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144 Queensway East Simcoe Ontario N3Y 4K8 PH 519-426-6150 FX 519-428-4283 TF 1-800-265-2812
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November 29, 2011 Volume 5 Edition 10 A FREE Weekly Community Newspapera new perspective
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Photo, left to right: Krista Kitchen (Elgin Avenue Public School), Sharon Smyth (Child Nutrition Network), Fran Haskett and Deb Mather (Scotiabank Simcoe).
Breakfast is servedArticle on page 2.
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 2
By Paul McAlisterCourtesy of Man2Man,Newsletter of the Prostate Cancer Centre, London Regional Cancer ProgramI went to see my old family Doc’ when I was on a trip to Ireland. Little did I know this would be the start of my cancer journey.
I had been living in Canada for about five years but had not found a family doctor, so I thought I may as well pay a visit while I was in Ireland. He asked if I had had a PSA test done recently.
My starting point was very poor, as I had no idea what PSA meant, or what the prostate actually did. But I had no pains, no cramps, sensations, nor even discomfort and I was only fifty-six. Prostate problems were for old men. Couldn’t be me!
“Your PSA is high, I want you to see a urologist” he said. So back to Canada and the visit to the urologist duly arrived. One half of
me had the other half convinced that I would be OK, in fact it might all be a mistake. But there I was being told that I need further tests. My confidence took a little dent, but let’s see what the tests produce.
The first test was an ultrasound, with possible biopsies. Again this all sounds so routine and minor, but to a person who hasn’t been in a hospital, except to visit, since I was seven years of age, this was starting to become alien to me. The ultrasound went well, but the after effects further eroded my comfort zone. Blood was something I had been advised might be present in my urine, but it still came as a shock. The difference was that this was my blood. I detected a distinct downturn in my emotional state. Little things started to nag at me.
Next was a cystoscopy. I don’t remember the actual procedure, but that is a good thing. The time waiting for all of the results passed quickly, and I was still not particularly worried. It wasn’t going to be me!
When the results were finally given to me, that I had prostate cancer,
I thought I took it quite well, almost as if I had been expecting it. But really, I was a mixture of emotions. Suddenly I needed to do some research, to find the truth. I’ll Google it, and find out. MISTAKE!!... I was confronted with all the worst scenarios, and suddenly all confidence was totally eroded. I pushed myself to read it, as it was important. When the figures quoted referred to only so many cases per hundred or thousand, I immediately put myself in that bracket. My head was spinning, but I really thought that this was something I had to endure in order to face the truth.
The next week in particular proved to be an emotional roller-coaster. I would tell everyone about my diagnosis, appearing “brave”, but behind the facade I was fragile and often prone to unexpected emotional break-downs. Tears flowed unexpectedly and uncontrollably. After a couple of weeks I was mostly in control again, but afraid of the unexpected. It took a lot longer to understand and accept that it’s OK to experience fear. It’s there and that’s that.
What I have discovered thus far
is my complete ignorance of the disease and, boy, have I learned in a hurry!
If I have a message to this point (prior to my surgery with Dr. Chin) it is… if you are over fifty, get yourself checked and ask where you can find reliable information. There is a lot of help out there, you just have to ask.
Courtesy of The Child Nutrition NetworkThe Child Nutrition Network of Haldimand & Norfolk received a generous donation of $3387.99 from Scotiabank - Simcoe. The donation will purchase healthy food for the following programs: Bloomsburg Public School (Breakfast), Delhi Public School (Early Morning Meal), Langton Public (Breakfast/EMM), Simcoe Composite School (Breakfast), Turning Point – Waterford (Breakfast), Waterford District High School (Breakfast), Elgin Ave. Public School (EMM), Houghton Public School (EMM).
The Child Nutrition Network, established in January 1998, is the local partnership including Haldimand-Norfolk REACH, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and community members supporting Student Nutrition Programs in our area. The Student Nutrition Program is a provincial initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
(MCYS) and is administered regionally through Haldimand-Norfolk REACH. CNN is the local provider for the Student Nutrition Program.
Our vision is that all children in Haldimand and Norfolk have access to healthy food through Student Nutrition Programs. Healthy eating improves children’s readiness to learn and enriches their future. Our role is to provide leadership and support to local Student Nutrition Programs through educating, capacity building and financial assistance.
At present, the Child Nutrition Network supports 39 breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, and snack programs, and 2 after- school programs across Haldimand & Norfolk counties. These programs provide nourishment to over 7,000 local
children, promote healthy eating and provide a positive social atmosphere for all students and staff. Nutrition is fundamental to meet the growth, development, and activity needs of children and youth. Provincial funding can provide up to 15 percent of the overall cost of the program. Local communities are required to contribute to the remaining cost through fundraising and partnership development. The Child Nutrition Network works with local programs to obtain the additional funds from other sources such as parents, service clubs and corporations.
