ClubWest e-edition July August 2018

july/august EDItION 2018

For whom the bell tolls?

Upper Thirty School's bell tolls for Micheners

Fergie Jenkins Foundation: Simple inquiry turns into lasting legacy

baring it all Nature's bounty now ripe for all

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As Niagara enters its most bountiful time of year, check out Chef Jan-Willem Stulp’s succulent recipes using all the local land has to offer - Page 24.

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Page 6 – Upper Thirty School, Michener Family to part after 40 years Page 12 – Fergie Jenkins Foundation: 25 years of giving back to the community Page 18 – Classic England at Highclere Castle, with an Egyptian twist: Travel Page 23 - Chef Jan-Willem Stulp says Niagara is ripe for the pickin’ july/august EDItION 2018

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ON THE COVER (L to R) Evelyn and Mark Michener with sons James, Andrew and Stephen who were all raised in the Upper Thirty School House. McDonald - Photo

For whom the bell tolls?

Upper Thirty School's bell tolls for Micheners

Fergie Jenkins Foundation: Simple inquiry turns into lasting legacy

baring it all Nature's bounty now ripe for all

Special Supplement to

"Serving West Niagara & Winona"

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Fergie Jenkins has been an acquaintance of mine for nearly 50 years.

No, we’re not best buddies. He likely doesn’t remember the first time I met him, rather, I am sure he wouldn’t.

I was about eight years old and Fergie was on a book signing tour. He was making a stop at a book store in London and stopping by was on my mom’s to-do list.

Two things my mom loves: books and anything Canadian.

So to have Canada’s all-star pitcher then of the Chicago Cubs in town and signing his new book, it was a match made in heaven. It didn’t hurt that I loved playing ball, too.

It was at that fateful meeting when Fergie related a story to my mom which I would regret for several summers. My mom asked him what he did in his hometown Chatham to build strength and condition.

Fergie told a story about his dad unloading cord after cord of firewood in front of him – well, the raw material for it anyways – and Fergie job was to chop it up with axe. Back, shoulders, legs, they’ll all get in great shape fast.

So summer after summer six, eight cords of wood got dumped in our laneway. My job, chop it up, organize it and fill our two-car garage with it....did I say my mom also loved sitting by the fire in our den. Oh ya, that and a cup of tea...forget about it.

In more recent years, I have interviewed Fergie many times.

Often over breakfast at Grimsby Sub Shop or over a burger at Teddy’s. Whenever he is in town he would often show up at community events just to participate in the goings on of his home away from home.

For this edition of ClubWest I had the occasion to chat with Fergie again as he took a break at his 25th charity golf tournament. He is now 75 years old...a lot more miles on his odometer than when I met him as a child.

Yet, his passion and drive is the same, just his focus has changed.

Before he was worried about shutting down Major League offences, now is worried about generating funds to help community groups of all shapes and sizes.

He estimated the Foundation has generated more than $5 million since it was formally launched in 1999 and Fergie himself show no signs of slowing down...and more power to him.

Thanks for your years of dedication to our community, Fergie!

Publisher, ClubWest Magazine Mike Williscraft

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Michener’s Upper Thirty School rings in new era

The ringing of a school bell will always sound like home to Evelyn and Mark Michener. McDonald - Photo

The tin ceiling in the kitchen was chosen because it had a contained border and was a replica of a ceiling that is in a school in Chatham, the first school to open its door to Underground Railway children.

Purchased from Brian Greer Tin Ceilings, Petersburg.

By Joanne McDonald t took 40 years, but Evelyn and Mark Michener have finally graduated from North Grimsby S.S. No. 6.

They’ve been industrious students of architecture, engineering, construction, planning and plumbing.

And through the decades, the drywall and the dust, they created a magnificent and unique home, raising a family under the bell tower that for many years summoned the Upper Thirty community kids to class.

The ringing of a school bell will always call them to home.

Cherished memories, kindred ties and lots of hard work - the Micheners have lived life to the fullest under the slate roof of the school house they’ve called home.

Now 40 years later another epic brick has been added to the school’s rich history. The house has been sold and the Micheners are moving on, taking their memories, but leaving a big part of their hearts, family history and the dedicated labour that has allowed the beautiful historic building to be preserved for the next chapter and a new generation.

Before packing up for the move, the Micheners extended an open invitation to the entire community to tour the house former students, historians, neighbours, everyone was invited to visit during an open house held Sunday, June 24.

“We wanted people to come and share their connections, memories and memorabilia,” said Evelyn. There is more information on the Facebook page - The Upper Thirty School Centennial North Grimsby. S.S.6 Next year, 2019, marks the centennial of the Upper Thirty School, located at 498 Elm Tree Road East, Grimsby (corner of Thirty Road) and the family wanted to celebrate this landmark before they move.

It was a hard decision to pull up roots, but the three Michen-

I

er boys, Andrew, James and Stephen are grown, and Evelyn and Mark reached a point where they no longer needed so much space.

“In our hearts we wanted to drive by and see kids playing out in the yard again. It was a beautiful place to raise a family in the country on an acre,” said Evelyn. The family buying the school house have two youngsters and undoubtedly, they will take great glee in sliding down the school’s original iron banister handrails.

Much has been written about the school’s history, an inheritance which the Micheners have treasured and respected throughout the renovations, restoration and years raising their family.

First came Andrew, born in 1980, then James in 1984 and Stephen in 1988. Mark and Evelyn were kids themselves, 23 and 22, when they purchased the school house at the corner of Thirty Road and Elm Tree Road E., Grimsby.

