REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural
SUMMER 2023 Issue 17
Letter from the Editor
which is a fun-filled musical fundraising weekend happening on August 26th and 27th. For those former (or current) Hulk-a-maniacs, Hammerlock Pure Wrestling has a great live wrestling event at the Elgin Railway Museum planned for August 12th. Finally, we share the news about a unique event coming on October 6th as the Thames Valley Woodturners Guild is hosting an Artisan Show at the Masonic Centre. I am a huge fan of farmer’s markets. I usually try and stop by one or two a week, with my weekend starting off with a trip to the Horton Market every Saturday. On one of my recent trips, I chatted with Danial Soos of Natterjack Brewing Company and discovered a new product his brewery has started carrying – beer brewed specifically for dogs (or cats). I was fascinated and so I reached out for more information so that I could share it with you! I hope you enjoy all these stories and the others we have packed into this issue. As always, if there is a story you think our readers would like to know about, please reach out to me at geoff@villagerpublications.com and let me know! I look forward to our next issue in November but until then, be safe and enjoy the rest of the summer. Geoff
Happy Summer! We are halfway through the season, and I don’t know about you, but I am already staring down the barrel of the next official season -- not fall, but Back to School! I remember when I was a kid: Back to School was a blip; my mom took me out for about 20 minutes and bought like three shirts and a couple of pairs of pants, one
pair of new shoes and we were done. It seems these days, Back to School starts to take over August, as several shopping trips are planned, with one usually south of the border. So, for those of you about to shop, I salute you! Do your best to keep it fun, under budget, and local. We are so lucky to live in such a vibrant community; there are so many amazing destinations within Elgin County, as well as so many fun events. Some events are steeped in local tradition like the 175 years of the Aylmer Fair, running from August 11th to 13th; the Shedden Fair August 26th and 27th; the Rodney-Aldborough Agricultural Fair, happening September 15th to 17th, and the Wallacetown Fair from September 29th to October 1st. Of course, we can’t forget Port Stanley -- while they are not having a fair in the traditional sense, they have their very own CALIPSO Festival, August 4th to 7th. In this issue of REAL Living Magazine , we also explore three up- coming events around the region, including Thunder in the Valley,
20 23
August 2 - August 19 THE BEAVER CLUB WORLD PREMIERE
S U M M E R
T H E A T R E
By Barb Scheffler A group of four women embark on a riotous cross country road trip to Dildo, Newfoundland!
August 23 - September 9 WHERE YOU ARE
By Kristen Da Silva A hilarious, heartfelt, contemplative look at love, loss and life.
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5th Annual Thunder in the Valley Thunder in the Valley, started as just an idea back in 2017, between two old friends sharing a drink and has since grown into an annual non-profit music festival that has continued to support local charities here in Elgin. Dan Sullivan and Bob Bishop wanted to have the public see Bob’s Pleasant Valley Trout Farm, which is, as Dan describes it, the most beautiful piece of property in Southern Ontario. “So, I said to Bob, let’s put on a charity event, and we will advertise it and see what happens. The first one we did turned out astonishingly well; we hired local bands and we had a lot of response, with a lot of people in attendance.” Over the five years since, this event has continued to grow. Saturday this year, starting at 2:00 pm, there will be five bands with live music continuing until midnight and on Sunday, three more bands from Noon until 5:00 pm. Your ticket not only lets you see all these talented bands but also includes a dinner on Saturday with lake fish, chicken fingers, fries and coleslaw. The event also features a large canopy that you can sit and dance under, free parking, and a cash bar. Plus, to encourage people to have a good time, but not to drink and drive, camping is also available (at an additional fee) from Friday night until Monday. “We want to make this event a great value for your buck,” says Bob. Saturday’s lineup of live music includes Jerry Seasons, Beach Party Boys, Randy Dawdy and WrifWraf, John Milles and Smoking Dave, with Chico Sanchez and Hog Wild finishing the night. Sunday’s matinee will present the Smokin Bass Band, R&R, and the Fruit Ridge Boys. Dan says that while the event’s name may sound like a drag race or a hard rock metal show, it isn’t: “It’s stuff that Bob and I grew up with -- you know, 60s, 70s, 80s music.” Funds from the event’s past shows have gone to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, Aylmer Optimists, Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and other local charities. “This year, we are donating to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital to help with the MRI,” says Dan. “Another major one that we contribute to every year,” Bob adds, “Is the Environmental Leadership Program out of East Elgin, as it is not government funded.” Thunder in the Valley is Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th, at the Pleasant Valley Trout Farm, located at 47079 Pleasant Valley Line in Sparta. Gates open at 10:00 am, and tickets are available at Dowler-Karn and Boston Pizza in St. Thomas, and at Yarmouth Group, or by calling 519-631-2663.
