Category Archives: FROM THE PUBLISHER (PREVIOUS EDITIONS)

CLUBWEST, FROM THE PUBLISHER (PREVIOUS EDITIONS)

From the Publisher November/December 2017

ClubWest

(To view our November/December 2017 issue of ClubWEST online, click here.)

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
– Benjamin Franklin

This edition of ClubWest Magazine is very interesting.

That is not a brag. The intent is not to trumpet how awesome we are, the features are or any such thing.

What I want you, good reader, to do is note that none of the other features in this publication would matter one iota if not for the result of the lead feature on Vimy Ridge.

What a different world this would be.

Our economy would not be the same, so who knows what kind of freedoms we would have with agriculture and food.

The cruise highlighted in the this month’s travel feature down the Danube certainly would be different had Canada not stepped up to the plate and turned back the enemy at Vimy.

As for the Sears Wish Book, it is a good guess we might have been wishing the Allies were victorious at Vimy should they have lost that battle.

I will always believe the government did a disservice to all when Remembrance Day was taken away as a stat holiday. No, not because I miss the day off (in the media game no day is a day off, really) but because of the importance of our soldiers’ sacrifice. For that matter, the sacrifice of their family and friends as well. There really is no separation there.

With Vimy, it is very easy to get behind the flag, tell all how awesome Canada is and all that, but remembrance of battles won and lost, the human loss, in the name of freedom is a far larger force deserving of our attention.

Canada, as a nation, has been very lucky in recent years with very little to no military actions on the home front. This makes our soldiers sacrifices even more pronounced as they travel around the globe in the name of freedom and peace to help others.

Taking 30-45 minutes of your time, at some point, and dropping by Grimsby Museum at some point to view the Vimy exhibit – which is on until Friday, Nov. 17 – is well worth your time and would be an excellent conversation with children.

When I was a kid, we got Remembrance Day off. Sure, we met up with friends, goofed around outside and did whatever kids of the day were doing (road hockey, building a fort some place) but if I was not in front of our huge console TV at 11 a.m. to see the Remembrance Day service on CBC broadcast from Ottawa, I would have my own price to pay.

That was not a life decision, but it might have involved a limb or two and I was not going to risk it.

Seriously, check out this exhibit. You will be glad you did.

Publisher, ClubWest Magazine
Mike Williscraft

CLUBWEST, FROM THE PUBLISHER (PREVIOUS EDITIONS)

From the Publisher September/October 2017

ClubWest

(To view our September/October 2017 issue of ClubWEST online, click here.)

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
– Benjamin Franklin

We all subject our family members and friends to whining.

Even the most level-headed among us break down and succumb to a little self-pitying once in a while. It feels cleansing, somehow.

But if you are in a rut or feel like you need a little boost, I am here to tell you to contact Werner Unger (wunger@cogeco.ca) at the Grimsby/Lincoln Special Olympics and volunteer some time.

Now, one might think it seems peculiar to add an element to what may already be a hectic schedule – that may be part of what has you feeling under pressure – but after one hour of working with these local athletes will clearly show you life is good. Life is what you make it.

When preparing this month’s story to note the steady growth over the 10-year existence of the Grimsby/Lincoln Chapter, I ventured down to Grimsby Secondary School for a photoshoot and series of interviews. Athletes were everywhere across the grounds – after running some sprints as part of warm-up. Some of the participants were quite young, most in their teens, and a couple were adults. No matter their age, they all= had a blast.

This was serious stuff for them and, since the provincial Special Olympics was held in July, some of then fully realize that effort manifests itself in results. Grimsby/Lincoln athletes earned a bunch of medals representing their communities and families very well. Congratulations to all for their efforts there!

As well, the parents and volunteers who make the organization go are deserving of appreciation. As noted in my feature, what started as a handful of athletes now numbers over 90 – very impressive.

Seeing these athletes in their element, working hard and taking great pride in what for many would feel to be a simple achievement, gives one pause to reflect and take stock in what we do have in our everyday lives.

As well in this edition readers will see the storied, 150-year legacy of St. Joe’s Church. Impressive to be sure. As well, for the foodies in the crowd, we have provided a “Best Of ” for Chef Jan Stulp’s “Chef In Residence” feature. Presented in this edition are the most talked about and commented recipes in the nearly three years he has been penning that feature.

Travel writer Lorraine Simpson takes you on a tasty tour of Italy – how could it be otherwise – and Beamsville’s own Brent Bochek highlights the exploits of a recent fishing venture. All in all, a diverse and intriguing effort. Enjoy!

Publisher, ClubWest Magazine
Mike Williscraft

FROM THE PUBLISHER (PREVIOUS EDITIONS)

From the Publisher July/August 2017

ClubWest

(To view our July/August 2017 issue of ClubWEST online, click here.)

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
– Benjamin Franklin

In my line of work – on a daily basis – calls, email, and drop-ins at the office are received, many of which start with, “have I got a story for you”.

Such was the case when shooting photos weeks ago for Lincoln Garden Club’s plant sale in Vineland.

Louise Marykuca tugged on my arm as I walked by and said, ‘If you’re looking for a story, you might want to talk to my husband. He makes his own bows and is quite accomplished.”

My first thought was “bow ties?”. Little did I know….Thinking it through and listening to her story, it sounded like a neat little feature, so I put it in motion.

Then when I read the story which Joanne McDonald came back with, the feature took on a life of its own.

That is a great read!

Bill Marykuca really is a gifted man. Few people can build a major going concerned from their garage, but he did it with Red-D-Arc. Few people have a natural talent for craftsmanship, too, but Bill explored the world of violin and bow making in 2000. Sure enough, that hobby took off and he quickly became renowned for his creations.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have Samara Vandersloot. She is just getting started. At 18, she has been to Nunavut, she is working on modelling and, in the meantime, she is taking part in Junior Team Canada’s trade mission to China this summer.

I don’t know about you, good reader, but I was more worried about my weekends when I was 18 than career establishment.

Maybe when Samara is ready to travel for leisure she may call ClubWest’s new travel writer, Lorraine Simpson.

As a former resident and merchant on Main Street in Jordan for many years, Lorraine is keenly aware of the interests of Niagara West residents as well as the tourist set. Her experience in world travel is second to none and Clubwest readers will see – first-hand – some unique and off-the-beaten path locations to which they may choose to visit in the near future. Her stories will inspire the lengthening of bucket lists across Niagara West you can be assured!

And with this edition, ClubWest wraps up its third full year of publishing.

A ton has materialized and changed in three years including the popularity of this publication. It is great to see voracious readers lined up in the office to get it on the day it comes out – in case they aren’t among the 15,000 who get it at home. We love doing it and we’re glad our readers love it right back.

Publisher, ClubWest Magazine
Mike Williscraft