Culture Home Recreation Fall 2014 | Volume 8 | Issue 4
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Jack 'Glad' Graney • STEPAC's 45th Anniversary Grains from Franz Seeberger Family Farm Culture Days in St. Thomas & Elgin • Area Events
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FROM THE EDITOR It’s time to “seize September”. Following an onagain, off-again summer we will all be looking for a long fair fall—a time to relish “cool, cooking and culture”. Cool … The sweater that just didn’t seem to be a fitting requirement for several summer days of 2014 is ok now. For many, fall signals a return to routine and heading to the outdoors during down-time. Our events listings are chock full of harvest events—you will find Applefest, Honey Harvest, Heritage Farm Show, Pumpkin Fest, bird migration weekends at Hawk Cliff and fall fairs in Wallacetown and Rodney.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 Small Farm Miller Big on Whole Grain Goodness: Franz Seeberger Family Farm
By Chef Cindy Bircham, with recipe for Red Fife Buttermilk Biscuits
8 Championing A Story of Homegrown Inspiration: Jack 'Glad' Graney 14 Cultural Escapades: Culture Days in St. Thomas & Elgin 16 Elgin Map & What's in Season
Plus the new Buy Local, Buy Fresh map
Cooking … It’s the perfect time to cook up a stew chock full of local fall vegetables. Chef Cindy Bircham writes about tasty and nutritious stone milled flours available from the Franz Seeberger Family Farm—perfect for biscuits (you’ll find her recipe on page 7) and breads to go with your stews and soups. If you are interested in stretching your culinary skills, check out several unique sounding chef-led classes being offered at the Arts & Cookery Bank this fall.
18 St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre at 45
Culture … Community theatres in St. Thomas and Aylmer begin their seasons. Doors Open happens in Port Stanley/Sparta and St. Thomas. Many local organizations take part in Culture Days (September 26th-28th), Canada’s country-wide event which gives opportunity to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, and designers at work in their community. Finally, our local cultural gem, the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. Local artist, Josepha Van Den Anker, writes about the mighty contributions of the centre and of its director and education/event coordinator to our community.
Editor • Debra Bagshaw • editor@relishelgin.ca Design • Joanne Rowles • jo@relishelgin.ca Advertising Info • ads@relishelgin.ca 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
Debra RELISH ELGIN FALL 2014
By Josepha Van Den Anker
22 The Season's Events in Elgin OUR COVER IMAGE
0ur cover image is titled Sailing Away, by Aganetha Sawatzky. You can see more of her work at sawatzkyart.wordpress.com.
www.relishelgin.ca Copyright 2014, 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.
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Food
Small Farm Miller Big On
Whole Grain Goodness BY CHEF CINDY BIRCHAM
If you travel north of Highway #3, east of Aylmer, you will notice some of the gravel sideroads are devoid of hydro poles and instead are speckled with yellow horse and buggy signs. You don't need to visit Kitchener to find Amish country—it's here in our backyard. One resident living along the back roads of Elgin is a man by the name of Franz Seeberger. Franz is an Amish farmer and miller who has always had a passion for natural, unprocessed foods. A self-taught miller for 17 years, Franz developed this skill when he found himself frustrated by not being able to
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source the kind of bread he was used to in Europe. He wanted wholesome bread and pastries that were prepared with whole grains; bread that would rise properly, perhaps a bit heavier but also rich in flavour with perfect nutrition. Over the years, what was once a side project has developed into a small business as Franz soon discovered his family and community also had a strong interest in nutrientdense "real food". At his family farm Franz operates a stone mill where he grinds whole grains (much of it organic) to stock his on-farm pantry store. Along with ancient
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Food grains such as Emmer and Spelt wheats, Franz also mills Canadian heritage grains such as Red Fife and its offspring 'the son of Fife', Marquis wheat, into complete whole grain flours. By keeping the stones on his mill sharp and processing at a slower speed—two important factors he says are integral to good milling—Franz strives to "preserve the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in whole grains to create flours with great baking qualities and flavour." Among the shelves of organic seeds, beans, and heritage whole grain flours, Franz also stocks several pantry items suitable for people with glutensensitivities. Some of the most popular items are the gluten-free cracked cereals from ancient grains and seeds like quinoa, amaranth, millet and chia and also the fresh, cold-pressed oils from locally grown organic hemp, flax and sunflower seeds. Evelyn and Graham Beeby have patronized Franz's store for the past four years. The Tillsonburg couple, "love that there is always something new." They appreciate how they can come and go as they please but say, "it just doesn't feel like home if they don't see him [Franz]." Franz with his pioneer stone mill is part of a collective of Amish farm families called HOPE Eco Farms who pull together to produce organic foods for the community through CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and farm-gate sales. When asked what his thoughts were regarding his next step Franz shared, "I believe there is a great future in small family farms where the focus is on producing nourishing, quality foods". At right: Franz holding kernels of Emmer Wheat (top) and fresh milled Emmer Wheat (bottom) The Franz Seeberger Family Farm is located at 10737 Walker Road, RR #4 Aylmer. Hours are Mon to Sat 8am-6pm. Closed Sundays. Please drive slowly up the laneway. Article, recipes and photos by Chef Cindy Bircham
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Ferguson Bros. of St. Thomas Ltd. Growers and Processors of Fancy Beans
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Food
Red Fife Buttermilk Biscuits 2 cups Red Fife Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour 4 tsp baking powder 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter or lard, cubed 1 ¼ cups + 1 Tbsp buttermilk 2 Tbsp chopped herbs (optional) ½ cup shredded sheep’s milk cheese (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, cut the butter or lard into small pieces in the mixture, until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gently stir in chopped herbs and cheese, if using.
3. Make a well in the center of the coarse mixture and pour in 1 ¼ cups buttermilk. With a dough scraper or your hands, mix to evenly moisten the dry mixture. It should resemble a moist dough that just holds together, not wet, but with all the dry bits combined from the bottom of the bowl. 4. On a lightly floured surface, gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 5” x 12” and about 1" thick. To create a tender and flaky biscuit, fold the top half of the dough over the bottom and gently reflatten into the same shape; fold the left side of the dough over the right and reflatten one last time. With a 2" round cutter, cut out biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting. 5. Place the biscuits on the baking sheet and brush with remaining 1 Tbsp buttermilk. Bake for 1318 minutes, rotating halfway. 6. Enjoy warm with stews, eggs and bacon, summer jams, or melted butter. Makes 6-8 biscuits. Cindy Bircham is a professional chef and recipe developer cooking her way across Elgin County with a passion for quality, local and made from scratch. Her baked goods are available Saturdays at St. Thomas's Horton Farmers’ Market. She can also be found at a local organic farm, “Our Little Farm”, on the west side of St. Thomas and on her blog ‘From the Kitchen’ at www.ElginHarvest.ca.
Local fresh grape juice is coming! At the winery & Horton Farmers’ Market just in time for Thanksgiving.
