Hometown St.Thomas Nov 2021

Hometown St.Thomas Nov 2021

Hometown St. Thomas November 2021 Issue 34

The City of St. Thomas Wants your Opinion

we've planned for growth, and we're continuing to plan for growth within our boundaries, so that we can respond when the market demand is there. Because last thing you want is for an opportunity to pass us by and go to those municipalities in the region that that are set up to accept that growth.” The city has created an online questionnaire and invites you fill it out and to be put on their mailing list as well. “So you are aware of when the next engagement pieces will take place,” says Lou; “So you can participate and so we can send updates to you. But more importantly, if you want to have a say, this is an opportunity to do that; please speak up.”

Whether you are new to the city or a lifelong resident, chances are you have an opinion about what you love about St. Thomas, and about the things that you think could be improved upon. As they are conducting their 2046 Official Plan Update, right now is your opportunity to let the city planners know your thoughts. Says Lou Pompilii, Director of Planning & Building Services, “We're required to look at and update our official plan every five years. The main purpose is to make sure that we're implementing provincial changes and any legislation that's been updated within those five years, to make sure our Official Plan is reflective of that. Also, to look at our municipal needs in terms of growth; how growth has occurred; how we want it to occur; looking at our land, our land needs. Our Plan covers housing perspectives, population perspectives, employment perspectives and econo- vmic perspectives. We want to make sure we have enough land within our boundaries to be in a position to respond when growth occurs over the next 25 years, so we know where it should occur, and what form it should take. We're updating all those studies and plans and we're engaging the public as well. This is your opportunity to have your say on what direction St. Thomas grows in the short term, and the long term!” Lou acknowledges that there is a lot of uncertainty out there, and sometimes even negativity, but he feels this is the way for people to get involved, to keep informed and have their say. “Just look at the growth that's been occurring, this year, in the past few years,” he says. “We are fortunate enough here that

To participate in the official plan update, go to www.stthomas.ca/op before the end of the year!

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Run Run Rudolph to the Horton Christmas Market After Dark

throughout the night. While not mandatory, we are encouraging everyone to dress up in their favourite old 80’s ski suit or to pull out some of those classic 70s toques and scarves. There will be a prize awarded to the person with the most retro look!” After another year of on-again, off-again lock downs and social distancing, the goal of this party is to get people together outside and to have a fun holiday party with a twist! “It seems like everyone is just itching to have some good old-fashioned fun,” says Megan. “We have been cooped up for far too long, and this was an opportunity to host a night of pure, unadulterated, retro FUN! Being outside is exciting for us, as this space with the outdoor pavilions is unique and we will have a tent as well, for additional shelter. Because we know it’ll be cold, we will have plenty of propane heaters and fire pits for everyone to warm up at, plus hot drinks and activities like cornhole, to keep everyone moving!” If you are up for a little Christmas magic after dark, make sure you grab your tickets before they are gone! To buy your tickets, go to railwaycitytourism.com.

If all you want for Christmas is a chance to get together with some of your friends and have a Christmas party withoutthe kids, this is your chance! On November 20th, from 7-10 PM, the Horton Market is the site for the first-ever Horton Christmas Market After Dark. Tickets are $20, which includes one drink ticket (this is a licensed event) and are available at railwaycitytourism.com. The event is being planned by Railway City Tourism, a branch of the St. Thomas EDC, which took over the Market operations at the beginning of this year. Says Tourism Manager, Megan Pickersgill, “We are looking forward to celebrating a successful season with the community. What better way than to host a big holiday bash? Pairing it on the same day as the retail portion of the market allows us to transition easily into a night time event where we plan to celebrate fun and a love for our community!” The Horton Christmas Market After Dark will be held outside under the pavilions and a tent. It will feature a lot of festive décor, fire pits, a beer garden, games, cornhole, a DJ, hot drinks (hot toddy anyone?), local wine, local beer and festive vibes. “The party will have a retro Christmas theme,” says Megan. “We will be playing retro tunes

The Horton Market is located at 10 Manitoba Street, St Thomas.

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Fundraising Campaign HELP US REACH OUR GOAL OF FILLING THE TREE .

