For those grieving the loss of a loved one, a 10-week program at the Norfolk County Public Library is aiming to bring comfort, community, and understanding.
Provided by Senior Support Services and its volunteers, the Grief & Bereavement Group 10-week In-Person Program started Oct. 14 and runs every Tuesday until Dec. 16, at the Norfolk County Public Library, Simcoe branch from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Material discussed at the weekly sessions will be aligned with the book called “Understanding your Grief” by Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt. Each week will focus on a concept of managing grief and overcoming it. The program will be facilitated by two Senior Support Services volunteers, Joan Costigan and Sandy Mueller.
“This group is to support people through grief whether it’s a recent bereavement or something in the past that they have dealt with already,” said Sandy Mueller, program facilitator volunteer. “We want to be there through their journey. We are not councillors, we don't address mental health issues if they have any, we do a lot of listening and encourage on what people need to say.”
The program is made up of volunteers and not labelled as a professional guidance setting. However, some of the education that will be provided will resemble the difference between grief and mourning, embracing the uniqueness of personal grief as the feeling is different for everyone.
“We learned that the brain actually changes when someone is grieving, sometimes thoughts and ideas don’t register properly,” said Joan Costigan, program facilitator volunteer. “People who are really new to grief can be confused and forgetful, unorganized, they may feel like they are going crazy, this is education that’s really helpful to tell people.”
Costigan says that she feels honored that people can tell their story throughout the 10-week framework. She has witnessed people grow from the first week through to the program’s conclusion. Costigan said that friendships develop through people who wouldn't have normally got to know each other.
“It’s an opportunity for people to work through the issues that they are challenged with and have a support group that are going through similar processes and an understanding of what they are going through and have a neutral place to put out their ideas and thoughts,” said Mueller.
Mueller said the group talks about the importance of nurturing yourself and reaching out for help, while also providing resources and crisis support. After the program ends, participants are given a follow-up to see how they are doing.
“It's okay to not be okay, there is help and your feelings will change over time,” said Costigan. “I want these people to know that they are not alone out there, there are others that are going through their grief journey and helping ask for help on what they need.”
Contact Cathy Haynes at 519-428- 2356 ext 108 for more information. Or email chaynes@simcoesupport. ca .
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
From left are Cathy Haynes, manager at Senior Support Services, Sandy Mueller, program facilitator volunteer, and Joan Costigan, program facilitator volunteer. Costigan and Mueller are leading seniors through a 10-week grief support program at the Norfolk County Public Library.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO) Families enjoyed seeing the equipment displayed by Norfolk Tractor at the Norfolk County Fair.
World’s Finest Shows, a local company, operates the rides and midway at the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
The Norfolk County Fair concluded Oct. 13 with huge crowds.
A vendor show at the Simcoe Recreation Centre.
Old Barn Doors performed in Lounge 5 at the fair.
Norfolk firefighters Rick McCormack, Richard Churchmack and Stephen Lem manned a booth at the Norfolk County Fair, sharing information on Emergency Preparedness.
Crafts by young children at the Norfolk County Fair.
Christmas Night Market warms up the festive season
Expect a quaint, traditional European-style Christmas market Nov. 28-29 at the 2025 Norfolk Night Market - Christmas Edition – a magical experience that fills the air with the warmth of the holiday season.
As you walk through the Christmas Night Market, Friday, Nov. 28 from 4-9 or Saturday, Nov. 29, 2-9 p.m., you will be surrounded by the sights, scents and sounds of Christmas, with vendors selling handmade goods, delicious food, and warm drinks.
The market, located at the Norfolk County fairgrounds in Simcoe (Building 1 – the Junior Farmer’s building, Building 2 upper level – Homecraft, and the outdoor bandshell area), will be adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You’ll see
winter workshops, horse drawn carriage rides, live music and Santa Claus, alongside vendors selling handmade ornaments, candles, and other holiday-themed gifts.
In the centre of the market, you will find firepits and cozy seating where you can warm your hands and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine or spiked spiced cider.
Expect the market to be bustling with families and friends, and the sound of carolers will fill the air. It’s a perfect place to spend a chilly winter evening, surrounded by the warmth of the holiday season and the joy of community.
Admission is $5 each. Kids 12-and-under are admitted FREE. Tickets are available for advance purchase. Parking is free.
(FILE PHOTOS)
Vendors will be selling handmade ornaments, candles, and other holiday-themed gifts at the Norfolk Night Market - Christmas Edition, Nov. 28-29 at the Norfolk County fairgrounds.
The sound of carolers will fill the air at the Norfolk Night Market - Christmas Edition, Nov 28-29.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to visit the Norfolk Night Market, Nov. 28-29 at the Norfolk County fairgrounds in Simcoe.
