Live Small Town Magazine Fall 2017

{treasure} FALL 2017

love local fall in

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It is Just down the Road & around the bend in Beautiful Southwestern Ontario.

top-notch Attractions, Art, entertainment, FOOD, DRINK, history & Outdoor Adventures.

All Closer to home THAN YOU THINK!

Live it for a day... Live it for a lifetime!

Your FREE Guide to Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brantford, NEW CREDIT, six nations of the grand river + Haunted Happenings / FAll Fairs & farm crawl Galore / Fine folks Aging Gracefully / A shopping spree in paris / Tastes of the season & a whole lotta unabashed, local pride!

The perfecT pairing of STyle, relaxaTion, local flavour & aTTainabiliTy

Whether you’ve come for a day of relaxation at our spa, to dine at our beautiful lake front restaurant that specializes in local cuisine or to golf on our expansive greens you’ll know you’ve come home! We’ve created an inviting playground for the young at heart and you are all welcome to join in.

davidsportdover.com // golfatdovercoast.ca // elementsdayspa.ca 2 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

What’s inside

COVER PHOTO COURTESY CANADA Tourism, CONTENTS PHOTO BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com

Live Small Town / FALL 2017

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Small Town Change Makers Meet some of the people, places and businesses making a difference in your community and learn how you can help.

Fall Fairs They’re old. They’re weird. They stink. We love them! So let’s take a peak at the yesterdays and todays of our region’s best harvest celebrations.

Farm Tour It is so convenient to pop over to the grocery store for food but have you ever stopped to think about the farmers who provide it?

Small Town Sunday Jay Perry’s Ultimate Insider’s Guide that highlights what to eat, buy, explore and indulge in around Brant County.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 3

What’s inside

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Team Magic Every dream begins with a plan, and our summer magazine would like to introduce you to the team of talented folks who helped to make Live Small Town possible.

Deep Roots We help bring local history back to life, and tell you where to look for heritage, knowledge and wonderment in your community.

Let’s get out and explore!

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Food for Thought Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth, a rich palette, or simply enjoy a night out on the town or quiet afternoon to relax, we’ve got the place for you.

Arts & Culture From world-class artists and live theatre to intimate concerts, get introduced to local talent and discover the best places to soak up and enjoy the culture.

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Earth to Table We roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty, bringing you new farming techniques, local heroes, and creative food/drink options in these entertaining and delicious pages.

Nature Calls When the weather is nice and your agenda is open, there’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors and we want to get you pointed in the right direction.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com

Live Small Town / FALL 2017

ADVERTISI NG F EATU R E

Eat, drink & be innovative!

We hear plenty of agriculture buzz terms: large and small-scale farming; precision technologies; environmental sustainability; global food systems; local farm markets; food safety and traceability; rural place-making and agri-tourism. How do all these pieces fit together in the industry? What jobs are available? Study Agri-Business Management at Fanshawe College and learn the ins and outs of agricultural production and food innovation in the 21st century.

Fanshawe College recently introduced a new graduate certificate program in ‘Agri-Business Management’ to respond to the needs of farmers, food processors, and agri-tourism businesses in southwestern Ontario. The program has been designed for students who have already completed a college diploma or university degree, or who have significant experience in the agriculture and food sector. Through the program, students will acquire in-depth knowledge, develop a network of contacts, and be prepared for a management position with an existing business. Some students may even be motivated to startup a new company!

Check out the line-up of courses: Agricultural Marketing, Food Safety and Traceability, Sales and Relationship Management, Employee Relations, Canadian Occupational Health and Safety, Managerial Accounting, Precision Technologies, Leadership and Management Fundamentals, Agricultural Finance, Pest Control Management, Issues in the Agri-Food Industry, and New Media Marketing. Beyond the classroom, students interact with guest speakers, visit farms, and enjoy experiential learning opportunities through work placements with local employers. A few students may have the chance as well for a summer job in the Fanshawe ‘Taste Test Booth’ at local farm markets, where we introduce new and innovative food products to customers.

Fanshawe offers the ‘Agri-Business Management’ graduate certificate in London as well as through the Simcoe/ Norfolk Regional Campus. Prospective students who enjoy the look and feel of a rural community may wish to look

closely at Norfolk County. Few regions can offer such an inspiring backdrop for an education in agriculture.

The diversity of crops grown in the Norfolk County is truly spectacular. Drive down the highways and backroads and one will discover an abundance of sweet corn, apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and lavender. Norfolk is the top producer of strawberries, squash, zucchini, cabbage, and rye in Ontario, and the leading grower of pumpkins, ginseng, peppers, asparagus, and tart cherries in Canada. Greenhouses contain lettuce and other greens, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal marijuana. Tobacco continues to be a lucrative crop for many farmers. Chickens, pigs, cattle and goats are raised locally. Sprinkle in a growing collection of excellent wineries and craft breweries, and the scene is set almost perfectly... the only way to make the image better is to jump in and get involved!

Students interested in taking ‘Agri-Business Management’ at Fanshawe should contact the program coordinator, Andrew Gunn, at agunn@fanshawec.ca. Employers in the industry interested in having students on work placements can get in touch as well.

634 Ireland Road, Simcoe, ON 519-426-8260 fanshawec.ca/simcoe Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 5

You’re more than a policyholder.

FALL 2017 VOL. 1 NO. 3 Art Director Kate Sharrow ILLUSTRATOR Louise Jessup PhotographERS

Georgia Atkinson, Nancy Domsic Kings, Marc Douglas, Dave Erauw, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Jane and Jury, Ryan Johnson, Ingelbert Lievaart II, Jay Perry, Kari Raymer-Bishop, Jessica Stirling, Erika Strada Writers

Georgia Atkinson, Norah Browne, Kim DiFrancesco, Dave Erauw, Kyra Hayes, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Kerri Kelly-Parkinson, Laura Mackenzie, Kerstein Mallon, Diane & Dave McCormack, Joanne McDonald, Giulia (Julia) Marchese, Shana Narciso, Emmalee Nother, Steph Roddick, Kate Sharrow, Veronica Skinner, Jessica Stirling, Erika Strada, Barb Travale, Jennifer Villamere, Tim Zwart

SOCIAL MEDIA

HOME

FARM

AUTO

COMMERCIAL

Georgia Atkinson, Helen Bingleman, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Patricia Howden, Kerstein Mallon, Kerri Kelly-Parkinson, Kate Sharrow, Erica Strada Small town Gal/Owner/ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Kerri Kelly-Parkinson kerri@livesmalltownmag.ca Small town Gal/Owner/ PUBLISHER Kate Sharrow kate@livesmalltownmag.ca

1400 Northumberland Street, Ayr 519-632-7413 or 1-800-265-8792

ayrmutual.com

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#ayrmutual

Live Small Town Magazine is printed four times a year and distributed throughout Southern Ontario within various tourist associations, related services, retail locations and home distribution.

Copyright 2017 Live Small Town Magazine.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Opinions and comments reflect those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the editorial and staff.

At the time of publication, we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

Please feel free to contact us with any concerns or corrections you may have.

Your local experienced builder of quality homes.

Innovative designs. Neighbourhoods of distinction. pinevesthomes.com

Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard.

Do not let the pain make you hate.

Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.

Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 7

Team Magic

Authentic people, engaging stories and a sense of community fellowship are what make small towns what they are, so it should come as no surprise that these are the pillars upon which the Live Small Town concept are built.

We’ve started our own “town” within these very pages, and we’d love to introduce ourselves and invite you inside!

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KERRI KELLY-PARKINSON

livesmalltownmag.ca Wow what a crazy fun year this has been! Adding to my title of Mom, Wife and Taxi Cab Driver is now Owner, Ad Director, Delivery Person, PR Rep, and Accountant! I am running here and there, meeting wonderfully supportive people and loving every minute of the chaos. Thanks to all of you! My family, friends, neighbors, and advertiser’s for helping Kate and I bring Live to life. I hope you will all enjoy the newest, Fall issue. The support and well wishes have been heart warming and I am incredibly grateful! Until the Winter issue, live, laugh, and love!

Emmalee Nother

NANCY DOMSIC KINGS

olliandella.com I was born with a wild imagination. My mother was naturally creative, so I grew up painting, planting, sewing, baking and creating. The second I picked up my first camera I became obsessed with capturing the small wonders around me. To date, my permanent creative status allows me to be an art director by trade, photographer by fate and remain imaginative by nature. I spend most days in the middle of a creative mess or treading lightly while adventuring with my husband, two funny kids and our little westie pup at our side.

KATE SHARROW

livesmalltownmag.ca With our premere issue out mid spring, it seemed that we were full swing into the second mag soon after and then the third. No breather just go! In our previous life, Kerri and I produced 12 mags a year and it was pretty easy... with only four magazines you might think we would be living a life of relaxation. Not so.

I guess the difference was that we had clearly defined jobs and now we have been propelled into the world of, fake it till you make it. Luckily a core team of friends and family have stepped in to join us and they were quickly followed by new friends. Thank you!

I’m a local lady with a love for all things country, hockey and small town. Born and raised in beautiful Haldimand County, my passion for where I grew up runs deep. My adventures have taken me from coast to coast in the entertainment biz but I always return home to my rescue dog, Duke and my cats on the farm.

NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL

I live in a beautiful small village on the shores of Lake Erie and am surrounded by family, friends, art, local beauty, goodness and of course my sweet dog Mia. I will explore all the hidden gems that our lovely wee towns offer and share those experiences with you on social media and in the pages of Live Small Town Magazine.

Jay Perry

jayperry.ca Over the last five years, besides working as a photographer being heavily involved in growing my charity, Friends With Heart, I have been spending my Sundays travelling to small pockets of Ontario and documenting my day trips online. Whether it be stories of unique individuals, #delicious #food, or #historic #landmarks, I’ve been detailing every event through photo, video and words. Look for this regular feature in Live Small Town Mag but also please like us on our Facebook​page as well follow my adventures on Instragram. I have some exciting ideas coming up and I can’t wait to show everyone the beauty that resides in our small towns.

J.C. VILLAMERE

villamere.com Besides shining a light on folks doing pretty amazing, change the world stuff in this mag, I also write for ET Canada, Villamere: The Lowbrow Magazine of High-End CanLit and I’ve just released a book: Is Canada Even Real? How a Nation Built on Hobos, Beavers, Weirdos, and Hip-Hop Convinced the World to Beliebe.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 9

SHANA NARCISO

realfoodmkt.ca I am a sustainable food advocate, small food business owner, mum to a brood of children and a partner to a local organic farmer.

Food is part of everything I do. I believe that the foundation of a healthy community is the quality of the food we eat and how it gets to our plate.

The B Now Bag ColleCTioNs were created to symbolize “living in the moment”. The B Now Company is proud of all five of its brand new bag collections for you to B Now! Contact 519-442-4467 for a private showroom visit or check us out on Facebook at The B Now Company to watch for upcoming open houses and expo events! thebnowcompany.ca

B Now Compa Ny

Adrianna Michell

The summers spent on my grandparent’s farm taught me about the importance of maintaining rural economies and supporting local farmers, businesses, and creators. Now as a university student living in a city, I still am connected to these values through my art, scholarship, veganism, and environmentalism.

I know that as I grow I should always remember where I was planted.

MARC DOUGLAS

marcdouglas.ca I wouldn’t change a thing about growing up in the small town of Paris where I discovered a love for photography. My goal is to show the beauty, strength and enthusiasm of my subjects. As a husband and father of two children, I am a proud supporter of all things involving childhood cancer.

Jessica Stirling

I am a mother to two spirited children and I am raising them rural. I am passionate about teaching them to enjoy life’s beautiful simplicity and the importance of supporting a local food system. I am a big dog lover and day dreamer who enjoys listening to music, wandering aimlessly through fields and forests while getting lost in all of nature’s splendour... typically with my little ones in tow. An arbitrary artist and a random maker of many things - knitted, crocheted, sewn and beyond – I’m always adding new mediums to my skill set and fine tuning those I already have. Much of my adventure is captured on my inspiring blog sowshegrows.com. Life is a journey worth slowing down for, so join me as I stop and pause for the turtles crossing the road.

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Tim Zwart

timjzwart.com I embrace being a round peg in a square hole. A walking contradiction, I am a single dad of two small children, an American void of ignorance, love poutine but not maple syrup, and love sports but not hockey. A publishing veteran, magazine editor and author. My first book, Reload, is available on Amazon.

Kerstein Mallon 16 Charlotte Street PariS 519.442.7211 hollyo.Ca

Growing up, in the land of fairies and leprechauns; twixt twilight and morning dew, I learned there’s more to life, than meets the eye. Exploring ancient ruins, offered an understanding of the past, present and future and how they intertwine. Now living in Ontario’s Garden, enables me to meet wonderful people and visit truly remarkable places. It’s my absolute pleasure to be able to share these unique stories with you.