“Not So JollY HolIDaYS”
tHompSoN WaterS FuNeral Home,port Dover
is hosting a special Grief Care meeting on
thursday, December 1st
7:00 pmat thompson Waters Funeral Home,
102 First ave., port Doverled by Ted & Nancy Molyneaux of Hope Counselling.
The Holiday season can be a painful reminder of the person we have lost. Topics will focus on how to handle your loss
and deal with your grief at this special time of year.
everyone is welcome
please call thompson Waters Funeral Home 519-583-1530 to advise the number for your family that will attend.
Exhaust • BrakEs • tunE ups • Custom pipE BEnding ComputEr diagnostiCs • tirEs • usEd Car salEs & sErviCEs
Norfolk HubBox 189, Simcoe N3Y 3N0
phone: 519-428-1777publishers: Dave & monica Scott
[email protected] reproduction of this publication without permission is prohibited. Opinions and comments within this publication are those of the writers and not necessarily that of the Norfolk Hub.
CHAMBERSCONSTRUCTION SERVICES
519.420.7612
Simcoe Home
HardwareJason & Kristin Terrebroodt
Dealer/Owners
50 Queensway Street, West, Simcoe519.426.9993
My irish Psa
An article for Movember
The 16th Annual Dickens Christmas
Craft ShowSat, Dec 3rd 10am - 5pm & Sun, Dec 4th 10am - 4pm
at the Aud, Norfolk CountyFairgrounds, Simcoe
By Dave ScottSharon Smyth of the Child Nutrition Network brought along some typical breakfast program items to Scotiabank Simcoe last Monday and offered up a sampling to the Scotiabank staff. The breakfast program helps over 7,000 kids daily in schools across Haldimand and Norfolk.
Sharon explained that since the amount of students needing outside support to gain a healthy breakfast is continually growing, funding is always needed. The program is open to all children and is run by community volunteers who come to the school and prepare the food. Thanks to donations like that of Scotiabank, kids are receiving food such as yogurt, apples and cereal…
Fran Haskett of Scotiabank said, ‘Seeing is believing!’ She and Deb have both gone to visit the program and have seen it running first hand. Deb also added that anytime Scotiabank can help children, ‘They will be there!’
If you would like to get involved give Sharon a call at 519-587-2441 ext 286.
Breakfastis served
By Paul McAlister
Child NutritioN Network of haldiMaNd & Norfolk
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 3
We also sell appliance parts!! • Furnaces • air conditioners
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every part you need... For every job you have
Visit our new web site www.allpartshvac.ca519.426.1777 • [email protected] • 36 Park Road, Simcoe N3Y 4T2
HERMAN KUNKEL
custoM pipe cutting & threading!
➤ Gourmet Dinner - Waterford United Church is serving up “A Gourmet Affair” on December 3 at 6pm. This is an elegant 4 course meal served in an intimate setting benefitting the Waterford Food Cupboard. Piano interludes provided by Geoff Snow. Tickets are $25/plate and available
at Waterford United Church and at Waterford Pro Hardware until November 28. Call 443-5261 for more info.
➤ The 16th Annual Dickens Christmas Craft Show Sat Dec 3rd 10am - 5pm and Sun Dec 4th 10am - 4pm at the Aud, Norfolk County Fairgrounds, Simcoe ON
➤ Waterford Hort. Society cordially invites all members and guests to our Christmas dinner on Mon. Dec. 5th at 5:30pm at the Trinity Anglican Church hall. Temperance St.Tickets are $13, call Betty at 519 443 5406 by Nov.30th.
➤ 60’s Christmas Dance! At the Simcoe Royal Canadian Legion, Dec. 10, 8pm. $5 at the door to help our veterans! Featuring the Mushy Peez.
➤ Heaven & Earth - an afternoon of Arias, Art
Songs & Folk Songs featuring Luanne Ashe, Soprano accompanied by the venerable Angus Macleod. This will be held at Waterford United Church on Sunday, December 11, 2011 @ 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served following the concert.
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Service of HoPefor the Bereaved
Clergy of Port Dover and Thompson Waters Funeral Home will host an ecumenical service on
at St. paul’s anglican Church, Corner ofmarket and St. George St., port Dover
The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who have had a death in the family. This will be an uplifting
service of remembrance, strength and sharing.Refreshments will be served in the church hall
following the service
everyone is welcome
please call thompson Waters Funeral Home 519-583-1530 to advise the number for your family that will attend.
Sunday, December 11th
2:00 pm
By Dave ScottYou know that sporting event that captures your attention… remember as a kid having to go to bed at the end of the first period of the hockey game… you would just lay awake wondering who was winning… having trouble falling asleep… then waking up the next day… listening to the radio to see if your team won (when I was a kid… believe it or not… there was no TSN).
I have been following the games leading up to the Vanier Cup (Canadian University Football Championship) for the last couple of weeks. Laval, who was the
defending champs, was destroying everyone in their way… and McMaster (Mac) was doing the same… both teams had precision offences and punishing defences… I just had a feeling that these two teams were on a collision course for a good game.
Friday night, I settled in and watched the first half as Mac dominated, leading 23-0… but you got the sense the game was far from over.
