FREE
APRIL 2022
MAGAZINE
page 24
Also in this issue:
AGNES MACPHAIL 100 Years Later page 16
Supporting Local Farmers & Businesses In Grey County & Beyond
www.hellocountry.ca
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MASTHEAD EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE is the only monthly magazine of its kind focused on life in Grey Highlands and beyond. It’s delivered by Canada Post to homes and farms in Flesherton, Markdale, Priceville, Kimberley, Eugenia, Heathcote, Maxwell, and Singhampton, as well as every business in Grey Highlands. Copies are also available for pickup at selected local businesses. We capture life in Grey Highlands by highlighting the many positive contributions to our community by local farmers, business owners, elected officials, and residents. Hello Country is proudly independent and published from a barn / pick-up truck / stable / home office in beautiful Flesherton, Ontario!
MICHELLE PATEY Administrator at the Grey Highlands Chamber of Commerce. ROBERT IANTORNO Curious fellow, Resident of Singhampton JEFF WILSON Priceville Resident and Accomplished Cartoonist, Blogtoonist & Illustrator LOUELLA MARTIN Markdale resident and co-owner of Azure Highlands Homestead
DAVE MESLIN Community Organizer, Author & From our family to yours, we thank you very much Eugenia Resident for reading!
Single Copy: $1.50. Annual Subscription: $54.00. No part of this publication in any of its forms may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.
ERIC ROBERTSON Lifelong Resident of Grey Highlands & Broker at Grey County Real Estate Inc. ALEXIS BRENNER Massie Resident and Co-Owner of DB Trailblazers TYSON RIER Sales Representative for Huron Tractor in Chatsworth LORRAINE IRWIN Rocklyn Resident and Owner of Pure Music Garlic Products KEVIN ARTHUR LAND Arts Educator and Owner of Speaking Volumes Books & Audio in Flesherton MIKE WIXSON Producer of the Hello Country Podcast & Owner of The Pod Plant
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JASON TODOROFF Barrister & Solicitor; and Resident of Holland Centre CINDY MCQUEEN Owner of Wanna Web Design & Grey Highlands Resident HILIARY BREADNER Lifelong Rocklyn Resident and Owner of Hiliary Breadner Graphics
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home that offers both in-tow amenities as well as easy acce nature . For Sale: $589,000
HOUSING UPDATE BY GREY COUNTY REAL ESTATE INC. They say that April showers bring May flowers. It will surely be nice to see the blooms in their full colour spectrum. This thought may make you wonder why our area name is “Grey” – Grey County, Grey Highlands, Grey County Real Estate? History tells us that the name “Grey” was in honour of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey; and without any reference to the colour which makes so much more sense because Grey Highlands is such a colourful area. Just look at the wonderful hues of the Beaver Valley, Lake Eugenia, our farms, forests, and rivers. But Grey Highlands has more than natural and environmental beauty, it also has great economic potential and opportunities. Home to such outstanding and important industries as Chapman’s Ice Cream, Ice River Springs, as well as Tourism and Recreation to name a few, along with a myriad of smaller enterprising businesses that offer a full range of goods and services. All these features are the reason so many people in large cities are making a move to our “Grey” area.
This migration has Centre had an astronomical 837017 Taylor Dr, Holland affect on home the local real with estate market. Lack of Beautiful surrounded 10 acres forest. The home inventory isofstill a major force affecting price; features main floor living withto an outgrow supply. If the demand continues open concept design. this may be your you are thinking of selling, time to maximize the value For Sale: $949,000 of your major asset. Grey County Real Estate Inc. is always ready and 4th Concession B, Ma happy to provide you with all348085 the information The raisedand bungalow that you need to make the decision helpsits on a rolling 1.18 acre property wit you realize your desired objective.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL 2022 HOUSING UPDATE...p6
Eric Robertson offers his insights about “Grey” County and the state of our Real Estate Market.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p8
Papa Country says THANK YOU to everyone who’s supporting Ukraine.
PILLARS OF OUR COMMUNITY...p10
We’re proud to feature Ice River Sustainable Solutions; a local Grey Highlands business and a world leader in sustainability.
LIFE DIRECTIONS...p14
Based in Flesherton, read how Life Directions helps match employers with job seekers. AGNES MACPHAIL, 100 YEARS LATER...p16 A great read from Barry Penhale and the Friends of the South Grey Museum.
