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Art in the Bend

8 May
Hand carved boxes by Wayne Smith

Hand carved boxes by Wayne Smith

by Diva Trista Russell

Art lover? Then check out Sunset Arts Gallery in Grand Bend this summer! The first weekend in May was the grand opening for their 2013 season. Sunset Arts Gallery was also part of the annual Grand Bend Area Studio Tour called “Arts, Eats, & Beats” that was held on the same weekend. This tour had three different routes, and Sunset Arts was part of the Grand Bend Central route. The gallery is located at 63 River Road, which is right beside the Grand Bend marina. At the grand opening, Sunset offered an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and art demonstrations.

The gallery features the work of a dozen different artists, with a variety of paintings of landscapes and abstract art, as well as pottery, hand carved wooden boxes, and handmade jewellery.

Catherine Weber, an artist from South Huron, is the founder of Sunset Arts. It’s great to see local artists at work. Local art is unique, and you can be one of a select few to have these art pieces in your home!

Pottery on display by Nancy Marshall

Pottery on display by Nancy Marshall

Sunset Arts Gallery Hours:
May 4 to June 16: Saturday 11 – 6pm, Sunday 12 – 6pm
June 17 to September 3: Monday – Saturday 11 – 6pm, Sunday 12 – 6pm
September 7 to October 14: Saturday 11 – 6pm, Sunday 12 – 6pm

Sunset Arts Gallery
63 River Road
Grand Bend, Ontario
N0M 1T0

Telephone: 519-238-6914
www.sunsetarts.info

View of the Grand Bend Marina behind Sunset Arts

View of the Grand Bend Marina behind Sunset Arts

Rear entrance to Sunset Arts Gallery

Rear entrance to Sunset Arts Gallery

Beach landscapes on canvas by Martina Bruggerman

Beach landscapes on canvas by Martina Bruggerman

Artwork by Mary Lynn Smith

Artwork by Mary Lynn Smith

Live art demo at Sunset Arts Gallery

Live art demo at Sunset Arts Gallery

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Another Successful Fish Fry in “Beantown”

27 Apr
Greg and Cheryl Becker, front and Carolyn and Peter Mathoni enjoy the Zurich Lion's Fish Fry

Greg and Cheryl Becker, front and Carolyn and Peter Mathoni enjoy the Zurich Lion’s Fish Fry

by Diva Kerri Gingerch

It’s not surprising that tickets were sold out before the end of the night for the 8th Annual Lions Club Fish Fry and Silent Auction held last Friday night in Zurich.

‘This year was one of the best yet’, says Lion / Bartender John Becker.  The meal, comprised of crispy, battered whitefish, tartar sauce, dinner roll, baked potato with butter and sour cream, coleslaw and pie for dessert was absolutely amazing and Chef Terry Johns and his crew did a fantastic job.  The intermittent rain didn’t put a damper on their spirits as they worked outside at the portable fryer that was their ‘kitchen’ for a good part of the evening.

You'll always find yummy desserts being served a community dinners in Huron County. Home-made pie is one of the most popular.

You’ll always find yummy desserts being served a community dinners in Huron County. Home-made pie is one of the most popular.

The hundreds of items graciously donated by area businesses for the silent auction also contributed significantly to the success of this fundraiser.  As a local resident since birth I think I can say that Zurich doesn’t exactly have the reputation of the classiest village in the area but what we do have is a lot of caring individuals who are actively involved and trying to make a difference, and this event was indeed a class-act.

The amount of work it must have been to put on an event of this magnitude is not something some might even consider but is something that really should be appreciated.  Go Lions!

 

Unique objects, vintage collections at Collector’s Show

22 Apr
Bill Osborn, from Mitchell, shares his collection of scales.

Bill Osborn, from Mitchell, shares his collection of scales.

by Diva Karen Stewart

The 13th Annual Bayfield Historical Society Collector Exhibition was held this past weekend at the Bayfield Arena.  The show included 33 “Taste of Huron” packages sold at the live auction on Saturday as well as a Silent Auction that ran throughout the two-day event and included over 160 packages.

Co-ordinators Binnie Sturgeon and Phil Gemeinhardt say the show receives good support from local sponsors as well as businesses and individuals who contribute to the auction packages.  ”There are just two rules about participating as an exhibitor in the show,” says Gemeinhardt “1) don’t bring the same display two years in a row, and 2) don’t come back if you didn’t have fun.  Many exhibitors return year after year, but we try to recruit new-comers too.”

New exhibits this year included a sizeable collection of memorabilia from the Huron County Museum re:  The Great Storm (this is the first event in the year-long schedule of activities commemorating the extra-ordinary storm that hit the Great Lakes in November 1913); and, Tim Wellstead and Jodi Jerome who are, as we reach the 100th anniversary of the start of the great war, researching stories to share of Huron’s WWI battalion soldiers for The Huron 161st Battalion Project.