Louise Jessup

etsy.com/shop/AllOverTheMapStudios I am a small town, artist gal based in Kitchener and I love the life we have “crafted”. When I am not creating, I am running madly after my four boys... sons William and Clark and a Portuguese Water Dog named Winston and of course my wonderful husband.

Quality Outdoor Poly Resin Furniture.

Outdoor & Indoor Area Rugs.

Home Decor. Outdoor & Indoor Metal Art. Garden Decor. Unique Gifts & So Much More.

Custom Restyled Vintage FuRnituRe & Home aCCents FoR Home & liFe.

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1019 Bay Street, Port Rowan 289-407-3008 dlakesidedecor@gmail.com

brusheddesigns.ca 30 Main St. S. Waterford 519-222-3505

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Patricia HOWDEN

After running away with the carnival for several years, I returned to Norfolk County to my beautiful piece of paradise in Port Ryerse. Thankfully surrounded by my family, friends and my puppy Ekko. One of the many things I enjoy is discovering the talented artist, crafters and traditions of the Six Nations people then sharing it with the followers of Live Small Town Magazine.

If you have ideas for the mag or would like to join our team, please feel free to reach out. Kerri and I running madly in all directions, soliciting help from friends, family and strangers on the street... we need all the help we can get! kate@livesmalltownmag.ca.

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LET’S GET SOCIAL!!!

With over 6380+ followers on twitter and 1300+ on Facebook, there was no shortage of praise for our SECOND issue of Live Small Town Magazine. Here are just a few of our Faves!

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Issue #2 seems to have less of a furry & feathered following!

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1 Thank you Natalie at Wabi Sabi for supporting Live wabisabicrystals.com 2 A welcomed shout out from Michelle Kopp. Owner of Paris Road Antiques!

3 The lovely Teresa Wybo of The 2nd Mouse Cheesetique in Delhi 4 The Bunkhouse Family Eatery in Delhi. The Greek Salad is to die for! 5 The gals from Ride The Bine and Lucy of Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery are loving our last mag! 6 We always enjoy stopping by Talking Earth Pottery to chat up Steve Smith.

7 Not so dirty girl, Lisa Ramey shares spa essentials at The Waterford Girl dirtygirlsoapstudio.com 8 Inspired by the mag, Grimsby lovely, Barbara Mackay hits the hwy with friends to explore. Destination Turkey Point and all points in between! 9 Lana Thomson and The Quilt Junction. Based in the old rail station on the banks of Shallow Lake in Waterford quiltjunction.com 10 Paris based blogger and wordsmith, Claire Francis enjoys living big in small town claireshegoes.com 11 Graham Ferguson of Long Point Island Hugger Tours chats up one of our readers who joined him for a tour after picking up mag!

Kathy Thomas Pluis Such a super little magazine. Editorial content is HUGE! This magazine has so much to offer.

It’s like a guide book to the wonderful communities just to the west of us.

Graham Ferguson Very blessed to open FB today and find this wonderful mention of the business online through Live Small Town Magazine.

Sharon Porter Check out this new mag about small town life in Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brantford, New Credit, Six Nations of the Grand River!

Nancy Domsic Kings Shop local. Eat local. Enjoy local. This next issue will be available, locally, soon! Thrilled to be part of this collaboration couldn’t be a better way to celebrate our small town community! Great job Live Small Town Magazine!

Jace Martin Very happy to see I am featured in the new edition of Live Small Town Magazine!! Also Santee Smith! Awesome!

Donna Ferrawey The second edition is just as fantastic as the first one!

Well done Kate & Kerri. We are so proud of you.

Kathy Thomas Pluis Who needs to travel far from home for vacation? We have it all within a few hours drive!

The Paris Wincey Mills Co It looks INCREDIBLE! So pleased to be a part of this issue.

Holly.O. BRAVO! Y’all did it again!!

Myles Rusak Your photography is absolutely stunning. Well done on this second issue!

Julie Marchese AWSOME love it so many people waiting for next copy Amanda Pinto DeVries Excited!

I enjoyed your first issue!

Brian Buck Winchester Classy people right here! They really know how to support people in their community! @sowshegrowsblog I’m thrilled to be a part of @LiveSmallTown magazine!

Check it out #HamOnt! @NorfolkTour Thank you @LiveSmallTown. Check out @clonmelcastle1 @MatzFruitBarn @RalphysRetreat @thecrepehouse @NorfolkBeer in this issue! #norfolktour @EriesEdge We got our hands on a copy of the new @LiveSmallTown magazine! We’re excited to turn the pages and see what’s going on inside! #Ontario

Kindness and caring is contagious!... It is the “bug” we should all hope to catch.

I am a huge believer in paying it forward... hence my desire to showcase all of these “earth angels” and shine a light on the meaningful ways they help the people in our small town communities.

Talk about it, get excited about it and most of all act on it!

I will be showcasing acts of kindness in each issue of Live Small Town Magazine. If you have a special story, person or place that you would like me to showcase please reach out. Wishing you all smiles, happiness and love. Kerri

Kids Can Fly: Early Child Development and Parenting Support Brantford and Brant County A local children’s charity that focuses on early learning through the delivery of many programs. Their Foundation program, the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is an early literacy program that mails an age appropriate book to a registered child once a month until they turn five. The books are selected by an advisory panel of experts. Thanks Kids Can Fly for your amazing dedication to children’s literacy!

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Change Makers, Having an Impact in a Community Near You! Sometimes it’s the little day-to-day things that go unrecognized in our lives which end up having the biggest impact

BY Kerri Kelly-Parkinson

kerri@livesmalltownmag.ca

Touch of Haven Simcoe and Dunnville touchofhaven.ca I am a horse lover so it would come as no surprise that I give a heart felt thanks to Touch of Haven. This Incorporated, Not for Profit organization has locations in beautiful Norfolk and Haldimand County. Healing journey’s through interactions with horses. This powerful experience can be life altering by increasing self-confidence and self-awareness. Never under estimate the power.

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A Knechtel Legacy Port Dover knechtelfoods.ca It is easy to spot leaders like Peter Knechtal, who not only has helped establish Port Dover as the Perch Burger, go-to-destination but has also has been a tireless member of the Board of Trade for 20 years and their president for four. An active citizen within Norfolk, co-ordinating, planning and building opportunities for economic growth while fostering a quality and inclusive, small town lifestyle for all.

But the fabric and values of community is a story that has to be told generationally.

It is thankfully a gift that is woven into us by those who have come before and Peter’s character is in part a testament to his parents Fred and Betty Knechtel. A hard working, young couple, who relocated to Dover in the 1950s and quickly began forging, not only a foundation for their children but also their extended family of Dover.

Thank you!

COmfORt & StyLE. CLOSER tHEn yOU Can ImaGInE! Hearth & Home has spent the last 40 years plus, specializing in gas fireplaces, heating, cooling, and water treatment products and services.

Focusing on the growth of our expertise, we have become Brantford’s home comfort specialists!

Offering many diverse and related services to make life easier for you and your family. We are proud to say that our growth is a direct result of our dedicated team of employees, our repeat business and referrals from satisfied customers.

To ensure satisfaction, we designed the House Trained Program.

Besides being schooled in every aspect of making your home comfortable, on the heating and the cooling side, it is instilled in every one of our employees to treat your home like their own. Leaving it as they found it, with a full clean up that stresses careful attention to detail.

At Hearth & Home we also pride ourselves on strong family values.

Through our support of charitable groups and programs, we hope to help them make our community the best place to live.

Are you looking for a new gas or electric fireplace? We invite you to

come and visit Brant County’s largest Fireplace Showroom! Let the experts at Hearth & Home assist you in designing your custom fireplace. All consultations are complimentary.

Did you know that your gas fireplace should be cleaned and inspected annually? This ensures its safe and proper operation. Fall is the perfect time to have this done, ensuring comfort and warmth all winter. Call us to arrange your fireplace cleaning and inspection at 519-756-4374. We will arrange for one of our qualified service technicians to take care of your existing gas fireplace.

224 Braneida Lane, Brantford 519-756-4374 24 HOUR SERVICE myhearthandhome.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SUMMER 2017 15

Home Grown

Behind every good person, there has usually been some good food. At Live Small Town, we’d like to celebrate both: highlighting the best local foods and recipes around, while introducing you to the creative and talented people who make them possible. From innovative techniques and ingredients to updated twists on some of our old favorites, this is your one-stop-shop for everything food, family, and fellowship related. After all, every food journey starts with a single bite!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Soups On!

The weather is cooling down, Making it the perfect time to cozy up with a bowl Full of local goodness!

BY SHANA NARCISO

It is the fall harvest at our organic farm and the fields and greenhouses are bursting with good food that would bring cooking inspiration to anyone! Between busy days at my market in town and kids, I join in on the weeding, harvesting, and cooking to re-energize my connection to food and cooking. The potato harvest is a favourite. Maybe it is my Irish roots, but I love to hunker down in the field and dig my hands in the cool wet dirt and pull out handfuls of gorgeous potatoes.

As a farmer’s wife and a food business owner, I see and feel the importance of eating everything the farm provides including the less popular crops such as purslane, mustard greens and lambs quarters which grow between the big sellers, like tomatoes, strawberries and spinach.

In this Real Food Kitchen recipe, developed by my

business partner and chef, Lia, she includes our favourite fall crops as well as some that are less commonly known to give you a nourishing soup that will warm and fill you up on the cooler evenings ahead.

Green Velvet Soup Yields: 6-8 servings 2 tablespoons sunflower oil 1 large onion, diced 3 celery stalks, diced 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 1 cup dried split green peas or fresh peas 1 head of broccoli, chopped stems and florets 1 teaspoon dried herbs, oregano, parsley, basil or a handful of fresh herbs 8 cups vegetable broth, low sodium 3 cups packed spinach, lambs quarters, collard greens and chard, stalks removed Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, potatoes, and broccoli. Stirring occasionally, until softened. 4 to 6 minutes. Add dried or fresh herbs and peas. Cook and stirring until fragrant.

About 10 seconds.

Add vegetable broth and bring to a lively simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until very tender. About 15 minutes.

Add the spinach, lambs quarters or other green leafy vegetable and stir.

Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth.

(Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Add salt and pepper to taste.

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

We like to focus on seasonal availability with the ingredients in our recipes. You should feel free to explore with food and flavour by substituting similar ingredients based on what you have purchased at your local farmer’s market.

Shana Narciso is a sustainable food advocate, a co-owner of Real Food Market & Kitchens realfoodmkt.ca based in Westdale Village, Hamilton. A founding member of The Kitchen Collective, mum to a brood of children, and a partner to an organic farming musician. So like most gals, she wears many hats! Food is part of everything she does in part because she has created her life to be this way, but also because she believes that the foundation of a healthy community is the quality of the food they eat and how it gets to their plate. She advocates that farmers need to be able to make a living wage so that our food can be purchased locally and naturally.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 17

Looking for something healthy and local? We have a bajillion places to suit all tastes and budgets. Here is just one delicious option. BY kerstein mallon Dining outside your home can be an adventure. It commands attention and deserves contemplation.

And so, a successful menu is determined by how good each recipe tastes, how the flavours and textures combine to create a harmonious balance and most importantly, an eye pleasing entrée.

The Healthy Rabbit located at 105 Brant St., in Brantford is certainly capable of exactly that. Their century home has been lovingly

converted into a nourishing treasure. The volunteer staff from all around the globe create an eclectic atmosphere and it’s apparent when you step into the eatery, that it is an extraordinary place.

Owner Justin Hensen and his crew, focus on making life a little better one spoonful at a time. Their vision is to promote holistic, healthy lifestyles in the community and to offer healthier, natural choices to those who want better lifestyles

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for themselves and their families.

At the Healthy Rabbit, they serve only wholesome, plant-based meals, full of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and herbs.

The vegan chef has crafted a menu of exactly the types of dishes, health conscious diners want to feast on, to suit any mood and budget. Complimented by cheery, knowledgeable staff, this local residence, turned restaurant feels like home. Their objective is simple; they honour the earth, the farmers, their customers, and each other, by using quality and locally sourced ingredients and by utilizing eco-friendly

practices throughout their kitchen. As well, the creative group of culinary adventurers, strive to create a close knit community by hosting events such as “Pay as you feel” on the last Tuesday of every month.

Folks are invited to come out to hear local musicians perform and dine on some of the flavourful creations prepared by the Healthy Rabbit team.

On top of the five star reviewed food and beverages, the Healthy Rabbit also sells an assortment of health and environmentally-friendly products. Both online and in store. All of which can be found at healthyrabbit.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com

Dining Out Farm to table

HARVEST CRUSH

Crush is a special time of year on the Ontario South Coast. Harvest is almost over, and production for the next vintage is beginning. It’s an exciting time for both wine makers and connoisseurs alike.

