Relish Elgin Fall 2016

Culture Home Recreation Fall 2016 | Volume 10 | Issue 3

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

New STEAM Centre Fires Up Learning Opportunities Singer Selaena Hayward • Phragmites: Quiet Invasion Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives • Fall Events in Elgin

Table of Contents

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 STEAM Team: New STEAM Centre in Elgin 8 One to Watch: Singer Selaena Hayward 11 The Very Hairy But Not So Scary Mouse

by Tim Fennema & illustrator Tabea Thornton

12 Squash, Cheddar & Chorizo Biscuits recipe from Foodland Ontario

13 Phragmites: Quiet Invasion 16 Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives 20 Events in Elgin

OUR COVER IMAGE Bouquet by Harris Flower Farm (Photography by Kayleigh, www.kayleighphotography.com)

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 2016, 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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RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

From the Editor

FROM THE EDITOR Fall can be a time to start a new project, learn something new or get involved with a community organization or volunteer group. All of the people featured in this edition have something to offer in the way of inspiration for tackling life’s ventures with confidence. Marg Hulls recognized that an invasive plant in our area was a serious problem which needed tackling—she found expert help, formed a committee in western Elgin and is carrying through with an organized plan of attack. Selaena Hayward, a talented young singer in West Lorne has committed to developing her already impressive voice by finding the right vocal coach, making practice a routine and taking part in local community theatre as a way to increase her on-stage poise. Amanda VandenWyngaert has taken on the curator’s role at the Aylmer Museum with a confidence rooted in her passion

WEST ELGIN WEST LORNE • RODNEY • PORT GLASGOW

Fruit, flowers, fall... ...come discover the tastes, smells and sights of autumn in West Elgin

for local history and appreciation of the vital role played by volunteers in sustaining the museum.

Local author Tim Fennema has written a children’s book which encourages children to enjoy outside adventure by learning to understand rather than fear nature’s creatures. By encouraging learners of all ages to be curious and unafraid of failure, staff at the new STEAM Centre will promote learning and innovation from their base at 50 Wellington Street in St. Thomas. Wishing you some inspired fall adventures or new ventures.

Debra “Be truthful, gentle and fearless.”

—Mahatma Ghandi

elgincounty

Wallacetown Fair

Great Lakes Farms

UPCOMING EVENTS

Rodney-Aldborough Fair • Sept 16-18 Halloween in Rodney • Mon Oct 31 Treats at Olde Rodney Jail and free hotdogs at Rodney Town Hall courtesy of Rodney Lions Club

Remembrance Day Ceremonies • Fri Nov 11 Rodney Library & West Lorne Cenotaph

We’re just down the road and off the beaten path.

519-785-0560

www.westelgin.net

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Clovermead Bees & Honey

Visit elgintourist.com for events, road trips and fall staycation ideas

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Community

STEAM TEAM Ready to Fire Up Learning Opportunities The STEAM Centre will open this fall in St. Thomas, bringing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education to learners of all ages. It will introduce creative learning tools, from 3D printers and CNC (computer numerical control) machines to laser cutters and robots, to support students and innovation at the intersection of science and the arts.

Housed in the historic Wellington Street Public School building, the Centre will serve communities across Southwestern Ontario, leading the charge to bring STEAM education and an authentic learning curriculum to students and teachers. Staff will encourage learners to invent and feel confident in their ability to problem-solve and develop skills that are essential in the world of advanced technologies.

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Chatting in late August, the three-members of the newly formed STEAM team are excited to demonstrate some of their STEAM tools and to share the concepts which will make the centre an exciting place for learning. Also taking part in the demonstrations are local students Josh Taylor and Eiffie Cahill.

The conversation is invigorating as they use phrases like community inclusion, realizing new passions, collaborative environment, curiosity, problem solving, learning, and failure as a positive experience.

I learn that playing the muffin bongos can induce curiosity about conductors in a way that “book” learning never did.

Executive Director, Jessica Moyes notes, “In daytime, we will really focus on K through 12 curriculum

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Community

Above: Josh Taylor with Katamari video game designed by Chris Mcinnis from London; Opposite page: Josh Gorman, students Josh Taylor & Eiffie Cahill, Fred Cahill and Executive Director Jessica Moyes in front of the STEAM Centre at the historic Wellington Stree Public School building (photos by Mark Girdauskas, Photos by MG)

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CHANGING EXHIBITS LECTURES • GIFT SHOP Potato Peeler, c. 1910

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GADGETS & GIZMOS Labour-saving, time-saving and just plain inventive machines and contraptions of the 19th century. Highlighted by a new interactive piece from London artist Ron Milton.

