Hometown St. Thomas October 2025 Issue 73
Know the Rules: E-Bikes, Mopeds, and Electric Scooters in Ontario by Constable Glenn Chambers, Traffic Management Unit – St. Thomas Police Service Electric bicycles, mopeds and electric scooters are an affordable, eco-friendly way to get around. But each comes with its own set of rules under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Knowing them helps keep riders and everyone else safe. Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes) E-bikes are popular for both commuting and recreation. To be considered “legal” under the HTA, they must meet these requirements: • Riders must be at least 16 years old. • Maximum weight of 55 kg (120 kg if styled like a scooter or motorcycle) with an electric motor under 500 watts. • Maximum assisted speed of 32 km/h, with pedals that can still function. E-bikes cannot be ridden on sidewalks and must follow the same rules of the road as bicycles. Helmets are mandatory. Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. If an e-bike exceeds these limits, it is then considered a motor vehicle requiring a license, registration, and insurance. Electric Kick-Style Scooters Scooters are especially popular with younger riders but come with restrictions: • Riders must be 16 or older, with helmets required for anyone under 18. • Maximum speed of 24 km/h and weight of 45 kg. • Single rider only—no passengers or cargo.
For safety, scooters must have a white front light, red rear light and a horn or bell. Motor-Assisted Bicycles (Mopeds) Mopeds are classified differently and carry more requirements: • Must have working pedals, weigh under 55 kg, and use a motor under 50cc. • Cannot exceed 50 km/h on level ground within 2 km. • Require a valid driver’s license, permit, and insurance. Mopeds are not allowed on controlled-access highways and cannot carry passengers. Riders with an M1L license are further restricted from roads with limits over 80 km/h. Safety First These rules aren’t just about avoiding fines; they’re about preventing collisions and injuries. Whether you’re on an e-bike, scooter, or moped knowing the law and wearing proper safety gear ensures you can enjoy the ride while keeping our roads safe for everyone.
ST. THOMAS SENIORS GOT TALENT 3
Presented by Nurse Next Door
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of talent and entertainment! Get your tickets now, with all proceeds supporting Hospice of Elgin. Last year’s show was a sellout, so be sure to grab yours early! Join us for St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent on Saturday, November 1st, at 6:30 pm at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre. Tickets are $20 and available at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre.
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Karen Vecchio, Today by Peri Hayes Former MP, Karen Vecchio, details her gravitation to the political field: “I was introduced to politics at a very young age, growing up in a family that was deeply engaged in public service. My parents, grandparents and extended family played a role in shaping my early understanding of politics and community involvement. I remember my cousin, Luella Watson, running for the Progressive Conservative Party under Jean Charest in 1997, and I was influenced by my father-in-law’s role as a City Councillor. I grew up watching leaders such as John Wise, Marietta Roberts and Steve Peters, whose dedication to service left a lasting impression on me.” “I grew up in Sparta and while I have always been proud to call Elgin County ‘home’, St. Thomas has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am.” Karen’s time spent on sports teams, student council and being involved in the vibrant community of Parkside Collegiate Institute developed her sense of con- nection, leadership and responsibility -- which she proceeded to deeply value throughout her career. Passionate about female empowerment, Karen shares that as an MP, she further uncovered the ways in which women are “lost in the system”. With that, she feels particularly fulfilled by Keira’s Law, Bill C-233 – modifying the courts’ approach to domestic violence. “It was imperative that we got that done,” Karen insists. “My time as a Member of Parliament was driven by the people I served and the relationships I built through that work,” Karen reflects. “At its core, being an MP is about service — listening, finding solutions and ensuring people feel heard. I carried that responsibility with dedication, always focused on serving my community with fairness and compassion.” Regarding her next endeavours, Karen earnestly reveals, “I am in the process of defining this next chapter of my life. For 21 years, I had the privilege of serving the residents of Elgin–Middlesex–London, and that role naturally became a part of who I was. After the last election, I made an intentional decision to step back and focus on reconnecting with my family — especially my grandchildren. My husband and I are enjoying time together at home, which is something we hadn’t experienced in over a decade. This has been both grounding and rewarding.” In 2019, Karen became a licensed Wedding Officiant for her niece’s wedding. To conclude, she voices with excitement, “I