Besides award-winning grape and fruit wines, we are spoilt-for-choice with outstanding craft beers and crisp fermented hard ciders that truly reflect the uniqueness of the region’s climate.

Our climate can’t take all the credit as it is considerably helped along by some truly talented and passionate folks! One of them being Lydia Tomek of Burning Kiln Winery. Just over a year ago, Lydia joined the team as Head Winemaker and it has been an amazing whirl wind of sellout wines and new releases since.

Her wine making journey started at Brock University, where she graduated top of her glass from the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture (CCOVI) Program. With a profound love for learning and a desire to create amazing wines, she quickly began her hands on training at wineries such as Hillebrand Estates (now Trius Winery). Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate and Hernder and Harvest Family Estate Wines.

Exciting times are coming for the winery and Lydia, so be sure to take advantage of the spectacular, early fall weather, and taste it for yourself! burningkilnwinery.ca

Rich in heritage and situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Norfolk County, Burning Kiln Winery is uniquely built upon a repurposed tobacco farm. Honouring the historic charm of years gone by, they offer a wide range of wines including red, white, rosé and sparkling.

Last year they handpicked over 130 tonnes of quality grapes from their vineyard and 2017’s fruit is just as gorgeous.

Be sure to visit!

Our Compliments From Vintage Wines to Microbreweries and unique IPAs and Lagers, let us lend a hand with suggestions to accompany your meal or gathering

Hometown Brew Co. Langton hometownbrew.com With only one trip around the sun, this Norfolk brewery certainly is causing heads to turn with their two signature brews, Blueberry Saison (ingredients grown at the family farm) and Southern Ale. Both are uniquely refreshing and chock-ablock with flavour.

Congrats to Dusty Z. 2017 Ontario Young Farmers Award winner!

Howell Road Cider St. George brantviewapples.com Officially launching in June, the eighth generation of Howells at Brantview Apples are breathing fresh air into almost 200 years of tradition with it’s delicious cider. The winning combination of 20 apple varieties helped them sell out that first batch in three weekends.

Concession Road Brewery Co Jarvis concessionroadbrew.com Haldimand’s first craft brewery has plans to open their doors this fall in Jarvis. With a focus on small batch, seasonal, and experimental brews. Saison du Monde (Season of the World) will be a standing label featuring a variety of hops and local produce as it comes into season.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 19

On the Map

Farm Fresh Family values and hard work is what delivers good, healthy, and local food to our plates.

BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL

Carl’s Choice Meats Brantford, Paris, Cambridge carlschoicemeats.com Carl and Marca Norg wanted to give their six children a secure life built on a foundation of hard work, so in 1986 they opened their first shop and a tradition of offering flavourful, quality meats was born.

These valuable life skills have served their children well and allowed them to pass down the reins of a thriving business while continuing to offer 100% Canadian products.

Uniqpol Brantford uniqpol.com Make it traditional. Make it delicious. Make it healthy.

This award winning company opened in 1996 with a desire to offer a wholesome choice to deli meat lovers, while still delivering great flavour. Their nitrate free meats are made with only the leanest white turkey and chicken meat and seasoned with fresh garlic, onions, pepper, and traditional spices while using less salt.

H

D AL

IMA

ND COUN

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LAKE ERIE

VG Meats Simcoe, Stoney Creek vgmeats.ca The four brothers running this business believe that being involved in every level from farm to plate is key.

This 3rd generation crew raises small herds and focuses on a high level of care, ensuring quality products.

The tenderness of every cow they butcher is measured on a scale and only the highest rated are allowed to be sold as steak.

20 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

Wally Parr Sausages Caledonia wallyparr.ca Offering 100%, Canadian sausage since 1969, this Haldimand treasure knows a thing or two about diversification. They are making life a lot easier and tastier by boasting 200 + frozen meal options like lasagna, handmade Pierogi, burgers, veggies, and steaks. Hungry?

You can also order a jaw dropping, grilled sausage on a fresh bun smothered with amazing toppings to go!

Hank De Koning Limited Port Dover For 62 years this family run business has been putting quality meats on the tables of many families in the Port Dover area and honesty and integrity has guided this local butcher shop all these years. Their attached restaurant is a local darling, where you can’t get fresher meals. Be sure to try their scrumptious roast beef dinner, topped with the finest gravy you will ever taste!

Witteveen Meats St. George witteveenmeats.com Coming to Canada from Holland, Harry Witteveen opened his own shop in St George in 1951 then his son Doug bought into the business when he was only 17. Now Doug’s daughter Megan and son Joel make this a 3 generation business.

Proudly selling only the best AAA beef, Ontario pork, and local poultry. Doug has developed his own recipes for Kielbasa, hot dogs, bacon, and sausages.

NE IG

Culinary Arts

OURHOO D HB

NORFOLK COUNTY Normandale The Normandale Century Inn and Restaurant

2326 Front Rd, normandaleinn.com Stay for few nights or for a single meal and enjoy their licensed outdoor patio featuring delicious country cuisine.

PORT DOVER David’s Restaurant

168 New Lake Shore Rd, davidsportdover.com This refined Canadian restaurant with lake view, offers an upstairs lounge with live weekend music.

Knechtel’s

15 Walker St, knechtelfoods.ca A Port Dover signature beach front destination for over 50 years, serving Lake Erie Perch and Pickerel, burgers, foot-long hot dogs, and ice cream cones.

Stop by to watch the game, grab a pint, hunker down and prepare to never want to leave until you’ve eaten your way through our menu.

Whether it’s our sinful pizza, our stop-your-heart sandwiches, or our lick-your-figures-clean wings, we take pride in everything we make.

88 Main St S, HaGERSViLLE 905-768-4040

Lago Trattoria

301 Main St, lagoportdover.ca A menu that features freshly made Italian fare with seasonal twists. Enjoy fresh pasta, sauce, gelato, and more.

The Crepe House

2012 Park St, crepehouse.ca A quaint eatery set in an 1880s house features sweet and savoury crepes along with espresso drinks.

SAINT WILLIAMS Burning Kiln Winery

1709 Front Rd, burningkilnwinery.ca A spectacular winery that honours agricultural heritage, culinary, and cultural bounty of Norfolk County.

SIMCOE Barrel Restaurant

131 Queensway W, barrelrestaurant.ca A warm inviting atmosphere with fresh home-made Italian food, gourmet pizza, chicken, veal, seafood, and gluten free items. A casual Italian restaurant at its best. Celebrating 30 years of great food. Dine in, patio, takeout, and delivery available.

The Crepe house is located in downtown Port Dover.

Our crepes are made with fresh, local ingredients that can be served along side delicious coffee, local wine or beer.

The patio is also a lovely spot to enjoy local music in the summertime with a great view of Powell Park.

2012 Park St, Port Dover 519-583-9018 crepehouse.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 21

The Combine

352 Norfolk St S, thecombine.ca Fun, honest food built on local bounty.

Handmade brick oven, garden patio and wine menu.

Joy Bakery Café

126 Robinson St, joyofnorfolk.ca What an excellent place to visit with friends, drink good coffee, eat fabulous baked goods and simply relax! Locally sourced deliciousness at its best.

TURKEY POINT Sandbar On The Beach

45 Cedar Dr, sandbaronthebeach.com Come for the breathtaking view of Lake Erie from their incredible patio, then stay and enjoy a meal with an assortment of craft beers and a tasteful wine selection to pair.

Inspired by French Bistros and Lyonnaise Bouchon cuisine, Juniper Dining Co. is a modern fine dining restaurant with a comfortable and casual environment, located in Paris, Ontario. We marry quality local and seasonal ingredients with inventive cocktails, local beers and carefully chosen wines to create memorable experiences, time and time again.

3 ELM ST, PARIS 519-302-2200

juniperdiningco.ca

WATERFORD Kerry’s St. James St. Eatery

10 St James St S, A relaxing and nostalgically retro atmosphere with an amazing cup of joe and tantalizing homemade fare!

Ritzy Cakes & Eatery

20 Alice St, robinsritzycakes.com A spectacular small family-run bakery also serving coffees, teas, paninis, soups, Belgian waffles, breakfast and so much more. Did I mention their treats?

Vittoria The Catherwood and The Kiln

Featuring local food, groceries & prepared meals Fresh from local farmers, bakers & chefs; organic produce, eggs, coffee, dressings, meals, treats & more Visit the market or order online for pick-up

1008 King Street West Unit A, Hamilton 289-396-2392

realfoodmkt.ca

22 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

1560 Old Brock St, The Catherwood and The Kiln is a family style restaurant famous for homemade pizza, wings, and the Nitehawk sub! Dine in, or take their flavourful feasts to go.

HALDIMAND COUNTY CALEDONIA Argyle St. Grill

345 Argyle St S, theargylestreetgrill.com Upscale eatery at family friendly prices using mainly fresh and local products makes the Argyle a must try.

Oasis Drive-In

22 Argyle St S, Opened in 1927, Oasis is Canada’s oldest drive-in restaurant. Pop in for their tasty foot-long hot dogs, golden fresh cut fries or a big scoop ice cream cone.

Please let us share our restaurant with it’s unique coastal cuisine and tropical trend in one of Ontario’s best small towns, Port Dover.

2 Walker St. Port Dover 519-583-0880

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 23

Cayuga Shelly’s Family Dining Restaurant

1192 Kohler Rd, shellyscatering.wixsite.com/ shellysrestaurant This unique restaurant is set in a remodelled old church, and quite often has live music serenading it’s patrons.

The home-style fare is also heavenly.

Twisted Lemon

POI N NG T

Long Point Eco-Adventures provides you with a unique experience. From the moment you arrive on-site, you will feel the relaxing effects of nature, and the warm welcome of our staff.

We are a fun-loving, outdoor adventure company, here to provide amazing experiences with our world-class guides, zipline and canopy tours, accommodations and observatory.

LO

Adventure AwAits!

3 Norton St W, twistedlemon.ca Always expect a fine dining experience but make a reservation because this place is a hot spot for flavour junkies.

Be prepared for gourmet surprises.

-ADVENTURES ECO BOOK ONLINE

lpfun.ca

CALL 877-743-8687

DUNNVILLE Julia’s Bistro

217 Niagara St, juliasbistroandcatering.com Julia’s satisfies anyone’s craving for homemade Italian cooking while adding her unique style!

The Minga

146 Queen St, Serious coffees and sweets, many of their ingredients are organic, and most are sourced locally. You can’t beat their organic, fair-trade coffee for $1.80!

HAGERSVILLE Hewitt’s Dairy Bar

We invite you to experience our spectacular winery which honours our agricultural heritage and celebrates the culinary and cultural bounty of Norfolk County.

Open 7 days a week.

Come visit us during harvest.

2017 LIVE SUMMER MUSIC PATIO SERIES Every Sunday from now until the end of September 1-4pm

4210 Highway 6, hewittsdairy.com/dairy-bar Featuring an old-time lunch counter feel that looks right out of the 1950’s, a great selection of ice-cream treats and simple diner fare. A reminder that not everything has to change.

Main 88 Pizza Pub

88 Main St S, This place offers the best pizza around, with lots of flavourful toppings on a thin crust. The bar is well stocked with beer and spirits, and with three large flat screens, it is the perfect place to watch the game.

JARVIS D&D’s Family Dining

1709 Front Rd, Saint Williams 519-586-9858 burningkilnwinery.ca

2091 Main St, dndsfamilydining.com A restaurant that radiates a family atmosphere with great food and personable patrons. Make a reservation!

Devine’s Country Restaurant

116 Talbot St E, devinesrestaurant.ca 24 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

Documentary Lifestyle Photography

inspired by a wild imagination and documenting the intricacies that define daily life; celebrating the in-betweens, knowing that every moment counts Limited availability for Documentary Lifestyle Photo Sessions in 2017.

Email info@olliandella.com to book your session today! olliandella.com

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 25

Famous for their all-day breakfast, savoury lunches and homemade desserts that are nothing short of divine.

JOIN US AT THE

WINCEY MILLS MARKET Located in Downtown Paris

BRANTFORD Cafe Andreou

104 West St, Fine dining in a 1865 home with Italian and continental cuisine. Enjoy exquisite food with hospitality at its finest.

On the Lam

106 Queen st, onthelamrestaurant.com What a unique restaurant. Gourmet and RAW menus, fine wines, craft beers, old school cocktails all in a really cool location. Check them out!

Strodes BBQ & Deli

403 Fairview Drive, strodes.ca Open since 1937, Strodes not only carries a variety of select cuts of chicken, beef, poultry, lamb and other specialty meats, but also serves up homestyle lunch options.

