Hello Country Magazine: February 2023 Edition

MASTHEAD FIAT LUX CONTRIBUTORS

Roger Tumminieri, Publisher

hellocountrymagazine@gmail.com

Instagram: @hellocountrymagazine

(416) 788-0716

Single Copy: $1.50

Annual Subscription: $54

Published by Fiat Lux Media www.fiatluxmedia.com

All rights reserved

Written, Designed & Conceived on Hello Country Farm Flesherton, ON NOC 1E0

Robert Iantorno

www.robertiantorno.ca (Mind Over Motor)

Jason Todoroff

www.jtlawyer.ca (Family Matters)

Kevin Arthur Land

www.speakingvolumesbooks.ca (Arts & Culture)

John Van Goch

johnvgoch@gmail.com

(Thinking Outside The Blue Box)

Candace McIntyre

www.shine-1-1.ca (Oral Health)

Tyson Rier

www.hurontractor.com (Tractor Talk)

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Welcome to our 2023 LOVE edition!

I’d like to welcome a new contributor to the fold this month: Becky Bouwmeester. She’s the owner of Williamsford Landscape Co. and writes a column, entitled Plant Life. We’ve included an introduction to Becky on page 15 that carries on to our website: www.fiatluxmedia.com

This month’s cover story features our very own Robert Iantorno and his wife, Maria Arcuri as they trade the snow of Singhampton for the sunshine of Florida. Follow their adventure on page 8.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all, and especially to Mama Country (insert heart emoji).

Thanks for reading!

Roger Tumminieri

Publisher, Hello Country Magazine

hellocountrymagazine@gmail.com

Instagram: @hellocountrymagazine www.fiatluxmedia.com

Giant personalized colouring sheets for kids!

The perfect gift, or rainy day activity

Publisher’s Note

The Love Edition

Page 6

Cover Story

For the Love of Adventure

Page 8

Mental Health & Wellness

Understanding the Conscious Mind

Page 10

Flesherton Calling

Featuring Grey Highlands’ John Butler

Page 12

Tractor Talk

Huron Tractor is BIG on Service

Page 13

Family Matters

Put a Ring on It

Page 14

Plant Life

@doodlers.ca

www.doodlers.ca

Introducing Becky Bouwmeester

Page 15

The specs read like a sportscar from a tangential 80s universe: Limited production. Fibreglass body. <0.30 Coefficient of Drag. 2.4L in-line 6 cylinder BMW turbocharged engine. 5 speed transaxle. VDO gauges.

Only unlike many sportscars, this thing has a toilet and looks like a big Nintendo.

Meet the Vixen 21TD (21 feet long, TurboDiesel). Built in 1987 in Pontiac Michigan by The Vixen Motor Company, and brainchild of DeLorean engineer Bill Collins, it was intended to answer the call for the sportscar of Recreational Vehicles - but did anyone ask for that? One example has been clocked at 108 mph.

Mine is number 326 of 587, a treasured 1987 model, and one of the best remaining examples of the breed. A few months ago, I flew down to Morro Bay, California to buy it from its owner - his fifth Vixen. It has been thoroughly updated with better suspension and steering geometry and a host of drivetrain modifications including lower first and second gears. It retains its original gel coat paint and vinyl graphics, and even has a solar panel and its original Heart Inverter - a military grade electrical device that provides smooth AC power to the cabin.

After a brief orientation, I set off across Route 66 for a 6 day, 2600 mile journey back to Grey County. Back home at Singhampton Mission Command, my wife Maria was keeping tabs on my journey and coordinating each night’s campground stay in advance. After years of zainy adventures, she has developed a real knack for itineraries and forward navigation.

I appreciated the excellent handling of the Vixen as I wound through the canyons in California and saw the Exhaust Gas Temperature Gauge rise on long highway climbs in the thin, hot air of Arizona. In New Mexico, I attended the Vixen Owners Association Annual Meeting in Tucumcari, and was delighted to meet such cool people, passionate about their Vixens. I learned about the many quirks of the marque, plus they gave me a cool hat - it was great.

In Texas, I sang the soundtrack to The Big Lebowski at the top of my lungs as I pulled into The Big Texan, home of the 72 ounce steak challenge. In Oklahoma, I stopped in at the Route 66 Museum and danced around the most amazing private motorcycle collection, including a barn find Indian “Four” and an original 1913 Pope 1000cc board track tracer that literally gave me goosebumps.

FOLLOW THIS SINGHAMPTON COUPLE

Driving through Rolla, Missouri, I sat down for an authentic US ARMY “high and tight” haircut from a barber named Chuck, and then ate a full rack of smoked ribs.