have continued in this role, feeling such joy to be connecting with people during this important time in their lives and honing in on my problem-resolution background to ensure a beautiful experience. I have also embraced opportunities to give back locally by joining the boards of Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin and the Central Community Health Centre. These experiences have allowed me to stay connected to my community while exploring new ways to serve.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025 • Page 3
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Harvest Layer Apple Crisp Apple Crisp is a Thanksgiving favourite, right along with Pumpkin Pie. This is my twist on the classic — not only is there a layer of topping on the apples, but we start with a base layer of the topping as a crust! Your family will love it. Ingredients 5 large apples, sliced 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup packed brown sugar ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp cinnamon ½ cup butter Pinch of salt Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel and slice the apples. Add granulated sugar and a little extra cinnamon, then toss to coat. For the topping and crust layer, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Mix well, then cut in small portions of butter. Press half the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking pan to form a crust. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer. Top with the remaining oat mixture. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Note: This recipe works beautifully with other fruits such as peaches, apples with cranberries, or pears.
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COMPASSION • WORKMANSHIP • GUARANTEED QUALITY ELGIN Monuments
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51 St. Catharine St., St. Thomas, ON N5P 2V9 519.631.1220 • www.dixietackleshop.com Convenience store with lottery, phone cards, and selected spirits and beer! Soft Serve Ice Cream, Sundaes, Milkshakes, Dixieburgs, Bag Tags and much more! MNR licenses and full line of Tackle
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Making Technology Work for Small Businesses with Obsidian AI Labs When Brandon Dietz founded Obsidian AI Labs earlier this year, his goal wasn’t to create flashy technology for the sake of it; it was to help small businesses save time and energy by making their systems work smarter. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brandon moved to Canada at the age of ten and a couple of years ago, settled in St. Thomas. “I feel like I’ve branched out more here,” he says. “Maybe it’s just that season of my life, but I’ve felt more comfortable taking on new things.” His background is firmly rooted in technology. After completing a Computer Systems Technology diploma at Fanshawe College, Brandon gained experience working with companies such as Things Engraved in Kitchener, and Compass Group in London. He has also spent nearly a decade specializing in cybersecurity and penetration testing. “At the end of the day, I was an ethical hacker,” he explains. “It was exciting, there was always something new to learn.” At Obsidian AI Labs, Brandon is not focused on selling AI for its own sake, but on how he can utilize it to help his clients more effectively by solving their problems. “Not everybody needs AI in everything,” he points out. “Sometimes it’s about connecting the tools you already have. Automation can save hours of repetitive work, like sending 150 nearly identical emails, so that business owners can focus on what matters most.” For many small businesses, that kind of help can be trans- formative. Brandon sees solo entrepreneurs and startups
as his ideal clients -- peo- ple wearing many hats, often overwhelmed by day-to-day demands. “Technology is a nuisance for a lot of people,” he notes. “I want to build sys- tems that work so they can spend their time on the parts of their business they love.” Brandon has been actively in- volved with groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Young Entrepreneurs
Initiative, and he’s exploring opportunities to share his ex- pertise with local entrepreneurs through workshops and col- laborations. “There’s still a lot of fear around AI,” he admits. “But when people see it as just another tool to make life easier, it opens up a lot of possibilities.” “AI is here; it’s not going anywhere,” Brandon insists. “The important thing is making sure that when you use it, it’s working for you and not against you. It’s not as scary as it seems. You don’t have to use the things you don’t like, but there are still so many opportunities to put the right systems in place, ones that make your work easier and give you back your time.” To talk to Brandon about how Obsidian AI Labs can make your business more efficient, check out his website at obsidianailabs.ca.