Unfortunately, at half time I closed my eyes just for a second and bang, the next thing I knew, it was Saturday morning… I woke up at 6am, annoyed with myself for missing the next half… I headed upstairs grabbed a coffee and
figured I could catch the highlights of the game.
As luck would have it, TSN 2 was rebroadcasting the game… hmm I turned it on, and low and behold, the second half of the game was just starting… what luck… but I kept thinking, click over and see who won… just one click and I would know… that little voice would not let
go… the kid in me just had to know. So I checked the ticker… words like, ‘Classic! Best cup ever! Double overtime! Mac wins!’ Okay, back to the game… click… what a second half! Laval battles back, takes the lead… Mac fights back… and finally in double overtime… a Mac field goal wins it… in perhaps the best Vanier Cup ever! Man I wish there was TSN when I was a kid!
iNstaNt ClassiC
By Dave Scott➤ First up… we made a boo-boo last week on Tia and Tommy’s Christmas Concert, Tia McGraff and Friends at Home For Christmas - the date is Friday, December 2nd at 7pm… at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover. Call 519-583-2221. Please accept our apology.
➤ Love to hear stories about folks helping our local food banks… great work Rick McCall KIA.
➤ Want to attend a cool Holiday Feast? A Winter’s Night, with Chris and Claire at the Waterford Old Town Hall… December 8th and
9th… a delightful dinner followed by the musical talents of Chris and Claire… call 519-443-0113… I have heard them play… awesome, check it out!
➤ Did I mention, Tia McGraff and Friends at Home For Christmas, at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre December 2nd at 7pm… call 519-583-2221… still feel bad for putting in the wrong date.
➤ Thanks to all the folks who responded to the story about Mr. Keegan… it was very well received on Facebook. Check out our website if you missed it www.noroflkhub.ca
➤ Lights are on… check out the Panorama Park in Simcoe… now we just need a little snow!
➤ Remember to get to Doverwood
Public School in Port Dover on Saturday, December 3rd for their Santa Sale.
➤ I stopped out at Long Point Eco-Adventures… Steve, Adam and Bob are still working away… stop out for a walk on the trails… they are very scenic!
➤ Hey, Burning Kiln, ‘Congrats on your 2010 strip room Red Wine being chosen for the official red wine for the Ontario Legislative Assembly!’ It will be served exclusively at all Legislative Assembly functions… Awesome!
➤ The all new 2012 VW Beetle arrived at Rick McCall Volkswagen last week… and Ron asked if I would like to take it for a drive… so I did… very impressive… comfortable drive, great power, awesome lines… I love the new look… these bugs are going to be a hit… get up to McCall’s and check it out!
➤ In case you missed it, Tia and Tommy will be performing at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Friday, December 2nd at 7pm… call 519-583-2221 for tickets… I know… I know!
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 4
Big SplaSh Of The Week!
By Dave ScottMrs. Smith’s grade three classroom at Doverwood Public School, was the scene last week as students were busy following instructions from parent volunteer, Barb Galuppi. She was leading them in creating some rather cool little Christmas tree decorations… using pipe cleaners, beads, stickers and a spool. Of course this was all for the annual Santa Sale (Saturday December 3rd, at 10am in Doverwood’s school gym), a long standing tradition that started many moons ago at Port Dover Public School and was carried on to Doverwood when the public school was decommissioned.
The parent committee at Doverwood, along with all of the students and teachers are doing their part to make this year’s event a huge success.
This year the Santa Sale will feature crafts proudly made by the students, penny table prizes donated by community businesses, catalogue vendors, a delicious bake sale and a tea room as well… there is even talk of Santa himself stopping by for a visit.
Barb explained that the funds raised from the event help out with things like bus expenses for school trips along with gym and outdoor supplies for the school. The funds have also been used to help out with playground equipment in the past.
It is great to see such wonderful school spirit displayed by the students, teachers and parent group… a real community effort… so stop by Doverwood on December 3rd and do a little Christmas shopping!
a traditioN CoNtiNues
Jack Smith
Wish it...Dream it...
Do it.
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 5
Have a question or commentfor Coach Scot? Email to: [email protected]
361 main St., port Dover519-583-3100
519426-1111
77 Queensway E, Simcoe
519.426.8084
ATHLETE’S NAME Randy FraserHOMETOWN Simcoe
SPORTS PLAYED Bowling (5 & 10 Pin)
YEARS INVOLVED 2 yearsAWARDS RECEIVED Bowling Trophy
BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Cliff Butler
INTERESTS & HOBBIES Toronto Maple Leafs
MY HERO Daryl SittlerTHREE TEAM MATES Laura & Jason
ATHLETE’S PROFILE
77 Queensway E, Simcoe
519.426.8084
Ra n d yF ra s e r
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NORFOLK SECONDARY SCHOOL
ACCOMMODATION REVIEW
Grand Erie District School Board approved a Pupil Accommodation Review for secondary schools in Norfolk County. Secondary schools included in the review are:
Delhi District Secondary SchoolDoverwood Public School
Port Dover Composite SchoolSimcoe Composite School
Valley Heights Secondary SchoolWaterford District High School
An Accommodation Review Committee has been established. Interested parents and community members
are invited to attend the next Accommodation Review Committee meeting.