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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2021 • Page 3

Ted’s Place, So Much More Than Just Lotto

A staple of our downtown core since the 1970s, Ted’s Place is known as a store for friendly service, a quick lottery ticket, or a fine cigar (It was once known as Ted’s Place Lottery & Cigar). But speaking with owner Mark Haycock, we discover why it is called Ted’s Place, and what keeps their customers coming back. “The store itself has been in existence for about eighty-five years. It started off as a United Cigar store, and back in the 60s, early 70s, its name changed to Macy’s. Then the name changed to Ted's place after a gentleman named Ted purchased it,” Mark explains. Ted’s Place changed hands a few times; after Ted came Jerry, and then Wayne, and finally Mark and his wife, Shelley. “I bought the store in 2011 and kept the name, Ted's Place, because everyone knew it.” One thing that might surprise you is that Ted’s Place has a good selectionof electric razorsand their blades. Thoseof youwhohave used electric razors in the past know how hard it is to replace the head when it is past its prime. Mark says he has the knowledge to help you out: “Knowing what they need is paramount. You can't just go to the big box store and pick them out.” While most razor manufacturers will only supply replacement parts for up to ten years, Mark says he can often help your older models too. “Lately I have seen some that are twenty-five or thirty years old; those parts are kind of a hit or miss, whether you'll be able to find them.” Mark carries Phillips, Braun and Remington, and can replace the head for most makes. Ted’s Place also carries a selection of safety razors and their accessories.

Offering only limited snacks and cold drinks, Ted’s Place is not a standard convenience store. “We like to think of it as more of a specialty store,” says Mark, “As it does offer a wide range of convenient products including lotto, wreaths, tobacco and accessories, St. Jimmy’sCoffee, localmagazinesandnewspapers, including Hometown St. Thomas and Boomers & Beyond .” And after eighty years, they are still offering premium cigars.

Ted’s Place can be found at 485 Talbot St, St Thomas.

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Back to the House of Commons by Karen Vecchio, MP Elgin-Middlesex-London On October 5th, I returned to Ottawa for our first official Caucus meeting for Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. My return to Ottawa allowed me time to reflect on my re-election as your Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London. I am truly honoured to represent the great people of this riding in the 44th Parliament and recognize the privilege that I have been given. This past election provided the opportunity for multiple parties to put forward their platforms and for the electorate to voice their opinions onmultiple issues facing Canadians. Key policies included housing, healthcare, affordability, mental health and addictions, the economy, the environment and truth and reconciliation. However, the dominant conversation in this riding focused on vaccines and potential federal and provincial mandates. Since my re-election, I have been addressing these issues both locally and nationally as your representative. I recognize that within our local communities, protocols surrounding COVID-19 and vaccination status can cause great division. It was obvious to me throughout this election that we must work on having productive discussions so we can move towards real solutions. I will continue to host meetings with stakeholders and receive feedback on these issues as I prepare for my return to the House of Commons to debate these important concerns this fall. The election also provided me an opportunity to speak to many people regarding the concerns they have for their families and their future. I am excited to work with our local municipal councils, our MPP Jeff Yurek, and other regional partners to find

Karen Vecchio

innovative solutions that will help overcome these challenges. We have many examples of local partnerships that have produced amazing results, and we must continue to work together to make progress in these areas. On September 30th, Canadians came together to commemorate the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I along with my constituency staff Cathy, Jena, Jill and Charli, attended local

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ceremonies in Elgin-Middlesex-London. For many Canadians, we are only beginning to learn about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and some of the tragedies they suffered. This day offered dedicated time for Indigenous leaders and communities to join local municipalities and leadership to honour the lives lost in Residential Schools and to address the inter-generational trauma that Indigenous people continue to face. I would like to thank the many individuals who worked to commemorate this important day in their communities and acknowledge their work in providing this opportunity for us to come together on this first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I look forward to growing my relationship with local Indigenous communities. The riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London is composed of the County of Elgin, the City of St. Thomas, the Municipality of Thames Centre and a portion of the city of London. Although the geography is vast and the demographics are different, there are many common concerns facing constituents. Although many people have returned to work, many jobs remain unfilled. We must work together to address the growing disconnect between employers and employees. I am optimistic that our local economy will have strong growth, but that must be launched through a strong economic plan that includes skills development, credential recognition and building a strong workforce. Growing our economy and adopting a responsible approach to federal spending must also be a key priority of this government in the 44th Parliament. Throughout the election, I heard from many constituents about the increased cost of living. Many families, seniors and individuals are struggling to get by as life becomes increasingly unaffordable. We must tackle inflation

