SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER EDITION 2014
John Howard: Roots grow deep in Vineland
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CONTENTS
VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2 • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014
Margaret Andrewes: life-long learning - Page 26
Fresh from Inn on the Twenty - Page 18
Page 4 Welcome to Club WEST FROM THE PUBLISHER
Page 14 Ivan Carruthers: WEST LINCOLN COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE
Page 6 To the Editor FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS Page 8 John Howard ROOTS GROW DEEP IN VINELAND
Page 20 Fall Fare RECIPES TO WARM THE SPIRIT Page 24 Calvin’s Focus: Hocus-Pocus CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF MAGIC ON THE COVER
Page 12 Artist Sherida Schaus and things that go bump in the night
John Howard’s Vineland home is spectacular. Photographer David Haskell captures the opulence perfectly with this shot of the foyer with John’s dining room in the background. Haskell Photography- Photo
OUR TEAM Publisher 15,000 copies distributed in Niagara West,Winona Proudly Published By 100% Niagara owned, operated and printed by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.
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Advertising Sales Pam Haire pam@wn3.ca Jen Mendonca jen@wn3.ca Erica Huisman erica@wn3.ca NewsNow: 49 Main St. W., Grimsby, L3M 1R3
2 clubwest.ca | September/October 2014
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opinion STAYING CONNECTED
“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
- Benjamin Franklin
I got a ton of comments on my buddy Ben’s quote above, so I think I will leave it there for the first year. Well, thanks one and all for the fine reception for Niagara West’s original lifestyle magazine. There is no need to bore you with an overview of pleasantness, but we have run a smattering of some letters we received. Much appreciated, by the way. But, as Ivan Carruthers duly notes in this edition, what is happening in the future? Where are we going and how best do we get there? I had a very long chat with Ivan, his stepson Steve Ecker and Steve’s wife Mary about all things Carruthers Printing and West Lincoln as a whole. I love history and Ivan has been there done that when it comes to the community for the last six-plus decades. What an impressive man. It is great to see good things happen for good people. So many things about what Ivan said proved the old adage that one can achieve anything with a little elbow grease. And if you happen to stop for a glass of wine while achieving those goals along life’s highway, who better to share a glass with than John Howard. John’s business and life goals, while different, are very much centred in the exact same area as Ivan’s. Both men have an intense love for this area. John could live anywhere in the world. He has business interest in France, yet, Vineland is the centre of his business universe as is Niagara in his personal life as it also houses his daughter and her child. Her decision to return to Niagara after studies abroad was not lost on John, who has made a conscious effort to develop what he has right here in front of him in Niagara West. Again, similarly, Ivan continues to do this same sort of thing taking on the role as West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s president for a fourth time, nearly two decades after he “retired”. He still invests in his community. Not to be outdone by the boys, we have Margaret Andrewes, Lincoln’s own whirling dirvish. Having dealt with Margaret on many occasions over the years, when she was wearing one of her many hats, she lives the “if you need something done, give it to a busy person” adage. These people, and their efforts over decades, do not magically appear like a rabbit which local magician extraordinaire Calvin Cutts can so consistently produce. Just as Calvin has crafted his reputation as the area’s premier children’s entertainer, these other story subjects have continued to do great things to make everything around them better. We could use a dozen – or three – more just like them, wouldn’t you agree? Publisher, ClubWEST Magazine Mike Williscraft
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September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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Feedback OPINION
Here is what you haD to say about our inaugural edition of Club West magazine ... GREAT JOB ON YOUR MAGAZINE
Weir. That was a very interesting connection. Small world. Your magazine was the talk of the town for weeks. I guess imitation is Dear Editor, the sincerest form of flattery since Just a little email to let you know that I really like the new ClubWEST I saw your competition copied the same idea as you. Magazine that arrived at our house Just a super job all around. Keep up today. the good work. towns come to recognize that immeWe live in the Winona area. I read Joe Panetta diately. the whole magazine from cover to Grimsby I am a newcomer to town and I can cover, and enjoyed it. I found the artell you, me and my family loved it ticle about Shirley Martin very interright away, more than we thought we KEEP UP THE esting and I like that there are recipes would. included in the magazine as well. GOOD WORK! I am looking forward to future ediGreat job! tions of the magazine so I can find Sue Giavedoni Dear Editor, out who the people are behind some Winona Congratulations again..........first the of the things people see on a regular newspaper and today receiving the basis. It will be a good education for inaugural magazine.....great job. MAGAZINE IS THE a newby. Keep up the good work. TALK OF THE TOWN Very interesting. Thanks. Great picture of you and your staff Doug Adams in the paper. Dear Editor, Grimsby All the best in all your future enYour first edition of ClubWEST was deavours. excellent. Diana Stephenson Great to see someone taking a genuCLUB WEST MAGAZINE Beamsville ine interest in telling the great stories PUBLISHES SIX TIMES A YEAR. our area has to offer. MAGAZINE GOOD As a long-time businessman, now LETTERS ARE WELCOME retired, I have gotten to know a lot EDUCATION FOR NEWBY AND ARE SUBJECT of people in the area as you have and TO EDITING. they have remarkable stories to tell. Dear Editor, You always seem to know just what Finally, something just for us. PLEASE EMAIL TO: this community needs and I, for one, You were quite right in your column info@wn3.ca or mail to really appreciate it. And you seem to in the first edition of ClubWEST. 49 Main St. W., know everyone! This area is a great secret to those who Grimsby, ON L3M 1R3 What are the chances that you know live here. a man who works closely with Mike People who move here from other 6 clubwest.ca | September/October 2014
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Passions COVER STORY
With the world at his fingertips, John Howard chose Vineland to plant his roots. He is pictured here in part of the newly renovated Megalomaniac facility. Haskell Photography - Photo
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Deep roots in Vineland
By Mike Williscraft
Passions COVER STORY
