{behold} SPRING 2021
Spring it ON! top notch Attractions, Art, entertainment, FOOD, DRINK, history and Outdoor Adventures It is Just down the Road AND around the bend in Beautiful Southwestern Ontario
Live it for a day... Live it for a lifetime!
Your FREE Guide to Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brantford, Oxford, The villages of Hamilton + STAYCATION DESTINATION / SHARED HARVEST / Fact & Fiction / Simply Delicious Dishes / Noise Makers / LIVING History / A&E / EXPLORING OutdoorS & a whole lotta unabashed local pride!
van Osch & Co. Timber Frame - A Timeless Craft.
van Osch & Co. has proudly earned a reputation of exceptional timber framing built with integrity. With over 20 years of experience, van Osch & Co. builds modern and traditional timber frames and custom homes across Ontario. Located in the beautiful Haldimand County community of Cayuga, van Osch & Co. takes pride in building quality structures and homes that withstand the test of time for generations to come.
2694 River Road, Cayuga 905.515.1670 ian@vanoschbuilding.com
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visit the NEW
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Bell Homestead National Historic Site
tourism@brantford.ca I 519-751-9900 1-800-265-6299 Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 3
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What’s inside Live Small Town / Spring 2021
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Team Magic Every dream begins with a plan, and our current magazine would like to introduce you to the team of talented folks who helped to make Live Small Town possible.
Photo by Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com
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Small Town Changemakers Meet some of the most amazing people, places and businesses making a difference in your community and learn how you can help them do it.
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Food for Thought Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth, a rich palette, or simply enjoy a night out on the town or quiet afternoon to relax, we’ve got the place for you.
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Let’s Get Social There is never a shortage of praise for Live Small Town magazine with so many local- loving folks reaching out via social media. Here are just a few of our faves!
Meet Your Neighbours Never before has community been more important and these three individuals are actively bringing us all closer together.
Staycation Destination With the anticipation of warmer days buzzing in the air, exploring local is the best way to blow the dust off and start fresh!
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Deep Roots We help bring local history back to life and tell you where to look for heritage, knowledge and wonderment in your community. Let’s get out and explore!
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Arts & Culture From world-class artists and live theatre to intimate concerts, get introduced to local talent and discover the best places to soak up and enjoy the culture.
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Nature Calls When the weather is nice and your agenda is open, there’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors and we want to get you pointed in the right direction. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 5
SPRING VOL.5 NO. 1 PhotographERS
Russell Baer, Megan Baker, Tara Carpenter, Sabrina Constance, Nancy Domsic Kings, Marc Douglas, Damian Dudek Spicy Jan, Sara Moody Veldhuis, Jay Perry, Mike Schymkiw, Erika Strada, Francine Tausney, Jorden Todish, Nicole VanQuaethem Writers
Rhonda Arnott, Philip Barringer, Tara Carpenter, Damian Dudek, Jason Filbert-Smit, Deborah Friesen, Nancy Howden-Cowell, Spicy Jan, Kerstein Mallon, Sandy Marincic, Holly.O., Emmalee Nother, Jay Perry, Justin Rowe, Kate Sharrow, Erika Strada, Brittney Traver, Julie Ann Wurtele, Nicole VanQuaethem, Sara Moody Veldhuis, Tim Zwart Copy Editor
Alberto Candela
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Nancy Howden-Cowell, Donna Ferrawey, Sarah Gurney, Kerri Kelly-Parkinson, Tara Shannon, Kate Sharrow, Erika Strada Small town Gal/Owner/ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Kerri Kelly-Parkinson kerri@livesmalltownmag.ca SALES TEAM
Sarah Gurney sarah@livesmalltownmag.ca Rhonda Arnott rhonda@livesmalltownmag.ca Small town Gal/Owner/ Art Director/Editor/ PUBLISHER
Kate Sharrow kate@livesmalltownmag.ca
519-717-5478 Phone or text
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Live Small Town magazine is printed four times a year and distributed throughout southern Ontario via various tourist associations, related services, retail locations and limited home distribution. Copyright 2021 Live Small Town magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Opinions and comments reflect those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the editorial and staff. At the time of publication, we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible. Please feel free to contact us with any concerns or corrections you may have.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 7
Team Magic
Authentic people, engaging stories and a sense of community fellowship are what make small towns what they are, so it should come as no surprise that these are the pillars upon which the Live Small Town concept is built. We’ve started our own “town” within these very pages, and we’d love to introduce ourselves and invite you inside! 8 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Remember, if you need mental health support, please reach out for help.
Emmalee Nother
KERRI KELLY-PARKINSON
livesmalltownmag.ca It’s been a year! Hard times, worrisome times, beautiful times and amongst it all, some amazing memories. I’m choosing to Spring forward and look to the future. I am excited to deliver this first issue of 2021. I hope to see smiling faces, doors open and bustling yet safe businesses. We have endured a lot. We are thankful for all of the love and support. Our goal has always been to shine a light on our fantastic small-town businesses, the beautiful people that make it all possible and we are proud to help you in any way we can. Sending much love, happiness and good health.
Jay Perry
jayperry.ca Over the last eight years, besides working as a photographer, I have been spending my Sundays travelling to small pockets of Ontario and documenting my day trips online. Whether it be stories of unique individuals, delicious food, or historic landmarks, I’ve been detailing every event through photo, video and words. Look for this regular feature in Live Small Town mag but also please like us on our Facebookpage and my adventures on Instagram. I have some exciting ideas coming up and I can’t wait to show everyone the beauty that resides in our small towns. I also started a charity called Friends With Heart, that has raised $227,619.87 and provided 3,000+ children with positive memories in an attempt to restore the magic of Christmas to them and their families.
KATE SHARROW
livesmalltownmag.ca I am writing this at the beginning of March. Generally, at this time of year, I am bordering on bonkers. When I start wondering if I should power wash the snow off my lawn, I start wearing my open-toe shoes and when I have a breakdown because none of my clothes fit. I am well past bonkers this year! I have spent the winter mastering the bagel, building twenty-seven blinged-out birdhouses and secretly leaving food on my neighbour’s doors steep. Thank the Lord that the world is opening up because I desperately miss exploring, and as soon as I can find pants that fit, I will be visiting!
I’m a local lady with a love for all things country, hockey and small town. Born and raised in beautiful Haldimand County, my passion for where I grew up runs deep. My adventures have taken me from coast to coast in the entertainment biz but I always return home to my rescue dog, Duke, and my cats on the farm.
NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL
I live in a beautiful small village on the shores of Lake Erie and am surrounded by family, friends, art, local beauty, goodness and my two sweet dogs Bella and Mia. I will explore all the hidden gems that our lovely wee towns offer and share those experiences with you on social media and in the pages of Live Small Town magazine.
J.C. VILLAMERE Tara Carpenter
groweoutdoorschool.ca. I discovered my love for nature and the outdoors at an early age while growing up on a Norfolk farm. I have always been an avid enthusiast of nature and travel, and for 17 years I roamed all corners of the globe in search of adventure. From sailing Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to hitchhiking across Canada, I made myself at home in nature’s embrace. Grounded by the unique challenges of motherhood, I now encourages other parents and families to get outdoors and foster their own passion for environmental connectedness.
villamere.com I live in Hamilton where there’s a guy who has fashioned a dog sled out of a shopping cart and he mushes his team through the GO Station parking lot after dark. This magazine helps people like me get out of Hamilton to encounter nature in a more rural setting. Buy my national best-seller, Is Canada Even Real?
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 9
Spicy Jan
tastyroadtrips.com This spicy gal grew up in the big city thinking the luxuries of convenient public transit, double-decker shopping malls and chain restaurants were the only way to live. I look back and smile as I gaze over the rolling countryside that extends for miles beyond my front window. I feel such gratitude for having grown my love of the communities which surround me in Southwestern Ontario. The 403 and Hwy 24 are a lifeline to culinary experiences, day trip adventures, farm markets and staycation weekends designed to lean into the pause which the rural lifestyle creates. Something is exciting about pulling up my knee-high boots to muck about in the garden and preparing for the bounty of summer. In this issue of Jan’s Tasty Road Trips, I was blown away by the culinary talent, service-inspired welcome and beautiful flavours at these neighbourhood destinations. NANCY DOMSIC KINGS
olliandella.com I was born with a wild imagination. My mother was naturally very creative, so I grew up painting, planting, sewing, baking and creating so many creative things. The second I picked up my first camera, I became obsessed with capturing all the small wonders around me. To date, my permanent creative status allows me to be an art director by trade, photographer by fate and remain imaginative by nature. I spend most days in the middle of a creative mess or treading lightly while adventuring with my husband, two funny kids and our little Westie pup at our side. Tim Zwart
timjzwart.com I embrace being a round peg in a square hole. A walking contradiction, I am a single dad of two small children, an American void of ignorance, I love poutine but not maple syrup, and love sports but not hockey. I am a publishing veteran, magazine editor and author. My first book, Reload: Changing the Way We View Guns in America, is available on Amazon. 10 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
MARC DOUGLAS
marcdouglas.ca I am Marc Douglas a wedding/lifestyle photographer. I wouldn’t change a thing about growing up in the small town of Paris where I discovered a love for photography. Photography has always been a labour of love for me. My ultimate goal has always been to show the beauty, strength and enthusiasm in my subjects. As a father of two amazing children, I am a proud supporter of all things involving fighting childhood cancer. I believe in enjoying all the little moments because you never know what tomorrow brings. Nicole VanQuaethem
randomwellnessco.com As a registered holistic nutritionist, culinary nutrition expert and owner of Random Wellness Co., I focus on empowering people to make healthy choices. I have my masters of science in rural planning and development where I focused most of my research on local food systems, agri tourism, culinary tourism and food access. Combining my passion for nutrition and local food, I teach people to eat within the seasons and to become connected to food. In my free time, when not in the kitchen testing recipes, I love getting outside, and cuddling and exploring with my little dog Chloe. Lisa Lalonde
smalltownmortgage.com As a born and raised Paris, Ontario, resident, I know the big heart of small-town living first hand. We have valued lifelong friendships, numerous neighbourhood gatherings, and memories of my husband and I freezing our butts off at the arena watching hockey or melting on the soccer field while cheering our boys and their team mates on. Running my business as a mortgage agent with Axiom Mortgage Solutions and being the finance manager for Live Small Town magazine gives me the opportunity to meet and work with other small town residents like myself, who share my passion for the small town lifestyle and the feeling of community it creates.
Sara Moody Veldhuis
UniversalArtsManagement.com I’m a classically-trained trombonist and singer, a photographer, and in my daily life, I teach music to teenagers - and love it. I’ve been a Juno Awards judge, floated an orchestra on a barge, and have secrets about Celine Dion that I will take to my grave. From a young age I’ve lived life on max: at 12 I went solo to Japan, toured Europe with a band in high school, and met my husband in an orchestra when we were 17. Together, we’ve made a great life with our two kids and a bunch of kitties (want one?) on our little patch of paradise: a farm in Haldimand County. Rhonda Arnott
Born and raised in Hamilton, I often visited my grandparents in Selkirk. Who knew that Jarvis would one day be my home sweet home? I live here with my handsome and lovable husband. For 21 years, I worked in executive sales and always had an entrepreneurial heart so six years ago I took a leap and opened Ty-Kobee Tea & Coffee Co in Port Dover. I am part of the sales team of Live Small Town magazine. Being in business myself, I know how important the right advertising is. You never want to be a ‘hidden gem’! Message me at rhonda@livesmalltownmag.ca. Can’t wait to help you shine! Sandy Marincic
sandy@ubenefit.ca I’m an avid motorcyclist, world traveller, cook, artist, woodworker and thinker, and I am slowly learning that all opinions needn’t be shared. The way we humans mesh with one another (or not), and how we mess with nature (or not) is a fascinating jigsaw puzzle. I am on the floor looking for the missing pieces – they must be somewhere, no? I also own Benefact Benefit Consultants, where I encourage my employer/ employee clients to work as a team; when people enjoy shared goals and work towards them together, success follows. All of the above is based on the ability to care.
2021 SPRING PROMOTION
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Sarah Gurney
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I was born and raised in a big city, but am now a selfmade small townee. I live for weekends wandering shops, parks, and pretty places with my funny husband-and-son duo. When I have a spare moment not chasing my four-year-old, you can find me picking at my guitar, baking something yummy, or tackling a messy reno project around the house. I am also one of the sales teammates at Live Small Town magazine! If you are in the Brantford/Paris area and have an interest in becoming one of our beloved and valued advertising partners, please give me a call at 226-220-7340 or email me at sarah@livesmalltownmag.ca Tara Shannon
I moved from Burlington to small-town life several years ago. When I say small town, I actually mean rural Hagersville. It was a bit of an adjustment. My closest neighbours are cows and buffalo. No longer could I pop out my front door and find all of the latest conveniences at my finger tips. But, you know what? I love it now. I’m a cook by trade and I love to write too, and out here where the buffalo do in fact roam, I have inspiration galore: from rolling farm landscapes to Lake Erie, the Grand River, and hiking trails, plus the fresh produce, cheese, honey, grass-fed and organic meats, not to mention the locally produced wine, beer, and cider. Everything is within minutes of my home. I am in heaven. Kerstein Mallon
1400 Northumberland Street, Ayr. 519-632-7413 or 1-800-265-8792
ayrmutual.com
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Growing up, in the magical land of fairies and leprechauns, twixt twilight and morning dew, I learned there’s more to life than meets the eye. Exploring ancient ruins offered an understanding of the past, present and future and how they intertwine. Now living in Ontario’s Garden enables me to meet wonderful people and visit truly remarkable places. It’s my absolute pleasure to be able to share these unique stories with you.
LET’S GET SOCIAL! With over 6,085 followers on twitter, 5,837 on Facebook, AND 2,873 On Instagram, there was no shortage of praise for our LAST issue of Live Small Town Magazine. Here are just a few of our Faves. Sensational Samosas We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to the folks over @livesmalltownmag for featuring us in their latest issue! Click the link in our bio to read the full article and check out all the amazing local people featured in this publication. Janice Braund Vilaca Love being part of the writing team in this beautifully local mag! Hot off the press, enjoy the read. Live Small Town Magazine Audrey Stewart I love this magazine and look forward to your articles. Thanks for sharing a peek at Paris with me when I visited. Ancaster Cheese Shop We Love this awesome publication Sara Moody Veldhuis What a gorgeous edition this is! (What am I saying...they are ALL gorgeous!) Bravo to everyone at Live Small Town Magazine on another wonderful magazine! Mary Lu Haggith Just picked up a copy from Joy’s Cafe in Simcoe! Dorothy Bastedo Looking forward to seeing this edition! Tamiah Johnston Reading through it and loving it!! I picked up my first copy at The Beachhouse in Dover when we were visiting/house shopping in the summer. I just found the latest copy last week at The Trunk Station!! We moved to Dover almost two weeks ago and this magazine is one of my new favourite things! I may add being a writer for you guys to my vision board. Thanks for this wicked local guide to awesomeness!! I totally feel at home!!! Plant Inspired Kitchen Love this! Shop at Sweetwater Thanks for the love @livesmalltownmag! Remy wishes you a “Happy Women’s Day,” too! The Second Mouse Cheesetique Love #smalltownlove Sherry SmithPhotography I LOVE your magazine!! It warms my heart to see so many people and businesses I know and love getting the attention they deserve. Great job! The Shop in Princeton Thank you for the opportunity to share our story Holly O Artist Thanks a mil @livesmalltownmag and @jayperry for the fab article! Much appreciated! Live Small Town mag xoxoxoxoxxoox
Simcoe
celebrating
27 years in business
A fresh start, from the ground up. FIND YOUR STYLE. AND COMFORT LEVEL. WE MAKE IT EASY.
Park Road 41, Simcoe 519-426-2619
nufloors.ca/simcoe
We would like to thank all of our advertising partners who have made Live Small Town magazine possible! If you would like to join this amazing team, please contact Kerri Kelly-Parkinson at kerri@livesmalltownmag.ca
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 13
MORE THAN A MAG!
Let’s Get Social Too!
There’s no sibling rivalry between Live’s printed & social media pages. They both bask in all the attention each gets! It is easy to get excited about the arrival of the latest and greatest Live Small Town magazine! The paper is shiny, the photography is beautiful, and the anticipation of who we shone a light on is thrilling. Many folks tell us they have kept every copy since we started the mag just over four years ago. The content is evergreen and is a 100
percent local Smörgåsbord of community building. Our team of advertising partners and creative folks are proud of this, and we look forward just as much as you do to discovering all that is uniquely fabulous in Ontario’s southwest. Some readers have questioned if we are afraid of running out of content. Not even possible!
There are so many people doing extraordinary things here. The biggest problem we find is that most local lovelies are modest and don’t blow their horns. Good Lord, blow away! People are chomping at the bit to support you, including us at Live Small Town magazine. Additionally, our magazine may be popular, but our social media communities are continually buzzing with readers who can’t seem to get enough of us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Here are just a few posts we thought we would share.
Ancaster Cheese Shop hosts a wide variety of items that allow you to travel the world while staying comfortable in their cozy little shop in downtown Ancaster. They endeavour to high-quality stock items from local makers and offer everything from gourmet cheeses (both vegan and dairy-based) to hand-crafted ice cream to sustainably-sourced meats, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! They are also one of our latest local loving partners, so please support them right back!