Elgin County Administration Building, 4th Floor, 450 Sunset Drive (Hwy 4), St. Thomas, Ontario Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm

Constituency Office: 750 Talbot Street, Suite 203, St. Thomas Tel: 519-637-2255 • Fax: 519-637-3358 Toll Free: 1-866-404-0406

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Community and engagement, and our initial priority will be building age-specific programming in partnership with the Thames Valley District School Board. But generally we are a community centre and we look to provide workshops and multi-week courses for all learners, ages four through ninety-four. “

teaching kids to code and use creative technology.

Jessica has returned to her hometown following work in New York, Edmonton and Toronto in charitable fund-raising and business development.

What prompted Jessica's return to St. Thomas?

"A lot of things … obviously, my love for Elgin The STEAM Centre’s official grand At any point when County; my siblings and I were born and opening will take place in Octoyou’re studying science, raised here. There was an opportunity ber, and community members technology, engineering and where there was a marriage of a across Ontario will be invited mathematics, if you focus on the lot of my passions. I had said not to step inside to discover their creativity that’s possible, then too long ago that my dream job own passion for creativity. In there’s the immediate sense of would be to marry fundraising the meantime, meet the team! wanting to join in and find out with a leadership role in community development. I have a Masters how it happens …

Josh Gorman is St. Thomas of Education Policy where I looked at born and raised. He comes to the ~ Fred Cahill unique learners and equity … so it was Centre from Fanshawe College where he just too many stars aligned to ignore it. But, really, was a computer support technologist. Fred Cahill it was a great opportunity to bring such a unique currently lives in Delaware, Ontario and his most offering to Southwestern Ontario." recent work has been in the not-for-profit sector

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Community Left, top: Executive Director Jessica Moyes, Josh Gorman, students Josh Taylor & Eiffie Cahill, and Fred Cahill in front of some the Centre's technology; Left, bottom: An Ozobot—a tiny educational robot just larger than a cubic inch— is commanded by basic colour combinations drawn with markers, teaching basic programming concepts, creative drawing and problem solving (Mark Girdauskas, Photos by MG) The STEAM Centre is located at 50 Wellington St, St. Thomas. STEAM Education Centres is a non-profit learning initiative in partnership with Thames Valley District School Board, City of St. Thomas and St. Thomas Public Library. Support has been received from the Estate of Dorothy Fay Palmer, the Government of Ontario and the City of St. Thomas.

Aylmer Community Theatre

2016-2017 Season

October 20-29, 2016:

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike By: Christopher Durang Directed by: Ron Sawyer

February 2-11, 2017:

On a First Name Basis

By: Norm Foster | Director: Barbara Warnock

May 11-20, 2017:

Adults $18 | Students $10 | 1st Thurs Preview $10 Available at Campbell’s II & Prime Ingredient Season Subscriptions: Adults $45 | Students $25

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The Savannah Sipping Society

By: Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten Director: Peter Leack

Email tickets@aylmertheatre.ca or call for tickets.

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RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

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Entertainment

One to Watch Singer Selaena Hayward This past April Selaena Hayward wowed audiences in Dutton at the West Elgin Dramatics Society (WEDS) "Spring Fling" when she sang two songs, with her dad on guitar. In August, she performed a ninety-minute concert at the restored Glencoe Station. Once again, she left the crowd wanting more.

During the August concert, accompanied on guitar by her dad Austin and vocal coach Michael Ray, Selaena covered a range of songs from "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons to "You Don't Know Me"

by Eddy Arnold, a Walt Disney medley and "Creep"

by Radiohead. She gave each song a brief, personalized introduction and then she was off, immersed in the music but also inviting you along. Each note and word seemed to be caressed by her versatile voice, with plaintive high notes and rich deep ones sounding equally lovely.

There are bound to be some challenges (just a couple of weeks to learn some of the songs on a lengthy playlist) and distractions (like the blare of a passing CN train) during a one-time performance in a casual venue. Yet Selaena engaged the audience on this summer evening with remarkable poise and received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Surprisingly, she's just eleven years old! A few days after the Glencoe concert, Selaena and her parents

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Austin and Catherine chatted about her singing at their West Lorne home.

It's a household where an interest in music is nurtured. Before their children were born, the Haywards agreed they wanted them to learn to play an instrument. Their oldest daughter, Caryssa, is a talented pianist going into grade five piano, while Selaena took both piano and guitar lessons. (The youngest son Clark has been, shall we say, resistant to lessons but was given the opportunity).

Austin is an accomplished guitar player, builds guitars through his company "Clark's Guitars" and is taking advanced guitar lessons, also with Michael Ray. Both parents enjoy a wide variety of music and that has rubbed off on Selaena. Although Austin tends to suggest a lot of old songs, Catherine insists on including new music too. Austin laughs, "She doesn't like a lot of old country music." Selaena adds, "Nooo! She threw his tape out the car window once ..."

