REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural
SPRING 2024 Issue 20
2024 SUMMER THEATRE PLAY BY THE LAKE Experience the Best of Summer Entertainment! RESERVE YOUR SEATS.
Letter from the Editor May 2024 marks the fifth anniver- sary of REAL Living. When we launched this magazine back in 2019, it was an opportunity to reach out to a community we were not that familiar with -- rural Elgin. I grew up in London, and Staci was from Toronto. Together, we moved to St. Thomas 18 years ago. Rural Elgin was new to us, and we were excited to explore it and share its
stories with you, our readers. What we discovered was a blend of rich history and some amazing personal stories right in our own backyard. We also discovered that communities such as Dutton Dunwich, Southwold and Malahide were excited to embrace this new publication because finally, they had something that was theirs. It has been so much fun exploring Elgin, which is very rich and diverse, and REALLY large! Were you among the over 4000 people who attended the St. Thomas Home Show April 12th-14th? What a wonderful event! While its primary purpose is to support local businesses, to me, the Home Show offers more than that -- it serves as a gathering place for our whole community, to shrug off the winter blues and get out and talk to our friends, neighbours and yes, even strangers! Picture it -- almost 1 in 10 people from all across Elgin County took the time to stop in. Since 2016, I have worked with the Home Show, preparing its Guide for folks as they come through the door. But I am also a vendor, and happy to be so. I don’t really sell anything there; I am just there to say hello, maybe introduce a few people to my various magazines, and give away a prize. This year, one winner won $750 in Downtown St. Thomas Dollars. If you did attend this year, I hope you stopped by to say hello; if you didn’t, come out next year. I am sure you will find it a wonderful event. If you are a senior, please circle Wednesday, July 10th on your calendar, the date of the 25th Annual Seniors Picnic in the Park, another local event I get excited about and have attended for the past six years. It is a day filled with music, laughter, learning and just a wonderful day out. Admittance to the picnic (Pinafore, in St. Thomas) is free, as is all the entertainment -- your only cost is if you want to buy lunch from one of the vendors. Make sure you check it out; this one has been a quarter century in the making! Geoff
FUNNY VALENTINE A Michael Bublé Tribute By Jay Davis June 4 to June 15
By Ephraim Ellis A comedy about dreams pursued in the unlikiest of places!
Stage veteran Jay Davis joins forces with some of the best Jazz musicians in the country to pay tribute to one of the most beloved crooners of all time Michael Bublé.
THEY’RE FOUND IN TREES By Norm Foster June 19 to July 13 Birders, William and Mitchell sit under the same tree every day and discuss birds, life, loss, and ladies’ underwear, day in and day out. Then along comes Paula! Will three be a crowd?
HURRY HARD By Kristen Da Silva July 17 to August 3 The Stayner Curling Club is the underdog and we are rooting for them! Will they win it all? Or will they “lose the handle”? An unlikely romantic comedy about curling! PortStanley FestivalTheatre
Help us Celebrate 200 Years of the Old St. Thomas Church We are creating a special 200th Anniversary Guide Book for the Old St. Thomas Church. If your business, community group, or you yourself would like to send your best wishes on 200 years give Geoff a call at 519-495-7177 or email him at geoff@ villagerpublications.com to find out how.
6-302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 www.psft.ca
Deadline is coming up fast, Reach out by May 10th!
Page 2 Real Living • Spring 2024
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25 Years of Community and Connection with the Seniors Picnic in the Park The Seniors Picnic in the Park, an annual tradition cherished by the residents of St. Thomas and throughout Elgin County, is poised to mark its 25th anniversary on July 10th at Pinafore Park (95 Elm St, St Thomas). This milestone event promises to be a day filled with camaraderie, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of our senior community. “The free get-together, which began in 1999, has withstood the test of time thanks to the tireless work of the ten-person organizing committee and modest grants from the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County,” says Sherri Wilson, VON Supervisor, Community Support Services and Treasurer of the Picnic Committee. Indeed, over the years, the picnic has become a cornerstone of summer for many, attracting approximately 1,500 seniors from across Elgin County to Pinafore Park. Sherri added, “St. Thomas’ senior citizens know how to plan a premier park party!”