Before electric power, automobiles or telephones, the Jakeman family was in the maple business. Since 1876, five generations have created maple syrup, and in that time, they’ve built themselves up to be the largest packer of maple syrup in Ontario. Jakeman’s Maple syrup is sourced from Ontario farms from the Mennonite communities of St. Jacobs to northern Ontario’s maple orchards. jakemansmaplesyrup.com
5,365 People Reached, 413 Engagements, 142, 29 Comments, 17 Shares
7,642 People Reached, 462 Engagements, 22, 8 Comments, 22 Shares
14 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Purple Haven Farm has a great selection to meet all your culinary lavender needs, as well as those for your home and your body. A love of nature and a dream has turned into a reality with the three generations’ hard work and determination. This family is proof that what you dream, you can achieve. They often sell at markets in the area, but you can order their products on their website too. purplehaven.ca
Paris Photo by Marc Douglas marcdouglas.ca, Kolton Stewart Photo by Russell Baer russellbaer.com
5,338 People Reached, 282 Engagements, 141, 32 Comments, 48 Shares
Kolton Stewart credits his small-town upbringing with keeping him grounded and humble. Born in Toronto, he was raised in Norfolk County, where he still lives today. “I love the perspective that country living has given me. The contrast between home and work, which is almost always in big cities, has made me really appreciate the important things in life!” It has also given him the resilience to weather the lock-down. “My work stopped temporarily once the pandemic hit, so I had the opportunity to concentrate on my music, and I am used to being on my own, so it was ok!”. By Sara Moody Veldhuis 2, 773 People Reached, 394 Engagements, 164, 9 Comments, 7 Shares
Have you ever walked into a place and known that this is exactly where you need to be? It’s said that, while on horseback, looking upon the area where the Nith and Grand Rivers meet in what was to be Brant, Hiram Capron, the founder of Paris, ON, declared, “I do believe, I would like to own this lovely vale.” Small-town rural charm that entices a simpler lifestyle. A life where people can stop for a time and enjoy their senses. 3,179 People Reached, 198 Engagements, 72, 19 Comments, 31 Shares Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 15
Change Makers
Sometimes it’s the little day-to-day efforts that go unrecognized that end up having the biggest impact in our lives. Here are just a few who made a difference.
tions of respect and kindness for all, forgave us when we failed, and explained why we needed to try harder. It was the first time in my life that I wanted to be seen, and he did see me. It was almost like he instantly knew what I had been through and what I needed to heal. That year was the beginning of a beautiful life, and I will always be thankful to Mr. Stevenson for helping me feel safe and genuinely cared for. By Philip Barringer
A chance meeting with a stranger I noticed your social media post requesting heartwarming stories. I would also like to share mine here, but I would prefer it remains anonymous... I’m a single mom with two children that left a very unhealthy marriage. While I’ve dated and met some lovely men, it’s been a journey and one I’m still on. A couple years ago, while on a date to a karaoke bar, my date and I started chatting up a group of men from out of town who were here from Nova Scotia on a conference. One mentioned he liked to fly fish, and my date nudged my arm as he knew I did as well. When the gentleman mentioned his wife, I jokingly said, “See! All the good ones are married!!” My date and I were then questioned if we were a couple. We replied that we were both recently separated and merely dating/back into the scene. My date left his seat, and the gentleman leaned into me and said to me, “You seem really nice. What happened with your marriage?” I told him my story, and then he did something that nobody else has ever done. He gently put his hand on my arm, he looked me in the eye, and he simply said, “I’m sorry.” I started to cry, and he did too. I told him that he need not feel sorry for me, that I had two lovely kids and a chance to start over. He was in tears too. He talked to me about his wife and their love for each other, and I thanked him and told him it gave me hope to hear him speak about his wife so lovingly. He asked for my address, and I wrote it down for him... Weeks went by, and I picked up the mail one day, and a small envelope fell out with no return address. An even smaller envelope was inside. No note. No letter. Merely a handful of beautifully tied fly fishing flies from a beautiful gentleman in Nova Scotia. I carry them with me every day. Anonymous
Teaching Self-Love I grew up in an abusive home. Although I was lucky that my father decided to leave when I was seven, it took me years to come out of my shell. I just did not want to be noticed. I had learned young that it was safer that way. My life changed in grade six. My new teacher was so strange that I could not help but be drawn to him. He made us laugh and be silly. He created attainable goals, allowing us all to experience victories. He expressed clear expecta16 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
A Message to a good man 51 years ago, I was a young single mother living in Waterford, Ontario. One day a friend dropped in unexpectedly with a young man that I did not know. During the visit, he noticed that my little trailer-sized fridge was bare. The next day, he showed up alone with a couple of full bags of groceries. All he asked was that I not tell anyone because his girlfriend might not understand his reasoning. He left, and I never saw him again. Over the years, I have thought of him many times. I always wanted him to know that his kindness shaped who I had become, and I have tried to pay that kindness forward throughout my entire life. Still reflecting back on him with a warm and grateful thought. Thank you, John A Charters! By Nancy Howden Cowell We all need to recognize that simple kindness is like a pebble thrown in the water. Its effects continue to reverberate in the lives around us. We would love to share your stories if only to break down barriers and inspire others to open their hearts.
Your support helps enable specialized health care for patients in your region
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 17
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Home Grown
Behind every good person, there has usually been some good food. At Live Small Town, we’d like to celebrate both by highlighting the best local foods and recipes around while introducing you to the creative and talented people who make them possible. From innovative techniques and ingredients to updated twists on some of our old favourites, this is your one-stop-shop for everything food, family and fellowship. After all, every food journey starts with a single bite.
PHOTO BY Nancy Domsic Kings - olliandella.com
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Audrey Hepburn
Jan’s Tasty Road Trips
Our ever-growing food scene just keeps expanding. This has foodies in larger cities pretty envious, making this their choice dining destination. BY Spicy Jan As road trips are the new #staycation style experience, this issue takes me to explore Ancaster and Dundas in all their culinary glory. That one exit off the 403 invites you into quiet neigh-
bourhood communities brimming with a vibrance I didn’t expect to find: the people, the stories, their passions. Every location has a story of love and culture, plus the dedication of de-
signing the ultimate experience when customers walk through their doors. I spent two days deliciously exploring these historic communities. I was proud to meet many who are committed to bringing locally inspired options to the table. I couldn’t be more pleased to hear repeatedly the importance of the support local movement in their supply chain. Come along as I introduce you to the talent behind the counter. Watch as Ancaster and Dundas become part of the Tasty Road Trips itineraries this Spring.
Jan loves curating tour experiences to tempt the senses with local food and beverages. Email hello@ tastyroadtrips.com or visit tastyroadtrips.com.
A TASTE DESTINATION. Spicy Jan did the gut-busting work for you and distilled it down
this issue to recommend these four absolute must-try dining experiences.
The Olive Board Charcuterie & Wine Bar Ancaster & Grimsby theoliveboard.com Suppose you enjoy sipping wine, grazing charcuterie and leisurely evenings out. In that case, The Olive Board is next on your list. This casually sophisticated destination provides a customized menu of shared plates, bountiful salads, savoury boards and a wide selection of domestic and imported wine. Owner Leanna designed this multi-location wine bar from her love of mingling over a casual sip and gourmet board. They also provide a decadent Sunday Brunch. If you aren’t ready for indoors, enjoy the Cabana ambience created to make a toast under the stars, literally.
French Revolution Bakery & Creperie Dundas frbakery.ca In this small-town bakery, Chef Rhonda takes everyone on a visit to France with every buttery bite. This multi-sensory bakery invites you to discover a faraway place of rich ganache, crusty baguettes and flaky pastry. Chef wants you to taste it, smell it, see it and believe it. The line up to enter indicates the passion for the product as patrons wait for their daily visit of croissants, pastries and lunch takeaway. Friday evenings are a sell-out at The French Revolution as the Pastry Chefs curate a weekly dinner feature of an elevated entree, baguette and pastries.
India Village Restaurant Ancaster & Dundas indiavillage.ca This gem is family rooted in authentic Indian dishes prepared by the culinary talents of Chef Nick. Owners Chef Nick and Jacquie are committed to creating a distinctive dining experience steeped in traditional recipes designed with whole products, fresh produce and locally sourced meats. India Village presents five unique tastes of savoury Naan Bread to accompany dishes bursting with aromatics of fresh garlic, ginger, tumeric, coriander, garam masala and more. Chef Nick’s culturally inspired dishes accommodate GF, DF, V, and the cooking classes are a must experience.
Nellie James Gourmet Food To Go Dundas nelliejames.com Nellie James is a trendy chef-driven gourmet-togo experience on King. I immediately noticed Miss Nellie’s portrait overlooking the counter filled with locally inspired dishes prepared by the owner, Chef Ken. This chalkboard-style dine-out location offers in-house gourmet platters as you design your own upscale meal-to-go. Nellie James prepares wild boar, Wagyu Beef, lamb, organic chicken, seafood, and locally-driven sides. A tray of roasted cauliflower was displayed with such elegance while the house pecan and chocolate bread pudding were calling my name.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 19
Market to Market
Buying local food often means that it is at the peak of its freshness. Allowed to ripen fully in the field and brought directly to you. No long-distance shipping, no gassing to simulate the ripening process, no sitting in storage for weeks. Fresh from the farm is as real as it gets! Be sure to check websites for most recent hours due to Covid-19 changes. BY Kate Sharrow
Elberta Farms Country Market Paris elbertafarms.ca Joseph Berta co-founded this farm with his wife Elizabeth in 1967, and 50-plus years later, they welcome folks year-round with their local, farm-fresh eggs, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. They also offer a wide selection of hand-inspected garden plants, including bedding plants, herbs, flowers, and vegetables. As a bonus, they have onsite goats and sheep to pet after you shop.
Ancaster Farmers Market shopancasterfarmersmarket.com This famous local farmers market is held in a community-central location in the Ancaster Village to provide farmers with a cheap local sales outlet and the community with access to fresh, local, naturally grown produce. Free children’s activities, live music, special events and a community tent make this farmers market a day out you won’t want to miss.
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Little Brown Cow Brantford Mon. to Sun. 10am – 6pm Shopping at this farmgate store brings the meaning from farm to table to mind and redefines shopping local. Shop 7 days a week to find great products locally grown and produced. Fresh vegetables, frozen foods made on-site, artisan cheese, smallbatch honey, creamy milk, beef, pork, eggs, and from their jersey cows, you will experience the best chocolate milk you have ever tasted.
Leaping Deer Adventure Farm and Market Ingersoll leapingdeer.com Authentic rural adventure awaits your family with an exciting day at the farm where you will fall in love with the locally homemade tasty treats, fuzzy critters in the animal shed and the corn-cob express. Take a chance by attempting to make your way through the ever-growing 10-acre corn maze, where you run the risk of endless fun while getting lost in the escapade.
Brantford Farmer’s Market Fri. 9am to 5pm, Sat. 7am to 2pm year round Established in 1848, this fantastic farmers market is one of the oldest businesses in the area and still proudly serves between 1,500 and 3,500 people each week. Since launching a physical market building in 1965, the market has featured various produce, deli meats, flowers, and chocolates for both locals and visitors alike.
Simcoe Farmers’ Market Thurs. 9am – 4pm Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy and appreciate the varied selection from fresh food to handmade products offered at Thursday’s market, as well as time to chat with the friendly vendors who love to share their knowledge. First opened in the Norfolk Fair Grounds building in 1980, it has grown from 6 year-round vendors to over 30, with 20 more joining the seasonal outdoor area.
olivá market Burford olivamarket.ca I don’t think buying food has ever been so entertaining. Owner Dan Santosis is a refreshingly wacky character who has created a one-stop-shop for all kinds of unique gifts and yummy goodness. Much of his merchandise is sourced from local artisans and makers, as well, they carry an impressive array of unique international cuisine that is often not found in many of our small towns.
Port Dover Lions Silver Lake Market Sat. 8am – 1pm As with most small-town farmers, markets shopping here often turns into a social gathering, and for many, it is a weekly event on their calendar. Meeting friends for a leisurely Lions Club breakfast before visiting all the vendors, who incidentally love to take the time to chat about their products, makes for a wonderful shopping experience. All the while supporting community!
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Dunnville Farmer’s Market dunnvillefarmersmarket.ca Tues. & Sat. 7am – 12 pm Although this seasonal market is enjoying a new building, it is well established and vital to the community since it originally opened in the 1800s. They have 22 vendors that offer local, fresh products such as eggs, fruit, vegetables, and even fresh-baked bannock. Situated along the Grand River ensures a unique shopping experience for all your needs.
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Our Sustenance Market Ohsweken oursustenance.ca Six Nations Farmers Market, Our Sustenance is more than just food for your body. It is about feeding your soul. Enjoy being entertained by local musicians as you shop for fresh vegetables, honey made on-site, baked goods, traditional native food and locally made crafts. Open every other Saturday in the winter months. This community-run market goes into full swing Saturdays from 10-2 beginning May 24th to Thanksgiving.
Picone Fine Food Dundas piconefinefood.ca After immigrating from Sicily, Joseph Picone Sr. sold local produce door to door to make a living, but in 1915, he was able to open Picone’s Food Market at 34 King St. W. in Dundas. Today, three generations later, his family continues his legacy to provide fresh, local and organic produce, in-house prepared foods, specialty imported products and promote local culinary artisans in the same location.
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Chef Murray Zehr Photos by Damian Dudek of Dudek Photography dudekphotography.com
Preserving Secret Recipes that Transform a Garden’s Bounty
Our Compliments From Vintage Wines to Microbreweries and unique IPAs and Lagers, let us lend a hand with suggestions to accompany your meal or gathering
BY Chef Murray Zehr From a young age, I knew I wanted to cook professionally. Having the ability to be creative and experimental in my career was important when I decided to become a professional Chef. Although the hours are long and a little stressful, it is a rewarding occupation and offers opportunities, unlike any other career. In my 25-year career as a Chef, I have also had the opportunity to be a high school teacher, a restauranteur, a College Instructor, a University Instructor, and an Author.
Some of the highlights and fondest memories I have are because of my career as a Chef. I have had opportunities and created great memories cooking for Gordon Ramsey, Prince Charles, and many others. Currently, I am the Executive Chef and owner of the 1909 Culinary Academy in Ayr, Ontario. I am following my dream of owning my own private Chef’s Academy in a rural setting, whereas I can teach the future generations of cooks how to grow and preserve from the land.
My latest cookbook is available now through Amazon. Preserve by Chef Murray Zehr is a unique cookbook developed to assist all levels of cooks in utilizing preserves in the pantry for at-home cooking. Preserve is the only cookbook ever written on this topic. If the food trend of 2020 was sourdough bread, the 2021 trend would be cooking with preserves.
Paris Beer Co. Paris parisbrewing.com Located in historic Paris Wincey Mills, they started brewing in August of 2020 but will definitely add deliciousness to the market’s already amazing local food scene. Their team is also focused on working together to use their business as a force for community good.
Brewers Blackbird Brewery and Kitchen Ancaster rousseauhouse.ca Say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new! Formally the beloved Rousseau House, this revamped restaurant now serves up laidback dishes like wood-fired pizza and plenty of housebrewed local craft beer. The community is thrilled to experience and enjoy Ancaster’s very own craft brewery.
Susan Judd also co-owns Ride the Bine, craft beer, wine and cider tour Co.
Heeman’s Cidery and Meadery Thorndale heeman.ca Founded in 1963, Heeman’s might be the first garden centre in North America with an on-site cidery and meadery. In the fall of 2019, Susan Judd and third-generation berry farmer Tom Heeman released their first locally sourced cider and expanded their deliciousness with accolades ever since.
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Magic in the Making!
Chef Scott Bailey’s ability to adjust, evolve, develop skills, and embrace change set the stage for City Farm Catering’s successful evolution to perfect the take-out dining experience! BY kerstein mallon This hasn’t been a typical year. We as a society have had to adapt to new social norms. Social distancing is a phrase we are all too familiar with. Many businesses have had to adjust to this new normal, including the food industry. It has been turned upside down by the pandemic, and many businesses haven’t been immune to the challenge. With in-person dining limitations and social distancing placing a buffer between staff and guests, the pandemic has put the quintessential dining experience to the test. Restaurateurs and caterers have made tough and highly creative decisions to ensure they would be able to serve another day. Society’s expectation of this relationship may be forever changed. And that trend will continue long after the pandemic passes. Local food-based businesses certainly have had to get creative to keep their doors open, and take-out dining seems to be taking the world by storm; it’s the new fast food. One such inspiring business is City Farm Catering, based in Hamilton Ontario. This team reinvented themselves by launching a fresh take-out menu and a new online ordering system that is doing extraordinarily. 24 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
The company is the vision of Chef Scott Bailey. He founded City Farm Catering in 2015, intending to create a company that would earn a reputation for quality, dedication and creativity. Those objectives remain paramount today and have guided this growing business to become highly sought-after and well recognized in major cities across Ontario. Chef Scott Bailey grew up in the kitchen and was eager to turn his passion into a career and a lifestyle. Chef Scott took his passion and commitment to quality food to the next level when he accepted a coveted apprenticeship at The Fat Duck, in Berkshire, England thefatduck.co.uk– one of only four restaurants in Great Britain to receive three Michelin Stars and owned by celebrity Chef Heston Blumenthal. His time with Chef Blumenthal would prove to affect Chef Scott’s culinary technique and style profoundly. Under the master leadership of Chef Heston Blumenthal, Chef Scott would gain a global perspective to propel him to the next level of his culinary journey. Returning to his hometown of Hamilton, Chef Scott was a enthusiastic cook who quickly rose through the ranks.
