Relish Elgin Holiday 2014

Holiday 2014 | Volume 8 | Issue 5

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Culture Home Recreation

FEATURINGVan Brenk Fruit Farms • St. Thomas's Caring Cupboard The Relish Elgin Holiday Gift Guide The Stan Brown Blues Band • Area Events Chef Cindy Bircham's Pear, Cranberry & Almond Cake

because you deserve it...because you deserve it...

Mon 9am-5pm, Tues-Fri 9am-7pm & Sat 9am-4pm76 Talbot St, St. Thomas • 519-631-7629

www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com

Gift Certificates & Gift Baskets Available

GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION!SPA SERVICES FOR MEN & WOMEN

ST. TROPEZ SPRAY TANNING • GUINOT SKIN CARE OPI • JANE IREDALE MINERAL MAKEUP

721 Talbot Street, St. Thomas • 519-631-3692www.muscatjewellers.com

Specializing in Custom Design & Quality Repair

MUSCATJEWELLERS

diamonds • gold • watchesf Like us on Facebook

Little

Mitten

“a woolly inspiring place”

86 Talbot St, St. Thomas • 519-207-2880 Mon-Wed & Sat 10am-5pm, Thurs & Fri 10am-8pm, Closed Sundays & Holidays

www.littleredmitten.ca

KNIT SPIN

WEAVE

www.downtownstthomas.com

We have something for everyone on your ‘nice’ listgiftware shoes & apparel kids toys & gear jewellery specialty goods restaurants services & more...

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE4 Van Brenk Fruit Farms:

Sustaining a Future in Fruit7 Caring Cupboard: Stocking the

Cupboard with Food & Care10 The 2014 Relish Elgin Holiday

Gift Guide16 Elgin Map & What's in Season18 Sweet Simplicity: Chef Cindy

Bircham's Make-Ahead Pear, Cranberry & Almond Cake

20 The Irrestistible Rhythms of the Stan Brown Blues Band

22 The Season's Events in Elgin

OUR COVER IMAGE Made in Elgin apple cider is available now. Find a recipe for mulled cider on page 6. © Sea Wave / fotolia.com

Editor • Debra Bagshaw • [email protected] Design • Joanne Rowles • [email protected]

Advertising Info • [email protected]

Copyright 2014, Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc. All rights reserved. Relish Elgin is published by

Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc. Reproduction of any material published in

Relish Elgin is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the Publisher.

TO SUBSCRIBE Send a cheque for $10 (to cover mailing)

to the following address. Includes 5 issues. Relish Elgin Magazine

P.O. Box 20058 St. Thomas, ON, N5P 4H4

519-633-1992

www.relishelgin.ca

SANTA CLAUSparadesIN ELGIN COUNTY

Aylmer - Sat Nov 22, 2pmDutton - Sat Nov 22, 3:30pm

Port Stanley - Fri Nov 28, 7pmWest Lorne - Fri Nov 28, 7pmSpringfield - Sat Dec 6, 1pmRodney - Sat Dec 6, 5:30pm

Port Burwell - Sat Dec 6, 6:30pmFingal - Sun Dec 7, 2pm

Belmont - Sun Dec 7, 6pm Straffordville - Sat Dec 13, 10:30am

To find out what's going on in Elgin, or to add your own event, visit

www.elgintourist.com

4 RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2014

Food

In 1969, Rien Van Brenk had completed an educa-tion in business and pomology (the study of tree-grown crops) in Holland. He knew he wanted to grow apples and after looking at farms in Australia, the US and Canada, he was determined to pursue his dream in Canada.

Rien’s son Brian says, “Dad went all over Ontario digging holes looking for the farm he wanted. (It’s important for an orchard to possess uniform soil texture throughout.)” In London Ontario, Rien also met wife-to-be Helen, a nurse from Australia traveling abroad. They married, purchased 135 acres on Erin Line and started their farm and family near Wallacetown.

The original planting in 1974 consisted of 10 acres of apples; Rien had grown and grafted all of his own trees on M9 stock. The clay loam soil was systematically tiled and over the years the farm grew with more plantings of apples, along with pears, sweet cherries and plums. Early on a neighbour, Adrian Brooyman, noticed the quality of Rien’s plantings and encouraged him to grow them for other orchards. Brooyman also spread the word about Van Brenk’s stock to his many contacts and the nursery side of the Van Brenk farm was born.

The Van Brenks’ community involvement grew right along with their farm and included Rien’s service in municipal politics and Helen’s instrumental role in the history-keeping of the Women’s Institute through the Tweedsmuir Diaries. Says Brian, “Both of my parents have always been very interested and involved in the local community. Dad was a Dutton-Dunwich mayor and warden of the county, but he didn’t feel a need to go into higher politics.”

Though Brian at one time contemplated a career in accounting, he decided he liked the farming life-style, gradually took on more of the management of the farm, and bought it six years ago.

Brian has seen many changes in the orchard industry over the years. He says, “Local needs to also be competitive—we need to compete. Farms are getting a lot bigger—there are many 500 acre orchards with their own pack houses. World-wide, there are 3,000-acre orchards—in comparison, many of the larger orchards in Ontario are smaller operations, but if they all work together making sure every entity gets fair returns, we can compete on a global scale. One-hundred acre operations can make money, but they are the ones growing newer varieties of apples that compliment other Ontario orchards and markets.”

In building up the nursery end of the operation, Brian’s research led him to realize that the equip-ment specifically designed for nursery operation is quite different from that for orchards. Over the years they had used orchard equipment to handle nursery jobs—he recognized that this wasn’t most efficient and found better equipment. He says, “We have a machine now that lifts the tree and knocks off the dirt—we used to do that by hand. With 80,000 to 100-thousand trees there were times when that was pretty tough.”

About five years ago, Brian concluded that the farm’s viability depended upon choosing either nursery or orchard operation for future develop-ment and investment. He says, “Our orchard is small with no pack house and older trees and varieties which needed to be replaced.” He felt that, for him,

SuStaining a Future in FruitVan Brenk Fruit FarmsVan Brenk Fruit Farms

© istockphoto.com

/Valengilda

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2014 5

Foodnursery specialization was the way to go. Van Brenk now has less than ten acres in apples but grows 250,000 nursery trees annually.

Brian has been to Holland every year for the past five or six, researching the latest in apple varieties and equipment. The operation has been mod-ernized with trickle irrigation, deer fences, and specialized platform equipment which helps with the planting, growing and digging of trees. The lat-est piece of equipment is a multi-trek tractor which is used in weed control, root pruning, fertilizing, cultivating, rototilling and spraying. He believes such investments, along with attention to quality will give Van Brenk a competitive edge.

The quality Brian strives for in turn contributes to the ability of the orchards served by his nursery to innovate and compete. He reminds his staff how important each tree will be to the apple grower, and he also visits the orchards to inspect new plantings.

Brian’s orchardist background makes him well aware of the challenges of being an apple producer. He says it is sometimes difficult to find labour for the eight weeks of the year needed for an orchard. Picking apples takes a great deal of care to prevent bruising and someone needs to constantly be on top of that. He says, “You are largely at the mercy of the packer as to whether your apples are judged to be up to grade and receive top price or are sent to juice with minimal remuneration. With corn you can look up the price, but with apples you send them to the packer and eight months later you get told what the final payment is.”

He believes that an orchard’s profitability is largely dependent on the varieties they choose to grow—a highly sought after variety can bring in several times more money per bin than a less popular one. He adds, “There are lots of good varieties out there, but the key is letting end customers know about them.”

He is seriously pursuing an idea for an “Amazing Apple” race in which variety owners would team

up with Ontario growers and packers, outfitted with wearable video-cameras. They would race across the province competing to out-sell their new apple to people at small-scale venues like farmer’s markets and stands, giving the public a chance to give their opinions and become part of the next big apple story. The winner would get a coveted chance to meet with one of the large buyers on a very short list in North America.

Brian says, “I like a grassroots style of marketing. It has worked for campaigns like the PC ‘Recipe to Riches’ contest. And it would be fun … there are some colourful people out there.” He adds that ideas like this seem off the wall but would work if the apple industry gets behind them.

Van Brenk Fruit Farms is located at 31760 Erin Line in Fingal (519-762-2768). Picked or pick-your-own apples, pears, plums and cherries are available in season. Apple, peach and pear trees are available to purchase each year on the first Saturday in May. For more information, visit www.vanbrenk.ca.

Farm photo courtesy of Brian Van Brenk


APPLES IN ELGIN COUNTYElgin County is within the apple-growing region that stretches in a band along the north side of Lakes Ontario and Erie. The soils, moderate temperatures and warm sunny days with cool nights provide perfect conditions for growing an abundance of apples.

Controlled atmosphere storage keeps apples fresh, firm and sweet months after harvest—they are available year-round with the exception of July. Ontario produces about 42% of the Canadian crop.