Date: Thursday, December 1, 2011Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Simcoe Composite School
ARC members would like to thank the individuals who presented delegations at Port Dover Composite School
on November 15 and 17.
Visit the ARC – Norfolk Secondary button at www.granderie.ca for information and agenda.
Carol Ann Sloat Board Chair
John Forbeck Director of Education
SportsGood
awesome
Canadian TireSimcoe
Proud Sponsors of...
visit our christMas store! - next to our Mall entranceway
Back Row Left to Right: Kyle Vary, Calvin Vanrooy, Michael Acuna, Greg Lightheart, Jonah Gardner, and Hunter Birtch. Middle Row Left to Right: Blake Sullivan, Emma Walker, Hannah
Smith, and Connor Heart. Front Row Left to Right: Matthew Acuna, Cole Gamble, Derek Whitney, Matthew Townsend… absent Lirum Scott.
Port dover Pee wee wiN B divisioN iN Port staNley tourNaMeNt
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 6
Leon's Charities Events!
LEON’S FURNITURE SIMCOE
24 NORFOLK ST.519.426.0270
RICK McCALL KIA “Your Home Town Dealer
with a Small Town Touch”
Hwy 6 E., Port Dover www.rickmccall.com
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35 main Street, Waterford, oN N0e 1Y0 519-443-8645 www. tricountyins.ca
28 Colborne Street N., Simcoe, oN N3Y 3t9 519-426-4773 www.mckieefarrar.com
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help you make the most informed insurance decisions on all of your personal, farm and business insurance needs.
Call us today. We think you’ll find we’re that missing piece of your insurance puzzle.
PuT Our ExPEriEnCE TO WOrK FOr YOu
By Dave ScottI was busy doing my Dover thing a couple of weeks ago… trying to drum up some advertising… stopping in to visit the usual hangouts… KIA, Runner’s Den, 13 Reasons, Cottage North Soapworks… just to say, ‘Hi.’ At lunch I headed over to the Urban Café to meet Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham, so we could chat about their upcoming Christmas Concert at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, December 2nd at 7pm… tickets are twenty dollars and are now available at the theatre.
We all grabbed a coffee and started to chat… I have interviewed Tia before and our conversation picked up like we had just been talking yesterday. This was the first time that I was able to meet with Tommy... yet again, it kinda’ felt like we have known each other for a long time.
Both Tia and Tommy have been busy working on their Christmas album, which for Tia is something she has always wanted to do. There are a lot of traditional songs with a
new spin on them… it was important to get back to the true meaning of Christmas… songs like, Silent Night, Good King Wenceslas, plus along with my favourites of Tia’s, is Christmas in Hebden Bridge.
The Christmas CD is a nice follow up to their successfully CD, Diversity (2010).
The couple have also kept busy teaching music as well, and were eager to talk about some of the great kids they have been working with.
They have the passion to pass along all that they have learned in the recording industry; to help new talent find their way; to watch the growth of these youngsters… working with the next generation of young musicians has really revitalized the music within Tommy and Tia.
I can see that this couple is strong in their relationship and their commitment to their music. It is not often in life that folks are able to follow their dreams… to
devote themselves completely in what they believe in.
Tia and Tommy will be the first to tell you, it isn’t the easiest way to earn a living… but they look beyond that and understand the impact their music can make… as Tia explained there is nothing better then knowing that our music may have helped someone in their life.
The couple met in Nashville through a mutual friend and the relationship has continued to grow ever since… they write together, perform together, they have found that balance in life. There is that respect for each other that a couple would need to make it all work.
As usual, I had not scheduled enough time and before I knew it I had to be on my way… but it was great just to sit and chat with these
two outstanding musicians… we are very lucky to have such wonderful talents in our area.
Oh, before I forget, along with Tia and Tommy performing at the Christmas Concert there will be a
tia MCGraff aNd frieNds at hoMe for ChristMas!
Tia McGraff
Continued on page 11
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 7
Family Medical Centre381 Cedar Street, Simcoe
Whitehorse Plaza454 Norfolk Street S,
Simcoe
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Health Centre216 West Street,
Simcoe
www.wellnesspharmacy.net
519.426.6580 519.426.7750
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CLARK’SPHARMASAVE
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THIRD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WISHESAt the Whitehorse Plaza, 454 Norfolk Street S, Simcoe 519 426-6580
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
YOU’RE INVITED!
Fragrance SaleFragrance SaleOr Buy 1 FragranceReceive 1 Giftware
Item at Half Price(of equal or lesser
value on regularpriced items only)
Or Buy 1 FragranceReceive 1 Giftware
Item at Half Price(of equal or lesser
value on regularpriced items only)
Don’t Miss Our Annual
Thursday, December 1st - Monday, December 5th, 2011At the Whitehorse Plaza, Norfolk Street South, Simcoe
Don’t Miss Our Annual
Thursday, December 1st - Monday, December 5th, 2011At the Whitehorse Plaza, Norfolk Street South, Simcoe
Either Buy 1 FragranceReceive 1 Fragranceat Half Price(of equal or lesservalue on regularpriced items only)
Either Buy 1 FragranceReceive 1 Fragranceat Half Price(of equal or lesservalue on regularpriced items only)
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 8
By Dave ScottI am not sure how I would cope if there wasn’t enough food in the cupboard to feed my kids… to what extreme would it take me? Would I beg, borrow or steal… or turn to a local food bank?
