FREE
AUGUST 2021
MAGAZINE
YOUR DESTINATION FOR
Back to School Shopping!
Everything you need is in Downtown Markdale
Read more on Page 16
Supporting Local Farmers & Businesses In Grey Highlands
www.hellocountry.ca
JT
Jason Todoroff Barrister & Solicitor Services: • Family Law • Criminal Law •Notary Public
• Wills & Powers of Attorneys • Employment Law
7A Main Street East, Markdale, ON
Phone: 519.986.4494 Fax: 519.986.1246 jasontodoroff@gmail.com
www.jtlawyer.ca
SHOWCASE THE LAND YOU LOVE
NEW IN MARKDALE!
018
est. 2
TRAIL BUILDING & WILDSCAPING Custom trail services bringing your vision to fruition
519-447-4474 info@DBTrailblazers.ca www.DBTrailblazers.ca
Ca us todaouyt toyour learn ab ning options. pre-plan
Your Full service NAPA AutoPro & Your Source for Quality Used CARS, TRUCKS & SUV’s Visit our Showroom at:
94 Sydenham Street, Flesherton
www.bernardsqualitycars.com or give us a call for reliable service
519.924.2601
519-924-2727
90 Toronto Road, Box 130, Flesherton, Ontario
www.georgianbaycremation.ca
MASTHEAD EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS MICHELLE PATEY JENNY JELEN Administrator at the Grey Highlands Author, Journalist and Horse Chamber of Commerce. Trainer / Coach with a Writing Habit JENNIFER THOMPSON Markdale Resident and Owner of L & W Bookkeeping Professionals
TYSON RIER Sales Representative for Huron Tractor in Chatsworth
JEFF WILSON Priceville Resident and Accomplished Cartoonist, Blogtoonist & Illustrator
LORRAINE IRWIN Rocklyn Resident and Owner of Pure Music Garlic Products
LOUELLA MARTIN KEVIN ARTHUR LAND Markdale resident and co-owner of Arts Educator and Owner of Speaking Azure Highlands Homestead Volumes Books & Audio in Flesherton JONATHAN NHAN MIKE WIXSON Pharmacist, Diabetes Coach, Hypnotist Producer of the Hello Country Podcast & Co-Founder of Curate and Upgrade & Owner of The Pod Plant REUBEN MCCALLUM AAKASH P. DASAI Markdale Resident and Deputy Mayor Realtor and Grey Highlands Resident; Capturing Life in Grey County of the Municipality of Grey Highlands ROBERT IANTORNO Curious fellow, Resident of Singhampton
519.216.7287 agcojeff@gmail.com Mulmur, ON
JASON TODOROFF Barrister & Solicitor; and Resident of Holland Centre
Fencing Animal Feed & Bedding Custom Woodworking Equine Sales & Training
Not Just the Hay Farm 4
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
t c e f r e p e h t s ’ t I e h t r o f time Beach! Looking to buy or sell a cottage or lake house in Grey County? I can help. from
Reuben McCallum Sales Representative
High Country Reality Inc., Brokerage and the rest of the
www.reubenmccallum.com
519.477.0418
Not intended to solicit Buyers or Sellers currently under contract.
GREY COUNTY LIFE BEACHES & HAY FIELDS
Have you gotten to the beach yet? We have had some pretty warm temps so far and every time I drive by our local beaches on a sunny day they are packed! On the flip side of that, if you were like my family, you were trying to get hay in between rain, which wasn’t easy this year. Let’s hope the fall harvest brings perfect weather for the farmers out there!
the autumn season and into 2022.
Real Estate has blasted along locally with the Realtors Association of Grey Bruce Owen Sound reporting some very strong numbers for June 2021 compared to June 2020. At the time of writing, July numbers are not published yet. Inventory is still trending lower and demand for housing locally remains steady so we will see what happens region wide.
Support local, buy local, and keep smiling!
Cottage season is in full swing, but there sure haven’t been many come up for sale. Can’t say that I blame you cottage owners, but I know people are looking!
Not intended to solicit Buyers or Sellers currently under contract
As with all great things, my editorial in Hello Country is coming to an end. It’s been a lot of fun watching the publication grow and I know it is going to continue to grow in the months ahead. I am going to keep looking forward to monthly editions. I hope you will, too!
