ClubWest Magazine Spring 2024 E-Edition

SPRING 2024

Riding the Rails

Grimsby to New York City a worthwhile adventure

Fry House History

Amazing historical venue just minutes away

Man on a Mission

Tim Hudak: One of North America’s Top 200 in Real Estate Industry

•

Over

What trip to New York City would be complete without a stop at the “Imagine” mosaic in Central Park’s Strawberry Fields. You can ride the rails direct from Grimsby to Manhattan - a 12-hour ride. – Page 6

Page 6 – Ride The Rails Grimsby to New York City

If you’ve got the time, it’s a a great way to travel!

Page 11 – Open Door To Lincoln’s Past Fry House an important connection to history

Page 16 – Man On A Mission

Tim Hudak puts Ontario Real Estate Association on North American map

Page 23 – Spring Flavours with Chef Stulp CW’s Chef In Residence has teed up some great Spring flavours!

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Publisher Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca

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Catherine Williscraft catherine@wn3.ca

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Donna Wisnoski

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”

- Benjamin Franklin

Some interesting stuff in these pages, so grab a coffee or a cold one and have a read.

The travel piece - the train ride from Grimsby to New Yorkhad many pluses and the pre-Christmas timing was choice.

Having been to NYC several times - one spring, all others in the fall - being there for the holiday season, including New Year’s was something to see. Police on every corner, in a good way, ensured all was orderly.

There is really no sense trying to describe it. You would really have to experience it to understand. The sensory overload makes it difficult, signs, lights, traffic, people all heightened by an electric energy. It’s just what you think New York would be.

It is pretty cool to be able to get there door-to-door, too. In going back over notes for that feature it was clear there were more ins and outs than I could fit in. Maybe there will be a Part Deux?

Another interesting piece is the profile/update on Tim Hudak’s “new” gig at the Ontario Real Estate Association. I’ve known Tim for a very long time and seen him in all kinds of situations. It was good to see how comfortable he is in his new role and taking on one of the most serious challenges facing society as a whole right now in affordable housing.

It’s not hard to tell something is going right for him when he pops up on a Top 200 real estate industry power player as well.

Then we sprinkle in some classic Lincoln history with the story of the Fry House and a dash of culinary magnificence with Chef Jan-Willem Stulp’s offering of some tasty spring dishes and you’re got a nice read on your hands.

At least I think so, but I may be biased.

On that point, though, good reader, I am looking for a little bit of feedback. We get lots of great comments on this publiccation and the long-form features it allows us to delve into. Do you think we’re on the right track.

Is there something you would like to see more of, perhaps?

Do you know of a story worthy of inclusion in ClubWest’s pages?

After eight years of publishing this magazine and nearly 30 years of publishing a newspaper in Niagara West, I’ve got a good handle on things, but I have never claimed to be all knowing. That’s for sure. So drop me a line at mike@wn3.ca and let me know if you have ideas. All are appreciated. Mike Williscraft, Publisher, ClubWest Magazine

Riding The Rails: From Grimsby To

Manhattan, Door to Door

New York is high-energy any time, but in the Christmas Season? Be ready of packed sidewalks and lots of walking...oh, and yes, lots of shopping! Williscraft - Photo

By Mike Williscraft

Make no mistake. This is not a formal review of restaurants, travel, venues or facilities - although there will be some commentary along that line.

No, this travel article will highlight some tips for things to do and see as well as suggestions to save you some potholes should you opt to ride the rails from Grimsby to New York City.

First out of the gate, you should know the Maple Leaf - as the Toronto to New York run is called - is a great value, so long as you don’t mind investing a day of travel each way in your itinerary.

Last fall, as you may recall, stories about flights being delayed or outright cancelled were popping up with regularity. When we could see I had

a window in time because of the way Christmas and New Years fell to take my first fullweek vacation in six years, we started the planning.

We knew we had no travel buffer in terms of time and we wanted to do a cruise. As a Christmas present, I thought it would also be great to tick off a couple of items from my wife, Catherine’s, bucket list, so we channeled things through New York City, which opened the door to taking the train.

The main draw back, if you like to get places quickly, was duration. Everything about the ride was simple and easy.

We had a friend drop us at the Grimsby “station” at Ontario Street for our 9:30 a.m. departure. It was on time and we were off.

Now, travelling on the Friday before Christmas made

this venture considerably more “involved” than a normal trip on the same route. It was 100 per cent packed.

The issue here was the border, when you cross, all disembark, go through customes, then wait for the last person to clear, then return to the train again. Once the herd has shuffled through, we sat at the Niagara Falls, N.Y. station for about a half hour making that stop alone well over an hour.

One friend, who has done the run several times, said he crosses over to the U.S. side and catches the train from there, so he is avoiding the off-on customs jaunts.

We didn’t want to be dealing with additional driving, parking, etc., and wanted to assess the whole, but you may want to consider that option.

