Culture Home Recreation Fall 2015 | Volume 9 | Issue 3
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Conserving Elgin Naturalists of Elgin's Past, Present & Future ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Homegrown Wow: Clovermead & Little Red Mitten STEGH Foundation's Black Tie & Pearls Fundraiser Simple & Seasonal Recipes • Fall Events in Elgin
WEST ELGIN WEST LORNE • RODNEY • PORT GLASGOW
Open September 12th to November 1st Ready-picked Apples, Cider, Pie & Other Apple Treats Pick-your-own Apples, Pears & Pumpkins • Corn Maze Straw mountain • Tractor Rides (weekends) • Pirate ship
PUMPKINFEST
Fruit, flowers, fall...
October 24th & 25th
Lots of spooky fun, just in time for Halloween! Come visit Spookley the square pumpkin and take part in some Spookley events. Check website for details.
...come discover the tastes, smells and sights of autumn in West Elgin UPCOMING EVENTS
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-5pm
Rodney-Aldborough Fair • Sept 18-20 Halloween in Rodney • Sat Oct 31
BRING IN THIS AD FOR
Treats at Olde Rodney Jail and free hotdogs at Rodney Town Hall courtesy of Rodney Lions Club
$2 OFF
Remembrance Day Ceremonies • Wed Nov 11
PICK-YOUR-OWN APPLES. Valid during the 2015 Season. Minimum $10 purchase.
We’re just down the road and off the beaten path.
5111 Union Rd, Port Stanley • 519-782-3433
www.greatlakesfarms.ca
Rodney Library & West Lorne Cenotaph
519-785-0560
www.westelgin.net DISCOVER • INDULGE • ESCAPE
Our gift boutique offers unique handcrafted gifts & gourmet foods created from our harvested lavender. growers & creators of fine lavender products
Open Wed-Sat 10-5 & Sun 12-4 • Mother’s Day until Christmas
47589 Sparta Ln, Sparta • 519-494-5525 • buds@steedandcompany.com • www.steedandcompany.com
theVillageCollective.com
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
We say thanks with early bird
Thanksgiving Sale MAIN STREET, SPARTA
Artist Shelley McVittie
PLUS A DOZEN OTHER ARTISTS & ARTISANS
Sat Oct 10, 10-5 Sun Oct 11, 12-4
Spooky Sparta Saturday Sale & Psychic Fair Special Returns Sat Oct 24, 10-5 Village Collective’s
Christmas Open House
Fri Nov 13, Sat Nov 14 & Sun Nov 15
FROM THE EDITOR GET OUT THERE … GET SMART
Most nature-lovers spend time in it, first and foremost, out of a sense of simple enjoyment. Richard Louv, wrote Last Child in the Woods (2005), a national bestseller and recipient of the Audubon Medal. He argued that children are increasingly separated from nature and deprived of invaluable sensory experiences with deleterious effect on their health and well-being. In The Nature Principle (2012), Louv expanded his discussion of a term he had coined, “nature deficit disorder”. He wrote, “Young, old, or in between, we can reap extraordinary benefits by connecting—or reconnecting—to nature. For the jaded and weary among us, the outdoor world can expand our senses and reignite a sense of awe and wonder not felt since we were children; it can support better health, enhanced creativity, new careers and business opportunities, and act as a bonding agent for families and communities. Nature can help us feel fully alive.” Louv suggests that “… the future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of nature, and who balance the virtual world with the real.” An extraordinary richness and diversity of natural experiences await us right in our own backyard. Many Elgin County organizations and individuals offer much to aid in our enjoyment of those experiences. Much is being done to keep watch on and to care for what we have and to ensure it is there for the benefit of future generations. Get out there; enjoy; get “nature-smart”.
Debra “Nature never did betray the heart that loved her.” ~William Wordsworth
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 Conserving Elgin 5 8 10 13
Nature & Conservation Groups Notable Naturalists Local Publications Milestones & Events
16 Elgin Map & What's in Season 19 Homegrown Wow!
Clovermead & Little Red Mitten
22 Seasonal & Simple
Recipes for Berry Fool, Curried Carrot & Potato Soup and Roasted Pear Salad with Chèvre
24 Black Tie & Pearls
Fundraiser of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation
27 Autumn Events in Elgin Cover photo ©istockphoto.com/Rogeramjet
Editor • Debra Bagshaw • editor@relishelgin.ca Design • Joanne Rowles • jo@relishelgin.ca Advertising Info • ads@relishelgin.ca TO SUBSCRIBE Send a cheque for $10 (to cover mailing) to the following address. Includes 5 issues. Relish Elgin Magazine P.O. Box 20058 St. Thomas, ON, N5P 4H4 519-633-1992
www.relishelgin.ca Copyright 2015, Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc. All rights reserved. Relish Elgin is published by Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc. Reproduction of any material published in Relish Elgin is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the Publisher.
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Flora & Fauna FABULOUS & FRAGILE
Elgin County’s outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists, finding themselves right in the centre of the Carolinian Canada Life Zone, have long appreciated the vast diversity of flora and fauna to be discovered in the exploration of habitat from woodlands to wetlands, tallgrass prairie, lakes, streams and shoreline.
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / epantha
The Carolinian Canada Life Zone stretches from Toronto to Windsor. The surrounding Great Lakes bestow upon the area a milder climate than the rest of Ontario, hence the nickname “the banana belt” and the occurrence of more southern species than elsewhere in Canada. Although it makes up only 1% of Canada’s total land area “it boasts a greater number of both flora and fauna species than any other ecosystem in Canada. It is estimated that some 2,200 species of herbaceous plants are found here including 64 species of ferns, at least 110 species of grasses, and over 130 different sedge species. There are 70 species of trees alone.” Alongside this richness of nature, Carolinian Canada also has 73% of its landscape in highly productive agriculture and is densely populated—25% of Canada’s population lives here. With less than 2% of the landscape in public ownership, forest cover reduced from 80% to 11.3% and wetlands reduced from 28.3% to 5.1% “the Carolinian Life Zone is one of the most unique and fragile in North America.” The info above is from www.carolinianiancanada.ca. Find out more about the Carolinian Life Zone and the work of the Carolinian Canada Coalition to advance a strategic ‘Big Picture’ vision for healthy landscapes and a green future in Canada’s Deep South on the website.
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Top to bottom: Monarch butterfly at Port Bruce; a Northern Bobwhite, a rare species of the prairie remnants; tulip tree at the Buttermilk Bog
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Recreation
ORGANIZATIONS LEADING THE WAY —NATURALLY Both long-standing and newer nature and conservation groups have recognized the priceless riches to be found in Elgin County’s wild spaces. They have played varying roles in getting us out into nature, helping us appreciate it and ensuring its preservation for future generations.
West Elgin Nature Club Who? Naturalists from the western part of Elgin County and the eastern portion of Chatham-Kent, who share a common interest in nature study, as well as the appreciation and preservation of natural processes. The club was started in 1946 with a meeting at West Lorne Public School, and the encouragement of the late Dr. W.E. Saunders. Meetings: Members hold monthly meetings, the 3rd Thursday of each month at 8pm in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sept, Oct & Nov. They are currently held at Grace Anglican Church in West Lorne. Activities: Conduct West Elgin Bird Census annually on December 27th; distribute blue bird and wood duck boxes and sell bird seed to area residents as a local fundraiser; care for the West Elgin Nature Reserve through an arrangement with the Municipality of West Elgin (since 1983); lease 3km of railroad right-of-way from CSX railroad, known as the Dutton Prairie, one of the few naturally remaining tallgrass prairies in Southern Ontario Find out more: www.naturallyelgin.com
Elgin SteWardship Council Who? Comprised of volunteers from across Elgin County who work collaboratively to provide environmental land stewardship opportunities and advice for landowners within Elgin County; they authored the Elgin Landscape Strategy and were established in 1997.
