ClubWest Summer Edition 2023

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 locations - Grimsby, 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 Fashions

DONNA BUTLER

Lt. Col. (RTD) John F. Dinsmore of Grimsby is a man who lives life to fullest: an Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, 35-year teacher career and piper of six decades - Page 6

Page 11 - Summertime Day Tripping: Simple outings in Niagara West to to get you outdoors and moving!

Page 13 - 4H: Leaders Building Leaders

Page 19 - No need for a long drive, great fishing options nearby: Brent Bochek

Page 23 - Chef In Residence

Chef Jan-Willem Stulp returns with some tasty, homegrown creations

John Dinsmore of Grimsby accompanies the late Queen Elizabeth on a walk-about during a Royal Visit to Fort York with The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) in 1984.

15,000 copies distributed in Niagara West,Winona

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Sign up for summer sewing camps!

Survival is the exception.”

We’re just happy to be here, honestly!

When I made the quick decision to mothball ClubWest Magazine in March 2020 it wasn’t some sort of business strategy.

It was an instantaneous demand brought on by the devastating impact of COVID-19’s onset. The magazine was a limb that needed to be severed to ensure the heart of the community, NewsNow, could keep beating. Now, here we are somehow, three-plus years later, and we are able to revive that limb for Niagara West.

For that reason, I changed the original quote at the top of this offering for the first time since we started this lifestyle publication nine years ago.

This last three years has mainly been about survival, nothing fancy, just head down, keep pushing, and we are glad we did.

It felt great when we started getting inquiries in February about a ClubWest relaunch.

We heard from readers every week but when advertisers start asking...it was time to look into it. After conducting a simple email canvass of our advertisers, it was clear the time was ripe. Now, here we are.

It felt great to check in with chef Jan-Willem Stulp at Grand Oak Culinary about coming back as our Chef In Residence. Chef and his wife, Jane, run a first-class show in Vineland and we’re overjoyed to have him back.

Same for Brent Bochek, noted Beamsville fishing expert. You need to know something about angling, he’s your man! This time around he stepped up for me at the last minute. So, thanks for that Brent!

The only sad note, our cover feature for this re-launch was to be a great story on the travel exploits of one Craig Bivand, a born and raised Grimsby lad who had travelled to 97 countries in his life.

He was to be the cover feature in June 2020 - which never happened - and, when I knew we were coming back. he was my first call. We had a lunch chat planned at Forty Public House which never happened, cancelled, and Craig died a month later.

While Craig’s story will remain untold, I am sure you will love the features we have. As well, try the recipes. Let us know what you think!

“Extinction is the rule.

– Carl Sagan

Argyll and Sutherland Highlander John Dinsmore: A good and trusted friend

By Joanne McDonald

When Lieutenant Colonel (RTD) John F. Dinsmore CD is given a minute, he uses all 60 seconds.

Filling every minute, he has walked with royalty and he has set thousands of young people on the road to lifelong learning. And through the years he has espoused the words of Rudyard Kipling in his poem ‘If’ as a philosophy of life.

The poem is an ethos of a successful, principled and harmonious life based on values of integrity, humility and selfdevelopment. It speaks to readers about what it means to become a complete man and that success is only meaningful if it is in a nexus with modesty.

Time does not know how to forgive those who waste it.

Dinsmore joined The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) at the age of 18 and rose through the ranks to command the Hamilton regiment while working as a vice-principal in the public school system during a 35-year teaching career. He has filled every minute with worthwhile endeavours and he has stayed the course.

Gordon J. Scott, Pipe Major of the Grimsby Pipe Band, calls Dinsmore a trusted and good friend. “If John tells you he is going to do something, you can always count on him. He will be there when you need him.”

And said Scott, Dinsmore appreciates others. “John doesn’t judge. He doesn’t have a preconceived notion. He’s analytical for sure, by virtue of his training, but he really tries to think the best of everybody.”

“I’ve seen him change his mind. From an intelligence point of view, he is willing to relook and change direction if necessary. As head of a regiment he was adaptable.” He showed leadership and never expected anyone to do anything that he wouldn’t do himself.

“He believed in what he was doing. The Argylls is his life blood.”

“His superior knowledge in many fields has given him a good perspective. He has a unique talent for seeing the whole picture. There are very few people you can trust to that degree and he’s one of them.”

There’s no subterfuge with Dinsmore.

Lt. Col. John Dinsmore, CD (RTD) with a photo depicting fellow Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) reservists Tom Artt, left, and Jim Ruddle, right.

“You can trust John with the most delicate situations. He’s up front and if you ask his opinion, he will always give an honest response. He’s always been that way.”

“He used all his talents and education for good. He was a Lieutenant Colonel but it was always about doing good – doing good and transferring knowledge.”

“We’ve been friends for years. He is family to us.”

LONDONDERRY

Born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Dinsmore came to Hamilton in 1956.

At 15, Dinsmore said it was a good age to practice to be able “to talk Canadian.”

He was entered in Grade 12, finished Grade 13, and at 18 went to Teachers’ College in Hamilton. By the age of 19 he was teaching in Port Loring in the Parry Sound District but soon found a way to transfer back to Hamilton. It was the start of a 35-year teaching career. He began at Hagar School in Grimsby and retired from Prince Philip School in St. Catharines as the vice-principal.

As a Boy Scout in Ireland, it was on his first time out of the country to Edinburgh, Scotland that Dinsmore saw kids in kilts. “There is no way they’re getting

me to wear a skirt,” he told his friends, only a few years later to be proudly wearing the kilt. “And I’ve been wearing it all my life.”