Everything else was ticketyboo on the way, save for the spot near Albany - one of 17 stops - when we sat on the tracks for about 45 minutes to let train traffic clear...so said the conductor.

On the train, we opted for “business class” as additional cost of roughly $100 did not seem overblown. Our recommendation...pass on the upgrade.

There is a separate car,

but the seats were no more comfortable. You do get free non-alcoholic drinks, but it was Mickey Mouse at best that you still had to pay for a coffee if you were on the Canadian side - pop/coffee was only free as part of first class on the U.S side. It can be a bit confusing when you book because when you look on the Amtrak site it shows a business class package that includes a meal and appears as a significant upgrade. The Maple Leaf run is not thatat least ours wasn’t, so stick with coach. In fact, on the way back, we sat in coach and found it more comfortable.

That said, our round trip fare for both of us - including taxes and fees - was just over $1,100 CAD, so a heck of a deal when you think we saved the travel to any airport, waiting there and parking fees. We also took a lot of comfort in knowing the train would roll, so we didn’t have to worry about cancellations or delays. For us, that made the full day of travel worth it.

Pulling into Manhattan’s Penn Station at 9:30 p.m., we were READY to get out and get to out hotel.

All passengers disembark crossing the border in both directions with what can be a lengthy stop over. Williscraft - Photo

Costumes, scenery and grace were all highlights of The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater at the Lincoln Center. Williscraft - Photo

Continued From Page 7

By chance, a New York Rangers game had just let out - the Rangers had choked and blew a two-goal lead in the last two minutes to Edmonton Oilers - so fans were... shall we say...not pleased.

Now, in what we look back on with hilarity, we took a wrong turn at Penn Station - a few wrong turns, in fact. When we got off the train, some went for the stairs, others for an escalator. We saw an elevator right there, door open, so we hopped in. The issue was it was a freight elevator of sorts and only stopped at internal levels. We ended up having to ask a Mexican man who could not speak any English where we needed to go to get a cab.

We walked for 25 minutes, all underground, until we found a fellow and his buddy who laughed for five minutes before he led us up and out to the nearest cab stand. Now, because of the crowd

we stood there for another 20 minutes before an Uber driver who had parked up the street happened to walk by and ask if we needed a ride. Done! Let’s go.

As this guy marched on a mission and my tired and seized up body started to reject speed, it dawned on me that this fellow could just keep on walking with my luggage and I wasn’t going to catch him. And I don’t think I would have gotten any sympathy from Catherine, either. She had her bags. She was good.

It all worked out out though and we got our ride to the Omni Berkshire on East 52nd Street. I would like to say we picked that place because it was central to what we planned to see and dowhich it was - but were lucky to get in there.

We were there to catch a sevenday cruise from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., but we bookended the trip with two

days in New York in front and got back to spend New Year’s Eve in Manhattan, too.

We had booked a different spot - I would say with insane pricing but it was all insane - for New Year’s Eve as there was very little choice. When we looked to book the first weekend, Catherine signed up for the Omni’s rewards membership - a stroke of genius. Within hours of signing up, she got an email notice for 20 per cent off a future booking - including New Year’s Eve...and a reduced rate on top of that.

We cancelled our $1,100 U.S. room - yes, you read that right - and booked the Omni at $900 with 20 per cent off. That savings equalled almost half of our travel cost. So, note to self, book directly with hotels and register for their rewards packages. That can often turn into immediate savings.

In the city, we wanted to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Given the pre-Christmas timing - we wanted to hit Rockefeller Center to see the tree, FAO Schwartz (huge line), buzz around

central park (did a bike tour, highly recommend) and take in a couple of shows.

Before the cruise we took in The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater. Stellar. Catherine’s take: Amazing trip back to childhood memories. Venue was impressive and you have a great view from anywhere. Costumes and décor were extraordinary.

Post cruise it was Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera. Couple things here, it was a modern take, so costumes were nothing fancy. The performance was all in French, which did not bother me, but Catherine, who, of course is fluent as a native Montrealer, noticed the translation which rolled across the little screens built into the back of seats was way off base. If you speak French, you may not be looking at it. If you don’t speak French you wouldn’t notice the difference. However, when this is supposed to be the crème de la crème of opera, one might surmise they would not skimp on translation. Oh, well.

On transportation around the city for five days, we spent

Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City - Catherine checked that off her bucket list. Williscraft - Photo

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre is a must-see if trip timing is right. Random Tourist - Photo

Continued From Page 8 just over $630 U.S. on Uber and cabs, so if you are trying to economize time on a trip to The Big Apple, plan transportation costs. From our hotel to the cruise port in Bayonne, N.J., an Uber was $120 and we tipped $20, so $140 each way. If you get a good Uber driver, as we did, we booked these trips ahead of time and he was perfectly on time each way, so that was money well spent.

We also lucked out on the cruise as we had booked a basic room on a sold out cruise through vacationstogo.com. Their level of service was superior calling several times before the trip to ensure planning was going well and even checked in afterward to see how things went.