An unexpected delight in downtown Toronto
OH,PLACESTHE WE'LL GO
By Paul Knowles
When you put the two words, “Toronto” and “Gardiner” together in the same sentence, the reaction is probably not all that positive. Because it conjures up very familiar images of sitting motionless in your car on the Gardiner Expressway – an experience even more likely this year because of all the construction on the notorious lakeshore highway.
But there is another “Gardiner” in Toronto, and it offers a much more pleasant experience. The expressway was named for Fred Gardiner, a Toronto politician; but, “The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art” carries the same moniker because of founders George and Helen Gardiner (no close relation to Fred that I can find).
The Gardiner Museum is, frankly, an unexpected delight. I have written from time to time about attractions that seem less than inspiring in my uninformed opinion, where I anticipate a 20 minute visit, which then turns into a number of intriguing hours. That was certainly the case with the Gardiner Museum.
The institution is located at 111 Queen’s Park, directly across from
the main entrance of the Royal Ontario Museum. Once managed by the ROM, the Gardiner gained operational and financial independence about 30 years ago, and has thrived ever since.
But what is it?
The Gardiner was founded by George and Helen to house their collection of ancient American artifacts and European pottery and porcelain. As a former chair of the Toronto Stock Exchange, George was free to indulge in a whimsical hobby, and so, began collecting ceramic art. That collection formed the foundation for what is now an ever-growing inventory of important ceramic pieces.
George passed away in 1997; Helen in 2008. But their vision –and their continued philanthropy – has sparked two significant expansions to the museum, and its collections. One such program, in 2004, saw the museum close for two years to allow a major expansion. A second is ongoing on the ground floor, this year. The current, $15.5 million dollar project, is described as “the full-scale reimagining of our ground floor [which] will include the construction of a new fully equipped makerspace, a Community Learning Centre, and an Indigenous gallery space.”
But even with the ground floor closed for reconstruction, there is still a lot in the open exhibits to intrigue visitors to the gallery.
Now, let’s be honest, here. We visited the Gardiner as complete novices, knowing virtually nothing about ceramics, and not sure we really cared. But the exhibitions, the information, and the sheer quirkiness of the art and artifacts on display absolutely captured our attention.
For instance: soon after beginning our visit, we spotted some outrageously bold images on what were apparently dinner plates. The accompanying information told us these were original creations of Pablo Picasso.
Nearby was something completely different – a life-size, bright blue, ceramic chainsaw, the creation of Native Canadian artist Mary Anne Barkhouse.
You might not immediately associate ceramics and porcelain with humour, but to my surprise, we found a great deal to smile about in the pieces on display at the museum. An English piece created in Staffordshire in the 1830s is simply labelled “The Ale Bench,” but there’s a lot going on in the work – a full-on dust-up be-
tween a drunken man and a rather aggressive female opponent! It made me laugh – still does, when I look at the photo – and honestly, I think that is as positive a recommendation as I can make for any tourist attraction.
And we also laughed at the highly detailed, admittedly weird, 19-character “Monkey Orchestra”, from the Meissen factory, around 1750.
Like many hobbies over the centuries, the creation and collecting of porcelain has inspired huge excess. And such extravagance is certainly on display here. There is, for example, a 31-piece, gold tea and coffee service, made in Vienna in 1788.
Many of the pieces in the Gardiner collection have historical significance, such as the group of three Sevres vases once owned by French king Louis XVIII.
But one of my biggest surprises came from much closer to home –right here in Canada. I am a bit of a collector of Inuit sculpture, but all of my pieces are soapstone or serpentine or bone. At the Gardiner, I found a wonderful ceramic piece, “Man Skinning Walrus,” by Roger Aksadjuak (1972-2014), a
Nunavut artist.
Unlike many such institutions, the Gardiner is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 5 p.m. on weekends and holiday Mondays). The admission fee is very reasonable – what is suggested is $15 adults, $11 seniors, 18 and under, free. However, during the current construction project, admission is actually by donation of a loonie or more. And every Wednesday, the museum is open until 9 p.m., and admission is free after 4 p.m.
One highlight of the museum is the Clay restaurant, open every day except Saturday for lunch. The food is really good. It is also not inexpensive.
So… I highly recommend that if you know little or nothing about ceramics, you set your skepticism aside, and visit the Gardiner Museum. I’m confident it will be a pleasant surprise.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and Past-President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.
A ceramic chainsaw, by Mary Anne Barkhouse.
An alehouse brawl captured in clay.
Pablo Picasso brought his unique artistic vision to dinner plates.
The Arles guide explains the odd story behind what is now known as the Café Van Gogh – closed for business because of tax evasion!
The admittedly creepy Monkey Orchestra. ( PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
Recognizing local Women’s Institutes in Norfolk
BRENDA MOSER
Advocate Correspondent
Norfolk County is well known for its ideal soil and growing conditions for a variety of crops.