and the rising cost of necessities as well as work out a plan to address the ever-growing debt and deficit. Prior to the election, the Federal Government announced support to improve VIA rail service in Southwestern Ontario. Following the announcement, the community was looking for clear timelines andmore details on this service. I will address this issue which is important to our region with the newly appointed Minister of Transport and our local levels of government. Over the past six years, I have had the honour to work with many organizations representing women, young girls, and minors. In this work, I have truly found one of my passions. I look forward to addressing issues such as domestic violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking, violence against women, and the need to empower youth. As the former chair of Status of Women in the 42nd and 43rd Parliament, I met with representatives who shared their personal stories and provided me a broader perspective on issues impacting our society. These are important issues in our local communities, and I look forward to meeting with experts locally and nationally to discuss these topics. I will continue my outreach to communities throughout this Parliament to ensure that I am representing the voices of this riding accurately. I remain extremely thankful for the trust given to me and look forward to working for the people of Elgin- Middlesex-London. CANADA H A P P Y D A Y Karen VECCHIO MP ELGIN N MIDDLESEX X LONDON KAREN.VECCHIO O PARL.GC.CA KARENVECCHIOMP.CA 519 9 637 7 2255

Karen Vecchio’s constituency office is at 750 Talbot St, St Thomas, ON N5P 1E2

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Feeling Peppy for Pepe’s When Capri Pizza closed, St. Thomas lost one of its food mainstays. But not long after, in the window emerged a sign that a new restaurant was coming to St. Thomas, Pepe’s Chicks N Fish. While their opening was delayed by the pandemic and renovation complications, Pepe’s Chicks N Fish is now open! The restaurant is owned by restauranteur, Joassean Fullo and his wife Meshelle, who is also the head chef. “It's a great journey because we've been in the restaurant industry for a very long time really,” says Joassean. [Joassean, a graduate of the culinary program at Fanshawe College, moved with his family to London in 2017, where they opened a Pepe’s Restaurant which features Filipino and Asian cuisine at 994 Huron St.] “But it's our first time to venture into this kind of fast food.” Pepe’s Chicks N Fish offers what you might expect from its name, the standard fare of chicken restaurants; battered fish and fried chicken, biscuits, fries, coleslaw, salads, etc., but with a Filipino flare. They hope to distinguish themselves by the way the chicken is prepared. “The other restaurants double batter theirs so it is extra crispy,” Joassean explains. “We marinate ours overnight and single batter it, which makes it still crispy and juicy, but reduces the grease. Our food is unique; you can really taste the marinade inside the chicken.” For their fish, Pepe’s uses halibut, which they prepare in a traditional English Style, but with a few of their own twists. What you might not expect from Pepe’s Chicks N Fish is the introduction of Cajun cuisine, with dishes like Cajun Shrimp and Cajun Mussels, which was Meshelle’s idea. “This is our pilot location, with other locations opening in Sarnia and London, so we've been studying a lot and improvising the menu,”

says Joassean who adds they have been carefully following their reviews for not only the food but also the service. “Reviews help us a lot to improve; we are always trying to improve.” By starting their restaurant in a St. Thomas culinary landmark, Pepe’s Chicks N Fish has some big shoes to fill. However, with their unique twist on some comforting favourites and their pursuit of excellence, I believe they are well on their way. Pepe’s is available for take-out and also for delivery on Skip the Dishes, DoorDash and Uber Eats. Pepe’s Chicks N Fish is located at 717 Talbot St, St. Thomas.

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Hometown St. Thomas November 2021 Cover The St. Thomas Armoury at Chester St. and Wilson Ave. Original Painting by Grayden Laing

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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2021 • Page 9

Small Joy Series by Amelia Bainbridge, Fundraising & Outreach Coordinator for the St. Thomas Public Library As the days get shorter, it’s easy to slip onto the couch in the evenings and lose yourself in the latest series on Netflix. While this is a great way to relax, why not liven up your weeknights by learning something new? Join us virtually for a session of St. Thomas Public Library’s Small Joy Series, running for six weeks on Thursday evenings from 7 – 8 p.m. on Zoom. You could dis- cover a fun new hobby. The Small Joy Series sessions are run by staff members and guest experts who can offer insight into each topic and set participants up with resources to explore on their own, like handy booklists from the library! The Small Joy Series is not meant to make you an ex- pert, but it’s a way to connect with others and find something new to dabble in, as there is much joy to be found in dabbling!

