Culture Home Recreation Fall 2010 | Volume 4 | Issue 3
FREE
The Artwork of
Clark McDougall PLUS
Autumn Events & Recipes From Farm, to ‘In A Jam’, to You Entertaining Elgin: Saxophonist Don Durkee
5111 Union Rd, Port Stanley • 519-782-3433
www.greatlakesfarms.ca
• The apple barn is open on weekends with already picked apples, fresh cider, our famous mile-high apple pies & other apple treats. • Pick-your-own Apples, Pears & Pumpkins • Corn Maze & Straw Mountain • Tractor Rides • Animal Barn • Host your events, parties and school tours with us!
PUMPKINFEST Oct 30th & 31st Lots of spooky fun, just in time for Halloween!
BRING IN THIS AD FOR
$2 OFF
PICK-YOUR-OWN APPLES. We’re open from 10am to 5pm
Weekends in September, Daily in October, November 6th & 7th
Recommended in
Where to Eat in Canada 2009 & 2010
SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS OF FALL ON OUR NEW MENU! COME JAM WITH US! Live Music Wednesday Nights 7-10pm Book now for your
Thanksgiving Brunch or Dinner (Sunday or Monday) &
Christmas Party (for up to 40 people)
We’ll create a personalized menu for any group of 10 or more.
519-782-3663
295 Bridge Street, Port Stanley www.meandsuzies.com
LOCAL . SEASONAL . FRESH
Lake Erie North Shore Cuisine
THIS ISSUE EXPERIENCE INSIDE 5 Elgin Events
Elgin County
8 The Art of Clark McDougall Two local exhibitions feature the work of this St. Thomas legend.
12 Map of Elgin
Featuring locally in-season produce
15 From Farm, to ‘In a Jam’, To You A look at In a Jam in Melbourne, and recipes for seasonal preserves.
19 Entertaining Elgin Saxophonist Don Durkee
23 Autumn Recipes
Big Batch Cheesy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie & Squash Rings with Apple Curry Butter
Our Cover Image
Portion of Clark McDougall’s Untitled: Farm Lane in Winter, n.d. (watercolour on paper mounted on masonite, 80 x 59.7cm) Museum London, Gift of Marion & Alfred Murray of Islington, Ontario, 1988 Photo Credit: John Tamblyn Used with the permission of Museum London Editor Debra Bagshaw • editor@relishelgin.ca Layout & Design Joanne Bagshaw • jo@relishelgin.ca Advertising Info • ads@relishelgin.ca
Elgin is where city and country life walk hand-in-hand, affording all of the privileges and attractions of both. From the rich heritage to the lush green farmlands boasting over 50 agricultural commodities and the welcoming warmth of miles of sandy beaches – Elgin offers genuine home-grown hospitality.
Call 1-877-GO-ELGIN for your free Experience Elgin Guide today! Discover all that Elgin County has to offer at
TO SUBSCRIBE Send a cheque for $10 (to cover mailing) to the following address. Includes 5 issues. Relish Elgin Magazine P.O. Box 20058, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 4H4 519-633-1992
www.relishelgin.ca
Copyright 2010, Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc. All rights reserved. Relish Elgin is published by Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc. Reproduction of any material published in Relish Elgin is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the Publisher.
WWW.ELGINTOURIST.COM RELISH ELGIN FALL 2010
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Experience the Fine Art of
herbs
HERITAGE LINE 519-866-5577
53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1, Aylmer
The Silver Birch Tea Room & The Silver Leaf Open Tuesday to Saturday 12-4pm until the end of September Herb-Infused Lunch & Desserts • High Tea by Reservation
Harness Your Health - October 2nd
ARTIST GALLERY & GIFT SHOPPE
Paintings, pottery, teddies, handwoven throws, vintage games, lotions, potions & more!
48664 John Wise Ln, Aylmer | 519-773-5912 Tues-Sat 11-4:30 & Sun by appt. VISIT THE ONLINE EMPORIUM AT
www.shelleymcvittie.com
Join us for a full day of healthy lifestyle ideas and guest speakers. $35/person. Delicious lunch is included. Pre-registration is required. MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Cooking With Herbs - Oct 16th & Nov 6th Christmas Open House - November 20th & 21st
Visit our website for a complete list of events, recipes & more. WE GROW ORGANIC POTTED HERBS & HEIRLOOM VEGETABLES Open Year Round • Tuesday to Friday 10-5 & Saturday 10-4
www.heritagelineherbs.com
Visit us during
DOORS OPEN PORT STANLEY-SPARTA Saturday October 2ND
Winery Tours at 10am, 12pm & 2pm • Corn Maze Horse Drawn Wagon Rides • Free Admission Come stroll in our gardens and experience the wonders of lavender Mother’s Day through Christmas. Our gift boutique offers unique handcrafted gifts & gourmet foods created from our harvested lavender. Culinary products also available at Kingsmill’s
Visit our Corn Maze, surrounded by thousands of sunflowers! $3/person. Pumpkins available for just $2!
HAUNTED CORN MAZE
October 22ND & 23RD, 2010 • Dusk to 10pm Complete with live actors and sound system. $6/person. Recommended for aged 10 and up. Children under 12 must be with an adult.