To showcase developments in the agricultural field over the decades, one can visit the Waterford Heritage Agricultural Museum (WHAM), located on Nichol Street. The facility once served as ‘The Pickle Factory’ and to this day is still referred to as such by many residents.
Today, WHAM houses a variety of permanent displays depicting the history of local agriculture and ‘groundbreakers’ in that field. To honour many of these agricultural achievements, WHAM launched the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame awards. More than two dozen hall of fame inductees have been recognized since it started in 2014.
Each year a nomination committee selects the inductees from applications received from the public to honour “achievements, results, benefits and innovations accrued to agriculture and rural development on a local and/or broader basis as a result of the nominee’s volunteer and paid activities.”
At a September event hosted by WHAM and Assistant Curator Angela Ferreira, the 38 branches of the Norfolk County Women’s Institutes, past and present, were inducted. Founded by Adelaide Hunter-Hoodless and
Janet and Erland Lee over a century ago, the Institutes served as a ‘robust’ platform for women in their communities. The Women’s Institutes were honored on Sept. 14 for ‘their advocacy for agriculture education, reform and their contributions to the prosperity and well-being of rural communities and families.’
Today, there are five active local WI branches - Marburg, Lynedoch, Walsingham, Vittoria and Langton. As a young girl growing up in this area, I remember well my grandmother’s involvement with the Institute and what it meant to her.
Jenny Chanda, District President, spoke to those gathered for the Sept. 14 ceremony.
“I am very proud and privileged to be here... Thank you very much for this recognition.”
MPP Bobbi Ann Brady sent congratulations in the form of greetings as did Mayor Amy Martin.
One attendee in particular was very happy for this recognition - Carol Grosvenor, who has been involved with the Women’s Institute for many years. Recognizing the importance they served, especially during the war, Grosvenor chose to nominate them for this very special award. Thank you Carol.
If you would like to check out this display or any of the many others there you can do so by stopping by WHAM, 159 Nichol St., Waterford. They are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation.
Pumpkin
Acorn
Leaves
Corn Hayride
Apple
Harvest
Sweater
Bonfire
Scarecrow
Cornstalk
Orchard Haystack
Cider
Acorns
Squash
Maple
Rake
Autumn
Cozy
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
The 38 branches, past and present, of the Norfolk County Women’s Institutes were inducted into the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame in September. From left are Phyllis Buchner, Cynthia Bishop, Waterford Heritage Agricultural Museum assistant curator Angela Ferreira, Diane Salter, and Sharon Beausaert at the Hall of Fame award presentation.
Riddles
What did one wall say to the other? “I’ll meet you at the corner!”
Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts.
Why did the math book look so sad? It had too many problems.
What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing—it just waved!
Why can’t you trust an atom? Because they make up everything!
Parallel lines have so much in common...
It’s a shame they’ll never meet.
Why did the computer go to therapy? It had a hard drive.
PET OF THE WEEK
BLUE
Meet our Pet of the Week:
Blue is a playful, sweet boy who loves people and learning new tricks. He’s doing well with crate and toileting training, but can be barky with new dogs. With his big voice, he’s best suited for a home with a large yard or farm. Fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and ready for his forever home!
www.simcoedhumane.ca
9.
11. Red, yellow, or green veggie often stuffed or roasted
13. Spiky green vegetable that grows on stalks
16. Orange root veggie, smaller and sweeter than a carrot
17. White or purple root often pickled
22. Tropical fruit with a yellow skin, sometimes curved
23. Small orange fruit with a tart-sweet flavor
24. Leafy green with a slightly bitter flavor
25. Large tropical fruit with thick green skin, creamy inside
1. Green bulb veggie with feathery fronds, used in salads 2. Round green fruit, tart and often used in pies 3. Small green veggie that can pop when boiled
Small green pods often eaten whole, sweet when fresh
Bright red, elongated pepper, often spicy
Exotic fruit with spiky skin and sweet white inside
Root veggie, purple inside, orange outside
Deep purple fruit, sweet and juicy, often dried
Purple, knobby veggie often roasted or grilled
Round orange fruit, often mistaken for a tangerine
Tropical fruit with green skin and spiky top
Orange citrus with a rough, bumpy skin
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
WINGS & THINGS PUB NIGHT
Starting at 5:00 pm
Cash only, we do not have debit, or ATM. Wed.-Fri. 3 pm-10 pm, Sat.1 pm-10 pm, Sun.1 pm-6 pm. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or check out our website at https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
You know the Riversyde 83 team for their great food and friendly faces—but there’s more talent behind the counter than you might expect! Join us for Riversyde’s Got Talent, a fun-filled evening of music, laughter, and surprises. Enjoy delicious food, good friends, and a great show—all for free!
