Real Living Elgin May 2022

Real Living Elgin May 2022

SPRING 2022 Issue 12 REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural

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Page 2 Real Living • Spring 2022

Your New Saturday Morning Hotspot Finally, after 8 years in planning, Aylmer is getting a new market, at the Old Imperial Farmers Market, which will be open from 8am-3pm each Saturday, starting this June. “The timing is finally right,” says Terry Dueck, General Manager. “There’s a ton of housing that’s coming here in the next three years -- our population could double. Plus, I had a business at Western fair farmers market and there were six or seven vendors there who were actually from Aylmer. We’re building something new and fresh here and we have the space to do it and grow.” The Old Imperial Farmers Market had a test run last year when they opened for a very successful Christmas Market. “We had an average of 1300 people coming through every week, and that was in the middle of COVID,” says Amy Burks, Assistant Manager. “We set out to do a kind of feasibility study: how is this market going to run? What is it actually going to look like? We see that it’s a successful project offering things that people really want. Because all that stuff got taken away, COVID was actually helpful. You can see people’s response to what happened, and how much they want this sort of thing in their community.”

As construction continues, the market will be opening up in stages. “We will open our outdoor preliminary portion on June 18. The indoor portion of the market is going to be open July 23, and the Grand Opening, when all the final touches of construction are due to be completed, is on August 13,” says Amy. But as with constructions these days, it is best to keep an eye on their Facebook for any delays. While there is still vendor space available, Terry and Amy are thrilled with the large variety of vendors who have already signed up. “We’re trying to keep things within 100 km radius, with a focus on Elgin County first,” says Terry, “Local meats, pizza, veggies and fruits, artisans, and so much more.” Mark your calendars for their opening dates, gather the family and head on down to the Old Imperial Farmer’s Market located at 516 John St. N, Aylmer. Amy Burks and Terry Dueck with their antique tractor

The market is going through some rather big changes from the building it was a year ago,” says Terry. “We’ve already started with the roof, and a little bit inside.” The exterior is also getting a facelift, but throughout it all, both Terry and Amy say they wanted to pay homage to the building’s roots. “I believe it was the 60s when this particular part of the building was built,” says Amy. “It was used to store tobacco leaves. When we first came in to clean it up, there was a tobacco leaf that was almost ingrained into the wood because it had been stuck up there for so long. That was pretty cool.”

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Page 3

Real Living • Spring 2022 •

These Hands: Touching Memoirs of Seniors Living in our Community by Jessica Silcox, Corporate Communications & Engagement Coordinator County of Elgin Young or old, each of our hands are ingrained with beautiful and delicate layers, scars both old and new, and ancestry that runs as deep as our veins. Reflecting on one’s life, it can be said that our hands truly are a testament of time; a story not only of who we are now, but also a tribute to who we once were. The hardworking and dedicated hands that staff the County of Elgin’s three (3) Long-Term Care Homes, Bobier Villa, Elgin Manor, and Terrace Lodge, understand the precious nature of time and the narratives that the hands of each senior so graciously possess. Through funding received from the Government of Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors Program (NHSP) , the hands of 56 individuals in our community will forever be cherished in a publication titled, These Hands: Touching Memoirs of Seniors Living in our Community . With the turn of each page, this book provides readers with the courageous adventures, tear-jerking love stories, triumphs and tribulations, and the livelihoods of the hands behind each thoughtfully curated black and white photograph. From immigration stories, to serving in the war, raising big families and living life on the family farm, each story has been written in the words of the individuals themselves, or with the assistance of their closest loved ones. It’s this firsthand perspective that allows readers to feel the author’s raw emotions as they reflect on their hands’ workings over the Healthy Lawns Start at Fingal! Grass Seed • Fertilizer • Accessories

