Port Stanley Villager September 2025 Issue 71
Letter from the Editor Decision-making is something we all do every day. Some decisions are tiny, like what kind of canned tomatoes to buy (diced, crushed, or fire-roasted: the struggle is real). Others are a bit bigger, like where to eat tonight. And some decisions loom large, like where to take the family for vacation this year.
PortStanley FestivalTheatre
PACKED WITH FALL ENTERTAINMENT! SIMON JOYNES PLAYWRIGHTS’ FESTIVAL Join us for three nights of FREE Public Readings as we develop new Canadian stories. Hosted by PSFT Artistic Director Liz Gilroy
The truth is that decision-making is a skill. And the ability not to get bogged down in the minutia of every detail and avoid paralysis by every choice is a genuine asset, for your family, your business, and most importantly, your own peace of mind. I like to think of myself as a decision-maker. It comes with the territory. I make them every day: What story do I write? Where does this ad go? Should I start another project or focus on the ones already piling up on my desk? I won’t claim every decision I make is the right one, far from it, but I stand by the choices I’ve made, and I always try to learn from the ones that didn’t pan out. I also learned a long time ago that I don’t know everything. Shocking, I know. That’s why I’ve come to value the wisdom of trusted friends, family, and colleagues. I might not follow their advice every time, but I always appreciate their perspectives and use them to help shape my decision-making. One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard? Only accept criticism from people you would go to for advice. That little gem has saved me a lot of time and energy. After all, it’s much easier to criticize than it is to step up and make a choice. If you’re facing a big decision, as I did this summer, my advice is this: be brave. Don’t be reckless; consider your options carefully. But once the scales tip, be bold. Move forward with purpose. One of my favourite quotes is from John Augustus Shedd: A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what ships are built for. So set sail. Speaking of projects, the Christmas in Port Stanley Holiday Cookbook is coming together beautifully. I’m thrilled by the community’s excitement and participation. If you’d like to share a recipe in this new holiday tradition, there’s still time. The deadline is September 15. Email your recipe to geoff@villagerpublications. com. We are accepting recipes for drinks, appetizers, mains, sides, desserts and even something from pets. Now that summer is ending and fall is just around the corner, it’s a natural time for reflection and for making a few new decisions. Whatever choices lie ahead, remember: the goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to move forward with intention. Be brave. And take that step — toma toes and all.
September 18 - 20 th , 2025 at 7:30pm “Deadly Memories” by Steven Gallagher
“Hart’s Crossing” by Tracey Hoyt “Ship To Shore” by Norm Foster Reserve Free Seats in Advance Donations Welcomed at the Door
October 4 2pm & 7:30pm
Timeless Sounds of the 50’s & 60’s with a fresh, contemporary energy!
THE FRETLESS
featuring Madeleine Roger November 8 2pm & 7:30pm
Port Stanley Villager September 2025 cover Arghh matey, there be a Pirate at the CALIPSO Festival. Photo courtesy of Hot Shoe Hustle.
Contemporary Folk Music
519-782-4353 www.psft.ca RESERVE YOUR SEATS
Page 2 Port Stanley Villager • September 2025
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Opening the Doors of Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin by Peri Hayes The Hospice build began in the spring of 2024 and is now proudly standing tall as an accessible means of support. Welcoming their first resident in July of this year, Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin has opened their doors as a community resource for those receiving palliative care. Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin is a non-profit organization built on honouring life at life’s end, curated to facilitate a meaningful and comfortable experience for individuals and their loved ones. Fulfilling their vision for Hospice to feel like that of a cottage, this transformational space has incorporated an array of features, including wooden beams along the highest ceiling, a tranquil waterfall wall, a cozy fire pit in the backyard and so forth. Hospice also overlooks the gorgeous Waterworks Park and abundant nearby greenery.