It may seem crass to name call, but John Howard is a bon vivant. It is that simple. If one could mix in salmon fishing as part of the core definition of things enjoyed by such a person, that would sum up the man in quintessential fashion. His life formula is quite simple as he winds along his path of enjoyment: one-third spent farming his 120-vineyard on Cherry Avenue in Vineland; one-third driving his interest in two fabulous chateaus in France, and; onethird salmon fishing. His life seemed pretty set when he sold off his interest in Vineland Estates in 2004. Then, out of the blue, an act of benevolence left him with a burgeoning business – one which is in the midst of a massive renovation. Howard's resume is relatively simple, but one constant at the end of each entry is success. Born in Toronto, he graduated from University of Western Ontario where he studied fine arts and French. While in school, he flipped houses and eventually used those proceeds to purchase the acreage on which he now
lives in Vineland. Answering a newspaper ad by Xerox which purported a lofty $18,000 pay rate for the right photocopy repair candidate, he spun that experience into his own business launch. He sold the venture for a tidy sum, stayed on when Canon, took over ownership and proceeded to ascend to corporate vice-president and executive vice-president positions with its New York office. All the while, the Niagara bug which had bitten him years earlier continued to work its way into his consciousness, no doubt motivated by his Vineland acropolis which he continued to use as his base. He opted to depart Canon and acquired a Moyer Road farmhouse, barn and property just around the corner from his home. That purchase, Vineland Estates, would be producing 14 times more wine than when he acquired it from Hermann Weis. But all that, as Howard himself would say, is in the past. What is on his plate today? Where is the current course in his life plan taking him? He typically has things planned in detail, but his plan of thirds changed forever
when he was approached back in 2007 by friends to help with a fundraiser for Kids Health Link Foundation. The task required? Create one special vintage which would be sold to raise funds to allow the foundation to purchase laptops for children in hospitals for long periods as they battled long-term and terminal health issues. “We talked to the doctors to see how we could help and they said the isolation the kids face was a huge problem,” recalled Howard, as he leaned forward on a couch in his study. “The kids are cut off from their friends, and when they
are in there for a long time, even family visits start to fade It’s really tough on them.” With an initial goal of 42 laptops for 42 beds, and the little $750,000 surprise of needing to install a secure portal for the kids to protect them online, the vintage was a huge a success. The program rapidly grew requiring a second vintage. The program now covers 11 of the 13 sick kids hospitals across Canada. That spark, and the resulting response, manifested itself in the birth of his new winery. “We decided to call it Megalomaniac to poke fun at those
John Howard’s wine cellar has grown a little since he launched his second successful Vineland-based winery. Williscraft - Photo September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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Passions COVER STORY Continued from Page 9
in the industry who take themselves a little too seriously,” Howard smiled. So the charity project ballooned into yet another success for the man honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Niagara Entrepreneur Awards in 2008. “This year we will produce 35,000-40,000 cases,” Howard noted, as he looked around the very busy construction site which has been Megalomaniac for many months. “Megalomaniac found its niche. It should all be about fun. We produce, see and drink wine for fun and friendship. It should be an adventure, not an inquisition,” said Howard. And part of that fun is showcased right on his bottles, for example, the Narcissist Riesling, which requires one to hold the bottl e up and look in a mirror to be able to read the reversed label. “Quality and value are cru-
cial to us. We want to shred the egocentric image. We’re not for the cravat crowd,” said Howard. “A big part of the reason it has worked is because it’s just simple and fun. There is no need to be sophisticated or refined.” Not being sophisticated or refined may be the antithesis of another of Howard’s business ventures, his one-third interest in two of the finest chateaus in Bordeaux, France – if not the world. Chateau Pontet and Chateau La Confession, both in the Saint-Emilion, are recognized as exquisite properties. La Confession was chosen as one of the Top 50 properties in the Bordeaux Region in 2013. The quality of wines produced with his Bordeaux operations has helped him raise the level of his Niagara game as he believes if the price is going match, so should the wine in the bottle. Howard said there is a
constant flow of knowledge on how to do things with the link between his Bordeaux and Vineland properties. “We use Bordeaux as a gauge for our quality and also our pricing. If we are going to price our product at $45 per bottle, it better be as good as theirs. If it’s not, we’re done,” said Howard. “I have a great deal of pride in Canadian wine. We are as proud to serve as we are to produce our wines.” But he was quick to note a direct comparison between Bordeaux and Niagara as wine-making regions simply is not fair. “They have been making wine for 20 generations. We are one. We just need to build our quality first and the rest will follow,” Howard said. And that quality which Niagara operations as a whole has nurtured over the years is evident in many ways in which Howard believes the region has excelled. “I am very proud of the
Megalomaniac’s massive renovation is a parallel to John Howard’s life which is also constantly “under construction”. Williscraft - Photo
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region for many reasons. We have stewarded our lands much better than other areas of the country. There are areas which could be breathtaking, but their streets are lined with garbage or forests have been clear-cut,” said Howard. “Then we get these people living in the 416 area code, who will gladly come visit our area, trying to tell us how to run our region. Why are you interfering Mr. and Mrs. Federal and Provincial governments?” No, not a fan of bureaucracy. Into the future, Howard says the most serious issue faced by Niagara Region is people, or the potential lack of same. “People, as a resource, is very important. We need businesses with solid ethics and growth. We need to provide those jobs for good people to be able to stay and work here,” he said. “There is opportunity out there. The next generation has a lot of opportunity, but they can’t sit back and look for help. Sometimes they just need a good kick in the ass. I didn’t look to my parents or the government for help.” Part of that perspective comes from having his only child, daughter Erin, and her six-year-old child in Niagara. Erin, moved back to Niagara after attending University of Cambridge in England. “She wanted to come back here to live. That says a lot to me,” Howard said. To what heights Megalomaniac will ascend he is not sure, but one thing is for certain. He has his next salmon fishing trip booked and he plans to have a lot of fun along the way.
Niagara Region provides community health and wellness programs for residents of all ages. Visit www.niagararegion.ca to learn more.
