Port Stanley Villager June 2025

Port Stanley Villager June 2025 Issue 69

Letter from the Editor Here we are, June at last, and I would like to talk to you about Christmas and the Holidays! If you’ve been reading this magazine for a while, you already know how much I love the whole Christmas season. The lights, the music, the shopping — I’m all in. But let’s be honest: the real star of the holidays is the food.

The cookbook will be available at pickup locations across Port Stanley starting in early November, just in time for the season of stretchy pants and second helpings. Now, back to the sunny present: it’s been a busy month and this issue is packed with great stories. You’ll find information about several events happening in June, including the Port Stanley Artists’ Guild’s annual Spring Sale, a look at the Heritage Festival, and a fun fundraiser for the Port Stanley Bandshell Committee. We also have some exciting regional news from the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation; an introduction to our new MP, Andrew Lawton, and features on a few local businesses that are making waves in the community. Since the fall, I’ve been including a community calendar of events for Port Stanley, Union and Sparta. If you’ve got an event coming up and would like it included, send me the details at hometown@villagerpublications.com. Ironically, I had to leave out the calendar this month due to an important last-minute story addition. But please keep an eye out for it going forward! And finally, now that the warm weather has arrived, it’s a great time to enjoy the lake, the patios, and all that our little corner of the world has to offer. Just don’t forget your sunscreen… and make sure to send me your recipes!

That’s why I’m thrilled to announce a brand-new project that’s been on my mind (and tastebuds) for a while now — the Christmas in Port Stanley Holiday Cookbook ! This free cookbook will feature a delicious collection of local recipes, including mains, sides, appetizers, and desserts. Of course, I can’t do it without your help! While we’ll be gathering recipes from some of our very own local chefs, I also want to include your family’s holiday favourites. Do you have a dish that your family comes home for every year? Something that’s lovingly passed from one generation to the next, written in a barely legible script on a butter-stained recipe card? Please send it! You can submit your recipe starting today by emailing it to geoff@villagerpublications.com along with your name and a brief story or description of the dish. Whether it’s Grandma’s shortbread or your famous tourtière, we’d love to include it.

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Burke’s Produce Market by Peri Hayes

selection of baked goods that are lovingly made by Daynna in our certified kitchen; from cookies and muffins to seasonal favourites.” New this year, Mark and Daynna have introduced their vendor area which has been designed for local makers to display and sell their products -- ultimately celebrating the diverse community talent at the Market. “Having a large family ourselves, we know the importance of quality time together.” Consequently, Mark and Daynna have created the Littles’ Lounge, facilitating amusing activities for children and families. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue growing with our community: hosting events, supporting local businesses and building a space where families gather, connections thrive and local goodness is always at the heart of what we do. We are proud to support local and support Canadian.” Located at 6548 Sunset Road, Burke’s Produce Market operates daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm -- until closing for the season on October 31st. Visit the burkesproducemarket.ca website for discovering further information, perusing their available subscription boxes and placing an online order of their fresh produce. Moreover, this beloved family-owned business is active on Instagram at burkesproducemarket.

Local business owners, Mark Burke and Daynna Tully, delightedly discuss the background of their fulfilling venture: “Burke’s Produce Market was launched in 2023, born from our shared love of markets and a passion for community.” While Mark grew up working in this very space, Daynna carried her entrepreneurial spirit from her successful small business, Tully Touques. “Together, we’ve created a warm, family-oriented space where everyone is welcome.” As Mark and Daynna enthusiastically proceed, “At Burke’s, we’re more than just a market — we’re a place where community comes together. We proudly offer the finest local products while treating each visitor not just as a customer, but as a valued member of our extended family. Our mission is simple: to make shopping local, accessible, affordable and fun!” “What excites us most about Burke’s Produce Market is the opportunity to build lasting, meaningful connections with our customers,” the pair earnestly share. “Each day starts with fresh coffee — come in, enjoy a cup and browse our selection of local produce, artisanal goods and baked treats. We now offer a