COVER STORY... p24
To: Ukraine With Love From Canada. Published By
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE APRIL EDITION Welcome to the April edition of Hello Country. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated medical supplies, sleeping bags, warm clothing, blankets, walkers, canes, backpacks and empty feed bags to help support the people of Ukraine. Thank you most especially to Lorie Smith from Grey Ag Services, Mayor Paul McQueen, and MP Alex Ruff for their help. Read all about it in this month’s cover story. Please consider donating financially to Mriya Aid; an all volunteer emergency relief effort procuring and transporting critically-needed items to Ukraine.
Photo: Jenny Jelen
www.mriyaaid.org
PAPA COUNTRY
Publisher, Hello Country Magazine hellocountrymagazine@gmail.com Instagram: @hellocountrymagazine www.hellocountry.ca
Thank you for reading,
“Papa Country” Roger Tumminieri
(416) 788-0716 www.fiatluxmedia.com we
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STAYCATIONS BOHO BEAVER
Been living under a rock for two years? Does that rock include a significant other? If so, you’ve more than likely suffered some relationship drama throughout the pandemic. Now that spring is here, wouldn’t it be nice to get away, even just for a day? Take some time to reflect upon life and your relationship. Or just be by yourself. I know my wife deserves at least a day to herself. Just to do nothing. A day at Boho Beaver would do her some good. It’s been a tough go the last little while. She might even want me to join her. In which case, we’re staying the night. Any babysitters out there? We could actually take the time to talk to one another without the kids constantly doing weird stuff. Our boys are very odd. Imagine being able to reconnect in nature. We could put our phones away, go for a walk, read a book, even paddle down the Beaver River. Exhale.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Boho Beaver has saved more than a few relationships. I spoke with Owner, Cinzia Arcuri, a month or so ago and the one thing from our conversation that really stuck with me was when she spoke about her guests’ experiences after spending only a few hours at Boho. Let alone a weekend. They told her that they didn’t realize how much they needed this time away to themselves and how they felt so rejuvenated as a couple. Who’d have thought a little time out in Grey Highlands would do so much good? Thanks for reading “Staycations” spending your money in Ontario.
and
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PILLARS OF OUR COMMUNITY ICE RIVER
The Gott Family Ice River Sustainable Solutions is a Canadian, family-owned, and operated company with a unique perspective on the circular economy. Our passion for the environment drove us to become the first beverage company in North America to operate our own recycling facility in a closed loop – from curbside collection, to recycled bottle manufacturing, to fresh natural spring water products…and back again. We are a vertically integrated manufacturer, recycler, brand owner and innovator, and we design and produce sustainable products and packaging that can be recycled again and again.
circular economy for PET plastic in Ontario and produce products made from materials others may consider waste. Having a local supply chain, The Blue Box ensures our access to recycled plastic is secure and protects Ontario jobs. We manufacture our bottles from 100% post-consumer recycled content.
Since 2009, we have kept more than 530 million pounds of plastic out of landfills. Ice River Sustainable Solutions has been built upon values of environmental stewardship, innovation and an ethical business model that offers consumers high quality, environmentally responsible product Being involved in each step of the value offerings. chain allows us to fully understand the impact that one process has on the next We have grown to be far more than just a and drives us to produce only the most bottled water company. We are focussed on environmentally aware products and strengthening our business that puts packaging. With a diverse portfolio of people and the planet first. With our roots companies committed to sustainability, our in Grey Highlands, our entrepreneurial products (bottled water, outdoor furniture, spirit and dedication to the environment compostable tableware, flexible film, etc) will continue to drive us for generations to add value and continue to develop the come. growing circular economy in Canada while achieving reductions in waste, carbon & ICE RIVER energy use. SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS www.iceriversustainablesolutions.ca Setting out into uncharted territory, we searched for sustainable packaging options, Instagram: @iceriversustainablesolutions (519) 925-2929 discovering innovative ways to make the impossible possible. We learned that recycled PET plastic has the lowest carbon footprint vs. other materials like cartons, glass or aluminum and is by far the safest and most recyclable material available for food and beverage packaging. We have built a recognized and well-established 10
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SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
