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VOLUME 5 ISSUE 5
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By Dave Scott
Don Howell
I truly admire the artwork of Don Howell. He paints the history of the local fishing fleet and it stirs memories in me every time I see one of his exceptional pieces of art. I find myself staring into the face of the captains and the deck hands of these powerful tugs from years gone by. Gazing into a painting of the J.P. Siddall, it’s like you can feel the old bridge rise up around you. It takes me back to the days when the sun would slowly peek out in the early morning as I sat in the wheelhouse. There was a chill in the air as I kept the old, worn blanket wrapped tightly around me and watched the steam rise from the open thermos of coffee. The occasional waves bounced off the bow, with the roll and pitch of the tug as the net came aboard. There was the odour of the smelts, the sounds of the metal shovels sliding on the deck, the slush of fish hitting the tote, and an eelpout could be seen squirming across the deck. I can remember the afternoon sun as the tug slid back towards the port and the excitement of seeing the lighthouse as it brought you home. The throttle would drop and the tug would slowly slide between the piers, she would stride proudly passed the cars lined up to watch. All of these thoughts come flashing back to me when I look at one of Don’s paintings. So where did Don’s love of water and tugs come from? The thing about Port Dover is that it never lets you go. You can move away, but the town seems to stick with you. It finds you, hunts you down and drives you back to your childhood! Very few can escape it! Dover has always been a part of Don, even at his home in California. A few years back Don tried his hand at painting. Well, actually he was building toy boxes for friends and family when he started painting scenes on the boxes.
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People liked them so much, Don decided to paint a few pictures of some of the local fish tugs that he had remembered as a kid. He chuckled as he thought back to those fond memories in his life. Don remembers watching the T.A. Ivey coming in between the piers with his father oh so many years ago. He laughs when he tells me that his mom would never allow him to take his little boat past the old lift bridge. In those early days, Don was drawn to the water and would always ask a local captain if he could go out on the lake. A few, like the late Dupper Mummery, said yes. Don’s love of the lake continued to grow. It was those memories that came flooding back when he started to paint a few years ago. He always enjoyed seeing the boats tied up along the old piers and fish shanties, so they became a sort of staple in the background of his paintings. It is easy to see Don’s love for the water. His artwork reflects the rich history of Port Dover’s fishing fleet and what means to our community. I think that is why just looking at the paintings brings back the flood of memories so easily. Don said, yes his art surprised him. He had not realized it was something that he was good at and would enjoy so much. He said he was amazed, as were his kids, at how well the paintings were turning out. All of which has led to Don’s first show in Port Dover at gallery23 from May 11 to June 18, with Bruce Milner. If you enjoy Port Dover history, this is a must-see exhibit! Take the time to stop by the gallery. You will not be disappointed.
Erie Beach Hotel
THE HUB
23 Market Street, Unit #9, Box 1501 Port Dover ON N0A 1N0 Phone: (519) 429-2567 Publishers: Dave & Monica Scott editor@norfolkhub.ca www.norfolkhub.ca Any reproduction of this publication without permission is prohibited. Opinions and comments within this publication are those of the writers and not necessarily that of Sports Norfolk or the Norfolk Hub.
IN THE
LONG
RUN By CHARLIE UPSHALL
A RUNNING DRAMA FOR THE AGES
Every autumn I volunteer at the Run for the Toad 25k/50k, a trail race held north of Paris, assisting with registration and then acting as a race marshal. A few years ago I was introduced to a well-known ultrarunner and adventure racer from Vancouver named Gary Robbins. He was a friendly and pleasant athlete. Who would have thought that this year at the beginning of April he would be the protagonist in one of the most amazing ultra race dramas ever enacted? The pertinent race is the infamous Barkley Marathons. It used to be known only to a few insiders, a strange, ridiculous challenge of great mystery. Now it has enraptured the minds of many runners after the 2012 edition was documented in a full-length film titled, The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young. I think it is fair to say that the Barkley is the most unique of all ultra races, and it is likely the most difficult as well. The course for this 100 miler was designed by the famous race director Gary Cantrell. His idea was inspired by the 1977 escape by James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King, from the State Penitentiary in Tennessee, near where Cantrell lived. Before surrendering, Ray was able to cover only 8 miles after being out 55 hours in the thick brush and woods of the mountainous region. At the time Gary thought to himself that he could have done 100 miles. The inaugural Barkley Marathons took place in the state’s Frozen Head State Park in 1986.
