ClubWest e-edition November December 2015

November/december edITIoN 2015

Stanpac Doing anything but standing pat Heritage Grimsby putting history on display angela Maccaroni It's not all about that bass - it's about a passion for music

Go Nut s!

Tr som y you enh e tas r han nu ance ty tre d at ts! d b ats y

Special Supplement to

"Serving West Niagara & Winona"

YOUR HAMILTON-NIAGAR A LEXUS RETAILER SINCE 1990

You Call. We Come.

It’s Just That Simple.

At Performance Lexus, our goal is to ensure you enjoy every moment of being a Lexus owner. This includes our time saving, complimentary Valet Service. We bring Lexus luxury right to your door for test drives or for service. Home or office, it’s your choice and our pleasure. Expect the best from Performance Lexus.

Meet Your Performance Lexus Sales Professionals.

MARIO BRUNO

VINCE LEPIANE

COLLEEN GLAZIER

MARINA SOARE

RALPH FAZIO

TROY MACPHERSON

STEPHEN ANDREWS

General Manager

General Sales Manager

Financial Services Manager

Sales & Leasing Consultant

Sales & Leasing Consultant

Sales & Leasing Consultant

Sales & Leasing Consultant

262 Lake Street, St. Catharines | 888-451-0901 | performancelexus.ca

YOUR HAMILTON-NIAGAR A LEXUS RETAILER SINCE 1990

TEST DRIVE OUR FALL COLLECTION.

F SPORT model shown~

2015

F SPORT Series 2 shown~

RX

F SPORT Series 1 shown~

2015

IS

REMAINING 2015 RX 350 & RX 450h

2015

NX

REMAINING 2015 IS 250 & IS 350 CASH PURCHASE CREDITS OF UP TO ^ $

CASH PURCHASE CREDITS OF UP TO ^ $

6,000

6,000

ALL-NEW 2015 NX 200t & NX 300h LEASE RATES AS LOW AS

1.9

%*

DELIVERY CREDITS OF UP TO ^ $

4,000

262 Lake Street | St. Catharines | 888-451-0901 | performancelexus.ca ~2015 RX 350 F SPORT/2015 IS 350 AWD F SPORT Series 2/2015 NX 200t F SPORT Series 1 shown: $62,083/$54,884/$53,534. ^$2,000/$2,000/$2,000/$2,500/$2,500/$4,000 Delivery Credit is available on the cash purchase/lease/finance of new 2015 Lexus NX 200t models only/2015 RX 350 models only/2015 IS 250 sedan models only/2015 IS 350 sedan models only/2015 RX 450h models only/2015 NX 300h models only and will be deducted from the negotiated purchase/lease price after taxes. Limited time offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Ð$1,000/$3,000/$3,500/$3,500/$4,000/$4,000 Cash Purchase Incentive on new 2015 Lexus IS convertible models only/2015 RX 350 (suffixes ‘E-F’ only)/2015 RX 450h models only/2015 IS sedan models only/2015 RX 350 (sfx ‘G’ only)/2015 RX 350 F SPORT models may not be combined with special lease and finance rates offered through Lexus Financial Services as part of a low rate interest program. All advertised lease and finance rates are special rates. Incentive offers take place at the time of delivery. See your Lexus Dealer for whether tax applies before or after the application of Cash Purchase Incentives. *Lease offers provided through Lexus Financial Services, on approved credit. *Representative lease example based on a 2015 NX 300h sfx ‘D’ on a 40 month term at an annual rate of 1.9% and Complete Lexus Price of $62,134. Monthly payment is $599 with $6,420 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $30,398.

60,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.20/km for excess kilometres. Complete Lexus Price includes freight/PDI ($2,045), Dealer fees, EHF Tires ($29), EHF Filters ($1), A/C charge ($100), and OMVIC Fee ($10). Taxes, license, registration (if applicable) and insurance are extra. Lexus Dealers are free to set their own prices. Limited time offers only apply to retail customers at participating Lexus Dealers. Dealer order/trade may be required. Offers are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Offers expire at month’s end unless extended or revised. See Performance Lexus for complete details.

Styles So Bright VOLUME 2, NUMBER 3 • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015

Give a gift that will bring holiday cheer while supporting Fair Trade Shopping and Canadian Made Products.

Party dresses, capes, outer wear, evening, casual and accessories for you and Great gift ideas for everyone else!

Cover Story: Go Nuts with holiday entertaining – Page 21 Page 6 – Miss Mac leads a merry BT band Page 12 – Grimsby heritage showcased on national stage Page 14-17 – Stanpac: A family business success story Page 18 – Battlefield holidays educational for all Page 22 – Your guide to fall’s happening event November/december edITIoN 2015

ON THE COVER Some simple creativity can add some distinct flare to any holiday gathering. Chef Jan-Willem Stulp shares some of his crunchy ideas.

Stanpac Doing anything but standing pat Heritage Grimsby putting history on display angela Maccaroni It's not all about that bass - it's about a passion for music

G Nuot s!

Try som you enh e tastr han nu ance y tread at ts! db y ts

Special Supplement to

"Serving West Niagara & Winona"

OUR TEAM 15,000 copies distributed in Niagara West,Winona Proudly Published By 100% Niagara owned, operated and printed by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.

7568 Regional Rd. 20 (West of Smithville)

905-957-5535

www.dresserdrawer.ca 2 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

49 Main St. West Grimsby L3M 1R3 Ph: 289-235-9500 Email: info@wn3.ca

Publisher

Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca General Manager Catherine Bratton catherine@wn3.ca Advertising Sales Jen Mendonca jen@wn3.ca Erica Huisman erica@wn3.ca Gerry Augustine gerry@wn3.ca Graphic Design Donna Wisnoski, Dorothy Deak

Statements and opinions of writers do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or NewsNow. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, artwork or photograph without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

FOR

THOSE WHO SEEK OUT

THE BEST IN DESIGN.

Collision Experts Dedicated To Excellence We are your local Repair Shop!

• Collision Repairs • Paint Repairs • Hassle-Free Insurance Claims • On-Site Car Rentals

Exquisite fabrics. Distinctive details.

Custom combinations. The Alustra® Collection infuses remarkable, intriguing elements of window fashion into every design.

Season’s Greetings to our Valued Customers Paul, Karen & Staff

Visit this participating dealer for more information about the Alustra® Collection.

Unexpected combinations and unparalleled style.

3507 Grimsby Road, Grimsby (Just South of Mud Street) 905-945-3096 • www.regionalautocollision.ca

11 Livingston Ave., Grimsby

905-945-8008

Since 1974

Serving Smithville, Lincoln and Grimsby

Custom Window Fashions

villageinteriorsonline.com

Complimentary Consultation and Installation

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION OF QUALITY BRAND NAME PRODUCTS

Cabinets Carpet Counter Tops Laminate FREE ESTIMATES

FREE ESTIMATES Laminate • Hardwood • Ceramics • Natural Stone • Vinyl • Fibre Floor • Cork • Leather • Carpet • Cabinets • Countertops • Paint • Wallpaper

214 St. Catharines St., Smithville

905-957-7779 www.bertvis.com

November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

3

Safety is not a Slogan ...

It’s a way of Life

Snow and Ice can boast a beautiful postcard setting … caring for your trees in winter is especially important.

Accumulations of ice can increase the branch weight by 30 times or more.

Ice forming on branches generally ranges from a trace to 1 inch in additional stem diameter. Accumulations between 1/4 and 1/2 inch can cause small branches to break, while 1/2-inch to 1-inch accumulations can cause large branches to break, resulting in extensive tree and property damage.

Strong winds increase the potential for damage.

Losses to trees and property can be extensive after an ice storm.

Protect yourself and property by having suspicious trees inspected by Safe Tree before the winter weather hits.

905-658-1495 www.safetree.ca

Fa

pa

S a p S a p S a L a La La La La L

Great Festive Holiday Colours Private Facility Excellent Products & Service Why wait in the

edi

i/P Man

p Dee ing ns Clea ial Fac

$

49 95

$

95

49

customer lounge

Specials Expire November 30, 2015

while your car is getting serviced ...