At 18, Dinsmore joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) in Hamilton. A friend in Grade 13 had encouraged him to check it out and he decided to join.

The young reservist joined as an officer and did many jobs, moved through all the officer ranks and would eventually become commanding officer of the Hamilton regiment.

Dinsmore’s life took an abrupt change in course the night he met Carol at a party in the officers’ mess. She worked for a dentist who served as the dental officer for the Argylls and by chance Dinsmore was in the right place at the right time. He called her the next day, they went for a drive and before long were engaged. When Carol bought John his first set of bagpipes in 1963 he knew it was true love. His bagpipe teacher, Argyll’s pipe sergeant Jim McNeil played at their wedding. They married in 1964 and bought their first house in Grimsby in 1966. And rumour has it they can cut a rug on the Scottish dancing floor.

Scott recalls John’s words about his

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) Pipe Sgt. Jim McNeil played the bagpipes at John and Carol’s wedding in 1964.

Continued From Page 7 wife Carol on their 50th wedding anniversary. “John was working full time as a vice principal and was head of the regiment. He said Carol never complained and that without her he wouldn’t have succeeded. Carol really has been a pillar of strength for him. They’re both very generous people with their time and their knowledge.”

Carol is equally positive about the Dinsmore team. “John was teaching all day, two nights a week he was with the regiment, he was taking classes at Brock finishing his master’s and still being there for the family,” including their children Siobhan and John. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in Educational Administration. He also taught at the Canadian Army Staff College in Toronto.

In 1976 they went to Australia on a teaching exchange. Dinsmore received an International Teaching Fellowship Award from the Government of Victoria and a highlight of the exchange was making lifelong friends. They’re looking forward to welcoming Australians Rosemary and Peter Nicholson who will be in Grimsby

in June for a stopover visit.

It’s been a great love for Dinsmore to play the bagpipes. It’s an instrument that stirs deep emotions and can bring listeners to tears. Asked if the music brings him to tears, Dinsmore jokes that depending on the proficiency of the player, “sometimes they make me cry too.”

Dinsmore joined the Grimsby Pipe Band around 2000 and was instrumental in encouraging new members. “John is very well read. He knows his history and was a great resource for our kids in the band.”

“At practice every Tuesday, John would have about a 15-minute history lesson for the kids. He brought history to life for them. We would call it ‘John’s 15 minutes’.”

THE ARGYLLS

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) is a Primary Reserve Highland infantry regiment, an integral component of the Canadian Armed Forces based at John W. Foote VC Armoury in Hamilton.

The Regiment contributed an aggregate of more than 20 per cent of its

Lt. Col. John Dinsmore CD (RTD), left, pipes in a procession with Gordon J. Scott, Pipe Major of the Grimsby Pipe Band.

authorized strength to the various task forces which served in war in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014. Dinsmore said that included more than 60 from the Hamilton regiment who served in a variety of capacities including providing education for girls.

On October 22, 2014, Corporal Nathan Cirillo of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was murdered while standing ceremonial guard duty at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. He was approached from behind and shot several times in the back by an Islamic extremist.

It’s a reminder of the fragility of peace.

Canadians can’t overstate the importance of their military. “Canadian military serves a crucial role in maintaining democracy and protecting our geography,” Dinsmore said.

“When the Argyll was shot at the cenotaph, John was interviewed by the media. He was describing the ceremony, what would happen, and he was instrumental in the program that followed for the memorial,” Scott said. “John has represented the Argylls many times. He is an eloquent speaker and he was the announcer for the Tattoo.”

His announcing career began at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1986 and continued in Hamilton when a group began producing what was to become the Canadian International Military Tattoo.

He served as Chairman of the Hamilton International Tattoo and Director of the Canadian International Military Tattoo. The Regimental Pipes & Drums band has represented the unit at gatherings across the country and internationally including at the famed Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

But more than the accolades and honours, nothing was more rewarding than a note of thanks from a student or parent.

From a student: “Your teaching methods, ideas, and the way you structured the class are far superior to any other teacher

Esprit de corps through the years

• Lieutenant Colonel of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s)

• Honorary Aide-de-Camp to Henry N. R. ‘Hal’ Jackman, 25th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

• Golden Jubilee Medal presented for significant contribution to Canada

• Canadian Forces’ Decoration (CD)

• Chairman of the Hamilton International Tattoo

• Director of the Canadian International Military Tattoo

• Secretary of the Grimsby Pipe Band

• International Teaching Fellowship Award from the Government of Victoria, Australia

• Bachelor of Arts in English, Brock University

• Master of Education in Educational Administration, Brock University

• Teacher - Canadian Army Staff College in Toronto

• Vice-Principal - 35 years teaching in the public school system

I’ve had. I would like to be able to take your influence as a teacher and one day apply it to my own classroom.”

From a parent: “We appreciate the challenge you have given (daughter) this year. We are particularly thankful that you were willing to broaden (daughter’s) horizons through your world-wide perspective and articulate emphasis on excellence.”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,  Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!

Says Dinsmore’s friend Scott, “when you’re with John, you’re going to learn something.

‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling 4th Stanza

Niagara West’s Great Outdoors

Ten outdoor activities right under your nose

By Ben Baldasero

It’s no surprise that Niagara West is full of interesting and unique activities to do over the summer. However, you might be surprised to know that there are many things to do in the local area of which you might not be aware.

We’ve compiled 10 stops and activities - for all ages - set in our corner of

Niagara Region for you to enjoy.

