​(Note: Non-affiliated links)

"Veganuary is an annual challenge that encourages people to follow a vegan diet for the month of January. It is run by a UK non-profit organization and provides resources, recipes, and expert tips to support participants." 

After posting this in the Newsworthy section of my website, I thought I would write this blog. I rarely get personal but felt this was a great opportunity to describe my venture into the whole-food, plant-based lifestyle.

Since 2023, I have followed a whole-food plant-based lifestyle, after finding out that I was borderline diabetic. There is a history of diabetes on my maternal side of my family and that scared me. I have lost both maternal aunts and uncles due to this disease over the years. My one aunt who recently died in May, had lost her leg years before and would have lost her other leg. Hence, my anxiety. In July 2023, I saw a Plant-Based doctor who suggested I watch the documentary Forks Over Knives on YouTube, which changed my life. Within a year, I dropped over thirty pounds and in a recent checkup, I am no longer borderline diabetic.

With both my parents succumbing to autoimmune diseases, my mother to ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2009, and my father to Parkinson's Plus in 2021, I loved Dr. Michael Greger's quote from his book How Not to Die: "Your family history does not have to become your personal history." I genuinely believe in the slogan by Hippocrates, "let food be thy medicine." According to the documentary, rates of obesity, cancers, diabetes and autoimmune diseases have significantly increased in North America. The answer to address these health concerns is not another pill but spinach. Adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet can reverse many of these conditions.

My nutritional convergence was not overnight but occurred over several years. While still working, I read information on how extensive land and water are used to support livestock and how eating crickets and grasshoppers could lower greenhouse emissions. My introduction to 
entomophagy, human consumption of insects. Don't get me me wrong, I didn’t start eating crickets or grasshoppers, but became aware on the negative effects livestock has on the environment. 

Just before retiring in March 2021, my arthritis in my fingers, hands and wrist kicked in. I had swelling, cramps and severe pain. I remembered a patron telling me how red meat causes inflammation, so I stopped eating red meat. I used to love eating hamburgers and thought nothing of having breakfast of eggs and a steak. In under six months my symptoms subsided. A few months later, I read an article on the violation of human rights within the seafood industry and stopped eating seafood. (Sea Slaves: The Violation Of Human Rights Within The Fishing Industry In Southeast Asia) Then in Feb. 2023, I saw the Netflix show "What The Health" and stopped eating all other animal products. You may think I am fickle. In July 2023, after being introduced to the whole-food, plant-based diet, I was converted.

To fully understand, the following chart clarifies some terminology with vegan, plant-based and whole-food, plant-based diets.

According to Forks Over Knives: “whole-food, plant-based nutrition is centered on whole, unrefined, or minimally refined plant foods and excludes or minimizes meat, dairy products, eggs, and highly refined foods such as bleached flour, refined sugar, and oil.” (Forks Over Knifes The Beginner’s Book to a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet, p 2) 

The biggest factor with a whole-food, plant-based diet, is not cooking with oils. Despite many people believing that virgin olive oil is good for you, it can not be further from the truth. I had to take the Forks Over Knives Ultimate Cooking course to fully understand and learn how in implement cooking without using oils. A beneficial course which gave me the confidence to respond to critics about not using oil.

According to the first lesson in the course, I learned that no oil is healthy, rather its coconut, flaxseed, or olive oil. “All oils are processed, which involves removing essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. What remains is 100% fat. Oil is purely fat, devoid of the nutrition that whole plant foods provide.”
​
Part of the course showed how to cook without oils utilizing the following methods: ​sautéing and stir-frying, baking and roasting, as the following chart illustrates. 

The Ultimate Cooking Course is online consisting of 90 hours of expert instruction that you can do on your own pace and schedule. Once you successfully complete the course, after passing 75% within six months, you will have lifetime access to all learning instructions and over 100 recipes. I used my laptop to watch the training sessions, as my iPad was too old, and my cell phone to take pictures of the food I prepared to send in for grading. I started the course on Nov. 7, 2023, and completed it on Jan. 17, 2024, and received a grade of 96.34%. I received a poor grade in one of my assignments when I failed to describe how cauliflower tasted after blanching. You have an opportunity to dispute a grade, but since I failed to read all the instructions, I never proceeded.

I had the audacity after my first assignment to inform the instructor that a few weeks taking the course, I plugged in my oven. I had used it for storage all these years until then. The Ultimate Cooking Course certainly gave me confidence to pursue the whole-foods, plant-based lifestyle with gusto. 

A major reason dedicating my lifestyle to a whole-foods, plant-based one, was due to a medical condition. In May 2023, I was diagnosed with spinal cerebellar ataxia, after complaining to my family physician about imbalance issues, I was referred to a neurologist. (My neighbour commented if I drank much after noticing my clumsiness sweeping my driveway. While on a camping trip with a co-worker, my hiking boots were scuffed up due to constantly tripping over rocks.) I never heard of this condition and used Google to find out what it was. Because of my love for research, I learned of various organizations, information and plethora of resources. For me, anything to deal with medical, the Mayo Clinic is my go to resource on reliable information.  

According to the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF): “Ataxia is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Many symptoms of Ataxia mimic those of being drunk, such as slurred speech, stumbling, falling, and incoordination. These symptoms are caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that is responsible for coordinating movement.” (What is Ataxia?)

Symptoms for ataxia varies by person and type, there are over 80 types of Ataxia, the rate of progression varies as well. Symptoms may worsen slowly, over decades – or quickly, over mere months. Common symptoms of Ataxia are:

• Lack of coordination
• Slurred speech
• Trouble eating and swallowing
• Deterioration of fine motor skills
• Difficulty walking
• Gait abnormalities
• Eye movement abnormalities
• Tremors
• Heart problems

The neurologist informed me that my fingers had tremors, I had poor eye movement along with an imbalance with my legs. 