Open Wed-Sat 10-5 and Sun 12-4 47589 Sparta Line (3km E of Sparta)
519-494-5525 www.lavenderblue.ca
Open 7 Days a Week: Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 Just 20 mins from the 401! RR#2 Aylmer, South of Aylmer off Hwy 73
519-773-5432
www.rushcreekwines.com
Autumn Events
© istockphoto.com/tillsonburg
Events
Visit www.relishelgin.ca to view our complete events listings. NOW ‘TIL MON OCT 18 RUSH CREEK WINES’ CORN MAZE Surrounded by 1000s of sunflowers. 48995 Jamestown Ln, RR#2 Aylmer www.rushcreekwines.com
SAT OCT 2 HARNESS YOUR HEALTH A full day of healthy lifestyle ideas with several guest speakers. 10am-3pm Contact: 519-866-5577 NOW ‘TIL SAT NOV 27 ELGIN CTY MUSEUM EXHIBITION: Heritage Line Herbs 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer CLARK MCDOUGALL’S BARNS www.heritagelineherbs.com 10am-4pm Tues-Sat 4th Floor, 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas SAT OCT 2 & SUN OCT 3 DOORS OPEN ST. THOMAS SAT SEPT 25 Venues open 10am-4pm BELIEVE IN A CURE WALK FOR ALS Contact: 519-631-1680, x 4253 Registration 10am; walk 11am www.doorsopenontario.on.ca Pinafore Park, St. Thomas Contact: Kate at 519-633-6540
SAT SEPT 25 MURDER MYSTERY TRAIN RIDE Port Stanley Terminal Rail Reservations at 519-782-3730 FRI OCT 1 - SUN OCT 3 150TH WALLACETOWN FAIR Fri evening, Sat & Sun all day Wallacetown Fairgrounds www.wallacetownfair.com WEEKENDS IN OCT FERGUSON’S PRODUCE SCARECROW FESTIVAL Including Thanksgiving Monday 11am-5pm; Ferguson’s Produce 11026 Wellington Rd S, RR#6 St. Thomas Contact: 519-631-6589 SAT OCT 2 DOORS OPEN PT STANLEY-SPARTA 10am-4pm; www.portstanley.net
SAT OCT 2 & SUN OCT 3 CANADALE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 8am-5pm Sat, 11am-5pm Sun 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas Contact: 519-631-7264 www.canadale.com SUN OCT 3 ELGIN FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE CAR-A-VAN TOUR Featuring farms & agribusinesses, this year on the western side of Elgin. Maps are available at St. Thomas Public and Elgin County libraries. 10am-3pm WEDNESDAYS OCT 6-DEC 1 NINE WEDNESDAYS COOKING EXPERIENCES AT THE BANK 6pm-8:30pm each Wednesday 519-768-9986 The Arts & Cookery Bank 242 Graham Road, West Lorne www.theartsandcookerybank.com
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FRI OCT 8 & SAT OCT 9 YURI POOL AT SPARTA HOUSE TEA ROOM $25, includes a three-course meal Main Street, Sparta www.spartahouse.com MON OCT 11 THANKSGIVING DINNER AND TRAIN RIDE Port Stanley Terminal Rail Reservations at 519-782-3730
OCT 14 - OCT 24 ELGIN THEATRE GUILD PRESENTS THE LONG WEEKEND 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas www.elgintheatreguild.ca SAT OCT 16 PEN & INK SKETCHING AT LAVENDER SENSE 11am-1pm, registration required 28011 Ash Ln, Wallacetown Contact: 519-762-2188 www.lavendersense.com SAT OCT 16 WESTERN ELGIN COMMUNITY EXPO 11-4:30; Elgin International Club 11558 Kerr Rd, West Elgin Contact: 519-785-0560 SAT OCT 16 & NOV 6 COOKING WITH HERBS DEMO AT HERITAGE LINE HERBS 1:30pm; register at 519-866-5577 53443 Heritage Ln, RR#1 Aylmer www.heritagelineherbs.com
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Events SAT OCT 16 BAYHAM HISTORICAL TEA $10/person; 2-4pm Proceeds to Bayham Historical Society 54246 Eden Line (at Culloden Rd) Contact: 519-866-3066 SAT OCT 16 JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH LITERARY AWARD GALA Guest speaker James K. Galbraith 8pm West Elgin Performing Arts Theatre johnkennethgalbraithliteraryaward.ca SUN OCT 17 PRINCESS AVENUE PLAYHOUSE RESTORATION FUNDRAISER Dave Gunning & Jeff Wiseman; Stonehand opening 2pm; 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas Contact: 519-633-8530 www.elgintheatreguild.ca
MON OCT 18 - SUN NOV 28 EXHIBITION: WHAT PEOPLE COLLECT & WHY, 2010 An annual exhibit on the private collections of area residents. Aylmer & District Museum Contact: 519-773-9723 WED OCT 20 SMALL BUSINESS SAMPLE SHOW Annual St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce event, open to the public. 4-7pm St. Anne’s Centre, St. Thomas Contact: 519-631-1981, x23 THUR OCT 21 - SAT OCT 30 AYLMER COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS SECONDARY CAUSE OF DEATH Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre Contact: 519-773-3372 www.aylmertheatre.ca
FRI OCT 22 THE HEALING PALETTE: EXHIBITION OPENING GALA Highlights the role of creativity in the healing process of mental health. 7:30pm; Talbot Teen Centre 475 Talbot St, St. Thomas Exhibition will move to the Trillium House Gallery at 563 Talbot St, and be on display Oct 26 - Nov 5 www.thehealingpalettehome.com FRI OCT 22 & SAT OCT 23 RUSH CREEK WINES’ HAUNTED CORN MAZE Haunted Corn Maze complete with live actors (for ages 10 and up). Dusk to 10pm; $6/person 48995 Jamestown Ln, Aylmer Contact: 519-773-5432 www.rushcreekwines.com