Austin grew up in London and has been delighted with the decision to make West Lorne, his wife's hometown, their home. As it turns out, the local community has also had the resources they were looking for when, recognizing Selaena's natural talent, they sought ways to help her develop it.

RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

Entertainment Austin says, "She's really good, but she has the potential to be great so we want to encourage that."

A friend suggested vocal coach Ray from nearby Dutton and Selaena started taking lessons from him 2 ½ years ago. Austin praises him as being one of the most talented musicians he has ever met as well as a great vocal coach. "He's shown her how to breathe and how to expand her range. The lessons have become a weekly constant, a routine, and that's what we wanted."

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Selaena notes, "He's helped me a lot. Every song he gives me is a musical lesson. He gives me a song and tells me what he wants me to do with it. I memorize the words. Then I put my spin to it, and it kinda goes from there. He's the one that has gotten me shows; we have even recorded songs with him."

Opposite page: Selaena, accompanied by dad Austin; Below: The historic Glencoe Station

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Entertainment Often she is given only the words and the basic melody and is asked to take it from there.

Catherine suggested getting involved in the WEDS play last December to help increase Selaena's comfort on stage and ability to convey a song's story.

"Since that, I don't get stage fright," Selaena says.

She and her parents agree that theatre would be a natural career direction for her.

Selaena is already able to engage an audience with sounds from sultry to jazzy to bluesy. She's only eleven so we may have more opportunities locally to enjoy the Selaena magic as she strives to become even better. A few years from now you may have to travel much further to hear her!

Find out more about Clark's Guitars and future performances by Selaena at www.facebook.com/clarksguitars.

Selaena with her dad Austin (right) and vocal coach Michael Ray

Wallacetown

156th Annual

FAIR Sept 30, Oct 1 & Oct 2 A Night at the Movies

2016-2017 SEASON Ned Durango Comes to Big Oak

by Norm Foster • Sept 22 - Oct 2 Alice in Wonderland

by Andrew O’Leary • Dec 1 - 11 Caught in the Net

by Ray Cooney • Feb 23 - Mar 5 Run Father Run

by Lynda Martens • Apr 27 - May 7 PRINCESS AVE PLAYHOUSE, ST. THOMAS Purchase tickets online at

www.elgintheatreguild.ca

or at Simply Pure Water, 123 Wellington St, St. Thomas (519-637-3306)

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FRIDAY NIGHT

Fair Dance with James Barker Band included with admission SATURDAY

Parade • SuperDogs Tractor Pull

SUNDAY

The Ballagh Bunch • Demo Derby

Plus: Rock the Arts Puppets, Birds of Prey, Pet Show, Petting Zoo, Beer Garden

...and much more!

ADMISSION Fri Adults $6, Under 18 Free Sat/Sun Adults $8 (Sat after 5pm $10), Under 18 $3, Under 6 Free PAY-ONE-PRICE MIDWAY BRACELETS Fri 4-10pm $20 / Sat 8pm-midnight $17 / Sun 12-6pm $25 Save $4 off Sunday price by purchasing in advance www.cartershows.ca

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Arts

The Very Hairy

But Not So Scary Mouse Good Kids Read by Local Author

The Very Hairy But Not So Scary Mouse is a story about a happy family in a not so far away place.

They love all kinds of activities but one day when Maddie and her Daddy are practicing soccer in the back yard, Maddie has a scare.

The book is written in a way that will help kids understand that they share the natural world with other living things and each has a role to play.

Daddy’s first advice to “Breathe, just breath slowly,” would come in handy for kids and parents alike. The drawings, completed with eleven pencil crayons are whimsical and simple, in a style a child can identify with.

Tabea and Tim with St. Thomas Public Library Librarian Heather Robinson The Very Hairy But Not So Scary Mouse is available for loan from the St. Thomas Public Library, at SmithBooks in Elgin Mall and from Amazon online.

The Very Hairy But Not So Scary Mouse is written by Tim Fennema and illustrated by Tabea Thornton.

Both have a St. Thomas connection—Tim is from St. Thomas and Tabea spends time here each summer with her kids and husband, St. Thomas native and San Jose Shark, Joe Thornton. This past July, Tim and Tabea were pleased to stop in at the St. Thomas Public Library where Tim’s daughter is a regular visitor to donate a few copies of their book.

Tim had the idea for the book several years ago and finally, last year, presented it to Tabea. She liked the concept and agreed to collaborate. They have enjoyed the process and results so much that two more in the series are planned, one on spiders and one on bumblebees.