REUBEN MCCALLUM Sales Representative, RE/MAX High Country Realty Inc., Brokerage facebook.com/reubenmccallumrealtor www.reubenmccallum.com (519) 477-0418
At least for now, we are officially in phase 3 of the Ontario re-opening plan and I don’t know about you, but I heard a breath of relief from many in the community. Let’s hope the healing trend continues and our local businesses can bounce back as people come to check out beautiful Grey County in 6
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS AUGUST 2021 GREY COUNTY LIFE...p6
Reuben McCallum says good-bye in his last editorial column for Hello Country. He’ll be missed.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p8
Papa Country speaks candidly about Back To School and what his family’s plans are come September.
NEW IN MARKDALE...p10
Welcome to Jason Todoroff, Barrister & Solicitor; Markdale’s newest small business!
COVER STORY... p16
Do all your Back To School shopping in the Heart of Grey Highlands. That’s right...in Markdale!
BLAZING TRAILS ...p22
Alexis Brenner from DB Traliblazers writes about the aesthetic and functional benefits of trails. Walk this way...
FLESHERTON CALLING... p28
Kevin Land writes a touching account about finding his Father’s ashes.
CARTOON...p30
Back to....? Hmmm...where are we going in September? Check out Jeff Wilson’s latest cartoon for Hello Country.
Published By
Gourmet
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE is the only free, monthly magazine of its kind focused on life in Grey Highlands. It’s delivered by Canada Post to homes and farms with Kimberley, Markdale, Flesherton, Heathcote, Maxwell, Singhampton, and Priceville addresses, as well as every business in Grey Highlands. Copies are also available for pick-up 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! From our family to yours, we thank you very much for reading! No part of this publication in any of its forms may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.
FIAT LUX MEDIA
All Rights Reserved
Garlic Products
Garlic Products made from Certified Organic Made on our Farm from our garlic in
Grey Highlands
Garlic
Shop our collection of Premium Organic Garlic Products at:
www.puremusicgarlic.com
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
7
PUBLISHER’S NOTE BACK TO SCHOOL I don’t even know where to start. Oh, yeah...welcome to August’s Back To School Edition. I think I speak for Mama Country when I say: “Yeah, Baby...BACK TO SCHOOL!!!”
Photo: Jenny Jelen
So, yeah. We’re a little happy that our eldest, “Big Brother”, will be heading back to the classroom this September. It’s been a long, gueling grind for us. We’ve been homeschooling him since the Premier imposed the first lockdown back in March 2020. We love him, but...
PAPA COUNTRY
Publisher, Hello Country Magazine hellocountrymagazine@gmail.com Instagram: @hellocountrymagazine www.hellocountry.ca
NEW
TRACTOR HATS! AVAILABLE NOW Exclusively at
Susan’s Delicatessen
APPAREL Co.
www.apparelco.ca
We’re hoping that hole-digging, treeclimbing, and fire-lighting make it into the curriculum this year so he can at least compete academically. Not so sure about math and reading. Let’s just hope he takes after his Mother in those departments. I’ve recently had a few conversations with parents who are on the fence about whether or not to send their kids back to school. Whatever you decide, you’re likely going to need some “stuff” come September. We’ve put together a bit of a Coles Notes (see what I did there?) for Back To School Shopping in the Heart of Grey Highlands Markdale! Check it out on page 16. Wishing everyone (and especially those with school-aged kids) a very happy and safe Back To School! Thanks for reading,
PODCAST
www.hellocountry.ca
Roger “Papa Country” Tumminieri
Brought to you by
www.thepodplant.com 8
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
(416) 788-0716
o d u o y p l e Let me h do best. u o y t a h w “I help small business owners focus on doing their work by taking the money management, bookkeeping and paperwork off of their hands so they can spend more time with their family.” - Jenn Thompson
Contact me...
www.lwbookkeepingpro.com support@lwbookkeepingpro.com 519.477.5652
or Book a Free Consultation!
https://calendly.com/jathompson2314/15min
COMMUNITY NEW IN MARKDALE I grew up in Shelburne in the 1980s, and it was always my desire to practice law in small town Ontario. I structured my legal education with this in mind. One of the major differences between practicing law in a larger urban centre versus a smaller community, is the necessity for a broad based practice, especially if you are in a community in which you may be one of only a handful of lawyers. One of the things I learned very early in my legal career was the importance of building and maintaining relationships in the community. Everyone here has been so welcoming and I look forward to providing services for the people of Grey Highlands.