The course consists of five circuits of an unmarked, approximately 20 mile loop that is changed somewhat each year so that any returning competitors don’t get to know it too well. The first two laps are run in a clock-wise direction, the next two are counter-clockwise, followed by each incoming runner (if any get that far) alternating direction on loop five, with the leader having his choice first. Anyone who completes three laps (60 miles) is deemed to have successfully finished the “fun run.” In the 100 miles there are almost sixty thousand feet of accumulated vertical climb, equivalent to twice the height of Mount Everest. Cantrell merrily indulges his sense of humour and eccentricity in his administration of the race. The Barkley is limited to 40 runners each year and is not advertised publicly. Potential registrants have to write an essay on “Why I Should be Allowed to Run in the Barkley” and pay a fee of $1.60. A letter of condolence is sent to each of the successful applicants. First-timers have to bring a licence plate from their state/country and those who have entered the race before are required to pay an additional fee, which could be a pair of socks or a flannel shirt, whatever Cantrell might decide he needs for himself that year. Bib number 1 is allocated to the person he considers least likely to complete even one loop. The race starts any time from midnight to noon on race day, held the weekend nearest to April Fools’ Day, and the runners don’t know when until exactly one hour before when Gary blows a conch shell. There are no manned aid stations on the course which, remember, is unmarked. There are a number of books placed along the loop, this year the number being thirteen, and each runner removes the pages corresponding to his race number and hands them into the race director at the end as proof that he has completed it. A new race number is then issued for the next loop. The cutoff time is 12 hours per loop, or 60 hours for 100 miles. Thus you just have to average a little less than two miles an hour in order to complete the Barkley successfully. In its thirty-one year history the 100 miles have been completed within the official 60 hours only 18 times by 15 different runners. There were no finishers until 1995. More than 30 entrants have failed to get to the first book at 2 miles. When a runner drops out, “Taps” is played at the finish line camp. There was one finisher last year, Jared Campbell. Two runners, John Kelly and Gary Robbins, completed four loops. Campbell did not take part this year but Kelly and Robbins spent the full year preparing for another attempt. John Kelly is to be congratulated on becoming, this year, the fifteenth person to ever finish and the first local. He and his family have hiked and camped in the park all their lives. However, the story likely to be remembered forever is that of Gary Robbins. The two runners, both vastly experienced and knowledgeable about all that the race entails, worked together to complete the first four circuits. But they had to go in opposite directions for the final loop. Kelly was successful although it was exceedingly tough. Running under brutal conditions, he finished up wearing a toque and a torn plastic
bag that he found on the course. After already having been running for over 50 hours, at one point he passed out from a lack of sleep and only awoke due to the frigid weather. Travelling the other way, Robbins made it successfully to the thirteenth and last book with enough time to finish within the sixty hours. However, snow and heavy fog had set in up the mountain. In the fog, Gary got a few degrees off course coming down from the top. He was no longer on the correct route. He kept pushing hard but when he came to a staircase he knew he was lost, as there are no staircases on the course. Robbins opened his map and realized he had a problem. There was not enough time to correct his error by going back up over the mountain again. Because of his sleep deprivation he was not thinking clearly so he decided to continue, off course, and try to get to the finish line within the allotted time. That happens sometimes under duress; you just keep going harder even when you know what you are doing is not right. He kept bushwhacking down the mountain until he came to a raging river. Taking one step off the river bank, he was already chest deep. Now totally stressed, he decided to swim across and he washed up on the other side downstream. He kept busting through the thick brush until he saw the road that leads into camp. He put his head down and pushed to the finish gate, coming in from the same direction as Kelly had, the wrong direction for him. The time was 60 hours and 6 seconds. Unfortunately, even if Gary had been 6 seconds faster, it wouldn’t have counted as a finish as he had been off course for two miles. How long will that critical error so close
to the end of the 100 miles haunt him? Here is part of what Robbins had to say on his blog the day after the race: ”My finish, even if it were 6 seconds faster, would not have counted. I put Laz (Gary Cantrell) and the race in a precarious situation and in hindsight I’m glad I was six seconds over so that we didn’t have to discuss the validity of my finish.” Is that not an inspiring example of how one should handle such terrible disappointment at the end of a truly exhausting and tremendous performance? Gary Robbins is a sportsman in the finest sense of the word. No Canadian has ever finished the Barkley Marathons.