I looked at the national numbers for folks who do not have enough food in the cupboard and according to Food Banks Canada in March of 2011… over eight hundred thousand folks in this country had to use a food banks… think about that number, our country has roughly thirty-four million people and close one million were without food… since 2008 use of food banks have risen 26%.
Of the folks needing food: 38% were children and youth under the age of eighteen; 47% were women and children; 4.4% were seniors over the age sixty-five, rising to 5.7% in rural areas.
It is crazy to think… we cannot even feed the children of this great nation. These numbers
are not going away anytime soon… food banks around the country are running out of food at times.
A few months ago I stopped by the Caring Cupboard in Simcoe to chat with director, Kim Scoyne… I was amazed at the amount of folks picking up food… I guess I have always read the numbers… been around when food was being delivered but never when folks who need it, were there getting what supplies they could.
They were folks just like you and me… no difference… they had fallen on hard times… trying to get by… needing a meal to keep it all
going.
It bothered me… I wanted to help… I wanted to make sure our paper reminded folks to donate and help.
If we all give a little more, maybe help in developing a long term strategy… create a monthly network of donations…
In the end all I know is, we all need to help more… 800,000 Canadians without food… we only have a population of thirty-four million… the numbers continue to grow…
By Wilma F. MontgomeryYouth Hostels have come of age. Back in the 60’s, youth hostels were really just beginning as a popular way for young people to travel. The principle was simple; cheap, safe places for young people to stay for a night as they travelled around the world. For a buck or two you had a safe place to put your sleeping bag for the night. I remember a certain amount of envy for the free spirit of some of my friends that they were willing to use the freedom that quite frankly, I didn’t have to courage to take for myself.
That was some 45 years ago now. Those teenagers are now hitting their 60’s and guess what? They, along with today’s youth, are still using the hostels. In the intervening years, the thought of the hostels has crossed my mind from time to time but more as a nostalgic thought than anything. Until about 5 years ago that is, when a conversation with a 30-something on-line friend raised the subject again.
She had just returned from a solo trip to Panama. When I asked her, “Where does a single woman stay and feel safe in a foreign country?” I was surprised when she said, “At the hostels.” So, I started to do some serious online research. It turns out that there are a number of world-wide hostelling associations and that you can travel to just about anywhere in the world using this network of affordable singles accommodation.
As every single knows, the travel world is generally set up as a two by two world. Most packages and prices are based on double occupancy. When you have a job and your friends have jobs, it’s not easy to co-ordinate schedules to permit travelling together. Either you travel single or you sit at home. The second was not an option. So, a few years ago, I snagged myself a couple of nice cheap West Jet discounted fares, booked myself into a Vancouver hostel, and the adventures began. I’ve been using the hostels for about 5 years now and I’d like to share a few details. It’s my hope that for a few readers, this might open up a world of safe
travel.
The first rule is that you do not bring pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or bedding of any kind into the hostel. All bedding is provided for you when you sign in. You will be given a nice clean pile of linens with which to make your bed.
Accommodations is generally dormitory style, from 2 to 6 bunk beds and divided into at least one all male dorm, one all female and one mixed dorm. Often a semi-private and/or a private room is also available but these are no cheaper than a motel room. Hostels vary in size from about 14 beds to as many as 60 or more. Prices range from as little as $10 a night (unusual) to about $30 a night, averaging about $24 a night. Newport, Rhode Island is a classic example of an exceptionally high price; I was a little upset at the price until I arrived at the hostel and realized that $50 a night was the accommodation deal of the night in this high-priced, very wealthy tourist mecca!
Some sort of light continental breakfast is usually included. This can range from toast and tea to pancakes and syrup and occasionally even more. There is a communal kitchen and most of the dishes and cooking appliances that you can think of are available for use; please clean up after yourself. There is space in both cupboards and fridge for personal food items and these items must be labelled and dated. In the kitchen at Hi-Santa Cruz there is a huge industrial sized fridge in their kitchen and one half of it was for personal items but the other half was filled with “Free for everyone to use” fruits and veggies. This included 1 pound boxes of fresh strawberries, fresh asparagus, celery, apples, potatoes, squash, onions and more. Obviously the local farmers had been contributing. There is always a cupboard of spices and sugar other such odds and ends for communal use.
The hostel staff is wonderfully helpful; they know all the best affordable places to experience. They always have lots of free maps.