1) Take a Trip out to Ball’s Falls

Conservation Area

Hours of Operation: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Centre for Conservation- 9 a.m.4p.m. daily Location: 3292 Sixth Avenue, Vineland

Ball’s Falls is a gem here in West Niagara, offering both a conservation area and a beautiful hiking trail. The Ball’s Falls trail is a great place to go for a hike.

There are numerous historical artefacts

Hikers can connect to Beamer Memorial Conservation Area via the Gibson Street Trail in downtown Grimsby. Photo Julie Boisvert

Continued From Page 11

from the area along the way, including a blacksmith’s shop, a lime kiln, and the Ball’s Family Home.

The trail culminates at the titular Ball’s Falls, which provides a scenic view and a nice place to unwind. Make sure to visit the conservation area after the hike, which offers many interactive experiences and programs to teach you about the history of the Trail and the Area. For people who want a healthy dose of scenery, exercise, and education, Ball’s Falls is the place to go.

Spend the Day out at Charles Daley Park

Location: 1969 North Service Road, Jordan

Set on the Lake Ontario waterfront, Charles Daley Park offers a little bit of everything. Numerous trails scatter the area for those who want to take a walk around the park. The beachfront is available for those who’d like to wade in and cool off. A large playground is available for kids to enjoy, and there are numerous benches to take a step back and unwind. Make sure to bring a bite to eat, so as to take advantage of the shaded picnic areas and benches overlooking the lake. In the morning, afternoon, and evening, Charles Daley is always a nice place to be.

Visit the Historic Nelles Manor

Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday: 1–4:30 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday: Closed (except for August Civic Holiday and Labour Day special events)

Tours are daily with the last one beginning at 3:30 p.m.

For those interested in local history and architecture, taking a guided tour of Nelles Manor, is an enlightening way to spend an afternoon. The Manor, constructed in the 1780’s by Col. Robert Nelles, has now been converted to a museum available for all to come and enjoy.

The manor’s architecture is preserved, and viewers can experience what living in Grimsby was like over 100 years ago.

Take a Dip in the Pool ~ Grimsby, Beamsville and Jordan

Grimsby Lions Community Pool

Location: 1 Elm St.

(June 17-Labour Day Weekend) Family Swim: 12:15-2 p.m. Sat. & Sun.

For Gretsinger Pool in Beamsville and Jordan

Lions Pool, go to Lincoln.ca

Click on “Menu” and go to Parks, Forestry, Recreation & Culture for times.

Bust Out the Clubs at the Grimsby Golf Range!

Location: 239 Mountain Rd, Grimsby

(289) 808-9648

Take a swing for the first time, or blow the rust off your old swing...Grimsby Golf is the place to do it. Instructor Kirk Smith is also available for lessons seven days a week, by appointment. Enjoy a Hike up to Beamer Memorial Lookout Trail!

Quarry Rd, Grimsby

Bring some binoculars and immerse yourself in the spectacle of the Niagara Peninsula up on the Beamer Memorial Lookout Trail. Beamer Memorial is a beautiful trail that offers a breathtaking view of the escarpment, the city, and Lake Ontario, all in one 2.6 mile loop!

Go for a ride down one of West Niagara’s Many Biking Trails!

Time to break out the helmets and take a trip down one of West Niagara’s biking trails! One such trip is the West Lincoln and Wainfleet Route, beginning in Smithville and stretching 49 kms - all the way to the Lake Erie shore!

Try out a new hobby with Skate Parks around Niagara West

Rotary Park in Beamsville’s skatepark, the Smithville Skate Park at West Lincoln Arena & Community Centre, Jordan Lions Skatepark in Jordan and The Shayne Armstrong Skatepark in Grimsby on Clarke Street are all great spots to learn some new tricks.

Visit the Historic Grimsby Beach and The “Painted Ladies”

Explore a well-known Grimsby Gem in Historic Grimsby Beach! Visitors will notice the colourful cottages hand-painted by the residents to look like Gingerbread houses.

Take a lakeside walk in Grimsby on The Lake

The Town of Grimsby has been adding to its lakefront boardwalk for years and a new park will open there soon. The boardwalk is a great place to get some fresh air with an ice cream or full meal just steps away.

Regardless of what you do this summer, get outdoors and enjoy every second!

Ann Marie Chechalk prepares the Niagara 4-H travelling food booth for a summer of selling the clubs’ famous milkshakes and back bacon on a bun at many upcoming events.

4H: Leaders Building Leaders

By Joanne McDonald

Aresearch project on pulmonary surfactant, the near-magical foamy fluid that comes from a cow’s lungs and helps save the lives of premature babies, landed Niagara 4-H member Tiauna Lodewyk as a finalist in the 2020 4-H Canada Science Fair competition in Saskatchewan.

The arrival of surfactants in neonatal intensive care units in the 1980s was groundbreaking and Tiauna wanted to illustrate how agriculture and animals contribute to scientific advancements in

the medical world.

Now studying at the post secondary level, Tiauna, 20, hopes to one day apply her business acumen to an agriculturerelated career.

President of the 4-H Goat Club, Tiauna is ready for the future and says she owes it to her many years in Niagara 4-H clubs and specifically to longtime leader Ann Marie Chechalk.

“Mrs. Chechalk, and her family, have been such an amazing part of my 4-H experience. She is so giving and really

McDonald - Photo

Continued From Page 13 took us kids under her wing in our early years for learning about goats and getting into the agriculture world. She is always giving her time and talents to the 4-H community and has been such a blessing to our whole family.”

As a well-known journalist, Ann Marie has been telling the stories of farming and rural communities for more than 20 years, writing for the Niagara Farmers’ Monthly newspaper.