As Catherine does, she signed up for Royal Caribbean’s newsletter/promo when we booked. The next day, we got a notice that “members” could bid for room upgrades. You had to bid based on the per person cost and you only made one bid. It was not an auction. So we bid $251 or $502 U.S. thinking people would go $250. The room we bid on was a deluxe balcony suite, which was $5,000 per person CAD ordinarily - for the prime time Christmas week. We won and saved another $2,000 U.S. each by going the bidding route, so it’s worth a shot. Our initial inside cabin was roughly $2,500 each.

The Anthem of the Seas, the ship, was impressive. Clean as a whistle, great service, could have been amazing. It was packed with a holiday crowd, too. However, it lacked significantly in programming. Their stage shows were a definite step down from other cruise shows I have seen and there were surprisingly few activities.

This stood out, too, due to the number of days at sea with a New York departure headed to the Caribbean. Now, this was the best part of the trip for me, so I didn’t mind chilling in the pool for hours on end, but even I was looking for something to do in different stretches but there was just nothing going on.

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know the food is a big part of it and, in that aspect, the Anthem crew knocked it out of the park daily. Great menus. Great choice. Always superior food and extremely attentive, gracious, service.

Having been on Holland America, MSC Cruises and Celebrity I can say Anthem of the Seas is right near the top - they just need a “fun” cruise director.

There are some other ins and outs to this adventure, but this paints the broad strokes. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email Catherine or me. Advice is free and you don’t have to take it!

mike@wn3.ca catherine@wn3.ca

State of the art ship? Uh, ya...how about a robot bar? Just tell it what you want and ‘presto” - done with precision.

Embarking and disembarking was seamless at each port.

What is better than a morning coffee with an ocean balcony view?

The fare on board Anthem of the Seas was top drawer!

At home with Lincoln’s history Door to the past open at the Fry House

By Joanne McDonald

Saved from the wrecking ball, the Fry House - the only known example of Mennonite/German architecture in existence today in Ontario - is home and in good hands at the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre.

Built by Jacob Fry and his wife Elisabeth Wismer in 1815, the Vineland house was moved from Fly Rd. to Jordan Village in 1959 - a five-kilometre hair raising adventure and a feat of intrepid determination.

“This is the perfect place for the Fry house. It creates a mini historic village with the school house and grave stones. It creates a sense of place and connects you to the times,” says Adam Montgomery, PhD, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions.

It’s also the perfect place for Montgomery who has recently joined staff at the museum. He’s not jesting when he says he “eats, sleeps, and breathes history,” and he credits the local community that values its rich history and is committed to preserving the legacy for future generations.

“I don’t really think you can know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been,” says former Lincoln mayor Ray Konkle, a member of the Collections, Research and Exhibits committee at the Museum and a veritable walking encyclopedia of local history. “History belongs to all of us.”

THE MOVE

It’s a story best told by Konkle, around a campfire or at the kitchen table. “You couldn’t have done it with all the regulations today,” said Konkle, speaking to the

resourcefulness of the farming community. “They floated the house across the Twenty Mile Creek. They took a bulldozer into the creek to make a path for it,” he said. “They were farmers.”

A committee struck in early 1958 started to prepare for the move from Fly Road to the Museum. Louth Township mailed out a request to ratepayers for donations to help cover the costs. It was a dedicated crew that led the rescue Konkle said, naming the “ringleaders” including Ruth Home, Doug MacNinch, Lavelle Staff, Victor Scull, Don Haynes and Fred McKenzie.

FROM THE MUSEUM LIBRARY

The Fry family lived in the house until the mid 1890s. From then until 1958 it slowly fell into disrepair. The house sat

Adam Montgomery, curator of collections and exhibitions with Jessica Wilson, cultural development coordinator, in front of the Fry House at the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre. McDonald - Photo

Continued From Page 11 unused until sometime in the 1930s when it became a chicken house. Some Fry descendants also remember the building being used as a playhouse and they recall playing around amid the dust and detritus of the passing years.

In the late 1950s the Fry farm and homesteads were sold to Douglas Fretz and he declared his intention to demolish the house. Fretz was aware of the historic importance of the house, however, and in response to a letter dated April 8, 1958 from Ruth Home, also the museum’s technical advisor, he offered it to the Museum “at salvage value of $500.” A committee was subsequently struck and

the Fry House was saved.

The plan was to remove the house from its original site and move it approximately five and a half kilometers on a truck bed to a new foundation on museum property, directly across from the schoolhouse, which would cost an estimated $7000, a sum raised by volunteers.

On March 25, 1959, moving day arrived. The event was filmed by Doug MacNinch, recorded by the local media, and attended by many area residents including Annie Fry, Samuel Fry’s granddaughter.

The seventy-ton house was first raised up from its stone foundation and the walls stabilized with broad planks. The chimney was separated from its stone foundation and suspended with ropes, cables and more planks. The house was then moved onto the flat bed of a truck. It had been planned to move the house at this time of year to take advantage of the frozen ground, but an early thaw caused problems. Almost right away, the house nearly toppled off.

