There was, admittedly, some luck involved in the annual ABEL Enterprises Duck Race on Monday, August 4th, during the 2025 Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival.
It was not aerodynamics. Theoretically, it wasn’t weight, length, wingspan or height that enabled a handful of rubber ducks to lead the pack of 750 –upright or on their side the entire race – floating from overhead bridge to bridge down the shallow, meandering Lynn River.
“It’s not an exact science,” said Robyn Beazley, FUNdraising coordinator at ABEL Enterprises. “People always ask, ‘When does it end?’ I always say, ‘That’s up to the ducks.’”
Each bright yellow duck was labelled with a number, some visible from the shore, some not so much if bunched up with other ducks. By the end of the race, with dozens of people watching intensely from shore, they were strung out for nearly 100 metres.
“Edge of your seat excitement, you can hardly keep up,” laughed Beazley, who was recording the event for social media.
The first five ducks to reach the finish line, just over 20 minutes after being dumped from three recycling bins near the windmill, won their ticket-holders a prize.
The first-place prize of $500 went to Deb Labonte of Simcoe. Delilah Kauskopf of Delhi won the second-place of $300; $200 went to third-place Carrie Brimmer; fourth-place $100 went to Chris Howe of Simcoe; and fifth-place $50 to Simcoe’s Natasha
The 2025 Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival was a celebration of Norfolk music and arts.
Held August 1st to 4th at Wellington, Clifton and Lynnwood Parks, and this year adding an Argyle Street kickoff party, the four-day festival featured local entertainment, vendors, food trucks and fun, reached out beyond Norfolk.
ship Festival… since I was a little boy.
“We’ve been coming to the Friend-
Probably 30 years we’ve been coming,” said Ryan Kichler, from Simcoe. “Definitely like to bring the kids and let them experience it all. It’s kind of a tradition around here. It used to be bigger back when we were younger,
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
CHRIS ABBOTT
58-year tradition at Heritage Friendship Festival
but it’s still great for the kids – they love it.
“Since we’ve been bringing the kids, the last five or six years, they really enjoy it,” he said, watching his children at the Tye Dye By Hez station in the YTP Kids Zone. “We did all the stuff.”
The festival kicked off with Friday, Aug. 1 with the Downtown Simcoe BIA hosting children’s activities and music on Argyle Street. Shakespeare In the Park entertained at the gazebo Friday and Saturday.
Canada’s only four-time Guinness World Record holding illusionist, Lucas Wilson, from Port Dover, performed three times Saturday, first on the main Wellington Park stage, and twice more at the community stage.
“He is a great supporter of the festival,” said Sara Moody Veldhuis.
From the many local vendors and service clubs to musical artists and buskers, the heart of the festival continues to be ‘local.’
“That’s what it is all about,” said Moody Veldhuis. “It’s community, building partnerships, being able to do it for the community.
“A lot of the people that you see on the main stage now started out busking on our youth stages back in the day. I’ve been with the festival since 2009, and some of them were kids in high school then. Like the Hannah Dolsons and the Nolan Gibsons and Jessica Rayners – they were all high school students when they started here.
“It gives them experience, it gives them confidence. It gives them that chance to perform in front of a crowd. I spoke to some students this year who said, ‘We’re not quite ready, we’ll try for next year…’ Fair enough. That stepping stone approach is kind of great. They go, they feel confident, and I’m not asking for a lot of time - 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and if they’re feeling confident, they can go for more than that. It just gives them that next step. From there, maybe we’ll get them on the community stage, maybe we’ll get them on the main stage.”
Sunday’s main stage musical lineup was loaded with local talent.
“We started the day with Kathy Tyrrell and Friends –she’s wonderful. We’re doing our Sunday Morning Gospel jam with them. Ryan Morrison and Friends, a nine-piece group, very much local people. Syncronicity Duo is local, Albatross is local. Hannah Dolson, Old Barn Doors, Jessica Rayner. Murray Williams (Burford) is not from Norfolk, but he’s close and he also does our sound. The
Jesse Murphy Band, local. After the Lounge, they are from London but their lead singer was originally from Norfolk.
“Benjamin Dakota Rogers, he’s a big one. He’s a Juno-nominated singer-songwriter from Waterford. He was on our community stage (Sunday) in a fantastic song circle, then on the main stage Sunday night.”
Sunday’s entertainment concluded with the local Felicia McMinn Band.
“Sunday is very much a local day,” said Moody Veldhuis, who was livestreaming and active on social media most of the weekend, noting Monday’s main stage artists included Nolan Gibson, Courtney DeDecker, Beggars for Hire, Amber Banks, JD Semple and West ¼ Line… Honey Static, then concluded with Pure Vintage.
The entire four-day festival was free to attend - a tradition Moody Veldhuis and the non-profit organizing committee are proud to continue.
“The consensus is all the way around, this will never be a ticketed event. It has to be a free event. It has to be something that we give to the community – a gift to the community – which we are more than happy to do.
“We have wonderful support from local businesses and service clubs and we love supporting them as well, giving them a chance to raise their annual funds here… and that in turn goes back to the community. So it’s a partnership, and the audience that comes here probably doesn’t realize that. They are helping out, they are helping their fellow citizens out and that’s a fantastic thing.”
The 1st annual Simcoe Heritage Classic Auto Show was held in Lynnwood Park on August 3 with approximately 220 cars and trucks participating. In honour of a former festival chairman, the first Terry Reece Memorial Trophy was presented.
“A beautiful weekend in every way, shape and form,” said Moody Veldhuis on Monday, August 4. “Lots of people attending, everyone seems to be very happy. The vendors and food trucks are very pleased. We had a fantastic car show on Sunday. Great music all weekend long. Fantastic kids zone – it was jam-packed with people all weekend. It’s just been really great.
“We’ve been blessed by incredible weather this weekend. The weather was fantastic, probably the best weather this festival has ever had. Not too hot, no rain. I think we lucked out this year. But I’m proud to say, since I’ve been doing this, we’ve never got an act on stage. Everyone has had a chance to perform. We’ve had some weather delays, but all the years I’ve been here, we got everyone on.”
The Heritage Friendship Festival will return in 2026, and Moody Veldhuis said they are always looking for more volunteers.
“We’re looking for the kind of people who are saying ‘What can I do? Where do you need me?’”
“It’s a well-organized festival and we know what we’re doing. We know what we have to do and we are always interested if anyone has any suggestions on how to make it even better. And we are always looking for people who are super positive and want to volunteer. People who are willing to step up and do anything that is needed – that’s what makes Friendship Festival what it is. It’s the coming together of like-minded people that are just here to give back to the community.”
A new Heritage Friendship Festival foundation is being planned, which will allow them to issue tax receipts for donations, and help the festival continue to thrive in the future.
Weekend Quiz
By Jake Grant
1. The Spanish word “lobo” means what? 2. What does rpm stand for?
3. Who was the longest reigning King in England?
4. What U.S state hosts the annual Oshkosh air show?
5. Who starred in "The Naked Gun?” (1988)
6. How far is a Marathon?
7. A sommelier is known to do what?
8. Which country has won the most FIFA World Cups?
9. How many legs does a lobster have?
10. In The Simpsons, what is the name of the bartender?
Evan Sibbick tries the cornhole station in the YTP Kids Zone at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Chloe Sherwood and Nathanial Budgell at the Nature’s Calling booth.
Cheyenne Falkins at the face painting station.
Rylie Lava tries the Crystal Lake Conservatory equipment in the YTP Kids Zone, assisted by Crystal Lake dancer Vanessa Van Galen.
Crystal Lake Conservatory’s Paige Fekete demonstrates on dance equipment at the YTP Kids Zone.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Haldimand-Norfolk
MPP
Bobbi Ann Brady I don’t want you to be another phishing story
A friend was recently talking about a fish story, and I was wondering if it was true. But the words “true” and “fish” made me think about the other type of fishing. It’s called phishing and it’s not just a harmless tale of exaggeration. It made me think of all the times as your MPP I’ve heard reports of phishing scams. Not to mention all the other types of scams for that matter. Today, I’m going to send out a warning about the various scams that target all of us. Forewarned is forearmed, and we should all be ready if we’re approached by scammers.