Other exhibits included heritage tools, steam engines, model trains, Queen Elizabeth Coronation, First Nations, toys including a collection of riding toys, Warhammer Collectables and He-man Toys.    This was, for me, a wonderful way to spend a snowy late-April afternoon.

The Bayfield Historical Society & Archives
20 Main Street
Bayfield, ON  N0M 1G0
www.bayfieldhistorical.ca

An 1865 Gormully & Jeffery Company Rambler from the Carl Burgwart Collection, owned by Rick Wolfe of Primative Cycles, Komoka.

An 1865 Gormully & Jeffery Company Rambler from the Carl Burgwart Collection, owned by Rick Wolfe of Primative Cycles, Komoka.

James Axtmann of Walton shares his personal collection of antique carpenter tools.

James Axtmann of Walton shares his personal collection of antique carpenter tools.

Mohawk Corn Husk Doll - made by a Six Nations native. Notice there are no facial features - can be anyone you want it to be when playing.

Mohawk Corn Husk Doll – made by a Six Nations native. Notice there are no facial features – can be anyone you want it to be when playing.

The Schneiders of Auburn showed a collection of antique tools - some of which were rather brutal looking (especially the poultry killer).

The Schneiders of Auburn showed a collection of antique tools – some of which were rather brutal looking (especially the poultry killer).

Toasters of all shapes and sizes.

Toasters of all shapes and sizes.

all types of lights displayed by the Heritage Barn Museum of Kirkton.

all types of lights displayed by the Heritage Barn Museum of Kirkton.

Carla Elliott Fisher, of Clinton, has a unique toy collection that brought back many fond memories for me. Remember these?

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Prized Quilts, Heirloom Needlework Exhibit and more …

11 Apr
HeritageQuilt

“Crown of Thorns” quilt from the 1940′s. The pattern symbolizes the cross with the crown of thorns from the crucifixion. Jane Egan, owner of Galt House Antiques in Goderich, said she purchased the quilt as the colours attracted her. “Yellow, orange, and red don’t usually work together, but in this quilt they do because of it’s graphic appeal and unusual pattern” says Jane.

by Diva Trista Russell

The Heritage Quilt Exhibit in support of the Bach Music Festival of Canada is returning this year! Starting this Thursday, April 11thuntil Saturday, April 13th, quilts will be on display at the Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church at 264 Main Street in Exeter. This year features the collection of Jane Egan, owner of Galt House Antiques in Goderich, with fifteen of Ms. Egan’s prized quilts on display along with hundreds of examples of early stitching work from private collectors. Besides the collection of Ms. Egan, the Heritage Quilt Exhibit will also showcase heirloom needlework with hooked rugs and christening dresses. An avid collector, Margot Kearney from London will display some of her selected favourites. A tea room, merchant mall and quilt appraisals will be available throughout the three days. The tea room offers homemade pies, cookies, and muffins as well as chili, soup, salads, and sandwiches. Stop in for lunch and get a reasonably-priced Bach Lunch Combo special! Admission is $6.00. Funds raised support the Bach Music Festival of Canada being held in Exeter on July 14-20, 2013.

Exhibit hours:

10am to 7pm - Thursday, April 11th & Friday, April 12th

and

10am to 5pm - Saturday April 13th

I will be checking out the Quilt Exhibit later this week. Watch for a blog post about my visit!

Photo source: Bach Music Festival of Canada

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Gardening Pro Comes to Exeter

10 Apr
IMG-20130408-00102 by Diva Trista Russell
Charlie Dobbin, an internationally known horticulturist and landscape designer from the Toronto area, was in Exeter this week to speak about container gardening. Charlie previously cohosted “One Garden, Two Looks” on HGTV and is the Horticultural Director for the popular Canada Blooms show held every March in Toronto. The presentation was hosted by South Huron Communities in Bloom, who are challenging residents to decorate their gardens with wheelbarrows filled with various flowers and plants. Last year, South Huron reached its goal of a 5 bloom rating in the Communities in Bloom competition!
I am definitely not a gardening pro, so I did learn some basic container gardening basics about soil, fertilizer, and drainage. There was a great turnout, as 83 people attended the event.  During the presentation, Charlie actually planted an old wheelbarrow with flowers right in front of us! During this time she shared her design tips and answered questions from the audience. Spring is on its way!
IMG-20130408-00104

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Souper Saturday a Hit in Seaforth

9 Apr
Sally's Closet serves up Sweet Potato & Lime

Sally’s Closet serves up Sweet Potato & Lime

by Diva Karen,

On Saturday volunteers in Seaforth hosted SoupsOn – a fun event to raises funds, collect non-perishable foods and raise profile of the needs of the Seaforth and District Food Bank.  Twenty-eight contestants prepared and served samples of their soups to an appreciative crowd gathered at the Community Centre.