To say the least, I was flabbergasted for a about a week or two after my diagnoses. Then I threw myself into action, joining research programs both with NAF, an American organization then with Ataxia Canada. I was bound and determined to beat this diagnose however way I could. Knowing that both my parents lost their voices and had to use feeding tubes, this was not going to be my life. As a result, when the time came for me to have to resort to those procedures, I would initiate medical assistance in dying (MAID).

I reluctantly only informed a few friends of my situation, determined I was going to beat it. Also, there was no determining when or if deterioration would occur. Hence, why bother letting anyone know? Nevertheless, I wanted my affairs to be in order just in case I was forced to use MAID. I had renovations completed on my house, put all my finances in one place and even wanted to plan for my celebration of life. I wanted a disco party with me present to hear all the nice and terrible things people had to say about me and to dance. Why not eh? I never married nor spent a lot of money on birthday milestones. 

In pursing suggestions outlined with the ataxia organizations, I formed a health care team consisting of my family physician, my physiotherapist, and made referrals for a cardiologist, a heart specialist, and another neurologist since the one who diagnosed me was not interested. Which ended being a good thing.

I did exercises to improve my gait and eye movement and after numerous tests and examinations, there were no issues with my heart. I contacted Ataxia Canada to get a list of neurologists specializing in ataxia and sent it to my family physician to make the referral. Luckily the wait was not a year, and I had an appointment in July 2024, just a few months after a referral was made.

Dealing with my mother’s medial issues, I realized you must be vigilant. Six months after getting my x-rays, I contacted the neurologist after a friend stated I should follow up. I assumed no news was good news. Good thing I pursued it as the office forgot about me and the results were not good.

After only a few minutes testing me, the new neurologist reported that I did not have ataxia. I was not too surprised of my misdiagnoses, as my physiotherapist expressed his misgivings a few months earlier. Thank goodness. 

I was so relived; I no longer had to fret about deadlines getting renovations done and dished planning for my celebration of life party. I continue to stick with the whole food, plant-based diet, now it is a lifestyle and I truly belief it will reverse all diseases. Since I was misdiagnosed, I informed both ataxia organizations to let them know I no longer could participate in their research studies but asked if their research dealt with the correlation food has with ataxia. 
​

Over a month ago, the Woodstock Coin Club (WCC) held their 35th Annual Coin Show on Sunday Aug. 25, 2024, at the newly renovated Goff Hall inside Woodstock Community Center. Members and volunteers, Dave McKenzie (not our former Oxford MP Dave MacKenzie) and Paul Dervoo, staffed the admission table. President of the Club, Dave Smith stated the club was formed in 1957. Next year, he hopes the venue will be located at Oxford Auditorium as the show is getting too crowded. Last year they had a record attendance of 237 paid tickets. 

​Woodstock Coin Club is a not-for-profit club that produces commemorative coins and medals, the only coin club in Canada that makes the most medals. In 2023, the Club honoured Joseph Whiteside Boyle on a medal with the dates 1867-1923, and with the hockey team he formed, the Dawson City Nuggets, on the reserve side, with “STANLEY CUP CHALLENGE 1905” written underneath. The team played against the Ottawa Silver Seven (Ottawa Senators) in 1905, for the Stanley Cup. Dave stated that Dawson City in Yukon bought a medal to display in their museum.

Known for his heroism in Romania during WWI, the Woodstock native-raised, Lt. Col, Joe Boyle, became a successful entrepreneur in Dawson City, Yukon, mining gold during the gold rush. As a result, he was referred to as “Klondike” Joe Boyle. According to Agnus Sutherland, who designed the medal and wrote an article for the Jan.-Feb. 2024 issue of The Ontario Numismatist newsletter, he cited: “Pierre Berton said that if Joe Boyle had been American, there would be movies and books and all kinds of legends about him.” Sutherland further cited. “Because he was a Canadian, few knew of him outside of Woodstock, Ontario, and the Yukon.”1

​Dave methodically showed me all the coin and medal sets the Club has produced, which was quite impressive. Each coin set has four finishes: antique copper, antique silver, bright copper, and bright nickel. 

​WCC not only makes coins or medals of prominent individuals, but important inanimate objects have also been included. For instance, The Estelle was a famous streetcar that ran from Woodstock to Ingersoll for 25 years in 1900. The 11.5-mile line “ran on Dundas Street in Woodstock to Mill Street, turned left on Mill Street up to Park Row, then turned right and followed Park Row to the former Highway 2 (now Ingersoll Road). It followed the highway to Ingersoll, on the south side, then operated on Charles Street West and Oxford Street, and ended at the Ingersoll Inn.” 2

​The two set coins for 2024 consisted of a commemorative token of the 190th year of the Presbyterian Church in Woodstock who ordered 100 coins. The medal came in three colours with the following inscription on the front: "1834. 190 Years Presbyterian Presence in Woodstock. 2024," with the scripture “This Do in Remember of Me” from 1 Corinthians XI, 24, on the reverse side.

​
​Dave Smith also informed me that the late Fred Freeman created Coins for Kids Canada, who was the founder and president of the Club along with Jack Griffith. Fred was a very active and well-known person in Woodstock who was as a prolific writer; penning articles over the years for Southgate Centre and his column "Watts New" appeared every other Friday in the Sentinel-Review. Fred was President and Past President of WCC as well as with the Woodstock Heritage Society. Fred Freeman is the person behind Woodstock’s slogan "The Friendly City." For his love of Woodstock and to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Municipality, Fred petitioned Woodstock Council to change the slogan from “The Industrial City” which was granted. ​

Numerous items developed by Fred, were available at the Kids Table staffed by Lianne, Larry and Rick, Past Present of WCC. 

​Walking around the Woodstock Coin Show, I had the opportunity to talk to both visitors and venders alike. One such vender, Norman Lock, is a member of WCC who had a courtesy coin and notes optical viewing with a portable digital microscope available for visitors. The microscope comes with phone and TV integrated Bluetooth and adapter. It was amazing looking at tiny ridges around a nickel.

