Relish Elgin Holiday 2012 Edition

Culture Home Recreation Holiday 2012 | Volume 6 | Issue 5

FREE

Artist

Harry Wilkinson PLUS

Upcoming Events Across Elgin Made in Elgin Holiday Gift Guide Specialist High Skills Major at AVSS Book Review: The History of Pinecroft Lunnvale Farms Sheep Cheese Holiday Delights with Christie MassĂŠ

Come and Experience

Southwestern Ontario’s Largest Yarn Shop Located in a charming 1842 home in the historic district of St. Thomas, across form the famous Jumbo monument, Little Red Mitten is a complete yarn shop with knowledgeable, helpful staff.

We also offer spinning and weaving supplies, knitting Little groups and classes.

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www.littleredmitten.ca

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86 Talbot Street, St. Thomas • 519-207-2880 Open Mon-Wed & Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs & Fri 10am-8pm • Closed Sundays & Holidays

Mitten ll y

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Wind n Willow HOME DÉCOR . GIFT WARE KITCHEN . GOURMET GOODS INTERIOR DECORATING

Gift Certificates & Gift Baskets Available

CREATE A SEASON AS UNIQUE AS YOU Explore our Vast Selection of Ornaments & Gifts Wind & Willow Dip & Dessert Mixes Fashion Jewellery & Handbags • Pashminas Lampe Berger • Rootham’s Gourmet Teas, Teapots & Accessories Attractives Collectible Salt & Pepper Shakers Wall Art • Christmas Décor

435 Talbot St, St. Thomas

519.637.3904 • windnwillow@bellnet.ca

www.windnwillow.ca

because you deserve it...

FEATURING

SPA SERVICES FOR MEN & WOMEN ST. TROPEZ SPRAY TANNING • GUINOT SKIN CARE OPI • JANE IREDALE MINERAL MAKEUP Group Spa & Bridal Parties Welcome

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION OPEN HOUSE NOV 15TH 1-7PM

Mon 10am-4pm, Tues-Fri 8:30am-7pm & Sat 8am-4pm

76 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

519-631-7629

www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com

Share something local with friends and family this holiday season!

168 Curtis Street, St. Thomas • 519-631-1881 • www.railwaycitybrewing.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • TOURS AVAILABLE • ALSO AVAILABLE AT AREA LCBOs

FROM THE EDITOR The good feelings of the holiday season have a lot to do with recalling fond memories, carrying on traditions and creating new ones. The simplest pleasures are often most fondly recalled, brought vividly to memory by sensory cues like the scent of cinnamon or pine, the crunch of snow underfoot, the sparkle of lights on a tree, a snippet of music.

We hope that you will find many sources of joy this holiday season. Check out our events listings for some holiday happenings which should help put you in the festive spirit. The Carol Sing at the Old St. Thomas Church with singing, band, steaming cups of apple cider, people bundled in coats and blankets is one which seems to fit the bill quite perfectly.

In her article, Christie Massé urges us to recall our memories of past holiday culinary creations and recreate them for our loved ones this year. Our “Made in Elgin County” gift guide looks to locally made, hand-crafted foods and products for giftgiving inspiration.

With the coming of a new year, there is always suggestion that resolutions should be made.

Instead, perhaps we can aim to discover, over the holidays, the joys right smack dab in the middle of our comfort zones. Then in January we can use those discoveries to give the comfort zone boundaries a gentle push outwards. Enjoyed being in your kitchen? Organize to do a little more cooking “outside the box”. Your hand-crafted project was fulfilling? Find a way to share your skills with others.

Enjoyed singing your heart out? Join a choir. Enjoyed giving your time? Many organizations are looking for volunteers.

“If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.”

– Anita Roddick

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

5 The Season's Events in Elgin 15 Harry Wilkinson: Overcoming the Illusory

20 Elgin Map & What's in Season 23 Relish Elgin Holiday Gift Guide 27 The Specialist High Skills Major Program at Arthur Voaden S.S. 31 Review: The History of Pinecroft New Book by Brenda Caverly Smith

35 Lunnvale Farms Cheese 37 Holiday Delights: Revisited

By Chef Christie Massé, with recipe for Bacon Baked Apples with Cheese

OUR COVER IMAGE

Our cover image is by artist Harry Wilkinson, whose exhibition Overcoming the Illusory is on at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre from November 10th, 2012 to January 5th, 2013.

Read more about Harry's work on page 15.

Editor • Debra Bagshaw • editor@relishelgin.ca Design • Joanne Rowles • jo@relishelgin.ca Advertising Info • ads@relishelgin.ca Relish Elgin Magazine • 519-633-1992 P.O. Box 20058, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 4H4

www.relishelgin.ca

Debra

Copyright 2012, 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.

RELISH HOLIDAY 2012

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CURRENT EXHIBITION: SEPT 17 TH TO DEC 21ST

SANTAparades CLAUS

He's making a list; he's checking it twice ...

J.T. FINDLAY: ARCHITECT

A survey of Elgin County architects featuring the homes and public buildings of early twentieth century architect J. T. Findlay. Includes photos of his many now-classic homes and well-known landmarks.

Elgin County Administration Building, 4th Floor, 450 Sunset Drive (Hwy 4), St. Thomas, Ontario Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm 519.631.1460 ext. 160

www.elgincounty.ca 20TH ANNUAL

Holiday Fantasy of Lights December 1st to December 31st, 2012 Pinafore Park, Elm St., St. Thomas

Lights on Nightly 5-10pm Free Admission

Freewill Donations Welcome

Free Weekend Entertainment

IN ELGIN & ST. THOMAS

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10TH

Dutton - 1pm

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17TH

St. Thomas - 6pm

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24TH

Aylmer - 2pm

FRiDAY NOVEMBER 30TH

West Lorne - 7pm Port Stanley - 7pm

SATURDAY DEcEMBER 1ST

Springfield - 1pm Rodney - 5:30pm Port Burwell - 6:30pm SUNDAY DEcEMBER 2ND

Fingal - 2pm Belmont - 6pm

SATURDAY DEcEMBER 8TH

Straffordville - 10:30am

In the Dance Pavilion

Free Rides on the People Mover Every Weekend, 7-9pm Warm Up in the Pavilion with Coffee, Hot Chocolate and Popcorn

VISIT SANTA ON DECEMBER 15TH AT 6PM For information, email HFofLights@gmail.com or visit

www.fantasylights.org

Find out what's on in your community, or add your own event at

www.elgintourist.com 1-877-GoElgin

©Photos.com/small_frog

Events

Frosty Fun

EVENTS ACROSS ELGIN • MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA ONGOING EVENTS

Fri Nov 9 to Sun Nov 11 Christmas Open House at Victorian Elegance Fri, Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm 109 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-765-3634 www.victorianelegance.ca Fri Nov 9 TO Sun Nov 11 Holiday Open House at Mon Sept 17 to Fri Dec 21 Fri Nov 9 Wind n Willow Exhibition: J.T. Findlay, Family Movie Night at the Fri 9:30am-8pm; Sat 9:30am-5pm; Architect St. Thomas Public Library Sun noon-5pm | 519-637-3904 Elgin County Museum Ice Age: Continental Drifts | 6pm 435 Talbot St, St. Thomas 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas (Elgin Free admission | 519-631-6050 www.windnwillow.ca County Admin Bldg, 4th Floor) 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas Sat Nov 10 519-631-1460 x160 www.st-thomas.library.on.ca rd Annual Mega One-Stop 3 www.elgincounty.ca Fri Nov 9 to Sun Nov 11 Shopping Event Sat Sept 29 to Sat Sept 28 2013 ROTARY's Christmas in 10am-3pm | St. Anne’s Centre Parade of Elephants St. Thomas Tour of Homes 20 Morrison Dr, St. Thomas A travelling, evolving exhibition Fri 6-9pm; Sat & Sun 10am-4pm Sat Nov 10 of elephants decorated by $17 adv, $20 door | 519-633-0838 Heritage Line Herbs members of the Elgin Arts Trail COOKING Workshop: Fri Nov 9 to Sun Nov 11 For schedule and map, visit th Party Planning 6 annual 'Twas the Art www.elginartstrail.ca/ArtsTrail/ Before Christmas 1:30pm | $25 (registration req'd) Parade-of-Elephants 53443 Heritage Line, RR1 Aylmer Annual show and sale of the St. 519-866-5577 Thomas Elgin Artist's Guild Tues Oct 16 to Tues Nov 27 Exhibition: Sports Central Fri 7-10pm (opening reception), www.heritagelineherbs.com Sat 12-8pm, Sun 12-5pm Aylmer-Malahide Museum Sat Nov 10 14 East St, Aylmer | 519-773-9723 Canada Southern Railway Station Dutton Santa Claus Parade amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseum 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas 1pm, Bobier Villa to Centennial Park

