Hello Country Magazine: March 2023

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IN KIMBERLEY PROTECT THE ESCARPMENT

Page 8

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 March edition!

Thank you to our Editorial Contributors for their submissions to this issue. If you like their work, you can find more of it on our website.

Check out What’s New this month with our feature on Desboro General. Read about these Toronto ex-pats who left city life behind for a slower-paced, higher-quality life in the country (page 9). Sound familiar?!

Care about our environment? You’ll want to read this month’s Cover Story featuring Kimberley’s Stacie and Justin Howe as they help to launch a campaign and endeavor to Protect The Escarpment (page 8).

Thanks for reading!

Roger Tumminieri, Publisher

Hello Country Magazine

hellocountrymagazine@gmail.com

Instagram: @hellocountrymagazine www.fiatluxmedia.com

(416) 788-0716

Cover Story

Protect The Escarpment

Page 8

What’s New Desboro General

Page 9

Mental Health & Wellness

Understanding the Unconscious Mind Page 10

Flesherton Calling

Featuring Artist, Deeter Hastenteufel Page 12

Tractor Talk

Why You Need a Zero Turn Mower

Page 13

Family Matters

Firearms Bill C-21

Page 14

Life Directions

How We Help Businesses

Page 15

When I received the following email from Stacie and Justin Howe, owners of the Kimberley General Store and Justin’s Oven, respectively, I was equally moved and frustrated. How can we allow such development to threaten our cherished escarpment? What can be done to stop this? Will anybody listen?

When I stopped in to see Stacie at her shop in Kimberley, I had the privilege of meeting her husband, Justin, who owns the adjacent business, Justin’s Oven. We spoke for some time about the letter they wrote and what is currently being done to stop development on the Talisman Lands. I agreed to help draw attention to this in my own little way by publishing their letter here.

It’s my hope that after reading this you, too, will be moved to act in order to help stop development on the Talisman Lands. You may also want to purchase a T-Shirt (worn by Justin and Stacie in the above photo) to show your support for this cause.

Roger Tumminieri

SUBJECT:

Local businesses, Beaver Valley tourism, and the Talisman subdivisions

As a fellow business owner, you may be aware that Grey County has hired a consultant to develop a Sustainable Tourism Strategy for the Beaver Valley in 2023 and they will be reaching out to local businesses to get our feedback. They’ll be asking us what kind of tourism strategy can support small businesses in and around the Valley.

Like us, you have probably experienced a huge change in the valley in the last decade, especially since Covid began. As a community, we really are on the front lines of managing the massive influx of tourism and we personally completely agree with Grey County that the tourism economy is an untapped asset. Those of us in business have hundreds of conversations with people coming to the valley, and from our point of view here in Kimberley, we see them coming for the spectacular natural beauty, the farm to table culinary experiences, and the varied outdoor activities.

At the same time, you may be aware of the

proposed subdivisions on the upper and lower Talisman parcels. We have deep concerns about the impact of this development. When we first opened the General Store in 2010, the Talisman Resort was still in operation. After it closed in March of 2011, the village became very quiet, and we certainly understand why the Municipality of Grey Highlands wants to revitalize the resort. We also see huge tourism potential on the current developed footprint. However, here in the village of Kimberley, we believe that a massive residential subdivision outside of that middle property would have extreme negative impacts on our local tourism economy and could even put our Biosphere designation in jeopardy.

We don’t believe that tourists want to stand at the top of Old Baldy and look at a subdivision on the other side of the valley. And that’s only one problem with the proposed development. I’ve attached a letter written

By: Roger Tumminieri

by the Protect Talisman Lands Association (PTLA) that outlines some of the other issues. They’ll be sending this letter to the developer, signed by PTLA, with the support of a number of community groups and businesses. It is not intended to be public but could be copied to Council members.

Do these issues resonate with you? I am happy to discuss with you in person, whether you welcome the development or not. It’s important to me to understand the viewpoints of community businesses on this issue.

If you feel like you understand the issues already, and you’d simply like to sign, please let me know and we can include you as a supporter, along with the title you would like beside your name.

Many thanks,

Stacie and Justin Howe

WHAT’S NEW DESBORO GENERAL

Jeremy and Claire Eves with Daughter, Luca, and Son, Bevan.