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Activities: More information about ESC projects can be found on-line. One of the larger projects in Elgin County is the Bento site on Gray Line in West Elgin with over 80 acres of restoration. This includes 50 acres of tall grass prairie, 11 wetland ponds and 20 acres of native hardwoods and conifers. The site is part of a major migration route and restoration work has been on-going for the last six years. Find out more: www.naturallyelgin.com
West Elgin Nature Trust Who? A collaborative partnership of the West Elgin Nature Club and the Elgin Stewardship Council to raise funds for local environmental projects and support conservation of Elgin County’s natural resources. It was formed in 1999 as a non-profit, charitable organization. Activities: Provided financial support for the development and implementation of the Elgin Landscape Strategy through a partnership with the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Ministry of Natural Resources. Lead development of the book Birds of Elgin County: A Century of Change with funding support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, West Elgin Nature Club and a number of local naturalists. Provided financial support to many local schools and conservation groups enabling them to participate in and lead their own environmental projects. Find out more: www.naturallyelgin.com
Thames Talbot Land Trust Who? Named after the Thames River and historic Talbot Trail, TTLT was established to protect the natural and cultural heritage of London, Middlesex, Elgin, Perth and Oxford Counties in southwestern Ontario. Established as a charity in 2000, its mandate has included the protection of land with both natural and agricultural features. Activities: Currently owns twelve properties and holds one conservation easement, protecting over 1000 acres, each under care of TTLT volunteers.
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Recreation The Lusty Family Woods, a 53-acre parcel of spectacular Carolinian swamp forest lies in the heart of the West Lorne Woods, 600 acres of almost continuous deciduous forest. A campaign to purchase Hawk Cliff Woods was launched in September (see page 13). Find out more: www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca
St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club Who? A non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to preserving and promoting our local natural heritage. The Club was formed in September 1950. Meetings: Members hold monthly meetings, the first Friday of each month from October to May, 7:30pm, at Knox Presbyterian Church (55 Hincks St, St. Thomas). Activities: Has a long history of annual bird counts; members have participated in hawk
viewing weekends at Hawk Cliff since 1975; offer guided winter and spring walks; conduct annual butterfly count and promote the monarch migration; members have built and maintained Eastern Bluebird boxes since 1957 and were instrumental in the increase in population in our county; to date have published seven photo field guides. In 1990, the Heritage Tree Committee was formed to initiate a project to promote appreciation and awareness of the great range of interesting trees in Elgin County. Find out more: stfnaturalist.wordpress.com
Otter Valley Naturalists Who? A non-profit club that promotes awareness and education of our natural habitat with a focus on the Otter Creek water shed which includes areas in Elgin, Norfolk and Oxford Counties. Meetings: Monthly meetings, usually with speakers, are held the 2nd Monday of each month, September to June, 7pm at the Vienna Community Centre. Activities: Annual Christmas bird count; Baillie Birdathon (in conjunction with Bird Studies Canada); summer butterfly count; monarch butterfly tagging; spring clean-up; education and outreach; habitat creation and rehabilitation projects Find out more: ovnaturalists.wordpress.com
Conservation Authorities 25th anniversary of the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club at Parkside Collegiate, from left Club President for 1975 William Rayner, Club Past President Marshall Field, and guest speaker and novelist Fred Bodsworth, circa 1975 (Elgin County Archives, St. Thomas Times-Journal Fonds)
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Who? Ontario’s Conservation Authorities were created in 1946 with a mandate to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of the province’s water,
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Recreation land and natural habitats. They are non-profit organizations with Boards of Directors comprised of members appointed by local municipalities. Their objective is to ensure proper management of their associated watersheds (a region of interconnected rivers and streams which functions as a unified system) and to provide opportunities for the public to enjoy, learn from and respect Ontario’s natural environment. The two main organizations in Elgin County are the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority and the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. Both maintain popular recreation areas and trails and have been instrumental in creating opportunities for nature experiences and learning through events, educational out-reach and unique collaborative initiatives with local schools. In the west region of the county, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority includes under its management the Talbot Creek watershed.
Elgin Hiking Trail Club Who? The Elgin Hiking Trail Club maintains the 41 km Elgin Hiking Trail. The club started in 1975 when a group of individuals got together to discuss the possibilities of a walking trail in the Elgin County area. It now has ninety members. Dedicated executive, maintenance volunteers and land-owners over the years have made it possible for many to enjoy the trail.
A deer on the Elgin Hiking Trail The Trail: The better part of the trail follows the Dodd Creek and the Kettle Creek through mostly Carolinian Forest and farm lands. The base of the trail is clay and sand. It starts in Port Stanley, at the main beach, where two carved wooden "post people hikers" welcome you to the trail, and ends at the junction with the Thames Valley Trail just north of the Hwy 401. The Elgin trail is open to all able members of the community; membership in the Elgin Hiking Trail Club is not mandatory but recommended. Adherence to the Trail Users Code is required. Find out more: www.elginhikingtrailclub.org Those looking to get more involved in the great outdoors locally don’t have to look far to find enthusiasts, guides, groups, and resources!
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Recreation
NURTURING NATURE IN NOTEWORTHY WAYS Several of Elgin County’s nature organizations have been active for many years and their members, active or retired, can be credited with having contributed enormously to conserving our natural surroundings, fostering appreciation for them and providing opportunities for their enjoyment. They have helped restore lost habitats, maintained trails, counted wildlife, banded, documented, inventoried, photographed, created resources, volunteered on boards, and helped raise funds. They have kept watch and understood what we stand to lose without constant care and vigilance. Many of today’s Elgin County naturalists have played invaluable leadership or mentoring roles.
Some of them have even received a little welldeserved recognition in the form of awards at local and higher levels. It would be difficult to name all of these people in this short article; however, we thought it might be interesting to highlight some of the naturalists of the past who, no doubt, served as inspiration to the generations which followed.
William SteWart (1923-1997) Many naturalists devote countless hours to activities which nurture the world of nature. Much of their work is accomplished by going into the field to observe, discover and record what they find. Bill Stewart was an Elgin County naturalist who, along with his wife Eileene, covered Elgin County, photographing plants, collecting specimens and writing about them. Historian George Thorman was attempting to highlight the value of writing done by passionate local researchers when, in a 1978 interview with Stewart he posed a leading question, “Why is it important to study all the plants of a district the size of Elgin County?” Thorman continued, “Now you’ve spent most of your life doing this and you’ve published a book which can be purchased, “A Guide to the Flora of Elgin County, Ontario” by William Stewart and Lorne James. This is a book that no one would ever make any money on. It involves a tremendous amount of work. You’d have been better to write a sex novel; you know they sell in the book stores. A couple of oversexed women, a couple of oversexed men and all kinds of adventures and you’d make a fortune. Maybe even make a movie out of it. No one will ever make a movie about the flora of Elgin County...”
William Stewart examines one of the over 100 mushrooms collected and identified in Elgin County, circa 1975 (Elgin County Archives, St. Thomas Times Journal Fonds)
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One can only guess what went through Stewart’s mind upon hearing these comments, but he proceeded to humbly explain how his efforts would play a role on a national scale at a time when a flora of Canada was yet to be published.
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Recreation The importance of Stewart’s work is put in perspective by the January 2014 article by Paul Sokoloff of the Canadian Museum of Nature, “Amateur Collectors: The Original Crowdsourced Science”. Sokoloff commends the value of the work done by amateur collectors and citizen scientists and the importance of their donated collections. He notes that two stories (out of hundreds) spring to mind. One of those is that of the husband-and-wife team of William and Eileene Stewart. He writes: “William, born in 1923 in St. Thomas, Elgin County, Ontario, possessed a lifelong love of the natural world that motivated him to collect and study the entire flora of his home county on evenings and weekends with his wife at his side... Thanks to their efforts, no other county in Ontario has such a fine-scale accounting of its biodiversity, and their collections at Western’s herbarium are still used today.” Thorman’s interview with Stewart also includes some interesting commentary on natural history in Elgin County. On the extinction of the passenger pigeon in about 1900, Thorman notes, “They used to organize pigeon shoots, go on the railroad out to West Lorne and Dutton and shoot these birds and salt them and ship the barrels to New York and other cities.” The two men also discussed the disappearance of wild turkeys from the county and Thorman observes that some people were trying to bring them back. Present-day residents will be familiar with the plentiful population of wild turkeys, although they are not the original native Ontario wild turkeys. (The interview can be found at www. elginhistoricalsociety.ca.)