Corn Maze surrounded by thousands of sunflowers at Rush Creek Wines AT THE MARKET
Horton Farmers’ Market, St. Thomas • Saturdays 8am-12pm Organic Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs • Preserves & Honey
ON OUR FARM
Organic Meat Shop with Pastured Pork & Beef Fresh Organic Brown Eggs Fresh Organic Chicken available on Chicken Days Phone ahead to order for November 13 & November 27 Chicken Days (see website for details and prices)
519-631-0279
42828 Shorlea Ln, St. Thomas
The Pumpkin Patch at Great Lakes Farms
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mcsmith@amtelecom.net www.McSmithsOrganicFarm.com
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Events SAT OCT 23 PSFT WINTER MUSIC SERIES: JOHN MANN One of 5 music dates featuring some of Canada’s finest talent. Port Stanley Festival Theatre Contact: 519-782-4353 www.psft.on.ca SAT OCT 23 & SUN OCT 24 GREAT LAKES FARMS PUMPKINFEST 10am-5pm 5111 Union Rd, Port Stanley Contact: 519-782-3433 www.greatlakesfarms.ca THUR OCT 28 - SUN OCT 31 WALLACETOWN FAIR’S HAUNTED FAIRGROUNDS 7-9pm Thur, 7-10pm Fri & Sat,
6-8pm Sun Wallacetown Fairgrounds Contact: 519-762-2001 or 519-762-2737 www.wallacetownfair.com/haunt FRI OCT 29 ST. THOMAS PERFORMING ARTS: THE ABRAMS BROTHERS Tickets sold in series, call for availability of single tickets. 135 Wellington St, St. Thomas Contact: 519-633-1178 www.stthomasperformingarts.com SAT OCT 30 & SUN OCT 31 THE ART OF JUDY MINOR, ANNUAL STUDIO SHOW Sat 11am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm 15 South St E, Aylmer www.judyminor.ca
SAT OCT 30 END OF SEASON CELEBRATION AT LAVENDER SENSE Music, food, fun & refreshments noon-6pm; free admission 28011 Ash Line, Wallacetown Contact: 519-762-2188 www.lavendersense.com SAT OCT 30 & SUN OCT 31 HALLOWEEN MURDER MYSTERY TRAIN RIDES Dinner & moving performance Reservations at 519-782-3730 Port Stanley Terminal Rail www.pstr.on.ca SUN OCT 31 HALLOWEEN AT RODNEY TOWN HALL 6pm; Rodney Town Hall
Visit www.relishelgin.ca for more information on these & other Elgin County events.
West Elgin Central to Everything, Second to None Savour the tastes, smells and sights of autumn in West Elgin. farmgate apples, pears, honey, fall flowers leafy country lanes and trails bird migration observer’s paradise along Lake Erie’s Shore
Empire Valley FARM MARKET www.empirevalleyfarms.com
Spice Up Fall!
WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE SALSA Tomatoes, Onions, Peppers & Hot Peppers
Your Source For Fall Decorating Pumpkins, Straw Bales, Corn Stalks, Gourds ... And SO Much More!
village shops, family-owned restaurants & charming B&Bs
We’re just down the road and off the beaten path. WEST LORNE • RODNEY • PORT GLASGOW
www.westelgin.net 519-785-0560
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27983 Talbot Line Hwy #3 Wallacetown Just 30 min. from London
519-762-3504
CHECK OUT THE
CANNING CUPBOARD FOR SPECIALTY PRESERVES, INCLUDING OUR PURPLE PICKLED CAULIFLOWER!
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Arts & Recreation
CLARK MCDOUGALL ON THE LAND AND OUT OF BOUNDS
St. Thomas born artist Clark McDougall (1921-1980) was admired for his ability to capture the essence of both streetscapes and rural views in unique style. This fall, we have available some golden opportunities to appreciate McDougall’s amazing talent. Paul Baldwin’s article, following, gives a wonderful overview of McDougall’s life and work. The Elgin County Museum currently presents a major exhibition of his rural Elgin landscapes, assembled by guest curator, Catherine Elliot Shaw. Complementary to the museum show, the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre exhibits “Out of Bounds,” some of McDougall’s cityscapes from further afield.
The Elgin County Museum's Rural Exhibition
This exhibition, which runs from September 11 to November 27, consists of the exhibition of rural landscape paintings of Clark McDougall, as well as sculpture, photography and artifacts with connections to the local artist. In “Life on the Land,” guest curator Catherine Elliot Shaw has assembled some of the best of McDougall’s rural landscapes. In her words, the “exhibition celebrates the man whose daily discoveries created an ordered world of working farms, forgotten barn and house interiors, and beckoning concession roads.” “Carnation Milk Can Assemblage,” an eccentric sculpture by Yarmouth Township farmer, Dan Patterson (1884-1968), comes back to Elgin County for a short visit, on loan from the National Gallery of Canada. It was Clark McDougall who first brought the public’s attention to this strange creation of 1500 milk tins, an example of rural folk art using recycled materials.