Often the hostel itself will run tours and special socials like the “All you can eat pasta and salad night” at the Hi-Downtown San Francisco. Sometimes the hostels pack a surprise like the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel in California; $22 a night and for an extra $7 you were able to sit in the outdoor hot tub right on the edge of the cliff with the sea and the sea lions some 50 feet below you in the dark. Add the blue lights of the tub, the thick fog surrounding you and the drone of the lighthouse foghorn and it’s a truly magical moment.
Book at least a day ahead; it will save you disappointment. I didn’t book ahead for the Hi-NW Portland OR and arrived to find that not only was it full but so were the alternatives. It seems that the rock band Journey was playing in the city and every hostel room in the city had been snagged by fans. I didn’t book ahead for my stay in Phoenix AZ thinking that such a big city would have plenty of space. It turned out it was only 14 beds and a group had booked up everything for the night; no room in the inn.
Hostels can be located everywhere from right downtown to out in the ‘boonies’. Sausalito, outside of San Francisco was particularly hard to find. It was only because my GPS insisted it was right there that I finally found the building. It was in the middle of a game reserve. Deer wandered around in complete safety. The next morning my car had muddy raccoon tracks on the roof. Hence the warning to close the kitchen windows against marauding raccoons! Two cyclists that I met at the Hi-Monterey had given up trying to find the Hi-Sausalito and had spent the night elsewhere. It was absolutely the quietest hostel ever!
Hostelling isn’t for everyone. There is a certain lack of privacy and people come and go at all hours although everyone is very respectful of privacy and differing sleep patterns and lights out. There are lockers for personal belongings but most people don’t bother. I have yet to have anything stolen and I haven’t run across anyone who has
had anything taken.
But, travelling alone doesn’t mean travelling lonely. As a single in the hostel situation, you say hello more to other singles, you chat more, and you share experiences. At the HI-Tofino, BC, this lead to sharing a seaplane ride with a woman from Australia and one from Ireland. We flew over the coastal islands and watched the whale sighting ships dwarfed by two cavorting California blue whales. It was mind-boggling to see.
Hostelling affords independence. It means that you can meet different people every night and sometimes the same people will show up a few hostels away. You compare notes on the various hostels that you’ve visited. Often you will team up with another traveller who is going to the same sight as you or you might recommend someplace to each other. Hostellers are every age imaginable from youngsters seeing the world to the seasoned hostellers of 70+ who are, as one very senior lady put it, “Used to climbing up into the top bunk.”
I like to balance the hostels with camping and the occasional motel room. It means doing some research before you leave and taking your computer is a very good idea as most places are wired for Wi-Fi. Hostelling is a balance of companionship and privacy and independence which works for me and it allows for personal growth in ways that I never would have expected. But, that is another article altogether.
Web Searches: Hostelling International, Hi-Hostels.
seNior siNGle travelliNG
food BaNks stats
Dr. Alan Plater Dr. Geoffrey Manchester
Dr. Stephanie Landry519.428.2630
415 Queensway W., Simcoe (Hwy. #3, just west of Hwy. #24)
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 9
By MARG WERDEN
I’m dreaming of a green Christmas!
Trying to be environmentally friendly in the shopping craze that has become the Christmas season is not easy. However, there are a number of ways to keep the environment in mind when preparing for the holidays.
• Give services instead of goods: A gift of your time or a gift certificate for someone else’s time won’t eventually end up in the landfill. Some ideas are massages, music lessons, dog walking, house cleaning, car washes, childcare, automobile club memberships, or gardening
• Cloth gift bags: Although initially more expensive, making reusable gift bags makes environmental sense. Our family has a large box of gift bags that we have been using for more than ten years now, cutting down the amount of wrapping paper that we need to recycle each year. Look for colourful material on sale (it doesn’t have to have a Christmas pattern), and whip up a few bags each year for the next couple of years and you will quickly have a supply that lasts and lasts. (Just remember to collect them back from the recipients after they have opened the gifts!)
• Use a live Christmas tree: Although this sounds counter-productive, live Christmas trees are a renewable resource, whereas the plastic trees will all eventually become worn out and end up you-know-where! For many years now, we have dug up a tree and planted it again after Christmas. We haven’t had a 100 per cent success rate, but my outdoor lights this year are adorning two previous indoor trees that we planted on our lawn.
• Give an experience: This can be a fun and learning event for the gift recipient that they will remember for years to come. Examples include tickets to shows, concerts, sports events or other attractions, memberships in museums or other organizations, the purchase of a garden plot in a community garden, or tuition for a course at a local school.
• Buy used: Not everything that is given at Christmas has to be “brand new.” Check out garage sales, thrift and antique stores and you will be surprised at some of the items available there that, with a little cleaning up, are as good as new. If you're still a bit uneasy with this concept, write a note on the gift card. "We know how you love nature......this gift comes to you at no expense to the environment."
• Spend time in the kitchen: If you have the time and know others who don’t have the luxury of making homemade goodies, bake some for them. Your time, energy, and culinary creativity are just as valuable as that store-bought gift which they may not really even need.
• Give battery-free gifts: The disposal of used batteries continues to be a problem in our efforts to reduce toxic solid waste, and in the long run they take far more from the environment than the energy they give. Although indispensable in many situations, gift-giving is "non-essential" and a good place to consider alternatives to battery-powered toys and gizmos.