Selecting Apples• Perfect Pies: Spy, McIntosh, Spartan, Crispin,

Cortland, Russet• Scrumptious Sauces: Golden Delicious, McIntosh,

Crispin, Cortland, Empire, Russet• Fantastic Fruit Plates: Red Delicious, Cortland,

Honeycrisp, Gala

MULLED APPLE CIDERThere’s nothing like a hot mug of mulled cider to warm you up on a chilly winter night. It’s easy to make, using fresh pressed cider from your local apple orchard.

Preparation Method You can either make a sachet with cheese cloth or throw the spices right into the pot and strain before serving. Try any of the following additions, to your liking: 5 pods cardamom, 2 heads star anise, ¼ tsp coriander seed, 3 cinnamon sticks, 5 cloves, 5 berries allspice, 1 tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp peppercorns, 1 sliced orange, or 1” thinly sliced ginger. Add spices to 2L of cider in a saucepan, bring to a boil and then simmer for 5-8 minutes. Sweeten your drink with brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, to taste. If you prefer your cider with a kick, add a splash of brandy, dark rum, whiskey or orange liqueur. Serves 8.

JOE PRESTON M.P.ELGIN - MIDDLESEX - LONDON

Constituency Office:2-24 First Ave, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4M5 Tel: 519-637-2255 • Fax: 519-637-3358

Toll Free: 1-866-404-0406www.joeprestonmp.ca

Merry Christmas!Wishing you and your family a safe

and happy holiday season.

Food©

istockphoto.com/xalanx

Community

The Caring Cupboard Food Bank located in St. Thomas was started in 1986 by concerned citizens who wanted to help ensure people didn’t go hun-gry during a time of recession and high unemploy-ment. It was one of many food banks started across Canada during the 80s, designed to be a temporary measure. However, almost three decades later, the need has remained and the Caring Cupboard con-tinues to offer supplemental food support to low-income families and individuals in Elgin County.

Karen McDade, who started as General Manager of Caring Cupboard in May 2014, chatted recently about the behind-the-scenes operation of the food bank. Organization of the grocery supplies involves many volunteer hours a month, and takes up much of the physical space of the Caring Cupboard, so Karen starts with a walk-about of the storage area.

Availability of a loading dock and the conveyor belt from the former LCBO St. Thomas location helps with handling large deliveries. Along with individual and food drive donations throughout the year, a large proportion of the food is donated through hampers at grocery stores in five locations which are picked up by a volunteer. Cash and gift card donations are used to supplement those. Says Karen, “We have one volunteer who is a coupon shopper extraordinaire!”

Karen is enthusiastic about being able to offer fresh produce to clients. “Farms often donate items like apples and potatoes in bulk—I don’t ever turn those down, though sometimes it takes some managing to ensure it’s used before it spoils. Recent introduction of a farm tax credit in a simpler format has been helpful.” A line-up of fridges and freezers provides storage for eggs, milk and meat which she orders as needed.

Having been in the community for almost thirty years, the Caring Cupboard has gained a fairly high level of community awareness. Karen notes, “People do think of donating, especially at Christ-mas time. More and more, people request dona-tions in lieu of gifts at special anniversaries and birthdays. I received one call from a woman who was getting married—it was a second marriage for both and since they didn’t need gifts or money they were planning to request gifts of non-perishable items for the Caring Cupboard. She wondered if we would pick up the donations after their reception at the Wayside Inn. Luckily we had just gotten our new food bank van—it was filled to capacity with food, plus we also received many grocery gift cards, cheques and cash in excess of $1,000!”

Along with the manager and a part-time employee on client pick-up days, approximately seventy vol-unteers look after a multitude of behind-the-scenes tasks including grocery pick-up, date checking, sorting, shelving, rotating and re-packaging bulk items into smaller units. Extras are often creatively

Stocking the CupboardwITH fOOD & CARE


© Br

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Communitybundled with ingredients for a simple dish, along with the recipe.

Besides building and maintaining a sufficient stock of groceries, ensuring that they are distributed as effectively as possible is the other important focus of activity at the Caring Cupboard. Each client registers with Karen in order to determine their eligibility, track visits and determine specific needs. New in January 2014, the computerized system used is connected to Food Banks Canada—by tak-ing part, more food is made available through the umbrella organization and its partners.

Caring Cupboard feeds approximately 675 to 750 clients monthly. Their policy is to provide close to a week’s supply of groceries every 60 days, but Karen is able to tweak that rule as every situation is dif-ferent and some are in need more often than that. Clients check in with her on each visit, and receive a customized list of groceries based on a standard which is then put together by volunteers.

Karen started at the food bank as a part-time assistant to help with the introduction of a new computer system, “Link2Feed” in January of this year. In May, she was hired by the Caring Cupboard Board as the new General Manager. As a long-time St. Thomas resident, she has lots of contacts and a familiarity with the community where the Caring Cupboard clients live.

The job of managing the Caring Cupboard and Karen seem to be a fortunate match. Her first aim is to ensure clients feel welcomed. She says, “It’s hard enough for many people just to walk in the door.” In the waiting room, coffee is available, lots of resources are posted and odd items are put into an “extras” bin which many clients appreciate.

Karen also wants to make the client’s visit to the Caring Cupboard as helpful as possible—she asks questions and she makes a lot of notes. She uses the information to tailor the groceries supplied to the individual and to suggest options for other resources within the community. Though flexible

in the sixty-day guideline, the Caring Cupboard can’t stray too far from that frequency, but Karen does direct people to a number of other programs which also offer free food in various formats. These include the Salvation Army and several church meal programs. She also keeps in contact with other community organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association, Employment Services, Bridges Out of Poverty and Volunteer Elgin so that she is familiar with and able to suggest other resources that are available.

“It has been a steep learning curve. No two situ-ations are alike. Many clients come regularly but many need help just once a year or less. For some, housing is not expensive but utilities are phenom-enal. There are often more resources for low income people with children than for individuals. Every client has a different situation. Some have only a microwave to cook with; some come in and haven’t got utensils or a can opener.”

Karen clearly enjoys working with the Caring Cupboard volunteers, and the challenge of stocking the cupboard, employing a flair for thriftiness and organization. She also seems to have the “Caring” part of the “Caring Cupboard” moniker firmly in focus. This is clearly a bank not just for food, but also for encouragement and support.

The Caring Cupboard is located at 803 Talbot St, and is open Mondays and Thursdays 9:30am-3pm and Tuesdays 12-3:30pm. Do-nation drop-boxes are located at Giant Tiger, Metro, Freshco, Foodland and Real Canadian Superstore. They can also be brought to the rear entrance off Manitoba St during open hours (or call to donate items or arrange to have them picked up during different hours—519-633-5308 or [email protected]). Find out more at www.facebook.com/TheCaringCupboard and www.caringcupboard.ca.


Community

A GIVING HISTORYThe endurance of the McAlpine grain story is perhaps an indication of the value placed by those in Elgin County on a generous spirit in time of need to prevent hunger. It was recognized by the Elgin Historical Society with a plaque posted in front of the McAlpine farm west of Fingal.

"On this farm Capt. and Mrs. Neil 'Storm' McAlpine of Argyllshire, Scotland settled in 1830. After the black frost of June 25, 1859, he provided seed wheat from his granary, at no cost, to be repaid 'bushel for bushel' the next year. His generous action saved the settlement from famine and poverty."

Food satisfies hunger and, shared with others, social needs as well. In a country like ours with such food abundance, both needs should be met for everyone and there shouldn’t be an ever-growing need for emergency food services. However, the recently released Food Banks Canada 2014 Hunger-Count Report revealed an alarmingly high need for food banks:• Food banks in Canada now provide food and

other supports to more than three quarters of a million separate individuals—841,000 people

• Each month, 90,000 Canadians are forced to ask for help from a food bank for the first time

Food Banks Canada’s mission is to relieve hunger by raising food and funds to share with food banks nationally and to deliver programs and services to Canadian food banks, but it also aims to find long-term solutions to hunger in order to reduce the need for food banks and emergency food services. Taking a deep look at the root causes of the need for food banks, the organization proposed key policy recommendations to that end in this year's

HungerCount, including:• Investing in affordable housing• Providing more effective supports to low-income

families with children, and• Helping Canadians get the skills they need for

the well-paying jobs of today

Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada said, “It is time to stop waiting for things to improve—it is time to start acting to make real investments in policies that will reduce the need for food banks.” (www.foodbankscanada.ca)

In the meantime, several organizations within St. Thomas and Elgin County offer their time, resources and generosity to help ensure that people don’t go hungry and that there is opportunity for everyone to share a meal in a social setting. Community Connections St. Thomas and Elgin County published by YWCA's Pathways to Prosperity lists many resources related to economic well-being. In the food section, food banks are listed in St. Thomas (Caring Cupboard, Salvation Army), Rodney (Caring Cupboard), Aylmer (Corner Cupboard) and Dutton (West Elgin Daffodil Auxiliary). Several community meal initiatives across the county are also included. Find out more at www.ywcapathways.com.