JASON TODOROFF Barrister & Solicitor 519.986.4494 www.jtlawyer.ca
When I’m not practicing law I am pursuing one of my many hobbies. Astronomy was one of my reasons for wanting to move here in 2017. When the kids are off to bed and it is quiet and clear you will find me out in the backyard with my telescope tracking down one of the nearby planets or a distant galaxy. Grey County has some of the best night skies I have seen, just one of the many benefits of living here. JASON TODOROFF BARRISTER & SOLICITOR 7A Main Street East, Markdale jasontodoroff@gmail.com www.jtlawyer.ca 519-986-4494
SPECIAL OFFERS GET 10% OFF your next purchase at BOLTON AUTO in Ceylon when you present their ad on Page 31. 0% FINANCING AVAILABLE + 2 year/2000 hours Warranty on a 325G Compact Track Loader from HURON TRACTOR in Chatsworth. See their ad on the next page. 10
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
TRACTOR TALK WITH TYSON RIER This month’s article features our skid steers and compact track loaders. John Deere has a full range of skid steers and compact track loaders that will work for any job - big or small. When we think about construction equipment we think rough and tough. While these machines are no doubt tough, they have many creature comforts and technology available. Features such as adjustable sensitivity for the controls allows for precision based on the operator’s preferences. Self level and ride controls are also a couple of great features that make operation a breeze. With a wide variety of attachments such as trenchers, breakers, and landscape rakes just to name a few, and backed by a 2-year, 2000 hour warranty, the possibilities are endless.
TYSON RIER
Salesman Huron Tractor - Chatsworth 226.668.2063
With great incentives and financing, there The compact size and incredible capability has never been a better time to get into a of a John Deere are second-to-none in the new John Deere skid steer or compact track industry. loaded.
0%
FINANCING AVAILABLE 1
+
2 YEAR/ 2,000 HOURS WARRANTY 2
325G COMPACT TRACK LOADER
ENTER OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY DRAW FOR A $500 GIFT CARD
Visit HuronTractor.com/iRunWithHT To Enter Our $500 Gift Card Draw
1 Offer valid from 02 March 2021 to 31 October 2021. 0% purchase financing for 48 months on new John Deere Skid Steers, Compact Excavators, Compact Wheel Loaders, and Compact Track Loaders. Down payment may be required. Representative Amount Financed (“RAF”): $30,000, at 0% APR, monthly payment is $625 for 48 months, total obligation is $30,000, credit charges/ cost of borrowing based on RAF is $30. Taxes not included. Monthly payments/cost of borrowing/credit charges will vary depending on amount borrowed/down payment. 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. 2As of June 1, 2018, applies to purchases of new John Deere skid steers, compact track loaders, compact excavators, and compact wheel loaders from John Deere or authorized John Deere dealers. Warranty expires two years after the delivery receipt date or after 2,000 machine hours, whichever occurs first. Offer valid at participating dealers only. Some restrictions may apply. See your dealer for complete details.
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
11
CHAMBER NEVER STOP LEARNING Are you a little envious at this time of year, watching kids and younger (and some older) adults prepare to go back to school? For some, the joy of learning, of expanding one’s knowledge, never dies. This trait is key among successful business owners who see their continual development as not just enjoyable, but necessary. After all, we want to do our best, to be our best, and we want to keep up with, if not surpass, our competition. COVID has made the internet the place to go for professional and personal development courses. One hour or three hours, one time, daily, or longer term, open or registration required, free or at a fee, locally based or even international… online courses can teach you how to use software, keep your books, better your business wardrobe, perfect an “elevator pitch,” and write a business plan. There are even courses online for people new to the internet, to help them become more
12
comfortable with the ins and outs of the internet and different browsers. At the same time, yet other courses explain the Digital Main Street program, which helps companies develop an online presence, and describe the various social media which have their own set-ups, uses, and demographics. If you’re looking to gain or deepen your knowledge, don’t ignore online offerings. No lunch bag required. Reach out to greyhighlandschamber@gmail.com for more information. MICHELLE PATEY GREY HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 13 Toronto St S, Markdale greyhighlandschamber@gmail.com www.greyhighlandschamber.com 519-986-4612
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
WELLNESS NORMAL VERSUS NATURAL “not normal” that we have to make normal again. Would it comfort you to know that this whole process is “natural”?