Photos courtesty City Farm Catering cityfarmcatering.ca
He started his culinary career as a Line Cook before advancing swiftly through the roles of Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine and eventually to the position of Executive Chef at such prominent ‘slow food’ restaurants as Ancaster Mill ancastermill.ca, Spencer’s at the Waterfront spencers.ca, Bread Bar breadbar.ca, Compass Restaurant and Yolanda’s Spuntino Casa. Each served as a valuable milestone to set the infrastructure for City Farm Catering. The future would see Chef Scott ranked Top 30 Under 30 by the Ontario Hostelry Institute and working alongside globally-acclaimed chefs, including Chef Michael Stadtlander, Chef Curtis Stone and professional gourmet Carlo Petrini, Founder of the International Slow Food Movement. Today, City Farm Catering has become synonymous with quality and resounding consensus that it elevates the catering landscape with creativity, novelty and edge. The growing company has earned a reputation for going beyond kitchen limits and crafting experiences in unique, offsite and often rural destinations. Meticulous attention to detail, handcrafted dishes, and a farm-to-table commitment has City Farm surpassing even the highest of standards. City Farm Caterings’ mission is to bring the warm atmosphere and mouth-watering flavours of a reputable restaurant experience into the homes of food lovers everywhere. As a successful and thriving business on track for significant expansion into new markets, Chef Scott is quickly becoming a staple name in the Canadian culinary landscape. His trendy catering company provides unique and incomparable dining experiences for all types of events while being a preferred caterer of venues such as Balls Falls Conservation npca.ca, West Ave Cider Company westavenue. ca, The Hare Wine Company theharewineco. com, The Barracks Inn thebarracksinn.com, and Ruthven Park National Historic Site ruthvenparknationalhistoricsite.com to name a few. The City Farm Catering team offer full-service mobile catering for weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events no matter where you are located. They create custom menus for all clients that are made with only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients available. The season determines what they cook. They are always more than happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions, allergies or food preferences. Satisfying any gastronomic preferences, City Farm Catering is a must for those craving good food. Visit their website at cityfarmcatering.ca, to view the decadent meals prepared fresh weekly, but beware, you will become hungry almost immediately. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 25
SPRING IS THE SWEETEST SEASON. Discover just a few of the area’s pure maple syrup
producers who offer a healthier and tasty sweetener for any occasion, all year long! Richardson’s Farm and Market Dunnville richardsonsfarm.com This market is a must-do family outing. Hopefully, you had a chance to visit with the family during maple syrup season and enjoy a wagon ride with a pancake breakfast because there is no greater meditation than watching sap boil in a hot outdoor cauldron on winter’s last days. Farmer James is the sixth generation to farm this land south of the Grand River and west of Dunnville. Be sure to wear farm-friendly footwear so you can enjoy a stroll on a groomed trail through the Carolinian forest.
Dutchman’s Gold Carlisle dutchmansgold.com Growing demand for local food makes it the perfect gift-giving idea, and southern Ontario is bountiful! Dutchman’s Gold has almost four decades of delivering a wide array of unpasteurized, award-winning natural honey-based products. Still, they also offer maple syrup made naturally by boiling sap collected from local maple trees, and the uses for maple syrup extend far beyond pancakes!
Chambers Pure Maple Products Waterford In the cozy, quaint cabin of the Chambers Maple Shop, you will find an array of unique locally made maple products and specialty items. Come in to witness the lights and artistic display of their cute miniature village with all its charm. Chambers maple syrup is also processed right on site in their sugar shack, where you can see this magical process unfold for yourself.
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Jakeman’s Maple Products jakemansmaplesyrup.com From the tree to the bottle! The Jakeman family has been supporting local communities and producing an award-winning blend of 100% pure maple syrup since 1876. Jakeman’s maple syrup is sourced from local farms all around Ontario, and you will find an assortment of their maple products in stores across Canada. Jakeman’s newest product is Certified Organic Maple Syrup.
Hunter’s Maple Bush Beachville huntersmapleproducts.com Today, the 7th generation of the Hunter family can be found helping mix batter and flipping pancakes in the Pancake House’s kitchen. The Hunter’s Pancake House restaurant has an extensive homemade breakfast menu with the superstar item being “real” maple syrup. Quality traditional maple products are available for purchase from the family’s 100-acre maple sugar bush.
The Jetty Bar and Grill, Turkey Point thejetty.ca
Photo by AY PERRY jayperry.ca
Breaking Eggs. Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day,
be sure to indulge your taste buds by exploring new eateries.
1 The Beach House, Port Dover 2 Skyway Cafe and Catering, Brantford & Tillsonburg skywaycafe.ca 3 Burger Barn, Ohsweken burgerbarn.ca 4 The Olde Bakery Cafe, Ingersoll theoldebakerycafe.com 5 Ancaster Mill, Ancaster ancastermill.ca 6 Jax Sweet Shoppe, Dundas jaxsweetshoppe.com 7 Kerry’s St James Street Eatery, Waterford 8 Flyers Bakery & Cafe, Dunnville flyersbakeryandcafe.com 9 Scott’s Family Restaurant, Paris 10 The Barnyard, Woodstock 11 Kel’s Family Restaurant, Brantford 1 Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House, Ancaster stackedpancakehouse.ca 12 Sunflower Cafe, Selkirk 13 Ontario’s South Coast Bed & Breakfast Association, southcoastbnb.ca 14 Abigails Tea House, Saint George abigailsteahouse.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 27
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Simply Delicious Dishes Healthy living isn’t as hard as you may think.The region has so much to offer to support healthy living and eating. BY Nicole VanQuaethem
Photography by Nicole VanQuaethem
Spring is here, which means even more local food options are coming! I don’t know about you, but nothing beats some local strawberries and asparagus! Although there are local produce options available in Ontario all year round, there are more once late Spring and Summer hit. So why should you eat and buy seasonal food? Produce is explicitly more nutrient-dense when it is freshly-picked. Unfortunately, for our food to appear ripe in the grocery store, the produce must be picked before it’s grown. A lot of our produce also comes from outside of Canada and has to travel great distances. Long travel times and exposure to different temperatures result in less nutrient-dense produce. Let’s be real; local food
tastes better and is of higher quality. Like I mentioned before, there is nothing better than fresh strawberries versus the ones you buy in the middle of the winter. Local produce is usually freshly picked the same day you buy it! Supporting local farmers can also save you money. Since produce isn’t having to travel great distances, you can often buy direct from the farmers themselves. On that point, you are saving money and putting more money into the hands of local farmers, especially if you can buy directly from them. When you buy food, you are also supporting the local economy and local employment. Many different industries are also linked to local farming, such as food processing, equipment dealers, local grocers, local restaurants, and the list goes
on. Supporting local farmers and buying seasonal food keeps more money in the local economy. Another benefit is decreasing the environmental footprint due to our food having to travel less distance. Lastly, from a food energetics perspective, eating seasonal food can help you feel more grounded and add more variety to your diet. If you think about it, you crave more fruit in the summer and more vegetables in the fall and winter. It is a great way to eat and cook in a more mindful and connected way. Where can you find local produce? • Farmer’s markets in large and small urban centres. • Roadside markets which are typically direct from the farmer • CSA Farm Box Programs • Even your grocery store will carry local produce. You can always look for the Foodland Ontario sticker or some packages and stickers that say where the farm is. Overwhelmed and not sure where to start? As a nutritionist, I love helping clients streamline their health and wellness plan. One of the main ways we do this is through meal prep and planning, and streamlining their grocery shopping process. One great way to do this is to sign up
for a local CSA Farm Box Program. CSA, which is short for Community Supported Agriculture, connects farmers directly with the consumer. This means fresh produce at an affordable price. The great thing about participating in a program like this is that you know you are getting high-quality, fresh, local and seasonal produce delivered right to your doorstep. This helps support local farmers and makes it convenient for you to cook with healthy and nutrient-dense produce. If you live in a city, you might be wondering if this is still an option for you, don’t worry, it absolutely is! Although farms will have their own direct to consumer programs, many programs run in urban centres to help connect consumers to local farmers and still at a great price. Just search CSA in your city or region. Ingredients 1 cup frozen fruit 1 cup ice 1 cup liquid 1 large handful of leafy greens 1 tbsp peanut butter 1 scoop of protein powder Directions Mix up all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!
Nicole VanQuaethem is a registered holistic nutritionist, culinary nutrition expert and owner of Random Wellness Co. , where she focuses on educating and empowering people to make healthy choices for themselves. She also has her masters of science in rural planning and development, where she focused most of her research on local food systems, agri-tourism, culinary tourism and food access. Nicole grew up on a farm, which inspired her studies and work in rural development in southern Ontario. By combining her passion for nutrition and local food, she teaches people to eat within the seasons and become connected to the food they eat. In her free time, she likes to spend time in the kitchen testing recipes, getting outside, and cuddling with her little dog, Chloe. randomwellnessco.com Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 29
Isn’t it time for a getaway? Come explore beautiful Port Dover with its never-ending collection of unique shops and gift-giving ideas. Wander through the quaint neighbourhoods of this historic harbourfront town then finish your day with a delicious culinary adventure at the Beach House restaurant and experience the unsurpassed beauty of our Lake Erie view. above all, stay safe and get ready to have an amazing new year together!
Please let us share our restaurant with its unique coastal cuisine and tropical trends in one of Ontario’s best small towns, Port Dover. 2 Walker St. Port Dover 519-583-0880
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Culinary Arts
DINING GUIDE
HAGERSVILLE Main 88 Pizza Pub
88 Main St S. This place offers the best pizza around with lots of flavourful toppings on a thin crust. The bar is well-stocked with beer and spirits. With large flat screens, it is the perfect place to watch the game. JARVIS Devine’s Country Restaurant
116 Talbot St E, devinesrestaurant.ca Famous for their all-day breakfast, savoury lunches and homemade desserts that are nothing short of divine. Concession Road Brewing Company HALDIMAND COUNTY CALEDONIA Wally Parr Sausage
791 Hwy 6, wallyparrsausage.com For the last 30 years or so, Wally Parr Sausage has been something of a local institution, especially for those who can appreciate the work that goes into making a delicious sausage. Be sure to make it out to their meat-tastic retail emporium on Highway 6 in Caledonia. It boasts more than 300 items, including their famous sausages. Cayuga Shelly’s Family Dining Restaurant
1192 Kohler Rd. shellyscatering.wixsite.com/ shellysrestaurant This unique restaurant is set in a remodelled old church and quite often has live music serenading its patrons. The home-style fare is also heavenly. Twisted Lemon
3 Norton St W, twistedlemon.ca Featuring fresh, uncomplicated food. Always expect a fine dining experience but make a reservation because this place is a hot spot for flavour junkies. Be prepared for gourmet surprises.
DUNNVILLE Debb’s Cuisine On Queen
109 Queen St, debbs.ca A creative approach to flavour and presentation, Debb’s food is divine and the setting is hip with rustic elegance!
17 Talbot Street E concessionroadbrew.com Haldimand County’s first and only craft brewery that is focusing on small batch hand crafted ales and is located in an old fire hall.
Julia’s Bistro
217 Niagara St. juliasbistroandcatering.com Julia satisfies anyone’s craving for homemade Italian cooking while adding her unique style. The Minga
146 Queen St, They offer coffees, salads and sweets, many of their ingredients are organic, and sourced locally. You can’t beat their organic, fair-trade coffee for $1.80. FISHERVILLE Fisherville Hotel & Tavern
2 Erie Ave S, thetav.ca Built as a hotel for travelling salesmen in 1853, the Fisherville Hotel & Tavern remains the destination for tourists and travellers alike. Explore an amazing local craft beer selection and honest food, or stay overnight to experience history and a small-town pace on your country getaway.
NORFOLK COUNTY Normandale The Normandale Century Inn and Restaurant
2326 Front Rd, normandaleinn.com Stay for a few nights or a single meal and enjoy their licensed outdoor patio. Langton Andy’s Drive-in Restaurant
3710 Hwy 59, andysdrivein.com Norfolks only ‘50’s inspired drive-in diner that is famous for their footlongs, sundaes and Piggyback Burger, all using only quality ingredients. PORT DOVER The Beach House
2 Walker St. Great family, great food, great staff, great prices and a stunning view right on Lake Erie.Sunday brunch eggs benny is a must.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 31
Get excited about cookinG aGain
The Olive Oil Co. offers 60+ flavours of premium extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. Come in and “try before you buy” at this inspiring locally owned family business. Find delicious gift giving ideas! Gourmet delights include artisanal pasta from Italy, sweet and savoury jellies, tapenades, olives, along with beautiful locally made charcuterie boards and pottery.
358 King George Rd, Brantford 519-304-6600 Be sure to check our hours on our website before visiting.
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David’s Restaurant
168 New Lake Shore Rd. davidsportdover.com This refined Canadian restaurant with a lake view offers an upstairs lounge with live music on weekends.
CR EATI N G
Mustard + Relish
301 Main St, mrburger.ca If you love really good burgers, proper fries, great drinks or Beach Day Pops, heaven awaits you here. The Dover Cheese Shop
Nestled between the Lynn Valley Trail and the Lynn River is a welcoming oasis offering luxury glamping and events. You can relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature while we ensure your safety and comfort.
307 Main St dovercheese.com The Dover Cheese Shop is a food lover’s paradise. It offers a 100 specialty artisan cheeses sourced from cheesemakers in Canada and around the world, gourmet spreads and preserves, kitchen accessories, a premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar, and a wide selection of handmade chocolates.
B EA U TI F U L
Knechtel’s
15 Walker St, knechtelfoods.ca A Port Dover signature beach-front destination for over 50 years, serving Lake Erie perch and pickerel, burgers, foot-long hot dogs and ice cream cones.
mE m oR I Es
524 St. Johns Rd. E Port Dover info@homegrownhideaway.com 519-909-9851
homegrownhideaway.com
SAINT WILLIAMS Burning Kiln Winery
1709 Front Rd, burningkilnwinery.ca An amazing winery that honours local agri-heritage and the culinary bounty.
T oGETHER
SIMCOE Barrel Restaurant
131 Queensway W. barrelrestaurant.ca A warm, inviting atmosphere with fresh homemade Italian food, gourmet pizza, chicken, veal, seafood and gluten-free items. A casual Italian restaurant at its best. Celebrating 30 years of great food. Dine-in, patio, takeout and delivery available. The Combine
352 Norfolk St S, thecombine.ca Fun, honest food built on local bounty. A fabulous handmade brick oven, garden patio and wine menu.
PRemium eSPReSSo, Single SouRced coffee, dAilY BAked TReATS, lunch & locAllY SouRced ingRedienTS!
bestwesternbrantford.com
Joy Bakery Café
126 Robinson St, joyofnorfolk.ca What an excellent place to visit with friends to drink good coffee, eat fabulous baked goods and simply relax. Locally-sourced deliciousness at its best.
19 Holiday Drive, Brantford 519-753-8651
joyofnorfolk.ca 126 Robinson St. Simcoe 519-420-9999
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TURKEY POINT The Jetty Bar & Grill
236 Ordnance Dr, thejetty.ca The Jetty is a casual eatery with a picturesque view of Lake Erie and a 150seat patio. The restaurant is open yearround with a great weekend breakfast that residents and cottagers love.
THE NEW DELICIOUS!
WATERFORD Ritzy Cakes & Eatery
20 Alice St, robinsritzycakes.com A spectacular small-town bakery also serving coffees, teas, paninis, soups, Belgian waffles, breakfast and so much more. Did I mention their treats? Mainly Grilled Chicken
Bacon Egger on Cheddar
BLT on Cheddar
Western on Cheddar
Roasted Garlic Red Pepper Smash
Grilled Chicken Club
Field To Table Country Dining Stop by to watch the game, grab a pint, hunker down and prepare to never want to leave until you’ve eaten your way through our menu. Whether it’s our sinful pizza, our stop-your-heart sandwiches, or our lick-your-figures-clean wings, we take pride in everything we make.
County of Brant Harley Kristi’s Market Kitchen
226 Middle Townline Rd. Satisfy your cravings for local creations at Kristi’s Market Kitchen. Fruits, veggies, delicious baked goods, gift baskets and so much more. Enjoy a fresh coffee or an amazing lunch on the run. Mount Pleasant Devlin’s Country Bistro & Catering
704 Mt. Pleasant Rd. devlinscountrybistro.com This former combined general store, post office and residence has been an enduring fixture in the community for over 125 years, adding Devlin’s Country Bistro in 1990. Offering contemporary Italian cuisine with a unique and delicious Californian flair. St George La Cantinella Ristorante Italiano
16 Main St, S. lacantinellastgeorge.com If you could scoop up a cup of passion and place it in a bowl you would have captured the very essence of this amazing restaurant. Each dish prepared in this inviting restaurant nestled in the heart of County of Brant is slowly simmered with heaping helpings of tradition. PARIS The Paris Wincey Mills Co 88 MaIN ST S, HaGERSVILLE 905-768-4040
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31 Mechanic St, winceymills.ca A hub for culture, cuisine and
community, this is a one-stop tourist destination. Open year-round (ThursSat) it boasts local vendors and multiple dining options. Juniper Dining Co.
3 Elm St, juniperdiningco.ca Inspired by French bistros and Lyonnaise bouchon cuisine, this modern restaurant marries quality local and seasonal ingredients with inventive cocktails, local beers and carefully chosen wines to create memorable experiences, time and time again. Stillwaters Plate & Pour
61 Grand River St N. stillwatersplateandpour.ca A globally-inspired menu created by Chef William Thompson of Food Network’s Top Chef Canada, coupled with a breathtaking rooftop patio leaves nothing to be desired. The Cobblestone Pub
111 Grand River St N. cobblestonepub.ca This laid-back, old-time watering hole features a menu of gourmet versions of pub favourites and is a mainstay for neighbours and visitors alike. SIX NATIONS of the grand river TERRITORY Ohsweken Burger Barn
3000 4th Line, burgerbarn.ca They’re known for their amazing gourmet burgers that are always served with a surprising twist. Their southern-style comfort food is sure to satisfy any appetite. They offer daily specials and all-day breakfast. If you bring the whole family there will be something for all. Village Cafe 1875 Fourth Line, If you are near Oshweken be sure to go to the Village Cafe. The food is reasonably priced, delicious and the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming. If you are looking for something traditional, the corn soup is a must.