Robb McPherson was another vender who explained how WCC is part of the Ontario Numismatic Association that was formed in 1961 to support both individual coin collectors and clubs and host an annual convention in the spring. Robb also showed me and explained the Lancaster coin he had. The plane is located at the Hamilton Airport, built in Canada it is still functional. He had coins for the Royal Canadian Air Force convention in which a speaker at the convention, Rick Dupis, received a commemorative coin.

​Nineteen-year-old Eli started collected coins last year and attended the show with his dad Paul and cousin Johnny, to add more to his Toonie Canada Binder Coin set. All family members from Brantford enjoy collecting and showed me their purchases. 

Both young and old, novice and experts attended Woodstock's 35th Annual Coin Show, like Cassandra with her two young daughters, Felicity and Keriah, who just started collecting coins and found some pennis that are magnetic. I spoke with a man from Hamilton who advised that one needs to do their due diligence researching coins before selling them at coin shows. 

The most fascinating information I gleamed at the Woodstock Coin Show, was about a Canadian banknote. One vender had a book with the heading "The "Devil's Face' Notes" and he explained how in 1954 issue of Canadian bank notes, the image of the Devil's face appeared in Queen Elizabeth's hair just behind her ear. He explained that it was not spite nor was it a prank  but due to the engraver's interpretation of the original photograph of  the Queen.

Can you see the Devil's face highlighted in yellow? It looks quite ominous. I was not able to see it at first but the vender stated once you see it, you can defiantly notice it. Modifications to the plate was made by darkening the highlights in the hair to remove the shading that resulted in seeing the Devil.

Dan Hill, not the singer, was the last vender I spoke with at the Woodstock Coin Show. He had a large table displaying a wide assortment of coins, banknotes and knick knacks.  However, it was Dan's photographs that drew myself and another visitor to talk to him about them. 

While camping at the shoreline at Quetico Provincial Park in the west end of Lake Superior in 1991, Dan Hill took pictures of the Boreal. They were absolutely gorgeous! He reported that of 50,000 entries, in the Nikon International Photo contest, one of his pictures came in third place and is in the McLaughan Planetarium library. Another photography that Dan took of a tree, looked more like an etching rather than a photograph. 

After milling around the 35th Annual Woodstock Coin Show for over three hours, I finally left. However, there were still lots of other venders that I did not have the opportunity to stop by. Maybe next year. 

 
1 "Woodstock medal shines light on ‘Klondike Joe’ Boyle,” in The Canadian Coin News dated, January 25, 2024
Col. Boyle – 1918 Celebrating 150 years! https://archives.oxfordcounty.ca/exhibits/joe-boyle/
2 The Estelle was the streetcar that ran between Woodstock and Ingersoll. - Woodstock Newsgroup By Paul Roberts (weebly.com)

All images taken by Heather A. Rennalls

(Note: Non-affiliated links)

​Saturday Aug. 3, 2024, the Woodland Cultural Centre (WCC) in Brantford, ON, held their 49th Indigenous Art Opening Reception that was well attended. “Established in 1975, this is one of the longest-running multimedia exhibitions in Canada that provides Indigenous artists an opportunity to exhibit and sell their work in a fine art gallery setting.” Aside from aspiring artists, the annual exhibition also features senior artists from all over turtle island (the continent of North America.)

Curator, Patricia Deadman, (former Directory and Curator at the Woodstock Art Gallery) opened the ceremony and welcomed George Doxtater, Language Assistant Manager who cited the fifteen-minute greeting.

Amos Key Jr., Board Director of WCC, brought welcoming remarks on behalf of the WCC’s Board of Directors and thanked both staff and volunteers at WCC. Patricia stated that without COVID 19, this year would have marked the 50th anniversary of the Art Exhibition. She explained how the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc., in Winnipeg, Manitoba had the Indian Group of Seven who were denied access to art galleries in Canada.
​
Established in the early 1970s, “the Professional Native Indian Artists Inc. (PNIAI) was one of the first independently organized, self-managed Indigenous artists’ collectives and cultural advocacy groups in Canada. The consisted of seven independent Indigenous painters: Jackson Beardy, Eddy Cobiness, Alex Janvier, Norval Morrisseau, Daphne Odjig, Carl Ray and Joseph Sanchez.” Patricia cited how WCC was build upon those foundations. 

The judges this year consisted of Rachelle Dickenson, Senior Curator at Ottawa Art Gallery, whom Patricia met working there, David M. General, Six Nations artist, and Maxine Noel from Stratford, ON. According to Patricia, the judges had a daunting task choosing from the 133 entries from 64 artists to eventually select 39 artists. The theme this is year is the political and cultural issues Indigenous artists face within North America and within their work. Patricia then informed the audience they could check out the gallery where the various displays were exhibited along with the artists.

I took the opportunity to interview a few artists like Raechel Wastesicoot from Tyendinaga, Mohawk Territory near Bellville, ON who grew up in Oshawa, ON. She works with different art forms like beadwork and has been an artist her whole life since she was for four years old. This is Raechel’s first exhibition with WCC where she entered her Indigenous beadwork piece “Kenatanonwaks.” ​

This talented young woman held her debut exhibition entitled, “Kenatentas,” that displayed twelve beaded artworks along with her writings, at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) from Jan. 27th to June 9, 2024. ​Raechel works at The Nature Conservancy of Canada as the Indigenous Engagement and Conservation Manager.

Alex Jacobs-Blum is from the Cayuga Wolf Clan from Six Nations who was born and raised in Hamilton, ON, who, like Raechel, has been an artist her whole life. At 7 years old, Alex’s dad showed her first contemporary photography. At 15, she worked with clay, wood and natural materials. Alex summitted three photographic works in a series, all three in different forms, illustrating how as individuals our bodies are interconnected with the land in relation with own self. “Gestures Woven by Ancestors,” “Silent Echoes of Luner Birth,” and “Asterial Awakenings.”