Further along the way, the house had to cross a narrow bridge over a creek and the iron railings had to be cut down and removed to accommodate the wide girth of the house. Trees and branches and a hydro pole that lay in its path had to be removed, and the Twenty Mile Creek

Photo taken circa 1881 shows the Fry House with an addition to the building that at some point was removed. (L-R)  Solomon Wismer, Samuel Fry’s wife Anna Nash Fry, their daughter Sarah, Elias Fry, and Samuel Fry on the wagon. In front is Sarah Dell Houser. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre

Continued From Page 12 itself had to be crossed.

There is a film of the move that shows a bulldozer plowing first the snow from the original site and then clearing the creek bed of rocks and winter melt debris.  Even with the help of the bulldozer, the house had to take a temporary rest when it got bogged down on the wet clay of the creek bank. The main concern was that high water levels would wash into the house and dissolve the mortar holding the base of the house and chimney together, reducing it all to a pile of loose rocks. The house sat on the banks for a few days, and in that time, vandals attacked it and set it on fire. The fire was quickly doused and there was thankfully little damage though some charring remains on the ceiling of the stube inside the house.

After surviving the crossing at the creek, the house continued its journey into the village of Jordan.  Once the house was settled, restoration began in earnest. New clapboard covered the logs, the chimney

was restored, window glass replaced and a new roof was put on. The Fry family had donated many of the original furnishings and household goods and as much as possible was placed back into the house.  The house was open for the public at the start of the season the following year, in the spring of 1960.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Fry house is one of the best examples of the “German House” architectural style in Canada.  It may be the only house of its kind in Ontario, and it is possible that it is the only log constructed example of the German house style which has survived from the early period (1790 to 1815).

Pioneer restoration architect the late B. Napier Simpson Jr., project architect for Upper Canada Village, Black Creek Pioneer Village and former President of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario described the Fry House as significant: “Historically and architecturally, I would say the house (Fry House) has a

value far greater than most of our early buildings.  Its value, to me, is intensified simply because it is the only example of this type of house that I know of, in existence today in Ontario.  The design and type of construction are of great interest, and well worthy of preservation (Simpson to Home, June 17, 1958).”

ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT

May 2, 1988, Konkle, mayor at the time, signed a bylaw to designate the 1859 stone School House and the 1815 Fry House as properties “of architectural and historical value” under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The intention had been published for three consecutive weeks in the local Lincoln Post Express and there were no objections from the community.

The bylaw included the Fry House, the School House and the Haines Cemetery in the heritage designation. “The Fry House was built on Fly Road by Jacob Fry in 1815, and is a fine example of the

To save the historic Fry House from demolition, the building was moved in 1959 from its original site on Fly road to the Museum grounds. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre.

Continued From Page 13

Pennsylvania style of architecture as it was built in Upper Canada. The structure was relocated to its present site by the community ln 1959. Historically, the structure is of interest for the reason that it was the home of Samuel Fry (1812-1881) an early artisan, many of whose works have been preserved. The old School House was built in 1859, and served the needs of the Jordan Community until the mid 1940s. The substantial stone building is now used for the purposes of the Museum Society. The Haines Cemetery contains the remains of early settlers in the Jordan Area.”

FRY FAMILY HISTORY

The story begins in 1799, in Bucks County, when Pennsylvanian Mennonites Abraham Moyer, Jacob Moyer, and Amos Albrecht set out to scout out settlement prospects beyond the northern border into the Niagara area. They put down a deposit of $40 to hold two parcels of land by the banks of the Twenty Mile Creek totaling

eleven hundred acres for their families and friends. They returned in the autumn with the full amount of money to purchase the land outright from the original Butler’s Rangers owners. The Butler’s Rangers had been granted lands in the area after 1776, in return for military services rendered. The price was $2.50 per acre for land along what was then known as the “Indian Trail” (now Regional Road 81), and $1.50 per acre for lands near the lake.

Jacob Fry and his wife, Elisabeth, arrived in 1800, built the house in 1815 and raised their 12 children.

The family lived in peace and prosperity until 1827 when diphtheria took the lives of Elisabeth and their son Amos.

With a family to raise and his farm to work, Jacob needed help. He found Maria Nash, formerly Maria Gross, herself a widow with children of her own. They married in 1831, and the two families merged.

STEPPING BACK IN TIME

“I enjoy standing in front of the house and trying to imagine people walking

around the property. It’s a chance to feel like you are stepping back into that era,” said Montgomery. “For a moment you can look through the eyes of the pioneers who settled here in the early 1800s. We don’t have a lot of examples in Ontario where you can feel so immersed.”

The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre, originally known as the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty was founded in 1953 by a group of passionate local community volunteers. It has become a vibrant gathering place.

