REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural
WINTER 2023 Issue 15
Letter from the Editor
of one such local doctor who has come home to set roots within her community. It is a new year, and while the early part of the year always tends to be a little drab after the holidays, this year we have so many things going on within our community. In this issue we share information on a local gun show in Rodney (Mar 19th), a new play with its world premiere right here in Southwold (April 14-15), and all the amazing shows coming up at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Of course, we are excited to see St. Thomas is also welcoming back the St. Thomas Home Show in March (24-26). If you are stopping by the Home Show, make sure to stop by and say hello at our booth. To me, one of my favourite things about what I do, is the fact I get to meet so many interesting people and learn so much about my community. I for one had no idea there had been a plane crash in Southwold in the 40s, and so when I learned this happened and there was a play coming out based on this story I was excited to reach out to Len Cuthbert to learn not only about the play but also about how the community rallied behind the production. As always, I would like to thank you the readers for taking the time to thumb through REAL Living Magazine . And of course, I have to thank our advertisers, without whom I would not be able to bring you these local stories. I would encourage you to visit one of our local advertisers, and tell them that you saw them in REAL Living Magazine . If you have any story ideas that you would like to share, I would encourage you to reach out to me at geoff@
Our community is not perfect -- I would never say that it is. Depending on where you live, every area has issues, some larger or smaller than others. That being said, I for one, love living in Elgin County. I find we have a tremendous blessing of leadership at all levels of government and non- government alike. I recently attended a scholarship lunch held by a local committee made up of the County of
Elgin, the City of St. Thomas, Municipality of Southwold, Our Hospital and our St. Thomas Home Builders Association. This committee’s goal is to address the lack of doctors we have within our community. Again, every community seems to have a shortage of doctors, but not every community is reaching out to young medical students to show them how much they are appreciated! Five medical students with ties to Elgin County were all granted a $1000 scholarship for their education, and all five of these students told me how much they appreciated this committee and how they were looking forward to returning home to assist their community! To me, this shows foresight, a strategy and commitment to help solve one of our growing problems. This month, we share the story
villagerpublications.com and let me know. Until the May issue, I wish you all the best!
Geoff
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Page 2 Real Living • Winter 2023
Clean, Safe Drinking Water is Possible Listening to my in-laws talk about their childhood home in rural Newfoundland, they often talked about the joys of their well. As they reminisced, I would have visions of my now 100-year-old grandmother-in-law in her skirt and big rubber boots heading out with an axe to break up the ice so they could draw their water before they brought it inside to boil before use. Then they talk about the fish they kept in there and even my vivid imagination can’t keep up! Well water has come a long way, and of course varies from region to region and even home to home. But Chris Patriquin, owner of Simply Pure Water (123 Wellington St, St. Thomas) says that he has been providing drinking water and water treatment solutions for over 22 years and he can help transform your well water to GREAT water! “Clean, safe drinking water is something that most folks take for granted,” says Chris. “It is common for this groundwater to require treatment of some sort. Common issues found in our area are bacteria contamination (e. coli, cryptosporidium, etc.), hardness (scale buildup), iron (red staining), and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell). Chris adds, “Not all well water is the same. The very first step that needs to be done is a water analysis. From there, we can craft a solution specific to your needs.” “Depending on the supply, a home with untreated water might have bad taste or odour, staining issues and even harmful bacteria which can make you or your family sick,” Chris continues. “We can fix all of these issues. We carry a complete line of Canadian-made water treatment equipment to solve virtually every issue which may arise. With well water, I always recommend at least an ultra-violet sterilizer to ensure that the water does not contain any harmful bacteria. This may also require additional treatment so again, the first step is analyzing the water.” Water is known as the primary source of life, but people will sometimes forgo getting their water properly treated because they fear the potential expense. For those who have been using cheaper temporary solutions, Chris offers this bit of advice: “Folks who have a private well have the benefit of not receiving a monthly water bill from the municipality but there is a cost to clean, safe water. When cost is a factor, we offer low monthly payments through our financing partner, FinanceIt.io.”