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TRACTOR TALK WITH TYSON RIER With spring officially here, now is the time to get your new John Deere 1 series compact tractor. The 1023E and 1025R will make quick work of many tasks around the house. With drive over auto connect mower decks, quick park loaders, and backhoe attachments, these compact tractors can switch between attachments in no time without breaking a sweat. With great 0% financing options and a 6 year powertrain warranty they are more affordable than ever. With many other attachments available, such as front or rear snow blowers, tillers, rotary cutters, and brooms, we have an attachment to make quick work of any task. Call or stop in today and let us show you what a 1 series compact tractor can do for you. TYSON RIER Salesman Huron Tractor- Chatsworth 226.668.2063
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1 Offer available on qualifying purchases made between 01 February 2022 to 02 May 2022. 0% purchase financing for 60 months on new 1 Series Sub-Compact Tractors. Down payment may be required. Representative Amount Financed (“RAF”): $10,000, at 0% APR/ACR, monthly payment is $166.67 for 60 months, total obligation is $10,000, credit charges/cost of borrowing based on RAF is $0. Monthly payments/cost of borrowing/credit charges will vary depending on amount borrowed/down payment. MSRP cash price based on highest priced product in the series as of January 1, 2021: $19,284.00 (includes estimated delivery, freight, set-up and a $50 documentation fee), plus taxes. Minimum finance amount may be required; representative amount does not guarantee offer applies. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Dealers free to set individual prices. Additional dealer fees may apply. Financing on approved John Deere Financial credit only and dealer participation. Contact your dealer for details. May not be combined with other offers. Discounts or other incentives may be available for cash purchases. By selecting the purchase financing offer, consumers may be foregoing such discounts and incentives which may result in a higher effective interest rate. 2 Offer valid on qualifying purchases made between 01 February 2022 to 02 May 2022. Get $325 off the agreed upon purchase price of a new John Deere Compact Tractor when two or more qualifying John Deere or Frontier implements with a list price value of $450 each are purchased at the same time. Attachments and implements sold separately. Some conditions apply. Contact your participating dealer for details. Offer subject to availability and may be discontinued or modified. Taxes, setup, delivery, freight and preparation charges not included.
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FAMILY MATTERS BEST FACE FORWARD produce proof of vaccination or wear a mask for many activities such as in-restaurant dining. Having said that, many people still intend to wear their masks in some settings. Private businesses are still entitled to set their own rules around vaccine and mask requirements as these are privately owned businesses and not government operations. It is no secret that public health measures intended to mitigate the effects of Covid have been very divisive. I only hope that the decisions each of us make going forward, whether that is continuing to wear a mask or to not wear a mask, are decisions that JASON TODOROFF are respected by those around us, even if we disagree on these issues. Part of moving beyond Drum roll…Many people had been waiting in the pandemic is putting the divisiveness that it anticipation for the dropping of vaccine and brought to our society behind us. mask mandates in the province. It has finally happened. Oh course, new questions arise JASON TODOROFF from these changes. In March, most of the BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Covid-related restrictions were rescinded by 7A Main Street East, Markdale the Ford government. This was a controversial jasontodoroff@gmail.com decision and aspects of the government’s www.jtlawyer.ca plan have been criticized. Regardless, it is no 519-986-4494 longer a government requirement that you
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LIFE DIRECTIONS EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT Why do people employment?
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Amber Ebert
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ANNIVERSARIES THE INDOMITABLE AGNES Macphail lost a substantial amount of weight. Upon any examination of the life of one who went on to become a political icon, it becomes apparent that March 1922 ushered in a tumultuous period unlike any Macphail had known or would face again. Despite her limited political experience, it wasn’t long before the determined lady member now armed with increased confidence and knowledge, became known as a worthy political force. Word was out that Agnes would not be intimidated and to mess with the novice MP was to find yourself on the receiving end of clever scathing barbs, which delivered in plain sight of all members found her victims caught off guard and mortified. She may have begun her political career as a rural Scottish Canadian lass ignorant of big city ways, but long before her auspicious federal career Agnes Macphail. ended, she grew in other ways ultimately becoming a mature Yousef Karsh Collection sophisticated woman whose Upon arrival in Ottawa in March of 1922, company was sought by prominent males Miss Agnes Macphail took her seat in of