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Community
Championing a Story of
Homegrown Inspiration St. Thomas-born major league baseball player Jack 'Glad' Graney's plaque on the Timken Centre's St. Thomas Wall of Fame was unveiled this year in July. That was cause for celebration by his nominating committee, but they are hopeful recognition for Graney and his inspiring story won’t end there. Jack Graney (18861978) contributed significantly to the Cleveland Indians baseball team from 1910 to 1922 and to their long sought-after 1920 World Series championship. He overcame career and personal set-backs with character, and often with humour. He accomplished many baseball firsts, all the while valuing and maintaining his St. Thomas connection. His dog and team mascot Larry also became an important part of his life, adding some iconic man/dog/ baseball imagery to his story. The list of firsts associated with Graney just keeps growing. His Wall of Fame nominators—Bill Rayner, Lesley Buchanan, Steve Peters, Don Cosens,
Wayne McAteer and Jim Lumley—are all long-time fans of history and/or baseball. Says Bill Rayner, “Graney's name kept coming up and we kept finding more interesting stories and a surprising number of firsts. They weren’t really anything Graney sought—they just seemed to happen by chance.” (see "Some Graney Firsts" on page 13). The number of firsts is attention-grabbing but what gave weight to the nomination by the group which has become known as the ‘Graney Gang’, was Graney’s substantial contribution to baseball over many decades, first as a player and then as a broadcaster. An excellent left-fielder and lead-off man, he was respected for his team spirit, sense of humour and stick-toit-iveness more than for an accumulation of hitting stats. In his book, The Best They Could Be: How the Cleveland Indians Became the Kings of Baseball, 1916-20, Scott Longert observed, “As his career developed,
Above: Jack Graney Baseball Card, 1912 - American Tobacco Company, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Benjamin K. Edwards Baseball Card Collection / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
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Community
Jack's daughter, Margot Graney Mudd (top left) and granddaugher, Perry Mudd Smith (centre left) take in his Wall of Fame plaque during the induction ceremony; back of card on opposite page (top right); Steve Peters (bottom left) shows off Jack's World Series rings; attendees of the induction ceremony (bottom right) Jack Graney became a master at 'waiting them out'. Baseball Magazine marveled at his ability to work the count and draw a large number of walks from opposing pitchers. F.C. Lane, in his article about Graney, mentioned that his ability to get on base
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had few equals in the major leagues. Lane would remark ‌ 'Here is a man who bats not only with his hands and arms and feet, but most important of all with his brains.' Belting out triples and homers was fine, but Lane argued that batters need to
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Community harass the pitcher, wear down his strength, and exhaust his patience. Then the big hitters could tee off to put the game away.” Graney returned to the major leagues as the voice of the Cleveland Indians from 1932 to 1953. Bill says, “I remember hearing his broadcasts on Sundays; back then, everything stopped for baseball.” The Jack Graney Award is presented periodically by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum to a member of the Canadian media for their contributions to the game of baseball in Canada. When Graney began broadcasting, announcers didn’t travel for away games; they recreated them from telegraphic reports. Writing about Graney for the Society of American Baseball Research, Ted Patterson enthused, “Possessing a crisp, stirring delivery, Graney was a master at setting a scene and his enthusiasm packed a sense of built-in drama. His ability to re-create a game from just a telegraphic report has never been paralleled … With a unique talent that combined accuracy and an electric enthusiasm, Jack Graney perfected recreations into a highly precisioned art form which resulted in a legion of admirers.” Last winter, Bill began corresponding with Graney’s grand-daughter in Florida, Perry Mudd Smith, and arranged a meeting to compare notes. He says, “She was such a gracious host and I discovered that while I had a lot of information—two banker’s boxes of materials—she had a dining room table
full of scrapbooks and memorabilia. She also mentioned a future trip she was planning to visit St. Thomas in 2015.” They agreed to keep in touch and the “Graney Gang” continued to amass tidbits of Graney facts and local connections. When Perry announced a few months later that she had decided to make the trip to St. Thomas with Graney’s 92-year old daughter, Margot Graney Mudd, in July rather than wait till 2015 the group wanted to mark the occasion in some special manner. Someone said, “What about the Wall of Fame?” They sprang into action. It was a whirlwind of activity to complete the nomination and assessment process and get the word out but they accomplished their mission. They also managed to keep it a secret from Perry and Margot who were both surprised and touched by the plaque unveiling ceremony. Graney also has long-standing fans across the border who are seeking to keep his story alive. In her 2012 book, Jack and Larry—Jack Graney and Larry, the Cleveland Baseball Dog, Barbara Gregorich presents “the story of a man, a dog, a team, and the pursuit of a pennant: a pursuit filled with both joy and sorrow.” Barbara made a presentation about her book to an appreciative St. Thomas audience this past August. She answered questions recently about why she was drawn to write this particular story.
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Community How did you first become interested in writing a story about Jack, Larry & the Cleveland Indians? What aspects of the story made you pursue writing your book? I grew up in northeast Ohio and went to Cleveland baseball games during my school years, so when I heard the story of Jack Graney and Larry, I felt drawn to it because it took place in the region I was from. My home town was a small town about 60 miles south of Cleveland, but the story was told to me by a fellow SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) member who was born and raised in Cleveland. As was his father. This member, Fred Schuld, told me that when his father was a young man, he saw Jack Graney play, and he saw Larry perform his tricks on the field. The father instilled the love of this story into his son, and Fred almost single-handedly carried on educating SABR members about Larry. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Fred helped me research the book I was writing about women who played hardball. That book, Women at Play, was published in 1993. A few years later, Fred suggested that I write a book about Jack and Larry. He gave me all of his newspaper clippings and notes: these provided the foundation of my story.