Jame and Chris Patriquin, Owners of Simply Pure Water
If you are not sure if your water is as clean and refreshing as it could be, give Chris and his team at Simply Pure Water a call at 519-637-3306, and book your no-obligation consul- tation today.
Real Agricultural Elgin Living Winter 2023 cover Roadside marker com- memorating the American Airlines crash in Lawrence Station. The marker can be found on Third Line between Lawrence Rd. and Turner Rd. Photo by Geoff Rae
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West Elgin Gun Show Comes to Rodney For the past eight years, husband and wife team, Brad and Joanne Reive, have been hosting the twice-a-year West Elgin Gun Show. This year’s shows will be held on March 19th, and again on September 17th at the Rodney Recreation Centre, at 135 Queens Line. Brad is now a retired farmer who has been an avid hunter for over 50 years. He says the show will have over 60 tables offering guns, ammo, knives, fishing gear and related equipment. As with most gun shows, there will be some classic and antique firearms, but the majority of the guns on display/for sale will be hunting rifles and shotguns. Of course, with that many vendors, there will be a large range of products: says Brad, “We have a couple of vendors who produce hand-made custom knives. As well, we have a female vendor who makes jewellery, candles, and clothing. All vendors are unique in their own way.” If you are interested in becoming a vendor, tables are $20 each. Reach out to Brad at bradreive@msn.com. While Brad and Joanne organize and manage the show, they are not in it to make a profit and they love the community of vendors they have been working with over the years. “Personally,” says Brad, “We look forward to seeing regular vendors who have become like family to us. We also put the show on for the vendors and we try to keep the cost down for them. Table costs are to cover rent and insurance. We personally do not make money on the show – we put proceeds towards youth sporting activities. Our biggest one is a Youth Pheasant Hunt held at the Autumn Olive Preserve, just north of Dutton. Here they learn hunting safety, sportsmanship and respect for the outdoors. All participants must have their
Ontario Hunting Safety course and have written their PAL and be between the ages of 12 and 16. We have also donated to a local youth when he was heading to the Paralympics, and also to the Kids Fishing Day held in Port Glasgow.” So, if you are looking to upgrade your gear, or looking for a great way to spend a Sunday morning in March, check out the West Elgin Gun Show.
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Page 4 Real Living • Winter 2023
FROM DESIGN COMPLET WE DO IT ALL
Filling Big Shoes Recently, I was able to attend a Scholarship lunch hosted by the St. Thomas-Elgin Health Re- cruitment Partnership Commit- tee whose goal is to bring local medical students back to prac- tise in their home community. At this event, I was introduced to Dr. Meghan Robinson who recently returned home herself to serve her community of Southwold.
FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION,
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FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION, FROM DESIGN TO COMPLETION, WE DO IT ALL! WE DO IT ALL!
Dr. Robinson’s interest in a medical career began early. “When I was a young child, I fell and broke my arm. I remember feeling so scared when it first happened, but after arriving to the hospital and having a cast placed on my arm, I remember being in such awe. From then on, I wanted a career that would allow me to help others. During my schooling, physiology was my favourite course. I loved learning how the human body can work, but also how it can be disrupted and what can be done to help with the healing process.” While Dr. Robinson was born in the area, she has travelled extensively but is thrilled to be back home. “I was born and raised in St. Thomas but attended Southwold Public School and had several friends from the Southwold community. After high school, I attended university in British Columbia and then medical school in the Caribbean. I have been practicing medicine since July, 2021. During my clinical rotations, I lived in six different states in less than two years. It was certainly an exciting journey, but I’m very happy to be home.” Dr. Robinson’s clinic is in Shedden, where she has taken over for another fixture of her community, Dr. Connie Robinson, her mother. “Dr. Connie Robinson, was a physician in Shedden for 30 years. As my schooling neared an end, we discussed the potential for me to transition into her practice as she retired. I’ve been told that I have big shoes to fill, and I think that speaks volumes to one of the most important mentors I’ve had on this journey. It’s a pleasure to be able to take over the care of her patients.” While Dr. Meghan Robinson could have practised anywhere, is was the sense of community and family that drew her home. “I had the opportunity to travel throughout North America while pursuing my education, and although it was such an incredible experience, I think the saying ‘Home is where the heart is,’ certainly rings true. While choosing where I wanted to live and build my career, it was important for me to be near my family. Ultimately, choosing to practice in Shedden was influenced by my mother. Before we had even discussed my taking over her practice after she retired, I knew I wanted to practice in a community where I would have as much pride as she does in Shedden. While I’m out running errands at lunchtime, it’s nice getting a wave from people within the village or having a conversation with another customer at a store. The community has welcomed me with open arms, and I look forward to practicing here until I retire. I think an important part of community is giving back, when and where you’re able to, and that is something I feel very strongly about.” While Dr. Robinson does have a wait list for new patients, she does say that she is constantly working on ways to service more to help her community. Welcome home to a grateful community, Dr. Robinson!