I didn’t do much in Illinois, really, except fill up and purchase a big jug of Lucas diesel fuel additive. Did I mention that the Vixen cruises easily at 85 mph and achieves over 30 mpg?

The whole trip I was working remotely on a combination of iPhone, AirPods and MacBook. I had to pull over for a few hours under a bridge in Indiana so that I could do some time sensitive magazine layouts and a client proposal. That was ok though because I got to eat several donuts and walk the prettiest rail town mainstreet in a town called Fortville.

As I was importing the vehicle into Canada (which involved exporting from the US first), I had to make it to the Ambassador Bridge by nightfall on a given day. By the time I entered Michigan I was HAULIN’ for the border! Woooooooo!!!

...and that’s when I ran out of gas in Detroit. Stranded at the side of the road, I had just set up orange pylons when a state motorcycle officer came by and struck up a conversation. All conversations near the Vixen start the same way: “What the heck is that thing??”. The Vixen’s radness makes a lot of friends, which is highly useful on The Road.

In this case, I complimented the officer on his BMW motorcycle and State-issued moustache. He then pointed out the nearest gas station to carry diesel and radioed to services in the area not to worry about “the Big Space Van” at the side of the road. I walked across the freeway to a gas station, purchased a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee (huge, terrible) a jerry can (that now stays in the vehicle), gassed up and got going. Lesson Learned: Drive by the trip meter, don’t trust the fuel gauge.

At the border, I had numerous customs officers circling the Vixen, shedding their steely protectionism in the wacky aura of radness as they giggled at it and snapped photos. Weirdness and friendliness can get one through daunting situations - it

melts away personas, and people can’t help but act like themselves.

Soon I was home in sunny Grey. While troubleshooting a reverse light switch, the fine mechanics in Markdale named the Vixen “The Moon Bus”. It gets so much attention that I’ve learned to automatically “beep beep” the horn in acknowledgement of waves and thumbs up.

This winter, The Vixen is home for myself, Maria and our 3 dogs down here in Florida. It’s small, it’s different, and people love it.

It’s the ultimate conversation starter. We’ve made many friends, and The Vixen gets VIP treatment everywhere we go. It does answer a question that nobody asked, but maybe answers don’t need questions. I’m glad it exists.

Museum Rob

The Conscious Mind: How to Use It Effectively for Improved Mental Health

By: Jonathan Nhan

That internal dialogue in your head that is always narrating, debating, and deliberating your day to day life is the part of the mind that we are aware of. Because it is the most visible part of our mind, we often attribute our successes and failures to it. While this is not completely inaccurate, it is not the full picture either. In the second part of this series examining a practical model of the mind, let’s get acquainted with the conscious mind, how you might be using it wrong, and how you can use it better.

The conscious mind is the part of your mental processes that you can observe and control most directly. For some, it narrates their daily lives and their thoughts. You can hold an awareness of a limited number of things in this part of your mind, on average about 5 to 7 things in your conscious mind at once before it gets overwhelmed and kicks something out. It can be challenging enough to recall your own phone number at times, imagine how difficult it would be to keep 2 or 3 phone numbers in your conscious awareness simultaneously!

When we struggle with problems and get stuck, many of the blocks come from our conscious mind. Think about a recent problem where you got stuck. How much of your brain power was used to solve the actual problem versus thinking about how you are stuck in the problem! We can get stuck in cycles of worry and anxiety when the focus becomes how we are experiencing a problem. Thinking about how you are stuck in a problem will rarely get you out of that situation.

It is very important to acknowledge these feelings and emotions of frustration, anxiety, and worry because once you can acknowledge these feelings and accept that they have occurred, it becomes easier to set them aside. Denying these feelings puts your energy towards moving away from them rather than moving through them and processing them in a useful way. The conscious part of your mind has a very important role in your overall mental health and well being. The conscious mind

can be used to set your focus and intentions. This internal narrator is often responsible for controlling negative self talk and limiting beliefs. Many of these things can be seeded by an outside influence, when we repeat limiting beliefs that are put on us by other people, we are reaffirming them and cementing them into place.

Begin to expand your awareness to identify how you are talking to yourself. It’s is all too common, and quite nefarious, the amount of times I hear people put themselves down in the course of normal conversation. When we give voice to negative beliefs about ourselves, we are limiting ourselves. Your conscious mind is under your control. While it may seem impossible to change how you think or feel about yourself, I’ll offer you one small thing that I found immensely impactful.