As a well-loved 4-H leader, she has been turning hundreds of youth into well rounded adults for more than 35 years. And through those years, youth coming through the programs haven’t changed one bit.

“4-H has the nicest kids in their clubs.

They’re committed, they’re interested in learning, they’re friendly. Some are shy but 4-H changes them. They are able to stand up in front of a group, to show in front of a crowd, and help out at meetings.”

“I really like the kids. I like the farm families I meet.” And it’s evident through the many clubs she has led, from goats and explorers, to cooking, sewing and scrapbooking.

It’s a rewarding and wholesome experience, and young people thrive with the learning by doing, team building, healthy competition, supporting each other, showing at the fairs and opportunities for scholarships.

“When kids go for job interviews and say they’re involved in 4-H they stand out from the crowd.”

L.E.A.D. SCHOLARSHIP

Tiauna is not the only Lodewyk who has been part of Ann Marie’s 4-H family. She’s one of six siblings and they’ve all been in 4-H.

“The best part of 4-H is Ann Marie. She’s the reason we keep coming back,” says Tiauna’s mom Trish Lodewyk. “The whole Chechalk family has the most generous people. They exemplify community service.”

Leader Ann Marie Chechalk stands centre with members of the Niagara 4-H Goat Club.

Josiah Lodewyk was the recipient of 4-H Canada’s most prestigious annual scholarship in 2019 - the $20,000 L.E.A.D. award (Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction).

Continued From Page 14

Josiah Lodewyk was the recipient of 4-H Canada’s most prestigious annual scholarship in 2019 - the $20,000 L.E.A.D. award (Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction). The award honours youth who have become exceptional leaders through their 4-H experience, and who share the best of themselves with their communities.

He too spent his formative years in 4-H clubs and said it was Ann Marie who initially convinced the family they could handle a couple of goats.

“Mrs. Chechalk was instrumental in exposing us to the agricultural community and the incredible diversity within that community,” Josiah said. “She would take us on tours to different farms where we saw cutting edge agricultural tech-

niques.” They were experiences that fed his interest in agricultural systems.

“It was through those field trips that I could discover and develop my passion for applying technology to the agricultural field.”

“4-H has been instrumental in helping pay for my university,” said Josiah, now finishing year four of five in the Systems Design Engineering Program at the University of Waterloo.

“We’ve been blessed by Mrs. Chechalk. She is an incredibly joyful person and has the biggest heart,” said Josiah.

Josiah has landed a summer coop working for a start up company that is modifying rice to grow in salt water and he is helping to develop the floating farms.

“4-H really has been instrumental in

Matthew Roszell of Wainfleet, second from left, was chosen to go to the World Dairy Expo in 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Continued From Page 15 designing my future,” Josiah said. LEARN BY

DOING

The highlights are too many to recollect, but Ann Marie pulls a few from her store of 4-H memories.

The annual West Niagara Fair is a local culmination of the work done by all the clubs throughout the year – training, clipping, learning the body parts and how to judge. They all show on Friday, a top showperson from each club is chosen, and from there, a grand champion is named. If a competitor wins for the goat club for example, they can’t win again unless it’s with a different breed.

It’s happened only twice – 4H member Kristin Hoffman showed a beef calf and a horse and won two Grand Champion Showperson titles during a weekend at the West Niagara Fair. Andrew Chechalk capped the same double win showing a

Niagara 4-H Goat Club leader Tiauna Lodewyk was a finalist in the 2020 4-H Canada Science Fair competition in Saskatchewan with her research project on pulmonary surfactant.

goat and a beef calf.

And now Andrew is a 4-H Goat Club leader and Kristin has just signed on as a Beef Club leader.

One year at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, two members from the Niagara 4-H Goat Club won Grand Champion Showperson and Reserve Champion Showperson.

Hard work pays off with a red ribbon for Wainfleet 4-H Dairy Club member Emma Roszell.

Continued From Page 16

4-H ARBOR AWARD

It’s hard to pin Ann Marie down for an interview. Not the least because she is modest, but to call her busy is an understatement. Newspaper deadlines are looming, the 4-H travelling food booth has to be ready for a weekend event, there’s 4-H meetings to plan. And there’s that neatly organized stack of scrapbooks on the dining room table, archives of Niagara’s 4-H history (news articles written mainly by her) waiting to be completed – someday.

Ann Marie says her own kids always remind her they had grand moments too but she doesn’t remember them. “That’s my life in nutshell.”

Ann Marie represents the essence of volunteering and in 2018 she was one of three recipients to receive 4-H Ontario’s most prestigious volunteer award – the 4-H Ontario Arbor Award. She was celebrated for her leadership, initiative and many years of engaging youth in becoming leaders.

Ann Marie may have originally been a city girl, but she has lived on a dairy goat farm for 40 years.

She recalls the knock on the door from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The OMAFRA rep was Gordon Mitchell and he asked Ann Marie and her sister-in-law Joann Chechalk if they would like to lead the 4-H Goat Club. She recalls they said, “Sure, what is 4-H?” That was the start and the rest is history.

On the family farm, “we milked goats for 25 years and sent the milk to Hewitt’s Dairy. When we retired we had been the longest shipper in Ontario.”

LEADERS BUILDING LEADERS

Niagara 4-H originally started with rural youth but now there are members from towns and cities and they don’t even have to take their goats home.

Joanne Battersby and Jonathan Dugdale allow members to come to their farm, choose a kid and train it for the summer.

4-H is open to all youth, ages 9-21 years whether they are from the city, a rural community or a farm. The ‘Learn to Do By Doing’ approach gives them a place where they can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable leadership and life skills. There are also provincial camps, conferences, competitions and national and international travel opportunities available.