Come into Crossfire & Get Pampered!

Call and Book Today!

Inside Grimsby Chrysler 421 South Service Rd. 905-945-9606

4 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

CW

opinion STAYING CONNECTED

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

- Benjamin Franklin

H

eritage, community cornerstones and people who go above and beyond to make the world around them a better place...what do those things have in common?

West Niagara.

When we developed the “concept” of what ClubWest Magazine would be – a portrayal of people who made and make this area one of the best places to live anywhere in the world – the subjects of this edition’s features are exactly what we had in mind.

One could spend a lifetime looking for a better community partner than the folks at Stanpac in Smithville. It is not hard to understand why employees love to work there and community groups speak in such glowing terms about the support they have received from the company over the years.

The cornerstone of their philosophy, keep the company in the family and avoid the inevitable dissolution which comes with corporate ownership. They invest in their people and their community, and their staff and town in which they live is better off for it.

They fall under the “It is great to see good things happen to good people” category.

From the private sector to public sector...I laughed out loud when Angela Maccaroni related the story about driving right

by Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School when she came to scout it out after accepting a job there. The maze of portables, back in the day, did not look like much of school.

From humble beginnings, a thriving music program has evolved at BT with more than 100 students involved, almost 10 cent of the school’s population.

You talk about passion...this lady personifies a passion for music and teaching. Board officials, co-workers, parents and students all recognize that – hence her nomination for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

Results of the nomination are expected in January.

On the heritage front, there are a host of people – from Town officials to property owners – who have spent years and a lot of money working to preserve Grimsby’s heritage. Those efforts are pastimes, passions and pursuits all rolled into one.

Each of these story subjects exemplifies what we strive to represent with ClubWest and the flavour with which we develop our feature material – classy, local and accessible.

The people involved are the ones making our community a great place to live and are more than deserving of a little ink here and there and of our appreciation.

Publisher, ClubWest Magazine Mike Williscraft

GetWRAPPED UP in the valley

this November

23 compelling taste + sip experiences PRESENTED BY

13th Street Angels Gate Calamus Cave Spring Creekside De Sousa Di Profio Fielding

The Good Earth GreenLane Harbour Henry of Pelham Hernder Kacaba Mike Weir

Peninsula Ridge Rockway Rosewood Stoney Ridge Sue-Ann Staff Tawse Vieni Vineland

Choose your weekend: November 7+8 or

or

14+15

or

21+22

get our sundays only passport

designated driver passports $30+HST Non-alcoholic mocktails provided by Cherry Lane

Get tickets online at twentyvalley.ca or call 905.562.3636 twentyvalley.ca

November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

5

Miss Mac strikes right chord with BT students Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School music teacher Angela Maccaroni juggles instruments, schedules and students.

Williscraft - Photo

By Mike Williscraft t was a bit of a circuitous route before Angela Maccaroni found her new “home” at Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School.

She actually hired for her first teaching job in 1998 by a Bracebridge school, but some negotiating by Niagara Catholic District School Board officials secured the fledgling graduate as BT’s first and only music teacher.

“I was very excited having heard it was a new school. Being from Hamilton, I was expecting a brand new $11 million building,” recalled Maccaroni.

“I drove out with my dad to check it out and we drove right by. We missed it.

It was a couple of trailers and portables at the back of a lot.”

And it was not just the exterior that had Miss Mac, as she is known to her students, wondering if she had made the correct decision in choosing BT, the infrastructure of the program in the early stages left a lot to be desired.

I

6 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

“There was no music library to speak of and there were very few instruments,” said Maccaroni.

“It was a shock. Mike Lostracco (former BT principal) was here at that time and he was very encouraging, He told me I had a lot to offer and not to get discouraged. It was very difficult, but I just had to push through.”

Key to nursing the program to the success it is now has been great support from the community – both within the school walls and outside.

“Generally, the lack of resources for music and the arts is not a school board issue, it is a social issue,” said Maccaroni, who, as the only music teacher at the secondary school is not the oldest member of the department.

“We have a real shortage of instruments for the kids to work with. As an example, we have a 1940s trumpet. It is nice to see, but a lot less cool if you have to play it all the time. We need things like choir robes, too, so we make due

with the instruments.”

Whether it be the school band, jazz band, drumline, choir of annual play production cast, all would sing the praises of the efforts put in daily by Maccaroni to the extent where a group of volunteers headed by Ann Marie Robichaud, Barb Hagan, Lisa Araiche and Marlene Huggins nominated her for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

‘That nomination was life-changing.

I was very humbled and felt honoured,” said Maccaroni.

“There are a lot of great teachers, but not all of them have the support from people who get a 21-page nomination form filled out, as well as creating a video with testimonials highlighting a 17-year teaching career going right back to talking to a student I taught in my first year.”

Perhaps it is her philosophy employed daily which has endeared her to those involved in the music program.

PASSIONS Music Continued from Page 6 “I knew I always wanted to work with kids, but it is not just about grades. It is about music and what it can do,” said Maccaroni.

“It is about making music together.

It is not like with sports – you coach and the kids get ready and play. With music, I am in it, part of the ensemble.

For some kids, this is their only access as there are those who cannot afford private lessons. I want them all to feel what that is. I love what I do.”

Simply, Maccaroni wants her students to feel at home with music.

“They can feel they are part of something greater than an ensemble: what they do is very important to the good of the group and develop a sense of belonging,” said Maccaroni.

“Music can touch their souls, whether it be as a musician, a consumer or a concert-goer.”

Lostracco knew right from the start the BT community was lucky to have Maccaroni on its roster.

“She came to a relatively new school not knowing that we were all portables.

She put on a brave face and smile with a twinkle in her eye and a quiet determination in her voice that she was going to build an arts program at Blessed Trinity with an energetic emphasis on vocal and instrumental music,” recalled Lostracco.

“She spent her first summer trying to create an arts atmosphere in her assigned portable by painting the walls with musical instruments and lively colours.

She spent a lot of her free time looking for instruments that wouldn’t break the school bank account and set up an after school and after supper music program with elementary schools to prep future students in the fundamentals of music.

She was at the school all hours of the day and night.”

So much so that Maccaroni noted she was quite disappointed when the school board changed its policy to allow teachers access to their classrooms on weekends.

Lostracco noted, it was not only Maccaroni’s efforts in the classroom which drew the attention and motivated her students.

“I’ll never forget how I used to tell Angela how boring music was at church when we attended. The chaplins would always want to have traditional music played at a school mass while I always complained that traditional church music was similar to that played at a funeral,” Lostracco remembered.

“After watching Sister Act, I asked Angela if we could start having music at school masses like that. Although the music did get better, I know that the priests and school chaplins frowned on that kind of music, so, at a BT music concert, after the intermission, the curtain rose on stage and there stood Angela Maccaroni dressed up as a nun, and the school band (with Angela conducting)

played some songs from Sister Act. I was impressed, overjoyed and grateful for what she did.”

The highest praise Lostracco, who noted Maccaroni sang an original piece at his retirement gathering, could offer regarding Miss Mac? “For some individuals, teaching is a job. For Angela Maccaroni, it is a vocation!”

While he noted she was always bringing in information about instruments she saw at garage sales, or drove out of town to pick up it was interesting to note her parting words at her interview.

“We’re always looking for more instruments. Can you get that in the story.

Someone might see it and donate something,” she said.

To donate cash or an instrument to the BT music program, call Maccaroni at BT, 905-945-6706.

John Crocco. director of education at Niagara Catholic District School Board presented Angela Maccaroni with the Director’s Education Award last month.