“You really should look at it,” said Mark’s father Lavern Michener when the property came up for sale by the school board in 1978. “It was a project my dad always dreamed of,” said Mark and they worked together every night after supper and weekends.

Moving from their home in Beamsville, the young couple lived with Mark’s parents Lavern and Nell Michener in July/August 2018 | clubwest.ca

7

PASSIONS History Continued From Page 7 Beamsville for four months. Mark was an electrician working with his dad at the time. Evelyn had just become a dental hygienist and graduated that same year. “It was boarded up with grills on every window in the basement, one large room with 13-foot ceilings and a basement,� said Evelyn, adding that her only condition to purchase the school house was that the glorious huge windows that open to the east in the kitchen would stay.

The school house was still structurally sound and the original slate roof has been repaired and maintained, but inside, they stripped the school to the walls. It was lathe and plaster and had no insulation. They insulated, put in false ceilings, built partition walls, added plumbing and rewired the house.

Indoor/outdoor carpet was pulled up revealing original maple floors, which today still bear the screw holes where the desks were placed. They replaced the old

An aerial view of the grounds.

Evelyn and Mark Michener will take their memories and leave 40 years of dedicated labour to preserve the beautiful historic Upper Thirty School for the next chapter and a new generation. McDonald - Photo

PASSIONS History Continued From Page 8 Lincoln furnace with an electric furnace.

Walls went up, dividing the school’s one room into living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

The boys’ and girls’ cloakroom was extended to become a bedroom. The teachers’ office was the nursery. The door has since been removed and the space serves as a nook off the kitchen.

The basement renovations were started in 1983 and an addition, built

by Hendriks, was added in 1993. While Hendriks constructed the exterior, Mark did the interior work from drywall to electrical and plumbing, and installed maple flooring to match the original school. By then Mark was working as an electrician at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and would later become head of maintenance.

The original bell tower was returned to the house in the 80s. “We got the bell tower back, the new owners can find the bell,” Evelyn said.

A newspaper clipping dated July 2, 1988, written by David Cuthill, and information shared by Bill Sobye in his news column Around the Kitchen Table, recorded that Goldie and Harold Aston, who lived in the white frame house at the corner of Ridge Road and the Thirty were the keepers of much of the school’s The original bell tower was returned to the Micheners, repaired, and with the help history. of a line truck lifted to its picturesque place on the roof.

“Perhaps it was because she boarded etery, won. There are bitter feelings, but ful and comfortable home Sobye said, the teachers that taught at the U.S.S. #6 the move proceeded. The school was left thanking Mark and Evelyn in his article. that created her interest in the history of on the side of the road when night set Like any busy family, the years passed the school,” Sobye said of the local histoswiftly, each day beginning with the light rian in his article. Goldie preserved many in and during the night it was burnt, no doubt by the sore losers,” Sobye wrote. pouring through the beautiful kitchen priceless photos and documents about A new frame school was build at the windows where the three boys sat around the community and the school. Accordcorner of Elm Tree and Thirty road and the table for breakfast. ing to the article the first Upper Thirty was opened in 1859. This school served “We didn’t notice the architecture,” school was built around 1800. It was the community until 1919, when the said James, now living in Toronto. But it constructed of logs and lumber was supnew brick school was built right behind was unique to live in a school and local plied by John Beam, who had a sawmill the old frame school. The school closed landmark and all the brothers credited on the Thirty. “In the late 1850s there in 1965 and after being used by Comchildhood adventures for their adult apwas a squabble in the community about munity Living and the local cadet corps, preciation of history and preservation of the location. A vote was taken and those it was boarded up. “The Michener family the past. wanting it moved to the corner of Elm rescued it and turned it into a beautiTree and Thirty road, north of the cemJuly/August 2018 | clubwest.ca

9

Continued From Page 9 “The windows broke just the same as in any house,” recalled Andrew, now a father of two and living in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

As youngsters they slid down the school’s iron banister handrail and as young adults, memorized every creak in the floors for safe landing after curfew.

When someone asked where he lived, Stephen, who now lives in Fulton, only had to say, “the old school house on Thirty.”

Evelyn can still see three little boys, standing on tiptoe on three turned-around chairs to see out the classroom windows and watch the traffic go by.

“The old ‘abc’ school house, the cradle of the mind, at least where it first awakes to a consciousness of its powers and its responsibility of improving them, is hardly less dear than the mother’s cradle where its infant body was rocked,” noted an academic writing in 1859 in the North-Carolina Journal of Education in his plea to build a school for local children of the era.

“Build….. a comfortable school house. Let it crown a gently rising eminence with an ample play ground, first trees to catch the first breezes of Heaven and convey them to the fevered brows of the studying children in summer,” said ‘Professor Owen.’

Close to a century later, it could’ve been written for the Upper Thirty which crowns a hill and catches the summer breeze. School crest created by Peter McKinnon was found under the well pump at the old school house.

The brick Upper Thirty School was built in 1919.

10 clubwest.ca | July/August 2018

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Fergie Jenkins Foundation: Hall of Fame credentials for 25 years

Foundation president Carl Kovacs and Fergie Jenkins with a special note from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented to Fergie on June 22 at his 25th anniversary golf tournament. Williscraft - Photo

By Mike Williscraft f you never ask, you’ll never know.

Truer words were never spoken in the case of Carl Kovacs and his very simple question to Canadian baseball legend Ferguson Jenkins way back in the mid-1990s.

“Carl sent me a letter and asked if I had ever considered putting my name on a fundraising golf tournament,” Fergie recalled as he relaxed briefly after arriving from a very delayed flight to his 25th annual golf tournament – this edition at Rockway Vineyards Golf Course in Jordan last month.