LOCATED AT 31 MECHANIC STREET IN PARIS

WM-Live-Mag-Ad-Fall-2017.indd 2

BRANT COUNTY BURFORD Cravin a Burger

winceymills.ca

2017-09-08

121 King St, A burger place with a 50s 60s rock 11:47 AM and roll atmosphere that brags that their food; is not fast food, it’s just served fast.

The Log House

131 King St, theloghouserestaurant.ca With their family, sports bar geared atmosphere this eatery certainly is a small town gem.

Mount Pleasant Devlin’s County Bistro & Catering

Today I choose joy!

Dine-In • Delivery • Catering • Take-Out

barrelrestaurant.ca 26 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

126 Robinson st. simcoe 519-420-9999 joyofnorfolk.ca

704 Mt. Pleasant Rd. devlinscountrybistro.com This former combined general store, post office and residence, has been an enduring fixture in the community for over 125 years, adding Devlin’s Country Bistro in 1990. Offering contemporary Italian cuisine with a unique and delicious Californian flair.

St George Abigail’s Tea House

2 Main St, abigailsteahouse.com Located in an old bank in a picturesque village, they offer an exquisite dining experience in a calm and beautifully

Golf Now, Pay Later!

Join today as a Golfing Member for the 2018 season and play the remainder of the 2017 season for free.

Our rocks will hit the button when it comes to your curling needs! Little Rocks, Competitive, Recreational and Mixed leagues available.

DINING • CURLING • GOLF

It’s Where You Really Belong...

60 Ava Road, Brantford, Ontario 519-752-3731 matt@brantfordgolf-cc.com

brantfordgolfandcountryclub.com

The Paris Fairgrounds Your CommunitY’s Year round event FaCilitY The Paris Agricultural Society’s mission is to promote and conserve agriculture throughout the County of Brant and surrounding areas through our annual fair and provide facilities to enrich the health and education of the community as a whole.

Our vision is to have a solid volunteer base that provides a fiscally viable, environmentally friendly year-round event facility that will continue to engage, educate and promote agricultural awareness in the community.

parisfair.com

antique-inspired environment. Reservations are always recommended.

Chef In A Box

181 Brant Rd, chefinabox.com This gas station turned gourmet food truck (of sorts), sure is something to see, and the food is not bad either; especially the lobster mac and cheese.

Worth the trip and sure to fill you up!

PARIS Juniper Dining Co.

3 Elm St, juniperdiningco.ca Inspired by French Bistros and Lyonnaise Bouchon cuisine, this modern restaurant marries quality local and seasonal ingredients with inventive cocktails, local beers and carefully chosen wines to create memorable experiences, time and time again.

Stillwaters Plate & Pour

61 Grand River St N, stillwatersplateandpour.ca A globally inspired menu created by Chef William Thompson of Food Network’s Top Chef Canada, coupled with a breathtaking rooftop patio, leaves nothing left to the imagination.

The Cobblestone Pub

111 Grand River St N, cobblestonepub.ca This laid-back, old-time watering hole features a menu of gourmet versions of pub favourites, and is a mainstay for neighbours and visitors alike.

Call 1-888-442-2266 for your FREE catalogue

not just your Mother’s yarn shop anyMore

marymaxim.ca 75 scott ave, paris & 1025 Wellington rd, London

28 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

SIX NATIONS of the grand river TERRITORY Ohsweken Burger Barn

3000 4th Line, burgerbarn.ca Known for their amazing gourmet burgers that are always served with a surprising twist. Their southern style comfort food is sure to satisfy any appetite. Offering daily specials and all day breakfast. If you bring the whole family there will be something for all!

Village Cafe 1875 Fourth Line, If you are near Oshweken be sure to go to the Village Cafe. The food is reasonably priced, delicious and the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming.

If you are looking for something traditional, the corn soup is a must!

DOWNTOWN PARIS

Fall in love

Whether it be for beer and wings, steak and wine or a night out with the family, come experience casual dining the way it was meant to be.

CuStom deSiGnS at

cobblestonepub.ca

111 Grand River St N, Paris 519-442-1820

54 Grand river St. n. 519-442-2176

BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS & NOTARIES REAL ESTATE, WILLS, ESTATES, CORpORATE & GENERAL

31 Mechanic St. Paris Paris, Ontario. Wincey Mills 519-757-7617

unforGettable food unforGettable atmoSPhere!

Casual dining with a breathtaking panoramic view of the grand river.

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1 Grand River St. N, Paris 519-761-3591 mikmon.manes@sympatico.c RemaxTwinCity.com

19 WILLIAm ST, pARIS 519-442-2287 ghunter@tarrisonandhunter.com

tarrisonandhunter.ca

stillwatersplateandpour.ca 61 Grand river St n, PariS

519-302-3000

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 29

EARTH TO TABLE

Fall FairS

They’re old. They’re weird. They stink.

We love them! J.C. Villamere

s sweater season settles in, J.C. Villamere reviews the yesterdays and todays of our region’s best harvest celebrations.

St. George AppleFest Whether they’re sliced onto your grilled cheese sandwich (it’s good!) or acting as a makeshift pipe, apples are nothing if not versatile. This community festival in St. George’s quaint, British-y downtown core (GET IT?) is held the third weekend of September and celebrates the bounty of fresh, local apples with a weekend of live entertainment, pies, crafts, artisans, and kids activities.

The festival’s Twitter account (@StGeoAppleFest) promises “Something ‘a-peeling’ for everyone!” I’m only here for the puns and so far I’m not disappointed.

I know what you’re thinking: Is there some cider action happening all up in this jam? Not officially, but you can try for a pint at St. George Arms, the community pub in the festival district.

St. George AppleFest is so adorable it lists items contained 30 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

in the lost and found on its website. From the 2015 fest, folks.

This fest is so committed to helping you keep your shite together it’s as if it’s run by a mom who is somehow just the perfect amount of overbearing. No wonder this event draws 30,000 folks each year with Tim Cook-levels of apple enthusiasm.

Waterford Pumpkin Festival First off, I feel like they’re leaving a lot on the table by not adding “Spice” to the name of this event, which runs annually on the second weekend of October.

The festival website advertises a “towering pumpkin pyramid” but my Google Images search reveals that this is instead a terrifying pyramid of glowing jack o’ lanterns.

Note that this fest endeavours to fan the flames of community spirit by holding a business decorating contest.

Enjoy harshly judging the entries to yourself. Remember: as a prospective customer, you’re looking for a combination of ingenuity and attention to detail, but not a level of over-thetoppedness that belies that this business is all decor and no actual business. Unless it’s a decor

business. (Judge decor business SOLELY on their use/misuse/ overuse of scarecrows. Obvi.)

Then go on the midway, rally in the soapbox derby, cross your fingers that the Legion is sponsoring a wings and karaoke night again this year, then dig those fireworks. The top highlight of any event anywhere is always the dog show and this is no different. There’s a parade and also sometimes a Zombie Walk which is a death-themed parade. There is regularly a meat tray draw at the Legion so get in on that because that’s how popularity is gained: Meat.

Tray. Win. Caledonia Fair It was free to attend the first Caledonia Fair, held in 1873, but it’d cost you ten cents (about $2 in today’s coin) to see the homecraft and horticultural displays.

In 1878, the Caledonia Agricultural and Arts Society bought the fairgrounds from the feds for $250. Because horse racing was a major attraction, the society constructed a race track and it was so popular that it frigged up the fair’s pedestrian traffic.

This led to the unveiling of the famous Caledonia Fair Tunnel

Caledonia Fair

in 1909, which was constructed at a cost of $600 (about $15,000 in now dollars).

The only year the Caledonia Fair wasn’t held was in 1937 due to a polio outbreak. The province-wide flare-up of the highly-contagious and then-untreatable disease caused the cancellation of 289 of the province’s 533 fairs that year. At Toronto City Hall, an alderman suggested the CNE cancel Children’s Day because of the polio outbreak.

The mayor, furious, replied, “Do you want to kill the Exhibition?”

The alderman replied: “I don’t want to kill children.” Burn!

The CNE’s Children’s Day went ahead but the baby contest was canceled. (I guess if the baby isn’t awarded to a winner he just stays with his birth parents? Toronto is so weird) In the late 1980s, the Caledo-

When Ontario farmer and Pumpkin King, Howard Dill, now passed, sent one of his championship pumpkins to the U.S. for a competition, customs officials called drug agents, not believing that there could be a 616 pound pumpkin in the crate.

These days pumpkins surpass this weight, but nearly every prize winning pumpkin can proudly trace its roots back to Howard Dill’s Atlantic Giant Seeds.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 31

Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show

Apples have existed as a wild fruit since prehistoric times and have been cultivated for 3,000+ years. Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were among early cultivators.

Apples also fetched more than $100 a bushel during the Californian, Gold Rush, 1848-1855 for their versatility to be preserved.

nia Fair horse race track, now in disrepair, was closed and destroyed. The last race was run on the fair’s track in 1989 and two years later, the once-famous tunnel was covered over.

If you’re like me, you wondered when it was that people stopped loving to watch horses run really fast but then you were like, Oh yeah — horse betting!

Ri-ight. Government regulations squelched that. The enjoyment gleaned from watching horses run fast hasn’t changed, only the level of interest has.

Held the last weekend of September, nowadays the Caledonia Fair has it all: Demolition derby! The best beard contest!

A pet show! The midway! Ghost tours! A country music festival!

But don’t overlook the beautiful, haunting history that our agriculturally-based traditions can reveal to you.

32 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show This fair is as serious as a virus.

(Sorry.) Established in 1843, the weeklong event begins on the first weekend in October and it’s the oldest continuously-held fair in Canada — it even predates Confederation by 24 years.

The fair made international headlines in 1959 when “a lone male carried off top honours in a cake-baking contest.” William Flower, 49, “the only male participant” took both first and second prizes. Big ups for breaking that gender barrier, Mr. Bill! By the way, the United Press headline on the article, which ran in over a dozen major newspapers in the U.S. alone, proclaimed “Male Beats Females.” Ahh, 1959 — I think we’ve heard enough from you.

For three years in the early ‘60s, the Norfolk County Fair crowned the Tobacco King of Ontario, whose photo was featured in print ads for Player’s Cigarettes.

For the past 90 years, Young Canada Day has helped kick off the Norfolk County Fair.

District schools are closed for the day while students compete in events like tug-of-war and cheerleading. “It’s steeped in tradition. It’s part of the cultural fabric of Norfolk County,” fair president Alan Duthie has said.

“The energy in the grandstand on that day is palpable.” In 1976, Progressive Conservative leader Joe Clark was on hand to con-

St George AppleFest

gratulate the young winners. He would become prime minister three years later.

Past acts on the fair’s grandstand and beyond include high-divers, escape artists, giant pumpkins, country music stars, fire-breathers, and I swear to God I even came across a listing for live cows. I mean, you expect to see cows at a fall fair. And I’m no fall fair expert, but I usually take for granted that the cows’ condition will be “live” and not, say, “via satellite” or “on the barbecue” or “Damien Hirst-style” or “holy.” Naturally, my curiosity regarding the horse show has been piqued.

The Paris Fall Fair It’s so irritating when you’re trying to research the only Paris Fair that really matters in the world and all these pesky, lesser Parises keep popping up with their big “regarde moi!” tower and the cheese and their Exposition Universelle and whatnot.

Phooey, I say to them. Show me a goat show, some dairy science, hella quilts and handi-

Burford Fall Fair

crafts, a hard-core root vegetable competition, a demolition derby, and a duck race (also: a pig race) or let them eat cake, I say, for the Paris Fall Fair is the only Paris fair that matters.

First held in 1858 and taking place annually on Labour Day weekend, the fair features over 100,000 (!) rural lifestyle exhibits plus a midway and the best emerging country music acts that this country has to offer.

Across the Atlantic, they can have their fancy tower and their Moulin Rouge or whatever. The fine fall fair of Paris, Ontario, lays claim to one of the world’s greatest: Stretch II, built by the Spears family and 15 helpers, was awarded the coveted world record for tallest scarecrow at the Paris Fall Fair on September 2, 1989.

Stretch II was a whopping 103.5 feet tall. That’s a third of the height of the Eiffel Tower and that dumb tower doesn’t even scare crows, you guys. But what I like best about Stretch II’s story is imagining the Spears family putting out a call for helpers to build a friggin’ huge scarecrow and (at least) 15 helpers responded and were, like, “We’re in!”

In the other Paris, they say,

“Life is too short to drink bad wine.” Here, we know better.

Here, we know there is no such thing as bad wine. And most importantly, life is too short for short scarecrows. Vive la Paris.

Burford Fall Fair I’m not crying, you’re crying.