Asked what age the book appeals to, Tabea says, “At first we thought around seven, but it turned out kids at three really liked it, and then a little bit later they can actually read it because there’s not a whole lot of text, so I think from three to nine. “ Tim says, I wanted kids to know “You don’t have to freak out, there’s options for you.”

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Recipe

biscuits

Squash, Cheddar and Chorizo

Great with soups or stews, these moist golden biscuits can be made ahead and frozen.

Prep time: 35 minutes | Baking time: 15 minutes Makes about 16 biscuits 1 2 ¾ cups 2 Tbsp ½ tsp ½ cup 1 cup ¾ cup ¼ cup 3 2 Tbsp

small Ontario butternut squash all purpose flour baking powder salt cold butter, cubed shredded Ontario aged cheddar cheese finely chopped smoked chorizo sausage Ontario light sour cream Ontario eggs Ontario milk

• Pierce squash all over with sharp knife. Micro-

wave on high for 6 to 7 minutes per pound or until sharp knife pierces easily to centre. When cool enough to handle, cut in half, scoop out and discard seeds; mash pulp. Measure out 1 cup pulp. Cool completely.

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• In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder

and salt. With pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in cheese and chorizo.

• In medium bowl, whisk together cooled

squash, sour cream and eggs. Using fork, stir into flour mixture until dough is smooth.

• Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface; knead 8 times. Roll dough to 3/4" (2 cm) thickness; cut into 2 ½" (6 cm) rounds.

Arrange 1" (2.5 cm) apart on parchment paper-lined or lightly floured baking sheet.

Brush tops with milk.

• Bake in 400°F (200°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Serve warm.

Nutritional info (1 biscuit): 7g protein, 12g fat, 19g carbohydrate, 213 calories, 1g fibre, 350mg sodium Photo and recipe printed with permission from Foodland Ontario

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© Andreas Trepte / www.photo-natur.de / CC-BY-SA 2.5

Recreation

PHRAGMITES

Quiet Invasion Sensationalized and hyped stories come at us at such a rapid-fire rate that it’s sometimes easy to neglect giving appropriate attention to quieter but nonetheless insidious threats to our well-being.

One significant menace which is growing, under the radar for most people, is the invasive Phragmites weed.

it has included extensive research and consultation with experts, creation of a grassroots committee, procurement of expert help, development of a step-wise plan and involvement of a wide circle of organizations for support and assistance.

This noxious plant was a major topic at, “Preparing for the Invasion”, a day of public seminars hosted by Morel Magazine in St. Thomas last November. The exponential and, in most cases, unimpeded spread of such a threatening, difficult to eradicate species could easily be seen as an overwhelming challenge. However, St. Thomas resident David Collins’s presentation of the approach he and his committee have taken in the city provided a positive model of grassroots effectiveness. It inspired Marg Hulls from Dutton to spearhead a group in her own municipality. She says, “His message seemed to me to have answers to the problem.”

Following the West Elgin Nature Club meeting, five people volunteered to form a committee to help eradicate invasive Phragmites in western Elgin. They have received support from experts Janice Gilbert and Nancy Vidler, been given access to the St. Thomas plan, begun a process of public education and obtained a resolution from Dutton Dunwich council this past July. That council resolved to authorize a Phragmites Advisory Committee which will be responsible for mapping stands along and near municipal roads. The committee has also submitted a request for monetary assistance from the 2017 budget. West Elgin council voted to return the Phragmites issue back to council for future discussion.

Marg, a nature lover and educator, invited David Collins to share what was happening in St. Thomas at a meeting of the West Elgin Nature Club. He outlined the process his committee has undertaken—

Marg has contacted many experts and emphasizes, “These experts warn that it is important to have a plan and not to attack Phragmites in a piecemeal fashion.”

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Recreation

For more information, including an example of a large-scale plan, the Municipality of Lambton Shores Phragmites Plan, visit the Ontario Phragmites Working Group website, www.opwg.ca. Mary Baxter's article in Morel Magazine is at www.morelmag.ca.

For anyone interested in learning more or assisting in the eradication of this invasive weed, please contact Marg Hulls at 519-762-2049 or zerophrag@yahoo.com.

sweet corn • pumpkins apples • and much more

ABOUT INVASIVE PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS • an aggressively spreading grass capable of

reaching heights greater than 5 metres and densities of over 200 plants per square metre • it has no natural controls • much of its biomass is found underground in an intricate system of roots and rhizomes • its rhizomes can grow horizontally several metres per year; this is the most common method of reproduction • seeds and other parts are spread by wind, water, animals and human movement (i.e. in or on boats, trailers, ATVs and construction equipment)

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© User: Darkone / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

Phragmites australis is one of those problems which can be worsened by “cosmetic” solutions that don’t take into account the intricacies (and in this case, quite literally, the roots) of the problem. With the work of David Collins’s committee, we have an excellent local model of an effective approach. Do you know what steps are being taken to eradicate Phragmites in your area?