Recognizing this is not always possible, the Cottage provides a tranquil and calm space in a home-like atmosphere, and staff are already planning to expand services in the very near future to include options for day care for those remaining at home.” With approximately 35 care staff onboard, Hospice is currently funded to simultaneously provide 24/7 support to eight in- dividuals. Hospice aims to offer as much as possible for family members and friends to be able to remain on-site and close to their loved one. Guests can visit at any time, with care staff enabling access beyond the 8:30 am to 8:30 pm reception hours. Moreover, their Head Chef, Jamie, will be replenishing their café as a means to ensure that nourishing snacks are available. There is also a washer-dryer for families to utilize during their time at Hospice, along with supplies in each resident’s room. With care
The care is demonstrated in the details at Hospice, with hand- made quilts crafted by members of the community on each resident’s bed. Furthermore, the following components are featured: a bright residency with windows and transparent doors for observing the serene nature on the property; luscious outdoor gardens; a relaxing spa with a soaker tub; a blanket warming station; beds suitably sized for cuddling and expanded door frames for residents to travel through Hospice. Additionally, there are Smart TVs in the dining room and in each resident’s room for video calling loved ones and remaining connected. Says Executive Director, Brenda Fleming, “Statistically, most individuals desire to spend their final days at home, surrounded by those they love most.
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Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 3
staff always nearby, residents can enjoy uninterrupted time with their loved ones. For guests staying overnight, each resident room has a couch which transitions into a queen-sized bed. There is the family ‘bunkie’, which serves as a guest room for families to occupy on a first-come, first-served basis. One of Hospice’s principles is that residents will enter and exit through the front door. Through this entrance, there is a calming reflection room wherein families will be invited to gather for a moment. During this time, the Hospice team will express their gratitude for being entrusted to care for their loved one. There are religious symbols in this space, as well as a rotating exhibition of creative works from St. Thomas- Elgin Public Art Centre’s Permanent Collection. Hospice is a community effort brought to fruition through generous contributors and donors, selfless volunteers, dedicated physicians and more. As Brenda voices, “This is a resource delivered by the community for the community.”
Located at 8 South Edgeware Road, Barry Family Hospice of Elgin welcomes inquiries by phone at 519-631-7495.
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Page 4 Port Stanley Villager • September 2025
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2025, a cozy Mid-Winter event in February 2026, and a Spring Mother’s Day experience to honour local moms in May 2026. In addition to the seasonal events, The Village People are curating Winter Getaway Packages that include accommodations, dining, and shopping, enhanced by immersive experiences such as yoga sessions, cooking classes, and art workshops with local creatives. “Our goal is to help sustain the energy and economy of the village year-round,”. “We’re creating ways for people to fall in love with Port Stanley beyond the summer season.” Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and support local businesses and artists, ensuring that the village thrives with culture, creativity, and community, in all of the seasons. For updates on events and packages, contact the Art Emporium and stay tuned to our website rollout. FULL PAGE 10.875”w x 6”h PROOF DATE: Feb 20, 2024 TROSUN-0324-MAR-LNE-IBC-01 JAN FEB MAR OCT NOV DEC MAILING MONTH FULL PAGE 10.875”w x 6”h PROOF DATE: Feb 20, 2024 PROOF #: TROSUN-0324-MAR-LNE-IBC-01 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
Councillor’s Corner by Councillor Michael Graham The “Village People” Launches to Boost Local Engagement and Shoulder Season Tourism in Port Stanley A new community-led initiative is bringing fresh energy to Port Stanley’s off-peak seasons. The newly formed board, The Village People, is set to roll out a series of vibrant events and experiences designed to increase local and visitor activity in the shoulder months. Kicking off the programming is a Harvest Scavenger Hunt on October 18, 2025, inviting families, friends, and visitors to explore the town’s charming streets, shops, and hidden gems while solving clues and collecting fall-themed treasures. Holiday cheer will follow with a Christmas celebration in December AD SAVE DIRECT RESPONSE MEDIA GROUP 240 Wyecroft Road, Oakville, ON L6K 2G7 1 866 993-0600 drmg.com
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Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 5
Elgin County Studio Tour Features Cathy Horvath Buchanan by Peri Hayes Local artist, Cathy Horvath Buchanan, has loved drawing and painting for as long as she can remember. Upon graduating from college in Fine Arts, Cathy worked in graphic design. As she shares, “Ever since the internet came along, I’ve been selling my art directly to collectors worldwide -- which has allowed me to paint full time.” Cathy has been pursuing her career as an artist for over 20 years, about which she proceeds, “My way of working and style has evolved, but what hasn’t changed is my passion to express and share the beauty of what I see with others.” As a young artist, Cathy taught herself to draw with nature as her fulfilling area of focus: “I loved the challenge of trying to capture subjects as accurately as possible. That skill led me to becoming a photo-realist painter, continuing to faithfully render subjects. After a while, I think I became restless with the confines of realism; feeling the need to add more expression, interest and brighter colours to my version of the subject matter.” When Cathy was residing in the city, she began to utilize her experience as a realist painter to create scenic views through her imagination. “Since these paintings aren’t from specific real-world sources, they have a dreamy, folk art-inspired feel. It’s been a popular style -- people seem to enjoy the positive, happy simplicity of the work.” Primarily composed of acrylic on canvas, Cathy’s creations also include her plein-air paintings, which are acrylic on panel or paper, her pencil and pen drawings, and several watercolour pieces. “I think creativity can be like a pendulum, so,” Cathy reveals, “I found myself circling back to ground myself in real-
world subjects again. Since moving here, I’ve been inspired to capture the beautiful views in Port Stanley -- but also wanting to add my own stylistic twist, interpreting them with bolder colourful expression and painterly brushwork. I hope my love of Port Stanley shines through these paintings, as I try to capture the spirit of this wonderfully unique place on canvas.”