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Port Stanley Art Guild’s Annual Show and Sale by Peri Hayes Marcia Pensa, Website and Communications Coordinator for the Port Stanley Art Guild (PSAG), along with Managing Membership, discusses their upcoming Art Show and Sale: “This show marks the end of our ‘art year’. What remains is our AGM later in June, after which we take a summer break.” “Our Annual Art Show and Sale is always held in the Freedom Room of the Port Stanley Legion,” Marcia offers. “The upcoming Art Show at the Legion has been a Port Stanley Art Guild tradition for almost 40 years now. Members have come and gone, but we still have at least five or six original artists as active members. It is a free event with original fine art, created freshly for this show by our artists -- who come from Port Stanley, as well as the surrounding area, including London.” With enthusiasm, Marcia describes a fascinating component to this event: “Once the art is hung, we invite a prominent Art Person from outside our community to assign eight ‘Judge’s Choice’ ribbons and select a few honourable mentions.” Moreover, the Art Draw is a popular feature which entails a table of original artworks donated by the artists, with the winners chosen at the end of the show on the Saturday. “This year, we will have three gorgeous gift baskets on display, created by long-time member, Rosemary Nagel. There will be a draw to win one of these, no purchase necessary.” “We are all volunteers!” Marcia exclaims while speaking highly of the bonds forged through this connective Guild. “There is a fair amount of planning involved and everyone contributes their time, effort and expertise. Our primary goal is to be able to support our members in their artistic journeys by offering workshops, speakers, demos and information at our meetings. We love being

part of the community by finding all kinds of spots to set up for some ‘plein air’ pop-ups and to provide an opportunity to show our best works, hopefully selling and finding them a new home.” The Port Stanley Art Guild’s Annual Show and Sale is scheduled for Thursday, June 12th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, June 13th from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday the 14th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Those with inquiries concerning the Guild are en- couraged to explore the portstanleyartguild.com website, with the event details on their Home Page and a ‘Contact Us’ link available. Presently accepting members, artists are welcome to consult this website for discovering their next meeting being held at the Port Stanley United Church on Colborne Street. Artwork – from left to right, top to bottom: Marcia Pensa’s ‘From the Pier, Port Stanley’, Cheryl Garrett-Jenkins’ ‘Canadian Seasonal Beauty’, Rosemary Nagel’s ‘Wonder #2’, Joyce Rintoul’s ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’, Rowena Spersrud’s ‘Success at Last’.

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The Case for STR Caps and Street-Level Limits by Councillor Michelle Graham Short-term rentals (STRs) have rapidly transformed the housing landscape in cities, towns and villages worldwide. In response, many municipalities are introducing STR caps and imposing percentage limits on how many STRs can operate on a given street, typically restricting STRs to 10 to 20% of residential properties on a block. These measures aim to balance the economic benefits of STRs with the need to preserve community integrity and housing affordability. One of the primary reasons for STR caps is the impact on long- term housing supply. When residential units are converted into STRs, they are effectively removed from the rental or ownership market, exacerbating housing shortages and increasing housing prices. This effect is particularly acute in high-demand tourist-heavy areas like Port Stanley. By capping the number of STRs, cities, towns and villages attempt to ensure that housing remains available for residents, not just tourists. Street-level percentage caps address another critical concern: neighbourhood character. A high concentration of STRs can erode community cohesion, as rotating guests replace long-term neighbours, often leading to noise complaints, parking issues, and a loss of community trust. Keeping STRs to a small fraction of homes per street helps maintain a sense of residential normalcy. In the long term, unregulated STR growth risks displacing vulnerable populations, disrupting neighbourhoods, and undermining efforts to build sustainable communities. Caps and zoning limits are thus essential tools for municipalities seeking to strike a fair balance between tourism, economic opportunity, and livability. Rise, Speak, Be Heard — Your Voice Shapes Tomorrow – The Power is in your hands!