83 Sydenham Street, downtown Simcoe
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
CLASSICAL PIANO RECITAL
3 pm
Bryn Blackwood will present his annual piano recital on Sunday, October 26 at 3 p.m. This Simcoe native will delight his audience once again with a varied program of classical piano repertoire. There will be a free-will offering at the door, and refreshments will be served after the recital. Come and enjoy hearing this amazing talent! For more information, contact Cara Blackwood at 226 567-7426 or Andy Blackwood at 226 206-1544.
St. James United Church, 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
OH SO MUCH SCARY, GHOULISH FUN!
8:00pm-11:45pm
Join us for our Halloween party and dance. DRESS UP and enjoy a great night of fun and devilish adventure! Dance the night away with music and Karaoke by SUNSET DJ & KARAOKECash only, we do not have debit, or ATM. Wed.-Fri. 3 pm-10 pm, Sat.1 pm-10 pm, Sun.1 pm-6 pm.
For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or check out our website at https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
Simcoe Seniors' Centre Christmas Bazaar & Craft Sale
Is looking for Vendors for our event on Saturday November 1st from 10am to 3pm Held at the Simcoe Recreation Centre Tables are $15.00 per table
Contact: Linda at cumisky3@gmail.com & Wayne at winglehart@hotmail.com
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 & 17
BINGO NIGHT
7 pm
Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m
Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
FROSTY FAIR
8:30 pm - 12:00 pm
Get into the holiday spirit at the Frosty Fair on Saturday, November 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a variety of fun activities including a penny table, blind auction, surprise packages, a bake table, and more. Bring your friends and family and join us for a festive morning!
St. James United Church, 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
“PEACE AND REMEMBRANCE” CHORAL CONCERT
3 pm
Donation at the door. Call 416-505-1658 for more information.
Grace United Church - 18 Chapman St. W., Port Dover
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
PORT DOVER COMMUNITY SINGALONG – SONGS OF WAR AND PEACE
7 pm
All voices welcome. $2 donation. Call 416-5051658 for more information.
Grace United Church - 18 Chapman St. W., Port Dover
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
LYNN VALLEY VOICES PRESENT “PEACE AND REMEMBRANCE” CHORAL
CONCERT
7 pm
Donation at the door. Call 416-505-1658 for more information.
First Baptist Church - 129 Young Street, Simcoe
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21
SOENEN SISTERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT
7:30 pm
Celebrate the season with the Soenen Sisters Christmas Concert on Friday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by freewill offering, and light refreshments will be served. Don’t miss an evening of beautiful music and holiday cheer!
St. James United Church, 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23
LEGION CHRISTMAS CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW
11:00 am- 3:00 pm
To book a table contact the legion and leave your name and phone number, or pop in during business hours. Cash only, we do not have debit, or ATM.
For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or check out our website at https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
Enjoy an afternoon of festive music with the Low Notes High Hopes Saxophone Quartet—Keegan Amy, Blake Lambert, Dave Ward, and Jess Wharram—along with special guests Jennifer Langton and Scott Duffas, on Saturday, December 13, at 2:00 p.m. Come and experience a delightful concert to get you in the holiday spirit!
St. James United Church, 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe
QUIZ ANSWERS
Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)
Solutions
HIRIN G
Deadline: Monday prior at 3 p.m. Contact: info@simcoeadvocate.com
The Simcoe Advocate Community Calendar allows non-profit organizations to promote their free admission community events at no charge. Event listings can include the event name, date, time and location as well as contact information (ie phone number, email address or website). If your event is not free admission or you would like to include more details than stated above, the Simcoe Advocate offers the following options for promoting your community events:
Coming Events Word Ad (50 word max.) - $10 + hst
Coming Events Boxed Word Ad (50 word max.) - $15 + hst
Display Ad - Sizes begin at a Small Classified Display ad (3.3" x 2.5") - $35 + hst
FRENCH RIVIERA
FRENCH RIVIERA
APRIL 23-MAY 4, 2 26
APRIL 23-MAY 4, 2026 BALTIC CRUISE AU UST 11-22, 2 26 BALTIC CRUISE AUGUST 11-22, 2026 DANUBE RIVER CHRISTMAS MARKETS NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 5, 2 26
DANUBE RIVER CHRISTMAS MARKETS NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 5, 2026
COSTA RICA JANUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 2, 2 2 TROPICAL COSTA RICA JANUARY 25 – FEBRUARY 2, 2027 DISCOVER SCOTLAND MAY 23-JUNE 1, 2 26 DISCOVER SCOTLAND MAY 23-JUNE 1, 2026 MARITIMES & CAPE BRETON AU UST 2 -SEPTEMBER 6, 2 26 MARITIMES & CAPE BRETON AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