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From There to Here: Fletcher Lockwood and Vanessa Buckland In June of 2021, when Fletcher Lockwood and Vanessa Buckland first opened Lockwood Books, they hadn’t yet made St. Thomas their permanent home. At the time, they were commuting from London, Ontario, but it didn’t take long for the city and its people to win them over. “We officially moved to St. Thomas in the summer of 2022,” Fletcher says. “We opened Lockwood Books a year prior and immediately fell in love with the community. It was a very easy decision to stop commuting and make the move here.” Vanessa grew up in Cambridge, Ontario, while Fletcher is originally from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. He eventually settled in Cambridge as well, before the two spent a short time in London. Though they appreciated what London offered, big city living wasn’t for them, and neither imagined running a bookstore there. When they first started looking at locations, they explored places like Stratford, Fergus, Elora, and St. Mary’s. But when they came across St. Thomas, the decision was obvious. “The cozy, small-town feel and beautiful heritage buildings downtown were exactly what we were looking for,” Vanessa explains. “Plus, every quaint little city needs its own bookstore. We were filling a need the moment we opened our doors.” Now, two years after settling in, the family is certain they made the right choice. “We love that St. Thomas has everything we need without losing that fantastic small-town feeling,” Fletcher says. “It’s a slower pace here and we enjoy it so much. The incredible sense of community makes it special -- it’s nice to run into friends at the grocery store or the coffee shop and take the time to catch up.” That sense of community is strongest for them in the downtown core, where they spend much of their time. They’re proud to be part of a neighbourhood filled with favourite businesses and friends, from Revival Studio and Angry Bear to Reed’s Records and the Pawn Shop. Events like the Nostalgia Nights Car Show
and Oktoberfest add to the lively atmosphere, while family outings to Pinafore Park or Port Stanley make for perfect days off. When asked about a go-to spot for a meal, the answer comes quickly: “Herm’s (Snack Wacky) is an absolute favourite for our family!” For Fletcher and Vanessa, the real joy of St. Thomas is watching their son, Oren, grow up here. “It’s safe, it’s quiet, and there are lots of kids his age in the neighbourhood,” Vanessa says. “Watching him play with friends, knowing these friendships and memories will stay with him forever, is such a great feeling.” Looking back, they say their expectations of the move were high, but the reality has been even better. “When we first opened Lockwood Books, we knew that the city checked all the boxes for our business,” Fletcher reflects. “But it’s the people, with their love, support, and sense of community, that really makes St. Thomas home.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025 • Page 7
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City Councillor, Gary Clarke by Peri Hayes
Gary Clarke is presently immersed in his third term on City Council, which he has proudly served for 11 years and counting. Previous to this, as Gary shares, “I was elected twice in the late 80s, early 90s to the Public Utilities Commission.” Earning his Bachelor’s Degree in History at the University of Western Ontario, Gary would ultimately return to Council upon his retirement from the education system. He reflects, “This is a great place to live, work and play. Being born and raised in St. Thomas, I think we’ve had different economic opportunities which have faded as times have changed. Being able to lead and look for new ways to nourish St. Thomas is what inspires me.” A focus of Gary’s is being proactive, preparing strategic thinking in regard to economic development. “When I was elected, I’d been a member of the Economic Development Corporation and intended to purchase industrial land for plants to expand their footprint here. Having this vision and seeing it through has attracted more businesses to forge a diversified economy. PowerCo chose St. Thomas from anywhere in the world. Support from the province led to more land, which will provide many jobs.” Further to this, Gary voices his passion, “I’ve raised my family here, and now have grandchildren. I want this to be a place where our kids can find good jobs locally and don’t have to move away to do so. There are now generations of children growing up here with all kinds of opportunities in various jobs that previously, they would have had to leave Elgin County for.” “The housing crisis is a nationwide problem,” Gary proceeds to offer. “We are striving for supportive housing and meeting
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Page 8 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025