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Fashion Advice from Chantelle Weiler of Sassyfras Boutique
With the changes in the weather‌ spring layering is a must. A prime example of this would be, tank top with a shirt over top followed by a blazer, because you just never know what the weather will be outside or with your body! This year accessories are in, multiple bracelets and necklaces are all the trend! Chantelle is sitting amongst the Mandevillas and Dipladenia’s and is wearing jewellery by Kameleon, her Poncho/blazer is Artex. The stunning white lace top is Minkas along with a marsala red tank top by Cream and also jeans by Cream and of course wedge shoes by Crocs.
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BUTTERMILK BATTERED CHICKEN STRIPS INGREDIENTS
2 lbs boneless, skinless, chicken breasts 2 cups buttermilk 1 teaspoon red pepper sauce 2 garlic cloves, mashed 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon dried oregano
DIRECTIONS
1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper 2 cups vegetable oil
In a deep bowl, mix together buttermilk, pepper sauce, and mashed garlic. Cut chicken breasts in half, lengthwise so that they are in strips roughly 1 inch wide and 4-7 inches long. Add chicken to buttermilk, pepper, garlic mix and stir so that chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator several hours or overnight. Remove chicken from refrigerator about ½ hour before cooking. In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and ground pepper. Exact amounts of spices can be adjusted to personal tastes. Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture one piece at a time, shake off excess liquid and then toss into flour mixture to coat. Place each piece on a clean dry baking pan. When all pieces are coated, dip each piece, one at a time again, into buttermilk and toss again in flour mixture, remove and set in back into baking pan. Heat vegetable oil and deep fry chicken strips until golden brown and they float on top in the oil (this indicates they are finished cooking).
THIS MOTHER ’S DAY GIVE YOUR MOM THE GIF T OF
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MIKE RUNS FOR
TERRY FOX A few months ago, I had the opportunity to chat with Mike Mathews, a man on a mission. Mike plans to run 150km throughout Norfolk County, starting June 28 and ending July 1. He will finish at the Port Dover parade in honour of Terry Fox. All of the funds raised from this event will go to the Terry Fox Foundation. Mike is currently working out all the final details and hopes folks will come out, support and donate while he is running. Mike explains below why this event is so important to him. Give it a read. Ever since I was a young boy, my mother would periodically remind me of how great of a man Terry Fox was, and the foundation is, that has carried on his legacy. Well, it all finally sank in last September 2016, when I drove across Canada and made a stop in Thunder Bay. My life was heading down a very dark road, filled with a lot of unnecessary pain and addictions. I realized that some changes needed to be made or my worst thoughts would become a reality. I made some 180-degree lifestyle changes, regarding health and fitness. Through those changes, I returned to my childhood roots of running and an active way of life. I competed in multiple races throughout the season, but it became apparent that I needed a bigger challenge. I decided I would head west so I could run to the top of a mountain! On my journey I thought that stopping at the Terry Fox monument to pay my respects would probably be a wise decision, seeing as how I had become obsessed with running. Little did I know, that during the morning of August 30, while the sun rose, that the reality of how amazing of a human being this man really was would actually sink in. Everything I was taught about growing up, everything that he stood for and what he accomplished was right in front of my very eyes, engraved into his monument. As the sun rose, I took my final minutes to thank Terry and vowed that I would also use my abilities to accomplish something that would go far beyond myself.