Our staff are working diligently following health authority guidelines along with our own additional protocols to keep visitors safe we look forward to welcoming outdoor events to our grounds in the warm weather – again, following all gathering and safety limits. Drive-In Bingo and Sunday Outdoor Markets will be returning in May – watch our social media and website for more information.
parisfairgrounds.com 139 Silver St. PariS, ON 519-442-2823
a t r e Elb s m r Fa
et k r a M nity Country ommu
rC ce ing Ou tario Produ v r e S n y l Proud arm Fresh O F l a Loc
BRANTFORD Myra’s Bar & Grill
19HolidayDr, myrasbarandgrill.com Located at the amzing Best Western
353 Governors Rd East, Paris 519-752-2047 elbertafarms.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 35
Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre, hotel guests and locals enjoy chic ambiance, friendly staff and awardwinning food. The Olive Oil Co
358 King George Rd, Brantford Offering over 50 flavours of premium olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar (with a tasting bar), they also stock an array of other gourmet delights and gift-giving ideas, including gluten-free goodies, pastas, and more. Cafe Andreou
104 West St Fine dining in an 1865 home with Italian and continental cuisine. Enjoy exquisite food with hospitality at its finest. Elements Casino Brantford
Random Wellness Co. is dedicated to helping empower people to make healthy choices for themselves and create long-term and sustainable goals and changes.
randomwellnessco.com shoprandomwellness.com @randomwellnessco Let’s work torgether
InspIre Create MotIvate visit out website and social media to check out all that we offer! 33 Norfolk St. N. Simcoe artwIthheartstudIo.Ca
226-567-5500
the freshest food with the friendliest service 131 Queensway W, Simcoe
519-426-0068
40 Icomm Dr, elementscasinobrantford.com Table games, slots, a poker room and great shows draw people to this venue and the great breakfast, lunch and dinner menu keeps them coming back! Oxford County ingersoll The Olde Bakery Cafe
120 Thames St S. theoldebakerycafe.com Offering healthy breakfast and lunch options with an array of tasty, not-sohealthy pastries — just like grandma used to make! Tillsonburg d’Lish Kitchen Cafe
518 Broadway #1 dlishkitchencafe.ca A hearty diner creating tasty food for health-concious bodies. From chickpeas to kombucha, your belly will thank you. Woodstock sixthirtynine
639 Peel St, sixthirtynine.com Offering an amazing, ever-changing, locally-sourced seasonal menu, a lovely patio and an elegant dining experience, sixthirtynine has become a destination restaurant for the region and beyond. Tandoori Knight
Patio • Dine-In • Delivery • Catering • Take-Out
www.barrelrestaurant.ca 36 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
511 Dundas St, tandooriknight.ca If you love Indian food, this is a muststop place to eat. Everything is flavourful and fresh and the portions are always generous.
Ancaster Ancaster Mill
548 Old Dundas Rd, ancastermill.com Situated beside a creek with a large dining room built out overlooking the falls and boasting menus that highlight the best of the season’s local and organic products. Don’t miss their Champagne Sun brunch.
unforgettable food+drink experiences
Brewers Blackbird Brewery and Kitchen
375 Wilson St E, rousseauhouse.ca Say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new! Formally the beloved Rousseau House, this revamped restaurant is now serving up laidback dishes like wood fired pizza and plenty of housebrewed local craft beer. The community is thrilled to experience and enjoy Ancaster’s very own craft brewery.
Book your Spring/Summer walking or driving Self-Guided Tasting Experience at tastyroadtrips.com serving southwestern ontario contact spicy Jan at hello@tastyroadtrips.com
The Olive Board Charcuterie & Wine Bar
220 Wilson St E, Ancaster and 376 Winston Rd, Grimsby theoliveboard.com A charcuterie and wine bar that brings good food, wine and friends together in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. Dundas Detour Roaster’s Cafe
41 King St W, detourcoffee.com Gourmet roasts from around the world prepared as a pour-over, as well as coffees of the day, espressos, a range of teas and a light, delectable bistro menu.
Your One Stop for Local LocaL. InternatIonaL. DeLIcIous.
local • seasonal • comfortable • creative
Celebrate the Everyday
India Village
Dundas: 100 King St. W. Ancaster: Wilson St. E. fineindiancuisine.ca If you love Indian food, you’ll be spoiled for choice as India Village has two locations. Try the korma shahi, with its rich and creamy coconut-drenched vegetables and the butter naan is out of this world. A variety of gluten-free and vegan meals are also available. Thirsty Cactus Cantina & Grill
2 King St E, thirstycactus.ca Whet your whistle with one of their amazing 24 beer taps, enjoy an inspired Southwest menu, and of course a super friendly and fun atmosphere!
prepared meals Meals to go, soups, desserts+ local & InternatIonal food Vegan, gluten free, sauces, anti pesto, preserves, oils and dressings, Sauces, BBQ + local makers & decor Decor, fashion, health & beauty, sustainable, woodwork, candles +
352 Norfolk St S, Simcoe 226-440-3369
thecombine.ca
check out olivá market digital events on social media & their website!
Quatrefoil Restaurant
6 Sydenham St. quatrefoilrestaurant.com Quatrefoil Restaurant has been offering one of the finest dining experience since opening in May of 2010.
@theolivamarket 114 King st. e. Burford 226-659-2000
olivamarket.ca
Let the people eat! 301 Main St., Port Dover 519-583-3337
mrburger.ca
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 37
Meet Your Neighbours
Never before has community been more important and these four individuals are actively bringing us all closer together. It’s been nothing short of an incredible year. As the world seemingly turned upside down, many of us, including our friends and loved ones, were forced into some hefty life changes like teaching little ones at home, small businesses having to pivot their practices, and even losing jobs. While this time of uncertainty could cause us to dwell on the negative, it enabled us to learn to embrace change, be innovative, resourceful, and think outside the box. All things seemed daunting and amazingly unpredictable at first. Still, now we’re officially a year into a new way of life, one that brings opportunity, new beginnings and the possibility of true happiness. Sometimes change, no matter how sudden, can be a good thing filled with silver linings and life’s sweetest pleasures. These small-town folks went through storms of their own, whether that meant significant life changes that turned into incredible opportunities, breaking through barriers placed ahead of them or cultivating creativity in themselves while encouraging others to express their powerful voice and great vision. Their tales of extraordinary resilience, faith in the unknown, and determination to live their lives to the fullest will no doubt inspire you to do what you love and follow your heart even in the toughest of times.
he universe works in mysterious ways. Just ask Kat Dougherty, the lovely woman behind some of the sweetest and stunning treats you have ever set your eyes on. In a year where change was the new normal, Kat took a life-changing leap of faith and founded her bakeshop amid a pandemic
and found that when life gives you lemons, you trade them in for a few pounds of flour and bake a cake! Cake and Crumb is a delightful little shop filled with tasty treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Located in Paris inside the historic Wincey Mills, you can’t miss her floral flour creations
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as a whiff of sugar tickles your nose. Kat’s cakes are masterpieces, carefully crafted with love and lots of butter. Her cakes, often named after magnificent cities worldwide, are covered in sumptuous homemade buttercreams and ganache, allowing you to travel to luxurious places with just one bite. Each cake is decorated with fresh flowers, fruits and even edible gold leaf. These cakes look too gorgeous to eat almost! One glance at these baked wonders, and you would never guess that Kat is new to the cake decorating world. What started as a bit of a side hobby, helping take her mind off the hustle of her day
job as a detective constable with the Hamilton Police Service, turned into a dream occupation but not without quite the journey in between. It all started during her evenings off. Kat frequently watched baking shows featuring some of the top cake artists in the country and became enamoured with what wonderful creations bakers could make out of some simple ingredients. Kat quickly became a ‘sideline baker’, sitting on her couch critiquing the cakes on tv, thinking she could easily do that. Smoothing the fondant, whipping up a quick merengue - it looked like a feat she could foster, so she decided to take a cake
Photography by Francine Tausney @francinevtausney
BY Emmalee Nother
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 39
decorating course to master the art. Kat quickly learned that those on tv made baking look like a breeze, but it took a bit more elbow grease and finessed in real life. Her first few cakes were a bit lopsided, the icing a little runny, but she was making masterful creations in no time with practice and perseverance. She found herself making cakes for all occasions, big or small, for family and friends with her skills soaring. If there was Kat, there was cake! Her newfound love of baking remained a day off delicacy, something she looked forward to and gave her tremendous joy outside her 9 to 5. Then, life threw Kat a curveball. Her young son became ill and required a lot of time, love and care from both her and her husband. At the same time, she had received a fantastic promotion at work, something she had worked very hard for.
Sitting at a crossroads, she had to decide to step away from policing to be with her family, who mattered most and make sure her son could make a strong recovery. As one door closed, another unexpectedly opened for Kat and her family. She had created a hobby Instagram page to showcase her cakes and creations. Through the power of social media, she was asked if she would be interested in opening up a small bakeshop within Wincey Mills, a place that was near and dear to her heart. Kat and her husband often frequented Wincey on the weekends and loved the ambiance and magic the building holds. Kat saw this as the most significant silver lining imaginable after everything she and her family had just gone through. The ability to have her shop now enabled Kat to have the much-needed flexibility between home and
40 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
work life to care for her son and grow her new passion for cake making. The icing on the cake came in September 2020 when Cake and Crumb officially opened its doors for all to discover her delicious delights. In a time where everything felt like it stood still, Kat had created her dream – she was now the founder of her very own bakeshop! From that moment, she has never looked back. Through a time of hardship, she has come out with more than she ever could have imagined. Sometimes taking that first step towards your dreams can be daunting, but in the end, what’s most important is health and happiness. As Kat looks to the future, she knows with hard work, you can do anything, and she cannot wait to grow her business, one delectable dessert at a time. As the saying goes- life is short. Make it sweet!
ome of us are born to create, do what sets our soul on fire, break barriers, build new norms, and take the road that’s a little less travelled. Meet Megan Baker, a young Brantford woman whose heart and soul is filled with the power to create in every facet of her life. From as early as she can remember, Megan was always making and creating. Using her wild imagination to its fullest, she would explore creative writing, painting and even carpentry. Within the process of every new project, she realized that what she loved about exploring new mediums was how she retained valuable life skills that would help her grow and live a more independent life. As Megan grew older, she knew the time was upon her to choose a career path. Knowing she wanted to do something that allowed her
Photography by Megan Baker
to continue her artistic journey, she thought about going to college for journalism and perfecting her love of storytelling, but she wasn’t set on it. Having a solid support system in her family, her dad mentioned the opportunity to join the skilled trades like both he and Megan’s brother had. While the trades are still seen as a less traditional career choice for women, that was never a worry for Megan. The skilled trades offer a fantastic chance for both men and women to learn valuable life skills, not to mention a job that provides a new experience with every working day. Boring is not an option. The perks of going through your apprenticeship and becoming certified are also enticing – you can work anywhere across Canada as long as you join the local union. This gives an immense amount of freedom to travel, explore and live anywhere on a whim. The perfect profession for a woman who dreams of living off the grid or in a nomad lifestyle, living out of a renovated camper van. Megan’s first foray into the trade world started at 18 when she joined the Labourers Union working in construction. As a determined and strong worker, she never backed down from a challenge and was often the only woman on her team. After a few years working in that realm, Megan knew she was ready for her next challenge and soon started looking at specializations and decided to try her hand at welding. Welding became a labour of love for Megan. She excelled in it and enjoyed learning new skills every day. Skills she could apply to
her life outside work and use on other creative projects. She has recently taken home renovations in her spare time with an insatiable zest for life and discovery, helping her family restore an old barn into a fully designed dwelling for her parents to call home eventually. Learning the ins and outs of shiplap and sharpening her carpentry skills, her new abilities will serve her well as she dreams of her next project – turning her backyard garage into a studio. Megan’s independent drive is truly inspiring. The heart of an entrepreneur and the soul of an adventurer, she just falls in love with the process of creation. In the past, she’s delved into jewellery making and most
currently venturing into the world of textiles and sewing. Entirely self-taught, she’s been whipping up unique tiedye patchwork hoodies and sweatpants that she’s been selling on the side so that she can add another expansion to her long list of skills and achievements. Nature is often her muse, and when she’s not creating, she’s out with her two rambunctious pups hiking, unearthing new places to practice yoga, and connecting with the earth. Every moment of the day brings her another opportunity to do something original. When you speak with Megan, her attitude and energy are infectious in the most genuine way. She’s humble and strong, but she knows
that life is truly a series of meaningful events that we all experience in one way or another. Her ambition to be self-reliant and to go through life’s journey one moment at a time easily influences and encourages those she connects with to do what they love, to never stop learning and to know that they are capable of doing anything they want to do as long as they put their mind to it. Megan is blazing her trail and doing it with extraordinary grit and gratitude. It is an inspiration to those both young and old not to be afraid to take the road less travelled every once in a while, be your most authentic self in all that you do, and embrace whatever makes your heart sing.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 41
his sons and daughter. Rob has a remarkable talent for storytelling, which has helped him write songs that have landed in movies and countless records. In his heart and soul, he nurtures, believes in giving back, and helps others succeed. These qualities unite with fervour every summer as he leads a songwriting camp near Parry Sound for youth aged 11 to 18. The non-profit camp encourages children to build the camp together in an environment of non-judgement, embrace togetherness and write without fear. It’s a haven for young musicians at any level to learn from a seasoned musician like Rob and thrive in an atmosphere where they can write, sing, record and perform freely. In just as little as a week, children find and feed their creative path in music, all while Rob guides them through their journey. While music might be what he is best known for, his compassion for others and his natural ability to connect
42 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
with those from every walk of life lead him in a direction he didn’t expect. He was never shying away from lending a helping hand. He offered to start a music workshop at his local community youth center. Rob would volunteer his time teaching music or martial arts to kids who were experiencing unstable home lives. After some time, volunteering turned into a full-time position as a program manager, leading Rob to assist families and youth in the area through the Haldimand and Norfolk Emergency Housing Program. He stayed for five years. His empathy, love, and respect for clients dealing with crises enabled him to be a pillar of hope and trust that helped many break the cycle they were in. Still an active musician, Rob continued to help others and empower those in tough times to persevere. He wanted to find alternative solutions and initiatives for some of the common issues he was seeing and began a new journey with
his wife working with various committees within the community that can help people at street level get the assistance they require to live a better life. Always there to offer a voice, Rob recognizes that he influences to create change and a chance to be heard over others who may not have the same privileges. Living within the Haldimand Tract, he has had the honour of working with an abundance of raw, incredible artistic talent within the local Indigenous community. His connections have been a life-changing force in his life, and he remains dedicated to building reconciliation and allyship where more voices and understanding are truly needed. Rob is not one to turn down an opportunity, primarily if it provides a connection with others. Whether that’s through music, through acts of service or a meaningful conversation, he lives life to its fullest, never knowing but fully embracing where it might lead him next.
Photos by Sabrina Constance Photography
ver the past year, many of us have experienced the importance of human connection. In a time where we’ve been asked to stay apart, we’ve managed to become stronger together. We’ve proven that we are resilient and that it’s more important than ever to connect creatively, share stories, and support others as we go through life together. For Rob Lamothe, bringing people together through music, conversation, and compassion has been a common thread that’s been sewn throughout his life. Growing up in Southern California, Rob was drawn to the magic of music and the wonders of the written word. From a young age, he started to sing, something that his parents encouraged. His hunger for the arts was ravenous, and he continued to follow his feelings. Continuing his vocal voyage into his teens, he started to realize people could write songs as a living, something he couldn’t imagine making into a career but remained curious of the possibilities. Decades later, he’s now an accomplished musician, producer, mentor and teacher who has worked for hand in hand with many influential artists, including Six Nations of the Grand River’s Logan Staats. Living his life in big cities like Los Angeles and eventually Hamilton, Ontario, he never really expected he would find himself in Dunnville, nestled in a quiet part of Haldimand County. His rock and roll roots had brought him worldwide, whether he was touring as a member of the band Riverdogs, embarking on his solo career or joining musical forces with
Rob Lamothe and Fernanda American
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 43
Staycation Destination
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There’s a certain enchanting feeling when wandering through local small towns and villages with the anticipation of warmer days buzzing in the air. An echo of the past quietly hums in the background as you take in the landmarks that have lasted through centuries. Skipping through the shops one by one, you get a sense of how mercantile life once was and how it’s making a triumphant return.
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Locavores are people who pay attention to where their food comes from and commit to eating local food as much as possible. The great thing about eating local is that it’s not an all-or-nothing venture. Any small step you take helps the environment, protects your family’s health and supports small farmers and businesses in your area.
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Local Delicious. Nationally recognized and respected leaders in
food processing makes it easy to wet your whistle because they’re local! 1 Wally Parr Sausages, Caledonia, Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph wallyparr.ca 2 Frito Lay Canada, Ancaster fritolay.com 3 Jensen Cheese, Simcoe jensencheese.ca 4 Rudy’s, Dundas rudyscantfail.com 5 My Sweet Sweet World, Hagersville mysweetsweetworld.com 6 Nuts to You Organic Nut Spreads, Paris 7 Schep’s Bakeries Stroopwafels, Norwich schepsbakeries.com 8 The Olive Oil Co., Brantford theoliveoilcompany.ca 9 Norfolk BBQ, norfolk-bbq.com 10 Manns Distillery, Brantford mannsdistillery.com 11 The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise, Paris therawcarrot.com 12 Early Bird Coffee, Woodstock earlybirdcoffee.ca 13 Norton Farms, Hagersville nortonfarms.com 14 Nerd Teas, Woodstock nerdteas.ca 15 Chocolate Sensations, Ancaster, Paris chocolatesensations.ca 16 Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Woodstock gunnshillcheese.ca 17 Pierogi Me!, Ancaster pierogime.ca 18 Brant Flour Mills, Scotland brantflourmills.com. 44 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Patio Perfect. Are you seeking a romantic waterfront view or a spot
to relax with a cool drink and friends? Your options are endless.