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In “The Barns of Elgin: From the Earth to the Earth,” contemporary photographer Jan Row took the landscapes of Clark McDougall as her inspiration and travelled the country lines and sideroads with her camera to explore her vision of the current Elgin County countryside. Barn-related artifacts from the museum’s collection will also be on display, including forks, fanning mills, and a scale replica of a barn structure.
“Out of Bounds” Exhibition at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
As an early teenager, McDougall’s subjects were limited by the 5 mile radius he would ride his bicycle. At sixteen, he was introduced to the well-known American water-colourist Charles Burchfield who advised him to avoid art school and continue to work on his own. Though self-taught, McDougall dedicated his life to art and to his own development as an artist. Paul Baldwin notes, in his article, that from just after World War II until 1953, McDougall was often elsewhere, painting, exhibiting, studying and gaining inspiration. In “Out of Bounds” the works displayed are intended to “document paintings produced outside the limits of St. Thomas and McDougall’s 5-mile perimeter. These scenes are those of the city. They describe what he liked about the city, the electrical energy he felt in it.”
Rural Rambling
The County Museum’s exhibit is well timed, to coincide with the International Plowing Match and its focus on farm life in Elgin County. McDougall’s work is, in part, a record of country life and barns which have now disappeared. But for many, his works will have an air of familiarity, a suggestion of many sights still be to found in Elgin County, and will perhaps inspire a yearning for a rural jaunt of your own.
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Arts & Recreation In a booklet entitled “Cycle Historic Elgin” Paul Baldwin presented eight intriguing essays on local history, and eight complementary cycle routes with maps. Although he has not yet created a map for his essay on Clark McDougall, he suggests the following tour: start at Talbot & Inkerman, then travel north to Redan, west to Balaclava, north to South Edgeware, east to Dalewood, north (over the bridge, past Ron McNeil Ln) to Ferguson Ln, east (crossing Highbury) to Yarmouth Centre Rd and St. James Presbyterian Church. Continue south on Yarmouth Centre Rd to Mapleton Ln (it's gravel), west to Dan Patterson Conservation Area. Turn south on Highbury, passing Salt Creek Cemetery, then west on Ron McNeil Ln, and back down Dalewood into St. Thomas. The Elgin County Museum is located on the 4th floor at 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm. For more information, call 519-6311460, ext. 160. See “Out of Bounds” in the Timken Gallery at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. The Centre is open Sun 12-3; Tues, Wed 10-4; Thur, Fri 10-9; Sat 12-4. Call 519-631-4040 or visit www.stepac.ca for more information. Top: View of Buffalo, 1960 Oil on Masonite Permanent Collection St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre Middle: East Broadway Buffalo, 1977 Serigraph 1/100 Permanent Collection St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre Bottom: Old House Near Mount Pleasant, 1957, Oil on Masonite Permanent Collection St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
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Clark McDougall
Arts & Recreation
(1921-1980)
WRITTEN BY PAUL BALDWIN
Clark McDougall was a St. Thomas artist, a selftaught painter, who, in 40 years of effort, not only painted a large quantity of landscapes, streetscapes, and portraits, but also experimented with new styles and subjects, developing such quality and uniqueness that his work was recognized nationally and eventually, widely appreciated locally.
Clark first had interest in art as a teenager and in the late 1930s began riding his bicycle to the New Dam area of North Yarmouth to paint small, glorious watercolours of mid-summer and autumn scenes. Thereafter, he made a study of the techniques of the Great Masters, shifted to oils, and began his experimentations with the isms of the Modern Art: Impressionism, Post Impressionism, and Fauvism. In the mid 1950s, he painted scenes of St. Thomas, Port Stanley, and North Yarmouth using shocking reds, yellows, greens, and purples typical of French artist Henri Matisse, causing, I recall, local doubt as to his worth as an artist. At this time, I knew Clark as a neighbour. He lived and had his studio at 56 Inkerman Street, around the corner from our house. While other men in our area were railroaders, steelworkers, or printers with homes, families, and hobbies, Clark was single, boarded with his mother, and was totally focused on painting. He worked occasionally at Timken’s but only to earn enough money to support himself as an artist. To my knowledge, he never drove a car
and traveled outside St. Thomas and London only to paint, exhibit, or tour galleries. Before I knew Clark, from just after World War II until 1953, while he was occasionally in St. Thomas, he was often elsewhere, painting in Erin, Sand Lake, Drayton, and Glen Allen, exhibiting in London, Hamilton, and Montreal, and visiting galleries in Montreal, Quebec City, and Buffalo. On a trip to Quebec in 1950, he was inspired by the works of John Lyman and James Morrice and adopted what he referred to as “the French logic of painting”. In Buffalo, the collections and personalities of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery both influenced and reassured him, all leading to the maturity and confidence that culminated in the Black Enamels of the early 1960s. In the late ‘50s and ‘60s, Clark lived locally and increasingly focused on subjects in North Yarmouth. I recall his friends, Bear Lewis and Reverend A. H. Johnston of Grace United Church, picking him up at his Inkerman St. house and driving him up Edgeware Road or north of the New Dam. Here he photographed and sketched the scenes and details of the Kettle Creek valley, Norman Thompson’s barn, Buckes’ farm, and Dan Patterson’s. From sketchbooks and slides, he then painted his landscapes of North Yarmouth, using vibrant colours and black outlines. With black enamel paint from Medlyn’s Hardware and vivid oils or acrylics, Clark created his best works.