Wed Nov 14, 21 & 28, Dec 5 & 12 Nine Wednesdays: Culinary Until Mon Dec 31 Exhibition: Photographs Hands-on Experiences 6:30-9:30pm | 519-768-9986 Through Time Canada Southern Railway Station, The Arts & Cookery Bank 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne Gentlemen’s Waiting Room www.theartsandcookerybank.com 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas www.narhf.org NOVEMBER EVENTS

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ŠPhotos.com/jaywarren79

Events

LEST WE FORGET

REMEMBRANCE DAY IN ELGIN COUNTY thurs Nov 8 Dutton Remembrance Day Service 7pm, WEDS Theatre, Dutton Municipal Office, 199 Currie Road Sun Nov 11 Aylmer Remembrance Day Ceremony 10:30am, Aylmer Town Hall, 46 Talbot Street West Sun Nov 11 St. Thomas Remembrance Day Service 10:45am, St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, 189 Elm Street SUN Nov 11 Rodney Remembrance Day Service 11am, Rodney Library, 207 Furnival Road Sun Nov 11 West Lorne Remembrance Day Service 11am, West Lorne Arena, 171 Graham Road Sun Nov 11 Free Admission to Elgin Military Museum 30 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, 519-633-7641 www.elginmilitarymuseum.ca Sat Nov 10 Aylmer Performing Arts Presents Alfie Zappacosta 7pm doors open; show at 7:30pm $25 | 519-765-3039 Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre 38 John St S, Aylmer www.artsinaylmer.com

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Sat Nov 10 Ades's The Tempest at The Met: Live in HD 12:55pm | 519-631-2261 Galaxy Cinema St. Thomas 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas www.cineplex.com/ Events/ MetOpera/Home.aspx

Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11 Terri Biloski's Run 161 On World Run Day, run with Terri on her 161km journey through Elgin County or cheer her on as she raises funds for the Huntington Society of Canada.

519-637-0333 www.runforyourlifecanada.com Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11 Cobblestones GIFT & SHELLEY McVITTIE'S GALLERY Christmas Open House Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm 48664 John Wise Line, Aylmer 519-773-5912 www.shelleymcvittie.com Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11 Rush Creek Wines Christmas Open House Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm 48995 Jamestown Line, RR2 Aylmer | 519-773-5432 www.rushcreekwines.com Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11 Port Stanley Holiday Open House Weekend Treats, discounts and special draws at Russell House Apparel (Sat only), Southbound Boutique, My Favourite Things, The Bodhi Tree, Studio Style Ladies Apparel & Accessories and Joshua & Co. Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11, Sat Nov 24 & Sun Nov 25 Christmas Open House at Canadale Live reindeer, Santa & Mrs. Claus, STEGH Auxiliary lunch, decorating demos and workshops Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-7264 www.canadale.com

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Events Sat Nov 10 to Sat Nov 24 7th Annual Healing Palette Art Exhibition Art by those with firsthand experiences with mental illness Opening Gala Sat Nov 10, 2-4pm St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital 189 Elm St, St. Thomas Call Anne, 519-631-8510 x 47749 www.thehealingpalettehome.com Sat Nov 10 to Sat Jan 5 Exhibition: Harry Wilkinson—Overcoming The Illusory Reception Sat Nov 10, 7-9pm St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca Sat Nov 10 to Sat Jan 5 Exhibition: Recent PERMANENT COLLECTION Acquisitions St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca Tues Nov 13 to Sat Nov 17 Ten Thousand Villages Festival Sale Fair-trade gifts from around the world at Aylmer Old Town Hall Tues & Wed 11am-5pm, Thurs & Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-2pm 38 John St S, Aylmer Call Mennonite Community Services, 519-765-3020 Tues Nov 13, Sat Nov 17, Tues Nov 20 & Sat Nov 24 Holiday Decorating Workshops at Pinecroft Christmas Star, Nov 13; Wreath, Sat Nov 17 & 24; Traditional Swag, Tues Nov 20 8122 Rogers Rd S, Aylmer 519-773-3435 | www.pinecroft.ca

Wed Nov 14 HMCS Ojibwa Landing Day Vehicle access will restricted to residents and those with passes.

Port Burwell Harbour Call Melissa Raven, 519-633-7641 www.projectojibwa.ca Thur Nov 15 Thursday's Tempting Tastes 4-7pm | The Arts & Cookery Bank 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 www.theartsandcookerybank.com Thurs Nov 15 7th Annual Cedarhurst SALON & SPA Open House 25% off many products, draws, demos, refreshments and snacks 1-7pm | 519-631-7629 76 Talbot St, St. Thomas www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com Thurs Nov 15 Tiny Tots Stop & Shop 7-9pm | 519-785-2164 Tiny Tots Co-Op Nursery School 217 Furnival Rd, Rodney

Thur Nov 15 TO Sat Nov 17 FAMILY FLOWERS Parade of Poinsettias 9am-5pm | 519-631-6004 44329 Talbot Line, St. Thomas www.familyflowers.ca Fri Nov 16 St. Thomas City Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony 6pm | Call DDB, 519-633-5248 Fri Nov 16 Guy's Night Out What happens in the cookery, stays in the cookery!

6:30-9:30pm | 519-768-9986 The Arts & Cookery Bank 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne www.theartsandcookerybank.com Fri Nov 16 & Sat Nov 17 11th Annual Aylmer- Malahide Museum Christmas Tour of Homes Turkey dinner $12, Fri 6pm; Tour $15, Fri 7-10pm, Sat 1-9pm Purchase dinner tickets by Nov 12 519-773-9723 or 519-773-5575 amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseum

Reindeer at Canadale's Open House (Photo by Mark Girdauskas)

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Events Sun Nov 18 Springfield Lioness Christmas Craft Sale 11am-3pm Tues Nov 20 Slide Show: 100 Yrs of Rail History in Railway City 7pm | $3 | 519-633-2535 CASO Railway Station 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas Tues Nov 20 to Sat Dec 1 The Bank's 12 Days of Christmas: Holiday Extravaganza The Arts & Cookery Bank's "12 Days" Cookie Bake Nov 20, 27, 29 & 30, Traditional Fri Nov 16 TO Sun Nov 18 Sat Nov 17 German Festive Market; Sparta Mall Merchants St. Thomas Optimist Santa Nov 21 & 28: Nine Wednesdays; Winter Warmer Weekend Claus Parade Nov 22: Volunteer App'n Evening; Holistic Awakenings Day Spa, The 6pm Nov 23: Gingerbread Houses; Loft and Needful Thingz optimistsantaclausparade.com Nov 24: Cookie Bake; Main Street, Sparta Nov 25: Yuletide Brunch; Sat Nov 17 Nov 30: Santa Parade; Fri Nov 16, Fri Dec 21 Habitat for Humanity Curling Funspiel Dec 1: Celebration Cook-Off Lunch Tea & History Series 9am | $100/team (includes 3 The Arts & Cookery Bank Nov 16: History Preservation 6-end games, lunch, prizes) 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne Dec 21: A Pioneer Christmas 519-768-9986 John Kenneth Galbraith Reference St. Thomas Curling Club 38 Parkside Dr, St. Thomas www.theartsandcookerybank.com Library | 519-762-2780 Call Joanne, 519-494-0089 236 Shackleton St, Dutton Thur Nov 22 Facebook: Habitat St. Thomas Build Chico Sanchez & Dealer’s www.elgincounty.ca Choice with Guests Sat Nov 17 Sat Nov 17 Tickets at the CASO Railway Raku Firing Workshop 2nd Annual Horton with Reid Flock Farmers' Holiday Market Station and Bell’s Book Bin 7:30pm | $15 Includes participation component 8am-noon Canada Southern Railway Station 9am-4:30pm | $80 (in advance) Manitoba St, just N of Talbot St, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas Pinecroft Pottery Studio St. Thomas | 519-631-6050 8048 Rogers Rd S, Aylmer www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca Fri Nov 23 519-773-3435 | www.pinecroft.ca Sat Nov 17 & Sun Nov 18 Family Movie Night at the St. Thomas Public Library Sat Nov 17 9th annual Heritage Line Ruby Sparks Herbs Christmas Open 3rd Annual Vesta SHOP House 7pm | Free admission Holiday Open House Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-4pm St. Thomas Public Library 9am-5pm, and during parade 53443 Heritage Line, Aylmer 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 767 Talbot St, Saint Thomas, 519-866-5577 519-631-6050 519-631-6461 www.heritagelineherbs.com www.st-thomas.library.on.ca www.vestashop.ca