The tournament was the 25th such event hosted by what is now the Fergie Jenkins Foundation - a sports celebrity event estimated to have generated more than $5 million in its lifespan.

While the foundation was formally established in 1999, the golf tournament got started several years prior to that, said president Carl Kovacs, who added this was part of the process to get its registered charitable status.

“I had met Fergie over in Welland in the early 90s at one of Scott Bullit’s clinics and asked if he would want to come to a sports dinner,” said Carl.

That dinner turned out to be one of the largest such events ever held in Grimsby packing Place Polonaise with an impressive roster of sports greats including Fergie, hockey’s Gordie Howe, boxing’s George Chuvalo, soccer’s Bob Lenarduzzi and emcee CBC’s Ron MacLean.

Fergie’s golf tournament that summer generated about $85,000 for Red Cross and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

“I had never thought about it. I was living in Oklahoma and was coming to Canada regularly as I still have kids living in Chatham and Hamilton. I thought, ‘why not, let’s give it a try’,” recalled Fergie.

Now, 450 organizations in the U.S. and another 150 in Canada are certainly appreciative he took that shot.

And whether it is for his own event or one hosted by someone else, Fergie is glad to help out when he can fit it in his schedule.

I

“To see people smile.

Whether it is $1,000 or $15,000, all these groups need money these days and if I can do anything to help them out, well, that’s good enough for me.” Fergie Jenkins,

when asked what keeps him motivated and helping his Foundation and others around North America raise funds for charities at age 75

Why, after decades of traipsing around North America does he still love to do it?

“To see people smile,” he said.

“Whether it is $1,000 or $15,000, all these groups need money these days and if I can do anything to help them out, well, that’s good enough for me. Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters, these are important groups. I have a lot of fun doing things for them.”

“I guess I was just brought up that way.

You give back and appreciate what you have. I have always tried to do that.”

To generate the money for these organizations, the foundation has evolved its offerings from the early years to include online sales through its website and spring training trips to Arizona, packaged with golf, of course.

But no matter what task they have taken on, Fergie pointed out there has always been a constant.

“We get great support from the community here in Niagara, both residents and the businesses. They know we are doing good things in the community, whether it is the foundation or me, and the money stays local, too,” Fergie pointed out.

Now that the fundraising program and the foundation itself have been longestablished, Kovacs looks back on the early days with great fondness, well, most of the early days anyways.

“You see, Fergie’s a hoarder, but not like the hoarders you see on TV,” said Kovacs with a laugh.

“He is very structured. Everything he has from a lifetime in baseball, sports dinners, golf tournaments and fundraisers of all kinds was packed up neatly in containers, often metal ones, and tied with nice bows.”

So when foundation sought to establish the Fergie Jenkins Museum in St. Catharines and the man himself suggested he send a few items north, Kovacs said they didn’t know what they were in for.

“We sent interns to Phoenix. There were three cars full and two large metal storage containers of items,” said Carl, adding that to get it all across the border the special circumstance was laid out for the federal government ahead of time.

“When we got to the border, we just said this is Fergie’s personal belongings.

There is no monetary value and the shipment was approved by the government.

They let us right through. Today, we still have boxes and boxes to catalogue.”

Now 75 and still living in Oklahoma with his wife, Lydia, Fergie has been a little more deliberate in choosing the number of outings he gets to in the span of a year.

“I still go to all I can, when my schedule allows,” citing several people and occurrences from years past which have made his fundraising highlight reel.

“With our tournament here, we used to make fishing part of it when Bobby Izumi used to come. It got so popular, at one point, we had 14 boats out at one time. That was great fun,” recalled Fergie.

“Johnny Bower, Jean Beliveau; great men.”

At the other end of the scale, you had true characters like “The Entertainer”.

“Eddie Shack,” Fergie quipped when asked who might come to mind after decades of attending fundraising events.

“Guys would stop at the beer hut to make the turn and grab a beer, Eddie would ask for a six-pack,” noted Fergie, pointing out the party did not start until Eddie arrived, rolling up in his Dodge Viper.

July/August 2018 | clubwest.ca

13

PASSIONS History

It was not unusual to find Fergie Jenkins planted in a seat at Grimsby Sub Shop or – as in the adjacent photo – at Teddy’s Sport Bar, greeting and signing autographs - often with his trademark cowboy hat. Next to Fergie is standout shortstop Bert Campaneris, whose career spanned from 1964-1983, including the great Oakland A’s teams of the early 70s. Campy also has the distinction of having played all nine positions in a single major league game - that for the Kansas City Athletics in 1965. Also in this photo, taken about 20 years ago, was Michael and Ali Rilstone, children of Teddy’s co-owner Sandy Jaskula. Williscraft – Photo

Continued From Page 13 For Kovacs, he recalled when Olympic great Donovan Bailey pulled up to the tournament’s hotel of choice in a Mercedes and threw his keys to him followed by a “park my car”.

“I threw them back and said we’d be glad to wait for him,” said Kovacs.

Fergie has spent a great deal of his life thinking about and doing things for other people. So that begs the question, what does Fergie Jenkins want to do that he has not yet done? What is on his bucket list?

The questions set him aback for several minutes. The interview proceeded in a different direction for about 20 minutes then he stopped mid-sentence to interject, “I want to go to Dubai. The place where Tiger Woods designed a golf course in the middle of the desert,” said Fergie.

“Years ago I was going to go on a trip for a bunch of hall of famers organized

by Ernie Banks’ wife, Liz. Reggie (Jackson), (George) Brett, Jim Palmer, Al Kaline...there was to nine I think. But some

14 clubwest.ca | July/August 2018

sort of conflict popped up, something about visas, and it didnt’ come about.”