The Museum, located at 3800 Main St. in Jordan, is closed Mondays, and open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Fry House is open to the public May-September, while closed the other months to protect the house and its contents from snow, salt, and fluctuating winter temperatures.

For more information, including children’s programming, hours, current exhibitions and events visit lincolnmuseum.ca email museum@lincoln.ca or call 905-563-4479.

The Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty held its official grand opening on May 9, 1953 and was run by the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty Volunteer Association.  Photo courtesy of Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre.

More than simply a boutique

As you pass any of the facades of Donna’s Fashions three retail shops, one is immediately drawn to her marvelous window displays of elegant clothing.

When customers walk inside, an array of unique quality clothes and accessories are always on display and you’re greeted with a warm smile by an experienced salesperson ready to help with your shopping.

“Our employees are more than just advisers; they are talented stylists with lots of knowledge about our clothes and can help you build a wardrobe that will fit your body shape and needs,” says shop owner Donna Butler.

Picking up a few outfits to try on won’t be hard as the styles that Donna offers are timeless and fashionable. It’s when you put it on and feel the quality and tailoring that you realize the pricing is on point.

“I always strive to bring the most value to the tag,” says Donna.

As well, Donna only brings high-quality designer clothing, such as Montreal designer brands; Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman and Uchuu. The majority of her inventory is Canadian.

Donna is passionate when it comes to purchasing quality Canadian

collections.

“I recognize the importance of buying local and I think lots of people in our area do too,” she says.

Donna’s mission is to dress her clientele with style and elegance for high-end events or even just for a visit to the grocery store.

She herself takes pride in always being well put together with gorgeous garments.

Visit one of the three locationsGrimsby, Winona and Fonthill - and discover how Donna’s Fashion can upgrade your wardrobe with a few pieces we are sure, will bring you many compliments.

While there, be sure to pick up your own Donna’s Fashions loyalty card, too!

Donna’s Fashion is proud to carry Canadian Designer Brands

DONNA BUTLER

Man on a Mission: After shifting career gears

Tim Hudak hits real estate overdrive

By Mike Williscraft

One never knows where life’s path will take them, but for Wellandport resident Tim Hudak, he’ll be going full speed ahead.

Hudak is no stranger to many, as a long-time Member of Provincial Parliament and former leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party.

Now, Hudak is the chief executive officer of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) - an organization he is

pushing to new heights as he excels in the private sector just as he did in the world of politics.

But his whole journey started with an unlikely turn.

“When I ran in Niagara South in 1995, I didn’t expect to win,” said Hudak, noting he only hoped to gain some exposure which could result in a consulting gig, or something along that line.

As fate would have it, he got swept into an election win along with Mike Harris’

Common Sense Revolution and that set him on a path through multiple election wins in a landscape that evolved into Erie Lincoln and Niagara West Glanbrook Ridings. His political ride took him all the way to the top of the PC Party as he assumed the role of leader from 20092014. After his second crack at earning power in Ontario went down to defeat in the 2014 election, Hudak resigned. Armed with a wealth of political

(L to R) Ontario Premier Doug Ford, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Ontario Real Estate Association chief executive officer Tim Hudak and former U.S. President George W. Bush share a laugh at OREA’s 2019 Conference in Toronto.

Continued From Page 16 experience and a Bachelor of Economics from University of Western Ontario and Masters from University of Washington, Hudak had many options after resigning as leader and looked to chart a new course away from politics for the first time in nearly two decades.

“When the position opened up at OREA, I immediately threw my hat into the ring after I had stepped down as leader,” said Hudak, noting he was already familiar with the organization.

That familiarity helped make the crossover smoothly.

“The advocacy that you do in politics, learning a brief quickly, figuring out how to communicate in plain language and getting results for the realtors and the women and men who they work hard for is similar and really rewarding,” he said.

“Secondly, the communication skills with that, dealing with the media to get your message across clearly and in a compelling way, to motivate people and, fortunately, the vast majority of Ontarians believe in the dream of home ownership so they tend to be on our side.”

“The big difference is you go from being a generalist in politics where you’re on top of an array of issues where something could break out in health care or manufacturing at any moment. Then you become a specialist in the area of housing and home ownership. So, you go deeper and narrower.”

Another similarity, although he noted is true in life, generally, is the need to build solid relationships along any path to success.

“On the relationship building side – the key to being successful in the world of politics is building lasting, trusting and varied relationships. You should have that and - in a whole array of fields - certainly should be able to build on that as I have in the world of real estate,” said Hudak.

In Hudak’s mind, there are many reasons OREA was a good fit at the right time for him but, at the same time, he had the sage words of his grandfather still echoing in his ears.

PURSUITS Home Buying Succeess

“I thought of my grandfather. He always told me, ‘go with your heart with something that is going to make every day satisfying. Then you’ll be able to be motivated, put in effort and money will come. Follow your heart’,” Hudak recalled.