For more information visit:

Zaelynn St. Denis unleashed her creativity as a member of the Niagara 4-H Scrapbooking and Craft Club.

Nothing like a day on the water... close by

By Brent Bochek

Being a full-time fishing guide/charter captain, I am fortunate to spend more than my fair share of time on the water fishing. Ontario has an abundance of fishing opportunities for a wide variety of species.

As much as I love a good road trip to fish destinations hours from home, the Niagara Peninsula is a world class fishery that many people travel from far and wide to explore.

Many of my personal best fish have been caught within an hour of my home.

Let us look at some of the fabulous species we have here right on our doorstep.

Lake Ontario is one of the finest salmon and trout fisheries of all the Great lakes. Every year salmon over 30 lbs are caught and every now and then the magical 40lb plateau is reached. The Niagara shoreline from Grimsby to the Niagara River is the hottest fishery the lake has to offer in the spring. As early as March, boats of all sizes can be seen trolling the shoreline in search of chinook salmon, lake trout and brown trout. The influence

While visiting Niagara, the Choinski Family from Wisconsin enjoyed a day of early season salmon fishing with author and fishing expert Brent Bochek, right.

Continued From Page 19 of the Niagara River and other tributaries bringing warmer water into the lake attracting baitfish and, in turn, attracting the larger predator fish.

As the water warms up around early to mid May, these fish will start to leave the shallows in search of cooler waters.

Forty-five minutes to an hour south is Lake Erie. Lake Erie is known for its tremendous walleye, perch and smallmouth bass fishing.

of species. One day in particular last May, in just a few hours during an afternoon we caught 6 different species. Walleye, pike, bowfin, sheepshead (freshwater drum), carp and channel cat all came out to play.

We have caught carp up to 30 lbs, walleye just over 12 lbs and channel cats up to 20 lbs all here in our backyard. My biggest musky was also caught close to home in the Niagara River.

Every year walleye over 10 lbs are caught along

Craig Battle with a big Channel cat caught minutes from his home. with smallmouth bass over six lbs.

Although the eastern end of Lake Erie from Long Point to the headwaters of the Niagara River has resident walleye, large school of migratory fish make their way from the western end where they spawn in places like the Detroit River and arrive here, usually late June. When this happens, it is not uncommon to catch your limit of these tasty creatures.

One of the hidden gems of the Niagara peninsula is the Grand River. From the dam in Caledonia all the way to the mouth in Port Maitland, there is always something to fish for. Although the waters are murky due to the clay runoff, the fish of the Grand have no problem finding your baits.

It’s not uncommon to spend a day fishing the Grand and catch a multitude

If you’re interested in learning more about the fabulous fishing we have here, stop in at your local tackle retailer and ask questions. Not only will they have up to date fishing information, but they will also have the necessary equipment along with the hot baits.

So, before planning that fishing trip up north hours away, look and see what the area has to offer. You might just be surprised and catch a fish of a lifetime.

Note: The Ministry of Natural Resources publishes a summary of the fishing regulations every year and these can usually be picked up at tackle stores.

It is also available online through their website. Make sure to check the regulations to see what is in season and any size restrictions.

(Brent Bochek is a full-time fishing guide and charter captain. Check out his website at: www.fishnv.ca)

Local Ingredients Ripe For The Picking!

By Jan-Willem Stulp

Not to make it too obvious, but the seasons in Canada seem to be getting more volatile, as time goes on.

I can’t recall a year where, coast-tocoast, the country is getting hammered by tropical atorms and ice storms, cold-snaps and heatwaves in the same week, as well as massive flooding and wildfires.

It makes for a lot of uncertainty in the garden, that’s for sure.

Can you plant, or can’t you? What exactly is your planting zone now? And this is just at the beginning of the warm weather.

At the Grand Oak, we usually have our garden boxes planted and herbs getting picked for garnishing and seasoning.

At the time of this writing, we just had a frost warning, and I’m hoping to get things in the ground in a week or so.

That’s mostly tender herbs though; thankfully. The majority of our perennial garden is doing fine, cold weather notwithstanding.

When we were invited to come back on board for ClubWest Magazine, after a number of years on hiatus, we jumped at the chance, and, given the season, herbs will play a pivotal role this edition.

The trick is to intentionally devise meals or menus that feature what you have in your garden. As always, the closer we are to the source, the purer, more flavourful and nutritious our food

can be. Fom your garden to plate is a good goal.

As I mentioned, it has been several years since we’ve connected in this way, so to quickly do a thumb-nail intro, I’m J.W. Stulp, Chef at Grand Oak Culinary Market in Vineland, which I coown with Jane, my wife of 29 years.

When I cook, I trend more towards art, (create as I go) than science (follow a recipe, see what comes out).

My recipes, therefore, are intentionally short, focusing on the core of the dish and encouraging you to modify and experiment to your own taste and sense of adventure.

I try to keep recipes to five ingredients or less, and assume all have salt, pepper, oils, lemons, herbs etc in their culinary repertoire.

Strolling through the garden, here’s what’s coming up: spring onions, lovage, rhubarb, garlic, asparagus, fiddle heads, thyme, lavender, cilantro (self seeded), mint (just invasive) lemon balm, chives, several salad greens, (also self seeded).

There’s probably some honey already, too, but the bees haven’t forgiven me for last fall’s harvest yet, so I’m giving them a few more week. So, that will be our ‘palette’, so to speak, of what we’re going to work with. I imagine you’ll have a variety of these also, perhaps others, but see what intrigues you and go from there. (Chef Stulp co-owns, along with his wife Jane, Grand Oak Culinary Market in Vineland.)