The Beach House photo by Jay Perry jayperry.ca
1 The Beach House, Port Dover thebeachhouse.food-24h.com 2 Stillwaters Plate & Pour, Paris stillwatersplateandpour.ca 3 Main 88 Pizza Pub, Hagersville 4 The Olive Board Charcuterie & Wine Bar, Ancaster and Grimsby theoliveboard.com 5 The Combine, Simcoe thecombine.ca 7 Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, Ingersoll elmhurstinn.com 7 Healthy Rabbit, Brantford healthyrabbit.ca 8 Quatrefoil Restaurant, Dundas quatrefoilrestaurant.com 9 Sixthirtynine, Woodstock sixthirtynine.com 10 Devlin’s Country Bistro and Catering, Mount Pleasant devlinscountrybistro.com 11 Coach & Lantern, Ancaster coachandlantern.ca 12 Marshview Patio & Bar at Long Point Eco-Adventures, St Williams lpfun.ca/ marshview-patio 13 Thirsty Mate Restaurant & Patio Bar, Dunnville minorfisheries.net 14 Steel Wheel Brewery, Brantford/Brant steelwheel.ca 15 Myra’s Bar & Grill, Brantford myrasbarandgrill.com
Can’t ask for a better view than on the patio of The Beach House in Port Dover. Every year around May 24, innovative businessman Peter Knechtel dispatches his “palm squad” and plants a row of palm trees outside his popular Lake Erie-based restaurant. The birds and sun tanners alike love this touch of the tropics. Plus, their menu is delish! Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 45
GOOD NIGHT SLEEP TIGHT. The best holiday destination is right in
our backyard, and these accommodations make it so inviting.
homegrownhideaway.com Enjoy luxury glamping nestled along the Lynn River and Lynn Valley Trail. This retreat is just outside Port Dover. The sites offer the perfect mix between camp and cottage. With access to a shared outdoor kitchen, a food garden, an outdoor washroom with hot running water, a family-friendly farm, and beautiful trails and views for regenerative nature walks.
The Barracks Inn Ancaster thebarracksinn.com Ancaster’s first and only modern boutique hotel, located in the heart of the historic town village. Ideal for leisure stays, corporate clients and wedding guests! The Barracks Inn is a century stone building featuring 18 luxuriously appointed suites. Each of their deluxe suites offers a subtle blend of unique period décor and modern in-room technologies. The Inn’s timeless, understated elegance, along with its first-rate guest amenities, provides the ultimate experience in Ancaster hospitality.
R&F Alpaca B&B Otterville rfalpacas.com Feel free to enjoy complete privacy in your quaint suite above the garage, but after sleuthing around this lovely farm, you may change your mind! You will be amazed by the unique personalities of the timid yet curious Alpacas that are raised lovingly by your hosts Roelf and Francien. At the same time, you enjoy the same degree of care that will make your stay so memorable that you will never want to leave.
Five Oaks Paris fiveoaks.on.ca As an affiliate of The United Church of Canada, Five Oaks is a sacred place where peoples of all faiths gather in the community to live, work, learn, pray, play, heal and act for justice. They welcome groups of all sizes and offer private rooms, dorm-style shared rooms, bunk beds or summer cabins—all surrounded by walking trails, summer outdoor fire pits, and indoor fireplaces in the winter.
The Grand Corbel B&B Caledonia thegrandcorbel.ca Besides being one of the rare pet-friendly B&Bs, a lot of hard work has gone into the beautiful decor and comfort of this home away from home. What comes naturally, I think, is how Carrie completely takes care of her guests. Swim, soak in a hot tub, have a game of pool, and in the morning, after a great night’s sleep, you will be sent on your way with a belly full of delicious food.
The BarrAcks INN photo by Jay Perry jayperry.ca
Homegrown Hideaway Port Dover
Local shopping made CREATIVELY easy. Here are just a few delightful
one-stop-shops for getting your local fill on.
The nice weather fast approaching getting out and getting those groceries can be so much more than just popping in a big box store and hurrying through to the checkout. There are so many great places like The Dover Cheese Shop, Ancaster Cheese Shop and markets like Olivia Market and the Little Brown Cow that offer so many local products that you will find yourself in the zone as you meander the aisles. Shopping can become a pleasure again. Just take your time, chat with the staff and discover interesting new products from local entrepreneurs.
Norfolk Studio Tour pottery by Raging Bowl Pottery
Many towns and villages host artist tours throughout the year.
Brantford Eats Local discoverbrantford.ca The City of Brantford has come up with a way to support local businesses and at the same time lend a hand to a great charity. Brantford Eats is a booklet you can purchase for $10 that gives you 21 special offers from 21 local businesses. All proceeds from the sale of this booklet go to Soup for the Soul, a charitable organization that supports community members in need.
Truly Haldimand trulyhaldimand.com Another example of making lemonade when presented with lemons is Truly Haldimand. Two area businessmen wanted to make sure that shopping dollars went right into community merchants’ hands, and so they created a local themed box. Sourcing all the treasures in Haldimand and presenting them at Christmas was a great success. Stay tuned for the second box to be released in time for Easter.
Ride the Bine Tours Norfolk/London/ Brantford/Hamilton ridethebine.com The ladies at Ride the Bine are getting excited to get back on the road again. What started in 2017 from a desire to share Norfolk’s unique wineries has grown and expanded to include the hidden gems of Southern Ontario. This year all tours will be private with special precautions to ensure safety and fun go hand in hand. Sit back and let the tour begin!
Oxford Studio Tour oxfordstudiotour.ca This spring weather gives us all the itch to get out and blow the cobwebs of winter off—what better way than to meet up with some friends and enjoy the artistic talent of others. Artists throughout Oxford County open their doors for a weekend during spring, summer or fall and welcome you into their inner sanctum where all the magic happens. Get started May 1st and 2nd by picking up a map for the Oxford Studio Tour.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 47
In Ancaster Village you can… Shop Local. Support our local restaurants, shops and businesses that support the area where you live, work and play!
ve Dri lley Da
Wilson Street East
Dining, Arts & Lodging
Fashion, Home Décor & Shopping
General Services & Sport
Come Join us in the Village On Wilson Street East in Ancaster, Ontario
Hair, Beauty & Aesthetics
Healthcare & Dental
shopancastervillage.com
ve Dri ery om ntg Mo
Wilson Street East
Municipal Services, Schools & Churches
Ancaster BIA
Professional Services
AncasterVillage
Ancaster BIA 314 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Ontario L9G 2B9 289-239-7828
Our shop is now open by appointment only, and we are continuing to fulfill all our customer requests for our popular gift basket service. Baskets ‘n’ Bundles will continue to take gift basket orders by phone 905-304-8626 or by email heather@basketsnbundles.ca. If you would prefer to come to the shop to make your own selections, for basket items or just giftware, please leave a message for us, and we will happily return your call. Visit our website for a Virtural tour!
386 Wilson st. E. AncAstEr 905-304-8626
basketsnbundles.ca
Enjoy the warmer days to come! Don’t Delay, Call Us Today! 253 Wilson St E, Ancaster 905-648-6800 judymarsales.com
One of our new services is Physiotherapy, but we also offer Registered Massage Therapy and Chiropractic for both humans and animals alike!
Delivery & take out available.
Entering through the quaint patio nestled between historic stone walls, your first taste of the Coach & Lantern is peaceful and serene. Although there is a haunting history inside these walls as Ancaster’s third-oldest building. These days they are serving up delicious British pub favourites. Local ingredients, live jazz, and a warm atmosphere are just a few reasons this pub is a must-go destination! 384 Wilson Street East 905-304-7822
coachandlantern.ca
Bodywise Health & Rehab now offers Physiotherapy services for you and your loved ones who experience pain or functional deficits related to injury, disease or disability. Examples of this are neck and back pain, arthritis, problems with joints, muscle and ligament strains and sprains, mobility impairments, fatigue, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and postural and alignment dysfunction. 385 Wilson St. E., Suite 102 Ancaster 289-442-7332
bodywiseancaster.ca
Come Join us in the Village On Wilson Street East in Ancaster, Ontario
Christina Graham F i n a n c i a l S e r v i c e S
2020 Travellers’
Choice Winner Voted top 10% of all restaurants worldwide.
For the past 25 years, i have helped individuals, families, and small businesses reach their financial potential and cover their various insurance needs—simple sound solutions to protect your loved ones from the unpredictable while helping you achieve your dreams.
Join us for “A true taste of India’s finest cuisine” with two locations to serve you. Our menu caters to those seeking an authentic variety of dishes prepared with fresh, local Indian ingredients.
311 Wilson st E, AncAstEr 289-288-0282
christinagrahamfinancialservices.ca Attached to PEAK investment services inc. PEAK investment services is a full-service mutual fund dealer and limits its responsibilities to investment products such as mutual funds. All other products and services are provided through christina Graham Financial services.
370 Wilson St. E., Ancaster | 905.304.1213 100 King St. W., Dundas | 905.628.1314
fineindiancuisine.ca
Gift Baskets • Personal & CorPorate CaterinG Cheese trays • Gourmet meals Gluten free & veGan foods olive oils & aGed BalsamiC loCal artisans 352 Wilson St. E., #2A, Ancaster, ON, L9G 2C2 www.ancasterlaser.ca
shopancastervillage.com
356 Wilson St E, Unit 3B, Ancaster 905-304-0114
ancastercheese.ca ancastercheese@outlook.com
Ancaster BIA
AncasterVillage
Ancaster BIA 314 Wilson St. E, Ancaster, Ontario L9G 2B9 289-239-7828
Deep Roots
Recently I won my bid on a pile of vintage photos and postcards spanning 1908 to 1956. I paid $14 for these memories from the past. Memories that are no longer cherished or belonging to anyone. Until now! They now belong to us—the Live Small Town community. I asked readers to help me rewrite their stories, and this is what we discovered. Betty and Frank Loughty were initially from Buffalo. Frank spent two years travelling the world with the US Great White Fleet to showcase US Navy ships from 1907 to 1909, and then he and Betty relocated to Simcoe, Ontario. Although Frank loved his wife, she felt differently, and their relationship was very volatile. Betty had 15 children in ten years, but shortly after receiving a large inheritance in 1929, Frank vanished. She reported that he had abandoned them, but the collective family belief was that Frank was left to rest in her lover’s backfield. But who truly knows what the real story is.
Living History
With the fast pace of our lives seeming to accelerate at every turn, we should all take a moment to reflect on the numerous stories, places, memories and people that have truly made Southwestern Ontario one of the greatest places on Earth. Each of our communities, counties and towns have contributed their own unique piece to the tapestry that can collectively be called Canada and there is no better way to chart a course towards the future than by glancing back to honour the past.
Valuing Tomorrows History
Historic Grimsby Beach has a uniquely evolving story that reminds us that heritage is alive and worth investing and reinvesting in. BY Kate Sharrow
In 1859, John Beamer Bowslaugh offered to host a Methodist Camp on his magnificent Grimsby lakefront property. Its vastly treed vista complemented their spiritual journey so perfectly that it became the permanent home for an annual summer-long revival camp where folks camped, prayed and socialized with friends and family. In 1875, Victorian cottages began popping up on the tent lots. They were built amongst the stunning trees, canopy in board and batten and trimmed with gingerbread. By 1900 religious interest was beginning to wain, and in 1910, Grimsby Park became an amusement park. At one point, it was considered the largest in Ontario, second to the CNE.
They boasted a Ferris wheel, a roller-coaster, a casino, a dance pavilion, a movie theatre, and even a snake charmer! Again, change seemed constant here, and by the late 1920s, this once lovely vacation community was showing the strain. An economic downturn followed, neglect crept in, and many cottages were lost to fire. The property was taken over by the town of Grimsby in the 1940s. Although many of the cottages had become year-round homes by then, they were in disrepair and were considered the slums for decades. That said, it still was a magical place to live and those that were lucky enough to call it home
continue to carry those memories and often return for a visit. It is essential to recognize that a considerable part of this area’s magic radiates from the tall trees towering over this community. Some of the same trees that welcomed the United Empire Loyalists in the late 1700s still stand today. Trees that have witnessed so much of this change but quietly stood by. Another shift began to take place for Grimsby Beach in the 1980s. Creative people started to be drawn to this neighbourhood’s affordable housing. Slowly they began peeling away metal siding, rotting gingerbread and false walls to reveal the signs of a more glorious time. One by one, these residents reenvisioned and creatively set Grimsby Beach in a new direction. One with historical links that blend Victorian style and the whimsy of a day at the fair, all surround by a crazy quilt of wild gardens and majestic trees. Although this cottage community is now one
Maclean’s magazine voted Grimsby Canada’s Second Best Community.
of the most sought-after neighbourhoods to live with tourists flocking to it every day, this heritage gem is under threat of town-wide development pressure. Much of our heritage and the natural canopy is being asked to move aside to make way for something new. Still, we need to recognize that preserving a place’s history gives a community its unique character. This kind of preservation provides a link to our roots and adds to our lives’ quality that fosters a more livable community.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 53
Aging Gracefully
Step into the history book of the charming small towns that surround us and shape our everyday. BY Tim Zwart History is all around us, and sometimes it pops up in some of the most unlikely places. Have you ever been to your favourite local spot, looked around at the charming atmosphere surrounding you and thought to yourself: I wonder how long they’ve been here? As a writer and history buff, stumbling across a great story can be exhilarating. But sharing that story, conveying the emotions I felt and invoking them in others is where the real excitement and sense of satisfaction lies. The following six stories are only subtle glimpses into the history of how our communities have taken shape.
Ancaster
If you’ve ever visited the town of Ancaster, you’ve more than likely also gone back in time without even knowing it. Modern amenities are no doubt prevalent throughout, bust nestled among the fast-food driveins and shopping plazas are clues pointing to a time visible but forgotten. Established in 1793 as a tribute to the original military camp of Ancaster in England, the town has had a long and rich history since. Its town lines forming a crude triangle border, Ancaster has thrived as a both a military installation and
a waterway for trading for centuries. It’s natural beauty, full of streams, rivers, waterfalls and forestry, is also a sense of pride for the locals, with visitors coming from all around to take in its grandeur. But perhaps the feature most obvious is the abundance of stone structures and historical sites within the town’s borders. Architectural wonders such as the Rifle Range Stone Wall, Hermitage Gatehouse, and Mills Falls are definitely worth the visit, all containing unique features and histories that are worth exploring.
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Originally named Wilson’s Mills, in 1793, 1st Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada John Graves Simcoe renamed the Township Ancaster after Peregrine Bertie, 3rd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven.
The town also played a key role during Abolition as well, and one house in particular, dubbed the Griffin House, was instrumental in providing safe haven to slaves freed via the Underground Railroad. Restored back to its original modesty in 1995, visiting the house now is an exact representation of the sort of time travel the entire town represents. Port Dover
When teaching the history of territories in our schools, we often begin with European settlements. The first Viking to reach Canadian shores, the first European to set up a church or town square and the first government established are usually seen as adequate jumping-off points for local history. But often, local history begins far earlier than that. For example, few know that some of the earliest known inhabitants in Norfolk County were the Algonquin nation, who called the land
theirs for hundreds of years, starting around the year 1000. They were followed by the Attawandaron tribe, the Iroquois and the Mississaugas, all establishing a foundation of hard work and community that has continued today. The town now known as Port Dover was officially founded by the late Daniel McQueen in the 1800s and has seen its share of hardships and history over the years (notably starting with the village’s destruction via fire at the hands of Americans following the War of 1812). Never one to give up, the 6000+ residents of Port Dover rebuilt everything from the ground up in 1814, and today, a thriving and vibrant community stands as a proud testament to their impressive resilience. The town has established itself as a fun-loving fishing and tourism hub and one of the go-to spots for Norfolk County fun in the sun. So get out and enjoy Ontario’s Garden this spring!
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 55
Robert Reginald Whale (1805-1887) was one of the first professional artists working in present-day Ontario. He is best known for his landscape paintings of Hamilton, Dundas, Niagara, and portraiture art. Whale was born in England, but in 1852, he and his family emigrated to Canada, settling in Burford. Supporting himself and his family was challenging, but today his work form one of the most valuable historical records of early Canada.
They say that history is all around, if only you know where to look. And in the case of Burford, ON, it should be easy enough to find. Settled in 1793, Burford (at one time known as Claremount) was once the largest community in the area. Built upon an ancient footpath stretching from Burlington Bay to the Thames River (known as the Detroit Trail), the geographical advantages this area once had were vast. It was known as Oxford’s “gateway community,” a primary route travelled by locals and settlers or nearby towns, serving as a hub for trade, commerce and travel. In the days before automobiles, it was a landmark, a place to stop and a place to travel through for many. As industry increased and modernization crept in, the town soon became dwarfed in both size and importance by larger areas and cities, a once-bustling roadway now reduced to a single stoplight
and several small businesses as its downtown core. But Burford’s story is not one of sadness or despair. Rather it is a story of adaption. The charm of this now small community remains to this day, with tourists coming from all around to golf, watch the Burford Bulldogs junior hockey team, and attend the famous Burford Fall Fair. Whatever your reasoning, sometimes in this fast-paced life, it’s good to slow down and concentrate on the things that matter: family, community, and caring for one another. And in Burford, these have been pillars of its existence since day one. Woodstock
cityofwoodstock.ca Mention the name Woodstock and some iconic images come to mind: massive fields in upstate New York filled with hippies, live music by some of the best bands who ever lived, war protests and the like. And while the greatest rock concert the world
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Woodstock Ontario Dundas Street in 1913
has ever known may not have taken place in Canada, the history, legacy and lore associated with Woodstock, ON, is arguably no less iconic. Home to current Toronto Maple Leaf Jake Muzzin, the town of Woodstock has an incredibly rich history since its establishment in 1721. It was home to perhaps the trial of the 19th century (that of Reginald Birchall in 1890), had numerous ties to the Underground Railroad, has survived tornadoes, fires and floods, and is one of the few towns in the province to have maintained all of its original
administration buildings since its inception. Known as the “Friendly City” and the dairy capital of Canada, the town has since transformed into a city, providing a perfect blend of Victorian ambiance and modern amenities. Home to a campus of Fanshawe College, the Woodstock Museum (a national historic site), and a large state-of-theart community centre, the area truly boasts something of interest for both locals and tourists alike. A modern city built atop a historical foundation, Woodstock is a great example of living small town.