all political stripes. the federal parliament on March 8th, (coincidently International Women’s Day), In the mid-30s, she faced what was likely turned 32 years of age on March 24, and her greatest challenge when the veteran made her maiden speech as the new federal Conservative Minister of Justice, weary of member from South-East Grey in late Macphail’s persistent calls for prison reform, March —a lot for even a veteran politician covertly unleashed a case designed to let alone a shy country girl unfamiliar with publicly discredit her. Despite being denied politics in the major leagues. From the resources to defend herself, Agnes fought first day she took her seat in the House back with support of like-minded friends of Commons, Macphail largely received such as J.C. McRuer, whose assistance as a frosty reception. It became obvious Chief Justice of Ontario, was pro bono. that the majority of her fellow members The two had much in common. Both were — all men — considered the House a male born 1890, both inherited the values domain. Agnes was constantly belittled of rural Canadian Scots, and both were and made to feel anything but welcome. advocates of social justice. Agnes forced She soon found it necessary to abandon a public inquiry that ultimately led to her the cafeteria choosing to eat alone to exoneration. On more than one occasion, avoid being stared at as if she was some she admitted to needing her Campbell kind of side show freak! The hostility she strength and her Macphail fire to survive! encountered proved so stressful that Following her defeat in the storm-battered 16
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CAMPBELL MACPHAIL 1940 South-Grey election, she went on to enter provincial politics for the CCF as one of the first two women elected to the Ontario Legislative Assembly. There she introduced Ontario’s first equal pay legislation and continued her fight for prison reform and equal rights for women. However, to the very end it would rankle Agnes that far too often she had been labelled a frustrated unhappy spinster bereft of relationships with the opposite sex even though she had been engaged at an earlier stage in her life. She would also receive several proposals including offers of marriage from two fellow members of the Commons but for Agnes her independence was paramount. One can only imagine her satisfaction upon donating her papers to the Archives of Canada and including old love letters with the instructions that they be read. “The Lady from Grey” will be the subject of a virtual presentation, an initiative of the Friends of the South Grey Museum with support from the Grey Bruce Foundation, the Municipality of Grey Highlands, and the volunteer-driven not-for-profit Friends group. The presentation includes seldom seen footage of an up-inyears at the time Dundalk native, James Palmer. His is an interesting story. While a student at McMaster University he temporarily left his studies to manage Macphail’s successful 1935 election campaign. Palmer had come to her attention in 1931, a result of winning both the Grey County speaking and essay contests she sponsored. Following retirement from education, he was in demand as a speaker whose stories centred around time spent in Agnes Macphail’s company. As he aged, the man often repeated increasingly hilarious stories associated with friend Agnes. A typical example of Palmer’s sense of fun, chosen for brevity and because it comes close to home for Hello Country readers follows: “Having heard that Agnes was back home for a family visit, a member of her constituency with questions to ask of her federal member, set out to track down Miss Macphail. The search took her to Markdale, then known as “The Crossroads of Grey,” where the searcher found herself in front of the imposing building that served as the House of Refuge.1 Upon entering and advancing to the front counter she enquired of the clerk on duty, as to whether Miss Agnes Macphail could be found there? The reply came quickly, “Not yet!”
Event Poster The time spent in the company of Agnes Campbell Macphail, so greatly valued by Palmer, ended with her passing in Toronto’s Wellesley Hospital on February 13, 1954. Funeral services in Toronto and Flesherton were followed by a final burial service in Priceville. She was mourned across the country, but a horrific raging winter storm thwarted the best intentions of many prominent men and women who otherwise would have been at her gravesite. James Palmer, however, serving as a pallbearer was not deterred. As a Grey County boy, he knew all about severe winters, but no storm existed that would have kept him away from his chosen place that day. Records describe winds so fierce that the presiding minister’s graveside words could barely be heard. Agnes Macphail who had successfully battled many political storms and ill health in her later years, was now at rest. 1. For information on Markdale’s House of Refuge, see House of Refuge by John Butler; The Ginger Press, 2021 BARRY PENHALE Friends of the South Grey Museum