There’s something in my eye...

Okay, listen, when I read the history of this Thanksgiving weekend fair, I got the feels because what really stood out to me is how the community built this place, this setting, this tradition. It reminded me that fall fairs are more than just cotton candy and tilt-a-whirls, outof-town carnies and barnyard smells: Fairs are a party a town throws itself for citizens to come together, celebrate, show off a year of accomplishment, and share with your neighbours the secrets to your success (or torment them by withholding your secret recipe for your prize winning pie, but share the wares born of said secret).

The first Burford Fair was held in 1860, but by 1863 it was called the “World’s Fair” which is commendably (and adorably) ambitious. It’s been held on the present site since 1893.

Community service organiza-

tions figure large in the Burford Fall Fair’s ongoing success. In 1953, a Legion was constructed on the fairgrounds and the Lions Ball Park was opened.

In 1960, the Lions Pavilion was built and in ‘66 the community’s cenotaph was moved to the grounds. The Burford Optimist Club sponsored a new playground in 2014. The Pepper and Phillipo families helped bring about the new Agricultural Hall in 2013 and storage barn renovations in 2014. That same year, the Claire Family helped to install a horse show ring and a practice ring, and sponsored renovations to the Legion. The Brant Community Foundation helped replace fencing that year, too.

“The Burford Fall Fair really is a celebration, a perfectly timed celebration of agriculture,” says fair volunteer coordinator Chris Howell on the event’s website. “The success of the fair, past and future, is entirely dependent on individuals in Burford and Brant County who have a volunteer heart and are graciously willing to give some of their time to make the fair a success.”

Fall fairs and festivals are a celebration of rural life and a chance for urbanites to reconnect with the harvest season.

But even more than that, they are an opportunity for us to come together and see concerts and contests, apples and agriculture, pumpkins and parades, neighbours and nightfall and live cows and probably even donkeys sometimes, just as we have done in our great big small towns for well over a century.

The candy apple was created quite by accident! Kolb, the Newark candy maker was looking for ways to expand sales of his red cinnamon candy during the 1908 Christmas season and used an apple on a stick to display the brightly colored candy in the shop window.

Well it caught on and soon he was selling thousands of them each year.

J.C. Villamere knew how to drive a Ski-Doo by age 8, her body is 90 percent maple syrup, and among her prized possessions is a signed 8x10 glossy of Shelagh Rogers. She is the most Canadian woman in the world. Her new book, Is Canada Even Real? How a Nation Built on Hobos, Beavers, Weirdos, and Hip-Hop Convinced the World to Beliebe, is a fun history lesson, a blast from-the-past, and a quirky ode to a quirky land. She’s an alumna of the Banff Centre for the Arts who earned two National Magazine Awards for her work as a senior editor at Canadian Living.

Villamere’s writing has appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Style at Home, Elle, and more.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 33

SOW SHE GROWS

Little feet, big adventures Growing up on the edge of the city surrounded by fields with a country vibe, there is so much to explore. I should know, I grew up rural and now my children Lilah and Max have the pleasure of doing the same.

Chasing butterflies through the grass, picking dandelions and looking for chipmunks – country living at its best. There is so much wonder all around and it comes alive as I watch my little children’s faces light up with amazement at the discovery of fire flies and snapping turtles or as they see the plants they helped sow in the garden start to grow and bare fruit.

Driving through the countryside Lilah and Max amuse each other by playing spot that animal and identify that crop. Max’s tiny voice will pipe up with as much enthusiasm as his older sister’s – “corn” or “horse”. Their love of local food and farming is as strong as mine and we love checking out the farms we stumble upon like Vangro Farms!

This little shop is cozy and the service wonderful.

Occasionally we will stop along the roadside to watch the animals we see grazing in the lush landscape. The way calves, lambs, piglets and foals follow their mothers around is always so sweet.

There is great joy in witnessing the loving bond between baby and mom, I always wind up reflecting on my own motherhood.

Often our drives take us to local trails – the Grand River is a favourite -where we try and find new insects, plants or animals to learn about. The kids have fun taking pictures and once we return home we research what we have found. They’re

developing quite the collection and Lilah has her eyes set on being a botanist or entomologist someday (she is 6 so that may change).

We can also be spotted wandering through forested parks or collecting rocks on the beach at places like Rock Point Provincial Park. They have a dog friendly beach that we adore. And as an added bonus there is the Country Chip Wagon for ice cream on the way home! There is a lot of space at Rock Point to run and play as kids do.

That is the best thing about being a child, isn’t it?

Just being free to roam and pretend you are an archaeologist or on a great big ship chasing pirates.

It’s magic really.

Taking our time trekking about new places lets us enjoy not only each other but all of the fantastic places we find. Seeing first hand all of the beauty that surrounds us – it is incredible. Children are never in a hurry so they have this innate ability to slow us down if we let them.

The setting sun is often our cue to head home and as we make our way the sun, as Max says, follows us with its deep orange glow gradually tucking away into the horizon for the night. It’s in these moments that I am reminded that soon it will be time for fall harvest and we will begin another season of learning and growth.

Jessica Stirling is mother to two spirited children and is raising them rural. She is passionate about teaching them to enjoy life’s beautiful simplicity and the importance of supporting a local food system. She is a big dog lover and day dreamer who enjoys listening to music, wandering aimlessly through fields and forests while getting lost in all of nature’s splendour... typically with her little ones in tow. An arbitrary artist and a random maker of many things - knitted, crocheted, sewn and beyond – she is always adding new mediums to her skill set and fine tuning those she already has acquired. Much of her adventure is captured on her inspiring blog sowshegrows.com.

Life is a journey worth slowing down for, so join her as she stops and pauses for the turtles crossing the road.

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Farm TOUR

Times change, seasons change but one thing stays the same – farmers feed us every day. Whether these farms have been in the family for years or are new folks who are returning to their roots, these farmers are producing hearty harvests to serve at your kitchen table.

Written by Emmalee Nother 36 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Marc Douglas - marcdouglas.ca

Naturopathic Doctor and organic farmer Richard Tunstall

s the leaves turn from vibrant green to rich shades of red and orange we know fall is just around the corner. Soon our interests change from taking day trips to the beach to weekend hayrides and pumpkin patches. Frolicking from farm to farm harvesting fresh, local produce to serve for our family meals. Indulging in comfort foods made with local fruits like cobblers made with orchard fresh apples and slow-cooking a hearty, grass-fed beef stew.

This fall, you don’t have to go far to get your fall fix. Include some of these local farms in your autumn daytrips and revel in their beautiful bounties of fresh fruit, veggies and meats.

Hearts Content Organic Farm heartscontentfarm.nationbuilder.com If you’re looking for a truly unique farm experience, head to Heart’s Content Farm in Brant County. Balancing on the Hamiton-Brant border this beautiful organic farm just off of Jerseyville Road takes fresh, organic veg to a whole new level.

Started in 2007, Heart’s Content Farm became certified organic in 2014. Owner and naturopathic doctor, Richard Tunstall, works with new farmers to grow a bountiful variety of heirloom vegetables, fruit and medicinal herbs.

Along with the plentiful produce, you’ll often

see their Belgian work horses, several sheep and a donkey on the grounds helping with various chores reducing their use of tractors and fossil fuels, keeping their carbon footprint as minimal as possible. This helps keep the farm off the grid and sustainable, something everyone on the farm takes to heart.

Dr. Tunstall also runs his naturopathic business from an on-site eco health centre, often running educational public workshops on how to live off the land through wildcrafting, foraging, fermenting and preserving foods. They also host a variety of events like an edible, medicinal plant walk that teaches skills to find and use wild, native plants for food and every day healing practices. Naturally, this farm has so much to offer.

Heart’s Content also provides weekly produce boxes filled to the brim with their delicious, organic vegetables. For over a decade, these boxes have been delivered all over Ontario to families for a weekly fee. Imagine, beautiful local, organic vegetables, fruits and herbs delivered to your door once a week!

Some of their amazing vibrant veggies include kale, potatoes, beets, rhubarb, basil, cilantro, and mint. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try their ground cherries, tomatillos, arugula or their colourful rainbow assortment of Swiss chard.

During the Fall season, you can’t miss a special stop here. Their heirloom veggies, organic squash and plump pumpkins are perfect for homemade soups and hearty, harvest meals!

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 37

Our roots dig deep

Norton Farms nortonfarms.com The next stop on this farm tour takes us down the County Line, literally. Located on the Norfolk side, near Hartford, sits Norton Farms - a small farm with huge offerings.

A labour of love for owner Ken Norton and his family, the former chef takes great pride in raising top quality livestock, in a compassionate and natural environment, while serving the community.

Founded in 2013, Norton Farms operates on the simple principles that local and natural equal sustainable. Their bountiful selection of mouth-watering eco-friendly meats, including pastured pork, free-range chickens and their top selling grass-fed beef, give local families a much needed option outside of the supermarket.

The farm was born in an effort to improve the quality and taste of foods Norton was feeding his family and to share that bounty with the locals. As a chef, he noticed that mass produced meats and produce were becoming tasteless and knew that proper, organic farming was the solution to the problem.

Welsh Bros. Farm 38 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

For those who may not live close enough to purchase their products from their store or are looking for a unique way to sample some of their meats, they also have a Community Supported Agriculture membership program. The CSA box offers a plentiful array of their finest meats at a monthly subscription. Available for pickup or delivery, this ensures as many people as possible have the opportunity to eat their quality meat anywhere in Ontario.

Doing their part to save the bees, Norton Farms also has their own hives which they extract honey from on a seasonal basis. The raw, unpasteurized liquid gold is harvested several times a year, unlike the regular twice a year. This gives each collection its own unique flavour. The bees take pollen from the native flowers on the farm, giving each batch notes of the most popular blooms. The recently harvested Late Summer honey is a rich golden amber and has notes of local alfalfa, clover, aster and goldenrod. A great way to sample the natural, seasonal tastes of the county!

YU Ranch yuranch.com There’s a little piece of Texas hiding in Tillsonburg. YU Ranch has been raising traditional Texas Longhorns for over a decade. These majestic creatures are typically associated with the Lone Star State and are now being raised in our own back yard.

About fifteen years ago, owners Cathy and Bryan Gilvesy transformed their original tobacco farm in Norfolk County into a fullblown ranch, filled with one of the most iconic

Brantview Apples & Cider brantviewapples.com The roots of Brantview Apples & Cider run very deep, almost 200 years deep. Founded in 1821, their orchard produces some of the finest apples in Brant County with an impressive 20 varieties to choose from. This eighth generation family farm offers whimsical tractor rides through their lush orchards where you can pick your own harvest at your leisure.

Welsh Bros. Farm welshbros.ca The Welsh Bros family farm has been a staple in Southwestern Ontario since 1855. Nestled in the small village of Scotland, they are best known for their premium sweet corn and fresh, organic asparagus.

This fall, make sure to visit them and pick up a Jamaican pumpkin, also known as fairytale pumpkins. Both delicious to eat and a magical addition to your harvest festivities.

Farmer, entrepreneur and chef Ken Norton of Norton Farms Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 39

Executive Director at Alus Canada and Proprietor of YU Ranch, Bryan Gilvesy 40 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

Jason Persall of Pristine Gourmet

looking types of cattle on the planet.

These bovine beauties were once tossed aside due to their lean meat, but are now making a resurgence for the exact same reason. Longhorns are not only a more health conscious choice for beef eaters, but they are also a hardy, disease resistant breed that prefers minimal human interaction. Local restaurants like The Combine in Simcoe and Port Dover’s Lago Trattoria have certainly taken notice and feature the YU Ranch Longhorns on their menus. Restaurants as far as Guelph, Kitchener and Toronto also highlight YU Ranch’s Longhorns in their daily offerings.

Operating their farm on strict principles of sustainability and environmental standards, YU Ranch is focused on maintaining the ecological importance of their farm. Out of their 100-acre ranch, 45 acres is preserved as a Carolinian Canadian woodlot, allowing native trees and plants to grow naturally, encouraging a healthy, local ecosystem. They also use solar power to pump water to the cattle and are constantly modifying and improving their ecological practices to ensure the highest level of sustainable farming on the ranch.

Their attention to detail with their livestock and the environment has won them over a dozen awards including the 2009 International Texas Longhorn Breeder of the Year.

If you’re curious about these large-horned beasts, they’re truly magnificent to watch. The folks at YU Ranch encourage you to come watch their herd and if you’d like to purchase some of their award-winning beef you can contact them through their website.

Spruce Avenue Farms

Richardson’s Farm & Market brantviewapples.com Best known for their maple syrup, Richardson’s Farm and Market is a sixth generation farm located just south of the Grand River, outside of Dunnville. Although most flock here for their sugar shanty in the early spring, this farm has one of the most intricate and creative corn mazes in Haldimand County during the autumn months.