years, all while the current photographs bring present day meaning to their hands. “This project was a true community effort, as many hands played their part in fashioning this publication,” says Tanya Noble, Manager of Program and Therapy Services with the County of Elgin. “This book would not have been possible without the numerous individuals who shared their stories; the County of Elgin Homes Recreation staff; the several interviewees who gathered information; the photographers, and the County of Elgin for their continued support of seniors within their communities.” This project has been able to instill more than just joy in the individuals behind the hands and their legacies, but also to provide support to a broader understanding of seniors within the Elgin County community. Each photograph from this book has been printed on a canvas to help continue the stories of the many hands it features. These canvases were on display at the St. Thomas Public Art Centre’s (STEPAC) exhibition from April 2nd until April 30th for the public to rejoice in and to provide a glimpse into how ‘These Hands’ have helped shape our communities.

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Page 4 Real Living • Spring 2022

“Hosting this charity gala was near and dear to my heart,” said Elgin County Warden Mary French. “Supporting the future of our long-term care homes is a vital aspect for current and future residents of Elgin County and is a top priority for this term of Council. I cannot thank staff enough for their dedication to this project, the individuals that opened their hearts and shared their stories, and the gala attendees for supporting such an important cause within our community.” Attendees of the gala were able to peruse 56 canvas prints of the hands featured in the book and read their heartwarming stories. Numerous prints were also auctioned off to eventgoers to display within their own homes, and to act as a reminder that their own hands are currently curating their stories. To learn more about the

‘These Hands’ even helped to continue the success of long- term care within Elgin County. On April 29th, 2022, Warden Mary French hosted a charity gala titled “Warden French’s Charity Gala featuring the ‘These Hands’ Art Show and Auction” at the Aylmer Old Town Hall and Aylmer Library. This event celebrated the success of the ‘These Hands’ publication with all attendees receiving a book as a thank you for supporting the Terrace Lodge Fundraising Campaign.

‘These Hands’ project and to purchase a hardcopy, eBook, or audiobook, please email [email protected]. A limited number of these books will also be available for purchase at the Elgin County Library branches starting in May. For more information on the Terrace Lodge Fundraising Campaign, and to donate, please visit donatetoterracelodge.ca.

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Page 5

Real Living • Spring 2022 •

Green Party Leader Visits Common Grounds Farm As part of their ‘Reconnection Tour’ through Ontario, national Green Party interim leader, Dr. Amita Kuttner visited Common Grounds Farm on Thursday, March 10th. Dr Kuttner became the youngest national party leader in Canadian history at only 30 years old (when appointed), the first national party leader of East Asian descent, and the first transgendered leader. Dr. Kuttner, who holds a PhD in Astrophysics and Astronomy, took a tour of the farm owned by Chris and Amanda DeVries. Chris explained how their 22-acre farm grows organic products that they sell direct to the customers through various farmers markets and through their CSA/Veggie Box program. While the pandemic changed their business model somewhat, Chris believes it also helped show the benefits of buying local. Dr. Kuttner then remarked, “I want nothing more than to see us flourish in such a way that we can actually last as a civilization for hundreds and thousands of years and that can really make good use of the opportunity that it is to be alive. But mostly on this tour, I think the key question that people have resonates the importance of food security and supply chains and this very moment in time that we are in. Whether it is two years of pandemic, climate crisis, the possibility of more pandemics, war and all those difficulties that causes, the many other crises such as health, or inequality, they all have the same root causes and they have the same solutions – that of reconnection and building community, of establishing our understanding of shared humanity, and preparing for everything that will come in a way that we feel the care that we have for one another. I think what is missing for so many is caring for our well being; we are not

acknowledging that we are not being everything that we can be. I think in the end, this is where theGreen Party comes in -- working for everybody to close the gulfs that are opening up between people, and being willing to show up when we’re challenged or told maybe we shouldn’t; to help build at the simplest level, at the smallest level, because I believe it’s the most important thing to move forward and to consider what it is that we want in our lives. To know what is possible when we show up and work together. I truly believe that it does come down to that, to the care we provide for each other, to the building of community, to the importance and the reassurance of food security, water security, shelter, housing, health – part of health being the connections that we have to our families and to the land. I am super grateful for the opportunity to come and see the farm today and to meet with all of you because it’s part of what we need, and I think that it cannot be understated. Sometimes we talk in philosophical ideas or large policy points, but the truth is, it is this work that in the end is the most impactful. We need to understand that to go forward, if we’re truly going to have a sustainable way of life, it starts withmaking sure that we can sustain our communities.”

