NOVEMBER 2020 EDITION
Message from DDB by Earl Taylor Chair, Downtown Development Board I put the snowbrush in my car this week! I’m not looking forward to snow, but I’m planning for reality. And, now is the time to plan to check out the many great things happening in Downtown St Thomas. November 11th marks the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Memorial Gardens; however, this year, it is being observed in a slightly different manner with a limited crowd. Please watch for online presentations. Our Downtown Tree Lighting Celebration, once again sponsored by Yurek Pharmacy, has been revised this year. The City Hall Christmas Tree will be lit to officially start the Christmas Season in Downtown St Thomas, although we will not be able to celebrate with Santa Claus while enjoying Christmas songs and free hot chocolate. But Santa Claus is still coming to town to pick up your letters. Please send your letters to DDB@stthomas. ca by November 10th and Santa will read your letters from City Hall on Rogers TV. Once again, we want to thank our generous partners who help to make our Downtown so special. Thank you to Entegrus for installing our LED Snowflakes on the Downtown lamp poles and thanks to the City Parks Dept for installing the great winter displays in our Flower urns spread throughout the Downtown. If you are looking for a Christmas photo op, take a stroll through our Downtown. And if you need new winter attire, tasty Christmas supplies or a bite to eat, I encourage you to checkout our great displays, murals, shops and restaurants.
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S T. T H O M A S , O N TA R I O
St. Thomas — 20% More Life, 80% Less COVID-19 by Steve Bond, Pharmacy Manager Yurek Pharmacy 519 Talbot Street
Statistics can be overwhelming and powerful. Whenever someone wants to really drive a point home, they quote a percentage or some other ratio to explain what they mean. Statistics can bolster a weak argument especially when we don’t understand the relevance. Stats can however, lead people to examine the situation and see if there is causation. For example, compared to the whole of Ontario, our region has only 20% the number of Covid-19 cases per capita. That’s a significant reduction and we should all be proud and relieved by those numbers. While cities, regions and even countries are undergoing serious restrictions to slow their rapidly escalating numbers, our little area is not seeing such exponential growth. So why is this? First of all, we need to look at how the virus spreads. Like many infections, it is passed predominantly by the respiratory secretions when we cough or sneeze. Those in proximity of such secretions take in the virus and become infected themselves. This can occur by breathing in the virus from the air or by touching the face with hands that are covered with the virus. In our region, one thing I notice is that people are following the direction set out by our municipality and local health
authorities by wearing masks and keeping their distance. In areas that are carefully marked out, this is easy to do, but I witness it outside of the marked areas. When I walk my dogs and a pedestrian approaches, intuitively, one of us will veer to the side to maintain physical distance. This is also often the case when I see people standing in lines. That physical bubble is respected without hesitation. Masks have become
a common accessory. Apart from a few paranoid conspiracy believers, most people get that masks help prevent the spread and wear them. I will remind everyone that the proper way to wear a mask covers the mouth AND nose (not covering the nose is like a knight wearing armour over his legs only as he enters into battle). So congratulations to us; we are beacons of hope in this war on the novel Cornavirus. I would however offer a warning: it is easy to become complacent and overconfident. We need to remain vigilant and keep doing those things as recommended by the health authorities. We must continue the fight and to always take care of ourselves and each other.
Those Who Create the Vibe
He(ART) in the Downtown! At 301 Talbot Street, you will find The St. Thomas Public Art Centre. For over 50 years, the Art Centre has been a place for artists to showcase their creativity, a space for fundraisers and events, and a steadfast supporter of art education. Saturday classes, workshops, auctions and free school tours. Woermke mentions that they had 2,500 children come through the gallery on free school art tours.
According to Laura Woermke, Executive Director of the Art Centre for 13 years, they never have a dull day. “I went to art school in London and Windsor; started volunteering here; liked the vibe and mission; and now it’s a very special place to me.” Laura reveals that seeing people’s creativity, how they perceive and produce art, is mesmerizing and her favourite part of her job. The non-profit organization was built by a group of women and it’s still run by women today. “Art education is key for people’s wellbeing and what a lot of people don’t realize is that the Downtown is so rich with local talent,” says Woermke. “We have a permanent collection
Amazingly enough, there are still people from all over coming in to visit the Art Centre. “The downtown is the heart of our city and our community is great with supporting all of us,” she maintains. of two thousand pieces and focus on giving those who come in here a great experience.” Prior to the pandemic, the St. Thomas Public Art Centre was a hotspot for children and adult art programming, lectures,
From November 14th to December 19th, the St. Thomas Public Art Centre is holding a miniature show that will highlight local artists. For more information, visit their website stepac.ca.