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Real Living • Summer 2023 • Page 3
Crack a Cold One, For your Pup! On a hot summer day, few things are nicer than putting your feet up and grabbing your favourite beverage. But now, when you are cracking open your bevy, you can treat your puppies to a cold one brewed just for them. Introducing Fetch Canine Pale Ale, and Unleashed Nutrition +Hydration for Active Dogs, made specifically for them by Crafty Beasts Brewing. Now, don’t worry, we are not suggesting you give your pup alcohol; this dog beer is non-alcoholic and is good for your dog, says Daniel Soos, Owner/Head Brewer of Natterjack Brewing Company Ltd. in West Lorne. “The dog beer is comprised of what we would call waste products from the processing of human food. Essentially, the main part of the ingredients is comprised of bone broth.” The brewery prides itself on maximizing bi-product use and minimizing what goes to the landfill, says Daniel, who adds that a few other key ingredients are included for a healthy and tasty treat for your best friend. “The mixture also contains apples and carrots, along with a secret, healthy-for-dogs spice blend. Essentially, it’s a healthy hydration for your dog or even your cat. You can feed it to them as you would drinking water, as a treat, or even as a food topper! Shelf stable for 12 months after the packaging date, once opened, it needs to be stored in the fridge and used within ten days.” While Natterjack Brewing has built an excellent reputation in the area for their human beer, they are not the brewers of the dog beer -- they are the Ontario distributors. “As we have a warehouse big enough to store products and a relationship with several breweries across the province, I had stated that Natterjack may be interested in becoming the local distributor.
December 2022, we received our first distribution skid and started hitting the pavement, offering the product to the breweries at craft beer shows! Since then, we have spread the product across the province -- west as far as Windsor, east as far as Ottawa, north as far as Huntsville and basically everywhere in between. Originally, we were going to focus only on brewery patios but that changed; now we have it in at a couple of wineries, some premium pet boutiques, and even food trucks in the London area.” The label of a can of Fetch says it all. Best Friends Walk Together, Best Friends Play Together, Best Friends Bond Together, Best Friends Drink Together! Says Daniel, “We like to say, why not crack a cold one with your furry friend and enjoy it together.” If you would like to share a drink with your four-legged friend, Fetch and Unleashed can be purchased locally at Natterjack Brewing Company (25292 Talbot Line, West Lorne), Tea ‘N’ Cheese (inside the Fire Hall Market at 218 Joseph St., Port Stanley) or Tobi’s Barked Goods (various markets around St. Thomas).
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Hammerlock Pure Wrestling is Coming Back to the Elgin County Railway Museum The story of good vs evil is as old as time itself. Movies, books, and theatre all portray the struggle and give us a hero to root for. This is why so many people love professional wrestling with all its pageantry; it is just another way to tell the story of the good guy vs. the bad; face vs. heel; Hogan vs. Andre. Local promoters, Hammerlock Pure Wrestling are excited to bring their live show here to the Elgin County Railway Museum (225 Wellington St., St. Thomas) on Saturday, August 12th. I spoke with Shawn Bates, Ring Announcer for Hammerlock Pure Wrestling, about the promotion and the upcoming show. “I’ve been a wrestling fan since September 1986, when I first saw ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage on TV dropping his signature flying elbow drop. Hammerlock Pure Wrestling prides itself on being an old-school promotion. We have a more athletic-based style that is more of a competition than an exhibition of moves,” says Shawn. Thanks to the great audience Hammerlock Pure Wrestling had back in June, they are excited to be back at the Railway Museum. “The fans and the talent alike were impressed with the unique environment the Railways Museum has to offer; we didn’t want to wait another year to return!” The card highlights include local fan favourite, Cody Deaner who has dropped the gauntlet and issued an open challenge to anyone on the roster. “Tag team, Books & Looks will face the roughshod team of The Drifters. Miley will be defending her Women’s Championship belt against Beaa Moss. Tyler
Tirva returns to face Vikram Parashar (The Punjabi Prodigy) and Chilly Brown looks for revenge on his former partner, Bryce Hansen.” It promises to be an exciting night filled with lots of great stories and amazing athleticism. Will Chilly get his revenge? Will Miley retain her belt? Who will pick up the gauntlet and face Cody Deaner? You must come to check out the show on August 12th to find out! Tickets are $25. Kids seven and under free with the purchase of each general admission ticket, available at www.eventbrite.ca, or at Caps Off Brewing Co. (168 Curtis St., St. Thomas). Doors open at 6:00 pm, and first bell is at 7:00.