Beyond the festivities, the Seniors Picnic in the Park serves as a hub of resources and information for attendees. “The event provides seniors of our community access to arts, culture, environment, heritage, recreation, lifelong learning, and health activities,” Sherri explained. “From food to live performances, draw prizes, and giveaways, this year’s picnic is one for the ages – and aged.” Tifanie emphasized the importance of the picnic as an opportunity for seniors to socialize and connect. “It is an excellent opportunity to be social and enjoy the day at the park, with friends or family, music, and great food,” she remarked. “We also have a diverse display of vendors showcasing community services for seniors.” The 25th Annual Seniors Picnic in the Park is not just a celebration of longevity; it’s a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of our seniors. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us for a day of laughter, memories, and the warmth of community at Pinafore Park.
Tifanie Smith, Volunteer Coordinator for the VON and a fellow committee member, echoed Sherri’s sentiments.”It is such a great show of support of our beautiful community,” she remarked. “Not only have several community-driven organizations come together to plan the picnic, but we also have volunteers, vendors, and support from the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County. This collaborative project has reached thousands of seniors a year for 25 years. That is something to be proud of. It is something I am proud to be a part of.”
Supporting Local Farmers since 1991 519-633-9691 1030 Talbot Street St. Thomas Monday to Saturday 8am - 8pm Sunday 8am - 6pm OPEN HOLIDAY MONDAY Freshness, Quality, Satisfaction and the Ultimate Quality Service... Always! Fresh Local Beef, Pork and Chicken for your BBQ! Make your Mother’s Day Special Fresh Local Asparagus Fresh Local Hot House Tomatoes
Real Living • Spring 2024 • Page 3
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Dutton Farmers Market, Celebrating Community by Peri Hayes Kaitlyn Stoddart, the Market Director, is looking forward to the return of Dutton Farmers Market for their second year in business. Open successfully on six dates last year, the market is presently being expanded to 20 vendors for the upcoming season, which will operate on Sundays, from May 26th until October 6th, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. “We want to stay very farmer’s market-focused,” says Kaitlyn.” She is immersed in planning the stationing of each vendor and looking forward to facilitating an uplifting environment wherein dedicated entrepreneurs gather to celebrate agriculture and community -- with the goal of offering fresh, local goods. Moreover, Dutton Farmers Market has partnered with farmers in the surrounding area to educate youth on the importance of produce. “We also have a Farmers Market Committee this year,” Kaitlyn discloses, “With four other members who help make decisions and bring our vision to life.” This committee consists of James Casey (Horticulturist), Kristina Pringle from Upside Downie Homestead, Elysa Spetgang from London Sourdough and Jessica Statham from The Brandywine Garden Market. “I wanted to bring all of the amazing people that I met through owning my own business,” Kaitlyn enthuses, “And introduce them to the community. I have met other business owners who are so wonderful at what they do, and I want to show and share that with everybody.” Each market day, Dutton Farmers Market will present a special event, such as cooking demonstrations, family-friendly activities and tractor attractions, and will be incorporating a variety of crafts, lawn games and live music to enjoy, as Kaitlyn
strives to cultivate opportunities for guests to discover new hobbies. “Our activities are sponsored by local businesses in Elgin County,” she explains.
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Page 4 Real Living • Spring 2024
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syrup, homemade perogies and pizza, hot sauce and more. “The Nut Bar will also serve delicious, salty snacks,” Kaitlyn adds, highlighting blueberry farm and flower farm representation. These merchants will either be participating on a weekly-basis, or switching out while their product is in season. In addition to the abundance of community- based, farm-fresh food that will be available, lovely soaps, woodworking pieces and an array of other creative businesses will be featured.
Support this local initiative by visiting Dutton Farmers Market, an outdoor event located at the Sons of Scotland Park along the paved pathway. Visit the duttonfarmersmarket.ca website for more information and email Kaitlyn at marketdirector@duttonfarmersmarket.ca with inquiries about the market, as well as vendor and volunteer positions.