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RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Events Fri Nov 23 18th Anniversary Dinner at the Seniors Centre 5pm | $10 advance, $12 at door (limited tickets) | 519-633-2850 225 Chestnut St, St. Thomas Fri Nov 23 Sounds of the Season 2012 Aylmer Area Community Band & Choir, St. Thomas Youth Choir 7:30pm | $8, 12 yrs + under free Old Town Hall Theatre 38 John St S, Aylmer Call Dave, 519-773-5506 www.aylmer.ca Fri Nov 23 to Fri Dec 7 3rd Annual Home For Christmas in West Elgin & Dutton/Dunwich Prize draws at participating locations; sponsored by Marketing Partners of Western Elgin Region & Mun. of West Elgin www.eventselgin.ca/home-forchristmas Sat Nov 24 An Evening of Song Featuring Soprano Stephanie Tokarz and pianist Pat Campbell 7:30pm | $10 St. Peter's Anglican Church 29596 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown Call Anna, 519-762-2617 www.stpeterschurchtyrconnell.org Sat Nov 24 Treble Makers Women's Choir: "An Icy December with a Side of Jive" 7:30pm West Lorne United Church 271 Graham Rd, West Lorne Call Jane, 519-768-1717 www.facebook.com/ events/380101952066277/

Sat Nov 24 Aylmer Santa Claus Parade 2pm Sat Nov 24 Messiah’s Misfits & St. Paul’s Praise Team Adults & youth $10; children 13 and under, free 7pm | Central United Church 135 Wellington St, St. Thomas Call Meagen, 519-764-2317 www.pearcewilliams.org Sat Nov 24 & Sun Nov 25 Sparta Country Christmas Santa photos, specials, draws Caring Cupboard donations please 12pm–3pm | Village of Sparta Call Norma, 519-775-2312 or Mary, 519-775-0054 www.spartacandles.com Sat Nov 24 & Sun Nov 25 A Lavender Christmas AT STEED & CO LAVENDER Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm 47589 Sparta Line, Sparta 519-494-5525 www.steedandcompany.com

SAT & SUN Nov 24 & 25, Dec 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23 Santa Treats Train Rides Trains depart 11am, 1 & 2:30pm Adults $13.50, Children (2-12) $9 Port Stanley Terminal Rail 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-3730 | www.pstr.on.ca Sun Nov 25 Hank Haller Band (POLKA) 2-6pm dancing; 6pm dinner $25 | Elgin International Club 11558 Kerr Rd, West Lorne Call Barbara, 519-785-0866 www.elgininternationalclub.com Mon Nov 26 West Elgin Community Band 16th Annual Not Just a Christmas Concert "It’s a Wonderful–Jazzy–Time of the Year", with special guests The Mark Godfrey Trio 7:30pm | $10 advance/$12 door ($5/$6 students, $25 family of 4+) West Elgin Secondary School 139 Graham St, West Lorne www.facebook.com/ WestElginCommunityBand

A Lavender Christmas, at Steed & Company Lavender

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Events Fri Nov 30 West Lorne Santa Claus Parade 7pm Fri Nov 30 Dickens's Night Parade 7pm | Bridge St, Port Stanley

Sat Dec 1 Christmas Spirit Walk 1-hr candle-lit stolls every 10 min 6-8pm | 519-773-9037 Adults $5; children 16 & under free Springwater Conservation Area 8079 Springwater Rd, Aylmer www.catfishcreek.ca DECEMBER EVENTS Sat Dec 1 Sat Dec 1 Springfield Santa Mozart's La Clemenza de Claus Parade Tito at The Met: Live in HD 1pm 12:55pm | 519-631-2261 Sat Dec 1 & Sun Dec 2 Galaxy Cinema St. Thomas Cobblestones Gift & 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas Shelley McVittie's Gallery www.cineplex.com Holiday & Art Sale Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm Sat Dec 1 48664 John Wise Line, Aylmer Rodney Christmas 519-773-5912 Celebrations www.shelleymcvittie.com 2–6:30pm (parade 5:30) 519-785-0560 Sat Dec 1 to Mon Dec 31 www.westelgin.net Holiday Fantasy of Lights Entertainment weekends 7-9pm; Sat Dec 1 people mover on weekends Port Burwell Santa Claus Parade 5-10pm nightly | Pinafore Park 6:30pm | www.bayham.on.ca 95 Elm St, St. Thomas Port Burwell Legion to Lighthouse www.fantasylights.org

Vigil to End Violence Against Women (Photo by Mark Girdauskas)

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Sun Dec 2 Breakfast With Santa Join Alzheimer Society of ElginSt. Thomas for pancakes & family entertainment Adults $8, children 10 & under $6 St. Thomas Seniors Centre 225 Chestnut St, St. Thomas 519-633-4396 www.alzheimerelgin.ca Sun Dec 2 Elgin Military Museum Christmas Open House 30 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-633-7641 www.elginmilitarymuseum.ca Sun Dec 2 Belmont Santa Claus Parade 6pm Sun Dec 2 Fingal Santa Claus Parade 2pm Sun Dec 2 OLD St. Thomas CHurch Christmas Carol Sing Salvation Army Band, guest emcee, cookies, cider & tarts by free-will offering to Salvation Army Winter Relief program 3pm | 55 Walnut St, St. Thomas 519-633-2610 (leave message) www.oldstthomaschurch.com Wed Dec 5 to Sat Dec 8, Fri Dec 14 & Sat Dec 15 WEDS Presents My Son is Crazy–But Promising Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm $15/adult, $10/student/senior; Opening night $10/$5 WEDS Theatre, Dutton Town Hall 199 Currie Rd (Main St), Dutton 519-762-2862 | www.weds.ca

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Events Thurs Dec 6 ST. THOMAS-ELGIN PUBLIC ART CENTRE Winter Gift Shop Sale 6-9pm | 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca Thurs Dec 6 Nat'L Day of Remembrance AND Action to End Violence Against Women Candlelight vigil organized

by Violence Against Women, Services Elgin County 5:30pm at Memory Garden inside front entrance of Pinafore Park 89 Elm St, St. Thomas Call Pam, 519-633-0155 www.vawsec.on.ca Thurs Dec 6 to Sun Dec 16 Elgin Theatre Guild Presents Cinderella the Pantomime Thurs-Sat at 7:30pm; Sun at 2pm $15 ($10 1st Thurs)| 519-633-8530 Princess Avenue Playhouse 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas www.elgintheatreguild.ca Fri Dec 7 Dinner & The Theatre Dinner at the Arts & Cookery Bank & West Elgin Dramatic Society’s "My Son is Crazy–But Promising" Dinner at 6pm, theatre at 8pm The Arts & Cookery Bank 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 www.theartsandcookerybank.com Sat Dec 8 Deni Gauthier at STEPAC Originals & Christmas favourites 7-9pm | 519-631-4040 St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas www.stepac.ca

RAILWAY CITY BREWING COMPANY From their opening, Railway City Brewing Company has been all about the beer—craft brewed in small batches. But it may be the funky brew names and branding which plays on Jumbo the Elephant and Railway City themes that first get the attention of craft-beer lovers. Quality and fun have made for a winning combination.

This past October, following a busy 2012 summer and with busier ones on the horizon, the award-winning brewery announced an upcoming move and facility expansion. It will enable them to keep up with ever-increasing demand for their popular brews, and to grow into the future.

Scheduled to open in 2013 in a former tool-and-die-shop on Edward Street, the new brewery location will feature an expanded production facility for cans, bottles and draft beer, a larger retail store to better serve the walk-in crowd and a tasting room large enough to hold special events.

Says Paul Corriveau, V.P. Sales and Marketing, “We pride ourselves on featuring as many local ingredients as possible in our beer, including locally grown hops, apples, honey and even pears which were featured in the Hoptoberfest Beer.” The expansion will allow them to continue to create more locally inspired brews.

Railway City brands include Iron Spike Blonde, Copper & Amber Ales, Dead Elephant Ale, Honey Elixir, Black Coal Stout, Canada Southern Draft and specialty brews throughout the year. You will find them at the retail location, at many food and drink establishments across Ontario and at select L.C.B.O. outlets.

To find our more, visit 168 Curtis Street, St. Thomas, call 519-631-1881 or go to www.railwaycitybrewing.com.