"My father, Dr. Stan Hagerman, was a gifted physician whose first love was medicine. Leave a Gift in Your Will make a lasting local impact He came to St. Thomas in 1959 and enjoyed a rewarding career at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH). He met countless diagnostic challenges and made a difference in his patients’ lives. His vast medical knowledge and superb observation skills ensured he would be respected and remembered long after his death in 2003. At the end of my father’s life, he received the same excellent care from his Physicians and the hospital staff. I have also needed medical care and experienced first-hand the kindness, compassion, and expertise of our healthcare teams at STEGH. I’ve witnessed the hospital grow and change since my father’s career began, with significant service improvements, especially in the Emergency Department. I am proud to continue my father’s legacy by leaving a gift in my Will to support patient care excellence at STEGH." -Kathy Hagerman
To learn more about leaving a gift to STEGH in your will, please contact: Legacy donor, Kathy Hagerman, with a photo of her mom and dad.
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Real Living • Summer 2023 • Page 5
SCOTT LEWIS AUTO A name you can trust Former President and one of the founding members of Thames Valley Woodturners Guild, Frederick Rodger, recounts, “It started with four of us meeting in each other’s workshops quite informally in about 1991/92. A few years later, there were about ten of us and more people were asking about joining the group. I think it was about 1996/97 when we started to hold our meetings in the Arva High School woodshop (Medway High School). As word spread about the formal creation of our club, membership continued to increase. It was while at the Arva High School woodshop that we started to get female woodworkers joining the club. These women added interesting views and designs to the group, and everyone benefited.” With dedicated members stretching across Ontario, the club (located in London) owns a total of five lathes for woodturning. Doug expresses, “I lose track of time while on the lathe. It’s easy to go from a woodworker to a woodturner, where your artistic side shines through in your work. The feedback from club members creates new friendships where we bounce ideas off each other.” While crediting his father for introducing him to his lifelong craft, Doug recounts, “I inherited his lathe. I took a Connecting Inspired Woodturners by Peri Hayes The distinguished Thames Valley Woodturners Guild offers woodworking demonstrations and training, along with practical and valuable experience and information. Treasurer and Membership Director, Doug Bruce, proudly voices, “Our club is currently officiated by our President, Rob Williamson, who has enthusiastically embraced the spirit of its members and never misses a chance to step up and get involved with anything club-oriented.” Old or new, we’ll fix them for you!
& course from Lee Valley Tools where I met an instructor who was also a member of the local woodturning club. I joined the club and the very first night, I was amazed to see the knowledge and willingness to share information on tools.” The Artisan Trade Show will be held at the Masonic Centre of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, on October 6th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and October 7th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Doug and Event Coordinator, Earl Jones, detail, “When you attend the show, you will see unique wood creations. Upon viewing the 15 artisan booths, you will be given a choice to purchase a ticket for a draw on donated pieces of wood art.” As Doug declares, those attending will be ‘amazed’ by the number of items present: candlestick holders, cups, ice cream scoops, ornaments, peppermills, salad bowls, salt mills, shaving brushes, vases,
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Page 6 Real Living • Summer 2023
month. “Throughout the year,” Doug reveals, “We have skills night where new turners can enjoy ‘hands-on’, one-on-one instruction from experienced turners within the club.” Doug also mentions, “Due to COVID-19, we are experiencing a drop from a high of 120 members to our current level of 76 members.” With a $50.00 annual membership fee, this inclusive
club is looking forward to this upcoming season welcoming new and re-turning individuals. Doug and Earl assert in unison, “This is the greatest group of people that you would ever be lucky enough to meet.” Visit thamesvalleywoodturners.com for further details and contact information.
