St Thomas Downtown VIBE July 2023

A Truly #stthomasproud Experience

It’s hard to believe that we are about to have our 9th Nostalgia Nights car show put on by the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board. If you missed last year’s event, you missed possibly the largest one-night event in our downtown’s history!

by Rob BurnsNostalgia Nights Chief Organizer

Once again the St Thomas Downtown Development Board (DDB) is showcasing its Nostalgia Nights car show. It was originally held by the Lions Club for three years prior to the DDB taking it over and retaining the name. Ironically, this year’s new location (on Talbot from Ross Street east to Caso Crossing) is the general footprint of the first Nostalgia Nights. This move was necessitated by the construction.

Nostalgia Nights will bring an estimated 5,000 individuals to dine at one of the many restaurants along Talbot Street. The London and Port Stanley Railway will once again be offering FREE train rides at the Ross Street crossing south of Talbot St. The Railway Museum is graciously loaning their platform for boarding onto the train.

Message from DDB

by Earl TaylorChair, Downtown Development Board

I’m sure that you’ve heard of the five Canadian seasons, right? Well, we are deep into the most dreaded of all: construction season in Downtown St Thomas. We can’t wait to see the 100+ year old sewers become a thing of the past and usher in a brand-new streetscape.

Accustomed to the business challenges created by COVID, our Downtown merchants are doing their best and eager and waiting

Gurr Auto will be the hub for information and music . DJ, Ken Chaplin and the No

Name Band will operating from this location. CTP Computer is powering up the classic rock band called Busker - featuring Randy Dawdy and Steve McCann in front of its location.

You may even see find a few large pieces of construction equipment looking over the fence at our activities.

none of this would be possible without the many many sponsors that contribute to Nostalgia Nights, such as MyFm, Wendy’s, Auto Guys, EDC/Railway Tourism, Van Pelt’s, Coldwell Banker, K&K Locksmiths, Yurek Pharmacy & Home Healthcare and the list goes on.

We look forward to seeing you on July 15th from 4:00 to 9:00 pm for another free, fun, family event. Supporting local business allows for these types of events to happen and makes us all St Thomas proud.

to serve you. So, please take the time this summer and head Downtown for a walk and exercise your passion to #ShopLocal.

Despite the construction, we have continued to brighten up our downtown with our unique business-oriented banners on our lamp poles. You’ll love the brightlycoloured flowers baskets and 25 large flower planters, which have been relocated to new sites.

Expanding on the many murals that have been installed by talented artists over last few years, checkout the three new murals installed near the Library, on the side of the Art Gallery and on the back of Power Alley (the old Capitol Theatre).

But, the biggest event happening in our Downtown this summer, on Saturday July 15th, is our 9th annual Nostalgia Nights Car Show and FREE train rides. Checkout the article in this issue of The Downtown VIBE and then log onto www. NostalgiaNights.ca for full details.

We’re digging up our Downtown - we hope you’ll dig it too!

Renovation for Rejuvenation

As I look outside our pharmacy windows, I am relieved that the street renovation is nearing completion. For the past few months, we have seen fences, dirt and giant holes. While I’m certain it is necessary, it has been a major disruption. As they pour sidewalks and build pits for trees, I can envision how revitalized our little part of the Downtown core will look.

by Steve Bond BScPhm, RPh, CDE, FASCP Yurek Pharmacy 519 Talbot Street

Our environment has a huge impact on our health. I’m not talking about the obvious public health concerns like clean water or air pollution; they naturally impact our health. I’m speaking about the less tangible qualities like the aesthetics of our environment. When our environment is dark, messy, outdated, or in disrepair, we can feel depressed or anxious.