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the needs of people in St. Thomas. You cannot focus on other things in life when you do not have a place to sleep and feel safe. Working with Indwell and the purchase of Balaclava Street School is a priority of this Council.” In addition to supporting Knights of Columbus, STEGH fundraisers, the Optimist Club, United Way and more, Gary locally offers his coaching to minor sports and Special Olympics. Moreover, Gary spent a delightful 44 years on the Sports Spectacular Committee. “I have always been active in the community as a volunteer. This has been another way of giving back to St. Thomas, presenting my vision of what this City can be.” “My next area of focus is on our senior citizens,” Gary continues. “We’ve seen the demographic in Ontario changing quickly. The pop- ulation of over 80 is growing at four times the rate of the rest of the population, meaning that the resources must increase. Care- givers are providing hours of support, which can lead to burnout. Respite is valuable – not only for
This is a photograph of the original 1978 Sports Spectacular Committee on which Gary Clarke has volunteered for 45 years, raising awareness and funds toward Community Living Elgin and Special Olympics. the person being cared for, but their loved ones. As a City, we start to examine the process and plan for what we are calling a ‘Campus of Care’: a one-stop shopping hub with Valleyview’s long-term beds and retirement housing; assisted living for those in need of support; day programming expansion; and perhaps a thermal pool for physio. This is where I want to put my efforts over the next couple of years. Our seniors are the ones that paid taxes and lent their support to better St. Thomas. Now, we support them in their growing needs.” As Gary concludes, “Throughout my career, I have really aimed to respect the local taxpayer. This has been front and centre for me each time we’ve done a budget.” To those with inquiries, the City Councillor extends his phone number: 519-633-7195.
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Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025 • Page 9
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Iron Temple, Fostering Fitness Community by Peri Hayes
It was in June of this year when Doug Robinson, Kent Fuller and Macauley Goldsmith launched Iron Temple. Doug voices, “We saw a gap in the fitness community in St. Thomas and surrounding area for a large commercial-sized gym -- but with a boutique style community. For this purpose, we have a limited membership of 150 members.” As of last month, membership stands at 117. Doug proceeds, “We are creating a community of like-minded people. As our average member visits four times a week, we have a tremendously good participation rate across our membership cohort.” In addition to providing top-tier equipment, Iron Temple representatives are passionate about facilitating a productive atmosphere for individuals to come together, forge connections, foster networking opportunities and support one another. Doug declares, “We wanted to build a place that we ourselves want to work out in. I want to be motivated by people around me.” Iron Temple offers private and small group training in their air-conditioned space, as well as operating online courses. Moreover, another feature of their service is designing detailed meal plans. There is a supplement store on-site, with the additional convenience being that members have the option to add the charge directly to their account. The Iron Temple team enthusiastically expresses, “We are excited that we are able to offer capped membership. This is something rare in the area, and with that, we are able to offer a space that isn’t overcrowded, allowing our members and community to get the most out of every workout. We want to
honour our promise to keep our environment intimate.” Doug beams about the positive response to their business, as he conveys, “We have received great feedback so far.” Iron Temple is located at 18 Balaclava Street, with 24-hour access via Bluetooth through a mobile app. To schedule a personal training session or book a tour of their establishment, email info@irontemple.ca. Alternatively, connect with the team through their social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram at the_iron_temple_. Doug, Kent and Macauley warmly conclude, “Day passes are available for people looking to try it out, or just simply hit a workout.”
2025 Fall Leaf and Yard Waste Collection October 21 – November 28, 2025 Residents will have an opportunity to place organic material out in paper bags or bundles every week on their waste collection day during this period. Only material set out in paper bags will be collected. Material placed out in plastic bags will not be collected and will remain the responsibility of the property owner. Residents are still encouraged to utilize their green cart to their fullest ability. Acceptable Material Includes: Grass, leaves, weeds, plants and brush (no longer than 3 feet and no thicker than 2 inches in diameter) Acceptable Set Outs Include: • Material set out in paper yard waste bags weighing no more than 45 lbs. • Bundles of brush weighing no more than 45 lbs. The Community Recycling Centre at 330 South Edgeware Road accepts leaf and yard waste from St. Thomas residents free of charge (5 Bag Maximum) for those who do not wish to utilize the curbside program.