H E L P I N G S E N I O R S AG E AT H O M E Respite Companion Program provides in-home respite service for those with Alzheimer’s or related dementia and their caregivers. Adult Day Service provides a fun atmosphere where participants can socialize with other seniors. Visit www.niagararegion.ca/seniors or call 905-984-2621 or toll-free 1-877-212-3922. L E A R N A B O U T H E A LT H Y E AT I N G A N D F O O D S A F E T Y The Community Food Advisors (CFA) program provides information and educational sessions that promote healthy eating and food safety to community groups, schools, workplaces and more. CFAs are volunteers trained through Niagara Region Public Health. Their services are free-of-charge, with the exception of cooking demonstrations. Learn more or book a presentation at www.niagararegion.ca/health or call 905-688-8248 ext. 7395. WA N T E D : H O M E C H I L D C A R E P R OV I D E R S Experience the benefits of running your own home-based business. Visit www.niagararegion.ca/childcare or call 905-984-6900 or toll-free 1-800-263-7215.
Parents with children aged 2-12 and teens aged 12-16 can register for free parenting courses or seminars through the Triple P Parenting Program. Call 905-688-8248 ext. 7555 or 1-888-505-6074.
The Niagara Region Bicycle Map has details about trails, bike paths and back roads in Niagara. Access the map at www.niagararegion.ca.
Building Community. Building Lives. September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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Artist Profile Her Story
New lease on the afterlife By Katherine Grant
H
alloween is approaching. Soon dry leaves will scuttle along the street in front of chill winds. The days will grow long and dark and things that go bump in the night will come out to play. Those little ghosts and ghouls would find themselves feeling most welcome in the home of Smithville artist Sherida Schaus. Schaus, a former resident of Grimsby, has taken her interest in all things paranormal and combined it with her artistic flair. “I have always been fascinated with ghosts, haunted houses,” she said. “I find treasures at second-hand stores and embellish them.” The results are creepy yet not without charm. Tiny figurines, discarded by others, find their way into her home and get a new lease on the afterlife. Their delicate porcelain
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Artist Profile HER STORY Continued from Page 12 complexions are dabbed over with shades of green paint. Skeletal details soon emerge and flowery details are swapped out for skulls, pink dresses turn blood-red. “I am forever creating art,” she says with a smile. Schaus studied art fundamentals at Sheridan College. Her inspiration comes from the sugar skulls and skeletal yet well-dressed dead that have come to be associated with Mexico’s Day of the Dead, Dia de Muertos, celebrated in conjunction with Halloween each year. Schaus’ home reflects her love for all things dark and spooky. Red candles sit atop black candelabras, crosses of all sorts fill an entire wall, an Egyptian sarcophagus sits in each corner. An old pump organ holds pride of place; cherubs lend an air of innocence and balance the darkness. And interspersed among it all is her art. Bottles she repurposed as Halloween props filled with “poison”, hats bearing lace and black flowers, a partially completed painting of a zombie leans against a wall. A full-sized figure of her daughter BriarRose as a vampire takes its place nearby. Schaus uses whatever strikes her fancy to create her pieces whether an unwanted doll, a bit of fabric or old jewelry; she sees in it what it could become. For her arts and crafts shows, her garb is as spooky as her work. Shaus grew up surrounded by art. Her mother Sheila, who died in 2001, was an artist who worked in oils and acrylics and also created beautiful stained glass pieces. She exhibited her work at the Grimsby Festival of Art with her young daughter by her side. Schaus remembers the year her mom gave her 75 Christmas cards to decorate and sell. She sold every one. Schaus has done a number of commissioned works and also attends select art shows and will be at the Harvest Roots Show at Smithville Arena on Oct. 4. Each time she takes an object in hand she imagines what it could become and she sets to work, sometimes in acrylics and often with nail polish – she likes the opalescent gleam it produces. “It is just very relaxing,” she explained. “I can’t wait to see what it will become.”
Sherida Schaus September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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Their story CAREERS
Carruthers Printing A community cornerstone By Mike Williscraft
F
or a retired fellow, Ivan Carruthers is one busy man. Although he retired nearly two decades ago, Carruthers is still an active, connected cog in the West Lincoln community. It was a long time ago when he broke into the community newspaper business with then-publisher of the Smithville Review George Adams at age 17 as a part-time employee. Then, in 1954, he became the youngest community newspaper publisher in Canada at age 23 when he bought the paper from Adams. Carruthers said he may have gone into carpentry had Adams not given him his big break. Although he had been pressed into leaving high school to earn money to help his family of 12 – his father had died and his brother was killed in WW II – Carruthers had been bitten by the newspaper bug. He loved his job and he greatly appreciated the opportunity afforded him by Adams, whom he looked upon as a father figure. While it is a major component, Smithville Review is only part of Carruthers’ business story. The commercial printing division of the company was always, and still is today, a vitally important piece of Carruthers Printing. The company, which celebrated its 60th anniversary Aug. 22 at its College Street office, has continued to put its stamp on the community both through its quality work as well as its dedicated staff.
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Carruthers, who has been long-retired, is currently the president of the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce....for the fourth time. His stepson Steve Ecker and his wife Mary have grown the print-end of the business extensively in recent years. Steve also provided the germ of the idea and hosted the first discussion for what would become one of the biggest community events in any smalltown, Poultryfest. Along the way, great people and some
truly remarkable stories have dotted their path. Carruthers is an encyclopedia of West Lincoln history on all fronts, from politics to sports to the business landscape of Smithville. Back in the day, it was handset type, lithography, not metal and hand-fed presses. Smithville Review cost three cents over the counter, and some of their store drops were just 2-3 copies here and there.
Ivan Carruthers, with a Corona typewriter; Steve Ecker leans on an old friend, his Heidelberg press, and; Mary Lynne Ecker with a box of wood type.