A Jewellery Store Rich with Gems and History For 32 years and counting, Muscat Jewellers in Downtown St. Thomas has created and sold unique and custom pieces. Owner Dan Muscat has been highly involved in the Downtown since he was a young child, “Growing up, my parents were vendors at the Horton Market, and we’ve now been at our current location for 22 years.” Dan’s interest in jewellery was sparked many years ago when he went to buy a promise ring for his girlfriend at the time from a family friend. “My friend showed me the ins and outs of the business and on my off days, I’d go to their store to learn, do some benchwork, and from then on, I’ve done a lot of self-teaching.” The jewellery industry is constantly changing and trends from different decades reappear. “To stay up-to-date, we look to Hollywood personalities and what they’re wearing,” says Dan. “Thirty plus years ago, everything was yellow gold, then went to
white gold, and now we’re seeing yellow gold being sought after again.” Dan appreciates the many aspects in owning a jewellery business. “Whether it’s salvaging and bringing back to life an old piece of jewellery that has sentimental value, or seeing how happy customers are with their one-of-a-kind piece, it’s all worth it.” Dan also adds that technology has come a long way within the last decade and now they use sophisticated machines. “Our downtown isn’t your typical strip mall or plaza,” notes Dan. “It’s the focal point of our community and people recognize that when a business supports a sports team or fundraiser, it’s important to pay them
back by shopping locally.” If you’re looking to make a custom piece or refurbish a piece of jewellery, head to Muscat Jewellers at 721 Talbot Street!
Art and Soul Everyone Loves a Circus! At 8 Manitoba Street in the Downtown, you’ll find a mural called ‘Elephant Parade’ by Paul Austin created in 2000. It depicts the story of PT Barnum & Bailey’s Circus performance in St. Thomas in the early 1900s. As a key railway hub, our city hosted many circuses where clowns, acrobats, trick-riders, and elephants would parade down Talbot Street.
A Tower of Technological Advance The BX Tower is made of brick and a slate roof. The windows on all sides of the building would have allowed the operator of the switching equipment in the building to view the track from all sides. The building was deemed a property of historic and architectural value in 2002 because it contained an “Interlocker System” which at the time was a major improvement in Railway Safety Technology.
Due to our rich railway history, there are many historical sites you can visit. On the east side of Moore Street, you’ll find the Canadian Southern Railway’s BX Tower. The original tower was built in response to an accident that occurred July 14th, 1887, when a Canadian Southern freight train collided with a Grand Trunk Excursion. The existing building is thought to have been constructed after 1902.
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
Art and Soul In 2018, artist Chris Newman and decorator Dodie Swain, opened Slate at 538 Talbot Street. Chris’ specialty is in taking found objects and giving them new purpose. His innovative and unique style has gained him clientele across the globe. Dodie’s expertise is in home decor, which she has been making for years. She also founded Slate Candle Co. and creates high quality soy wax candles in vintage jars; each one with her unique creative touches. Together they have created a treasured destination in St. Thomas where you also find specialty water, coffee, honey, maple syrup, chocolates, and other cool gift items.
“Made in St. Thomas” is a monthly feature that highlights locally produced products
Dan Reith
Darren Reith
Discover the Reith Advantage™: advice your way. That is why 97% of our clients renew their policies every year.
We look forward to working with you! 519.631.3862 | ReithAndAssociates.com
From the Editor’s Desk by Kenzie Bonnett “Welcome to November, downtown friends, residents and merchants! It seems that with every issue of The Vibe that passes, we have more fun and intriguing information to share. Make sure to keep an eye out for
The Vibe going on Facebook. There, you’ll be able to read the same fun stories if you didn’t manage to grab a hard copy. Remember to take a moment of silence at 11 o’clock on Remembrance Day. Wishing you a safe, fun, and happy November. See you next month!
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condem. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Produced by St. Thomas Downtown Development Board — downtownstthomas.ca