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Bringing Local History to Life It is a late Thursday evening in Lawrence Station; the date is October 30th, 1941. You and your family are likely nestled into bed getting ready for a busy Friday afternoon and BOOM! American Airlines Flight 1 “The New Yorker” has crashed in a wheat field just outside of town and is now ablaze. All 20 on board have lost their lives. What, you had no idea there was a horrific plane crash in your own backyard? Me either! But this crash is the subject of a new play called Lawrence Station: The Crash of American Airlines Flagship Erie written by Len Cuthbert, now a local and founder of Fridge Door Live Theatre Company. It is directed by Adam Corrigan Holowitz. I spoke with Len about how the play came to be, and he says it all began with a bike ride. “I was training for a ride, and on my way back to Melbourne I thought I could go right or I could go left to get home: right is the quick way but left -- I’m not really sure where I’m going and this might be longer than I expected. So, I went left. Turning down third line, I came through this little town called Lawrence Station. I remember seeing a sign that says this is a historical site but paid no attention and kept on riding. When I finally got home -- a lot later than planned -- I thought I would look up Lawrence Station and I find this story about a plane crash. I thought this must be the wrong Lawrence Station, so I kept looking and sure enough, this plane crash happened in this little town back in 1941. ‘Holy smokes,’ I thought, and because I have a background in flying and aircraft maintenance, this story was all the more intriguing. I discovered that the historical plaque was installed in 2018 and I started gathering information on the crash and I thought, I should write a play about this.” 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!
THE TURKEY SHOPPE With the funding in place, it was time for Len to start his in- depth research, and he discovered that at the 2018 ceremony, Ken Howe, on whose family’s land the planned had crashed, was in attendance, so now he needed to find Ken. Len found a Ken Howe locally but wanted to be cautious in his approach. “I thought I’d do it the old-fashioned way,” says Len -- “I’ll write a letter. I mailed a letter off to Ken and couple of days later, I got Of course, writing a play requires either deep pockets or acquiring grants, Len points out. “I had applied for a grant through the Ontario Arts Council but I was declined. I went up to Ottawa, to the museum there and I discovered all kinds of Canadian aviation stories. I then reapplied for another smaller grant to write several short 10-minute plays about the Canadian aviation events and I was given the grant for that.”
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Page 6 Real Living • Winter 2023
play. However, the more he researched and the more he asked questions, the more people told them their own stories of that day. “It just starts taking off because there’s all these stories galore that I’ve discovered. It turned into a 90-minute play that is over 70 pages long.” Meanwhile, Ross Burgar had reached out to some of the Southwold Council who decided to give Len a grant to create this full-length play which will debut right in Southwold at the Keystone Complex, April 14th and 15th and tour to both Strathroy (April 22nd) and London (April 28th-29th). Lawrence Station: The Crash of American Airlines Flagship Erie has taken just over a year to write, and Len is excited to bring to the theatre his story of this event. He says he has received a wealth of local information on it and has added just a touch of artistic flare to fill the cracks. Len would like to thank Ross, Ken and all those who have helped turn this idea for a story into a reality. To purchase tickets to Lawrence Station: The Crash of American Airlines Flagship Erie go to www.onstagelive.ca.