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Arts & Recreation Speaking some years later, he said he was excited by the intriguing contrast and the tension created by using both the flat oil and the shiny enamel. He also must have felt empowered and supremely confident for with the black enamel technique he then painted garish streetscapes and startling perspectives of houses, barns, machinery, and lands of North Yarmouth. Canadian Art Historian Dennis Reid praises the technique and compares the result to stained glass windows while Toronto art critic Gary Dault refers to Clark’s art as “curious and refreshing works… bright pools of entrancing oil color” and says that “McDougall’s colors end up glowing like cool gems on hot tar.” Such praise pleased Clark. His works sold, were in major exhibitions, and were included in numerous private and public collections, both in Canada and the United States. Unfortunately, his time in the sun was short-lived as he died prematurely on December 17, 1980. But fortunately, he was inspired to paint and, with some personal sacrifice, chose to dedicate his life to art. In so doing, he has left us a significant gallery of art and a unique record of the local history of Elgin. Top: From Fowler’s Kitchen, 1968 32” x 24”, Oil, Black Enamel on Masonite Permanent Collection St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre Bottom: Untitled: Farm Lane in Winter, n.d. watercolour on paper mounted on masonite 80 x 59.7 cm Museum London, Gift of Marian and Alfred Murray, Islington, Ontario, 1988 (Photo Credit: John Tamblyn) Used with the permission of Museum London
Paul Baldwin is a lifelong resident of Elgin, a retired teacher and administrator. He has a keen interest in biking, travel, and local history.
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Flavourful Fall Map of Elgin County
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER PRODUCE IN ELGIN COUNTY
yR
ille W
Apples • Asian Vegetables • Beans • Beets • Broccoli • Brussel Sprouts Cabbage • Carrots • Cauliflower • Celery • Corn Crabapples • Cranberries • Cucumber • Eggplant Garlic • Grapes • Leeks • Lettuce Muskmelon • Mushrooms Nectarines • Onions Parsnips Pears d
oa
Peppers • Plums Potatoes • Radishes Rapini • Raspberries • Rutabaga Spinach • Sprouts • Squash • Snow Peas Sweet Potatoes • Tomatoes • Zucchini Locally Grown Seasonal Produce • Large Stock of Giftware
Several varieties, including Honey Crisp
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Open 7 Days • 8am-7pm • May 1 to Dec 24 11143 Highbury Ave. • 10 min. south of 401 North of St. Thomas at Ron McNeil Ln.
www.saltcreekmarket.com • 519-633-9338
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Jams, Jellies, Preserves & Fresh Cider Pumpkins, Squash & Fall Decor
PLOWMAN’S LUNCH
In Honour of the 2010 International Plowing Match crusty bread, meat, cheese, pickle & apple
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© istockphoto.com/chang
© istockphoto.com/pixelprof
© istockphoto.com/xzcynosure
Map of Elgin County
Rose Klein
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c ts All Locally Grown • Store-Made Deli Meat • Never Any By-Produ
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Wind n Willow
Home Decor . Gift Ware Kitchen . Interior Decorating
435 Talbot St, St. Thomas • 519.637.3904 • www.windnwillow.ca & www.windnwillowstaging.com JOIN US FOR AN ALZHEIMER SOCIETY
COFFEE BREAK
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH
Dip & Dessert Mix Tasting
Introducing new dips and gourmet products.
New Lampe Berger Lamps Fall Decor, Kyberwear and Much More!
Food & Dining
Jam,”
FROM FARM, TO “IN A
TO YOU, WITH LOVE
Wonderful aromas of simmering preserves... the chatter of family working together in a country kitchen... tantalizing tastes of recipes passed down over the years and made with love... is it a happy memory from days gone by? Not at all—it is the delicious reality of the Melbourne business, “In a Jam.” Many local farm gate markets and specialty stores want to offer preserves that are complementary to their main line of agricultural product. Their customers are looking for jams, jellies, preserves and sauces that are unique, delicious, and of homemade quality. Several businesses in Elgin County, as well as in other Ontario locations, turn to Deb McCallum at “In a Jam.” In 1997, Deb was a working farm partner with her husband. Her children were nearly grown up and her thoughts turned to creating a business of her own. Says Deb, “I always had a great big garden, and had done lots of canning.” She also graduated from the Consumer and Community Studies program at Centralia College in 1981. A jam-making business seemed like a good fit. In her off-times between feeding cattle, Deb launched her business using home grown and local fruit to produce 500 jars of jam.