Rhubarb Lemonade with Sparkling Wine

Makes approximately 2 L. INGREDIENTS

• 500 ml nice, red rhubarb, sliced thin

• 150 ml Cherry Lane cherry concentrate (great colour!)

• 175 ml fine sugar

• 3 lemons, grated or zested, and juiced

• sparkling wine, (local, of course)

• fresh mint

• lemon slices

PREPARATION

Stir together rhubarb, cherry concentrate, sugar, 175 mL water and lemon rind in a large non-reactive pan, and bring to a simmer.

Stir, until the sugar is dissolved and rhubarb softens and falls apart, maybe 15 minutes.

Turn off heat; mix in lemon juice.

Allow the flavours to meld as

the syrup cools to room temperature, then strain through a cheesecloth. Chill syrup in the fridge.

At this stage, the syrup will keep for 6-8 days, in a sealed container.

In a decorative decanter, mix syrup with 1/2 L cold water.

Serve in champagne flutes, with your choice of sparkling wine.

Garnish with lemon slices, and mint.

To make Summer Special, Go West

June 2023

• 2023 Gabe Magnotta Memorial Golf Classic Diamond Back Golf Club - ClubLink Partner, June 14.. Join us for a fun-filled day of golf, great food and wine and exciting raffle prizes and awards to support the G. Magnotta Foundation for Lyme Disease research. Hurry! Space is limited to just 144 golfers. Call 905563-5313 for registration details.

• Every Sunday, Enjoy LIVE MUSIC on the Patio, Malivoire Wine Company. Starting Sunday, June 4. Noon-4 p.m. 4260 King St, Beamsville. NEW this season - come to enjoy our hillside, open-air patio. Relax and unwind with us this season. Grab your favourite glass of wine or, if you are feeling peckish, add some delicious snacks. Questions, give us a call at 905-563-9253.

• Yoga in the Vineyards, Westcott Vineyards. June 14 and every following Wednesday, 7-8 p.m. Yoga in the Vineyards is back! Join us in practising on the lawn with views of the sun setting over the vineyards. Every Our yoga

instructor will lead you through a one hour yoga sequence followed by a glass of wine of your choosing. Cost: $30 includes one hour yoga & a glass of wine.Please bring your own yoga mat and blocks if you wish.Please dress for the weather and bring layers. Westcott tends to have a breeze and can feel a bit chilly as the sun sets.

• Watercolour in the Vineyard, Back 10 Cellars, June 11. 1-3 p.m. Join us for an in-person watercolour experience as you sip on wine and snack on your own delicious charcuterie box. All watercolour supplies will be provided, along with the lesson. Leave with your very own masterpiece and beautiful memories. Booking includes; wine & charcuterie (additional wine can be purchased by the glass, just ask). Watercolur class hosted by YouTube watercolour artist, Clarice Gomes @helloclariceg. All supplies & instructional class, server gratuity included. Dress weather appropriate as this event takes place in an

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Chilled Asparagus Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini and Purple Basil Sprouts

Makes two portions.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bunch local asparagus, washed, trimmed

• 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, local hot-house are available)

• 12 pcs fresh, mini bocconcini, halved

• baby greens, ideally colourful

• purple basil sprouts

• vinaigrette (oil & balsamic is nice, but a mustard/herb would also work very well)

DIRECTIONS

In a hot oven, (350F) roast the cherry tomatoes, with a bit of oil, S&P and herbs, until they colour and blister a bit. Cool to room temp.

Meanwhile, bring a 3/4-inch of salted water to a boil in a frying pan. A frying pan heats up really quickly, and allows you to control the asparagus as they cook. Lay

the asparagus in the water to cook. Put two inches of very cold water in a sink, with a handful of ice. Once the asparagus are tender and bright green, lift them out of the boiling water and place in the icewater. This arrests the cooking and retains the bright green colour.

Slice in half lengthwise, if you like.

For service, plate a desired amount of baby greens, and artfully arrange the asparagus, then the bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, and the basil sprouts.

Drizzle with your selected vinaigrette. Enjoy!

To make Summer Special, Go West

Continued From Page 24 open air, covered pergola. This is a two-hour event. Tickets are non-refundable.

• The Ultimate Showdown, Flat Rock Cellars.Sunday, June 25. 12 Noon. Wine vs Beer, featuring Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. Part of the Rockstar Red Carpet interactive VIP tastings series - monthly elevated experiences that dig deep into a particular theme. We’re going head-to-head with our sister company Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. in a wine & beer food pairing competition. Several distinctly delectable bites - each will be paired up with a wine and a beer for you to choose which reigns supreme - wine or beer. Please note: Only 20 seats available. Tickets Required. Call 905-562-8994 for details.

• Spring Into Summer – A Vineyard Party. Greenlane Estate Winery. Saturday, June 17, 3-8 p.m. Spring may have just arrived, but we are already counting down the days until Summer here at Greenlane. To honour the beginning of tan lines and good times, we are

having a vineyard party. Come down in your most fun summer attire and enjoy a stellar barbecue, lawn games, a live band, dancing, door prizes, and of course, your favourite Greenlane wines. Tickets are $40/person or FREE for The Collective (2 tickets per club member). A ticket includes a glass of wine, a souvenir glass to take home, dinner, and admission.