Above: Railway City's Paul Corriveau and Al Goulding (Philip J. Bell, Shutter Studios, Courtesy Savour Elgin)

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Events Sat Dec 8 Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera at The Met: Live in HD 12:55pm | 519-631-2261 Galaxy Cinema St. Thomas 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas www.cineplex.com Sat Dec 8 Straffordville Santa Claus Parade 10:30am | 519-866-5521 Public School to Community Centre www.bayham.on.ca Sat Dec 8 Aylmer Performing Arts Presents Meaghan Smith Doors 7pm; performance 7:30pm $25 | 519-765-3039 Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre 38 John St S, Aylmer www.artsinaylmer.com Sat Dec 8 & Sun Dec 9 Gay Lea Dairy Heritage Museum 3rd Annual Christmas Open House 10am-4pm | 1-888-773-2955 Gay Lea Dairy Heritage Museum 48075 Jamestown Ln, RR2 Aylmer www.dairyheritagemuseum.ca

Sat Dec 8 & Sat Dec 15 Customer Appreciation Day at Heritage Line Herbs 10am-4pm | 519-866-5577 53443 Heritage Line, Aylmer www.heritagelineherbs.com Sun Dec 9 Jenn Kee at the Village Square Coffee House 3pm | 519-782-7777 $15 in advance (space is limited) 284 Bridge St, Port Stanley villagesquarecoffeehouse.com Wed Dec 12 THE WHARF'S 12-12-12 Party Sahara Swing Band, dancing & great food to celebrate the only 12-12-12 this century The Port Stanley Wharf 208 Main St, Port Stanley 519-782-7788 www.portstanleywharf.com Fri Dec 14 Family Movie Night at the St. Thomas Public Library Katy Perry: Part of Me | 6pm Free admission | 519-631-6050 St. Thomas Public Library 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas www.st-thomas.library.on.ca

Sat Dec 15 Verdi's Aida at The Met: Live in HD 12:55pm | 519-631-2261 Galaxy Cinema St. Thomas 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas www.cineplex.com Wed Dec 19 Fest-A-Month: Cultural Dinner Celebration 6:30pm | The Arts & Cookery Bank 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 www.theartsandcookerybank.com Sun Dec 23, Thurs Dec 27, Fri Dec 28, Sun Dec 30, Mon Dec 31, Wed Jan 2, Thurs Jan 3 & Fri Jan 4 Tim Hortons FREE Skates 1:15-2:45pm | 519-633-7112 Timken Community Centre 2 Third Ave, St. Thomas St. Thomas Parks & Recreation, Tues Dec 25 “Together for Christmas” Free meal for ppl alone Christmas; 4-8pm | Res'n req'd; transport avail Port Stanley Wharf | 519-782-7788 208 Main St, Port Stanley www.portstanleywharf.com

Decorated Plant at Canadale; The Holiday Fantasy of Lights (Photos by Mark Girdauskas)

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Events Mon Dec 31 Family New Year’s Eve Party 6-9pm | $10/family | 519-773-5631 East Elgin Community Complex 531 Talbot St W, Aylmer eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca Mon Dec 31 The Wharf’s 4th Annual New Year’s Gala Appetizers, prime rib buffet and Sahara Swing Band Reservation req'd | 519-782-7788 The Port Stanley Wharf 208 Main St, Port Stanley www.portstanleywharf.com

Sat Jan 19 Aylmer Performing Arts Presents Lily Frost and the Debonairs Doors 7pm; performance 7:30pm $25 at Campbell's or 519-765-3039 Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre 38 John St S, Aylmer www.artsinaylmer.com Sat Feb 7 Aylmer Performing Arts Presents Alex Cuba Doors 7pm; performance 7:30pm $25 at Campbell's or 519-765-3039 Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre 38 John St S, Aylmer 2013 EVENTS www.artsinaylmer.com Sat Jan 5 WED FEB 13 to SUN FEB 17 Berlioz's Les Troyens at ocaa provincial curling The Met: Live in HD championships 12pm | 519-631-2261 Hosted by Fanshawe College Galaxy Cinema St. Thomas St. Thomas Curling Club 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 38 Parkside Dr, St. Thomas www.cineplex.com 519-452-4202 Sat Jan 19 www.fanshawec.ca Donizetti's Maria Stuarda Thurs Feb 14 TO SAT Feb 23 at The Met: Live in HD Aylmer Community 12:55pm | 519-631-2261 Theatre Presents Don't Galaxy Cinema St. Thomas Dress for Dinner 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm www.cineplex.com $15 adult, $10 student ($10 first Sat Jan 19 Thursday) – at Prime Ingredient, Walk for Memories 2013 Campbell's II, Aylmer Video or Indoor walk for the Alzheimer tickets@aylmertheatre.ca Society of Elgin-St. Thomas Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre 9:30am-noon | Parkside Collegiate 38 John St S, Aylmer 241 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-773-3372 www.walkformemories.ca www.aylmertheatre.ca

Sat Feb 16 Verdi's Rigoletto at The Met: Live in HD 12:55pm | 519-631-2261 Galaxy Cinema St. Thomas 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas www.cineplex.com Sun Feb 17 Dinner & Music at Pearce Williams Pasta buffet & music | 5pm Adults $15, 5-12yrs $7, family $45 8009 Iona Rd, Fingal Call Meagen, 519-764-2317 www.pearcewilliams.org MON FEB 25 TO FRI MAR 1 59TH ROTARY MUSIC FESTIVAL www.rotarystthomas.org Thur Feb 28 TO Sun Mar 10 Elgin Theatre Guild Presents Hearts Desire Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm $15 ($10 1st Thurs) | 633-8530 Princess Avenue Playhouse 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas www.elgintheatreguild.ca Sat Feb 16 WAGNER's PARSIFAL at The Met: Live in HD 12pm | 519-631-2261 Galaxy Cinema St. Thomas 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas www.cineplex.com sat mar 3 wedding expo St. Thomas Golf & Country Club www.upcomingweddingshows.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 HOLIDAY 2012

13

FROM THE CHEF/OWNER OF THE WINDJAMMER INN & BISTRO

This year, give the gift that

Treats from Our Kitchen to Your Table Shop at Connections between Nov. 1st & Dec. 24th and receive a 25% coupon valid from Jan. 15th to Mar. 11th 2013.

Featuring Fiar Trade Products from Around the World

302 Bridge St. Port Stanley, ON ywcaconnections.com

LOCAL & ARTISANAL FOODS

Put your purchasing power to good use this holiday season!

Preserves • Heat & Serve Entrees • Soups Artisan Baked Goods • Local Gourmet Selections Fred’s Bread • Coach House Shortbread 172 William Street, Port Stanley • 519-782-4173 Over the Bridge, Before the Beach

Connections features fair trade and project based products from around the world that support women’s economic development . It is owned and operated by the YWCA St. Thomas— Elgin. All profits support local programs!

www.thewindjammerinn.com

PortStanley

2

FestivalTheatre

2013

SEASON BOX OFFICE: 519.782.4353 www.portstanleytheatre.ca

“Back in ‘59”

popular Back by ! demand

By Thom Currie May 28th to June 8th

“Henry & Alice:Into The Wild”

By Michele Riml June 12th to July 6th *Adult Language

“Not In My Backyard”

A World Premier Musical Comedy

Book & Lyrics By Rachael & Brett McCaig Music By Anthony Bastianon July 10th to July 27th

“Mini Putt”

By Simon Joynes July 31st to August 17th

“Drinking Alone”

By Norm Foster August 21st to September 14th

For Tickets Call 519.782.4353

www.portstanleytheatre.ca

Arts & Culture

HARRY WILKINSON OVERCOMING THE ILLUSORY

The works in Harry Wilkinson’s exhibit “Overcoming the Illusory” crackle, pulsate and reverberate with clear, un-muddied colour covering the large canvases to the edges and seemingly beyond. Harry has always encouraged his art students to discover new ways to approach a canvas and he has done just that with his series now on display at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre.

As an artist using acrylics and oil, Harry has worked in a wide range of styles. He is a respected painter of portraits, capturing in each a fluid essence of the subject’s personality and individuality. He has also completed many paintings, usually large-scale, of people in situations which are everyday yet elicit reaction and perhaps surprise through the depiction of intriguing body language, telling gaze,

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

unsettling details, or suggestion of a humorous or sad circumstance. He has also completed many works in an expressionistic abstract style.