Register for any of the remaining free sessions that spark your interest (space is limited): November 4 – Travel Chat: Miss travelling? Join a travel agent for tips on travel and exchange travel stories of your own. Talk about your plans for upcoming trips! November 18 –Writing Workshop: Participants can pick up a kit of writing essentials prior to the session and learn how to use them to cultivate a writing practice for creativity and self-reflection. November 25 – Joyful Movement: You don’t have to take up a new sport to start exercising. Grab your favourite scarf or towel and join us to learn how to make movement joyful! Sessions are free, you just need to have a valid St. Thomas Public Library card! Register for sessions online at stthomas. bibliocommons.com/events, or visit our website at stthomas- publiclibrary.ca for more information on the Small Joy Series and other free events.

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What Was Once Old is New Again In the 90s, music producers said they would never be able to improve upon the sound quality of the CD; at the time, it was seen as perfection. But vinyl, the predecessor of the CD, has been making a comeback and for some, like Rick Leeson, owner of the new Records & Relics on Talbot St., it never left. “It’s a physical thing,” says Rick. “I think people are getting tired of the iPod. You don't get the very good sound out of those things. Just like hockey cards, that kind of stuff goes through cycles.” Rick opened the store back in June as a way to downsize some of his own collection, which he has been amassing for over twenty years. “7,000 or so are my own” he says. “Since the 70s, I just always had my collection. I would pick them up here or there.” Rick estimates that Records & Relics has about 16,000 titles on hand, a mix of used as well as new records. Rick’s initial collection reflects his musical tastes: “Pretty much just mostly classic rock, also a little country.” His store has all kinds of music however, including some rare 80s ‘thrasher’ metal. Rick is always looking to add to his inventory, and is open to buying used records from local collectors. “I will even come to them, as records are heavy, and I don’t want people hauling in all of their records for me to buy only a few. As you first enter, the relics portion of Records & Relics is a collection of antiques which includes bottles, crates and décor. “My favourite record is Darkside of the Moon by Pink Floyd,” says Rick, who shows his love for this all-time great album with a mural on his wall, one of many amazing murals. Next time you want to get your groove on with the rich sound that only vinyl can give you, head on down to Records & Relics and flip through some of Rick’s 16,000 albums.

Records & Relics is located at 347 Talbot St., St. Thomas, open Wednesday –Sunday.

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Orange Shirt Day in St. Thomas September 30th was Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and in St. Thomas, Mayor Joe Preston marked this day with an official proclamation and flag-raising at city hall. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was created to honour the children and their families lost and impacted by residential schools as well as the ongoing impact it has had on their communities. In the St. Thomas area, the local residential school was Mount Elgin, also known as the Muncey Institute which was operational from early 1850s until 1946; as of 1925, it was the only United Church run residential school in Ontario. At the presentation we heard from several speakers, including Mayor, Joe Preston, MPP, Jeff Yurek and the granddaughter of a residential school survivor, Betty Jean Phillips Budden. Betty Jean opened with a quote from Duncan Campbell Scott, Deputy Superintendent of the Department of Indian Affairs from 1920: “I want to get rid of the Indian problem. I do not think as a matter of fact, that this country ought to continuously protect a class of people who are able to stand alone. That is my whole point. Our object is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada

that has not been absorbed into the body politic, and there is no Indian question and no Indian Department; that is the whole object of this Bill.” Betty Jean, an intergenerational residential survivor, is from St. Thomas, from the Oneida Nation of the Thames. “Both of my grandmothers were forced to attend the residential of Mount Elgin. They suffered harsh conditions, strict discipline, and horrific atrocities,” she reveals. “My grandmother, Dorothy Day has told her truth in a book called The Mush Hole by Elizabeth Graham. A small part of her story is about a time she was punished for taking a prayer book from the prayer room and sitting under a tree with her friends; a prayer book that was forced upon them; a prayer book that they had to sing from; a prayer book that they had to learn the language they did not understand and were punished if they did not sing properly. They were signing under the tree with the prayer book and were punished, as she was not allowed to have the book outside the prayer room.” “How can a little girl understand that? I don’t know; it doesn’t make sense to me as an adult. How can it make sense to a little girl? The only way it could possibly make sense is that these people