As I ran to the top of my first mountain, I realized what I am capable of, and I began to think of ways to use this ability in service of those who are in need of it. The following spring, I sat and pondered on the possibility of running an ultramarathon around my home county, Norfolk County. It was then that I clued in, that it was Canada’s monumental 150 th birthday! What better way to celebrate the greatest country in the world’s 150 th birthday than to honour its greatest icon and hero, Terry Fox. I challenged myself to run 150km in honour of Terry Fox. I would run a marathon every day for four days, finishing in Port Dover for the Canada Day parade with the goal of collecting $1 from every resident of Norfolk County, just the same as Terry had done once before! I will begin my run on June 28 and will complete a marathon every day for 4 days, totalling close to 150 km for Canada’s 150th birthday. I will finish in Port Dover on July 1 for the Canada Day parade and celebrations. I will have a vehicle following me with supplies like food and drink and other safety precautions. I will try to target rural schools along the route, as it is the last week of school. This will give the students something to look forward to, and a chance to get them involved in the fundraising and educating them on who Terry Fox was and the importance of living out your dreams and goals. In the weeks leading up to the run, I can also make short appearances at the schools to familiarize the kids and teachers with who I am and what I am doing. Funds will be secured at selected drop-off locations throughout the county.
Scotiabank Simcoe will also set up an account for residents to deposit their donations.
144 Queensway East Simcoe • 519-426-3010 • DemeyereChrysler.com
THE NORVIEW
NEWS HOUNDS. MAY NEWS The Norview News Hounds decided that this month’s article should highlight the many talented individuals who come to Norview and share their love of music and performing with us. We are very fortunate to have many accomplished individuals residing here, in our community, who graciously come and perform for us. Over the years there have been many performers who have come to Norview such as individual musical acts, large singing groups, bands, dancers and variety acts. We have many repeat and regular performers that the residents, staff and family members have gotten to know quite well and request. Music selections can range from country, rock and roll, gospel to folk tunes. A monthly favourite for everyone is our Fiddle Music program. The second Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. is a standing performance time for a group of local fiddlers who come and amaze us with their abilities. Their interaction with the crowd and familiar song choices make for many smiles and a toe tapping good time. Another regular performer, Alex, is a very talented community member who comes every Sunday and plays piano for our Sunday Hymn Sing program. He also, comes every Friday to play for the enjoyment of our residents and he has made himself available for many sing-a-longs. Alex is well-known by all of us
here, at Norview not only for his musical talents, but his kindness and wonderful personality. Some of the performers who come to Norview enter competitions showcasing their talents and perform at local venues. Recently, we had a new group, The Tillsonburg Cloggers, come and entertain us. This group does compete and has won many awards. After speaking with the group we learned that clogging is an Appalachian form of step dancing to various genres of music. The group practices twice a week and their ages range from 40 years old and up. It was such an enjoyable evening with the group performing for over an hour. The song selections were all familiar tunes and the dances were choreographed perfectly to the music. The group interacted with the crowd and encouraged participation. They even answered questions at the end of the performance. Like many of the entertainers who come to Norview, we will be asking for future engagements. The Norview News Hounds are very grateful to be able to highlight the many wonderful programs and events taking place at Norview, especially when we can mention the many gifted community members who are sharing their talents with us. Nicole Tweedie Activation Department – Norview Lodge
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HOT TOPIC
CHOLESTEROL Courtesy of www.heartandstroke.ca
MICHAEL MARINI, B.Sc. Phm. Pharmacist