Their produce vendors range from carrots, onions, potatoes and microgreens, as well as honey and maple
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Real Living • Spring 2024 • Page 5
Debuting this Year, Revival Farms Homestead School! by Peri Hayes Jennifer Jacquelyn and Mark Van Troost are excitedly preparing for their next venture, launching a Homestead stay and Revival Farms Homestead School located in Elgin County this year with the goal of being fully self-sufficient in the upcoming two to five years. “Picture the old-school farm and school that your grandparents had,” Jen describes. Their rural, week-long rentals will facilitate a glimpse into life on the family farm. The property will offer both off-grid and solar-powered cabins nestled around the farm and in the woods -- which can sleep up to six people. Furthermore, various workshops centred on traditional skills and well-being will be available for guests to enjoy during their visit. There will be an on-site farm store, with products which include bug spray, sunscreen, local goods and an optional food-box of home-grown, delicious meals which can be prepared during guest stays. This is also a space of consignment for local artisans and artists -- each cabin will be furnished with original artwork which visitors are welcome to purchase directly off of the wall. Moreover, this spacious venue will host business conferences, photography and weddings, among many holiday events. Jacquelyn and Mark have begun booking through the summer months, as well as in December, and they are filling up quickly. Revival Farms Homestead School will be offered to children in Grades 1 through 12, with space for a total of 20 students. Studying in this single-room schoolhouse celebrates learning together under one roof. Older students will experience guiding the younger grades through activities, facilitating leadership development. Presenting on a weekly basis, guest speakers will include a beekeeper, emergency services, a local farmer and more. Jen describes the school as, “Scouts meets Montessori.” Through morning and afternoon chores, as well as caring for the animals and garden, students will have the opportunity to earn badges for proficiency in nature; there will be chickens and grass-fed cows on the property. With a focus on health and wellness, students will be educated on cooking techniques, as well as how to grow and preserve food. The art of dance, meditation and yoga will also be included in this child-centred curriculum, cultivating creative outlets which nourish the body, mind and soul. There will be a nurse on-site, and trained first responders. Students will also be invited to create items for their Homestead market as a means to connect with the community and learn valuable budgeting skills from an entrepreneurial perspective. These markets will occur on a monthly basis. The Revival Farms Homestead will be operating summer camps this upcoming season, with
activities involving foraging, identifying trees, planting, and more. There will be an abundance of art in nature, campfires, games, songs and interactive fun during the ‘Explorer Series’. Jen exclaims, “I feel that it’s important to learn from people who are passionate.” She envisions growth on the Homestead, educating youth in a hands-on learning environment about life on the farm, home economics and much more. There will be an Art Department, a French teacher with immersion opportunities, a mathematics teacher,
a science teacher and more. “We can branch out!” Jen enthuses. Additionally, their Before School Program will operate from 8:00 am until 9:00 am, with their After School Program offered from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. While not a Christian school, Jen points out that Revival Farms is rooted in community, environment and traditional family values. The public will have an opportunity to attend an Open House on the farm in June, as Jen shares, “There will be family-friendly events, along with local vendors and cabin tours.” In unison, Jen and Mark conclude, “We are excited to have a positive impact in the community where families can come together. We are most excited to see the school that we wish we had learned in.” With their website under development, call or text message Jen at 519-808- 9473 with inquiries about their Revival Farms Homestead.
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Page 6 Real Living • Spring 2024
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Breakfast in Bed Parfait Most mothers I know want two things every Mother’s Day: first, to sleep in a little, and second, something their kids made especially for them. This is your opportunity to combine both into one and allow your kids the opportunity to help make mom special breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day. This is a simple, healthy recipe that kids of any age can take part in.
some honey, and sprinkle with berries. Repeat until the glass is filled. Serve chilled. Note: Any leftover granola can be stored in sealed plastic containers unrefrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to one month.
Parfaits 4 cups Vanilla yogurt 6 cups Coconut-almond granola (see recipe at left) 2 cups Fresh strawberries, quartered 1/2 cup Fresh blueberries
Coconut Almond Granola 5 cups Old fashioned oats 1 cup Almonds, sliced 1/2 cup Coconut, flaked 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/2 cup Canola oil 1/2 cup Honey 1/2 cup Brown sugar 2 tsp. Vanilla 2 tsp. Water Directions : Coconut Almond Granola
2 Tbsp. Honey 4 12 oz. Glasses
Preheat the oven to 350° degrees F. Combine the oats, almonds, coconut, and salt; set aside. In a second bowl (microwave-safe), mix the oil, honey, sugar, and water; heat on high for 90 seconds, then add the vanilla to the dry ingredients and stir well. Combine the dry and wet ingredients. Spread onto two cookie sheets (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup) and bake for 15 minutes; stir and bake another 15 minutes or until golden brown. Stir, then cool completely. Parfait Assembly Pour 1” of yogurt into each glass. Layer ¼ cup of granola and
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Real Living • Spring 2024 • Page 7
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Kristen Da Silva’s ‘Hurry Hard’ by Peri Hayes
Kristen Da Silva became immersed in theatre at a young age through her time spent performing in school plays. At York University, Kristen was a founding member of the Vanier Improv Company, as well as a company member of Vanier College Productions. She worked in external industries following her graduation, before inevitably transitioning to work full-time as an actor and playwright. “Writing has always been a passion of mine,” Kristen reveals, “And I’m mostly self-taught, though I did one creative writing class at York. I’ve written ten full-length plays which have been produced across Canada, in the United States, Italy and Germany.” Furthermore, Kristen has impressively been the two-time recipient of the Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC) Comedy Award for New Canadian Comedies. Kristen’s Hurry Hard was commissioned by Lighthouse Festival Theatre, premiering there in 2019, soon to be presented by a cast of five at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT). Kristen exclaims, “I’m thrilled about the chance to share it with Port Stanley’s audiences this summer. I’m cheering on all my Port Stanley friends, and I look forward to seeing it!” “I was inspired to write by my love of sports-themed stories,” Kristen explains, “Especially underdog stories. There’s something so moving about watching a team beat the odds by working together -- sport just makes a great subject. Having said that, Hurry Hard is less about curling than it is about the characters and their relationships. They are the heart of the story.”