• Look for locally made gifts: Craft fairs and local artisan shops are a good source for gifts that do not included the added cost of transportation from halfway around the world, contributing to greenhouse emissions.
• Re-gift: You have to be careful with this one so that the original giver is not offended, but if you receive something you really
don’t need, look for ways you can reuse the gift by passing it on to someone who can use it. Keeping a gift that you don’t need and will never use is wasteful.
• Limit the use of Christmas lights: First, start with LED lights that use up to 95 per cent less energy than traditional holiday bulbs and then put them on a timer so that they only come on at dusk and turn off after a few hours; it’s a waste of energy (even if the amount of energy used is much lower) to keep them on all night when most everyone is asleep. We started using the lower-energy bulbs a few years ago, but often forgot to turn them off at bedtime. Because it is hard to see that they are on during the day, we occasionally found that they had been on all day, definitely defeating the purpose of having the lower-energy bulbs. This year, I bought a couple of timers and now they come on at dusk and turn a few hours later and I don’t even have to think about it. By the way, timers are on sale this week at a local hardware store for under $10!
Norfolk Nature
Notes
Norfolk Nature NotesSponsored by
Acorus Restoration
Putting Christmas lights on a timer will save energy, reduce your hydro bill, and help the environment.
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 10
FUN FOR ALL LUCKY DRAWS PENNY TABLE
ACTIVITIES CRAFTS
VISIT SANTA REFRESHMENTS
BAKE TABLE BOOK SALE TEA ROOM
DOVERWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL Saturday, December 3, 2011
10:00 am - 1:00 pm in Port Dover (Tel: 519-583-0830)
Debbie VanDalenBroker
215 Chapman St. E. Port Dover
Bus: 519.583.1912Fax: 519.583.9837Res: 905.779.3752
By Julie SwainstonThe 7th annual Birdtown Jamboree’s Cornstock Silent Auction Committee would like to thank everyone who donated to the Silent Auction. We greatly appreciated each and every item!
2nd Ave Printing
Lori Costigan
Tara Styles & Josh Snively
Pine Valley Golf & Country Club
Rookies
Rusty Blade
Krysta Otterman
Vic Gibbons
Brad Cole Underground Construction Ltd
Ingrid Sutherland
Dykstra Automotive
Kim Huffman
Jean Matzig
Connie Francis
Niki Matzig
Rage Body Jewellery
Dago Avila
Norfolk Golf & Country Club
Nicki & Kate Banis
Forsyth Fotography
Lori LaChance
Pam Rooney
Marnie Robinson
Andrea Ongena
Charles Jones Ltd
Heather and Barry Gibson
Kate Forester
Elaine Hines
Katheleen Ellis
Janet Robinson
Heather Ramsay
Goderich Aircraft
Lynn Meadows Golf & Country Club
Kelly’s Music
Gehrig’s
Also thank you to all those who participated in the Silent Auction! Without your support we could not enhance music and the arts programs for the youth in our area!
Recently, we were happy to present cheques to Haldimand Norfolk Women’s Services and to the Young Theatre Players and harmonicas and
recorders to the NYCA music program.
There are so many people and businesses who support us each year and all the volunteers behind the scenes who help make this event run smoothly – thank you so much!
Also, a huge thank you to all the musicians who donated their time and talent to support this event – we couldn’t do without you!
Mike Swanzey and Dan MacDonald did a fantastic job as MC’s, and their help with the bands was invaluable in keeping us on time – thank you so much!!
USW Local 8782 – who set up and run the Beer Garden for the whole weekend! Thank you!
Wagon Wheel Produce and Corn Maze donate the space for the event each year, Thank you! – it is the perfect setting for this family event with their many activities for the young and young-at-heart. There is ample space to either sit back on your lawn chair or wander around and take part in some of the activities and still enjoy the music!
Next year, our 8th annual Cornstock will be Sept 7th, 8th 9th 2012. It’s a great weekend of music to enjoy with your family and friends… we hope to see you there!
CorNstoCk’s sileNt auCtioN
Haldimand Norfolk Women’s Services, left to right: Jerri Hooley (Dharma Road and Hens For Friends) and Heidy VanDyk (HN Women’s Services).
Young Theatre Players, left to right: Rita Hodgson, Vice Chair of YTP, Tony Duclos (Shoeshine Boys and Birdtown) Vinetta Strombergs, Chair of YTP and Julie Swainston (Cornstock Silent Auction Committee).
By Joan BertrandMark your calendars for December 3rd and 4th as the Dickens Christmas Craft Show returns for its 16th Season at the Aud, at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds in Simcoe. A fund raiser for the local Youth for Christ, this year the show hosts nearly 80 vendors from points across Southern Ontario who bring their quality hand crafted goods right to our doorstep.