Robert Reginald Whale painting, View of Hamilton and Lake Ontario from Dundas circa 1860 courtesy Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Woodstock Photo by William James Topley 1845-1930. Courtesy Library and Archives Canada.
Burford
CALEDONIA
Established in the early 1840s, the town is known as Caledonia has had its share of historical events. It was an important part of the famous Hamilton to Port Dover plank road, a boardwalk of sorts made from wood that connected these two areas. It is home to several former mills and dams, current bridges and period homes, one of the oldest toll-houses in the province, and The Grand Trunk railroad used to make its way through town frequently. Today, the town may best be known as a cultivator and exporter of hockey talent, with NHL players the likes of Andrew Campbell, Roy Edwards and Cam Talbot calling Caledonia home. The Caledonia Corvairs are a powerhouse in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League and have been since they arrived from Brampton in 2012. But there are also times when history has been uncomfortable and divisive,
and we must still remember, honour and learn from it. The Grand River land dispute of 2006 brought Caledonia into the national spotlight, highlighting a history with the First Nations People that many have either forgotten or have chosen to ignore. The tribes of the Six Nations were awarded 950,000 acres of land as appreciation for their involvement in the American Revolution. Still, like so many deals and agreements involving the land’s first inhabitants, that deal was overlooked and boycotted in the name of progress and the almighty dollar. As neighbours, we should all do our best to ensure that we are celebrating history not only as it directly relates to us but also with the empathy and compassion to hear others. BRANTFORD
brantford.ca Throughout history, small towns have contributed to
the advancement of our societies. Things like apple pie, fall fairs, long country drives and campfires have provided life lessons and memories for many generations, but could you imagine if one town produced them all? Before you get excited, no, such a place does not exist. But the city of Brantford may be the closest available comparison. Situated along the Grand River in southeastern Ontario, Brantford gave us the invention of the telephone (courtesy of one Alexander Graham Bell), one
a few other ideas for your own historic tour
Brantford’s Carnegie Building was the site of Murdoch Mysteries courthouse.
of the best Canadian poets to ever pick up a pen (E. Pauline Johnson), and produced arguably the greatest hockey player who has ever lived (Wayne Gretzky). It is also the home to two of Canada’s most popular treats, with Ferrero Rocher and Nutella setting up shop there in 2017. With all those stars on their walk of fame, often Brantford’s earlier history can get overlooked. And nowhere is that illustrated better than through its rich, First Nations origins. The town originated as Brant’s Ford, named for the famous Mohawk chief, Joseph Brant, who was granted the settlement in 1784. The area has been home to generations of Six Nations people, a collective of tribes with a rich history. Though the city is now more commonly associated with manufacturing and agriculture, the men and women of the Six Nations helped to lay the groundwork for all future generations to come.
1 Ruthven Park – National Historic Site, Cayuga ruthvenparknationalhistoricsite.com 2 Mohawk Chapel, Brantford mohawkchapel.ca 3 Bell Homestead National Historic Site, Brantford brantford.ca 4 Griffin House, Ancaster ancasterhistory.ca 5 Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, Ancaster ancasterhistory.ca 6 Memorial Church, Port Ryerse 7 Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum, Waterford waterfordmuseum.ca 8 Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead, St George adelaidehoodless.ca 9 Annandale National Historic Site, Tillsonburg annandalenhs.ca Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 57
Heirlooms & Antiques Looking to spend a day antique or vintage hunting? Need to find that perfect period piece to enhance your home or wardrobe? Looking for some retro tunes or previously-enjoyed gems? Take a drive down our country roads, stopping at flea markets and local shops to search for treasures, then pop into one of our quaint eateries for some local fare... ANTIQUE SHOPS Antiques at the Sawmill
RR 1, Ayr Antique Chevrolet Parts
WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE! No matter how big the canvas, let us help you create a backyard oasis where you can relax and retreat for years to come. PARIS, ON 519-761-2180
1221 Hwy 5 W, Dundas antiquechev.com Alfred Street Nostalgia
97 Alfred St, Brantford Anderson Auctions
7 Clonmel Ln, Port Dover jimandersonauctions.com Artiques Hagersville
23 Main St N, Hagersville Bird & Bee Vintage at Wincey MIlls
31 Mechanic St, Paris birdandbeevintage.com Caledonia Furniture Finds
We only have 1 chance at life... don’t dim your LIGHT.
Rhonda Arnott Founder of Ignite Your Journey Co-creator of 3 Women Overboard podcast. I motivate women to take steps towards their dreams and goals through intuitive guidance and energy counselling.
127 Argyle St S, Unit #5 caledoniafurniturefinds.com Caresa Antiques
1182 Windham Rd 9, Windham Centre Cattail Cove Interiors
1012 Bay St #4, Port Rowan Cheap Shabby Chic
148 Queen St, Dunnville Christie Antique and Vintage Show
1000 ON-5, Dundas christieshow.ca CJ’s Antiques & Refinishing
4080 Hwy. 24, Vanessa cjsantiques.ca Clappison Corners Antiques
845 Highway 6, Hamilton clappisonantiques.com Classic Vault Emporium
12 Main St S, St George rhonda.arnott
rhondaarnott1
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3 Women Overboard
Collectors Centre
46 Colborne St, Brantford collectors-centre.business.site
Colonel Mustard Antiques
7014 Hamilton Rd, Putnam Country Corner Antiques
3067 ON-3, Simcoe Courtland Treasures Antiques and Emporium
682 James St, Delhi Covey Coin & Supply Centre
92 Simcoe St, Tillsonburg Crossroads Antique Market
1146 Colborne St E, Brantford Deer Creek Antiques & Creations
1703 Norfolk County Rd 45, Langton Forch’s Record Store
59 Dalhousie St, Brantford
CLEan & COOL DESIGnED WITH YOUR COMFORT In MInD
Franni’s Attic
1011 Bay St, Port Rowan Freelton Antique Market
248 Freelton Rd, Freelton Grand River Antiques
1540 East, Hwy 54, Caledonia grandriverantiques.com Grand River Antique Society
Cayuga grandriverantiquesociety. yolasite.com
Hearth & Home has spent the last 40-plus years specializing in gas fireplaces, heating, cooling, air purification and water treatment products and services. Focusing on the growth of our expertise, we have become Brantford’s home comfort specialists! 24 HOUR SERVICE
Haldimand House Marketplace
22 Argyle St S, Caledonia haldimandhouse.com
224 Braneida Lane, Brantford 519-756-4374
myhearthandhome.ca
Henry Dobson Antiques Inc
955781 Gibson Ln, Drumbo Hilltop Furniture & Antiques
88 Dundas St E, Waterdown Judiths Antiques
18 Short Rd, Dundas The Kilted Moose
Supporting End of lifE tranSitionS with rESpECt
57 Talbot St, W, Aylmer Lancome Antiques
1413 Brock Rd, Dundas lancomeantiques.ca Main Station Collectables & Pawn Shop
28 Alice St, Waterford Maus Park Antiques
289 Pinehurst Rd, Paris mausparkantiques.ca Miller & Miller Auctions
59 Webster St, New Hamburg millerandmillerauctions.com Mizener’s Antiques & More Market
367 ON-5, Dundas mizenersmarket.com
Advance Care Planning, Advocacy, Caregiver Respite, Community Support & Education Sessions, Companioning, Funeral Celebrant, Legacy Projects, Vigil Attendant
Modern Hipster Antiques
70 Thames St S, Ingersoll modernhipster.com
Call: 905-630-4193 Email: sphillips5519@gmail.com
Naturally Country Gift Shop & Tea Room
5020 Tyneside Rd, Mount Hope Needful Things Pawn shop
75 Broadway, Tillsonburg
308 Grand River St N, Paris • petvalu.com
suephillips.ca
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 59
Nice Old Stuff
2037 Main St N, Jarvis niceoldstuff.ca Old Country Store
80 Alice St, Waterford Old Town Hall Auctions
13 Burwell St, Paris oldtownhallauctions.com One of a Kind Antiques & Collectibles
Local insurance from a provider who works as hard as you do
97 Wilson St, Woodstock oneofakindantiquemall.com Orange Cat Antiques
200 Brant Ave, Brantford Paris Road Antiques
548 Paris Rd, Paris parisroadantiques.blogspot.com Pickers Antiques Warehouse
Inside C- Squared Menswear 334 Main St, Port Dover & 1049 Bay St, Port Rowan + Crossroads Trading Post & Flea Market 1146 Colborne St E, Brantford
Farm & Commercial Insurance
Don Graham | 519-621-4660
Queensway Antiques
88 Queensway W, Simcoe
dumfriesmutual.com/dongraham
Rock Chapel Antique Market
167 5 Hwy, Hamilton rockchapel.ca Tattered and Torn
KND
Ltd
automotive GorGEoUS nEw FaSHIonS Grace & Lace Catherine Lillywhite Papillon, Charlie Paige Jacqueline Kent Lil Llama baby gifts Cartwheels kids bEaUtIFUl décor!!
Lube + Oil + Filter + Fluid Levels + Tires Computer Scanning Engine Control System MTO Safety Inspections for Cars and Single Axel Pickup Trucks Engine Tuneups & Cooling Systems Tire Repairs & Balancing Durashield Dripless Rustproofing Brakes • Suspension • Air Conditioning
903 Haldibrook Rd, Caledonia etsy.com/ca/shop/TatteredanTorn Southworks Antiques
73 Water St, N, Cambridge southworksantiques.com The Back Shed Antiques & Primitive Crafts
2388 Highway 3 E, Jarvis thebackshed.ca The Fox and Fawn Antiques
93 Broadway, Tillsonburg foxandfawnshoppe.com The Freelton Antique Mall
248 Freelton Rd, Freelton freeltonantiquemall.com The Henhouse Shoppe
163719 Brownsville Rd, Brownsville The Yellow Farmhouse
697 Stoney Creek Rd, Caledonia Tillsonburg Antiques Plus
Welcome Spring!! 1407 Hwy 59, Port rowan 519.586.3817
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6 Old Vienna Rd, Tillsonburg
Years Young! 199 King Edward St. PariS 519-442-7110
Time Capsule Antiques & Retro Nostalgia
168 Queen St, Dunnville timecapsuleretro.blogspot.ca Towpath On The Grand Antiques & Collectibles
14 Talbot St W, Cayuga towpathonthegrand.com Toys ‘n Stock
676888 16 Line, Tavistock Typical Collector Antiques
2125 Amesbury Cres, Burlington Unique Boutique Gifts Antiques
Alice St, Waterford Waterford Antique Market
HOME RENOVATION SERVICE
80 B Alice St, Waterford waterfordantiquemarket.com Webster R Antiques
1146 Colborne St, E, Brantford MUSEUMS (some of our many) Bell Homestead National Historic Site
94 Tutela Heights Rd, Brantford bellhomestead.ca
We offer a wide range of services to meet all your home renovation and maintenance needs. We work with you to find the solution that fits your home and stays within your budget while keeping you informed throughout the entire process.
Canadian Drilling Rig Museum
4858 Rainham, Selkirk canadiandrillingrigmuseum.com Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope warplane.com
Our goal is quality of work that exceeds expectation!
Chiefswood Museum
1037 Hwy 54 E, Brantford chiefswood.com
Benskarratt@hotmail.com
Dundas Museum & Archives
139 Park St W, Dundas Westfield Heritage Village
1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rockton Eva Brook Donly Museum
109 Norfolk St S, Simcoe norfolklore.com
Selkirk Village with a history by the lake
Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
64 Sulphur Springs Rd, Ancaster Haldimand Museum & Archives
8 Echo St, Cayuga Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum
290 Harris St, Ingersoll Myrtleville House Museum
34 Myrtleville Dr, Brantford brantmuseum.ca Personal Computer Museum
13 Alma St, Brantford pcmuseum.ca Port Dover Harbour Museum
44 Harbour St, Port Dover portdovermuseum.ca Ruthven Park National Historic Site
243 Haldimand Hwy. #54, Cayuga ruthvenpark.ca Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association
2041 ON-6, Jarvis wafma.ca Thames Valley Museum School
656 Main St N, Burgessville
Museums
Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum Cottonwood Mansion Canadian Drilling Rig Museum
Shops
Barnwood Wine • Erie Collectables Muirheads Variety (Gas) • Town & Country Foods (LCBO & Beer Store)
Restaurants
Fisherville Tavern • The Hen House Hoover’s Marina • Rainham Centre Dairy Bar Shelly’s Family Dining • Sunflower Cafe
Events
Robbie Burns, Heritage Day Car Show, Super Sat. Gas Fest, Fish Fry & Dance Drilling Rig Open House Illuminated Tractor Parade
Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start by making positive changes to your style and the ideal time to start planning a memorable wedding. Blue Harvest is here to help! Our salon is perfectly located in rural Norfolk County. Surrounded by rolling country fields, you will quickly become nestled in a relaxing and elevated salon experience that promotes quality self-care. 5113 Hwy 3, Simcoe
blueharvestsalon.ca
Selkirk Chamber of Commerce selkirkchamberofcommerce@gmail.com www.selkirk-ontario.com View historical and drone videos... Historical Tour... Read National Magazine Article on Selkirk and Haldimand County
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 61
Arts & CULTURE
In mid-March, the children of the late Dr. Charles Pickett’s of St. George, auctioned some of their father’s extensive collection of Talking Earth Pottery to aid Six Nations of the Grand River potter, Steve Smith in his recovery from West Nile virus. Dr. Charles Pickett and his wife were prolific collectors of Canadian artwork and good friends of the Smith family.
Performing artist and chancellor of McMaster University, Santee Smith, alongside her father Steve Smith in the Summer of 2018.
Arts and culture are an important resource in our path to building stronger connections with the present and the past, serving to document and preserve stories and ensure that history is shared. They beautify public spaces, help forge relationships where there is diversity and become stewards of strength in community. At Live Small Town, we love to promote local participation and bonds. We believe one of the best ways to engage is through the arts.
Photo by Jay Perry jayperry.ca
Inspiring Minds
DT Concerts host musicians like my fave “Punny” St Kitts. fella!
On the Map
Inspiration
How are you staying creative during this time of pause? Need some inspiration to get creating? Here are some great places to inspire. BY NANCY HOWDEN-COWELL The Oxford Drive In Woodstock theoxforddrivein.com Angila Peters and Adam Shaw decided a pandemic was the perfect time to bring this place back to life and with the help of former owner Al Mackay Oxford Drive In and Reel Treats is up and running. They will open in March for their second season, but you can order their movie treats online for delivery until then. So load your pyjama clad kids into the car, create some memories and rekindle yours.
The Music Room Dunnville themusicroomstore.ca Being stuck at home could be the perfect opportunity to fulfill your dream of learning to play the instrument you have fantasized about. In the heart of downtown Dunnville, the Music Room Store is the place you want to visit to put that real guitar in your hands instead of that air guitar you have been playing for years. Online lessons are available to get you on your way to that rock and roll stardom.
H a m i lt o n
H
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LAKE ERIE
A beautiful instrument by Norfolk Guitar Maker Brian Laplante
Dundas Valley School of Art Dundas dvsa.ca Since 1964 The Dundas Valley School of Arts has played a vital role in the arts. People of all ages have explored their creativity and grown as artists with this thriving hub of artists and instructors. By moving as many classes as are feasibly possible to online learning, they have taken steps to ensure that everyone has the chance to learn and keep those creative juices flowing.
Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant Brantford glenhyrst.ca On the Grand River banks in the middle of a beautifully landscaped garden, you will find the Glenhyrst Art Gallery, well known for its offerings of exhibits, lectures, classes, and workshops. Like many places, they have taken steps to ensure everyone’s safety and have limited access, but we can find ourselves grounded and our spirits revived with a walk through the gardens.
DT Concert Series Paris dtconcertseries.com I have often thought of the musicians who have had to put their lives on hold and how hard it must be for them spiritually when all they really want to do is perform. Since its inception in 2016, DT Concert Series has hosted sold-out concerts in Paris’s small town and continued to support musicians with online concerts when the world changed. We all look forward to them bringing back live music again.
Art With Heart Studio Simcoe artwithheartstudio.ca When it comes to community, Art with Heart Studio is all heart. It has been challenging, but Nikki Campbell and Leanne Zyba know how to roll with the punches, continually thinking outside the box and always with their young students in mind. Moving online for everything from music lessons to birthday parties so that our kids do not miss out on more than they already have. So Let’s Get Cre8tive!
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 63
Portrait of an Artist
They help us negotiate connections between ourselves and the world. They make us think more deeply, strive more intently, feel joy more profoundly and bring meaning and purpose to humanity. These are the artists behind the art.