Beyond the Conscious: Understanding the Role of the Unconscious Mind

By: Jonathan Nhan

A common myth is that humans only use a limited percentage of their brain power. While our full brains are active and functioning, there is a significant portion of our minds that is unconscious. What is this unconscious part of our minds and what is it used for?

Take a moment and notice all the things you are doing now without any awareness. I’m guessing that you’re sitting and holding your posture upright without an active thought. You may get up to grab a glass of water, walking over to the sink and coordinating your body in a series of complex motions without overburdening your brain power.

Outside of large movements and actions, your bodily functions are running automatically. Your heart beats at the rate that it needs to, you blink when your eyes need a break, and you breathe without a thought. On top of all this, you have thoughts, feelings, and emotions that appear in reaction to the world and experiences around you. The true powerhouse processor of your mind is the unconscious mind.

Your unconscious is responsible for taking commands and direction from your conscious mind and interpreting them in a way that positively benefits you. It is constantly listening for instructions and assumes positive intentions behind everything that you tell it. Between the conscious and unconscious mind is a filter - a critical faculty - that evaluates the information that is being sent your way and decides whether to accept or reject it.

How often have you ever thought to yourself “Wow! I did that without thinking”?

There is an endless list of things that is powered by your unconscious mind. Simple things that are obvious, like your heart rate and breathing are controlled by your unconscious mind. Actions like walking, sitting, or falling asleep can happen without conscious thought. Think about complex actions that you do - driving, bike riding, your favourite hobby; again there are

many things that you can do without thinking. In fact, sometimes thinking about what you’re doing can make you forget what you’re doing!

This is only the first couple layers of the power of your unconscious mind. The one fact about the unconscious mind that fills me with endless wonder is that the unconscious mind is constantly receiving and shielding your conscious mind from all the input. Your body is constantly receiving feedback and data from all your senses. The billions of neurons that you have in your body are constantly firing and sending information, yet you’re not consciously overwhelmed by this.

To experience what this means, notice how you aren’t aware of these parts of your body now; but when I mention your feet, your chest, or your tongue, you suddenly notice what you feel in each of these parts.

Finally, consider how your thoughts, feelings, and emotions can appear without a thought.

Your unconscious mind is the part of you that affects everything that you do. The important thing to remember is that you can make use of this unconscious power, consciously. This will be our topic for next time.

READ MORE ABOUT THE HUMAN MIND:

www.fiatluxmedia.com

What’s New in Dental Hygiene?

By: Candace McIntyre, RDH

What’s new in Dental Hygiene?...

Silver Diamine Fluoride! (SDF)

Well it’s not actually that new. It’s been used for over 40 years in Japan, 10 years in China and Australia with no reported health risks or severe reactions, and was approved for use in dental offices by Health Canada in 2017, but it is a relativiely new treatment being utilized by Shine-1-1 Mobile Dental Hygiene.

What is SDF?

- it is a clear, odourless liquid that contains silver particles and fluoride which kill the bacteria that cause cavities, and helps harden the decayed area.

Pros of SDF

- it can help prevent tooth sensitivity.

- it stops cavities from getting bigger.

- the application is quick and painless and does not require needles or sedation, making it ideal for clients with dental anxiety or special needs, and the treatment can be done by your Independant Registered Dental Hygienist.

- SDF treatment can be done in the client’s home which can help those who have mobility issues and have a hard time accessing the dental office (long-term care residents especially), as well as individuals living in remote locations. treatment can be ideal for cavities on baby teeth which are soon to fall out.

- the cost of SDF is a fraction of the cost of a filling.

Cons of SDF

- cavities treated with SDF turn black or brown, so can be very noticible on front teeth.

- those with allergies to silver would be contraindicated for use as SDF does contain silver particles.

- SDF can stain the skin or oral mucosa if accidentally touched during placement/ treatment.

Silver Diamine Fluoride is not considered an alternative to permanent fillings, but it is an effective tool in managing cavities for specific clients.