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Page 12 Hometown St. Thomas • November 2021

wanted complete and utter control over the Indian children. These compulsory schools shattered our families, our languages, and our culture. These little children and their great pain have been passed down fromgeneration to generation to generation and that still impacts our communities today. The purpose of the residential schools was to break them, and I believe that is exactly what they did. Broken people breed broken people. Today, September 30th, marks Orange Shirt Day, which is a day when we honour and remember all the indigenous children who were stolen from their families and forced to go to residential schools across Canada; their survivors, their families, and those who did not return home. We have this day on September 30th as it was this time of year that the children were taken from their homes and everything that they knew, to attend residential schools.” Betty Jean continues: “We wear orange and use the phrase ‘every child matters’ because this movement was in part founded by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor. On the first day she was taken, she had an orange shirt that her grandmother had given her and they had taken it from her and she never saw it again. That is when she knew that how she felt and what she thought did not matter; that she did not matter. 40 years later in 2013, she founded this day to raise awareness and truth about residential schools in Canada and to show Canadians that our people do matter.” Joe Preston spoke after Betty Jean and commented that this was by far the largest audience for a flag-raising they have ever had: “I wanted to thank you all for recognizing Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day. We are supposed to gather on Truth and Reconciliation Day to think, to listen, to hear and to promise that we will do our best. Let’s hope we learn every day.” Mayor Preston then read the proclamation to commemorate the

day which included, “Whereas the orange shirt is now used as a vivid reminder of the need for ongoing discussion and work towards Truth and Reconciliation; and whereas Orange Shirt Day occurs in early fall because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools; and whereas Orange Shirt Day recognizes one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations for a National Day to honour survivors, their families and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” “Residential Schools were a blight, an evil in our country,” says MPP, Jeff Yurek. “The sad part is, they were still in existence in the 90’s. We have all been part of that generation when those schools existed. I think it is important that each and every one of us take the time to learn the truth of what our country’s past was. Until we know the truth and understand what we have done, we can’t reconcile going forward and we need to be on that path together, indigenous and non-indigenous, together. That is the only way we will find truth and reconciliation going forward.” Like Remembrance Day, Orange Shirt Day/Day of Truth and Reconciliation should be honoured every year. But those we have lost, and those who survived, they should be kept in our thoughts and in our hearts every day.

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St. Thomas is a Fan of Fan of the Sport Originally opened inOctober 2011, Fan of the Sport is celebrating its 10th year in business! This year has seen a major change for Fan of the Sport and it’s owner, Marty Hancox, moving from its location downtown to its new home in the Elgin Centre. Marty grew up in Springfield outside of Aylmer, and after graduating from East Elgin High School, he attended Lambton College for Marketing. After graduating, Marty moved to St. Thomas in 1999 and began working with the goal of one day opening his own place. “I got an education in business and marketing and slowly started working towards my goal.”

for collecting, and sports novelty. A huge part of the store has become trading cards including Magic the Gathering and of course, Pokémon. We even focus on Pop culture memorabilia such as Pop Funkos. If you are familiar with this product, you know there is a Funko for everyone, no matter what you are into. I've always had a passion for sports and collecting. Growing up, I started my personal collection when I was around five years old, buying sports cards from Springfield's Variety Store. I was

“Fan of the Sport, being located in a smaller town like St. Thomas, made us diversify,” says Marty. “We may have started as a true sports collectible store but we now carry so much more. We have a large gaming section with board/card/role playing games as well as miniatures games. Staying true to our roots, we continue to carry sports trading cards, signed memorabilia, supplies

