St Thomas Downtown Vibe December 2020

DECEMBER 2020 EDITION

Message from DDB

by Earl Taylor Chair, Downtown Development Board The Spirit of Christmas is in the Air! If you have been Downtown recently you will have noticed that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But if you haven’t, please make the trip and you will see that we all decked out for the Holiday Season.

But this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the many friends and partners that generously support us.

We wish to thank the fine folks at Entegrus for installing 62 LED Snowflakes that light up the nighttime streetscape. You’ll also notice 27 giant planters along Talbot Street. Many thanks go out to Canadale Nurseries and the green thumb folks at St Thomas Parks for planting these urns with the amazing festive greenery.

And finally, have you noticed the giant evergreen outside City Hall? Keeping our annual tradition, Santa Claus arrived on a Fire Truck, with his helpers from the Fire Department, to light the tree and officially start of the Christmas season Downtown St Thomas. Once again, we thank Yurek Pharmacy & Home Healthcare for generously sponsoring our Christmas tree lights.

We encourage you to checkout our many unique Downtown shops and stores for all the items on your shopping list. By Shopping Local, you support the businesses that are owned by St Thomas families like yours. Just like our jingle says “Love Where You Shop - Downtown St Thomas.”

Merry Christmas!

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S T. T H O M A S , O N TA R I O

Silver Bells and Silver Lining

by Steve Bond, Pharmacy Manager Yurek Pharmacy 519 Talbot Street

2020 has been a difficult year. If 2020 were a kid in your class, it would be the one who reminded the teacher that she forgot to give homework 5 minutes before the bell rang for Christmas break . Fortunately, with vaccines on the horizon, 2021 is shaping up to be better already.

Was there a silver lining in the dark clouds of COVID-19? First and foremost, I am amazed at our community. In addition to following the guidance of our local health authorities, they have adapted to the rapid changes and brought the true nature of the community to light. Early in the pandemic masks were scarce, manufacturers could not keep up with demand, and their cost skyrocketed. Daily, we received donations of masks that talented individuals in our community made with fabric, elastic and dare I say love. These saintly seamstresses could have charged a high price; but instead, they saw a need and simply gave of themselves to help. Often people came into the Pharmacy to pick up

St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston To St. Thomas Downtown Businesses, In a year like no other I am honoured to offer Christmas Greetings to all of you.

What started out as just another year quickly changed with our Business Owners

medications for elderly family members and neighbours — doing what they could to protect the most vulnerable in our city.

In fact, we have all had to change how we live and sometimes change is good. The Optimist Santa Claus Parade is an exciting part of Christmas in St. Thomas. Instead of cancelling the parade, they have decided on a reverse parade! From December 4 to 6, you can drive through Pinafore Park and view the lighted entries. Different but still good. The official lighting of the Christmas tree is another tradition that many of us look forward to. This year, myFM broadcasted the event on their Facebook page live and those who missed it can watch it anytime.

Families are spending more time together; going out is being replaced by staying in.

The stresses of excessive driving to parties and visiting family will be reduced; instead people will call or video chat.

Although we may miss the visits, perhaps the downtime will help us relax and focus on our lives at home. We may just come out of this pandemic better and stronger.

Have a Merry Christmas, and take care of yourselves and each other.

and Employees becoming more important than ever. Every day you ensure that our community remains safe while offering Local Goods and Services.

On behalf of St. Thomas City Council, staff and residents, I thank you for all you have done during 2020.

To all of you and your families Merry Christmas!

Art and Soul Expression Without Boundaries Located at 613 Talbot Street, Aether Boutique and Studio embodies the belief that art is a tool for self-discovery and inspiration.

Lisa Rohrer, owner and lover of all things art, has always had an appreciation for creative space. “Aether is an opportunity for people to find creative expression.

We offer a variety of creative workshops from wellness and healing practices, dance and movement, to DIY and upcycling furniture,” Lisa explains. “We also carry Annie Sloan Chalk paint, a popular item for people who are staying at home and taking on projects. You can also rent the studio for creative nights or private parties with your bubble.”

Originally from Windsor, Lisa says: “Downtown St. Thomas feels like home; there’s a lot of heart and adaptability here.