Next month, Maccaroni will lead her students at Sounds of The Season on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at BT. November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

7

There is no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap

Combo #1

8 Slice, 2 Topping Pizza 1 lb. of Wings Caesar Salad

Combo #2

12 Slice, 2 Topping Pizza 1 lb. of Wings, Caesar Salad Carlic Bread with Cheese

30

40

$

$

Combo #3

2 -12 Slice, 2 Topping Pizzas 2 lb. of Wings, Caesar Salad Carlic Bread with Cheese

60

$ n Eat-I or Out Take-

24 Olive St., Grimsby (Corner of Olive & Christie)

289-235-7757 w ww.youhadmeatpizza .com

8 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

Awesome Fresh

Home-made

Unpretentious Local

“Everything is house made.

Even the ketchup,” Good Looking

Your Place Or Ours, We Can Cater Your Holiday Parties!

5208 King Street, Beamsville 905-563-0200 augustrestaurant.ca

Clayton Gillie Co-Owner

&

Beth Ashton Co-Owner/Chef

November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

9

Holiday Gift Headquarters Gifts CertifiCates available for purChase Valid for Bogey’s Grillhouse, Panorama Restaurant & Wine Bar, Dinner Shows, Special Events and Accommodations.

4 Windward Drive, Grimsby T: 905-309-7171 or 1-877-446-5746 E: info@casablancawineryinn.com www.CasablancaWineryInn.com

We Care Every Day, In Every Way. We Can Help Anyone 18 Years and Older

Senior Care for Total Peace of Mind • Certified PSW’s • Light Housekeeping • Friendly Companionship • Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families

• Shopping • Meal Preparation • Errands • Grooming Assistance

1-844-594-1122

Give the gift that keeps on giving better grades, confidence & lifelong learning skills.

“Helping Students Help Themselves” Since 1995

15%

for off our unique and extensive Gift collection!

One-to-One Tutoring by Certified Teachers 905-309-0099 www.gondartutoring.com

Consign • Design • Interior

FINDING EXTRAORDINARY PIECES AT ORDINARY PRICES

Offering New and Unique Christmas Gifts!

Gift Certificates Available www.foundhomeconsignment.com

905-309-9900

5 Main Steet W., Unit #1 Grimsby, ONtario foundhome@hotmail.com

Holiday Open House

Saturday, Dec. 5, 10-4 p.m. see our unique gifts and baskets.

* 1 day only 10% off all pre-made Gift Baskets

www.niagarapresents.com or visit us on Facebook 4516 Mountainview Rd., Beamsville

10 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

Soul Escape

West Niagara’s newest place to learn • create • experience Gift Certificates Available

www.soulescapes.ca

Leslie 905-945-6561

Sweet Tidings to You!

Invites you to our annual

289-566-9559

905-945-2675

www.marlenesmithdecorating.com

Retreats to Soothe the Soul

Temple of the Dog One Stop Christmas Shop!

5205 King St., Beamsville

19 Main St. W., Grimsby

Do you have someone on your Christmas list who has “everything”? Send them on a

SeniorHomecareByAngels.com

C Gift

Decorating & Gifts

Bring in this advertisement

Each Senior Homecare by Angels agency is independently owned and operated.

s cate ertifi

Marlene Smith’s

905-563-1777

Serving you is always a treat for us!

Merry Christmas and many thanks.

D SELF SERVE STAN BLE LA AI AV YS WA AL

CHARLIE-BEE HONEY 3591 Mountain Rd., R.R.2, Beamsville • 905-563-7285

Holiday Gift Headquarters True Men’s BarBer shop A Traditional Barber Shop!

Gift te Certifica Available

Great Stocking Stuffers

Walk-ins & appointments welcome!

104 Griffin St., Smithville • 905-536-2666

THE DOLMAGE HOUSE The Iron Gate Retreat 123 Main St. West (at Elm/Gibson) Grimsby

905-945-3SPA (3772) www.thedolmagehouse.com

Dermalogica Products Now Available ~ Spa Packages ~ Gift Certificates

“SHOP EARLY” and SAVE

15%off

Your Purchase!

Just bring in this advertisement and save!

Donna’s Fashions

905-309-6549

donna1@cogeco.net 11 Main St. West, Grimsby, L3M 1R3

Great

ifts G y a d i l Ho • Great Brands

Nike - Brooks - Saucony - Hoka • Large Stock of running shoes, clothing and accessories Gift Certificates Available

14 Ontario St., Grimsby • 905-920-7866

Another Christmas Right On Track!

Everything you need New & Used Give a Gift Certificate ...

Stop in today!!

5253 King St. (Old Hwy. #8) Beamsville • 905-563-9200 www.justtraincrazy.ca

November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

11

HISTORY Preserving Our Past

Preservation pays off in Grimsby

A

lthough Grimsby is one of the oldest towns in Southern Ontario, little attention was paid to its history until the 1970s when the famous old Village Inn was razed to make room for a parking lot.

At that time, the Grimsby Historical Society and indeed the whole town were outraged, but it was too late.

The building was gone. Ironically, when a consultant was hired in the 1990s to produce a town character study, the report said that it was important to have a heritage landmark on that site! Since then, however, Grimsby has taken an interest in its past, and especially so in the last few years.

In 1984, a delegation from the Grimsby Historical Society asked the Town to form a Local Architectural Advisory Committee (LACAC) as a sub-committee of the Planning and Development Department. This was done, and the task of inventorying and designating outstanding properties was begun.

The committee is now called Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee (GHAC).

Since their beginnings, the committees have designated heritage properties, with two more pending.

As a result of the Town’s special attention to our heritage, the Town of Grimsby is the 2015 winner of the Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Leadership sponsored by the National Trust for Canada. This is a prestigious prize honouring Grimsby’s commitment to preserving and conserving its heritage, especially as it relates to buildings.

This honour comes on the heels of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Community Leadership for 2014. The Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Leadershuip was presented to Mayor Bob Bentley at the Petroleum Club in Calgary on Oct. 23.

Thanks to renewed enthusiasm, downtown Grimsby has taken on a new old look that shows that

The Grand Old Oak Gazebo in Grimsby Beach.

12 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

the town as a whole is taking an interest in its roots. The new banner over Main Street is one example of the Town’s new awareness of itself.

Also, thanks to two programs sponsored by the Town and the Region of Niagara – the Facade Improvement Program and a Heritage Grant for designated properties – money is being made available to assist property owners in renovating their buildings. This has made a big difference in the appearance of our downtown.

One of the buildings improved by these grants is the Bank of Commerce building – now Harmony Jewellers – located in the centre of the downtown area. Built around 1920 of multi-coloured corduroy brick, the bank building was renovated in the 1970s to accommodate commercial uses.

First floor windows were enlarged to create showcases on the street, and attractive keystones over the original windows were covered up by siding.

The 2015 renovation returned the building more nearly to the architect’s intentions. This included restoration of the caduseus sculpture on the top of the building. Although often mistaken for the similar medical symbol, this was actually a logo for the Canadian Bank of Commerce which had been painted over.

With grants from both the town and the region, the Bank of Commerce Building has taken on a new life, for itself, for Main Street and for Harmony House Jewellers.

Another outstanding Main Street building that has undergone a transformation is the Whittaker Block now housing Amici’s Pizza, Caliga Shoes and H. & R. Block.

This imposing block of stores and apartments was built in the 1890s by Samuel Whittaker, a shoemaker and merchant by trade. Once again, a combination of small improvements have made a tremendous difference to the

HISTORY Preserving Our Past Continued From Page 12 appearance of the Block.

Next door to the Whittaker Block is the building which originally served as the town’s firehall. The drying tower for the hoses has long since been removed, but the current owner’s creative efforts have given the building a striking appearance including the original garage doors for the fire engine. Besides being the firehall, this building once housed the town library. Later it was the police station; one room still has bars on the window.

On the south side of Main Street, the second fire hall has been converted into Station One, a unique little cafe and coffee shop that is attracting a lot of people and plenty of admiring looks.

Probably the oldest building on Main Street is now known as the Grimsby Diner. This unusual wooden building has always been an eye-catcher for anyone walking or driving along Grimsby’s main thoroughfare. The building was built by Henry Griffen in 1836, and at first was used for storage. In 1877, it became Mabey Meat market when George Mabey purchased it for his butcher shop. Mabey remained in business until 1917.