A close second behind that would be deep sea fishing for blue or black marlin off of San Diego or Mexico.

If those things happen, they happen, is Fergie’s theory because, just as Kovacs’ change question in the mid-1990s, he knows fate can take a twist in one’s favour at any time.

Just like when a Detroit Tigers scout spotted him playing sandlot baseball in his native Chatham, Ont. That led to Fergie being invited to a special youth event held at Briggs stadium (later called Tiger Stadium).

“All the scouts where there to see Willie Horton. He hit one into the second deck. He was 17,” recalled Fergie.

That exposure got him noticed by the Philadelphia Phillies organization, though. In his second year pro with the Phillies, he dabbled with a slider.

With the slider in his arsenal, and wellspotted fastballs, Fergie rode straight to Cooperstowna

Over the years, Fergie has shown up at many local events. This was Fergie meeting artist Rick Manners at Nelles School when the latter completed an amazing mural in the school’s library.

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July/August 2018 | clubwest.ca

17

Downton Abbey pilgrimage offers a host of surprises Iconic London.

By Lorraine Simpson erhaps no other show on television has better captured the reality of 20th century aristocratic life in England than Downton Abbey.

The creator, Julian Fellowes, managed to capture our enthusiasm with its award-winning costumes, historical accuracy, and attention to even the most precise of details.

The very first time I watched it I was obsessed. For those of you who don’t follow the series, Downton was a historical, true-to-life drama filmed at Highclere Castle, a country house located in the English town of Newbury in Berkshire.

I remember eagerly anticipating Sunday nights for the newest show, and as they are now playing repeats I get to

P

18 clubwest.ca | July/August 2018

watch them all over again with equally as much joy.

There are so many reasons to love “Downton Abbey”—the historical details, the costumes and the interesting characters.

It was a series that brought the past to the present, so that viewers could get a taste of the early 1900s. But what we loved so much about it was the fact that although the people were from the past, they were relatable to today.

The storylines seemed to ring true with so many situations that even I personally have faced and as viewers we could all relate to at least one of the family members or storylines.

The history of the series also mimicked the real life history of the Castle in which

it was filmed and I think many of the facts in the show were written by the creator Julian Fellowes, (a friend of the owners) to reflect real events.

As the filming of the show had ended and not wanting to lose it altogether I decided to take a small group of Downton Abbey Fans on a pilgrimage to the Castle where the show was filmed.

Highclere Castle sits on an estate that totals 6,000 acres. The castle covers 30,000 square feet and has a total of 300 rooms, with approximately 61 of these being bedrooms on the upper floors.

Approximately 50 of those rooms were uninhabitable as of 2009. Now with the money from filming, along with the many visitors to the castle they have been

PURSUITS Travel Continued From Page 18 able to considerably improve it and restore it to its former glory.

Highclere has been home to several generations of the Carnarvon Family and is rich in its own history and family drama.

The current Lord and Lady Carnarvon (Geordie and Fiona to their friends) have discovered that allowing the cast and crew to infiltrate their home and grounds provides gains that are not merely financial.

“The best part has been sharing this romantic castle and home with so many people from around the world,” Lady

Carnarvon said. “And ‘Downton’ has helped revitalize an interest in history.”

It’s a bit of an invasion, she said, adding “The thick wires and cables snaking everywhere, the cameras, the trollies, the white vans obscuring the drives and the dust that collects as a result.”

Her advice to anyone who’s thinking of letting their own home become an onscreen one?

“Have a good sense of humour!”

In the WWI and in similarity to the TV show Lady Almina, the Fifth Countess of Carnarvon willingly opened her home to the injured.

What’s more, she offered her services

as a nurse and became quite skilled. The house still has many of the letters on display from soldiers and their parents thanking her for her hospitality.

Of course, if you are a fan of the TV show, you will recall that Lord Grantham wasn’t too pleased at opening their home to wounded soldiers and put up quite a fuss.

During World War II, Highclere Castle also became a home for evacuated children who had been shipped out to the countryside from blitz-weary London.

Another true and interesting fact is that The Fifth Earl of Carnarvon, George

Highclere Castle.

May/June 2018 | clubwest.ca

19

PURSUITS Travel

Lord and Lady Carnarvon – Geordie and Fiona to their friends Continued From Page 19 Herbert, was one of the explorers to uncover King Tut’s tomb with Howard Carter in 1922.

The Earl brought back a number of artifacts with him to Highclere.

He died less than a year after the discovery after accidentally shaving an infected mosquito bite. His death led to the rumour of “The Mummy’s Curse” for opening the tomb and disturbing Tut’s rest. His poor dog also died at the same moment he did.

One would never suspect that in the basement of this stately mansion would sit these kind of artifacts from King Tut’s tomb.

Our trip was not only visiting Highclere castle but included many of the royal castles and places associated with the British Monarchy such as the wonderful Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum – which are both free to enter and even Windsor Castle

20 clubwest.ca | July/August 2018

which was the recent setting for the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan.

I had looked forward to seeing Highclere Castle the most so when we pulled up at the gates I was so excited I asked the driver just to stop briefly so we could get some great pictures.

At the time we are taking lots of quick photos, we heard a “beep beep” from a car. I looked behind the bus and there was a minivan trying to get past us.

I didn’t pay too much attention as I knew we wouldn’t be long and thought to myself, oh let them wait just a minute … hmmm that was a bad bad idea as it turned out to be the Earl himself sitting in the back and whom we were joining for a cocktail party that evening… ooops!

I rushed over and apologized profusely and got the bus to move pronto!

Later that evening we arrived for a champagne cocktail reception and luckily the Earl had forgiven me the intrusion earlier and greeted us warmly.