Pristine Gourmet pristinegourmet.com If you’ve ever taken the backroads through Villa Nova, you’ve certainly noticed the rolling fields of bright sunflowers. These sunny blooms are one of the crops grown by fourth generation Canadian farmer Jason Persall.

Crafting award-winning pure virgin sunflower, canola and soybean oils with passion, Pristine Gourmet and the Persall family truly live by the field to fork mentality.

Spruce Avenue Farms Surrounded by some of the oldest and largest spruce trees in Brant County, Spruce Avenue Farms has been in the Sayles family for an impressive six generations.

Known for their long history of award-winning Jersey cattle, this family run farm was also given the title of 2014 Farm Family of the Year for their many community contributions.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 41

Local artist, Louise Jessup uses her love for design and creating to bring local neighbourhoods to life in her typographic neighbourhood, county, and country maps. They can be also purchased on etsy.com/shop/AllOverTheMapStudios

OUR TOTALLY INSIDER, TOWN-BY-TOWN, HIDDEN-GEM-BY-HIDDEN-GEM, GUIDE TO WHAT’S NEW, HOT, AND LEGENDARY IN THE COUNTY OF BRANT. ALL THE STUFF YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST EAT, DO, BUY AND INDULGE IN TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME OFF THE SOFA AND LOVING OUR COUNTY! WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAY PERRY

The County of Brant is one of the loveliest, local counties to explore. It is so rich in architecture, amazing shops, history, and expansive, rolling farm land. Whenever I get a chance, I head that way, just to take it all in, listen to tunes on the radio, and unwind.

I have visited St. George many times 42 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

and every time I do, St. George Arms is my first stop! Pints seem to taste more favourful here. Can’t wait for AppleFest in mid September! I’ll have already had my fill of Groovy Grilled Cheese, Sassy Sisters Dips, Grand River Cloggers, and hopefully a wee bit of Howell Road Cider, by the time you read my ramblings.

Speaking of fairs, last week I got my first taste of fall at the Paris Fall Fair

and had a “Fiddling Good Time”. I had no idea it was in its 159th year. They sure do know how to put on a show, with everything from derbies to stunt dogs, and everything in between.

That was my first visit to Paris and with Christmas strangely on the brain, I decided to return and explore a wee bit more. I also brought my mom as a tag along this time, since she is the best shopper I know.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 43

It was an easy drive in from my Stoney Creek home and we were instantly greeted with the one characteristic I always relate to all small towns. The one thing that separates big city life from small town living.

Free diagonal parking in the core!

We parked and started our journey down the street. My mom, who is always looking for new jewellery for her granddaughter, popped into Paris Jewellers. While I waited, I had a great conversation with the man

behind the counter, Ed. A very pleasant individual and he gave my mom some of the best customer service I have ever seen. While chatting up Ed, I felt something tugging at my pants. I glanced down, only to find the most adorable cockapoo named Sophie and she was quite the ham.

Posing for my camera and keeping us entertained. Can you imagine a small dog roaming free in a big city jewellery store? The customers would lose their minds! If you visit this area,

make sure to pop in and say hi to Sophie... err... I mean Ed. Our next stop was The Wincey Mills Market. A massive, reclaimed wool mill, filled with local vendors, ranging from food, boutique shopping, cafes, and they even had a musician playing acoustic guitar in the sitting area. All of these incredible booths, housed inside this 125-year landmark reminded me of Quincy Market in Boston. With the same charm, on a smaller scale.

My mom bought a fox print scarf from Turquoise Skies for my fox-everything-collecting Aunt, who coincidentally boasts the last name Fox. I had a great conversation with Gina from Jiggs-n-Reels about the history of the building. I have to admit that it was hard to keep eye contact as they kept drifting over to the mussels that needed to be in my belly.

Then I spotted something else that channeled my inner child and eight year old Jay returned for a brief moment. Dessert! The most beautiful ice cream cone you could ever imagine.

“You already have reservations for lunch”, my mind kept telling me.

But I decided then and there that before I left this beautiful town, I CONTINUED TO PAGE 46

Get Inspired! County of Brant is rich in the art Boutique Shopping. Here are just a few places to get you thinking.

Abigail’s Tea House St. George abigailsteahouse.com This full service tea house serves high tea and delicious light lunches.

They also sell quality loose leaf teas from around the world and a small array of antique bric-a-brac, vintage jewels, tea themed items and sweet treats to go. Be sure to make a reservation because this place is hopping!

44 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

Dragonfly Landscape Supply Paris dragonflylandscape.ca Besides carrying every landscaping supply you can imagine, Dragonfly has one of the most diverse gift shops around. With ever changing, home and garden décor items, timeless artisan accents, jewels, candles, scarfs, and even furniture, you should come back every week.

The Classic Vault Emporium St. George A local fixture for over 25 years, this 10 vendor co-operative, offers a wide array of new, vintage, handcrafted, antique and retro merchandise. Including sports collectibles, women’s fashion, fine and costume jewellery, accessories, greeting cards, furniture, home decor and so much more!

Spotted the work of local lovely Holly.O. I will be back for her annual autumn art show and sale in her home studio. Celebrating all things bright and colourful!

November 11 and 12, 11am - 5pm. 16 Charlotte St. in Paris. hollyo.ca

Donn Zver Pottery Troy donnzver.com 45 years ago Donn opened his studio and began sharing his distinctive line of stunning, glazed, and functional, stoneware pottery. After shopping plan to enjoy a meal in the attached Cafe Troy. The chef works closely with area farmers to present the best of local freshness.

Chocolate Sensations Paris & Brantford chocolatesensations.ca Since 2003 this delicious, sweet spot will single handedly widened the waist bands of every customer who is fortunate enough to follow their nose to their candy counter. Imagine anything covered in fudge and chocolaty goodness and they have it!

Paris Jewellers Paris With 22+ years to perfect his boutique shop, the owner, Ed, has built up a very loyal clientele where you feel less like a customer and more like a friend. Not limited to jewellery, they also carry large prints, wall clocks, giftware, stemware sets, Crabtree & Evelyn, home dĂŠcor and more!

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 45

would return to claim this sweet treat.

Our day continued with us traveling shop to shop. The downtown was much like a fairytale haven to my mom. She is insanely into Christmas decorations and they had a place for that. She is big into unique home decor, and they definitely had a few places for that. Need books?

Well, then pop by Green Heron Books. Into health food? So is the Paris Health Store. It is a wellness 46 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

store and yoga studio combined. You can find pretty much everything in the quaint town of Paris.

Besides diagonal parking, the other thing that says “small town” to me, is the local Home Hardware with almost 1,100 independent, small business operators, in every corner of Canada and Paris is host to Tough’s Home Hardware. My mom purchased some curtain hooks but then the palm tree, metal artwork

caught her eye. They were sitting on the shelf right next to canvas paintings. They seemed to have everything here!

It was time for some lunch and we had a patio spot over looking the Grand River reserved for us at Stillwaters Plate & Pour. Upon sitting down, our waitress politely asked if we wanted any blankets to keep us warm. Although it wasn’t that cold, it was a kind gesture and it foreshadowed the quality of service we were about to receive.

We started with the Cast Iron Arugula and Three Cheese Dip. A delicious twist on the popular spinach style dip. Served warm with fried flat bread. My mom ordered the Steak Sandwich and I followed with the Perch Sandwich. Oh man!!!!

Was it all ever good! The hot cheese dripping from the spoon as we placed it on the warm flat bread. The only thing I regret is that I had to share the dip with my mom. We even battled for the last bite.

When our mains arrived we were

both in shock to see the size of my mom’s dish. It’s a full piece of steak on a bun and not the traditional steak shavings you might expect. I’m not much of a steak person, but my mom did say it was fantastic.

When my meal arrived, I was anxious to dive in as I love fish.

Served with french fries and a side of coleslaw, my seasoned crispy perch with lettuce, tomato, cheddar, and charred lemon aioli was on a soft roll, and was everything I had imagined it could be. Absolute perfection!

Before heading home, there was one more important matter that needed taking care of. Dessert!

I ventured back to Wincey Mills, thew open their market doors, akin to

busting into a western saloon, ready to take on anyone in my way. The floorboards made a subtle creaking noise as my quick strides brought me face to face with my conquest. Now at the Crazy Plates booth, I shook myself back to reality and calmly said, “I’ll take one of those.”

The Homemade Nutella Ice Cream Sundae was a breath taking medley of peanut sauce, Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a luscious cherry to top.

I could see people staring at it as I brought it over to our table to eat.

“Holy <insert obscenity of your choice>, I need one of those,” a passerby bellowed. I dug right into

the mammoth dessert and it was the best sundae I have ever had. All my favourite things in one cup. Minus Doritos that is.

My day spent in Paris was exactly what I was hoping for. I experienced their incredible, small town charm and I also was able to share it with my mom. Truly the perfect little spot to spend an afternoon shopping, eating great food, and enjoying the company of friends. If you enjoy the water, you can also rent a canoe or kayak and explore the Grand River.

Thank you for a great day Paris.

We’ll see you again soon.

Thank you for reading. I had such an great time making my way through County of Brant and I know that I only scratched the surface, as every small town has something unique to offer. Next issue you will find me exploring Brantford. If you have a place that you think I should check out, please feel free to send me a message. Follow me on Instagram at @smalltownsundays to view stories and additional photos that you might not see in the magazine.

Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 47

Living History

As our nation spends the year celebrating its historic 150-year-Anniversary, we should all take a moment to reflect on the numerous stories, places, memories and people that have truly made us one of the greatest places on earth to call home.

Each of our communities, counties and towns have contributed their own unique piece to the tapestry that can collectively be called Canada; and there is no better way to chart a course towards the future, than by glancing back to honor the past.

48 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy Ontario Tourism

Deep Roots

The haunted

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it is difficult to explain away the unexplainable and creepy!

BY kerstein mallon A life and death sentence In 1837, The Norfolk Tavern, in Port Dover was the “Royal Exchange” and The Brig, a location to detain law-breakers. Nowadays no one is detained against their will, although this wasn’t always the case. There are tales of malevolence, of rebels suffering injustice, of misguided Fenians searching for freedom, only to find certain death at the gallows. Many renegades ended their lives at the Brig. Is there some legacy trapped in the foundation? Who knows? Without a doubt, there is history there.

It is said, there is an angry American solider, storming through the basement, seek-

ing revenge for his wrongful death and a lady ghost, who likes to have her drinks sent upstairs, by means of a dumb waiter, which apparently exists behind the large mirror in the main bar.

The walls of the Brig have definitely seen their share of Canadian History and can entertain the most curious supernatural seeker.

A ghost town revisited Indiana, Ontario is a forgotten ghost town. In 1863 the thriving lumber town was home to many settlers. Today, it is known as Ruthven Park and it looks like a southern plantation. The once prosperous settlement, used the Grand

River to transport lumber, but in time, the Grand Railway made its way across the country and the lumber town didn’t stand a chance. As the boats disappeared and lumber was sent to be processed in larger ports like Toronto, the folks of Indiana had very little choice.

They moved on, abandoning the town, their homes and departed loved ones. All that remains today, is the beautiful mansion, a rough looking town plot and the graveyard, which is predominantly Irish.

The area is said to hold a strange, unsettling energy and there are reports of ghostly sightings including, a little girl named Bessie, an old squire and even a famous Canadian actor.

The sinking feeling that you are not alone Many vessels have been lost to the menacing swells of Lake Erie. The torrid conditions of the “Witch of November” are often blamed for the mysterious disappearances

of ships. But to locals, there is another reason why these ships go down. According to legend, ‘The Black Dog of Erie’ is said to appear when ships are about to run into trouble. The stories imply that the dog curses the ships.

The black hell hound has been described with “eyes like coals of fire” and is a very bad omen. He appears on board a doomed vessel from the water and leaps to the other side, disappearing under the waves. The dog is said to have caused the wreck of the Mary Jane, in 1881. A storm drove it ashore, causing it to smash to pieces near Port Rowan.

All nine crew members were lost. Before the ship set sail on its final journey, it is said that workers on the wharves, saw the Black Dog leap from the schooner and vanish. So take heed, should the hell hound materialize before embarking on a journey, perhaps it would be best to stay ashore!