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Page 8 Real Living • Spring 2024
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Hurry Hard was written over the course of a year -- which included a workshop with Lighthouse Festival Theatre. “This will be the fourth play of mine produced at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre,” Kristen enthuses. I consider them good friends, so it’s very nice to be back! They have such a passion for comedy, and I’m looking forward to all the ideas and interpretations they’ll bring to the show.” Director, Liz Gilroy, offers, “ Hurry Hard is a truly Canadian comedy: curling, cheering for the underdog, ex-hockey players, a little bit of romance and saving a hometown haunt from demolition. Kristen Da Silva has written a priceless comedy, which is bound to become a Canadian Classic. Will there be a victory on the sheet, and between the sheets? Find out this July at PSFT!” Hurry Hard is scheduled to take the PSFT stage from July 17th until August 3rd, with tickets available through the theatre’s website at psft.ca/event/hurry-hard. Inquiries about Kristen’s plays, which are licensed by Marquis Literary, are welcome at info@mqlit.ca. Moreover, those interested are encouraged to visit Kristen’s Instagram account at kristendasilva11. Real Agricultural Elgin Living Spring 2024 cover The Railway City during the eclipse. Photo by Grayden Laing of Establish Media.
Hurry Hard is playing at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre from July 17th to August 3rd, 2024
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Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of co © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Fina (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Fina Services (Canada) Inc. michael.moore@sunlife.com Your Elgin County Sun Life Advisor for 22 plus years and counting. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life gro © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Li (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Li Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Life insurance • Disability insurance • Critical illness insurance
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Real Living • Spring 2024 • Page 9
Elgin County Witnesses a Once-in-a-Lifetime Total Solar Eclipse by Carolyn Krahn, Manager of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives for the County of Elgin On April 8, Elgin County witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event - a total solar eclipse! The County worked together for almost a year to prepare for this celestial experience, working closely with local businesses and organizations to welcome thousands of visitors. The community’s collective effort, including distributing over 7,000 eclipse viewers, was a testament to the County’s unity and hospitality. The big question on everyone’s mind was the weather. Would the clouds clear in time for totality? As the day approached, the excitement was palpable, knowing that we were getting ready to receive thousands of visitors world- wide. When the day arrived, the sky was cloudy but began to clear just before the start of the big event, setting the stage for an awe- inspiring spectacle. Visitors from Scotland, Germany, and Sri Lanka joined over 15,000 beachgoers to view the eclipse in Port Stanley. The atmosphere was electric as people gathered to witness this celestial marvel. The event proved to be a boon for local businesses, with some reporting their best day yet. For instance, Two Forks in Port Stanley served over 400 meals, a clear indication of the economic boost the event provided. Meanwhile, residents hosted private viewing parties, sharing in the moment’s wonder. They observed the unusual silence of the animals as totality fell, a sign of the unique nature of the event. This was an unforgettable experience for visitors, residents, and businesses alike. Indeed, it was a breathtaking sight! L CALL US FOR A FREE HOME EVALUATION
Photo by Jane Walker, Magical Port Stanley
Port Stanley was one of many communities that welcomed thousands of visitors. Port Burwell, Port Bruce, Port Glasgow, and Backus-Page House in Dutton Dunwich saw an influx of visitors, with close to 50,000 in Elgin County. It was a special day shared with thousands of people across the County, and the community spirit and respectfulness of visitors as they experienced the eclipse collectively was also inspiring. This rare celestial event was the first total solar eclipse in Ontario since 1979, and it is not expected to happen again in the Province until 2099, which makes this event truly extraordinary. To help other communities around the world experience the same awe-inspiring sight, the County will send all collected glasses to Astronomers Without Borders, which will provide glasses to communities and schools worldwide for use during future solar eclipses.