“I looked at doing some consulting around government relations and public relations. I looked at working for a large company to help them on the public affairs side. I also looked at association management. Association management not only gave me a chance to be an advocate for something motivational but also to be a manager and OREA would have allowed me the opportunity, if I got the job, to be there fighting every day to help that next generation of Canadians to get the keys to a great place to call home. Secondly, it gave me a chance to get into an operation which has about 55 employees and a $15 million budget, so to exercise some of the muscle that you’d have as an executive officer.”

“I realized I still enjoyed the world of advocacy and I wanted to fight for something that is motivating. I wanted my feet to hit

the floor and be on a mission for something that is important to me as a man, or a dad and important to people.”

Taking on the OREA gig, Hudak realized what the focal point of the organization was and understood its mandate, so he hit the ground running, however, he still had to be careful to find his way in a new environment.

“We’ve had taxes brought down for firsttime buyers. We’re getting more supply, so I think what I learned in politics and school has now paid off as an association CEO,” he said.

“Here’s the difference; you report to a board of directors. As CEO you are the head of staff. You make the day-to-day decisions on operations and the board makes the final calls on major issues.”

“When you go from being a leader - as the guy where the buck stops on his desk –that’s no longer the case. That is a different experience and you’ll always respect what the board says but, sometimes, you don’t always agree. You’ve just got to smile and get it done.”

Tim Hudak chats with former U.S. President Bill Clinton during the Ontario REALTOR Party Conference in Toronto in 2022.

Man on a Mission: After shifting career gears

Tim Hudak hits real estate overdrive

By Mike Williscraft

One never knows where life’s path will take them, but for Wellandport resident Tim Hudak, he’ll be going full speed ahead.

Hudak is no stranger to many, as a long-time Member of Provincial Parliament and former leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party.

Now, Hudak is the chief executive officer of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) - an organization he is

pushing to new heights as he excels in the private sector just as he did in the world of politics.

But his whole journey started with an unlikely turn.

“When I ran in Niagara South in 1995, I didn’t expect to win,” said Hudak, noting he only hoped to gain some exposure which could result in a consulting gig, or something along that line.

As fate would have it, he got swept into an election win along with Mike Harris’

Common Sense Revolution and that set him on a path through multiple election wins in a landscape that evolved into Erie Lincoln and Niagara West Glanbrook Ridings. His political ride took him all the way to the top of the PC Party as he assumed the role of leader from 20092014. After his second crack at earning power in Ontario went down to defeat in the 2014 election, Hudak resigned. Armed with a wealth of political

(L to R) Ontario Premier Doug Ford, former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Ontario Real Estate Association executive director Tim Hudak and former U.S. President George W. Bush share a laugh at OREA’s 2019 Conference in Toronto.

Continued From Page 18

“These are typically people who have their own homes. They’re going to do just fine and they don’t want another one anywhere near them and they put up obstacles. I hear countless stories of projects that checked off all the boxes when it came to the approval process and Official Plan but it goes before a council, a bunch of neighbours show up, and then the councillors turn it down simply because ‘Dave and Sue’ were at the council meeting instead of worrying about the 10 or 20 new families that could not get a home,” said Hudak.

So after honing in on his targets and nearly eight years of effort at the helm of OREA, the achievements the organization has achieved and increased profile has caught the attention of a key U.S. consulting firm which puts out an annual Top 200 in the real estate industry and Hudak made the cut this year.

In January, it was announced he had made list of the most powerful and influ-

ential people in the 11th annual Swanepoel Power 200.

“It was really exciting. It’s up on the wall in the office,” he said.

“Anytime a Canadian can get on a U.S. list is quite an honour. It’s a reflection of the work that we do to be able to advance the ball when it comes to homeownership and develop a much higher profile for the Ontario Real Estate Association in the public space . We’ve made a North Americawide impression.”

Making that impression took a tactical approach.

“We partner a lot with the research institutions as well, such as C.D. Howe, to have active research behind our ideas and advance best practices. We also combine what I will call an air war and ground troops. The air war, we’re in the media regularly trying to be the voice of homeowners and those who want to join their ranks. When you bring the average homeowner or consumer in the car with you to Queen’s Park

when you advocate, you are far more likely to get the attention of a politician rather when you are just doing it on your own,” he said.

“We also brought in a health and wellness plan for every realtor in the province. They pay for it in their dues and, in return, they get life insurance, critical illness coverage, health coverage like chiropractic or physio therapy, travel insurance as well as access to doctors as well as other health care specialists.”

Now that his latest path is becoming a trail blazed with successes, Hudak still looks back at the inauspicious beginnings of his political career with appreciation for the support of his family at all turns and key advice he received along the way, including from former Prime Minister Brian Mulrony, who passed away last month.

“When I first came into politics, he gave me some very good advice in terms of the paths that I took, which opened some doors

Tim and family - Maitland, 10, Deb Hutton and Miller, 16, while on vacation in Italy, summer 2023.

Continued From Page 19 for me, so I took it. The fact the prime minister, in his retirement, would reach out like that to me is something I’ll never forget,” said Hudak.