So, what is the evidence that our environment affects us? Environmental psychologist Roger Ulrich compared how quickly patients healed after gallbladder surgery. Patients who were exposed to a view of trees and nature consistently

Get a Grip at St. Thomas Tire!

healed faster than those exposed to buildings as their only view. Similarly, studies have shown that light exposure affects our moods. The absence of light leads to increased feelings of loneliness and depression. In a clinical trial, researchers wanted to know how light affects mood. They used rats and allowed some to have normal light while others were kept in a dark container. The rats that were kept in the dark for six weeks had reduced levels of the chemicals (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) in their brains. These same chemicals also exist in human brains and are reduced during depression. This led the scientists to conclude that prolonged darkness may lead to symptoms of depression. Naturally, we couldn’t perform this study on humans so we have to make the leap from rats to us!

Clutter in our environment was linked to higher cortisol levels and stress. It was also tied to decreased productivity and the likelihood of making bad impulsive decisions. Organizing our space can improve our mood and executive functioning.

Thanks to the City for taking on the Downtown renovations. While I am experiencing some heightened anxiety as they tear things apart, I know the result will lead to a work environment that we will all enjoy for years to come. Take care of yourselves and each other.

The wheel is one of the most important and influential inventions in human history. It revolutionized transportation, enabling the development of wheeled vehicles to carry goods and people, propelling the growth of civilizations.

Everyone now needs tires whether it be from the smallest wheelbarrow or fridge cart to the biggest off-roading mud tires.

St. Thomas Tire has been in business since 1958 with its first location being at 50 St Catharine Street right across from the Dixie Dairy Bar. In 1969, the property they were on was expropriated by the City and the tire shop moved to its current location on Talbot Street.

The current owners are Bob Watson and Laurie Davidson and they have been business partners since 2012. They have customers from all walks of life and with various requests. “Most people need air for something, from pool floaties

to spare tires,” says Laurie Davidson, co-owner of the shop. “If you need to put a tube in something (for instance, to

different oil changes which is another necessity in vehicle care.

St. Thomas Tire prides itself on friendliness, honesty and efficiency.

“Customer service is very important to us, and we want people to have an enjoyable experience,” says Davidson. “And our air is free! We will even fill your tires if you pop by and need assistance.”

With new innovations in the tire business all the time, it is part of the business to stay updated and current with all of the latest tire information and features.

keep a lawnmower tire going), or new vehicle tires, used tires, an oil change, a tractor tire repair or a service call out in a subdivision, we have you covered,” says Davidson.

In addition to meeting daily tire needs, St. Thomas Tire also does a variety of

Nostalgia Nights has been moved further east this year due to downtown construction. This has given the tire shop an opportunity for some extra fun. There will be a 12-foot Michelin Man (his name is Bibindum) on hand for photos and another Bibindum who will be walking around for more photo ops!

Remember! When it’s time to re-tire, visit St Thomas Tire at 905 Talbot Street or call 519.631.3542.

A TASTE OF DOWNTOWN St. Thomas

by Sarah Noble from the Elgin/ St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre @SBECinnovation

The Legends Tavern family just marked its 25th Anniversary. I sat down with owner Andy Lerikos just ahead of the celebration, and he was all smiles with anticipation for the day - an opportunity to welcome regulars and friends old and new through the doors. What’s clear in speaking with Andy is that his passion for the restaurant business is built around the people as much as it’s about the food.

Andy has made his life in the restaurant business, learning at his parents’ side in their family-style restaurant. It’s where Andy learned to cook, gaining satisfaction from knowing how to make food from scratch - a wide variety as the restaurant had an extensive menu and was open for three meals a day.

His parents retired in 1997, and thus began Andy’s quest for his own space, bringing him to St. Thomas. Andy was drawn to the things that are still paramount to the personality of this community - its location between London and the Lake, ease of access to the 401, small town feel with big potential, the climate, the people, and a pretty stellar location at the intersection of Downtown and the historic L&PS railway line.

But his initial vision was to build a sports bar that could grow into the kind of place

If you’ve been in St. Thomas for any length of time - you’ve likely heard of Legends. If you’ve been a part of the community for a while, you have probably made some of your own #LegendaryMemories at the landmark restaurant in the heart of Downtown.

where customers became friends and staff became family. Over the years, that’s exactly what Andy has built.