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Several aspects of the story made me continue with the book. The more I read about Jack and Larry and the decade of the 1910s, the more I realized that it took a tremendous amount of heart, dedication, and belief to stay with what must have seemed like a doomed team. I was interested in Jack Graney because he had what it takes to help build a team. He had what it takes to persevere. Also, in 2003 I met Jack Graney’s daughter and granddaughter, and I could see in them some of the same qualities that Jack must have possessed: friendliness, love of life, willingness to do new things. I began to feel obligated to tell this story. In making your presentations to groups, what has been most fun/ rewarding for you, or what about Jack & Larry interests people most? When I speak to adults, they seem to be equally drawn to the story of such an intelligent dog (Larry’s piercing gaze mesmerizes them) and such a dedicated ballplayer. My biggest reward in talking to adults is to share with them a part of baseball history they never heard of, and to see how much it means to them to know that in the face of very great losses, people can still triumph. When I speak to children, usually ages 8-14, they seem more drawn to the story of Larry than to that
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Community of the struggle to win a pennant, probably because they haven’t yet lived long enough to understand the concept of a decade of struggle. They do, however, relate to Jack Graney and the various players on the Cleveland team: as many of them draw pictures of Jack and his teammates as draw pictures of Larry. My biggest reward in talking to children is introducing them to a story from the past and helping them see the importance of teamwork. The free-form poetry format which Barbara chose for the book matches the rhythm of the baseball seasons, the game itself, and even dog Larry. It also suggests the momentum of someone intent on moving forward, despite obstacles, with hope and heart. Barbara refers to trips back to St. Thomas for both Jack and Larry to rest and regenerate. (Jack would take Larry to the Cleveland dock and he would return home via steamer to Port Stanley and Traction Line trolley-car to St. Thomas where he would jump off at his stop and scamper down Elgin Street—all unaccompanied). Indeed, Graney maintained strong St. Thomas ties throughout his lifetime. In June of 1916 he married his hometown sweetheart, Pauline Perry, daughter of City Trea-
surer S.O. Perry. During Graney’s retirement years, Perry, his teenage granddaughter would drive her grandparents back home to visit family and friends. The ‘Graney Gang’ is hoping for further recognition for Jack Graney on a public building or place in St. Thomas and at Cooperstown’s National Baseball Hall of Fame (where only one Canadian, Ferguson Jenkins, has ever been inducted). With new categories recently introduced for the Ford C. Frick Award, honoring excellence in baseball broadcasting, there would hopefully be a chance for Graney in 2016. And then there’s the planned movie about the tragic death in 1920 of Ray Chapman, Graney’s room-mate. Bill smiles, “We have been in touch with the production company and have been told Jack and Larry would play a significant role. I keep assuring them, “I know this is not the Jack Graney story. But …” Community legends accompanied by interesting, inspirational stories and visuals are the ones which seem to most readily grab the imagination (think Jumbo with his bigger than life presence). Jack Graney’s story is one that is not so much bigger
The Cleveland Baseball Club, American League, Season 1920 - F.A. Flowers Co., copyright claimant, National
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Community than life but full of life—heart, hope, humour, teamwork, a sport with a long-standing local history, an author who has been inspired to write a
SOME GRANEY FIRSTS • First player to face Babe Ruth as a pitcher and the first to register a hit against him
• First player in major league history to come to
the plate wearing a number (#1) on his sleeve
• First major league baseball player ever to
become a play-by-play announcer when he joined WXYZ and began broadcasting Cleveland Indian games in 1932 • First and only member of the Cleveland Indians organization to ever be awarded two World Series rings—the first as a member of the 1920 World Series championship team, the second as the team’s play-by-play announcer when they won again in 1948 • As a member of the Cleveland Naps, Jack played in what is now regarded as the first All Star game ever held
book about it, iconic imagery … and that amazing dog Larry. It’s a chapter in our local community storybook that just begged to be celebrated.
• First and only player in the history of Major
League Baseball to own a live team mascot, a bull terrier named Larry, who became hugely famous when he entered the White House to be greeted by President Woodrow Wilson • First Canadian-born player to pinch-hit in a World Series • First Canadian-born announcer to call a World Series, in 1935 • Part of the first professional team ever to play baseball overseas • Still holds impressive all-time standings in many categories amongst Canadian-born major league players: 3rd in walks; 4th in games played, 5th in stolen bases; 6th in triples; 7th in runs, at-bats; 9th in total hits and 10th in doubles
Press Photographic Service, photographer / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
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Arts
Cultural Escapades CULTURE DAYS IN St. THOMAS & ELGIN COUNTY
The 5th Anniversary Culture Days weekend will take place in every province simultaneously and is expected to see hundreds of communities of all sizes take part from coast to coast to coast—that includes a growing list of unique events here in Elgin County. From September 26th to 28th, Canadians are invited to participate in the three day cross-Canada collaborative volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. Culture Days events feature free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to participate
“behind the scenes,” to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, and designers at work in their community. Some local organizations like the St. Thomas-Elgin Art Centre and the Elgin Arts Trail have been involved in the past while some are new participants in Culture Days. St. Thomas Public Library is excited to take part for the first time this year. Ruth Crocker, Marketing Coordinator at the library says staff there thought it would be a great way to celebrate their 130th anniversary. She notes, “We want people to know we are not just about books—our mission is to ‘educate, inform and enrich’. We have some
“Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the arts?” — Gabrielle Roy, Canadian author (this quote is on the $20 bill)
The progression of a community mural for Culture Days 2013 at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre
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Arts awesome events and we have been thinking for a while that by being involved in Culture Days we could showcase the library as a place where events happen. So we started back in January, organizing some fun experiences.” Ruth adds, “We were hoping to appeal to a wide audience and bring some new people into the library.” Wine lovers are invited to taste wines from Lake Erie’s North Shore and learn about the evolution of wine production and consumption with Bill Thornton, two-time Grand Champion Ontario Amateur winemaker. The artistically curious can “be part of the art” with well-traveled artist Connie Greger as she leads sessions that will include a little
“hands-on”, a look at Elgin County’s artistic lineage, and a glimpse into her own artistic path. The library’s Teen Advisory Board will create a cultural celebration by painting flags on faces of kids (and adults too). All of the events are free, though registration is requested for the wine and art sessions so that staff can ensure there are adequate supplies on hand. Find out more about Culture Days and how you can join in at www.culturedays.ca. Check back closer to the weekend as more events are still being added. Photos by Mira Rogosin-Lavoie
“Those communities that are richest in their artistic tradition are also those that are the most progressive in their economic performance and most resilient and secure in their economic structure.” — John Kenneth Galbraith, Dutton/Dunwich born economist and author
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Map of Elgin
Eat Fresh! IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
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Mushrooms Muskmelon • Nectarines RODNEY Onions • Parsnips • Peaches Pears • Peas (snow) • Peppers WEST ELGIN Plums • Potatoes • Pumpkin • Radishes Rapini • Raspberries • Rutabaga PORT GLASGOW Spinach • Sprouts • Squash Strawberries (day neutral) • Summer Squash Sweet Potatoes • Tomatoes • Watermelon • Zucchini 9
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BUY LOCAL, BUY FRESH The latest edition of “Buy Local, Buy Fresh,” Elgin County’s guide to bringing home unbeatable flavours from local producers was released in August 2014. At the same time, an interactive website (www.buylocalbuyfresh.ca) linked to individual farm pages, Facebook and Twitter was launched. And for those looking to expand their rural explorations in the eastern part of Elgin County, the site includes integration with the Settlement Stories Quilt Trail and a new “Buy Local, By Artisans” Trail.
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Apples • Artichoke • Asian Vegetables • Beans Beets • Blueberries • Bok Choy • Broccoli Brussels Sprouts • Cabbage • Carrots Cauliflower • Celery • Corn Crabapples • Cranberries Cucumber • Eggplant Garlic • Grapes Leeks Lettuce
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Eco-Conscious Seasonal Cut Flowers Sunflowers • Mixed Annuals • Perennials Flowers for Special Events & Weddings
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Member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers
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www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca KAINS BALACLAVA
foi
www.harrisflowerfarmpasturedpork.weebly.com
May to November
ALMA
519-668-9537
Meet Me at the Market Saturdays 8am-12pm
MANITOBA
HORTON FARMERS' MARKET Saturdays from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving COVENT GARDEN MARKET Outdoor Farmers' Market, London (in season) Janis & Mark Harris, Sons Cameron & Nathan janisandmarkharris@hotmail.com
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Arts
45Years
St. THOMAS-ELGIN PUBLIC ART CENTRE
BY JOSEPHA VAN DEN ANKER
The older one gets, so too is the tendency to reflect or look back on the ‘journey’.
needed to save humankind and every species on this planet.