CARING AT CHRISTMASChristmas Care is a non-profit organization which operates during the eight weeks be-fore Christmas (not affiliated with the Car-ing Cupboard which operates year round). Since 1980 they have been assisting lower income families and individuals with a little support during the Christmas season. Reg-istrants are provided with a hamper of food and Christmas dinner staples along with gifts for children, hats, mitts and scarves, and gift certificates for older children. They can be reached at 519-637-0710.

fEEDING BODY & SOUL


2014 Gift Guide

THE 2014 RELISH ELGIN

Holiday Gift Guide

A IS fOR ALLIGATOR BY JULIA HANSfORDJulia’s studio in Sparta is itself a work of art, filled with original paintings ranging from bright zoo animals to zombie bunnies. Her little monsters delight children while adult audiences are intrigued by her more bizarre work. Her alphabet animals bring her new children’s book to life in bright and whimsical style.

5.5” x 7.5” with frosted protective cover, $20. Julia’s studio is located at 46341 Sparta Line, Sparta. For more information, visit www.juliahansford.com or www.facebook.com/hansford.julia or email [email protected].

CASO STATION CALENDARArchival photos capture railway history at the Michigan Central Railway Station as well as at other rail stops in St. Thomas and Elgin County. All of the photos, with the exception of a modern shot of the restored dining hall at the CASO Station, are from the collection of the Elgin County Archives.

$15, available at CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas; Railway City Tourism Office (L&PS Station), 605 Talbot St, St. Thomas; Libro Financial, 1073 Talbot St, St. Thomas.

© lily / fotolia.com

2014 Gift Guide

RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 11

RAILwAY CITY BREwING CO. HOLIDAY GIfT PACkDead Elephant Ale, Cranberry Festive Lager and Black Coal Stout (Railway City Brewing’s signature seasonal dark ale and an Ontario Brewing Awards winner) are boxed up with a Dead Elephant beer glass ready for gift giving.

$13.25, available at the St. Thomas brewery location and through the LCBO. Railway City Brewing Co. is located at 130 Edward St, St. Thomas. For more information visit www.railwaycitybrewing.com or call 519-631-1881.

PORT STANLEY fESTIVAL THEATRE TICkETSWhen the weather outside is frightful you can give a delightful gift of summer fun—a season’s subscription or individual performance tickets to theatre in Port Stanley. 2015 will bring another season of pleasing variety from start to finish with Leisa Way’s non-stop parade of country hits (Rhinestone Cowgirl: a Tribute to Dolly Parton); Norm Foster’s Hilda’s Yard; a laugh-filled tribute to mothers and daughters in Old Wive’s Tale; Michael Healey’s award winning The Drawer Boy and, to top off the season, a match of well-drawn characters and hilarious circumstances in Real Estate.

Season subscription $142.50; individual performance tickets $30.50/$33.50 (plus hst/handling). The Port Stanley Festival Theatre is located at 6-302 Bridge St, Port Stanley. For more information visit www.portstanleytheatre.ca or call 519-782-4353.

EXTENDED HOURS Mon-Wed 10am-8pmThurs & Fri 10am-10pm

Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm

130 Edward St, St. Thomas • 519-631-1881www.railwaycitybrewing.com

Visit the brewery for TOURS • TASTINGS

RETAIL STORE

HOLIDAY GIFT PACKShare something local with friends

and family this season with a

available at the brewery and area

LCBO outlets

435 Talbot Street, St. Thomas519.637.3904 • [email protected]

www.windnwillow.ca

HOME & GARDEN DÉCOR GIFTWARE • GOURMET GOODS

JEWELLERY • FASHION

Wind n Willow

Featuring Lampe Berger Teas & Accessories Da Vinci Beads, Reading Glasses & More

Affordable Luxury FOR YOUR HOME & FOR YOU

DINE STAY TAKE AWAYHOLIDAY DINNERS DECEMBER 24 & 25

CHRISTMAS GETAWAY PACKAGES LOCAL BOUNTY & REGIONAL SPECIALTIES • LIBRARY CAFÉ & BAR

NEW IN THE PANTRY: SANDWICHES, SALADS & FRESH JUICE

324 Smith St, Port Stanley • 519-782-4173 • www.thewindjammerinn.com

WindjammerThe

INN & PANTRY PORT STANLEY

Dining Room Open for Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Brunch • Recommended in ‘Where to Eat in Canada’

growers & creators of fine lavender products

Our gift boutique offers unique handcrafted gifts & gourmet foods created from our harvested lavender.

47589 Sparta Ln, Sparta • 519-494-5525 • [email protected] • www.steedandcompany.com

DISCOVER • INDULGE • ESCAPE

‘A LAVENDER CHRISTMAS’ OPEN HOUSE NOV 22 & 23Open Wed-Sat 10-5 & Sun 12-4 • Mother’s Day to Dec 20, 2014


2014 Gift Guide

A HOOk fOR EVERYTHING

Start the new year with a hook for everything and everything on its hook. The wall of rustically styled hooks at Wind n Willow makes it easy to get organized with a touch of fun and

personalization, from owls to airplanes. (Plus there’s

a store full of affordable luxuries for you and your home

that you might need a hook for.)

Hooks range in price from $6.99-$19.99. Wind n Willow is located at 435 Talbot St, St. Thomas. For more information visit www.windnwillow.ca or call 519-637-3904.

BOUNCING BUDDIESVesta Parenting Centre provides a host of services to help parents, including discussion groups, exercise classes, and education sessions. The accompanying Vesta Shop stocks a huge selection of “just the right thing” for baby and kid care, development and fun.

Bouncing Buddies have recently been a big hit item. The animal-shaped inflatables (cow, dog, dragon—availability varies) are made of soft vinyl and children love bouncing their way to better coordination.

For ages 3+, $29.99. The Vesta Parenting Centre and Vesta Shop are located at 767 Talbot St, St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.vestashop.ca or call 519-631-6461.

BEAUTIfULLY PACkAGED SwEETSLast Christmas, Century Chocolates in West Lorne began a partnership with Special Occasions Creation & Design. High quality flavoured caramels and other chocolate goodies, meet beautiful and unique packaging for the perfect indulgence or gift.Find their chocolates at local events and specialty shows (Rural Roots Christmas Market in Dutton Nov 29, Christmas Craft Festival at Western Fair Dec 4-7) and at Tasty Sweets Café & Bakery, 180 Main St, West Lorne. See samples at www.facebook.com/ CenturyChocolates and www.facebook.com/ SpecialOccasionsCreationDesign and order by emailing [email protected].

ARTfUL CREATIONSThere’s a whole lot of gift-giving inspira-tion packed into a small space at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre's Gift Shop, with one-of-a-kind creations by more than 20 local artists and artisans.

And just in time for Christmas, the Art Centre presents the Winter Gift Shop Sale, an evening of festive mu-

sic and artwork displayed throughout the gallery.

The Gift Shop Sale takes place Thursday Nov 27th from 6-9pm. The St. Thomas-Elgin

Public Art Centre is located at 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas. For more information visit www.stepac.ca or call 519-631-4040.


2014 Gift Guide

wEEkEND BRUNCH AT THE wINDJAMMER INNThe perfect gift for anyone who would appreciate a brunch that is freshly prepared and a cut above the ordinary. Any meal at the Windjammer features inspired food with a focus on local, organic and seasonal. Weekend brunch on a chilly winter weekend, tucked into a table at the cozy heri-tage inn can turn a weekend morning into a mini-retreat.

Brunch for two approximately $30-40. Reservations are recommended. The Windjammer Inn is located at 324 Smith St, Port Stanley. To find out more visit www.thewindjammerinn.com or call 519-782-4173. The Windjammer Inn is a member of Savour Elgin (www.savourelgin.ca).

DENI GAUTHIER'S QUIET TOwNWe included an article on “Quiet Town”, Deni’s second album in the Spring 2014 edition of Relish

Elgin. We are still listening—this has proved to be one of those albums with enough interesting stuff from beginning to end, to keep you coming back. A gift of beautiful words and voice, done up in a well-crafted CD.

Quiet Town CD with download, $20, available for order at www.denigauthier.com. Find out more at www.facebook.com/denigauthier.

A wARM & fUzzY LEARNING ExPERIENCE

The Little Red Mitten is a shop bursting with beautiful wools, a community

meeting place and also the location for some outstanding classes. Owner Joan Janes has created a welcoming space where help is close at hand. You couldn’t get a nicer gift than instructions or a class at the Little Red Mitten—check the website for classes available.

The Little Red Mitten is located at 86 Talbot St, St. Thomas (across from Jumbo). To find out more, visit www.littleredmitten.ca or call 519-207-2880.

