New Trail Map Encourages Elgin St. Thomas Residents to Get Active

11/01/2011

 
St. Thomas, Ontario, October 27, 2011 – Elgin St. Thomas Public Health is pleased to announce the release of a new Elgin St. Thomas Cycling & Hiking Trail Map. The map is now available at municipal offices, the Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism office, and Elgin St. Thomas Public Health.
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Elgin County offers an array of hiking and cycling opportunities for individuals and families alike. The map encourages residents to walk, hike, jog, cross country ski, and cycle on the beautiful trails and parks throughout Elgin and St. Thomas. “Not only do trails provide an affordable form of recreation, they also provide health, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits to users and the community” said Public Health Nurse Darrell Jutzi. Recent reports from Statistics Canada shows that 47% of Elgin St. Thomas residents are moderately active or active in their leisure time and that walking, jogging, and cycling are three of the most popular activities amongst Canadians.

The development of the map was made possible through the support of many community partners. "More and more we find people are planning their vacations around outdoor physical activities. The new Elgin-St. Thomas Cycling and Hiking Trail Map, is a great resource for visitors to use to explore our beautiful and scenic communities, while enjoying the benefits of being active” said Tourism Development Coordinator Kathryn Russell.
Elgin County offers an array of hiking and cycling opportunities for individuals and families alike. The map encourages residents to walk, hike, jog, cross country ski, and cycle on the beautiful trails and parks throughout Elgin and St. Thomas. “Not only do trails provide an affordable form of recreation, they also provide health, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits to users and the community” said Public Health Nurse Darrell Jutzi. Recent reports from Statistics Canada shows that 47% of Elgin St. Thomas residents are moderately active or active in their leisure time and that walking, jogging, and cycling are three of the most popular activities amongst Canadians.

The development of the map was made possible through the support of many community partners. "More and more we find people are planning their vacations around outdoor physical activities. The new Elgin-St. Thomas Cycling and Hiking Trail Map, is a great resource for visitors to use to explore our beautiful and scenic communities, while enjoying the benefits of being active” said Tourism Development Coordinator Kathryn Russell.
 

Colours of Fall from The Port Stanley Terminal Rail

10/12/2011

 
Thanksgiving weekend was the perfect opportunity to ride the rails in Port Stanley for the first time or to get re-acquainted with the PSTR.
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Fall colours highlight a trip this time of year as the train chugs by woodsy views at a relaxing pace, following the Kettle Creek Valley. The conductor provides snippets of information on the PSTR history, cars in the organization's collection, bridges and vegetation.

Below, see scenes and some of the people who enjoyed a ride on Sunday October 8th.
Scenes from the train, including Engineer Tim Flynn and  son Seamus (slide 3); Frank, Despina and son Christian (slide 4); Conductor Dave Whyte (slide 7); Valerie and daughter Madeleine (slide 10).
 

A-MAZEing Adventure in Belmont

10/10/2011

 
Photos by Mark Girdauskas

With ten acres of corn, five kilometres of twists and turns, and lots more for families to do after they get lost in the corn, the fun at the Belmont Corn Maze gets better each season.
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Now in its 12th year of operation, the maze was taken over three years ago by the Lunn family. This year they held a contest to come up with the design. It was won by local music group, The vogelJoys and incorporates their bird logo, trumpet and musical notes.

Kids can play in a corn box full of sand toys, climb the straw bales, paint a pumpkin, get creative in the Little Barn Theatre or climb Bill’s Tractor. There’s also a concession booth and picnic tables on-site.

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The Belmont Corn Maze began just west of Belmont when the Farquhar family started the tradition. The third farming generation of the Lunn family took it over and have grown the attraction at a new location as a way for visitors to enjoy wide open spaces and learn a bit about farm-life.

Some weekends feature special events and exhibits by groups like 4-H or Elgin County Junior Farmers.   

For three weekends in October, the maze becomes haunted.  Then on Saturday November 5th at The Great Pumpkin Smash, the Belmont Corn Maze will provide the contest, games and tools to destroy your pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns.
Above, scenes from the maze, including maze employee Jessica (slide 7);  Selina, Katrina, and Brittany who were on hand Sun Oct 9 with an exhibit from Elgin County Junior Farmers (slide 11). 

The Belmont Corn Maze operates weekends from Fri Sept 16th to Sat Nov 5th: Fridays 7-10pm; Saturdays 1-10pm; Sundays 1-5pm (last visitors admitted 1 hour before closing). Tickets: General $8.25; Youth/Senior (12-17/over 65) $7.25; Child (5-11) $5.25. Friday & Saturday nights after dark, the maze becomes haunted on October 14 & 15, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 (weather permitting). For details check www.belmontcornmaze.com or call 519-644-1379. 
 

RugRat BeachPack Beach Volleyball Tournament

07/17/2011

 
Article & Photos by Mark Girdauskas
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Sunday July 17, the FCSSC (Forest City Sport and Social Club)  RugRat BackPack Beach Volleyball Tournament took place in Port Stanley. The group is proud to support the United Way's GenNext.  The tournament helped raise awareness, funds and effort to beat poverty and promote education for children in London and area. The goal is to help children start the new school year right, with a new backpack and essential school supplies. One in four children in London begins the school year unprepared to learn. They say that children are our future, and with out the proper start they already have a strike against them.

GenNext is United Way of London & Middlesex's initiative to engage the 20-30 year-old demographic to become actively involved in shaping their community.
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As I walked the beach towards the courts it was a beautiful summer day, families enjoyed soaking up the sun, and playing in the water. The courts where all groomed and ready for battle lol. People playing were all having a fun time and enjoying the day, the teams were all great sports and enjoying the game. You could tell the experienced players-they kept their socks on - the hot sand was little distracting for some. (Left are Kyla Woodcock and Sarah Carmichael from the Forest City Sport & Social Club.)
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As the matches played on, so did the live music from GT's. The duo called Toast and Jam played covers and kept the crowd jumping.

One of the sponsors was FM 96 -  Jaynel is the radio station's Director of Summer and was there cheering on the teams and helping out. Between the smiles and diving for the volleyball, good times were had by all.
 
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