{beloved} FALL 2020
Eat DRINK and BE FULL of Thanks
top notch Attractions, Art, entertainment, FOOD, DRINK, history and Outdoor Adventures It is Just down the Road AND around the bend in Beautiful Southwestern Ontario
Live it for a day... Live it for a lifetime!
Your FREE Guide to Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brantford, Oxford, The villages of Hamilton + MEET YOUR NEIGHBOURS / TEAM MAGIC / Fine folks Aging Gracefully / Farmers gaining ground / NOISE MAKERS / Delicious Dishes GALORE & a whole lotta unabashed local pride!
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2 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
For the love of plants + fashion
From the crisp, fall season to short, cold winter days, eising Garden Centre has everything you need to decorate your porch. We have an array of mums, corn stalks, pumpkins, straw, and much more. and when the seasons change once again ushering us into the chill of winter, eising’s selection of winter urns will make the final transformation of your porch this year into a beautiful winter wonderland of decor and greenery. sassyfras also has an assortment of fall fashions that will keep you warm and cozy throughout the cooler seasons. sassy has many layering options available, as it is important for our ladies to be able to put on and take off layers as needed... are we right??? Open MOnday - Saturday 9am-5pm september 1 - december 23 (Closed thanksgiving monday)
519.428.4607 814 CoCkshutt Road simCoe
eising.ca
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2019-2020 3
van Osch & Co. Timber Frame - A Timeless Craft.
With over 20 years experience, we build modern and traditional timber frames and custom homes across Ontario. We also proudly supply Passive House-certified OPTIWIN windows to Ontario and eastern Canada. Located in the beautiful Haldimand County community of Cayuga, we take pride in building quality homes that will withstand the test of time for generations to come.
2694 River Road, Cayuga 905.515.1670 ian@vanoschbuilding.com 4 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
vanoschandcompany.com
What’s inside Live Small Town / FALL 2020
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Let’s Get Social There is never a shortage of praise for Live Small Town magazine with so many local- loving folks reaching out via social media. Here are just a few of our faves!
Small Town Sunday Jay Perry’s Ultimate Insider’s Guide highlights what to eat, buy, explore and indulge in around Ontario Southwest.
Gaining Ground 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?
Meet Your Neighbours Never before has community been more important and these three individuals are actively bringing us all closer together.
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Team Magic Every dream begins with a plan, and our current magazine would like to introduce you to the team of talented folks who helped to make Live Small Town possible.
Photo Courtesy Ontario Tourism ontariotravel.net
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Small Town Changemakers Meet some of the most amazing people, places and businesses making a difference in your community and learn how you can help them do it.
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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.
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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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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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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. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2019-2020 5
Love Where You Live! FALL VOL. 4 NO. 2 PhotographERS
Jimmy Bowskill, Tara Carpenter, Thomas Dault, Nancy Domsic Kings, Marc Douglas, Spicy Jan, Sandy Marincic, Jay Perry, Mike Schymkiw, Erika Strada, Nicole VanQuaethem, Melissa Vaughan Writers
Tara Carpenter, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Spicy Jan, Gloria Kingma, Kerstein Mallon, Sandy Marincic, Adrianna Michell, Emmalee Nother, Jay Perry, Lorraine Roy, Tara Shannon, Kate Sharrow, Erika Strada, Nicole VanQuaethem, Sara Moody Veldhuis, Jennifer Villamere, Tim Zwart Copy Editor
Jennifer Villamere
SOCIAL MEDIA
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“Shelly Gracey is the best real estate agent by far I have ever hired.” “She’s A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!” “We have worked with a few agents and no one compares to Shelly!” “She is the most dedicated and honest agent you will meet.” “Shelly really cared about us finding the perfect place for us to call home.” “I give her 5-plus stars over & over again!” Join over 5,000 others on Facebook “Paris: Prettiest town in canada”
Nancy Howden-Cowell, Donna Ferrawey, Sarah Gurney, Kerri Kelly-Parkinson, Tara Shannon, Kate Sharrow, Erika Strada Small town Gal/Owner/ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Kerri Kelly-Parkinson kerri@livesmalltownmag.ca SALES TEAM
Sarah Gurney sarah@livesmalltownmag.ca Rhonda Arnott rhonda@livesmalltownmag.ca Helena Gunn helena@livesmalltownmag.ca Ian Parkinson ian@livesmalltownmag.ca Small town Gal/Owner/ Art Director/Editor/ PUBLISHER
Kate Sharrow kate@livesmalltownmag.ca
519-717-5478 Phone or text
homesinbrant.com
6 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Live Small Town magazine is printed four times a year and distributed throughout southern Ontario via various tourist associations, related services, retail locations and limited home distribution. Copyright 2020 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.
Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong, and laughter never ends. Your biggest investment deserves more than a “quick online quote.� Our goal is to deliver the best personal home insurance experience that treats you like a neighbour, not a number. Contact us for a quote.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. WINTER 2019-2020 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 is built. We’ve started our own “town” within these very pages, and we’d love to introduce ourselves and invite you inside! 8 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
KERRI KELLY-PARKINSON
livesmalltownmag.ca While pondering what to write here, the only word swirling in my head was thankfulness. I am thankful that my family is safe and healthy to date. I am thankful for my amazing support system. I am thankful that we have such amazing advertisers that all understood our stance on Covid-19. We have a brilliant team that stayed strong and held hope that our mag would be back at it again. None of what we do is important without good health, love and happiness. Let us all put that first, help one another and keep working toward a safe and healthy country. Mask up and keep smiling.
J.C. VILLAMERE
Tara Shannon
I moved from Burlington to small-town life several years ago. When I say small town, I actually mean rural Hagersville. It was a bit of an adjustment. My closest neighbours are cows and buffalo. No longer could I pop out my front door and find all of the latest conveniences at my finger tips. But, you know what? I love it now. There are so many wonderful businesses out here offering everything I could want. I’m a cook by trade and I love to write too, and out here where the buffalo do in fact roam, I have inspiration galore: from rolling farm landscapes to Lake Erie, the Grand River, and hiking trails, plus the fresh produce, cheese, honey, grass-fed and organic meats, not to mention the locally produced wine, beer, and cider. Everything is within minutes of my home. I am in heaven.
KATE SHARROW
livesmalltownmag.ca As many of you did, we started this year with so much promise. The beginning of our fourth year was pretty exciting with most of our advertising partners back in the mag alongside many new ones and tonnes of inspiring local lovelies to fill our pages. Then our collective world changed. More than our share of trauma was dished out but what I saw was inspiration. I have never been more aware of the quality of character that surrounds us and our ability to rally, come together and grow. I feel proud to shine our light on every person in this magazine and wish there were more pages to contain them all.
villamere.com I live in Hamilton where there’s a guy who has fashioned a dog sled out of a shopping cart and he mushes his team through the GO Station parking lot after dark. This magazine helps people like me get out of Hamilton to encounter nature in a more rural setting. Buy my national best-seller, Is Canada Even Real?
Emmalee Nother
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
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, I love poutine but not maple syrup, and love sports but not hockey. I am a publishing veteran, magazine editor and author. My first book, Reload: Changing the Way We View Guns in America, is available on Amazon.
I live in a beautiful small village on the shores of Lake Erie and am surrounded by family, friends, art, local beauty, goodness and my two sweet dogs Bella and 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.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 9
Sara Moody Veldhuis
Simcoe
celebrating
26 years in business
UniversalArtsManagement.com I’m a classically-trained trombonist and singer, a photographer, and in my daily life, I teach music to teenagers - and love it. I’ve been a Juno Awards judge, floated an orchestra on a barge, and have secrets about Celine Dion that I will take to my grave. From a young age I’ve lived life on max: at 12 I went solo to Japan, toured Europe with a band in high school, and met my husband in an orchestra when we were 17. Together, we’ve made a great life with our two kids and a bunch of kitties (want one?) on our little patch of paradise: a farm in Haldimand County. Rhonda Arnott
Born and raised in Hamilton, I often visited my grandparents in Selkirk. Who knew that Jarvis would one day be my home sweet home? I live here with my handsome and lovable husband. For 20 years, I worked in executive sales and always had an entrepreneurial heart so five years ago I took a leap and opened Ty-Kobee Tea & Coffee Co in Port Dover. I am part of the sales team of Live Small Town magazine. Being in business myself, I know how important the right advertising is. You never want to be a ‘hidden gem’! Message me at rhonda@livesmalltownmag.ca. Can’t wait to help you shine! Sandy Marincic
The way a flooring store should be FIND YOUR STYLE. AND COMFORT LEVEL. WE MAKE IT EASY.
Park Road 41, Simcoe 519-426-2619
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sandy@ubenefit.ca I’m an avid motorcyclist, world traveller, cook, artist, woodworker and thinker, and I am slowly learning that all opinions needn’t be shared. The way we humans mesh with one another (or not), and how we mess with nature (or not) is a fascinating jigsaw puzzle. I am on the floor looking for the missing pieces – they must be somewhere, no? I also own Benefact Benefit Consultants, where I encourage my employer/ employee clients to work as a team; when people enjoy shared goals and work towards them together, success follows. All of the above is based on the ability to care.
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COLOURS OF OF FALL FALL COLOURS enjoy new fashions for the whole family enjoy new fashions for the whole family
LOCATED AT HWY 403 & WAYNE GRETZKY PARKWAY, BRANTFORD LOCATED AT HWY 403 & WAYNE GRETZKY PARKWAY, BRANTFORD LYNDENPARKMALL.COM LYNDENPARKMALL.COM
l yndenparkmall.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 11
Sarah Gurney
I was born and raised in a big city, but am now a selfmade small townee. I live for weekends wandering shops, parks, and pretty places with my funny husband-and-son duo. When I have a spare moment not chasing my four-year-old, you can find me picking at my guitar, baking something yummy, or tackling a messy reno project around the house. I am also one of the sales teammates at Live Small Town magazine! If you are in the Brantford/Paris area and have an interest in becoming one of our beloved and valued advertising partners, please give me a call at 226-220-7340 or email me at sarah@livesmalltownmag.ca Jay Perry
jayperry.ca Over the last eight years, besides working as a photographer, 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 Facebookpage and my adventures on Instagram. I have some exciting ideas coming up and I can’t wait to show everyone the beauty that resides in our small towns. I also started a charity called Friends With Heart, that has raised $182,255.87 and provided 2,500+ children with positive memories in an attempt to restore the magic of Christmas to them and their families. Kerstein Mallon
Growing up, in the magical 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. 12 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
MARC DOUGLAS
marcdouglas.ca I am Marc Douglas a wedding/lifestyle photographer. I wouldn’t change a thing about growing up in the small town of Paris where I discovered a love for photography. Photography has always been a labour of love for me. My ultimate goal has always been to show the beauty, strength and enthusiasm in my subjects. As a father of two amazing children, I am a proud supporter of all things involving fighting childhood cancer. I believe in enjoying all the little moments because you never know what tomorrow brings. Nicole VanQuaethem
simplynicnutrition.com As a registered holistic nutritionist, culinary nutrition expert and owner of Simply Nic Nutrition, I focus on empowering people to make healthy choices. I have my masters of science in rural planning and development where I focused most of my research on local food systems, agri tourism, culinary tourism and food access. Combining my passion for nutrition and local food, I teach people to eat within the seasons and to become connected to food. In my free time, when not in the kitchen testing recipes, I love getting outside, and cuddling and exploring with my little dog Chloe. Lisa Lalonde
smalltownmortgage.com As a born and raised Paris, Ontario, resident, I know the big heart of small-town living first hand. We have valued lifelong friendships, numerous neighbourhood gatherings, and memories of my husband and I freezing our butts off at the arena watching hockey or melting on the soccer field while cheering our boys and their team mates on. Running my business as a mortgage agent with TCG Lending Centres and being the finance manager for Live Small Town magazine gives me the opportunity to meet and work with other small town residents like myself, who share my passion for the small town lifestyle and the feeling of community it creates.
Spicy Jan
tastyroadtrips.com Pivot, pivot, pivot! I am filled with pride at the strength and courage we have to pivot when we least expect it. My mantra is #foodbuildscommunity and I am so darn proud of the food and drink community that I work alongside in southern Ontario. Chefs, farmers and food providers weren’t sure if they could make delivery and curbside pick up happen. And yet, they did. We weren’t sure what it would look like, online shopping for food and drink, delivering beverages with dinner, and yet we figured out quickly how to build this into an adaptable business model. This spicy gal is so darn proud to work in a community where resiliency and adaptability allow us to say “bring it on, I got this.” I raise my glass to all the talented chefs, farmers, food providers, bakers, breweries, wineries, pizza-makers and jelly creators. You have my utmost respect! NANCY DOMSIC KINGS
olliandella.com I was born with a wild imagination. My mother was naturally very creative, so I grew up painting, planting, sewing, baking and creating so many creative things. The second I picked up my first camera, I became obsessed with capturing all 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. Adrianna Michell
The summers spent on my grandparents’ 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.
2021 SPRING PROMOTION
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brantfordgolfandcountryclub.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 13
Welcome To AncAsTer VillAge Ancaster Village is home to more than 100 businesses including charming shops, delightful restaurants, spectacular wedding venues and an Inn on Wilson St. E in Ancaster, Ontario. Along with its wonderful atmosphere, Ancaster Village encompasses many high-quality services ranging from lovely spas, hair and aesthetic experiences to a variety of medical, financial and professional services and so much more.
ve Dri lley Da
Wilson street east
Dining, Arts & lodging
Fashion, home DĂŠcor & shopping
general services & sport
come Join us in The VillAge On Wilson Street East in Ancaster, Ontario 14 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
hair, Beauty & Aesthetics
healthcare & Dental
shopancastervillage.com
ve Dri ery om ntg mo
Wilson street east
municipal services, schools & churches
Ancaster BIA
Professional services
AncasterVillage
Ancaster BiA 314 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Ontario L9G 2B9 289-239-7828 Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 15
MORE THAN A MAG!
Let’s Get Social Too!
There’s no sibling rivalry between Live’s printed & social media pages. They both bask in all the attention each gets! It is easy to get excited about the arrival of the latest and greatest Live Small Town magazine! The paper is shiny, the photography is beautiful and the anticipation of who we shone a light on is thrilling. Many folks tell us they have kept every copy since we started the mag just over four years ago. The content is evergreen and is a 100 per-
cent local smorgasburg of community building. Our team of advertising partners and creative folks are proud of this and we look forward just as much as you do to discovering all that is uniquely fabulous in Ontario’s southwest. Some readers have questioned if we are afraid of running out of content. Not even possible!
There are so many people doing amazing things here. The biggest problem we find is that most local lovelies are modest and don’t blow their own horns. Good Lord, blow away! People are chomping at the bit to support you, including us at Live Small Town magazine. Additionally, our magazine may be popular but our social media communities are constantly buzzing with readers who just can’t seem to get enough of us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Here are just a few posts we thought we would share.
A Portrait of an artist Michael Barber Port Dover thebarbergallery.ca I’ve been creating ever since I can remember. The inspiration for my work has come from my life and the lives of people close to me. Memories are never clear and my paintings reflect the layers that hide or protect our past, the things we cherish and the things we’d love to forget. Gouging and scratching is done with various hand tools to scrape the work and expose the earlier layers to create a sense of time. The creation of a piece is a very physical activity. I get lost in the painting and struggle between layers, caught in a dilemma of exposure and protection. It’s an exhausting process and yet I find it so satisfying. Michael Barber also recently launched a local loving line of original art and garments inspired by life in Norfolk County called folker.ca. 16 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
2,107 People Reached, 354 Engagements, 112, 1 Comments, 9 Shares
LET’S GET SOCIAL! With over 6,144 followers on twitter, 5,300 on Facebook, AND 2,325 On Instagram, there was no shortage of praise for our LAST issue of Live Small Town Magazine. Here are just a few of our Faves.
We love the variety of vinegar at The Olive Oil Co. For salads, cocktails, desserts and more, they take a meal and make it an experience. • Black currant • Black cherry • Blueberry • Cascadian wild raspberry • White balsamic • Cranberry pear • Raspberry dark balsamic • Strawberry • Blackberry ginger 5,573 People Reached, 488 Engagements, 33, 54 Comments, 6 Shares
Deanne Rose Moore Photo Courtesy THE Darren Ross Agency darrenrossagency.com
Deanne’s YouTube announcement video has over 25,000 views.
