FREE
FEBRUARY 2022
MAGAZINE
Support Local GR
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H HIG
LA
ND
S
All in the Family at
as they launch their new location in Markdale! p26 Supporting Local Farmers & Businesses In Grey Highlands & 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! From our family to yours, we thank you very much 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.
CLASSES AVAILABLE FOR AGES 4 & UP
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 JONATHAN NHAN Pharmacist, Diabetes Coach, Hypnotist & Co-Founder of Curate and Upgrade ERIC ROBERTSON Lifelong Resident of Grey Highlands & Broker at Grey County Real Estate Inc. ALEXIS BRENNER West Grey 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 JASON TODOROFF Barrister & Solicitor; and Resident of Holland Centre
22 MAIN ST W. MARKDALE 519.216.7076 VIETAEKWONDO.COM 4
HILIARY BREADNER Lifelong Rocklyn Resident and Owner of Hiliary Breadner Graphics
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NEW BUSINESS FEATURES TASTEA TREATS Growing up, when I visited my grandma, someone always put on the kettle, and we would sit around the table with tea and talk. Tea has always been a symbol of comfortable afternoons spent with family. It was offered when someone was sick or upset to help them feel better. It was the drink I relied on throughout college to keep me going while I finished assignments and the thing I reached for when I wanted some time alone to relax with a book. I discovered loose-leaf tea in college, and since then have enjoyed exploring the many varieties. I love that there is something for whatever mood I’m in. I have also enjoyed learning more about the history and culture of tea around the world. I’m currently enrolled in a tea sommelier course which will help me guide my customers on their own tea journeys.
JENNY MCQUAID our kitchen so that we can bring the experience of tea to our community.
Tastea Treats offers a variety of quality looseleaf tea, matcha and accessories so you can enjoy a great cup of tea wherever you are. We also have a selection of books and gift items and are looking forward to completing
TASTEA TREATS 32 Main St W, Markdale www.tasteatreats.com 226-452-2112
HOME HELP & CARE GREY HIGHLANDS Hello, Grey Highlands! What an honour it is to be presenting myself in the Hello Country Magazine. My husband and I look forward to it monthly and have really enjoyed learning about what the community truly has to offer because of the magazine. I’m excited to introduce myself! My name is Brandi. I am a proud mama of two. I have a oneyear-old son and a four-year-old daughter. So, hear me out when I preach about how chaotic life can seem some days. I wouldn’t change it for the world, though. They keep us young and always laughing. We have lived in Markdale for five years now and were truly drawn to the community the minute we showed up. Everyone is so kind and there are so many options to support local. We are truly proud to call it our home. I look forward to giving back the kindness I have already received. 6
BRANDI BOWDEN I have been working as a PSW for the past three years. I find joy in helping others and have such a strong passion for cooking and filling the freezer, it seemed like it was time to combine the two and really do my best to bring a kind of care that helps not just seniors, but any person who may need a helping hand. I look forward to meeting some new faces, and providing a service that truly cares. HOME HELP & CARE GREY HIGHLANDS brandi@homehelpandcare.com 647-505-2609
“Support you need in the comfort of your own home”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2022 PUBLISHER’S NOTE...p8
Papa Country encourages readers to not only Support Local, but Support Small.
FAMILY MATTERS...p11
Jason Todoroff writes about the benefits of growing your own food and Eating Local.
NEW MARKDALE HOSPITAL...p14
Read our interview with Darlene Lamberti, Executive Director of the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation.
THE COUNTY LIFE...p16
An amusing (we hope) tale about the story behind this month’s Cartoon by Jeff Wilson.
HELPING OTHERS...p18
An uplifting testimonial from a father about Markdale’s Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre.
END OF AN ERA... p24
Robert Iantorno writes about his experience producing The [re]CALL Project Podcast.
COVER STORY ...p26
Meet the family behind DB Powersports as they launch their new location in Markdale. Published By
Support you need in the comfort of your own home Companionship Housekeeping Local Errands Meal Preparation Prepared Frozen Meals Local Home Care Aide
647-505-2609
brandi@homehelpandcare.com All Rights Reserved
Our products are made on our Farm from our Certified Organic Garlic right here in
Grey Highlands
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE SUPPORT LOCAL EDITION Welcome to February’s “Support Local” edition. One positive takeaway from this pandemic, in my opinion, is our appreciation for the importance of supporting local. Obviously, the downside has been the inability to just that, given the various restrictions we’ve had to endure - some far more than others.