© R. A. Nonenmacher / CC-BY-SA-4.0

Recreation THE PROBLEM WITH PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS • in 2005 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

identified it as Canada’s worst invasive plant

• takes over roadside ditches, agricultural drains,

natural wetlands, constructed ponds & shorelines • stands become so dense that native vegetation is crowded out • toxins from the roots impede the growth of other plants and can even kill them • during the dry season dead stems are highly combustible, increasing the risk of intense fires • infestations at intersections and driveways prevent proper sight lines, creating a driving hazard • wildlife (turtles, plus other animals and birds) are unable to flourish in this monoculture • agricultural drains and roadside ditches become clogged due to fallen stems and leaf material • water levels are lowered as it grows very quickly

SOLUTIONS • costs to eradicate it are high but ignoring the problem will have higher costs

• mapping of the location and density of

Phragmites, particularly along municipal roadways, needs to be undertaken to gauge the extent of the problem • landowners have a great stake in the eradication of this invasive plant • suitable controls are site-specific and proven best practices can help eradicate this scourge

JEFF YUREK, MPP

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Heritage

History Brought to Life Amanda VandenWyngaert became curator of the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives in April 2014. Under her direction, exhibits have included ones which transformed sections of the museum into a Victorian home and into a World War I trench. As we sat upon a quite lovely, very yellow kitchen set which will become part of the upcoming Fabulous 50s exhibit, she shared some of the “behind the scenes” at the museum.

Amanda grew up in Aylmer and Copenhagen and completed studies in Near Eastern and Classical Archeology at Wilfrid Laurier University. As part of that program she spent time in Jordan working on a dig at an Iron Age tell. She went on to complete Sir Sanford Fleming’s Museum Management and Curatorship program and in her final week there was invited to apply for the curator’s job in Aylmer.

What background prepared you for Working at the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives?

A lot of what I knew about the area came from working here for several summers. I helped out with cataloguing, database entry, exhibit preparation and installation—anything Pat [Zimmer, past

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curator] needed help with. That helped when I ended up taking over—I already knew many of the ins and outs.

Do you still pursue your interest in ancient history?

HoW does it compare to local history?

It is still an interest so in my spare time I try to head out to those museums and sites—the Acropolis Museum in Greece, sites in Italy and when I was in Jordan we did Petra, the Dead Sea, all those sites.

As much as I love that, I also love the small town Ontario histories. They are just as interesting in different ways, especially when you know many of the families.

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Heritage What exhibits have you planned since you started?

Unearthing Aylmer looked at the area’s archeological past. With This Ring covered 150 years of bridal fashion. A 2015 exhibit remembered the Fire of 1965 on its 50th anniversary. Last summer we did a children’s exhibit with a bedroom scene and popular toys. Then we did Victorian Christmas to finish the year. In 2016 on the anniversary of WWI we looked at the history of soldiers in the area. The present [August] exhibit is Mourning Customs.

HoW are the exhibit themes decided?

We survey a lot to gauge public interest and try to cover a variety of interests. The Victorian exhibit last year had a hair wreath and mourning dress. A lot of people had questions about those and said they would be interested in learning more—that gave us the idea to do an exhibit on mourning customs.

If there is an anniversary, we try to commemorate that—like the Fire of ‘65 one and the World War I exhibit. Or sometimes we like to showcase new acquisitions, like when we received a large collection of children’s furniture.

What’s the next exhibit?

The next will be on the 50s. Mourning Customs was more serious but the fall one will be more fun.

Towards Christmas the displays will be decorated for Christmas—we have an aluminum tree, 50s ornaments and plastic candlesticks. Many of the volunteers and Vicki Hull, our Collections Registrar, remember the 50s—they are excited about the exhibit and are going to be a big asset in preparing it.

What is your favourite artefact?

For me personally, I would say a doll named Dorothy. When I was a summer student a woman

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Heritage

Displays from past exhibits on World War I (left), 150 years of bridal fashion (centre, top & bottom), Victorian customs (right, top) and the Aylmer fire of 1965 (right, bottom) saw a doll which had been donated, I think by her mother. She hadn’t seen it since she was a kid and had quite an emotional reaction. For the exhibit on children’s toys I called her and asked if we could bring the doll over and she could talk about her memories of it. She was 93 at the time … it was nice just seeing her reaction and having her photo and story to go along with the artefact. Also, many of the collections from Aylmer Canning, Imperial Tobacco, the RCAF WWII airfield and Carnation Milk are important to the history of the town since a lot of those things are gone now.

What are the students Working on this summer?