I’ve had people contact me after being scammed into having unnecessary repairs, renovations done, and having various mechanical systems installed in their homes. All under the guise of either government rebates or loans from a financial or energy company.
I can’t divulge any confidential details, but suffice it to say, these scams have hurt many people in Haldimand-Norfolk. Most incidents involved the criminals tailoring their
“advertising” to best suit the generation they were targeting. It could have been phone calls, emails, or letters or even a combination thereof.
This part of the province is filled with hard-working saltof-the-earth types. For many of us, a person’s word is their bond, and a handshake often seals a deal. It’s hard for us to imagine someone working to earn someone’s trust then stabbing them in the back in a confidence game, but, again, unfortunately it happens right here in our midst.
Because so many here and across Ontario and Canada have been affected, the Competition Bureau of Canada issued some time ago a handy online document called ‘The Little Black Book of Scams, 2nd edition.’ It’s a great way to educate and protect yourself. By the way, The Competition Bureau is a federal entity that “is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses.” The protection they offer includes anti-fraud/scam measures and thus this document is a key part of their mandate.
The Little Black Book of Scams lists predominant types of scams and how we can protect ourselves. Some scam examples (“scamples” perhaps) they discuss are, as I said at the top, phishing. Which seems to be the basis of many of today’s scams.
Phishing is cybercrime when a target is contacted by email, telephone, or text message by a criminal posing as a legitimate individual or institution to con folks into providing private and classified data such as banking and credit card details and passwords.
Another is Identity Theft, when criminals fraudulently acquire and use a person's private identifying information, often for financial gain.
A couple other nefarious strategies it touches on, which have gained traction, are Romance Scams and Tax Scams. Scammers operate on dating sites tugging at lonely peoples’ heartstrings with fake identities who seem like Prince Charmings or dream girls. Soon enough the requests for money come in and victims are often left with broken hearts and broken finances. Tax Scams are criminals posing as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) telling victims they owe money, and they owe it quickly. Pay now or they will suffer an assortment of penalties. The crooks threaten and pressure to the point some victims have even driven many kilometres to deposit cash to Bitcoin or Crypto ATMs, all of which soars straight into the pockets of these lowlifes.
There are more “scamples” listed within The Little Black Book of Scams or easily found using a quick online search. Many of you are aware and well versed, but I think it’s important we get a reminder. We all have weak moments when we let our guard down. For this reason, I urge you to keep your heads up, and if you get approached, just say no. When in doubt, for second opinion, you can always call my office. I don’t want you to be the next phishing story I hear.
A PDF of The Little Black Book of Scams 2nd Edition can be found online at competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/ little-black-book-scams-2nd-edition
Time to end gas well hell in Norfolk County
BOBBI ANN BRADY
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP
The passage of time has a powerful impact, often revealing truths and at times proving it will continue to march on despite a lack of productivity.
Such is the case with the decade-old gas well leak on Forestry Farm Road - a well on Norfolk County property. Despite over 10 years of study, spending, and investigation, the situation is worsening.
Dr. Stewart Hamilton, a senior geochemist/hydrologist and one of the accomplished authors of the most recent gas well study report, recently told Norfolk County Council the Forestry Farm Road well is one of the most alarming and significant problems of its kind he has encountered in Ontario. Further, he said the gas well effluent leaking into Big Creek is tens-of-thousands times over regulation levels.
By way of background, the issue dates to a gas well drilled in the 1950s and capped in 1968 when it was deemed unusable. The capping of the well caused other wells in the area to erupt, and eventually, a relief well was drilled. However, in 2015, the province once again capped that same relief well, which contracted scientists and residents are confident created the ongoing problem. The Ministry of Natural Resources has not admitted the plugging created a ‘domino’ effect.
Despite spending millions of taxpayer money, the situation in the area has worsened, with no relief provided to residents. Time has marched on with no productivity. Time is proving politics has been played with this issue in a few ways. The Ministry refuses to admit the 2015 plugging is the issue because it would open Pandora’s Box concerning other leaking wells across Ontario. But the truth is, Norfolk County does not have the expertise to deal with the situation, and the previous mayor expressed this on more
than one occasion throughout her entire term in office. After years of spending money on competing studies, Norfolk County should have at some point demanded the province assume leadership for the issue. Over two years ago, in the Ontario Legislature, I urged the Minister of Natural Resources to lean on the Federal Government for funding, like the amounts spent in Western Canada, and to assume responsibility.
Instead, we have witnessed pockets of money sent by the province, which the County has celebrated and touted as successes despite no definitive solutions. At the all-candidates night in Simcoe during the winter election, I called on the mayor (PC candidate) to join me in my call to have the province assume leadership. My invitation went unanswered.
In a recent CBC interview, I expressed my belief that the people of Forestry Farm Road have been the victims of politics. I must have struck a nerve because the mayor responded with a terse written statement.
While flattering news releases were drafted and photos taken when County funding announcements were made the past few years, not only has taxpayer money been wasted, but the good people around Forestry Farm Road continue to battle not only smell but physical effects like burning eyes and throats, headaches and nausea – not to mention the constant worry about long-term exposure. If this well were on private property, I would bet the landowner would have been ordered to rectify the situation immediately, not over ten years.
I have reached out to Norfolk County on this issue, but I have been blocked from meetings, including those at AMO and ROMA. I hope, with Dr. Hamilton’s recent report to Council, the mayor and CAO will recognize I am not the one they should be griping about, but rather the province. The time is over to send and celebrate monies in attempt to create the narrative “we are getting the job
done.” It is now time to demand the province end gas well hell once-and-for-all.
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
If you’re tired of watching summer reruns, there’s a different show running outdoors until August 24: the annual Perseid meteor shower. Though the shower began July 17 and peaked around August 12, there’s still plenty of time to catch the action.
What exactly is a meteor? Is it the same as a meteoroid? University of Alberta’s website offers the following explanation: Meteoroids are objects from space that cross Earth’s path. Once these items enter the Earth's atmosphere they form meteors.
“A meteor is the atmospheric phenomenon (a streak of light) created by a meteoroid as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere,” the website says.
The effect is caused when friction with the Earth's atmosphere makes the object heat up and give off light. A meteor shower occurs when there are a number of meteors at the same time.
In the case of the Perseid meteor shower, we have comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle to thank for the show, says Greg McMillan, president of the North Shore Erie Amateur Astronomers. McMillan notes that the Perseid meteors appear to come out of the same spot in the sky, called the radiant. The radiant is located in the constellation of Perseus - hence the name of the shower.
The meteors themselves can appear anywhere in the sky.
“As an observer you don’t want to look directly at the radiant, as the meteors will be coming at you head-on. It is best if you look away from this point so you can spot meteors with longer tails,” McMillan advises.
He says the best viewing time is “from midnight until the hour or so before dawn,” as the Earth moves into the stream of inbound particles. But if those hours don’t fit your schedule, you should still be able to catch some meteors earlier in the evening,
once darkness has set in.
The constellation Perseus rises in the east just as the sun is setting and can be found throughout the night in the north to the northeastern sky. McMillan notes that there are a number of interactive night sky chart applications available for smartphones and tablets for those looking to locate the constellation.
McMillan says, “the best place to see the Perseid meteor shower is anywhere that’s dark with a good view of the whole sky. Light pollution brightens the night sky making it harder to see dimmer meteors.”
Observing away from an urban area is best, but “if this is not possible find a location not affected by direct light sources - maybe your backyard will work, but turn off the porch light and make sure that a street light is not interfering.”
Your eyes take 15-20 minutes or more to adapt to the darkness, McMillan notes.
“Be aware - a single bright light will completely undo all your dark adaptation, so be sure to turn off any security lights, and set your phone to red light mode,” he advises. Red light helps preserve your adaptation to the darkness.
The good news is that you don’t need any special gear to enjoy a meteor shower. Binoculars and telescopes aren’t needed; in fact, they can limit the field of view.
McMillan notes that “patience is also required” while observing meteors. “It is helpful to be comfortable by settling into a deck chair where you can scan large areas of the night sky.”
In the case of this year’s Perseid meteor shower, the presence of the moon will cause the sky to be a lot brighter, making meteor viewing a bit of a challenge. In addition, in some areas the sky’s transparency will be impacted by forest fire smoke.