Westminster Mutual Insurance agents give one-on-one customer service to Belmont and surrounding area. Our team is available to provide a free quote and knowledgeable, local advice. Our clients say it best! wine glasses, wooden spoons, and more. While credit cards will be accepted by some vendors, those who are looking to attend the show for a shopping experience are encouraged to bring cash. Moreover, Doug assures, “Many of the artisans will do commissioned work and would be happy to discuss the needs of the consumer.” Kathy’s Catering will be serving delicious snacks, while Lee Valley, Wiseline Tools, and Woodchuckers will be showcasing useful woodturning equipment and material, with demonstrations and a wealth of knowledge accessible at this highly anticipated, free-admission event. The Thames Valley Woodturners Guild meets in London at the Royal Canadian Air Force Association at 2155 on Crumlin Road from September to June, on the 2nd Thursday of each
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Real Living • Summer 2023 • Page 7
The Beaver Club comes to the stage of Port Stanley Festival Theatre by Port Stanley Festival Theatre Port Stanley Festival Theatre is excited to present the World Premiere of The Beaver Club by up-and-coming playwright, Barb Scheffler. The show runs for a three-week engagement, August 2nd to 19th, directed by Simon Joynes, Port Stanley Festival Theatre Artistic Director. A disparate group of four unbelievable women embark on a riotous cross-country road trip taking them from Toronto to Newfoundland. The members of The Beaver Club band together to find strength in numbers as they tackle the world and find a happy ending in Dildo, Newfoundland! This play is filled with skinny dipping, scrapbooking, shared secrets, new beginnings, lost loves and new loves. When asked what her inspiration for the play was, Barb explains: “At the start of the pandemic, I was invited to participate in a Zoom read-through of a script about four older women, all American stereotypes. You know, one was from the Deep South, one had a Brooklyn accent, etc. And I thought to myself, why are we doing an American play? We have Canadian stereotypes too! So I set out to write a comedy that drew on regional characters we have here in Canada. And because I had been touring Canada performing in Menopause the Musical , I decided to send my characters on a road trip, drawing on some of the funny experiences I had had travelling with a bunch of women.” A kind of buddy-movie/road-trip sort of story, also described as a ‘love letter to Canada’; the women go on a journey, and the journey changes all of them in some way. Touring this country
Barb Scheffler, writer of The Beaver Club debuting at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre
BACK COVER 9.8675”w x 6”h BACK COVER 9.8675”w x 6”h Barb came up with the title almost before she had the story -- just knowing she wanted to write a story about a group of older women that should start off with them forming some sort of club. The Beaver Club just came to her as the perfect title because it’s a little bit salacious but also very Canadian! Barb really wanted to write a play about older women that didn’t just draw on cliches. Even though they are stereotypes, each woman in The Beaver Club has a rich inner life and a complex history. She wants the audience to laugh, cry, and ultimately fall in love with these characters. “I think that older women have so many fascinating stories to tell, and my goal as a playwright is to amplify those voices.” PROOF DATE: Jan 19, 2023 PROOF DATE: Jan 19, 2023 PROOF #: TROSUN-0223-FEB-LON-02 TROSUN-0223-FEB-LON-02 JAN FEB MAR PROOF DATE: Jan 19, 2023 APR MAY JUN OCT NOV DEC MAILING MONTH OC NO DE MAILING MONT JUL AUG SEP Template updated JANUARY 2023 BACK COVER 9.8675”w x 6”h PROOF # TROSUN-0223-FEB-LON-02 JAN FEB MAR was an absolute delight for Barb and she tried to incorporate all the places she saw. “If I ever get to do a sequel, I will send the ladies west!” she exclaims. APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP MAILING MO Template updated JANU PROOF #: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP Template updated JANUARY 2
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Local Tim Hortons Make STEGH Smile! Introduced in 1996, the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign has become a staple for raising money for local charities nationwide. Here in St. Thomas/Elgin, the local Tim Hortons franchises chose to support the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH). While Smile Cookie Week changed in 2023, the generous nature of Elgin hasn’t. On June 27th, the final record-breaking tally was revealed; this year, $65,232.37 was raised and donated in support of STEGH, totalling more than $335,000 donated to STEGH over the last nine years from this program alone.