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com 750 Talbot St.• Suite 203 • St. Thomas • ON 226-210-1086 • office@simplicity-cremation.ca WWW.SIMPLICITY-CREMATION.CA
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Page 6 Port Stanley Villager • September 2025
Tour debuted. Cathy, along with other local artists, participated in bringing this idea to life as an annual event. The returning Elgin County Studio Tour operates from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm on September 27th and 28th: “I’m looking forward to once again meeting and connecting in-person with all the folks who follow my art, as well as being introduced to those who haven’t
encountered my work before.” The mandate of the Elgin County Studio Tour is to be a free, self-directed tour of participating artists’ studios, facilitating opportunities to engage with artists in their respective workspaces and to converse about the crea- tive process -- with an invita- tion to purchase pieces. Aim-
ing to amplify art in the community, this Tour is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the cultural and economic impact of the arts in Elgin County. For details about the featured artists, explore elgincountystudiotour.ca. Visit the CathyHorvathBuchanan.com website to contact the artist virtually, or view her works in-person at the following establishments: St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, gathered in Sparta, Art & Soul Café in Port Stanley and her home studio during the Elgin County Studio Tour. The Elgin County Studio Tour is September 27 and 28. Learn more at elgincountystudiotour.ca
Cathy continues, “Port Stanley has a wealth of riches when it comes to the sheer number of artists and creatives living in the village. Between the art guilds and local art displays in public spaces, artists of all levels — from beginners to professionals — can find a place to be included. I believe celebrating artworks by local artists helps
build a sense of identity and culture by reflecting the shared experience and values of our community. When you support and purchase local art, you’re actively taking part in that shared vision and helping it flourish.” Last year, created by artists and curators Elizabeth Kusinski and Laura Woermke, the phenomenal Elgin County Studio
From lakeside views to historic villages and welcoming neighbourhoods, Central Elgin offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant community spirit. Dedicated staff and Council are working together to build a resilient, livable, and future- ready community. We’re committed to driving growth, enhancing local services, and improving quality of life. CENTRAL ELGIN MUNICIPALITY OF
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Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 7
Port Stanley Community Calendar Recurring Events Pre-School Storytime Port Stanley Library, every Tuesday at 10:00 am. Starting September 9th. Join us for songs, stories, and a craft. Ages 0-5 and their caregiver. Nia with Gillian Union Sports and Community Centre, every Friday at 10 am Contact Vicki 519-631-9294. Knitting Group Port Stanley Library, every Tuesday at 2 pm. Bring your projects and meet new people. Everybody welcome. Men’s Club Port Stanley Library, every Monday at 10 am. Pop in for a chat and coffee. Kids Club Port Stanley Library, every Monday, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Starting September 8th. Join us for a story, games, and a craft. Grades 1 and up, JK/SK with a caregiver. Tuesday September 2nd, 2025 Port Stanley Art Guild Accepting New Members Port Stanley United Church, 7 pm. 239 Colborne St, Port Stanley Wanting to connect with our art community? Check out our website for details and contact us for more info. Card Making Port Stanley Library, 1 pm to 3 pm Create handmade cards with Jean. Cost: $10 Tuesday September 14th Until December 2025 Association of Port Stanley Artists Art Display & Sale Port Stanley Festival Theatre APSA SQUARED a unique show featuring original fine artworks www.portstanleyartguild.com Monday September 8th, 2025 Been Looking for a Heat Pump or Generator? NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY Huge Rebates on Heat Pumps ON NOW!