Photo: Jenny Jelen
As Ontario begins to lifts some of its COVID restrictions and we start to open up again, please consider doing more to support your local business community. The big guys don’t need it as much as the little guys. In fact, the big guys are having trouble stocking shelves, while the little guys likely source their products locally and have the inventory in stock that you may otherwise struggle to find elsewhere.
PAPA COUNTRY
Publisher, Hello Country Magazine hellocountrymagazine@gmail.com Instagram: @hellocountrymagazine www.hellocountry.ca
Another point to consider is that Omicron has made many, myself included, fearful of crowds. You know where you won’t find a bunch of people in the same place at the same time? You guessed it. Your local businesses. Support Small. Support Local. Ok...enough preaching from me. Before I bid you adieu, on behalf of my wife and our boys I’d like to wish everyone a happy Family Day and, as always, thank you for reading!
PODCAST
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Roger “Papa Country” Tumminieri
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280 Main St W, Markdale Edge of town beside a park with meandering river, you will find a home that offers both in-town amenities as well as easy access Sale: $589,000 nature . For However, for buyers it
HOUSING UPDATE BY GREY COUNTY REAL ESTATE INC. February is “Ground Hog Day” month and if you’re familiar with that same-titled movie then you know it refers to living the same day over and over again. Doesn’t that sound like all of this COVID pandemic? But the movie does have a happy ending so let’s look forward to a similar outcome. In the meantime, supporting each other as individuals and as a community is essential. If we consider all the amenities, the variety of businesses and services that Grey County has to offer, then utilizing our local resources and keeping our area thriving should be, not only easy, but also a smart way to strengthen our community.
those looking to sell. means that you must be prepared to make your move when suitable property hits the market. 837017 TayloraDr, Holland Centre Beautiful surrounded with you and represent Finding a home realtor to advise acres of forest. Theaim homeat Grey County Real you is10essential. Our features main living withour an buyer clients have Estate Inc. isfloor to ensure open concept design. the data and resources available to do just that Forhome-ownership Sale: $949,000 - to help make possible.
We also know that not everything is peachykeen (ideal and easy sailing), housing continues to be a challenge for many, and the record-breaking low inventory is still a major factor affecting real estate price increases. Presently, new real estate listings are not staying on the market for long. The average inventory time is 1.7 months. This means it would take 1.7 months to sell the current inventory at the current rate of sales, while the long-running average is 7.3 months for this time of year. This is good news for
MAINREAL ESTATE INC. GREY COUNTY STREET www.greycountyrealestate.com EAST 519-986-2552 MARKDALE
348085 4th Concession While Wiarton Willie and other Ground Hogs B, Maxw The raised bungalow sits on a can predict spring, for the real estate market rolling 1.18 acre property with the forecasting is not so precise, but indicators pond and long pastoral views point to a continuation of last year’s activity. Are of the forest. you ready? For Sale: $959,000 ERIC ROBERTSON
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BLAZING TRAILS SEEDS AND DREAMS Anyone near our property on a certain day in January might have wondered what the heck was going when I squealed out loud with glee at the arrival of the first of my seed catalogues. Oh happy day! Paring down my plant choices from the hundreds of intriguing and delicious varieties of seeds is my yearly ritual. I get lost in the pages for what could be hours or days. Who knows. Time means nothing when getting giddy over tiny packets of awesome seeds of every sort. For many a gardener, this time of year our fingers are getting itchy to dig back into the beautiful soil and play with the plants. Laying out the seed trays, piling in the potting soil, and gently plopping in tiny powerhouses packed with possibility to cover them up for a short nap before the big show begins. Dreams of what will be and what we need to do to get there, begin to dance around in the mind. If you see me around now and I am gently staring off into the distance, I am likely in my garden in my head, planning and planting and scheming for what comes next. The power of life inside each seed truly awes me. Hold them in your hand and think about the incredible shift from seed to plant. A little warmth, a little water, and voila! We get a little magic popping up before us and growing through the season to share its beauty and bounty with us. As Goethe so lovingly wrote back in 1790 in The Metamorphosis Of Plants: “Watch now and be transformed, how bit by bit the plant-form, Guided stepwise, builds to emerge in blossom and fruit! Out of the germ it unfolds, the moment the still and fertile Lap of the earth has lovingly let it go out into life, There where the charm of light, the holy eternal mover Now ushers in the most delicate structures of burgeoning leaves. This was a power that simply slept in the seed; a prototype Lay there closed and curled up in itself inside the husk, Leaf and taproot and seed, as yet halfformed and colorless; Thus the dry kernel holds and protects the
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ALEXIS BRENNER dormant life, Then it gushes, heaving up, trusting to milder moistures, Lifts itself all at once out of the enveloping night.” Goethe called this poem his attempt to explain the how of the organism and it is a beautiful ode to the process of life unfolding into itself. Earth magic. The power of plants. The beauty of nature. We are not far from this moment of rebirth and new life. Prepping and planning for Spring and beyond is February’s mandate so get dreaming! This is the time to start waking up the seeds of ideas you have been cultivating for your garden, your property, your life. What thoughts have you been ruminating on that just need a little tending to bring them to be? If you have been holding on to a dream, give it some sunlight and see how it grows. If your dreams are trail oriented, DB Trailblazers is here to help bring them into reality.