a phone call. He was very cautious, and the conversation was short as I suspected it might be, but we had made a connection. A few days go by, and I get another phone call. This time it is Ross Burgar of the Southwold History Committee, who had spoken to Ken and was very excited about the project and asked me lots of questions and arranged a meeting.” The meeting took place at Ken’s home with Len, Ross and another member of the committee. The four discussed the story, and Ken shared with Len a box of materials pertaining to the accident that had belonged to his mother, who had served as a witness at the aviation hearing. Len gathered his information and started writing what he had originally intended to be a 10-minute Ken Howe and Len Cuthbert looking at old articles of the crash.
Photo of American Airlines Flight 1
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Real Living • Winter 2023 • Page 7
Welcome to Exciting Rodney! by Delany Leitch, Business Enterprise Facilitator for Elgin County There is so much new and exciting happening in the town of Rodney, in West Elgin! Thanks to support from the My Main Street Program through the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, an exciting cohort of local entrepreneurs have hit the ground running to provide high-quality products and service in this growing community. Check out the scoop on two of these new ventures below, and be sure to plan your next trip to Rodney soon! Vertere Living is a lovely new shop and studio that’s really painting the town! Owner Tobi, who lives in West Lorne with her husband, kids, and pets and works full-time in healthcare, got started in November 2022. What started as a furniture restoration hobby born from childhood memories of looking for old bottles with her dad, has quickly become a growing business. She had previously worked on flipping ‘thrifted’ and found furniture pieces in a relative’s garage space, and when that was no longer available, she found a new facility that opened the door to more of a public-facing opportunity. Tobi’s business name is centered on the Latin word vertere, which means ‘to turn,’ a term that she feels symbolizes the process of taking an old, discarded piece of furniture and making it into something new and beautiful. She sees that process as being tied to a larger ‘turning’ that she hopes to facilitate through her work, shifting consumers towards embracing pre-loved items and making more environmentally- conscious purchasing choices. Tobi grounds this in the idea that we are all connected to the earth. She hopes her work will demonstrate to consumers that alternative options exist to
the lower-quality, higher-priced, increasingly difficult to obtain new furniture currently offered by big-box stores. In addition to Tobi’s incredible refinished furniture pieces, the shop also features vintage items, art, crafts, and gifts sourced from mainly women-owned small businesses and operators who share her values. She hopes to introduce both in-person and virtual workshops where people can learn the basics of furniture refinishing.
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Page 8 Real Living • Winter 2023
There’s a new groomer in town, and she’s already got the tails wagging! Welcome Alex and FETCH Dog Grooming to Rodney at 226 Furnival, which has been home to a variety of downtown businesses over the years. This venture is a true homecoming for Alex, who grew up in the village but moved to London when she was in high school. While studying at Beal, she was matched with a London dog groomer through a summer job program. This fateful arrangement was the perfect fit for kick-starting her career, but it also brought Alex full circle to a treasured childhood memory that, in hindsight, got the ball rolling for her. She remembers that as a small child, her family had a dog they took to the local groomer in West Lorne. One day, she was allowed to stay and help groom her dog, and the experience stuck with her. After getting her industry start in London, Alex eventually became an active member of the Ontario Dog Grooming Association and is certified at multiple levels through the Canadian Professional Pet Stylists. She decided to move back to the West Elgin area to open her own business, and she is already building a dedicated clientele. Alex says that upon graduation from grooming academy, she vowed to treat every pet that comes through her business like her own. This she takes very seriously and for her, as a dog lover, each day is living the dream. Alex has already established herself as a unique grooming industry trendsetter and she works hard to upgrade her skills continually to meet industry standards. She also competes in shows! On the home front, she observes that rural residents view their dogs as working members of the family, and that people put a great deal of time into ensuring that their beloved
companions are in top form. Alex takes great care to treat the local pooch population as such when they come in for service. Down the road, Alex hopes to continue building her clientele and pursue further skill development. Given her experiences as a young person growing up in a rural area, she prioritizes the facilitation of youth opportunities and would like to hire an assistant who could be trained just as she was. Tobi, Alex, and many others are ready to welcome you in Rodney! Congratulations to all entering an exciting new chapter and pursuing their dreams.