For $7 you got 7 tickets that bought 7 samples.    The soups were quite palatable, offering a variety of clear and creamed, spicy, hearty and all-around deliciously flavourful samples.  I tried the Pierogi Soup presented by Mark Stackhouse of Britannia Lodge – a thick chowder with cheesy chunks of dumplings — Um um, tasty.  Sally’s Closet served a Sweet Potato and Lime Soup which had a wonderful consistency and delightfully golden colour.  The lime offered a unique taste.  A Jamaican Jump-Up Soup prepared by The Black Dog was deliciously spicy and a Black Bean with Lime Salsa from The New Queens Inn in Seaforth was served with a dab of sour cream that offered a nice coolness to the spiciness of the soup.  I also tried a Creamy Potato and a Potato Jalapeno Cheddar Soup served by Jack McLachlan and Mystery Soup Makers, respectively.  Both were substantial and satisfying.  Last, and my nomination for the People Choice Award, was the Rutabaga and Maple served by Freedom Syrup.  Sweet and Yummy!

Colleen Elliott & Brenda Wheeler of Freedom Syrup serve Rutabaga and Maple -

Colleen Elliott & Brenda Wheeler of Freedom Syrup serve Rutabaga and Maple -

A pie and cake auction served up delicious desserts for the charity too.  Carrot cakes, pecan and apple-caramel pies, tarts, and other sweets made of local bakers were awarded to the highest bidders.  MP Ben Lobb was the guest auctioneer who got the auction going by engaging the crowd to bring a nice price for some the home-baked goodies.

This was a wonderful event that was well supported by the community and a corps of hard-working volunteers and great soup-makers.   Congratulations to all.

MP Ben Lobb engages the audience in a lively auction for delicious baked goods

MP Ben Lobb engages the audience in a lively auction for delicious baked goods

a great crowd gathered in Seaforth for this annual event.

a great crowd gathered in Seaforth for this annual event.

Black Bean & Salsa with a dab of Sour Cream!

Black Bean & Salsa with a dab of Sour Cream!

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Whiskey Night at Eddington’s

27 Mar
whisky marinated local fillet mignon

whisky marinated local fillet mignon

By Diva Trista Russell

Eddington’s of Exeter featured a variety of theme nights this winter, such as musical nights and wine and spirit nights. I was lucky enough to score the last table for two for the whisky night! I brought my Dad along, who is a big fan of Forty Creek whiskey. Forty Creek is an award winning whiskey and its 2012 Port Wood Reserve was named Canadian Whisky of the Year!

Wade, the representative from Forty Creek, provided us with four tasty samples from their line of spirits (see photo of the sign). These samples were provided between courses along with some background info from Wade so we could appreciate what we were tasting. Chef James Eddington also checked in to see that we were enjoying our samples and food.

whisky potato cheddar bisque

whisky potato cheddar bisque

For our meals, I started with the whisky potato cheddar bisque and then enjoyed whisky marinated local fillet mignon served with a Forty Creek mushroom compote, garlic smashed potato and market vegetables. My Dad had the caesar salad with whisky glazed bacon and drunken croutons as an appetizer. For the main course, he had the chicken appleby with granny smith apples caramelized in a Forty Creek Copper pot whisky glaze topped with brie cheese along with roasted potato and market vegetables. The filet mignon and the chicken were both very tasty and tender!

For dessert, we both had crème brule cheesecake accented with fresh whisky soaked berries. I had good intentions of saving dessert and taking it home with me, but it was so good I couldn’t resist finishing it! The cost for the three-course meal including samples was $40 plus tax per person.

crème brule cheesecake accented with fresh whisky soaked berries

crème brule cheesecake accented with fresh whisky soaked berries

Best of all, my Dad was the lucky winner of some great swag from Forty Creek! I think I may have earned the “Best Daughter” award :)

Eddington’s (www.eddingtons.ca) is located at 527 Main Street South in Exeter. You can reach them at 519-235-3030. On Thursday nights, Eddington’s features a gourmet pizza night. I haven’t tried them yet, but I hear the pizzas are excellent!

Chef James Eddington is on Twitter: https://twitter.com/James_Eddington

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eddingtons-of-Exeter/210362425716151

Eddington’s of Exeter
527 Main St S  Exeter, ON N0M 1S1
(519) 235-3030
www.eddingtons.ca

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Dashwood Men’s Club brings the magic!

26 Mar
Peter Mennie can’t seem to get it right for volunteer participant, Olivia Laporte creating a lot of laughter in the audience.