The Darren Ross Agency and Jukasa Studios led a two-month national search for Canada’s next top Indigenous superstar and found a winner. The search reached over 100,000 people across Canada on social media and received hundreds of submissions. In the end, R&B soul singer Deanne Rose Moore of Moosonee, Ontario, was the winner. Deanne will be flown in and travel to Jukasa Studios to write and record a song with some of Canada’s top music industry professionals from musicians, to engineers. The song will be released to major Canadian radio and globally online. 4,039 People Reached, 496 Engagements, 110, 8 Comments, 17 Shares
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOURS In 2015, mother and son Melanie and Brandon Mears followed their sweet tooth and opened Paris Twisted Treats as a small, family-owned business with a goal to support as many local businesses, charities and farmers as they could. Paris Twisted Treats truly believes in being strong community partners. Although they are open only six months of the year, every month they choose one local charity and host a night where they donate 50percent of the proceeds to that special charity. After five years of offering locally-made deliousness, they decided to open a second location in Paris called What’s the Scoop? 8,584 People Reached, 1,760 Engagements, 299, 6 Comments, 38 Shares
@tastyroadtrips Oh yeah baby!!!! @markthorburn You guys have amazing content. @packngotravelbyjackie I’m drooling. @kerrywalfordfineart Beautiful. @TwistedLemon MMMMM I can see myself sitting on the back porch, with poutine and a burger, reading my new copy of Live Small Town Magazine and sipping on a TL take & make cocktail :) sounds dreamy!!! @gracemvisser @josistratford7 here is where we need to go to get charcuterie from @juniperdiningco. @HamiltonHealthSciencesFoundation Thanks for your ongoing support, Live Small Town magazine! @chef.d.i.a.n.a Wow! I could sit there all day taking in that scenery at @stillwatersplateandpour! Ooh do I see toasted chickpeas in that caesar salad? @BonnieDawson What a wonderful magazine! Great articles, beautiful photography. Even the ads are so tastefully done. Bravo. @SaraMoodyVeldhuis So happy to be a part of the great team that makes up Live Small Town Magazine! @JaceMartin Thanks for the support! Deanne R. Moore check it out! @VGMeats Thank you for the shoutout! @GloriaAlexanderKingma Thank you Live Small Town Magazine for the opportunity! @RhondaArnott Ohhh. Can’t wait to read the next issue!!! Just wait till you see what they have instore! @JulieMarchese Everyone is so excited and looks forward to next edition. Love this magizine so much @JaneBeckett @MandyBeckett Next road trip! @Brushed Thanks for the shout out!! And for the magazines!! Everyone will get one with their purchases!! @BarbaraMackay Thank you so much Kate Sharrow for hand delivering your latest mag!! @CarolKeen Elberta Farms it is so nice for a wonderful Family to be recognized this way! You guys are ALL above and beyond amazing!! @JessStir A brilliant collaboration of talented people centering around local love
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 17
Change Makers
Sometimes it’s the little day-to-day efforts that go unrecognized that end up having the biggest impact on community. BY Kerstein Mallon In our fast-paced society, it’s a wonder how some people find the time to volunteer. Even more astonishing is how others actually see a need for social change and do something about it. In 2002, Charlie and Sue Kopczyk became aware of the dislocated youth in Brantford. They immersed themselves and began listening to the youth on the streets. They began to pray with the teens and developed friendships, offering kind words and hope to the distressed and displaced. It became obvious there was a real need for necessities: food, clothing, shelter and belonging. The Kopczyks were granted permission to operate from the Blessing Centre, and began “Hot Diggity Dog Thursdays” where attendees could enjoy a hot dog or two and a laugh with friends. This was a safe and familiar place for isolated teens to meet and feel accepted. Due to the success of these weekly gatherings, the idea for Why Not Youth Centre was born and quickly became a reality. The concept began to gather momentum and the house at 368 Colborne St. became known as a safe haven for troubled youth. During regular operations, the facility is open seven days a week from 5 to 9 pm. Why Not Youth Centre is a bustling drop-in centre visited hundreds of times each month by local homeless and at-risk youth. Teens in a range of ages look forward to dropping by and chatting freely about their struggles. The centre provides reprieve from many issues, including bullying, drug addiction, mental illness, unstable home lives, unplanned pregnancies, and physical and sexual abuse. A fresh, home-cooked meal is prepared daily and more than 150 meals are served weekly. Teens can take a hot shower and use the laundry facilities. There is a room allocated for clothing, and they can choose clean, gently-used seasonal items. There are two laptops available for homework. The centre offers comradery and inclusion. There is a real sense of ‘home’ throughout
the centre, akin to grandma’s house. “The graduate wall of fame” is being planned, so students can feel proud of their accomplishments. There are video games, a library and a leader in training program, encouraging the development of lifelong skills. There is always someone available to listen, which is invaluable. The objective is to empower young people so they can overcome challenges and develop a healthy and productive lifestyle. The community works hand-in-hand with the organization. Donations frequently come from local businesses such as Home Depot and Lowes, who assisted in the renovations of the kitchen and bathroom. A motivated group of donors known as the Lights-On Club helps pay daily operating expenses and the Rotary Club has helped with the renovation of the loft meeting area. In March, Cayuga Cabinets donated their old cell phones and these phones provided real lifelines during the Covid-19 lockdown. The phones were distributed to youth in need and the volunteers and staff were readily available to anyone in crisis during the challenging time. In fact, these repurposed phones literally saved lives. This generous and dedicated organization, founded on love and compassion, is truly a blessing to the community. The boundless reassurance and continued fellowship offered by the Why Not team ensures these young people really know they are worth it. They belong. And isn’t that something we all deserve?
OTHER COMMUNITY CHANGE MAKERS 1 Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, Hamilton hamiltonhealth.ca 2 Friends With Hearts, Hamilton friendswithhearts.com 3 Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary, St Williams ralphysretreat.ca 4 Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, Jarvis hobbitstee.com 5 Stedman Community Hospice, Brantford sjlc.ca 6 Wienerfest (Tiny Paws Dog Rescue), Thamesford wienerfest.ca 7 The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise, Mt. Forest, Kitchener and Paris therawcarrot.com 8 Shared Harvest (CSA Program), Dunnville sharedharvestfarm.ca 9 The Century 21 Heritage House Ltd, Woodstock goldengala.ca 18 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
BEYOND THE FRONTLINES It's Always Vital to Care Support our COVID-19 Response
hamiltonhealth.ca/covid Beyond the frontlines, Hamilton Health Sciences continues to need your support. There is an ongoing and urgent need for vital equipment and patient amenities as care continues for patients from throughout the region. Help define “the new normal” – make your donation today.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 19
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Approximately 60,000 migrant workers travel to Canada each year to support our farms and greenhouses. They slog through the heat of the summer and bring us fresh food While helping to build our economy. Thank you!
Home Grown
Behind every good person, there has usually been some good food. At Live Small Town, we’d like to celebrate both by 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. After all, every food journey starts with a single bite.
Chef Showdown 12 year old, Audrey MacKinnon takes home the top prize on the Food Network cooking competition. whipped out the competition and won! Cooking up a storm has always brought this young chef joy and she spent much of her earlier years in a kitchen with her father and grandmother. She was also mentored by family friend Chef Ryan Devlin of Devlin’s Country Bistro in Mount Pleasant. Audrey’s $25,000 prize money will help support her future education, where she hopes to become a biochemist, a chef or an engineer. Good luck, Audrey!
Harvest Photo Left Courtest Ontario Tourism ontariotravel.net
In the summer of 2019, Brandford’s own, Audrey MacKinnon cooked her way to own the title of Junior Chef Showdown champion but was sworn to secrecy by the Food Network Canada series until the show’s finale aired in June of 2020. 14 young epicureans were chosen to participate in a televised culinary challenge where each week they would be tested to determine who would be asked to leave the kitchen. Against all odds, Audrey
Six thirty nine - dedicated to fresh, local,terroirdriven Canadian cuisine Since opening in downtown Woodstock in 2005, sixthirtynine has become a destination restaurant for the region and beyond. Offering ever-changing, locally-sourced seasonal menus, chef and owner Eric Boyar, alongside
his wife and co-owner, Jennifer Boyar, continue to offer dishes that are both beautiful on the palate and plate. Although they have made changes during Civid-19 to assure the safety of their patrons, they have an elegant contemporary
dining room that traditionally seats 30 guests with its soothing tones and luxurious decor elements. Additional seating is normally available for up to four guests at the chef’s table and a lovely patio with 48 seats, offering a garden view, is available seasonally. Visit their website or call to inquire about their current Covid-19 policies. sixthirtynine.com
Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. Dundas lagershed.com This little brewery has nailed the craft beer experience. It’s located in a historic curling and skating rink with a great vibe. There are picnic benches, a centralized bar, plenty of board games to play with their vats and casks working magic around you as you sip. They also have a great selection of beer with a few special batches to choose from.
Burning Kiln Winery St. Williams burningkilnwinery.ca Rich in heritage and situated in one of the most striking areas of Norfolk County, Burning Kiln Winery was 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. Fell in love with their new seasonal raspberry lemonade
Howell Road Cider St. George brantviewapples.com Since launching in June 2017, the eighth generation of Howells at Brantview Apples have breathed fresh air into almost 200 years of tradition with their delicious cider. Their winning combination of 20 apple varieties and creative flavour combinations will keep you wanting to wet your whistle. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 21
On the Map
Flyer’s Cafe & Bakery Dunnville flyersindunnville.com While visiting the town of Dunnville, I stopped in for a quick bite at this bakery cafe. I fell in love with the atmosphere. With all the rejuvenation that this town has under gone in recent years, it is another of their gems. I often close my eyes to relive the moment that their sinfully rich and delicious butter cheddar bun crossed my lips and a heavenly choir began to sing. Flyers’s has new owners and many exciting surprises in the works.
De-Liz-cious Treats Brantford delizcious.com Art is not always something you can hang on a wall or a sculpture you can set on a side table so trust me when I say that if you order a cake for a special occasion from De-Liz-cious, you are getting a work of art. These are no run-of-the-mill birthday cakes you purchase from the local grocery store. Each cake is created to be as unique and fabulous as your special loved one whose life you are celebrating.
Simply Dessert
These enviro superheros now sport straws made with apples!
Don’t look now, but there’s a definite buzz around southwestern Ontario’s culinary scene. No matter what you are craving, chances are there’s a restaurant, bar, winery or bistro in one of our small towns that will not only satisfy, but also leave you spoilt for choice. But in this issue, we were on the search for sweet spots and found some gems. So really, there’s no excuse not to break outside your comfort zone safely, explore a bit and partake in some topquality food and drink right on your very own doorstep. BY NANCY COWELL
Cookie DOH! Dundas cookiedohdundas.com Take yourself back to that time when Mom had all her baking equipment out and was whipping up some cookies. There you were, waiting for the magical moment when she would say, “Who wants to lick the beaters?” Jason and Tania Gloster remember those days so fondly that they created Cookie Doh!, desserts that make those beater licking days than a sweet memory.
22 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
The Olde Bakery Cafe Ingersoll theoldebakerycafe.com In the small town of Ingersoll (if you are lucky) you will come across one of their most treasured spots: The Old Bakery Cafe. Display coolers are filled to the brim with an array of baked jewels that taste like they came straight out of your grandmother’s kitchen. Is it any wonder that this is such a well-loved destination for the locals to congregate for a mouth-watering meal?
Joy Bakery Cafe Simcoe joyofnorfolk.ca Joy’s Bakery Cafe is what exemplifies to us what our magazine is all about. A dream, hard work and community spirit has been brought together by a family working side-by-side to create this unique space. If I had to use one word to describe this lovely little bakery cafe it would be joy: the joy of baking, the joy that comes from supporting local, the joy of artistic creativity. Their name says it all.
Paris Bakery Paris parisbakery.ca Can you say chocolate cookie dough cheesecake without drooling? Because I can’t. Since 1927 they have offered traditional baking and it is still available with an added touch. Someone in the kitchen has been coming up with some pretty amazing daily doughnut specials that will have you stopping in every day to see what the newest one is. A doughnut filled with whipped cream, topped with crushed Kit Kat and drizzled with caramel is one that would have Emeril throwing down a huge BAM!
Ritzy Cakes & Eatery Waterford robinsritzycakes.com Sometimes you just find you need a cake fast and Ritzy Cakes has got you covered. But other times you want that cake to let someone know how special they are. Robin has been dabbling in the arts since she was a child and she brings that love of artistic creativity to her bakery by offering little works of art that are delicious as well as beautiful. Caniche French Bakery Ancaster canichebakery.com Every morning the ovens are fired up and the delicious smells waft through the charming village of Ancaster. Almost like a call to prayer, it brings friends out to enjoy each other’s company over a great coffee and one of their French-inspired treats. The layered beauty of their croissants makes them like little pillows from heaven and the delectable pastries might make it hard for you to decide but once you do, oh la la!
Jones Bakery Caledonia jonesbakery.ca In 1904, A.E. Jones opened Jones Bakery, delivering to stores and homes throughout Caledonia and surrounding area with horses, bread wagons and bread trucks. A. E.’s sons Harold joined the business in 1933 and the bakery grew to include grocery stock. Harold and his wife, Jean, continued to operate the business until Harold passed away in 1968. At this time their son, Hugh, already an accomplished baker, continued to run the family bakery.
H a m i lt o n
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Sweet Bakery Brantford sweetbakerybrant.ca When Stacey Bester was a little girl baking her small cakes in her Easy Bake Oven, she always knew that baking was her calling. Fast-forward to 2014 when she realized her dreams and Sweets Bakery opened. The whimsy of childhood is still evident in her fun-loving treats she creates for all occasions from scratch, using only the best ingredients. She is following her passion and loving it.
Kristi’s Market Kitchen Harley Canadians have a lot to be proud of and one of our favourites that we can lord over the rest of the world, in a very a polite way, is the butter tart. We even have festivals celebrating them where people vie for the title of best butter tart. I am not sure if this little bakery in Brant County has ever entered theirs but I am pretty sure I discovered a winner in their delightful, flakey, gooey-filled creation.
Two Guys and a Whisk Bakery Woodstock From banking to baking, from big city to small town, Nabil and Tracy take chances and they pay off. Now they have one of Woodstock’s go-to destinations offering rustic home baking with high quality ingredients. Even Covid-19 did not slow these two guys down. Believing that all life events are a blessing in disguise, they have continued to supply their local customers with delicious treats.
Courtland Bakery Courtland I know there is more to the Courtland Bakery than just éclairs, after all their display cases are brimming full of tempting desserts, each one a little piece of art. The trouble is that when I am anywhere near Courtland, all I can think of is a wonderful choux pastry filled with rich cream and topped with a generous layer of chocolate and there I am left licking my fingers and smiling a big chocolate smile.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 23
Jan’s Tasty Road Trips
Our ever-growing food scene just keeps expanding. This has foodies in larger cities pretty envious, making this their choice dining destination. BY Spicy Jan During the stay-at-home period of 2020, a turn of events took place with Tasty Road Trips. I was hearing the call to continue meeting the needs of building community through
food. A virtual space was created where happy hour, dairy farm tours and food and drink tastings became possible. This unexpected virtual journey has been filled with new technology,
yet we figured it out and the tasting events gained a new niche in food tourism. What happened next was a pleasant surprise. The concept stuck, the community loved it, and here we are in fall 2020 with virtual events still part of Tasty Road Trips. We bring local food, farmers, and chefs into the homes of those wanting to stay connected. We host community events, client appreciations and friends gathering together, virtually of course. Dive into the yum of these possible destinations coming to a virtual tasting near you.
Jan loves curating tour experiences to tempt the senses with local food and beverages. Email info@ tastyroadtrips.com or visit tastyroadtrips.com.
A TASTE DESTINATION Spicy Jan did the gut-busting work for you and distilled
Browndale Farm Paris This local farm is a perfect agri-tourism destination for a virtual tour. If you have driven through Paris North, it is likely you’ve passed by the award-winning Browndale Farm. It’s magnificent two-storey barn is home to 200 Holstein cows and is a proud family-operated farm for over 70 years. Browndale is also home to a unique farm store carrying a selection of top cuts of steak, roasts, ground beef, sausages, pepperettes and now, bone broth. Curious about creating that picture-perfect charcuterie board? This one-stop shop for farm-totable beef will please the palate every time.
Hounds of Erie Winery Clear Creek houndsoferiewinery.com Raise a glass to Hounds of Erie Winery. With acreage close to the shores of Lake Erie, this boutique winery is home to award-winning hard ciders Top Dog, Best in Show and Dog House. Owners Mat and Melissa had a vision of creating a winery where estate fruits flourished and families with their pups could gather for a farm-toglass experience. Hounds has released a selection of white, red and fruit wines, award-winning hard ciders, plus the new Vineyard wildflower honey. Hounds is a highlight of our virtual tastings where we meet, learn, and sip with winemaker Mat.
24 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
La Mia Cucina Brantford mia-cucina.ca A life-long dream to introduce Brantford and Brant to Italian, Portuguese, and Mediterranean cuisine was brought to life when La Mia Cucina (My Kitchen) was established. Hosting and cooking comes naturally to Elsa, the mastermind behind the healthy culinary creations. Her commitment to fresh ingredients and healthy meals for keto, vegan, and vegetarian eating, inspire wholesome and full-flavoured gourmet. In a recent virtual tasting, La Mia Cucina offered a palate pleaser of cauliflower rice with arugula and chorizo sliders on a fresh baked bun. Oh Bella, so savoury!