JONATHAN NHAN
Curate and Upgrade www.curateandupgrade.ca What’s the difference between “normal” and “natural”? In the context of our present times, there’s talk of things “going back to normal” or getting used to the “new normal”. If you think for a moment, though, these phrases were not only coined during the pandemic. It seems that oftentimes we are striving to achieve “normal” and even when we do, we find that there is something else that is
519. 986.19 8 3
The idea of normal is very interesting. It is used as a measuring stick to indicate what most people, or the majority of people, are doing, feeling, or experiencing. When you can identify as normal, there’s a certain comfort in knowing that you are similar to a large group of people. On the flip side, when you find yourself outside that range of normal, it can cause discomfort because you no longer can identify as within the predominant group and you likely want to get back to that state where you can once again identify. It’s natural to want to belong. Normal is an idea that is constantly moving, changing, and shifting. Normal requires context. If you were in a fast food burger restaurant and they served you a plate of chicken feet, you may think that was very abnormal. If you were in a dim sum restaurant and they did the same, it would be normal (even if you still wouldn’t eat them!). When you think about your feelings, moods, and thoughts, what does it mean for these things to be “normal”? There can be a great pressure to be normal from a mental health perspective and this label may add to the problem. Is it abnormal to feel sad, stressed out, or be in a depressed mood? Depending on the context of your situation, it could be considered normal. It’s almost certainly natural to feel as you are feeling. Natural, by definition, refers to that which exists or is caused by nature. So as a member of the natural world it is natural for you to experience the feelings that arise. How might this change your perspective on your moods and mental states? There are natural phenomena that can be dangerous or unwanted - forest fires, for example. With fires, we can observe them, and take steps to reduce or control the damage. For the most part, these natural phenomena have a natural beginning and end. It’s also possible to keep adding fuel to the fire which will just keep it burning. So the next time you may have a thought, mood, or feeling that makes you feel like you’re not normal, ask yourself what is natural about this feeling, and how does simply observing it change how it feels?
Jonathan Nhan Co-Founder, Curate and Upgrade Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
13
THE [re]CALL PROJECT PODCAST RALPH HOLLIS Ralph recalls the one occasion that he received “THE STRAP” - a medieval device that teachers would use to inflict corporal punishment on students. Ralph’s crime? Being present while another boy chopped down a tree. Listen to Ralph’s wonderful memories of growing up in the country, swimming in streams with his schoolmates, fashioning his own skiis from barn boards, and even his amazing first-hand account of his mother being taken to the hospital in Dr.Carefoot’s “Snowplane” ambulance. This and more on The [re]CALL Project.
ROBERT IANTORNO
Host - The [re]CALL Project Podcast Ralph Hollis is this month’s guest on The [re]CALL Project. Ralph was born in 1940, and is so cheery that just hearing his voice will make you smile. I met Ralph at a Markdale Seniors soup and sandwich lunch in 2017, when we discussed many wonderful types of engines and what makes them special (he likes “F Heads and has one in his old army Jeep).
Robert Iantorno Host - The [re]CALL Project Podcast
Ralph went to SS No.7 on Road 4 in Glenelg, and then SS No.5 in Cedar Valley, both one room schoolhouses - he walked to school from the time that he was in kindergarten. One winter day, it was so cold that his ears literally froze!
Giant personalized
colouring sheets for kids! The perfect gift, or rainy day activity
AL Thompson
EXCAVATING LTD.
Full Service Excavating Contractor proudly serving Grey Highlands & Area since 1980
@doodlers.ca www.doodlers.ca 14
althompsonexcavating.ca
519.986.2674
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
15
MARKDALE YOUR DESTINATION FOR
I
PJ KNICKERBOCKERS Fresh new Clothes & Backpacks. It’s a one-stop shop!
PJ KNICKERBOCKERS 11 Main Street East, Markdale www.pjknickerbockers.com (519) 986-3119
SUSAN’S DELICATESSEN Sandwich Meat & I GC Masks - they fit even the smallest faces
SUSAN’S DELICATESSEN 15 Main Street West, Markdale www.susansmarkdale.com Instagram: @susans.deli (519) 270-1520
VIE TAEKWON-DO Self-Defence = Self-Confidence
VIE TAEKWON-DO 22 Main Street West, Markdale www.vietaekwondo.com (519) 216-7076
16
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING!
FIRE & ICE
Celebrate week one with dinner on the Patio. FIRE & ICE 19 Toronto Street North, Markdale www.fireandice.ca (226) 910-1358
THE MARKET SHOPPE Easy, Healthy, Fast meals for Dinners & Lunches
www.apparelco.ca
THE MARKET SHOPPE 7 Toronto Street South, Markdale www.themarketshoppe.com (519) 986-4144
MASKS
AVAILABLE NOW
Exclusively at
Susan’s Delicatessen
Locally made by
GREY COUNTY APPAREL Co.