Born in Manchester England, Harry enjoyed art throughout his school years. He remembers feeling a sudden appreciation for art’s power, upon seeing J. M. W. Turner’s Fighting Téméraire at the National Gallery in London. “I was about ten and it just skinned my eyes and that did it.” However, in those days boys were generally steered toward trades and he went off at thirteen to apprentice as a tool maker. In the following years he moved on to work in a drafting office, met wife Jean, married and came to Canada in 1962, ending up eventually in St. Thomas. Meanwhile, he continued to paint fairly seriously and twenty five years ago took up art as

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Arts & Culture a profession. He has lived in West Elgin since 1977, for the last couple years painting in the spacious, high-ceilinged studio he built along-side his home.

Harry is for the most part self-taught and conversation with him quickly leads one to conclude that he is the best sort of teacher. He is highly regarded by the students he has taught over the years and has also been self-directed to travel with open heart and mind down many avenues open to an artist seeking to develop his talents. Shelves in his studio are lined with a selection of art books. He has both taught and learned from the back and forth of conversations with his students. He has stretched his creative horizons by studying and appreciating the work of other artists and arts, including a wide range of music. He has developed an awareness of the places art can come from, within and without and a willingness to go to all of those places.

Though he has been drawn to the work of many visual artists, he can think of none who have really had a direct influence. However, he remembers Clark McDougall’s work being of definite interest; he sought out his suggestions as he completed three or four paintings in the 60s. Says Harry, “One of the

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pieces was an early abstract and McDougall suggested it was an area I should investigate.” He thinks that some of McDougall’s own work was moving toward abstraction and had he lived longer he would perhaps have launched himself in that direction.

Portraiture is something Harry always comes back to with enjoyment. “It’s like going back home. It’s easy for me. Abstracts are much harder—I think of them as being somewhat like jazz improvisation where you throw the music away.”

Following an exhibit in 2008 at the Lambton Gallery, Harry decided to throw himself into the improvisational challenges of doing an abstract series of work. Beginning with red, blue and green he first covered each canvas with paint, then let his instinct take over. He “cranked up” the music playing in the background and just as music is not contained, neither are the eighteen paintings which he completed.

He notes, “Some took a week or a month, some were completed in a couple of days.” He adds that people have dark and light sides and he drew from both as he worked. “It drew out a lot of subliminal things.”

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Arts & Culture

Above, and page 15: Untitled works from Overcoming the Illusory; Opposite Page: Harry's Studio Photos courtesy of the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

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Arts & Culture “Some of the paintings may not be in the viewer’s category of ‘like’," says Harry. “Some might rub them the wrong way.” But as he tells his students, “It is okay not to like something but you should be willing to question why that is.”

THE FIGHTING TÉMÉRAIRE

BY J.M.W. TURNER

“The Fighting Téméraire” by J. M. W. Turner depicts one of the last second-rate ships of the line which played a distinguished role in the Battle of Trafalgar being towed to its final berth to be broken up for scrap. It hangs in the National Gallery in London and in 2005 was voted the greatest painting in a British art gallery in a BBC poll.

Harry notes that completing this particular series has given him a “sense of accomplishment and renewed energy to go on”. Music blaring, he has directed this symphony of his artistic life with abandonment, ending, one might imagine, with a flourish of his artistic baton.

Overcoming The Illusory is on exhibit in the Main Gallery of the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas from November 10, 2012 to January 6, 2013. The opening reception takes place Saturday November 10th from 7-9pm. To find out more about Harry Wilkinson, visit www.harrydawsonwilkinson.com.

Above, clockwise from left: Portrait of Lt. Col. Robert Sydney Chamberlain (which hangs in the St. Thomas Armoury), Portrait of Eileen, Portrait of Kenzie, Portrait of Alex at 3, The Watchers, Portrait of Leanne Photos courtesy of Harry Wilkinson

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Map of Elgin

Harvest Delight NOVEMBER & DECEMBER PRODUCE Apples • Asian Vegetables • Beets • Brussels Sprouts Cabbage • Carrots • Cauliflower Cooking Onions • Crabapples Cucumbers (greenhouse) Garlic • Green Onions • Leeks Lettuce (greenhouse) Mushrooms

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SEASONS GREETINGS FROM

Join us for our Annual

Christmas OPEN HOUSES OPEN HOUSES

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Organic Meat Shop with Pastured Pork & Beef Fresh Organic Brown Eggs

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RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

November 10 & 11 and November 24 & 25 Sat 8-5, Sun 9-5

• Amazing Sales • Live reindeer • Family photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus • Kids Club activities • Free Sinamay, Christmas urn & seasonal decorating demonstrations • Birch reindeer and snowman workshops • Lunch by STEGH Auxillary

269 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas

519-631-7264 • www.canadale.com

21

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23 TO

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7

Merry Christmas

JEFF YUREK, MPP ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON

2012

WESTERN ELGIN SHOPPING EVENT

FESTIVE FINDS • CLOSE TO HOME

ENTER TO WIN OVER 60 PRIZES! www.eventselgin.ca/home-for-christmas Event closes December 7th, 2012 Sponsored by MPoWER (Marketing Partners of Western Elgin Region) & the Municipality of West Elgin

HERE TO HELP YOU WITH:

Ontario Disability Support Program, OHIP Cards, Driver’s Licences, Ontario Works, Birth Certificates

750 Talbot Street, Suite 201, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 1E2 P: 519-631-0666 T: 1-800-265-7638 E: jeff.yurekco@pc.ola.org CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING, SECOND TO NONE

Your Local Stop for Turkey & Store-Made Turkey Specialties

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Experience the magic of the season in West Elgin!

STORE-MADE TURKEY SPECIALTIES:

EXTRA LEAN WHITE & DARK GROUND TURKEY, SCHNITZEL, SAUSAGE, MEATLOAF, MEAT PIES, SOUP, BROILS, MARINATED KABOBS & MORE Visit us on the farm or at the Brantford Farmers’ Market

SANTA CLAUS PARADES

West Lorne - Friday November 30th at 7pm Meet Santa at the arena after the parade for free skating and face painting!

Rodney - Saturday December 1st at 5:30pm Free Library program at 2pm; Snake Lady show & wagon rides at 3:30pm; Hot dogs & cocoa from Lions at 4:30pm; Santa at Legion after parade

WEST ELGIN

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

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©Photos.com/DNY59

Holiday Gift Guide

Make it a MIMBY (made in my back yard) Christmas and include some of the amazing selection of Elgin-made products in your gift-giving. Here are just a few possibilities.

Concreations features a wide selection of one-of-a-kind outdoor ornaments created in cast concrete, including delightful birds stained and varnished to achieve an antique, weathered look ($35-150).

7579 Yarmouth Centre Road, St. Thomas, 519-631-8192 www.concreations.ca Steed & Company Lavender has developed a fine line of lavender products to invigorate your life and home. Amongst them are a range of decadent bath soap bars with scents to suit every member of the family.

And so your pooch doesn't feel left out, there's also lavender dog shampoo.

47589 Sparta Line, Sparta, 519-494-5525, www.steedandcompany.com Handcrafted on-site for almost sixty-five years, Pinecroft Pottery is well-proportioned, and comes in a variety of forms and a selection of warm, earthy glazes. It’s ovenproof and dishwasher safe— a winning combination of art and practicality.

8122 Rogers Road South, Aylmer, 519-773-3435, www.pinecroft.ca

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

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Holiday Gift Guide Shelley McVittie’s whimsical, heart-warming images grace the tops of her well-constructed wooden boxes, perfect for holding treasures of all kinds (card size $45, letter size $65).

48664 John Wise Line, Aylmer, 519-773-5912, www.shelleymcvittie.com From the round-the-world quest for a perfect pet in Can I Please Have a Pet? to Keith’s annoying habit of scaring family members in Ooga Booga, Christine Klaus Noble’s four Kikky Boo children’s books are packed with busy family life and warmth ($13.99 each, $50 for all 4).

Available at St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre (301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas) and online at www.kikkyboo.com Shastadolphin’s selection of handmade accessories, featuring knitwear hats for babies and children are fun and fanciful.

Owner, Jennifer McGough creates quality products and welcomes custom orders.

Available at the Horton Farmers’ Market, May through October, and all year long at www.facebook.com/shastadolphin It looks like another tantalizing season of live theatre for summer 2013 at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Tickets to one or more shows would make a perfectly entertaining gift for someone special (before December 21st, 5-pack subscriptions $120, 4-pack subscriptions $95).

302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley, 519-782-4353, www.portstanleytheatre.ca The Arts & Cookery Bank includes a chef’s dream kitchen, exquisite Heritage Hall, and heritage photo displays. Give the gift of a Food or Fotos Bank-Go Gift Card, available in any value towards a 2013 culinary or photo experience at The Bank.