Cholesterol is a fatty substance carried in the bloodstream and needed in small amounts by the body to rebuild its cells and to make certain hormones. People with high cholesterol have too much cholesterol in the bloodstream. Cholesterol levels generally rise with age and can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. The liver is responsible for making about 80% of the body’s cholesterol; the rest comes from the diet. Dietary cholesterol is found in foods from animal sources, such as eggs, meats, and dairy products. There are two important types of cholesterol: l low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol and l high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol Most of the LDL or “bad” cholesterol circulates in the blood and remains unused. Normally, the liver removes this excess cholesterol, but many people have more LDL cholesterol than the liver can handle. HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because it picks up the LDL cholesterol from the arteries and tissues and carries it back to the liver, where it can be broken down. Many factors determine the amount of LDL cholesterol in the body: l age (cholesterol levels increase with age) l alcohol consumption l diet l gender (men have higher cholesterol) l heredity l level of physical activity l weight Eating foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol also affects the amount of cholesterol in the body. Furthermore, some medical conditions, such as diabetes,
hypothyroidism, liver disease, and kidney disease can raise cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol promotes buildup of harmful fatty deposits (or plaques) in the walls of the arteries. These plaques can clog the arteries, including the coronary arteries that feed the heart. This process is called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and can result in angina (chest pain), heart attack, or stroke. High cholesterol usually has no obvious symptoms; it’s a “silent” condition that offers no early warning. Most people first discover the problem during a routine blood test and physical exam. Typically high cholesterol appears as symptoms from the complications of high cholesterol. These include angina and pain in the calves caused by narrowed arteries to the legs. The main complications of high cholesterol are heart disease and stroke. Lowering cholesterol levels with treatment reduces the risk of developing coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and other disorders. A healthy lifestyle is the best defence against high cholesterol. This also helps against other risk factors linked to coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes are a good first step in reducing cholesterol levels: l observing a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol l eating a wide variety of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds l boosting your level of physical activity l maintaining a healthy body weight l limiting alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day to a maximum of 10 drinks per week Medication therapy may be added to lifestyle change if cholesterol target levels are not reached, or may be started right away in addition to lifestyle change in those people with a higher risk of coronary artery disease.
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Don Howell and Bruce Milner
SHOW RUNS MAY 11 TO JUNE 18, 2017
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THE
REEL DEAL LARRY MELLORS with
we have taken the FUN out. Our leisure time is becoming exceedingly rare or minimal at best. For some reason we have little time leftover in the day to make time for things that can recharge our batteries. For many people it is as though they have to pencil their leisure time into their monthly planner. Sometimes we take the fun out of the things we are purchasing by overanalyzing. I can tell you about a couple who had 3 children. Every year for about 6 in a row they would attend the London Fishing and Boat Show. They knew every model of Starcraft Boat. But every year they didn’t sign up for a new boat. They wanted to do more research. Finally the last year they came to the show they had decided it was too late to buy a boat. Their children were now in their teens and wouldn’t be able to spend much time with them due to school and working. What a shame as they had wasted those valuable family years to bond and grow together. All boats are built to float and not sink. Is there a difference in quality between manufacturers – absolutely? It is about having fun and enjoyment in the recreational activity you have chosen. So go and enjoy it! Certainly carry out due diligence but there comes a time to make the decision and GO DO IT! It doesn’t matter if we are talking about shoes for running, a golf club or a boat. Get out of your chair and away from the computer screen and go to a retailer and put the product in your hand. We all have different ideas on how a product needs to feel and what performance it will supply. No friend, website or blog can tell you that. It is personal preference. Homework and education are important factors required to make an informed decision about products and services. Use that information wisely and without overkill. Read reviews with caution. A majority of people who write comments and reviews lean toward negativity, rather than positive experiences. Remember, these people are behind a computer screen where they do not have to answer to anyone. It is interesting that not many people wanted to become writers while in their school years. Believe me when I say there are not many people who can support