The past allows us to script what we choose to remember or forget, but as the future becomes more uncertain than ever, we find that imagining it is also less appealing—particularly when the frontier of ‘one’s end’ looms more in focus with each passing year.
The City of St. Thomas has experienced and survived many ups-and-downs in its history including the devastating impact of the 2008 industrial meltdown. But back in 1969 when the new St. Thomas Art Gallery opened: “St. Thomas was hopping with industry. The decline of the railway in the 50s and 60s had shifted into the rise of automotive manufacturing. The Talbotville Ford plant opened in December of 1967 … and the west end was the place where things were happening …” (“The West Ends Arts Mingle”, St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 2013).
How we cope with our constantly changing reality is different for every human being in this twentyfirst century age of globalization and many of us, young and old, will go into the safety of denial, avoiding even the possibility of looking at our world problems and the transformation so urgently
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Arts 2014 marks the 45th anniversary of the St. Thomas-Elgin Art Centre and, in spite of the recent severe economic downturn, the centre continues to develop and grow in importance for our community and can boast an exceptional year of growth in 2013; a permanent collection now consisting of over 1500 works of art representing a diverse number of 19th and 20th century Canadian artists; sixteen exhibitions annually that feature the work of local, regional, national and international artists and on-going exceptional educational programs for both adults and children. I believe much or all of STEPAC’s achievement as an “A” status gallery can be directly attributed to the values, energies, hard work and selfless stewardship of two people: Laura Woermke, Executive Director/Curator and Sherri Howard, Education and Event Coordinator. This dynamic duo continue to re-invent our culture and society by innovation: in the nurture of new ideas and by welcoming respect extended to all individuals within our community. Artists, writers, musicians generally tend to live on the fringes … mostly due to economics, but also as a preference—it can be useful to have an unfettered view of society and ourselves within it in our quest for truth, identity, culture, or trying to become more whole as human beings. However, it can be a lonely business and one which serves no purpose if in the end we can’t and don’t share what we find. The Art Centre gives us voice.
Dreams: the Next Generation of influence”, a 2006 exhibition at The Arts Project in London. Since then, my admiration, awe and respect for her only continues to escalate plus I am convinced she lives by a different “world clock” from the rest of us. Seldom does one meet an individual with the mindset of an artist, who equally possesses the strong leadership ability to develop human potential through society and community involvement. Laura wears both hats—artist and curator—extraordinarily well!
Sherri Howard: Education and Event Coordinator A quote by Paul Robeson, “Each generation makes its own history and each generation is judged and defined by the history it makes,” describes very appropriately the huge sixteen-year contribution Sherri has made to education, for both children and adults through her pivotal programmes at STEPAC. A University of Windsor history major, Sherri first worked as Education Director at the Elgin County Pioneer Museum. With her continuing passion and knowledge of local history, Sherri has the perspective of new beginnings for the involvement of community and social evolution, in the knowledge
Laura Woermke: Artist & Curator My very first introduction to Laura was through her incredible figurative paintings. She is a B.A. Honour’s Graduate of Fine Arts, University of Windsor and Fanshawe College. I had just moved to St. Thomas and we were both represented in “Nascent
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Sherri Howard and Laura Woermke at the Art Centre
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ROTARY CLUB OF ST. THOMAS PRESENTS
19th Annual
Christmas in St. Thomas
Tour of Homes
Fragrance
Beauty
Joy
Colour Flowers HERE SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSES EVERY WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas • 519-631-7264
www.canadale.com
The
Tour of Five Decorated Homes
Door Prizes • Buy “Gift Balls” Experience the Candlelight Preview on Friday evening with any 2014 Tour Ticket
$17 in Advance / $20 at the Door
St. Thomas: Berry Hill Ltd, Fellow’s Flowers, Canadale Nursery Petals of Love, Wind n Willow, The Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart (Talbot Street location) Surrounding Area: Spare Moments (Aylmer), Victorian Elegance (Aylmer), Dutton Flowers (Dutton), McLennan Flowers (Lambeth), Berry Hill Ltd. (Port Stanley), Wayside Dining Lounge (Talbotville), Mt. Brydges Floral Design (Mt. Brydges), Heritage Garden Gallery (London)
519-633-0838
www.rotarystthomas.org
Find us on Facebook
DINE
Windjammer
Fri Nov 14th, 6-9pm Sat Nov 15th & Sun Nov 16th, 10am-4pm
STAY
TAKE AWAY
RECOMMENDED IN ‘WHERE TO EAT IN CANADA’ LOCAL BOUNTY & REGIONAL SPECIALTIES • LIBRARY CAFÉ & BAR NEW IN THE PANTRY: SANDWICHES, SALADS & FRESH JUICE DINING ROOM OPEN FOR LUNCH, DINNER & WEEKEND BRUNCH
INN & PANTRY PORT STANLEY 324 Smith St, Port Stanley • 519-782-4173 • www.thewindjammerinn.com
Arts that even the smallest of activities has the capacity to change the entire fabric of a community or an individual. The leadership of Laura and Sherri is “home-grown” and their selfless hard work for the good of their children and families, and the future of the gallery, are also the seeds that will grow St. Thomas. They have proved that the value of an activity does not have to be predicated on the sole purpose of making money—yet both are active and totally focused participants in the difficult task of fundraising, and inspiring new ways of co-operation with staff, volunteers, Board Members and the public in the process of re-evaluating, re-imagining and reinventing our community.
Josepha Van Den Anker has been exhibiting her work nationally and internationally since 1976 and over the course of her career has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants both in Canada and Ireland. Her work is represented in numerous private and public collections. The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre presented her artwork in the exhibition, “Unpack Yourself” from November to December, 2013. Visit www.josephavandenanker.com to find out more about Josepha.