On the plus side, meteor viewers in Norfolk County benefit from the fact that we have “reasonably dark skies,” says McMillan. There are a lot of rural areas, and particularly near Turkey Point and the north
shore of Lake Erie, there can be some excellent sky viewing conditions.
McMillan notes that those interested in learning more about astronomy are welcome to check out the offerings of the North Shore Erie Amateur Astronomers (NSEAA). On Saturday, August 16, NSEAA is teaming up with the Norfolk County Public Library to offer an information session titled “Exploring the Night Sky: A Beginner’s Guide to Astronomy.”
The presentation, which takes place at the Waterford Branch of the library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will discuss how to get started with amateur astronomy and exploring the stars. The event is open to beginners and experienced sky-watchers alike. The presentation, McMillan says,
will discuss “how to explore the night sky as a beginning stargazer” including “skills needed, equipment, and telescopes.”
McMillan also notes that members of the public are welcome to check out NSEAA’s monthly meetings, which include presentations and information sharing about astronomy.
Meetings are held on the first Friday of the month (aside from June to August, and December) at the N.A.C.L. Building, 644 Ireland Road, Simcoe, starting at 7 p.m. Meeting information is posted on the club’s Facebook page. NSEAA also has a website at nseaa.ca where copies of the quarterly newsletter The Star Gazer and the monthly one-pager, Astronomy News, are available.
The Perseid meteor shower is only one of the wonders of the night sky. This photo shows an image of the Moon during a lunar eclipse March 14, 2025. During a lunar eclipse, the Moon takes on a reddish color as it passes behind Earth into Earth's shadow.
(GREG MCMILLAN PHOTO)
The North Shore Erie Amateur Astronomers (NSEAA) offers opportunities for Norfolk residents to share and explore their interest in astronomy. NSEAA member Bernd Mueller captured this image of the Andromeda galaxy, the closest galaxy to the Milky Way, where Earth resides.
(BERND MUELLER PHOTO)
Rubber duck race raises funds for ABEL Enterprises
Crook.
Not sure where duck No. 399 finished – or did not finish. It might have finished a ‘speedy’ Top 50, maybe even Top 10, but likely that was not the case, probably caught in an eddy, slowing down against a boulder, dragging against the rocky shore or stumbling on wooden debris. It did take an hour or two for volunteers to collect all the ducks.
If you didn’t win, rest assured your money went to a good cause – aiding members of ABEL Enterprises.
“We take them on outings, give them experiences, add to the programming at the shop,” said Beazley. “All of our members are survivors of mental health and addiction struggles, and we’ve been doing this 40 years. We used to go out, as a charity, and build sheds and things to make money, but with some changes with the govern-
ment, we can’t do that anymore. So now we do fun things like this.”
ABEL programs include a therapeutic, rehabilitating woodshop program; working with their hands as they gain skills and confidence.
“The duck race has been a part of the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival, back when it was still just the Friendship Festival, way back in the day,” said Beazley.
“As far as I know, the Rubber Duck Race has always been a part of the festival activities.”
Organizers, however, have changed over the years.
“We have been privileged to run it the last couple of years – this is our second year,” said Beazley. “It used to be 500 duckies. We have upped the ante, we added 250 extra ducks and two more prize levels. So we’re giving away more money with more chances to win.”
Junior Prize Book tradition inspires young creators
Advocate Correspondent
For generations, the Junior Prize Book has been a cornerstone of the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, giving youth a chance to showcase their creativity, compete for prizes and take pride in their accomplishments.
“There’s something critical about the process," said Angela Hogeveen, general manager at the Norfolk County Agricultural Society. “Especially when it comes to arts and crafts. Children flip through the Junior Prize Book, choose a category and division that excites them, then gather the materials, often with the help of a parent.”
Hogeveen said that from start to finish, the experience teaches children commitment and creativity. When the fair arrives in the fall, participants get to see their work displayed alongside others, not for competition but for passion.
Sept. 27 marks the registration deadline for any Under-18 or full-time high school students’ original work to be displayed for the community at the Oct. 7-13 fair. Some competitions have different age limits.
Hogeveen says technology has drastically changed how the Junior Prize Book has operated over the years. While paper entry forms are still accepted (the Fair Office is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. throughout
September), they strongly encourage online submissions (www.norfolkcountyfair. com). Information on the general prize book, livestock and horse prize books can also be found on the website.
For busy parents, the digital option makes registering for entries more convenient. It also streamlines the process behind the scenes allowing organizers to track participation, and access data through cloud-based systems.
“These competitions couldn’t happen without volunteers, and I don’t just mean supported, I mean completely driven by them,” said Hogeveen. “We have community members who have been preparing entry tags, checking ribbons, and handling inventory for decades. It takes countless hours and a tremendous amount of dedication. As a not-for-profit, we simply don’t have the staff to manage all of that on our own. It’s the volunteers who make it all possible and they truly are the heart of the program.”
With support from community volunteers, Hogeveen said as children’s interests evolve and technology becomes more integrated into their daily lives, the competitions offered by the Junior Prize Book must evolve as well.
Ultimately, said Hogeveen, the goal is to keep engaging youth, whether as participants, future volunteers and even farmers.
“These children are the future of our or-
Norfolk County
and
continues to serve as an opportunity for children to show their
side. Registrations for the
have to be submitted by Sept. 27 (or Sept. 24 for high schools) to be featured in the upcoming Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, Oct. 7-13.
ganization, the future agriculture, and the future of the community. Kids are learning and interacting differently now. They're very tech-focused, so we’ve started thinking about categories like coding, or projects tied to video games that align in a way that still fits with our values. If we don’t
evolve, we risk becoming irrelevant.” Hogeveen said the timeline for preparing the next book begins immediately after a fair ends in order for it to be ready. Volunteers are involved throughout the year to ensure accuracy and a focus that every child gets their work recognized.
The rubber ducks pick up speed after a very slow start in the Lynn River. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
People gathered on shore and on the Norfolk Street bridge to watch the ABEL Enterprises Duck Race on August 4.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Some numbers were visible from shore, some not so much.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
ALEX HUNT
The
Fair
Horse Show
creative
Junior Prize Book
Lucas Wilson encourages people to “be the change”
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Illusionist Lucas Wilson, holder of four Guinness World Records, might be slowing down his performances a little these days, but he’s still amazing people - young and old - across the province.
Big crowds, smaller crowds, he and his talented assistant Catherine entertain them all with humorous and eye-popping magic tricks and illusions as they did during three shows at the 2025 Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival on August 2nd.
“Still performing, still out there entertaining folks over the long weekends and short weekends,” said Wilson, after more than a decade of shows. “Not doing as much travelling now… because during the pandemic, everything changed…
“During the pandemic I actually went and got myself a 9 to 5 job - for the first time in my entire life,” he smiled. “It was one of the weirdest, strangest experiences of my life because it’s very different from being an entrepreneur. I also found some joy in it as well because when you work gig to gig, that brings its own anxieties, stress and all the stuff that comes along with that.”
Starting with a contract at Community Living Access, he was offered more of a full-time community relations position after the pandemic.
‘Can I still do magic?’ he remembers asking.
‘Take as much time as you need, you can still do it,’ they said.
‘Absolutely then,’ was his quick response.
“So now I get to balance both, and it’s
great. I get to do a job that is very meaningful as well,” said Wilson. “We support adults with developmental disabilities. It’s a wonderful job and having been a part of the community as a whole, weekends like the Friendship Festival and the Norfolk County Fair, so many people that we support, there were already so many people that I had met and seen at shows. So it felt very natural to go into this role of community relations. It’s nice to be able to balance it.”
Saturday afternoon’s first show at the Heritage Friendship Festival community stage concluded with one of his famous straight-jacket escapes. And the small crowd went wild.
“We’re very blessed to be able to do big shows, breaking records at the Sanderson Centre, still travelling across Ontario, but these have always been my favourite places to perform… because I get to see people I know. I get to make new friends in the community and I get to see old community friends.
“There’s something that is so charming about the Friendship Festival, in particular, because it really is homegrown. It’s not this big multi-million-dollar event. It’s literally run by just a handful of volunteers.”