This year’s donation was earmarked for a particular piece of equipment for the Women & Children’s unit and will support the purchase of a resuscitaire and a patient monitor for it. “Our healthcare teams use this equipment to provide safe, quality care to the approximately 700 babies born at STEGH annually Tonya explains.” “When Tim Horton started the chain with Ron Joyce in 1964, he believed passionately about children,” says Diane. “All these years, we have been so supportive of children, whether it’s Timbits soccer or Timbits hockey, so when we started working with the hospital, we partnered to help fund equipment for children. It is important for us to honour children and to passionately carry on his legacy and his name. We are just honoured that through our customers and their generous donations, with the help of our team efforts, and all your volunteers and your partnership, well, we’re just thrilled to be able to offer this.” AT KOOLEN ELECTRIC WE CAN DO IT ALL!
“We are happy to support our local hospital with Smile Cookie Week,” says Diane Stewart, a second generation Tim Hortons restaurant owner. “Giving back to our community has always been our priority, and we are proud to make a difference in the lives of patients and families at STEGH. I would also like to extend a big thank you to our customers for joining us in this important initiative.” Says Tonya Sheldon, STEGH Vice President & CFO, and Interim Foundation Executive Director, “We are grateful for the ongoing support from our local Tim Hortons restaurant owners and their dedicated staff who make Smile Cookie Week successful year after year. Also, thank you to all of the volunteers who hand-decorated cookies and to our tight-knit community for the overwhelming support of this fundraiser.” Monica Olanski, Vice President Patient Services and Chief Information Officer; Renee Vansevenant, Foundation Board Director, Brenda Stoddart, St. Thomas Tim Hortons Operations Manager; Diane Stewart, St. Thomas Tim Hortons restaurant owner; Tonya Sheldon, STEGH Vice President & CFO, Interim Executive Director; Danial Dale, STEGH Foundation Board Chair; Jackie Mitchell, Manager Women & Children’s Unit; Gina Souliere, Director Surgical, Women & Children’s Unit.
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Real Living • Summer 2023 • Page 9
Experience the Flavours of Elgin and St. Thomas by The County of Elgin Economic Development & Tourism Department Discover a whole new side of Elgin County this fall as you escape down winding country roads. Take in the breathtaking tapestry of autumn hues; embrace the cooler temperatures and invigorating crisp air, and savour the bounty of local produce. To help you enjoy all that Elgin-St. Thomas has to offer, we’ve carefully curated a collection of our finest, most flavourful and authentic local culinary experiences. We hope you love our favourite spots as much as we do. Calling All Seafood Lovers: Dive into Elgin County’s Finest Fish & Chips Elgin County has some of the finest establishments for traditional fish and chips. Picture yourself indulging in crispy, golden fish and chips against a backdrop of stunning sunsets. Take a leisurely drive to Port Burwell and discover the mouthwatering delights of Izzy Schooners. This family restaurant is the perfect spot for seafood lovers, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Located just minutes from the beach, Izzy Schooners offers a picturesque patio lookout where you can unwind and relish a delicious meal with family and friends. Embrace Harvest Festivals: A Cornucopia of Tastes and Entertainment As the harvest season approaches, Elgin County springs to life with numerous harvest festivals scattered across the
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Page 10 Real Living • Summer 2023
region. From honey and apples to wine and pumpkins, these events are a feast for the senses, tickling your taste buds while featuring lots of entertainment. Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: Fall Fun at Great Lakes Farms Nestled just outside of Port Stanley, Great Lakes Farms invites you to embark on a fall adventure filled with excitement. Explore their charming orchard, take a leisurely wagon ride, navigate through corn mazes, and let the little ones roam free in the designated play areas. Engage in the timeless tradition of apple and pumpkin picking, and after an exhilarating day on the farm, unwind at their cozy café while indulging in homemade apple treats. Farm-to-Table Delights: Experience Local Flavours and Artisanal Goods To truly immerse yourself in the flavours of fall in Elgin, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the many local farmers’ markets. Explore local markets to discover an array of fresh, locally- sourced produce, artisan baked goods, flavourful meats, and an assortment of other delights. Step into the enchanting Old Imperial Farmers Market, housed within the historic old tobacco plant in Aylmer, where you’ll experience a shopping adventure like no other. The market boasts a captivating assortment of artisanal products, ranging from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to locally sourced produce and fresh baked goods. Off the Beaten Path: Uncover Elgin County’s Hidden Gems For those seeking hidden treasures, Elgin County offers many local gems that promise to ignite your curiosity. Delight in natural lavender tea; relish artisan wood-fired pizza and indulge
in homemade chocolates at these exceptional establishments. Make your way to Elgin Harvest, just outside of St. Thomas, a charming pizzeria that serves Neapolitan-style sourdough wood-fired pizzas adorned with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that change with the seasons. Each bite is a slice of authenticity, offering a unique and unforgettable pizza experience. Or venture to the outskirts of Rodney for a fall road trip. The Wild Goat Café will entice both travellers and locals with its delightful homemade menu items, exquisite coffee, heavenly chocolates, and one-of-a-kind custom metalwork. Plan Your Fall Culinary Adventure Today! Ready to check out the flavours of Elgin County this fall? Pick up your copy of the Elgin County Visitor’s Guide and new Taste Guide at the Elgin County office at 450 Sunset Dr. in St. Thomas, or visit the Port Stanley Visitor Centre. Can’t make it in person? Call 519-631-1460 ext. 168, and we’ll happily mail a copy to you. Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in Elgin County this fall by visiting www.elgintourist.com and following us on Facebook and Instagram (@elgincounty).