that are all square. Purchase a ‘square’ next time at the theatre and support local arts. Thursday September 19th, 2025 Adult Book Club. Port Stanley Library, 6 pm We will discuss, Life Hacks for a Little Alien by Alice Franklin. Everybody welcome. Tuesday September 23rd, 2025 Quarter Auction Union Sports and Community Centre, Doors Scrapbooking Port Stanley Library, 10 am to 12 pm. Organize your photos. Cost: $10. The Port Stanley Library and Port Stanley Festival Theatre are located at 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley. The Union Sports & Community Centre is located at 6068 Bell St., Union. The Port Stanley Community Calendar is put together by the Port Stanley Villager Magazine and the Port Stanley Villager Association. To have your event included in an upcoming calendar, email hometown@villagerpublications.com with the name of the event, the date, time, location, and a description of up to 20 words. Open at 6 pm, Auction Starts at 7 pm Monday, September 29th, 2025
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Page 8 Port Stanley Villager • September 2025
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The Elgin County Studio Tour is a FREE self- directed tour of artists’ studios, providing a unique opportunity to meet the artists in their workspaces.
Elizabeth Kusinski Florals, landscape and figurative artist working in oil and acrylic. 311 Selbourne Drive, Port Stanley, ON www.elizabethkusinski.com Denise Antaya Realistic landscape paintings in oil. 58 Compass Trail, Port Stanley, ON www.deniseantaya.com
Chris Dancey Art, Heart & Hearth Studio and Gallery Multi-media artist. 51301 Woolleyville Line, Aylmer, ON
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Judy Mennill The Bunkhouse Acrylic painter depicting a variety of subjects including landscapes, still life and portraits. 51200 Vienna Line, Aylmer, ON.
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Cathy Horvath Buchanan Original paintings, art prints, landscapes & florals. #50-301 Carlow Road, Port Stanley, ON www.cathyhorvathbuchanan.com Melanie Cummings Glass mosaic artist and one of a kind sterling silver and fine gemstone jewelry. #51-301 Carlow Road, Port Stanley, ON www.instagram.com/melcummingsart Linda Pitcher The Cottage Forge Metal art sculptures. 365 Warren Street, Port Stanley, ON www.facebook.com/the.cottage.forge Sylvie Gilgen Nature-inspired subjects in acrylic and oil. 37552 Lake Line, Port Stanley, ON Christine Torres Schnortzy’s Pottery Handmade functional ceramics using both wheel thrown and slab techniques. 366 George Street, Port Stanley, ON www.instagram.com/schnortzyspottery Suzette Terry Painter working in acrylic and collage creating land- scapes and floras. 331 Erie Street, Unit 3 (rear unit), Port Stanley, ON www.suzetteterryartist.ca Susan E. Tanton Mixed media artist and painter. Landscape and urban scenes. 374 Edith Cavell Blvd., Unit 2, Port Stanley, ON www.instagram.com/susanetanton Shawn De Neire Watercolour and acrylic painting of wildlife, landscapes and portraits. 6194 Stonechurch Road, Union, ON www.instagram.com/shawn_t_deneire
Rosemary Carter The Cabin Creative functional pottery 51200 Vienna Line, Aylmer, ON.
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Laura Woermke Figurative and landscape artist who works in oil, acrylic and printmaking. 6 Blue Heron Place, St. Thomas, ON
www.laurawoermke.art 14
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Mary Intven Wallace Impressionist style landscape paintings 120 Axford Pkwy, St. Thomas, ON www.maryintvenwallaceartist.com
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Heather Keating Fusion of realism and impressionism, depicting landscape and figurative.