Later, the building enjoyed 30 years as Quality Meat Market. More recent incarnations have been as Casey’s Produce, then as the Grimsby Sub Shop. Once again, grants have enabled the owners to return the building more nearly to its original appearance.

Two more important Main Street buildings are awaiting

facelifts. One of them is Snetsinger Hall on the northwest corner of Main and Ontario Streets. Murray Fitch’s frame house and pharmacy previously stood on this property.

However, in 1905 the present building was constructed by Robert Snetsinger, a prominent entrepreneur who had recently arrived in town. The first floor was occupied by the United Empire Bank, then the Union Bank of Canada, with the T. Eaton Catalogue store as its neighbour. During its lifetime, the building’s upstairs space has housed the town’s first motion picture theatre, a busy meeting hall known as Temple Hall or Grimsby Hall, and the premises of one of the early local industries, the Grimsby Tie Company.

The second one is the former Hodgins Pharmacy building, also known as the Culp Block. Before the building was erected in 1907, the lot was occupied by a frame house which was moved to Oak Street when Al Hodgins purchased the property from Ernest Culp. If you look up, you will see that the building has some very attractive brickwork and windows, typical of the 1920s and 1930s in Grimsby’s commercial area. In fact, as you walk along Main Street, look up at the upper storeys of most of the buildings along this part of Main Street, and you will see similar window and brickwork treatments that could be enhanced and returned to their original appearance.

Also worthy of notice is 33 Main Street West which has always had a hardware store on its main floor. This

building with its Art Deco Simply Natural Christmas Decor Live Potted Christmas Trees - Various Forms influence was built in 1919 by Holly - Evergreen & Deciduous James Wray. The upper storey Gift Certificates was intended to be the MaColourful Winter Shrubs sonic Hall, with Wray’s hardVINELAND ware store below. Subsequent NURSERIES hardware stores were Betzner’s 4540 Martin Rd, 905-562-4836 www.vinelandnurseries.com Hardware, McGirr’s and the Days - Please Call Ahead Most Open present Home Hardware. This building was badly damaged by fire in 1997, but was restored. Fortunately, most of the Masonic memorabilia, some of it dating back almost ~ NOW OPEN ~ 200 years, was at the home of the lodge historian who was PORK, BEEF, LAMB, GOAT, RABBIT writing a book at the time of CHICKEN, DUCK, TURKEY, GOOSE the fire.

ALL NATURALLY RAISED Grimsby’s heritage sites are FREE RANGE / GRASS PASTURED spread all over town. One of the most notable is at GrimsLITTLEFOOT FARM

by Beach – the Grand Old QUARRY RD., BEAMSVILLE • 905-704-8763 Check out our Oak Stand, which is a desigLike us on Alpaca Products nated heritage site. This small woodlot next to Grand Avenue School is special because it contains some of the oldest trees in this area, some of them dating back 300 years.

Since the designation, the area has been cleaned up, and a small gazebo built to replicate the Temple at Grimsby Park. Sadly, the oldest and most famous of the trees, the Grand Old Oak, has fallen prey to vandalism and extreme weather. In September, it was pronounced dead by a professional arborist. However, its memory will remain in this peaceful little oasis, thanks to the care given to the area by Francesca Laura the Town of Grimsby.

Piscitello Solomita Grimsby’s heritage, long Providing fresh, quality taken for granted, has come custom cakes, cupcakes, alive again thanks to unstintcookies and Italian pastries ing support from the folks at 4943 King St., Town Hall. It is a momentum forward which can only bode Unit 7, Beamsville well for the future of this 289-566-8740 historic community.

FARM FRESH EGGS POULTRY & MEATS

y r e k Ba Open w No

Bellas on the Bench Cakery

November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

13

The team at Stanpac in Smithville, fronted by founder Steve Witt, centre, and his sons who now manage the company, Matt (left) and Andrew. Photo Bryan Macaulay - Village Studio

By Mike Williscraft hen a business deal goes sour, it can often be said that an individual should make lemonade from the bag of lemons which was just acquired.

But what does one do when the bag they were just handed is opened to find nothing – not a single lemon?

“I was young (25) and had no experience, kind of stupid, really,” said Stanpac founder Steve Witt of the time in 1971 when he bought the company’s predecessor, then based in Burlington.

“I think I owned it for about 10 minutes before I realized it was in bad shape.”

W

14 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

The cornerstone of what was there was a simple cap for milk bottles. Using that as a base, combined with years of long hours and hard work, Witt’s company struggled to survive.

IN 1973, a change of location from Burlington was in order.

“Stoney Creek was $25,000 for what we needed. Beamsville was $12,000. Smithville was $4,000. So I said, ‘wouldn’t it be great to live in Smithville,” said Witt with a grin.

With that change came an eye to expansion as he knew diversification was the only way the company would not only survive, but grow.

Stanpa

Today, Stanpac is comprised of 400,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space in Smithville’s industrial park – with another 37,000 sq ft currently under construction

ac does anything but stand pat

– and another 350,000 sq ft of space at their other operation in Texas.

That growth did not happen overnight.

It was slow and steady over decades and

there were some major potholes along the road to business success.

For many in the business world, 2008 conjures memories of financial devastation.

For Witt, that was certainly a strong possibility when he rolled the dice a second time purchasing part of Solo Cup Company, which manufactures disposable plastic products, among other items.

“That was a huge deal and really extended us. I knew it was a risk. What I didn’t know was it would happen right before the financial crash,” recalled Witt, which set off a period of extreme caution in the banking sector and made borrow-

ing money for business deals, even strong deals, very difficult.

“We were in a great spot, buying up competitors and growing. We had expended into making glass bottles in 1990 by buying a mould to manufacture them.

We had it all,” said Witt.

Other external factors put Stanpac in the right place at the right time, too, with milk prices dropping independent suppliers were forced to sell to large corporations.

This opportunity helped create the now-thriving niche market for high-end independent milk manufacturers.

November/December2015 2015| |clubwest.ca clubwest.ca 15 7 November/December

PASSIONS Industry Continued from Page 15

“We were organic before organic was cool,” said Witt.

Witt’s son Andrew, who along with brother Matt are now co-presidents of Stanpac, said muscling through the financial crunch of 2008 set the company in a great position for the future.

“The market moved towards a more fancier packaging which looks traditional and can be sold for more,” said Andrew.

“Recycling was part of the push back to glass bottles, too. When that came, we had acquired most of the market.”

Matt noted that growth was very much paralleled by the ice cream market which also evolved into a group of smaller, independent manufacturers who were looking for unique packaging.

One of Stanpac’s major selling points to its customers is the strength of patents the company holds, one being container lid which has several advantages over those offered by competitors.

Throughout the two full years it took to work through the serious financial strains caused by “banks shutting down” during the 2008 crunch and being forced to pursue “non-traditional” forms of financing, the Witts kept their eye on the ball all with one fundamental goal in mind.

“It was always very important to me and to the boys that we keep 100 per cent of the company. We wanted to hold onto everything,” said Steve, noting that was part of any consideration when working out the succession planning for Andrew and Matt to take over the running of the company.

And it was also important for any new components of the company to be run just as the established core did – with quality, well-trained staff and current, efficient equipment.

So they knew they were in for a lot of work with the Solo acquisition went through.

“It was like we had 150 hires overnight and the equipment was not in very good shape,” recalled Andrew.

16 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

Steve Witt with the product which really started it all, the lids which seal singleserving ice cream cups. Bryan Macaulay - Village Studio Photo The transition was frustrating as some customers were forced to go elsewhere as Stanpac could not keep up with demand.

“It was very frustrating because we knew it would turn out well, but we just couldn’t get there,” said Matt.

Much of the problem there was caused by a delay in getting a key piece of machinery which manufactured quart ice cream packages.

“The quality was poor and we could not produce enough. We really had no options,” said Steve, noting there was also issues with their print press which necessitated out-sourcing printing for four months.