Scare In The Square, Downtown Brantford. Oct 6 - 7, 2017 brantford.ca, Ghost Walk and Dark History Tours ghostwalks. com/ruthven, Creepy Caledonia Tours caledoniahistory.org/tours, Glenhyrst Ghost Hunt with Six Nations Investigating Paranormal Encounters. Oct 28 + Children’s Monster Mash Dance Party Oct 29 glenhyrst.ca, Fear Farm at Snyder’s Farm in Ayr fearfarm.ca, Black Donnellys - Movie Screening with Q&A, Strand Theatre, Simcoe. Nov 18 strandtheatre.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 49

Aging Gracefully

In this fast-paced age of instant gratification, it’s often easy to overlook and under appreciate the value of a hard day’s work. Sometimes the best results come from patience, process and purpose; after all, good things come to those who wait. BY Tim Zwart

Please feel free to reach out and let us know about other special folks, businesses, and organizations that are aging gracefully within your community!

History is all around us, and sometimes it pops up in some of the most unlikely of places. Have you ever been in your favourite local spot, looked around at the charming atmosphere surrounding you and thought to yourself: I wonder how long they’ve been here? As a writer and history buff, stumbling across a great story can be exhilarating. But sharing that story, conveying the emotions I felt and invoking them in others, is where the real excitement and sense of satisfaction lies. The following are five of my favourite examples for the latest instalment of our Aging Gracefully series.

STRODES BBQ and DELI

Brantford strodes.ca For the past 80 years, one name has been associated with meat in the Brantford area; and that name is Strodes. Opening its doors in 1937, this family-run establishment has been a community staple for quality meals, meats and service ever

50 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

since. Home to the busiest (and most delicious) deli counter in the area, it is not uncommon to find lines extending out the door, and people patiently willing to wait for the mouth-watering goodness inside. The food they prepare is second to none, and their in-house butchers will gladly carve, chop or cut your favourite meat however you like it to take on the go.

BONNIEHEATH ESTATE LAVENDER and WINERY

Waterford bonnieheathestate.ca A local farming enterprise with origins dating back to 1801, Bonnieheath Estate has been at the forefront of the agricultural industry ever since. Originally a fruit and a tobacco farm, it was purchased by current owners Steve and Anita Buehner in 1990, and has since undergone quite the transformation. With a picturesque locale and a wholesome business model that is rooted in community, Bonnieheath is now home to a variety of crops, such as apples, wine grapes, small grains, and lavender.

traditional zoo or safari experience; these big cats are up close and personal, and you are within armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach of a tiger, lion, jaguar, leopard or lynx throughout your entire trip. The zoo takes you through serene, quiet, wooded trails, and gives you the rare opportunity of experiencing some of the most amazing creatures in natureâ&#x20AC;Ś without having to worry about an over-crowded, commercial experience. bawcutt centre

bawcutt centre by Kari Raymer Bishop - sweetendeavours.com

NORMANDALE CENTURY INN and RESTAURANT

Vittoria normandaleinn.com Located in the very heart of Norfolk County, Normandale Century Inn boasts a history that goes back centuries. Originally founded in 1875 under the name Normandale General Store, this icon of local industry has seen its share of owners over the years, but one thing that has remained constant is the steady flow of its clientele. In 1996, its current owners decided to expand its operations, adding an inn and a restaurant to the charming period storefront. Featuring genuine country cuisine, rustic dĂŠcor and a family atmosphere, the Normandale is poised to be a staple in the community for centuries more.

Paris Nothing says both age and grace like Gothic 18th-Century architecture, and perhaps the best local example of this is The Bawcutt Centre, residing at 13 Burwell Street in Paris, ON. Originally built in 1854 as little more than a main floor and bell tower, this iconic structure is set to undergo some major restorations in the years ahead, in a quest to once again become the talk of the town. Imagine a place in Paris to hold weddings, gatherings, events, or to see your favourite indie artists play; imagine the incredible sense of pride and ownership one can take, witnessing a true piece of Canadian heritage transforming and joining the modern era. Paris Old Town Hall is back, as vibrant, connected and central to the community as ever. And there are many more decades of life left in her.

Killman Zoo

Caledonia thekillmanzoo.com Sometimes in life we are fortunate to witness something truly awe-inspiring, and an afternoon spent at the Killman Zoo is definitely one of those times. The Killman family has operated this amazing attraction since 1988, and the atmosphere they have created is truly a site to behold.

As soon as you park, you are greeted by a lion, mere inches away from your car! This is not your Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 51

On the Map

Past & Present Breathing new life and rekindled purpose into lost sanctuaries, with food, music, and creative endeavours.

BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL

Shellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Dining & Catering Service Cayuga Shelly Wilkins and husband Wray bought the 1897 Kohler Zion United Church near Cayuga and opened for business in 2011. Shelly is thankful for her amazing staff and supportive family who help her offer her home style meals in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

Grooving to their Wednesday morning jam session while feasting on $4.50 brekkie is another blessing!

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Windecker Road Films Cayuga windeckerroadfilms.com When local film maker, Graeme Bachiu, purchased this 1892 Methodist Church near Cayuga it had had two previous owners after being converted into a residence in the 1970s. It was not his first choice but he is happy he listened to his wife since the acoustics and good vibes are perfect for his home based film making business.

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Paris Plains Church Paris When Levi Broughton, who was responsible for many of the beautiful cobblestone buildings in the Paris area, built this little church in 1845 he did not know that by 1921 it would become obsolete. In 1948, after years of neglect and vandalism the church was given new life and today you can book your wedding and begin your own new life in this little piece of Paris history.

The Good Bread Co. Vittoria goodbreadcompany.ca Rick Posavad has plans to convert the 1853 Baptist Church in Vittoria into a bakery and will be moving the aptly named Good Bread Company from its present location in the village to this 250 seat sanctuary. His vision of creating a unique cafe and hosting future concerts in the oldest Baptist church in Norfolk County is nothing less than a recipe for success.

St. Judeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church Brantford What seemed like the deal of a lifetime was actually a scheme to attract a bidding auction. $1 for this 1871, Gothic style church filled with famous murals and beautiful stain glass windows. It then re-listed and sold to unknown buyers for a higher price. Having been designated a national treasure in 1993 we will have to wait and see what her second life will be.

Windecker Road Films by Ingelbert Lievaart II

Cranberry Creek Gardens Delhi cranberrycreekgardens.com It is not an easy feat to move a 1881 Gothic, wooden Baptist Church from St. Williams to Lynedoch, but Jody Bodnar proved it can be done. Now this stunning church sits amidst beautifully, tranquil gardens and has been the venue for over 450 weddings and concerts. Your special day would be nothing short of spectacular surrounded by the beauty and history in these gardens.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be friends!

We are not a registered charity; we are a community of friends working together to restore the magic of Christmas for families in need and over the last 7 years we have raised $65,465.57 and provided 786 children with positive Christmas memories!

friendswithhearts.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 53

Heirlooms & Antiques Looking to spend a day antique hunting?

Need to find that perfect period piece to enhance your home? Take a drive down our country roads, stopping at flea markets and local shops to search for treasures then pop into one of our quaint eateries for some local fare... From east to west and north to south here are some of our favourite places.

Alfred Street Nostalgia

97 Alfred St, Brantford Caresa Antiques

1182 Windham Rd 9, Windham Centre CJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Antiques & Refinishing

4080 Hwy. 24, Vanessa cjsantiques.ca Classic Vault Emporium

12 Main St, S, St George Courtland Antique

Warehouse By appointment courtlandantiquewarehouse.com Courtland Treasures

283 Main St, Courtland Crossroads Antique Market

1146 Colborne St E, Brantford Haldimand House Marketplace

22 Argyle St S, Caledonia haldimandhouse.com Maus Park Antiques

289 Pinehurst Rd, Paris mausparkantiques.ca Nice Old Stuff

InspIre Create MotIvate Kids & adult Classes Birthday parties Day camps

2037 Main St N, Jarvis niceoldstuff.ca One of a Kind Antiques & Collectibles

97 Wilson St, Woodstock oneofakindantiquemall.com Paris Road Antiques

548 Paris Rd, Paris parisroadantiques.blogspot.com Ryerson Scully

35 Chatham St, Brantford Tillsonburg Antiques Plus

6 Old Vienna Rd, Tillsonburg Waterford Antique Market 518 Main Street, Port Dover 308 Grand River St N, Paris â&#x20AC;˘ petvalu.com

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226-567-5500

80 B Alice St, Waterford waterfordantiquemarket.com Webster R Antiques

1146 Colborne St, E, Brantford

MARC DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

marcdouglas.ca

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Arts & CULTURE

Lawren Harris, Ice House, Coldwell, Lake Superior, circa 1923, oil on canvas.

From the collection at the Art Gallery of Hamilton

Lawren Harris

1885 - 1970 As an artist myself, it gives me great pleasure to know that Lawren Harris, a pioneering leader in twentieth century Canadian art is a fellow Brantfordtonian!

He produced a phenomenal collection of work that defined the image of Canada that continues to be profoundly ingrained in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity. A founding member of the Group of Seven, Harris progressed from simply painting northern landscape to seemingly capturing its soul.

This year Brantford hosts the first annual Lawren Harris Week October 16-23, 2017. A free series of events celebrating the Brantford born artists and highlighting the abundance of cultural assets in the community. There will also be an unveiling of a permanent piece of art in downtown Brantford.

Looking Back

Arts and culture are an important resource in our path to building stronger connections with the present and the past. Serving to document and preserve stories and ensure that history is shared. They beautify public spaces, help forge relationships where there is diversity and become stewards of strength in community. At Live Small Town, we love to promote local participation and bonds.

We believe one of the best ways to engage is through the arts.

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DT Concert Series Paris dtconcertseries.com Established in 2016, The DT Concert Series runs monthly from September to May in the historic Dominion Telegraph in downtown Paris.

Showcasing some of Canada’s most talented musicians, the Series is the brain child of Husband and wife team and Toronto transplants, Tim Des Islets and Michelle Kloepfer of Noisemaker Management.

Eva Brook Donly Museum & Archives Simcoe norfolklore.com It seems that there is new hope for this quaint museum and archive of Norfolk history. Post-secondary student Wesley Wilson, armed with over 700 signatures recently pleaded with town councillors to keep her doors open after its closure was announced.

Instead, the site to be used as a county archive.

Rob Lamothe Dunnville roblamothe.bandcamp.com Defining himself as a husband, father, writer, singer, and activist. Dunnville’s Rob Lamothe is an artist who moves smoothly from roots to country pop to rock.

He is also the singer and guitarist from Los Angeles rock band, The Riverdogs and after 6 years has reunited to record their fifth album entitled California.

Six Nations Polytechnic Ohsweken snpolytechnic.com As of this past June, Six Nations Polytechnic is now offering an accredited undergraduate degree that focuses on the Ogwehoweh Languages of the Mohawk and Cayuga nations. It’s goal is to further continued the development of Ogwehoweh cultural understanding and to prevent these languages from being lost.

DT Concert Series Photo by Jane and Jury - janeandjury.com, Six Nations Polytechnic Photo by Ryan Johnson

Sanderson Centre

The Sanderson Centre in Brantford is the perfect example of a local hidden gem renewed.

Opening in late 1919 as a vaudevillian, silent movie house and named the Temple Theatre, it boasts a glorious star studded life.

By the late 1920s feature films quickly eclipsed vaudeville and Famous Players purchased this lovely gal and converted her into a cinema, renaming her The Capitol. In the mid 1980s the City of Brantford purchased her and restored her to her former glory.

Kicking off in North Bay on September 30 with more than 24 dates still to be announced, Barenaked Ladies will be gracing Brantford’s Sanderson Centre on October 12, 2017 during their coast-to-coast Canada 1 Five 0 Fall tour. They have also partnered with plus1.org to collect $1 from every ticket in support of musicounts.ca whose aim is to put musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them most.

Together for just shy of three decades, the Barenaked Ladies have produced 15 albums which have collectively sold 14 million+ copies, won eight Juno Awards as well earned multiple Grammy nominations.

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Kim DiFrancesco

Dave erauw

Norah Browne

Barb Travale

Brantford kdifrancesco.com Quite by happenstance, I have become a painter of dogs. The first commission was the big blue dog with sleepy eyes and a red collar that hangs above the fireplace in Blue Dog Cafe in Brantford. His name was Oreo. He was a chocolate lab. This classic portrait “bust” is how I compose most of my dog portraits.

I sketch out the space in my works. I work freehand, using distinct brush strokes and plenty of colour. I paint the dog’s eyes in near the end. Without the eyes I focus on colour and shape, and with the eyes the painting becomes the dog with a name and personality. With vivid colours, free brush strokes and a touch of humour, the dogs are a true joy to paint!

Caledonia erauw-photo.com As a photographer, I’ve always been inspired by my surroundings, nature and the people around me. Capturing moments and memories that are so unique to the eye, that it causes you to stop in your tracks; this is why I do what I do. I thrive on thinking outside of the box, so that I can catch the shot that so easily passes us by.