Ian Carmichael (1937-2005) Ian Carmichael was commemorated in the June 2005 edition of Entomologist Magazine: “Perhaps Ian will be best remembered by our ESO (Entomological Society of Ontario) members for his series of Southern Ontario Photo Field Guides of Dragonflies and Damselflies; Butterflies;
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The Ian Carmichael Pond at the Fingal Wildlife Management Area Caterpillars. These guides contain photographs taken by Ian and his sister Ann Vance.” The article also notes Carmichael’s long-time love of nature and nature photography and lists his many associations (St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, the McIlwraith Field Naturalists and the Elgin County Stewardship Council) and contributions, including hours helping lay out and maintain trails at the Fingal Wildlife Management Area. The tallgrass prairie there has a viewing stand which overlooks the Ian Carmichael Pond. Carmichael was working on a Wildflower Guide at the time of his death—it was published in 2006 and dedicated to his memory.
Fred BodsWorth (1918-2012) Fred Bodsworth was an author, naturalist, birder and journalist who was born in Port Burwell and completed his elementary and secondary schooling there. He moved to Toronto in 1943 as a full time reporter for the Toronto Star, but often returned to visit Port Burwell. In 1955, Bodsworth completed his first book, Last of the Curlews, a novel for young adults about a male Eskimo curlew bird that spends months seeking a
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EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS— SOME LOCAL RESOURCES Photo Field Guides Galore
An Eskimo Curlew (Archibald Thorburn) mate while facing extinction. Called eloquent and imaginative, it became a classic of conservation literature, has sold more than 3 million copies and in 1972 was made into an animated film which won an Emmy for children’s broadcasting. (The last authenticated sighting of an Eskimo curlew in Canada was in 1963 and the once prolific bird is now thought to be extinct.) Bodsworth went on to write The Strange One (1959), The Atonement of Ashley Morden (1964) and The Sparrow's Fall (1967). He was a respected and world-renowned contributor to many nature causes and organizations throughout his life. Of his own writing, Bodsworth said, “Out of the blending of human and animal stories comes the theme that I hope is inherent in all my books: that man is an inescapable part of all nature, that its welfare is his welfare, that to survive, he cannot continue acting and regarding himself as a spectator looking on from somewhere outside.” Nora Ryell remembered Bodsworth in a Globe and Mail article of October 8th 2012, “Bodsworth always credited his deep and abiding connection with nature to the fortuitous place of his birth. Port Burwell sits on one of the busiest migratory routes in North America. Each fall and spring, thousands of species of birds and butterflies pass through Elgin County.”
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The St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club has published seven photo field guides. Jam packed with photographs, organized for easy reference and created in a pocket-sized, coil-ringed format, they make it easy to become a little or a lot more knowledgeable about your natural surroundings. Photo Field Guide to Dragonflies & Damsel Flies of Southwestern Ontario, 2nd Edition, Ian Carmichael, Alistair Mackenzie & Brad Steinberg, 2002 Photo Field Guide to Butterflies of Southern Ontario, Ian Carmichael & Ann Vance; St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, 2003 Photo Field Guide to Some Caterpillars of Southern Ontario, Ian Carmichael & Ann Vance; St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, 2004 Photo Field Guide to The Freshwater Mussels of Ontario, Janice Metcalfe-Smith, Alistair MacKenzie, Ian Carmichael, Daryl McGoldrick; St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, 2005 Photo Field Guide to Some Wild Flowers of Southern Ontario, Ian Carmichael, Ann Vance & Alistair MacKenzie, St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, 2006 Photo Field Guide to The Bats of Ontario, Erin Fraser, Alistair MacKenzie, Christina Davy; St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, 2007 Photo Field Guide to The Reptiles and Amphibians of Ontario, Scott Gillingwater & Alistair MacKenzie, St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club, 2015 For more information, email the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club at stfnfieldguides@gmail.com.
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Recreation A Field Guide to the Migrating Raptors of HaWk Cliff If you join the throngs of bird-watchers at Hawk Cliff in the fall, this book will help you distinguish between the sixteen or so species of raptors, from osprey to bald eagle, observed there on a regular basis. This guide was published by the former Hawk Cliff Foundation and is no longer in print but is still available through the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club.
Largest, Oldest, Tallest, Rarest—Elgin Heritage Tree Maps In 1990, the Heritage Tree Committee of the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club formed with the goal of promoting an appreciation of the great range of interesting trees in Elgin County. They have produced three map guides to the largest, oldest, tallest and rarest native tree species in West Elgin, St. Thomas and East Elgin.
More than four hundred labelled trees include approximately two hundred tree types, beautiful examples of such specimens as Kentucky Coffee, Hop Tree and Paw Paw. The West Elgin map has been recently updated and all three are available from the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club. A virtual tour with hundreds of digital images and trees located on google maps can be found at www.elginheritagetrees.ca.
Birds of Elgin County The purpose of this gem, now out of print, was to update The Birds of Elgin County (1954), and “not only to chronicle changes in species diversity, status and distribution, but also to provide people with a resource that will help make birding more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This is important because the long-term health and viability of a diverse avian population will depend on the number of people who know and care about it and who have developed a personal interest in it.” The book was dedicated to the “Deans of Elgin County Birding”, AYLMER
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Recreation ornithologist thought up the idea of a Christmas Bird Census in the fall of 1900 as an alternative to the traditional Christmas Hunt and the ensuing annual slaughter of tens of thousands of birds and animals. The counts have become an anticipated social outing as well as a data collecting one.
Raptor banding demonstration at Hawk Cliff Marshall Field, Harold Lancaster & Fred Bodsworth, “friends and supporters of the Elgin County Naturalist Community for over 70 years.” It was made possible through years of record keeping by members of the West Elgin Nature and the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Clubs and many others followed by considerable time commitments from a host of collaborators for the actual completion of the book. Major photographic contributors were Bill Rayner and Ron Kingswood, who spent hundreds of hours photographing breeding birds in Elgin County. The book contains several interesting essays on Elgin County natural history; stunning photographs of breeding birds; species accounts at three time periods over a century up to the early 21st century; Christmas bird counts and information on Elgin County birdwatching locations and highlights of the year. An essay by George Prieksaitis gives some background on Christmas Bird Counts in Elgin County. The first took place on December 26, 1947 and was organized by the West Elgin Nature Club. Twentynine species were recorded that day and the counts rose substantially in subsequent years. An American
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In “Elgin Birding Highlights” Dave Martin enthuses, "...there is almost always something exciting happening in the bird world. Bald eagles are quite visible from early winter through to May when the trees leaf out. Tundra swans are widespread through March and early April. For a few days in late May Whimbrel make their presence known at the Lake Erie ports. And, from late August to early December, the southbound migration of hawks and many species of songbirds can be seen in unbelievable numbers along the Lake Erie shoreline at places such as Hawk Cliff, Port Burwell and Port Glasgow."
Elgin-St. Thomas Cycling & Hiking Trail Map This comprehensive map, with a revised version due for release in fall 2015, is a guide to trails and parks for walking, hiking, jogging and cross-country skiing throughout Elgin County. It’s available in hard-copy and on-line versions at www.elgintourist.com and www.activeelgin.com.