Chocolate Sensations Ancaster/Paris chocolatesensations.ca Whether you love milk, dark or white chocolate, the Chalmers family are creating a rush of sweets in Ancaster at their new location on Wilson. In shop or virtually, you can indulge in their top five of all time! Step into the spotlight, chocolate sponge toffee, peanut butter cups, chocolate red licorice, artisan bonbons and tortoises. What started at craft shows now holds a strong line of over 100 products at two vibrant small-town locations. This family of four oversees production, operations, and, of course, chief taste-testing to ensure quality control is always upheld (wink wink).
Hounds of Erie Winery Photo by Melissa Vaughan
it down to four absolute must-try locations this issue.
Please let us share our restaurant with its unique coastal cuisine and tropical trends 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 2020 25
26 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Simply Delicious Dishes Healthy living isn’t as hard as you may think.The region has so much to offer to support healthy living and eating.
Photography by Nicole VanQuaethem
BY Nicole VanQuaethem I think it’s safe to say that a good chunk of those reading this are either working from home, home more in general, or things have changed in the workplace. Maybe you have noticed that your routine is a bit off, you might feel a little sluggish, and you’re struggling to get creative in the kitchen. Instead of focusing on the negative, I want to challenge you to take this time to focus on you through proper nutrition, movement, and lifestyle. With that being said, this is new territory for everyone so it’s important to be kind to yourself, don’t set high expectations, and do what feels good for your body. First, I want to focus on creating nourishing meals. One of the main things I personally found to be a struggle from day one was going to the grocery store
less. I don’t want to stereotype nutritionists, but let’s be real, we eat a lot of fresh produce, so bi-weekly grocery shopping trips have forced me to be inventive. Some of you may be finding yourself cooking a lot more meals from home, which is actually great. Although I am all for balance and love going out to eat, I personally feel so much better when I cook from home more often and you likely will too. Here are some tips First, stock your pantry with staples, things like tomato sauce, pasta, canned tuna, and lots of chickpeas, lentils and black beans. I also like to make sure there are some grains on hand like quinoa and rice to bulk up meals and add fiber. Second, create a rough menu plan. During the last
few months, I have made my menu plans based on the protein option I am having each night. Every other night we have animal protein for dinner and the alternative nights we have something plant-based. This helps with grocery shopping and also extending our meals over a couple of weeks. I also plug it into my calendar so I know what I need to cook or take out of the freezer. Third, I recommend you to buy produce that lasts a bit longer. For example, I find it helpful to eat my salad greens in the first week but also buy more hearty vegetables to make quick meals such as squash, cauliflower and potatoes. Next, I want to quickly focus on your routine. First and foremost, I encourage you to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day even if you are working from home. Allow time for yourself to have a nourishing breakfast, maybe get some movement in and also wind down at the end of the day. This will help with energy levels and staying productive. Although I am not someone who thinks it’s necessary to hit the gym every day, there is something to be said about moving your body on a daily basis. This can be a quick 10-minute workout, a walk, yoga, or something more intense like running. Can’t go to your
local gym yet? There are so many free online workouts that don’t require equipment and if you are able, there is nothing like a good trail run or walk. This will also help boost your mood and energy. And while we are talking about energy, make sure you are staying hydrated, getting consistent sleep, and as already mentioned, moving your body. Banana Pancakes Ingredients Makes 6-8 1/4 cup maple syrup for pancake mix plus extra maple syrup to top 1 cup rice flour 4 eggs 1 banana 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup oats 1 tbsp avocado oil for frying pan Optional: chocolate chips Directions Mash banana. Add 4 eggs to banana and mix well. In a separate bowl, add the remainder of the ingredients except the avocado oil and mix well. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. In a frying pan add 1 tbsp of avocado oil over medium heat. Once the frying pan has heated, up add the pancake mix. Once the pancakes begin to brown, flip. Enjoy! xo nic
Nicole VanQuaethem is a registered holistic nutritionist, culinary nutrition expert and owner of Simply Nic Nutrition, where she focuses on educating and empowering people to make healthy choices for themselves. She also has her masters of science in rural planning and development where she focused most of her research on local food systems, agri-tourism, culinary tourism and food access. Nicole grew up on a farm, which inspired her studies and work in rural development in southern Ontario. Combining her passion for nutrition and local food, she teaches people to eat within the seasons and to become connected to the food they eat. In her free time, she likes to spend time in the kitchen testing recipes, getting outside, and cuddling with her little dog, Chloe. simplynicnutrition.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 27
BRANTFORD
The Olive Oil & Co.
Brantwood Farms
Serenity Country Candles
Over 70 km of Trails
Bell Homestead National Historic Site
Whether you want cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, fantastic family fun, or culinary delights, you’ll find it all in Brantford - the big city with a small town feel. Visit us in person or online to plan your trip.
discoverbrantford.com BRANTFORD VISITOR & TOURISM CENTRE • 399 WAYNE GRETZKY PARKWAY • BRANTFORD 1-800-265-6299 28 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Bains Road Cider Company Dunnville bainsroadcider.ca There’s something brewing in Haldimand County. Bains Road Cider Company is the county’s first and only licensed winery and cider producer. Specializing in heritage apples used in their brews, they also carry a unique selection of alcoholic gems like their Wild Pear Cider.
To Market TO Market
Looking for lip balm and hand sanitizer... yeah, they have that too.
Stacked with fall fun, Lindley’s Farm and Market boasts a four-acre corn maze, a mile-and-a-half of winding trails and amazing farm-to-table goodness! Eating local food helps ensure the health and longevity of farm family businesses and the Lindley family has been farming in the Hamilton area for over six generations. Savour the unrivaled taste of freshness as their garden-fresh fruit
and vegetables are picked at peak maturity and packed full of flavourful nutrition. They have respect for the land and use sustainable methods to increase the soil fertility and health while increasing the beneficial
insect populations that ensure quality food. From June to the end of October every year, Lindley’s offers a wide variety of farm-fresh produce, including pick your-own options. Be sure to check them out. lindleyfarm.com
A few other “Fresh off the farm” Options 1 Elberta Farms Country Market, Paris elbertafarms.ca 2 Kristi’s Market Kitchen, Harley 3 Dunnville Farmer’s Market, Dunnville dunnvillefarmersmarket.ca 4 The Paris Wincey Mills Co, Paris winceymills.ca 5 Port Dover Lions Silver Lake Market, Port Dover 6 Ancaster Farmers Market, Ancaster shopancasterfarmersmarket.com 7 Our Sustenance Market, Ohsweken oursustenance.ca 8 Simcoe Farmers’ Market, Simcoe norfolkcounty.ca/living/ simcoe-farmers-market 9 Little Brown Cow, Brantford 10 Brantford Farmers Market, Brantford downtownbrantford.ca/brantford-farmers-market 11 Dundas Farmers’ Market, Dundas dundasfarmersmarket.ca 12 Woodstock Farmers Market, Woodstock woodstockfairgrounds.com/market
Willibald Farm Distillery Ayr drinkwillibald.com Brace yourself for the perfect medley of honey, juniper, coriander and angelica root, infused with cardamom, grapefruit peel and caraway. Oh no, they have not stopped at gin either. The are offering up beer, cider, wine, vodka, honey and so much more.
Mash Paddle Brewing Company Brantford mashpaddlebrewing.com This brewery certainly made a splash in the craft brewery scene. Their focus on local, natural ingredients has created some of best beers this side of the Grand River. Created in small batches, their brews come with cheeky names like Vancouver Maneuver and Citranatti Bengals. Be sure to pick up Bixel in stubbies. Originally made in 1859.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 29
Debb’s Cuisine on Queen, Dunnville
Discover new flavours and rediscover old favourites. Our restaurants will serve you safely with many dining options including dine-in, take-out and curbside delivery.
TourismHaldimand.ca 30 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
HALDIMAND COUNTY CALEDONIA Argyle St. Grill
345 Argyle St S. theargylestreetgrill.com Upscale eatery at family-friendly prices. Mainly fresh and local products make the Argyle a must-try. Reservations recommended.
NE IG
Culinary Arts
OURHOO D HB
THE NEW DELICIOUS!
Wally Parr Sausage
791 Hwy 6, wallyparrsausage.com For the last 30 years or so, Wally Parr Sausage has been something of a local institution, especially for those who can appreciate the work that goes into making a delicious sausage. Be sure to make it out to their meat-tastic retail emporium on Highway 6 in Caledonia. It boasts more than 300 items, including their famous sausages. 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 its patrons. The home-style fare is also heavenly.
Mainly Grilled Chicken
Bacon Egger on Cheddar
BLT on Cheddar
Western on Cheddar
Roasted Garlic Red Pepper Smash
Grilled Chicken Club
Field To Table Country Dining 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.
Twisted Lemon
3 Norton St W, twistedlemon.ca Featuring fresh, uncomplicated food. 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. DUNNVILLE Julia’s Bistro
217 Niagara St. juliasbistroandcatering.com Julia satisfies anyone’s craving for homemade Italian cooking while adding her unique style. The Minga
146 Queen St, They offer coffees, salads and sweets, many of their ingredients are organic, and sourced locally. You can’t beat their organic, fair-trade coffee for $1.80.
88 MaIN ST S, HaGERSVILLE 905-768-4040
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 31
Give
SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Gift Baskets for the Foodie on Your List
Corporate Gifting | Cheese Trays Gift Baskets
519.718.1201
INFO@DOVERCHEESE.COM VISIT US @ 307 MAIN ST., PORT DOVER
ORDER ONLINE AT DOVERCHEESE.COM OR IN STORE
For trip ideas visit www.TourismOxford.ca 32 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
FISHERVILLE Fisherville Hotel & Tavern
2 Erie Ave S, thetav.ca Built as a hotel for travelling salesmen in 1853, the Fisherville Hotel & Tavern remains the destination for tourists and travellers alike. Explore an amazing local craft beer selection and honest food, or stay overnight to experience history and a small-town pace on your country getaway. HAGERSVILLE 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. With large flat screens, it is the perfect place to watch the game.
a t r e Elb s m r Fa
et k r a M Country
Proudly Serving Our Community Local Farm Fresh Ontario Produce
JARVIS Devine’s Country Restaurant
116 Talbot St E, devinesrestaurant.ca Famous for their all-day breakfast, savoury lunches and homemade desserts that are nothing short of divine. Concession Road Brewing Company
353 Governors Rd East, Paris 519-752-2047 elbertafarms.ca
17 Talbot Street E concessionroadbrew.com Haldimand County’s first and only craft brewery that is focusing on small batch hand crafted ales and is located in an old fire hall. NORFOLK COUNTY Normandale The Normandale Century Inn and Restaurant
2326 Front Rd, normandaleinn.com Stay for a few nights or a single meal and enjoy their licensed outdoor patio. Langton Andy’s Drive-in Restaurant
3710 Hwy 59, andysdrivein.com Norfolks only ‘50’s inspired drive-in diner that is famous for their footlongs, sundaes and Piggyback Burger, all using only quality ingredients. PORT DOVER The Beach House
2 Walker St. Great family, great food, great staff, great prices and a stunning view right on Lake Erie.Sunday brunch eggs benny is a must.
local • seasonal • comfortable • creative
Celebrate the Everyday
Don’t Delay. Get your Christmas Wines on toDay!
352 Norfolk St S, Simcoe 226-440-3369
thecombine.ca
Let us help you create your own special wine for you, your family and guests to enjoy during the Holiday Season. Perfect for entertaining and gift giving! We carry over 60 premium, award winning, 100% juice wine varieties (with no added sulphites) from around the world. New customers receive $20 off or 30 free bottles on their first selection at Vintner’s Cellar!
Let the people eat! 1A-164 Colborne St W, Brantford 519-753-0001
vintnerscellarbrantford.ca
301 Main St., Port Dover 519-583-3337
mrburger.ca
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 33
David’s Restaurant
168 New Lake Shore Rd. davidsportdover.com This refined Canadian restaurant with a lake view offers an upstairs lounge with live music on weekends. Mustard + Relish
Get excited about cookinG aGain
301 Main St, mrburger.ca If you love really good burgers, proper fries, great drinks or Beach Day Pops, heaven awaits you here. The Dover Cheese Shop
307 Main St dovercheese.com The Dover Cheese Shop is a food lover’s paradise. It offers a 100 specialty artisan cheeses sourced from cheesemakers in Canada and around the world, gourmet spreads and preserves, kitchen accessories, a premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar, and a wide selection of handmade chocolates. Knechtel’s
15 Walker St, knechtelfoods.ca A Port Dover signature beachront destination for over 50 years, serving Lake Erie perch and pickerel, burgers, foot-long hot dogs and ice cream cones. SAINT WILLIAMS Burning Kiln Winery
1709 Front Rd, burningkilnwinery.ca An amazing winery that honours local agri-heritage and the culinary bounty. SIMCOE Barrel Restaurant
The Olive Oil Co. offers 60+ flavours of premium extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. Come in and “try before you buy” at this inspiring locally owned family business. Find delicious gift giving ideas! Gourmet delights include artisanal pasta from Italy, sweet and savoury jellies, tapenades, olives, along with beautiful locally made charcuterie boards and pottery.
131 Queensway W. barrelrestaurant.ca A warm, inviting atmosphere with fresh homemade 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 Combine
352 Norfolk St S, thecombine.ca Fun, honest food built on local bounty. A fabulous handmade brick oven, garden patio and wine menu. Joy Bakery Café
358 King George Rd, Brantford 519-304-6600 Be sure to check our hours on our website before visiting.
theoliveoilcompany.ca 34 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
126 Robinson St, joyofnorfolk.ca What an excellent place to visit with friends to drink good coffee, eat fabulous baked goods and simply relax. Locally-sourced deliciousness at its best.
TURKEY POINT The Jetty Bar & Grill
236 Ordnance Dr, thejetty.ca The Jetty is a casual eatery with a picturesque view of Lake Erie and a 150seat patio. The restaurant is open yearround with a great weekend breakfast that residents and cottagers love. WATERFORD Ritzy Cakes & Eatery
20 Alice St, robinsritzycakes.com A spectacular small-town bakery also serving coffees, teas, paninis, soups, Belgian waffles, breakfast and so much more. Did I mention their treats? BRANT COUNTY Harley Kristi’s Market Kitchen
226 Middle Townline Rd. Satisfy your cravings for local creations at Kristi’s Market Kitchen. Fruits, veggies, delicious baked goods, gift baskets and so much more. Enjoy a fresh coffee or an amazing lunch on the run.
CR EATI N G
The perfecT pairing of STyle, relaxaTion, local flavour & aTTainabiliTy in porT Dover!
B EA U TI F U L Be sure to visit David’s on Tour at The links at Dover coast during the golf season + Dover cab will bring it right to your port Dover doorstep! Check out our website for more details.
mE m oR I Es
davidsportdover.com golfatdovercoast.ca elementsdayspa.ca
Mount Pleasant Devlin’s Country Bistro & Catering
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.
T oGETHER
St George La Cantinella Ristorante Italiano
16 Main St, S. lacantinellastgeorge.com If you could scoop up a cup of passion and place it in a bowl you would have captured the very essence of this amazing restaurant. Each dish prepared in this inviting restaurant nestled in the heart of Brant County is slowly simmered with heaping helpings of tradition. PARIS The Paris Wincey Mills Co
PRemium eSPReSSo, Single SouRced coffee, dAilY BAked TReATS, lunch & locAllY SouRced ingRedienTS!
19 Holiday Drive, Brantford 519-753-8651
bestwesternbrantford.com joyofnorfolk.ca 126 Robinson St. Simcoe 519-420-9999
31 Mechanic St, winceymills.ca A hub for culture, cuisine and Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 35
community, this is a one-stop tourist destination. Open year-round (ThursSat) it boasts local vendors and multiple dining options.
TASTY ROAD TRIPS TOURS
Juniper Dining Co.
unforgettABle food+drink exPerienCes
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
AwArd-winning Community influenCer A toast to Paris tour • one Bite at a time tour ladies weekend getaway Packages We create food + drink experiences in small towns, with big tastes. Celebrating farmers, chefs, food creators, makers & unique shops. Come tour with us!