And again, when he was mulling over his future after the 2014 election defeat, Prime Minister Mulroney was there again for him.

“It was actually in a rain storm; Deb and I were driving back from a vacation in the States and it was pouring rain and the phone rings. ‘Is this Tim? This is Brian Mulroney.’ That baritone voice coming across blew me away,” he recalled.

While he has had many political and business successes, Hudak says his biggest source of pride is his family - wife Deb Hutton and children; daughters Miller, 16, and Maitland, who just turned 10.

“My advice to anyone considering public office is to have a strong and supportive spouse. It puts more of a burden on the spouse than it does the person whose name is on the ballot. I would not have gotten anywhere if it were not for Debby’s wise counsel and support,” said Hudak, who noted Deb is very busy with her own communications business and hosting a talk radio program on NewsTalk 1010.

As for the kids, they are a going concern.

“Miller is now 16 and in Grade 11. She had some challenges growing up and now she is thriving in her second last year of

high school. She is someone who is very interested in the civics around issues and history. That is her strength in school,” said a proud Dad.

“Maitland just turned 10 and she is the jock in the family. She is a hockey and soccer player and is starring on the basketball court. This dad is super proud that she was

the only girl on an all-boys team and is probably the toughest player on the court.”

“It was touching because they had a tournament in Welland recently, so she was on my old court at Notre Dame High School. That was fun.”

With politics now in the rearview mirror, Hudak has his sights set on the future, but he has a considerable appreciation for the past the roots he has grown in West Lincoln.

“I deeply appreciate the opportunity to have served the people of Niagara since 1995 and West Niagara since 1999. I am intensely proud to come from that part of the province and to fight for them. I am so pleased to see (MPP) Sam (Oosterhoff), as my successor, delivering in a big way when it comes to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, new long-term care homes and GO Transit,” Hudak said.

“We make our home in Wellandport. I travel a lot across the province and our headquarters is in Toronto. It makes me so happy to be home on my deck along the Welland River in Wellandport.”

Tim had a chance to catch up with former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney during the OREA speaker series in 2020 - on Zoom due to COVID.

When he’s not blanketing the province for OREA or chilling on the deck of his Wellandport home, Tim Hudak may be seen snapping photos of his family - wife Deb with their girls Miller and Maitland - on a hike along the Bruce Trail.

Customers valued at Mountaineer Movers

When Mountaineer Movers celebrated 41 years of business in 2019, the team looked back into its past to remind themselves of the history the company has drawn from.

In 1951, Harry Mans immigrated to Canada from Holland with his family.

Harry’s first job was to work on the farm that sponsored them when they came to Canada.

“As our family got older, Harry saw the need for his family to work together. The family started delivering mail routes, then newspaper routes and soon flowers as well,” as Sarah Mans-Keddie recalls her late mother, Wendy Mans-Keddie, telling her.

“One day Harry saw an advertisement for a moving business that was up for sale. After some careful deliberation, he purchased the business name, Mountaineer Movers. Thus, the ‘family’ business began!”

The family’s consideration of their customers is what sets them apart.

“As a family, we understand and realize that moving can be one of the MOST stressful times in a person’s life,” says Sarah.

“We strive to remember that we are servicing a wide variety of people and demographics and they are confronting a major change in their lives. They are leaving a place they have called home for a new and unfamiliar place that will soon become their new haven.”

Sarah’s father, Andrew, who has over 40 years of experience, does all in-home estimates as well as Tom Ensign, an employee of several years, with Sarah overseeing the office administration.

“We would not be a moving company without our movers – our ‘guys’. These men make Mountaineer a continuing success,” notes Sarah.

The company’s philosophy

is simple, she noted, success is honesty.

“All in all – trust your instincts and treat all those around you, whether they are family, customers, or employees with respect, dignity and encouragement. This is our philosophy on running a successful and prosperous business,” says Andrew.

Andrew Keddie (holding Lola), with his daughter Sarah Mans-Keddie (holding Abby) & late wife Wendy Mans-Keddie.

Rhubarb a ‘puckery” Spring welcome

By Jan-Willem Stulp

Spring has come ‘early’, in that it fell pretty early in March, but the weather hasn’t been very accommodating.

With record-breaking temps every other week, I’m actually getting a bit worried about the garden.

I know for sure that some of my bees have gotten fooled by the warm temps, and then gotten the stuffing knocked out of them. Some of the berry bushes are starting to bud, but a frost would likely set them back or maybe make them fruitless this year.

The grapevines are also susceptible to frost, especially once the buds start to swell. Of course, this is not to suggest the warm temperatures aren’t welcome. For all the snow we did not have, we sure didn’t have sun either!

And so, for me at least, I welcome the warmer temperatures early. Few things get me geared up the way a new growing season can.

I’m itching to plant, sow and propagate, and often I’m a bit too early.

If you want to be inspired for Spring, take a look at the line-up we’ve put together for this edition; chives, asparagus, maple, rhubarb.

