Real Linving Winter 2025

REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural

WINTER 2025 Issue 23

Welcome back, dear readers!

In my family, we’ve always tried to be open about mental health. I have loved ones who have faced mental health challenges and sought treatment, and we’ve never kept it a secret. When someone asks why we’re so open about it, I respond with this: if they broke their arm and went to a doctor, would we keep that a secret? Mental health should be no different. It’s a medical issue, not a weakness. Dr. Jennifer Perras of the Elgin Counselling & Mediation Centre once told me, “Everyone should speak to a therapist at least once a year, even if everything seems okay, just like an annual check- up with your family doctor.” Wise words, and a reminder that ending the stigma around mental health starts with treating it as we would any other health issue – openly and without judgment. Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of REAL Living magazine. If you have questions, comments, or story ideas, drop me a line at geoff@villagerpublications.com. I’d love to hear from you. We’ll see you again for our next issue in May, which will mark our 6th anniversary! Until then, take care and show yourself and others a little love.

We’re thrilled to be delivering REAL Living magazine to you once again. If you missed our November issue, don’t worry — you’re not alone. The Canada Post strike meant that we distributed that issue at pick-up points around the county instead of mailing it out. But we’re delighted to say Canada Post is back in action, and we’re back in your mailboxes! If you missed the November issue and want to take a

peek, it’s still available online at villagerpublications.com. Now, with February upon us, love is in the air and so is the smell of chocolate! Valentine’s Day serves as a timely reminder to show our partners just how much they mean to us. And while grand gestures on February 14th are lovely, let’s not forget that love and appreciation should be year-round commitments. A daily dose of kindness, humour, and maybe the occasional surprise coffee or treat, all go a long way. That said, don’t skimp on the roses or heart-shaped goodies this Valentine’s Day. It’s tradition, after all! This month, I’ve also been reflecting on mental health. Watching Bell’s Let’s Talk commercials got me thinking about how attitudes around mental health have changed over the years. When I was growing up, people often kept their struggles bottled up. Seeking help was seen as a sign of weakness, and admitting to it? Almost unheard of. Times have changed, but not enough.

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Page 2 Real Living • Winter 2025

The promise of Spring, but I’ve got the Winter blues ..... by Port Stanley Festival Theatre Artistic Director, Liz Gilroy February is just one of those months in Canada that seems, blah.... It’s grey, cold, dreary, and I often find myself wishing the days away so that spring would hurry up and get here. February seems extraordinarily long this year, as I spent some of January in Australia surrounded by the sun and sand. That seems like ages ago now, and I am still sulking about it. How I long to be in a rock pool in the salty ocean with sun on my face, knowing fresh fish and chips await me on the shore, absolute bliss....... I guess I’ll dream about fresh perch and pickerel on Little Beach instead, that should be here soon enough. In the meantime, there are some events coming up at Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT) that will catapult us into spring and help chase away the February blahs. First and foremost, our March Break camp is back for another year. Last year was a tremendous success and we know this year will be too. Our campers, ages 8-11, will see live shows, have special workshops with theatre professionals, have access to our rehearsal hall and our beautiful theatre, play games, create their own stories, and learn some backstage secrets as well.

During March break on the 12th at 1 pm and 7 pm, direct from Off-Broadway in New York City, PSFT is proud to present Emilio’s A Million Chameleons , a puppet spectacular that is a true joy for all ages. It’s a circus extravaganza starring Juan {a sweet and shy chameleon}, who will sing and dance his way into your heart. Created by internationally celebrated puppeteer, Adam Francis, this wondrous world of shimmer will ignite the kid in all of us. The matinee for this amazing performance is included for all our March break campers along with a private workshop after the show with international puppeteer, Adam Francis. If you need a little more to get that spring back in your step, you can still purchase our five or six 2025 Summer Subscription Series until June 14th. All the shows this summer have something for everyone: laughter, food fights, romance, lies, secrets, corny jokes worthy of a groan or two, some toe- tappin’ country tunes, new love, old love, and some whoopee! We all know that spring will arrive eventually, and this one is an incredibly special one for me, as it will be my first spring as a permanent resident of Port Stanley. We moved to the village on November 28th and everyone has been so welcoming. The future looks bright for us and for PSFT and I can’t wait for what comes next at home and on our stage.