The conveners of the Dickens Show have worked hard to maintain the high quality of craftsmanship that Dickens has come to be known by. Vendors who are juried before being admitted to the show are required to send photos of themselves creating their product in their own work environment. Many craft shows have fallen into the difficulty of having vendors who simply are commercial: buying product and then re-selling. Dickens is different in that commercial vendors are turned away and craftspeople are free from the unfair competition of imported
goods. Shoppers can purchase quality goods made right here
in Southern Ontario and support the local artists and craft people in our communities.
Walking through the doors of the Aud, there is a stir of excitement in the air. The whole building is decorated in a festive mood with poinsettias, twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout the area. In addition, many of the vendors don their best rendition of that early Charles Dickens era to complement the theme.
The vendors come from a wide area. Besides our talented local Norfolk artists, the show features artisans from as far away as London and Thamesford, Guelph and Kitchener, Hamilton, Toronto, Fort Erie and the Niagara Peninsula.
There is a wide assortment of crafts available. Jewellers will be there bringing a wide variety of styles to suit every taste. In addition, the show features beautiful painted glass wares, individually hand stamped Christmas cards,
homemade organic soaps and lotions, candles and books. There will be a variety of clothing and accessories: sweaters, scarves and handbags, spinning and knitting. For every well loved pet there are gifts and treats. Loose leaf teas, chocolates, fudge, delicious strudels, gourmet jams, jellies and relishes will be available as well as a variety of wooden birdhouses, boxes and beautiful pottery. The Soenen Sisters, a talented musical family from Simcoe, are a special feature on Saturday as they perform on their instruments and sing songs from their cds.
All in all, this is a show that you do not want to miss. It is an excellent opportunity to find that special gift for that special person on your list and know that you are also giving a gift back to your community. The doors open at 10:00 each morning. Free parking is available as well as a refreshment area and door prizes every hour. The admission of $3 will benefit Youth Unlimited Youth Centre. Make plans to come out and enjoy your day.
diCkeNs ChristMas Craft show CoMiNG to towN
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 11
choir lead by Lorne Evans featuring folks from a few local churches as well as Devon Otterman will perform and a promising up and comer, Chelsey Procyk from Waterford way and Julie MacLeod.
A portion of the proceeds will be going to the Maureen Dodd Foundation (Tia’s first vocal coach), which insures and enhances the arts programs with the elementary schools of Port Dover.
Tia and Tommy’s
Christmas CD and booklet are already on sale at Stoney’s in Port Dover... a great Christmas gift!
Tia and Tommy have some shows going on this holiday season so don’t miss out!
December 4th in Cayuga at the Carriage House at Ruthven Park.
December 10th at the Station Arts Centre in Tillsonburg.
December 16th in Ottawa at the National Arts Centre.
Check out their website at www.tiamcgraff.com.
So get out and enjoy the wonderful sounds of Tia and Tommy this Christmas!
Dover apothecary“A Different Kind of Drugstore”
www.doverapothecary.ca
• Meds Check service available - call to book your Free consultation today!
• Visit our website for more information and refill your prescriptions onlinemichael marini, B.Sc. phm. pharmacist
328 main St., port Dover519-583-3784 1-888-233-8111
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Solution: No matter how carefully you stored the lights, they will be snarled again this year.
HUBSEARCH
Holiday Preparations Solution: 38 letters
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Hwy 6 E., Port Dover www.rickmccall.com 519.583.1400
kelly FulsoM
peter Marcella
sonya greenslade
RICK McCALLYour Home Town Dealer with a Small Town Touch
rickMccall
By Dave ScottI was down at KIA in Dover, checking out the KIA Carriage that was part of the Christmasfest Parade on November 19th… I was told that KIA had won first prize for the best commercial float and that the $100 in Dover Dollars that they had won was going to be donated to Port Dover Lifeline Food Bank… along with an additional cheque of $100 on behalf of Rick McCall KIA.
We cannot forget to mention the kids who rode in the Carriage during the parade. The children achieved the ride by being the winners in a KIA Colouring Contest… thanks to everyone who entered. Congratulations to the winners, Sophia, Paige, Jane, Colby, and Nick (in photo) along with General Manager Kelly Fulsom and his daughter Lexi who helped steer the Carriage through the parade route.
KIA has become somewhat of a town favourite in Dover when it comes to getting involved in the community and helping out. With the carriage now located in the showroom at Rick McCall KIA. The KIA staff is asking our local community to help fill it with gifts by dropping unwrapped items to the dealership. These presents will be distributed to families in need this Christmas.
Driving Change in our community is what KIA is all about! Knowing the sales staff at Rick McCall KIA, you get the feeling that their
hearts are in the right place… they are committed to the community and doing what they can to help everyone have a wonderful
Christmas! If you would like to donate stop by Rick McCall KIA, located at Highway 6 East in Port Dover or call 519-583-1400.
kia Gives
Left to right: Sophia, Paige, Jane, Colby, Nick, Lexi, and Kelly.
Tia McGraff and FriendsContinued from page 6
NORFOLK HUB, November 29, 2011 page 12
144 Queensway East Simcoe Ontario N3Y 4K8 PH 519-426-6150 FX 519-428-4283 TF 1-800-265-2812
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