He’s quite shy but did make a speech to welcome everyone and then Lady Fiona personally took us on a tour.

The interior is incredible. I love everything from the Great Hall to the kitchen downstairs. Not all of the filming is done at Highclere but the main upstairs scenes and of course the iconic exterior is the same.

We learnt that many of the props shown in Downton have a story at Highclere. The bells in the kitchen of Downton Abbey are replicas of the kitchen bells at Highclere – each of which has a distinctive pitch so the servants know which room is calling without having to look. And Lord Grantham’s mahogany desk in the living room actually belonged to Napoleon!

Highclere is just one of the many movie or TV sets that you can visit in the UK. Including Edinburgh where Outlander

PURSUITS Travel Continued From Page 19 is filmed and Devon where Doc Martin is filmed in the beautiful coastal village.

The best time to visit England is in either in the spring or early fall to get the best possible chance of reasonable weather and fewer crowds.

Our dollar isn’t too bad against the British Pound just now so it will not feel too astronomically expensive as it has in the past.

We will be visiting the castles and royal sights again in the future as there is so much to see.

(For More information on booking a tour to Highclere Castle or any vacation spot around the world call Lorraine Simpson on 289-273-8095 or email:

info@conciergetravelgroup.ca)

Lorraine Simpson from her days as a tea room operator hosting a Downton Abbey event in Jordan.

Windsor Castle.

July/August 2018 | clubwest.ca

21

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Tender fruit, gotta love it!

By Jan-Willem Stulp ’m a romantic at heart.

I’ve always known this, and I – at least – believe it.

Perhaps my wife sees this differently… My teachers often told my parents I was a ‘dreamer’. My first chef actually reprimanded me, and told me to get the ‘romance’ out of my work (it’s not efficient).

That may not sound positive, but it at least underscores that I have an optimistic spirit, if nothing else.

This is generally the way, with creative people; an optimistic and sunny disposition, and a belief in the good of people, things and situations.

And trust me, certain components of smallbusiness need just that!

An optimistic outlook, and different way of looking at situations.

On the other hand, there are things that really don’t need a ‘positive spin’ because they are already so honest, and simple.

At the time of this writing, we are in the midst of an unbelievable strawberry harvest; big, juicy and ripe.

The aroma is so heady, as to be intoxicating. And that, my friends, needs no further hard-sell. It is already a beautifully created fruit, approachable, delicious.

One of my chef-mentors had a habit of tasting various components of a menu.

Occasionally, while delivering a critique he would ask ‘you know what this needs to be totally awesome?

Absolutely nothing!’

This was the ultimate compliment for the cooks.

This is how I still feel today, working in the Niagara Peninsula.

I

What a wonderful climate we’ve been blessed with and the fruit that grows here (and nowhere else in Canada!) needs ‘absolutely nothing’; strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, it’s enough to make you giddy!

Of course, there’s a lot of pressure on the orchards and farms of Niagara which produce these treasures. Land prices and taxes are high, (the parcels that are saleable almost invariably are sold for development, at prices farmers could have never dreamed).

Imported fruit makes for a steep competition, health and government regulations are unreasonably demanding, and farm labour costs have increased dramatically.

So here’s me on my soap-box, telling you to buy local as much as you can; trust me, the extra few bucks it may cost you in a week barely impacts you, but means the world to our farmers.

Visit farm markets and insist on local or at least Ontario products.

You’d be shocked at the superior flavours, and how wonderful fresh, tender fruit is, in season.

At the Grand Oak, we carry many of these fruits, I’d encourage you to visit; and you can shop with confidence, many of these berries and fruits come directly from the farm to our store.

Here are some recipes for you to work with as the fruit season progresses – some of these are interchangeable with your favorite fruit, so you’re not tied strictly to what I present here.

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

July/August 2018 | clubwest.ca

23

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Salad with Berries We have been very pleased with the salad greens we receive from one of the local farms here, dropped off by the farmer, and spoken of with love and passion.

Many of you are familiar with the concept of ‘terroir’ in wine making – the effect that soil, air and water have on the final flavour of the crops.

I’m convinced that the locality of the ingredients make recipes tastier, and healthier.

In this case, the salad is paired with local berries (from one street over) and the combination of berries, greens and goat’s cheese is particularly compelling.

In this instance, I used a dressing we make here, with tart cherry concentrate as a base. Awesome!

INGREDIENTS • ½ lb organic greens, washed • berries, (you decide – if it’s ripe, and in season, it will be delicious!)

• 1 small log (180 gr) of fresh, soft goat’s cheese • garnishes, for colour • Salt & Pepper DIRECTIONS In season, and fresh from the garden, many ingredients are naturally tasty, don’t over-work or over-season them.

Toss the greens with a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and dress lightly.

A vinaigrette is better at displaying the various colours than a creamy dressing. I used a cherry vinaigrette, but use your favorite. Artfully display on a plate, (or in a bowl for family-style) and place the goat’s cheese on the salad.

Last, sprinkle the berries, then serve immediately. You can make this in advance, (a few hours, at the most) but then omit the S &P, and the dressing.

To Make Summer Special, Go West

JULY 2018 • Yoga in the Vineyards @ Westcott – July 5 from 7-9 pm. Join us in practicing yoga on the lawn at Westcott Vineyards with views of the sun setting over the vineyards. Every Thursday night from 7-8pm one of the Moksha Yoga St Catharines Instructors will lead us through a one-hour yoga sequence followed by a glass of wine of your choosing. Purchase a 10 pass (which you will find at the end of the tickets) and enjoy 10% off and drop in any Thursday between June and the end of September. Cost: $25 + HST, includes one hour yoga, a glass of wine & $5 credit towards a bottle of wine purchased the same evening. Please bring your own mat. A limited number of extra yoga mats will be available for rental. Westcott tends to have a breeze and can feel a bit chilly as the sun sets. Westcott Vineyards, 3180 Seventeenth St., Jordan. Phone 905-562-7517.