Wilson always invites the audience to ‘meet and greet’ with photo opportunities after his shows. Sometimes he meets people who watched him when they were kids.
“It’s just amazing. I started when I was a little kid, too. I’ve been performing since I was a little, little kid. A lot of folks make it a tradition, and these same families come out year after year and say ‘It’s so great to see you!’ So it’s not Friendship Festi-
val if we don’t do it. I think, like so many of these festivals, it really is a tradition thing… whether it’s the Friendship Festival, the Panorama, the Fair.”
Wilson has taken a more hands-on role in recent years helping with the Simcoe Panorama River of Lights, joining the organizing committee.
“If you want to see a change in the community, go and ask how you can make a change. That’s what I did for Panorama. I called and said, ‘Can I do something?’ And they said, ‘Yes! Yes, yes, yes.’”
During the first year of the pandemic, he helped clean displays, vacuuming, painting and doing refurbs.
“Because I want to see that festival – a very unique festival – continue as well. So I always encourage people, if you want to see change in your community, go be that
change. Just go volunteer, because these organizations, these groups, they’ll jump at it.”
Originally from Port Rowan, Wilson now lives in Port Dover.
He still remembers one of his first-ever public performances in the Junior Talent Show at the Langton Fair.
“It took all the years I was there to finally get first in my last year.”
He still has most of those childhood magic props displayed in a cabinet at home.
“I kept all of them!” he laughed. “Some are a little tattered around the corners. I see them and smile because there are so many great memories. Magic has brought so many incredible opportunities for me in my life, I just smile. If you’re not smiling, then what’s the point of doing it?”
‘And they’re off!’ The rubber ducks are launched to begin the annual fundraising ABEL Enterprises Duck Race on August 4.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
People gathered on shore and on the Norfolk Street bridge to watch the ABEL Enterprises Duck Race on August 4.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Catherine and Lucas joke about maybe needing to ‘tighten’ the straight-jacket straps.
New date set for NGH Foundation fundraiser
Iris’s Speakeasy to raise funds for lifesaving plasma storage unit
ngh.on.ca .
Community legend and volunteer Iris Smith is bringing vintage flair and community spirit to support the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation with a glamourous fundraising ‘Speakeasy’ on Nov. 1.
Over the years, Smith has collaborated with the NGH Foundation to bring creative and successful fundraising events to life. In 2023, they hosted The Mad Hatter Tea Party, and in 2024, guests were transported to the tropical paradise of Iris’s Luau.
This year, NGH Foundation is inviting the community to step back in time with Iris’s Speakeasy. The Roaring ‘20s fundraiser promises vintage charm, which will support the purchase of a new plasma storage unit for Norfolk General Hospital.
“Every year she (Smith) comes to us with a new theme and it's always exciting and fun,” said Sarah Muntz-Flowerday, development officer at the NGH Foundation. “There’s lots of potential for everybody that comes to get a chance to dress up and do some activities. There's going to be a photo booth that is styled with vintage frames for different photos and lots of activities.”
Originally slated for Sept. 17, the speakeasy date has been changed to Nov. 1. With tickets at $60, the evening promises to be filled with ‘appetizers, giggle water and 1920’s entertainment.’ For ticket information or reserve a spot, email smflowerday@
“Our community is amazing; they rally when we need them,” said Muntz-Flowerday. “100 years ago, the citizens of Norfolk built this hospital and to this day they continue to support us. Without our donors we would not be able to purchase all of the vital equipment that our hospital needs to provide exceptional healthcare right here at home.”
The NGH Foundation is a separate entity from the hospital itself and its objective is raising funds to purchase vital hospital equipment for the hospital.
Muntz-Flowerday said that a modern plasma unit will ensure the hospital can respond rapidly to emergencies and improve patient outcomes by having a life-saving resource at arm’s reach. The current plasma unit is reaching its end, prompting the push for replacement.
Plasma, which is the liquid component of blood, must be stored at precise, consistently cold temperatures to remain viable. It also needs to be easily accessible and closely monitored to safely be used in trauma situations, surgeries and other emergency interventions.
“In a situation where every second matters, having plasma immediately available can mean the difference between life and death,” said Muntz-Flowerday. “If we don’t have one on site then we risk delaying treatment to send the patients to Hamilton or Brantford. That’s not acceptable given the urgency some cases
demand.
“Our community has raised the money to open a hospital, and we just go from one piece of equipment to the next. Every time it seems like there’s an amount of money that we'll never be able to attain, the community comes through, and they help us hit our goal. We're always knocking on the same doors, but people always respond, that’s Norfolk County.”
People can also donate for the plasma unit on the hospital’s website at www.ngh.on.ca.
Music, food, friends highlight holiday festival
ALEX HUNT Advocate Correspondent
Over 40 performers, including Norfolk’s Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Benjamin Dakota Rogers, hit the stage at this year’s Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival, August 1-4.
The festival featured four days of free fun, food trucks, vendors and live entertainment for all ages.
“Our mission with the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival is to make this all about Norfolk and give back to the community,” said Sara Moody Veldhuis, artistic director at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival. “It is really important for us to bring everyone this family friendly festival; it’s a tradition that’s been in existence since 1967.”
This year’s festival also featured a car show, allowing guests to experience a range of automobiles with a vintage touch. Proceeds were donated to local community charities.
“It’s up to us to provide a fun festival
that everyone can enjoy and provide an opportunity for local clubs and organizations to use the event as their fundraising platform,” said Veldhuis. “For a lot of organizations, the festival is their main source of fundraising for the entire year.”
A variety of musical artists capture just about every genre of music, ranging from rock, gospel, and country, along with a host of local talent. Featured bands and artists included, The Felicia McMinn Band, The Jesse Murphy Band, The Ryerse Jazz Singers in Concert, James N. Wilson, and many more.
There was a variety of activities to enjoy on the Civic Holiday weekend such as a free Zumba demo, Kids Zone karaoke, and a viewing of the Wonka movie.
"We try to make sure we have something for everyone, and we make sure we have all types of music on our stages,” said Veldhuis. “In the economy that we’re in, providing this opportunity for people is so important and really embodies what the
festival is about.”
The Simcoe Heritage Friendship festival continues to be a cherished summer tradi-
offering something for everyone, ensuring fun, culture, and community spirit remain at the heart of Norfolk County.
Hannah Dolson performs on the side stage.
tion,
ALEX HUNT Advocate Correspondent
The Norfolk community is invited to step back into the Roaring ‘20s on Nov. 1st at Iris’s Speakeasy to help raise funds for equipment at Norfolk General Hospital with the goal of saving lives. In 2024, participants were transported to the tropical paradise of Iris’s Luau.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Princess Peace and King Cashew performed Saturday on the main stage.
Jessica Rayner.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Synchronicity at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival.
Lilly Deming on the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival’s community stage.
Busker Kiana Littlemore at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival.
Busker Kim Guillette of Simcoe, singer/guitarist.
Two Peas in a Pod… and the little bean
a-half to four acres of crops offering up a great variety of ‘fresh from the field to table’ produce.
Norfolk County has long been known for its ideal growing conditions and the variety and diversity of the crops we produce.
Local farmers have put us on the map and continue to make Norfolk the go-to place for some of the tastiest crops around. Longtime family-run farms are a huge part of that success and I recently met two of the next generation farming successes.
Callie Lucas, 11, and her sister Emma, 9, are in their third year of operation at their own fruit and vegetable stand. Being raised on their family farm and loving every minute of it served to encourage them to make the decision to start their own business and so, in 2023, Two Peas in a Pod was ‘born’. With some help from dad Jamie and mom Dana their plan came together. They plant between three-and-
The first year featured flowers and some produce and it has ‘grown’ since then. When VanGo Farms, Waterford, closed down their fall stand, the girls were able to acquire the stand, and in their second year, they added to their products. They also acquired an older, used fridge/cooler… out of their own hard-earned money.
This year they were able to purchase a brand new cooler fridge in London, through Marketplace, with profits from all of their hard work.
“The old one was leaking and that also caused water damage to the floor so they replaced the floor too… with money from their own profits,” said Dana. “They’ve also used some of their money to sponsor their soccer team with new team shirts and they have donated canned food to the Waterford Food Cupboard as well.”