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Start Planning your Summer Entertainment! by the Port Stanley Festival Theatre Staff
The 2023 Port Stanley Festival Theatre season marks 45 years of summer theatre -- bigger and better than ever, with an extended season of programming providing 16 weeks of entertainment, running from May 23rd to September 9th! Early Morning Rain: The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot launches an exciting 2023 summer season. Says Artistic Director, Simon Joynes, “Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band played the Port Stanley Festival Theatre in 2018 with their superb British Invasion show, and I have to say that we are thrilled to have them back to open our 2023 season with a new production showcasing the music of Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot. Early Morning Rain tells the story of Canada’s own Gordon Lightfoot. His songs are known world-wide, and he is one of the most talented and prolific songwriters the world has ever seen. Lightfoot’s music strikes at the very heart of what it is to be Canadian, and Leisa’s show is a wonderful celebration of his legacy.” This concert is guaranteed to be an evening to remember for audiences. After 50 years of making hit songs and with international album sales well into the multi-millions, singer- songwriter Gordon Lightfoot resides atop the list of all-time greats. His catalog is vast and includes hits like “ Early Morning Rain,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Carefree Highway,” “Sundown,” “For Lovin’ Me,” “Canadian Railroad Trilogy,” “Ribbon of Darkness,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and “Rainy Day People, ” just to name a few. Lightfoot has recorded twenty albums, has five Grammy nominations, seventeen Juno Awards, and earned Time to accessorize your truck? • Tonneau Covers • Running Boards • Truck Racks • Hood Protectors • Moulded Splash Guards and more
sixteen number ones, eighteen top 10s and twenty-one top 40 hits. Other great artists who have recorded his songs include Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Hank Williams, Jr., Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Peter Paul & Mary, Glen Campbell and Toby Keith. In 2012, Lightfoot’s legacy was further enhanced when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and decorated with the Governor’s General Award and the Companion to the Order of Canada Honour of Merit. In 2023, this legendary Canadian will celebrate his 85th birthday. Why not join in on this celebration? Featuring Leisa Way (concert creator and vocals), Fred Smith (guitar, vocals), Bobby Prochaska (bass, vocals), Bruce Ley (Musical Arranger, piano, guitar), Don Reid (drums, vocals), Liam Collins (guitar and vocals), the show tells fascinating stories with warmth and humour, taking you on a musical journey celebrating a legendary artist. Don’t miss this stunning celebration of an iconic Canadian. Single tickets are available or you can purchase a season subscription and enjoy Port Stanley Festival Theatre’s entertainment throughout the entire summer.