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Real Living • Winter 2025 • Page 3

Nature’s Remedy at Greenfields Therapy Farm

Greenfields Therapy Farm is more than just a farm; it’s a sanctuary for healing and growth. Owners, Sarah and Barry Harrison, have transformed a portion of their family’s long- standing farm into a space where therapy and nature converge to provide a unique, evidence-based approach to mental and physical well-being. Sarah, a recreation therapist with over 20 years of experience, shared her vision behind the therapy farm. “I always had the desire to bring my therapy practice home to the farm because there’s such huge value in conducting therapy outside and letting it unfold in the way it needs to. Out here, with nature and the weather, you can’t plan exactly what’s going to happen next. That unpredictability can be so therapeutic, helping people develop coping strategies, confidence, and the ability to manage their emotions.” Greenfields Therapy Farm officially launched a year ago, but its roots run deep. Mazak Farms (40075 Longhurst Line, St Thomas) has been Sarah’s family farm, in operation for 50 years. It has also been a certified organic farm for the past 25. In early 2023, the couple transitioned a section of their asparagus field into a dedicated therapy space. Barry explained the decision: “As the asparagus crop aged, we needed to transition off it anyway. This was a great opportunity to reimagine part of the farm and offer a service we knew was valuable and much needed.” Offering equine-assisted therapy as well as interactions with other farm animals, including chickens, rabbits, and miniature horses. Sarah, who recently became a certified equine- assisted therapist, explained the flexibility of the program. “It’s SCOTT LEWIS AUTO A name you can trust Winter is just getting started ! Don’t let your car leave you stuck in the cold. Call the name you have trusted for over 24 years!

not a riding program. For some clients, therapy might involve hands-on interactions with the horses. For others, it might mean simply observing the animals and reflecting on what they see. The therapy is entirely tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.”

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ditional talk therapy. “We’ve found that the combination of nature, movement, and animal interactions puts things into perspective for many people,” Sarah said. Barry adds, “Everyone can benefit from a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s planting a tree or overcoming a fear, those moments are impactful.” Sessions take place year-round, no matter the weather. “It’s all outside,” Sarah notes. “You have to be willing to get a little dirty and deal with whatever nature throws at you. But that’s part of the experience. There’s great research supporting the mental and physical benefits of getting your hands in the soil.” The Harrisons’ passion for their work is evident. “I’m so excited about this,” Sarah says. “We see results quickly, and in today’s world of immediacy, that’s important. People leave here feeling good both physically and mentally.” For Sarah, one of the most rewarding aspects of the farm’s work is how it brings families together in unexpected ways. “I can have a family session with a tough dad and his kids, and suddenly everyone’s equal because none of them have been around horses. It’s humbling and creates a unique bonding experience.” Although the therapy farm is a new venture, the Harrisons have been encouraged by the community’s response. “People have shown a real interest in what we’re doing,” Barry offers. “It’s also a way to ensure that people keep coming to the farm, especially as the landscape around us changes with development and industry.” Greenfields Therapy Farm operates on an evidence-based framework, ensuring that each session is grounded in science. “Everything we do here,” Sarah emphasizes, “Is based on research and best practices. This isn’t just about farm chores. It’s about creating real, measurable benefits for our clients.” In its first year, the farm has already made a significant impact, offering clients a chance to step away from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with nature, animals, and themselves. As Sarah puts it, “It’s not magic, but it is powerful.” Sarah also points out that therapy at Greenfields can be covered under your extended benefits plan. For more information or to book your initial consultation, go to www.greenfieldstherapyfarm.ca.

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A Prescription for Success: Scholarships Encourage Local Medical Students to Return Home The Elgin St. Thomas Health Recruitment Partnership recently celebrated the 2024 recipients of its annual scholarship program, which supports local medical students and encourages them to return to the area as family doctors. The program is just one of many initiatives spearheaded by the Partnership to address the growing need for family physicians in the St. Thomas and Elgin County communities. This year’s scholarships were awarded to Abigaile Beamish, Ashlyn Hersey, Brandon Brower, Cole Gordon, Kaitlyn Montieth, Patrick Acres, and Patrick Sharmon. “The committee was established to recruit and retain family doctors for the St. Thomas and Elgin community,” says Lori Baldwin-Sands, City of St. Thomas Councillor and Chair of the Health Recruitment Partnership. The group includes elected representatives from the City of St. Thomas and the County of Elgin, representatives from the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and the Home Builders Association, two physicians-at- large, and administrative staff. Together, they help guide, direct, and support the Partnership’s efforts to bring new doctors to the area. Lori emphasizes that the scholarship program is just one of the tools the Partnership uses to connect with medical students. “By filling out the scholarship application, students begin a relationship with our Health Recruiter, who supports them throughout medical school,” Lori explains. “This connection allows us to understand