• Muddy Paws Wine Festival – July 7-8, Noon-5 PM. This Festival presents a unique

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opportunity to celebrate excellent wine and food in Niagara – and bring along your best (four-legged) friend. On this weekend, Vineland Estates Winery and Featherstone Estate Winery will open their doors to well-behaved dogs on a leash who wish to accompany their owners. New and favourite wines will be available by the glass and renowned chefs will be serving delicious fare all afternoon. There will be a canine theme to the weekend, with special events at each winery and a portion of wine sales will support National Service Dogs.

Tickets are $20.00 (+ HST) and include access to the Festival area at both wineries; one glass of wine and one commemorative glass. Please note: Your ticket will be valid for either Saturday or Sunday, please specify which day you would like to visit when you purchase your ticket. Tickets are available online at www. muddypawswine.com. Featherstone Estate Winery, 3678 Victoria Ave., Vineland. Phone 905-562-1949

• Rock At The Winery – July 14, 5pm – 10:30pm. Join the tribute party as we rock to all your favourite hits by AC/DC and KISS. General admission and assigned seating available. Tickets start at $49, plus taxes and fees.

Want the full VIP treatment? You’ll enjoy the concert from our air conditioned Vineyard Pavilion, while savouring a 4-course dinner with wine pairings. $189 per person, plus taxes and fees. This event is 19+ only and will proceed rain or stars. Gates open at 6 pm and music plays from 6-10:30 pm. Please do not bring children, food, alcohol, pets, tents or chairs to the event as they are not permitted. This event is standing-room only unless booked with Trius Lounge assigned seating, Dinner & Concert VIP tickets, or Trius Winery Restaurant Patio Seating. Trius Winery, 1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Phone (905) 468-7123.

• Good Girth Supper Club: Low Country

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Strawberry Gazpacho Gazpacho is a cold soup, initially based on tomatoes and cucumber, but now often made with melons as well as berries and stone-fruits.

This one is based on strawberries, but I subbed in some rhubarb, last week, to great success!

DIRECTIONS • 2 quarts strawberries, hulled and washed • 1 tbsp Local honey • 1 tsp lemon juice • ½ tsp real vanilla extract (optional) • orange oil (optional) DIRECTIONS This is pretty simple to make, just puree, chill;, serve.

Play with the various optional ingredients, as they add a surprising dimension to the flavour. For added effect, you could swirl a table spoon of whipping cream on top.

To Make Summer Special, Go West

Continued From Page 24 Boil - July 14 from 5:30-9:30 pm $60. Reservations available from 5:30 pm. Last reservation is 8 pm. Menu: corn bread & herbed butter. From the pot crab legs, mussels, clams, shrimp, oysters. From the grill, corn, potatoes, chorizo sausage, kielbasa, chicken blackened lemons. Sides dishes: potato salad, caesar salad, slaw. Sauces: parsley vinaigrette, drawn butter, whipped butter. Dessert: sour cherry pie, vanilla ice cream. The Good Earth, 4556 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville. Phone 905-563-6333.

•The Juniper At Dillon’s, A Spectacle Of Gin - July 15. 2–7 pm. We’re excited to bring you year three of The Juniper. A spectacle of gin.

Join us on Sunday, July 15 and enjoy cocktails and food that pay homage to gin & some of our award-winning spirits (plus a few surprises as well). We will also have the finale of the 2018 Cocktail Cup happening throughout the event with the two finalist bartenders battling it out for all the glory! *the event is a full a

la carte experience with cocktails and food ranging from $5-$15 so be sure to bring along some cash. Dillon’s Distillers, 4833 Tufford Rd., Beamsville. Phone 905-563-4833.

• Liquid Jazz Project @ The Restaurant – July 21. 7-9 pm. Enjoy the classic jazz style reminiscent of Frank Sinatra/Louis Armstrong/ Nat King Cole/Tony Bennett while dining out on the Restaurant’s brand new patio or indoors in the dining room. Vineland Estates Winery, 3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland. Phone 888-8463526.

• Chardonnay 4 Ways! - July 21 from 1-3 pm. Chardonnay is truly the “Winemaker’s Grape” due to its versatility. It can be made in many styles from a dry table wine to a sweet icewine, and everywhere in between. Come join us at Tawse as we explore Chardonnay in the four ways in which we perfect it. Taste our Sparkling, Barrel Fermented, Unoaked and Icewine Chardonnays, alongside some tasty nibbles.

This event is $60pp, registration is required and seating is limited. Tawse Winery, 3955 Cherry Ave., Vineland. Phone 9055-562-9500.

• I Foresee...Great Wings & Wine – July 21-22. A choose-your-own-adventure styled pairing, featuring Zooma Caters. Red or white - choose your wine and pair it with Chef Steve’s delicious smoked chicken wings and savory summer slaw. Guests can choose between Kacaba’s Oak Aged Chardonnay 2016, and for the red fans, the Cabernet Franc 2016. One weekend only! $10 Food & Wine Match - FREE For Club Members & their guests. RSVP your group to info@kacaba.com or 905.562.5625. Kacaba Vineyards Winery, 3550 King St., Vineland.

• Chardonnay Lunch – July 21, Noon-2 pm.