Peter Mennie of Abra-kid-abra can’t seem to get it right for volunteer participant, Olivia Laporte creating a lot of laughter in the audience.

by Diva Kerri Gingerich

It was a full house Friday night at the Dashwood Community Centre where about 200 eager children and their parents gathered for an evening of magic and illusion.  The event began with free pizza and drinks, followed by Peter Mennie’s show, “Abra-kid-abra”.

The annual event, put on by the Dashwood Men’s Club gives families a great opportunity to get out and visit with others in the community.  There is no cost to attend and the kids always have a great time!  This was our third time attending and the show has improved every year.  We especially enjoy the social time with other parents as the children are amazed by Mennie’s tricks and illusions.

Thanks again to the members of the Dashwood Men’s Club for this event, and for all they do in our community.

see Peter on our YouTube Video at http://goo.gl/ZnwVL

Friends, Bradley Vander Burgt and Brodie Gelinas are excited for the show to begin.

Friends, Bradley Vander Burgt and Brodie Gelinas are excited for the show to begin.

Dashwood Men’s Club member Don Weigand poses with performer Peter Mennie.

Dashwood Men’s Club member Don Weigand poses with performer Peter Mennie.

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A “Fun”-draiser Fit for a King in South Huron

25 Mar

IMG_2305by Guest Diva-for-a-Day, Bonnie Sitter

Saturday evening the Bach Music Festival of Canada held a fund-raising Medieval Feast at Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church in Exeter.   Many people wore costumes, many of which were elaborate, all of which added greatly to the spirit of the evening. King Gerald  (Fagan) and Queen Marlene (Fagan) and their children provided entertainment, mostly on a musical theme.  The church was filled with laughter and singing.

The roasted pig was a great success and cameras were clicking as guests enjoyed the spectacle.
IMG_2227
There were compliments all around for the catering service from Personal Chef Devin Tabor of  Bon Vivant.  Excellent was the word I heard used most regarding the feast .
The silent auction proved popular and  certainly aided in the fund raiser for the Bach Music Festival in July.
It will be a night not soon forgotten.
Photos by Bonnie Sitter
IMG_2235  IMG_2225 IMG_2372   IMG_2375  IMG_2222

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Good Food, Great Music made for a Terrific Night Out in Brussels

19 Mar
LiveBluesTonight sign

Welcome!

Stuffed Salmon with White Sauce, Broasted Potatoes, Green beans and carrots. Yummy!

Stuffed Salmon with White Sauce, Broasted Potatoes, Green beans and carrots. Yummy!

by Diva Karen

On Friday night I was doubly delighted by what I found in Brussels.  First a stuffed salmon dinner at Cinnamon Jim’s which was a delightfully presented with broasted potatoes and perfectly prepared green beans and sliced carrots.  I’ve never tried salmon like this before … it had a tasty herb stuffing and was topped with a nice white sauce.  Delicious!  My sister was my guest for the evening and she tried the Prime Rib which reportedly was as equally palatable.  To top off our meal we had the luscious baked cheesecake which was drizzled with chocolate and shamrock sprinkles in tribute to St. Patrick’s Day.

Jim’s own home-grown lamb was an offering on the menu and I have it on good authority from another diner (thanks, Paul Nichol) that it too was a great choice, however it was already sold out when I booked my reservation.

We went to the early dinner (6pm) as the second setting (7:15pm) was sold out.  And, at 8:30pm an award winning Canadian Blues Band from Owen Sound was scheduled to perform in the “Upper Deck” which was the second delightful surprise that awaited us that evening.

We were told we could go ahead to the performance space after our dinner and wait for the band to begin.  So, I brought along my crib board and a deck of cards.  And, we got to meet the band and watch them set-up for the show.

And, what  a show it was.  Jim Lee, owner of Cinnamon Jim’s, is committed to setting a stage for live Blues music in Brussels.  This week, the MacKenzie Blues Band, fresh off their trip to Memphis (Tennessee), thrilled the sold-out audience which included some familiar faces from Bayfield and others from Clinton and Exeter.

The bands own material was modern Blues with a bit of rock and roll and they added tributes to Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Susan Tedeschi — all of which were definitely appreciated by this live audience.

The lead singer, Tara MacKenzie is a classically trained vocalist and her back-up band was awesome – five incredibly talented musicians including her husband Trevor MacKenzie on guitar, Bassist Joel Dawson, drummer Mike Weir and Drew McIvor on the keyboard in his first appearance with the group.

I’ve attached a brief clip here, but you’d best check them out at their own website.

Musicians love to play to an attentive and appreciative audience … and for us there simply is nothing like a live experience.  Thank you!

Cinnamon Jim’s
401 Turnberry Street, Brussels, Ontario
519.887.8011

Follow on Facebook to get information about upcoming music events.

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