Naturally Elgin Website Naturally Elgin is a partnership of Elgin nature organizations whose goal is to inform the public about natural aspects of Elgin County. The Naturally Elgin website is a handy reference which outlines information about the partners, bird-watching locations and several natural areas (Aylmer Wildlife Management Area, Calton Swamp Wildlife Management Area, Dutton-Dunwich Prairie, Fingal Wildlife Management Area, John E. Pearce Park, Joe’s Bush, Port Burwell Provincial Park, Springwater Forest, West Elgin Nature Reserve, Tananger Tract and Newport Property).
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Recreation
REASON & SEASON FOR CELEBRATION Several Elgin County organizations have been active on the local nature scene for many years. The St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club has been in existence for sixty-five years and the West Elgin Naturalists for sixty-nine. Two other groups are marking their longevity and contributions with anniversaries in 2015—their celebrations and some other local happenings of interest coincide with the vibrant local fall migration season.
50th Anniversary of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority For KCCA, 2015 represents 50 years of working with community partners for environmental solutions. Conservation Authorities were originally established to protect families and homes from floods. Today, KCCA works to offer a wider array of programs and services such as water quality monitoring, tree planting and stewardship, environmental education and outdoor education opportunities. To celebrate, they invited community members to a night of comedy on September 12th, featuring Graham Chittenden and music by John Milles at the Princess Ave Playhouse in St. Thomas.
The Elgin Hiking Club Celebrates 40 Years Forty years ago this fall, the Elgin Hiking Trail officially opened with 5km of trail from St. Thomas to John Wise Line. Within a few years members expanded it south to Port Stanley and north to Paynes Mills and in October 1995 a link was opened connecting the Elgin Hiking Trail to the Thames Valley Trail. The 40th anniversary will be celebrated on Sat Oct 3rd with a return train ride from Port Stanley, a walk along the harbour to Mackies on the beach, and a gathering there at 1:30pm. The train ride
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leaves Port Stanley at 10:30am; members completing their 40th anniversary end-to-end will depart the train at Union Station and hike back 7.9 km to Mackies. Others are welcome to join the hike or to take the train back to Port Stanley and walk the new reroute to the beach along the west side of the harbour. The 90 minute train ride is being offered for $10 to those registering by September 23rd. For more information call Brian at 519-631-3527.
TWo NeW Exhibits at THE Elgin County Museum Two shows opened at the Elgin County Museum on September 8th, just in time for the bird and butterfly migrations. “On the Trail of the Monarch Butterfly” follows the Monarch’s amazing journey from Montreal to the mountains of central Mexico through the spectacular photographs of “Vico” Gutiérrez. Vico set out to raise awareness of the need for butterfly habitat conservation and gathered images from his ultralight airplane on a journey of over 6000 kilometres. With a life span of less than two months, no one monarch can complete the entire trip on its own— it takes up to four generations to cover the entire distance. Vico’s movie, “Papalotzin—The Monarch Butterfly” documents the challenges of the journey and will also be available for viewing. The second exhibit features work by local artists depicting the extensive bird life found in Elgin County. Artists include Paul Brunelle, Ron Milton, Ron Kingswood and Candy McManiman and a site-specific butterfly installation from artist Sandra Poczobut. Historic images from the St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club and collections of historic birds’ eggs and butterflies are also part of the show. The exhibits run September 8th to December 24th at the Elgin County Museum, 450 Sunset Dr (4th floor), St. Thomas. For more information, call 519-631-1460 x160 or visit the website, www.elgincounty.ca/museum.
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Recreation Thames Talbot Land Trust & HaWk Cliff Woods Hawk Cliff is well known to serious birders from far and wide. Locally, even the most casual of local nature lovers is drawn annually to visit the site and to learn more about the raptor migration from experts on hand during the second and third weekends in September. It turns out the cliff and nearby woods is a special place indeed. Based on its size, shoreline location, ravine forest and the presence of rare species, it was rated a priority location by the Thames Talbot Land Trust: “Hawk Cliff is a stunning 230 acre property fronting on Lake Erie near Port Stanley. Steep cliffs provide sweeping views of the lake. The woodland here is one of the most significant deep interior forests in Elgin County. In the maple-beech forest you will find Carolinian specialties, including the Tulip-tree
and Pignut Hickory as well as the Endangered Butternut and American Chestnut. Rare birds such as Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Wood Thrush thrive in the deep woods.” Recently a unique opportunity for the Thames Talbot Land Trust to acquire this significant piece of Carolinian Forest came up. The Trust developed a strategy to purchase and restore the property and to raise the necessary funds for the project. A significant individual donation from Eric and Karen Auzins and a grant from Environment Canada (Habitat Stewardship Program) gave TTLT the confidence to move forward with a purchase offer and to launch the “Soaring Higher: Hawk Cliff and Beyond” Campaign to the public in September 2015. During the always popular Hawk Cliff weekends in September, members of the Trust joined the Hawk
Migration by Sandra Poczobut
CHANGING EXHIBITS LECTURES • GIFT SHOP ON SEPTEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 24, 2015:
BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES
Large-scale colour photos follow the migration of the Monarch from Canada to Mexico, plus work by local artists featuring birds of the region Elgin County Administration Building, 4th Floor, 450 Sunset Drive (Hwy 4), St. Thomas, Ontario Open year round - Call for seasonal hours
519.631.1460 ext. 160
WWW.ELGINCOUNTY.CA
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Recreation Cliff Raptor Banders, St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club and Monarch Banders at the location. They offered information on the campaign and guided tours of Hawk Cliff Woods, highlighting the natural features of the property, resident species and restoration plans. Find out more at the TTLT website, www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca.
Left to right: Karen & Eric Auzins at the media launch September 17th at Kettle Creek Golf Club; TTLT Executive Director Suzanne McDonald Aziz, property owner Cheryl Barendregt and campaign chair Stan Caveney; David Wake, TTLT Vice-President, at Hawk Cliff on September 12th
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Quality Used Cars & Trucks Sales, Service & Leasing
Stop in or check out our inventory online! We have new stock arriving weekly.
BUY • SELL • TRADE • LEASE 1207 Talbot St, St. Thomas
519-633-0240
www.bridgeviewstthomas.ca
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BROWN EGGS AVAILABLE DAILY
SATURDAYS 10AM-2PM: limited supply of McSmith’s whole organic chickens and grass fed beef & pastured pork from Harris Farm
Plus Seasonal Surprises McSmith’s Organic Produce & Harris Flower Farm Cut Flowers
available by chance when you visit the farm
519-631-0279 • 42828 Shorlea Line, St. Thomas
www.McsmithsOrganicFarm.com
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Bushels of Yum! IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
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Apples • Artichoke • Asian Vegetables • Beans Beets • Blueberries • Bok Choy • Broccoli Brussels Sprouts • Cabbage • Carrots Cauliflower • Celery • Corn Crabapples • Cranberries Cucumber • Eggplant Garlic • Grapes Leeks Lettuce
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Mushrooms Muskmelon • Nectarines RODNEY Onions • Parsnips • Peaches Pears • Peas (snow) • Peppers WEST ELGIN Plums • Potatoes • Pumpkin • Radishes Rapini • Raspberries • Rutabaga PORT GLASGOW Spinach • Sprouts • Squash Strawberries (day neutral) • Summer Squash Sweet Potatoes • Tomatoes • Watermelon • Zucchini AD RO
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Local fresh grape juice is coming! At the winery & Horton Farmers’ Market just in time for Thanksgiving.