The girls are very proud of the fact that
they are involved with everything to do with their ‘business’, from start to finish, field to table, and have learned so much from their venture. It’s obvious that they are very knowledgeable in business and have the foresight to plan ahead and recognize what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, then ensuring that it gets done!
There is a wide variety of fresh produce available right now with even more to come in. You really need to stop by and check things out! Corn, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, raspberries, peppers, watermelon… the assortment is amazing. They also bring in fresh-cut flowers, peaches and plums from Paul Laevens, Waterford, to add to their selection.
It’s easy to see how proud Mom and Dad are of them.
“They’re smart business girls and they have learned patience and realize that if you work smarter you get done sooner,” Jamie said, who has a big part in the stand
with organizing and ordering.
“They’ve had some ‘oopsies’ along the way but they have learned from them. I can see them running the farm some day.”
Dana is also very proud of Callie and Emma and is one of their biggest cheerleaders – in spite of fighting terminal cancer and caring for the newest addition to their family, 11-month-old L.J.
“I’m making the most of life and creating memories.”
The stand is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day and is self-serve, relying on the honesty of their customers.
“When people are honest, we are able to keep prices lower.”
So far, there have been no issues and they have faith in their customers and visitors. They will remain open until Halloween and will be offering pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, straw bales, fall mums and porch packages.
They are located at 1438 Windham Rd. 10 so watch for their signs!
BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent
The new Two Peas in a Pod cooler - their pride and joy.
(BRENDA MOSER PHOTO)
Callie, 11, and Emma, 9, operate a fruit and vegetable on their family’s Waterford area farm.
(BRENDA MOSER PHOTO)
Catherine, Lucas Wilson’s assistant, is surprised to find herself in the crate locked in the straight-jacket.
Catherine locks Lucas in a crate before his straight-jacket escape.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO) (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Look for good styles, ideas and prices at Simcoe Lighting and Décor
Simcoe Lighting and Décor has been servicing Norfolk County and area with lighting and home décor products for nearly 30 years.
The family-owned and operated business, located at 625 West Street W, Simcoe, at the corner of Hillcrest Road, has a 4,000 square foot showroom with a lot of lights on display.
“Something for every décor,” said co-owner Violet Frank. “Everything from floor, wall, to ceiling. There’s definitely lots to look at.”
“Definitely over 1,000 in here, for sure,” nodded Mike Frank, Violet’s husband.
Specializing in residential lighting for new builds and renovations, they carry everything from chandeliers to bathroom vanities, pendant lighting, desk lamps, drawer lamps, floor lamps and lamp shades. They also offer entire section of outdoor lighting options, including security lights, landscaping and path lantern styles, and in 2024, they introduced solar lighting.
Service and selection have been a priority since day one, said co-owner Violet Frank, who has three decades experience in the lighting industry.
“You get that one-on-one customer service here,” said Mike, who came on board at Simcoe Lighting and Décor about five years ago after nearly 30 years as an automotive mechanic.
Customers include home owners, contractors and builders.
“We’ve got lots of variety,” Mike noted. “We also carry a lot specialty light bulbs as well, that a lot of companies do not carry. A lot of hardware and electric stores redirect customers here to get specialty bulbs. We deal with specific companies and they have very good warranties.
“We deal with all warranties in-
house – you bring in the receipt, the defective part or item, and we’ll replace it. It’s one thing we thrive on here… the customer service. It’s nice to get looked after at the place you purchased the product – it’s that personal touch.”
Décor items are also prominent at Simcoe Lighting, including mirrors, metal signs and art prints. They have chairs, bar stools, coffee tables, end tables, clocks and more.
“We’re known for ceiling fans as well (indoor and outdoor) – it’s pretty much of a one-stop shop, almost, other than appliances and furniture. You only have so much room,” he laughed.
Simcoe Lighting and Décor currently has a sale on ceiling fans, as well as a ‘green tag’ sale (20-80% off depending on selected items), giving them an opportunity to revise, update and restock their inventory.
“We’ll soon be looking to go in the
direction of online, too, so we’re looking to clear out some stuff,” said Violet.
In-store shopping will always still be available, of course.
“When they come in, I ask a ton of questions,” said Mike. “How high is the ceiling. What is the paint colour, the finish? Most of these are adjustable, from warm light to daylight.”
The end of summer, early fall season can be a busy one for renovating and refreshing homes.
“Usually, everyone goes away in July and August. Then, end of August, early September, once the kids are in school, it starts to get busy again. Especially when it starts to get darker earlier, a lot of end tables and table lamps sales.”
Around the time of Thanksgiving weekend, they also have a flyer sale.
“Some really good styles and ideas in here, and great pricing,” said Violet.
Simcoe Lighting and Décor’s Violet and Mike Frank, with CJ, their store ‘greeter.’
Local golfers to play at SONA Golf Championship
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Two local golfers will be competing at the 2025 Special Olympics North America (SONA) Golf Championship, August 2528 in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania.
Level 5 golfers AnnMarie D’Hondt, from Courtland, and Rick Buck, from Tillsonburg, will experience the Penn National Golf Club in Fayetteville, a four-star, 36hole course. More than 250 athletes, Unified partners and coaches from the United States and Canada are expected at the four-day event. Level 5 will be divided into multiple divisions.
“I just try to have fun” said Buck, who will be playing at his fifth SONA Golf Championship. His SONA resume includes tournaments in Wichita, Nashville and Seattle.
Second place last year, Buck said he should be a contender and is shooting for first this year.
“I need to get back up there again. Just hit the ball clean, try to stay out of the rough,” he nodded. “If you go to Florida and certain areas, the rough is just so different. Some different types of grass like Bermuda grass… Once you get used it, it’s not bad.”
“We’re veterans… this is my second SONA,” said D’Hondt, who competed at the 2024 championship in Wichita, Kansas.
“Just want to have fun.”
“Having fun is the biggest thing,” Buck agreed.
D’Hondt said she has been practicing all summer, and would stick to that plan leading up to Fayetteville.
“Just keep practicing all the clubs - the driver… even the putter,” said D’Hondt,
who uses Cobras.
“Never played the (Fayetteville) course, so we’re just going in blind,” she said, enjoying the challenge of new and different courses.
“It is what it is,” said Buck, comfortable and confident at SONA courses using his TaylorMade clubs.
“I’m so used to it by now. If we get a practice round, we get a practice round. If we don’t, we just work hard.
“We’re leaving two days early before the event, so we could… We rented a van, so we’ll be driving down this time, sharing it. It’s only a seven-eight hour drive. I’ve been through Fayetteville a bunch of times, but never golfed there.”
Roughly midway between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Fayetteville is a small town less than 3,000, about 29 km west of Gettysburg where the Special Olympics Ontar-
io – Tillsonburg athletes and families will be staying during their SONA trip.
“It’s actually a ghost town,” D’Hondt smiled.
“(Gettysburg) is one of the most haunted places in the world,” said Buck.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
AnnMarie D’Hondt, from Courtland, and Tillsonburg’s Rick Buck will be competing in the 2025 Special Olympics North America Golf Championship, August 25-28 in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania.
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A battery blitz fundraiser was held for local golfers AnnMarie D’Hondt and Rick Buck who will be playing in the Special Olympics North America Golf Championship in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, August 25-28. From left, participating companies/individuals include (top row) Tillsonburg Tire, WM Dowds & Sons, APC Auto Parts, Richard Delaney, Norwich Auto, (2nd row) DeGroote-Hill, WM Dowds & Sons, and to the right of AnnMarie and Rick, Napa Autopro, Lockhart Odyssey, (third row) Burnett Trucking, Singer, M&J Tirecraft, MyMotors –Tillsonburg Cars, Horvath Auto Parts, (bottom row) Herc’s Truck Services, Jamie Horvath (farmer), Napa Auto Car – Springford, and Otterville Motors.
Blind Golf Championships help raise awareness
ALEX HUNT
Advocate Correspondent
Blind and visually impaired golfers from across Canada gathered in Norfolk County early in August for a week of championship tournaments.
The Blind Golf Canada Championships returned to The Green at Renton where visually impaired golfers played in the Ontario Provincials Championship, August 1-2 (Stableford format); the ISPS Handa Canadian Open, August 4-5; and concluded with the International Blind Golf Association World Championships, August 7-8.