Thank-you Laura Woermke and Sherri Howard! Author's Note: For the composition of my thoughts, in writing this article, I wish to pay tribute to the influence and inspiration received by reading “The Next American Revolution”, a new book by 99-year-old philosopher/activist Grace Lee Boggs: "A world dominated by America and driven by cheap oil, easy credit, and conspicuous consumption is unraveling before our eyes. Drawing from seven decades of movementbuilding experience Grace Lee Boggs shows how to create the radical social change we need to confront new realities. From her home in Detroit, she reveals how hope and creativity are overcoming despair and decay within the most devastated urban communities.” JvdA
Josepha with Sherri and Laura at the Art Centre
Jeff Yurek, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London
Here to help you with: Ontario Disability Support Program, OHIP Cards, Driver’s Licences, Ontario Works, Birth Certificates 750 Talbot Street, Suite 201, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 1E2 P: 519-631-0666 | T: 1-800-265-7638 | E: jeff.yurekco@pc.ola.org www.jeffyurekmpp.com
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Events ©istockphoto.com/xalanx
What's Happening EVENTS ACROSS ELGIN • MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA
ONGOING EVENTS Wed Aug 20 to Sat Sept 13 Port Stanley Theatre: Stag and Doe
A comedy by Mark Crawford; Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat at 2pm, $30.50; Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat at 8pm, $33.50 Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca
Saturdays until November Horton Farmers' Market
8am-12pm; food producers, craftspeople and artisans Manitoba, just north of Talbot St, St. Thomas www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca
Saturday mornings Cineplex Family Favourites
11am; $2.50; supports Starlight Children's Foundation; see website for titles Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com
Every Saturday Saturday Art Parties
9am-5pm; all skill levels and mediums welcome Art Emporium, 177 Main St, Port Stanley 226-658-1888 | www.artemporium.ca
Sats & Suns in Sept & Oct plus Mon Sept 1 Scenic Train Rides on the PSTR
Reservations not req'd; arrive 30 min in advance; departs at 11am, 1pm & 2:30pm; adults $15, children (2-14) $9 Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-3730 | www.pstr.on.ca
Every Sunday Jammin' In The Cabin Open Jams
1-4pm; all musicians welcome Jammin' Cabin at Pinecroft, 8048 Rogers Rd S, Aylmer 519-773-3435 | www.pinecroft.ca
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2ND Sunday of every month Featured Artists Meet & Greet
2-4pm | The Art Emporium, 177 Main St, Port Stanley 226-658-1888 | www.artemporium.ca
Wed nights until Sept 20 Aylmer Shrine Cruise Nights
Final event on Sept 20 at the German Canadian Club 5pm-dusk | ICS Courier Parking Lot, Downtown, Aylmer
Various Dates Social Painting Nights
2-3 hours; starting at $20; sessions for for adults, children and families; preregistration required Art Gallery of Lambeth, 2454 Main St, Lambeth (London) 519-652-5556 | www.artgalleryoflambeth.com
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS Until Sat Sept 13 Exhibition: Eva McCauley's World's Edge
Award-winning painter and printmaker St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca
Until Sun Sept 28 Exhibition: Magic Moments with Philip S. Schmidt
Exhibition of photographer Philip S. Schmidt Art Gallery of Lambeth, 2454 Main St, London (Lambeth) 519-652-5556 | www.artgalleryoflambeth.com
Sat & Sun until Oct 12 Exhibition: History of Quilting in Ontario
11am-4:30pm; emphasis on quilting in the Sparta area Sparta Church Museum, 6073 Quaker Rd, Sparta Contact Sally, 519-775-2292 | www.villageofsparta.com
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Events Until Mon Oct 13 Exhibition: Celebrate Volunteers
Marking Tyrconnell Heritage Society’s 20th Anniversary Backus-Page House, 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca
SEPTEMBER EVENTS Sat Sept 6 Elgin County Plowing Match
Andrelea Farms, 41635 Ron McNeil Ln, Southwold Contact Dave, 519-773-8531 | www.elginfarmers.ca
Sat Sept 6 Reception: Eva McCauley's World's Edge
1-4pm; award-winning painter and printmaker, with live music from trad trio NUA; free admission St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca
Scenic Train Ride on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail
September & October Fall Classes at Little Red Mitten
Sat Sept 6 Movie in the Park
9pm; PG teen/adult movie Godzilla; free admission with food bank donation Pinafore Park Bandshell, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas 519-633-7112 | www.stthomas.ca
Saturdays in September Clovermead Honey Festival
9am-5:30pm; BEEstro Cafe open 10:30am-4:30pm; bee beard demo at 2:30pm; $12/person, $55/group of 5 Clovermead Bees & Honey, 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer 519-773-5503 | www.clovermead.com
Sat Sept 6 & Sun Sept 7 Great Lakes Farms Applefest
10am-5pm Sat, Sun 11am-5pm; apple treats, farm fun, pick-your-own Great Lakes Farms, 5111 Union Rd, Port Stanley 519-782-3433 | www.greatlakesfarms.ca
From beginner to advanced; see website for course topics Little Red Mitten, 86 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-207-2880 | www.littleredmitten.ca
Fri Sept 12 to Sun Sept 14 Rodney-Aldborough Agricultural Society Fair
Theme: Sow It, Grow It and Show It Rodney Park, Queens St, Rodney 519-768-1858 | rodneyfair.wordpress.com
Sat Sept 13 Aylmer Performing Arts: Evening With Ian Thomas
Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm; internationally acclaimed Juno winning artist; $25/show, $100/season Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.artsinaylmer.com
Make our garden your garden! sweet corn pumpkins apples and much more seasonally available
48937 Glencolin Ln, Aylmer Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm 519-765-1752 www.berryhillfruitfarm.com
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Events Sat Sept 13 HMCS Ojibwa Greater DepthS Tour
6-9pm; three hour tour, including parts off-limits on the regular tour, with dinner catered by Schooner's Galley; $172 ($100 tax receipt); ages 16 and over HMCS Ojibwa, 3 Pitt St, Port Burwell 519-633-7641 | www.projectojibwa.ca
Sat & SUN Sept 13 & 14, 20 & 21 Hawk Cliff Live Bird Demos
Sun Sept 14 Saxonia Hall Roast Beef & Cabbage Roll Dinner & Dance
Dance 2pm, dinner 6pm; $25/person; music by Blue Waves Saxonia Hall, 522 Talbot Street W, Aylmer Contact Rosemary, 519-688-2531 | www.saxoniahall.com
Sun Sept 14 Expedition Elgin 2014
11am & 2pm; thousands of hawks, kestrels and falcons Hawk Cliff, off Dexter Line at Hawk Cliff Farm, Port Stanley
3km route with challenges and great prizes; fundraiser for Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation Port Stanley | 519-637-8230 | www.escf.ca
Sat Sept 13 & 27, Sat Oct 11 & 25, Fri Oct 24 Murder Mystery Train Rides
Thurs Sept 18 to Sun Sept 28 Elgin Theatre Guild: Summer Comes Late
Catered dinner at 6pm, moving performance at 7pm; Oct 24 & 25 are special Halloween edition rides Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-3730 | www.pstr.on.ca
Sun Sept 14 Terry Fox Run/Walk/Ride