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Page 14 Hometown St. Thomas • November 2021

hooked from a very early age and never grew out of it. What better way to make a living than to do what you love?” After nine years downtown and two locations on Talbot St., Marty and the team moved to a bright new location within the Elgin Centre. “Being in the Elgin Center there is definitely a community feel,” says Marty. “I've been welcomed by other store owners and employees since day one. I truly feel like they want us there with them and that's a nice feeling. I love how our newly renovated store has turned out. We have gone from the quaint, small town look to a totally modern store. I'm so excited to have ample parking now for our customers to come and shop.” With their new location comes a great opportunity for local gamers. “We offer a gaming room at the back of the store. We run tournaments throughout the year as well as a regular game every weekend for Magic the Gathering. We also have a tabletop for playing Warhammer. We allow our customers to use the gaming

room when it’s not in use for the store. We have had miniature painting groups, sports card trading nights, a D&D role-playing group, all while the store is open to the public.” With the holidays just around the corner, Marty and his team are ramping up for holiday shopping! “Sports novelty is definitely a big one at this time of year. Pop Funko makes a great gift for all, and board games are always very big at Christmas time. Our store is perfect for picking up trading card packs for putting in stockings. Whether you are shopping for a fan of sports or Star Wars or trading card games like Pokémon, we probably have something to check off your list.” Even after a decade and three locations, you can tell Marty loves what he does, and he says interacting with the customers is what keeps him motivated every day. “The friendships that have developed in our gaming room or just by chatting on the floor when you find someone with the same passion as you, and watching the kids grow up and become young adults. Fan of the Sport is a safe place to be yourself and tell us what you love. Seeing the smiles people get when they pull a great card from a newly purchased pack, either their favourite player or that rare card that everyone is looking for is definitely a highlight for me.” Fan of the Sport is located in the Elgin Centre (formally The Elgin Mall), located at 417 Wellington St., St. Thomas.

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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2021 • Page 15

Brilliant Backsplashes that Transform your Kitchen Design! by Kimberly Bricker, GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc. Your kitchen backsplash is a personality piece. It is often the last detail planned in a kitchen, as colour themes and countertops often dictate the material and style you’ll select. Ultimately, the backsplash is a focal point and an opportunity to be creative! What’s your style? Refined or trendy, neutral or vibrant, simple or extraordinary? Whether traditional, contemporary, or transitional, the tiles you choose to adorn the wall space between your cabinets and countertops should showcase the colour scheme and co- ordinate with the theme of your kitchen. Explore your options! Backsplashes are available in a range of materials! From ceramic to stainless steel and everything in between, each option has its pros and cons when it comes to durability, budget, and creative benefits. As extra square footage on the wall above your range or sink, these areas often receive a lot of visual attention. This makes them great spaces to play with your tile design, creating an option to incorporate different tiles, install tiles on a diagonal or staggering brick pattern, add a border to create a showy centrepiece above the stove. Ceramic/Porcelain Tile At the top of the popularity list is ceramic and porcelain tile. It is relatively low maintenance, especially compared to stone or other porous materials. It is easy to clean and has endless colour, shape and size options available! Subway tile is an unrivalled favorite! It delivers clean lines, and a simple backdrop that is not overpowering against other

features of your space. Add more visual impact with subway tile by combining more than one colour or by installing it in a detailed pattern such as herringbone, vertical stacked, or double weaved basket. Marble Holding a spot as one top backsplash choice, marble is a timeless finish that will hold up to the test of time. Many marble backsplashes are in fact ceramic or porcelain that portray the look of marble. These comparable tiles add the benefit of being stain free from food splashes, like pasta sauce. Natural Stone Natural stone can be more difficult to clean but its beauty is well worth the effort! Many varieties are porous and have plenty of crevices that can be cleaning challenges. It is recommended to seal natural stone to prevent anything from penetrating its surface. Sealing your stone backsplash is not difficult and will make cleaning a breeze!

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Quartz One of the latest trends for backsplashes is quartz. It is often seen mirroring the countertops. It is beautiful and durable! Quartz is also non-porous, making it a great choice, since it eliminates bacteria and mold growth. Quartz countertops create stunning symmetry and can be virtually seamless! Glass If you are looking to add glamour to your space, glass tiles is definitely the way to go, and trendier than ever! They are easy to clean and care for, looking as new as the day they were installed, even decades later. Be sure to check out some of the new crackled and frosted finishes! Glass backsplashes are also a great way to add colour and visual interest with an endless array of ways to arrange it. Slate Slate has great durability and a stunning appearance that is suitable for almost any kitchen! It is affordable and available in a variety of textures and sizes. Slate has waterproof qualities, is versatile, resistant, and can be selected in natural, matte, polished, rustic, or tumbled finishes. Naturally, we think of slate as matte, however black slate can result in a clean, polished look that adds eye-catching texture! Stainless Steel Durable and easy to clean, stainless steel adds distinctive style to your kitchen! Its design flexibility makes it a great choice both for traditional or ultra-modern spaces. Stainless steel backsplashes are available in matte or shiny and can be