Enjoy a three-course meal perfectly paired to Chardonnay as our participation in the “Explore Ontario Wine Country” portion of the International Cool Climate Chardonnay July/August 2018 | clubwest.ca

25

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Cherry Mostarda The name gives it away already, this is an Italian condiment, fruit based, used as a sauce, usually cold, on anything from charcuterie plates to porchetta sandwiches.

Here I use it as a sauce on grilled chicken – unbelievably tasty!

This will keep in your fridge for a few weeks, but I doubt it will last that long…..

INGREDIENTS • ¼ C brown sugar • ¼ C balsamic vinegar • ½ C fresh cherries, pitted (halved if you like) • 2 tbsp merlot • 3 tbsp cracked dijon mustard • thyme, fresh • freshly ground pepper DIRECTIONS In a small sauce pan, combine the sugar, vinegar, cherries, wine and a sprig of fresh thyme; simmer this lightly for 15 min or so, taking care not to scorch the pan.

The cherries will lighten considerably.

Remove from the heat and add the mustard and a few grinds of pepper.

Adjust seasoning. You could serve this warm, but in the summer, cool is very nice, especially after a day or two on the fridge.

To Make Summer Special, Go West

Continued From Page 25 Celebration (aka i4C). Chef Andrew McLeod will be cooking over the wood-burning grill as we enjoy the views to the vineyards under the Bedouin tent. Please join us in welcoming visiting winemakers from Lightfoot & Wolfville (Nova Scotia) and Hamilton Russell (South Africa) and hear more about their wines. Westcott Vineyards owners Grant Westcott & Carolyn Hurst will also be on hand to chat with guests about the Westcott vineyard management and winemaking process. Guests will be seated at long harvest tables, getting the opportunity to mix and mingle with other Chardonnay lovers from around the world.

Please note: ticket price does not include wine.

Westcott Vineyards, 3180 Seventeenth St., Jordan. Phone 905-562-7517.

• Friday Night Flights On The Rocks – July 27, 6-9 pm. Taste the past, present and future.

Excite your senses in this walk-around wine and culinary tasting experience while enjoying

26 clubwest.ca | July/August 2018

live music and the sunset over our vineyards.

Tickets $55, available online or at the winery.

Flat Rock Cellars, 2727 Seventh Ave., Lincoln.

Phone 905-562-8994.

• A Theatrical Dinner Journey – Juy 28.

Experience an intimate Shaw Festival-inspired dinner in our backyard with our version of a garden party. Watch the sunset over the vines while enjoying a 5-course dinner by Executive Chef Jason Parson and his culinary team, complimented by our award-winning VQA wines. You could win complimentary tickets to a Shaw Festival performance of their choosing during the 2018 season! $195 per guest plus taxes and gratuities, $185 per guest plus taxes and gratuities for Wine Club Members. To reserve book online now or please call us at 1.888.673.5537 ext. 2. Peller Estates, • Craft And Cuisine – July 29. Join Cave Spring as we welcome our new neighbours – Bench Brewing Company – and experience the magical effect the Niagara Escarpment bestows

on outstanding Niagara wine as well as the region’s finest beers. Enjoy this amazing slate of craft libations masterfully paired with Inn On The Twenty Chef Jason William’s exquisite farm-to-table menu. Call or email now to reserve your spot. $85 plus gratuity and taxes.

Cave Spring Cellars, 3836 Main St., Jordan ON. Phone 905-562-3581 AUGUST 2018 • Hogs ‘ n Hops – August 10-11. Meridian Centre, St. Catharines. Here are some things you need to know!

Bacon: yes ….. bacon. Come and enjoy some tasty bacon-themed delights, from food vendors, to our great demonstrations. PLUS, the first annual Hogs n Hops Bacon Eating Championships! Beer: We have some amazing exhibitors lined up to bring you craft beer (and other libations) – sip and savor from the best

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Fruit Scones I’ve been blessed throughout my career, in many ways and with many great colleagues, but I have an enormous debt of gratitude to one of my sous-chefs.

She has since moved away, unfortunately, but I still use many of the recipes she has perfected. One of them is this scone recipe; ever so simple, and pretty much fail-proof; INGREDIENTS • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 3 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 cup white sugar • 5 tablespoons butter • 1/2 cup Raspberries • 1/2 cup milk • 1/4 cup sour cream DIRECTIONS Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a large bowl.

Cut in butter using a pastry

blender or rubbing between your fingers until it is in pea sized lumps. Stir in the berries.

Mix together milk and sour cream in a measuring cup. Pour all at once into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until well blended.

With floured hands, roll scone dough into a log 2-3 inches across, depending on what size you want.

Cut into 1” thick discs and place onto a greased

baking sheet. (no waste this way) Don’t let the scones touch each other. Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash. Let them rest for about 10 minutes in the fridge.

Bake for 10-15 minutes in a 400F preheated oven until the tops are golden brown, not deep brown.

Serve warm. I added Berries and honey……mmmmmm

To Make Summer Special, Go West

Continued From Page 26 that Ontario has to offer! Special features of the Niagara Ale Trail members. Bands: Great lineup of entertainment coming your way! Friday night features classic rock with Bad to the Bone. Saturday night features great new country with Southern Belle.Tickets on Sale Now! Visit site to purchase tickets online.

• Sheep in the vineyard: they’re baa-ck – Aug. 11, from 1:30-3:30 pm. David Johnson, our winemaker, has added ‘shepherd’ to his job description. Each year, sheep are brought into the Featherstone vineyard for a brief period to do leaf removal on the vines and provide weed control. Sip on our famous Featherstone Estate Black Sheep Riesling and enjoy a vineyard tour that is unique in Canada. Tour lasts about 50 minutes. Two wines will be tasted.