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HISTORY OF THE INTERNET WORKING FROM HOME IN THE 2000’s I was shocked when I mentioned to 2 people that I had written an article for Hello Country about dial-up internet and was told they both knew someone who still used it! Curious, I called my old dial-up provider; they still offer dial-up to remote customers who aren’t within their cable coverage area. I didn’t think people would still use it when there were so many faster options available. I guess for people who just like to send emails and check the odd website (and have plenty of time to wait), it’s still a good, affordable option. And the adage is true, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. In 2008 I started my business and was spending more and more time on the internet. Dial-up internet was hindering my work, so I did some research and discovered the Rogers Mobile Stick. I’m not going to compare providers and plans; it was all about logistics: the location of the closest tower. And the Rogers tower was 1 kilometre down the road from our farmhouse. The Rogers Stick looked like a large USB flash drive and plugged into the USB port on the computer or laptop. It had its own mobile phone number and worked just like a cell phone wirelessly connecting to the local Rogers tower, which meant it was portable (not that I would drag my large desktop computer around with me, but it was possible). The download speed was dependent on the download speed of the tower, which I think was just under 1 MBPS (megabyte per second). It was definitely faster than dial-up (18 times faster)! Looking at a few old bills, it’s interesting to note that the data used was listed in kilobytes (KB), and the average data we used in a month was 400,000 KB. That translates to 400 MB (megabytes), which is equivalent to streaming 10 minutes of Netflix at high resolution. Imagine using up all your monthly data in 10 minutes and paying $42 for it! I was on a flex plan, I paid more if I used more. I also kept the dial-up connection as a back-up plan (okay I’m an “oldish” dog). So, to sum it up, I was using 2 internet 18
CINDY MCQUEEN providers: dial-up ($10/month) and mobile ($42/month). Both bases covered, I was able to build websites for my clients from the comfort of my home. For a short time anyway…
CINDY MCQUEEN
Owner of WANNA WEB DESIGN wannawebdesign.com cindy@wannawebdesign.com
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THE LIFE OF A GARLIC FARMER PART 15 Colour It Your Way. When I was a little girl I couldn’t wait to move from home and travel the world, but it was my Nana who sat me down and gave me the best advice ever. She said that I should “forget about the rest of the world until you explore your own backyard.” I never understood what she was telling me until I had kids of my own. In my opinion, Grey County has one of the best backyards ever! It has so many beautiful communities which values its heritage, natural beauty, clean, healthy environment and rural lifestyle. It is the fourth largest county in Ontario while offering agricultural and rural simplicity with big city activities. But you can read that in any brochure like I did. I’m talking about exploring some of the best hidden gems of food and drink, waterfalls, accommodations, farm stores, entertainment and adventure that can be different in every season. Grey County’s tagline, ‘Colour It Your Way’, has a beautiful meaning. Create your own picture of what the county represents to you. I’m a total foodie, so your choices of restaurants are easy to choose from and I can’t seem to just pick one. But I know there is a diner in every town that hosts entertaining, local characters and tasty food options so it’s worth it to find out for yourself. Grey County is also known as one of Ontario’s prime destinations for lovers of wine, beer and cider. I would know, because I’ve probably have poured myself a million glasses or two. Take the kids to every waterfall this summer, but my advice is to do it right after the rainy season so you get the most spectacular flow, and read the history plaques while you’re there, you might just learn something new. Stop into every local farm store, because you might find some gourmet product or handmade items made by your neighbour. Stay at one of the charming bed and breakfasts down the street for a special weekend and then go see all the spectacular lookouts for the best view in town, or have the biggest ice cream cone with all the many flavours from Chapman’s. I would highly recommend going for a drive to see all the beautiful barn quilts on the, ‘For the Love 20
PAUL & LORRAINE IRWIN of Grey Barn Quilt Trail’. I kind of have a vested interest here. I’ve heard local yokels, who have lived here their whole life and they say they have never seen all that Grey has to offer. So, go off the beaten path, be a tourist, grab the kids, and discover what is right in front of you! I for one have never seen Hoggs Falls, Moon River Falls or Webwood Falls, so I’m going for a hike on the Bruce Trail this spring and hopefully not carried away from the black flies. Come to think about it, I have never stepped into the Tom Thompson Art Gallery or visited the Billy Bishop Museum either. So much to do, but I have all the time in the world. See you out there. LORRAINE IRWIN PURE MUSIC GARLIC PRODUCTS puremusicgarlic@gmail.com puremusicgarlic.com @puremusicgarlic (519) 942-5410 BOARS ROCK FARM 136407 Grey Road 12, Grey Highlands boarsrockfarm.ca @boarsrockfarm
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The Grey Highlands
Home & Garden Show Saturday, April 30, 2022 (10-4) Sunday, May 1, 2022 (10-3) at the Flesherton Arena Complex
Free Entry Variety of vendors!