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In 2000, Deb’s business had outgrown her home kitchen and she had a second dedicated one built on the farm near Iona Station. By 2005, it was no longer adequate and she bought her current location in Melbourne. An existing building was gutted and equipped with shiny, efficient new equipment. Today, production tops 50,000 jars in a year! Still, Deb’s workplace continues to be a family kitchen— she and her sister, Sandra Gough manage almost all of the production. It would appear that the teasing, laughter and chat typical of a family “doing preserves” in a home kitchen are in good supply at “In a Jam.” Recipes continue to be tested, perfected and cooked up in small batches. While local businesses like Empire Valley Farm Market, Quai du Vin Estate Winery, Lavender Blue, Salt Creek Farm Market, Great Lakes Farms and McSmith’s Organic Farm focus on their core tasks of growing
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Food & Dining and selling great food and drinks, they rely on Deb for many of the specialty value-add treats available at their retail locations, often under their own brand name. Deb has worked with these and many others to develop recipes, frequently based upon ones which have been passed from generation to generation in their own families. Her creations include the traditional tried and true, plus many with a twist. Her “Jams with Attitude” include “Black Forest Cake” and “Cranberry with Rum.” The first product she created for another business (the former owners of Great Lakes Farms) was “Apple Pie in a Jar”. She is also entrusted to make the famous “O’Shea’s Irish Pickles” for O’Shea’s Farm in Granton. Business owners are profuse with their praise of Deb, noting that she is an invaluable resource, and remarkably accommodating. She keeps in touch, dropping off a new batch of preserves, picking up vegetables for upcoming production, or stopping in to discuss a new specialty to be developed from a treasured family recipe. Did Deb predict back in 1997 that “In a Jam” would get this big? “No!” she laughs emphatically. Her recipes may be secret, but the ingredients to her success are as basic as the ones in her products. They include (by weight): hard work up to six or seven days a week during harvest season; cooking in small batches to maintain homemade quality; a knack for working well with business owners to create delicious products that reflect their own quality standards. Last but not least is her great workforce—a sister with a very hearty and contagious laugh.
“In a Jam” is located at 6583 Longwoods Road, Melbourne. The store there carries many of Deb’s own line of jams, jellies, wine and savoury jellies, chutneys, pickles and condiments. For more information email debbiemccallum@gmail.com or call 519-289-5267.
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Top to bottom: Deb and Sandra in the In A Jam kitchen; “Apple Pie in a Jar” at Great Lakes Farms; Quai du Vin wine jellies; Deb in her Melbourne store.
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Fall Fruit Preserves
Food & Dining
MAPLE WALNUT PEAR CONSERVE
This pear conserve flavoured with maple syrup has many uses. Enjoy it on toast, scones or muffins. Stir a spoonful into plain yogurt or over frozen yogurt. Dot some over the apples in a pie or crisp for an interesting taste twist. Use to deglaze pan after cooking pork chops or chicken. Prep Time: 25 mins; Cooking Time: 20 mins; Standing Time: 20 mins 4 cups 1 Tbsp 1 pkg
chopped & peeled pears lemon juice pectin crystals (57g)
3 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• In Dutch oven, mix pears with lemon juice. Stir in pectin. Bring to boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. • Remove from heat; stir in maple syrup, and walnuts (if using). Ladle into sterilized jars to within 1/4-inch (5 mm) of rim; wipe rims. Apply prepared lids and rings; tighten rings just until fingertip tight. Process in boiling water canner for 5 minutes. Remove from water to towel. Let cool at room temperature until set (conserves have softer set than jams). Check seals; refrigerate any unsealed jars for up to 3 weeks. Makes about 6 250mL jars; Recipe & photocourtesy of Foodland Ontario
APPLE & SWEET PEPPER CHUTNEY
Chutneys are a delicious sweet - savoury compliment for cheeses, and meats such as chicken or pork. Feel free to adjust heat level to suit your own taste. Varieties such as McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Empire or Idared work best for this recipe. Prep Time: 30 mins; Cooking Time: 45 mins 7 cups chopped & peeled apples 1/2 tsp ground cloves 2 cups chopped onions 1/2 tsp crushed hot red 1 1/2 cups each diced sweet red pepper flakes & yellow peppers 2 cups packed brown sugar 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tsp salt 2/3 cup currants • In Dutch oven, combine apples, onions, red and yellow peppers, garlic, salt, cloves and hot pepper flakes. Stir in sugar and vinegar. Bring to boil over high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and boil gently for 30 minutes, stirring often. • Stir in currants. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring often. • Ladle into sterilized canning jars to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of rim. Top with prepared new sealer lids. Apply jar rings just until fingertip tight (do not over tighten). Wipe jars if necessary. Place in boiling water, with tops covered by at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) water. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove to drain on tea towel. • Lids will vacuum seal as they cool. Test lids by pressing in centre (will not move). Do not re-tighten lids. Store any unsealed jars in refrigerator and use within 1 month. Keep sealed jars in cool place. Makes about 5 250ml jars; Recipe & photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario
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ERGUSON’ F S Kathy’s
Professional, Creative, Reliable & Affordable
PRODUCE
CATERING
We Offer Complete
Christmas Dinners
festive meals for one or many
Plus
Delectable Desserts Sensational Party Platters
Holiday Buffets 519.633.0101
Fax: 519.633.6775 Cell: 519.870.6775
11026 Wellington Rd • 519-631-6589 Open Thurs-Sun 10am-6pm
Ferguson’s 16th Annual
SCARECROW FESTIVAL Every Weekend in October including Thanksgiving Monday BRING OLD CLOTHES TO CREATE A SCARECROW
11am to 5pm
241 Ross Street, St. Thomas kathyscatering@sympatico.ca
Corn Maze Corn Stalks Straw Bales Face Painting Refreshments Available, from Dutton Lion’s Club
COME JOIN THE FUN! PLUS
WAGON RIDES weather permitting
Huge Selection of
PUMPKINS Ready-picked, or have some fun picking your own!