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Heritage Port Stanley’s Lakeside Tour Returns by Peri Hayes

be wandering the village and inviting people to visit the various locations. Guests are encouraged to experience this tour in any order of their preference, with no expectation to attend every site. Moreover, there will be informative posters displayed in an array of businesses and at the tourist booth, detailing the eight featured buildings. Asked what fulfills Sally about the continuation of this event, she enthusiastically replies, “I think it’s important to share the knowledge. A lot of people see the buildings, and don’t know how significant they are to the community of Port Stanley. I think it’s important that we understand our history.” This tour is brought to life by dedicated members of the community, to which Sally shares, “These are all volunteers who are keen on learning and sharing the information that they have. We are very thankful.” Explore the heritageportstanley.ca website to discover more about this upcoming celebration. Historical interviews of indi- viduals reflecting on their Port Stanley memories are also being added in time to their updated website, along with their guided walking tour. Heritage Port Stanley is graciously accepting members and those interested are invited to attend their meetings — with their June session scheduled for the 26th — which are facilitated by heritage buildings symbolic to the lakeside village. Inquiries about this location, along with their tour of Moore Water Gardens in July and their Heritage Tour on the horizon this month, are welcomed by the following: Chairperson, David Russell, at dave3000@gmail.com; Vice Chair, Nora Sanders, at norahome@rogers.com; Sally at tcg@execulink.com.

The not-for-profit organization of Heritage Port Stanley, which debuted in 1998, is preparing for the return of their ‘Doors Open’ Heritage Tour. This event will entail an array of activities available for the public to freely enjoy this Saturday, June 21st from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. With her passion for community and honouring local history, Sally Martyn voiced her vision of a Heritage Tour and has proceeded to be involved throughout this fulfilling process. While Sally is the Secretary of Heritage Port Stanley, she has assumed the role of Committee Coordinator for Heritage Tours and will be one of the tour guides.

There will be 17 tour guides stationed across the follow- ing eight sites: the lighthouse; the Windjammer Inn on the corner of William and Smith Street; the Lift Bridge on Bri- dge Street; Harbour House at 194 Main Street; the Tele- graph House at 205 Main Street; The Livery Stable at 215 Main Street; Morrow House at 232 Colborne Street and St. John’s Presbyterian Church at 238 Colborne Street.

Two guides dressed in period costume, will be at each site as a means to offer an interpretive tour. Meanwhile, a floater will

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New Port Stanley Gift Shop Offers Unique Platform for Local Makers A new shop has opened here in Port Stanley, bringing handcrafted goods from across Ontario to our lakeside town and offering independent makers a new way to showcase their work. The Port Stanley Gift Shop, located at 204 Main Street, Unit #3 (the former Harbour Cheesecake location), is the brainchild of Rizzy Manaig. A lifelong crafter, Rizzy started selling her creations online in 2018, but always dreamed of having a physical shop. “When we moved here to Port Stanley, we saw this place and I kind of envisioned myself opening up my own shop,” she says. “I know the struggles of being a crafter -- opening a shop is very intimidating, with all of the expenses, the labour, the renovations. I envisioned that I’d be able to help crafters like me showcase their products without the hefty costs.” The shop features curated spaces for vendors selling handmade items like jewellery, candles, crochet, and skincare. While the store is just opened, they are already showcasing local artisans, and some from as far as Toronto and Ajax. “We don’t want vendors to compete with each other,” Rizzy explains. “For example, with candles, which is a saturated category, we try to curate — one might use glass containers, another might make fun iced-coffee designs. It keeps it interesting and fair.” Rizzy, who describes herself as someone who’s dabbled in a lot of different crafts, says she started with DIY wedding decor and stickers, and now focuses on candles. Helping others find an audience for their creative work is what excites her most about opening the shop. “With a storefront like this, vendors don’t need to be there to sell. People will be able to see their items and shop. They can just focus on their creativity.” The Gift Shop will offer a Port Stanley-branded product line that Rizzy calls Port Stanley Authentic Clothing, including hoodies, t-shirts, and tumblers featuring local history and imagery. Initially open seven days a week, the shop will adjust hours based on traffic patterns. Rizzy encourages anyone interested in becoming a vendor to visit the shop or sign up through their social media accounts.

“We just took a leap of faith moving here,” says Rizzy. “We’ve lived in Kitchener, Mississauga, Brampton, but we found home in Port Stanley.”