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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 to be desired. 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. SIX NATIONS of the grand river TERRITORY Ohsweken Burger Barn
Simply Nic Nutrition is dedicated to helping empower people to make healthy choices for themselves and create long-term and sustainable goals and changes. For information on coaching, workshops, or menu plans please visit simplynicnutrition.com or email info@simplynicnutrition.com
the freshest food with the friendliest service 131 Queensway W, Simcoe
519-426-0068
Patio • Dine-In • Delivery • Catering • Take-Out
www.barrelrestaurant.ca 36 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
3000 4th Line, burgerbarn.ca They’re 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. They offer 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. BRANTFORD Myra’s Bar & Grill
19HolidayDr, myrasbarandgrill.com Located at the amzing Best Western
Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre, hotel guests and locals enjoy chic ambiance, friendly staff and awardwinning food. The Olive Oil Co
358 King George Rd, Brantford Offering over 50 flavours of premium olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar (with a tasting bar), they also stock an array of other gourmet delights and gift-giving ideas, including gluten-free goodies, pastas, and more. Cafe Andreou
104 West St Fine dining in an 1865 home with Italian and continental cuisine. Enjoy exquisite food with hospitality at its finest. Elements Casino Brantford
40 Icomm Dr, elementscasinobrantford.com Table games, slots, a poker room and great shows draw people to this venue and the great breakfast, lunch and dinner menu keeps them coming back! Oxford County ingersoll The Olde Bakery Cafe
120 Thames St S. theoldebakerycafe.com Offering healthy breakfast and lunch options with an array of tasty, not-sohealthy pastries — just like grandma used to make! Tillsonburg d’Lish Kitchen Cafe
518 Broadway #1 dlishkitchencafe.ca A hearty diner creating tasty food for health-concious bodies. From chickpeas to kombucha, your belly will thank you. Woodstock sixthirtynine
639 Peel St, sixthirtynine.com Offering an amazing, ever-changing, locally-sourced seasonal menu, a lovely patio and an elegant dining experience, sixthirtynine has become a destination restaurant for the region and beyond.
Ignite Your Journey Rhonda Arnott Confidence Coach Motivating female entrepreneurs to find their confidence by stepping into their power and make a lasting and prosperous impact in their business.
www.rhondaarnott.com Walking in confidence one step at a time.
Tandoori Knight
511 Dundas St, tandooriknight.ca If you love Indian food, this is a muststop place to eat. Everything is flavourful and fresh and the portions are always generous. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 37
Ancaster Ancaster Mill
548 Old Dundas Rd, ancastermill.com Situated beside a creek with a large dining room built out overlooking the falls and boasting menus that highlight the best of the season’s local and organic products. Don’t miss their Champagne Sun brunch. Rousseau House Restaurant & Lounge
375 Wilson St E, rousseauhouse.ca This upscale restaurant excels at romancing your taste buds. Enjoy lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch in their elegant dining room or choose the more casual main floor lounge for tapas. Be sure to check out their live music Friday evenings, an amazing summer patio and extensive wine listing. Southcote 53 Tap & Grill
534 Garner Rd E southcote53.ca A pub menu with flair best describes the food selection at Southcote 53 and it won’t take you long to see what this means. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with walk-ins always welcome. Dundas Detour Roaster’s Cafe
41 King St W, detourcoffee.com Gourmet roasts from around the world prepared as a pour-over, as well as coffees of the day, espressos, a range of teas and a light, delectable bistro menu. India Village
Dundas: 100 King St. W. Ancaster: Wilson St. E. fineindiancuisine.ca If you love Indian food, you’ll be spoiled for choice as India Village has two locations. Try the korma shahi, with its rich and creamy coconut-drenched vegetables and the butter naan is out of this world. A variety of gluten-free and vegan meals are also available. Thirsty Cactus Cantina & Grill
2 King St E, thirstycactus.ca Whet your whistle with one of their amazing 24 beer taps, enjoy an inspired Southwest menu, and of course a super friendly and fun atmosphere! Quatrefoil Restaurant
marcdouglas.ca 38 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
6 Sydenham St. quatrefoilrestaurant.com Quatrefoil Restaurant has been offering one of the finest dining experience since opening in May of 2010.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 39
Our totally insider, Town-by-town, hidden gem-by-hidden gem Guide to what’s new, hot, and legendary in BRANT County. It’s 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 If you have read my articles before, you know that I like to perfectly describe my time in these small towns and paint a pretty picture about my experience. I want to make you feel like you are there because I believe that will lend not only to the reading experience but entice you to visit for yourself. But this article will be a little different. Covid-19 has affected us all in different ways and our small businesses have taken a huge hit. This time, we wanted to see if we could feature some local businesses in Brant County and because I only have a limited space, it was better to mention a bit about more businesses than write multiple paragraphs about a couple of places. I am currently living in the small town of Grimsby, Ontario. Last year, we were ranked the second best community to live in in Canada by Maclean’s magazine, and the best small town community to live in. Using major highways, it only 40 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
takes me about an hour to drive to Brant County but with more time on my hands, I decided to take the winding back roads for a more enjoyable experience. My first stop was Elberta Farms Country Market in Paris. The farm came to be in 1967 after the Berta family started selling their extra fruits and vegetables on the side of the road to make a bit of extra money. Joseph Berta decided to take his wife’s name, Elizabeth, and combined it with their last name to come up with the perfect name for their small business. Many years later, they have become a one-stopshop for local produce, farm-fresh eggs, fruit, homemade pies, syrup, plants, and so much more. It really is great love story coupled with an amazing family run farm. Elizabeth, or Mom as her sons and some customers call her, packs the biggest smile and you can tell just how proud she is of what her family has accomplished over the last 50plus years. After speaking with her sons, Andrew, Mike, and Steve, I quickly learned how important it
was to the family to source the vast majority of their products from local farmers. The idea of supporting local is something that never wavers and further reveals their compassion for customers and community. There was no way I could leave empty-handed so I picked up a dozen ears of corn that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed on the barbecue the next day. Make sure you visit them the next time your are in Brant County. elbertafarms.ca Being around all that market-fresh food spiked my hunger and since it was approaching lunchtime, I made my way deeper into Paris to find a bite to eat. After speaking with locals on my last visit to Paris, many had highly recommended Juniper Dining Co. so I headed over ready to eat. Although their dining room was welcoming guests, I wanted to enjoy the summer heat and eat my lunch on Juniper’s new and beautiful patio. I was lucky enough to meet owner Andrea Legacey and learn a bit about the restaurant. She and her husband, Brandon opened Juniper in October 2015 with the intention of bringing an
All of the individuals in these images were wearing a mask but I asked them to take it off for the photo and they were all a bit hesitant.
The family behind Elberta Farms Country Market Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 41
Elberta Farms Country Market
unique dining experience to Paris that would not only draw in tourists as a destination restaurant but also offer something new in addition to the great options already in Paris. Their focus is on awe-inspiring cocktails, flawless service, and mouthwatering cuisine that is inspired by Lyonnaise bouchons. Their menu focuses heavily on meat with a variety of offal (organ meats). Liver and onions, pigs head, steak tartare and bone marrow are some staples. They make everything from scratch and accommodate dietary restrictions. I ordered a sesame-crusted seared tuna salad with Napa cabbage, fresh peas, radishes, wasabi aioli, hoisin glaze, pickled shallots and carrots. I also requested their roasted bone marrow, topped with roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese and bread crumbs: and served with house-made bread, pickled mustard seeds and cornichons. It was outstanding. It would be 100 percent worth the drive to Paris if it took you six hours to get there. Check out their website for more details and a menu. juniperdiningco.ca. My next destination was a lovely local artist who I had spotted in the magazine many times and had wondered about. Holly.O. is a painter who lives in the heart of Paris and she offers studio tours by appoint42 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
ment only because her studio is in her home. I had expected one room dedicated to showcasing her work, but nope, her gallery was pretty much throughout the entire first floor, spilling into the second floor. I was also guided through her painting studio where all the magic happens. Natural light beamed through many windows and colours were everywhere. Paint splatters were all over the floor, on tables, and even covering her sandals and overalls. To me, it was exactly how a painter’s studio should look as a reminder of all the years of creativity splattered and echoing all around. Her style can be described as expressionism, as her work is an emotional response to a subject rather than a realistic portrayal. She often says her work is loosely-based on reality, and she considers her paintings an emotional response to a subject — whatever delights her eye finds its way into her art. We chatted about our life experiences as artists on her front porch for at least twenty minutes. That’s something that probably very rare in the hustle of a big city. While she was sharing her life’s path with me, she actually began to inspire me to make certain changes to my creative life. It was a great pleasure meeting Holly.O. She was the perfect example of a particular quality of people I meet
Andrea Legacey, chef and owner of Juniper Dining Co.
Juniper Dining Co.
in these small towns I tour for Live Small Town magazine. So welcoming, gracious, and open. hollyo.ca. Keeping with the theme of this article, I wanted to venture over to The Paris Wincey Mills Co. in Paris to meet some local vendors and to hopefully introduce them to you. Wincey Mills is a beautiful historic building that dates back to 1889. The building has been refurbished and is now home to a year-round market with local, quality vendors. My first stop was to pop into The Paris Apothecary booth and talk with owner Sarah Rusak. Sarah creates the majority of her products at home and they consist of natural ingredients. She offers items used for bath
Holly.O. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 43
Brenda Hastings , owner of Original Kettlecorn & Gourmet
Heather Slot, owner of The Grilled Cheese Effect
Sarah Rusak, owner of The Paris Apothecary
Emery Silva, owner of Bird & Bee Vintage 44 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
The Lumberjack grilled cheese sandwich at The Grilled Cheese Effect
and body, health, and wellness, facial treatments, hair care, pets care, with a selection for men as well. All of her products are registered with Health Canada and have passed their regulations regarding ingredients. theparisapothecary.ca I followed my nose next to Original Kettlecorn & Gourmet Popcorn where I met owner Brenda Hastings, who operates the business alongside her husband, Scott, with help from their children. Just as their name would suggest, they sell hand-popped kettlecorn and gourmet popcorn. They pop it in small batches to ensure that they are creating quality, full-flavoured and fresh popcorn. They only use local popping corn and premium ingredients in the 40 flavours they offer. Their classic sweet and salty kettlecorn holds the title as the “Dangerously Addictive Snack.” and The Original Kettle corn is also gluten-, dairy- and nut-free. If you are looking for the perfect snack for your movie nights, pop in and take some home. I took home a bag and shared it with my niece and we both absolutely loved it. Next I checked out Bird & Bee Vintage. They started offering rentals for weddings and then added a booth in Wincey Mills that sells some of the most unique and amazing items I’ve ever seen. “It is a general store for the vintage soul,” as they like to be called. They have the coolest handmade
bow ties, pocket watches, greeting cards, wood sculptures, candles, figurines, and so much more. It would be impossible for me to tell you everything they sell because it ranges all over the map, but it is very ‘Alice In Wonderland’ - inspired which I absolutely loved. They still do rentals and you can also purchase some of their products online. Check out their website and prepare to head down a rabbit hole. birdandbeevintageshop.com My last stop at Wincey Mills was right on time as I was getting pretty hungry. I made my way over to The Grilled Cheese Effect which needs no introduction as to what they masterfully create. After chatting with owner Heather Slot, I ordered The Lumberjack, which is a massive grilled cheese sandwich made with cheddar cheese, bacon, sliced apples, and maple syrup. Oh, it was hard to decide because I also really wanted the Buffalo Chicken which was topped with cheddar, mozza, roast chicken, bacon, and wing
sauce with ranch. Besides their delightful cheese sandwiches they also serve amazing soups and because it was so hard to choose, I guess I will be returning very soon. I just haven’t had a grilled cheese that good before! Besides the food, my favourite thing about them is their slogan: I’ll stop the world and melt with you. Make sure to follow them on social media. @thegrilledcheeseeffect. I decided the perfect way to end the day in Brant County would be to take the long way home to Niagara, and I was lucky to catch an amazing sunset lighting up the sky over the farmers fields. It was so astounding, I had to pull over and snap a few photos.
If you ever get the chance, take a county drive one night, before the warm weather ends, and park your car to watch the sun go down over some corn fields. It is just that beautiful. I hope this article has introduced you to some local businesses in Brant County. Amazingly enough, all of southern Ontario is filled with entrepreneurs who have created one-of-a-kind businesses and are supporting their local economy and building strong communities and sustaining vibrant towns. Compared to big chains, locally-owned businesses return a much large share of their revenue back into the local economy, and enrich the whole community. So please support them right back. If you enjoyed this piece and wish to see live videos while I’m adventuring into these small towns, then follow me on Instagram at @jayperry for a behind-the-scenes look at what is going on. But more importantly, where should I head to next?
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 45
Gaining Ground
As we venture into fall, we all start craving comfort. Whether that means hot chicken soup, a hearty lamb stew or a little day trip out to a family farm to walk through the fields and meet some furry friends, these farms and their female farmers have just what you need to feel a little bit of warmth and happiness during the harvest season.