QUAI DUVIN 519-775-2216 • www.QuaiduVin.com 2km north of Sparta, Ontario
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Eco-Conscious Seasonal Cut Flowers Sunflowers • Special Events & Weddings
Meet Me at the Market Saturdays 8am-12pm May to October
Member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers
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BALACLAVA
KAINS ALMA
519-668-9537
www.harrisflowerfarmpasturedpork.weebly.com
www.hortonfarmersarket.ca MANITOBA
Janis & Mark Harris and children Cameron, Nathan & Megan janisandmarkharris@hotmail.com
Christmas Market Saturday November 21st
FLORA HORTON
HORTON FARMERS' MARKET Saturdays from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving COVENT GARDEN MARKET Outdoor Farmers' Market, London (in season)
ROSS
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• Spa Services for Men & Women • • Registered Massage Therapy • • St. Tropez Spray Tanning • • Products from Guinot, jane iredale, Swarzkopf & Moroccanoil • Gift Certificates & Gift Baskets Available
because you deserve it Mon 9am-5pm, Tues-Fri 9am-7pm & Sat 9am-4pm
76 Talbot St, St. Thomas • 519-631-7629
www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com
LOVE where you shop! Check out our new Clark McDougall inspired banners along Talbot Street
www.downtownstthomas.com
Wind n Willow
HOME & GARDEN DÉCOR • GIFTWARE GOURMET GOODS • JEWELLERY • FASHION
Fairy Gardens, Lampe Berger, DaVinci Beads & More Come and see our new fall and winter fashions and accessories!
Affordable Luxury for your Home & for You! 435 Talbot Street, St. Thomas • windnwillow@bellnet.ca
519.637.3904 • www.windnwillow.ca
KNIT
SPIN
SHOW THIS AD AND RECEIVE A
FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE Offer expires December 31, 2015
WEAVE
Mon-Wed & Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs & Fri 10am-8pm, Closed Sundays & Holidays NOW WITH
ONLINE SALES
www.littleredmitten.ca
“a
86 Talbot St, St. Thomas • 519-207-2880
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Community
HOMEGROWN WOW!
Tourism development is often advocated as an economic driver, and a possible industry for consideration by aspiring entrepreneurs. As long-time “backyard” tourists in St. Thomas and Elgin County, we have given some thought to the question, “What qualities seem to make a business, not just a ‘stop’ for tourists, but a ‘signature attraction’?” (We have defined such attractions, quite arbitrarily, as places which by themselves offer a compelling reason to visit (maybe frequently) and spend some time, which offer leisure experiences, tend to elicit consistently enthusiastic reviews and draw visitors from both nearby and from a distance.) Here are the top ten qualities which we think help make a tourist “stop” into a “star”: 1. Niche offerings. The business offers unique products or experiences not found anywhere else or not nearby. They have often expanded or refined these offerings over time by research and by listening to customer feedback and suggestions. 2. Passion & expertise. The business owners and employees have a passion for what they do, a positive attitude and something to offer other than just products to sell—help when needed or information to share.
3. Wow factor. People walk in the door, or through the gate and are excited by what they see— impressed enough to maybe exclaim out loud, smile widely, share photos, or leave bursting with intentions to let others know what they have discovered.
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4. Experiences. There are engaging things to do and fun to be had.
5. Learning opportunities. There are inducements to be curious and chances to learn something new. 6. Beauty. It may be in the form of a unique building, a garden, a special vista or view, product presentation or packaging, unique sounds or music. People just naturally take pleasure in beauty. 7. Authenticity. The business seems to be in the right setting, in harmony with the products, services or experiences. 8. Take-home options. If customers come mainly for an experience, many would also like to take something home to share with others or to remember their visit—offerings at a range of price points are usually welcome. 9. Multiple opportunities over time. There are compelling reasons to come to the business—not necessarily large-scale events, but variations on the experience or seasonally themed happenings. 10. Complementary stops nearby. The business may be the main attraction, but visitors are often looking for complementary options—places to stroll, shop or eat. A couple of businesses which demonstrate these characteristics admirably come to mind—Clovermead Bees & Honey Adventure Farm and Little Red Mitten in St. Thomas.
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Community
Clovermead The list of truly amazing and imaginative things to do on the Adventure Farm has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Design of the structures and activities is driven by the imaginations of the Hiemstra family members, but also by customer feedback, including a very engaged Facebook audience. As honey producers, the Hiemstras are passionate about making a visit to the farm both fun and educational. The wow factor is in ample supply—check out the overhead video on the Clovermead website; faces of visiting adventurers tell the rest of the story. Kids are invited to be engaged and curious in a multitude of ways. The Farm also combines beauty and authenticity in a rustic and whimsical manner. Most of the structures have been created through reuse of antique buildings and barns, corn cribs, pig houses and even antique outhouses. The Honey Shop, housed in a restored log cabin, is a diverse country retail experience but also keeps the farm-produced honeys front and centre. The adventure farm is busy with school trips in June, Summer Days with the Beekeeper in July and August, Honey Festival Saturdays in September and Pumpkin Festival Saturdays in October— there’s always a reason for a return visit. Complementary possibilities to check out nearby include farm gate markets, a tour of the countryside often with Amish farmers at work in their fields, shops and eateries in Aylmer and outdoor recreation areas like Springwater Conservation Area.
Clovermead is located at 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer; www.clovermead.com. Photos courtesy of Clovermead. Your Elgin-St. Thomas Landscaping Specialists FALL CLEAN-UP • LEAF REMOVAL PERENNIAL TRIM-BACK • POND WINTERIZING PLANT MULCHING FOR WINTER
SNOW REMOVAL ALSO AVAILABLE
519.633.9176 • beamishlandscape@ro gers.com • www.beamishlandscape.com Proud Member of Landscape Ontario
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Community
The Little Red Mitten The Little Red Mitten is an entirely different sort of attraction, but like Clovermead gets rave reviews from a wide audience. It’s the place for anyone who knits, crochets, weaves or spins to find an outstanding supply of accessories, yarns and oodles of classes. Owner, Joan Janes, has a long-standing passion for fibre arts, a wealth of knowledge and a helpful, enthusiastic manner that her customers and students love. Even the most casual of yarn fans is wowed by a ramble through the shop— a feast of colours and textures plus tons of sample projects for inspiration. The on-going line-up of classes is just as impressive—there’s something for all interests and skill levels, plus regular opportunities for social gathering with other knitters. The inviting shop is housed in an 1842 heritage building, with a wrap-around porch in Old St. Thomas—you couldn’t get a more lovely and authentic setting for a yarn shop. A monthly newsletter offers subscribers the latest on yarns and supplies, classes, group and charity projects, free pattern offers—there’s always a reason to spend some time at Little Red Mitten. Many customers come from outside of St. Thomas, from London and beyond. It’s just seconds away from downtown and lots of offerings in the way of shopping, stopping or dining.
asset to the area in which it is located and to the nearby businesses. For aspiring entrepreneurs the two businesses offer plenty of examples of excellence and perhaps inspiration for those who hope to turn a passion into a signature attraction or into a business which would be complementary to an already existing one. Little Red Mitten is located at 86 Talbot St, St. Thomas; www.littleredmitten.ca. Photos courtesy of the Little Red Mitten.
Clovermead and Little Red Mitten are two totally different ventures, but both demonstrate the potential of a small business to become a significant
Colour Your Garden 60th Anniversary!
SAVE THE DATE for our annual Christmas Open Houses weekends in November, starting on the 7th!
www.canadale.com Find us on Facebook 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas • 519-631-7264 • Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 8-5 & Sun 11-5
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© Anna-Mari West / Fotolia
Food
Seasonal & SIMPLE
Fall may mean back to busy routines—here are three recipes which make use of seasonal bounty and each takes less than fifteen minutes of preparation time.
Berry Fool
This recipe is from the Berry Hill Fruit Farm website—a delicious and simple way to use some of the berries you may have managed to squirrel away in your freezer. 1 cup 3/4 cup 2 Tbsp dash 1 cup
Balkan style yogurt whipping cream sugar vanilla thawed berries
Curried Carrot & Potato Soup This is quick to prepare with Ontario potatoes, onions, carrots and garlic. For an upscale touch, serve in espresso cups or tiny shooter glasses. Makes about 20 appetizers
Preparation instructions: Drain yogurt in a fine sieve for about one hour until slightly thickened. Transfer into a large bowl. In a separate bowl whip the cream, adding the sugar and vanilla after stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the yogurt. Fold in the berries, leaving streaks, and spoon into stemmed glasses. At www.berryhillfruitfarm.com, you will also find Renee’s very helpful recipes for preserving some of summer’s bounty.