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FAMILY MATTERS EAT LOCAL non-local stuff. Backyard vegetable gardens have also grown in popularity. We first planted our garden the summer before the pandemic hit. For us, gardening has become a family activity. In an age where we are concerned about the amount of screen time children are exposed to, planting and maintaining a vegetable garden is a great outdoor activity and is also a great opportunity to teach our children about where food comes from. I was surprised at how excited my girls were to be doing this kind of activity and how they looked forward to the first batch of beans and peas that we picked. In addition JASON TODOROFF to knowing where your food has come from you also know that it has not been grown through The great conservationist Aldo Leopold environmentally harmful and unsustainable remarked, “There are two great spiritual methods. When it comes to, “Eating Local” it dangers in not owning a farm. One is the doesn’t get more local than this. danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery and the other that heat JASON TODOROFF comes from the furnace.” BARRISTER & SOLICITOR 7A Main Street East, Markdale During the pandemic the phrase, “Eat jasontodoroff@gmail.com Local” exploded in popularity. It is easy to www.jtlawyer.ca understand why. Amongst transportation and 519-986-4494 supply chain issues in some cases it became easier to obtain locally grown food than the
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FARM LIFE MISSING THINGS I suppose every parent knows to some degree, before they enter the journey, that parenting is not for the faint of heart. I’m not sure if any of us completely understand that, though. I expected to have downs as well as ups. I expected to be puzzled and unsure about some things. It’s just been the things I’m puzzled about that have kind of blindsided me. For the most part, I have no problem talking to Jesus about the puzzlements I encounter. He promised to give wisdom liberally to anyone who asks. But then the girls break into a petty argument over who should sit where, who should have the ‘golden’ bowl for dinner this time, who’s turn it is to have the special blanket, how dare you sing when I don’t want you to – and I want to flee the scene or sit in a chair with my head in my hands, neither of which solves the problem. Who is right this time? Obviously I want them to consider the other’s wants and wishes over their own, in true unselfishiness. I do breathe quick, rapid prayers, in times like this. But still – someone has to make a decision; someone has to arbitrate. Who is the mom, the adult in this case? Where is my mom, the adult, in my life? Do I become like a drill sergeant who has puppets dangling off her wrists? You sit here for 21 ½ minutes. This time you may use this bowl for casserole; you use it for dessert. Both of you wrap yourselves in this blanket which is too small for half of one of you. That too, is utter ridiculousness. I am not raising puppets. We have two smart, beautiful, intelligent, sometimes conniving girls, whom we want to someday launch into the world capable of thought of their own. Just how exactly does one accomplish this?
LOUELLA MARTIN 28:10 “precept upon precept; line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” Ah, therein lies the answer. In not raising little puppets, it becomes line upon line; here a little, there a little. Faithfully, consistently, showing up, pointing them to Jesus, helping them consider the other – doing the little we can and leaving the rest in the capable hand of God. There is, however, something else that has often really puzzled me: In a house where I am pretty much the sole cleaner, housekeeper, tidier and ‘putter awayer’, how, HOW do we manage to lose toys all the time??? Would I not know if I threw something away? Do I walk the annals of my house while I am sleeping and throw things away willy-nilly? This is the stuff of nightmares! By that same token, why, WHY do we all have several, or many, mateless socks in our drawers??? I am the only one who does laundry in this house. HOW does this happen??? No wonder I am always tired, if I am throwing socks and toys away in the middle of the night! AZURE HIGHLANDS FAMILY HOMESTEAD 440164 120 Rd, Markdale www.azurehighlandshomestead.com @azurehighlandshomestead
Then I open my Bible and I read Isaiah 12
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TRACTOR TALK WITH TYSON RIER When thinking about compact track loaders, our most common model is the 325G. It suites many needs of not only Farmers, but also construction and landscaping companies as well. We have also seen an uptick in larger property owners making the purchase of a track machine. Compact track loaders are a very versatile piece of equipment, they can handle many tasks from moving skids or material around to grading and moving dirt and other material. With many features available like Backup Camera, heated seat, cab with heat and A/C, ride control, and many other features - they can handle any task in any weather. They can also take a wide variety of attachments; everything from snow blowers to trenchers and augers, just to name a few.