It’s a mouth-watering invitation to check out your garden and visit neighborhood growers to find early culinary treasures.

Many of these are fairly versatile, so you can sub in other ‘crops’ for some of the vegetables, but the rhubarb is pretty unique.

If you have an opportunity this Spring, get a small-ish stem of rhubarb, and dip it in sugar, then eat it raw. It’s a bit puckery, but also a wonderful ‘Welcome Back’ to the growing season!

Bon Appetit!

(Chef Stulp co-owns, along with his wife Jane, Grand Oak Culinary Market in Vineland.)

Asparagus with Roasted Pepper and Shallot Chutney

I work with Shallots a lot; part of that was my training, and part of it is the versatility of them. They are a subtle ‘blend’ of red onion and garlic, without the heat, or pungency. They also handle nicely, and are easy to use, as opposed to, say, half a red onion. (Then, the other half will make your fridge onion-ey, until you use it or dispose of it.) Here, it is paired with roasted red peppers, some seasoning and Herbs to make a delicious finish for vegetables, chicken or even the salmon, below.

Roasting peppers doesn’t really require a recipe; you can simply put them on the grill until they are charred all around,( as in mostly black,). When I was a rookie in the kitchen I was shocked to see chefs doing this directly over an open flame of the stove, turning with tongs until the pepper was charred and steaming. It is then packed in tinfoil until cool –this allows you to let them ‘steam out’, so they peel easily. I usually save the juices; great for making soup or sauce, but strain out the seeds and any bits of charred pepper.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large red pepper, roasted

• 5 medium sized Shallots, peeled and sliced

1/4 inch thick

• 1/2 cup sunflower oil. You could use veg oil or canola, but we prefer this.

• fresh herbs; try thyme and Italian parsley, washed and chopped.

• Salt and Pepper DIRECTIONS

In a small sauce pan, begin warming the oil on medium; when it shimmers, add the shallots, and stir every few minutes; the idea is that the shallots soften, and begin to caramelize; this will become

very fragrant, and, depending on your burner, could take as little as 12 or 15 minutes.

Once you notice the shallot is browning a bit, turn off the heat, and add the diced roasted pepper, and the chopped herbs. Stir and season. Serve over steamed or grilled Asparagus. You might serve this right away, but it’s also delicious cooled.

The colourful combination make this a great side-dish for a variety of main courses, or as a vegetarian main course.

Buttermilk Panna Cotta, (Candied Rhubarb)

We’ve played with panna cotta before, as it is a ‘fresh’ dessert, cool and light, yet versatile enough to steer in various directions.

In this version, we top it with simple rhubarb sauce, and honey- a great visual, and seasonal flourish on this dessert.

For the sauce - dissolve 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water, then add 1 cup chopped rhubarb. Once the rhubarb falls apart, remove from heat and cool down.

You may strain the syrup off, adding back in only what you need to give the sauce some body. For the candied rhubarb, we tossed rhubarb pieces in sugar, and dehydrated in the oven, though a dehydrator should work, also.

For the panna cotta –INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup 35% cream

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• 1 tsp gelatin

• 1-1/2 tbsp water, cold

This is also a wonderfully simple recipe; we tend to serve this in a glass, as it looks so nice that way, but it can certainly be unmolded onto plates for presentation. Sprinkle the gelatin on the cold water, in a bowl, and allow to ‘bloom’ for 5-10 minutes. In a small saucepan, warm the cream and vanilla with the sugar, to dissolve it. Pour the quite-warm cream mixture over the gelatin, and gently stir until it is com-

pletely dissolved. Divide the mix over the vessels you’ve chosen, a glass or a ramekin; chill thoroughly, usually at least two hours, but longer is safe. We then put the rhubarb mixture, and the honey, on top as a beautiful colour and flavour display, topping with the candied pieces. (Note: the honey can gently percolate through, settling on the bottom, for great visual appeal; if you want that, do this in advance, to give it the time it needs) Welcome to Spring!

The wait seems to be over...

Now that the market has settled – prices and interest rates have stabilized – people are eager to jump back in. This is a very good sign! For Buyers and Sellers alike, it’s looking like everyone is feeling more secure thanks to the stability we are seeing. One thing to note – first-time buyers have returned, lured by a

resurgence of new listings and the promise of another “possible” interest rate cut. Even at these rates, with the moderated pricing we are seeing, the rates are easier for buyers to handle, and fewer are “waiting” for interest rates to drop further.

Sales typically pick up in Spring, and the “experts” say the number of sales will likely

resemble 2019 levels, NOT THE PANDEMIC HIGHS OF 2021 AND 2022 Here’s where a Realtor can help with the

looking at!

Above: The Lynn Fee Team Agents. Realtors ® Stephanie McIvor, Tracey Cerisano, Wendy Murray-Nicholson, Lynn Fee, Miriam Chamberlain, Jennifer Quick, Melissa Vaidya. Broker Torrin Fee.