L-R, Grant recipients Brandon Brower, Abigaile Beamish, Patrick Acres, Ashlyn Hersey, Patrick Sharmon, Lori Baldwin-Sands, City of St. Thomas Councillor and Chair of the Health Recruitment Partnership, Grant Jones, Mayor of Southwold and Elgin County Warden, Recipient Cole Gordon, Mayor of Aylmer Jack Couckuyt, Uzo Ajogwu, Health Recruiter. Not pictured is recipient Kaitlyn Montieth who was unable to attend. their needs, keep communication open, and encourage them to return to the community after graduation.” Over the years, the Partnership has provided more than $1.2 million in incentive grants and has successfully recruited 36 doctors to the area. Despite these accomplishments, Lori noted that challenges remain. “Our population is growing, and many doctors are nearing retirement. The need is great,” she says. To address these challenges, the committee is organizing a Health Recruitment Symposium in January to bring together stakeholders and strategize new pathways for success.

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says Brandon Brower, “And scholarships like this make a big difference. But even more importantly, being involved in the community and knowing other medical students and residents through this program creates a support system that’s invaluable.” Cole Gordon echoed this sentiment: “School’s expensive, and this scholarship takes some of the financial burden away, allowing me to focus on my studies and give back to the community.” “It’s amazing to see how much the community values us as medical students and wants us to return,” Abigaile Beamish adds. “Knowing they’re willing to go the extra mile to show that support means a lot.” Ashlyn Hersey, who has deep roots in the area, shared her perspective: “St. Thomas is my home. My family and extended family are here, and this scholarship reminds me how much the community needs family doctors.” Patrick Sharmon, who is studying at University College Cork in Ireland, acknowledged the additional challenges faced by international students. “There are more hurdles coming back to Canada,” he says, “But knowing there are people in the community looking out for you makes a big difference,” Patrick Acres, who grew up in Elgin County, reflected on the significance of the program: “This community is a huge part of who I am. For the Health Recruitment team to prioritize bringing back local talent is really special to me.” The Elgin St. Thomas Health Recruitment Partnership con- tinues to play a vital role in addressing the critical family doctor shortage while fostering meaningful relationships with the next generation of medical professionals.

The granting luncheon has evolved into a special occasion that includes not just students but also their families. Lori recounted how the event changed after one student asked to bring their parents. “Now, parents share their stories and hopes for their children and students exchange contact information and build friendships,” she says. “It’s heartwarming to see these connections forming, and we hope these relationships encourage them to return to the community together.” Vicky Acres, mother of scholarship recipient Patrick Acres, highlighted the importance of the luncheon: “It’s so much easier when you have that support system. Patrick’s always been a small-town guy, and events like this reinforce his connection to the community. We couldn’t be prouder of him and the other recipients. They’re creating a network for themselves, and in time, they might come back and work together.” For the recipients, the scholarships provide both financial relief and a sense of belonging. “Medical school is very expensive,”

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Leadership in Bloom Starting in 2025, Janis Harris, co-owner of Harris Flower Farm and Pastured Pork, has been elected Vice President of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG). This association connects over 3,000 members worldwide, mostly small-scale flower growers in North America. “The ASCFG is very education-based,” Janis explains. “There’s so much to learn through the association’s conferences, resources, and quarterly magazines. It’s been invaluable for growers like me.” Janis first became involved years ago when her parents gifted her a membership for her birthday. In 2017, recognizing the need for Canadian representation, the ASCFG elected Janis as its first Canadian Regional Director. She served two terms, paving the way for others, including the current representative from Nova Scotia. When the Vice President position opened up, Janis saw it as an opportunity to amplify the Canadian voice further. “I thought this was a good way to get another Canadian on the executive board,” she says. The association focuses on growers who produce unique and diverse crops — flowers that aren’t typically mass-produced. “Most of us are small-scale farmers growing multiple crops and varieties,” Janis notes. She highlights the importance of education within the industry, especially as misinformation often circulates online. “There are so many YouTube videos and Instagram accounts where people claim to be experts, but sometimes the advice isn’t accurate for certain regions. For example, growing flowers in Canada is very different from growing in Texas. The ASCFG ensures that the information shared is qualified, vetted, and reliable.” Janis’s passion for improving industry standards and sharing quality education is what drives her involvement, even as a