Their Story CAREERS Continued from page 14 The stories, oh, the stories. “I remember one time, we had to get the cutter out of the second floor of our office. The only way to get it out was to knock out the bricks. Sam Kingma came over, this was when he was into moving things before he started Empire Transport. He brought a crane and we lifted it out,” recalled Carruthers. The paper itself at that time was printed in four-page runs. At one time, a Toronto-based company would deliver similarly sized four-page sections which got inserted into The Review. While a lot of hard work went into it, Carruthers said the secret to success then was the same ingredient most publishers still recognize today: content is king. “People really loved the paper because we had a lot of really good correspondents. Those writers were very popular,” said Carruthers, who is a 20year veteran of the West Lincoln Fire Department where he reached the rank of captain. “It was the same with Niagara Farmers’ Monthly. The correspondents really made it.” The Farmer’s Monthly was started in 1970 when the publishing bug nipped at Carruthers again, but more on that later. In the shop, Carruthers had the help of men like Archie Griffin and Jack Fisher. Retired at the time, the men came into the shop daily to chat and pass time. Eventually, they built their own workbench and, quite literally, became part of the furniture. In the community, Carruthers can regale one for hours with stories of political intrigue. He recalled a controversial idea from Ora Ellis, Reeve of South Grimsby Twp. of the day, suggesting a system to use gravity to pull water from Lake Erie to service Niagara Region. “That idea alone would have changed the direction of development in all of
Ivan Carruthers at his linotype unit in 1954. He was the youngest community newspaper publisher in Canada at the time. Niagara. They didn’t want to do it. Now they are spending 10s of millions for these pumping stations,” said Carruthers. He also credited Norm Dyment as the man responsible for the municipality getting hooked into a water system. “Norm went to the board of health in Toronto to come out and see what was happening. He got them to issue a permit that said the water had to go in,” noted Carruthers. Every bit of the community’s history was covered in the pages of The Review either in story form, or editorials written by Carruthers. That is, up until 1968. “Times were changing. There were changes with presses. It was a different way of doing things. There were new
typewriters out. The business side with the commercial printing was much stronger,” said Carruthers of his decision to sell. “(Bill) Rannie made me an offer, and I accepted. Bill Rannie was the publisher of the Lincoln Post Express and Grimsby Independent at the time. “Bill was a very nice man. We worked back and forth together for many years,” said Carruthers. Another name from the area’s publishing past is one Bones Livingston. “He was a real character. You never knew what he was going to say or do. You could walk up to him on the street and he would be smiling, you say, ‘hello’ September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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Their Story CAREERS Continued from Page 15 and he’d say, ‘What the hell do you want?’ Carruthers recalled. Two years later, opportunity came a knockin’ in the form of salesman Cec Chapman. “I always thought the Niagara farmers should have strong representation and be represented more. That was why we started Niagara Farmers Monthly,” he said. Actually, another was started in neighbouring Brant County but it did not have the staying power of the Niagara publication. Always creative, Carruthers proved his pioneering ways by branching out with NFM with free distribution, which did not really catch on to become the publishing standard until the mid-1990s. It was another great marriage for the business as NFM blossomed and brought with it a host of new business for the commercial side of his operation. While that marriage set Carruthers Printing on a solid path to its current state, his marriage to his wife Jean was also crucial to his success. In his speech at the August 60th anniversary open house, Steve praised his mother with Ivan nodding all the while. “Thank you to my late mother, Jean Ecker, who had an accounting role in the company business for probably over 40 years. I think that Ivan would agree that we never would have made it here today without her support and financial discipline,” said Ecker. And so it went until other stages of life presented issues for Ecker and his wife Mary Lynne, necessitating the sale of NFM in 2006. “Things were changing then, too,” said Ecker. “Computers and digital printing were just coming in and time was right.” Those industry changes also spilled over
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West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce presented the Carruthers Printing team with a plaque Aug. 22 recognizing their 60 years in business. On hand were (L to R) Mary Lynne and Steve Ecker, Chamber director Jim Edwards, Ivan Carruthers, Chamber V-P Paul Keizer and new Chamber administrator Diane Halinski. put in 15 years as part of Poultryfest’s administration and volunteering. Now, always looking ahead, Carruthers is helping organize a fall all-candidates night for the October municipal election. When discussing the election and local issues, Carruthers, never short of - Ivan Carruthers an opinion, said changes should be looked at for the municipality. of the company’s transactions were done “I don’t like the ward system. I don’t via email. Today, those numbers are think we need it. We should elect reversed with 98 per cent of the work our entire council from across the coming via computer. And while Carruthers Printing business municipality,” said Carruthers, And the number one issue that new continued to develop, so too did that of council should tackle? their customers. “We need to get jobs back in town. We “We have been really happy to see used to have a Commercial Industrial our customers’ businesses grow as ours Development Board but that got done has. Places like Sicard RV, Stanpac, away with. We kept asking for things and Armstrong Milling and Rosa Flora are the Town didn’t want to do them, so it great examples of that,” said Ecker, who was dissolved,” said Carruthers. has carried on Carruthers’ example of “We should bring that back.” community service as he and Mary have to the commercial side of the operation. Ecker said when he and Mary purchased the business in 1997 about two per cent
“People really loved the paper because we had a lot of really good correspondents.”