242 Graham Road, West Lorne, 519-768-9986, www.theartsandcookerybank.com For the art lover on your list, why not give a membership to the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre. Members receive a subscription to the bright, informative quarterly newsletter, a 10% discount in the gift shop, invitations to Art Centre openings and special events, reciprocal discounts from many associated galleries, and recognition in the newsletter ($30 per year; family, student and senior membership rates also available).

301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, 519-631-4040, www.stepac.ca

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RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Holiday Gift Guide The Genuine Stitches mother and daughter team now brings the attention to detail and friendly service offered with their custom window treatments and soft home furnishings to décor for pet members of the family. Customized pet beds, crate covers, lounge mats, bandanas and stockings are just a few of the products available (starting at $14 for a plain bandana, $24 with embroidery).

519-494-0787, www.genuinestitches.com Pat and Mary Muscat introduced Sparta Country Candles at their Anything Used shop in 1995 to fill a demand for high-quality candles at affordable prices. With seasonal fragrances like Jack Frost, Festive Memories, Snowy Cedar, Winterberry and Santa’s Bakeshop, in addition to their signature Spartaberry, there is a scent to evoke everyone’s favourite holiday memory (12 oz jars $9.99, refills $7.99).

46361 Sparta Line, Sparta, 519-775-0054, www.spartacandles.com Surprise someone on your list with a pre-Christmas gift of outdoor decor. Canadale’s Open Houses (Nov 10/11 and 24/25) can help. Free Sinamay and urn decorating demonstrations will show you how to create your own colour-customized pieces. Birch reindeer & snowman workshops provide you with materials, instructions and help to complete your project on the spot ($22.50-65). The workshops fill up fast, so call in advance to register.

269 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, 519-631-7264, www.canadale.com Tasty beers and fun swag make Railway City Brewing Company a great gift source for the craft beer fans on your list. Beer, glasses, hats, shirts, toques and very cool Dead Elephant and Iron Spike Tap Handles will please any of your Railway City beer fans (swag from $5-75).

168 Curtis Street, St. Thomas, 519-631-1881, www.railwaycitybrewing.com Rush Creek Wines makes a variety of fruitful wines from Pear Perfection to Simply Apple, but it’s only during the holidays that they offer Santa’s Chimney Cleaner, the perfect way to toast the jolly old elf. It’s a medium dry, taste bud tempting blend of cranberries, spiced apple, and red currant.

48995 Jamestown Line, 519-773-5432, www.rushcreekwines.com Quai du Vin winemaker Jamie Quai emphasizes that wines should “play a supporting role in the experiences in your life”—experiment with a couple bottles (or more) with your favourite meal and discover the matchings which appeal to you. Then, why not give a gift of some selections from the wide range available and tuck in your favourite recipe for holiday get-togethers?

45811 Fruit Ridge Line, RR#5, St. Thomas, 519-775-2216, www.quaiduvin.com

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

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Holiday Gift Guide Give your favourite maple-flavour fan 40 litres of maple sap—that’s how much goes into one litre of maple syrup. Palmer’s Maple Syrup has been producing their “Taste of Spring Year Round” for the past 55 years. It adds sweetness and unique flavour to dressings, desserts, baked beans, maple glazed meats and more (recipes at www.foodland.gov.on.ca).

At Briwood Farm Market, 1030 Talbot Street, St. Thomas or direct, 519-769-2245 Heritage Line Herbs' list of organic farm-grown and dried herbs is extensive. It includes some very handy and versatile mixes which can add international flair to winter meals. With the Greek, Italian or Mexican blends any cook can turn go-to favourite recipes for basics like scrambled eggs, soups, roasted vegetables and wraps into international sensations.

53443 Heritage Line, RR#1 Aylmer, 519-866-5577, www.heritagelineherbs.com Just a few steps from the Windjammer Inn Bistro, you’ll find the Windjammer Pantry, the source for a selection of the restaurant’s tantalizing tastes in take-out format, including ready-to-heat homemade entrées, artisan baked goods and preserves.

172 William Street, Port Stanley, 519-782-4173, www.thewindjammerinn.com The Clovermead Gift Shop is full of sweet treats with six different floral source varieties of honey being the feature attraction ($6.50 for 500g jar). Visit the honey tasting bar and try each unique flavour, plus honey spreads infused with essential oils or spices ($7.99 for 475g jar). Why not get one of each?

11302 Imperial Road North, Aylmer, 519-773-5503, www.clovermead.com Chefs Vicci and Jon at Harbourtown Fudge have turned their culinary skills to making decadent, creamy fudge in sixteen or so creatively delicious varieties. Pistachio with cranberry was our Christmas 2011 addiction—but all the varieties are just so good ($16 per pound).

They also make chocolate covered fudge and several other sweet treats, and offer pies for sale to help with your holiday baking.

205 Main Street, Port Stanley, 519-782-3006, www.telegraphhouse.com Almost every advertiser in this edition of Relish Elgin provides products or services which would be appreciated by the people on your gift list. From snow removal services to home décor, knitting supplies, locally produced foods, spa services, or catering the possibilities are endless. Most offer gift certificates. Give them a call and create your own customized gift.

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RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Education

SPECIALIST FOCUS HELPS STUDENTS ON

Road to Success AT ARTHUR VOADEN

High school teachers are tasked with the challenge, for each of their courses, of providing an educational experience which will be effective with a class full of individuals who have with a diverse range of learning styles, interests and levels of motivation.

Some students may struggle to find personal relevance in a portion of the required courses and, for them, it is something of a miracle to find the will and way to pass the thirty credits needed for a secondary education diploma. It is a miracle that eludes some, and they leave school before completing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) needed for a smooth transition into most further education or workplaces. It is a fact that has been troublesome to educators over the years.

At Arthur Voaden Secondary School in St. Thomas, one approach which has served to engender interest and engagement for many students has been the introduction of four specialist major programs.

Though participation actually means extra commitment and work beyond what’s needed to obtain a high school diploma, the programs have been received enthusiastically and have helped many students find greater success at high school. Upon graduation, they receive a diploma which includes an additional red seal indicating their speciality.

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program, offered in Ontario to grade 11 & 12 students, allows them to customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents whether they are heading for apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. There are currently eighteen ministry-approved specialized programs offered in the province—each requires an extensive qualification process before it can be offered in a given school.

To obtain their specialist seal, students must complete a bundle of 8 to 10 courses in their selected field, several valuable certifications such as first aid, CPR, WHMIS or other elective certifications, two cooperative education credits linked to the program and experiential learning such as job shadowing or observing a college or university class.

Dave Chisholm, coordinator of the program at Arthur Voaden says, “It allows a student to find a focus in their education, to make connections. Students focus on a subject they find interesting and are more motivated to finish the program because of that.” He adds, “There are also contextualized learning activities (CLAs), mini-units within a class which are devoted to the High Skills program—for example in English, a student might complete an

27

KATHY’S

Education

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Merry Christmas Wishing you & your family a safe & happy holiday season!

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Above: Students work in the new Communications Lab, part of the Communication Technology program essay related to their major, such as a topic related to cosmetology or construction.”

Participation in the SHSM Program started at Arthur Voaden with Hospitality & Tourism (baking or cooking) five years ago. Next added were Arts & Culture (visual arts, performance arts or cosmetology) and Transportation (automotive repair or auto body). Construction is the new program that has started this year, and the application process for Health and Wellness is now in the works. Taking part in the program requires commitment on the part of the student and the school. At Arthur Voaden, Dave is the dedicated SHSM coordinator—he interviews potential program students who must first apply. For those accepted into the program he also reviews courses, arranges opportunities for them to the meet the certification requirements and helps them plan their grade 11 and 12 courses.

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Education

Above: Students work in Cosmetology, Visual Arts, Construction and Baking courses; SHSM Coordinator Dave Chisholm (top right) Marg Tufford, who is the school’s lead “Student Success” teacher and heads up the work internship program says, “There is value in looking at destinations, meeting the needs of every student’s destination.

The SHSM fits well with that goal.” Students are given rich opportunities to explore post-secondary school possibilities and to discover relevance and engagement in the high school experience.

Staff and students seem to be happily positive about the program and also pleased with associated upgrades which have been possible due to Arthur Voaden’s initiatives to broaden both the technical courses available and the SHSM program.

That goes a long way in helping students feel that their school is ‘cutting edge’ and that what is being taught is in step with today’s world. It’s a source of pride which is, of course, another great motivator in the halls of education.