volunteer. “The more quality information out there, the better we can all grow,” she says. “The association does a lot around post- harvest handling, ensuring flowers last longer, and improving profitability for farmers. It elevates the entire industry.” Looking ahead, Janis is excited about reconnecting with the ASCFG community. “The first board meeting is in San Diego in January. I’ve met so many wonderful people through this association, and I’m looking forward to being active again.” Closer to home, Janis and her husband, Mark, continue to focus on extending their growing season at Harris Flower Farm. “We’ll have flowers up until Christmas and then start back up in February with tulips and other early blooms forced in our greenhouse. We’re not necessarily trying to get bigger, just sustaining what we’re do- ing and keeping fresh, locally grown flowers available year-round.” With Janis now taking on this leadership role, the ASCFG’s future looks bright, as Canada’s representation in the specialty cut flower industry.

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2025 Priorities for the County of Elgin by Warden Grant Jones As we look ahead to 2025, the County of Elgin is focused on building a stronger, more sustainable future for our residents, businesses, and communities. We have a number of exciting initiatives planned, alongside critical projects that will enhance our infrastructure, improve services, and support responsible development. Here are some of our key priorities for the year ahead. A major priority for the County in 2025 is the implementation of our newly-developed Strategic Plan. This plan outlines a clear vision for the County’s future, and we are excited to begin putting it into action. Our focus will be on aligning our daily operations with the long-term goals of the plan, with particular attention to sustainable growth, enhanced communications, and service excellence. Communication and engagement will be a cornerstone of our work. We understand the importance of keeping residents informed about the many projects and initiatives across the County. To ensure meaningful participation, we will enhance engagement efforts on major projects by using a variety of communication channels. This will allow residents to provide input, ask questions, and stay updated, fostering transparency and building stronger relationships between the County and its residents. Maintaining and improving infrastructure is always a top priority, and 2025 will see continued work on several critical roads and facilities. A key project will be the reconstruction of the village of Fingal, which is essential to maintaining safe, efficient transportation networks that support both the economic and social well-being of the County.

The County’s newly developed Planning Department will play a key role in shaping responsible development. We will continue to work closely with our Local Municipal Partners to ensure that development processes are streamlined, efficient, and aligned with our shared vision for the future. Our approach will prioritize community well-being and sustainability while accommodating the needs of a growing population. In 2025, the County will also focus on partnering with regional stakeholders like Central Elgin, St. Thomas, and the Province to capitalize on the significant economic opportunities emer- ging in our region. The recent investment in electric vehicle manufacturing represents a transformative opportunity for Elgin, and we are committed to making the most of this investment. By fostering job creation, business growth, and local prosperity, we aim to ensure the long-term economic vitality of our region. Additionally, we are closely monitoring the ongoing residential development in our communities, particularly in the area of the former psychiatric hospital lands. This site presents an exciting opportunity to revitalize a key part of our community, creating a vibrant, sustainable residential area that meets the needs of our growing population. 2025 promises to be a year of growth, collaboration, and progress for the County of Elgin. By implementing our Strategic Plan, maintaining critical infrastructure, engaging with residents, and working closely with partners, we are confident that we will continue building a prosperous and sustainable future for our communities.

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The Importance of Safe Sport by MP Karen Vecchio

Through this study, we included recommendations to help eradicate abuse in sport that included a public registry of coaches and improvement to education and training for athletes, coaches and parents. Nationally, sports abuse and maltreatment can be reported to the office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner. This complaint mechanism is available to national-level athletes but not those taking part in local or provincial clubs. Provincially, it is up to the organizations to create a proper complaint process. Although the study has concluded, my interest and desire to ensure that sports are safe for participants continues. My role as a parliamentarian has provided an outlet for athletes to continue to share their concerns as they wait for resolution on their own complaints from provincial and local sporting organizations. The 24 recommendations made by the Status of Women committee to address safe sport were specific to national sporting organizations, recognizing the need to collaborate with provinces, territories and sporting organizations. Almost two years following the study, I have begun to see changes in some of the federal organizations, including the separation between the complaint management process, national sporting organizations and a discussion on the use of non- disclosure agreements. But realistically, how does this study impact local sports in our own communities? The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner is not available to athletes who are not part of a national sports team. Organizations, including Hockey Canada and Gymnastics Canada, receive fees from local and municipal associations with little return of service. Training manuals and services are available at a fee for service to local