4 2 1 1 cup 2 or 3 1 Tbsp 4-6 cups 1/2 tsp 1/4 tsp
medium Ontario potatoes, peeled & coarsely chopped large Ontario carrots, peeled & chopped medium Ontario onion peeled and chopped Ontario sweet potato or butternut squash large cloves Ontario garlic, quartered hot or mild curry powder sodium-reduced chicken broth salt pepper
Garnish: sour cream or chopped fresh Ontario cilantro (optional)
Make our garden your garden! sweet corn pumpkins apples and much more seasonally available
48937 Glencolin Ln, Aylmer Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm 519-765-1752 www.berryhillfruitfarm.com
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Food Preparation Instructions: In a large heavy saucepan combine the potatoes, carrots, onion, sweet potato, garlic and curry powder. Pour in enough broth to just cover the vegetables and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes or until vegetables are very soft. Purée vegetable mixture in blender or food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or cold, garnished with sour cream and cilantro. Recipe and photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario
Roasted Pear Salad With Chèvre
This composed salad is perfect for a light luncheon or starter at a dinner party. Substituting fruit juice for some of the oil in the dressing lowers the fat content. Dressing: 2 Tbsp each apple juice and lemon juice 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 Tbsp Ontario honey 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp dried tarragon 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Salad: 4 1 Tbsp 2 tsp 1/2 cup 8 cups 2/3 cup
Ontario pears (slightly under ripe) vegetable oil finely grated lemon rind pecan halves packed Ontario baby spinach and arugula or watercress crumbled Ontario chèvre cheese (about 4 oz/120 g)
Preparation Instructions: In small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients, then set aside. Remove stems and slice pears into 6 wedges each, removing core. In large bowl, toss pears with oil to coat well. Place, cut side down, on large baking sheet; sprinkle with lemon rind. Place pecans in small cake pan. Roast pears and pecans in 375°F (190°C) oven together for about 5 minutes or just until pears are slightly softened and pecans are toasted. Transfer pears to cutting board to cool slightly. Toss greens with two-thirds of the dressing and arrange on salad plates. Arrange pears and nuts in circular fashion on top; sprinkle with cheese. Drizzle pears with remaining dressing. Serve immediately. Serves 4. Recipe and photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario
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© 5ph / Fotolia
Community ST. THOMAS ELGIN GENERAL HOSPIRAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER:
Black Tie & Pearls Black Tie & Pearls, being held on November 21st 2015, will be the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation’s third annual fundraising gala. Guests will take a roaring trip back to the 1920s to support OUR Hospital into the future. For the Foundation’s first gala in 2013, local artists created amazing chairs which were the subject of lively bidding in an auction overseen by Steve Peters at the Canada Southern (CASO) Railway Station. The Chair Affair Gala raised $25,000 in support of Mental Health. In 2014, attendees were invited to get out of their chairs as the gala returned to the Station for CASO Royale. A James Bond themed evening of fun, food and gaming received rave reviews like this one: “I’ve never played Black Jack till Saturday night … I didn’t want to stay too late before we arrived … well, they had to shut down the games before I left.” CASO Royale raised $38,000 toward the purchase of a new Digital Mammography Unit, and its success got organizers thinking of an even bigger event, so for 2015 they plan to transform St. Anne’s Centre into a venue that will take guests back to the life and ambiance of the 1920s. Gaming for prizes will return along with gourmet food stations, entertainment and a special guest appearance by Chef Michael Smith. This year’s proceeds will support the new Patient and Family Resource Centre.
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A signature gala fundraiser is an event format which can potentially bring together guest supporters, volunteers, organizations and sponsors to raise funds for a worthwhile cause—and to have fun. It’s the fun factor that the STEGH Foundation has tried to increase with each successive event— it helps create a buzz about hospital initiatives, provides positive and highly visible sponsorship opportunities, and people love to have a unique and memorable experience while supporting their community. Going back to an era known for economic prosperity, jazz music, flapper culture and bootlegging is one sure way to get a party rolling. As the STEGH Foundation plans to take 300 or so gala attendees back to the 1920s, it’s interesting to take a look back to what was happening with St. Thomas’s Hospital of the 20s. Just as today’s STEGH has a lot going on with ground-breaking for the Great Expansion set to start later this year, in 1923-24 the communities of Elgin County and St. Thomas set out to build a new facility in memory of those who fought in the First World War. The New Memorial Hospital was built, an expansion of the Amasa Wood Hospital which was erected in 1891 at Pearl and Scott streets. (The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital at its present location replaced the “Memorial” in 1954 after years of over-congestion there.)
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Community Back in the 1920s, as now, nurses were at the heart of patient care. Our local Elgin County Archives contains a smattering of photos of nursing graduates, and, for some reason, a wealth of them from 1928. Some of the women appear in both uniform
STEGH’s GREAT EXPANSION This project includes construction of a three-storey addition which will be located on the northwest corner of the current Hospital property. The new addition will include:
• A new Emergency Department • Surgical Suites • Medical Device Reprocessing Department • Mental Health Unit with 15 inpatient beds and outpatient services
Construction is expected to begin in late 2015 with completion expected in 2017. The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital is a 166-bed facility providing comprehensive 24-hour coverage in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Anaesthesia, Emergency and Family Medicine. It serves the City of St. Thomas and all eight municipalities within the County of Elgin. Photos, right, top to bottom: St. Thomas Memorial Hospital, Pearl & Scott Streets, with The Amasa Wood Section erected in 1891 in the foreground and the Memorial section, opened in 1924, at the left, circa 1954 (Elgin County Archives, St. Thomas Times-Journal Fonds); studio portrait of Alice Flexen, 1928 graduate of Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses, circa 1928 (Elgin County Archives, Scott Studio Fonds); Memorial Hospital and Amasa Wood Hospital, circa 1925 (Elgin County Archives, Scott Studio Fonds)
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Community and dress versions, revealing what was fashionable in the day. The photos seem to capture a sense of pride on the face of each young graduate as she prepared for a career in nursing. It’s likely that several of them also spent some evenings dancing the night away to jazz tunes, decked out in the flapper dress of the day and enjoying some new freedoms for women of the time. (Although one might also note that nursing was still one of a very limited list of professional options open to women, and upon graduation in 1928 they wouldn’t even have been considered “persons”—that didn’t happen till the following year in 1929.) The 1920s would have been an exciting and hopeful time for anyone involved in medicine as major medical breakthroughs like insulin and penicillin helped enormously in the care they were able to provide. A step back into the 1920s will be an exciting theme for this year’s signature event fundraiser for OUR Hospital. A look back in time to the same decade shows a community where provision of patient care was also a priority. The legacy of the St. Thomas and Elgin County’s support for its Hospital is an enduring and rich one, which has served it well, starting long before the 20s, right through the late nineteenth century and throughout the twentieth, and into the present as STEGH plans to meet the needs of the future. Since 1985, the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation has partnered with the community to support patient care excellence at STEGH by independently raising funds to acquire patient care equipment, support educational endeavours and upgrade the Hospital’s physical facilities. They continue to raise money to fulfill a $13 million commitment to the Great Expansion of STEGH. The Black Tie & Pearl’s event takes place Saturday November 21st, 7pm to midnight. It will raise money for the new Patient and Family Resource Centre. Find out more about the event and Foundation at www.ItsOURHospital.ca.