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Page 10 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025
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St. Joseph’s High School 100th Anniversary by Peri Hayes
Dave exclaims, “The excitement in the community is palpable. I have learned so much about the rich history of St. Joseph’s High School, and have had the opportunity to speak with grads from every decade dating from the late 1940s. I am excited to share this history with the community, as we have been digitally archiving every picture and article we have found and plan to make these available to the public following the celebration.” Sarah expresses, “This milestone stands as a testament to the dedication of administrators, teachers and support staff who have worked tirelessly to create an educational experience rooted in faith, excellence and care. Reaching 100 years isn’t just about marking the passage of time – it’s about honouring the generations who built this school, and inspiring the ones who will carry its legacy forward.” As Sarah and Dave reveal, “We are pleased to announce that we have attained approval for a community-built Fieldhouse at St. Joseph’s.” Their fundraising campaign is graciously accepting donations to support construction.
Sarah Westaway, Friends of St. Joseph’s Charity Vice Chair, returns with updates and enthusiasm about the upcoming St. Joseph’s High School 100th Anniversary Celebration: “Reconnecting with past alumni and hearing about their time at St. Joseph’s has been a meaningful experience -- especially because I not only have the privilege of teaching at St. Joseph’s, but I’m an alumna myself. I’m proud to be part of its ongoing story.” Dave Fox, Friends of St. Joseph’s Charity Chair, proceeds, “My favourite part of preparing for this event has been working with the amazing committee of volunteers to sift through past memories.” While celebrating the school’s longevity, Dave has traced generations of families who attended St. Joseph’s. Collaboration between staff and alumni has been inspiring, as Sarah highlights, “With events ranging from an Open House to a Dedication Mass, we’ve created opportunities for alumni to reconnect, reflect and celebrate their shared history. I believe this celebration will spark a deeper sense of pride and connection within our school community, enriching the aca- demic year ahead with renewed spirit, gratitude and a stronger sense of belonging.” In addition to the facilitated activities offered to students surrounding this anniversary, their Alumni Unplugged Concert will be held on October 8th with tickets available through the school website. The following evening, their 1Password Park ‘Night Lights’ matches commence at 6:00 pm.
For supporting this growing com- munity, there are donation options which vary in accompanying benefits of virtual speaking opportunities, public name recognition and adver- tisement. This recently launched
‘Century Club’ is available by donating a minimum of $100.00 for “shaping the next century of success”. Those interested are invited to access Zeffy, which is attached to the school website.
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Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025 • Page 11
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Gourd Times Await at the Horton Market’s First ‘PumpkinFest’ This fall, the Horton Market is bringing something new to St. Thomas -- the first-ever PumpkinFest, happening Saturday, October 24th, from 8 am until noon. For Monique Clark, the new Horton Market Coordinator, the idea grew out of a simple need: to bring excitement back to the market in late October. “We always find there’s a little bit of a slump in October,” Monique explains, “Especially because people don’t know that we’re open that late. It’s a little chilly, it’s a little dark, but we’re still here. We thought if we did a PumpkinFest, it might draw some interest and also focus on the fact that in the fall, farms are still producing.” The event promises something for all ages. “We’re going to be doing pumpkin-themed games, like pumpkin toss, pumpkin bowling, and tic-tac-toe,” says Monique. “Vendors will also be joining in the theme, with pottery, food, and baked goods showcasing pumpkin-inspired creations.” Just like in a traditional fall fair, a PumpkinFest highlight will be the contests. Children will have arts and crafts categories, while adults can enter photography, artwork, or market-inspired pieces. “We have so many talented people in St. Thomas,” Monique enthuses, “And there’s really no fall fair to showcase that.” Pumpkin carving and painting contests are also planned, along with a baking competition featuring autumn favourites like apple pie and pumpkin desserts. Costumes are encouraged, adding to the festive atmosphere. “We’re going to try to get our vendors to dress up, and of course, kids can come in costume too; it just makes it more fun,” Monique shares.