This was Alex’s third or fourth time submitting to this exhibition, last time was in 2020. Bothe her mother Mary Jacobs and sister-in-law Samantha Jacobs, also had their beadworks exhibited. Alex had a sold-out exhibition at the Hamilton Art Gallery from Feb. 10 to May 19, 2024, and has another exhibition in Sept. as the artist in residence. 

Emma Anderson's (know as The Crafty Killjoy) passion is primarily working with beads which she took up in 2017. This was Emma’s first-time submitting art to this exhibition. Her beaded earrings were modelled after the Dish With One Spoon wampum belt. 

​A sculpture working with different modalities and known globally for his work, Eric G. Martin is a self-taught professional artist. Originally from Six Nations, Eric and his family moved to Kitchener, ON six years ago. He mainly works with Brazilian soapstone. He had two sculptures submitted to the exhibition this year: “Strawberry Moon” made from Chinese soapstone and “Raindance” made from Brazilian steatite (soapstone). 

Eric stated he likes to choose any kind of stone and has even worked with opal. Eric credits another artist, Ryan Sandy for inspiring him. Eric and Ryan knew each other at school and reconnected years later when Ryan gave Eric a push towards school. Now, Eric has more time to enjoy doing art pieces for exhibitions rather than having to sell them. Eric’s sculptures can be purchased from the Native Art Gallery in Oakville and from the gift store at Woodland Cultural Centre. His art can be found worldwide in both private and public collections including at the permanent viewing at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto, ON.
​
A Cayuga Master Artist, Ryan Sandy got involved in the arts at 7, a family affair. “My uncle was a premiere craver from Six Nations, so was my dad, uncles and cousins,” Ryan cited. “I grew up with my family singing songs and craving" which he developed a passion. Ryan took a long break when he had a family. Ryan also submitted two sculptures in this year’s exhibition: “The Elder Brothers” and “The Younger Brothers” both done in soapstone.

Ryan’s art work is displayed at Upper Canada Native Art Gallery located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON and in the permanent collection at the Royal Ontario Museum.
​
Both artists and the audience regrouped to listen to the closing ceremony by George Doxtater. Curator Patricia Deadman thanked the audience for coming and informed them of other events happening at Woodland Cultural Centre.

All pictures taken by Heather A. Rennalls.

(Note: Non-affiliated links)

​As part of Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s Stories and Song Series, singer Denise Pelley and pianist Steve Holowitz, performed on Sunday June 23, 2024, at the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, also known as the Fugitive Slave Chapel, located on the grounds of Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Originally built in 1848, the church was located at 275 Thames St. in London, ON. 

The church was first named The Fugitive Slave Chapel then renamed the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1856, the church was once again renamed to the British Methodist Episcopal Church to reinforce its commitment to the British Crown. After the congregation outgrew the little chapel, the Beth-Emmanuel British Methodist Episcopal Church was erected at 430 Grey Street in London to serve the growing Black congregation. 

​The AME church was sold by the church and became residential property. Over the years, the church became derelict and was saved twice from demolition. Once in 2013, by the efforts of The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project (FSCPP). The church was moved to its’ daughter church on Grey Street on Nov. 12, 2014.

The church was saved again in 2022. This time, local Black organizations, the London Black History Coordinating Committee, the Congress of Black Women London Chapter, and Black Lives Matter, banded together with FSCPP to help with the chapel’s continued survival.
 
On Nov. 22, 2022, the AME Church was moved for the third and finally resting place, to its forever home, on the grounds at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, where it was fully restored in the summer of 2023 to its splendor. 

​Although present for the Opening Ceremonies for the restored chapel on July 21, 2023, this was the first time Denise and Steve played inside the chapel. My friend Jim commentated that Denise would be the first singer in the chapel in over 150 years. History in the making. 

With Steve playing the piano, Denise sang the Jams Taylor song “Shower the People.”  Afterwards, Denise welcomed the packed chapel of 18 people, and introduced herself and Steve Holowitz. Denise explained that the stories and songs involves lectures on the history of two Black leaders in Canada, civil and women's rights activist Voila Desmond and poet George Elliott Clark. 

​Denise explained that Viola Desmond was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 6, 1914, and died in New York, NY on Feb. 7, 1965. She was one of 10 children born to a Black father and White mother which was not the norm back then.
 
The song following this introduction was the “River Is Waiting” by John Fogerty. Motivated by her parents’ hard work, Viola attended two schools to receive her beautician training, one in Montreal and the other in New York at Madam C. J. Walker's beauty school (because of her race, Viola could not train to become a beautician in Halifax.) After her training, Viola opened her own salon called Vi's Studio of Beauty Culture. To provide employment opportunities for Black women, she opened The Desmond School of Beauty Culture where 15 students graduated each year. She also had her own line of beauty products which Viola marketed and sold herself.

Denise sang the song “The Eagle and Me.” Afterwards, she went on to describe Viola Desmond’s history. On Nov. 8, 1948, Viola's car broke down. While waiting for it to be fixed at the garage, she went to Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and purchased a ticket for the main floor to watch a film. When confronted that she had a ticket for the balcony, Viola returned to the ticket booth to upgrade her ticket but was told she could not purchase one for it was in the White-only section. Viola returned to her seat on the main floor and refused to leave. The police were called, and Viola was dragged out of the theatre hurting her knee and hip. She was arrested and spent the night in jail sitting bold upright all night long.

The song Densie sang was “Heaven Help Us All” by Stevie Wonder. Due to Viola’s sister Wanda Robinson, who enrolled in a race relations course and told of her sister’s story. Decades after her death, Viola Desmond was granted a free pardon on April 15, 2010, where Premier Darrell Dexter made a public declaration and apology recognizing that Desmond’s conviction had been a miscarriage of justice and that charges should never have occurred.

For her efforts challenging racial segregation, Canada Post issued a stamp in her honour in 2012. In 2017, Desmond was inducted to Canada’s Walk of Fame under the Philanthropy & Humanities category. She became the first Black woman to grace a Canadian $10 bill on Nov. 19, 2018, (She was also the first non-royal woman on a Canadian bank note.) In that same year, Viola Desmond was named a National Historic Person by the Canadian government.