themselves financially through this career. But it is interesting now that social media is an accepted means of communicating that many people are now writers. It is interesting to note that an individual doesn’t consume any more information than they did several years ago but a person’s ability to generate and distribute information has grown significantly. The more information we have, the more we want more. Sometimes we gather too much information and we over analyze. We tend to make things more complicated then they need to be. We also tend to believe comments made online or from our friends are better than talking to knowledgeable people in their field. The key word – knowledgeable. Go to a retailer of your choice and get firsthand information from someone that is not directly friend or family and will not be biased. Gathering too much information is overkill. We can say that something is overkill when you think that there is more than is appropriate or necessary. There is no denying that serving Lake erie Boaters information is easily available, everywhere and definitely for over 60 years immediate. As a freelance writer/journalist it couldn’t be more immediate. The public yearns for any little bit of news. It is a sad state when what Katy Perry names her cat makes the news. At some point in time you must make a decision to move forward and finally make that decision. Go enjoy, it is whatever you have chosen. That is the fun. That is the experience to be enjoyed whether by you or with friends and family. Isn’t it time to take a look out the window and consider what really is important? Larry can be reached at focusonfishing@rogers.com
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YOGA A Journey Into Entrepreneurship:
BREATHE IN. PEACE OUT. YOGA Laura Mack, Yoga Instructor & Birth Doula My first experience with yoga was when I was 16 and took a class at the local YMCA in Cambridge. At that time I was an avid athlete competing in speed skating, swimming, and volleyball, when I heard that yoga was a great way to cross train and stretch out. Not entirely sure what to expect, I remember leaving my first yoga experience feeling a deep sense of relaxation and that I had been able to connect to my body on a new level. I was hooked. I continued practising yoga throughout my high school and college years, which helped me to stay grounded during the stresses of student life. It wasn’t until my adult years when I was working for a company with strong values in personal development and goal setting that I decided that I wanted to enhance my practice and attend yoga teacher training. I went on to complete my 200 hour Yoga Fundamentals Program and 300 hour Effective Teacher Training at Octopus Garden in Toronto. During my training I focused on anatomy, physiology and yoga philosophy. Eager to share the healing benefits of yoga with others, I began teaching by volunteering at local community centres and covering classes for other teachers at any studio that I could. I was clumsy, stumbling over my words and needing lesson plans close by. However, with each class I taught, I developed my teaching “voice,” my confidence grew, and so did my following. I was blessed to be able to leave my job and began teaching yoga full time. Developing my teaching skills further, I went on to complete my 45 hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training through Blooma at Toronto Yoga Mamas. My most recent endeavour is the completion of my Birth
Doula certification through DONA (Doulas of North America) by fall 2017. I began my journey in 2015 by attending a Birth Doula Workshop hosted by Discover Birth Inc. and have been supporting women and their partners for the past two years. In pursuit of being close to family, nature and slowing down from city life, I moved to Norfolk County in August of 2016. With the support of loved ones and the encouragement of my running friends at North Shore Athletics, I have begun the next phase of my journey. I have stepped into entrepreneurship and created Breathe in. Peace out. Yoga, building on the existing yoga community in Waterford and surrounding areas. Also, as of April 24, I’m now leading classes at the Old Town Hall in Waterford, Mondays from 6:30-7:30 for $10/drop in. Teaching yoga is truly joy of passion. I am continually learning from my own teachers, delving into books, and inspired by my students. I promote a strong connection to mind, body, breath, and building poses from the ground up. I also believe that, “The grin on your chin is far more important that getting your chin to your shins,” so in my classes you can expect a few light hearted moments along the way. When I’m not on the mat, you can find me running in Port Dover with North Shore Athletics, enjoying swimming in the lake during the summer, or sipping on a coffee with friends at the Urban Parisian. Living in Norfolk County is true bliss! For more information about me and the services I offer, you can visit online: www.breatheinpeaceoutyoga.com or connect with me on Facebook and Instagram.