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Page 10 Real Living • Winter 2023
The Value of Farmland by Abbey Taylor, EBRC Intern As you drive around Elgin County, you are sure to see farmland – and lots of it! Back in the summer, you might’ve looked out your window and seen lush, green fields. But this time of year, perhaps you hardly glance at what appears to be barren land, sitting
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vacant without a purpose. Despite what it may seem, farmland provides value every day of every year! From spring to fall, the fields in Elgin grow a wide variety of crops – everything from soybeans to asparagus! Being in Southwestern Ontario, our county is home to many crops that can’t grow anywhere else in Canada. Though food production is an obvious, vital use of farmland (no farmland = no food!), there are many more benefits from this land. For example, many fields are home to a section of Carolinian Forest, a unique ecosystem in Canada with uncommon species like sassafras, Kentucky coffeetree, and tulip-tree. These forests provide many ecosystem services – sequestering carbon, providing shade, releasing oxygen, and moderating water levels in the watershed. Farmland also provides food and shelter for the variety of wildlife in Elgin. Treed windbreaks on farmland provide winter browse for deer and act as year-round corridors for animals travelling between sections of forest. And let’s not forget the wildlife below the ground! Soil is a living medium, home to countless microorganisms. These organisms, though slower in the winter, work year-round to cycle nutrients, break down crop residues, and build soil organic matter. As you continue driving, you’ll notice that not every field is bare. Winter wheat, orchards, alfalfa, permanent pasture and cover crops have living roots over winter, holding the soil in place and protecting it from wind and water erosion. Crop residues left on the surface also perform this important duty. Though you may not see as many farmers in the fields this time of year, farmland is what keeps us employed 365 days a year. In the winter, farmers and employees continue to care for livestock, fix equipment, plan for the New Year, and do many other jobs. In Elgin alone, the agri-food sector employed 5,310 people as of 2021! Another joy of farmland is its use for recreation in every season. Hunting, hiking, photography, nature-watching, or simply enjoying the best view of your commute -- farmland provides for everyone. Lastly, the beauty of farmland is a treasure in every season. The sight of a vibrant sunset is priceless, whether it is over acres of glowing green seedlings in spring; golden heads of wheat in summer; brilliant orange pumpkins in fall or a snowy-white field in winter. When you’re out for a country drive this winter, I encourage you to think about the value of farmland in every season, and enjoy the view! Abbey Taylor is an intern at the Elgin Business Resource Centre in St. Thomas. She is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness program at Olds College.
TRUE CONFESSIONS FROM THE NINTH CONCESSION JUNE 6 - JUNE 10 BY DAN NEEDLES Gordon Lightfoot Also starring THE WAYWARD WIND BAND EARLY MORNING RAIN: MAY 23 - JUNE 3 LEISA WAY STARRING IN The Legend of 2023 SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS & SINGLE TICKETS
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Real Living • Winter 2023 • Page 11
Farmer Wellness by Laura Fraser, OFA Member Service Representative for Oxford/Elgin Counties Laura.fraser@ofa.on.ca With another holiday season behind us, most have returned to day-to- day tasks and events. Temperatures are colder, daylight hours are shorter
seeing great uptake. The Farmer Wellness Initiative (FWI) provides to all Ontario farmers and their families access to free counselling services and tailored mental health support and resources. It is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. By calling the FWI, you’ll be matched with a mental health professional, part of a support network rooted in rural Ontario that understands the unique needs of the farming community, who will offer you free tailored support. Services are available in English and French and can be accessed by phone, virtually, or in-person. The Farmer Wellness Initiative is paid for in part by the governments of Canada and Ontario through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), a five-year federal- provincial-territorial initiative and supported by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Ontario Division, in part- nership with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). Counselling services are provided by LifeWorks. Other ways to elevate your mood and improve your mental health are to get regular exercise (just 30 minutes a day can help!) eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated, and stay connected. Farming can be a lonely occupation, but you need to know you are not alone. I encourage everyone to share the Farmer Wellness Initiative in their social circles and workplace, and to be that ear for someone who needs it. You never know when it could save a life. Farmer Wellness Initiative 1-866-267-6255 • https://farmerwellnessinitiative.ca
and festive gatherings that once consumed our days are a distant memory for another year. For some, this time of year evokes a feeling of loss or distance from much needed social connection. In the farming community, this feeling is often compounded by seasonal worries such as inclement weather and its many negative impacts on livestock, and mounting pressures of spring planting, to name a few. A recent study completed at the University of Guelph by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton, Dr. Briana Hagen, and MSc student, Rochelle Thompson, included a survey involving nearly 1,200 farmers from all commodity groups across Canada. Looking at the results, the research showed that Canadian farmers had higher anxiety and depression scores than the general population. They also had higher perceived stress, exhaustion and cynicism. Approximately 83 per cent of farmers had lower resilience scores than the general population, meaning their capacity to recover quickly from difficulties is less than that of others working in different industries. A new initiative to help with the rising mental health issues in agriculture was launched in September of 2022 and is already
For resources or more information, contact Joanne Fuller at joanne.fuller@ofa.on.ca.