Strawberries . Raspberries . Sweet Corn . Pumpkins . Preserves
www.fergusonproduce.com
Don Durkee
Arts & Recreation
ENTERTAINING ELGIN WRITTEN BY DAVID J. FERGUSON
Don Durkee, at left (photo courtesy of David Ferguson) and middle right, with with Tom Stark and Al Lavoie of CHRW radio in London, at Lavender Blue in Sparta. Meeting a music legend can be influential musically. When the personality is as well loved and charismatic as Louis Armstrong, the effect on a ten year old may very well last a life-time. Local jazz sax man Don Durkee recalls accompanying his Dad to the Stork Club in Port Stanley, where he had opportunity to both hear and meet Louis. Although this encounter had a long-lasting effect, it was when Don saw a Benny Goodman movie in 1944 that he was first bitten incurably with the jazz bug. It has stayed with him, just as fresh, new and exciting, since that day. Initially wanting to play clarinet, the 10-year-old Don showed up at the Aylmer Bandshell, eager to begin his musical career in the Aylmer Boys Band lead by Alf Grimes. Don remembers sitting, clarinet in the case on his lap, not knowing what to do. The answer came quickly as Alf approached saying, “Don’t just sit there—put the clarinet together.”
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It wasn’t long before the Aylmer Boys Band changed over to a typical brass band, prompting Don to switch to the trumpet and eventually the E flat horn. During high school, Durkee played under Alf’s direction in a minstrel show band at the Town Hall. He can still vividly recall his first clarinet solo there, playing Funiculì, Funiculà with the Aylmer Boys Band. Still in high school, Don switched to the saxophone and to playing jazz—it continues to be one of his main loves to this day. Charlie Parker, widely considered to be one of the most influential of jazz musicians, had a notable effect on his musical taste. Don pursued a BA in Business at UWO, but also continued to play sax as part of Western’s marching band. The travelling band sometimes toured to Montreal, stopping at Union Station in Toronto and delighting appreciative listeners with their performances. At the University, Don honed his craft, often hooking up with other musicians at frat houses for sessions that frequently went well into the night.
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Arts & Recreation It was Don’s distinct pleasure in the mid 50s to jam with Garth Hudson, a London native who later became a member of The Band. Garth’s parents had a cottage in Port Bruce and Don remembers joining him in the dance hall in back of “The Kings Cupboard”. It was around 1955, and at the time Garth played a lot of ‘Bumble Boogie’. Following graduation in 1957, Don trekked to Europe with clarinet in tow, hitch-hiking, making contacts and even playing a few jobs on a borrowed saxophone. He added the guitar to his repertoire upon his Dad’s suggestion—he had observed that everyone was switching to the guitar in the 1960s. Demand for Don’s playing grew in leaps and bounds as he performed with a popular music band at dance halls and venues until the early 70s. The popular sax player then joined Larry Dennis’s ‘Society’. The 6-piece group included the Stork Club in their circuit.
He switched from alto to tenor sax, added the flute to his arsenal, and in 1973 played a record 92 gigs. After four busy years, Don found it increasingly hard to juggle the musical commitments with running Durkee’s store in Aylmer, and decided to opt out of the group. Musical opportunity still came knocking with a chance to play in the Bill Sherry Big Band out of St. Thomas. He continued with Bill for 32 years and had many sax solos with this type of musical arrangement. Don’s musical involvement continues. Playing sax, he has joined Tom Starks (on a vintage Hammond B3 organ) for weekly classical jazz sessions for the past 7 years. In 2005, Don played with Tom and Brian McHugh on a CD recorded at the CBC studio in Toronto.
Bringing Colour to Life
55th Anniversary
CEDARHURST Salon & Spa
Voted Ontario’s Favourite Garden Centre!
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269 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas • 519-631-7264 • Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 8-5, Sun 11-5
Because You Deserve It
Gift Certificates & Gift Baskets available for all occasions
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Spa Parties for that "Special Event"
Open Mon 10am-4pm, Tues-Fri 8:30am-7pm & Sat 8am-4pm | 76 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, Across from Jumbo 519-631-7629 | www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com
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Arts & Recreation Every Wednesday for five years now, Don has enjoyed musical sessions with 83-year old piano player Grant Graham, drummer PeeWee Rollins, a bass player and other musicians. Says Don,” Grant is heavily motivated and plays from a large songbook based upon his years of playing in cocktail lounges —he has self-produced 14 albums and is working on his 15th.” Over the years, Don has always seen his musical cup as half full, with room for more. Even now, he doesn’t pass up many opportunities to perform, travel, jam or listen to other musicians. Notes Don, “Once you get the bug for chasing music, it takes you many places to see, hear and appreciate music.”
cardine Ontario or Jamie Aebersold’s Jazz Camp in Louisville Kentucky. Don advises budding and seasoned musicians, “If you love music and want to follow your dream, keep practising!” Don is a musical gem whose devotion, time commitment, and love of jazz come out loud and clear when he blows his horn—it is a sound not to be missed.
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Centrepiece Marketing in association with the Port Stanley Festival Theatre present their 2010/2011
Play b
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During the summers of 2008 and 2009, Tom Starks and Don enjoyed playing every Friday evening at Shutters On The Beach in Port Bruce. Summer adventures often include trips to Jazz camps in Kin-
Music Series NOVEMBER 19 2010 Juno Award Winner
OCTOBER 23 2010
JOHN MANN
Dave Ferguson hails from Aylmer and has been writing in a variety of genres and styles for over fifteen years. He’s an active author of several writing groups, member of PWAC (Professional Writer’s Association of Canada) and currently chairs a creative writer’s workshop in St. Thomas. Find out more at www.writeadvantage.ca.