Organizers are even reaching out to bring antique tractors to the market grounds, adding a nostalgic country-fair feel. And for contest prizes, winners can look forward to Horton Market Dollars, gift certificates that encourage supporting local vendors. “It reinforces bringing people back to the market,” Monique explains. For Monique, who describes herself as “a huge Halloween person,” the event feels like the perfect fit: “It just kind of made sense – we’re a farmers’ market; it’s close to Halloween, and people love fall festivities.” With games, contests, costumes, and plenty of pumpkins, PumpkinFest is set to become a new St. Thomas tradition. “It’s a lot, but I feel like we can pull it off,” Monique says, smiling. PumpkinFest runs Saturday, October 25th, from 8 am until noon at the Horton Market at 10 Manitoba Street.
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Page 12 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025
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Meet Me at the Market While many people think of the Horton Market in the summer, to me, the fall is one of my favourite times to visit the vendors! Ray Clift Design Brittany and Dennis Clift bring their passion for craftsmanship and creativity to the Horton Farmers’ Market. The name Ray Clift has a special story behind it. While on vacation in the Bahamas, they visited Atlantis’ Project Blue, dedicated to conserving marine life. Seeing a rehabilitated manta ray there, they were so inspired that they adopted the name ‘Ray’ and chose the manta ray as their logo. At their market booth, you’ll find finely crafted leather goods made from top-grade leather sourced from Canadian suppliers, as well as fibre arts created from second-hand materials. Their work is inspired by a sense of wonder and curiosity, with a focus on creating items which, rather than being replaced, grow more meaningful with time. For Brittany and Dennis, design is more than a business; it’s their art, passion, and joy. They love transforming thoughts and ideas into tangible creations and especially enjoy the happiness their work brings to others. Their most popular services include custom work and leather repair, ranging from minor fixes to complete alterations. Otter Creek Distilling Murray Williams, along with Tim and Tami-Lee Emerson, are the team behind Otter Creek Distilling, a business rooted in history and tradition. Their spirits are crafted from recipes passed down from Murray’s grandfather, who was a moonshiner during Prohibition. The freshwater spring on Tim and Tami’s farm, once used by Murray’s grandfather, still supplies the water for their creations today.
“It all started over drinks and dinner,” recalls Murray. “I was telling the story of how the recipes were found in my family, and that conversation, probably helped along by the drinks, sparked the idea that grew into this business.” At the Horton Farmers’ Market, Otter Creek Distilling offers a full range of era-specific spirits, along with creative modern flavours such as dill pickle vodka. “We love the tradition and history behind the recipes,” says Tami-Lee. “It’s fun to bring forward some of the untold history of our little part of the world.” Their gin has become the standout favourite. “It’s a simple formula, not so juniper-forward,” explains Tim. “With gin making a comeback, our botanical blend pairs beautifully with Prohibition-era cocktails.” The Otter Creek Distilling team set themselves apart through their commitment to authenticity, small-batch distilling, pure spring water, and original formulas that deliver a familiar yet truly unique taste.
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Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025 • Page 13
*Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies.