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Arthur Voaden Secondary School is a full composite school, offering a complete range of both academic and technical programs. “Tech Emphasis” designated schools need to have at least seven areas—with the introduction of Health Care Services and Communication Technology in September 2012, AVSS became the only Tech Emphasis School in St. Thomas. Construction was completed this past summer on a new communications lab and health care classroom.

Visit www.tvdsb.ca/ArthurVoaden.cfm to find out more.

Photos by Mark Girdauskas, ThePhotoGuys, www.thephotoguys.ca

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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

‘A LAVENDER CHRISTMAS’ OPEN HOUSE NOV 24 & 25

47589 Sparta Ln, Sparta • 519-494-5525 • buds@steedandcompany.com • www.steedandcompany.com

Experience the Fine Art of

Our gift shop is decked out for the holidays with Christmas decor, stemware & wine racks!

NEW WINE RELEASES JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Santa’s Chimney Cleaner, Mead & Portly Fellow HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve 10am - 3pm Boxing Day 11am - 4pm

“Nearly Christmas”

ARTIST GALLERY & GIFT SHOPPE

Paintings, pottery, handwoven throws, teddies, vintage toys & games, jewellery, lotions, potions & more!

Visit the chapters of our

ONLINE GIFT BOOK

www.rushcreekwines.com

full of one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.

(519) 773-5432

48664 John Wise Ln, Aylmer | 519-773-5912 Tues-Sat 11-4:30 & Sun by appt.

Open 7 days a week - Monday-Saturday 10-5 & Sunday 12-5 Just 20 mins from the 401! Exit onto Hwy 73 and go south through Aylmer, then turn right onto Jamestown Line (we’re #48995).

www.shelleymcvittie.com

THE SPARTA HOUSE TEA ROOM & RESTAURANT

Image available from

Peter Robson Studios

Featuring Traditonal English Fare Christmas Special - December 1-24

Roast turkey with all the trimmings, $13.95, 11am-4pm.

Reserve now for groups and Christmas parties for daytime or evening.

Winter Warmer Special - November 1-March 31

Choose from one of the Specials at $10.95 and receive complimentary dessert of the day Visit our website for more specials & events. We have one of the largest teapot collections in Southwestern Ontario!

MAIN STREET, SPARTA • 519.775.2312 • WWW.SPARTAHOUSE.COM

BOOK REVIEW:

Arts & Culture

THE HISTORY OF

Visitors to Pinecroft south of Aylmer find there a rustic tearoom serving satisfying, home-style food; a pond surrounded by towering aromatic pines; log cabins; distinctive pottery being made and sold and, often, music being played. They frequently have questions about the place and its history.

In her recently published book, The History of Pinecroft, Brenda Caverly Smith writes that the story “began with the vision of Arthur and his brother Charles, and their efforts to preserve and protect a diminishing landscape once covered by virgin forests and vibrant streams”. As granddaughter of Arthur, potter and present day owner with her family, Brenda had been prompted by the passing of the Pottery’s 60th anniversary in 2008

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

to get down on paper the entire Pinecroft history.

Brenda started with good intentions to write each winter, but it was a task which could easily be overshadowed by a busy family and business life. However, earlier this year, she excitedly displayed a draft nearing completion and in September it was published. In the epilogue to The History of Pinecroft she reflects, “I probably would never have started it if I had known how it would overtake my life.”

Reading the book, it is easy to become captivated by the treasure trove of photos, newspaper clippings, diary pages and other artifacts which are included. One can imagine that it would have been all-consuming, at times, for Brenda to discover and

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Arts & Culture research all of the pieces and weave them together with the commentary which runs through each chapter. She gets teased about being a pack-rat, but that tendency and her sentimental nature had paid off in preparing for the Pottery’s 60th anniversary exhibit, and once again in putting together the book. The names, places and events are part of the area’s history as well as that of Pinecroft.

Brenda’s book tells how Jimmie Clennell and Selma Caverly met and became pioneering Ontario studio potters, innovating and advocating for the arts; how her own life took a radical detour when she joined them at the pottery in 1971 for a “one-year sabbatical” and how the property and buildings continued to undergo transformation as they were renovated and re-purposed to meet evolving needs.

Newspaper articles from 1929 commend the “Popular Preserve Located in Elgin”—the family farm became known province-wide as a conservation area and bird sanctuary. Arthur’s brother Charles faithfully kept a diary from January 1908 until the early fifties—in one entry he notes loading up with rhubarb and onions for the first 1908 St. Thomas Market day on April 2nd where he was happy to have taken in $11.73. There are newspaper clippings from the 30s and 40s, days when the ‘Cabin in the Pines’ was a popular gathering place for Aylmer and St. Thomas Rotary Clubs as well as a recreation hall for weddings, dinners and local strawberry and watermelon festivals.

Writing in a down-to-earth style which reveals her appreciation for nature and history, Brenda gives the reader many glimpses into the work that has gone into the accomplishments of those involved with Pinecroft. She remembers, “One of Jimmie’s favourite words was struggle. I often wondered why that word was so prevalent in his vocabulary.

However, one only has to run a family business for a short while to develop a very keen appreciation for the word.” Though some of the struggles are included, she has kept a sense of humour and lifelong adventure at the forefront of her book.

The History of Pinecroft leaves the reader with the feeling that, for the almost one-hundred years since 1921 when Arthur Caverly started the transformation of his Malahide farm, the people who have lived and worked at Pinecroft have been shaped by the place and they have in turn nudged it along gently in step with their passionate pursuit of craftsmanship, art, stewardship and service.

The History of Pinecroft is available at the Green Frog Tearoom, 8122 Rogers Road, Aylmer. For more information call 519-773-3435 or visit www.pinecroft.ca.

Left: The 3rd & 4th Pinecroft generations—Brenda and Paul (centre) with children Sarah and Chad (Philip J. Bell, Shutter Studios, Courtesy Savour Elgin) Right, from top: Jimmy and Selma (Pinecroft Archives); the tearoom and gift shop, pottery waiting to be glazed, inside the tearoom (Philip J. Bell, Shutter Studios, Courtesy Savour Elgin)

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RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Arts & Culture

THE

PINECROFT MARK

When Jimmy and Selma started the Pinecroft pottery, most potters had a stamp that they imprinted into wet clay. You couldn’t identify the potter without a book identifying the stamps.

“Jimmy and Selma, from the very beginning decided that they would always write ‘Pinecroft, Aylmer, Canada, handmade’ on the bottom of their pots, which is wonderful,” says Brenda, “because sixty years later you can identify them. The downside is that I have probably written the words ‘Pinecroft Aylmer Canada’ more than any other person alive!”

After Selma passed away on Christmas Eve 1994, Brenda remembers, “Jimmy continued to demonstrate and make pots from the last of the clay he had started with at Pinecroft. On the bottom of each pot he wrote ‘Pinecroft, Aylmer, Canada, Jimmie 1948-1996’ and a circle of dots with Selma’s name. The circle was a symbol from his youth—when you finished at a campsite you would make a circle with the campfire stones to symbolize that you had gone home; his circle meant that Selma had died and gone home. Jimmie too went home in October of 1996 when he passed away at home after making over 50 beer steins in the studio that day.”

Originally printed as part of "The Pinecroft Story" in the Relish Elgin Spring 2008 Edition. Find the entire article in our archives at www.relishelgin.ca.

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

33

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD TASTE ASK ABOUT OUR GIFT CARDS

CATERING BY JAMES MEADOWS 226.448.8466 • cateringbyjamesmeadows.com

From fine dining to fresh produce, farmers’ markets, wineries and breweries, Elgin County will satisfy every taste.

Travel our culinary trail and you’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Savour the Season in Elgin County.

For more on Savour Elgin, call 1-877-GO ELGIN x137 or visit

www.savourelgin.ca

QUAI DUVIN E S T A T E . W I N E R Y

www.QuaiduVin.com 45811 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas

519-775-2216

Follow the action behind the scenes on Twitter: @QuaiDuVin

Food & Dining

Lunnvale Family Farm PLEASES WITH NEW CHEESES

As a third-generation farmer, Brad Lunn was interested in continuing the tradition with wife Janine, attracted to the many positives of a farming lifestyle.

At the same time, he was also looking to venture down a slightly different road than had his parents and grandparents with their cow dairy operation.

The Lunns considered the increasing demand for locally grown, less traditional products. After researching the possibilities, they decided four years ago to convert the farm to dairy sheep.

More recently, they investigated the possibility of partnering with another farmer, Dan McMillen in Norwich, and connecting directly with a cheesemaker. In February they decided this was the way to go. The process has been an adventure and a whole new realm of knowledge. Says Brad, “There was so much to learn, a whole new lingo and a whole new network involved.”