• 3-layer high quality material masks • Breathable filter for all-day use • Adjustable ear straps to fit kids and adults
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
17
I
MARKDALE YOUR DESTINATION FOR
BRILLIANT! BREAD
Buns & Brownies. The Basics of Life and the Foundation of Awesome Lunches BRILLIANT! BREAD 1 Main Street East, Markdale www.brilliantbread.com (519) 986-1983
GREY HIGHLANDS EYE CARE Seeing is Learning
GREY HIGHLANDS EYE CARE 30 Main Street East, Markdale www.ghec.com (519) 986-3434
MURRAY’S PRINT SHOP
When the time comes, Dazzle your Teachers with a professionally printed and bound presentation. Homework never looked so good! MURRAY’S PRINT SHOP 46 Argyle Street, Markdale www.murraysprintshop.com (519) 986-2134
18
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING!
THE BARGAIN CENTRE
Need something to write with (and on)? Look no further. All your Back To School supplies are here!
THE BARGAIN CENTRE 14 Main Street West Markdale (519) 986-2444
MARKDALE GOLF & CURLING CLUB
New Curlers get Extra Credit - everyone knows that! MARKDALE GOLF & CURLING CLUB 85 Edith Avenue, Markdale www.markdalegolfandcurlingclub.ca (519) 986-2690
MARKDALE HOME HARDWARE
For Everything Else - like door knobs that lock MARKDALE HOME HARDWARE 35 Main Street West, Markdale www.homehardware.ca (519) 986-3011
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
19
MARKDALE BACK TO SCHOOL
I
MARKDALE FLOWERS
For Mom, ‘cause she’s awesome
MARKDALE FLOWERS 56 Main Street West, Markdale www.markdaleflorist.ca (519) 986-2721
GENERATIONS SALON & BARBER SHOP Snip-Snip Time! Nothin’ like a fresh back to school Haircut!
GENERATIONS SALON & BARBER SHOP 10 Main Street West, Markdale (613) 402-0816
MARKDALE COMPUTERS
This one’s a no-brainer. Buy Local, Service Local. It’s as simple as that! MARKDALE COMPUTERS 42 Main Street West Markdale www.markdalecomputer.ca (519) 986-3212
20
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
HELLO COUNTRY KIDS PLAYGROUND FUN Hey there, Grey Highlands! Finally...we get playgrounds!
to
enjoy
our
local
It’s been SO LONG since my Brother and I have played on a playground. Daddy finally took us to the one in Flesherton beside the South Grey Museum (ya, the one that Museum Rob used to work at). We had SO MUCH fun. I finally got to play with other kids my own age and my Brother got to make new friends. It was awesome!
We’re SO HAPPY Covid is finally going away (I hope). I can’t wait to go back to school. Whoa...did I just say that?! Have a great rest of the summer. See you in September! New videos coming soon... By: Big Brother Subscribe to our new YouTube channel Hello Country Kids
(519) 986-3119
11 Main Street East, Markdale Tues to Sat: 10:30am to 5:30pm Closed: Sun & Mon
www.pjknickerbockers.com
Kids
W RD SEARCH For Word Search Answers please visit our website: www.hellocountry.ca
PLAYING AROUND AT THE X Y P F R I E N D S S W I N G S G G Q T PARK Z W Q O Y F O Q
S U M M E R H B
B P CM P P L V A R Y O E T PW
T UM U S E E L F B L D UNN U YH D I K G EB
L U U S I U I I
F M N L N Y D W
V I I G G P S Q
Find these words:
KIDS RUNNING FRIENDS SWINGS FUN SUMMER MUSEUM PLAY
S ’ Y E L L JO DAIRY BAR 519.924.0230 & VIDEO The store with a little bit of everything!
We’re OPEN 9am-9pm, 364 days of the year! • For your last minute grocery needs • Competitive prices with local grocery chains • We scoop ice cream cones all year!
23 Collingwood St • Flesherton
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
21
BLAZING TRAILS WITH ALEXIS BRENNER How can a trail change a day? Last month our kids had an amazing week at camp. They spent 5 days adventuring through many trails hiking and biking in a crew, and paddling down the Beaver River. The stories they returned with every day were filled with fun and wonder. Their joy was so genuine and it was truly special as a parent to see how much fun they had traveling through the landscapes they were playing in. It can be intimidating to look at a wall of dense brush and bushwhack into a wild forest. Without a trail our natural instinct can be to approach with caution or avoid it if it feels unsafe. We could get lost, or eaten by the many giant hungry creatures our mind imagines are for sure hiding in the underbrush and waiting to pounce. An inviting trail entrance opens a portal into the unknown. Our instinctual concerns about the dark, scary forest diminish and our curiosity kicks in. We are called forward to explore! With a path laid clearly out before us our concentration isn’t focused on every foot fall. We are able to walk upright and gazing around at the full scope of the forest without concern for sprawling head first from tripping over roots, fallen branches and stumps or getting lost in the woods forever.