www.instagram.com/sylviegilgen57 6
132 Erie Street, St. Thomas, ON 16
Nicky Decorte Pastel drawing and Acrylic paintings. 41 Wellington Street, St. Thomas, ON
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www.iamnow.today 17
Jennifer Gerardi 2Dogs Studio Functional and decorative ceramic art with themes inspired by nature. 12 Balfour St., St. Thomas, ON www.instagram.com/2dogsstudiosca Dennis Kalichuk Happy Rock Studio Multi-media artist, watercolour, sculpture and assemblage. 86 Gladstone Ave, St. Thomas, ON www.denniskalichuk.com Grayden Laing Expressionistic landscapes and figurative paintings 10965 Wonderland Road, St. Thomas, ON
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Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 9
Compass Point Offers a Fresh Direction for Port Stanley Housing The introduction of Compass Point, located just off East Road, is changing Port Stanley’s housing landscape. Opening this fall, Compass Point, a new, six-storey, 70-unit apartment building developed by Domus Developments, brings much-needed long-term rental options to a lakeside village that, until now, has offered little beyond cottages and duplexes. “This is the tallest residential building on the Canadian side of Lake Erie,” notes Mike Mescia, President of Domus Developments. “We wanted to highlight that by giving all residents access to the beautiful blue waters with a rooftop patio that offers stunning views of the lake and countryside.” Compass Point offers one and two-bedroom layouts ranging from 800 to 1,250 square feet. Each unit features a private balcony, large windows for natural light, custom kitchens with quartz countertops, luxury vinyl flooring, and full-sized, in-suite laundry and appliances. Ceilings are nine feet high throughout the building, with ten-foot ceilings on the top floor. Designed with modern comfort and aging in place in mind, Compass Point caters to residents looking for easier living without leaving the community they love. “Aging in place is a concept that gets talked about a lot,” Michael explains. “It means creating housing options that suit people as they move through different stages of life. These days, not everyone wants a big house with a yard, especially those looking to downsize. Port Stanley didn’t have a purpose-built rental option like this until now.”
Michael said the inspiration for Compass Point came not only from a desire to offer housing options, but from a deep connection to the area. “We’ve been involved in the Port Stanley community for 25 years, going back to our Lakeview project on Edith Cavell. We have second homes here and know how strong the sense of community is. The development in town was mostly single-family, but there was a need for multi-family housing, and we wanted to fill that gap.” Beyond the units themselves, the building includes thoughtful amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life. In addition to the rooftop patio, Compass Point offers a main floor party room, an outdoor patio, live-in, on-site management, two elevators to avoid long waits, and covered parking with an EV charger.
Page 10 Port Stanley Villager • September 2025
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Michael is also proud of the building’s architectural style, noting that the design aims to break away from the typical boxy apartment structure. “We gave the building some fluidity; it jogs in and out to create depth, which also allows for variation in colours and shading.” Affordability was another priority. “We wanted rental options that are not out of reach,” Michael points out. “Pricing starts at $1,995, and for that, you’re getting a lot of luxurious features. This development will also add over 100 people to the village, supporting local businesses during the off-season and strengthening the local economy.” Compass Point has already seen strong interest. “We’ve rented 40 percent of the units already,” Michael enthuses. “It was kind of a ‘build it and they will come’ approach, and it’s been great to see people arriving with energy and excitement for this next stage in their lives.” While the building isn’t in the heart of the village, it’s still within easy reach of all that Port Stanley has to offer. “Depending on your walking pace, you can be at the lake in ten minutes or
grab your morning coffee in twelve,” Michael notes. “It may not be in the village as people traditionally picture it, but it’s close enough that you can live like you are.”
Come join us for the 2025-2026 season
All experience levels are welcome.
New to curling? Try our Learn to Curl League. Every week you will receive instruction on different areas of the game, advancing as the weeks go on. Each lesson is taught by experienced and qualified instructors. Life is about Balance. Come to socialize and exercise.
Registration opens September 1st. Open House is September 30th, October 1st & 2nd 2:00 and 7:00 pm League play starts October 3rd.