9am; 1/5/10km; funds to The Terry Fox Foundation Sons of Scotland Park, Dutton/Dunwich Community Centre, 1 Scotland St, Dutton | www.terryfox.org
Thurs-Sat at 8pm; Sun at 2pm; $16 in advance Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca
Thur Sept 18 - Sat Sept 20 Family Flowers Annual Fall Festival
9am-5:30pm; pumpkin carving, cider, apples, sales, petting zoo, straw castle, decorating ideas and more Family Flowers, 44329 Talbot Line, St. Thomas 519-631-6004 | facebook.com/familyflowers
Wallacetown
154th Annual
Fall family fun at
Heritage Farm Show
Saturday, September 13, 10am-4pm & Sunday, September 14, 9am-4pm Admission: $6 Age 13+, Age 12 and under free Discounted weekend passes available until Sept 12 Sunday Breakfast $6 Pierce Family Band both afternoons, Saturday Parade of Power, Sunday Church Service, Threshing, Horses, Agricultural Demonstrations and Displays, Children’s Area & Much More
Family Harvest Party Saturday October 25, 2-8pm Haunted Trail Walk, Spooky House Tours, Games, Crafts, Treats & Refreshments Admission TBA • RSVP to 519-762-3072 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown
www.backuspagehouse.ca
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FAIR September 26, 27 & 28
Parade • Tractor Pull • Demo Derby • Midway Chainsaw Carving Demos • Archery Tournament Mega Magic with Award-Winning Mike D’Urzo Let’s Make a Deal, Wallacetown Style • Ultimutts Terry Tew the Redneck Chef Classic Tractors & Automobiles Fiddle Champion Shane Cook Wallacetown’s Got Talent Dotsy the Clown Petting Zoo & Pony Rides
Plus
Guinness World Record Attempt for Most People Performing a Duck Call Advance Discount Pay-One-Price for Carter Shows Midway
...and much more! www.wallacetownfair.com
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Events Sat Sept 20 The Event: Art & Music
6-9pm; art by Laura Woermke, music by Regal Reeb Railway City Brewing Co, 130 Edward St, St. Thomas 519-631-1881 | www.railwaycitybrewing.com
Sat Sept 20 Doors Open Port Stanley/Sparta
10am-4pm; visit website for sites andrew@lebeacon.ca | www.doorsopenontario.on.ca
Sat Sept 20 & Sun Sept 21 Port Stanley & Regional Art Fair
11am-5pm; Association of Port Stanley Artists’ and others DOC Building, 191 Carlow Rd, Port Stanley psartfair@gmail.com | www.portstanleyartists.com
Sat Sept 20 & Sat Sept 27 Stinger Classic 2km Fun Runs
For elementary students; registration not required Pinafore (20th) & Waterworks (27th) Parks, St. Thomas Contact Scott Shakir, 519-775-2541
Sat Sept 20 to Sat Oct 25 Exhibition: 45th Permanent Collection
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca
Sat Sept 20 to Wed Dec 24 Exhibition: 1814—War in the West
Elgin County Museum, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas 519-631-1460 x159 | www.elgincounty.ca/museum
Sun Sept 21 Railway City Road Race
Family-friendly 5km run/walk, 10km run, 1km Choo Choo Challenge; for St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-633-4300 | www.railwaycityroadraces.com
Sun Sept 21 St. Thomas Stars Fish Fry Meet & Greet
3:30-6:30pm (dinner 4:30-6:30pm); $14/adult, $8/under 13 Knights of Columbus Hall, 265 Wellington St, St. Thomas stthomasstars.pointstreaksites.com
Sun Sept 21 Final Day of GT’s 2014 Season
GT's Beach Bar & Grill, 350 Edith Cavell Blvd, Port Stanley 519-782-4555 | www.gtsportstanley.ca
Wed Sept 24 Book Launch: Two Tragedies in 429 Breaths by Susan Paddon
7pm | CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-633-2535 | www.narhf.org
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Forge & Anvil Museum, Doors Open Port Stanley/Sparta
Thurs Sept 25 Mad Skills: Think Like a Chef Cookery Class
6:30-9pm; learn the tricks of the trade during an evening of interest, instruction, and imbibing The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Fri Sept 26 GCW Custom Kitchens Grand Opening Celebration
6-9pm; $75; with featured guest Chef Michael Smith, who will sign copies of his new cookbook, Family Meals; chilicookoff, local wine, beer, cheese, ice cream and mile-high apple pie; funds raised for Bethany’s Hope Foundation GCW Custom Kitchens, 95 S Edgeware Rd, St. Thomas 519-631-8373 | www.gcwkitchens.com
Fri Sept 26 Culture Days: Uke Can Learn An Instrument
1-3pm; learn basic musical concepts and techniques, then create songs on the ukulele; free but registration is required St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca
Fri Sept 26 Culture Days: Taste the Wines of Lake Erie's North Shore
7-8:30pm; with amateur winemaker Bill Thornton; free but registration is required; 19+ St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca
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Events Fri Sept 26 to Sun Sept 28 153RD Annual Wallacetown Fair
Parade, demo derby, midway, petting zoo and more; discount pay-one-price midway tickets available in advance Wallacetown Fairgrounds | www.wallacetownfair.com
Sat Sept 27 Culture Days: Be Part of the Art!
9am-12pm & 1-4pm; learn to sketch with a vanishing point and learn about Elgin’s artistic lineage with artist Connie Greger; free but registration is required St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca
Sat Sept 27 Culture Days: Flag Face-Painting
10am-12pm & 2-4pm; registration not required St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca
Sat Sept 27 Culture Days: Canvas & Quill Workshop
Mural modules designed and painted by Canvas & Quill members and public using Steampunk themes and motifs Algoma University, 50 Wellington St, St. Thomas
Sat Sept 27 Believe Army Walk to Believe
Registration at 10am, walk at 11am; annual walk for ALS research; Midtown Tavern after party at 1pm will feature Believe Army Beer specials, music, auction and raffles Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas www.believearmy.com
Sat Sept 27 West End Arts Mingle
“Living art” for kids, with actors dressed as famous works of art, 12-3pm; Drink & Draw, 4-7pm; Sheridan Band performs 8pm-12am ($10/person, cash bar) St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 www.stepac.ca
Sat Sept 27 Brit Night at Sparta House Tearoom
Live 60s/70s music by the Kards, door prizes, trivia, 3-course dinner with roast beef and Yorkshire pud; reservation required Sparta House Tearoom, 46342 Sparta Line, Sparta 519-775-2313 | www.spartahouse.com
Open September 6th to November 2nd APPLEFEST • SEPT 6 & 7
Ready-picked Apples, Cider, Pie & Other Apple Treats Pick-your-own Apples, Pears & Pumpkins • Corn Maze Straw mountain • Tractor Rides • Pirate ship
PUMPKINFEST • OCT 25 & 26
CHANGING EXHIBITS LECTURES • GIFT SHOP SEPTEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 24:
Lots of spooky fun, just in time for Halloween! Come visit Spookley the square pumpkin and take part in some Spookley events. Check website for details. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-5pm
1814: WAR IN THE WEST
BRING IN THIS AD FOR
PORT STANLEY/SPARTA - SAT SEPT 20 ST. THOMAS - SAT OCT 18
PICK-YOUR-OWN APPLES.
VISIT US DURING THESE DOORS OPEN EVENTS:
Elgin County Administration Building, 4th Floor, 450 Sunset Drive (Hwy 4), St. Thomas, Ontario Open year round - Call for seasonal hours 519.631.1460 ext. 160
WWW.ELGINCOUNTY.CA
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$2 OFF
Valid during the 2014 Season. Minimum $10 purchase.
