largest kites will be in the skies!
pm 5 n o o N • th 9 1 & September 18th arkdale! of t s a E s te u in m 5 t s u J
M
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