(“The candy that’s good for your teeth”) Registered Dental Hygienist with Shine-1-1 Mobile Dental Hygiene

Reference: www.dentalhygienecanada.ca

Candy McIntyre

For Deeter Hastenteufel, every artistic venture begins with a clear concept. The idea precedes medium, style, even form. Each piece is unique, unlike any of his other creations, and he approaches it as such. In his own words, as an artist, “he is not easily put into a box”. At any given time, his work might take the form of a painting, a sculpture, even video or performance art. After studying commercial art and working as a commercial artist in Germany, he returned to school in Wuerzburg to study Fine Art in 1964 and Sculpture and Ceramic-mural in Stuttgart from 1965-8. Then he moved to Canada.

Shortly after his arrival, he began teaching at “The New School of Art” in Toronto, where fellow faculty members included Joyce Wieland, Graham Coughtry, Robert Markle, Gordon Rainer and Harold Klunder. All the while, Deeter continued to produce his own work, participating first in group, and later, solo exhibitions. Over the next 50 years, he was involved in over a hundred of them around the world. He even was part of a fictional exhibition for the David Cronenberg movie “The Fly” from 1986. In the opening scenes in an art gallery, Hastenteufel’s sculpture with neon entitled “Triangular Light” is part of the show.

During his first few years in Canada, Deeter was offered a unique opportunity as “artist in residence” for the National Sewer Pipe Company in Clarkson. This presented him with significant free studio space in which to work as well as extensive use of plant facilities. Out of this came a large volume of clay sculptures of sewer pipes which he had remolded, altered, and glazed. In this way, it is easy to understand Hastenteufel’s fascination for art created from found objects, one which remains to this day.

The Dufferin County Museum and Archives unveiled and displayed two works he created in 2003. The first, entitled “DEE-fence”, involved three Out-of-Door sculptures consisting of antique steel farm equipment arranged and welded together. The second time the DCMA presented work from Hastenteufel was as part of the TRANART show, which featured work from two German artists and Deeter, representing Canada. The notion was that the show would travel inter-

nationally. Even its name, as a palindrome, suggested movement.

Juxtaposition and contrast are always key in Hastenteufel’s work. An installation for Artwalk ’84 at The University of Toronto offers an archway made of heavy wooden uprights, on which rests a boat woven from branches. Underlying much of his more recent work is a response to the damage done to the planet by humanity. A recent painting depicts a landscape scene revealed through the crosshairs of a rifle. Another refers to Goya’s Black painting “Saturn Devouring his Son” by presenting the god in the act of consuming an antique farm wagon.

More recently, Deeter created a piece for the Tree Museum in Gravenhurst which was inspired by the Olmec Heads from the ancient civilization of Mesoamerica. Carved out of Granite, he added many hieroglyphics from our own age, such as the symbols for a phone and Bluetooth, to evoke a sense of timelessness. No doubt, the meeting between nature and technology would appeal to his sensibility.

All this has led to his current fascination for the symbols of our era. His next piece, or series perhaps, will likely revolve around the hieroglyphs of our time.

By: Kevin Land

TRACTOR TALK WITH TYSON RIER

Now has never been a better time to order your new John Deere Z700 ZTrack zero turn mower.

With 0% financing for up to 48 months, or no interest payments for 12 months, it’s never been more affordable to get a new Zero Turn. Backed by up by a 4 year 1000 hour warranty, you have nothing to worry about.

With decks in 48, 54, and 60 inch you can make quick work of mowing the lawn. Zero turns are the ultimate machine for cutting large areas and around obstacles such as trees and gardens. With rear collection system and mulching options available, the John Deere Z700 series is sure to check many boxes.

Stop in today and take one for a spin and have it ready for spring delivery.

TYSON RIER, Salesman

Huron Tractor - Chatsworth (226) 668-2063

priced product in series as of January 2023 is $20,589 (includes delivery, freight and set-up fee), plus taxes. *Representative amount does not guarantee offer applies. In the event you default on this or any Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances (including all Special Promotion Transactions) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% per annum from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on this transaction equal to 2.5% of the original amounts financed plus interest. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Additional dealer fees may apply. Financing on approved John Deere Financial credit only and dealer participation. See dealer for details. Limited time offer which 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.