TYSON RIER backed by the John Deere 2 year 2,000 hour warranty. Call or stop in today and let us tell you more about how a John Deere compact track loader can work for you.
With great cash and financing deals available, now is the time to order your new compact track loader. All this is
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INTERVIEW WITH DARLENE LAMBERTI It is a small unassuming office building in the middle of town, in full view that you are pretty much guaranteed to overlook. However, inside is a buzz of activity. I am referring to the small building smack dab in the middle of the parking lot across from the Markdale Hospital. In there, the staff of the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation have a mighty mandate every year. I spent some time with Darlene Lamberti, Executive Director of the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation, and I must admit, in a brief period of time, I learned a great deal about our health care system right here in Centre Grey. I thought I would share some of this information with you. Q: Darlene, what is Centre Grey Health Services Foundation? A: Centre Grey Health Services Foundation is a charitable organization run by a Board of 9 Volunteers and three part time staff. Our goal is to raise funds for the purchase of medical equipment, in both our local hospital and, based on usage, for our regional hospital in Owen Sound. Many people are not aware that the government does not pay for hospital equipment. The COMMUNITY does. The government pays for the operations, but the furniture, fixtures and equipment are all purchased by donation dollars. I do not have to tell you that medical equipment becomes outdated very quickly and new equipment is always needed. Each year Centre Grey Health Services Foundation seeks to raise between $700,000 and $1,000,000 for priority equipment needs in our local and regional hospitals. Q: What specific projects are you working on now? A: We are currently right in the middle of our $5.7+ Million “Together In Care” campaign where we are raising the remaining funds to build a new hospital here in Markdale that will support all of Centre Grey. This project has been in the works for almost 20 years! March 1, 2021, the shovel hit the ground and dirt has been flying ever since! This is a game changer for local health 14
DARLENE LAMBERTI care. It will be a state-of-the-art facility and will ensure that excellent health care services are accessible in this community for generations to come. I am so incredibly proud of our donor family for the support they are showing for this project, and I hope to see you all at the open ceremony in mid-2023! We encourage you to visit our campaign website at www.togetherincare. com to learn more and to donate. In addition to this, we are always looking for volunteers to participate on committees, help with events, work on projects, or become Board members. If you are interested or know of anyone who is, please visit our website for contact information www.cghsfoundation.com Q: Any final words? A: I just want to thank the entire community for the support you show this Foundation every year. Every donation you make has a positive and long-lasting impact on local health care, and it feels great to make a difference. A community hospital is only possible with community support, and we are so grateful for yours! You can learn more about Centre Grey Health Services Foundation by tuning in to the October 14, 2021, edition of the Hello Country podcast.
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Dre s c c e true
WE CAN FIND YOUR DREAM HOME OR FARM CAROLINE FEELEY
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flip through a few pages but, for some reason, leaves out some key words, making it seem like I don’t know how to rite :) So when I decided I’d like to leap into the world of editorial cartoons, I enlisted the help of a professional, Jeff Wilson; a cartoonist from Priceville who most definitely does not suck at drawing!