Golfers from 15 countries were expected to compete on the 27-hole course this year, demonstrating the growing international reach of the sport. Provincial, national and international players, along with their individual guides, played in their designated classification levels to ensure a fair shot for everyone.
“For an event on this scale, we need all the help we can get,” said Laurie Montegomery, volunteer coordinator on the Blind Golf Canada Committee. “Our volunteers are the heart and soul for this tournament. Seeing the enthusiasm grow from just a handful in 2022 to around 40 people this year is just incredible.
“These folks don’t just stand on the sidelines, they’re out on the course as spotters and caddies, guiding players every step of the way. Their dedication truly elevates the experience for everyone involved and we
couldn’t do it without them.”
Players register in three categories based on their vision level. The B1 classified players have no light perception in their vision. Players in the B2 classification inherit approximately 5 per cent of their vision, and golfers in B3 can use 10 per cent of their vision.
“Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness for blind golf in the community, increase membership and grow the volunteer base,” said Joan Lang, communication coordinator on the Blind Golf Canada Committee.
“Without guides, many players can’t participate. We want more people to know they can be a guide and help the golfers navigate the courses so they can keep playing the game they love.
“Golf is absolutely possible for people with vision loss, and with the right support, it can thrive in more communities. It’s about breaking down barriers and showing that blind golf can be fun, accessible, and inclusive.”
The Blind Golf Canada events welcome players of all ages, fostering an inclusive environment that extends beyond the game itself.
Lang said that for many of the players, the tournament pushes them out of their comfort zone and reveals abilities that they never thought they had. It also serves as a rare opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges, who understand each other's struggles.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Brad Halyk, general manager at The Greens at Renton, welcomes visually impaired golfers to the Ontario Provincials Championship on August 1st.
Mary Mercato, Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, and Tom O’Neill, Rotary Club of Simcoe, flip pancakes at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival. More than 1,000 pancakes had been served as of Sunday afternoon.
Waterford’s Noel Elliott entered a 1969 AMC in the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival classic auto show.
Luke and Lyra Wilson try chalk drawing at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival.
The Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival’s YTP parade on Monday.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Pinkerton Comes to Prospect
Lighthouse Festival provides clever blend of comedy, classic western charm, and silliness
Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s latest production, Pinkerton Comes to Prospect, is a witty swashbuckling western comedy the community is sure to enjoy.
On stage in Port Dover from July 30 to August 16, and in Port Colborne August 20-31, it is brimming with colourful characters and snappy dialogue. Our main character Herschel Penkerton arrives in the town of Prospect and is quickly mistaken for a legendary gunman. As Penkerton tries to stay alive and tries to flirt with Lacey, he’s thrust into a world of danger, unexpected friendships, and opportunity.
From a visual element, the costumes
and set were designed with care and careful detail bringing the classic historical 1890s setting to life. The set itself felt like a character as much as the live ones, who all did an exceptional job in bringing their counterparts to life with an extraordinary amount of colour and personality.
I would like to highlight the character of Doc, played by Matt Olver, who brought energy to the character and stole every scene he was featured in. All the characters had a playful chemistry that really made each scene pop with immersion.
The music was very well done, and it made great use of the fiddle which added immersion. As stated in its advertising, the production promised a lot of laughs and it delivered in silliness.
Herschel Penkerton, played by Matt Bommarito, was a stellar choice for one of the production’s lead characters. His chemistry with Lacey, played by Evelyn Wiebe, was one of the highlights of the play - they bounced off each other's energy very well, which helped develop an authentic romance.
Lacey as a character was wonderfully well written. I thought she was very complex with strong morals and a sense of identity. Wiebe embodied the character of Lacy profoundly well - she was very well versed in her craft. I’m excited to see what she brings next to the stage.
Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski, who plays Amos, is a talented and well-established actor. He did a fine job bringing the goofy drunk to life.
There are two other characters among the cast. However, I will reserve my opinions on them to avoid spoiler territory.
Written by Jamie Williams and directed by Steven Gallagher, the two storytellers did a good job weaving themes of standing up for what’s right and its family messages. The first half did a great job establish-
ing the characters, setting up the plot and identifying its tone.
On another note, the quick-witted dialogue was very well done and that sustained a natural flow. I would say the dialogue was one of my favorite aspects of the production.
It’s a fun summer production for people to lose themselves in a wacky world for a couple of hours, carried by outstanding dialogue, interesting characters with an intriguing direction, heartfelt moments and strong themes.
The audience really liked it!
My overall rating is 7.5/10 (Good!)
As of Friday, August 8, tickets were still available for the Thursday, August 13th evening showing, the Friday, August 15th relaxed matinee and evening performances, and Saturday, August 16th matinee. See lighthousetheatre.com for tickets.
SUMMER 2025
The Lighthouse Festival continues this summer with Snow White – Young Company, August 20-23 in Port Dover. The Young Company is bringing its own hilarious energy to the classic fairytale, making it a one-of-a-kind show.
Snow White promises to be a rollicking good time for the whole family. Schedule and tickets at lighthousetheatre.com. Here on the Flight Path by Norm Foster lands in Port Dover August 27-Sept. 13. It is being promoted as “hilarious and, at times, touching. A true Foster delight.”
Lighthouse Festival’s 2025 summer wraps up in Port Dover with Memories of the Rat Pack, by Christopher McHarge, Sept. 16-27. “Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. come to life” in this 1960s era nostalgic concert.
ALEX HUNT Advocate Correspondent
Prepare for Pinkerton! Or is it Penkerton?
(ALEX HUNT PHOTO)
Lighthouse Festival’s “Pinkerton Comes to Prospect” is on stage in Port Dover until August 16. From Left are Evelyn Wiebe, Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski, Jessica Sherman, Matthew Olver, and Ryan Bommarito during a rehearsal.
(AIDIA MANDRYK PHOTO PHOTO)
Simcoe Lynn Valley Lions Alex Townend and Jozef Wozniak were making sundaes at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival on Monday, August 4.
Ferman Mudford from the Simcoe Lions Club, with ’36 years experience,’ flips burgers for the Lions food truck.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Rusnak enters Miss World Canada pageant
CHRIS ABBOTT
Editor
Aalanna Rusnak of Courtland is taking her pageant career to the next level this week competing at Miss World Canada, August 12-17, in Vaughan.
“It’s a lot more intense, a lot more goes into it,” said Rusnak in the days leading up to the national pageant. “Basically, everything is taken up like 10 notches and it’s like a whole different ball game. Girls are more prepared… it’s not like Teens, this isn’t their first time competing, they know what to expect, they’re more seasoned.”
Some have won national titles and competed on international stages, said Rusnak, and now they are coming back for more.
Rusnak is right there with them.
At the age of 17, Aalanna won Pageant Group Canada’s 2022 Miss Teenage Canada title. She went on to compete at the 2023 Miss Teen Mundial international pageant in Curacao where she finished Top 10.
Now 20, the Glendale High School graduate is a third-year student at the University of Western Ontario, with a national scholarship, working towards a four-year Media and Communications degree.
A competitive figure skater, Rusnak won three gold medals at the Ontario University Athletics Figure Skating Championships in March, including gold in Star 10 freeskate.
She also belongs to a sorority at the university and has a social media and marketing position in the sorority.
Any good thing in life takes work, she always says.
“Keeping super busy at school, super busy. I think I work well under pressure.”
The idea of entering Miss World Canada came in January 2025, but Rusnak admitted it really wasn’t possible to begin her pageant journey until her school work ended mid-April.
“When I got home from school, it was basically pedal to the metal and we just went full force. It’s been an everyday thing
Courtland’s
is promoting her new cause, Find Your Light, mentoring children, and speaking about confidence, authenticity, kindness, anti-bullying and how everyone has a purpose.
since then. It’s felt like a full-time job, to be honest, while I still have an actual job (The Links at Dover Coast in Port Dover).
“Ever since I won Miss Teenage Canada, I knew that I wanted to continue with pageantry. I always knew it was just a matter of time… just timing it right with school. I feel like 20 is a good age to compete and now I am more prepared, I know what to expect going in. I just feel more ready.
“Definitely, going to (university) has helped me mature. I feel more settled in, I’m immersed in my education, so I’m ready to take on this next journey.”