People are creating such a passionate place and because businesses have been supportive throughout the pandemic, I feel encouraged to help too.”

The best way to appreciate Aether — especially at Christmas — is to go there.

That’s where you’ll witness: • there are many ways to become inspired to create • how art works within people and how it is an ever changing landscape • the flexibility of creative expression and discovering new avenues • there’s comfort in the fact we’re different and don’t confine to a certain mould.

Check out Aether’s website to see the products they offer within the boutique: www.aetherliving. ca/evolve. They offer porch drop off for all orders.

Stained Glass and Much More Since 1996, Medlyn Studio at 643 Talbot St has specialized in unique ideas through the medium of stained glass, sterling silver, gold, and wrought iron. Katherine Medlyn, who took over the business four years ago from her parents, makes one-of-a-kind handmade pieces but does repairs in many other mediums.

Get into the Christmas spirit by taking one of Medlyn’s Stained Glass Classes. Head to their website or Facebook page to find out more: www.medlynstudio.com

“Made in St. Thomas” is a monthly feature that highlights locally produced products

MA STE R S OF PR ACTICAL E X PE R IE N C E

Don Ferguson

Sandra DiMeo

PERSONAL LAW Including Power of Attorneys, Real Estate, Wills and Estates

BUSINESS LAW Including Shareholder Agreements, Asset/Share Purchase or Sale, and Professional Corporations

LITIGATION Including Personal Injury, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Wrongful Dismissal & Disability Claims

VISIT US: 750 Talbot Street, Suite 211, St Thomas, ON N5P 1E2 CONTACT US: 519-633-8838 519-633-9361 [fax] clerk@fergusondimeolaw.com

A TASTE OF DOWNTOWN

St. Thomas

I love small business, but I may love foodbased enterprises most of all. Food has always been at the centre of everything for me. Whether it was afternoons in the kitchen with my mom, days spent entertaining at home, or menu selection for special events throughout my career: food has been woven into my life as I am sure it has been in yours. And in a time when we can’t necessarily sit down together to share a meal, I am excited to have the opportunity to share a meal with you in this way through words; another thing I love.

Our first stop on this Downtown St. Thomas dining adventure is Le Cafe Siam. This family-owned and operated restaurant is a jewel in the west end of downtown St. Thomas featuring an extensive menu of authentic Thai options. Dishes range from widely available, like Pad Thai, to more uncommonly seen on Thai restaurant offerings like Tom Kha and Panang Curry.

Orders at Le Cafe Siam are fresh using authentic, high-quality ingredients - as if the dishes are for their own family. If you have never stepped into the world of flavour that Thai cooking has to offer - Le Cafe Siam is an incredible start to that journey.

As part of this adventure, I opted to let James from Le Cafe Siam choose my order

Le Café Siam with Sarah from the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre | On Instagram @ SBECinnovation #TasteofStThomas

asking him what some of his favourite dishes on the menu are. I took the opportunity to try some new to me dishes as my standard order usually includes the Pineapple Curry or the Cashew Chicken.

James’ recommendations included Green Curry because “you know a good Thai restaurant by their Green Curry” and their Beef and Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce. The Beef and Mushroom dish is close to the family’s heart because it is a favourite dish prepared by their father, who is still in Thailand when they were young.

The biggest takeaway of my Thai takeaway from Le Cafe Siam is just how fresh and high-quality everything is.

The vegetables were fresh and tender-crisp.

Even the beef, which I usually steer clear of anywhere but a steakhouse, was tender and juicy. Having had Thai all over the province, I feel very fortunate to have such a great option right at home. The Green Curry with chicken was warming with its punch of heat and the Beef and Mushrooms in Oyster sauce was well balanced with the salty oyster sauce lending itself well to the

Those Who Create the Vibe

earthy umami of the mushroom - I see why these two dishes are family favourites!

Currently, patrons can enjoy ordering for take-out and delivery Tuesday Saturday for lunch and dinner and if you are interested in placing an order call 519.637.2287 during business hours. The menu and updated business hours are available on the restaurant’s Facebook

page at Le Cafe Siam: Thai Cuisine.

Be prepared to wait a bit for your food remembering that dish preparation begins when you order. These unique recipes take time to ensure that you taste the quality and care that goes into each one.