MERINO wOOL fOxY POMSport in Port is an outfitting store with sales, activi-ties and rentals that support health and leisure. The store stocks a wide range of products and clothing to make getting outdoors for sport and activity more fun and comfortable. One of the stores many clothes offer-ings is the Merino wool Mons Royale line, including the cute Foxy Pom. Merino wool’s soft, warm and temperature regulating properties make it a winning gift idea.

Mons Royale Foxy Pom, $49.99. Sport in Port is located at 204 Carlow Rd, Port Stanley. Find out more at www.sportinport.ca, www.face-book.com/sportinport or call 226-658-7678.

© lily / fotolia.com


2014 Gift Guide

EYE-CATCHING wALLETSYWCA St. Thomas Elgin opened their retail store, Connections, in 2007 to support global projects that improve women’s economic development and initiatives that support the global community. Profits help support YWCA programs. Amongst the eye-catch-ing products which fill the store in Port Stanley are the delightfully designed and colourful ESPE wallets. ESPE was originated by a team of creative Canadian women—their selection of everyday wallets, bags and accessories are unconventional and made from animal friendly synthetic leather.

Various styles, $35. Connections is located at 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley. For more information, visit www.ywcastthomaselgin.org/connectionsstore.

wINTER GREENERY Harris Flower Farm is known for an ever- changing seasonal parade of home-grown cut

bouquets and arrangements for market, events and weddings. As soon as colder weather comes

florist Janis begins to get inspired by thoughts of the coming holiday season. She has lots of creative ideas and also loves to incorporate your own inspirations into cus-tomized arrangements. Call to order indoor or outdoor Christmas arrangements.

Arrangements start at $15. Contact Janis Harris at 519-668-9537 or [email protected].

Eco-Conscious Seasonal Cut FlowersSunflowers • Mixed Annuals • PerennialsFlowers for Special Events & Weddings

Member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers

HARRIS FLOWER FARM

HOLIDAY GREENERY ARRANGEMENTS

ORDER YOURS TODAY!Janis & Mark Harris, Sons Cameron & Nathan

[email protected]

www.harrisflowerfarmpasturedpork.weebly.com

Connections features fair trade and project based products from around the world.

It is owned and operated by the YWCA St. Thomas—Elgin.

All profits support local programs!

302 Bridge St. Port Stanley, ONywcaconnections.com

This year, give the gift that

Featuring Fair Trade Products from Around the World

* discount does not apply to consignment items

Put your purchasing power to good use this holiday season!

Shop at Connections betweenNov. 1st & Dec. 24th and receive a

valid from Jan. 12th to Mar. 15th 2015.25% off coupon*

WEST ELGIN

DUTTON/DUNWICH

CENTRAL ELGIN

SOUTHWOLDMALAHIDE

BAYHAM

FURNIVAL ROAD

TALBOT LINE

TALB

OT LINE

FINGAL L

INEQUEENS LINE

STALKER LINE

DUFF LINE

THIRD LINE

PIONEER LINE

JOHNSTON LINE

MORRISON

ROAD

GRAHAM ROAD

DUNBOROUGH ROAD

CURRIE ROAD

IONA ROAD

UNION ROAD

WELLINGTON

ROAD

HIGHBURYAVENUE

BELMONT ROAD

IMPERIAL ROAD

PUTNAM ROAD

LYONS LINE

FERGUSON LINE

RON MCNEIL LINE

RICHMOND ROAD

CULLODEN ROAD

PLANK ROAD

IMPERIAL ROAD

SPRINGFIELD ROAD

SPRINGWATER ROAD

QUAKER ROAD

FAIRVIEW ROAD

SUNSET ROAD

JOHN WISE LINE

CALTON LINECALTON LINE

NOVA SCOTIA LINE

GLEN ERIE LINE

HERITAGE LINE

EDEN LINE

UNION ROAD

DEXTER LINE

SPARTA LINE

401

401

4

3

3

3

LAKE ERIE

5

13

16

16

18

20

45

45

24

22

2727

119

14

76

2

73

74

35

56

36

48

4849

47

3

3

6103

9

98

4

52

32

40

73

42

42

45

43

46

44

19

38

3

FINGAL

RODNEY

PORT GLASGOW

WALLACETOWNDUTTON

STRAFFORDVILLE

PORT STANLEY

SHEDDEN

WEST LORNE

VIENNA

PORT BURWELLPORT BRUCE

AYLMERST. THOMAS

SPRINGFIELD

BELMONT

SPARTA

Map of Elgin

Locally Yours


IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER Apples • Asian Vegetables • Beets • Brussels Sprouts Cabbage • Carrots • Cauliflower Cooking Onions • Crabapples Cucumbers (greenhouse) Garlic • Green Onions • Leeks Lettuce (greenhouse) Mushrooms

Parsnips • Pears Peppers (greenhouse)

Potatoes • Radishes • Rutabaga Spanish Onions • Sprouts • Squash

Sweet Potatoes • Tomatoes (greenhouse)

269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas519-631-7264

www.canadale.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKSat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-5pm

Visit us onFacebook

Saturdays & Sundays in November•AmazingSales•Livereindeer•Kids’Clubactivities

•PhotoopportunitywithSanta&Mrs.Claus(bringyourcamera)•FREEseasonaldecoratingdemonstrations•STEGHAuxillaryLunch

•Workshops:BirchReindeer,FairyGarden,CookieDecorating, GrinchTree,andFrontDoorMakeover

Workshops & Demos

Canadale’s AnnualCHRISTMASOPENHOUSESCHRISTMASOPENHOUSES

Canadale’s Annual

WEST ELGIN

DUTTON/DUNWICH

CENTRAL ELGIN

SOUTHWOLDMALAHIDE

BAYHAM

FURNIVAL ROAD

TALBOT LINE

TALB

OT LINE

FINGAL L

INE

QUEENS LINE

STALKER LINE

DUFF LINE

THIRD LINE

PIONEER LINE

JOHNSTON LINE

MORRISON

ROAD

GRAHAM ROAD

DUNBOROUGH ROAD

CURRIE ROAD

IONA ROAD

UNION ROAD

WELLINGTON

ROAD

HIGHBURYAVENUE

BELMONT ROAD

IMPERIAL ROAD

PUTNAM ROAD

LYONS LINE

FERGUSON LINE

RON MCNEIL LINERICHMOND ROAD

CULLODEN ROAD

PLANK ROAD

IMPERIAL ROAD

SPRINGFIELD ROAD

SPRINGWATER ROAD

QUAKER ROAD

FAIRVIEW ROAD

SUNSET ROAD

JOHN WISE LINE

CALTON LINECALTON LINE

NOVA SCOTIA LINE

GLEN ERIE LINE

HERITAGE LINE

EDEN LINE

UNION ROAD

DEXTER LINE

SPARTA LINE

401

401

4

3

3

3

LAKE ERIE

5

13

16

16

18

20

45

45

24

22

2727

119

14

76

2

73

74

35

56

36

48

4849

47

3

3

6103

9

98

4

52

32

40

73

42

42

45

43

46

44

19

38

3

FINGAL

RODNEY

PORT GLASGOW

WALLACETOWNDUTTON

STRAFFORDVILLE

PORT STANLEY

SHEDDEN

WEST LORNE

VIENNA

PORT BURWELLPORT BRUCE

AYLMERST. THOMAS

SPRINGFIELD

BELMONT

SPARTA

Locally YoursMap of Elgin


519-631-0279 • 42828 Shorlea Line, St. Thomaswww.McsmithsOrganicFarm.com

ORGANIC EGGS & FROZEN CHICKEN,

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Order your fresh Christmas turkey or roast by December 13th to ensure availability.


Food

Sweet SimplicityBY CHEf CINDY BIRCHAM

There is something to be said about desserts that can be made ahead of time. A triumphant souffle, towering as it comes out of the oven, will quickly deflate if you bake it before the guests arrive. An apple pie crust once tender and flaky will become soft and soggy if more than a day old. We love these desserts but the elegance diminishes if prepared too far in advance.

Very few people realize the magic in a profes-sional kitchen depends upon being organized and prepared. Known as mis en place—everything in its place—it means having all the ingredients and tools required to prepare the dish assembled like a doctor would when performing surgery. Scalpel, spatula, gauze, salt, sutures, flour. Have everything ready beforehand so cooking basically becomes more or less like assembly. You will still need to use your common sense and skills to recognize correct doneness (sights, sounds, tastes, timing, past experiences) but looking for a lemon and the zester while sugar boils over on the stovetop is not an ideal situation, especially when you realize you don't have any citrus fruit in the house. By this point the sugar has bubbled, burnt, and solidified to the burner and the smoke alarm is going off. And then the phone rings and two more guests have decided they can make it to dinner after all.

A cure for the deflating/soggy dessert dilemma is a frangipane cake. This sweet almond filling uses regular baking staples (butter, sugar, eggs, flour, al-monds)—and most importantly—can be prepared ahead of time. The cake is also easily adaptable. No lemons? Substitute 2 Tbsp of dark rum. Don't like pears? Apples would be just as delicious. Avoiding gluten? Try 2 Tbsp coconut flour instead of wheat.