Real Agricultural Elgin Living Summer 2023 cover Trout statue swims proudly overlooking the water at the Pleasent Valley Trout Farm which once again hosts this years
Thunder in the Valley. Photo by Geoff Rae
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Real Living • Summer 2023 • Page 11
Protecting Ontario’s Prime Agricultural Lands by Laura Fraser, OFA Member Service Representative for Oxford/Elgin Counties Laura.fraser@ofa.on.ca
Elgin County, are approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, while the County approves lower-tier Official Plans. Official Plans are there to designate land uses and allocate resources, making them essential to farmland preservation, but an amendment to an Official Plan, which is the process through which the town guides and approves changes to policies and/ or designations within the OP, can lead to problems.From 2000- 2017, 545 Official Plan Amendments led to the loss of 72,196 acres of prime farmland in Ontario. OFA believes in designing land use policies and making decisions which keep growth within fixed urban boundaries and intensify urban areas where possible. With the recent proposal of Bill 97 and the proposed changes to the Provincial Policy Statement, it is crucial for farmers and rural landowners to understand the implications of the changes and how to maintain our shrinking rural landscape.The Elgin Federation of Agriculture has been very active in keeping up with new legislation and communicating with all levels of government. As a resident, there are also steps you can take to help support the preservation of farmland. Any resident can submit a written submission or verbal delegation to Council, and you can also discuss concerns with the planning department or municipal staff from any department. If there is any issue you feel strongly about, you can mobilize other community members to have a bigger impact. Lastly, you are encouraged to contact your local Federation of Agriculture with concerns or questions at elginfarmers@gmail.com. You can also reach me at laura.fraser@ofa.on.ca. I would like to invite all OFA members to a member appreciation BBQ on August 18th at the Keystone Pavilion in Shedden. A free lunch will be served from 11:30 – -3:00, and it is a great time to connect with local representatives from the OFA and Scotiabank. Hope to see you there!