Written by Emmalee Nother Photography by Marc Douglas
e honour our farmers every year by basking in their bountiful harvest and serving their healthy veggies and hearty meats on our tables. We often choose fall as the picturesque time of the year to take weekend drives down old country roads and explore a corn maze or pick a pumpkin or two. Embracing those who support and supply our communities is more important now than ever. This year we want to celebrate some of our greatest farmers, shepherds, and pioneers of produce who are not only hard-working and strong advocates for living local, but just so happen to be incredible women. Woolley’s Lamb Seeing rolling hills filled with wooly sheep grazing on wildflowers is normally something you would picture in New Zealand, but look no further than the back roads through Renton in Norfolk County. Shepherd and farmer Carrie Woolley is the owner of Woolley’s Lamb. What started as a small flock of about a dozen or so sheep has now become 300 acres of multiple pastures filled with 600 ewes and approximately 900 lambs that wander the Schuyler family farm’s vast apple and cherry orchards. Carrie, who has her master’s degree in animal behaviour and welfare, always knew she wanted to work with animals, so after finishing school and marrying her husband, Brett, together they decided to try farming lamb. Norfolk County has become a destination for raising sheep over the last few years. Carrie’s love for animals beams through like rays of sunshine through the woodlot pastures as she speaks about her sheep and the small group of geese who live amongst them. She, along with only a few other workers, care for the sheep every day from sun up to
sundown, through every season. As a mother of two young children, she is a pioneer powerhouse producing top-quality lamb for our local communities. Carrie’s sheep live their entire lives in lush pastures and abundant orchards, often eating the ground apples and foraging their food from harvested crops. They are left to roam freely within their fenced areas, with several guard dogs watching over them in case a coyote wants to try his luck. This type of farming allows for a more sustainable business, while the quality of lamb also benefits from the natural feed. The main type of sheep Carrie shepherds are Coopworth, a breed native to New Zealand. Their meat and their wool are both highly desired. With each ewe having from one to three lambs, the herd can multiply quite quickly, which also means a great deal of wool can be produced. Carrie’s wool has been deemed quite special and has been used for textiles at heritage sites like Black Creek Pioneer Village. The particular feel and gloss of the Coopworth wool is rarely found in Canada and makes exquisite upholstery for period sofas and chairs. The eco-friendly lambs are born and raised in a completely natural way that is reflected in the exquisite taste of their meat. Many of their customers are restaurants like the newlyopened Mustard + Relish in Port Dover, which serves a delightful Mediterranean-inspired lamb burger made exclusively with Woolley’s Lamb. You can add some of their lamb to your kitchen table by purchasing from local shops like VG Meats and Little Brown Cow to indulge in a meal for yourself or to take home to your family for a nice roast dinner. With Woolley’s Lamb, the focus is simple for Carrie — raising lamb in an eco-friendly and sustainable way while supporting our local farmers and businesses is the way to go. Woolley’s Lamb is a true taste of what Norfolk County has to offer. If you’re interested in local, sustainable lamb that will wow at your next meal, you can visit their website, woolleyslamb.ca, and see where else you can pick up a few chops.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 47
Kloud 9 Acres Just outside Tillsonburg in Oxford County, on a sunny, crisp autumn day, you might see a few fluffy faces peering over the fence lines that will make you smile. Kloud 9 Acres is a small, family farm that houses a happy little herd of adorable alpacas. Damaris Koppert, her husband, Brandon, and their young son are the owners of these sweet little fluffy farm friends. Just beginning their journey into the alpaca world, Damaris, who lovingly calls her herd, ‘floosters,’ started the herd with four female alpacas named Ebony, Ivory, Harley and Lucky. These lovely ladies vary in age and personality but melt your heart all the same as they eat out of your hand and if you’re lucky, you can sneak in a pat on their soft, floofy heads. Alpacas are becoming a popular attraction for farmers and tourists alike with their photogenic appearance and their fiber often being likened to cashmere. They offer plenty of business opportunities that range from selling their wonderful fiber to repurposing their manure for crops and gardens to breeding these cute and cuddly creatures. All things that Kloud 9 Acres are looking into for future endeavors as they grow their mighty, majestic herd. Just this past July, Kloud 9 Acres added two males to their herd, Midnight and Napoleon, hoping to breed their double-registered, high-quality alpacas and expand their herd. These soft, sweet and amazingly friendly animals are mostly like big cats. Quiet, independent and remarkably 48 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
clean, they only need to be shorn once a year, just before the heat of summer. Their wool is prized in the knitting and crochet community, making the coziest of sweaters, toques, and mitts for the whole family. With alpacas, it’s always the more the merrier, not just for the cute factor but because alpacas are natural herd animals and need that extra comfort of an alpaca friend nearby. Although a close relative of the llama, llamas and alpacas are distinctly different. Alpacas have smaller facial features and ears, coveted coats, and are half the size of their llama cousins. The alpacas of Kloud 9 Acres are living their best lives in the sweetest setting. Living beside a perfectly quaint and quiet dirt road, you can take one of their alpacas for a walk, take in the country surroundings and can definitely sneak in some prime photo ops. For the professional photographers out there, these alpacas are the ideal addition to your photo shoots and have already been in a handful of wedding shots. They are ready for their close-up in whatever opportunity arises. The beautiful terrain of the farm offers fantastic rural and rustic backdrops and really make the whole experience one to remember. As Damaris and family grow the herd, they are hoping the opportunities and their community will grow with them, allowing Damaris to focus on the farm full-time, and maybe add a few more animals to the brood. Whether you’re a photographer looking for a unique and adorable addition to your photo shoot or you’re interested in one day taking an alpaca on a sunset stroll, you can visit Kloud 9 Acres on Instagram @kloud9acres. Damaris and her floosters are unforgettable and will brighten up your day instantly.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 49
50 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Hidden Roots Farm Just a short jaunt down a country dirt road in Brant County you’ll find Hidden Root Farms. As you drive up the driveway you’ll catch a small glimpse of the most content and cheerful chickens prancing through the pasture and not too far from them you’ll find owner and farmer Lori Brown. Hidden Root Farms is the area’s only artisanal chicken farm and these chicks sure have it made in the sun, and the shade. Lori’s passion for local, fresh, and sustainable chicken shines as she cares for each bird carefully and with kindness. She knows the importance of raising animals in a stress-free and natural environment. After years of working in corporate for a large grocery chain watching the long process of getting food from farm to table, Lori knew there had to be a better way. So she and her husband were inspired to take a leap and start growing their food full-time and truly nurturing their souls. What began as only a few chickens soon blossomed into raising over 3,000 birds from April until November and serving their community with sustainable, local options. Lori receives the chickens only hours after they hatch and raises them until the day they go to butcher. The chickens themselves live free-range on a luscious pasture filled with all the bugs and greenery their hearts desire. No antibiotics or genetically modified things are found here, just fresh, clean and cared-for chickens that produce some of the finest quality tasting meat you will ever have. Just one nibble of their chicken and you’ll understand why their business grew from a few family friends to the widespread community and local restaurant kitchens in a blink of an eye. The meat is unbelievably flavorful, no need for any spices or seasonings. You can simply eat this scrumptious chicken plain and it tastes delectable, not something you
can always say about the chicken we find in supermarkets. Hidden Root Farm chickens can be found on the menu at such high-end restaurants as David’s Restaurant in Port Dover. You can also grab some of their chicken for your own table easily by either visiting the farm by appointment only or having it delivered. Making quality, local food accessible for everyone is essential to Lori and she understands the difference supporting local can make in a community. Lori is a firm believer in sustainability and while her husband does help with the business, she also has three large herding dogs who help keep the flock safe and sound from any country predators looking for a tasty treat. Searching for better ways to lessen the byproducts of her chickens, Lori created a line of dog food and treats called Barking Farmer. It’s a glorious way of treating her own pups for a job well done while creating an all-natural way of using other parts of the chicken that are less desirable. A must-try for your puppy is the chicken jerky, you’ll love the smell as much as your pooch! If you would like to support local and taste the difference of farm-fresh, pasture-raised chicken, you can contact Lori at sales@hiddenrootfarms.com or visit the website for all the information you need to get the best quality chicken from the farm to your table. hiddenrootfarms.com.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2017 51
Meet Your Neighbours
Never before has community been more important and these four individuals are actively bringing us all closer together. BY Tara Shannon Photography by Mike Schymkiw Home; it’s where we hang our hats at the end of a long day, it’s where we go to be with the ones we love and it’s where we can most authentically be ourselves. Home is also the towns, cities, and places that we live and the people that we meet, like our neighbours. Who doesn’t love a good neighbour. One you can chat with, have over for dinner or trust to look after your cat and collect your mail while you’re away? Some neighbours become like family over the years while others are a little harder to know outside the odd wave or shared smile in passing. Maybe your nearest neighbour lives not just over the fence, but a kilometer or more down the road. Even in this day and age of social media, it’s easy not to know who lives across the street or next door. Don’t feel bad if you don’t know who your neighbours are or what they do. Instead, sit back, put your feet up and give this article a read because while you might not know it, some of your neighbours are integral members of our small towns, running businesses while still going about their daily lives just like you and I. However, this article isn’t so much about their businesses as it is about them. Who they are, what drives them and how they came to be where they are. So join me in saying, “Hello!” to a few of our neighbours. Let’s get to know them a little better. Nadia and Ian van Osch of van Osch & Co. Building and Design Inc. in Cayuga, Ontario, have travelled the world. One could say their travels have given them an understanding of what it means to be home and what the idea of home is all about. It’s not just about the dwelling itself, which of course is
important to them, it’s also about the people who make it up, both past and present. The couple met in India 22 years ago and soon after, Ian moved to northern California, where Nadia is originally from. Nadia was attending university and working toward her degree in history while working part-time for a
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custom home builder. This is where Ian also began training in home building. Thus began the couple’s introduction to the world of trades and custom homes. Little did they know where it would all lead. In 2003, Ian and Nadia moved back to Ian’s hometown of Cayuga, Ontario, where he worked on expanding his knowledge of timber frame building. Timber framing is an ancient form of joining timber structures together with wooden pegs. Nadia, looking to further her education, enrolled at Buffalo State College, earning her teaching certificate and going on to teach for the Grand Erie District School Board. The couple made the Ferguson family farm their home. Set on 200 acres, it was built in 1854 in Cayuga by Ian’s maternal greatgreat-grandfather. They lovingly restored the home inside and out and it’s where their hearts have been ever since. With the birth of their two children, Nila and Lukas, the family now represents the fifth and sixth generations to live on the farm. As parents, Nadia and Ian want their children to live in
a future where the natural environment is healthy and thriving. Since 2005 they have worked in collaboration with local conservation organizations to restore habitat on the farm. They set aside an 11-acre field beside their bush lot and replanted it with native trees. Four thousand seedlings were planted on their river flats along the Grand River in 2018. This year, an additional 4,000 seedlings were scheduled to be planted but had to be postponed to the spring of 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2015, Ian and Nadia established their custom construction company, van Osch & Company Building and Design Inc. In these times of COVID-19, having a thriving family business and a 200-acre farm has been a blessing: which the van Osch’s are truly grateful. With a reputation for quality craftsmanship specializing in timber framing, business has flourished and today their homes can be found not only locally but across southern Ontario. Ian and Nadia build homes full of heart, and they look forward to helping you create yours.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 53
Olivia O’Grady of Ancaster, Ontario, is only getting started. She’s a young adult finding her way in the world and looking for just the right career path. She knows what she likes: she’s creative and enjoys designing fashion accessories and practicing yoga. Ahead of Christmas last year, she found herself busy filling holiday orders with her handmade items, and feeling excited about the new year when, after several years of planning, she would embark on a trip of a lifetime to India. There, she would practice Ashtanga yoga and delve into meditation and Eastern philosophy while trying to figure out what her next steps in life would be. “It was an eye-opening experience,” Olivia told
me. “One that really strips you down and takes you out of your comfort zone. It was really humbling and incredible.” Olivia decided that she would further her sewing skills and grow her accessory business once home in March. Little did she know that her sewing skills would indeed be put to the test. If you hadn’t already guessed it, Olivia arrived home at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. In isolation, Olivia knew that she had to help. She read a post online about a crafter in the U.S who was stitching headbands with buttons to help hold masks in place and protect the ears of frontline workers. Inspired, Olivia set to work. She posted to
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social media about what she was working on and asked if anyone was in need of ‘Headbands for Helpers.’ By the end of that first day, she had 300 requests. Emails and messages flooded in and Olivia needed help. Her sister, Charlotte O’Grady, answered her call and the two have been splittng the work ever since, with Charlotte answering emails and looking after the admin side of things while Olivia feverishly sewed headbands and masks. A GoFundMe account was set up to help raise funds and source fabric and buttons. So many buttons, in fact, that Charlotte was given the unofficial title of “Button Manager.” You might not know it but sourcing 6,000-plus buttons is no
small feat. To date, Olivia and Charlotte have donated over 3,500 headbands. Things have calmed enough these past weeks to allow Olivia a chance to catch her breath and plan what’s next. She’s slowly working to build her Instagram store, @livvy_ro, where she’s thinking about adding some clothing items. As for everything that’s happened these past few months, Olivia wouldn’t change much, aside from finding a cure for COVID-19. Otherwise, she’s happy that she’s been able to grow and help out. She’s also very happy that “going viral” brought her closer to her sister. The sky’s the limit. We look forward to hearing where you’re headed next, Olivia.
Sometimes in life, you just know when something is meant to be. It’s like magic. That’s what happened to Ryan Rivard, chef and owner of The Combine Restaurant in Simcoe, Ontario, celebrating eight years in business this August. Ryan also heads up Canned Heat at Burning Kiln Winery in St. Williams, open seasonally, and the newly opened Mustard+Relish (that’s Mustard “plus” Relish), in Port Dover. In the fall of 2010, Ryan was living and working in Vancouver. When news that his father was unwell reached him, he knew it was time to head home to Norfolk County. Two weeks before René Rivard passed, Ryan joked with his father, “I told him I was going to buy a big old farmhouse in the area and turn it into a restaurant.” Ryan tells me. “My dad perked up at the idea and that moment stayed with me.” Ryan’s dad was his biggest influence when it came to cooking. His mom was influential too, but it was with his dad that his interest really took off. When Ryan was in his early teens, René took a little more time away from his pharmacies, Roulston’s, and the two bonded in the kitchen over their shared passion for food. It’s time Ryan will never forget. René passed in December 2010, and in the days that followed, the happy conversation Ryan had shared with his father never strayed far from his thoughts. Then Ryan stumbled across a house for sale that he had marveled at since childhood. It was a big old house near the centre of town set on a nice piece
of property back from the road. Ryan pulled in the drive of 352 Norfolk St. S. in Simcoe to take a closer look. He peeked through the windows and that’s when it struck him. He could see it all in great detail: the restaurant he had jokingly told his father he would open. But how? He was travelling back to Vancouver the next day. With lightning speed, things started coming together as if they were meant to be that
way all along and from Vancouver, a deal was made. On May 20, 2011, Ryan and his partner at the time, Jennifer von Schleinitz, took possession of the house. By August 15, 2013, after considerable renovations, and concept development, The Combine opened its doors. It was like magic. Eight years later, Ryan continues to make magic through the food he makes, much of which is locally
sourced or grown on the grounds of The Combine. In fact, all the ketchups, mustards, and sauces used in Ryan’s restaurants, are made from produce grown in the gardens found on the property. They are labelled as ‘352’, indicating the address of The Combine. Look for them on the menus next time you visit any of Ryan’s restaurants and taste the magic of Norfolk. His father would be proud.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 55
Deep Roots
Thomas and Jennifer Dault of Paris, Ontario, have been buying, selling and trading in antiques for the past 10-plus years. Then opened Old Soul Antiques in 2012. Over the past few years, they have sold their treasures at the St. Jacobs Market (stjacobsmarket.com), and the Waterford Antique Market (waterfordantiquemarket). com. This year, they planned on expanding to the Christie Antique & Vintage Show christieshow.ca but will be delayed due to Covid-19. Interior design is a nearobsession for them and their 1883 Victorian home has been the perfect pallet for them to showcase their style. The best way to reach them is on Instagram at @oldsoul.antiques account or at oldsoulantique@gmail.com.
With the fast pace of our lives seeming to accelerate at every turn, we should all take a moment to reflect on the numerous stories, places, memories and people that have truly made Southwestern Ontario one of the greatest places on Earth. 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 honour the past.
Photo by Thomas Dault
Living History
The Big Cheese
How Ingersoll helped establish Oxford County as one of the cheesiest contenders at the Worlds Fair. BY J.C. Villamere
“Hold on to your hats, kids! There’s gonna be hecka blooded stock on hand!” —This is a promise you could make to your children and count on keeping if you were planning to visit the New York State Fair in 1866. On August 31, 1866, the ‘New York Times’ reported, “The buildings for the approaching State Fair are all well advanced and will be finished in time. The indications are that there will be one of the largest exhibitions of blooded stock ever held in this State.” In the 1860s, everybody was a farmer. (Everybody.) And to celebrate the end of another backbreaking, spirit-crushing season on the farm, they’d get together to look at blooded stock and other farm stuff at fall fairs. If you’re a farmer splitting your time between the dusty crop harvest and slapping together stables in the August heat to house pungent, travelling fall fair farm animals, anything would be a welcome break for your tired eyes, not to mention for your poor nose that has been subjected solely to malodourous beasts. Picture it: Into this 1866 Saratoga Springs harvest season arrives a glowing disc, coming miraculously by rail from the north. This giant, golden circle of light casts nearly-visible rays of ooey-gooey goodness that seems to kiss the eager cheeks of townsfolk. It was goodness. It was science. It was the future. It was the Mammoth Cheese. The Mammoth Cheese is a famous wheel of cheese created at the James Harris Cheese Factory. It seems weird that a substance so magical could be generated in a factory, but here we are. Wait — where are we? The James Harris Cheese Factory. It’s in Ingersoll, Ontario. Actually, it’s exactly where the Elmhurst Inn is now. That building is still imbued with cheese-related magic and naysayers are invited to prove this wrong.
Carting around a giant, novelty-sized wheel of cheese may sound like the quirky work of 1860s proto-hipster dairy nerds high on hemp and tuberculosis meds, or the work of Western University frosh. It is not. Here in this area, 154 years ago, a consortium of local business people with a common interest in creating a market for Ingersol cheese worked together to create a symbol of cooperation, and ingenuity. And that symbol took the blessed form of a giant wheel of delicious cheese. The Mammoth Cheese was record-breakingly large. And even though is needed 35 tonnes of milk, weighed 7,300 pounds, and was 6’10” across and 3’ high, it wasn’t over-thetop. This wasn’t cheese for the sake of cheese. This cheese was a scientific marvel. This was the dairy Dolly the Sheep of its day. Did you know that your beloved, humble cheddar is a scientific marvel created from fussy ingredients that demand stable temperatures and pristine equipment? The Mammoth Cheese was born of the milk of 2,400 cows carried by horse and wagon from area dairy farms. It was a massive triumph of logistics. The Mammoth Cheese was shipped by rail to be exhibited at the New York State Fair at Saratoga Springs to brighten up the blooded stock fest they had planned. All the news reports indicate that the Ingersoll locals gave the Mammoth Cheese a rousing send-off, and that the cheese was paraded through the streets. The success of Ingersoll’s Mammoth Cheese helped establish a booming cheese export industry in Ingersoll. The Mammoth Cheese wheel held the record for size until 1893, when the Dominion Experimental Farm in Perth, Ontario, conjured an eleven-tonne cheese that was exhibited at the Chicago World’s Fair. The Mammoth Cheese wheel paved the way.
OTHER CHEESY FOLKS 1 Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum, Ingersoll Shops 2 The Dover Cheese Shop, Port Dover dovercheese.com 3 The Second Mouse Cheesetique, Delhi thesecondmouse.ca 4 Tipperary Bog, Brantford and Paris in The Paris Wincey Mills Co. 5 The Ancaster Village Cheese Shop, Ancaster 6 Mickey McGuire’s Cheese, Dundas mickeymcguires.com 7 Bright Cheese & Butter, Bright brightcheeseandbutter.com 8 Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Woodstock gunnshillcheese. ca 9 Jensen Cheese 1925, Simcoe jensencheese.ca 10 The Udder Way Artisan Cheese Co, Hannon 11 Little Brown Cow, Brantford 12 Millbank Cheese Factory 1908, Millbank millbankcheese.com 13 Mountain Oak Cheese, New Hamburg mountainoakcheese.ca 14 Chanoki Cheese, Hagersville Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 57
Stay-cation Vacation
Come with us, again and again, as we explore the wonder of being a tourist in our own backyard. BY Sandy Marincic Hey, it’s me, the experiential tourist, and I’m writing from the watery-eyed viewpoint of a speeding motorcycle. Yay, summer! Did you know that only 2 percent of Canadian vehicles are bikes? Boo snow! But there is no more engaged way to move oneself, so move we did, my gal and I, from Paris to Port Dover to Selkirk to Caledonia, in a classic, overnight, history-tinted road trip. Doesn’t that make you want to pack a duffel and go?