Her ‘next journey’ began with months of preparation and training. She has travelled to Montreal for runway training – a big part of the competition. She has been practicing questions, and she has spent a lot of time in the gym, maintaining good health and fitness.
A champion cross-country runner in elementary school, she is even getting back into distance running.
“I wouldn’t say it’s back to my cross-country days… I compared my times and I’m like nowhere near my 13-yearold self,” she laughed. “But now I can run again.”
The Miss World Canada pageant involves closed door interviews, on-stage questions, different walks on stage, and fitness categories.
“Throughout the whole week, they watch everything about you to see the kind of person you are, how you are interacting with everyone… they really want the full package.”
The questions they will ask require a higher level of thinking, she said, compared to the teen competitions. Some are more controversial, some environmental based, social based, or economic based.
“At Teen, it was more about yourself, your platform. So here, I feel like I need to be much more educated on what’s going on in our world. You need to be careful with your answers. And it’s a little nerve-wracking when you’re up there on stage.
“At the end of the day, you are trying to be a representative of Canada. Sometimes you have to pick a side, sometimes you can’t pick a side when you’re trying to represent all of our people. It depends on the question. It’s just a very tough thing that I’ve put a lot of work into – it’s a lot of quick thinking on your feet.”
There is also an optional talent category at the pageant. At past events, she has drawn from her 15 years as a skater.
“Everyone submits a video of their talent, then they pick two people to go up on stage. I do like to try to be involved in every portion of the competition… but I was unable to submit a figure skating video –obviously I can’t skate on stage – so I decided I would learn a talent. So I’ve taken on the Salsa.”
In just the last couple of weeks she has been enthusiastically learning one of the most popular types of Latin American dancing with dance coaches from Latin Passion Dance Academy in London. The results have been impressive.
“I’ve put in hours and hours and hours of work,” she said. “I’ve done some dance through figure skating, but never a ‘danc-
er.’ I’d say learning to Salsa has been like learning to skate again. They have helped me so much, they have been amazing.”
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Pageant Group Canada encourages community service and Beauty with a Purpose platforms.
“I’ve been trying to get involved with a lot of organizations because my ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ is youth empowerment. I have created ‘Find Your Light.’”
As she did in Miss Teenage Canada, Rusnak has visited schools and reached out to thousands of students speaking about confidence, authenticity, kindness, anti-bullying and how everyone has a purpose.
“We all have a light from within and we need to let it shine – that is my message.”
Rusnak also partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor, and Planet Youth Oxford as an ambassador – their youngest ambassador.
“I just want to provide support for these children like I had growing up.”
She will also be a guest speaker at Tim Hortons youth camps.
“My goal is to create my own workshops, structured workshops where I can speak to these kids, mentor them and share my platform,” she said, and with that goal in mind, she is trying immerse herself in every organization possible.
Earlier this week, she did a girls empowerment workshop for The Salvation Army.
“I have reached out to… I don’t even know… at least 40 different organizations within like a 100-mile radius, trying to get in wherever I can. I am just trying so hard to be involved.”
Instead of asking for personal sponsorship, Rusnak is seeking charitable dona-
tions toward her Find Your Light cause.
“If you or someone you know, an individual or business, would like to partner, I’d love to connect,” Rusnak wrote on Facebook. “In return, I’ll proudly offer promotion and visibility as a thank you for supporting this mission. Any amount makes a difference. Let’s show the judges, more importantly, the youth, and Canada that this movement has momentum - and it’s only just getting started.”
There is also a ‘voting stage’ at the Miss World Canada pageant, which potentially aids contestants in their drive for a title. Each vote is $1 and you can vote as many times as you want to support your favourite (or favourites – there are 21 entries) at catchthecrown.com. ***
There are four Pageant Group Canada titles on the line for Rusnak this week - Miss World Canada, Miss Supranational Canada, Miss Intercontinental Canada, and Miss Earth Canada.
“It’s four separate pageants, but one event. The different titles have different things they are looking for. Miss Canada World is a lot about Beauty with a Purpose. Miss Supranational is more a typical pageant – your runway, your fashion, your glam. I love both of those aspects. I love being involved, community outreach, but I also love the ‘glam’ and runway side of pageantry.”
The four title winners will be eligible to compete internationally, typically at 3-4 week competitions representing Canada.
“All amazing opportunities,” said Rusnak.
The final competition for Miss World Canada is Sunday, August 17th.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Aalanna Rusank is competing at the Miss World Canada pageant, August 12-17.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Aalanna Rusnak
Writer-Artist Bruce McCall came back to Simcoe to rest
ADVOCATING FOR AUTHORS
By Dick Bourgeois-Doyle
When I contacted Amanda McCall, she readily agreed to speak about her late father Bruce - the Simcoe native who found success in New York as a writer, illustrator, and humorist.
But she said it might not be easy.
“Of course, the Norfolk County area meant so much to him and was such a formative part of his life - it would be my pleasure,” Amanda said. Still, she added, “Though it’s been over a year since he passed, I’ve only just started to speak about him publicly.”
Her emotions echoed the many affectionate profiles and heartfelt obituaries published after Bruce McCall’s Parkinson’s-related death in May 2023. These tributes, often quoting admirers like Steve Martin, David Letterman, Adam Gopnik, and Andy Borowitz, celebrated McCall’s creative brilliance. He left his mark as an advertising executive, humorist, and contributor to National Lampoon, Vanity Fair, Playboy, and especially The New Yorker, for which he illustrated some 80 covers.
Yet the tributes also emphasized the personal: his deep love for Polly, his wife of 50 years, and the pride he felt in their daughter, Amanda.
Many stories touched on his early life in Simcoe, sometimes framing his success as something achieved despite his upbringing in Norfolk County. In fairness, McCall often encouraged this interpretation. He frequently lampooned his hometown as a place of small-town dullness and a difficult childhood. His years on Union Street were marked by an often-absent, stern father and a mother who relied on alcohol while raising six children. Both parents, who died relatively young, are buried at Oakwood Ceme-
tery - now also the resting place of their famous son.
“Dad always wanted to be buried in Simcoe,” Amanda said. “Though his books might suggest he couldn’t wait to leave town and Canada, in the end, he wanted to come back.”
McCall chronicled his early days and his quest for a bigger life in two memoirs: Thin Ice (1997) and How Did I Get Here, completed with Amanda’s help shortly before his death. Reviews often describe the story of a bubbling talent who felt stifled by the dim context of mid-century Canada and who found light and opportunity south of the border.
But readers also find warmth in these pages: a fondness
for childhood books, the seed of a lifelong passion for art, and glimpses of a curious, inventive spirit shaped partly by the quiet of a rural, Canadian town.
“This place was the start of his career,” Amanda said. “He basically did the same thing as a kid in Simcoe that he did all his life - and ended up getting paid for it.”
His creativity may have been nurtured by the very limitations of small-town life - and by a lack of big-city distraction. That early spark led to an eclectic career that included a stint writing for Saturday Night Live, time in Germany overseeing advertising for Mercedes-Benz, and a series of offbeat, visually inventive books.
For Norfolk County readers, McCall’s autobiographies offer a unique window on a bygone era, local history, and a one-of-a-kind life. His other books, however, reveal the quirky, two-dimensional genius of a man who left Simcoe with mixed feelings but returned to it in the end with love and affection.
Illustrative titles such as Zany Afternoons (1982), Viagra Nation (1998), All Meat Looks Like South America (2003), and This Land Was Made for You and Me (But Mostly Me): Billionaires in the Wild (2013) hint at the trove of satire and surreal imagination presented on the pages inside. The latter book was co-written with Letterman.
“My dad was particularly good at making fun of the wealthy - the excesses of the obscenely rich,” Amanda said in reference to the Billionaires book. “Only his love of drawing cars came close.”
The connection to Letterman didn’t stop with the book. Amanda herself spent a number of years working on The Late Show, before moving on to other TV projects and authoring books of her own. Her creative path may have taken varied forms, but when speaking with her, you sense that the deepest bond with her father came in the shared pursuit of laughter.