Our two students have been doing a lot of database entry—they are working through the collection one box and photograph at a time—about 1,000 items this summer! It’s a slow process and we wouldn’t be able to do that without help from students. It will make it easier for researchers, for setting up exhibits and for planning a move if that happens.

What is in the future?

Hopefully, a move. The volunteers have done an amazing job keeping the museum going and alive.

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There are 30 active regular volunteers and many more who help out with exhibits. It would be great to have a more central location with more exposure, more space and opportunity to grow. I get too excited if I start thinking about it—but no date or location has yet been decided.

What Was YOUR biggest surprise ABOUT Working here?

The amount of effort to maintain the museum financially—how much we have to fundraise, and apply for grants and rely on the generosity of people in the community, and in people buying memberships. I didn’t realize how much fundraising our volunteers did until I saw it first hand— without it we wouldn’t be able to operate.

What are the sources of funding?

We have two luncheon fundraisers, the Christmas tour of homes (the 2nd biggest source of funds), a Canadian Museums Association grant (the largest funding source), grants from the municipalities of Aylmer and Malahide and two summer student grants (CSJ and YCW). This year we are extremely grateful to have been selected to receive proceeds from the annual Tornado Fun Run hosted by the Ontario Police College.

RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

Heritage Are you able to do programming along With your exhibits?

A lot of what I do is with program exhibits. We do children’s programs and like to have kids in here as much as possible. We get calls for different programs and we love to try and modify them—we’re often asked for senior’s hands-on programs. Pat Zimmer now volunteers at Terrace Lodge and Chartwell once a month, which is great because they know her and she enjoys doing those programs.

What do you find most interesting about local history?

How diverse our history really is, all the different people who came to settle at different times. That is still on-going, most recently with the Mennonites.

There has been a lot of industry—Carnation’s first Canadian plant was built in Aylmer 100 years ago.

It has been always changing and there are different aspects and businesses to study. For a small town it has a huge history!

Amanda is helping to ensure the continuation of the legacy of many volunteers who have been dedicated to preserving Aylmer’s past. With creativity, energy and passion she is helping to bring that “huge history” to life.

The Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives is located at 14 East Street, Aylmer. For more information, call 519-773-9723 or visit www.amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseum.

The Fabulous 50s exhibit runs until Fri Nov 25. AMMA will be one of the participating sites on Doors Open East Elgin on Sept 24.

The Tornado Fun Run is Oct 5. The Museum's Christmas Tour of Homes is Nov 18 & 19.

Ferguson Bros. of St. Thomas Ltd. Growers and Processors of Fancy Beans Varieties:

Cranberry • White Kidney Light and Dark Red Kidney • White Beans Pinto • Black • Yellow Eyes Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

43850 Ferguson Line, RR#6 St. Thomas

519-631-3463

fergusonoffice@execulink.com www.fergusonbros.com

RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

TURKEY FARMS INC.

Your Local Stop for Turkey & Store-Made Turkey Specialties EXTRA LEAN GROUND TURKEY, SCHNITZEL, SAUSAGE, MEATLOAF, MEAT PIES, SOUP, BROILS, MARINATED KABOBS & MORE

Order your Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey or Roast

by October 3rd to ensure availability Visit the farm or St. Thomas Horton Market (Sat 8-12), Western Fair Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market (Sat 8-3) & Brantford Farmers’ Markets (Fri 9-5 & Sat 7-2)

10882 Sunset Rd, Talbotville • 519-633-0527 Open Mon to Fri 9am-5:30pm & Sat 9am-4pm

WWW.TURKEYSHOPPE.COM

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Events

Fall Frolics

EVENTS ACROSS ELGIN • MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA This is an extremely condensed version of the events listings that can be found online at www.relishelgin.ca.

Please visit the website for an extensive calendar of events, and more details on those listed here.

MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS Until Sat Sept 17 • St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre: Cliff Kearns Retrospective • www.stepac.ca Saturdays in Sept • Gay Lea Dairy Heritage Museum, Aylmer • www.dairyheritagemuseum.ca Fri - Sun until Thanskgiving • Sparta Church Museum: Woman’s Work is Never Done Sat, Sun & holidays until Thanksgiving • Forge & Anvil Museum, Sparta Until Thanksgiving • Backus Page House Museum • www.backuspagehouse.ca Until Fri Nov 25 • Aylmer Malahide Museum & Archives: Fabulous 50s Until Fri Dec 23 • Elgin County Museum: Gadgets and Gizmos • www.elgincounty.ca/museum Ongoing (hours on website) • Tours of HMCS Ojibwa Submarine • Port Burwell • www.projectojibwa.ca Sat Sept 24-Sat Oct 22 • STEPAC Annual Juried Exhibition: In View of the Artist • www.stepac.ca Sat Oct 1-Sat Nov 12 (Opening reception Sat Oct 1) • Illumine Gallery: Terra • www.illuminegallery.com

ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays until Sept 21, 6pm - dusk • Aylmer Shrine Cruise Nights • ICS Courier Parking Lot Saturdays until Oct 29, 8am-noon • Horton Farmers’ Market • Manitoba just north of Talbot, St. Thomas Sat & Sun until Oct 30 • Scenic Train Rides on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail • www.pstr.on.ca Saturdays Sept 17-Oct 29 & Mon Oct 10 • Clovermead Pumpkin Festival • www.clovermead.com

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER EVENTS Sat Sept 10 • Busker's Day at Clovermead Bees & Honey • www.clovermead.com Sat Sept 10 • Aylmer Performing Arts Concert: Poor Angus • www.artsinaylmer.com Sat Sept 10 • Yuk Yuk's Comedy Night in the Shop • Elgin County Railway Museum • www.ecrm5700.org Sat Sept 10 & Sun Sept 11 • Bakus-Page House Heritage Farm Show • www.backuspagehouse.ca Sat Sept 10 & Sun Sept 11 • Great Lakes Farms Applefest • www.greatlakesfarms.ca Sat & Sun Sept 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 10am-3:30pm • Hawk Cliff Weekends • 4435 Hawk Cliff Rd (off Dexter)

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RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

Events Sun Sept 11, 4:30-7pm • Southwold Fire Department Annual Beef & Pork BBQ • Keystone Complex Weds & Thurs Sept 14-Dec 15 • Co-ed Dodgeball & Court Volleyball for Adults • www.fcssc.ca/sthomas Thur Sept 15, 2-8pm • Steelway 40th Anniversary Open House • 7825 Springwater Rd • 519-765-2244 Thur Sept 15-Sat Sept 17 • Fall Festival at Family Flowers • www.familyflowers.ca Fri Sept 16 & Sat Sept 17 • 5th Annual Playwrights' Festival • www.portstanleytheatre.ca Fri Sept 16-Sun Sept 18 • 162nd Rodney Fair • www.rodneyfair.ca Sat Sept 17 • Ontario Tree Climbing Competition • Pinafore Park, St. Thomas • www.isaontario.com Sat Sept 17 • Grand Opening: English Nest • 179 Elm St, W Lorne • facebook.com/ElysiaEnglishDesigns Sat Sept 17, Oct 1 & 15, Fri & Sat Oct 28 & 29 • Murder and Mystery on the Train • www.pstr.on.ca Sun Sept 18 • Railway City Road Races 2016 • www.railwaycityroadraces.com Sun Sept 18, 12:30pm • Official Opening of Hawk Cliff Woods • www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca Thur Sept 22-Sun Oct 2 • Elgin Theatre Guild: Ned Durango Comes to Big Oak • elgintheatreguild.ca Sat Sept 24 • Mudmoiselle Fundraiser for Cdn Cancer Society at Boler • www.mudmoiselle.ca Sat Sept 24 • Doors Open East Elgin • www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/East-Elgin.aspx Sun Sept 25 • Barn Dance Show • Keystone Complex, Shedden • www.rosyrhubarbfestival.com Fri Sept 30-Sun Oct 2 • 156th Annual Wallacetown Fair • www.wallacetownfair.com Fri Sept 30-Sun Oct 2 (tickets before Sept 22) • Arthur Voaden 90th Reunion • www.voaden90.com

Fall Festival Sept 15, 16 + 17

MINI FARM ANIMALS pumpkin carving station ... leave the mess with us...

New for 2016:

Onsite Fall Vendor Fair

with local handmade products for purchase

pumpkin spice cider and fresh local apples the Western

Town Jail, Bank, Saloon & General Store are OPEN Fall Vendor Fair

#fallfestival

Here’s 2 Ewe | Country Canning Nancy’s Sock Monkeys Sew Fab | Mr. Cool Ice Cream The Milk and Honey Company

on site Sat Sept 17 9-5 Professional

Face Painting SAT 11-4

Pumpkin Bowling

The Rodney Aldborough Agricultural Society presents

HATS OFF TO THE FARMERS

Craft corner

fall flower sales & Garden Mums, Patio Pots, specials Hanging Baskets, Pumpkins, Straw, Corn + so much more...

M-F 9-5:30 | Sat 9-5

3 BIG DAYS OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER 16, 17 & 18, 2016 E JO COM

IN THE FU

N!

Live entertainment, children’s shows, cattle show, tractor pull, amusement rides, demo derby & sooo much more.