But add in a trail and all of that fun becomes possible. The trails were the catalyst for all of the adventure that followed. A good trail can truly change how we enjoy the land we are in. Hiking, biking, skiing, ATV’ing, a hack on horseback, or a trail run with your best four legged pal. How do you like to spend your time outside? If you have been staring at a wall of green and thinking how much you would like a trail to go play on, give us a call and we are excited to help open an invitation to explore. We have added some great new machines into our arsenal this year including our trailworthy 3.5” Splitfire chipper which can get to places other chippers dare not go. We carve adventure into your landscape. ALEXIS BRENNER DB Trailblazers www.dbtrailblazers.ca
Now there was certainly more to the magic of camp than just the trails, but the activities these trails opened up for the kids was a *Kudos to Blue Mountain Wild Camp for special thing. If they had spent a week in putting on a great time for the kiddos. the same area in dense uncut bush, their week would have been very different. No mountain biking in the rain with a pack DB TRAILBLAZERS of kids through the trails (which was our www.dbtrailblazers.ca son’s favourite part). The hiking would info@dbtrailblazers.ca have been much more arduous and overly Instagram: @dbtrailblazerswildscaping challenging for a group of kids to enjoy (519) 447-4474 day after day. 22
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
w on no ab So ilin gle A Cvoam e r u o it a f v u o y r from . t is t .. r A ic h p a r G
month’s See this
y sketch b
0 on page 3
t a y a d o t s r u o y Get 15 Main St. W., Markdale
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
23
THE LIFE OF A GARLIC FARMER PART 7 Always learning something. Here it is, August already and hopefully schools will be able to be opened. Thankfully my kids are all grown up now and didn’t have to sit in front of a computer screen at home while all the temptations of play time were all around them. Living in the country you don’t always have the privilege of quick high speed internet, and what happens if you had 2 or more kids in different grades?!? I have to admit it would have tested my patience, but maybe kids learn more in their own home environment. My hat’s off to all families who pushed through these tough times. But learning something new at least once a year is something Paul and I saw a lot in the last year and a half. I can’t tell you how many people ask us about garlic and how to plant it, or when to harvest, or what type of problems might arise. Paul is the horticulturist and I’m the chef, so he had his teaching moments and I had mine. As far as we were concerned, anyone who planted a garden for the first time ever could ask for help always. In fact, during this pandemic I have seen more and more couples learning to can their own preserves from leek ramps to garlic scapes, and oddly enough - pickled eggs. Maybe I’m just paying attention more now but the majority have been men; my own son, Dalton, made a spicy, pickled leek recipe that is so good, but a little too spicy for me to handle. It made me very proud to watch him and offer assistance when needed, but he did it all. I believe the staying at home order meant that you could pick up on your creative side and finish your own home renovations, or even painting a room that you would have paid someone to do. Our daughter, Kassidy, completely gutted the upstairs hallway and her bedroom only to discover original wood flooring under the carpets. She learned how to strip a floor, use a big sander and stop the dust from going everywhere, and paint stairs. Paul and I would just never have found the time to do either of these things and I couldn’t be more proud of what they had accomplished.