When visiting Legends, you are almost guaranteed to see a familiar face or two; it’s part of the draw. But we still need to talk about the food! Legends is well known for its pub-style fare - there

burgers. They often take a back seat to the wings but should be noticed! Andy laughs and says, “And our fries, people love our fries - If there is a crop issue and we need to temporarily change potatoes, folks notice, and I hear about it! Get me my potato!”. I attest to Legends fries being some of the best around - thick cut and perfectly cooked - they hold up well in the loaded fries or poutine options but are equally tasty on their own.

is a good array of options, but certainly, some are more Legendary than others. Well known for their wings - Andy’s favourite menu item (Legends Mild Sauce, while I am a big fan of the Smokey BBQ), he loves getting inspiration from his customers on the flavours they are looking for or items to workshop in the kitchen. Andy’s menu suggestion - try the

My takeaways from Legends Tavern? It’s precisely a piece of the community that counts. I hope you visit in the coming months when the next phase of the Talbot Street construction is at the door. Legends has been where you’ve celebrated birthdays, gone on first dates, and watched “the game” a few times. You’ve sat in the sun on the patio with friends, maybe even worked there for a season or two. Over 25 years, Legends has donated to your fundraiser or sponsored your ball team. You’ve made memories. Why not make some more?

Legends Tavern is located at 600 Talbot St. legendstavern.ca

Joe Preston

Summer is in full swing in St. Thomas, Ontario! The flowers have bloomed, the birds are singing, and our local businesses are ready for a busy season. We have so many amazing businesses in our downtown core. Whether its shopping, food and drinks, or family fun activities, you can find whatever you’re looking for here in #therailwaycity.

If staying active is more your speed, our city has plenty of outdoor activities to offer as well. Spend a day in one of our many beautiful parks and take a stroll along our vast trail system. Cool off at

Jaycees Pool or one of our many splashpads. There’s no shortage of opportunity to get outside and soak in that summer sun.

Our city will host many exciting events this summer. I hope you joined me for our annual Canada Day celebration last weekend. Find all the details about future events on our city website: www.stthomas.ca.

The summer fun continues with the 9th Nostalgia Nights Car Show. Join us downtown on July 15th for an afternoon of games, music, train rides, and classic cars. Visit www.nostalgianights.ca/ to learn more.

I’m very excited for another beautiful summer season here in St. Thomas and I can’t wait to see you there!

St. Thomas Mayor

Cool ‘N’ Customizable Gifts—Whether You’re Artistic or Not!

Crock A Doodle, at 364 Talbot Street, helps everyone find a fun way to express themselves through paint-your-own pottery. For some this is a fulfilling opportunity to learn new skills and make a positive impact on their emotional well-being. For others, it’s a novel way of finding a cool and customizable gift for someone special.

“We are open seven days a week, and reservations are recommended. We have a full wall of different pieces for anyone to pick, ranging in price from $8-100. You can sit in the studio and paint, or we offer take home kits as well. All paints are waterbased and non-toxic.”

Crock A Doodle offers a wide variety of pottery ware to paint like tableware, jewellery boxes, figurines, candle holders, and more. “We have a bright, open space with lots of room for everybody. We are fully inclusive and have lots of fun events from kids’ pizza parties, Pride night, ladies’ nights, baby print parties, and more,” says co-owner, Nicole Ibsen.

“Once you are done, leave it with us and we will glaze it and fire it in the kiln. Within three to four days, your piece will be ready for pickup and is food grade safe.”

Nicole and Joel Ibsen opened their shop last December. “After being a data analyst for 17 years, I was involved in a car accident that made me unable to return to my career. So, we started this business knowing it would be a great addition to the community. Painting pottery is a great way to reconnect and have some fun away from electronics,” says Nicole.

In addition to having an amazing team, Nicole and Joel offer great customer service and

help painters achieve their artistic goals.