When you catch yourself saying that you can’t do something, add “YET” to the end of that statement. I recently started taking up drawing and I used to tell myself “I can’t draw”. Changing that to “I can’t draw yet” is a distinctly different message. The first statement is a limit, a wall, a barrier. The second statement gives space for growth. Bonus points for if you state the action you’ll take to get to your goal - “I can’t draw yet, but I will practice everyday”.

Begin noticing how you are using your conscious mind and start playing with different ways of speaking to yourself. Encourage yourself and be on your own side. Once you get good at setting your own positive intentions, you’ll be ready to tap into the true powerhouse of your mind: your unconscious mind.

February - A Month About Self-Love

By: Amanda Kirkland

Not that this applies to everyone reading it, but if I can help a few readers, then I’m happy with that.

Self-love is about intentionally taking care of oneself and who you are.

When I look back, specifically during my youth, I see someone navigating the world on her own. I really could have used the tools, support, and resources I have now. I want to share this knowledge with you so that you might avoid some of the struggles I experienced.

Never underestimate your ability to change your life for the better.

You can choose to thrive rather than barely survive.

Your life can change dramatically if you want it to.

Start thriving: Say NO.

Set and maintain boundaries.

Stop arguing with idiots.

Accept that some people or situations can’t be changed no matter what you do or say.

Get around the “right people”.

Choose what’s right for you. It doesn’t matter what others think.

Be your own best friend.

And, don’t forget to tell yourself you’re friggin’ awesome!

February is a month to focus on ways you can be loving to yourself and put your needs first.

Begin to thrive by living on your terms and prioritizing your own well-being. At any moment, you can shift the trajectory of

your relationships.

I’ve been there and done it, so I know what you might go through. I can be there for you if you need help making these changes. It’s way less stressful with someone by your side.

Book a 1:1 GRIT Strategy Session with me today at www.calendly.com/akcoach or email me amanda@amandakirkland.com

FLESHERTON

You wouldn’t be off the mark if you wondered if John Butler was involved in every aspect of life in Grey Highlands. At any given time, you might see his name on bylines in the Flesherton Advance or South Grey News in matters pertaining to local news or history. You might find it attached to the many causes he is involved with in our community - serving on the committees for Climate Action, Peace, and Grey County Cares. He might be giving talks on these and other subjects dear to his heart, such as improving implementation of social support services in Ontario via the civic communities movement.

It shouldn’t come as a shock then, to learn that the first book John published reflected many of these interests. “House of Refuge: Grey County’s Home For ‘Poor, Old and Friendless Folk’, published in 2021 by Ginger Press, describes the daily goings-on at the newly-opened building from 1904-7, as witnessed by one of its residents, Frederick Gee. Butler admired Gee and the way he seemed to rise above the unfortunate events that led him to become destitute and a prime candidate for the residence. He had been a failed farmer and later, while working on constructing the local railroad line, he became injured. In an era when people’s misfortunes were generally perceived as something of their own creation, Gee met the challenges he faced with a kind of dignity and humour, and this was evident as he told the stories of his fellow residents in a weekly column of the “Markdale Standard” and the “Flesherton Advance”. Although he never put his name to the columns, eventually his identity was discovered and he became something of a local celebrity. Visiting Day at the “House of Refuge” had always been something special, but it grew in popularity along with Frederick Gee, and those who came frequently brought local apples and other gifts to show their appreciation.

I asked John about how he came to choose the subject of his book. It all began after he retired as a health service planner, having worked at the Queen Street Mental Health Centre, the Ministry of Health, as the Executive Director of the Association of District Health Councils of Ontario, and finally as President of the Agora Group, a consulting

JOHN BUTLER

firm designed to help organizations create pragmatic change. In 2014, John and his wife June moved to Grey Highlands full-time. “I wanted to learn as much as I could about local history and decided to read every article in the local newspaper in a given year. I chose 1905 because it was the last ‘Golden Year’ before the first World War. There was no war on the horizon, the period was economically prosperous, and everything was full of promise.”

During his research at the Grey Highlands Public Library, he discovered the delightful columns penned by Frederick Gee, and he knew there was a book there. So, he collected them, and now an otherwise forgotten piece of local history has been brought to light.

John Butler can often be found at the Flesherton Market selling his book on Saturdays through the summer, as well as those of other local authors. “Speaking Volumes Books and Audio” in Markdale will be expanding the work of local authors in our store starting in February and we are pleased to have John’s “House of Refuge” on our shelf.

By: Kevin Land

HOUSE OF REFUGE

JOHN BUTLER

TRACTOR TALK WITH TYSON RIER

Huron Tractor offers an Annual Service Inspection to give you peace of mind this winter and leading into the spring season. ASI’s include equipment checks by trained technicians with 10% off labour and parts. Once the inspection is completed, we will contact you with a checklist to review the repairs. Contact us today for ASI pricing on your John Deere model.