Le Cafe Siam is located at 392 Talbot St. in St. Thomas.

A Dream Turned into a Collectibles Haven For Marty Hancox, owning and operating Fan of the Sport at 571 Talbot Street is a dream turned reality. For almost ten years, the novelty sports store has sold sports cards, Pokémon, and Magic the Gathering. This

In order to stay current, Marty welcomes customer feedback from customers.

“They’re not afraid to let me know what they want or hope for me to bring into the store,” says Marty, “I also have great distributors that inform me of new products, and I attend conferences and look at social media.”

Marty’s true passion is mid-eighties or older sports cards, but he enjoys the connections that come with it, “I’ve met a lot of customers who are now close friends,” explains Marty, “Sports cards are not only fun to collect but also an investment.” During the pandemic, sports cards became even more popular.

Marty says there was a Mike Trout rookie card that sold for $3.84 million this year.

year especially, sports cards have made a resurgence.

Obviously, the pandemic brought with it many challenges, but, downtown St.Thomas

has proved to be resilient. “Many have adapted to this situation through offering curbside pick-up and deliveries,” mentions Marty, “Everyone has worked hard to create a safe environment for customers and people like shopping local.”

Fan of the Sport is special as it’s like a community on its own, “Before COVID, we held many events in our gaming room,” explains Marty, “Lots of people have also become friends on our Facebook pages.”

For all things sports cards and games and collectibles, visit Fan of the Sport’s website or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ FanoftheSportStThomas.

From Humble Beginnings A Brokerage That is Steeped in History Since 1914 Reith & Associates have played an important role in protecting the citizens of St. Thomas and its surrounding communities.

The Reith & Associates team are passionate professionals uniquely trained and qualified to take care of the people and property that matter most to you while remaining dedicated to the family tradition of providing an exceptional client experience.

Today, the brokerage is distinguished itself by its Unique Process—Mission to Your Prosperity™—it’s exclusive discovery method of data collection and its digital platform alternative.

The brokerage is proud to be the most awarded and celebrated insurance provider in our community.

The progression of Reith & Associates from 1914 to 2020: • In 1914, while working the family farm near Shedden Ontario, Alvin McCauley Brown began his insurance practice selling accident and sickness policies to area farm families. He formed the A.M. Brown Insurance Agency.

• 1917 The A.M. Brown Insurance Agency opened its St. Thomas.

• 1961 Harold Jackson, Alvin Brown’s cousin, left his position as a Field Inspector with a major Canadian insurer to join the agency.

• 1962 Reith & Jackson Insurance Agency Limited was formed when Harold Jackson’s son-in-law, Dan Reith Sr., joined the Agency and the practice was acquired and the name changed to reflect new ownership and Mr. Brown’s retirement.

• Over the next two decades the agency grew through acquisitions and structured

partnerships. In late 1973, Harold Jackson retired and Jerry Beavis took a partnership after merging his agency with Reith & Jackson. The practice changed its operating name to Reith & Beavis Insurance Agency Limited.

• 1981 Provincial regulation introduced a new regulatory authority, The Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO), to govern and provide professional oversight. Subsequent to the establishment of RIBO, insurance agencies were subject to higher professional standards of practice and education and were identified as brokers. This regulatory change caused the firm to rebrand as Reith & Beavis Insurance Brokers Limited.

• 1987 after the acquisition of George S. McLachlan Insurance, the brokerage updated its brand to Reith & Associates Insurance Brokers Limited.

• 1992 the brokerage welcomed Dan Reith Jr., and in 1994 his brother Darren Reith. At that time the brokerage changed its operating name to Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services Limited to reflect the expansion of products and services with the introduction of a life insurance and investment services team.

• 2000 brothers, Dan and Darren Reith have led the brokerage since December 2000 after the passing of their father.

• 2019 the Group Benefits unit is launched.

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kenzie Bonnett Happy December to all merchants, and residents!

This year I am so thankful for the downtown community and how supportive all of you

have been with each other. With Christmas and welcoming in the New Year, I wish everyone nothing but safe and happy holidays. We can’t wait for 2021 and what it has in store for The Downtown Vibe!

Produced by St. Thomas Downtown Development Board — downtownstthomas.ca