The St. Thomas Pumpkin Prowl Returns! by Peri Hayes Sarah Lynch is the proud Downtown Development and Engagement Officer with the St. Thomas and Economic Development Board: “Part of my role is to help coordinate overall planning and the logistics for downtown events, such as the Pumpkin Prowl. I communicate and engage with downtown businesses, along with ensuring that this event runs smoothly for these participating businesses and families in attendance.” Sarah shares her personal motivation, which is, “To create memorable family experiences that bring people into our downtown, while supporting and showcasing these local businesses.” As Sarah highlights, the Downtown Development Board (DDB) strives for the promotion and beautification of these valuable local services. The 2025 Pumpkin Prowl is celebrated from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, October 24th. Participating businesses are located along Talbot Street, from First Ave to Stanley Street. “This year is going to look a bit different than it has in the past,” Sarah reveals. “Since its beginning, it has grown sub- stantially in popularity. About 20 businesses and 100 families have participated since inception, which has grown to the approximately 94 businesses and easily 2,000 or more atten- dees throughout the evening last year. With this growth comes a need to manage safety for everyone involved.” Included in these safety measures will be an implemented street closure from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm. This street closure along Talbot will continue from Ross Street until Elgin Street. Moreover, participating businesses will communicate that they are joining in the Pumpkin Prowl festivities by displaying a pumpkin
poster in their storefront. On the Monday before this event, those planning to attend are also welcome to refer to the ‘Downtown Pumpkin Prowl - St. Thomas’ website for their list of businesses, as well as to print a passport for each Trick or Treater. Rest assured, physical copies of the Pumpkin Prowl passport will also be available for pick up at each of the participating businesses. For a minimum requirement of 20 signatures or stamps, attendees will be entered into a draw for a thrilling prize of Downtown Dollars. Visit the DDB website and their recently curated Downtown St. Thomas event page on Facebook, which includes the latest updates. With inquiries, email the DDB at ddb@stthomas.ca. Regarding this community event, Sarah expresses what she is looking forward to: “For me and for the Board, the excitement is the opportunity to showcase our amazing downtown businesses. This is a chance to empower what we have, and introduce people to the unique businesses in our downtown. We have so much to offer, and we are very fortunate to have such engaged businesses in our community. Enjoy an evening of exploring our downtown!”
Absolutely everything in the store is 10% - 70% off This includes all of our new Fall and Cruise Season arrivals! Sale begins Tuesday October 28th and ends Saturday November 1st 38th Anniversary –SALE–
Let the closest thing to you be,,,
i s now Available at Aline’s Fine Lingerie
565 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519.631.2253 Open Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-4pm
Cruise, Lounge and Swimwear
Page 14 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025
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What I Learned When I Tried to Sell My Gold Recently, I decided to sell a box of gold items that had been collecting dust in a drawer. The trouble was, I didn’t know much about gold. To do my due diligence, I visited three local gold buyers, each with the exact same box of jewelry. They tested and weighed everything, separating real gold from costume and plated pieces. Two buyers, Purity Diamonds Jewellery (24 First Ave.) and Antiques on the Side (791 Talbot St.), offered me almost identical amounts. The third dealer, however, came in more than $1,300 lower. That experience highlighted the importance of shopping around. To better understand what sellers should watch for, I spoke with Mason Myrick, owner of Purity Diamonds Jewellery. Mason has been in business for five years, and as a jeweller and goldsmith, he not only buys unwanted jewelry but also refines gold to create new pieces. He says people come in for many reasons, estate cleanouts, broken jewelry, divorce or items they no longer wear. “A lot of people don’t really know how much money it’s actually worth,” Mason explained. “My job is to test it, tell them what they have, and pay them fairly.” The first thing Mason stresses is the importance of dealing with someone reputable. “The best thing to do is go to someone reputable who will actually tell you what the gold is and what the market value is. That way you can make an informed decision to sell, or not.”, Prices can also vary more than people expect. Gold is purchased by weight and purity, measured in karats. “Pure gold, 24 karat, is worth the most. Ten karat, for example, is only 41.7% gold, while 18 karat is 75%. That difference affects how much you’ll be paid.” Transparency is also important. A trustworthy buyer will test and weigh the items in front of you. If a piece contains stones, Mason removes them and returns them to the customer. “It’s about being clear so people know exactly what they’re getting paid for.” He also cautions against giving away gold unknowingly. Many people donate or sell pieces at garage sales without realizing their true value. “I’ve had clients buy something for fifty cents at a garage sale, and I paid them $600 for it. Knowing what you have is key.” In the end, Mason says it doesn’t hurt to ask. “Even if you don’t sell, it’s good to know the value. That way you won’t make the mistake of letting it go for far less than it’s worth.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025 • Page 15