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Page 10 Real Living • Spring 2024
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Bringing Vimy Home On April 9th, 1917, Canadian troops achieved a momentous but costly victory at Vimy Ridge. Canada’s pivotal role in the battle was meticulously planned and executed -- a successful assault, overcoming formidable German defences: the victory, showcasing Canada’s military prowess and fostering a sense of national identity was a turning point. The Battle of Vimy Ridge remains a symbol of Canadian courage and unity, commemorated annually as a defining moment in Canadian history.
On April 9th, 2024, at the Elgin County Heritage Center (460 Sunset Dr., St. Thomas), around forty eager listeners were given a more personal touch to our Canadian history in regards to Vimy Ridge by local historian, Blair Ferguson. Rather than talk about Vimy Ridge as a battle, Blair personalized it by discussing eight Dutton area men who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country there. Ellis Sifton is the name most people in this area are familiar with, as he earned a Victoria Cross that day. While a German machine gun nest pinned down many men, Ellis charged the machine gun and was able to remove the threat, saving many men’s lives. However, a dying German officer shot and killed Ellis Sifton. While Ellis is greatly renowned in our area and beyond for his bravery, seven other Dutton locals were killed during the battle, some within minutes of battle starting, some enduring wounds that would kill them over a year later. Sidney Keillor, Leslie Clark, Ernest Ward, George Hefford, George Stewart, Joseph Williams and Chas. B. Brewer were likely all known to each other, and as Blair explained, as the telegram death notices started coming in, the small community was likely in shock, seeing that they had lost so many of their own. Blair detailed some of the personal connections between these men. For example, Ellis Sifton and Sidney Keillor were neighbours. On the eve of the battle, Blair said, the two were talking about their experiences, and Ellis offered Sidney his jerkin so that he could stay warm and dry. When Sidney asked why he would do this, Ellis replied, ‘Because your mother would never forgive me if I didn’t look after you’. Blair is leading a group of individuals raising funds to build Dutton Dunwich’s very own cenotaph. “This cenotaph is giving these men, who lie elsewhere, a connection to their home, so their souls, if you will, can find a place of grace in their own community,” says Blair. While fundraising has gone well, they are still tens of thousands short of their goal of bringing a place of peace for these eight men, as well as for all the others from their community who fought for Canada. For more information on how you can support this project, email ddcenotaph@gmail.com.
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Real Living • Spring 2024 • Page 11
Encourage the Next Generation of Farmers by Laura Fraser, OFA Member Service Representative, Oxford and Elgin Counties Laura.fraser@ofa.on.ca Spring is here and I, for one, am es- pecially pleased to see the sun and the colours return and to embrace the warm weather and what comes with it. For some, spring signals
the return of students from post-secondary schools for the summer or just more time for kids to be on the farm and outside. With my oldest of four daughters recently turning 15, I have had the privilege of many seasons on the farm with my kids. Whether we were busy planting and harvesting our vegetable garden together; feeding and caring for calves, or helping tarp a bunk, they were (usually) happy to help and be a part of the job. We included our kids from a young age in the day-to-day chores in the house and in the barn, which gave them pride in their work and accomplishments. As they get older and begin to consider jobs and post- secondary education, I am proud that agriculture is a part of the conversations -- pride stemming from the work ethic instilled in them at a young age, from their empathy and the way they care for our animals -- and their pure love for and dedication to this lifestyle. Young farmers are the future of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. Fostering growth and encouraging interest
SCOTT LEWIS AUTO A name you can trust Want to keep cool this summer ? BOOK YOUR A/C MAINTENANCE WITH SCOTT LEWIS AUTO! With so many uncertainties in the agriculture world today, one thing for sure is that we need our youth to sustain a vibrant agricultural sector. We need kids joining 4-H and learning important life skills, who turn into teens who work hard and become confident leaders. So, if you know a farm kid or a kid who just loves farms, encourage them to see the rewards a career in agriculture can offer. in careers in farming is essential. Careers in agriculture are plentiful, and range from animal husbandry to technology, with many off-farm opportunities as well, which is integral to attracting more young people to agriculture.
REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural
Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales
Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or 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. Geoff@villagerpublications.com • 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise indicated. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher: Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome.