CELEBRATING LOCAL AUTHORS
You can find many of Bruce McCall’s books at the Norfolk County Library or through Beach Reads Bookshop. For the full podcast interview with Amanda, check out doverwrites.blogspot.com
Writer-Artist Bruce McCall, from Simcoe, found success in New York as a writer, illustrator, and humorist.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Jim Fekete’s 1955 Chev Bel Air at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival’s 1st annual classic auto show.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
DeCloet family gives generously to protect nature
Paul DeCloet and his family are doing their part to preserve unique Carolinian forests in Norfolk County.
DeCloet, a retired Norfolk farmer and philanthropist now living in Tillsonburg, previously donated the Paul DeCloet Forest to Norfolk County in 2021. That donation safeguarded a biodiverse area home to 26 tree species, including unique Carolinian varieties such as tulip trees and sassafras.
When Paul saw a 50-acre parcel across the road from the Paul DeCloet Forest for sale, he had the vision to enlarge the protected area.
“It adds to what we’ve already done. It’s the perfect fit to enlarge it,” he said.
Since he did not own that property, and Norfolk County isn’t in the business of purchasing land, DeCloet approached the Long Point Basin Land Trust with his concept. He brought his brother Ben DeCloet on board, and funding from the two was combined with federal government funding through the Conserving Canada program to purchase the property. The DeCloet brothers provided $400,000 of the purchase price.
“As a family with deep roots in Norfolk County, we take pride in knowing this forest will be protected and enjoyed forever,” said Ben DeCloet. “Through this gift, we hope to encourage others to reflect on how they too can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Funding assistance also came from The Walter J. Blackburn Foundation, the James N. Allan Family Foundation and other donors.
Called the DeCloet Family Forest Legacy, the property is a diverse mix of wetland and forest, including habitats associated with cold-water streams vital to the region’s
ecology. LPBLT plans to undertake restoration efforts, such as removing invasive species and seeding open areas with native plants, to help the land evolve into a thriving successional forest.
“These lands build on a vital creek corridor that protects a rich variety of wildlife habitat and clean, cold water,” said Wendy Cridland, Executive Director of LPBLT. “The DeCloet Family Forest Legacy not only expands our network of protected areas but also highlights the profound impact that individual and family contributions can have on protecting nature.”
Paul elaborated further, explaining 42 acres of the property were wooded and the remainder was cleared. The field portion is being re-naturalized, with the goal to create an oak savannah. About 25 friends and members of the DeCloet family turned out to an event on May 17 to plant acorns in the field.
“It’s perfect for what they want to do,” Paul said of the property. “LPBLT has been a positive addition to the south of Norfolk County in terms of protecting lands like this for the future.”
In addition to planting acorns, a wide variety of native grasses, wildflowers and other tree seeds were planted on this property to create habitat for native species, including pollinators, from insects and birds to other species higher on the food chain. Over time, the site will add to the forested corridor along Clear Creek, protect the soil and help to increase carbon storage.
With the addition of the DeCloet Family Forest Legacy, LPBLT now stewards a total of 1,201 acres within the Long Point basin, one of the most diverse ecosystems in Canada.
JEFF HELSDON Grant Haven Media
On May 17, a family acorn planting event took place at a newly acquired DeCloet property, hosted by the DeCloet family.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Members of the DeCloet family stand next to the recentlyunveiled sign designating the DeCloet Family Forest Legacy, near Clear Creek in Norfolk County. From left are Paul DeCloet; Wendy Cridland, executive director of the Long Point Basin Land Trust; Ben DeCloet; and Peter Carson, president of the land trust.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Riddles
I'm tall, yellow, and follow the sun. Sunflower
I buzz and bite on summer skin. Mosquito
I'm hot, crowded, and love long weekends.
August
I travel in sandals, leave tan lines behind.
Sun
You swing me wide on a summer night, to sit outside without a bite. Screen door
Glow at night, take flight.
Firefly
PET OF THE WEEK
SPIRIT
Meet our Pet of the Week:
Spirit is an 8-year-old brown-and-black Domestic Shorthair mix with a curious, social personality. Always ready for a chat and some attention, he came in with his brother Monkey and loves to keep an eye on everything around him. Neutered and not declawed, Spirit is ready to bring love and character to his forever home.
www.simcoedhumane.ca
Weekly Crossword
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
Friday Nights at the Café Starts at 7:00pm
Join us for the 4th event in our New Health Series with guest speaker Sue Rivard as she leads: "Your Life, On Purpose: An Intentional Living Workshop" Everyone welcome! Come be inspired and take the next step toward purposeful living. Riversyde 83, 83 Sydenham Street in downtown Simcoe.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
Matthew Runaway on the Café Stage Show Starts at 6:30pm
Join us for an evening of heartfelt songwriting and dynamic energy with Matthew Runaway, a two-time Billboard Top 100 artist recently recognized as the Ontario Country Music Association’s Artist of the Month. Don’t miss this captivating performance from one of country music’s rising stars.
Riversyde 83, 83 Sydenham Street in downtown Simcoe.
MONDAY, AUGUST 25
BINGO NIGHT
7 p.m
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, AUGUST 30
Open Jam! Free Event Starts at 1:00pm Everyone is welcome to bring an instrument or just come out and listen to the music. Hot dogs available for purchase! Cash only bar, no debit or ATM at the legion
For More Information: call, the Legion at 519443-5588 or https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
The Wagner Memorial Teeterville Legion Branch 526- 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario
21st Annual Heritage Farm Show
The Backus-Page House Museum is gearing up for the 21st Annual Heritage Farm Show, August 30th & 31st. Featuring our Antique Car & Tractor Show, Threshing Demonstration, Food Trucks and FREE Museum Tours with musical performances by Feed The Ducks, Ness, Tim Wilford and so much more! Gates are open 10AM-4PM each day, admission $10 for Adults, Children are FREE! More information can be found at www. backuspagehouse.ca
The Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Line - Wallacetown
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Clothing Giveaway
Saturday September 5th - 5PM-8PM Sunday, September 6th - 8:30AM-11:00AM
St.James United Church - 150 Colborne St. S, Simcoe
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
TAKEOVER BINGO NIGHT
7 p.m
Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m
Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society. Proceeds will be split with the Norfolk County Terry Fox Run. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
45th annual Norfolk Terry Fox Run Registration is at 10 am. Opening ceremonies & warm ups at 11 am.
The Run begins at 11 am.
You can walk, Run, bike, roll 1 km, 5km or 10km. Dogs are welcome to join along! We offer refillable water stations, snacks & beverages & fun activities before the event begins.
Registration is at 10 am, with opening ceremonies & warm ups just before 11 am. The Run begins at 11 am. Participants return to the park & enjoy Dominoes pizza. For further information & to register you can visit run.terryfox.ca/norfolkcounty
Lions Ball Park Pavillion along the Lynn Valley Trail - 75 Davis St., Simcoe
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
BINGO NIGHT
7 p.m
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
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)
QUIZ
COMING EVENTS
TILLSONBURG FIREFIGHTERS ANNUAL STEAK BBQ FUNDRAISER - Get ready to fire up your appetite! The Tillsonburg Firefighters Association is hosting its Annual Steak BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Tillsonburg Lions Auditorium (45 Hardy Ave). Join us for a delicious steak dinner, served from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $30 per person, and kids under 12 eat free with hotdogs available.Tickets available through your local firefighter or by emailing dvan.occ@gmail.com
& AUGUST
Are you a motivated self-starter with a passion for sales and marketing? Do you thrive in a flexible work environment where you can set your own schedule? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
Location: Work from Anywhere!
Schedule: Your Own Schedule
Type: Commission
About Grant Haven Media: At Grant Haven Media, we are committed to delivering top-quality news and information to our readers. As a leading newspaper company, we take pride in our dedication to journalistic excellence and community engagement. As we continue to grow, we're looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our dynamic sales team.
If you are interested, contac t Heather Dunbar at : heather@granthaven.co m
If you are interested, contac t Heather Dunbar at : heather@granthaven.co
DUBAI, ABU DHABI & OMAN
JANUARY 16-28, 2 26 DUBAI, ABU DHABI & OMAN
JANUARY 16-28, 2026 FRENCH RIVIERA
APRIL 2 -MAY 4, 2 26 FRENCH RIVIERA APRIL 23-MAY 4, 2026