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}
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chef profile CUISINE
Cooking with
Frank Romano
Executive chef at Inn on the Twenty, Jordan. – Photo Grant
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Chef Profile CUISINE Shrimp Ceviche
What is it about creating beautiful dishes that appeals to you? Creating a beautiful dish is our form of art, it stimulates the mind, if something looks good on the plate, we will obsess over it, we will naturally want it. We are social beings and social media has evolved immensely, we love taking pictures, showing people what we are about to eat. Chefs take pride in their creations, nothing pleases us more than someone enjoying our foods.We are fortunate to receive instant gratification unlike painters who often remain unappreciated until after their death. By that token though we are also criticized heavily, art is a form of expression, we love food and we want to make it look beautiful. What is the most satisfying part of being a chef? Knowing that people around you are happy, not only the guests, but the cooks that work with you, the owners, the managers, the servers, being part of a great team; a lot of work goes into running an operation. Without the proper people and an amazing team, without sous chefs, cooks, dishwashers, servers, managers, hosts, bartenders, head office and great owners, establishments don’t survive. Having this day in and day out is gratifying. Who in the field do you admire? My crew, I try to thank them everyday. To be honest, I don’t say it enough. I always tell our guests that I have the best crew that I have ever worked with, be it front of the house, back of the house, and all the people behind the scenes who sometimes don’t get credit. It takes a large group of people to make Inn on the Twenty what it is today, we have a longstanding history and I am blessed to part of it, now and moving forward.
Shrimp Ceviche - Pair with Cave Spring Riesling Serves 6 2 lbs of cleaned shrimp 5 radishes sliced into circles 1/4 cup of red tobiko 1 cup of strawberries, sliced 1 bunch of green onions thinly sliced 1 cup of lemon aioli (see below) juice of 2 lemons and 1 lime 1 bunch of cilantro, leaves picked 1 cup of chili oil, salt and pepper Method: Clean shrimp. In a pot of simmering water , blanch shrimp for 30 seconds, then drop into ice water and reserve. Lemon Aioli 4 large egg yolks 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3 tbsp roasted whole garlic Juice of 3 lemons 3 cups canola oil Lemon zest 1/2 tsp of turmeric Salt, white pepper to taste In a blender, add all ingredients except oil. With the motor on medium, slowly drizzle oil to create an emulsified product, season to taste. Chili Oil 2 tbsps chili flakes and 1 tbsp paprika. Warm oil gently then set aside, oil should be done a few days ahead. Remove shrimp from water, dry, add juices of lemon and lime for about 20 mins to let the shrimp cook from the acid. Remove and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Build your plate with strawberries and cilantro as garnish
Frank Romano Executive Chef
}
f.romano@innonthetwenty.com CAVE SPRING CELLARS INN ON THE TWENTY 3836 Main Street Jordan, ON L0R 1S0 Canada T: 905-562-3581 | Ext. 317 F: 905-562-3232 cavespring.ca innonthetwenty.com
September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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seasonal CUISINE
Turkey Pot Pie with Tea Biscuit Crust
Ingredients 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 1 large onion, chopped 1/4 cup (50 mL) chicken broth 2 cups (500 mL) cubed cooked turkey or chicken 1 cup (250 mL) quartered mushrooms 1 cup (250 mL) frozen green peas, thawed 1 can (10 oz/284 mL) cream of chicken soup 1/4 tsp (1 mL) dried thyme leaves Pinch black pepper 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) tea biscuit mix 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp/15 mL dried) 1/3 cup (75 mL) milk Preparation In 8 cup (2 L) casserole, combine potatoes, carrots, onion and chicken broth. Cover and microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender, stirring twice. Stir in turkey, mushrooms, peas, soup, thyme and pepper until evenly combined, smoothing top. Set aside. In small bowl, combine biscuit mix and parsley; stir in just
enough milk to make a soft, sticky dough. Turn out onto floured surface and knead 6 to 8 times. Roll or pat into circle to fit casserole. Place dough on filling, don’t worry if it falls apart. Cut a few steam slits in topping. Bake in preheated 400°F (200°C) oven until top is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
For Autumn Cheer, Go West Wine Wednesday with Live Music. Aug. 27 & Sept. 3-17. Stoney Ridge Estate Winery The Ultimate Wine and Cheese Experience can be enjoyed from 6-8 pm in the Rose Arbour for a glass of wine and enjoy a selection of cheese courtesy of the Cheese Cellar while listening to some live music. Wine by the glass (5oz) sold at the bar, $5. Come wine and unWINEd with us on Wednesdays, make some new friends or meet some old ones at the ridge. Sept. 6-7, 47th Annual Grimbsy Festival of Art 2014 – Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School, 145 Livingston Ave., Grimsby. Cost: Adults: $7, Children (16 and under) Free. $2-off coupon available at www.grimsby-festival-arts.com The Grimsby Festival of Art is a juried show, which guarantees a high calibre of talented exhibitors, attracting over 120 fine artists and artisans. An annual attendance of 3000 collectors and art lovers
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viewing great art and jewellery is complemented with a relaxed environment that encourages artist and guest interactions, while also enjoying the entertainment and refreshments and our beautiful Town of Grimsby. Thirty Bench No. 30 Pre-Harvest Lunch with The Good Earth. Sept. 7 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Join us for a wine and food pairing event during the most exciting time of the year - just before we’re ready to pick our ripe and juicy grapes from the vines. The day begins at our winery with a structured tasting of our wines, led by winemaker Emma Garner. The tasting is followed by a picturesque trip below the bench for an al fresco lunch at The Good Earth Food & Wine Company. Treat your senses to the fresh flavours of The Good Earth’s culinary delights and handcrafted wines while you enjoy the beautiful backdrop of wine country; $65 per person, exclu-
sive of taxes and gratuities. Sept. 12 – Handmade Market 13th Street Winery, 3983 13th Street St Catharines. We are pleased to once again host the Fall Handmade Market. The Handmade Market is an artisan market experience featuring products created and promoted by local artisans as well as delectable food and wine. A travelling boutique experience, the HandMade Market seeks to promote the arts and offer a local shopping alternative in an upscale atmosphere. Shop. Sip. Savour. Sept. 12 & 21 – 2014 Flame Broiled Fridays with the Creekside Burger Bar Creekside Estate Winery, 2170 4th Ave. Jordan Station. Cost: $35/person includes all food and a glass of delightful Creekside wine or a frosty pint from a featured craft Brewer. We’re firing up the grill this summer! Visit us at the winery for a casual, relaxed time on the deck. Chef J. Mark Hand is
seasonal CUISINE
Apple-Pear Cake Ingredients 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder 1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda 1 tsp (5 mL) ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 1/3 cup (75 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature 2/3 cup (150 mL) granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla 2/3 cup (150 mL) buttermilk 2 small apples (unpeeled), thinly sliced 1 small pear (unpeeled), thinly sliced Glaze: 1/2 cup (125 mL) maple syrup 1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch Lightly oil or butter 9 1/2 in. (24 cm) springform pan. In bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt until evenly blended. In mixing bowl beat butter on medium speed 30 seconds. Add sugar and beat 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla.With mixer on low speed, alternately beat
in flour mixture and buttermilk. Turn into prepared pan. Arrange alternating slices of apple and pear on top, gently pushing cut side of fruit into batter. Bake at 350°F (180°C) oven 45 to 50 minutes. Glaze: In small saucepan, whisk together maple syrup and cornstarch over medium heat until blended; bring to boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Brush over hot cake; let cool 5 minutes Remove sides of pan. Gently pour remaining glaze over top. Cut into wedges and serve warm or cool.