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MIND OVER MOTOR A “DINO” V6 AND THE ITALIAN TEMPERAMENT This is a 1967 2.0L V6 “Dino” engine that I have the privilege of working on at “Scotty’s Gran Turismo” in Simcoe County. This is a full artisanal rebuild of this special engine and transmission. “Dino” stands for Alfredino, Enzo’s son (FYI, my Dad’s name was Enzo, and he had a Ferrari). This engine is significant because it is the first collaboration between Ferrari and FIAT. FIAT is the acronym for “Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino” (Torino being the hometown of Juventus, of course), and it is also Latin from the “Vulgate” version of the Bible, where in Genesis, God says “Fiat Lux”, “Let there be light”. Alfredino Ferrari wanted to go racing in Formula 2, but died of MS after designing the predecessor to this engine. Enzo Ferrari was heartbroken, and vowed to name every car he built that was not a V12 (Enzo being a master of brand recognition, he knew that the marketplace equated “Ferrari” with 12 cylinders) “Dino”. In order to qualify for the racing series, however, he had to “homologate” the engine as a production unit, which meant that 500 per year had to be built. This presented a few problems to Enzo. Firstly, there was no way that the Ferrari
ROBERT IANTORNO factory in Maranello could build that many units (everything was handmade). Second, due to Enzo’s temper and sense of honour (traits common to great Italian men), he had kicked out many of his trusted designers and advisors; one such occasion, now known as “The Palace Revolt” resulted from a dispute wherein his employees put Enzo to an ultimatum, demanding that they choose either his employees or his hot tempered wife (ahem). So it’s the late 60’s, Enzo has rejected Ford’s offer to buy the company (enraging Henry Ford II, and launching the GT40 program, which would beat Ferrari at Le Mans), and now Ferrari doesn’t have the finances or personnel to ramp up production. The obvious choice was a partnership with FIAT, but again, there was a problem. Enzo had sworn a blood oath never to work with FIAT, as when he was looking for work in the 1920s, they refused to hire him. This is why “Scuderia Ferrari”, Enzo’s racing team, campaigned Alfa Romeos. This engine went on to power the Fiat Spider, Fiat Dino Coupe, and the 206 Dino, Ferrari’s first mid engined road car, a formula still used today, and that which brought Ferrari commercial success. So, this Dino engine is the result of Enzo + Enzo’s son Dino + Italian temperament + market analysis + business sense + overcoming of the Ego + design + honour. And here we are on a beautiful Sunday telling this parable from the Rinascimento Industriale.
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GREY HIGHLANDS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE It’s a double-header election year in Grey County! On June 2nd, you’ll be voting in the provincial election and then 144 days later you’ll have a chance to vote for your local municipal council. Both levels of government are equally important yet, strangely, voter turnout between the two is considerable different. Provincial elections tend to attract 50-60% of voters, while our local races tend to only attract 30-50%. In our last round of local elections, for example, Hanover had the highest turnout with 48% and Southgate was the lowest with only 31%. There’s no good reason why a voter should be more concerned about who’s running Queens Park, than they are about who’s sitting in the Mayor’s seat! In fact, I would argue that the decisions of your local council have a greater impact on your daily life than the decisions made in the Ontario legislature. Municipal councils literally shape the world around us, by making crucial decisions about land use, zoning and development. They also make decisions related to economic development, housing, long term care, transportation, public health, roads, social services and libraries. This is important stuff!
DAVE MESLIN Municipal League, and our goal is to boost participation in this year’s local election. We’ll be encouraging people to get involved all summer and autumn – as candidates, campaign volunteers and as voters! We invite you to plug into our project, and sign up for our newsletter at VoteGrey.ca
I’m working with a brand new group of volunteers called the Grey Highlands
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COVER STORY TO: UKRAINE WITH LOVE FROM When I read that Ukraine had been invaded by Russia on February 24, 2022, my predominate emotions were anger, fear, and frustration. Angry that a sovereign nation could be invaded in 2022. Fearful that the war would be devastating to the people of Ukraine; and frustrated because I didn’t know what to do to help. When my phone rang a week later, I immediately cancelled the call. I was comforting our little guy who was recovering from Covid and the number was from a U.S. area code so I dismissed it as a spam call. Then it called me again. I cancelled it. And then I got a text message. The text read: “Roger, it’s Andrei, please contact me if you can.” Andrei is my only Ukrainian friend. In fact, we’re members of the same Masonic Lodge in Mimico. I had been thinking about him and his wife, Iryna, since the war started and was wondering how they were doing. I hadn’t spoken to either of them in at least two years. But they were on my mind. My phone rang again. This time I answered it. It was Andrei, but he sounded different. I don’t want to say desperate, but rather in despair. I could tell by the sound of his voice that the situation over there was bad. When he asked me if I could help reach out to the Masonic community and anyone else I knew to collect aid items to help with the war effort, I jumped at the opportunity. We parted ways on the phone and I messaged Iryna to see how exactly I could help. She furnished me with a list of criticallyneeded items that the Ukrainian Community in Toronto was working to collect to help their embattled homeland. Reading the list inspired me to start making phone calls and sending emails and text messages to friends, clients and colleagues to spread the word and start collecting donations. The first person I reached out to was Mike 24