“We are always updating our website and socials, so you can stay tuned. We also love being involved in community and participating in Downtown events,” says Nicole.

“The best part is making people happy and seeing their piece come to life out of the kiln. Come and join us for a fun day out with lots of laughter, great music, and sometimes some singalongs.”

You can learn more about Crock A Doodle online at crockadoodle.com/stthomas/ or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ crockadoodleinstthomas.

Unveiling the Wizardry of Cellular Magician: Your Go-To Device Repair Shop

Technology has come a long way. With a handheld device, you can connect with anyone around the globe. You have access to an overabundance of information at your fingertips. It is a great way to enhancing convenience and improving your quality of life…until it breaks down.

We’ve all been there: a cracked tablet screen, battery life lasting half of what it used to, a button not working, etc. You need it fixed, and you need it fast so you can continue to stay connected. Cellular Magician at 808 Talbot Street will help you in a jiffy. “We will fix someone’s problem in hours, not days. In many cases, we can fix your problem over your lunch break,” says owner, Chady Boutros.

or other repair shops come to us for help! We are the repair shop for repair shops,” says Boutros. With the rising cost of living, getting a device fixed may be more reasonable on the wallet than buying brand new. “We have a wide variety of customers since everyone uses a computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone. From kids, to businesses, to school boards, and families. We can have the problem fixed quickly at a reasonable cost. We also sell preowned certified devices with one-year warranty. We do our best to save people money.”

Cellular Magician has been in business for 12 years. “We are always training and learning. In many cases, we send staff away to other countries for advanced data recovery training,” says Boutros.

Offer

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Yurek PharmaSync™

50% of people do not take medications as prescribed. This contributes to health complications in patients with chronic diseases. Learn how Yurek PharmaSync™ can help.

Specialty Compounding

Yurek offers multiple delivery methods, including: creams, ointments, flavoured liquids, flavoured chewable, suppositories, lotions, and capsules.

Mobility Sales and Service

Manual wheelchairs, knee scooters, rollator walkers, aluminum walkers, and transfer benches are all available to rent from Yurek.

“We are able to fix a client’s device quickly because we have over $100,000 in part inventory and therefore, do not need to wait for an order to come in.” In addition to speedy service, Cellular Magician is well-known for its highly trained technicians.

“In many cases, Wireless Carriers

Boutros and his team love to help people. If your device needs repairing, you can check out their website cellularmagician. ca and get an instant quote or book a repair or stop by 808 Talbot Street to meet the local magician, BJ Creelman.

Discover the Hidden Treasures at Antiques On The Side

For some people, thrifting is an adventure. It’s the thrill of the hunt – you never know what you’re going to find. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just moved to St. Thomas looking for some unique décor, Antiques On The Side at 791 Talbot Street has got you covered.

Antiques On The Side helps you to pass on unwanted articles acquired through collecting or inheritance so that they may find a future home. “We have plenty of exceptional items and knowledgeable staff,” says owner, Doug Walker.

This treasure trove of a shop attracts a wide variety of customers. From collectors, to thrifters, to vintage lovers, and anyone who wants to enhance their home. “We get customers of all ages. Lately, thrifting has been trending everywhere and it has been good for business,” says Walker.

Customers that walk into Antiques On The Side can expect knowledgeable, friendly service whether they are buying or selling. “We are interested in purchasing everything we sell. So, we buy a lot of vintage watches, costume jewellery, real

jewellery, coins, and more. We are a general eclectic shop.” Walker has been involved in the business for 38 years and has had a business here in town for 20 years.

“We research our products continuously and use social media to follow trends and post what’s new in store. Our customers are the best way to stay informed. We listen to what they have to say and are interested in,” says Walker.

“The best part is the thrill of the hunt and finding the right item for each customer. Every day, someone brings in something cool to sell.”

Antiques On The Side is open Wednesday –Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. You can follow their Facebook page at facebook. com/antiques.on.the. side and Instagram page @antiquesontheside1. You may also call at 519.633.8190.

Dan Reith Darren Reith