A lot of people have been asking about the new firearms bill (Bill C-21). It has been in the news quite recently. The Liberals have withdrawn their controversial amendment to the bill which would have greatly expanded the types of firearms prohibited in Canada. The confusion that I am hearing relates to how the Liberal’s withdrawal of the amendment impacts those guns that were prohibited by an Order in Council in May, 2020. People are asking, “Does the change that the Liberals made mean I can use my previously prohibited rifle again?”

The answer is no. The Liberal’s proposed amendment would have greatly expanded the list of prohibited firearms in addition to those banned in May, 2020. The withdrawal of the proposed amendment does not affect the prohibited status of those firearms already declared prohibited by the May 2020 order. If you own firearms that were affected by the Order in Council back in May 2020, you still cannot use, sell, purchase, or transport those firearms. They must remain locked up until the government can figure out how to implement its mandatory confiscation program. Having

said that, the withdrawal of the proposed amendment is a good thing for firearms owners. Had that amendment become law, many commonly owned and used firearms including some shotguns, .22s and the SKS would have become prohibited.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BLUE BOX

What’s New? Not Much.

CTV NEWS – “delays ‘frustrating’ amid reports that Metrolinx has ‘no idea’ when Eglinton Crosstown will open”.

The year 1861 announced the first streetcar in Toronto. When finished, the Crosstown will not be a NEW thing. It will be a new “OLD thing”. The Crosstown was started in 2011, 12 years ago. Could that time have been used to modernize OLD infrastructure for transit options that are actually NEW?

The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics is the first Canadian customer of Pipistrel. Pipistrel manufactures the Velis Electro, the earth’s first and currently only, in service, commercially available, electric passenger aircraft. This is a NEW alternative! It’s environmentally friendly. It’s quiet. It requires considerably less land than conventional aircraft to land or to takeoff.

Indeed it could require no NEW land to operate. Normal aircraft functions could be done from many flat surfaces.

A recent suggestion was to tax private parking lots to help pay for public transit. The TTC received almost 1 billion tax dollars in subsidies in 2022. Perhaps a NEW suggestion would be to allow transit riders to pay fully for their new “OLD things” and subsidize NEW things instead.

What’s new with you?

JASON TODOROFF

JOHN VAN GOCH

LIFE DIRECTIONS How We Help Businesses

Are you a business that is struggling with employee shortages? Do you have trouble keeping staff? This has become a common issue among Grey County employers and Life Directions Employment Supports is the solution. We are a non-profit organization that acts as the bond that brings together employers with pre-vetted employees. Through our rigorous intake process, we can understand the honed skills and qualities that each job seeker brings to the table to match them with the right employer.

Employers in Grey County trust working with Life Directions because of our thorough analysis of business hiring needs. The struggle of not retaining employees makes for an expensive process of continuously

hiring and training. We offer free disability awareness confidence training, mental health first aid certification, and a human resources policy kit when working with us. Our business partners have reaped the benefits of signing on as a “MentorAbility” partner with us, the opportunity for employers to meet some of the individuals we work has made for a great working relationship, as well as an introduction to new career choices for our job seekers. Since Life Directions is a not-for-profit organization, our services are at no charge to the employer or job seeker. To find out more information please contact Life Directions Employment Supports to see how we can meet your needs.

519-378-5514

PLANT LIFE BECKY BOUWMEESTER

Plants Are My Soil Mates.

I used to work with a colleague who was a fountain of information on all things green and leafy. As comes with that kind of sheer ingenious and mastery, he also operated with a rather condescending demeanor, albeit occasionally. And he had a very dry sense of humour. A rather deadly combination to a younger, learning, inexperienced and somewhat timid colleague. Let’s call him “The Wise One”, or “TWO” for short.

When clients came into the nursery where we worked, I would always be excited to show them a new cultivar of plant we had received from the grower. We would receive some of the most majestic and amazing plants, shipped in from the likes of British Columbia, the warmer states of the U.S., or on a couple occasions, Europe. In my enthusiastic manner, I would prattle on about how stunning a specimen it would be in a garden. I would relish in its exceptional

BECKY BOUWMEESTER

branching structure, or its flower colour, or maybe even its impressive price tag. Surely a must-have item for a well distinguished household garden! I would do my best to convince them that this plant would most certainly be the pièce de résistance of the neighbourhood, practically the city...