“Our goal there was to offer one-stop service for customers.”

Despite the problems, the end goal never seemed unreachable, but there was a lot of work to be done.

To reinvent a company that could already be considered successful was not a decision taken lightly. Steve said the decision was put to the entire management team.

“The team said ‘yes’,” said Steve.

“If not, we would not have done it.

Our management team has access to our books. They saw the potential.”

Andrew agreed.

“There was no hesitation about the deal. We were always behind it. Everyone worked their butts off to make it work,” he said.

The risk, and extra workload, has certainly paid off.

Steve estimated Stanpac had .1 per cent of the packaging market before, now they are at 25 per cent.

“We tripled the size of the company overnight,” said Steve.

And Matt noted that the equipment from Solo’s Baltimore plant was all shipped north for local expansion with “a couple of hundred transport trucks coming to Smithville.”

That infrastructure, which needed to be upgraded and renewed over the last several years, has set the stage for Stanpac to expand its offerings on a world scale.

PASSIONS Industry Continued from Page 16

“We can do it all now – offer a high level of service, creative products and all in one stop,” said Andrew.

Murray Bain, the company’s vicepresident of marketing, said that stability was not always the case and the management team appreciates that.

“We used to have to grow to survive but now we look at what equipment to buy next to allow us to do a better, more efficient job. The infrastructure speeds our growth,” said Bain.

Steve noted that the future, is great for Stanpac as management looks to expand in South America, as well as other locations.

“We already have customers in 23 different countries,” said Steve.

But the growth will always be balanced and well-planned.

“We could grow a lot more tomorrow, if we wanted, with more capital but it is important to remain a family run business. We want to operate the way we want to operate. That is important to us,” said Steve.

One of the things he cited as an example of how they manage their staff is an exchange program they offer between employees here at home and in Texas.

“We do it first class. We pay for everything. We like to treat people well,” he said, adding the company also maintains a profit-sharing program.

Keeping things fun and light around the plant is also a priority for the team.

And the result of their efforts is a strong company with an excellent reputation both

in the community and in their industry. Its qualities, assets, market share and growth potential make Stanpac a highly desirable entity.

“There is not a week goes by that I don’t hear form one of our competitors wanting to buy us,” said Steve.

“I just tell them that I have to go with it, and that turns them off,” he added with a laugh.

He stressed that Stanpac is committed to the community and to staying in Canada.

“It’s not all about the money. It is far cheaper and easier to do business in Texas, for sure. The cost of electricity is much lower. My boys were born and raised here and this is where we’ll stay. This is an awesome town,” said Steve.

“We’re looking at 20 per cent growth this year and next. After that my crystal ball goes black.”

Part of that uncertainty is growth in new markets like South America. Steve said a growing middle class and demand for high-end packaging could lead to the same type of timing and growth the company caught the wave of in the past.

“It would be the same products, the same lines, just expanded markets,” explained Matt.

The com-

pany, which has grown from four employees in 1971 to about 400 now and another 50 to be hired in about six months time has its course charted for the future with Andrew and Matt taking over the reins just over a year ago.

“I talked to my three boys about a plan many years ago. If they were committed, I told them there were three things. They had to get an education. They had to work elsewhere, and we had to agree to keep it family owned. Matt and Andrew wanted to do it, Troy didn’t,” said Steve, who also serves as West Lincoln Community Care’s president.

“It was important for them to work outside, to see how other people do things and get new experiences. Even when they were in school they had part-time jobs elsewhere.”

“I surprised myself when I stepped away from it. I thought I would have more of an issue with it, but I don’t. The company is in good hands.”

Matt, left, and Andrew Witt formally took over management of Stanpac just over one year ago. The company takes the environment very seriously, recycles extensively and constructed its own water treatment system. Bryan Macaulay - Village Studio Photo

November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

17

CW

Arts PASSIONS

Battlefield tours bring history to life ByJohn Potter s Remembrance Day approaches, we are reminded of the sacrifices of countless Canadian soldiers who fought for our freedom in WWI and WWII, as well as the Korean War and the conflict in Afghanistan, as well as other conflicts in our history.

Our need to remember and pay our respects to our fallen soldiers has spawned a very unique type of tourism: the battlefield tour.

Battlefield tours are not new – shortly after the end of WWI organized groups of visitors, mostly from the UK, travelled to the battlefields of Belgium and Northern France to see where their loved ones fought and died.

With the recent 100th anniversary of the start of WWI, plus the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, there has been a renewed interest in seeing the historic sites in Europe where our soldiers fought and where many paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Vimy Ridge, Beaumont Hamel, Ypres, and Passchendaele: these are not just names in a history book; they are real places that you can visit.

Battlefield tours are not all about visiting war cemeteries, although that is certainly part of the experience. They are about understanding what took place, why it happened, and also to see how the events of so long ago are still visible today.

Did you know that farmers are still finding soldiers personal effects, as well as shells and unexploded ordnances in their fields almost 100 years after the end of WWII? Experts estimate it will be another 300 years until the fields are completely free of these reminders of the “Great War”.

On a recent trip to France and Belgium, I rented a car and drove to Vimy Ridge where I not only visited the Canadian Memorial, but also found the grave of my great-uncle William Henry (Harry) Potter in the nearby cemetery at Thélus. Great Uncle Harry died on the first day of battle at Vimy Ridge.

A

Mother Canada, which overlooks the Lens-Douai plain, is part of the Vimy memorial which took monument designer Walter Seymour Allward 11 years to build.

Williscraft - Photo 18 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

History TRAVEL

Continued from Page 18

Like me, many Canadians are working on their family trees and have perhaps discovered, as I did, that their great-uncle or great-grandfather died in one of the conflicts in Europe.

A battlefield tour becomes more personal if you know that a relative fought or died in the war. After Vimy Ridge, I drove north to Belgium and visited Ypres, and actually stayed at a B&B in the village of Passchendaele. These areas are so calm and peaceful now – it is hard to imagine what they would have looked like during the war.

A few years ago, I concentrated on the historic sites of WWII. I visited the landing beaches of Normandy, including our own Juno Beach – a must see.

While most Canadians think of Normandy as the place to go, there are other war-related destinations

that are also worth a visit: Dieppe, Arnhem, Ortona and Sicily, to name a few.

So what is the best way to see where Canadian history happened during WWI and WWII? While one can rent a car and explore on their own, a self-drive vacation may not be for everyone.

Why not join an organized motor coach tour and let someone else do the driving.

Canadian Tour Operators such as Trafalgar, DH Tours and Globus will be offering escorted tours of the battlefields of Northern France and Belgium in 2016 – the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The tours include your accommodation, many meals, and most importantly, the services of an expert guide. These tours are hugely popular and sell out quickly, so the time to book a 2016 tour is now.

Posted all around the grounds at Vimy Ridge are warning signs noting the possibility of unexploded ordnances. Williscraft - Photo November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

19

Continued from Page 19

Did you know you can take a cruise to the landing beaches of Normandy?

River Cruise companies such as Avalon Waterways and Scenic Cruises offer cruises on the Seine River from Paris to Normandy.

The typical cruise lasts eight days and visits places such as Caudebec, Rouen, Conflans, and of course the Normandy landing beaches.

This is a fantastic way to experience this beautiful region of France, and include a visit to the historic D-Day landing beaches.

Again, the time to book a 2016 Europe River Cruise is now, as many departures already have limited availability.

If you have an interest in visiting the historic sites and battlefields of WWI and WWII, I encourage you to do so.

You will come away with such an appreciation for what our soldiers endured, and the sacrifices they made so that we can continue to enjoy the freedom today that we sometimes take for granted.