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Page 12 Real Living • Spring 2024
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OUTSTANDING IN HER FIELD Farmer Friends by Sarah Harrison, Co-Owner of Mazak Farms
I married my best friend, thank goodness because my husband and I are hard people to be friends with. Not because we are hard to get along with but because we are hard to get together with. In the spring, we are too busy; in the summer, we are too busy; in the fall, we are definitely too busy; and in the winter, we are less busy but too tired. Just a barrel of fun we are not! But very fortunately for us, we have friends who also farm and get this life. Because their schedules are similar, we mutually expect plans to change, someone to be late, or the typical someone showing up in barn clothes. All of this makes me happy. It may seem odd to be happy about not having much of a social life, but we are, we’re super happy about it. Why? Because those closest to us know that they have to come to us, and they do. Usually, when friends or family come to the farm, they come and we “walk and talk” or “work talk,” as our kids like to call it. When you are friends with a farmer, you become involved in their farm, like it or not. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who has come for a visit to our farm and who hasn’t hung out with our chickens, cracked some garlic, or peeled some popcorn and, for the most part, loved it. We have found that some of the best conversations we have had with our friends have been sitting at the picnic table under our favourite tree, working on a sit-down farm task. Don’t get
me wrong; we do get off the farm occasionally. However, more often than not, those social outings also serve a purpose for the farm. Whether picking something up or dropping something off for the farm, our social lives can’t escape our roles as farmers. Thankfully, we have people in our lives who are willing to tolerate and accommodate our total commitment to the farm. If you know a farmer, grab some coffee and drop in for a visit. They will be happy to see you and even happier if you’re willing to jump in for some work talk. Keep being outstanding in your field.
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Real Living • Spring 2024 • Page 13
Looking for a New Shed this Spring?
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82nd Annual Elgin County Alumni Dinner Picnic WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024 Hosted by Andrew Sloan, MBA’03 and Alison Dennis 218 Kitchener Avenue, Port Stanley ON N5L 1A3 Cost: $40 per person To RSVP and for more information, contact Mary-Ellen Bolt at 519-633-6435 or Email lightningbolt@rogers.com Must RSVP by Thursday, June 6, 2024
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Page 14 Real Living • Spring 2024
Leave a Gift in Your Will make a lasting local impact
The Power of a Legacy Gift
St. Thomas and Elgin County is a tight-knit community. We count on each other to ensure access to essential, life- saving care and equipment. Collectively we support our local hospital which results in excellent patient care close to home. We accomplish this by supporting each other, volunteering in our community and giving back, just like Paul Bode does every day. As we celebrate Leave a Legacy Month, Paul shares why healthcare and planned giving is so important to him. “Throughout my life I have seen the power of leaving a legacy from many perspectives: as a chair or serving on different charitable organizations, as a financial advisor and as a donor. The impact of a gift in your Will or making a charity the beneficiary of your life insurance policy, your segregated fund policy or your Registered Retirement Income Fund has so many benefits. The gift provides much needed funds for the charity, it is a lasting tribute to your community of your life and of your family, and it has significant tax benefits that in turn benefits your family. Designating a charity in your estate plans is one of the easiest and one of the most selfless decisions you can make.”
Paul Bode, Edward Jones, Aylmer STEGH Foundation Donor Since 2001 and Amasa Wood Legacy Society Member
To learn more about leaving a gift in your will, please contact:
By including the STEGH Foundation in your Estate plan, you will help ensure patient care excellence continues at STEGH for future generations.
With a planned gift, you can:
Bobbi-Jo Gardiner Director of Development bobbi-jo.gardiner@steghfoundation.ca
• Make a larger charitable gift than you might have thought possible • Provide inheritances for your loved ones at a lower tax cost • Reduce your income tax and avoid capital gains taxes • Increase your income • By leaving a Legacy, you are supporting the future of your local hospital.
519.631.2030 x 2249
The STEGH Foundation recommends that you speak with your lawyer, accountant and/or financial advisor to ensure the type and timing of your gift is right for you.
ENJOY YOUR SPECTACULAR NEW SUNROOM THE SPECIALISTS SINCE 1988
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Call us for a quote London (Lambeth) 2490 Main St., 519-266-3111 Kitchener 1486 Victoria St. N 519-742-3525 or no charge dial 1-800-265-2184 All Season or 3-Season Enclosures Custom designed to fit your home - no standard sizes. Top quality products & Limited Lifetime Warranty
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Real Living • Spring 2024 • Page 15
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At home or on your phone, go to www.dougtarryhomes.com Renderings are artist’s concept. Prices, specifications and information subject to change without notice. E.O.E.
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