Photo by Kelly Taylor
For more information visit our website at stthomascurlingclub.com or email curling@stthomascurlingclub.com
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Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 11
50% Leased
16 COMPASS TRAIL | PORT STANLEY, ONTARIO 16 COMPASS TRAIL | PORT STANLEY, ONTARIO
LAKE VIEWS ROOFTOP PATIO LUXURY FINISHES AMENITIES
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1 + 2 BEDS LUXURY LAKESIDE RENTAL LIVING 70 UNITS 6 STORIES 10 | | MINUTE WALK TO LITTLE BEACH MINUTE WALK TO THE VILLAGE 10 1 + 2 BEDS LUXURY LAKESIDE RENTAL LIVING 70 UNITS 6 STORIES 10 | | MINUTE WALK TO LITTLE BEACH MINUTE WALK TO THE VILLAGE 10 | | MINUTE WALK TO LITTLE BEACH MINUTE WALK TO THE VILLAGE
The ease of 1-floor rental living is coming to the picturesque town of Port Stanley. Located just minutes to the beach and village, residents will enjoy all the town has to offer; from shows at the theatre, to amazing shopping and dining experiences. After enjoying the community, residents will be at ease coming home to the modern amenities expected in a top-class property as all units have their own balcony, in unit laundry, individual climate control, large bright windows and much more. The place to relax and live the lakeside lifestyle is at Compass Point.
The ease of 1-floor rental living is coming to the picturesque town of Port Stanley. Located just minutes to the beach and village, residents will enjoy all the town has to offer; from shows at the theatre, to amazing shopping and dining experiences. After enjoying the community, residents will be at ease coming home to the modern amenities expected in a top-class property as all units have their own balcony, in unit laundry, individual climate control, large bright windows and much more. The place to relax and live the lakeside lifestyle is at Compass Point. The ease of 1-floor rental living is coming to the picturesque town of Port Stanley. Located just minutes to the beach and village, residents will enjoy all the town has to offer; from shows at the theatre, to amazing shopping and dining experiences. After enjoying the community, residents will be at ease coming home to the modern amenities expected in a top-class property as all units have their own balcony, in unit laundry, individual climate control, large bright windows and much more. The place to relax and live the lakeside lifestyle is at Compass Point.
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Page 12 Port Stanley Villager • September 2025
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Calipso Festival 2025: Celebrating Port Stanley’s Premier Summer Tradition, Reviving the Spirit of the 1970s since 2019! by Marna Berry
St Thomas Self Storage, Port Stanley Cottages, Port Stanley Swans, GT’s On The Beach, Ryan Featherstone-Royal LePage, Dallas Posthumus-Re/Max. Equal appreciation to Karen Hutton-Royal LePage, IDA Pharmacy, Port Stanley Dentistry, Royal Canadian Legion, Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Hair On The Harbour, and the Stinson Family. Thanks to your community spirit for making possible the Antique Car Shows & Canadian Bombshell Beauties, exhilarating Boat Rides, the traditional Boat Parade, and to Domus Development Inc. for the breathtaking Fireworks Display. Special thanks to the Port Stanley Optimist Club for the Bike Rodeo, Sand Castle Contest and Treasure Hunt and to Port Stanley Kiwanis Club for your treasure trove of free games and prizes in the Kidz Zone. The festival’s triumph is a direct reflection of the tireless dedication and hard work of the organizing committee and all participating attractions. We extend our deepest thanks to Marna Berry, Sue Clifford, Jenna Pay, Kara Hayden, Sandra Elfsman, Geeta & Al-Tikka Tomato, Robin Stevens, Glen Minor, Maria Maklakova, Steven & Karen Smith, & Jason Froude for their commitment to crafting an unforgettable experience for all. As we look to the future, we warmly invite community members to join the committee and play a role in shaping the next Calipso Festival. Our next meeting is on the horizon, scheduled for October 14th at 7 pm at the Port Stanley Legion. This is your chance to contribute to the ongoing tradition of celebrating the unique charm and spirit of Port Stanley. Let’s come together to make the Calipso Festival 2026 an even more remarkable event in the years ahead. Your ideas, enthusiasm, and support are the foundation of this pivotal community celebration.