Things started moving ahead quickly when the farm partners met their maker—they discovered a match made in heaven in Shep Ysselstein of Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese. Since April, they have been shipping milk to Gunn’s Hill. In July they began selling their gouda cheese under the Crossroad Farms and Lunnvale Farms labels.

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

With enthusiasm, Brad notes, “We lucked out when we met Shep—he is a good person, an excellent cheesemaker and has been an indispensible guide along the way.” Even so, Brad says, “It has been a very busy time. The process has required lots of money, commitment, and learning new skills. Advertising and marketing is a completely different world for me—not one where I feel particularly comfortable.”

With all the work involved on their farm, Brad says they would be happy to market through a distributor, but for now he has been busy searching out distribution channels and spreading the word about their cheese through frequent taste testing at local farmers’ markets. The response has been very positive. He encourages the reluctant to just give their cheese a try. “They are usually surprised at the quite mellow taste.” He also explains that sheep milk has smaller fat globules than cow’s milk and many people with lactose intolerance find it easier to digest.

Brad notes that sheep breed in fall and lamb in the spring. While he milked right through last year, there is a decreased output in the autumn. This fall, he decided it would be more efficient to stop milking their 80 sheep till January. He notes he can use that time for the multitude of other things that

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Food & Dining need doing, including marketing the cheese and operating the Lunn’s popular Belmont Corn Maze.

The cheese is made and aged for three to five months. Says Janine,“There is something beautiful about shelves just full of cheese!” One can sense a little ewe-phoria over this impressive visual representation of their success.

The Lunnvale Farm gouda has become my go-to cheese. I like that it is local, has a pleasant slightly nutty flavour and great texture. It melts well and even has enough flavour and density to grate and use sometimes instead of parmesan. I look forward to trying the cheddar expected out early November.

In 2013 there will perhaps be a Toscano to try—a test one is presently aging for tasting at the end of the year.

Lunnvale gouda is available at Farmgate Markets in St. Thomas, The Cheese Poet at Western Fair Farmers’ Market, Smith Cheeses in Covent Garden Market and local food and health stores in Woodstock, Norwich and the Kitchener-Waterloo area For more information contact Brad at crossroadcheese@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/crossroad-cheese.

GUNN’S HILL ARTISAN CHEESE

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Photos Courtesy of Lunnvale Family Farm Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese is a small artisan cheese plant nestled within the rolling hills of Oxford County. It is the result of years of dreaming and planning by owner, operator and cheese maker Shep Ysselstein. He received a degree in business, and then had opportunities to study cheesemaking in the United States, British Columbia and Switzerland. It was during the time when he was making cheese in the Swiss Alps that he truly fell in love with the art and mastered his technique.

Gunn’s Hill’s own cheeses are crafted with milk from his family’s nearby cow dairy farm. Find out more at www.gunnshillcheese.ca.

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

©Photos.com/MKucova

Food & Dining

Revisited

HOLIDAY DELIGHTS

By CHEF Christie MassÉ

Take a moment. Think about the days before the mere mention of the “holiday season” shot anxiety from our wallet to our toes, before the focus of the holiday was the newest iGadget or assessing how long our online purchases will take for delivery—the days when the Jones’ were our guests for Christmas dinner, sharing family recipes for the sake of comradery as opposed to competition. Some holiday niceties need refreshing in this contemporary material world. Close your eyes. Think back to the sounds and smells of your favourite Christmases past.

There seem to be some universal holiday aromatics, but they all mean something different and specific

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

to our individual sensory memories. Herb dressed turkey roasting in the oven, wafts of cinnamon and allspice caught in the cold winter drafts drifting in the room through the slightest cracks in the window sill at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Two common denominators that tend to surface when basking in Christmas nostalgia always seem to be family and food.

One of my fondest holiday memories resurfaces every time I catch a whiff of spiced apple cider or apple pie, though the food item to which these holiday favourites bring me back falls under neither category. I recall being on the couch one day during Christmas holidays, sick with strep throat. Half lucid

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Food & Dining

following a hot cup of Neo Citran, I was aware of bustling kitchen activity, but lost in the details of what food happenings were afoot. The next thing I recall is awakening to a jester and a witch in a classroom taunting a boy singing “You’ll shoot your eye out, you’ll shoot your eye out” as well as a blurry outline of my older sister, Gill, coming down the stairs from the kitchen to her sick little sister on the family room couch with offerings of her first ever homemade baked apples. The gesture was so sweet, thoughtful, and delicious that it has stuck with me ever since. Now, years later, with two brand new nieces and a culinary education, I am thrilled to get to carry this memory on, beginning new traditions and remembering what holiday specialties can do for the soul.

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I ask our readers to put your credit cards down, take a breather, recall your own memories of past holiday culinary creations, and recreate them with your own personal touch for your loved ones this year. Tell them the story behind it and put a meaning to it that doesn’t involve a price tag. If you’re having difficulty coming up with one, feel free to share mine as I am proud to give others the chance to try this recipe and it warms my heart to do so. So pour yourself some eggnog, spice it up a bit (perhaps with some deliciously spiced rum?) and preheat your oven. It is time to build some holiday memories!

Christie Massé is a graduate of Stratford Chefs School with a passion for local food.

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

Food & Dining

BACON BAKED APPLES

WITH LUNNVALE FARMS CHEESE Yield: 4 portions Ingredients: 4-6 apples, variety of choice, cored, leaving 1-inch of bottom intact 1 apple, variety of choice, grated 2 slices maple bacon, sliced into lardons and fried (drain fat) ¼ cup Lunnvale Farms gouda or cheddar, shredded ¼ cup Arva Flour Mill’s 8 Grain mix*, soaked in hot water overnight, drained well 2 Tbsp slivered almonds, toasted 2 Tbsp butter, melted 2 Tbsp brown sugar ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp all spice 1 splash vanilla extract * can substitute another multi-grain mix Method: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside 2. Using sharp paring knife, on an angle, carefully cut a funnel shape into the top of each cored apple.

3. Combine remaining ingredients and taste.

Adjust to personal preference and stuff each apple equally.

4. Place apples in baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until the filling is golden brown and delicious (GBD). Serve warm with vanilla ice cream (and perhaps a drizzle of maple syrup) or with homemade eggnog ice cream!

Wine Pairing: A glass of Quai du Vin’s Sparkling Apple Cranberry Cocktail might be the best suited match for this treat if you’ve already had your fill of spiked nog, but if not enjoy the nog while the season lasts!

Cheese, apples and nuts, and good carols to hear, As then in the country is counted good cheer… Enjoy!

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2012

HERITAGE LINE

HERBS

Featuring over 180 varieties of potted herbs and heirloom vegetable plants

Christmas Open House SAT NOV 17TH 10-4 & SUN NOV 18TH 11-4

Stocking stuffer sales, food samples, gift baskets, gift certificates and other vendors make this an enjoyable shopping experience.

TRY OUR NEW

HERITAGE LINE GOURMET PIZZA CALL TO ORDER FOR EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAYS Sat Dec 8th & Sat Dec 15th, 10am-4pm

Visit our website for a complete list of events, recipes & more.

Tues & Wed 10-5, Thurs & Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4 53443 Heritage Line • RR1 Aylmer • 519-866-5577

www.heritagelineherbs.com

QUAI DUVIN E S T A T E . W I N E R Y

www.QuaiduVin.com 45811 Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas

519-775-2216

Follow the action behind the scenes on Twitter: @QuaiDuVin

From original paintings to pottery, the studios, galleries and crafters along the Elgin Arts Trail have unique gifts for everyone on your list.

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW

PARADE OF ELEPHANTS OCTOBER 2, 2012 TO SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

The Parade of Elephants is a travelling, evolving exhibit of one-of-a-kind papier mâché elephants. Each elephant will be decorated by participating artists and artisans featured on the Elgin Arts Trail. A new elephant is added at each location and joins the existing elephants on parade. Every elephant is a unique creation, reflecting the artists and location where it was produced.

Presented in partnership with the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre.

Download the parade schedule & map at

www.elginartstrail.ca/paradeofelephants Art Emporium Port Stanley • Winter Wheat • Portside Gallery Peter Robson Studios • Pinecroft Ceramic Art Studio The Arts & Cookery Bank • Shelley McVittie’s Gallery St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre • Concreations Little Red Mitten • Village Crier Gallery Minerva Art Gallery • Clayworks Studio Anything Used & Sparta Country Candles

www.elginartstrail.ca