In July 2022, Canadians became aware of allegations of sexual assault made against members of the 2018 Canadian Men’s Junior Hockey Team. It was reported that a lawsuit for $3.55 million was filed against eight former players and that Hockey Canada settled the case out of court. Following parliamentary hearings that began in June, focusing on the national sport organization and sexual assault cases, the Canadian Press reported that Hockey Canada was using a fund called the National Equity Fund to settle sexual misconduct cases. Sports in Canada, at all levels, were placed under the microscope. This toxic situation opened an opportunity for athletes to speak up and share their own experiences in sport. As the Chair of the Status of Women committee, I led an important study allowing athletes from various sports including gymnastics, skiing, and soccer to bring forward their stories and share reports of maltreatment at all levels of sport. Witnesses appearing at committee shared their firsthand experiences including psychological, physical, sexual harm and neglect. The witnesses spoke of abusive coaching and extraordinary pressures to perform. During this study, I hosted a viewing of CTV’s W5 documentary ‘Broken- The Toxic Culture of Canadian Gymnastics’. Gymnasts for Change and Global Athlete worked to bring forward the voices of hundreds of gymnasts who shared their stories of inappropriate touching, fat-shaming and physical injuries. Amelia Cline, a former national gymnast, shared her story of ‘over-stretching’ to the extent that her coach, “Forcibly yanked my leg back behind my ear… snapped my hamstring and took part of my pelvis with it.”

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Disability insurance • Employee benefits • Estate and Financial Planning BUSINESS MEETINGS BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS WEDDING RECEPTIONS TWO GREAT HALLS WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! · large or small - 10 to 250 people - we can accomodate your needs · with the ability to host a variety of functions, we’ll make your event one to remember · event rooms that can be configured with endless possibilities BUSINESS MEETINGS BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS WEDDING RECEPTIONS Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Malahide Community Place & South Dorchester Community Hall TWO GREAT HALLS WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! · large or small - 10 to 250 people - we can accomodate your needs · with the ability to host a variety of functions, we’ll make your event one to remember · event rooms that can be configured with endless possibilities Chris Cox, Community Services Coordinator 519-765-4755 · chriscox@malahide.ca BUSINESS MEETINGS BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS FAMILY FUNCTIONS WEDDING RECEPTIONS Call or email us today to discuss how we can help you! · large or small - 10 to 250 people - we can accomodate your needs · with the ability to host a variety of functions, we’ll make your event one to remember · event rooms that can be configured with endless possibilities 519-762-3218 • 172 Currie Rd., Dutton Open 9-5 Monday-Friday. 9-2 Saturday. Closed Sunday. Malahide Community Place & South Dorchester Community Hall TWO GREAT HALLS WAITING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! Plan for your future farm needs. Map out a route that protects you and your business. Let’s talk about your options. Call or email us today to discuss how we can help you! rentals@malahide.ca 519-773-5344 Ext 232

To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com *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. 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.

Page 10 Real Living • Winter 2025 Call or email us today to discuss how we can help you!

Chris Cox, Community Services Coordinator 519-765-4755 · chriscox@malahide.ca

organizations. Sponsorship money received at the national level is for national sporting events only. What can we do in our own community and what are the local organizations doing to ensure our athletes come first? There is a great deal of pressure on our local volunteers who coach. Our community has several sporting organizations for minor hockey, baseball, soccer, ringette, dance, gymnastics, karate, football, and track & field. Following multiple emails to my office for assistance from individuals across the country on their own experiences, I have continued to work on files. Although I am not legally involved, I approach the files to identify gaps. Strategies and solutions mandated by Sport Canada refer to national athletes only, with a few contractual exemptions, so how are local associations and organizations working to ensure athletes at all levels of participation are safe? During the summer, I had an opportunity to begin my work at the local level with the assistance of the St. Thomas Stars Minor Hockey Association. My review has begun by completing the programs available to coaches and parents. As suggested by the delegation, the review of organizational structures for multiple sport disciplines is necessary. Locally, I felt greatly confident with the professionalism of the organization (or perhaps it was just the hardworking volunteers who have been working in our community for years!). From my experience with Hockey Canada and the study in the Status of Women committee, conflict of interest has been a great challenge to overcome. Ensuring that individuals who violate the code of ethics are appropriately investigated, disciplined

and sanctioned must be upheld. Opportunities to ensure that complaints are probably reported must be guaranteed. Regardless of the relationship to one another in sport, our principles must put the athletes first. Everyone has a responsibility, from those who coach to those who cheer from the stands. There must be accountability and mechanisms to ensure sport is actually safe. As a crazy parent on the sidelines circa 2000-2021, I know I can do better. Let’s win, but let’s always win with integrity.