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LOCAL ARTIST PROFILE
Angela Hardy by Peri Hayes Angela Hardy is a Newfoundlander and Labradorian artist, embracing Southern Ontario where she presently resides. She earned her BFA from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts, and has pursued her career with focus on figure and portrait painting. As Angela voices, “Being an artist is something that I knew I would always become.” Referring to a literary work of art history which she diligently studied during her youth, Angela vividly recalls, “I was enamoured by the paintings of people and the history that went with them, but there was always a distinct lack of female artists in that history book.” While also working with watercolour and drawing media, Angela predominantly creates her pieces with acrylic paint: “Over the last decade, there have been two bodies of work that I am still cultivating.” Notably, Angela’s ‘Indestructible Woman’ series was juried in 2018 by the SNBA in Paris, France. Angela was then awarded a silver medal the following year by the ARTS - SCIENCES - LETTRES in Paris. Inspired by Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe, who “challenged everybody in their pathway”, Angela portrays women as goddesses, heroines or historical figures. Angela details, “The ‘Indestructible Woman’ series is a reflection on everyday women and how within their own lives, they inspire others -- but often do not realize the magnitude of hope that they give to others.” The second body of work that Angela is returning to is her ‘Muppet’ series, for which she makes the costumes and props Mission Thrift Store’s Christmas Open House Saturday, November 1 9am – 5pm Come and enjoy a…. huge selection of Christmas décor Holiday Linen New and used toys New and gently used gifts Christmas Fashion Enjoy live music Door Prizes See you at Mission Thrift Store! 7 First Avenue, St. Thomas Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 5pm • Thurs 9am – 7pm Donation hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 4:30pm Thurs 9am – 6:30pm Closed Sundays and Holidays
worn by models before transferring each image to canvas. This is a commentary on the strength of women, which is not always empowered; a visually whimsical depiction of a deeper message -- how women find ways to conceal their authentic selves as a means of conforming to societal expectations. “In a world now diluted in AI,” Angela passionately expresses, “I believe celebrating traditional artists — especially local
Craft Your Own Holiday Magic!
Reservations recommended, drop-ins welcome as space permits.
Looking for unique décor or handmade gifts? Join us for Christmas pottery painting! From ornaments to mugs and plates, it’s fun for all ages. Come create festive memories today!
Crock A Doodle St Thomas 364 Talbot St, St Thomas 548-488-5118 crockadoodle.com/stthomas
Page 16 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025
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Honing in on her decorative arts background, Angela teaches a variety of open concepts to her students through one-on- one sessions and group workshops in her home studio. She also leads group workshops in the community through collaborating with local organizations. Angela beams, “I love seeing my students happy, being challenged and growing.” Working with adults of all ages and skill sets, Angela assures, “I meet my students where they are.” Candidly sharing her history as a survivor and ongoing supporter of the Me Too Movement, Angela is dedicated to uplifting women, celebrating the diverse strengths of artists and exercising creativity as an expressive outlet. To her angelahardyart@gmail.com email address, Angela welcomes inquiries about commission work, her private lessons, small and large workshops, and scheduled follow-along afternoon and evening paint groups. To purchase an Angela Hardy original work, visit the angelahardyfineart.com website. Orders are also accepted through Angela Hardy Fine Art on Facebook and ang2art on Instagram.
— is more important than ever. Hands-on creativity is how we explore the world around us, our own emotions and our imagination. It also teaches us the importance of trial and error. In the artists around us, we feel a part of something bigger. We begin to understand that everything we have and everything we often appreciate comes from a creative source.”
A Handmade Holiday Special November 15 | 10am-4pm Local Food | Handmade Gifts Live Music | Christmas Decor
Fall Harvest + Spooktacular Celebration October 25 | 8am-Noon fair style contests | local food | games prizes | autumn flavours spooky season vibes
Kick off the Holiday Season in Downtown St. Thomas November 14 | 5pm-9pm Tree Lighting | Wagon Rides Festive Food | Live Music Late Night Shopping | Santa light up your holiday spirit!
hortonfarmersmarket.ca entry information available now!
hortonfarmersmarket.ca a holiday special come to life!
lightuptalbot.ca
Hometown St. Thomas • October 2025 • Page 17
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