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Andrew Lawton, Elected MP by Peri Hayes

Andrew Lawton is a former Broadcaster and Journalist, about which he shares, “I used to work at 980 CFPL in London, broadcasting over the region. From 2018 to 2024, I was working for a national organization called True North, and I also wrote two best-selling books.” Both of these works are journalistic pieces, detailing The Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa and the response to this; the second being a biography about Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, released in May of 2024. Asked about what led to his journey in politics, Andrew responds, “I have always been interested in politics, going back to when I was a teenager. In my media career, I was talking and writing about politics. With the direction that the country was headed in, I was feeling more frustrated and couldn’t see myself watching this election from the sidelines. Instead of just talking about things, I wanted to help bring forward the solutions that the country and the riding need. I decided that it was time to hang up the headphones, and head to the House of Commons.” With the Conservative Party of Canada, Andrew is MP for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South: “One of the big things that I think is really important to our riding is that we have a lot of variety and diversity, both rural and suburban. St. Thomas, for example, has grown and has such a thriving business community. I appreciate that government policy affects everyone differently, and I want to ensure that no one is being left behind.”

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As Andrew proceeds to offer, “Then there is the uncertainty with tariffs, trade with the United States, the affordability crisis and crime -- these are national issues that we feel at home that I want to advance solutions for as a local representative and advocate to help deliver that support.” While describing his goals, Andrew voices, “One of the things that I loved about the campaign was meeting people from morning to night, learning about who they are and the businesses that they run. I got to learn about people’s priorities, and the challenges they face. I love that I now get to make that part of my job, speaking to the wonderful people of this community and uncovering what we can do to succeed and thrive. I love meeting people and asking questions -- that is what led me to journalism and now I get to do this as a politician.” To conclude, Andrew declares, “My first jobs were in hospitality and customer service. Those values are still important to me, now more than ever. Being a constituency representative is the most important part of my role. Regardless of how anyone votes, my job is to support and serve everyone. We are going to work hard for every person in this riding, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone around the community.”

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Together, We Transformed Tomorrow When a Community Comes Together, Incredible Things Happen by the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation There are moments in a community’s story when everything changes. For St. Thomas and Elgin County, the Transforming Tomorrow – Diagnostic Imaging Campaign was one of these moments. What began as a vision to improve access to diagnostic care became a movement — a movement powered by love, driven by purpose, and united by hope. It was about more than a machine. It was about making sure no one we care about has to travel far when they need answers. It was about honouring the stories that brought us here, and turning that momentum into lasting impact — so more people can access the care they need, right here at home. Thanks to 1,635 donors, 180 volunteers, 19 community events, and a community that never gave up, we didn’t just reach our $8 million campaign goal, we surpassed it. Together, we raised $8,921,173, bringing advanced diagnostic imaging and our communities first-ever Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH). Today, lives are being changed because of it. Jeff’s Leadership: From Vision to Victory At the helm of the campaign stood Jeff Yurek, whose leadership helped shape the vision and spark community-wide action. Jeff Yurek, former Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin– Middlesex–London, had long championed healthcare access

during his time in office. When he stepped into the role of Campaign Chair, he brought energy, experience, and heart. “From the support of local businesses to kids’ lemonade stands, every act of generosity helped transform local healthcare,” Jeff shares. “This campaign wasn’t just about technology — it was about coming together.” And come together we did.

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Vera’s Why: A Mother’s Love, A Lasting Legacy For Vera Warren, the campaign is deeply personal: her son, Tyler, underwent more than 60 MRI scans during his cancer journey, each one requiring long drives to other cities. The physical toll was hard. The emotional toll was harder. After Tyler passed, Vera knew something had to change. “We did everything we could to be there for Tyler — every appointment, every scan,” Vera shares. “But the travel was exhausting. If MRI had been available here, it would have meant more time together. Less stress. More comfort.” As the Transforming Tomorrow – Diagnostic Imaging Campaign Ambassador, Vera bravely shared Tyler’s story; his courage, his kindness, and his drive to make a difference. Her voice became a rallying cry for families across St. Thomas and Elgin County. Because of Vera’s advocacy, more people understood what this campaign meant and why it mattered. A Community Answering the Call Over two years, volunteers gave tirelessly, serving on committees, organizing events, and spreading the word. The campaign was supported by everyone from longtime donors to first-time contributors. A special thank you to FDC Foundation, whose $1 Million Matching Gift Campaign inspired our community to give generously, knowing their impact would be doubled. Their belief in this vision, and in the power of local healthcare, helped make advanced diagnostic imaging a reality at STEGH. People gave because they believed. They gave because they cared. They gave because someone they love might one day need this care. Today, thanks to our community, patients are getting answers sooner, right here at STEGH, surrounded by care they know

and trust. Now, more than 5,000 people each year no longer need to leave town for excellent diagnostic imaging care, bringing greater comfort, peace of mind, and a better

healthcare experience right here at home. Grateful patient Rosalie put it best:

“There are no words other than ‘life-changing’ to describe that experience. I didn’t have to travel far; I had answers quickly. And I was cared for by familiar, kind faces. It felt truly world-class.” Thank You for Believing The Transforming Tomorrow -- Diagnostic Imaging Campaign was built on commitment, compassion, and a belief in something better. It was our community’s way of saying: we deserve access to excellent care close to home, when it matters most. Because of you, STEGH’s Diagnostic Imaging Department has been transformed, delivering faster diagnoses, shorter wait times, and better care closer to home. Because of Jeff. Because of Vera. Because of every volunteer and every donor. We’ve proven what’s possible.

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Port Stanley Villager • June 2025 • Page 11

Planning Begins for Major New Community on Former Hospital Lands Central Elgin has taken a major step toward the future with Council’s approval of the Vision and Guiding Principles for the redevelopment of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands. The plan lays the foundation for a vibrant, mixed-use community designed to support the municipality’s anticipated residential and employment growth. “This is an important moment for Central Elgin,” says Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We have a unique opportunity to proactively shape the future of a significant piece of land in our community and create a mixed-use, complete community.” Fueling the need for long-term planning is the incoming Volkswagen EV battery manufacturing plant, set to open in 2027. The plant is expected to create up to 3,000 direct jobs and as many as 30,000 indirect jobs throughout the region. Central Elgin’s proximity to this facility positions it as a key player in accommodating the resulting population and housing demand. “By starting the planning process now,” explains Mayor Sloan, “we can ensure that development on this site aligns with Council’s goals for sustainable, inclusive, and well-serviced communities.” The redevelopment will focus on affordability, accessibility, and sustainability, incorporating a wide range of housing options,

a vibrant main street, and spaces that promote walkability, active transportation, and environmental stewardship. The new neighbourhood is envisioned as a transit-ready, compact, and connected community that both respects the site’s history and embraces the future. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the development of what will become a distinct community, one that could eventually nearly double Central Elgin’s current population,” says Mayor Sloan. “What I’m most excited about is that this isn’t just about building housing. We envision a neighbourhood where families and people of all ages can enjoy walkable streets, public parks, and a mixed-use main street.” Community engagement will play a central role in the process, with open houses, pop-up sessions, and stakeholder meetings planned for this fall. The former hospital lands redevelopment is more than just a housing project; it’s a bold vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving community that will help shape the next chapter of Central Elgin’s growth. “Our goal is to create a neighbourhood that reflects the values, needs, and vision of the entire community,” Mayor Sloan concludes. Residents can follow progress and sign up for updates at www.letstalkcentralelgin.ca.

Port Stanley Villager

Geoffrey Rae, Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177

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All articles written by Geoffrey Rae unless otherwise indicated. Writer – Peri Hayes • Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications.All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproducedor used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions .

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Discover the Shores of Kettle Creek by Marna Berry The recent “Elgin County Tourism Op- erators Networking” event was a vibrant testament to the spirit of ex- periential travel that thrives in Elgin County. These events allow connections,

Understanding the importance of Lake Erie to our community, I collaborated with Joanne Wolnik, Tourism Development Manager for the Southwestern Ontario Tourism Board, and Celes Davar from Earth Rhythms, on a one-on-one Experience Development Coaching opportunity. This led to the creation of the “Legends Of Lake Erie” Private Charter Cruises & Gourmet Picnics On The Lake, bringing a unique experience to Port Stanley. Growing up in a family fishing business instilled in me a profound appreciation for marine life, which continues to play a vital role in the uniqueness of our village. We are partnering with RNR Fishing Charters, along with local restaurants, to continue offering small private charter experiences. These include the Hourly Private Charters, Sunset Cruises, Gourmet Picnics On The Lake, Cruise & Dine and Family Eco Adventures, with hourly charters available for up to six people running 11 am to 9 pm daily, starting June 1st. These experiences allow guests to discover the shores of Kettle Creek, cruise along Port Stanley’s Blue Flag beaches, explore Hawk’s Cliff to see the Bald Eagles, and even enjoy a Gourmet Picnic Basket of local treasures by Ellen LaCroix of The Edible Journey. For more information on these unique experiences, visit our website at legends-of-lake-erie.square.site