The final touches to the cake are just that: final touches. When serving, dust the cake with a little powdered sugar. Add a dollop of whipped cream, crème frâiche, or ice cream. You can adjust the cake slice size as necessary for the number of guests.

Cindy Bircham is a professional chef and recipe developer cooking her way across Elgin County with a passion for quality, local and made from scratch. Her baked goods are available Saturdays until Christmas at the Covent Garden Outdoor Farmers' Market in London. She can also be found at a local organic farm, “Our Little Farm”, on the west side of St. Thomas and on her blog ‘From the Kitchen’ at www.ElginHarvest.ca.

Recipe photo courtesy of Cindy Bircham; pear photo courtesy of Foodland Ontario

Sweet Simplicity


PEAR, CRANBERRY & ALMOND CAkEServes 12

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened3/4 cup sugar4 eggs, room temperature1 1/2 cups ground almonds1/4 cup pastry flour1/4 tsp kosher salt zest of one lemon juice of one lemon5 ripe Bosc pears1 cup fresh cranberries powdered sugar for dusting1 Tbsp butter to grease the pan

1. Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light coloured. Add in one egg at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding the next. Mix in salt, ground almonds, and flour until well combined then stir in lemon zest and juice. Set batter aside until needed.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 10-inch spring-form pan with parchment paper and grease the sides using 1 tbsp softened butter.

3. Peel and core the pears then cut into even-sized wedges.

4. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Ar-range pear wedges and cranberries atop the batter and bake for 35-45 minutes, rotating halfway, until the top is lightly browned,

puffed, and the middle is just set. Remove from oven and allow to cool 15 minutes before removing the springform pan sides. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar and a scoop of ice cream, if desired.

THE LOwDOwN ON PEARSTypes• Bartlett: The world's favourite pear is bell-

shaped, sweet and soft with a light green skin that turns yellow when ripe.

• Bosc: Long and elegant with a slender neck, russet-coloured skin and fine texture.

• Clapp's Favourite: This exceptionally sweet early pear resembles a Bartlett. Its skin turns golden yellow when ripe.

• Anjou: Egg-shaped, aromatic and mildly sweet. Shows traces of yellow when ripe.

• Flemish Beauty: Round, with thick, clear yel-low skin speckled with red. The creamy flesh becomes meltingly tender.

Buying and Storing Pears ripen from the inside. To ripen quickly, place in a loosely closed brown paper bag. Serve when pear is fragrant and yields to gentle pressure. Refrigerate when ripe. Handle pears with care to avoid bruising.CookingPears are ideal as a fresh impromptu snack or a natural dessert. They can also be used for pies and tarts, for baked cakes, crisps and crumbles, dumplings, sherbet, preserves, and even pastas and main-course salads. Bartletts have long been prized for canning. They tend to fall apart when cooked so are also suitable for sauces or butters. Clapps are well-suited to cooking and poaching. Anjou cooks and bakes well. Bosc pears keep their shape when cooked and are also great for poaching.

Sources: www.ontario.ca/foodland/foodland-ontario and www.ontariotenderfruit.ca. Both sites also have lots of recipes using pears.

Food


Entertainment

When the Stan Brown Blues Band is in town it’s always a special occasion for his many long-time local followers. Stan, an almost life-long musician, along with his band-mates, have recently been taking their show to a wider area of southwestern Ontario. They are finding appreciative audiences for their distinctive brand of jump blues wherever they go.

Born in St. Thomas, Stan has lived in Fingal all his life, the second-generation on his dairy turned cash crop farm. He attended Central Elgin Collegiate Institute and at thirteen bought his first guitar at the “House of Music” in St. Thomas.

Stan’s initial attraction to music and the guitar was largely due to his admiration for Alice Cooper. Says Stan, “That’s what got me started—it was all about Alice Cooper—maybe the appeal was his craziness.” After a couple years of Ontario Conserva-tory lessons in St. Thomas, he went on to further teach himself and develop his guitar playing skills.

Although his style went through a transformation away from rock, the guitar has remained his fa-voured and only instrument. He says, “I just wanted to play electric guitar, and I just kept at it until I got to be on stage. I was in my first band when I was eighteen.”

His musical influences gradually phased to bands from Rush to ZZ Top and Savoy Brown, coming closer and closer to the blues until finally he decided that was the style for him. Later influences included Stevie Ray Vaughn and Albert King. He favours the more lively and aggressive qualities of Chicago and Texas blues, because “The musicians tend to go a bit more out on a limb—they don’t just play it safe”.

Stan has enjoyed playing with a number of bands and eventually started taking on the lead vocal role. He says “I started singing out of necessity—singers always seemed to be at a premium so I have fronted all of my more recent bands.” He has no problem

remembering the lyrics to a mind-boggling list of songs and continually adding new ones. Audiences enjoy his voice, perfectly suited to the lively beat he favours and he seems to have a knack for connecting with those audiences. He says, “That’s what you are there for—otherwise it’s not worth doing. I love a bit of banter with people in the crowd, but if there isn’t any we just concentrate on the music.”

THE IRRESISTIBLE RHYTHMS Of THE

Stan Brown Blues Band


EntertainmentThat connection is also due to the amaz-ingly big sound produced (usually) by just three musicians—Stan along with Jack Coveney (bass guitar) and Corey Mitchell (drums). They strive for that Chicago style jump blues sound that was produced in the 30s by much bigger bands and with lots of horns. That’s only possible because all three are strong rhythmically, and have experience, style, energy and an obvious love of the blues. Stan’s solo styling has a heavy brass influence, incorporat-ing patterns typically played by horns into his playing. Together they create a sound that’s big but focused, giving their performances a momentum that keeps audiences interested.

The band’s lively but disciplined sound is complemented by their aura of profes-sionalism. They play from a love of the blues, but as Stan emphasizes, “It’s impor-tant to do the job and present yourself well—it’s a business, someone is hiring you to do a job.” That’s an attitude that attracts calls for bookings—they have had a busy summer, playing at venues from the Amherstburg Ribfest to the Kent County Blues and Corn Fest, ALS benefit in St. Thomas, opening for the Sheep Dogs at the Western Fair and a multitude of other places. The band is continually adding new material. They get together once a week to rehearse and work out details although, Stan laughs, “Half of the time is spent just talking.”

Stan’s music career has been a nice complement to his farming one. It’s also how he met wife Tanya—he was recording and she was the studio engineer. His youngest son Patrick is, he says proudly, a very good guitar player and sometimes joins him on-stage. He looks forward to playing more venues of any size. The band has enjoyed appearing on some bigger stages this summer but he notes, “Some-times small shows are just as good because they are

more intimate—you feel like you are right there with the audience.”

Stan’s early appreciation for Alice Cooper’s “crazi-ness” might just be in part responsible for the edge that’s keeps audiences interested in his distinctive blues sound. He certainly doesn’t go for the rocker's shock tactics but he does steer his band positively away from the safe and the ordinary.

Find out more about Stan Brown Blues at www.facebook.com/stanleybrownblues. His wife, Tanya operates her own recording studio, Button Soup Productions out of their home in Fingal. Both can be contacted at [email protected].

Photos courtesy of Stan Brown


ONGOING EVENTSEVERY SAT CINEPLEx FAMILy FAVOURITES 11am; $2.50; supports Starlight Children's Foundation; see website for titles Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com

EVERY SAT SATURDAy ART PARTIES 9am-5pm; all skill levels, mediums welcome Art Emporium, 177 Main St, Port Stanley 226-658-1888 | www.artemporium.ca

EVERY SUN JAMMIN' IN THE CABIN OPEN JAMS 1-4pm; all musicians welcome Jammin' Cabin at Pinecroft, 8048 Rogers Rd S, Aylmer 519-773-3435 | www.pinecroft.ca

2ND SUN OF EVERY MONTH FEATURED ARTISTS MEET & GREET 2-4pm | The Art Emporium, 177 Main St, Port Stanley 226-658-1888 | www.artemporium.ca

EVERY MON WEST ELGIN NATURE CLUB WALkS 9:30am; visit www.relishelgin.ca/events for a list of weekly walk locations | Contact Margaret, 519-762-2049

VARIOUS DATES SOCIAL PAINTING NIGHTS 2-3 hours; starting at $20; sessions for adults, children and families; preregister at least one day prior Art Gallery of Lambeth, 2454 Main St, Lambeth (London) 519-652-5556 | www.artgalleryoflambeth.com