• Bubbles, Butter and Bargains 2. The Good Earth Winery. Monday, June 12, 6-9 p.m. On The Lawn. Join us for a bubbly vintage fashion pop up on the lawn. Shop a curated selection of pieces by Ariane of Nonna Life, Paige from Studio Bicyclette and GE’s Christine Flynn. Check out the latest in statement jewelry from our friend Sylvia from Ketoora. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling Aria, and some buttery snacks at St Brigid’s Creamery Grass Fed Butter. Additional wine and non-alc options at the cash bar cart! Live music by DRFTR, pizza for sale. This is a rain

Frittata Verde – Spring Harvest

Serves 4. INGREDIENTS

• 6 eggs, large, cracked

• 90 ml 35% cream (you could use 18% if you prefer)

• 100 ml fresh herbs, chopped coarsely: parsley, chives, garlic, thyme

• oil

• salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

The tricks to really nice frittatas include a hot oven, a hot, nonstick pan and room temperature eggs. There are others, of course, such as really whipping the eggs well, and cooking immediately.

Technically, this means that, once you’re prepped, a frittata could be out of the oven again in less than 15 minutes With good organization, it’s a pretty quick dish. OK, oven to 375.

While your pan warms on low,

whisk eggs, cream, herbs, and salt and pepper together vigorously. The micro-air bubbles created here are what gives lift to the frittata. Coat the pan with a bit of oil, and increase the heat. Once the oil shimmers, pour the mixture into center of the pan, and allow to ‘set’ for 30 seconds or so; if you’re adventurous, this

is where you could add asparagus, peppers, fiddleheads, or cheese. Then transfer to the oven.

Once the center of the frittata is set, it is ready, 12-15 minutes. I’d recommend NOT cutting it in the pan to prevent damage to the knife and pan. Slide it onto a cutting board, portion, and serve immediately.

To make Summer Special, Go West

Continued From Page 25 or shine event. $20 per person, plus HST. Wine Club members receive 10% off. 4556 Lincoln Ave, Beamsville. 905-563-6333 for details.

• Voices and Vines. The Good Earth Winery. Thursday, June 19. 6-9 p.m. On the lawn. Join us on the lawn for an evening of wonderful music featuring local singer songwriters. Hosted by Oscar Anderson-Shortt, with performances by Minuscule, Aaron Berger and more, this intimate event is not to be missed. Pizza and wine by the bottle available for purchase. Seating is first come, first served, with picnic blankets welcome. This is a family friendly event. $25 pp plus HST.Wine Club Members receive 10% off. 4556 Lincoln Ave, Beamsville. 905-563-6333 for details.

• Good Morning Series, The Good Earth Winery. Dates from June 10-Aug. 26 at The Culinary School. Join us for an extra-special combination of yoga, food and, of course, wine. We’ll pop off with a 45-minute slow

flow yoga for all levels with Sandra Taylor, followed by a glass of wine and then a meander over to our cooking school for a 4-course demonstration style, vegetable-forward, cooking class with pairings led by Good Earth proprietor, trained chef and best selling cookbook author Christine Flynn. Leave with a bag of goodies including a bottle of our favourite summer sipper Rosé, a copy of Christine’s book “A Generous Meal” and a surprise or two. In the event of rain, the cooking class will continue as scheduled and you will be offered a slot in a future yoga class.If you’d like a second bottle of wine instead of the book please make a note in the comments section of your order. 4556 Lincoln Ave, Beamsville. 905-563-6333 for details.

July

Mini Yoga Retreat in the VineyardsMalivoire Wine Company. Sunday/Monday, July 2&3. Join yoga guru Abbey Morris (Yoga by Abbey) and our neighbours Cave Spring

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Lavender and Lemon Bundt Cake

Serves 6. INGREDIENTS

• 18 tbsp butter, room temperature

• 1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1-1/4 cup white sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 6 sprigs of lavender leaves, some finely chopped

• zest of 1 lemon

• 6 large eggs, cracked

DIRECTIONS

Set oven temperature to 350F. Take six mini-bundt pans and grease the sides with butter, then dust with flour to help prevent the cakes sticking to the pan.

Place a few lavender leaves in the bottom of the pans then set the greased pans to the side.

In a stand mixer, cream the butter until it is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and add the sugar. Mix until well combined, scraping the sides as needed.

Add the vanilla extract. Crack the eggs in a separate bowl, then add to butter/sugar mixture one at a time, waiting until each egg is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, lemon zest, and the chopped lavender leaves. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in thirds, folding gently with a rubber spatula.

The idea here is to maintain the air bubbles created by the

whisking. Once all the ingredients are well combined, pour evenly into the bundt pans and smooth the batter with the back of a spoon.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Wait 10-15 minutes, then remove the cakes from the pans and let cool.

We serve ours with whipped cream and drizzle it with lemon syrup, but berries would also be a great addition. Enjoy!

To make Summer Special, Go West

Continued From Page 26

Cellars for a healthy and rejuvenating escape to Niagara wine country. Enjoy a day filled with yoga, wellness, strolling, local food and the very best in sustainable, vegan wines. Let the serenity of the vineyards sooth and invigorate your body, soul and palate. Begin the day at Cave Spring Vineyard tasting room, with a gentle and revitalizing yoga practice suitable for all levels. Then set out on a stroll through the vineyards to Malivoire for a guided tasting and visit into our gravity-flow winemaking cellar. Wander back to the Cave Spring vineyard tasting room for a delicious catered lunch from local favourite, Revalee, paired with a flight of wine. Then take home two bottles of Cave Spring and Malivoire wines as a token of this unforgettable experience. Other dates, Sunday, Aug. 13, 10 am-2:30 pm. and Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 am-2:30 pm. Call 905-563-

9253 for details.