I SUCK AT DRAWING
I had an idea to publish a politically savvy cartoon about the Omicron variant, entitled By: Roger Tumminieri Herd Immunity. I sketched out my idea on a scrap piece of paper I found in my shirt I’ve always wanted to write children’s books. pocket, took a photo of it and sent it to Jeff I’m not sure why. Maybe because kids see with a few words of direction. the world differently than adults and their innocence is appealing - something I’d He graciously replied with some constructive like to foster and encourage and somehow ideas to improve the nature of the toon. That is tap into. The problem is, I suck at drawing. to say my original idea was less than sensitive. Reference the 3 children’s books I wrote and The result was, in my opinion, a clever, well‘illustrated’ last June when I must have had a drawn take on whether we should head back lot more energy. I called it the “Sleepy Time to school and work after a brief ‘lockdown’ or Shapes” series. With clever titles like The lay low a little while longer. Black Rectangle, The Blue Square, and The Yellow Circle, I thought I was sure to blow You can see it page 30. the doors off Amazon’s Kindle sales :) Thank you to Jeff and I look forward to I was wrong. creating more thought-provoking cartoons with his help. Although, I think the books are cute and reading them to kids is a fun and sneaky way Check back for more stories from The County for parents to get their littles to sleep, their Life by visiting www.thecountylife.ca downfall was most likely the cover art (see above re: sucking at drawing). Unfortunately, Read more stories from The County Life at the ‘look inside’ sample option allows you to www.thecountylife.ca
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SUPPORT LOCAL
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Book Your Hunt Today Andie Rennie, Owner & Guide (226) 974-0759
HELPING OTHERS HOPE HAVEN THERAPEUTIC
“Today is 780+ days since Alexandra Richardson’s last chemotherapy treatment. Our daughter has spent the last 2+ years dealing with the side-effects from her cancer-treatments and learning to do things from “baby-steps” all over again. Lots of her post-chemo rehab was cancelled or delayed by COVID-19... but the folks at Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre have been able to help her regain so much self-confidence via their recreational, occupational & physical therapy programs. After many months of “baby-steps” TODAY is the first day she has been able to ride outside of the ring.” - Proud father, Mark Richardson Located at the top of the Beaver Valley, Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre empowers individuals of all ages with (dis)abilities or unique needs by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through equestrian sport, recreation, and therapeutic programs. Our Hope Haven team consists of specially trained human 18
and equine professionals and a robust, dedicated community of volunteers. Together we harness the power of adaptive techniques, equipment, and teaching methods to enable individuals with (dis) abilities or unique needs to explore the world of equestrian, including Ontario’s first Special Olympics equestrian team. We welcome your interest! For programs visit: www.hopehavencentre. org/programs To volunteer visit: www.hopehavencentre. org/volunteer To donate visit: www.hopehavencentre. org/donate HOPE HAVEN THERAPUTIC RIDING CENTRE 545747 Sideroad 4A, Markdale 519-986-1247 partnerships@hopehavencentre.org www.hopehavencentre.org
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THE LIFE OF A GARLIC FARMER PART 13 Love Is In The Garlic With all the craziness going on in the world, I would hope the general population would just stop and smell the roses! Not only is it February, but we also have Chinese New Year, Groundhog Day, Paul’s Birthday, Family Day, and Valentine’s Day all packed in to this fantastic month. Of course, there are lockdowns, more restrictions, blah, blah, blah. But to me, that means share the love and do it through food! Since Paul and I are so busy on the farm from May to December it’s hard to cook amazing, mouth watering dinners that we crave to eat. Don’t get me wrong, I can whip up the best salads right from my garden, but these slower months give me the time to really get out and shop for delicacies from all things local. As you all know, I’m a big fan of supporting your local restaurants, breweries, wineries and food producers while staying safe, and Grey & Bruce Counties have some of the best to offer! It has been fun to go into every bakery I can and have my eyes roll back into my head over the incredible smells, or pop into a store that only carries everything local, so that you can sample something from other amazing farms and food producers. Even Pure Music Garlic gets into February treats and delicacies with homemade black garlic fudge and my special red velvet cupcakes with black garlic hearts. It’s a great time to wine and dine your significant other with a creative expression for your love on Valentine’s Day. Or time to stubbornly ignore the holiday because you don’t need to take part in the blatant commercialism of V-Day and decide that every day with your partner is special, right? I’m personally not a sappy V-Day kind of girl, but the eat local, buy local theme feels really good for this month. Paul knows the way to my heart is through food, I prefer to do most of the cooking, but he does make the best spaghetti sauce and homemade beef barley soup, all from scratch. But he always buys the best lamb chops from our favourite local farm, and then a freshly baked loaf of bread from Markdale, and an incredible bottle of wine from one of our great producers in Clarksburg. Then I stand over my stove preparing an incredible dinner for the two of us. In other words, perfect - but not always when the kids are 20
PAUL & LORRAINE IRWIN home. Yes, sweetie, lambs are cute, but sometimes cute animals are delicious. Anyway, not to get off topic but I do get passionate about what I like. So this month, order take out from your favourite Chinese restaurant, eat Pure Music Garlics white chocolate fudge with black garlic while watching the movie Groundhog Day, honk as you drive by Boars Rock Farm for Paul’s 63rd birthday, and take the kids on an adventure through Grey County for Family Day! LORRAINE IRWIN 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