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Page 6 Real Living • Spring 2022

Rhubarb Rumble From the Home Grown Rhubarb Recipes Cookbook This recipe can be made in the microwave and is suitable for diabetics. This Rhubarb Rumble recipe also won 2nd price in the Dessert category of the Rosy Rhubarb Baking Contest! Ingredients • 3 cups Rhubarb, chopped • 1 package Sugar-Free Strawberry Jell-O • 1 ½ cups of cold skim milk • 1 package of instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix • 1 ready-made graham cracker crust (8 inch) Directions • In a microwave-safe bowl place rhubarb. Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, stirring every two minutes until the rhubarb is softened. • Stir the Jell-O powder into the rhubarb mixture until dissolved. • In a separate bowl combine milk and vanilla pudding mix: beat on low speed for 2 minutes. • Fold in the rhubarb mixture into the pudding mixture. • Spoon into crust and cover. Refrigerate until firm. • Top with Light Cool Whip if desired

This recipe can be found in Home Grown Rhubarb Recipes Cookbook which was created as a fund raiser for the Rosy Rhubarb festival. Books will be on sale at this years festival for $15 with the funds going back into the community. It is filled with many locally submitted rhubarb recipes, we encourage you to pick up a copy while enjoying the festival! % Why is that small number SO BIG?

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Real Living • Spring 2022 •

Page 7

Welcome Back Rosy! After a two-year hiatus, the Rosy Rhubarb Festival is once again a go, kicking off on Saturday June 11th and wrapping up on the 12th in the Rhubarb Capital of Ontario!! More than just a celebration of rhubarb, the Rosy Rhubarb Festival is a celebration of community, family, and of good, old-fashioned fun! Originally a funds raiser, The Rosy Rhubarb Festival goes back to 1993. Says Keith Orchard, who has volunteered with the festival since it began, “We raised money for the community centre; we paid for paving the parking lot and building the pavilion.” Keith recounts how the festival helped save the local library. “The county was going to close it up, so three of us from the Rosy Rhubarb committee went to the county and said we wanted to raise funds for a new library. The idea was well received, and the county left it open for four extra years to give us a chance to raise the money and now we have a new library!” This year’s festival will of course have all the favourites from previous years like live music, children’s shows, local vendors, a car show hosted by the Fingal-Shedden District Optimist Club, camping, and of course, delicious rhubarb baked goods! “The car show gets bigger all the time -- last time we had almost 300 cars participate,” says Keith. Recently refurbished, their two people movers, another highlight of the festival, will take guests on a 20-minute tour of area. “It’s free,” says Keith, “And they will be running all day. You get a 20-minute tour all over town. It is a great way to sit and relax for awhile.” Love Rosy Rhubarb? One day just won’t be enough, so why not make a weekend of it? There are camping opportunities

available for those who book in advance. You can start camping Friday afternoon until Sunday for only $20 a night, with a 15 amp hook-up available. If you are interested in camping, or would like more information, call Sharon at 519-769-2708.

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Page 8 Real Living • Spring 2022

2022 Main Stage Schedule Saturday June 11th Craig the Science Guy Science ‘Edutainer’ 11:00am-Noon Coming Up Roses

Folk Music Duo 12:30- 2:30pm ​ Craig the Science Guy Science ‘Edutainer’ 3:00pm- 4:00pm ​ Traci Kennedy Canadian Country Music Entertainer / Recording Artist / Songwriter 4:30pm- 5:30pm Sunday June 12th

Traci Kennedy, and Coming Up Roses.