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Real Living • Winter 2025 • Page 11

Greetings and Happy New Year! by Laura Fraser, OFA Member Service Representative, Oxford and Elgin Counties Laura.fraser@ofa.on.ca There is no better way to start a new year than with an exciting and educational event to look forward to. The Elgin Federation of Agriculture

This event empowers young students by providing them with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about the agriculture sector. We hope to show the many viable career opportunities other than farming in agriculture, such as mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and accountants. We also need lawyers and software engineers for all the latest robotics on farms, and so much more. Students will get the chance to speak about a variety of roles and professions in agriculture with industry professionals who volunteer their time. Communicating the benefits of agricultural work to a younger demographic is imperative to attracting young workers and to securing our future. We are hopeful that this event will help to close the knowledge gap and show students that you don’t have to be from a farm to work in agriculture. The event’s largest expense will be for bussing the students to it. While supported by Agscape and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the EFA is responsible for the event’s costs. To run a successful event, they are currently looking for more sponsorships and local donations. If you are interested in supporting this event in any way, or for more information on the event, please reach out to elginfarmers@gmail.com.

(EFA) recognizes the importance of youth and educator knowledge regarding the vital roles agriculture and food play in our society and economy. Closing the food literacy gap and addressing labour shortages in agriculture and food is critical to our community and economy and ensuring we can feed our growing population. On April 15th and 16th, the EFA, together with AgScape, a charitable organization dedicated to serving Ontario edu- cators and youth, is taking over the Joe Thornton arena to host a career exploration event in Elgin County. This event will provide an excellent opportunity to assist our youth in making real-world connections between the Agri-sector and the world they live in. They plan to host each day, 600 local students in grades 7-10 to experience industry representatives, running stations related to agriculture, food, and hands-on careers meant to capture their interest. Students will be placed in small groups which will switch stations every 10 to 12 minutes, allowing them a fun and interactive way of learning about food and agriculture.

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REAL LIVING Rural Elgin

Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales 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. 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.

Page 12 Real Living • Winter 2025

To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com

OUTSTANDING IN HER FIELD You need me to get what? by Sarah Harrison, Co-Owner of Mazak Farms “Can you run into town….” the start of an inevitable argument. “Can you run into the hardware store and pick up…” Yup, that is the sentence that all farm women despise. Why? Because it rarely ends up

is actually thinking. Most of the time, I can remain composed enough to politely reply, ‘That’s not necessary; I would appreciate your help in finding…’. However, sometimes, my face lets me down and reveals just how annoyed I am with that request. In my experience, it has never been a female sales associate who requested a phone call with my husband; it has always been men. When those men see my face, the interaction goes from annoying to comical. Their attempt to backtrack and pull the interaction out of the water is always amusing. I may be the one who ran into town, but that doesn’t mean I need the men to give me the product and a pat on the head. Do I love leaving my work and running into town? Nope. I hate it, actually, but I love being part of our farm business as an equal partner who would rather be entertained by a sales associate than switch out the water pump on the tractor. Keep being outstanding in your field.

going well. It seems that no matter how detailed the description of the item you are intending to purchase, it never ends up being what you were supposed to get. It is either the wrong size, the wrong brand, or the wrong thing altogether. When you are in the store, you feel this sense of urgency, as that much-needed mystery item you were sent to retrieve is absolutely required to keep the farm ticking. The worst is when you have dropped the work you were doing in order to do your part in averting the latest farm disaster, but by the time you get back to the farm from the dreaded mission to town, the problem has been fixed. Whatever that thing was that you just purchased is no longer needed. Never mind, I take that back. The worst is actually when you are at the store telling the salesperson what you need; they give you a blank look and say, ‘Why don’t you call your husband so I can ask him what he’s looking for?’. That is the worst. Here we are at the start of 2025, and more times than not, I’m asked to put ‘the man’ on the phone. Good grief. Having three ‘tween’ and teen daughters, my face is pretty trained to hide what my brain AD SAVE DIRECT RESPONSE MEDIA GROUP 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2G7 1 866 993-0600 drmg.com

Real Agricultural Elgin Living Winter 2025 cover Bunnies saying hello at Mazak Farms. Photo by Geoff Rae JAN FEB MAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP

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Real Living • Winter 2025 • Page 13

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Page 14 Real Living • Winter 2025

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