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WELLNESS DIABETES AND MINDSET As a pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Educator, I could share with you all sorts of stats, guidelines, studies, and other information that is generally meaningless on the individual level of eliciting change. In my practice, I’ve seen varied causes, attitudes, and mindsets towards diabetes and it’s management. Today, I’m going to take a different approach and start at the beginning of it all: MINDSET. There’s no argument that there are psychosocial factors that contribute to diabetes. These are factors that lump in your mood, mindset, approach, environment, and support that contribute to your health in diabetes. In my opinion, this is where it all begins. While there are foods that are low in sugar, and drugs that lower your blood sugar, the most effective way of managing the symptoms of diabetes is to change your mindset and habits. At a high level, Type 2 Diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to process sugar due to being overloaded with sugar over a long period of time. Your body’s sugar processing system gets overloaded and becomes less effective over time. So to truly prevent, reduce the occurence of, and help to manage or control diabetes, it all comes down to the same thing: controlling your sugar intake. Here is where the mindset comes in. Reading the above paragraph, many people may first jump to the thought of “I can’t live without X” or “It’s too hard to make those changes” or “I can’t do diets”. And yet, there are many people that do all those things that you’re thinking of. And because you said you can’t, you’ll be right. So these are all limiting beliefs. They are limiting you from achieving the health that you want (assuming that we all want to be “healthy”). Our brains and bodies are complex systems that are often broken apart by science and sectioned off into components. This division is 22
JONATHAN NHAN great for helping understand the different workings of the individual parts of the body. In the case of diabetes, the function of the pancreas and how it processes sugar has been well mapped out. Medications target different parts of this system and we can hack the body into lowering blood sugar levels. That would be amazing if we were just a floating pancreas. In reality, as people, we come as one whole complex and intertwined system. Our mindset and moods affect our actions that then have effects on our health. There is definitely a place for all the advances of modern medical science, and it can only be made more effective if we begin to listen to our bodies and start considering real change. The biggest shift here is to understand that things can either happen to you, or you can make things happen. A diagnosis of diabetes could be looked at as your body is failing to process the sugar that you are taking in. What about looking at this “failure” as feedback. If your body were telling you something about how it’s processing sugars, what would that message be? Maybe there are better food choices that you could make based on this feedback from your body. Coming to a conscious understanding of this could help you begin to bring awareness to what changes could benefit you. Building in this unconscious understanding, and using that unconscious power to drive your actions is building new habits. Find Jon at jnthn.ca
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Jonathan Nhan Co-Founder, Curate and Upgrade
CHAMBER ENJOY REWARDING SPENDING Here I sit, working from home, listening to our medical officer who asked us to do so if possible in an effort to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. I’m tired of having my life turned upside down, tired of the same ole, same ole, just plain tired. Are you? When I think I’ve got it bad, I think about all the local businesses and service suppliers and how tired they must be, trying to get through this with the pivoting, the lockdowns, the additional requirements just to stay open at half-speed. Then I think about how I would feel if my livelihood depended on my community’s spending habits – if they do or don’t spend where they live. If nothing else, COVID has suggested we’re better off staying in “our bubble,” avoiding bigger crowds. Translate that into shopping and you’re safer in our cozier local shops than going to the bigger areas and their bigger chain stores. Add to that the shortages we’re now starting to see on shelves in response to early manufacturing and current shipping/trucking woes, and those bigger areas and their bigger chain
stores start to lose their lustre a bit. On the other hand, with limits to the number of customers in a location at a time, supporting local means it’s less likely you’ll run into a crowd. And, some of our local businesses are experiencing little to no shortage issues because they source their supplies and goods from local makers and growers – they’re shopping locally. Why go to a bigger chain store to not find what you’re looking for, when it might be right here waiting for you? You’ll have a more successful experience spending your money locally. In my opinion, these are just a few good reasons to support local. MICHELLE PATEY
GREY HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 13 Toronto St S, Markdale greyhighlandschamber@gmail.com www.greyhighlandschamber.com 519-986-4612
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David Miles | Financial Advisor Miles Insurance and Investments Inc. 43 Main Sreet West, Markdale, ON, N0C 1H0 T: (519)986-3353 F: (519) 986-3518 40 Main Stret East, Dundalk, ON, N0C 1B0 T: (519)923-2313 F: (519)923-3061
THE [re]CALL PROJECT PODCAST END OF AN ERA
ROBERT IANTORNO “It’s so different Robert, it’s hard to explain.” -Bill Hutchinson
and far less cynical than more recent individuals.
The [re]CALL Project started at the outbreak of COVID in March of 2020. The world was undergoing some rapid changes, and I knew that we were in a transitional time from one era to the next. I didn’t want the stories and lessons of our Seniors left behind.