We rode to Paris on two-lane back roads. Paris was named for the nearby gypsum deposits discovered in 1793. Gypsum is the main component in plaster-of-Paris and was the foundation for this beautiful small town’s historical wealth. That wealth shows in its collection of lovely old buildings and the layers of old and new infrastructure. Really, Paris is like a tiny city, brimming with charm, arranged in a beautiful valley with the Grand River running through its heart. For dinner, we tried a cool new spot — Capeesh Kitchen & Cellar. We were drawn to Capeesh by their delicious food, but the setting — the décor and spectacular view — is what made leaving difficult. The lazy Grand River s-l-o-w-s
time down and makes it all better, whatever “it” is. This is a very, very comfortable spot. You’ll smile from within as you share the feeling with the other diners, everyone caught in the same web. Sit outside if you can and let the one-two punch of friendly staff and river work their magic. Bellies full, we hopped on my trusty GSA, Olivia, and wheeled 60 kms south to Port Dover, waving at other bikers and honking at cows as the heat of the day tapered off. Folks who don’t ride wonder at the risk, but riding’s charm is that you must be totally focused and present. Riding safely demands we take in and process so much more info than car drivers; riding is a 4K Ultra HD monitor, whereas driving is a 1960s black and white TV. That’s how we riders “keep the shiny side up”. We rolled up to Five Blocks North, the beautiful Port Dover B&B where we’d spend the night. Our hosts, Bryn Barnes and Mike
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Meyer, shared the B&B’s history. Back in 1832, it began as a dry goods store situated...can you guess? Yep, five blocks south. Horses rolled it on logs from Main St. where the Royal Bank now sits to its present spot. We all have different tastes — I am not a fan of frilly, or what I call “old lady décor” (sorry). Five Blocks North has the charm of a purpose-built commercial building of yore, completely
re-done by a master woodworker, a prior owner. The décor is impeccable, as was breakfast (thank you Bryn), and the garden was breathtaking (thank you Mike). We slept like king and queen, rose to a brilliant day, great coffee on the front porch, a lake breeze, and then an oh-my-god breakfast. Confession — the food was so good that I forgot to take pictures. Thanks again Bryn. Five Blocks
North has the magic that comes when owners truly care about the details. After packing and gearing up, we rode to Selkirk’s historic Cottonwood Mansion, an 1860 red brick mansion built by William Holmes Jr. Richard Hoover, the foundation president, greeted us. His great-grandmother, Mary Hoover, was William Holmes’ first wife. He explained that the 200-acre site had many cottonwood trees in the 1800s. The 6,000 square foot mansion was derelict from 1911 to 1988, when the late Larry Hamilton, also a Hoover descendant, began its restoration. This was certainly a privileged household, as is evident in the size of the house and rooms, and the architectural details — it was built to impress. Today, it is a time capsule echoing the strong values of the 1860 – 1900 era. You feel it whether you are in the servant’s quarters, the music room,
the dining room, or the great salons, of which there are two — one for men, one for women, each designed to please the proclivities of a specific gender. And true to form, homages to Her Majesty, Queen Victoria are everywhere. After so much history, it was great to hop back onto an uber-modern German motorcycle. A quick stop for an ice cream under an awning let us appreciate a torrential downpour while dry — motorcycle trip perfection! Once things dried a bit we toodled off to the north-east, the engine’s sound providing a perfect sonic back-drop. Our last stop was The Oasis, likely Canada’s first drive-in restaurant. Located by the Grand River in Caledonia, it began in 1927 as Walt Richardson’s Cone Cottage, feeding workers building the bridge. But the Oasis lot includes the Haldimand House, built in 1836,
one of three historic Caledonia stagecoach stops. It was the mid-point for folks going between Hamilton and Port Dover where those bruised and weary stagecoach travelers rented rooms — imagine the ride. Back to the present. Long gone are the days when fast food tasted like real food. Our chosen chains make predictable, taste bud-safe food, but it is so processed that the ingredient list is unpronounceable. You can taste the chemicals. Not so at the Oasis, owned since 1950 by the Leousis family.
a few other ideas for your own historic tour
Don’t miss the Gypsum Mine Tract from Caledonia to York in Haldimand.
Ontario’s oldest Drive-In, the Oasis in Caledonia has been around since 1927
A burger tastes like a burger, and it’s sirloin beef, so how could it not? Likewise, the fries come from potatoes — brown things with a peel that don’t know the word freezer. Everything. Is. Just. Simple. Food. I highly recommend it. Here’s a last thought. Some of us rode bicycles to school and got to ride home at the end of the day, kind of like tiny little commuters. No matter how good or bad a day I’d had in class, having my bike waiting for me at day’s end created a sense of freedom, possibility and joy. And now, my motorcycle, Olivia, does exactly the same thing for me. Life is good!
1 Ruthven Park – National Historic Site, Cayuga ruthvenparknationalhistoricsite.com 2 Mohawk Chapel, Brantford mohawkchapel.ca 3 Bell Homestead National Historic Site, Brantford brantford.ca 4 Griffin House, Ancaster ancasterhistory.ca 5 Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, Ancaster ancasterhistory.ca 6 Memorial Church, Port Ryerse 7 Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum, Waterford waterfordmuseum.ca 8 Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, St George adelaidehoodless.ca 8 Annandale National Historic Site, Tillsonburg annandalenhs.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 59
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 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 three of my favourite examples for the latest instalment of Live Small Town magazine’s Aging Gracefully series. Ancaster Fair
Ancaster ancasterfair.ca There comes a time when every hard worker must take a rest, and for countless small towns across the country, that time is often at the local fair. Whether it be city, town, or county, the fair always seems to have a way of bringing people together for some good ol’ fashioned fun. And what’s not to love? These
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nostalgic places of entertainment truly offer something for everyone, and few honor both the past and the present as well as the Ancaster Fair. Celebrated for the past 169 years, the Ancaster Fair has it all: rides, games, music, livestock, food, and fun for the entire family. Certainly not immune to the global health pandemic that is affecting all of us, a grand celebration of their 170th year was planned for this year, but has unfortunately had to be put on hold until the 2021 season. But where this is time there is opportunity, and the fair is planning a massive $5 million enhancement to ensure that their 170th year is their best one ever. And you can help. Through their “Rooted in the Community, Growing for the Future” campaign, the fair is hoping to raise a $2 million investment to build a new 75,000- square foot building with the goal of becoming Ontario’s premier livestock, equestrian and trade show facility. Visit their website at ancasterfair.ca/capital-campaign to learn more, or to contribute.
BRANTFORD
Mohawk military and political leader Thayendanegea, or Joseph Brant, was visiting England with Guy Johnson, age 33, when leading court painter George Romney painted him in his London studio.
brantford.ca Throughout history, small towns have contributed towards the advancement of our societies. Things like apple pie, fall fairs, long country drives and campfires have provided life lessons and memories for many throughout the generations, but could you imagine if one town produced them all? Before you get excited, no, such a place does not exist. But the city of Brantford may be the closest available comparison. Situated along the Grand River in southeastern Ontario, Brantford gave us the invention of the telephone (courtesy of one Alexander Graham Bell), one of the best Canadian poets to ever pick up a pen (E. Pauline Johnson), and produced arguably the greatest hockey player who has ever lived (Wayne Gretzky). It is also the home to two of Canada’s most popular treats, with Ferrero Rocher and Nutella setting up shop there in 2017. With all those stars on their walk of fame, often Brantford’s earlier history can get overlooked. And nowhere is that illustrated better than through its rich, First Nations origins. The town originated as Brant’s Ford, named for the famous Mohawk Chief, Joseph Brant, who was granted the site for settlement in 1784. The area has been home to generations of Six Nations people, a collective of tribes with a rich history. Though the city is now more commonly associated with manufacturing and agriculture, the men and women of the Six Nations helped to lay the groundwork for all future generations to come.
Top Right Painting of Joseph Brant by George Romney 1776
Eising Garden Centre
Simcoe eising.ca A lot has happened in the world since 1966. We’ve seen eight prime ministers come and go and witnessed the invention of computers and the internet transform our world overnight. Technology and society are constantly evolving and changing, and although progress and innovation are wonderful things, sometimes there is something to be said for the constants in our lives as well. One of those constants in Norfolk County has been the existence of Eising Garden Centre. Started in 1966 with Henry and Lena Eising selling tomatoes from a small road-side stand, the centre is now a bustling 2.5 acre, one stop shop for plants, landscaping, and outdoor décor. They’ve innovated and evolved too, transforming to a digital/e-commerce business model (focusing on online sales during the pandemic), while also utilizing something called Integrated Pest Management instead of chemicals and insecticides to treat and grow their plants. But through it all, one thing remains the same: the Eising family. Run now by a new generation–Henry Jr. and Marjolein–the centre continues to give you the same great care, service and love that its foundation was built on. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 61
Heirlooms & Antiques Looking to spend a day antique or vintage hunting? Need to find that perfect period piece to enhance your home or wardrobe? Looking for some retro tunes or previously-enjoyed gems? 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... ANTIQUE SHOPS Antiques at the Sawmill
RR 1, Ayr
COmfORt & StyLE. CLOSER tHAn yOU CAn ImAGInE!
Antique Chevrolet Parts
1221 Hwy 5 W, Dundas antiquechev.com Alfred Street Nostalgia
97 Alfred St, Brantford Anderson Auctions
7 Clonmel Ln, Port Dover jimandersonauctions.com Artiques Hagersville
23 Main St N, Hagersville Bird & Bee Vintage at Wincey MIlls
31 Mechanic St, Paris birdandbeevintage.com Caledonia Furniture Finds
127 Argyle St S, Unit #5 caledoniafurniturefinds.com Caresa Antiques
1182 Windham Rd 9, Windham Centre Cattail Cove Interiors
1012 Bay St #4, Port Rowan Cheap Shabby Chic
148 Queen St, Dunnville Christie Antique and Vintage Show
1000 ON-5, Dundas christieshow.ca CJ’s Antiques & Refinishing
4080 Hwy. 24, Vanessa cjsantiques.ca Clappison Corners Antiques
Hearth & Home has spent the last 40-plus years 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! 24 HOUR SERVICE
224 Braneida Lane, Brantford 519-756-4374
myhearthandhome.ca
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845 Highway 6, Hamilton clappisonantiques.com Classic Vault Emporium
12 Main St S, St George Collectors Centre
46 Colborne St, Brantford collectors-centre.business.site
Colonel Mustard Antiques
7014 Hamilton Rd, Putnam Country Corner Antiques
3067 ON-3, Simcoe Courtland Treasures Antiques and Emporium
682 James St, Delhi Covey Coin & Supply Centre
92 Simcoe St, Tillsonburg Crossroads Antique Market
1146 Colborne St E, Brantford Deer Creek Antiques & Creations
1703 Norfolk County Rd 45, Langton Forch’s Record Store
59 Dalhousie St, Brantford Franni’s Attic
1011 Bay St, Port Rowan Freelton Antique Market
248 Freelton Rd, Freelton Grand River Antiques
1540 East, Hwy 54, Caledonia grandriverantiques.com Grand River Antique Society
Cayuga grandriverantiquesociety. yolasite.com
Cell: (519) 761-8810 Fax: (289) 203-1321 Lisa@TCGLendingCentres.com
Haldimand House Marketplace
22 Argyle St S, Caledonia haldimandhouse.com Henry Dobson Antiques Inc
955781 Gibson Ln, Drumbo Hilltop Furniture & Antiques
88 Dundas St E, Waterdown Judiths Antiques
18 Short Rd, Dundas The Kilted Moose
57 Talbot St, W, Aylmer Lancome Antiques
1413 Brock Rd, Dundas lancomeantiques.ca Main Station Collectables & Pawn Shop
28 Alice St, Waterford
OUR MISSION. A network of dynamic, professional women empowered through support, inspiration and mentoring, to promote success of women in business and their professions.
Maus Park Antiques
We are so happy to begin offering our guests high-quality and safe services again and now is the perfect time to take care of yourself and make positive changes with hair and body treatments. Blue Harvest is here to help! Our salon is perfectly located in rural Norfolk County. Surrounded by rolling country fields, you will quickly become nestled in a relaxing and elevated salon experience that promotes quality self-care.
289 Pinehurst Rd, Paris mausparkantiques.ca Miller & Miller Auctions
59 Webster St, New Hamburg millerandmillerauctions.com Mizener’s Antiques & More Market
367 ON-5, Dundas mizenersmarket.com Modern Hipster Antiques
70 Thames St S, Ingersoll modernhipster.com
Building Business Building self Building RelAtionships Building Community
5113 Hwy 3, Simcoe
blueharvestsalon.ca
Naturally Country Gift Shop & Tea Room
5020 Tyneside Rd, Mount Hope Needful Things Pawn shop
75 Broadway, Tillsonburg
ladieswholead.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 63
Nice Old Stuff
2037 Main St N, Jarvis niceoldstuff.ca Old Country Store
80 Alice St, Waterford A little bit country, a little bit urban, we cater to the backyard farmer and the small town enthusiast. Hardware, bird & animal feeds, odds & ends and so much more!
Old Town Hall Auctions
13 Burwell St, Paris oldtownhallauctions.com One of a Kind Antiques & Collectibles Grace & Lace Artizan Catherine Lillywhite Parsley & Sage Papillon Jacqueline Kent Ella & Ollie baby line Pinkstix purses GorGEoUS décor!!
Doerksen Country Store
1086 Bay St, Port Rowan 519-586-3901
doerksencountrystore.com
97 Wilson St, Woodstock oneofakindantiquemall.com Orange Cat Antiques
200 Brant Ave, Brantford Paris Road Antiques
548 Paris Rd, Paris parisroadantiques.blogspot.com Pickers Antiques Warehouse
Fabulous Fall 1407 Hwy 59, Port rowan 519.586.3817
Selkirk Village with a history by the lake
Inside C- Squared Menswear 334 Main St, Port Dover & 1049 Bay St, Port Rowan + Crossroads Trading Post & Flea Market 1146 Colborne St E, Brantford Queensway Antiques
88 Queensway W, Simcoe Rock Chapel Antique Market
167 5 Hwy, Hamilton rockchapel.ca Tattered and Torn
903 Haldibrook Rd, Caledonia etsy.com/ca/shop/TatteredanTorn Southworks Antiques
73 Water St, N, Cambridge southworksantiques.com The Back Shed Antiques & Primitive Crafts
2388 Highway 3 E, Jarvis thebackshed.ca The Fox and Fawn Antiques
Museums
Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum Cottonwood Mansion Canadian Drilling Rig Museum
Shops
Barnwood Wine • Erie Collectables Muirheads Variety (Gas) • Town & Country Foods (LCBO & Beer Store)
Restaurants
Fisherville Tavern • The Hen House Hoover’s Marina • Rainham Centre Dairy Bar Shelly’s Family Dining • Sunflower Cafe
Events
Robbie Burns, Heritage Day Car Show, Super Sat. Gas Fest, Fish Fry & Dance Drilling Rig Open House Illuminated Tractor Parade Selkirk Chamber of Commerce selkirkchamberofcommerce@gmail.com www.selkirk-ontario.com View historical and drone videos... Historical Tour... Read National Magazine Article on Selkirk and Haldimand County 64 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
93 Broadway, Tillsonburg foxandfawnshoppe.com The Freelton Antique Mall
248 Freelton Rd, Freelton freeltonantiquemall.com The Henhouse Shoppe
163719 Brownsville Rd, Brownsville The Yellow Farmhouse
697 Stoney Creek Rd, Caledonia Tillsonburg Antiques Plus
6 Old Vienna Rd, Tillsonburg Time Capsule Antiques & Retro Nostalgia
168 Queen St, Dunnville timecapsuleretro.blogspot.ca Towpath On The Grand Antiques & Collectibles
14 Talbot St W, Cayuga towpathonthegrand.com
Documentary Lifestyle Photography
Documentary Lifestyle Photography Documentary Lifestyle Photography
Toys ‘n Stock
676888 16 Line, Tavistock Typical Collector Antiques
Documentary Lifestyle Photography
Documentary Lifestyle Photography
2125 Amesbury Cres, Burlington Unique Boutique Gifts Antiques
Alice St, Waterford Waterford Antique Market
80 B Alice St, Waterford waterfordantiquemarket.com Webster R Antiques
1146 Colborne St, E, Brantford MUSEUMS (some of our many) Bell Homestead National Historic Site
94 Tutela Heights Rd, Brantford bellhomestead.ca Canadian Drilling Rig Museum
4858 Rainham, Selkirk canadiandrillingrigmuseum.com Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope warplane.com Chiefswood Museum
1037 Hwy 54 E, Brantford chiefswood.com Dundas Museum & Archives
139 Park St W, Dundas Westfield Heritage Village
1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rockton Eva Brook Donly Museum
109 Norfolk St S, Simcoe norfolklore.com Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
64 Sulphur Springs Rd, Ancaster Haldimand Museum & Archives
8 Echo St, Cayuga Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum
290 Harris St, Ingersoll Myrtleville House Museum
34 Myrtleville Dr, Brantford brantmuseum.ca Personal Computer Museum
13 Alma St, Brantford pcmuseum.ca
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Port Dover Harbour Museum
44 Harbour St, Port Dover portdovermuseum.ca Ruthven Park National Historic Site
243 Haldimand Hwy. #54, Cayuga ruthvenpark.ca Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association
2041 ON-6, Jarvis wafma.ca Thames Valley Museum School
656 Main St N, Burgessville
inspired inspiredby byaawild wildimagination imagination anddocumenting documenting inspired by a wild imagination and documenting the theintricacies intricaciesthat thatdefine definedaily dailylife; life;celebrating celebratingthe the the intricacies that define daily life; celebrating the in-betweens, in-betweens,knowing knowingthat thatevery everymoment moment counts counts in-betweens, knowing that every moment counts
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Arts & CULTURE
Dan Fewings
Vittoria DanFewings.com When you sit down to chat with Dan Fewings, you become a witness to a mind that is chock-full of fantastically-fun ideas. A multi-talented wearer-ofmany-hats, Dan is, above all else, a spreader of joy! The last few months have seen Dan connecting with friends and fans online, where he performs and hosts regular weekly game shows with enthusiastic audience involvement. As restrictions lift, Fewings looks forward to reconnecting with music and theatre lovers on a more personal level. “I’ve missed the collaboration between fellow musicians, and actors and our audiences.” Whether it is as The Great Spontini, The Song Chef, as one of The Three Martinis, as a solo musician, actor, concert producer or emcee, one thing is for certain: Dan Fewings can be counted on to bring a smile to people’s faces! It’s what he was born to do, and we are lucky for it!