(John Potter is a travel expert with TravelOnly – a Canadianbased travel company. He specializes in river and ocean cruises, as well as customized individual and group tours to Europe, the South Pacific and Asia. He is a certified specialist with the Australian Tourist Board, as well as with the New Zealand and Fiji Tourist Boards. For all travel details visit www.johnpottertravel.com or email: jpotter@travelonly.com)

This is the view of No Man’s Land, the distance from the allied trenches at Vimy Ridge to where German lines were in the forest. Williscraft - Photo www.henleyheights.com

Specializing in • Custom Homes • Creative Urban Infilling • Personal Service

– Custom design/orders – Trendy and traditional fine jewellery – Fashion name brand watches Quality and Commitment - Since 1986

“with Ardun Jewellery, the only limit is your imagination” 14 Main St. W., Grimsby

905-945-9312 Celebrating Our th Anniversary

25

20 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

At Henley Heights Construction, we focus on quality and take great pride in attention to detail. We specialize in personal service before, during, and after construction. Our homes are built to have a great curb appeal, a beautiful interior design, and a functional layout that is created to meet your needs. We also ensure that it is built to suit the land and its neighbouring surroundings.

CALL LAURUS SINKE • 905-562-0891

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Go nuts!

When building or accenting your menu

By Chef Jan-Willem Stulp nd a very warm welcome to the tail end of the year!

And what a year it has been!

The awesome summer, the election, and who would have thought the Blue Jays would get that far?

The vineyard owners are hoping for a milder winter, as last winter came home to roost, with a significantly lower yield this harvest. Apples did well, however (the cider is awesome!), and most of the soft fruits were at very good yields as well.

One of the crops we don’t really pay much attention to anymore is the nut crops of our region: chestnuts, walnuts and, of course, hazelnuts.

Nuts were a significant source of nutrients for both the Natives as well as the early settlers and for good reason. They’re chockful of beneficial vitamins and nutrients and continue to be explored for their health benefits today.

Of the varieties locally available, my favorite is the hazelnut.

Hazelnuts have that little bit of finesse and that nice, round, ‘nuttyness’ that pairs so well with chocolate – with no bitterness often found with walnuts, and yet, good flavour.

Part of the reason for that robust taste is that they grow in a much less temperate climate than, say, almonds or pecans (though these are locally available from Ernie Grimo, of Grimo Nut Farms in Niagara on the Lake).

A

Hazelnuts are easy to shell; no culinary acrobatics are required to extricate the nutmeat, (often the frustration with pecans, walnuts and brazil nuts) and they are ready to eat as-is, though the membrane tends to add a hint of tannic mouthfeel, and may be removed.

I have assembled a number of our recipes, obviously in-season, and simple to replicate, for the upcoming holiday season.

Try these, and perhaps put your own spin on them. They are so good! All of the recipes require a gentle toasting of the hazelnuts (1/2 hr @ 300F then a rub in a towel to remove the skins).

Should you be looking for ingredients, come and see us at the Grand Oak Culinary Market. We carry all of these, and many others, too! Many local purveyors, growers and artisans are represented.

Our first recipe is a salad, greatly enhanced by the addition of the hazelnuts – Celery Root Salad, with dried cranberries, hazelnuts and Bleu D’Elizabeth, in maple dressing.

Trust me on this, this is an awesome combination, so simple and tasty, colourful yet light. It also pairs very well with older red wines, a relative rarity for salads.

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

November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

21

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Celery Root Salad ... with Cranberries, ‘Bleu D’Elizabeth’, and Toasted Filberts INGREDIENTS - SALAD • 1 Large celery root, trimmed and cut into matchsticks • ¼ cup dried cranberries • ½ cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped • ¼ cup coursely chopped Italian parsley • ½ cup Bleu D’Elizabeth, (an amazing, Canadian blue cheese) DRESSING • ¼ cup maple syrup • ½ cup olive oil • 1 lemon, juiced and zested • Salt and Pepper DIRECTIONS Blanch the celery root in a bit of salted water, and chill when ‘al dente’.

You can plate these salads ahead, dressing them just prior to service.

Combine the celery root, parsley, and cranberries – arrange on a plate, then top

with the crumbled ‘Bleu’, and lastly with the hazelnuts, coarsely chopped.

Combine the dressing ingredients, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Dress the salad just before serving.

Another great item from the harvest, which are, sadly, often not fully appreciated, are Brussels Sprouts.

These little guys are maligned unfairly, mostly due to the fact that they are frequently raw, and undercooked, or reduced to an odiferous, olive-gray mass and overcooked.

Properly done, they’re delicious, and they deserve a place on our harvest tables.

To help that along a bit, I’ve included bacon…….

For Christmas Cheer, Go West NOVEMBER • Surf and Turf at Peninsula Ridge Winery. (5600 King St, Beamsville) From Nov. 1-27. For a remarkable night out that won’t break - every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Surf and Turf includes a grilled striploin, a butter-braised Atlantic lobster tail, bacon buttermilk mash, red wine reduction and locally grown seasonal vegetable. $25.99 / person. Book reservations today 905-5630900 ext. 35.

• Toonie Tasting: Twisted Shorties Nov. 7-8 at Flatrock Cellars. 2727 Seventh Ave. Call for more info (905) 562-8994.

• Legends of the Fall at the Good Earth (4556 Lincoln Ave., Beamsville) Nov. 8 noon-2 p.m. $95. Join Ross Midgley, executive chef, Ravine Winery Restaurant, for an afternoon celebrating all the best flavours of fall. A perennial crowd pleaser at The Good Earth. 905.563.6333

22 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

• Cellar Dwellers - Nov 14-15, 11am-5 pm on each day. Cellar Dwellers will be taking place at Flat Rock Cellars (2727 Seventh Ave.), Malivoire (4260 King St.) and Megalomaniac (3930 Cherry Ave).

Each winery has a unique cellar experience for guests and will cost $10 pp.

• The Vertical at the foreign Affair Winery. Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. Join us for our 2nd annual Tuscan-inspired dinner featuring a vertical presentation of our iconic Cabernet Franc, full appassimento wines. The sumptuous Tuscan style dinner, again prepared by chef impresario and owner of the famed Biagio Ristorante in Toronto. Due to the overwhelming response, tickets are very limited.The allinclusive cost for the evening is $250 pp.

For information and to purchase tickets please call the winery, 905-562-9898.

• Good Girth Supper Club: All the Raj on Nov. 14 @ 5:45-8:30 p.m. Three-

course prix fixe SET menu : $45 pp (plus beverages, tax and gratuity) Reservations required: (4556 Lincoln Ave., Beamsville) 905.563.6333.

• 13th Bakery’s Christmas Reveal Nov. 14 from 10 am.-5 p.m. 13th Street Bakery (1776 Fourth Ave): Visit the 13th Bakery and kick off the holiday season. The Bakery will be decorated for Christmas with lots of great gift and décor items. Sample gourmet food items and get inspired for the holidays.

• A Very Bond Evening – “Exclusive Wine Club Event” at Vineland Estate Winery.

Friday, Nov. 20. 6:30-10:30 pm. $117.90 pp. The entire Bond history and culture upon Vineland on Nov. 20th and we will celebrate all that is Bond. In conjunction with the release of the new Bond flick “Spectre” we thought it would be fun to do an entire evening of Bond and have a blast…well, not literally.

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Shredded Brussels Sprouts ... with Bacon, Squash and Hazelnuts INGREDIENTS • 2 lb fresh brussels sprouts, cleaned • 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, 3/8 diced • ½ lb bacon, preferably double smoked, diced • Fresh Thyme, chopped • Salt and Pepper DIRECTIONS Render the fat from the bacon, by panfrying it over medium heat.

Meanwhile, chop the sprouts, by hand or with a slicer, into ¼-inch thick slices.

Remove the bacon when it is deeply coloured, but not scorching.

Add the squash dice into the fat, and sauté until ‘al dente’, then add the sprouts, and toss until just cooked, and brightly green.

Add Thyme to taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and place in

a serving bowl, then top with crushed, toasted Hazelnuts. Bon Appetit!

For Christmas Cheer, Go West Continued From Page 22 • Wine (Non)Scents with Margaret at Fielding Winery (4020 Locust Lane, Beamsville) Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m.