TYSON RIER

At Huron Tractor “We’re BIG on Customer Service.” We want to make sure you’re aware of our 2022/2023 Winter Parts and Service programs. These programs offer you the best savings of the entire year. It’s the perfect time to schedule your inspection, seasonal service, buy maintenance parts, and order attachments. Everything from additional lights, hydraulics, major overhauls, performance upgrade kits, and virtually all OEM John Deere accessories are eligible for the discounts offered.

Don’t forget to get your lawn tractor in for an annual Tune and Trim including a 20-point inspection, engine oil change and blade sharpening. If you need your snowblower removed, we offer a Snow to Mow program for removal of chains, snowblower and weights. Off-season maintenance offers substantial savings, whether you choose to have one of our factory-trained technicians do a repair for you, or are servicing a machine yourself. Customers who partner with Huron Tractor for off-season repairs and maintenance experience less downtime and spend less money over all.

TYSON RIER, Salesman

Huron Tractor - Chatsworth (226) 668-2063

802802 Grey County Rd 40 • 519-794-2480

They say “Money can’t buy you love.”

That may be true, but money can buy a really nice engagement ring. Is the engagement ring part of a contract, or is it a gift?

The answer to this question determines what happens if you give your bride-to-be an expensive engagement ring and then they break off the wedding. Does the recipient get to keep the ring or should it be returned to the donor?

Generally speaking, an engagement ring is considered a “conditional gift.” This means that if the person receiving the ring does not go through with the marriage then they have to give the ring back (Newell v. Allen 2012 ONSC). There are of course exceptions to this general rule, such as when the future wife offers to return the ring and the donor tells them that they can keep it. Telling the recipient that they can keep it transforms the ring from a “conditional gift” to an “absolute gift.” From that point forward the donor cannot demand its return. Nor can the donor demand return of the ring if it is they who break off the engagement (Illopoulos v. Gettas 1981 ONSC).

Beyonce sang, “…if you like it you shoulda put a ring on it.”

No offence to Beyonce, but you might want to think twice about that.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BLUE BOX

L.O.V.E. - Lots Of Various “E”-ternatives

On February 14th, I hope to get a kiss from my Valentine. However, using the “Waste Wizard” on your municipality’s website, you’ll be made to believe that an empty lipstick tube is HAZARDOUS WASTE! (Really? Hazardous waste?) THIS IS MISLEADING! Many cosmetic companies, (L’Occitane and L’Oreal being two examples), will not only recycle their own items, FOR FREE, they will take ALL cosmetic packaging. L’Occitane will even give you a 10% discount on a future purchase.

Before my kiss, my special Valentine will insist that I smell nice. Again, using the “Waste Wizard” on your municipality’s website, you’ll be made to believe that an empty deodorant stick is garbage. WRONG! At least two companies, “Tom’s of Maine” and “Hello” will accept personal care packaging from ALL brands.

No stubble is yet another condition of my Valentine. Yet razors are garbage, right “Waste Wizard”? No!

They’re NOT! Thank you to Gillette for taking back ALL blades, razors, and plastic packaging.

I believe we need to support private businesses that are stepping up and doing more for the environment than the current government. Please embrace these companies as my Valentine and I do. Pucker up, Honey!

JASON TODOROFF

JOHN VAN GOCH

Charcuterie Boards

PLANT LIFE BECKY BOUWMEESTER

Life is Short. Just Buy the Plants.

In 2014, my family made the tremendous jump from a semi-rural area outside of Hamilton, Ontario to the very rural area of Williamsford, Ontario. Williamsford, if you don’t know, is a small, proud little village famous for its now sadly closed pie store as well as its still charming and thriving bookstore housed in the old mill.

Moving meant leaving our small and somewhat dated first home, right into a classic Grey County red brick farmhouse. It came complete with a large barn, room for farm critters, and acres for our two young kids to roam.The move was exciting, but leaving my dream job at the time was heart wrenching and difficult. I had spent 5 years working at NVK Nurseries, one of Ontario’s largest landscape wholesalers, with some of the most amazingly wonderful and knowledgeable people, and not to mention, the most stunning plants. I questioned whether

BECKY BOUWMEESTER

making the move was the right choice for me professionally at the time.

Fast forward to the spring of 2015 and I was pining (sorry, bad tree pun) for the landscape and horticulture industry and getting my hands dirty beyond the manure and muck of our farm..

READ THE REST OF BECKY’S STORY AT www.fiatluxmedia.com