Please wear appropriate footwear to meet

the sheep (high heels will be regretted). $12+HST pp, to a maximum 20 people per session. We recommend calling ahead to reserve. Featherstone Estate Winery, 3678 Victoria Ave., Vineland. Phone 905562-1949.

• Yoga at Back 10 Cellars with vinyassa by the vines - Aug. 12, at 10-11:30 am.

Come on out to the Back 10 Vineyard for a little downward dog overlooking the vines followed by a wine tasting with a light nosh. Classes range from $25 for a one class pass to $19 (each class) for a 4 class pass. Buy a 4 class pass and receive a copy of “To Build a Vineyard”, author signed. Back 10 Cellars, 4101 King St., Beamsville. Phone 905-562-3365 • Taste of Italy - Aug.19. Join us at Vieni Estates for our 5th Annual Taste of Italy!

Italy... located in the heart of the beautiful Mediterranean. Famous for its wine,

unique culture, and undeniably delicious food. Experience that same Italian heritage, and more at our 5th Annual Taste of Italy! Celebrate the summer with Italian food vendors, wine, entertainment, and more, and enjoy a Taste of Italy! Vieni Estates, 4553 Fly Rd., Beamsville. Phone 905-563-6521.

• Riesling Revealed Winery Tour – Aug. 19, 11am – 4 pm. Participating wineries: Vineland Estates, Back 10 Cellars, Kacaba, Greenlane, and yours truly…Featherstone. Join us for Riesling Revealed! This is a new opportunity to savour Niagara’s signature white wine in its many incarnations. Riesling is the most versatile white wine grape on the planet and can be made into sparkling wine and food-friendly table wines – they run the gamut from sweet, semi-sweet, semi-dry, July/August 2018 | clubwest.ca

27

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Roast Cherries w Balsamic Glaze I call this a ‘recipe’ because I have no other word for it.

I wanted to showcase this as it is SO delicious!

When the cherries are firm and deeply purple, it’s unlike most other things you’ll experience.

One of my friends insisted on this at her daughter’s wedding for dessert;.

No cake required!

Try this.

Pit a quart of black cherries.

Toss this in a splash of balsamic and a drizzle of honey.

Then roast in a 350F oven, (maybe 10-15 min).

I served this over icecream with more balsamic, but try this on a wedge of brie or over grilled flank steak – with a glass of pinot noir……

Wow! Just wow!

To Make Summer Special, Go West

Continued From Page 27 dry or tooth-achingly tart. But wait, there’s more! Riesling also makes delicious sweet wines – Late Harvest and Icewines.

Each participating winery will showcase a particular aspect of Riesling’s personality in a custom Riesling experience. At Featherstone, we will pour our signature wine – Black Sheep Riesling. Passports are $30 pp (+hst) and allow access to a special experience at all five participating wineries.

• Afternoon Tea at London Born – Aug. 19, Starts at 3:30 pm, Incudes homemade finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, biscuits, tarts, cakes, trifle and other surprises. $25pp. London Born Wine Co., 3749 Walker Road, Beamsville.

Phone 905-563-7256.

• Pig Roast & Movie Under the Stars Aug. 25, Starting at 6 pm. Foreign Affair Winery is again hosting our annual Pig

28 clubwest.ca | July/August 2018

Roast & Movie Under the Stars event.

This year we’ll be showing Big Night. A classic movie with a great story of brothers, food, wine and love. This comedydrama is set in New Jersey and centres around one epic dining extravaganza where the brothers pour their heart, soul and life savings into this one event.

BYO chairs, and either blankets or warm clothes as the movie starts at sundown. $100pp (includes taxes and gratuities).

Space is limited and reservations will close

by Aug. 11 or until we sell out (whichever comes first). For details call 905-5629898. The Foreign Affair Winery, 4890 Victoria Ave. N., Vineland Station.

• Dog Days of Summer Dinner Event Aug. 25 @ 6:30-9 pm $79.99. Calling all well-behaved Canines. You are invited to take your human out for dinner on this very special evening. Chef Andrew has de-

signed a delicious menu for your Human to enjoy. We will offer you a multitude of water bowls and ample grass and trees to sprinkle. Communal, family-style seating so gather a group of 8! Rain or Shine.

No cancellations or refunds. Your ticket includes dinner and your reception wine.

The Good Earth, 4556 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville. Phone 905-563-6333 Multi-Date Events Wine Wednesdays @ Stoney Ridge - July 4 & 18 Aug. 1, 15 & 29 Sept. 12. Live music on the patio featuring a variety of local talent. 25% off cheese and charcuterie boards from our on-site cheese shop and wines served by the glass in a souvenir GoVino glass! There is limited seating available and is based upon first come, first serve. 6-9 pm. Stoney Ridge Estate Winery, 3201 King St, Vineland. Phone (905) 562-1324.

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They are made with Douglas Fir timbers and can be stained in a variety of colours to suit any backyard décor.

“The timbers are really very beautiful, and the Natural Light Cover transforms the pergola into the perfect place to relax all summer long.”

VanAm Construction 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. The company services customers across Southwestern Ontario.

“I’ve been installing Natural Light Patio Covers for many years for 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, along with a one-year

labour warranty.

“People really can’t believe it until they’re standing under the cover, looking up at the blue sky 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 backyards.”

There’s plenty of time to get a Natural Light Patio Cover installed this year. There’s a turnaround time of only two or three weeks for aluminum structures, and a little bit longer for Timberlite options. Van Am does installations all year round.

Dealer for

n For more information contact

Ken Blokker 905-517-0461 www.vanamconstruction.com

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