Join our resident wine guru and funnylady Margaret as she leads you through an exploration of different tastes and smells and how they influence how you taste wine. Cost is $15pp. Space is limited to 12 people per session. This can also be booked as a private event, contact jennifer@fieldingwines.com for info.

• English Afternoon Tea Nov. 22 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. @Aure Wines. (3749 Walker Road, Beamsville). Finger sandwiches, sweets, scones and cream, with teas imported from England. All fit for a Queen! $20, plus tax. Call (905) 5637256 for reservations.

• Murder Mystery, Dinner & Dance Friday, at Casablanca Winery Inn (4 Windward Dr, Grimsby) Nov. 27. Back

by popular demand and just in time for the holidays, It’s a Mystery to Me will stage another night of intrigue. This show is “Big Al’s Holiday Party”. It includes a 4 Course Plated Dinner, Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, dance with DJ and Late Night Buffet for just $59.95/ ticket + tax and gratuity.

• Bite Size Brilliance at the Good Earth (4556 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville) Nov. 28 at noon-2 p.m. $95 pp. Erica Guidi, chef instructor, The Good Earth Cooking School. With the holidays around the corner, it’s time to get a few new ideas for your next party. Erica will share some of her favourite “go to” recipes for nibbles and finger foods to make you the “hostess with the mostest”. 905.563.6333 • Cheese Seminar: Beyond the Board Nov 28th from 11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.

13th Street Winery: Join Debbie Levy from Dairy Farmers of Canada to explore

unique but easy recipes for holiday entertaining using Canadian cheese. Sample the delights with 13th Street wines and take away the recipes to try at home.

Space is limited. Tickets $20 + HST pp.

DECEMBER Christmas Open House Fielding Estate Winery (4020 Locust Lane, Beamsville) Dec. 04, 4:30-8 p.m. Toast the season with your Fielding favourites alongside family, friends and delicious food. Please bring a non-perishable item to donate to Community Care.

• Open House at Calamus (3100 Glen Road, Jordan) Dec. 5-6 food, wine, and merchandise specials in time for the holidays. Sample our new wines and enjoy seasonal treats. From 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

905-562-9303.

• The Five Elves Yuletide Tour - Join us for a holiday open house as we celebrate the season at Featherstone November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

23

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Crunchy Hazelnut Biscotti ... with Dried Cherries INGREDIENTS • 500 g AP flour (plus more for dusting) • 500 g white sugar • 500 g hazelnuts, toasted • 5 eggs • 5 g baking powder • course sugar for dusting on top • (extra egg for egg washing) • Optional- 200 g dried cherries; very festive!

DIRECTIONS In a mixer, add the sugar and eggs.

Using a wisk attachment, begin whipping. Turn on high, and allow to whip for 8 – 10 minutes – the idea is to incorporate air, and dissolve the sugar.

You can toast the nuts, in the meantime, and sift the flour and baking powder together. Once the mixture is thick, glossy and light-coloured, switch to a paddle, and add the flour mixture in two or three additions. Just barely incorporate the flour, then add the nuts. (and the dried cherries,

if using) The product will have a nougatlike consistency. Dust flour on your table and turn the mixture out on this. Using an abundance of flour to prevent sticking, create logs about as round as a loonie, and quickly place on a lined baking sheet, allowing it to ‘settle’. The length depends on the length of your baking sheet. Once you have the logs laid out, dust off the excess flour and brush with eggwash, then

sprinkle with course sugar.

Pop in a 350F oven, and monitor, as it can bake in as little as 15 minutes, depending on your oven. These are best sliced ½” thick, when they’re hot, (use a serrated knife) then briefly baked again to create a crisp, almost dry, cookie, perfect for dipping in coffee, espresso, brandy or grappa.

Enjoy!

For Christmas Cheer, Go West Continued From Page 23 Winery - Malivore Wine Company, Greenlane Estate Winery, Vineland Estates Winery, and Ridgepoint Winery and Featherstone Estate Winery.Dec. 5-6, from 11am-4 pm, at all five wineries. Cost $10 or $5 for designated drivers. Ticket fees will be donated to Village of Hope.

• Found’s 1st Annual Christmas Open House Thursday, Dec. 10. Celebrate the season alongside family, friends and enjoy delicious refreshments. We will be collecting non-perishable food items to donate to the Grimsby Benevolent Fund. 10 am-7 pm. At 5 Main St. W. • Wine & Food Seminar: 13 Days of Christmas Dec. 12 & 19 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 13th Street Winery.

Sommelier Corinne Maund presents 13 wine and food combinations and pair-

24 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

ings, perfect for all your holiday gatherings. Space is limited. Reserve your seat today. Tickets are $20 + HST pp.

• GreenLane Estate Winery Holiday Open House Dec. 12 from noon-5 p.m.

3751 King Street, Vineland. The La Dee Da ladies have crafted some lavishly easy appetizers that pair perfectly with GreenLane wines. 3rd Annual Holiday Open House is FREE with a donation to the local food bank. Stop by Snow or Shine!

• Feast of Fishes at the Good Earth (4556 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville) Dec. 13, noon-2 pm. $95 pp. Jason Bilkszto, sous chef, The Good Earth, LOVES preparing fish and seafood. He is the master of the perfectly seared scallop!

Pick up a few new ideas to add to your traditional Christmas “Feast of Fishes”.

905.563.6333 • Christmas Day at Casablanca Winery

Inn (4 Windward Dr, Grimsby) Dec. 25. O’ Come All Ye Tasteful to a Festive Christmas Buffet from 11 am-4 pm in Bogey’s Grillhouse for just $34.95/ adult, $17.50/child. Or, reserve for our Plated Christmas meal from noon-5 pm in Panorama Restaurant & Wine Bar for just $44.95/adult, $22.50/child + tax and gratuity. (905) 309-7171.

• New Year’s Eve Ring in the New Year in Style at Casablanca Winery Inn! Dec. 31 - We are hosting a Gala Dinner & Dance in the Grand Ballroom, featuring a gourmet five-course surf and turf dinner, live band Sandy Vine & The Midnights, late night buffet, champagne toast and party favours. $99 pp + tax and gratuity.

MULTI DATES Hernder Estate Wines – 21st Annual Craft Show Two floors of

Chef In Residence CUISINE

Candied Hazelnuts ... a great addition to all kinds of desserts, or could be a display all on its own!

INGREDIENTS • 15 perfectly toasted, peeled hazelnuts • 15 skewers • 2 cups white sugar • ½ cup water DIRECTIONS That’s it!

Add the water to the sugar, and heat on medium until a syrup forms, and the sugar dissolves.

While the syrup boils, skewer the hazelnuts. A wet pastry brush (silicone) may be used to push sugar crystals back off the sides of the pan.

Do NOT stir, as this will cause the sugar to crystallize. Simply allow the caramelization to take place. Once it begins, though, pay attention, as it

progresses rapidly! Let it come to a rich amber colour, then remove from the heat. A sink of cold water helps to stop the caramelization. Allow to cool slightly, then dip the skewers and allow the sugar to flow off the hazelnut, creating a ‘drip’ as

it flows. Allow this to harden by hanging off a counter with a weight on it, a lid, or cutting board. When hardened, use as a gorgeous garnish, a fancy snack, or a really cool centerpiece!

Go nuts!

For Christmas Cheer, Go West Continued From Page 24 quality crafters, wine tasting and light fare. In lieu of admission, help a local family with non-perishable food items or a donation to Community Care of St. Catharines. Nov. 6-8. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Wrapped Up in the Valley. Weekends Nov. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22. Join us for the most popular passport wine event in the Valley. Great wine-food pairings at 24 wineries. Assemble your own Wrapped Up cookbook. See 20valley.ca for info.