PAUL & LORRAINE IRWIN Owners, Boars Rock Farm & Pure Music Garlic Products www.puremusicgarlic.com
half? Many things, from learning to build a successful business, reconnecting with myself as a person, and for the first time since I’ve left my full-time job, being able to work alongside our amazing farm crew to help harvest garlic. Over 55,000 heads are now drying and curing in our controlled facilities and barn, but it’s all worth it. All I can say is thank goodness we have a hot tub! Lorraine Irwin is a mother, a wife, a theatre buff and the owner of Pure Music Garlic Products. She makes all of her gourmet garlic products using Organic Garlic grown on their farm (Boars Rock Farm). Check out her ad on Page 7. 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
What have I learned in the last year and a 24
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
Spring Truck Load
SPECIAL
$120/metric tonne*
Boost Your Soil Health with All Natural Volcanic Ash (Basalt Soil Amendment)
MORE INFO ON THE Benefits OF BASALT “Chemically synthesized fertilizers are designed to feed plants fast. They cover the necessary macronutrient requirements and contribute to rapid leaf growth. In that sense, they do their job well. Yet there are a multitude of secondary nutrients, micronutrients and trace elements that aren’t available in most commercial fertilizers that plants require to reach their maximum potential. For evidence, we need only to observe the self-preserving behavior of plants themselves. Indeed, plants aren’t nearly as passive as most of us might imagine. Given the opportunity, plants will actively seek to acquire nutrients from their surroundings to overcome any imbalances. Recent research shows that fine roots will attack rock particles as a physiological consequence of mineral deficiency. In soil that is properly mineralized, plants don’t have to work nearly as hard to survive. Rich in micronutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese, volcanic basalt helps increase root growth and boost crop yields. Basalt also contains soluble silicon that contributes to the strength of cell walls and makes crops more resistant to pests and disease. It also strengthens stems, helping plants stand tall and capture more light to maximize photosynthesis. Not surprisingly, vibrant, healthy plants grown in remineralized soil have greater Brix levels than plants that are nutrient deficient. As a measure of dissolved plant sugar and nutrients, higher Brix levels indicate balanced and healthy growing conditions. Healthier plants also produce more fragrant flowers with greater concentrations of essential oils and bettertasting, more nutritious fruits and vegetables.” https://www.maximumyield.com/the-slow-release-benefits-of-basalt/2/1207
Available in: • Bags • Containers • Ton Totes • In Bulk (by the truck load)
VB60+ uses • Regenerative Agriculture • Home Gardening • Landscaping • Orchards & Vineyards • Greenhouses • House Plants
519.377.6107
breadneragrominerals@gmail.com @breadneragrominerals
For more information and detailed breakdown please visit
www.breadneragrominerals.com
FARM LIFE DELIGHTFUL CHILDREN Our girls are at the delightful ages of 2 ½ and 5. (I’m sure we’ll call every stage delightful but we really are enjoying this stage!) They play and play and play together. Unless one is napping, they are almost always together. During evening chores while we bump around the farm in our old black Ford ‘water wagon’, they bounce along in the backseat playing ‘cow’ or ‘chicken’ or anything else their imaginations can dream up. Our oldest has an amazing propensity to make up new words on the fly when she is trying to name something and doesn’t know the real name. Sandbox playing for a while involved making ‘milkasea’ for the neighbour and his family. (Please don’t ask me to translate, I have no idea what that was, but I loved the name) All that to say, they really do play together beautifully. But, like all normal children, we have our grievances, sometimes loudly aired, and our share of relational difficulties to work through. This particular day, Soraya our youngest, was very tired and on the fourth or fifth meltdown of the morning. I heard the shrieks from the back porch where I was hanging out laundry. Coming in, I found both girls at the back of the hall and as is usually the case, too many fragmented pieces of the story shoot my way to be able to untangle them all. Have you ever been the recipient of fragmented sharp darts shooting your way? Kneeling down, I put an arm around Soraya, who’s broken-hearted sobs split the space between her words. “Sweetie, can you stop crying so I can hear what you’re saying?” Deep gulp, tears swallowed, but then more words and sobs garbled together out of her open mouth. Have you ever been met with compassion in the midst of the darts you were facing? I turned Soraya slightly so she could see into my eyes. “Sweetie, I hear you. Mommy is listening.” Her face crumbled under the compassion she read in my eyes. I pulled her onto my lap, her precious dolly huddled under one arm, and snuggled her close,
26
LOUELLA MARTIN
Farmer Azure Highlands Family Homestead www.azurehighlandshomestead.com wiping mixed snot and tears from her face.
Have you ever been ‘held’ with compassion in the midst of deep hurt? In the end, the actual problem was really very small. Big Sister didn’t want the shopping cart in their room; Little Sister did. We all had a conversation together, we reached a compromise that pleased all, a tired girl was tucked into bed for a nap, and her sister and I snuggled on the couch for our daily story time. Has your soul felt heard in the deepest conflict? At the end of the day, in my parenting, this is what is most important to me – are my children seeing and hearing and feeling the voice and hands of Jesus through me? I think that is what we really all want to know, especially in the midst of deep conflict - do I matter? Am I heard and loved and understood and accepted?
LOUELLA MARTIN Azure Highlands Family Homestead Markdale, ON azurehighlandshomestead@gmail.com Louella is a wife, mom, business owner and co farmer of a regeneratively managed farm - Azure Highlands Homestead. Besides raising meat to sell, she enjoys writing as a sideline hobby and loves to connect with readers either at their farm store or through email.
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
JENNIFER THOMPSON DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Since there’s no rest for the wicked (I mean self-employed), a good summertime exercise is to do some revenue forecasting for your small biz. Let your mind wander and dream of all the additional revenue streams you can create once things start to go back to normal. How will this additional cashflow help your business? Your family? How will you execute on your new plans? Will you need to hire? Work longer hours? Maybe clone yourself? A wise man once said, and I’m paraphrasing here: “More money, more problems.”