• A Sustainable Journey - Flat Rock Cellars. Sunday, July 30. 12 Noon. Another event in the Rockstar Red Carpet interactive VIP tastings series - monthly elevated experiences that dig deep into a particular theme. Only in finding the perfect piece of land on the Twenty Mile Bench were we able to turn the Flat Rock dream into reality. Preserving this inherited ecosystem is a responsibility we don’t take lightly and has led to us becoming an industry leader as one of Ontario’s only Certified Sustainable wineries and vineyards. Join our team for an immersive indoor-outdoor experience that highlights the practices which make our winery eco-friendly and our wines delicious. Enjoy four samples at sustainable points of interest around the property and gain a deeper understanding of wines

Continued From Page 27 connection to its place. Please note: This is an indoor-outdoor experience that will proceed regardless of weather conditions. Please dress appropriately and wear proper footwear for trekking through the vineyard. Tickets Required. Call 905-5628994 for details.

August

• Black Sheep Vineyard Tour - Featherstone Estate Winery. Mid-July thru August only. Fridays Only. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Winery owner and part-time shepherd David Johnson leads this unique tour. Meet the sheep and learn about their role in our eco-friendly farming while sipping the famous Featherstone Estate Black Sheep Riesling. This event includes:

• 2 wines tasted, @ 2 oz each; $25.00 pp

• Min group size: 4 adults; max group size: 24 adults

• Online reservations required

• This experience is semi-private and may be shared with other guests

• We love dogs at the winery, but our sheep are extremely shy – please don’t plan

on bringing your dog when attending the sheep tour.

September

• The Hexa Tasting - Flat Rock Cellars. Sunday, Sept.17. Noon. Another event in the Rockstar Red Carpet interactive VIP tastings series - monthly elevated experiences that dig deep into a particular theme. The unique Somewhereness of our vineyards is perfectly suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. We knew this when we planted in 2001 and 20 years later, the vines are in their prime. It’s in our nature to push boundaries and in doing so, the Hexa’s were created. Hexa (formerly Ultra) is a micro-cuvee that allows our winemakers to push our vineyards and winemaking skills to the limits. In this first of its kind tasting, we’ll revisit the inaugural 2017 vintage, followed by the 2019s which were bottled exclusively in magnum and finishing with the 2020 vintage - the highest scoring red wine in Flat Rock history. Limited to 20 seats. Tickets required. Call 905-562-8994 for details.

To make Summer Special, Go West Local

That Works as Hard as You Do

Transforming backyards −

Natural Light Patio Covers from VanAm Outdoors

All winter long we crave the warmth of the sun, and then by about this time each summer, we’re working hard to avoid its harmful effects. That’s particularly true in our backyards, where too much direct sunlight can transform an idyllic oasis into a spot too hot to enjoy at certain parts of the day.

Every solution has its challenges, from umbrellas that blow away during storms to awnings that cast a permanent shadow and have to be taken down each fall.

The ideal solution is a Natural Light Patio Cover, available from VanAm Outdoor Living.

All that’s left to enjoy is the sunlight, the perfect solution for any backyard. Natural Light Patio Covers use Acrylite panels, made from 100% acrylic guaranteed not to fade or discolour for 30 years. They can be configured to work in any setting, attached to homes, to cover decks and patios, or built as stand-alone covers detached from the house. They are permanent structures that stay in place year-round.

Looking to get more enjoyment and use out of your Natural Light Patio Cover? A Three Season Sunroom is what you want! Our Eze-breeze sliding-panel windows will turn your Patio Cover into a unique and elegant enclosure whether integrated with an existing deck or patio, placed in your garden as a self standing structure or as an addition to your home.

These vinyl, glazed panels have the transparency of glass but are cheaper and lighter. The windows are fully screened allowing fresh air in while keeping insects out. Closed in cooler weather to keep it more comfortable.

Homeowners have two primary choices; aluminum or wood.

Aluminum structures come in white, sandalwood or brown. Each order is custommade to fit perfectly with an existing deck or patio.

The other option reflects VanAm’s expertise

as a homebuilder and renovation contractor.

“We also offer the covers built into beautiful Timberlite pergolas,” says Ken Blokker, director of sales. They are made with Douglas fir timbers and can be stained in a variety of colours to suit any backyard decor. “The timbers are absolutely beautiful, and the Natural Light Cover transforms the pergola into the perfect place to relax all summer long.”

VanAm Outdoor Living has a sterling reputation across Southern Ontario for building homes and doing renovations and backyard projects of all kinds.

Owner Dave VanAmerongen is based in Grimsby, while Blokker lives in London and works with customers across Southwestern Ontario.

“I’ve been installing Natural Light Patio Covers for many years, serving customers in and around London,” Blokker says. “Now that I’ve teamed up with VanAm, I can offer a wider selection of solutions for every backyard set-up.”

In addition to the 30-year warranty on the Acrylite panels, there is a lifetime guarantee on the structures themselves, 10-year hail damage warranty, along with a one-year labour warranty.

While not inexpensive, a Natural Light Patio Cover or Timberlite Pergola is an investment, adding value to your home.

“People really can’t believe it until they’re standing under the cover, with so much light filtering through but not feeling the heat of the sun on their skin,” Blokker says. “By filtering the sunshine, we give people the best of the sun without any of the downside. It transforms

There’s plenty of time to get a Natural Light Patio Cover to enjoy this summer. There’s a turnaround time of 4-6 weeks for aluminum structures, and a little bit longer for Timberlite

Call us today to enjoy your backyard all summer long.