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Studio portrait of probably Mary Oake, 1928 graduate of Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses, circa 1928 (Elgin County Archives, Scott Studio Fonds)
THE NEW PATIENT & FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The new Patient and Family Resource Centre is central to STEGH’s on-going commitment to making the patient care experience even better. It is to be located in the South Building Atrium and will provide patients and families with access to information in a variety of formats, in a language they can understand, and at a reading level that is appropriate for them. Patients and families will have access to a supportive, comforting, non-clinical setting with individuals whose primary purpose is to provide information and support.
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Events
Awesome Autumn EVENTS ACROSS ELGIN • MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA This is a condensed version of the events listings that can be found online at www.relishelgin.ca. Please visit the website for a more extensive list, and more details on the events appearing here.
CURRENT EXHIBITIONS Fri May 1 TO Mon Oct 12 ExhibitION: Beds, Baths & Beyond
Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca
Month of September EXHIBITION: Portside Goes Big
Portside Gallery, 187 1/2 A Main St, Port Stanley 519-782-7066 | portside.cuttingpromotions.com
Tues Sept 8 TO Thur Dec 24 Exhibition: BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES
Large-scale colour photos following migration of monarchs from Canada to Mexico, plus work by local artists featuring birds of the region; contact museum for times Elgin County Museum, 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-1460 x160 |
Sat Sept 19 to Sat Oct 24 Exhibition: In View of the Artist
St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca
ON-GOING EVENTS DATES IN Sept & Oct Tours of HMCS Ojibwa
Sept 23-27 11am-5pm; Oct 3-5 & 9-12 12-5pm; Oct 17, 18, 24, 25 & 31 12-4pm; interior tours $19.75/adult, $12/ child 6-12 (children under 6 not permitted); exterior tours $10/adult, $5/child 6-12, children under 6 free HMCS Ojibwa, 3 Pitt St, Port Burwell 519-633-7641 | www.projectojibwa.ca
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Saturdays UNTIL OCTOBER 31 Horton Farmers' Market
8am-12pm | Manitoba St, just north of Talbot St www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca
Saturdays Galaxy Cinema Family Favourites
11am; $2.99/person Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St. St. Thomas 519-631-5777 | www.cineplex.com
Saturdays in September Clovermead Honey Harvest FESTIVAL
9am-5:30pm; BEEstro Cafe open 10:30am-4:30pm; $12.99+tax/person (groups of 5+ get $1 off each) Clovermead Bees & Honey, 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer 519-773-5503 | www.clovermead.com
Saturdays & Sundays from Sept 5 to Oct 31, plus Mon Oct 12 Scenic Train Rides on the PSTR
Trains depart at 11am, 1pm & 2:30pm Adults $15, Children (2-12) $9 Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-3730 | www.pstr.on.ca
various dates Programs at St. Thomas & Elgin County Libraries
www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca/calendar/ www.elgincounty.ca/library/calendar/
Various Dates Classes at Little Red Mitten
Including knitting, crocheting, weaving and more Little Red Mitten, 86 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-207-2880 | www.littleredmitten.ca
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Events Fri Sept 25 & Sat Sept 26 Playwrights Festival
8pm; free public readings, but reservations required Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca
Sat Sept 26 Annual YMCA Family Fun Day 2015
12-2pm | St. Thomas-Elgin YMCA, 20 High St, St. Thomas 519-631-2418 | www.ymcawo.ca
Sat Sept 26 12th Annual Believe in a Cure ALS Walk Fundraiser for ALS; 10am registration, 11am walk Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas www.facebook.com/BelievearmyALS
Sat Sept 26 Las Chicas del CafĂŠ Grand Opening
9am-12pm open house; 7-10pm reception (RSVP required) CASO Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-652-3642 | www.laschicasdelcafe.com
Sat Sept 26 Sparta's Scarecrow Fall Festival
Culture Days 2014 at St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre
10am-4:30pm | Village of Sparta | 519-775-2313 www.thevillagecollective.com
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Sat Sept 26 CULTURE DAYS: West End Arts Mingle
Thur Sept 24 TO Sun Oct 4 Periscope Playhouse: Nana's Naughty Knickers
8pm Thurs-Sat Sept 24-26 & Fri-Sat Oct 2-3; 2pm Sun Sept 27 & Sun Oct 4; $17/person Eden & Area Community Centre, 56967 Eden Ln, Eden 519-874-4026 | www.periscopeplayhouse.ca
Fri Sept 25 & Sat SEPT 26 Culture Days: St. Thomas Public Library
Free admission to all events; Wadja (movie): Fri 6pm; International Paper Dolls (drop-in activity, Children's & Teen's Department): Fri 10am-7pm; Drum Making Demo & Circle: Sat 10am-noon; Henna Tattoos: Sat 1-4pm, registration requested; Yoga & Tea Tasting for Kids: Sat 10-11:30am, ages 7-11 years, registration required St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca
Fri Sept 25 & Sat Sept 26 Culture Days: Elgin County LibrarIES
Art demos, music, planting, storytelling, Ukranian egg decorating and maker space 3D printing demos; visit the website for a guide to free events at branches across Elgin Elgin County Library (9 branches) | 519-631-1460 x151 www.elgincounty.ca/library/news/culture-days-guide
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Children's art activities 12-3pm; Drink & Draw with music by Regal Reeb 4-7pm; Poetry Slam 7:30pm St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca
Sun Sept 27 Walk a Mile in HER Shoes
1:30-3pm; fundraiser for Violence Against Women, Services Elgin County Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas 519-633-0155 | www.vawsec.on.ca
Sun Sept 27 Benefit Concert: Ragtime for Sewing Time
2-4pm; $20/person; concert with Dave Hoy and his Railway City Ragtime Band to benefit PAN Missions team "Women Helping Women" in Nicaragua CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas Contact Dave, 519-631-9448 or Sharon, 519-601-4778 www.facebook.com/TheRailwayCityRagtimeBand
Wed Sept 30 ELEVATED PARK Public Info SessioN
7pm; public consultation on the St. Thomas Elevated Park CASO Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas www.elevatedpark.ca
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Events OCTOBER EVENTS Saturdays in October & Thanksgiving MoN Clovermead Pumpkin Festival
9am-5:30pm; BEEstro Cafe open 10:30am-4:30pm; $12.99+tax/person (groups of 5+ get $1 off each) Clovermead Bees & Honey, 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer 519-773-5503 | www.clovermead.com
Fri Oct 2 Elgin Theatre Guild: Sean McCann
7pm doors open, 8pm show; $30/person Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca
Fri Oct 2 2nd Annual Night of Improv Fundraiser
7pm doors open, 8pm show start; $35/person Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca
Fri Oct 2 TO Sun Oct 4 155th Wallacetown Fair
Wallacetown Fairgrounds | www.wallacetownfair.com
Fridays & Saturdays in October Haunted Aylmer Fairgrounds
$5/person | Aylmer Fairgrounds, 139 Pine St East, Aylmer 519-773-3445 | www.aylmerfair.ca
Sat Oct 3 The Boob Tour
6:30pm doors open, 8pm show start; $30/person; standup comedy show fighting cancer with laughter; 19+ event Imperial Banquet Hall, 109 Falcon St, London Contac Suzanne 519-633-6334 | www.TheBoobTour.com
Sat Oct 3 Elgin Hiking Trail Club 40th Anniversary Celebration
10:30am train departure, 1:30pm gathering; $10 train ride (with payment by Sept 23); see details on page 13 Mackies, 124 William St, Port Stanley 519-631-3527 | www.elginhikingtrailclub.org
Sat Oct 3, Sat Oct 17, Fri Oct 30 & Sat Oct 31 Murder & Mystery Train Rides
Dinner at 6pm, train departs at 7pm Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-3730 | www.pstr.on.ca