AD SAVE My personal journey in experiential travel has been deeply enriched by participating in the SWOTC “Unlocked & Inspired Experiential Travel” Training Course. The expert coaching and sense of entrepreneurial camaraderie have been truly inspiring. Experiential travel, or immersion travel, is about actively engaging with the history, culture, food, and environment of a place, often leading to transformative experiences. This form of tourism is not just about seeing a place but about connecting with it on a deeper level. DIRECT RESPONSE MEDIA GROUP 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2G7 1 866 993-0600 drmg.com partnerships, updates, and insights from Elgin County and Southwestern Ontario Tourism Boards, underscoring the sig- nificant role tourism plays in our local economy, particularly in Port Stanley. Our community’s resilience through challenging times has been remarkable, and with the current travel climate, there’s a collective hope for a banner year ahead. The event reinforced the idea that the more unique attractions we offer, the more visitors we can attract to experience the beauty and charm of our village. For those harbouring ideas for unique experiences, the tourism boards present a golden opportunity for project design and launch, serving as invaluable resources.

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Page 14 Port Stanley Villager • June 2025

To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com

The Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner and Dance by Peri Hayes Ed Finlan, Chair of the Port Stanley Bandshell Fundraising Committee, announces The Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner and Dance which is scheduled for Friday, June 20th. This event on the horizon will feature live music, themed attire, plenty of dancing and more thrilling activities. Located at 332 Carlow Road, the venue for this celebration is the Banquet Hall on the upstairs level of the Port Stanley Arena. The doors will open at 6:00 pm, with a cash bar available throughout the evening. Moreover, Ed is pleased to share that all proceeds from this fundraiser will be funnelled into the construction of a bandshell in the lakeside village. “This fundraiser is an opportunity for the community to enjoy a very entertaining evening with dinner and a Murder Mystery. Everyone will be engaged in the drama. Get dressed up!” Ed proceeds to describe what excites him about these upcoming festivities, offering, “The community is involved in this project, and it brings us all together for fun and a celebration of the arts.” This is a ticketed event, with a visual sample accompanying this article. The purchase price is $100.00 per ticket, which includes the delicious dinner that will be prepared, the entertainment throughout the evening and their highly anticipated Murder Mystery component. Secure your spot by emailing psbfc@ outlook.com, or efinlan3@gmail.com. As Ed passionately concludes, “We appreciate everyone’s involvement, and we are now working on the design and location to build the bandshell in Port Stanley. Be part of the important fundraising process – all funds help us with this project.”

750 Talbot St.• Suite 203 • St. Thomas • ON 226-210-1086 • office@simplicity-cremation.ca WWW.SIMPLICITY-CREMATION.CA

To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com

Port Stanley Villager • June 2025 • Page 15

Experience the Power of Art and Wellness You’re invited to join our therapeutic classes—open to all who are interested in self-discovery, creativity, and healing. Our Mission: Since 2022, the Veterans Art Initiative has been dedicated to supporting our serving heroes through the transformative power of art. We operate entirely on public donations and community support.

Services Offered Veterans’ Wellness Alliance. Veterans advocate Amy Green retired military. By appointment only Now Offering Weekly Classes Painting Classes Led by world-renowned instructor Steve Tracy Tuesdays, 10 AM – 2 PM Bring your own supplies (canvas provided) – $65 Need a full painting kit? – $100 Mindfulness Classes With instructor Jeaninne Diaz Tuesdays, 7 PM – 8 PM Bring your own yoga mat or purchase one in our gift shop – $20 per class Yoga Classes All Classes Open to the public

Also led by Jeaninne Diaz Thursdays, 7 PM – 8 PM Bring your own yoga mat or purchase one in our gift shop – $20 per class Support the Community

If you’re able, consider paying it forward by purchasing a class for someone in need or making a donation directly to the gallery. Your generosity helps us extend healing and creativity to those who need it most.

211 Main Street, Port Stanley, Ontario • 519-200-1616 Supported by

Page 2 Port Stanley Villager • May 2025

To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com

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