5111 Union Rd, Port Stanley • 519-782-3433
www.greatlakesfarms.ca
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2014
Events Sat Sept 27 Tom Zombie Festival
12-10pm; beer tent, band, haunted tours and more; Vincent M. Ward from The Walking Dead; free admission St. Thomas Railway Museum, 225 Wellington St, St. Thomas | www.tzf.ca
Sat Sept 27 & Sun Sept 28 Artastic Elgin
Interactive events with members of the Elgin Arts Trail, including workshops, specials, demos and tours www.elginartstrail.ca/ArtsTrail/Artastic-Elgin
Sat Oct 4 Ribs & Rubies: One Hundred Years—One Hundred Families
6pm reception, 7pm dinner and live auction; $150 ($100 tax receipt); third annual fundraising event The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Every Sat in October & Thanksgiving MoN Clovermead Pumpkin Festival
Sun Sept 28 Walk A Mile in Her Shoes
9am-5:30pm; $12/person, $55/group of 5; bushels of fresh family fun; see website for schedule Clovermead Bees & Honey, 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer 519-773-5503 | www.clovermead.com
Tues Sept 30 Create, Make & Take Craft Workshop
$26/adult, $25/senior/child (discounts for multi-buys); Verdi’s Macbeth Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com
OCTOBER EVENTS
6:30-9pm; harness the power of steam in cooking The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
1:30-3pm; men walk a mile in women’s footwear to raise funds for Violence Against Women, Services Elgin County Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas 519-633-0155 | www.vawsec.on.ca 2-3:30pm; for adults; free admission, but registration req'd St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.st-thomas.library.on.ca
Wed Oct 1 Fest-A-Month Dinner: SOUTH America
6:30pm; $35/person; BBQ with Chef Gerry Brandon The Arts & Cookery Bank, Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Thurs Oct 2 to Sun Oct 12 SAVOUR ELGIN'S ElginLicious
Sat Oct 11 The Met: Live in HD
Tues Oct 7 Really Steaming Cookery Class
Sat Oct 11 HMCS Ojibwa Greater DepthS Tour
6-9pm; three hour tour with dinner catered by Schooner's Galley; $172 ($100 tax receipt); ages 16 and over HMCS Ojibwa, 3 Pitt St, Port Burwell 519-633-7641 | www.projectojibwa.ca
Savour the fall flavours for $10, $15, or $25 www.savourelgin.ca
Fridays & Saturdays in October Haunted Aylmer Fairgrounds
Aylmer Fairgrounds, 139 Pine St E, Aylmer 519-773-3445 | www.aylmerfair.ca
Fridays & Saturdays in October Dotsy's Dungeon of Doom Haunted House
7-10pm; $5/person; prepare to be scared Dotsy's Costume Shop, 111 Ross St, St. Thomas 519-633-7767 | www.dotsytheclown.com
Sat Oct 4 2014 Fall Scarecrow Festival
10am-4:30pm; music, crafts, art, food, pumpkin carving, apple bobbing and more Village of Sparta, Sparta Line and Quaker Rd, Sparta 519-775-2856 | www.thevillagecollective.com
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Walk a Mile in Her Shoes VAWSEC Fundraiser (Mark Girdauskas, photos by MG)
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Events Sat Oct 11 Aylmer Performing Arts: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm; $25/show, $100/season; live orchestra will provide sound and effects for silent movie Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John Street S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.artsinaylmer.com
Thurs Oct 16 Jump Frying Cookery Class
Sat Oct 18 The Met: Live in HD
$26/adult, $25/senior/child (discounts for multi-buys); Mozart’s La Nozza di Figaro Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com
Sat Oct 18 to MON Nov 17 Art Emporium Square Foot Show
6:30-9pm; learn to sauté and produce single-pan meals The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Juried show of 1-, 2-, or 3-square foot wall hung and 3D works; reception Sat Oct 18, 7-9pm Art Emporium, 177 Main St, Port Stanley 226-658-1888 | www.artemporium.ca
Fri Oct 17 to Sun Oct 19 5TH Annual Bowling for Boobs
Sun Oct 19 Tastes of Fall
Teams raise pledges and bowl for prizes; silent auction, music and fun; Breast Cancer Society of Canada fundraiser Park 'n' Bowl, 1214 Talbot & Heritage Lanes, 1016 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-520-2235 | event.bcsc.ca/p/1497
12-4pm; $8/adult, $4/youth (6-17 years), $20/family; crafts, food, and entertainment Longwoods Rd Conservation Area, 8348 Longwoods Rd 519-264-2420 | www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca
Sat Oct 18 CASO Royale Gala
Tues Oct 21 & Wed Oct 22 Slow Groover Roasting Cookery Class
6pm-12am; $100; James Bond-themed casino fundraiser for St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation; dinner by the bite, auction, prizes, bar service, entertainment CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-631-2030 x2246 | www.itsourhospital.ca
6:30-9pm; fork-tender slow roasting, plus side dishes The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Sat Oct 18 TTC Future Run 5km Walk/Run
4-7pm; popular annual event by The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce for National Small Business Week St. Anne’s Centre, 20 Morrison Drive, St. Thomas 519-631-1981 x524 | www.stthomaschamber.on.ca
Proceeds support the youth of Elgin-St. Thomas; prizes, refreshments and awards; register by Oct 10 Talbot Teen Centre, 745 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-631-5470 | www.talbotteencentre.com
Sat Oct 18 Doors Open St. Thomas
Train rides to County Building; visit website for other sites www.doorsopenontario.on.ca
Wed Oct 22 Business Sample Show
Thurs Oct 23 to Sat Nov 1 Aylmer Community Theatre: Looking
Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm; $18/adult, $10/students, $12/preview; cast meet and greet Fri Oct 24 after show Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John Street S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.aylmertheatre.ca
JOE PRESTON M.P. ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON
Ready and available to help with your Federal concerns. Constituency Office: 2-24 First Ave, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4M5 Tel: 519-637-2255 • Fax: 519-637-3358 Toll Free: 1-866-404-0406
www.joeprestonmp.ca
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RELISH ELGIN FALL 2014
Events Fri Oct 24 Autumn Art Salon
7-10pm; art by the Association of Port Stanley Artists, tempting hors d'oeuvres, live music and cash bar The Windjammer Inn, 324 Smith St, Port Stanley 519-782-4173 | www.thewindjammerinn.com
Sat Oct 25 Belmont Lioness Bazaar
9am-2pm; $2; crafts, baking, penny table, draw, tea room Belmont Community Centre, 14020 Belmont Rd, Belmont
Sat Oct 25 Backus-Page House Family Harvest Party
2-8pm; haunted trail walk, spooky house tours, activities, crafts, treats and refreshments; RSVP by phone Backus-Page House, 29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca
Sat Oct 25 Pet Adoption Open House
11am-3pm; various animal welfare groups in attendance City Animal Services, 100 Burwell Rd, St. Thomas 519-631-7430 | www.cityanimalservices.ca
Sun Oct 26 Pumpkin Carving Trains
Reservations not req'd; arrive 30 min in advance; departs at 11am, 1pm & 2:30pm; adults $15, children (2-14) $9; scenic ride with pumpkins supplied Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-3730 | www.pstr.on.ca
Mon Oct 27 MUNICIPAL ELECTION DAY Tues Oct 28 Create, Make & Take Craft Workshop
2-3:30pm; for adults; free admission, but registration req'd St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.st-thomas.library.on.ca
Dowler-Karn Museum, new on Doors Open St. Thomas
Wed Oct 29 & Thurs Oct 30 Kitchen Magic Cookery Class
6:30-9pm; two-night class looks at forgotten techniques of the medieval kitchen The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Fri Oct 31 Halloween in Rodney
Treats at Olde Rodney Jail, and free hotdogs at Rodney Town Hall courtesy of the Rodney Lions Club 135 Queen Street & 217 Furnival Rd, Rodney LOCAL LIVES HERE!