The Calipso Festival in Port Stanley, Ontario, has once again left its traditional mark on the summer of 2025, echoing the vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and fun that has become its hallmark. This year’s addition to the Kidz Zone, the Pirate Ship Carnival ride, ignited the imaginations of our younger festival-goers, while the thrill of the Bike Rodeo and the artistic flair of the Sand Castle competition continued to delight families and visitors of all ages. We are immensely proud to share that the Calipso Festival has been officially recognized as a Non-Profit organization, a milestone that paves the way for further growth and the enhancement of the festival experience through additional grants and support. The festival remained a canvas of creativity, with our festival favourites, from enchanting Calipso Mermaid appearances and Captain Thom Bedlam’s Pirate Magical shows to the Calipso Boat rides along Lake Erie’s coast. A special shout out to those who sported this year’s retro Calipso Festival t-shirts, a cherished keepsake commemorating the joyous occasion. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to our generous sponsors, including Domus Development Co., Elgin County, Jason Froude-Re/Max, Port Stanley Terminal Rail, Legends Of Lake Erie Boat Tours, Port Stanley Villager, Inn On The Harbour,
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com 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 . Port Stanley Villager Geoffrey Rae, Managing Editor /Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoffrey Rae unless otherwise indicated. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications.
Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 13
Sing, Dance, Play an instrument, Tell Jokes? Audition registration is now open! Simply call 519-495-7177 or email stthomasseniorsgottalent@gmail.com with your name, phone number or email address and talent to sign up for our October 2nd auditions! Media Sponsors:
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Feast On at Two Local Favourites Two Forks in Port Stanley and Grassroots in St. Thomas have joined an exclusive list of Ontario restaurants recognized for their commitment to sourcing local. Both are now officially Feast On certified, and the only restaurants in their respective cities to hold the designation. The Feast On program, run by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, certifies restaurants that source a high percentage of their ingredients from Ontario producers. For owners Rob Lampman and Terrie Collard, the recognition is a meaningful milestone. “It’s a proud moment for our whole team, a recognition of the relationships we’ve built with our local suppliers and the care we put into every menu,” says Rob. “Since day one, local and seasonal flavours have been our priority, and we’re committed to continuing to support the farmers, bakers, brewers, and producers who make our community so special.” Currently, 90% of the ingredients at both restaurants come from local producers. That includes fresh vegetables from Burkes Produce, Lake Erie pickerel from Steelhead Food Co., same- day focaccia from Cobs Bread, and Ontario beef from suppliers such as Carve Premium Ontario Beef in Kitchener. Focusing on local means the menus at Two Forks and Grassroots change with the seasons, sweet corn and tomatoes in the summer, hearty root vegetables in the winter. “There’s always something fresh to inspire us,” says Rob. “You can really taste Ontario in our dishes.” The shift to seasonal sourcing isn’t without challenges. “Ontario winters keep us on our toes, but that’s part of the fun,” Rob adds. “Local sourcing forces us to get creative, preserve ingredients, and find fresh inspiration in what’s available right now.” Terrie says guests are eager to hear about the origins of their meals. “Many of our guests dine with us because we focus on local sourcing. We love sharing where each ingredient comes from, and our guests love hearing those stories; it adds a personal connection to what’s on their plate.” When it comes to choosing suppliers, Terrie and Rob look for more than just quality products. “We pick our local partners the same way we’d pick friends, people we trust, who share our passion for quality, and who make something worth getting excited about,” says Terrie. Hospitality comes naturally to the pair. Rob grew up on his parents’ cattle farm, learning the value of hard work and quality ingredients. Terrie brings an eye for design and a gift for making
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Port Stanley Villager • September 2025 • Page 15
Healing Through the Arts CALL FOR ARTISTS
Our gallery represents First Responders, Frontline Workers and Military Veterans artists. Visual Artists: This broad category includes painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, illustrators, and graphic designers. Literary Artists: Writers, poets, and playwrights create works of art through language. Craft Artists: Create functional and decorative objects, like pottery, jewelry, or textiles. Help Us Bring Healing Through Art by supporting the Veterans Art Gallery! Our veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms, but many return home facing invisible battles. The Veterans Art Gallery in Port Stanley is a unique project dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space where veterans can share their stories, heal, and connect through art. The gallery provides veterans with a space to display their artwork, host workshops, and participate in art therapy sessions. It’s not just a gallery-it’s a community, a space for creativity, and a refuge for healing. Here, veterans can express their experiences and emotions in ways that words sometimes cannot capture. You Can Help by providing ongoing support to our veterans. We need donations to help cover costs like: Facility lease renovations and utilities, Art Supplies for workshops and therapy sessions, Marketing & Outreach to bring in community members and connect veterans with resources, Artist Support so we can showcase more veteran artwork and support artists in the community .
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Page 2 Port Stanley Villager • May 2025
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