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.
Photo by Jimmy Bowskill
Inspiring Minds
Noise Makers
They bring community together by weaving stories and emotions in the spirit of sharing and forging bonds. BY Sara Moody Veldhuis Puttering in the garden, I find myself humming Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi.” When I get to the line: “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”, I realize that this is exactly what I have been trying to express in this article. When our world was turned upside down in March, we all felt the emptiness and uncertainty of what our futures were going to look like. While everyone has been impacted by the pandemic in one way or another, one of the industries most affected by COVID-19 has been the arts, with the music business being of particular concern to me. Musicians, whose sole occupation is to share their art with us, are suddenly without work, and many have been left with no safety net. Joni knew, in 1970, what she was talking about. And her words are as timeless today as they were then. I worry that the music and artistic avenues that we all have taken for granted for so long may suddenly cease to exist, and so I hope to get people thinking about ways to become more actively engaged in ensuring this does not happen. We look to artists to enrich our lives, but those gifts come at a
price. It’s up to us, the fans to step up and support the people we love. Over these past few months, I have followed many musicians that have been keeping our hearts and homes filled with music. I had the chance to speak to three of them recently, and each had a refreshing take on our current reality. I caught up with roots and blues singer and guitar/ bassist-extraordinaire Suzie Vinnick (SuzieVinnick. com) at her home just outside Dunnville. A prolific songwriter and touring road warrior, Suzie has been thankful to have this “down” time to enjoy many online concerts by her favourite artists. “I got to watch Rickie Lee Jones perform from her living room the other day and it blew my mind!” Suzie laughed. “I almost never get to go to concerts because I am always performing, so this has really gotten my creative mindset flowing, and for that I am grateful.” While the pandemic has put the brakes on months of booked shows and international tours, things are slowly starting back up again and Vinnick continues to plan new ways of engaging with her fans. She does weekly Wednesday night concerts on
Am I the only person that did not realize this? Subscribing now! KS
StreetJelly.com, has been gearing up for teaching more, offering song writing workshops, and her music and merch are online as well. Her determination shines through: “I’m a very positive person — and I am making lemonade out of these lemons!” Another active touring musician with a great outlook is Port Dover native Dan Walsh (BentBeard. com), who spoke poignantly about the current state of the music industry. “The landscape of our business has been rapidly changing, with music being severely undervalued for a long time before the pandemic hit,” he said. “You have two camps: those that say ‘This is everyone’s fault but mine’ and who whine and don’t do anything about it. And then there is camp two–where you take the backwoods roads and you just keep on keeping on. That’s where I am,” he said. “For people like me, music is in our blood. We will always do it and will find a way to connect with those who want to support us.” And therein lies the crux of all of this: The key to helping artists survive and flourish in this current state is in connecting directly with the ones that mean something to you personally. So how does one do this? You’ve heard people say, “Like, share, follow, subscribe” on social media? Well this is the easiest way to show support to an artist, which takes very little time to do and costs us, the fans, nothing! If an artist can get 1,000 subscribers on
YouTube, for example, this is a game-changer for them. Their channel becomes monetized, and they can begin making money from views. But this isn’t easy to achieve, so, we need to subscribe and then invite others to jump on that musician’s bandwagon! Most importantly: you can buy tickets (or give a tip) for online concerts, purchase their merchandise, buy/ stream their music, sign-up for lesson, or virtual songwriting advice, offer to host a socially-distanced house concert, become a patron through a monthly membership (like Patreon), and so much more. And Walsh, like these other musicians, never forgets to give back himself, which he does through his Guitars For Kids program, which offers free instruments to children who can’t afford one. “You never know,” he said. “One of these kids might be the next Eddie Van Halen, and even if it only teaches kids acts of kindness…well we are just a bit short of that in the world so that’s ok too.” Agreed, Dan. Now let’s go and show the musicians, actors, dancers, artists, and arts organizations that we love the most, many acts of kindness and gratitude, and help them sustain their work so that they can continue to enrich us with their artistry! Need suggestions on ways to help? Go to UniversalArtsManagement.com for an extensive list of musicians and arts organizations who would appreciate your support.
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Portrait of an Artist
They help us negotiate connections between ourselves and the world. They make us think more deeply, strive more intently, feel joy more profoundly and bring meaning and purpose to humanity. These are the artists behind the art.
Gloria Kingma
Dunnville gkingma.com I have been painting in various mediums for many years. God has granted me the ability to see the wonders of His creation. The world is my canvas and my purpose is to capture the beauty displayed in everyday things. I live and work in the small town of Dunnville, which is situated on the banks of the Grand River not far from Lake Erie. My studio is located in a century-old brick building complete with creaky hardwood floors and abundance of light to paint by. I feel so blessed to have such an inspirational space to work in. The play of light as it enhances colour and bounces across objects is all I need to get me into my studio and start the creative juices flowing. There are many mediums to express one’s artistic voice. I work mainly in acrylic, watercolour, pastel, and encaustic. Please visit my website, Facebook or Instagram pages to view my paintings and leave any comments or feedback. Thank you. 68 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Sassafras Mandala - This piece was chosen for ‘Colour with a U’, the Canadian quilt exhibition for SAQA (Studio Art Quilts Associates, an international textile organization). It will tour across Canada along with 35 other pieces for the next three years.
Lorraine Roy
Dundas lroyart.com Like many women of my generation, I was introduced to the fabric arts at the earliest opportunity, at my mother’s knee with a needle and thread. This was the start of a long creative journey that led to a full-time career in art textiles. I have been working
as a professional artist in the textile medium since the mid-1980s. For my formal education, I earned a B.Sc. in agriculture, majoring in ornamental horticulture, and have been studying developments in tree research since graduating in 1978. In my work, I draw upon my background
in science to create images in fabric which evoke the strong connection I feel with the natural world. Most of my wall pieces are inspired by the biology, mythology and symbolism of trees, classic emblems of the communion of earth and spirit. I create my wall hangings and framed textiles using
raw edge machine appliqué techniques and embroidery, using an old classic industrial Bernina. On our half-acre of property on the Niagara Escarpment, I have a self-standing studio and gallery surrounded by gardens. I participate in open studio events and visitors are also welcome by appointment.
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On the Map
Makers Market Our local art scene is bursting with talent. Here are just a few who are sharing resources to enhance community culture. BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL
The Routes to Roots Film Festival Simcoe r2rff.com For the last three years, my calendar has been marked in October to attend and enjoy the Roots to Routes Film Festival at The Strand in Simcoe. Showcasing short and feature- length films from around the world, the festival organizers welcome filmmakers of all levels to submit their works with the emphasis on rural themes or settings. Fingers crossed that this fourth year the show will go on.
This lovely gal started out on Forks Road in Haldimand County.
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Dr. Larry Kramer
Urban Wheel At Sundown
Doctor/writer, Brantford To read a book that encompasses so much of the human spirit is indeed a joyful experience. For over four decades, Dr. Larry Kramer jotted down notes about the courage, the love and the tragedy in the lives of his patients and his own musing of being a small town doctor. Everyone has a story, and he presents them to us as a gift in ‘An Imperfect Healer,’ a tribute to all who have walked through his office door.
Market - Boutique Tillsonburg urbanwheel.ca From just a pickup truck with its tailgate down to sell ing their wares to a beautiful artisan boutique, it has been quite a journey for Tillsonburg’s Urban Wheel at Sundown. Their Dutch heritage shows with their wide assortment of imported delicacies and their love of all that is local shows with the well- stocked shelves of art as well as local produce, meats, and cheeses.
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The Creative Hub Waterdown thecreativehub.ca Happiness is finding a place that encompasses knowledge, creativity, and a sense of community. The Creative Hub in Waterdown brings all those things together under one roof and offers you the chance to explore your creative nature. More than just an art studio, there is something for every age and level of experience. It’s a place that feels welcome and passes on the joy of creativity.
Michela Luci Ancaster Canada has talent and a lot of it seems to be wrapped up in this 14-year-old from Ancaster. Michela Luci is the whole package when it comes to talent: a singer, an actress and a dancer. In her short career beginning in 2014, she has been nominated twice for the Canadian Screen Awards and has won the Emmy’s Daytime Outstanding Performance Award. This girl is going places. The more we see her the more we love her.
Urban Wheel At Sundown braclet by Rysen Rose Designs rysenrose.com,
Forks Road Pottery Port Colborne forksroadpottery.com When Marsha Cox first mentioned retiring, I think a little piece of my heart sagged. I know everyone has the right to retire but gee whiz to have no future Forks Road Pottery in my life just seem too much to take! So happiness for me is the news that after two years of a retirement that included the restoring of a heritage building in Port Colbourne, she is ready to take the wheel again.
The Rustic Feather Barntique is nestled on a beautiful country homestead. It’s located just minutes from Turkey Point and Simcoe. It featuring over thirty creative vendors who have been hand-selected to reflect the Barntique vibe. rusticfeatherbarntique.ca
Sam Simmons - Loka Studio Norfolk County Since 2009, Sam Simmons products have been evolving as she honed her craft and focused on creating one-of-kind pieces in a mass-producing world. She has always offered quality products while respecting the environment with a minimalist approach to her design. She is currently selling an array of leather bags, accessories, mixed fabric bags, blankets, and pillows at the Rustic Feather Barntique near Simcoe.
This Little Light Merch Port Dover thislittlelightofwomen.com Laura Hitchon’s intention was to create a community built with bricks of compassion, understanding, encouragement and inspiration. She started sharing her motherhood journey on social media and found that she was soon surrounded by a village of like-minded individuals. She then launched a clothing line called raisethemkind.ca because she believes we can all change the world by raising kids to be thoughtful, kind, good humans. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 71
Events & Activities THEATRE
AN ARtisAN ColleCtive Bringing the beauty of small batch to you with a focus in Norfolk County
As live theatre continues to grow in popularity, lovers of the performing arts across Canada have begun noticing an emerging trend: big cities aren’t the only places to find a good show. Small towns and local theatres are churning out quality performances and their well-known theatre companies and impressive resumes mean a trip to the theatre is even closer than you realize. Backstage Capitol Theatre
93 King St, Delhi backstagecapitol.com Open year-round, this unique and historic venue plays host to live performances of Celtic, folk, vintage rock & roll, and a host of other genres. Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corp
247 Main St, Port Dover lighthousetheatre.com The theatre is open all year long for a variety of events, including concerts, public meetings, community fundraisers, dance recitals, workshops, band rehearsals and classes. The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
88 Dalhousie St, Brantford sandersoncentre.ca A vintage vaudeville and silent movie theatre opened in 1919, this local gem showcases plays, classical music, dance and more. With seating for 1,125 guests, it is also the home to the Brantford Symphony Orchestra. Simcoe Little Theatre
33 Talbot St N, Simcoe simcoelittletheatre.org Open for 71 years, this community theatre offers a grand selection of drama, comedy and classics. Waterford Old Town Hall
2619 Cockshutt Rd Norfolk County 905-537-3936
theshopatsweetwater.ca
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76 Main St S, Waterford oldtownhall.org A restored historic building that boasts an 180-seat auditorium, the Waterford Old Town Hall provides us with cultural diversity as a music, artistic and theatrical production venue.
GALLERIES
Nothing boosts your own personal creativity more than visiting art galleries. Akin to osmosis, being around art and in the company of creative folks makes you feel more creative. Our small-town communities are rich in this talent and there is no better way to experience it than to pop into one of these local showcases. Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant
20 Ava Rd, Brantford glenhyrst.ca Located in Glenhyrst Gardens, a beautifully landscaped 16-acre park on the banks of the Grand River, the gallery offers contemporary fine art exhibitions, guided tours, classes, lectures, events, and art rentals. Holly.O. Gallery
16 Charlotte St. Paris (one street north of the Arlington Hotel) hollyo.ca Paris artist Holly.O. welcomes visitors to her gallery and studio. View Holly’s collection of original artworks and take a behind-the-scenes look at her sunny studio space. Gallery is open by appointment throughout the year.
Mellow Yellow. Acrylic on Canvas. 48”x48”
Gallery/Studio autumn Show & Sale September 26 & 27, 11 am - 5 pm 16 Charlotte St., pariS 519-442-7211 hollyo.ca
The Oak Gallery
313 Main St, Port Dover theoakgallery.com This new gallery offers the work of both local artists and those from afar, showcasing metal, wax, acrylic, glass, ceramic, wood, watercolour, oil and ink artistic creations. Two Turtles Iroquois Fine Art Gallery
We are open! ART
ART CLASSES
KITS
649 Colborne St, W, Brantford twoturtle.ca This modest gallery brings you the best of Iroquois culture and symbolism, celebrating nature in the form of original paintings, soapstone sculptures, limited-edition acrylic prints, giclée prints and lithographs.
Take a walk through our screen door once again and unwrap your senses as you step inside our little shop. Enjoy hand crafted natural soaps, bath and body care, local artisans wares, gift giving ideas, home & decor.
Wildwood Art Gallery & Studio
24 Winnett St, N, Cayuga WildwoodCayuga.com This new gallery is home to artist Kerry Walford who specializes in oil paintings of rural Ontario. The gallery will also feature the work of local artists, offer art classes for children and adults, and host several art shows throughout the year.
Visit our website to learn about our online art classes and art kits! We’re also open by appointment for art viewings. 24 Winnett St N, Cayuga 905.929.4902 info@wildwoodcayuga.com wildwoodcayuga.com
Because you are important, we request that everyone wears a mask.
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10-4 Private shopping is available at request 359 Main St. Port Dover 519-583-3977
cottagenorthsoapworks.com
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NATURE CALLS
Brantford Golf and Country Club is one of the oldest and best golf courses in Canada. This course has hosted the Canadian Amateur tournament, the CPGA Championship, and become the premier training ground for professional golfers. It is a timeless course, well-designed and easily walked. Golfers must concentrate on their game while absorbing the majestic views of the Grand River. Fairways meander up slopes to well-guarded greens while players need a deft touch to avoid wandering creeks. It is an exceptional course where par can be a challenge, but losing a golf ball is difficult as well. By the time you reach the 18th hole, this course will have tested your game and your imagination. What else can a golfer ask for? brantford-
golfandcountryclub.com
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 sky’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 is calling.
Spencer Gorge at Webster Falls
City of Waterfalls Explore the more than 100 breathtaking waterfalls that are tucked behind the trails of the Niagara Escarpment .