ADMISSION PRICES

Friday: Adults $12 • Students (13-18 yrs) $10 Saturday: Adults $5 • Students $5 Sunday: Adults $8 • Students $5 Children 12 yrs & under - Free Admission All Weekend

Home & Garden Living

44329 Talbot Line, St. Thomas • 519-631-6004

www.familyflowers.ca

RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

Weekend Passes: Adult $20 • Students $15 Available at Marg’s Variety in Rodney or at the gate on fair weekend

www.rodneyfair.ca

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Events

Great Lakes Farms

Pinecroft Pottery & Green Frog Tearoom

Hawk Cliff Weekends

Elgin Innovation Centre, Doors Open East Elgin

The Village Collective, Sparta

Demolition Derby, Rodney Fair

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER EVENTS, CONTINUED Fri Sept 30-Sun Oct 1 • Culture Days • Find events across Elgin County at www.culturedays.ca Sat Oct 1, 1-3pm • Opening Reception for STEPAC: In View of the Artist • www.stepac.ca Sat Oct 1 • Dogtoberfest • Solitude Nature Reserve • www.facebook.com/events/293497161021050/ Sat Oct 1 • Opening Reception for Illumine Gallery: Terra • www.illuminegallery.com Sat Oct 1 • Craft Beer Oktoberfest with Walter Ostenak • Saxonia Hall, Aylmer • www.saxoniahall.com Sat Oct 1 • Elvis: Love Me Tender • Starring Gino Monopoli • www.portstanleytheatre.ca

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RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

Events Sat Oct 1 • Sparta's Scarecrow Fall Festival • www.thevillagecollective.com Wed Oct 5 • 37th Annual Ontario Police College Tornado Fun Run • raceroster.com Sat Oct 15 • Aylmer Performing Arts: The McCartney Years • www.artsinaylmer.com Sat Oct 15 • Doors Open St. Thomas • www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/St-Thomas.aspx Sat Oct 15 • 10th Annual J. K. Galbraith Literary Awards • www.johnkennethgalbraithliteraryaward.ca Wed Oct 19, 3-7pm • St. Thomas Chamber Business & Community Showcase • St. Anne’s Centre Thur Oct 20-Sat Oct 29 • Aylmer Theatre: Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike • www.aylmertheatre.ca Thur Oct 20 • Apropos 6th Annual Fashion Fundraiser • www.portstanleytheatre.ca Fri Oct 21 • The Arts & Cookery Bank's Oktoberfest • www.theartsandcookerybank.com Sat Oct 22 • STEGH Foundation’s Masquerade Gala • www.itsourhospital.ca Mon Oct 31 • Halloween at Olde Rodney Jail • 6pm, 135 Queens Ln, Rodney Thur Nov 3, 6-8pm • Citizens 4 Active Transportation Meeting • Carnegie Room, St. Thomas Library Fri Nov 4 • STEPAC Art Auction Fundraiser • www.stepac.ca Fri Nov 11-Sun Nov 13 • St. Thomas-Elgin Artists' Guild 10th Annual Show & Sale • CASO Station Fri Nov 11-Sun Nov 13 • 21st Annual Rotary Tour of Homes • www.rotarystthomas.org Sat Nov 12 • Aylmer Performing Arts Concert: Michael Schatte Band • www.artsinaylmer.com

MORE EVENTS & DETAILS AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA

ROTARY CLUB OF ST. THOMAS PRESENTS

21st Annual

Christmas in St. Thomas

Tour of Homes

Wind n Willow HOME & GARDEN DÉCOR GIFTWARE • GOURMET GOODS JEWELLERY • FASHION

Fri Nov 11th, 6-9pm Sat Nov 12th & Sun Nov 13th, 10am-4pm

Tour of Five Sites

Door Prizes • Buy “Gift Balls” Experience the Candlelight Preview on Friday evening with any 2016 Tour Ticket

$17 in Advance / $20 at the Door

St. Thomas: Berry Hill Ltd, Fellow’s Flowers, Canadale Nursery, Petals of Love, Wind n Willow, Real Canadian Superstore, Talbot Street Shoppers Drug Mart, Family Flowers, Little Red Mitten & Lynhurst Variety Surrounding Area: Spare Moments (Aylmer), Victorian Elegance (Aylmer), Dutton Flowers (Dutton), McLennan Flowers (Lambeth), Wayside Dining Lounge (Talbotville), Apropos (Port Stanley), Heritage Garden Gallery (London)

519-633-0838

www.rotarystthomas.org

RELISH ELGIN FALL 2016

Custom Gift Baskets, Terramundi Money Pots, Lampe Berger, DaVinci Beads & More

Affordable Luxury

FOR YOUR HOME & FOR YOU

435 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

519.637.3904 • info@windnwillow.ca

www.windnwillow.ca

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Corporate Events Weddings | Gift Cards ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO

226-448-8466

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