Muzzin. Mike and I are friends and customers of one another. He’s a South Etobicoke resident and President of ITEX Barter Canada, of which I am a member. I had seen how Mike had been successful with previous fundraising and donation campaigns among the ITEX membership in Canada and the US. I thought that we could do something similar in an effort to send as many items off the list that Iryna gave me and get them over to Ukraine as quickly as possible. Mike not only collected items from ITEX members (16 pallets worth at the time of publishing), but he donated of his own accord and even delivered items to help Iryna; a working mother of three who’s also studying for a Masters degree and coordinating donation efforts all the while. Mike and I have been in constant contact ever since and he’s been instrumental in this effort to help the people of Ukraine. Thank you, Mike. You have a big heart, my friend. My next series of emails and phone calls was to local politicians I know from my work as a magazine publisher and podcast producer. James Maloney, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore and Jennifer Hartley, his Chief of Staff, were more than accommodating in my request to share the list of critically-needed items to constituency members. As was Mark Grimes, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 3 Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Mark and his Chief of Staff, Kim Edgar, wasted no time in publishing the list on their weekly eNews publication that’s distributed to thousands of residents in South Etobicoke. Kam Saran and Cecilia Santos from Office146, a community co-working space in Alderwood, agreed to act as a drop-off location for donations. David Armstrong, a local businessman, Alderwood resident, and Secretary of Superior Masonic Lodge No. 501 in Mimico also deserves thanks for spreading the word to Masons across Ontario. So far, we’ve filled an office with donations from the wonderful people of
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CANADA
By: Roger Tumminieri
Tanner Campbell delivers 4,000 empty feed bags and 4,000 KN95 masks on behalf of Masterfeeds Canada to support the people of Ukraine. Etobicoke-Lakeshore. As I began to read the list in greater detail, I noticed that I could source some of the non-lethal aid items from a surplus store. I called Dave at TNT Surplus in New Toronto and was surprised by what I heard. He told me that as much as he would prefer to be having a typically-low sales month in March, his store has been packed with people purchasing camo gear, helmets, tactical vests and gloves, body armour, backpacks, and blankets to ship over to family members. South Etobicoke has strong Ukrainian roots. One of the items on the list that struck me was empty bags which could be used to fill with sand. After seeing video of an excavator on a beach in Odesa (Ukrainian spelling, and I suppose the only proper way to spell it) moving sand to local residents so they could fill sandbags and use them to protect themselves and their monuments against Russian attacks, I realized that we have a bunch of empty horse feed bags
at home. Maybe they could work. Then I realized that if we had a few empty feed bags kicking around the farm, Real Farmers may have plenty. And plenty they did. After realizing that empty feed bags could be prevalent in Grey County, I drafted an email in my head while driving to Huron Tractor in Chatsworth. I pulled over in Williamsford, typed it, and sent it to a small handful of people in Grey County whom I thought might be able to spread the word about collecting empty feed bags. I sent a similar message to Rob Flack, CEO of Masterfeeds Canada in London thinking that since they make feed there that maybe he could spare a few empty bags. Three minutes later, my phone went ‘ding’. It was a text message from a gentleman named Zak Rahim, Director of Communications for Rob Flack. He confirmed receipt of my message, told me that he had forwarded it to Rob and will stay Continued on page 26
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COVER STORY CONTINUED on it and get back to me. Three minutes.
gentleman by way of Alex Ruff, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. Six days later, Rob Flack and Masterfeeds A couple of days later, I was contacted by delivered 4,000 empty feed bags and 4,000 the logistics lead for a new all-volunteer KN95 masks to my farm outside Flesherton. emergency relief effort helping to procure Six days. and ship non-lethal aid to Ukraine. They’re called Mriya Aid. I was pleased to find out that Rob is running to become the Member of Provincial They’ve been in contact with me daily, Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London. I sometimes more frequently than that, and hope he wins. We need more leaders like have arranged for all the items that were Rob Flack. collected and sitting in their respective storage facilities to be picked up, delivered The next morning , I received a reply from to a warehouse in the GTA, and shipped the email I had sent out the day before to over to Ukraine. Alex Ruff could not have some local Farmers in Grey County I know. jumped in to help at a better time. Thank The email was from Paul McQueen, Mayor you, Alex! of the Municpality of Grey Highlands and also a Farmer. His response really got And thank you, Mriya Aid. the ball rolling and was followed shortly thereafter by Lorie Smith from Grey A lot of people have been asking me how Agricultural Services in Markdale. Lorie was they can donate money to help with the quick to offer her office space as a drop-off humanitarian aid effort. They usually say that location and subsequently shared the call they had donated in the past to large aid to action with the Farming community in organizations but were otherwise marketed Grey County. to in subsequent years for further funding. Mriya is, as previously mentioned, an allThe response was overwhelming. volunteer organization. As such, they cover all administrative expenses themselves Thanks to the work Lorie has done to so every dollar they receive in donations spearhead the feed bag campaign, we’ve goes directly towards procuring non-lethal collected pallets worth of medical supplies, aid and shipping it, along with donated warm clothing, blankets, backpacks, items, directly to those who need it most in canes, and walkers, as well as 6,000 empty Ukraine. They just get it done. And that gives feed bags, give or take. Her office was me hope that we in Canada can help those overflowing with them. in Ukraine. Quickly. Now. Grey County Farmers stand with Ukraine. Between the efforts in Etobicoke-Lakeshore and Grey County, we had collected no less than 20 pallets worth of donations in less that two weeks. But now what do we do with them? The Ukrainian-Canadians we were working with, along with other aid agencies and warehouses in Toronto were overwhelmed with donations by this point. They didn’t have the storage capacity to take more items. We hit a logistics road block.