For Autumn Cheer, Go West
Continued from Page 20
serving a jaw-dropping all-you-can-eat burger slider buffet: Beef, Lamb and Turkey Burgers hot off the grill with an amazing assortment of home-made toppings. The burger bar has all the fixings and delicious sides including Chef ’s nearly world famous pomme frites tossed in café Paris aioli. Live entertainment featuring local musicians will also be on tap for the evening. Sept 13th – Calamus Estate Winery Fallstock. Reserve Sept 13 for our annual harvest party with free live music! Sept. 13 2014 – TASTE of the Harvest, Mike Weir Winery 4041 Locust Lane Beamsville. Treat your taste buds from 7-11 pm during Hospice Niagara’s 4th Annual TASTE of The Harvest event held at the award winning Mike Weir Winery. This year’s Taste event will kick off the Niagara Wine Festival, one of Niagara’s most anticipated wine festivals of the year! Unleash your inner foodie and call 905-984-8766 ext. 230 to reserve
your ticket today. Tickets can also be ordered by e-mailing: acrompton@hospiceniagara.ca or faxing it to 905-984-8242. Sept. 13, 6-9 pm, Good Earth Event: La Vendemmia. Joins us for a Good Earth take on an Italian Grape Harvest menu. In Italy, everyone would join in to help harvest the grapes of friends and family. In typical Italian style, the event culminated in a magnificent feast of many courses, flavours and textures… and lots of wine! Prix Fixe $45 for 3 courses. Reserve your table today! 905.563.6333. Niagara Wine Festival - Sept. 13-28 Don’t miss this annual event celebrating Ontario’s award-winning wineries and vineyards. From wine and culinary to family entertainment and a showcase of incredible entertainment there is something for everyone. Sept. 13, 11 am-5 pm - Sept. 27, 11 am-5 pm. Cave Spring Wine Shop Saturdays. Sept. 13, 20 & Oct. 18, 2:30-4 pm.
Making Scents of Wine. Cost: $35/pp; reservations required. This fun and educational experience at Cave Spring is an interactive workshop that helps increase your knowledge and enjoyment of the complexities of wine through sensory exploration. What we call tasting always involves a combination of touch, taste and smell: the feel and temperature of the food in the mouth and the aromas reaching the nose. These, too, contribute to the perception of flavor. And wine is no exception! Take home a pocket book wine tasting journal as a token of your experience. Telephone: 905-562-3581 Ext. 302. Sept. 13-14, 20-21 & 27-28, 2014 Kacaba Vineyards Winery Cab, Duck, Goose a Foodie Experience. Kacaba brings Chef Ryan Shapiro of Vineland’s About Thyme Bistro out of retirement for this limited time engagement. We’re pleased to feature Chef Ryan’s legendary Duck Confit Poutine perfectly paired with Kacaba’s 2011 September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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seasonal CUISINE
Chicken and Mushroom Enchiladas
Ingredients 2 onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups (500 mL) sliced mushrooms 2 tbsp (25 m L) vegetable oil 2 tsp (10 mL) chili powder 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each dried oregano and salt 2 cups (500 mL) diced cooked chicken 2 cups (500 mL) shredded cheddar cheese 1/3 cup (75 mL) low-fat sour cream 2 cups (500 mL) mild or medium taco sauce 10 medium flour tortillas Preparation In large skillet, cook onions, garlic and mushrooms in oil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano and salt; cook for 15 seconds. Remove from heat. Stir in chicken, 3/4 cup (175 mL) of cheese and sour cream; mix well. Spread 3/4 cup (175 mL) of the taco sauce in 13 - x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish. Spread about 1/4 cup (50 mL) filling down
centre of each tortilla; roll up, folding in ends. Place, seam side down, in dish. Spread remaining taco sauce over top; sprinkle with remaining cheese. (Recipe can be prepared to this point, covered and refrigerated for up to 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.) Cover and bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through.