Photo courtesy of tourism Hamilton tourismhamilton.com
BY Erika Strada Many of us in southern Ontario do not realized that we are surrounded by spectacular waterfalls. But the rural areas around Hamilton, Ontario, actually have the bragging rights to being the waterfall capital of the world. There are over and above 100 waterfalls in the area — and that is more than enough reason to explore the local region. Thanks to the elevation changes that come with Niagara Escarpment, the conditions for producing stunning waterfalls are near perfect. Start your journey with one of the most popular in the area — Webster’s Falls in Dundas. It is a head turner with a 30-metre crest
that offers an abundance of panorama photo opportunities. The surrounding parkland is perfect for leisurely picnics and hikes. Joseph Webster purchased this land shortly after his family arrived from England in 1820. The Webster family manor still stands on Webster’s Falls Road, and their gravestones have been preserved in a small section just off the trail, on the way to Tew’s Falls. According to romantic lore, an Indigenous young woman named Na-GoShe-Onong (Evening Star in the Ojibway language) fell madly in love with a white settler who was later killed by a resentful
admirer. Rather than live without him, she held his dead body in her arms and plunged into the roaring waters of Webster’s Falls. Tew’s Falls, also in Dundas, inspires plenty of oohs and ahs with its thin delicate ribbon of water. At 41 metres high, it’s the tallest in these parts and is just a few metres shorter than Niagara Falls. It is best viewed in the springtime as it tends to dry up in the summer months. For folks serious about getting beautiful photos, Damley Cascade, located in Crooks Hollow Conservation Area in Greensville, is a favourite. It’s classified as a washboard curtain cascade. At an impressive 225 metres above sea level, it is the highest altitude of any Hamiltonarea waterfall. Crooks Hollow has a rich history as many early settlers, such as the United Empire Loyalists, settled
along Spencer Creek when fleeing the United States at the end of the American Revolution. Devil’s Punchbowl on Ridge Road in Stoney Creek is a don’t miss destination. It is a trophy from the end of the last ice age when roaring rivers plunged over the Niagara Escarpment and chiseled the gorge and the Punchbowl. Geological rock fans love the multi-coloured rock layers of red and grey shale, limestone, and shale dolomite in this area. Given the popularity of these waterfalls, consider planning your visit during off-peak times (early morning or weekdays). Please avoid parking on roadways if parking lots are full and take any garbage you brought in with you when you leave. For a complete list of waterfalls, please visit hamiltonwaterfalls. geotrail.ca/hikes.
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Finding Your Wild Side
Vanessa’s Bees vanessasbees.com Put on your beekeeping suit and head over to the apiary to have an up-close look at the world of honey bees and what it’s like to be a beekeeper. Learn the inner workings of the beehive and how every bee has an important role to keep the colony thriving. Meet Vanessa and the honey bees of Whistling Gardens in her garden apiary tour. Enjoy her tour and workshop at Long Point Eco-Adventures or adopt a hive during one of her bee school tours with Grand River Rafting. And, of course, don’t forget to savour a sweet treat.
Despite being immersed in the hustle of everyday life, we all can enjoy the enviable position of being a stone’s throw away from some of southern Ontario’s most picturesque waterfalls, trails, and conservation areas. Not surprisingly, this makes our regions a year-round destination for nature lovers and thrill seekers. In fact, many of those featured here offer some amazing hikes, walks, and educational experiences that will allow us to wind down amidst the authentic experience of nature’s beauty. Be sure to check their websites for availability due to Covid-19.
Hamilton Naturalist Club Hamilton hamiltonnature.org Protecting nature since 1919, this passionate group can help lead you in the right direction to the excellent birding spots in the Hamilton area. Download a copy of the ‘What’s Alive in Hamilton Bird Checklist’. By using this checklist and reporting your observations to the club, you are providing beneficial information that helps ecologists understand our environment.
Dunnville Marsh Dunnville-Port Maitland grandriver.ca Trailing beside the Grand River, this marsh is a winter landscape that should not be missed. When accessed through the Byng Island park, the wetlands open up into a large system of wildlife trails. At this time of the year, birding highlights include red-winged black birds, ducks, and the occasional red-throated loon appearing along the lake.
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Whistling Gardens Wilsonville whistlinggardens.ca Visit the national award winning, internationally-acclaimed and one of Canada’s only privately run botanical gardens and see why Whistling Gardens was voted as one of Canada’s best botanical gardens. Explore nearly 20 acres, where you can view over 4,000 different plants. Contact them for outdoor themed educational programs in the gardens too.
Kayanase Greenhouse Ohsweken kayanasegreenhouse. weebly.com Kayanase Greenhouse is an ecological restoration, native plant, and seed nursery dedicated to improving the health of Mother Earth using science-based approaches and traditional ecological knowledge. This organization is about restoring Mother Earth holistically through the collection of native seeds, seed processing, seed propagation, planting, and monitoring.
Apps’ Mill Nature Centre Brantford grandriver.ca Apps’ grist and flour mill was built in 1841 and operated for about 100 years until the flood of 1954. Now it’s one of many Brant Conservation Areas that offer outdoor-themed summer camps, school programs and P.A. day programs amongst the beauty of the Carolinian forest. Come explore the education center to investigate the skulls, furs, and reptiles they have on display.
Ruthven Park National Historic Site Cayuga ruthvenpark.ca Tucked away along the Grand River sits 1,500 acres of mixed agricultural and natural lands. Situated on the former 1847 estate of the Thompson family. The park consists of Canada’s rare Carolinian forest life zone. It’s a fertile ecozone and home to many species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in Canada, making its preservation even more important. The five walking trails are an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Woodland Cultural Centre Brantford woodlandculturalcentre.ca The centre offers an excellent nature-and art-based workshop that introduces students to healing, food plants and their cultural importance to First Nations people. A walking tour of the grounds helps students see these plants growing in their natural environment. Using water colour painting techniques they, reproduce the plants as art.
Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation Port Rowan longpointbiosphere.com One of 16 in Canada, the LPWBRF promotes research, monitoring, community outreach and education, partnerships, and projects that support the goals of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable communities. Biosphere reserves are important ecosystems that are internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO).
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GROWE / Terra Trails Paris grandriverrafting. ca/trips/winter-programs Outdoor Grand River Wilderness Education (GROWE) specializes in a of outdoor adventures for schools, groups, and families, from two-hour hikes and day camps to multiday adventures. To engage people in the great outdoors, GROWE uses nature connection, hiking classrooms, wild tea parties and survival techniques with minimum distance and maximum learning experiences.
This great program still has space and students can still register.
Lawson Nature Reserve Salford/Ingersoll Our rich Carolinian woodlands are a local hub for birds. A well-established conservation authority protects all the endangered species and vulnerable habitats. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty through a trail system that has something for every level of hiker. Diverse plant, mammal, and bird life decorates the winter landscapes for nearby residents and visitors alike.
Long Point Eco-Adventures Saint Williams lpfun.ca Uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel seems to be top of mind for many folks these days. Add a bit of adventure and that’s exactly what Long Point Eco-Adventure has done! Offering unique and affordable vacations in Norfolk County with luxury camping, wine pairings, zip line and canopy tours, mushroom foraging, kayaking, Zodiac boat tours, mountain biking and more.
Fanshawe College Simcoe fanshawec.ca 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 plus so much more. Its classroom is our Carolinian region, truly one of the most biologically-rich regions in Canada. It boasts more than 2,000 plant species, including 70 different kinds of trees.
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Edible wild flower dame’s rocket flowers from May to August. It is common in damp soil along roadsides, rivers, ditches, in waste areas, forests and abandoned orchards in southern Ontario.
OF THE
PHOTO By Tara Carpenter
OUT ORDINARY
Connecting with nature offers a wealth of benefits, not to mention the sheer enjoyment of being surrounded by beauty. So go play outside. BY Tara Carpenter Is there anything more important than food during uncertain times? Here in our Western society, we are so spoiled and have taken countless comforts, such as food, for granted for far too long. We certainly are not used to seeing stores closed and empty shelves. Empower yourself with the crucial knowledge of wild foraging, edible flowers and lawn grazing. Food and what we eat is a mindset. As children, we are taught where we buy our food, how we harvest the food and what food we should be comfortable eating. Foraging doesn’t
have to necessitate travelling to a remote wilderness region to harvest medicinal wild chaga. Gaze upon your gardens in a new way. There is a wealth of free, nutritious edible weeds, garden flowers, berries, and leaves waiting for you to devour. Changing our mind and diet to recognize that we can eat the weeds in our yard, forage leaves from the forest, pick the berries in the park and even forage from a crack in the sidewalk will empower your family and your community when these imminent times arise. Being mindful
of where our food comes from and not depending on the big box grocery stores to feed us can create a huge shift in our local communities. There are a multitude of edibles lurking in your average flower bed, backyard lawn, and local parks. I hope you change your mindset, educate yourself, grow some flowers and partake in a whole new approach to feeding yourself and your loved ones. Remember never to harvest from a lawn or flower bed that has been recently sprayed with toxic biocides. Empower yourself in the art of foraging weeds, growing an edible flower bed and preparing a salad from your own lawn. Food is growing all around us, permit yourself to harvest its bounty.
Tara Carpenter discovered her love for nature and the outdoors at an early age while growing up on a Norfolk farm. She has always been an avid enthusiast of nature and travel, and for 17 years she roamed all corners of the globe in search of adventure. From sailing Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to hitchhiking across Canada, Tara has made herself at home in nature’s embrace. Grounded by the unique challenges of motherhood, Tara now encourages other parents and their families to get outdoors and foster their own passion for environmental connectedness. For info on programs, connect with Terra Trails or GROWE Grandriverrafting.ca/grand-river-outdoor-wilderness-education 78 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Our Ontario southwest offers a copious quantity of wild edibles just waiting to be gobbled up by anyone who knows where and when to forage. But Here are just a few NOT So wild edibles right from your flower garden!
Marigolds Tagetes erecta All marigolds are edible yet all are not tasty. Referred to as “poor man’s saffron,” these familiar, pungent-smelling garden flowers can vary in flavour from mildly citrusy to subtly spicy. The pungent smelling pedals are eaten raw, blanched or dried and added to salads or stir fries. After pulling the delicate pedals from the stem, cut off the bitter white ends.
Common Silverweed Potentilla spp. This charming yellow wildflower is a circumpolar plant that is part of the rose family. To a sidewalk weed forager, the starchy roots of this hardy plant are better than a multivitamin. They have higher levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc than the common white potato. Consume the fresh roots raw, boiled, roasted or dry for winter provisions.
Curled Dock Rumex crispus This wild plant is the most widely-recognized medicines of the dock family, but is not recommended for eating in large quantities due to its high oxalate content. These curly leaves are rich in protein, calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins which make it a desirable food amongst wild foragers. Herbalists prize its blood cleansing and liver stimulating properties.
Orange Day Lily Hemerocallis fulva This traditional, highly-prized Asian food may already be growing in your flower bed. The delicate, nutty flavored flower buds can be eaten fresh in salads and sandwiches or battered and fried. Flowers simmered in soups act as a thickening agent and provide relief to an inflamed throat and laryngitis. Day lilies are easy to grow, providing a useful survival food.
Sedum Sedum atratum The succulent leaves are best eaten raw when young if you are grazing on the trail. The shoots and rhizomes can be cooked by adding to soups and stews or pickled in a seasoned vinegar to benefit from its A and C vitamins. These juicy herbs can also be a reliable source of liquid when water is not available. Sedum can be taken to treat lung issues.
Calendula Calendula officinalis This brightly-coloured cottage flower has phytochemical properties that can improve your resistance to bacteria and viruses by stimulating white blood cells of the immune system. Brew 1 tsp. dry or 4 tsp. of fresh petals in 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, drink two cups a day. Use this tea as a gentle digestive remedy and externally for treating skin ailments.
Hosta Hosta lancifolia The young spring shoots of this popular shade-tolerant ornamental can be harvested, cooked and eaten. With a flavor reminiscent of asparagus and lettuce, they can easily be tossed in a salad, streamed or fried. Being high in fiber with trace minerals and low in calories makes them a delicacy. Graze upon the perennial garden summer blooms for a burst of sweetness.
Jasmin Jasminum L. The aroma of the pedals make a sweetly-perfumed yet medicinal tea. Only one to two flowers infused in hot water makes a sweet floral-flavored tea that has a relaxing effect on the body and nerves, strengthens the lymphatic system and cleanses the blood. A common tradition is to prepare a cough syrup by steeping 1 cup of flowers with ½ cup of hot water and add honey.
Goldenrod Solidago virgaurea This herbaceous pollinator which is part of the Aster family is wronglyaccused as an allergen by most people. This weed’s seed is not only used as a beneficial survival food but as a cold and flu remedy. To reap antioxidants and boost your immune system, cook the whole plant like spinach, dry flowers to brew tea, or garnish salads with the attractive fresh flowers.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 79
Getting out & about.
Winter, spring, summer and fall, we have no shortage of activities for outdoor enthusiasts who come to play in beautiful southwestern Ontario.
TRAILS Brant County
A HeAling AlternAtive tHAt sootHes tHe soul tHrougH Hypnosis, reiki treAtments.
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Years Young! 308 Grand River St N, Paris • petvalu.com
80 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
199 King Edward St. PariS 519-442-7110
Brant and Brantford have a trail system that is envied the world over, and our network of trails and pathways is used by walkers, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. Check out some of the most popular trails below, as well as some of the lesser-known gems (our personal favourites). For more information, visit brant.ca • Apps Mill Trail (GRCA) • Burford Lion’s Way • Grand Valley Trail (GVTA) • Green Lane Park • Hamilton to Brantford Trail (GRCA) • LE & N Rail Trail • Mt.Pleasant Walking Tour • Mt.Pleasant Nature Park • Nith River Trail • Paris to Cambridge • S.C. Johnson Trail (GRCA) • TH & B Rail Trail BRANTFORD
• Apps Mill Trail (GRCA) • D’Aubigny Trail • Hamilton to Brantford Trail (GRCA) • Mohawk Park Haldimand County
Haldimand is home to some of the most spectacular and scenic hiking trails around, many found along the Grand River and in our local parks and conservation areas. For more information, visit haldimandcounty.on.ca • Blue Heron Way • Chippewa Trail • Kinsmen Park Walkway • Patterson Walkway • Ramsay Walkway • Rotary Riverside Trail • Thistlemoor Park Pathway • Thompson Creek Restoration • Townsend Recreation Trail
Norfolk County
Norfolk has a stunning selection of trails that take you through an array of wetlands, grasslands, forests and farmers’ fields. Explore landscapes that you have never been to before while experiencing all the adventures this county has to offer. norfolktrails.ca
Let’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 9 years we have raised $182,255.87 and provided 2,500+ children with positive Christmas memories!
• Andy and Helen Spriet Trail • Backus Woods • Big Creek National Wildlife Area • Brook Conservation Area • Delhi Rail Trail • Hay Creek Conservation Area • Lynn Valley Trail • Long Point Provincial Park • Port Rowan Wetlands • St Williams Conservation Reserve • Sutton Conservation Area • Turkey Point Provincial Park • Waterford Heritage Trail Hamilton
Known as the City of Waterfalls, more than 100 waterfalls have been identified in the Hamilton area along the internationally-recognized Niagara Escarpment. So much beauty to discover here. conservationhamilton.ca • Bruce Trail • Christie Lake Conservation Area • Dundas Valley • Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area • Rockcliffe Waterdown Mountain
Bike Trail • Royal Botanical Gardens Loop Trail • Sherman Falls • Spencer Gorge Conservation Area • Spring Valley • Tiffany Falls Conservation Area • Valens Conservation Area
friendswithhearts.com
InspIre Create MotIvate registration for fall arts programming is now open with strict safety protocols in place! visit out website to check out all that we offer! 33 Norfolk St. N. Simcoe artwIthheartstudIo.Ca
226-567-5500
OXFORD COUNTY
This small list of trails does not begin to introduce a fraction of the diverse trails in Oxford. Visit oxfordcountytrailscouncil.ca to find out more. • Beauty Creek Trail • Chesney Wilderness Area Trail • Lawson Nature Reserve • Oxford Thames River Trail • Pittock Conservation Area • Roth Park • Secord Trails Care Community
We would like to thank all of our advertising partners who have made Live Small Town magazine possible! If you would like to join this amazing team, please contact Kerri Kelly-Parkinson at kerri@livesmalltownmag.ca
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 81
The FInishing Touch
We tend to be saddened by life’s endings even though they often represent significant growth for us. Similarly, a thriving tree has five percent living cells by volume while a fallen tree has forty percent. In fact, there is more life in a dead tree than in a living one, which makes it vital to a forest’s health. And so for me, as a gal that has had her share of fallen trees, beginnings and crystal-clear blessings, I am trying hard to recognize all the promise that awaits us in this challenging world because for so many reasons, we need to welcome and demand sweeping transformations. Our wellness depends on it. When Kerri and I started this magazine four years ago, we wanted to create a meaningful business that supported everything local. We quickly discovered that we were not alone as a community formed around us. Together, let’s keep kindness in our hearts and our eye on a goal of regeneration as we work through all of this positive change together. KS
Don’t carry your mistakes around with you. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones to rise above them.
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Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. FALL 2020 83
LOCAL •• SHOP LOCAL •• SUPPORT LOCAL •• LOVE LOCAL EATEAT LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SUPPORT LOCAL • BE•• BE LOCAL • LOVE LOCAL EAT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL BELOCAL LOCAL LOVE LOCAL
In County of love local community and businesses. In the County of Brant, wewe love ourour local community and businesses. Inthe the County ofBrant, Brant, we love our local community and businesses. That is why we need your help to eat, shop and support That is why we need your help to eat, shop and support local. That is why we need your help to eat, shop and supportlocal. local. Your support today means they tomorrow. Your support today means they willwill be be here tomorrow. Your support today means they will behere here tomorrow.
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