CURRENT ExHIBITIONSUNTIL SUN NOV 16 ExHIBITION: SqUARE FOOT SHOW Wall hung and 3D works measuring 1-, 2- or 3-square feet Art Emporium, 177 Main St, Port Stanley 226-658-1888 | www.artemporium.caUNTIL SAT NOV 22 ExHIBITION: 9TH ANNUAL HEALING PALETTE A project created by and for individuals with firsthand experiences with mental illness, featuring art, poetry, photography, and sculpture St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Atrium, 189 Elm St, St. Thomas | Contact Anne, 519-455-5110 x47749 www.thehealingpalettehome.comUNTIL FRI NOV 28 ExHIBITION: WITH THIS RING Mon-Thur 9am-5pm; Fri 9am-1pm; admission by donation; wedding dresses, accessories and traditions since early 1850s Aylmer-Malahide Museum, 14 East St, Aylmer 519-773-9723 | www.amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseumUNTIL WED DEC 24 ExHIBITION: 1814—WAR IN THE WEST Elgin County Museum, 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-1460 x159 | www.elgincounty.ca/museumSAT NOV 15 TO SAT JAN 3 ExHIBITION: TIMOTHy SULLIVAN’S EyE VS MIND Photography and digital paintings; reception with the Primitives on Sat Nov 15, 7pm St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca

Events©

jfunk / fotolia.com

Merry All the WayMerry All the WayEVENTS ACROSS ELGIN • MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA


Events

NOVEMBER EVENTSSAT NOV 8, 15, 22 & 29 SNOWMAN WORkSHOPS 1pm; $20+/person (base price is for 1-foot high snowman); preregistration required Silverthorn Landscape Supply, 46400 Talbot Ln, St. Thomas 519-765-2379 | www.silverthornlandscape.com

SAT & SUN NOV 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 29 & 30 CANADALE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSES Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 9am-5pm; live reindeer, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus (bring your camera), kids club activities, lunch with Santa ($15, registration req’d), free seasonal decorating demos, workshops (birch reindeer, urn & swag, cookie decorating, Grinch tree), charity lunch by STEGH Auxiliary, live musical entertainment Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com

FRI NOV 14 & SAT NOV 15 13TH ANNUAL AyLMER CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR Fri 7-10pm, Sat 1-9pm; $15/person; presented by the Aylmer-Malahide Museum & Archives volunteers; 4 unique homes plus the Museum; Baptist Church Dinner Friday at 6pm ($15); tickets at museum and local merchants 519-773-9723 or 519-773-5575 www.amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseum

FRI NOV 14 TO SUN NOV 16 CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE Open houses with savings and promotions at merchants throughout Port Stanley | www.portstanley.net

FRI NOV 14 TO SUN NOV 15 ROTARy'S 19TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN ST. THOMAS TOUR OF HOMES Fri Candlelight Preview 6-9pm, Sat & Sun 10am-4pm; $17 adv, $20 at door; five homes, live music, door prizes, gift balls for purchase; presented by St. Thomas Rotary Club 519-633-0838 | www.rotarystthomas.org

SAT NOV 15 CHRISTMAS MARkET AT ST. THOMAS HORTON FARMERS' MARkET 8am-12pm; food producers, craftspeople and artisans Manitoba, just north of Talbot St, St. Thomas www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca

SAT NOV 15 TINy TOTS ANNUAL STOP N SHOP 10am-3pm; London Gold Buyer from 10am-12pm; admission with food bank donation West Elgin Recreation Centre, 135 Queen St, Rodney 519-785-2164 | www.ttcns.ca

SAT NOV 15 EDISON MUSEUM DINNER, ENTERTAINMENT & SILENT AUCTION 5-6pm social hour, 6pm dinner Vienna Community Centre, 26 Fulton St, Vienna 519-866-5521 | www.bayham.on.ca

SAT NOV 15 SNUFFy JENkINS LIVE AT PINECROFT 7:30pm doors open, 8pm music; $15/person, cash bar; original rock and roll style Green Frog Tearoom at Pinecroft, 8122 Rogers Rd, Aylmer 519-773-3435 | www.pinecroft.ca

SAT NOV 15 THE MCCARTNEy yEARS: UNPLUGGED 8pm; $33.50 adv, $39.50 at door Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca

SAT NOV 15 & SUN NOV 16 SPARTA’S TASTE OF THE VILLAGE Sat 4-7pm, Sun 12-4pm; Christmas goodies, draws, prizes, specials and surprises Historic Village of Sparta | www.shelleymcvittie.com

TUES NOV 18 TO THURS NOV 20 COOkERy CLASSES: THE DUTCH OVEN 6:30-9pm; $55/class; learn to cook then enjoy Dutch dishes The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

Urn workshop at Canadale Christmas Open House


Events

TUES-FRI NOV 18-21 & 25-28 TRADITIONAL DUTCH HOLIDAy MARkET 6-8pm; the sounds and tastes of the Netherlands, with stories of Sinterklaas The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

WED NOV 19 BOOkS & BREWS BOOk CLUB 7-8:30pm; a St. Thomas Public Library Book Club, reading Wind, Sand & Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery; 19+ (alcohol purchase not required) Midtown Tavern, 701 Talbot St, St. Thomas Contact Trish, 519-631-6050 x8013 www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca

THURS NOV 20 FALL FORUM: HOME & PERSONAL SECURITy 7pm doors open, 7:30pm start; presented by the Southwold Community Policing Association, with guest speakers Troy Carlson and Kathy Longworth of the OPP Keystone Complex, 35921 Talbot Ln (Hwy #3), Shedden www.southwold.ca

THUR NOV 20 & FRI NOV 21 STEGH FOUNDATION HOLIDAy MARkET 11am-5pm; over 30 vendors; free parking with minimum $20 purchase St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Atrium, 189 Elm St, St. Thomas Contact Carrie, 519-631-2030 x2282

THUR NOV 20 TO SAT NOV 22 FAMILy FLOWERS PARADE OF POINSETTIAS 9am-5pm; coffee, donuts & cider, 15% off poinsettias, holiday decor, greenery and trees; live nativity animals Family Flowers, 44329 Talbot Ln, St. Thomas 519-631-6004 | www.familyflowers.ca

THUR NOV 20 TO SAT NOV 22 TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES FESTIVAL SALE Unique handmade gifts, jewellery and home décor by fairly paid artisans from around the world Thur 9am-9pm; Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9am-2pm Old Town Hall, 38 John St S, Aylmer 519-765-3026 | www.tenthousandvillages.ca

FRI NOV 21 DOWNTOWN ST. THOMAS TREE LIGHTING 5:30-7pm; with Santa Claus, presented by the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board Downtown St. Thomas, beside City Hall Contact Earl, 519-633-5248

FRI NOV 21 MEGNIFICENT PRINCESS PARTy Doors 5:30pm; $30/person or 2 for $50; honour Meghan Davis, who passed away on July 8, on what would have been her 30 birthday; proceeds to the care of her sons; dinner catered by James Meadows, dance and silent auction; RSVP deadline Nov 19 St. Anne's Centre, 20 Morrison Dr, St. Thomas Contact Gaby, 519-854-6899 | Search event on Facebook

Family Flowers Parade of Poinsettias

Downtown St. Thomas Tree Lighting


EventsFRI NOV 21 SMILE AND SAy “COOkIES” 6-8pm; bring your friends and family, 1kg icing sugar and decorations and help adorn sugar cookies (nut free please); call to register for this free event The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

FRI NOV 21 TO SAT DEC 6 HOME FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT Visit over 50 participating locations in West Elgin and Dutton-Dunwich for a ballot to win a great prizes Rodney, West Lorne, Dutton, Wallacetown Contact [email protected]

SAT NOV 22 10TH ANNUAL HAT & MITT RUN 8am; 5 or 10km runs with entry fee of hat and mitts for Christmas Care; route through historic St. Thomas and the new Palmer Rail Trail Pathway, followed by treats Starts at First United Church (corner of Curtis St & St. George St), St. Thomas | [email protected]

SAT NOV 22 VESTA SHOP ANNUAL HOLIDAy OPEN HOUSE 9am-5pm; surprises, give-aways, treats and activities Vesta Shop, 767 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-631-6461 | www.facebook.com/pages/Vesta-Shop

SAT NOV 22 ST. THOMAS OPTIMIST SANTA CLAUS PARADE 6pm; "A Cartoon Christmas" theme Downtown St. Thomas www.optimistsantaclausparade.com

SAT NOV 22 DUTTON SANTA CLAUS PARADE 3:30pm parade, 6pm Celebrate the Season, 6:30pm lighting; "Candy Canes & Christmas Carols" theme, hosted by Wallacetown Optimist Club and Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich; Lions serving free hot chocolate in front of Seniors Centre; free chilli at Knox St. Andrews Presbyterian Church; wagon rides and carols Currie St & Centennial Park, Dutton [email protected] www.facebook.com/events/1559193374304269/

SAT NOV 22 THE BANk'S 5TH ANNUAL COOkIE BAkE 10am-2pm; bake cookies for your family and to donate to community families; bring one or more of unsalted butter, sprinkles, white sugar, eggs and/or flour; call to register for this free event The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