For Autumn Cheer, Go West
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Cabernet Sauvignon. Savour fresh cut fries topped with Duck Confit, aged cheddar and house-made foie gras sauce. Only $10 or free with a Discovery Pass. Sept. 13-28, 11 am-5 pm, Fielding Estates Winery Charcuterie with a View, 4020 Locust Lane. Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28. Back by popular demand! Join us for a taste of harvest as we release our 2013 Gamay perfectly paired with a selection of artisan cured meats, cheese and baguette. Best enjoyed on our lake-view deck or borrow a blanket and enjoy it picnic style! Discovery Passes are available from the Niagara Wine Festival or any participating winery. $10 without a Discovery Pass. See more at: www.fieldingwines.com The Pinot Affair - Oct. 18-19. Ten Wineries....all crushing on one deliciously seductive grape! $40, plus HST. Are you ready for a love affair with Niagara’s most sultry and sexy wine? Visit us Oct. 18th & 19th for intimate
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tastings, lusty food, wine pairings and more. Learn first-hand from those who make the wine why they only have eyes for Pinot Noir. Please visit thepinotaffair.com for more information. Sept. 20, Pick, Stomp & Taste Flat Rock Cellars. Join Ed and the Flat Rock Cellars Crew and stomp your way through our 2014 vintage. Hand-pick grapes from our 80-acre vineyard then jump into a barrel and stomp around. Feel the juice of premium grapes beginning the magical transformation into some of our finest wine between your toes! Then enjoy the fruits of your labour with a unique tasting of some of our 2013 wines and the newly pressed 2014 grape juice. Time: 11 am-2 pm, $25/pp. Vinemount Velo. Sept. 21 & 28 & Oct. 5. Cycle your way through five wineries and five delicious courses atop the Niagara Escarpment in Lincoln. Registration and Warm-up 10 a.m. at Aure Wines. Where: Aure Wines, Calamus Wines,
DeSousa Winery, Sue-Ann Staff Winery, Vieni Wines. Over 75 km of cycling. Who/What: A progressive lunch cycle tour with the wineries of the Vinemount Ridge. Intermediate and advanced tours available. $95/pp with bikes. Nov. 5, 6:30-9:30 pm Fielding Estates Winery Sip and Sparkle Ladies Night, 4020 Locust Lane. Your ticket includes: a welcome glass of sangria or Rosé; delicious light fare; $25 voucher towards the purchase of wine. Join us as we sip and shop the night away with local vendors offering handmade jewellery, gourmet treats and more! A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Go Girls! programs in Niagara. EARLY BIRD PRICING - $30 before Oct. 15. $40 regular price. $30 with Wine Club. Tickets are available by visiting or calling the winery at 905.563.0668.- See more at: www. fieldingwines.com
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September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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passions HIS STORY
By Katherine Grant
T
ime spent in a waiting room moves slowly, each minute ticking by with a promise of more of the same: quiet, drawn-out tedium. Unless you happen to be sharing that waiting room with Calvin Cutts. In that case, you might just see him smile, stand, and with the flourish of a magic wand, watch him pull a rabbit out of a hat. Ok, maybe not a rabbit of out a hat – although he can do that. Calvin, of Calvin’s Magical Entertainment, has a not-sosecret obsession. “I’m addicted to magic,” he confesses with a boyish grin. “If I see magic I have to buy it!” And he loves to perform it; waiting rooms aren’t off limits and he has been known to hold captive delighted audiences in airports, on planes, and from stages in any country he happens to visit. This summer he marks 25 years as a magician. He retired almost 10 years ago from Dofasco in Hamilton where he worked for 30 years as an electrician. And it was at Dofasco 25 years back, that he discovered his passion for the art of illusion. “A guy showed me how to make a handkerchief disappear,” said Calvin with the wonder of that moment still in his voice. He asked to be taught the trick and came home and showed his girls.
Calvin’s Focus: Hocus-Pocus
Calvin Cutts is marking 25 years as a magician.
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passions HIS STORY Continued from Page 24
“It was intriguing,” he said. Soon a visit to a magic shop followed and 25 years later, two rooms of his Grimsby home are overflowing with the props needed to make magic: multiple wands, of all sizes and colours (really, one would never be enough), flowers and costumes and cards and all manner of curious objects needed to perform expertly executed sleight-of-hand. Thousands of children, and adults, have been delighted by the skill and showmanship of this well-known entertainer well beyond the borders of Grimsby. The entire Cutts family has been a part of the act over the years. His wife of 32 years, Ruth, entertained children as Sparkles the Clown, making balloon animals at local events and festivals. Their daughters Sheri and Nichala, now 29 and 27 respectively , have helped out with his various performances. When Calvin added stilt walking to his show, it was Sheri who was nearby making sure no one jostled him. Sheri also worked side by side with her dad on stage; as one trick ended and another began she collected the props and passed him the next ones. Sheri wasn’t just an assistant. She picked up quite a bit of magic of her own and while out socializing in bars as a university student she never had to buy her own
{
drinks, said her mom laughing. When it comes to magic, apparently, the barter system is alive and well. The Cutts have been known to have earned more than one free hotel room in exchange for some magical appearances on stages around the world. When circumstances call for it, however, the magic is given freely. In December 2001, the day Shoe Bomber, Richard Reid boarded an American Airlines flight with explosives packed in his shoes, the Cutts family
returned with a bit of magical history: the shaving sink of famed magician and illusionist Harry Blackstone Sr. After buying 12 tickets, Ruth won the sink owned by the late performer, in a draw. These days, there is really no sign of slowing down for Calvin and with a whole new generation of children to be entertained, why would he? One dad who, as a young boy, was afraid of being turned into a rabbit by Calvin recently requested the same trick at his son’s party. Calvin has created shows for the Hamilton police service in which he uses magic to teach children safety. He also performs at weddings and although he is thought of largely as a children’s entertainer, he also does shows - Calvin Cutts for adults. He also gives private lessons in the art of illusion, is a member of two magical was trying to return home from vacation organizations including the International in Cuba. Travellers worldwide were Brotherhood of Magicians. stranded as flights were stalled by this But whether he is performing at a act of attempted terrorism but for child’s birthday party or for a group of those passengers lucky enough to find adults, it is their reaction that keeps him themselves passing the time with Calvin going. the Magician, smiles and laughter Parents can see their children engaged relieved the tension when an impromptu and entertained as part of the audience, magic show broke out. but Calvin can see their faces and the The couple recently returned from a pure delight he sees is what it is all about. magic convention in Colon, Michigan, “I get to see the kids from the front, touted as the magic capital of the world; kids who are shy come out of their a good place to pick up some new ideas shells,” he explained. “They are all in for shows as well as props. This trip they awe, and I feed on that.”
“I’m addicted to magic. If I see magic I have to buy it!”.”