Sun Oct 4 The Great Expansion Fashion Show
1-4pm; $20/person; fundraiser for STEGH expansion presented by the St. Thomas Elgin General Auxiliary Knights of Columbus Hall, 265 Wellington St, St. Thomas Contact Diane, 519-633-3213 or Shirley, 519-633-2739
Sun Oct 4 Tastes of Fall
Noon-4pm; $8/adult, $4/youth 6-17, $20/family Longwoods Road C.A., 8348 Longwoods Rd, Mt Brydges 519-264-2420 | www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca
Sun Oct 4 Bridal Show
Hosted by Kathy's Catering & Masonic Centre of Elgin 11am-5pm; $5/person Masonic Centre of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas 519-637-1606 | facebook.com/MasonicCentreOfElgin
Wed Oct 7 Songs & Stories with Chris Hadfield & Folk Trio Trent Severn
7pm doors open, show at 8pm; starting at $35/person; presented by the Fanshawe College Alumni Association; proceeds support student success at Fanshawe College The Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond St, London www.grandtheatre.com
Thur Oct 8 Fest-a-Month DINNER
$35/person; Germany: Celebrating Oktoberfest The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Sat Oct 3 Something for Everyone Show & Sale
10am-3pm Grace Hall, 18 Balaclava St, St. Thomas Contact Peter, 519-852-2161
Sat Oct 3 Loads of Laffs Tour
7pm doors open, 8pm start; $20/person; fundraiser for E.R. Buddies featuring Donnie Coy, Roy Daye & Clifford Myers Grace Hall, 18 Balaclava St, St. Thomas | 519-852-2161
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2015
The Wallacetown Fair
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Events Sat Oct 10 Carolinian Forest Festival Public Day
10am-3pm; free admission; family event with interactive learning and fun, about our local forests and wildlife Jaffa Environmental Education Centre, 48346 John Wise Ln (near Aylmer) | Contact Betsy, 519-631-1270 x229
ThurS Oct 15 & Wed Oct 28 Reviving the Lost Arts Demonstrations
Thur Oct 15, 6:30pm: Makin' Pies, Tarts & More; Wed Oct 28, 1:30pm: Makin' Stocks & Soups The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
Thur Oct 15 TO Sun Oct 25 Elgin Theatre Guild: Beyond Therapy
$18/person ($12 Oct 15); Thurs-Sat at 8pm; Sun at 2pm Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca
Fri Oct 16 TO Sun Oct 18 6TH Annual Bowling for Boobs
Fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Soceity of Canada Park 'n' Bowl (Sat) & Heritage Lanes (all days), 1213 & 1016 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-520-2235 facebook.com/Bowling-For-Boobs-114581675254963/
Sat Oct 17 Aylmer Performing Arts: Alysha Brilla
7:30pm; $25/show or $125/season ticket Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St South, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.artsinaylmer.com
Sat Oct 17 "BIG" Night Out
6:30pm-1am; $30/person; 70s-themed party celebrating 45 years of Big Brothers Big Sisters in St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Arena, 80 Wilson Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-3830 | www.bbbselgin.org
Sat Oct 17 Doors Open St. Thomas
10am-4pm; featuring industries old and new, including a train ride down the historic L&PS Railway Line to the Elgin County Museum & Archives (departs 10am, 12pm & 2pm) L&PS Station, 605 Talbot St, St. Thomas & other sites 519-631-1680 x4132 | www.railwaycitytourism.com
Sat Oct 17 Western Elgin Community Expo
11am-4pm; exhibits by area organizations and businesses West Elgin Recreation Centre, 135 Queen St, Rodney 519-782-1854 | westelginfarmgirl@yahoo.ca
Wed Oct 21 15th Annual Business Sample Show
4-7pm; by St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce St. Anne’s Centre, 20 Morrison Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-1981 | www.stthomaschamber.on.ca
Thur Oct 22 FASHIONS SHOW: Seasonably Styled V
7pm mix & mingle, 8pm fashion show; $40/person; Apropos fundraiser for the Port Stanley Festival Theatre Kettle Creek Golf Club, 320 Carlow Rd, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca
Thur Oct 22 Handbags for Hospice
6:30pm; $50/person; fundraiser for Serenity House Hospice with silent & live purse auctions and dessert buffet CASO Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas www.eventbrite.ca/e/handbags-for-hospicetickets-18176993878
Thur Oct 22 TO Sat Oct 31 Aylmer Community Theatre: Dearly Beloved
Doors Open St. Thomas, Dowler-Karn Museum
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Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm; $18/adult, $10/student, $12 preview night (available from The Prime Ingredient, Campbells II, Aylmer Video, or tickets@aylmertheatre.ca) Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St South, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.aylmertheatre.ca
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2015
Events Fri Oct 23 Arts & Cookery Bank: Guys' Night Out
Sat Oct 31 Halloween at Olde Rodney Jail
6:30pm; $75/person; Episode 4: Sausage & Bacon Fest The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com
6pm | Old Rodney Jail, 135 Queens Ln, Rodney
Sat Oct 24 Backus-Page House Family Harvest Party
Sponsored by Rodney Lions Club | Rodney Town Hall
1-8pm; $6/child, $2/parent Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown | 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca
Sat Oct 24 2nd Annual Diamonds & Denim Dance
7:30pm; $20 advance, $25 at door; ladies only; Kinette event, with silent auction for VAWSEC's emergency shelter Princess Banquet Hall, 18 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-871-8604 | facebook.com/StThomasKinettes
Sat Oct 24 & Sun Oct 25 Pumpkinfest at Great Lakes Farms
10am-5pm Sat; 11am-5pm Sun Great Lakes Farms, 5111 Union Rd, Port Stanley 519-782-3433 | www.greatlakesfarms.ca
WED Oct 28 Elgin Historical Society: County Series
7:30pm; History of Bayham Township Elgin County Administrative Building, Lower Level 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas | www.elginhistoricalsociety.ca
Wed Oct 28 Fall Family Fun Night
5-7:30pm; by West Elgin Community Health Centre; for children 10 and under; dinner included; RSVP by Oct 19 Rodney Community Centre, 135 Queens Ln, Rodney 519-768-1715 x2403 | www.wechc.on.ca
Sat Oct 31 Kid's Halloween Party
Sat Oct 31 Halloween in Rodney
NOVEMBER EVENTS Fri Nov 6 STEPAC Art Auction
7-10:30pm; $10/person St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca
Wed Nov 11 Remembrance Day Fri Nov 13 TO Sun Nov 15 St. Thomas-Elgin Artists' Guild Show & Sale
6-9pm Fri; 10am-6pm Sat; 11am-5pm Sun CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas stthomasartguild.blogspot.ca
Fri Nov 13 TO Sun Nov 15 VILLAGE COLLECTIVE Christmas Open House
The Village Collective, Main St, Sparta 519-775-2856 | www.thevillagecolletive.com
Sat Nov 14 Aylmer Performing Arts: The MacKenzie Blues Band
7:30pm; $25/person Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.artsinaylmer.com
2-4pm; $5/adult, $2/child Saxonia Hall, 522 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-773-5271 | www.saxoniahall.com
Sat Oct 31 Rocky Horror Picture Show
Princess Avenue Playhouse | 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca
WE STRIVE FOR ACCURACY IN THESE LISTINGS, BUT DETAILS SOMETIMES CHANGE SO PLEASE CALL AHEAD.
FIND MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA
More events, details and past event photos can be found on our website.
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2015
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ST.THOMAS-ELGIN ARTISTS’ GUILD
2015 STUDIO TOUR
September 26 & 27 Get inspired with interactive events, speakers, workshops and much more!
www.elginartstrail.ca
stthomasartguild.blogspot.ca/
O W O I D R B IGHBOURHOOD FARM MARKET YOUR NE
BAKERY • FRESH PRODUCE • GROCERY & DAIRY • MEAT & BULK FOODS • PET FOODS
YOUR SOURCE FOR
LOCAL!
519-633-9691 .
1030 Talbot St St. Thomas
OPEN YEAR ROUND Mon-Sat: 8am-8pm • Sun: 8am-6pm
We proudly support local farmers.
www.briwoodfarmmarket.com