JULIE ANN WURTELE
Waterdown artfullyyou.ca I am a born-again artist! Moving to Ontario in 2010 for a new life allowed me to reconnect with the artist I had held captive inside for years while carving a career in the corporate world. Growing up in England, my style had always been tight, photo-quality realism, muted, restricted, precise. I arrived here with just a suitcase, and finding a new identity on another continent was a challenge until my feet found a touchstone at the McMichael Gallery in Vaughan. I felt I was coming home when I saw Lauren Harris’s captivating glows and Tom Thompsom’s playful Jack Pines. A trip to the Rockies later the same year inspired me to go big or go home. I took many courses at the Dundas Valley School of Art and began following colourful, inspiring Canadian artists. I now teach, live and breathe colour, large brush strokes and finding that glow in my work. As a full-time artist, I teach kids and adults to become born-again artists through art classes, paint nights, paint parties, corporate team building, art therapy and mindfulness. The pandemic has created an opportunity to provide an online art school for a global audience where my Ontario students can paint with people from around the world. artfullyyou.ca/paint-nights. 64 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Damian Dudek
Woodstock dudekphotography.com I am the owner of Dudek Photography. When I launched the business in 2005, my goal was to capture love and memories artistically and uniquely. Initially, I specialized in weddings and then naturally extended my craft to photographing the beauty of families at all stages of life. Since then, I have expanded and partnered with various small and large corporations, government agencies, and charities to help market their visions to the world. Further, my passion for capturing the world’s beauty has led me to offer my work through modern large format prints. I feel there is something unique to showcase your work in a size where the viewer can become immersed in the scene, feel the gentle breeze of that sunset, or appreciate the serenity of a forest that has seen and lived through hundreds of years of history.
Deborah Friesen
Simcoe For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a creative thinker. It brings me such joy to collect and artfully display beautiful things. In 2009 I took my first pottery class and fell in love with this art form. Since then, I have been indulging in this versatile medium. With a learning curve that keeps my mind buzzing. I’m always on the lookout for a new class or workshop. Potters are always willing to share their knowledge! I never tire of heading downstairs to my studio, turning my wheel on, taking a ball of clay and with my hands, creating a serving bowl. With the spin of the wheel, my mind is already designing the embellishments, hand-cut clay flowers, slip trailed leaves, and hand-painted birds. Perhaps the rim will receive some graceful curves. Hand building with clay is limitless in its possibilities. From sculpting to teapots, I strive to create pottery, not only to be functional but to bring a smile. Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 65
Holly.O.
Paris hollyo.ca Call me “PARIS-centric” and I would agree! It feels like I am exactly where I should be and doing what I was meant to do. This July marks the 32nd anniversary of our family’s move to Paris, Ontario. The very name Paris virtually screams art, and living here ignited creative energy in me that I didn’t even know existed. My mode of expression has changed and evolved over the years. From watercolour to acrylic painting, From brushes to palette knives. Years of ex-
perimentation have resulted in a highly textural style that feels just right. Almost everything inspires me. Being alive inspires me. Beauty is everywhere. You can find it if you look for it and living in a lovely town like Paris provides an abundant subject matter. I will never run out of inspiration here. I’ve always been grateful for having art in my life- but never more than during this past year of the pandemic. It’s been a very productive year and I’m encouraged to know that art is still appreciated during these troubled times.
Simcoe JR Custom Woodworking I have been woodworking for about eight years. I was always curious about watching my Dad experiment with odd projects and renos around the house. When it came time for me to pursue homeownership, I developed the same thirst for wood that my Dad had. I learned a lot from him. I just recently started exploring with epoxy. I’ve been doing charcuterie boards for the better part of a year now. One of my favourite things about working with wood and epoxy is that every piece is unique! One board never matches the next, and to me, that makes it unique. Subsequently, no live-edge piece is ever the same either, making every piece truly one of a kind. With every pour, something different comes out of the moulds. I thoroughly enjoy doing what I do and love making our client’s visions come to life. Most of my work is sold through word of mouth, which is an enormous compliment and pushes me to strive for new challenges. Recently, my wife started marketing the business online through different social media platforms. It has proven to be a useful and successful tool, keeping us on our toes! 66 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Holly.O. Portrait by Jay Perry jayperry.ca
Justin Rowe
Brittney Traver
Brantford brittneytraver.com My days are spent in my in-home studio located in Brantford, with a tea in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. I was always the creative one in my family, constantly rearranging my room and painting anything I could get my hands on. Then my passion led me to study fine art at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. From there, I continued studying art and interior decorating in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I also spent the last ten years, discovering the importance of art in home décor by creating paintings that became the focal point in a room. I am inspired by nature’s colours and organic movement. I gravitate towards cooler tones such as blues and greens because of their connection to the outside world. I enjoy creating artwork that includes drips of diluted paint and brushing it onto the canvas to create a movement that cannot easily be replicated. Expression and experimentation have become the focus of my art, and I believe trying new techniques in the studio is important for every artist. And for me, the greatest joy of being both a decorator and an artist is able to see the impact a single piece of artwork can create in a space.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 67
Noise Makers
They bring community together by weaving stories and emotions in the spirit of sharing and forging bonds. BY Sara Moody Veldhuis One sunny afternoon in the Spring of 2016, I was driving home from work with my local CBC station as background company to my commute. The programme was Unreserved, and I was half-listening/half-thinking about what had transpired in my music classes at school that day. Rosanna Deerchild, the show’s host, was going
on about a singer-songwriter from Six Nations who had recently released a record... but I was thinking about the music theory test I was going to give the next day, and how pleasant the weather was, finally. Then it happened: Have you ever heard a singer’s voice that stops you in your tracks? The rest of the world
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falls away, everything turns slightly dim and blurry, and any number of things might be happening around you, but you can only focus on that beautiful sound, where a spotlight seems to be shining on that voice? Rosanna had dropped the needle on the opening track of the album, and BAM! I said out loud, in the car... to no one but myself: “Who is THAT?!” The Six Nations singer-songwriter being featured was none other than Logan Staats, and I knew, at that moment, I had to learn more about him and that recording! I had a very similar reaction to a young singer-songwriter from Norfolk County. I was searching for an opening act for a concert I was
promoting, and I had seen a cover of a Queen classic posted online. In the video, the musician sat crosslegged on her bedroom floor, tucked neatly between the wall and her bed... a completely unassuming presence with no airs about her at all. She simply radiated loveliness and possessed one of the most exquisitely beautiful voices I had ever heard. With a half-smile and a whimsical sigh, she began to sing... and I instantly became a fan for life. The musician? Singer-songwriter Amber Banks! Born in Simcoe and raised in Waterford, Amber grew up surrounded by music. Her mother, Patricia, plays guitar and has been writing and singing songs most of her life. Amber’s Dad, Robert (known to his musician pals as Bobby), plays guitar and tenor sax with various local groups, including the popular blues band The Shoe Shine Boys. “My Mom and Dad always had music playing in our home-it’s one of my earliest and fondest memories. And I would visit with my Aunties and Grand Parents in Port Rowan as a wee girl, and we would listen to music together for hours on end”, she said. Dancing around the living room to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn was foundational in Amber’s musical upbringing. Those powerhouse singer-songwriters who made indelible impressions on young Amber gave way to Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, Etta James and Muddy Waters, and the folk greats Joni Mitchell, John
Amber Banks PHOTO BY Sara Moody Veldhuis, Logan Staats Photo by Jorden Todish
Denver and Don McLean. “Their chord changes did really beautiful things to my brain”, reflects Amber. And it wasn’t just blood relations that guided Amber’s musical journey. Amber credits “all of these little extended families” for helping to mould and shape and encourage her as she took her first steps as a performer: teachers at school, friends and strangers, alike, and most importantly, The Birdtown Jamboree “Cornstock Festival” where she has honed her craft for the past 16 years: first as an audience member and then working her way up to last year’s headlining spot! A recent university graduate, this 22-year-old has big decisions ahead of her. “This last year, during the pandemic, I have had a lot of time to think about my future and where I want to go with my music,” she said. “I am writing a lot and collaborating with different musicians, and I love it!” As a result, she has had many people encouraging her to take the leap to pursue music full time. “It’s a bit strange to think about that right now, with things still being shut down, but it’s also made me realize how vital music is to us, humans. If I can make people feel more through music, then I am so happy to do so!” she said. Check out Amber and her beautiful talent here: facebook.com/ amberbanksmusic Veteran singer-songwriter and record producer Rob Lamothe also had an alarming reaction when seeing Logan Staats on stage for
the first time. “I looked at my wife, Franny, and we were both wide-eyed, hearing this incredible voice and seeing his confident stage presence”, said Lamothe, from his home studio in Dunnville, ON, where he and Logan have spent the better part of the pandemic recording Staats’ new album. “Logan and I have this mutual admiration and love for one another that has been built up over many years,” he said. Logan agrees: “I appreciate Rob so much...He has been my champion since day one, and I likely wouldn’t be here today without him!” Rob, who got his start in the music industry in the 1980’s rock scene in California, has mentored and collaborated with Logan on everything from songwriting to producing to performing alongside him in live shows. His musical contributions will be easily heard and felt on this project. Like Amber Banks, Logan Staats knows how music can connect and engage people. “I have battled addiction and have been on a ten-year medicine walk,” he said. “I am so grateful for the help of Healers and Medicine People as I struggled, and you can hear me climb a mountain on this album.” “I want to use my story and these songs to help people in similar situations.” Music has the power to be transformative, and we are lucky to have musicians like Amber Banks and Logan Staats in our midst, reminding us of our humanity, of the need to be kind, and of the power of love through song!
Logan Staats
Brantford loganstaats.ca Born on Six Nations and raised in Brantford, ON, Logan Staats burst onto the Canadian music scene with his 2015 debut album “Goodbye Goldia.” Released on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the album received critical acclaim and garnered an impressive string of award nominations and wins for Logan, including a Native American Music Award for Best New Artist. Logan then joined CTV’s talent search “The Launch”, which he not only won but gave him a #1 hit in Canada with “The Lucky Ones”. “That show pushed me harder than I have ever been pushed”, said Logan. “I am really grateful to everyone involved as it helped me so much!” Recently signed to Red Music Rising/Coalition Music, he is preparing to release his next album, “A Light in the Attic”, which will also drop on June 21, six years to the day of his first album. Logan shares that there are some very exciting (but still secret) musical collaborations on it. “I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” he said recently. Neither can we, Logan! Check out all of his social media links for news and updates!
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 69
Events & Activities THEATRE
As live theatre continues to grow in popularity, lovers of the performing arts across Canada have begun noticing an emerging trend: big cities aren’t the only places to find a good show. Small towns and local theatres are churning out quality performances and their well-known theatre companies and impressive resumes mean a trip to the theatre is even closer than you realize. Backstage Capitol Theatre
Endearing. Acrylic on canvas. 36”x36”
Gallery/Studio open by appt. 16 Charlotte St., pariS 519-442-7211 hollyo.ca
93 King St, Delhi backstagecapitol.com Open year-round, this unique and historic venue plays host to live performances of Celtic, folk, vintage rock & roll, and a host of other genres. Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corp
247 Main St, Port Dover lighthousetheatre.com The theatre is open all year long for a variety of events, including concerts, public meetings, community fundraisers, dance recitals, workshops, band rehearsals and classes. The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
88 Dalhousie St, Brantford sandersoncentre.ca A vintage vaudeville and silent movie theatre opened in 1919, this local gem showcases plays, classical music, dance and more. With seating for 1,125 guests, it is also the home to the Brantford Symphony Orchestra.
Lisa Lalonde
Simcoe Little Theatre
Mortgage Agent M20000423
Lisa Lalonde
33 Talbot St N, Simcoe simcoelittletheatre.org Open for 71 years, this community theatre offers a grand selection of drama, comedy and classics.
Assist. to Carmen Costa/Mortgage Agent
Waterford Old Town Hall
C 519.761.8810 E lisa.lalonde@axiom.ca @axiom_hamilton
smalltownmortgage.com 70 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
FSRA12403
76 Main St S, Waterford oldtownhall.org A restored historic building that boasts an 180-seat auditorium, the Waterford Old Town Hall provides us with cultural diversity as a music, artistic and theatrical production venue.
GALLERIES
Nothing boosts your own personal creativity more than visiting art galleries. Akin to osmosis, being around art and in the company of creative folks makes you feel more creative. Our small-town communities are rich in this talent and there is no better way to experience it than to pop into one of these local showcases.
ART
ART CLASSES
KITS
Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant
Unwrap your senses as you step inside our little shop. Enjoy hand crafted natural soaps, bath and body care, local artisans wares, gift giving ideas, home & decor.
20 Ava Rd, Brantford glenhyrst.ca Located in Glenhyrst Gardens, a beautifully landscaped 16-acre park on the banks of the Grand River, the gallery offers contemporary fine art exhibitions, guided tours, classes, lectures, events, and art rentals. Holly.O. Gallery
16 Charlotte St. Paris (one street north of the Arlington Hotel) hollyo.ca Paris artist Holly.O. welcomes visitors to her gallery and studio. View Holly’s collection of original artworks and take a behind-the-scenes look at her sunny studio space. Gallery is open by appointment throughout the year.
Because you are important, we request that everyone wears a mask.
Visit our website to learn about our art classes and art kits! We’re also open by appointment for art viewings. 24 Winnett St N, Cayuga 905.929.4902 info@wildwoodcayuga.com wildwoodcayuga.com
Mon - Saturday 10-5, Sundays 12-4 359 Main St. Port Dover 519-583-3977
cottagenorthsoapworks.com
The Oak Gallery
313 Main St, Port Dover theoakgallery.com This new gallery offers the work of both local artists and those from afar, showcasing metal, wax, acrylic, glass, ceramic, wood, watercolour, oil and ink artistic creations.
Thank GoodneSS SPRInG haS FInally SPRUnG!
Two Turtles Iroquois Fine Art Gallery
A little bit country, a little bit urban, we cater to the backyard farmer and the small town enthusiast. Hardware, bird & animal feeds, odds & ends and so much more!
649 Colborne St, W, Brantford twoturtle.ca This modest gallery brings you the best of Iroquois culture and symbolism, celebrating nature in the form of original paintings, soapstone sculptures, limited-edition acrylic prints, giclée prints and lithographs. Wildwood Art Gallery & Studio
24 Winnett St, N, Cayuga WildwoodCayuga.com This new gallery is home to artist Kerry Walford who specializes in oil paintings of rural Ontario. The gallery will also feature the work of local artists, offer art classes for children and adults, and host several art shows throughout the year.
AN ARtisAN ColleCtive
Bringing the beauty of small batch to you with a focus in Norfolk County
Doerksen Country Store
1086 Bay St, Port Rowan 519-586-3901
2619 Cockshutt Rd Norfolk County 905-537-3936
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NATURE CALLS
Out & About
Seasons are ever-changing. The altering weather is a gentle reminder that all things end but can begin anew. Search out the treasure trove of things to see and activities to do in our communities. The sky’s the limit when it comes to natural beauty and outdoor adventure, so grab your fishing rod, pack your sunscreen and dust off your hiking boots - the great outdoors is calling. 72 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Lead Flower Photo by Kate Sharrow, Glenhyrst Gardens photo by Jay Perry jayperry.ca
“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.” Mahatma Gandhi
SHARED HARVEST BY Jason Filbert-Smith
Shared Harvest Community Farm and Educational Centre is a not-for-profit farm in Haldimand County that changes the way we get our fresh produce with a Community Shared Agriculture Program. As a group of young farmers and volunteers, they are committed to growing certified organic food that is environmentally sustainable. By supporting their CSA Program, we receive
weekly, customized boxes of fresh goodies that help small-scale farmers have part of their income guaranteed. Visit their website for more information on the variety of affordable CSA box options. Besides growing food for and with the community, this farm offers cooking classes, music dinner nights, educational workshops, an annual “Turnip the Beets” family music fes-
Let’s Get Educated! tival and a Harmonica Retreat weekend. Be sure to check out their spring 2021 seedling sale on Saturday, May 8 and 15 at the farm in Dunnville. They will be offering over forty varieties of vegetables. While there, pop over to The Minga in downtown Dunnville. A field-to-table cafe that is affiliated with Share Harvest. Their mission is to be an inclusive, accessible cafe and community centre that offers healthy, locally-sourced, organic, handcrafted food with fair trade options.
Also offering workshops, seminars, public events and guided tours.
Whistling Gardens Wilsonville whistlinggardens.ca Indulge your senses and lose yourself in this 20 acre internationally-acclaimed botanical garden with over 4,000 varieties. Enjoy this sweet-scented haven with aviaries, musical fountains, art displays, and horticulture workshops. There is something for all ages to enjoy.
GROWE / Terra Trails Paris groweoutdoorschool.ca Outdoor Grand River Wilderness Education (GROWE) specializes in a of outdoor adventures for schools, groups, and families, from two-hour hikes and day camps to multi-day adventures. To engage people in the great outdoors, GROWE uses nature connection, hiking classrooms, wild tea parties and survival techniques with minimum distance and maximum learning experiences.