​Denise sang Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” and “No Woman No Cry” the songs lyrics reminiscent of Viola’s life whose marriage to Jack Desmond fell apart and she eventually moved to Montreal then to New York where she died in 1965.

​The next lecture of a Black Canadian leader that Denise mentioned was George Elliott Clark. A Canadian poet, playwright and literary critic who was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia on Feb. 12, 1960. George grew up in Halifax, earned his degrees from the University of Waterloo (BA), Dalhousie University (MA), and Queen’s University (PhD) and now resides in Toronto where he is the inaugural E. J. Pratt Professor of Canadian Literature at the University of Toronto. In 2008, George was appointed to the Order of Canada and appointed as Poet Laureate of the City of Toronto from 2012 to 2015. (He coined the term "Africadian" meaning African-Nova Scotian.)

​In July 1975, George decided to write four songs every day but wrote four poems instead, realizing the best songwriters are poets. Denise sang U2’s song, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” then read George’s poem “Everything is Free” accompanied by Steve on piano.

Denise continued with George Elliott Clark’s history. Working on improving as a poet, George took three university degrees in English. Poets that appealed to him the most were African American poets such as Jean Toomer, Gwendolyn Brooks, Robert Hayden, Sonia Sanchez, and many others. He loved their earthy content and protest context, their giddy use of the slang and jive, their funky incorporation of musical motifs-especially jazz and blues.
 
As George matured as a poet, he thought he should blend blues singer Little Milton, Ezra Pound and John Coltrane, Margaret Atwood and Malcolm X… make William Butler Yeats holler like James Brown, and Gwendolyn MacEwen moan like Billie Holiday.
 
Denise sang Billy Holiday’s song, “God Bless the Child,” then concluded talking about George Elliott Clark. He is a cosmopolitan bard who values rhyme and rhythm. George's subject is often History of European imperialism and African enslavement. But he is interested in all peoples and all types of poetry, “free” and “not.” 

Denise concluded the concert by singing Bob Marley and the Wailer's song, “One Love / People Get Ready,”  in which she encouraged the audience to participate, singing the chorus "One love one heart let’s get together and feel alright." I always enjoy listening to Denise sing; her voice is so soothing and rhythmic. Looking around the chapel, people were popping their heads, tapping their feet and swagging to the music, some even had their eyes closed with smiles on their faces in total rapture. 

My friend Valda who accompanied me, was thoroughly enthralled. She stood up and thanked Denise and Steve and told them how she wanted to get up and dance listening to their music. Although 94, Valda could accomplish that. 

Public Programming Coordinator for Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Christina van Hardeveld, thanked Denise Pelley and Steve Holowitz with a round of applause from the audience. Christina informed the group that the Song and Stories is part of a series with the second happening on Sept. 29, 2024.  Afterwards, some people spoke to both Denise and Steve while others milled around reading the panels describing the chapel's restoration. 

If you go:
A visit to Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a must this summer, to check out the renovated Fugitive Slave Chapel as well as the other buildings located on the grounds. Be sure too to see The Freedom For All exhibit located at The Spriet Family Visitor Centre just outside the Heritage Village, describing Emancipation in London Ontario that runs until Sept. 27, 2024. 

​ The African Methodist Episcopal Church, aka the Fugitive Slave Chapel, is an essential part of London’s Black history which is not only integral to London but to Canada’s history as well. 

Quote: "Keep on being a star in your own right. Keep on defining yourself. Don't be defined by others." ~ George Elliott Clarke

​(Note: non-affiliated links)

For the month of March 2024, the Thistle Theatre in Embro, ON had the play Miss Supertest – The Bob Haywood Story written by William (Bill) Butt, directed by Adam Corrigan Holowitz, produced by  Dan Hilborn with Daniel Van Winden as musical director and keyboardist. It was an enjoyable and interactive production with the audience singing a few songs with the emphatic Miss Supertest Gas Service Attendant, played by Kathy Fraser. Individuals, from both behind the scenes and the characters, played numerous roles throughout the play like Bill Butt, who was also the projectionist. 

I knew about the boat Miss Supertest III after seeing it in the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum, however, did not know too much about the driver, Bob Haywood, aside from being a chicken farmer from Embro, ON. Nevertheless, in 2011, after attending the Miss Supertest III Stamp Unveiling Ceremony, thanks to Peter Lockyer, former CBC Journalist, I not only became intrigued with the story, but fell in love with hydroplane boats, becoming a groupie. (Refer to an article on my website The Story Behind the Story.) 

I purposefully attended the last day of the play on March 24, 2024, with some friends, to see members of the Thompson and Haywood families and others who I and Marie Avey, who accompanied me, met back in August 2011. It was like a Miss Supertest reunion. 

Musicians, keyboardist Dan, and the saxophone player Michael Riehl, played music from the 1920’s and 30’s. Following the ten-to-fifteen-minute music ensemble, the play began. Pictures on a slide projector ran in the background for the entire production, depicting Bob Haywood’s life in pictures accompanied with music. Miss Supertest and Jim Thompson, played by Peter Johnson, informed the audience that Supertest Petroleum Company had 3000 service stations throughout the country that was a family-owned business. The first Supertest gas station opened on May 23, 1923, at 362 Dundas Street E. in London, ON. 

Miss Supertest encouraged audience participation to sing “The Ballade of Supertest” in which the first verse went as follows:
       It's plenty far to the nearest star,
       A billion miles perhaps.
       It's many a mile to a South Sea isle
       Or Earth's white polar caps.
       It's a whale of a way to Biscay Bay,
       And the dread Great Barrier Reef.
      But it's never far from where you are
      To the sign of the Maple Leaf.
      Yes the gas that's best is Supertest
      And the point of this in brief 
      Is it's never far from where you are
      To the sign of the Maple Leaf.