I loved hearing their voices, their stories, their memories. We enjoyed so many laughs and “ohh, I sees” together. It was fascinating to discuss how much things have changed over the course of their lives.
So I made a few calls, got a ton of referrals from the Markdale Seniors and our Museum Community, downloaded a $37.00 app, and started dialling and recording. There are some common traits that I have observed from these conversations. Our Seniors came from a much simpler, more isolated and difficult time. They had fewer possessions, consumed less media, had way less stimulation, and way more hard work, particularly manual labour. They also demonstrated resilience, grace and a very obvious optimism. And yes, they’re happier 24
I hope that you reading this article have gotten something from The [re]CALL Project, and that you will take the time to listen and benefit from the experiences of our Seniors. They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore. Robert Iantorno Host - The [re]CALL Project Podcast
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COVER STORY FROM PRICEVILLE TO MARKDALE.
(Left to Right): Priceville’s Kristen, Madison, Cooper & Duane Bryan of DB Powersports I love these kinds of stories. You know, the ones about local family businesses working hard to serve our community here in Grey Highlands. Often, they involve the types of connections that only small town living can provide. I first spoke with Duane Bryan last winter when I was looking at getting into snowmobiling. He was recommended to me by the local snowmobile club as a trusted small engine mechanic and someone who might be able to help me find a sled for my family. As I’m sure you’re aware, sourcing outdoor sporting equipment these days isn’t an easy task. But Duane helped me out, big time. I ended up buying a snowmobile from his brother, Lance, and have thoroughly enjoyed taking my boys out on it - even if I do spend a disproportionate amount of time digging it out of the deep snow drifts on our property. Call it a winter weight-loss regime. So when I noticed that he’d moved his operations from his hometown of Priceville to Markdale, I thought I’d give him a call. I soon found out that his wife, Kristen, works at nearby Grey County Real Estate Inc. See where I’m going with the small town connections? Meeting the Bryan Family for a photo shoot on a frigid Saturday in mid-January was a real pleasure for me. I learned 26
that the whole family is involved in the business. I knew a bit about Duane’s history as a professional racer (he competed in the COSDRA grass drag racing circuit in 1996 and raced for 9 years), but I didn’t know that he’s also a licensed motorcycle mechanic. Good to know for all you reading this who enjoy Grey County’s scenic, winding roads. I also learned that DB Powersports actually got its start in the marine sector as a mobile boat repair business serving clients on Lake Eugenia (an ingenious idea, if you ask me). Duane and family have grown it to the point where there aren’t many boats on Eugenia that they don’t service. But that’s not all... “We’re currently a full service repair shop for snowmobiles, ATV’s, dirt bikes, personal watercraft, and boats,” explains Duane. “We do do everything from an oil change to a full engine rebuild. Even full boat detailing. We service all makes and models. We are able to get most parts that you need.” I must say, I was really impressed to learn just how much the Bryan Family helps with DB Powersports. Kristen built the website and handles the marketing side of the business. At the beginning, she managed all the bookkeeping and payroll functions while working part-time. When she was
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DB POWERSPORTS KEEPS IT ALL IN THE FAMILY! able to start working full-time at Grey County Real Estate, they offloaded these responsibilities to a local business. She’s still the website updater and social media expert. Duane likes to call her the “IT department of DB Powersports.” In the spring and fall, Madison (a 20-yearold university student) and Kristen pick up and deliver boats to and from storage. Madison helps to detail boats, as well. She learned to drive a truck and trailer and reverse with a trailer at 17 (which is more than I can say for myself at 45). If you’ve ever seen me reverse a horse trailer, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Five-year-old Cooper loves spending time in the shop with Duane. You can point to any machine in the shop and he’ll tell you who owns it and why it’s there. He has his own tools and always wants to get in and help with the repairs. Even Duane’s parents are involved. Over the years, they’ve helped deliver boats and more recently, his dad built the new service desk in the parts building. Rounding out the team at DB Powersports is William MacLeod. In 2016, William started a Co-Op program through Grey Highlands Secondary School with Duane and became an apprentice when he graduated highschool. In the summer of 2021, Will obtained his Marine Mechanic License. He is now a full-time mechanic and has grown with the business. He’s part of the family. DB Powersports may have been born from the marine business but their passion has always been snowmobiles. The whole family can be found on the trails in the winter.