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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. Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com • 519-495-7177 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 • Winter 2023
Outstanding in her field
time to sit down and complete the necessary task, organizing receipts and paperwork in a way that will please the accountant or Revenue Canada, it is also an opportunity -- an opportunity to remind yourself of all you have accomplished in the past twelve months, and an opportunity to get excited about those jobs on your list that are coming next. It is also a time for a laugh. We often wonder what someone from a non-farming background would think of the eclectic story our paperwork must tell. From fuel to egg cartons, and wages to a manure spreader beater, it all adds up to a piece of your farming story. Thankfully, there are folks who understand both farming and paperwork. They are also part of the story of agriculture. When people think of farming, they think of men in overalls in the field with a pitchfork. They don’t think about the men about agriculture; there’s room for everyone. We need bookkeepers, accountants, financial planners, agronomists, laboratory staff, grant administrators, marketing staff, researchers, and payroll experts to make our operations successful. They are our support team; even if we only connect with them once in a while, or situ- ationally, they keep us up and running. To everyone involved in agriculture, in one way or another, keep being outstanding in your field. and women sitting behind a desk in an office. That is one of the great things
The Paperwork Game by Sarah Harrison, Co-owner of Mazak Farms The New Year is exciting in so many ways, except when it comes to the paperwork -- ah, tax time; the time of year when someone in your farming operation will no doubt say to you, ‘I need that pile of receipts
from your truck’. You all do it, I know you do! I will admit that here, there is an annual game of ‘Find that paperwork,’ that sometimes ends quickly and sometimes feels like the biggest time waster of the year! For many small operations, not only are you the farmer, you are also the bookkeeper and when you are in the panic of dealing with a frozen water line that broke, putting the parts receipt in the right place never seems to make it to the top of the priorities list.
However, going through everything to find all of those bits and bobs of paper can be cathartic. As painful as it can be to find
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Real Living • Winter 2023 • Page 13
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Page 14 Real Living • Winter 2023
The Lodge Lesson by Bill Denning
Back in 1999, I was a newly licensed funeral director working in the near north of the Bruce Peninsula. My boss was a very hard-working and thoughtful person. He loved his profession, and he loved the families he served. But he was also a worrier. One day, we took a death call that I thought was going to worry him into an early grave. It was early January when the owner of a local lakeside resort died. He and his wife operated a historic lodge that they had called home for many years. The lodge was built in 1949, constructed of timber from the surrounding woods, with a huge field stone fireplace as the centrepiece. People would come from all over to enjoy the peace and the beautiful sunsets. There was no place in the world the old fellow would rather be, so it came as no surprise when his wife asked if she could have his visitation and funeral in the ‘great room’ of the lodge on the banks of Lake Huron. I was excited to help facilitate this request, but my boss was concerned. This was to be a two- or three-day wake, with the guest of honour remaining at the lodge, laid out in his casket. Normally, the deceased stays at the funeral home where we can keep an eye on things and address any issues (Mother Nature can be delayed but she cannot be stopped). On top of that, the weatherman had forecasted a significant winter storm which had the potential of closing roads. My boss acquiesced to the important request, and we delivered the gent to the place he loved.
It wasn’t an hour after we returned to the funeral home that the snow begun to fall. By morning, it was four feet of snow and not a plow in sight. The old lady was literally snowed in, along with her dead husband. We called frequently to see how she was doing. Instead of being completely freaked out by the situation, she was fine. Actually, she was grateful. She was grateful for the snowstorm that gave her more time to sit with her husband, next to the fireplace as they always had done on snowy days. She taught me that life (and sometimes death) is made a little better by focusing on the falling snow, not on the shovel.
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Page 15
Real Living • Winter 2023 •
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