After singing all three verses of the ballade, the audience saw a young Bob Haywood, Desi vanBeek-Paterson, along with his friend, played by Paul Brekelmans, pretend to ride bicycles on stage. When his friend fell off his bicycle, Bob was able to fix it and the two resumed riding to the theatre.

I liked how the transition from seeing a young Bob Haywood passed his cap over to Alan Buchanan, who played the older version of Bob. As a teen, Bob and his brother Keith transformed a pickup truck into a racing machine, beating competitors racing on Embro Rd. He and his brother also built a boat named Poky II, that had a 22-horsepower engine. Bob knew a lot about boats and engines.

According to the play, as a young man, Bob Haywood purchased a saxophone from a wino and taught himself how to play and played at dances. His love for music led him to meet the legendary Guy Lombard, played by Grace Vincent, who told Bob of how he started in the music industry. During his first jazz concert, the string on his violin broke. He preserved and eventually had his own band, Guy Lombard and His Royal Canadians, playing in Chicago and New York and selling thousands of records. He also stated how he bought a boat that he used to race on the Thames River in London.

Unlike myself, prior to 2011, Bob Haywood knew that the famous Canadian musician and bandleader from London, ON was also a great hydroplane racer with his boats Tempo VI and Tempo VII. Guy Lombard is also indicted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. 

​Jim Thompson informed the audience that his father started Supertest 25 years ago, a friendly and enterprising business. He further explained that in 1950, “the father of Supertest is the father of the of the fastest speedboat.” Supertest was more than a family business, they wanted to race speedboats to become world champions to beat the Americans.
Miss Supertest had the audience sing the “Esso Happy Motoring Song:”

      When your tires are humming and your motor purrs
      And your car is eager then the thought occurs
      That it's good to be alive in this land of ours,
      Good to drive in this land of ours.
      What a great great feeling, what a wonderful sense
      Of pure enjoyment and of confidence.
      For there's something you're aware of:
      Your car's been taken care of
      At the Esso sign of confidence,
      At the Happy Motoring sign.

Bob and Keith transformed a Rocket 88 Oldsmobile, known as a muscle car in 1950’s, that could beat any car in a quarter mile on Embro Rd. Bob and a teen, played by Carla vanBeek-Paterson, who had four roles, pretended to race one another in their vehicles on stage. Every Sunday, Bob raced at the Cayuga International Dragway Park with his modified 1938 chevy coup with a 300-horsepower engine named Rickshaw, where he made a name for himself winning races. Spectators wondered who this chicken farmer from, pronounced either as “Embryo” or “Ember”.  Bob was interviewed by the local television station, CFPL-TV. Soon he became synonymous with winning Ontario stock car racing events. A comical jab throughout the play was Bob’s mother,   played by Barb Kirwin, correcting people’s pronunciation of Embro, even getting the audience involved. 

In 1950, Jim and his father Gord Thompson purchased Miss Canada IV hydroplane from Ingersoll resident Harold Wilson, who retired from racing. (He is inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.) After refurbishing the boat, the Thompsons renamed it Miss Supertest I and had competed in unlimited hydroplane racing. However, unlike its predecessor, Miss Supertest I not only never won a race, but the boat also never even finished a race from 1951 to 1954 when Miss Supertest II was build. At 31 feet long, 12 feet wide, she was equipped with a 2,000 horsepower Rolls-Royce Griffon motor.

Success finally arrived for the hydroplane, when the driver, Art Ashbury, briefly set a world Canadian and British Empire speed record of 184.494 miles per hour at Picton, ON, on Nov. 1, 1957, becoming the fastest propeller-driven motorboat in the world. A year later, Miss Supertest II was retired and Thompson set his sights on building yet another boat to win the British International Harmsworth Trophy to beat the Americans.  

In the play a friendly banter ensued between the Americans who taunted Thompson and the Canadian spectators by bragging that their hydroplanes could beat the Canadians and how Esso would eventually purchase Supertest Gas Stations. (In 1971, Supertest sold to British Petroleum Canada (B.P.).) The Americans sang a few verses of the “Esso Happy Motoring Song” while the Canadians sang a few verses of “The Ballade of Supertest” which went back and forth a few times.

After the singing duals ended, Thompson adamantly told Miss Supertest of his dream designing and building a new boat but wanted a driver who knew engines and wondered where such a driver could be found. Miss Supertest mentioned Bob Haywood who was a well-known and successful stock car racer who knew engines. Thompson wanted to meet Haywood.

Jim and Miss Supertest attended a dance in London where Bob played his saxophone. At first, Bob was reluctant, claiming he knew about chicken power more then hydroplane boats, but was intrigued with the challenge and eventually accepted being the mechanic for Miss Supertest II in 1957 and future driver for Miss Supertest III, once she was built in 1959. Bob told Thompson that it was not the money that interested him but engines, speed and the thrill of adventure.
At the dance, Bob once again met with Guy who encouraged him. Lombard told Haywood that “speedboat is kind of like music is like boats, you have to get into a tempo.” Hence, Lombard naming his hydroplanes Tempo VI and Tempo VII. Lombard also stated that “sometimes your dreams seek you out.”

​The play certainly illustrated what a multifaceted and talented individual Bob Haywood was. A chicken farmer with over 3000 chickens, he had an extraordinary ability and knowledge fixing anything with an engine, be it a vehicle, boat or motorcycle in which he raced them all.

Another theme throughout the play for Bob's mother, was her constant worry of her son’s safety. At one-point she warned Jim Thompson of exposing Bob to more dangers racing hydroplanes, that with all his racing he never got injured. Unfortunately, her fears would eventually come to fruition.

Haywood knew the potential dangers of racing hydroplanes, which Thompson asked if he was scared but that was a challenge for Bob. In 1961, Bob wrote the article “Two Thousand Horse Power Under Me at 160 Miles An Hour” in Maclean's Magazine.