It’s Apple Time!
HANDMADE BAKING PIES ARE OUR SPECIALTY!
& LOCAL SEASONAL PRODUCE MEAT PIES, MEALS & MORE
Daily 9am-7pm (including holidays) until Dec 24
Plus Salsa, Pickles & Jams
11143 Highbury Ave • 10 min south of 401 North of St. Thomas at Ron McNeil Ln.
www.saltcreekmarket.com • 519-633-9338
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2014
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Events Thurs Nov 6 Fest-A-Month Dinner: Switzerland
6:30pm; $35/person; celebrating the Melting Pot with Chef Gerry Brandon The Arts & Cookery Bank, Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Fri Nov 7 Music For Healing with Carla Rose Kelly
10am-12pm; free but registration is required St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca
Fri Nov 7 STEPAC Annual Art Auction
6:30-10:30pm; $10; live and silent auctions of original art St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca Purple Steeple Antique Show & Sale, CASO Station
Fri Oct 31 to Sun Nov 2 Beth Brown-Reinsel Knitting Classes
Latvian Wristers Fri 1-4pm ($50), Norwegian Mittens Sat 9-4pm ($100), Twined Knitting Sun 9am-12pm ($50), Swedish Cast Ons & Scandinavian Knitting Techniques Sun 1-4pm ($50); get 10% off all 4 classes Little Red Mitten, 86 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-207-2880 | www.littleredmitten.ca
NOVEMBER EVENTS Sat Nov 1 The Met: Live in HD
Fri Nov 7 to Sun Nov 9 8TH Annual ’Twas the Art Before Christmas Fri 6-9pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-6pm; affordable, original art by members of the St. Thomas Elgin Artists' Guild CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas www.stthomasartguild.blogspot.ca
Fri Nov 7 - Sat Nov 22 9TH Annual Healing Palette Art Exhibition By and for individuals with experience with mental illness; Opening Gala Nov 7, 7-9pm, with Grit Uplifted, spoken word, music by Belong to Song, food and drink St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Atrium, 189 Elm St, St. Thomas | Contact Anne, 519-455-5110 ext. 47749 www.thehealingpalettehome.com
Sat Nov 8 Dutton Santa Claus Parade
$26/adult, $25/senior/child (discounts for multi-buys); Bizet’s Carmen Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com
1pm; presented by Wallactown Optimist Club www.facebook.com/events/735611396455305/?ref=22
Sat Nov 1 & Sun Nov 2 Port Stanley Women's Shopping Weekend
Sat Nov 8 Cooking with Herbs: Party Planning
Wine tasting, fashion show, yoga, seminars and more www.portstanley.net/womens-weekend-getaway
Sat Nov 1 & Sun Nov 2 Purple Steeple Antique Show & Sale
Sat 10am-5pm, Sun11am-4pm; by Trinity Anglican Church CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas www.trinitychurchstthomas.com
Tues Nov 4 Poaching Anything But Eggs
6:30-9pm; demonstrating poaching techniques The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
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1:30pm; $25; registration required; sampling and recipes Heritage Line Herbs, 53443 Heritage Line, Aylmer 519-866-5577 | www.heritagelineherbs.com
Sat Nov 8 HBBA Christmas Showcase
10am-4pm; presented by the Home Based Business Ass'n Timken Community Centre, 2 Third Ave, St. Thomas 519-207-1115 | www.hbbacanada.com
Sat Nov 8 Run 161
Join Terri Biloski to run 161km for Huntington’s Disease www.facebook.com/events/570210173058949/
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2014
Events Sat Nov 8 Aylmer Performing Arts: Jack de Keyzer
Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm; $25/show, $100/season; two-time Juno winner with his 5 piece band Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.artsinaylmer.com
Sat Nov 8 & Sun Nov 9 Port Stanley Village Open House Weekend
9am-9pm | www.portstanley.net
Sat & Sun Nov 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30 Canadale Christmas Open Houses
Decorating demos & workshops; free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus; live reindeer; charity lunch Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com
Tues Nov 11 Remembrance Day Fri Nov 14 to Sun Nov 15 19TH Annual Christmas in St. Thomas Tour of Homes
Fri Candlelight Preview 6-9pm; Sat & Sun 10am-4pm; $17 in advance, $20 at door; live music, door prizes and gift balls; presented by the St. Thomas Rotary Club 519-633-0838 | www.rotarystthomas.org
Fri Nov 14 & Sat Nov 15 13TH Annual Aylmer Christmas Tour of Homes
Fri 7-10pm, Sat 1-9pm; Baptist Church dinner Fri 6pm; by the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives Volunteers www.amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseum
WE STRIVE FOR ACCURACY IN THESE LISTINGS, BUT DETAILS SOMETIMES CHANGE SO PLEASE CALL AHEAD.
FIND MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA
More events, details and past event photos can be found on our website.
WEST ELGIN WEST LORNE • RODNEY • PORT GLASGOW
elgincounty EXPERIENCE
Fruit, flowers, fall... ...come discover the tastes, smells and sights of autumn in West Elgin UPCOMING EVENTS
Rodney-Aldborough Fair • Sept 12-14 Halloween in Rodney • Fri Oct 31
Treats at Olde Rodney Jail and free hotdogs at Rodney Town Hall courtesy of Rodney Lions Club
Remembrance Day Ceremonies • Tues Nov 11 Rodney Library & West Lorne Cenotaph
We’re just down the road and off the beaten path. Visit www.elgintourist.com or call 1-877-GO-ELGIN for a visitor’s guide.
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2014
519-785-0560
www.westelgin.net
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HELPING YOU
Capture the Vision Your Elgin-St. Thomas Landscaping Specialists
Book your fall clean-up now.
FALL CLEAN-UP • LEAF REMOVAL • PERENNIAL TRIM-BACK PLANT MULCHING FOR WINTER • POND WINTERIZING
SNOW REMOVAL ALSO AVAILABLE
BEAUTIFUL NATURAL STONE SOILS • MULCHES • DECORATIVE GRAVELS PONDS • WATERFALLS • BUBBLING ROCKS OUTDOOR LIVING DISPLAYS SEMINARS • GIFTS Just 10 min. east of St. Thomas on Hwy #3 • 519-765-2379
519.633.9176 • beamishlandscape@rogers.com
www.beamishlandscape.com
www.silverthornlandscape.com
Proud Member of Landscape Ontario
O W O I D R B IGH YOUR NE
BOURHOOD FARM MARKE
T
BAKERY • PRODUCE • GROCERY • DAIRY • FRESH & DELI MEAT • BULK FOOD • PET FOOD
GIVE LOCALLY-GROWN
THANKS!
WE HAVE EVERYTHING FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST, INCLUDING MUMS, PUMPKINS & FALL DECOR
519-633-9691 .
1030 Talbot St St. Thomas
OPEN YEAR ROUND Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm • Sun: 8am-6pm
We proudly support local farmers.