SAT NOV 22 AyLMER SANTA CLAUS PARADE 2pm; the Kinsmen Club is host to locally famous parade along Talbot St in Aylmer From Aylmer Fairgrounds west on Talbot St, Aylmer www.aylmer.ca

SAT NOV 22 THE MET: LIVE IN HD $26/adult, $25/senior/child (discounts for multi-buys); Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com

SAT NOV 22 & SUN NOV 23 SPARTA COUNTRy CHRISTMAS 12-3pm; free pictures with Santa, mounted at Robson's Studio; specials, draws and giveaways; donations to Caring Cupboard appreciated Sparta House Tearoom, 46342 Sparta Ln, Sparta 519-775-0054 | www.spartacandles.com

SAT NOV 22 & SUN NOV 23 STEED & CO. LAVENDER CHRISTMAS Festive cheer, lavender treats and draw Steed & Co. Lavender, 47589 Sparta Ln, Sparta 519-494-5525 | www.steedandcompany.com

SAT NOV 22, 29 & DEC 6 CLASSES: kNITTING BASICS Beginners learn to knit, purl, cast on and cast off Little Red Mitten, 86 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-207-2880 | www.littleredmitten.ca

The Arts & Cookery Bank's Annual Cookie Bake


Events

SUN NOV 23 WHITE CUP yULETIDE BRUNCH 12pm; $15/person; light brunch in memory of George Okolisan; call to reserve The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

SUN NOV 23 CENTRAL MUSIC ACADEMy TEACHERS IN CONCERT 2pm; the faculty of Central Music Academy will perform, with freewill donations benefitting Inn Out of the Cold Central United Church, 135 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-3503 | Search event title on Facebook

SUN NOV 23 SAxONIA HALL CHRISTMAS DINNER & DANCE Dancing with The Blue Waves at 2pm, turkey dinner at 6pm; $25/person; presented by the German Canadian Club; RSVP before Nov 17 Saxonia Hall, 522 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-688-2531 or 519-773-5271 | www.saxoniahall.com

TUES NOV 25 CREATE, MAkE & TAkE 2-3:30pm; free craft workshop for adults, last Tues of each month; registration required St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca

TUES NOV 25 12 DAyS OF CHRISTMAS TREES HOLIDAy GALA 6:30-9pm; $10/person plus non-perishable food item; auction of 12 uniquely decorated trees and more CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas www.talbotteencentre.com

WED NOV 26 WAR OF 1812 TALk 7:30pm; presented by Elgin Historical Society, on the American raid on Rapelje Farm, St. Thomas, Nov 11, 1814 Elgin County Admin Building, 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas [email protected] www.elginhistoricalsociety.ca

THUR NOV 27 STEPAC WINTER GIFT SHOP SALE 6-9pm; live music, original artwork, jewelry, cards and one-of-a-kind gifts St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca

THURS NOV 27 IT’S TIME TO HANG IT UP EVENING 7pm; join the Bank for music, merriment and memories while hanging community history displays; call to register; food bank donation for admission The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

FRI NOV 28 PRE-PARADE AT THE BANk 6pm; browse the traditional Dutch Christmas Market and enjoy stories of Sinterklaas The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

FRI NOV 28 FREE FAMILy MOVIE NIGHT 6-8pm; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014, PG); tickets available at 5:30pm St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 x8013 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca

FRI NOV 28 HERBS & TEA WORkSHOP 10am-12pm; enjoy a tea tasting and learn how to identify and use different herbs; call to register for this free event St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca

FRI NOV 28 WEST LORNE OPTIMIST SANTA CLAUS PARADE 7pm; floats, horses and walkers, followed by Santa's sleigh; Santa at arena; free public skating until 9pm 519-768-2691

War of 1812 Reenactor


EventsFRI NOV 28 PORT STANLEy DICkEN'S DAyS PARADE 7pm; meet Santa at Mackies following the parade Main and Bridge St, Port Stanley | www.portstanley.net

SAT NOV 29 CEDARHURST CUSTOMER APPRECIATION 2-7pm; meet staff, special promotions and stocking stuffer suggestions; extra $10 with $100 gift cards Cedarhurst Salon & Spa, 76 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-631-7629 | www.cedarhurstsalonandspa.com

SAT NOV 29 RURAL ROOTS CHRISTMAS MARkET 9am-2pm; local businesses, vendors, artisans, services and organizations; raffle table & door prizes Dutton-Dunwich Community Centre, 1 Scotland St, Dutton Contact Kate, 226-378-3896

SAT NOV 29 TREBLE MAkERS WOMEN’S CHOIR: WINTER, FIRE & SNOW Conductor Sharon Little and accompanist Charlotte Hughes 7:30pm; until Nov 7: $10/adult, $5/child, $25/family; after Nov 7: $12/adult, $5/child; at door: $15/adult, $6/child Calvary United Church, 221 Stinson St, Rodney Contact Jane Anton, 519-768-1717 or any choir member www.facebook.com/TrebleMakersWomensChoir

SAT NOV 29 WEST ELGIN CHORAL SOCIETy: A STORyBOOk CHRISTMAS 7:30pm | Dutton Baptist Church, 218 Miller Rd, Dutton www.westelginchoralsociety.weebly.com

SAT NOV 29 MUDMEN AT OLD TOWN HALL THEATRE 7pm doors, 8pm concert; $20/person; bagpipes, banjos & celtic rock; tickets at Campbell's (17 Talbot St, Aylmer) Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St, Aylmer | mudmen.ca

DECEMBER EVENTSTHUR DEC 4 C4AT MONTHLy MEETING 6-8pm; Citizens 4 Active Transportation is a group of people interested in being able to walk, run, hike or bike safely in our community; meets first Thurs of each month; new members welcome St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas Contact [email protected] facebook.com/pages/Citizens-4-Active-Transportation

THUR DEC 4 TO SAT DEC 6 ECRM GIFT SHOP OPEN The Elgin County Railway Museum gift shop has Thomas the Tank Engine, Polar Express, rail wear, art prints, cards and unique gifts for rail fans of every age Elgin County Railway Museum, 225 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-637-6284 | www.ecrm5700.org

THURS DEC 4 TO SAT DEC 13 WEDS: HERE LIES JEREMy TROy Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm; $15/adult, $10/student or senior, $30/family; The West Elgin Dramatics Society presents this hilarious farce by Jack Sharkey WEDS Theatre (Town Hall), 199 Currie Rd, Dutton Contact Village Crier, 519-762-2862 | www.weds.ca

THURS DEC 4 TO SUN DEC 14 ELGIN THEATRE GUILD: SNOW WHITE & THE 7 DWARFS Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm; $16 in advance (online or Bell's Bookbin, 552 Talbot St, St. Thomas, 519-878-4452), $17 at door, $10 first Thurs; traditional British Pantomime by James Barry, with lots of audience participation, for kids and adults alike Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca

JEFF YUREK, MPPELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON

Here to help you with:Ontario Disability Support Program,

OHIP Cards, Driver’s Licences, Ontario Works, Birth Certificates

750 Talbot Street, Suite 201, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 1E2P: 519-631-0666 | T: 1-800-265-7638

E: [email protected] | www.jeffyurekmpp.com

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from


Events

FRI DEC 5 AyLMER PERFORMING ARTS: kIM STOCkWOOD Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm; $25/person; entertainer, performer, writer and host Kim Stockwood Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.artsinaylmer.com

FRI DEC 5 HOLISTIC NUTRITION WORkSHOP 10am-12pm; learn about gluten free and paleo cooking, with Sarah from Silver Birch Clinic St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis St, St. Thomas 519-631-6050 | www.stthomaspubliclibrary.ca

SAt DEC 6 SIMPLy CHRISTMAS 11am-4pm; cider, chestnuts, hot cocoa, live music, ornament/craft making and Santa, hosted by the Art Gallery of Lambeth and Jaydancin Art Gallery of Lambeth, 2454 Main St, Lambeth

SAt DEC 6 RODNEy SANTA CLAUS PARADE 2pm free library program, 3:30 wagon rides, Snake Lady & children’s activities, 5:30pm parade, followed by Santa at Legion; free hotdogs sponsored by Lions 519-785-0560 | www.westelgin.net

SAt DEC 6 WEST ELGIN CHORAL SOCIETy: A STORyBOOk CHRISTMAS 7:30pm; Christmas concert to benefit Fresh Start Free Reformed Church, 145 St. George St, St. Thomas www.westelginchoralsociety.weebly.com

SAt DEC 6 CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WALk 6-8pm; stroll the candle lit path through the forest, with local performers celebrating the spirit of Christmas; tickets available at gate Springwater Conservation, 8079 Springwater Rd, Aylmer 519-773-9037 | www.catfishcreek.ca