Grab the whole family and head on down to the Keystone Complex located at 35921 Talbot Line, Shedden, on June 11th and 12th and have a Rosy good time!

Yvette the Puppet Lady Ventriloquism Puppeteer 11:00am- Noon ​ Leah Butler 12:30pm- 1:30pm ​ Yvette the Puppet Lady Ventriloquism Puppeteer 2:00pm- 3:00pm

For more information, visit the Rosy Rhubarb Festival website at rosyrhubarbfestival.com

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Page 9

Real Living • Spring 2022 •

Air Fest is Back in St. Thomas Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! The greatest show on a tarmac is back -- Air Fest in St. Thomas, on June 24th-26th. Air Fest 2022 is brought to you by the Great Lakes International Airshow which has been delivering this area one of the best air shows in the country for a long time. This year’s Air Fest is looking to be no exception with much of the same fun as you would expect, plus a whole lot more! “We plan on offering an interactive experience for people of all ages throughout the weekend, with much more to see and do on the festival grounds at the airport,” says Andrew Buttigieg, Director of Media and Public Relations. “This year, parking will be on-site. The general admission parking will enter through Elm St. (at the back of the airport) and you will be guided in to park on one of the taxiways. Shuttles will take you to the main festival grounds.” “Throughout the weekend, we are offering a wide range of new activities including a brand new kids’ zone with plenty of activities to enjoy. We are also welcoming the Ultimutts Dog Show who will be performing twice a day. Also new this year, is the Hercules Haul. Teams of five (5) will compete throughout the day to pull a 7,650kg DC3 Dakota (WWII transport aircraft) in front of a crowd of cheering spectators! If you want to register a team, you can register on our website, www.airfest.ca.” Another new attraction to this year’s Air Fest happens on Friday night. “We are offering a brand new gala with guest speaker, Brian Shul,” says Andrew. “Brian is one of the most popular and dynamic keynote speakers in America today. His compelling

story of living fearlessly and embracing the opportunities that each day brings, resonates with men and woman of all ages. This will be his premiere Canadian appearance.” Brian was a pilot for the SR-71 Blackbird Jet. “This is a perfect event to enjoy with the entire family,” says Andrew. “Kids 12 and under are free this year. That is something we thought was important to inspire the next generation to enjoy ‘an air experience to remember’. Our vision – especially with the kids who attend our event – is to inspire passion, interest and education in aviation. As mentioned above, the kids’ zone is one of the big additions to this year’s show. We used to have a kids’ zone on a much smaller scale, but this year we have moved it into one of the hangers and we are going to be including a bunch of interactive displays and activities for the kids to enjoy.” Air Fest was originallyplanned for 2020, but likemany things, had to be postponed due to the pandemic restrictions. Andrew believes that the volunteer group presenting the show has used these past two years to make this years event even bigger and better. “We are excited because this is going to be one of the biggest events in St. Thomas-Elgin since before the COVID pandemic. I think that everyone is ready to get out, enjoy the summer weather and have an enjoyable experience with the entire family, something we have definitely missed doing during this pandemic.” So, if you feel the need for speed, make sure you pick up tickets for you and the family at www.airfest.ca (and remember children 12 and under are free).

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Page 10 Real Living • Spring 2022

Meet Your local Main Street Ambassador

My name is Michelle Navackas and I am happy to introduce myself as the Main Street Ambassador for the community of West Elgin (Rodney and West Lorne). I will be working with SBEC St. Thomas to deliver the My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program. The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) is delivering the My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program stream, which is supporting the revitalization of main street communities and provides non-repayable contributions for more than 650 local businesses across southern Ontario. The program focuses on creating and maintaining vibrant and inclusive local main streets while providing residents, new entrepreneurs, and existing businesses with economic opportunities in our communities. Additionally, as a part of the Local Business Accelerator, West Elgin business owners will be eligible for detailed market research, >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

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