​Christened in 1959, Miss Supertest III won the 1959 Detroit Memorial Regatta. In that same year, the fastest hydroplane in the world won the Harmsworth Cup three successive years in 1959, 1960, and 1961, ending 39 years of American supremacy. Like Miss Supertest II, Miss Supertest III also was equipped with a 2,000 horsepower Rolls-Royce Griffon motor, she was 31 feet long, 12 feet wide and weighed 7,000 pounds, sporting mahogany, orange, and white colors. Like myself, anyone seeing this beauty for the first-time would be awestruck of her grace, a memorable and lasting impression.

Bob Haywood achieved hero status after his first Harmsworth Cup win. In 1959, then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, along with Leslie Frost, the Premier of Ontario, attended the race near Long Reach near Picton, ON, which CBC aired throughout Canada. Haywood attended a parade like that of the American Thanksgiving Parade, which was indicative of Canadian sentiments.

​While pretend boat racing occurred in the play, the rest of the cast assembled on stage wearing dressy black clothing with numerous wreaths and flowers placed at the front of the stage. It presented a very somber and dreary feeling that seemed to emanate throughout the theater, with the anticipation of what would happen next, breaking the cheery feeling I had while watching the play. 

The announcer animatedly provided blow by blow commentary of the races to the audience. In the 1960 race, the announcer informed the audience how Miss Supertest III set a world lap speed record of 126.226 miles per hour in the first lap of the first heat. In the last race however, the announcer’s voice become very serious as he reported that Miss Supertest II flipped right over. He described how one of the racers immediately went to the boat that was not moving and questioned if Haywood was dead. It did not take long for the confirmation.

​The play Miss Supertest – The Bob Haywood Story ended with Bob Haywood’s funeral with many people on the second balcony where I sat, gave a standing ovation when the characters came out. I through enjoyed the play and felt that noteworthy events and details of not only Bob Haywood, but that of Miss Supertest boats and even the Thompsons, was beautifully captured.
​
To honour Bob Haywood, the driver, Miss Supertest III, the hydroplane and Jim Thompson, designer, builder and owner, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp in 2011.

Other accolades include all three being inducted into the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1960 where Miss Supertest III, became the first non-human to be honoured; a cairn erected on the former Hayward farm, dedicating his international fame; renaming the Long Reach Bay near Picton, ON to Haywood Long Reach; the YMCA situated at 1050 Hamilton Rd. in London where Bob tried out his life jackets in their pool was renamed in his honour, sadly, after 60 years of service that location was closed in Nov. 2023; and in 2000, Hayward was posthumous inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
​
Following the play, President of Thistle Theatre, John Turvey, invited the audience to treats and refreshments and to meet the honoured guests. 

At the illustrious age of 94, Jim Thompson died on May 13, 2021. A trailblazer for Canada in hydroplane racing, his legacy, as that with Bob Haywood the Miss Supertest boats, will continue to live on and inspire further generations of Canadians. The person on the other side of me, informed me that in June 2024, The Canadian Race boat Hall of Fame and Event Centre will have a grand opening in Bracebridge. A tremendous event that I will look forward to attending, reminiscing of August 2011.

Related Links:
Miss Supertest stands the test of time | Belleville Intelligencer
Canadian History - Miss Supertest race boat | The #FastestRaceBoat In the World It was an August weekend in 1960 when Miss Supertest III with its driver #BobHayward won victory, setting a world... | By HistoryMomentsFacebook | Facebook
Miss Supertest Documentary by Peter Lockyer, History Lives Here Inc | History Lives Here Inc
Muskoka’s Unbeatable Miss Supertest III Back in Cottage Country (luxurymuskokas.com)
Miss Supertest at the Ontario Science Center - YouTube
Miss Supertest (youtube.com)
Miss Supertest III | Canada Post (canadapost-postescanada.ca)
Miss Supertest III - the Best Boat in the World - Canadian Boating
About Miss Supertest III - The Scuba News
Bob Hayward - 35 Years Ago . . . (hydroplanehistory.com)
Canada’s most famous racing boat set world speed record at PEC 60 years ago Nov. 1 : Prince Edward County News countylive.ca
Videos of Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians
 
Books:
The Supertest Petroleum Company's Racing Boats
Volume 1, Volume 2, and Volume 3: Miss Supertest III (1959-2021)
by John Joseph Kelly Blurb Books

Sources:
Supertest Chronology (tripod.com)
Supertest Petroleum | Detailed Pedia

Quote: “I’ve always thought of Miss Supertest III, Jim’s latest design, which has never been beaten in her three races, as ‘my’ boat.” ~ Bob Haywood 

For the first time, the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum held a Cheese and Verse Poetry Night on Thursday March 14, 2024. Museum Manager, Stephanie Conron, was surprised but pleased with the turn out of over 50 people who attended.

The museum was transformed into an ambient subdued lighting, strung throughout the entranceway, all the way to the back of the museum with the soothing sounds from Brian singing and playing his acoustic guitar. An enticing table of various delectable cheeses, crackers and jams, provided by The Wine & Cellar Cheese shop, met visitors, where beverages, alcohol and a delicious raspberry drink was served.

A staff member read a poem Shelby wrote about her almost one year old son which was read during the open mic portion of the event.
​
Ingersoll Mayor, Brian Petrie, opened the evening with a brief welcome. Well known multitalented artist, Duane Kumal-Thomas, the highlight of the show, read his poem which accompanies his art insulation in town of train tracks coming out of the earth, located across from Dollarama. 

Duane read a second poem. His baritone voice and words captivated the audience, and he received a warm applause. Volunteer Don sang a few country tunes while playing his guitar. New Ingersoll residents, Barbara Blower and her husband, a professional photographer who took pictures throughout the evening, read her poem. Barbara later returned to read two more of her poems, one a tribute to her three daughters. 

Manager Stephanie threatened the audience she would continue to read poems by James McIntyre to encourage them to sign up to participate in the open mic. McIntyre was a Ingersoll resident who wrote hundreds of poems, all about cheese, was known as the "world's worst poet". After the reading, audience participated in the open mic. Cassandra read a poem, not her own but one she loves on trees and someone else read a poem about nature. 