For the farming community, it’s been a busy spring and summer, which is no different than any other season. What is different, however, is the increasing pressure being placed on farmland as cities continue to try to meet growth targets and push boundaries. Ontario’s shrinking agricultural land base is alarming. Ontario loses 319 acres of farmland a day, and farmers and residents of rural communities are sounding the alarm as conversation around the need for housing gets louder. It’s important to recognize that farmland is lost in many ways, including development, tenure, farmers leaving, and commodity prices. OFA believes that farming to produce food, fibre, fuel, flowers, and nursery stock is the best use for farmland. Ontario’s limited supply of farmland is a scarce resource, making up less than five percent of all the land in the province. It’s vital that Ontario has a strong, viable and sustainable supply of food products grown, harvested, and processed right here at home. Provincially, protecting Ontario’s prime agricultural areas for their long-term agricultural use must be a key objective. It is one thing to think about housing the anticipated additional two million people that will reside in Ontario over the next ten years, but it is another to think seriously about how we will feed this increased population. Municipalities and planning departments need to consider all reasons for farmland loss and create policies that protect the farmer and the land. Official Plans are arguably the most important policy tool, as they plan for 30 years of growth. OP’s are updated every five years. Elgin County’s approved Official Plan is from 2015, with a draft released in February of this year. Upper tiers, such as
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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 • Summer 2023
OUTSTANDING IN HER FIELD Let Them Work by Sarah Harrison, Co-Owner of Mazak Farms It’s ok to let your children work -- it really is! Now, I’m not talking about ‘child labour’, I’m referring to age-appropriate, skill-building chores. Working provides a purpose, meaning and belonging for all of us, our children included. Teaching
our children that we each have a role to fulfill in keeping the farm or our households running is vital. Working teaches an understanding that the jobs that no one likes, the jobs that may be unpleasant, are jobs that still need to be done and done well. Sometimes as adults, we need to be reminded of that! It is ok to get your kids on the business end of a broom, a pitchfork, or a toilet brush! We have had young adults work for us over the years who didn’t know how to sweep the floor, but worse than that were those who felt they shouldn’t have to sweep the floor. Nope. We all need to sweep; we all need to pitch in, including the youngest of us. Is it a fight to get your kids to work? Of course, it is -- they’re kids! However, it is a fight worth having. When we work for something, whether it’s a paycheque, an object, or an experience, we tend to appreciate it more, respect it more and, more often than not, become motivated to keep working so we can have more. All that makes us feel good, feel accomplished and feel important. It also encourages our children to be independent which, as hard as it can be to accept, I suppose is the ultimate goal of raising children. Working also introduces our children to their own abilities. How will our kids know what they are capable of if we don’t encourage and expect them to use and develop their skills? All our farm kids have jobs. The older ones work and volunteer both on and off the farm, and the youngest have jobs on the farm. Do they always do their jobs willingly and well? Absolutely not. Is it way more work for my husband and I to facilitate them working than just doing the jobs ourselves? One hundred percent! However, they are proud of their jobs. They have earned treats and prized objects and have some money in the bank. More importantly, they are developing a work ethic that we hope will continue to grow and payoff, and if that happens, then I guess our work is done. Keep being outstanding in your field.
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Page 14 Real Living • Summer 2023
Insurance as a Career: Best Kept Employment Secret by Lee-Ann Vansteenkiste, Chief Operating Officer at Salus Mutual At the beginning of the pandemic, hearing the phrase, ‘Essential Services’ allowed me to view the Insurance Industry in a different ‘essential’ light. Many of my peers and I joke that when we are at a party and someone asks us what we do for a living, we are quite nervous to say, ‘We work in insurance,’ because we then hear some horror stories of high premiums and crazy claim experiences akin to some great urban legends. From the people I have met in my career, the opportunities for personal and professional growth I have experienced, and from the insight I’ve gained into how this industry positively contributes to society, I have been richly blessed. What our industry has not done well is to share with others the value that the insurance industry brings to our communities and the fantastic opportunities for people to engage in an enriching career. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry employed approximately 134,300 people across Canada in 2021. Below is a quick sample of some of the different roles you can find in insurance. Office Administrators: the glue that holds everything together. These are the folks who first answer the phone -- and the door, and provide the triage that directs the customer to the best person to service their needs. They aid customers and staff and ensure that all the fine details of good customer service and ease of transactions are met. % Why is that small number SO BIG?
Accountants: As our CFO says, finance is fun! This role assists us with all finance functions, internally and externally. Underwriter: an underwriter manages the risk for the insurance company and the policyholder. This role is an amazing opportunity to offer people insight into how the things that matter most can meet the criteria for coverage and, if not, what they can do to mitigate their risk. Sales: an agent or broker has an incredible opportunity to meet the public, understand what is most important to them, and then educate them as to what is in the marketplace to best protect what is most valuable to them. Claims Adjuster: an adjuster has an incredible opportunity to assist the policyholder in their time of need. If a claim occurs, an adjuster helps the policyholder to be restored to the place they were in at the time of the loss. Marketing: not only is this the fun job of promoting the company, but it also affords an incredible opportunity to inject donations, sponsorships and engagement into our communities. This is a rewarding role that allows for creative thought, collaboration, and goodwill. These are a few of the highlights but there are so many more roles in an insurance company; being employed in the industry also allows for engagement with other fields involving committees, education, community events, and so much more -- topics for another article, for sure. For a good start to learn more about our great industry, I encourage you to Google the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Insurance Institute of Canada!
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Real Living • Summer 2023 • Page 15
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