• Trademark Infringement Celebration The Rogue, Nov. 21-22; 28-29: our popular and innovative line of wine, was launched with the 2009 vintage. It was tribute to our founding Rogue, Ed Madronich Sr. One of our neighbour’s to the south decided that a word from the English language could be trademarked and became rather litigious about it, so very soon we may not even be able to utter

the word Rogue let alone sell our “The Rogue” wines. This “trademark infringement” gives us the opportunity to offer these fantastic wines at incredible prices as well as the chance to own a piece of history - now that The Rogue by Flat Rock Cellars is well and truly history.

• De Sousa Holiday Open House, Nov. 28-29. and every Saturday and Sunday in December -10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us at De Sousa Wine Cellars (3753 Quarry Rd, Beamsville) for complimentary wine samples, Port & hot chocolate, light refreshments and more.

• Traditional English Cream Tea at Aure Winery (3749 Walker Road, Beamsville). Full English Breakfast or Pork Belly Eggs Benedict, Savory Waffles or Belgium Waffles $13.50 plus HST each Sunday, Nov. 29th and Dec. 20. 10 am (905) 563-7256.

• Group Scavenger Hunt - Back 10

Cellars (4101 King Street, Beamsville ) $55 p.p. Acquisitions and mergers looking a little stodgy? This is a great teambuilding event. Your group will be split into teams. Includes a picnic lunch and wine for each guest and runs approx. 2-3 hours. We can also arrange door to door transport. 905.562.3365.

• Puddicombe Estate Tracker Inspector – Winter & Early Spring. Enjoy a train and/or wagon ride (weather permitting) throughout the orchards, vineyards, by the irrigation pond and view the Niagara Escarpment. Take a nature hike and look for signs of wildlife; identify prints, foods sources, etc. and try to track down the animal. After your hike is finished all will enjoy a marshmallow roast with hot chocolate, and play a couple wildlife games. If you are interested in this program, contact Puddicombe for more information: 905-643-1015 November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

25

CW

Pursuits Travel

Picture yourself... ...strolling along a sandy beach Sunset in New Zealand.

By John Potter ctober is my favourite time of year.

I love putting on my favourite sweater and enjoying the fresh air. The change of seasons does remind one, though, of what is coming!

Got the snow shovel ready?

We’re a funny lot - we are so lucky to live in this country, but every winter, we can’t wait to get away from it. If you are planning to travel to warmer climes any time this winter, now is the time to book. Think it is too late to get a good travel deal for the winter? Not at all.

When you think of getting away on your winter vacation, you probably think of the Caribbean or Mexico. Perhaps you have done the all-inclusive-resort thing in Cancun or Dominican Republic.

This year, how about trying a new destination and setting

O

26 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

your sights a little further?

Did you know, for example, that while we are shivering through our Canadian winter, it is summer time in the lands Downunder?

You may think Australia and New Zealand are too far to go, but you’d be surprised how many Canadians get away to Oz or Aotearoa for a 10-day or two-week getaway in the winter.

These days, with the variety of airlines offering direct flights, the South Pacific is no longer out-of-bounds for a winter getaway vacation. In fact, it is becoming more and more popular.

The beaches of Sydney are fantastic and world renowned – there is Bondi, Coogee, Manly and Curl Curl, and these are right in metropolitan Sydney!

Travel outside of Sydney to other parts of the country, and you will find Surfer’s Paradise on Australia’s amazing Gold

Travel Pursuits Continued From Page 26 Coast, or the stunning Whitsunday Islands in Northern Queensland – home to some of the best couples and family resorts anywhere. Thought all Snowbirds went to Florida? Surprisingly, hundreds of Canadians do the Snowbird thing and spend the winter in places such as Mount Maunganui, New Zealand or in the Gold Coast of Australia, and some Canadian tour operators specialize in this type of trip.

Fiji is in my opinion one of the best family-friendly destinations in the world. The Fijians are some of the friendliest people anywhere, and they love children.

There are great 8-10 day packages to Fiji, and they can be more

economical than one might think.

Think Fiji is too far to go? Fiji is only an 11-hour flight from the west coast. How long does it take one to drive to Florida?

Then, of course, there is Tahiti and The Cook Islands, but they warrant an entirely separate article on their own!

The all-inclusive resorts are a great way to spend your winter vacation, and they will always be there in future years. This year, why not try something a little different for your winter getaway? You can still go south, but maybe try going a little further south than you usually do!

(John Potter is a travel expert specializing in customized individual Jan Yates with 40 anniverand group tours to the Europe, South sary logo over Pacific her shoulder.

America, the South and Asia.

ForHer morecontribution details, see: will be an www.johnpottertravel.com) interactive piece symbolizing

40 “aha” moments at GPAG.

CHRISTMAS Open House Saturday November 7th, 12 to 8 pm • Refreshments, Store Specials, Door Prizes, and More!

Windmill Construction Since 1986

• Sunrooms • Additions • Windows • Shutters • Skylights • Soffits • Bay Windows • Fascia • Steel Doors • Maintenance Free Decking Call us for a FREE estimate

905-957-0917 905-563-6262

Vintage VOGUE Farmhouse Country Chic Style Home Décor & Accessories, Gifts and More!

We carry FUSION Mineral Paint & Country Chic Chalk & Clay Based Paint For your Furniture Make-over's and DIY Projects Open Tuesday through Saturday 103 McMurchie Lane, 10 am to 5:30 pm downtown Smithville 905-­‐531-­‐3222 VintageVogueSmithville

Gluten Free Treats for the Holiday Season d

ea Fresh Br Daily

Savoury Delights

Al l Re a l Food

Sweet Treats

Suzie’s Gluten Free Kitchen 7 Ontario St., Grimsby • 289-235-7501

Hours: 11am-6pm Tuesday to Thursday, 11am-5pm Friday, Saturday 9am-4pm

November/December 2015 | clubwest.ca

27

Since 1920, Wills Chevrolet Buick GMC has been providing Ontarians with exceptional value and customer service. Now, almost 100 years later with fourth generation Wills family at our Grimsby location, it continues to be a family business committed to the same value, integrity and care as when G. W. Wills opened the doors in 1920. We have earned our reputation through our dedication, honesty and commitment to our customers.

If you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, and looking for friendly and knowledgable staff to help you through the process, come by our dealership to experience the same service and care that started it all.

WILLS CHEVROLET

WILLS

CORVETTE

BUICK

337 MAIN ST. E., GRIMSBY • 905-309-3356 Info@willschevrolet.com

www.facebook.com/willschevbuickgmc

28 clubwest.ca | November/December 2015

www.willschevrolet.com

www.twitter.com/willschevrolet

Voted Best Retirement Home in West Niagara!

At The Orchards Retirement Residence, we are devoted to providing outstanding retirement living alternatives for both independent and assisted living lifestyles.

The safety, wellbeing and comfort of seniors is our number one priority and we look forward to providing you with our undivided attention.  FREE Physiotherapy & Exercise Programs Daily  Medication Management & Monitoring  House Physician with Weekly Visits  Various Studio & One Bedroom Suite Options Available

 24 Hour Professional Nursing & Personal Support Workers  Daily Social Activities & Entertainment  Mechanical Lifts  Memory Care & Secured Units  Respite Care Options Available

Independent & Assisted Living Suites Available!

For more information or to schedule a tour, please call us today!

3421 Frederick Avenue, Vineland, Ontario (905) 562-7357 www.theorchardsresidence.ca

SAVE MORE THIS FALL ON

THE BEST WINDOWS

SAVE $150.

ON NEW WINDOWS FROM LOUWES Visit our website at www.louwes.ca for more details on this special offer.

Fall has arrived ... colder weather is here!

Fall is here and that means colder weather. Don’t go through another winter with old drafty windows that let the heat escape, the cold in and end up costing you money. North Star energy-efficient windows will save you money in the long term by keeping your warmer in the winter. They’re made right here in Ontario and have a limited life time warranty. Call or visit our showroom today! FLEXIBLE FINANCING AVAILABLE (OAC)

Call 905.562.5831 for a FREE Estimate

LOUWES

WINDOWS & SIDING SINCE 1966

3435 King Street, Vineland • Visit: www.louwes.ca