found with a variety of textures including embossed, rippled or distressed options. The luster and look of this backsplash choice will be adored for years to come! In Conclusion Whether you are installing new, or replacing an existing backsplash, it is a great way to add character or revamp a space, without a huge undertaking. Shape and pattern play a huge role in the world of home décor. Using different shaped tiles is a great way to make a statement in your space. Herringbone, hexagons, mosaic designs and borders can create a stunning impact and a tailored look, so don’t be afraid to spice it up! If you're on a budget, classic white ceramic or timeless subway tile is the way to go. That said, how tiles adhere is important, so invest in good grout! Ask about wear and tear, including how easily you can clean the tile and what is the best way to seal it. From modern to traditional; whether simple or eccentric, get inspired! Enhance your creativity, and complete your design to create a space you’ll adore spending time in!

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The Traditional Hot Towel Shave by Scotty Dubb, owner of the Angry Bear Barber Shop A Gentleman is courteous, polite and respectful. He says please and thank you, waits his turn in line, and treats others as they wish to be treated. He is an equitable conversation partner and displays good table manners and dining etiquette. This definition really only focuses on a few ways a man should act or things he should do to be considered a ‘gentleman’. For years, the question has been asked: “what makes the perfect gentleman?” Is it that amazing ‘Mo’ each man grows every Movember? Maybe that beast of a beard a man will so carefully keep groomed? Or a tidy, clean, refined hairstyle? Some would say there is no such thing as a “perfect gentleman”. But one thing for certain is, that for a man to go into a barbershop filled with the smell of fresh aftershave and warm shaving cream, and sit back and get a nice, clean and fresh, traditional, hot towel shave sure is a ‘gentlemanly’ thing to do! So, what is it about getting a hot towel shave that makes a man feel more of a gentleman? It’s something that anyone can do from home oneself, but to this day, millions of men all over the world still travel to barbershops to sit back and enjoy a traditional, hot towel shave. What then, makes a hot towel shave so good? It’s the steps a Barber takes to ensure your experience and face feel amazing after it. Steps to a Quality, Traditional Hot Towel Shave First, the barber will lean the client back in the chair to a comfortable position and place a clean towel over the chest from the base of the neck. This is to catch any extra shaving cream. Also, the barber will wipe the straight razor’s blade on it during the shaving process. Next, the barber will massage a quality pre-shave oil product onto the client’s face. After a thorough settlement of the desired pre shave oil product, he will apply a thorough layer of hot foam with a fine bagger hair brush. This process starts softening the skin and hairs and opening the pores, getting them ready for a nice shave. Once the face has been moisturized and hot foam applied, the barber will cover the entire face, including eyes and forehead with a hot, moist towel. Only the nose is left uncovered while, with eyes closed, the client lies back, relaxing in the leather barber chair.

After several minutes, the hot towel is slowly removed so as not to interrupt the client’s relaxation. Now the barber will re apply a heavy coating of hot foam and, in circles, really rub it in with a quality shaving brush to massage the face and get moisture into the skin. Now the barber will work their magic with the straight razor, the most traditional and longest used shaving blade still in use today. Often, a second hot towel will be used on the face for a full second pass that will maximize how close a shave the barber’s valued client receives. The shaving now completed, the barber applies a cold towel to cool everything down, smooth the face and close the pores. After it’s removed, the barber will apply a quality aftershave lotion. Recommended is the thousand year old recipe by Clubman Pinaud. Now, once the freshly shaved ‘gentleman’ is seated up straight again, a good barber will re-comb and style his hair, so as to have everything groomed to perfection. Now remember, not every gentleman out there is perfect or follows all the rules and standards society prescribes, but I will say this: a fresh cut and a hot towel shave at the barbershop sure will make you feel like that distinguished gentleman you were meant to be! Stay classy!

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Page 18 Hometown St. Thomas • November 2021