}
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Her story VOLUNTEERING
MARGARET ANDREWES On opening doors and opportunities
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By Katherine Grant
A
mong Margaret Andrewes favourite quotes is one by Canadian poet, artist and historian Jon Whyte, “The ripples begin where I begin: they wash up on that larger circle, the world.” It may well be that these words resonate with her because she herself has been known to cause and sustain a few ripples of her own. Through her leadership, she has helped others start ripples as well; each concentric circle marking another success achieved, another opportunity explored. Andrewes served on Town of Lincoln Council for seven years from 2003-2010 but it is for her roles with the Lincoln libraries and her vast volunteer work for which she is better known – at least locally. Her resume is extensive and impressive; her list of volunteer work and awards no less so. Andrewes is the mother of two daughters and a son, and grandmother to twin boys, now age 3. She is married to Philip who served as an MPP from 1981-87. Each of these roles has brought her much joy. But if ever there was a watershed moment in her life it was when she became involved with libraries as a volunteer member of the Lincoln Library Board in 1980. “I was blown away,” said Andrewes. “All of a sudden I was in a community of people passionate about libraries. These were some of the most dynamic and interesting people I would ever meet.” It was in this community role that Andrewes developed her true passion as she came to appreciate the library as
Her Story VOLUNTEERING Continued from Page 26
fundamental to intellectual freedom and democracy. This was also when she learned that when she asked, doors opened and whole new worlds appeared. “Before I knew it, I had catapulted myself into the library world at the provincial, national and international levels where I was smitten with the dimensions and dynamics of library leadership,” she said. “Once I found my place in this world and found my path, all of a sudden doors started opening for me,” she added. To her astonishment, in 1992, Andrewes was elected president of the Canadian Library Association. (To this day she is the only person, without credentials as a professional librarian, to hold this volunteer leadership position since the association was established more than 68 years ago).
Libraries and library services remain as vital as ever – maybe more so – in this digital age, said Andrewes. Public libraries provide a key role in both facilitating access to information via the internet as well as providing free access to those who can’t afford it. As many as one-third of the homes in Niagara West are not connected to the web. Her next few positions were also in library services. Her knowledge and experience would serve her well when she became advocacy coordinator for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in 1995. Andrewes was responsible for the development and implementation of an all-encompassing advocacy program to advance library and information services for blind, visually impaired, and deafblind Canadians.
“Libraries are there for everyone but there were absolutely no services for the blind and no government support,” she explained. It was her job to move forward a program for public library service in the blind community that was properly supported by tax dollars. “They pay taxes just like everyone else,” she said. Andrewes knew the support would have to come from a grassroots movement. She immersed herself in the blind community to find out what it was they wanted and needed. She found the experience “enlightening and amazing.” Soon support and understanding began to grow, advocacy happened in each community and strategies were put in place. “CNIB invested a lot to make it happen,” she said.
The Niagara Youth Orchestra is turning 50! All NYO alumni are invited to perform in a special concert in May 2015. Founded by Paul van Dongen, the Niagara Youth Orchestra is the premiere training ground for young orchestral musicians under 25 years old in the Niagara region. All musicians must audition for admission to the orchestra. General auditions take place in June and September. Mid-season auditions may be arranged based on availability.
NEW – BEGINNER PROGRAM We also offer group beginner lessons to children ages 7+. No experience is necessary. Must bring own instrument and music stand.
See it. Report it. Report online at www.niagararegion.ca/waste or call the Waste-Info Line at 1-800-594-5542. A reward of up to $200 will be awarded for incidents of illegal dumping reported on Regional or Municipal roads or properties which leads to a conviction or compliance.
Session One:
September 6, 2014 – December 20, 2014 (concerts on November 15 and December 20) 11:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. $200 (comes out to $13.33 a week) *Musicians are welcome to try the first class, September 6, with no obligation
Session Two:
January 10, 2015 – May 31, 2015 (concerts on March 7 and May 31) 11:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. $250 (comes out $13.16 a week) *Musicians are welcome to try the first class, December 10, with no obligation
For more information or to arrange an audition, please visit
www.niagarayouthorchestra.ca September/October 2014 | clubwest.ca
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Her Story VOLUNTEERING Continued from Page 27
Andrewes, who understands and values life-long learning, also knows when it is time to leave. In 1999 she left CNIB to take on the role of chief executive officer of the Lincoln Public Library Board. The idea of coming home to work was appealing as were the challenges she was aware the library was facing. “I wanted to get my fingers in there and fix it,”she said with a laugh, and home she came. Lincoln is not so very different from the place she was raised. The eldest of four girls, Andrewes was raised on a farm alongside Bronte Creek in what is now Oakville. In a recent speech at a volunteer conference at which she gave the keynote address, Andrewes shared the impact that volunteering had on her early years. “Throughout my growing up years, my
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three sisters and I were the beneficiaries of some incredible experiences because of a host of community members who shared their time, talents and resources without hesitation and at no charge.” Her list of volunteer roles includes the most recent and substantial role she was tasked with: chair of the Town of Lincoln’s Community Complex Capital Campaign. Over the years she has served as mentor, organizer, committee member and president for any number of groups. The common theme of course, is leadership. “There is not a time in my life when I was not the beneficiary of volunteerism and/or an active participant,” said Andrewes. “As the years have passed I have come to see volunteering as integral to every aspect of my life – my family and friends, my education, my health, my career, my leisure – and, as part and parcel of the many ripples which I have created along the way.”
Andrewes notes the endless opportunties that have sprung from volunteering makes her head spin. “So many doors have welcomed me including a career which I could not have begun to imagine,” she said. “My networks have grown to be virtually unmanageable. Precious relationships have developed and flourished. It is rare for me to be in a public place anywhere in Canada where I don’t bump into someone I know.” Although, says the woman who admits she can’t do anything halfway, her priorities have begun to shift as she recently marked her 70th birthday. Her friends tease her about being unable to say ‘no’ to a new volunteer venture, but she is thinking it may be time to scale back. “There are places I need to get to!” she says with her trademark beaming smile.
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