Lead Singer from award-winning Spirit of the West
FRED EAGLESMITH
MARCH 12 2011
MAE MOORE
Returning to her Old Neighbourhood
CENTREPIECE MARKETING
www.centrepiecemarketing.com DECEMBER 10 2010
DENISE PELLEY
Christmas From the Heart
APRIL 2 2011 Juno Award Winner
STEPHEN FEARING
With Special Guest Andy White
Tickets available as a series for $100 or $22 each/$25 at the door
Port Stanley Festival Theatre Box Office • 519-782-4353
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2010
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BRIDGEVIEW MOTORS
Quality Used Cars & Trucks • Sales, Service & Leasing BUY • SELL • TRADE • LEASE 1207 Talbot St, St. Thomas • 519-633-0240
Joe Preston M.P. Elgin - Middlesex - London Ready and available to help with your Federal concerns.
Constituency Office: 2-24 First Avenue, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4M5 Tel: (519) 637-2255 • Fax: (519) 637-3358 Toll Free: 1-866-404-0406 www.joeprestonmp.ca
Briwood WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR
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In-Store Bakery Fresh Produce • Meat Bulk Foods • Grocery & Dairy Pet Foods • Garden Centre
519-633-9691
1030 Talbot St . St. Thomas
We Proudly Support Local Farmers
OPEN YEAR ROUND
M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-6pm
Autumn Comforts
Food & Dining
SQUASH RINGS WITH APPLE CURRY BUTTER
This side dish is delicious with poultry, pork or beef. Prep Time: 15 mins; Cooking Time: 5 mins; Baking Time: 45-50 mins 1 apple, peeled, cored & diced 1/4 cup butter 1 onion, chopped 1/4 tsp each salt & pepper 2 1/2 tsp curry powder 1 medium acorn squash 1/3 cup apple juice chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup currants • In large skillet, melt 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the butter over medium heat; cook onion for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) of the curry powder; cook for 30 seconds. Add apple juice, currants, apple, salt and pepper; cook until liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. • Trim ends of squash and cut into 4 thick slices or rings; remove seeds. Set aside. • In small skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat; stir in remaining 1 tsp (5 mL) curry powder and stir until fragrant. Brush some over 13- x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish. Arrange squash rings in single layer. Spoon apple filling into centre of rings; drizzle with remaining curry butter (mostly on squash). Cover with foil and bake in 350°F (180°C) oven until squash is tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from pan using lifter. Serve sprinkled with cilantro, if desired. Serves 4-6; Recipe & photocourtesy of Foodland Ontario
CHEESY SWEET POTATO SHEPHERD'S PIE
This twist on a classic offers a colourful and tasty mealtime solution. Prep Time: 10 mins; Cooking Time: 15-20 mins; Baking Time: 20-45 mins 2 cups each shredded carrots 4 lbs sweet potatoes, & zucchini peeled & cubed 3/4 cup minced onion 1 1/2 cups shredded Old Cheddar 1 Tbsp each dried thyme, 1 1/2 cups milk oregano & dry mustard 2 lbs lean ground beef 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, minced salt & pepper 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels • Topping: In large pot, cook potatoes in boiling water until fork-tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and mash with Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup milk, and salt and pepper to taste. • Filling: Meanwhile, in large frying pan, sauté beef over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain off fat. Add garlic, carrots, zucchini, corn and onion; cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened. In small bowl, mix together thyme, oregano, mustard and flour; stir into pan along with rest of milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Transfer to two 8-inch (2 L) square baking dishes; top each with half of the potato mixture. (Can be frozen at this point). Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through and topping is browned • From Frozen: Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 45 minutes or until heated through and topping is browned. Serves 8-10; Recipe & photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario
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SAVOUR ELGIN MEMBERS Clovermead Bees & Honey
www.clovermead.com
Elgin County has an abundance of great culinary destinations, and we’re ready to show them off. From fine dining, quaint bistros and unique tea rooms to casual diners and delis, Elgin County’s restaurants will satisfy every taste. Travel our culinary trail and visit award-winning wineries, pick-up the freshest produce at roadside markets, and take a stroll through a field of lavender. You can also visit Elgin’s own microbrewery, take a cooking class in a historic bank, experience adventure at a bee farm, and so much more.
Savour the tastes of Elgin County.
Empire Valley Farm Market & Greenhouses www.empirevalleyfarms.com
Farmgate Markets Deli & Fresh Meat
www.farmgatemarket.com
Heritage Line Herbs & Silver Birch Tearoom
www.heritagelineherbs.com
Horton Farmers’ Market
hortonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com
Kettle Creek Inn
www.kettlecreekinn.com
Killer Desserts
www.killerdesserts.com
Lavender Blue Lavender Farm www.lavenderblue.ca
Mad Hatters Tea Room / Quaker Barrel www.quakerbarrel.com
Pinecroft Pottery & Green Frog Tearoom www.pinecroft.ca
Quai du Vin Estate Winery www.quaiduvin.com
For information on the Savour Elgin Program, call
1-877-GO ELGIN x137 or visit
www.savourelgin.ca
Railway City Brewing Co.
www.railwaycitybrewing.com
Ruby’s Cookhouse
www.rubyscookhouse.com
Rush Creek Wines
www.rushcreekwines.com
The Arts & Cookery Bank
www.theartsandcookerybank.com
The Windjammer Inn
www.thewindjammerinn.com