Glenhyrst Gardens is a beautifully landscaped sixteen-acre park perched on the Grand Riverbanks as part of the Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant. Spend a day reminiscent of a simpler, more gentle time, take in a current exhibit at their art gallery and enjoy a high tea at the Golden Teapot. Reap the many cultural and artistic events offered throughout the year. glenhyrst.ca
Getting out and about to celebrate the beauty of nature in creative ways enhances our home, body and spirit. 1 Whistling Gardens Wilsonville whistlinggardens.ca 2 Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant Brantford glenhyrst.ca 3 Ruthven Park National Historic Site Cayuga ruthvenpark.ca 4 Hamilton Naturalist Club Hamilton hamiltonnature.org 5 Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, Ancaster ancasterhistory.ca 6 Royal Botanical Gardens Dundas/Burlington/Hamilton rbg.ca 7 Long Point Eco-Adventures Saint Williams lpfun.ca 8 St. Williams Nursery and Ecology Centre St Williams stwilliamsnursery.com 9 Kayanase Greenhouse Ohsweken kayanasegreenhouse.weebly.com 10 The Woodland Cultural Centre Brantford woodlandculturalcentre.ca 11 Apps’ Mill Nature Centre Brantford grandriver.ca 12 Dunnville Marsh Dunnville-Port Maitland grandriver.ca
Chickabee Farm Jerseyville chickabee.ca Chickabee is a small, organic farm providing raw unpasteurized honey, pastured eggs, produce, microgreens and fruit. They also offer educational workshops for green homesteading, permaculture and eco gardening. Products are also available at the Ancaster and Dundas Farmers Markets.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 73
OF THE
PHOTO By Tara Carpenter
OUT ORDINARY
Connecting with nature offers a wealth of benefits, not to mention the sheer enjoyment of being surrounded by beauty. So go play outside. BY Tara Carpenter Taking care of nature is our obligation and goal, but it can be confusing at the best of times. We can all DO our part, big or small, to positively impact our community and the natural world. Every choice we make in our daily lives can have a colossal impact on nature and influence others in our community to make wise choices. What you think are insignificant adjustments can eventually transform society and enhance our lives. DO this, DO that, DO this, DO that... what DO I DO!? There can be conflicting messages when it comes to what
we should and shouldn’t DO. Some things we know we should DO to help the planet…like plant trees, but when it comes to food waste, most of us DON’T grasp how much we really do squander. We get busy in our daily lives and forget that a simple act like filling your own reusable water bottle with clean, sustainable local tap water instead of purchasing that bottle of water is a big DO. We know that our vehicles are huge polluters, but DO we bike or walk whenever we are able instead. Alternative modes of transport can provide much-needed
exercise, fresh air and connection to your surroundings. Jumping on an airplane and jetting around the planet is everyone’s dream, but DO we realize the effect this bears on our precious air quality. DO a local vacay instead to support entrepreneurs that offer unique, homegrown adventures. A big thumbs up to you for contributing to the change we need to see in society so we bestow a healthy planet for future generations. Being guardians of our Mother Earth is not an option. Can one person make a difference? YES! If we put all those small pieces together, we as a community can change the world! So here is your list of DOS and DON’TS!
Tara Carpenter discovered her love for nature and the outdoors at an early age while growing up on a Norfolk farm. She has always been an avid enthusiast of nature and travel, and for 17 years she roamed all corners of the globe in search of adventure. From sailing Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to hitchhiking across Canada, Tara has made herself at home in nature’s embrace. Grounded by the unique challenges of motherhood, Tara now encourages other parents and their families to get outdoors and foster their own passion for environmental connectedness. For info on programs, connect with Terra Trails or GROWE groweoutdoorschool.ca. 74 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Here are a few tips on how we can work together to protect our lands, waters, and wildlife In the face of population growth, urbanization, industrial development, and global climate change.
Do - Feed the birds Just feeding birds makes a world of difference for the future of wild birds. A bird feeder allows you to observe little birds closely and frequently and connect with Mother Nature and contribute to its conservation. More birds in your garden as well as in your surroundings will mean fewer pests. Feeding birds make an impact on an individual’s life as well as on our planet.
Don’t - Drink bottled water Drinking clean, sustainable local tap water is generally a better option, as it’s just as safe as bottled water but costs considerably less and has a much lower environmental impact. In Canada, we consume two billion water bottles per year! Plus, with a reusable water bottle, tap water can be just as convenient as bottled. There are so many groovy reusable bottles to choose from!
Do - Plant trees Their intricate root systems act like filters, removing pollutants and slowing down the water’s absorption into the soil. Trees help cool the planet by sucking in and storing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into their trunks, branches, and leaves while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. A single tree can be home to many insects, fungi, moss, mammals, and plants.
Don’t - Throw orange peels on the forest floor You can usually find banana and orange peels as well as apple cores somewhere on the ground. Some consider this composting, but it takes months to decompose, and in drier environments, oranges can last indefinitely. Throwing food and garbage out a vehicle window can lead to the accidental killing of birds and other animals attracted to scraps and waste.
Do - Vacation local Don’t load the family up. Drive hundreds of miles only to spend the rest of the weekend in a hotel. Do stay, appreciate and come to respect the wonders of a local vacay in the heart of this biodiverse Carolinian forest zone. Partaking in a relaxing homegrown holiday will have you saving time, money and supporting the community. Tripping close to home with minimum distance and maximum enjoyment.
Don’t - Feed the ducks bread Feeding duck bread is not a healthy idea because it has little nutritional value and can harm ducklings’ growth and attract rodents and other pests. Too much can leave them feeling full without giving them all of the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need. Feed them an unprocessed treat like cracked corn, barley, oats, birdseed, frozen peas or corn kernels instead.
Do - Compost Composting is the process of turning organic matter back into the soil. All food is considered organic matter and can be composted. When we compost, instead of throwing food waste away, we reduce the amount of solid waste destined to generate methane in a landfill. Landfills are designed to store trash, not break it down. Recycled food creates healthy soil, which makes healthy food.
Don’t - Waste food Uneaten food puts unneeded strain on the environment by wasting valuable resources like water and farmland. 58% of all food produced in Canada is wasted every year. For the average household, that amounts to 140 kilograms of wasted edible food per year. Make a hearty soup to utilize food in your fridge instead of your compost bin or turn it into methane at the landfill.
Do - Go paperless You think you are paperless but think about your bank statements, the paper towels you use to clean the countertops, the junk mail you haven’t opted out of, your convenient printer. There are many areas in our daily lives where we can help lessen paper products produced from the tree we just planted! There are alternatives if you think outside of the cardboard box.
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 75
Bringing Nature Home
In February 2021, Grimsby Ontario councillors unanimously voted to have staff prepare a report on how their town can become Canada’s Carolinian tree capital by planting only native trees on townland. Hopefully, this kind of positive leadership will inspire other municipalities to do the same!
Native plants are essential for supporting the needs of local wildlife populations. While all plants can provide shelter, and some with berries offer food, native plants contribute the most significant benefits because they also welcome a wide variety of insects that feed many animals. These insects are vital for local bird populations when they are raising young. We all can help by choosing to plant local species. Here are just a few ideas.
Black Eyed Susan This Ontario native wildflower is similar to a sunflower, but smaller. And like the sunflower, it is part of the aster family. Its sunny golden petals will instantly brighten up your garden and fill it with butterflies and birds who love to sip its nectar. Slugs, rabbits and deer also like to feast on this plant. It flowers from June to September, so they are perfect to mix in with spring-blooming plants to ensure your garden is always colorful.
Shagbark Hickory The tree’s bark separates into long strips and loosens from the trunk, giving it a ‘shaggy’ look. It can live well over 200 years and grow to 25 metres tall. Nuts from the tree are sweet tasting and are a favourite snack for squirrels. It grows mainly in southern Ontario and Quebec, but lone stands have been found near Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, presumably planted by native people hundreds of years ago.
76 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
Pawpaw This tree was the primary source of fruit for the indigenous people since our present-day apple was originally brought from Britain in 1625. It is unique to the Carolinian Forest zone in Southwestern Ontario around Lake Erie and the Niagara Region. Young pawpaw trees have a large, thick taproot and should be transplanted from containers in spring for best results. Its flowers are also surprisingly pollinated by beetles, not bees at all.
Tulip Tree This lovely tree grows only in a few parts of Ontario: on the south shore of Lake Huron, the north shore of Lake Erie, and the Niagara Peninsula. It produces beautiful buttery yellow-green flowers from mid to late spring. It has emerald green foliage throughout the season. It also grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions, can live to a ripe old age of 120 years or more. It’s seeds grow every year and are a source of food for birds and small mammals.
Top Red-cheeked Woodpecker illustrated by English draughtsman George Edwards in 1743
BY Kate Sharrow
Blue False Indigo This Ontario native plant is part of the pea family, so their blossoms look like those you’d see on your typical pea shoot but instead are a vivid purple-blue jewel tone. Although this plant is a member of the pea family, parts have been deemed toxic, so it should not be eaten. Some butterflies take advantage of this to protect their eggs from predators, but birds still manage to find and feed on sheltering insects.
Roundleaf Dogwood This woodland shrub adds beauty to your garden all season long. It boasts white flower clusters in spring, bushy green foliage in summer, berry-like clusters in fall, and yellow-green branches with reddish-purple markings that are striking against the white winter snow. It is a haven for many insects, butterflies and birds to shelter while multiple species of birds feast on its berries, deer and rabbits cow down on its twigs. Yum!
Sugar Maple This tree gets its name from the sweet sap it produces, which is used to make syrup. It takes about 40 litres of sap to make one litre of syrup, and other maples produce sap, but it is not as sweet. The sugar maple can grow up to 35 metres tall and can live for 300 years. Moose, deer, squirrels, rabbits, porcupines, mice, and many birds love to feast on bark, buds, twigs and fruit.
Butternut The Butternut is a native hardwood related to black walnut, but a canker disease has devastated its population. Experts say we should plant butternut trees at every opportunity because we may discover naturally resistant Butternut that allows their genes to live on. Its fruit is an elongated nut that grows inside a green, hairy husk until it matures in mid-autumn when squirrels and other wildlife madly fill their bellies.
Wild Strawberry Nothing can compare to the taste of wild Ontario strawberries, and this unique plant is a perfect addition to your spring garden, but you will need to fight the birds and animals for them. It spreads by runners and stays low to the ground, with white flowers blooming in the spring, followed by delicious berries in early summer. Wild strawberries were observed by Jacques Cartier along the St. Lawrence River when he sailed to Canada is 1534.
Bee Balm This wacky-looking native flower is an excellent addition to any pollinator garden. Its beautiful blooms of red, pink, purple or white are sure to capture the attention of hummingbirds and bees in the summer and by seed-loving finches all winter long —not to mention it has the most aromatic foliage. The indigenous people taught settlers to make the delicious tea similar to the bergamot orange that flavours Earl Grey tea.
Blue-stem Goldenrod One of the more rare goldenrod species, with bright yellow flowers blooming late into the summer and autumn, is an essential late-season food source for bees and other insects. It is often spotted in wooded areas because it thrives in medium to partly shaded areas. Also, Goldenrods are often blamed for our fall allergies. It is, in fact, Ragweed that is responsible! So, enjoy this beauty sneeze-free!
Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 77
Getting out & about.
Winter, spring, summer and fall, we have no shortage of activities for outdoor enthusiasts who come to play in beautiful southwestern Ontario.
TRAILS County of Brant
GROWE offers nature immersion, attribute curriculum youth programs. The programs encompass a wide assortment of experiential and inquiry playbased learning. Our outdoor nature-based school days get your wild ones outside active and spark their curiosity and connection to nature. Forest school outdoor educational programs encourage children and their families to get outside and learn what nature has to offer.
Outdoor Education Programs For All Seasons 1 Bethel Rd, Paris, growe.fiveoaks@gmail.com, groweoutdoorschool.ca
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Helena is humbled by the communities outpouring of support. As a way of showing our appreciation during these difficult and stressful times, please email us at tony@willowglenclinic.com to receive a complimentary MP3 hypnotherapy session download.
184 Caithness St. W. Caledonia 289-284-0114 willowglenclinic.com
78 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
County of Brant and Brantford have a trail system that is envied the world over, and our network of trails and pathways is used by walkers, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. Check out some of the most popular trails below, as well as some of the lesser-known gems (our personal favourites). For more information, visit brant.ca • Apps Mill Trail (GRCA) • Burford Lion’s Way • Grand Valley Trail (GVTA) • Green Lane Park • Hamilton to Brantford Trail (GRCA) • LE & N Rail Trail • Mt.Pleasant Nature Park • Nith River Trail • Paris to Cambridge • S.C. Johnson Trail (GRCA) • TH & B Rail Trail BRANTFORD
• Apps Mill Trail (GRCA) • D’Aubigny Trail • Hamilton to Brantford Trail (GRCA) • Mohawk Park Haldimand County
Haldimand is home to some of the most spectacular and scenic hiking trails around, many found along the Grand River and in our local parks and conservation areas. For more information, visit haldimandcounty.on.ca • Blue Heron Way • Chippewa Trail • Kinsmen Park Walkway • Patterson Walkway • Ramsay Walkway • Rotary Riverside Trail • Thistlemoor Park Pathway • Thompson Creek Restoration • Townsend Recreation Trail
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Norfolk County
Norfolk has a stunning selection of trails that take you through an array of wetlands, grasslands, forests and farmers’ fields. Explore landscapes that you have never been to before while experiencing all the adventures this county has to offer. norfolktrails.ca • Andy and Helen Spriet Trail • Backus Woods • Big Creek National Wildlife Area • Brook Conservation Area • Delhi Rail Trail • Hay Creek Conservation Area • Lynn Valley Trail • Long Point Provincial Park • Port Rowan Wetlands • St Williams Conservation Reserve • Sutton Conservation Area • Turkey Point Provincial Park • Waterford Heritage Trail Hamilton
Known as the City of Waterfalls, more than 100 waterfalls have been identified in the Hamilton area along the internationally-recognized Niagara Escarpment. So much beauty to discover here. conservationhamilton.ca
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• Bruce Trail • Christie Lake Conservation Area • Dundas Valley • Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area • Rockcliffe Waterdown Mountain
Bike Trail • Royal Botanical Gardens Loop Trail • Sherman Falls • Spencer Gorge Conservation Area • Spring Valley • Tiffany Falls Conservation Area • Valens Conservation Area OXFORD COUNTY
This small list of trails does not begin to introduce a fraction of the diverse trails in Oxford. Visit oxfordcountytrailscouncil.ca to find out more. • Beauty Creek Trail • Chesney Wilderness Area Trail • Lawson Nature Reserve • Oxford Thames River Trail • Pittock Conservation Area • Roth Park • Secord Trails Care Community
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Live it for a day. Live it for a lifetime. SPRING 2021 81
FINISHING TOUCH
The Winding Road to Joy
Creating a path to a purpose-filled life and living in wellness are tandem roads to joy. The slightest adjustment will make an impact. BY Rhonda Arnott In the early spring of 2020, I felt as if my entrepreneurial journey was on fire. I had a vision, a plan and most of all, clients who needed guidance. As a global pandemic closed in, I still felt unstoppable and held my vision close. Then, without warning, the proverbial rug was pulled from beneath me. Me, the girl who prides herself on intuition for guidance. Me, the girl who felt confident about the next phase of my business, and yes, Me, the girl who felt my path was clear. It all fell flat after one meeting with a single individual who, until that moment, I’d held in high regard. My dreams were crushed under the weight of hard words and careless disregard. I did the one thing I always say you should never do. I stopped listening to my inner voice. I blamed myself. Have you ever been on a path to a
dream and then made to feel it is a dead-end? I jumped to the conclusion of failure, followed by self-blame and disappointment. I found myself lost in what amounted to misery, defeat and silence. Once again, I felt a failure. My sight lines became blurred by one unexpected encounter, resulting in the onset of a foggy brain, sleepless nights and my inability to move forward left me feeling the weight of the world. To top it off, my small voice within was non-responsive, and my body was feeling unwell. One morning, I made a decision, I’d had enough. I reached out to a local naturopath who discovered it was not just my mindset that had slipped. Together we fine-tuned my health concerns, and I began a personal journey living gluten-free. Have you heard
of the term ‘cold turkey? I did just that. I changed my mindset and eating habits overnight. I had no idea how everything was connected. It was as if a candle had been lit in a dark room. It didn’t take long for the foggy brain to clear, the bloat and heaviness to leave, and my intuitive guidance to return. This experience taught me that shifting things in my wellness plan meant more than just eating better. It meant I needed to take care of my body, mind and spirit. More importantly, it meant I needed to hold onto a dream over the opinion of another. My dream. My Journey. My Cake. I want you to remember that creating a path to complete wellness can be overwhelming, frightening and energizing all at the same time. It’s the smallest adjustment in body, mind and spirit that will have a ripple effect. Having cake for breakfast isn’t just for celebrating those milestones. It’s about bringing joy to your life. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Let’s eat cake for breakfast! Enjoy the following from Epicure, as I am also one of their consultants!
Life is short Eat cake for breakfast You’ve done breakfast for dinner. You’ve also made dinner for breakfast. But in the spirit of meal mixing and shaking life up, have you ever considered dessert for breakfast? If you have, kudos to you. If you haven’t, we think you might once you gaze upon this delicious breakfast cake! Why didn’t we think of this sooner? Plus, as a bonus, did you know that treating yourself well increases your capacity to love others? Ingredients 1 egg 1⁄2 tsp baking powder 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp milk 1⁄3 cup quick oats 1⁄2 cup local berries 1⁄2 mashed banana, In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ingredients. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until cooked and top with Greek yogurt and enjoy!
Rhonda Arnott , the founder of Ignite Your Journey, and creator of Deliciously Haldimand, is a ‘journey-preneur’ and loves self-development. She is passionate about mentoring women walking their unique wellness journey, which goes beyond making positive food choices. Combining her Reiki practice with intuitive guidance, she loves teaching women how to balance mind, body and spirit. Rhonda loves to have fun in her kitchen, dabbling in gluten-free cooking. She also enjoys spending time in nature with her husband and their fur-baby, Diesel. Her entrepreneurial drive doesn’t stop there. Rhonda is also the co-founder of a new podcast called ‘3 Women Overboard ”. Join Rhonda on her journey! instagram.com/rhonda.arnott , or instagram.com/delicisiouslyhaldimand 82 LIVE SMALL TOWN livesmalltownmag.ca
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