JENNIFER THOMPSON
L & W Bookkeeping Professionals
When your plans start to take shape and more income begins flowing your way, consider hiring a professional bookkeeper (like me). We help lots of local businesses in Grey County keep their finances organized, and we can do the same for you. That way you’ll have at least one less thing to worry about once the homework starts coming home.
Welcome to the dog days of summer. It’s hot, sometimes wet, and the clock is tickin’...to Back To School time, that is. As you prepare to homeschool or send your kids back to the classroom, now is actually a great time to start thinking about your business finances and start planning for fall and winter. Don’t think too hard, though. You’re supposed to be taking time off, right?
L & W BOOKKEEPING PROFESSIONALS support@lwbookkeepingpro.com lwbookkeepingpro.com (519) 477-5652
For a Simply Charming Shopping Experience
Three Delightful Shops at One Location
17 Toronto Street South, Markdale 519.986.4650
Follow us!
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
27
THE ARTS FLESHERTON CALLING My father’s ashes are out in the woodshed on a makeshift shelf behind the workbench. They’re in a white alabaster box with a multi-coloured lid. It is inside a drugstore plastic bag held together by a rubber band. They used to be in an old Biway bag, but it decomposed after a few years. Sooner or later, everything falls apart. Before he died, my father requested that his remains be divvied up among my siblings, like a Poker Pot in a Rummoli game with multiple winners. He wanted to be set in a place that was meaningful to each of his offspring and to remain there for all Eternity. Or at least until the property sold. My sister Caroline, the traditionalist, put him on the mantle of the fireplace of the living room, where he could remain in a kind of Purgatory, ever conscious of the fires below. Tim chose a shelf in his mancave, nestled closely to a framed signed photo of Tie Domi of the old man’s beloved Leafs, a team my brother, a Habs fan, despised. And Bernie, conscious of the many summer meals my dad orchestrated, enclosed him in an opening of the brickwork for the barbecue. It was for him, I guess, a gentle reminder of both transience and the crematorium. Every year, on the third Sunday in June, we gather at one of our homes, spouse and kids in tow. At least part of the time, we congregate at our respective memorials and laugh, eulogize and tell stories. We followed a strict rotation based on birth order. I’m third up. I cannot recall any of us ever receiving a gift from my dad when we were young. What was bestowed upon us for birthdays or Christmas or graduation was always the result of a treasure hunt. He would provide us with a clue, whether it was clever, cryptic or genuinely unfunny, and we were expected to deduce the location of the prize based on it. Every blessing had to be earned, because his real gift to us was the knowledge that absolutely nothing came easily and without effort.
KEVIN ARTHUR LAND
Owner, Speaking Volumes Books and Audio 12 Toronto Road, Flesherton kevinarthurland@gmail.com www.kevinarthurland.ca
out of the shed near where my father is in case it might come in handy. My brother Bernie, recalling the pine tree air freshener that always hung from my father’s rear view mirror when we were growing up, is following his own line of inquiry. He has my nephew Terry, a monkey child if there ever was one, shimmying up and down the pine trees near the pond. I am finishing up making the potato salad and about to go out to start the barbecue. I know the family will be getting hungry soon and will be back looking for sustenance. I wonder how many more rotations it will take before I have 37 acres of arable land when I hear laughter in the distance. The treasure seekers are returning emptyhanded. The young ones will ask for clues, but I will not give them any. The adults know better than to ask. Instead, they give adamant assurances of certain success four years away. We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon on the back deck eating lunch, watching the cousins laughing and running about, one upping each other with funny stories and, in our own way, trying to find our father.
My family came up from the city this morning and are out there now, traipsing every inch of my 37 acres. They came armed with shovels and pulled the wheelbarrow right 28
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
Supporting Local Farms & Businesses In Grey Highlands
29
30
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR AGES 4 & UP
New Location, Same Great Service Save 10% when you present this ad on your next purchase
22 MAIN ST W. MARKDALE 519.216.7076 VIETAEKWONDO.COM
105 Bell St, Ceylon boltonauto.ca
519.924.1414
GATES OF AMIDA
Your Hidden Jewel Y O U R
H I D D E N
J E W E L
T HE W OR LD I S Y O UR O YS T E R GO G ET LO ST A T G A TE S OF AM I D A
WWW . G AT ES OF AM IDA. COM @ AM ID AGA T E B OO K
NO W
183 32643221