Being from Caledonia, my business has blossomed exponentially because of the beautiful landscape that has been at my exposure. The town has always been supportive of my work and I highly enjoy giving back to them and the community. There is nothing more satisfying to me than when my work brings joy to another.

Simcoe backporchpotteryportdover.com Growing up on a fifth-generation bucolic farm in Norfolk County, nature has always been my muse.

Nature with a twist, as I’m drawn more to the untraditional beauty of misshapen tree, and quirky woodland creatures.

I’ve experimented, but I feel most comfortable with the texture and endlessly malleable nature of clay.

Raku, earthenware stoneware, sculpture wheel work, and hand building are my passion.

My undergrad in Fine Arts at Fanshawe College and studying with master potters at Mohawk and Sheridan helped hone my skills, but my community has given me the confidence to blossom.

Simcoe I was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and have lived and travelled extensively across central Canada and Europe.

I am self-taught artist, who started painting in October 2015.

My first medium of choice was acrylic, but I have since discovered the magic and versatility of water soluble oil.

I usually dream about my next project. Virtually-painting it, then all I need to do is put the paint down onto the canvas.

I am inspired by strong light and shadow and enjoy capturing memories of my life journey. I rise early, head to the studio and paints every day. This is the key to my success.

The only way to learn to paint is to do it!

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Brant, Haldimand & norfolk Community information dataBase

info-bhn.ca

search for information on • Housing • Health Services • Children & Youth Services • Seniors’ Services • Home Care • Government Programs • Libraries • Recreation • Service Clubs • Mental Health Services • Counselling • Financial & Social Assistance • Disability Support Programs • Newcomer Services • Food Banks • Parenting & Family Programs • Employment Services • Transportation Services

Events & Activities MUSIC VENUES

In each issue, Live Small Town will highlight a few of the diverse entertainment venues that our counties offer, and what makes each one unique and worth attending.

New shows and events are being added all the time, so be sure to check your local listings and news sources for updates, and spread the word!

The DT Concert Series

97 Grand River St N, Paris dtconcertseries.com This seven-part music series housed in the historic Dominion Telegraph Event Centre in downtown Paris, Ontario, is presented by Arlington Hotel and Noisemaker Management.

It is an intimate venue, offering an up-close-and-personal musical experience with some of Canada’s most talented live performers.

S A L E S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E

Matt Shellington

Brando’s on Market

515 Park Road North Brantford, ON N3R 7K8 BUS: 519-756-8111 DIRECT: 519-717-7038 mattshellington@gmail.com

135 Market St, Brantford brandos.ca When the sun goes down on Market Street, the party is not far behind and you’ll find festivities aplenty every night. A hot spot for local bands and talent, including rock, funk, soul, blues and live DJs every week, you can tell right away this isn’t your average bar!

David’s Restaurant

168 New Lakeshore Rd, Port Dover davidsportdover.com Every weekend this beautiful, waterfront venue pairs live music with the best martini and wine selection around, adding a delicious menu that boasts the bounty and spoils of Norfolk County.

Flyers Bakery and Cafe

144 Queen St, Dunnville flyersindunnville.com/ Here at Flyers you’ll find a crazy combination of sweet treats, savoury soups, local history, art and concerts.

Whether your jam is folk music, rock or jazz, there is always something to rock out to. They are also billed as one of our great breakfast joints, so come 60 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

for a visit, stay for the night, catch a show and enjoy our beautiful county for the day. You won’t regret it!

La Salette Historic Church and Hall

88 LaSalette Rd, LaSalette lasalette.ca Nestled in the scenic rural hamlet of LaSalette Ontario, this magnificent Gothic Revival style church now acts as a community owned and operated venue for local concerts and theatre.

Feel free to reach out to rent this location for your event, or check out their website for booked performances.

• Is Everyone Canoeing Without Me? • Why’d they put Drake in a wheelchair?

• How do you get #JustinTrudeauHair?

Manny’s Place Live Entertainment

125 Stanley St unit #2, Brantford mannys-place.com Manny’s has all the elements of a great concert venue. A clean lounge setting, pub style seating with flat screen TV’s for the sports enthusiast, weekly events and live entertainment on a huge stage that is fully loaded for sound and lighting.

Available from your favourite bookseller

OLG Casino Brantford

40 Icomm Drive, Brantford 519-752-5004 olgslotsandcasinos.ca Besides the obvious entertainment, there is always something going on at OLG Casino Brantford. From comedy, to Elvis tribute bands, to a wide array of current musical celebs, check out their web calendar for exciting lineups.

Shared Harvest Community Farm & Educational Centre (and music)

834 North Shore Dr, Dunnville sharedharvestfarm.ca A certified organic vegetable farm that also is host to live music, music festival Turnip the Beets, harmonica retreats, music dinner nights and open mics. PLUS tons of workshops and educational opportunities for all ages. They focus on community support that focuses on working together to make a healthier, happier more engaging life for all.

Whistling Gardens

698 Concession 3 Townsend, Wilsonville whistlinggardens.ca Truly a match made in heaven...

Waterford Old Town Hall has teamed up with Whistling Gardens to offer some pretty signature concerts of Juno award winning talent, such as Sarah Harmer and Ron Sexsmith. More to come, so stay tuned.

dundurnpress

@dundurnpress

dundurn.com

Stress does not just go away...it accumulates.

Make hot stone massage therapy a regular part of your personal health plan.

CONTACT PATRICIA HOWDEN PORT RYERSE 226-206-1372

Explore Haldimand!

Haldimand County’s Fall-Winter 2017-18 Community Guide

Discover community events & programs, municipal information, tourism destinations, business resources and much more.

View it online at HaldimandCounty.on.ca or pick up your free copy from any County office, library or museum.

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Out & About

Seasons are ever changing. The altering weather is a gentle reminder that all things end, but can begin anew. Search out the treasure trove of things to see and activities to do in our communities. The skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the limit when it comes to natural beauty and outdoor adventure, so grab your fishing rod, pack your sunscreen and dust off your hiking boots - the great outdoors are calling!

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PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy ONTARIO TOURISM

NATURE CALLS

Diane and Dave McCormack

Nixon My hubby of 40 years, Dave, started off in Northfield and I was a Simcoe girl. Having lived in and around the GTA for 30 years, it gave us great joy to move to Norfolk and share it’s beauty with all of our friends and visitors.

We both agree that the secret of coming home is to not expect it to be the same as it was when you left. Admire it for what it is now and don’t be afraid to jump in and get involved.

Small Town. Big Dreams!

Have you been dreaming about a small-town life? Just maybe the six lane gridlock has finally gotten to you, or the hubcap thieving desperadoes, the constant bedlam of mega urban hoo-ha, or the dogged clip of tar paved expansion. What ever the reason, you are not alone. These are just a few folks who have geared down, jumped off the crazy train and made a new life worth boasting about!

BY Kate Sharrow

Giulia (Julia) Marchese

Laura Mackenzie

Dunnville I was born and raised in east end of Hamilton where our community was our family.

Moving to a small town brings back memories of my childhood and my father.

His passion for giving was so great and I remember him bringing sandwiches to the homeless and saying, “I cannot give you money but I will give you food.”

They truly appreciated his kindness. These memories have driven me to serve my community and what better place to do it then Dunnville.

Port Rowan Living in a small town is a lifestyle. A way of life that embodies less, being more.

Less convenience. Less people. Less lights. Less fast food. Less Big Box. But also more air. More trees. More sky. More local shopping.

More smiling. More spirit.

More connection. More heart. More noticing...When I lived in the city, I would drive through a small town, blink and move on to the next long stretch of road that lay ahead... Never noticing less was more.

Steph Roddick

Mt. Pleasant I was born and raised in Toronto and I always loved it there, but at 15 my family decided it was time for change and headed west to Brantford. I was scared at first but I came to love it there. Now on my own I live in Mt. Pleasant. A little town just outside of Brantford. It is beautiful, quiet and everyone is friendly.

I plan on staying here for ever because in this community, everyone is connected and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Kyra Hayes

Veronica Skinner

Dunnville I’m a recent Hamilton – Haldimand County transplant and I absolutely love it. I’m a ten minute drive from the lake and ten minute walk to the Grand River, which, as a nature-loving dog owner, it is a total dream. My neighbours are really wonderful. Everything I need (groceries, etc.) is within a 2-3km radius of my house and I’m never battling traffic to get anywhere! I tell everyone I know that ‘going rural’ is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Paris We moved our family to Paris from Kitchener when we found our dream home.

At the time I was unsure about moving to a small town, but it has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Less distraction as both my husband and I run businesses, the kids have more freedom to run and play without worry, we have a better quality of life and even our oldest son has noticed the difference in the way people treat each other saying “everyone’s so nice”.

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OUT ORDINARY

The healing benefits of gardening is good for the mind, body and soul with positive effects on everyone. BY JOANNE McDONALD Gardening has always aided in healing my spirit. Filling my soul with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subtle energy by bestowing nourishment through sight, smell and touch.

Whether I am digging in the dirt, compelling a seedling to emerge or arranging flowers to gift to a friend, I believe that at my core, we speak the same language.

64 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

After what seemed to be two consecutive years of pregnancy, I found myself struggling with a deep sadness and the inability to comb my hair, brush my teeth and change out of the smelliest pair of flannel pajamas. I am not sure what compelled me, but one day, to the helplessness of my husband, I dug up our front

lawn and filled it with basil. Everyday with two babes at breast (no joke) and neighbours walking by in dismay, I sat in the dirt pulling flowers off in hope of encouraging root growth.

I often reflect on that time of my life and am thankful. That summer introduced me to my new friend, the garden. The harvest that healed my spirit and helped me find a sense of identity in my new life as a mother. It always makes me chuckle but I can honestly say, basil saved my life!

MAIN photo courtesy Ontario Tourism

OF THE

The Woodland Cultural Centre

The centre offers an excellent nature and art based workshop that introduces students to healing and food plants and their cultural importance to First Nations people. A walking tour of the grounds help students see these plants growing in their natural environment and using water colour painting techniques they reproduce the plants as art.

St. Williams Nursery and Ecology Centre

Located at Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Forestry Station in Norfolk, the centre specializes in native seed and plants for biodiversity conservation and operates over 400 acres of field production and 10 acres of greenhouse space. Making it the largest nursery of identified native plants in the province. They also offer ecological restoration services to restore degraded ecosystems.

Fanshawe College Healing the body Besides lifting your spirit, there are so many plants that are actually native to our region and offer real nourishment and healing. Many of our ancestors understood the value and could recognize these plants but through time and industrialization many of us have lost this knowledge.

Luckily traditional medicine and healing have always been a part of the foundation in Indigenous society and the wisdom has been preserved. Here are just a few local resources to help us all reconnect and be healed by nature.

The Adventure Expedition and Interpretive Leadership program at Fanshawe College is a two-year diploma level program that offers students an extensive introduction to the value of wild edibles and medicinal plants. Its classroom is our Carolinian region. Truly one of the most biologically-rich region in Canada.

Boasting more then 2,000 plant species, including 70 different kinds of trees.

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OUR TOWN

Barefoot & Free

Memories that last a lifetime and inspire direction, generation after generation are forged in the sand.

BY georgia atkinson Growing up in St Kitts, most weekends, Easter through to Thanksgiving, were spent at our family cottage in Port Ryerse on the north shore of Lake Erie. Every Friday after school, Dad would back our fully packed car up to the school door and at 4 o’clock I would run out and head to the lake with Mom, Dad and lil’ brother Jerry.

We were serious cottagers too. Not just fair weather folks like most. We would make this hike through all types of weather, every weekend plus have an extended stay all summer from July 1st to Labour Day! The drive from St. Catharines would take just over an hour but I could hardly sustain the drive with my excited anticipation! I would soon be free to roam the beach, discover wild66 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca

life, go barefoot and just be me! It was my favourite place!

Years later in University, I wrote a Sociology paper defining the most influential experience of my developmental years. I wrote about those days at our Port Ryerse cottage and my vivid memories with my Dad in the boat, heading across the lake to the lighthouse on Long Point. Spring cleaning the cottage with the whole family, as we would drag the mattresses outside to air and my special job shining the windows. The quiet times when Mom would light candles and let us stay up late to watch a storm move across the lake... as soon as the candle would drop into the Chianti bottle, it was time to head to bed.

One of my favourite family traditions was the big neighbourhood Thanksgiving bonfire on the beach that we would host and the burning of OL’MAN SUMMER. (Mom’s way of getting rid of Dad’s worn old baggy pants!)

Many years have past. As the child became the parent, I carried on our Ryerse cottage traditions. Hoping to instill the value of caring for the environment, a passion for keeping family close and the desire to run free, uninhibited while always remembering to be themselves.

tourism@brant.ca â&#x20AC;˘ brant.ca/tourism

@branttourism

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Long Point

Beach Club