SAt DEC 6 SPRINGFIELD SANTA CLAUS PARADE 1pm

SAt DEC 6 PORT BURWELL SANTA CLAUS PARADE 6:30pm; from Legion, west on Wellington, south on Robinson, east on Pitt to library; goodies and hot drinks at Lighthouse | www.bayham.on.ca

SAT DEC 6 & SAT DEC 13 BACkUS-PAGE CHRISTMAS DINNER $100 (reservation req'd, includes $50 tax receipt); unique 1850s multi-course dining experience with costumed servers in the museum (first evening sold out as of print) Backus-Page House, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca

Backus-Page House Christmas Dinner

Carol Sing at Old St. Thomas Church


EventsSAT & SUN DEC 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 SANTA TREATS TRAIN RIDES Departs at 11am, 1pm & 2:30pm; scenic ride in heated car with mince tarts and hot cider on the way to meet Santa; live entertainment featured on some trains Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-3730 | www.pstr.on.ca

SUN DEC 7 BREAkFAST WITH SANTA 9am-12pm; $8/adult, $6/child 10 and under; pancake & sausage breakfast, games, activities, photos with Santa and music; hosted by Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas St. Thomas Seniors' Centre, 225 Chestnut St, St. Thomas 519-633-4396

SUN DEC 7 CAROL SING AT OLD ST. THOMAS CHURCH 3pm; Salvation Army Band, emcee Steve Peters and guest speaker Rev Mavis Currie; mince tarts, church cookies and hot cider; freewill collection for Salvation Army Winter Relief program; everyone welcome; dress warmly Old St. Thomas Church, 55 Walnut St, St. Thomas www.oldstthomaschurch.com

SUN DEC 7 FINGAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE 2pm

SUN DEC 7 BELMONT SANTA CLAUS PARADE 6pm

MON DEC 8 TO FRI DEC 12 BACkUS-PAGE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAyS 10am-4:30pm; $10/person; tours; crafts at 11am & 2pm Backus-Page House, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca

THUR DEC 11 CHRISTMAS AT CASO LUNCHEON $25; for groups, individuals or businesses, hosted by the North America Railway Hall of Fame CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-633-2535 | www.narhf.org

SAT DEC 13 PET ADOPTION OPEN HOUSE 11am-3pm | City Animal Services, 100 Burwell Rd, St.Thomas 519-631-7430 | www.cityanimalservices.ca

ON NOW UNTIL DECEMBER 23RD:

1814: WAR IN THE WESTElgin County Administration Building, 4th Floor,450 Sunset Drive (Hwy 4), St. Thomas, Ontario

Open year round - Call for seasonal hours 519.631.1460 ext. 160

WWW.ELGINCOUNTY.CA

CHANGING EXHIBITS LECTURES • GIFT SHOP

Mark

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519-785-0560www.westelgin.net

WEST ELGIN

...experience the magic of the season!SANTA CLAUS PARADES

West Lorne - Friday November 28thParade at 7pm; meet Santa at the arena afterward

for free skating (until 9pm) and face painting!Rodney - Saturday December 6th

2:00pm - Free library program 3:30pm - Snake Lady show, wagon rides & kids’ activities

4:30pm - Hot dogs sponsored by Rodney Lions Club 5:30pm - Parade; Santa at Legion afterward

We’re just down the road and off the beaten path.

WEST LORNE • RODNEY • PORT GLASGOW

Winter in Wonderland Winter in Wonderland


Events

SAT DEC 13 WILDFLOWERS FARM CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE 10am-2pm; handcrafted tea blends, honey, body products, gift baskets and more Wildflowers Farm, 42338 Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas 226-926-6432 | www.wildflowerstea.com

SAT DEC 13 STRAFFORDVILLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE 10:30am; from Public School to the Community Centre, where kids can visit Santa, get goodies and hot drinks 519-866-3355 | www.bayham.on.ca

SAT DEC 13 JINGLE BELL ROCk 3pm & 8pm; $29/person; Christmas classics and '50s rockin' favourites (Elvis, Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis and more), hosted by the hilarious Jeff Brown as Ed Sullivan; a Bill Culp Productions show Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 6-302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca

SAT DEC 13 THE MET: LIVE IN HD $26/adult, $25/senior/child (discounts for multi-buys); Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com

TUES DEC 16 FEST-A-MONTH CULTURAL DINNER 6:30pm; $35/person; Dutch Christmas Traditions The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

FRI DEC 19 ELGIN THEATRE GUILD GREAT ExPANSION CHRISTMAS SHOW 8pm; $40/person ($20 tax receipt); Nova Scotia's Dave Gunning with special guests Ukes of Hazard; net proceeds to the STEGH Expansion Campaign Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca

SAT DEC 20 STEED & CO. LAVENDER SEASON CLOSING Stock up for the winter and get any last minute gifts Steed & Co. Lavender, 47589 Sparta Ln, Sparta 519-494-5525 | www.steedandcompany.com

MON DEC 22, TUES DEC 23, SAT DEC 27 TO WED DEC 31, FRI JAN 2 & SUN JAN 4 TIM HORTONS FREE SkATES 1:15-2:45pm; proudly sponsored by Tim Hortons Timken Community Centre, 2 Third Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-7112 | www.stthomas.ca

WED DEC 31 EECC FAMILy NEW yEAR'S EVE PARTy 6-9pm East Elgin Community Complex, 531 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-773-5631 | www.eastelgincommunitycomplex.ca

WED DEC 31 SAxONIA HALL NEW yEAR'S EVE PARTy 6pm; $40/person; the German Canadian Club presents dinner & dancing with Cornell's DJ Service; RSVP by Dec 15 Saxonia Hall, 522 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-866-3164 or 519-773-5271 | www.saxoniahall.com

JANUARY & fEBRUARY EVENTSWED JAN 7 & THURS JAN 8 SLOW GROOVE ROASTING COOkERy CLASS 6:30-9pm; rubs, marinades and "low and slow" roasting, plus twists on traditional side dishes The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

SAT JAN 17 THE MUDMEN AT PRINCESS AVE PLAyHOUSE Bagpipes, banjos & celtic rock Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca

Danny Michel (photo by Ilia Horsburgh)


EventsSAT JAN 17 AyLMER PERFORMING ARTS: DANNy MICHEL Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm; $25/person; multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter-producer from Kitchener Waterloo with three Juno nominations and ten albums Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.artsinaylmer.com

SAT JAN 17 THE MET: LIVE IN HD $26/adult, $25/senior/child (discounts for multi-buys); Lehar’s The Merry Widow Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com

THURS JAN 29 TO SAT FEB 7 AyLMER COMMUNITy THEATRE: MRS. PARLIAMENT'S NIGHT OUT Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm; $18/adults, $10/students, $12 preview night (at The Prime Ingredient, Campbell's II, Aylmer Video or [email protected]); last season's audience favourite by Norm Foster, directed by Ron Sawyer; meet & greet on Fri Jan 30 Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.aylmertheatre.ca

SAT JAN 31 THE MET: LIVE IN HD $26/adult, $25/senior/child (discounts for multi-buys); Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann) Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com

THURS FEB 12 TO SUN FEB 22 ELGIN THEATRE GUILD: MAN FROM EARTH Thurs-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm; $16 in advance; a play by Jerome Bixby Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca

SAT FEB 14 NEIL DIAMOND VALENTINES 3pm & 8pm; $29/person; international touring tribute artist Mark Thomas's "Neil Diamond: Greatest Love Songs"; a Bill Culp Productions show Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 6-302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca

SAT FEB 14 THE MET: LIVE IN HD $26/adult, $25/senior/child (discounts for multi-buys); Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta & Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-2261 | www.cineplex.com

SAT FEB 21 AyLMER PERFORMING ARTS: RHyTHM NOCTURNE Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm; $25/person; lush Rhythm and Blues tunes from the late 60s and 70s and a Detroit influence, from this seven piece band including Tom Starks and Denise Pelley Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John St S, Aylmer 519-765-3039 | www.artsinaylmer.com

fIND MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA More events, details and past event photos can be found on our website.

wE STRIVE fOR ACCURACY IN THESE LISTINGS, BUT DETAILS SOMETIMES CHANGE SO PLEASE CALL AHEAD.

BUY • SELL • TRADE • LEASE1207 Talbot St, St. Thomas • 519-633-0240

Find our featured cars and trucks online at www.bridgeviewstthomas.ca

BRIDGEVIEW MOTORSQuality Used Cars & Trucks • Sales, Service & Leasing

519-633-9691 1030 Talbot St . St. Thomas

OPEN YEAR ROUNDMon-Fri: 8am-8pm • Sat & Sun: 8am-6pmWe proudly support local farmers.

BRIWOODYOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD FARM MARKET

BAKERY • PRODUCE • GROCERY • DAIRY • FRESH & DELI MEAT • BULK FOOD • PET FOOD

CHRISTMAS TREES • HOLIDAY DECOR EVERYTHING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY FEAST

Weddings • Corporate Events • Gift Cards

Relish Elgin Holiday 2014

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