If you or someone you know is looking for a concrete way to help the people of Ukraine, please consider donating financially to Mriya Aid.
www.mriyaaid.org About the Author: Roger Tumminieri is a former Toronto resident who now lives with his wife, Jessica, and their two young boys on a horse farm in Grey County, Ontario.
Concerned that we were sitting on these items that had been so graciously donated by kindhearted folks, I was incredibly grateful to have received a call from a 26
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THE ARTS FLESHERTON CALLING No one will ever accuse the cartoonist Jeff Wilson of being “from away”. He was born in the hospital in Markdale, grew up on a farm in the hamlet formerly known as Lauriston (population well under a hundred), attended Section School #6 for his first two grades until it was closed, transferred to Markdale Public School for the next couple of grades until that building was closed, then finished off what remained of elementary school at Beavercrest in Markdale. He learned at a very early age that it was possible to move a lot and still stay in the same place. If there was a through line in his early years, it was his interest in comics and cartoons. He had a steady diet of the daily strips of Beetle Bailey, Blondie, Peanuts, Steve Canyon, and Terry and the Pirates every week. As he grew older, they were joined by B.C., Broomhilda, and Herman. All along, he was watching Saturday morning cartoons and the prodigious output of HannaBarbera, the first animation studio specifically for television. While attending Grey Highland Secondary School in Flesherton, Jeff began to develop an interest in radio. He met one of his idols, morning man Ken Whitehouse at KFOS in Owen Sound, who cautioned him about the lack of outward mobility and poor pay found in that industry and that, coupled with his low-key personality, compelled him to look elsewhere. During a guidance appointment with principal Murray Juffs, in which he was shown books on subjects ranging from electrical engineering to auto repair, a chance comment made by Juffs about the animation program at Sheridan College pricked up Wilson’s ears. Jeff brought what he felt was his meagre portfolio to the interview with Walter Hanson, the director of the “Cartooning and Graphic Story Arts Media Studies” program. Two years later, he left with the diploma. Shortly after, he got a storyboarding gig for the film “Prom Night”. He moved to Strathroy to work as a screen printer while moonlighting doing cartoons for a fitness magazine. Jeff moved to Calgary in 1981 and found work almost immediately. In addition, he offered his work free to the University of Calgary newspaper to get his work out there. His cartoons, based on local stories from the previous week’s issue, became very popular. In 1982, Jeff and his wife returned to Markdale. He began to contribute to a new local tabloid,
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KEVIN ARTHUR LAND “Latitude 40”. Impressed, the editor asked if he knew any other cartoonists who could provide work for the new publication for a full page devoted to comics. Jeff was happy to oblige, and for the next issue, he was able to supply the magazine with the work of six different artists, each with a distinct comic style. The editor was impressed and asked Jeff to press his contacts for more work for the next edition, which he agreed to do. It was a daunting challenge, especially since none of them existed, but his concerns were short-lived. The magazine shut down the following month, and with it, his bizarre role in a twisted version of the Martin Ritt film “The Front”. Over the years, he has been given helpful advice by such greats as Charles M. Schulz (brutally honest) and Lynn Johnston (editorial). And he still can be found in the place where he began. For many years his work has been published in the Dundalk Herald, where they once told him they don’t do comics, and the magazine you are holding, or virtually holding. Jeff continues to teach cartooning for the “Blue Mountain Creators’ Space”. The most recent of his four books “Pandemania Pandemonia”, inspired by his wife Barb, is available at Speaking Volumes Books in Flesherton for $20 plus HST. KEVIN ARTHUR LAND
SPEAKING VOLUMES BOOKS & AUDIO 12 Toronto Road, Flesherton kevinarthurland@gmail.com kevinarthurland.ca
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