By: Papa Country
Duane is the Vice President and Groomer Coordinator for the local snowmobile club, Klondyke Trail Groomers, for the past 8 years. He has been a member of the board for 17 years. He takes an active role in ensuring the local trails are maintained. Basically, he’s the one snowmobilers either love or hate when the trails are open or closed on the Klondyke trail system throughout the season. So...all this begs the question: Why move the business from Priceville to Markdale? “We’re hoping the larger location will provide a much-needed service to the residents of Grey Highlands and beyond,” Duane explains. “Living here for the past 19 years, we know how important Powersports are to this community for tourism, farming, hunting, recreation, and community connections. We hope to provide a trusted local source to repair and maintain machines, as well as pick up needed parts and accessories. As we get renovations finished on the showroom, we’ll be trying to keep inventory of many of the common parts that are used by our customers as well as start doing morotcycle repairs, tires and certifications. It’s an exciting time for us!” Need to get your sled tuned up for the late winter we’re having? Or maybe get a headstart on this year’s boating, ATV, dirtbike or motorcycle season? Visit Duane Bryan and the whole family at DB Powersport’s new location in Markdale or call Duane directly. DB POWERSPORTS 774495 Highway 10, Markdale 519.924.0303 www.dbpowersports.ca
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THE ARTS FLESHERTON CALLING I don’t know much about the artist being profiled this month. I know that he is not from Grey Highlands, he’s an out-of-towner. I’ve spent a great deal of time wondering exactly who he is, because when he performs as a musician, he does it using the appellation “The Foole”. He is in good company. Many musicians have chosen a stage name or persona: Alice Cooper, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog being prime examples. David Bowie had multiple personae, from Major Tom to Ziggy Stardust, from Aladdin Sane to The Thin White Duke. Nonetheless, he does have a local connection. A couple of years ago, I wrote a poem in response to learning of the murder of a local man, William McAdam Luke in 1870 in Cross Plains, Alabama. He was hanged by the KKK along with three black men for his support of black equality and for teaching in an all-black school. I wanted to set the poem to music and reached out to the members of the music community in Hamilton whom I knew to consider the task. I was not successful until one day I received a phone call from a man identifying himself as The Foole to offer his services. I suggested the piece should have the feel of a 19 th century Negro Spiritual, but with a modern take. The simple, yet moving, recording of his composition I received a couple of weeks later was all of that. If you’re curious about hearing it, drop by the store and I’ll be glad to play it. I have since learned that The Foole is an intensely private man, and he doesn’t give much away about his identity. During our subsequent telephone communications the past few years, he has let slip the occasional autobiographical tidbit. I know he was born in Italy, somewhere near Naples, and moved to the south, “the heel of the boot” during his early years. When he was 10, he moved with his family to Canada, and has spent most of his later years in my hometown Hamilton. Along the way he has been a working musician, playing a variety of instruments in numerous bands, and his work has taken him across Canada and to countries around the world. He has worked in several capacities in film and television as a cameraman and editor as required, occasionally even in Grey Highlands. It is his love of music, however, that dominates his life. In the last few years, he made the decision to concentrate on his own work. The Foole has built a sound studio in his home, taught himself the principles of sound
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“The Foole” engineering through trial and error, and subsidized this education by recording the work of others. He cut his teeth on mimicking the sound that came out of Apple, Motown, and Muscle Shoals so he could create his own. Although he has been composing music his entire adult life, it wasn’t until nearly two years ago that he released his first album, “…from this point of view”. There are a few infectious pop songs in the mix, but the first-time listener will be struck by the sheer variety of the offerings: the hauntingly beautiful “Hey Suicide”, which evokes memories of Gary Jules cover of Tears for Fears “Mad World”; “Don’t Call it Love”, a ballad whose video can be viewed on YouTube; and even a sly homage to the work of David Bowie, “The Foole”. The first single, “Don’t Call it Love”, is playing on over 250 radio stations around the world, everywhere but North America, where the dominant rule is “you pay, we play”. For someone with no marketing in his background, The Foole has proven to be something of a juggernaut. Check out his website: www.thefoole.com where you can hear the music or better yet, buy the album. He has hinted that there is a new album on the horizon, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a little support on his journey.
SPEAKING VOLUMES BOOKS & AUDIO 12 Toronto Road, Flesherton kevinarthurland@gmail.com kevinarthurland.ca
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Speaking Volumes Books and Audio “Experience is the hardest kind of teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson afterwards.” -Oscar Wilde
12 Toronto Rd. Flesherton, ON 905-719-8878 homelandk@sympatico.ca
@speakingvolumesflesherton Independent Publisher of Print Magazines & Podcasts
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