Afterwards, Duane returned to the stage to read one of his works in progress, a poem about Christopher Columbus. Aside from volunteers, one on sound, staff members from the museum also participated in the open mic, like Collections Coordinator Dorothy and Museum Programmer Kealy.  Brain played a few selections of 90s music to an enthusiastic crowd. 

Stephanie read a poem not from James McIntyre but from his daughter Kate Macintyre, who unlike her father, wrote good poetry. Stephanie explained how Kate lived an unconventional life ​for a woman of her times, divorced three times, never had children, she wrote non-conformist topics. While the museum had Kate’s “Girls Don’t” poem on display, Stephanie read the poem “Boy’s Don’t”. 

Duane’s last poem for the evening consisted of one he read when he spoke at the launch of his art installation at the Ingersoll Library last year. A poem I thoroughly enjoyed which he remembered. Duane explained how his perception was changed a few years ago after reading Joyce Pettigrew’s book, A Safe Haven: The Story of the Black Settlers of Oxford County. He also mentioned his experience giving a presentation of his poems and Black History at Woodingford Lodge recently.
​
An elderly woman accompanied him on the elector at the nursing home. After his presentation, Duane showed the video clip “The Last Stop - Ingersoll,” where Joyce is also featured. It was a surreal moment when Duan found out the woman in the elevator and present for his talk was no other than Joyce Pettigrew herself. 

Duane incorporated titles of several Negro Spirituals into his last poem like "Wade in the Water Children" and "Follow the Drinking Gourd". Duane received a round of applause after his reading.

​Since there was only one person signed up to participate in open mic, Stephanie read a poem McIntyre wrote for a friend that rhymed with Wiggles, his friend’s last name. According to Stephanie, McIntyre was famous for sitting at the back of the tavern writing on pieces of paper.

Volunteer Don returned to the stage to perform a few more songs. Stephanie followed by saying despite making fun of James McIntyre’s poor poems, if it was not for him tonight’s event would not occur. As a tribute, she read the poem “Ode to James McIntyre” by Shirley Lovell, the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum’s first curator who was also a poet.

​Appropriately, the last song Brain performed for the evening was “Closing Time”. Stephanie mentioned it was a successful evening with Ingersoll residents and surrounding area, coming out to support. She also gave a heartfelt thanks to both the volunteers and her staff for their help.

A delightful evening was had by all. Brain stated he was having fun. Hopefully, the Cheese and Verse Poetry Night will become an annual event at the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum.  I definitely will look forward in attending this event again; an opportunity to listen to talented local poets. 

Gallery of pictures taken at the the Cheese and Verse Poetry Night

​(Photos by Heather A. Rennalls)

Quote: "... Grant has here a famous work Devoted to the cure of pork, For dairymen find it doth pay To fatten pigs upon the whey, For there is money raising grease As well as in the making cheese." ~ James McIntyre's poem “Hints to Cheesemakers”


​

Ryan ended his stunning presentation discussing light pollution. How 11 years ago one could see the Milky Way by naked eye but now must drive to Tobermory or Algonquin. Light pollution also interferes with migrating birds. He explained how the industrial section in London, ON is using more lights then residents after business hours. Ryan approached a car dealership and asked to turn some of their lights off. They compiled by changing their lighting system, aiming lights down rather than up and cutting the wattage. Daria thanked Ryan for his presentation to warm applause by the audience.
 
For rambles, Richard Skevington asked what people are seeing. Jeff Skevington saw butterflies in Long Point. Other sightings included bees going to skunk cabbage and pussy willows to turtles sunning themselves.
 
Berry Merkley read out the winning ticket for the 50/50 draw which Jerome Van Erve won $28, which he donated back to the club.
 
Roger concluded the evening by stating how explorer and author Adam Shoalts, will present “From Lake Erie to the Arctic, a 3,400 km Canoe Journey” at the next meeting on Monday, April 8,  2024.
 
After the meeting, I made sure to join up for the rest of the season. Aside from meetings and outings, the Woodstock Field Naturalist Club also has their annual Christmas Bird Count. Something that I continued to participate in. Check out my blog post “WFN 81st Annual Christmas as Bird Count” to learn more. Anyone interested in becoming a member can visit the Woodstock Field Naturalist Club website. An enlightened experience you will thoroughly enjoy. 

(Note: non-affiliate links)
​
February is Black History Month that has been celebrated in Canada since 1995, after the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, introduced a motion to The House of Commons. Each year a theme is chosen focused on a specific aspect of Black history “to increase awareness, education and understanding of Black history” and to learn more about the contributions Black Canadians have and continue to make in this country.

The 29th Black History Month theme this year is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” “This theme aligns with the 10th year of the International Decade for People of African Descent and recognizes that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected." (February is Black History Month - Canada.ca) Past examples of Black History Month themes include the following: 

“February and Forever” (2022)
“The Future is Now: Claiming Our Space” (2021)
“Black Canadian Women: A History of Resilience, Strength and Action” (2020)
“The Black Canadian Experience: A Legacy of Strength, Diversity and Resilience” (2019) “Black Communities: Past, Present and Future” (2018)
“The Contributions of Black Canadians to the War Effort” (2017). (“Ours to Tell” - 2023 Black History Month Theme (Canada) - Family and Child Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville (fcsllg.ca)

Further information on Black History Month can be found on my blog post. I will be presenting the "Origins of Black History Month" at the Woodstock Museum on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.; this is a free event. 

There has and are various and numerous events to celebrate Black History Month in London and in Oxford County, but I will focus on a few. The Ontario Black History Society celebrated their 36th Annual Black History Month Kick-Off Brunch held on Sunday Jan. 28th at the Beanfield Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto. At these events, Canada Post unveils their stamp for Black History Month.

This year, the Black History Month stamp celebrates the achievements and legacy of Mary Ann Shadd. 

“As the founder of The Provincial Freeman newspaper, Mary Ann Shadd (1823-93) was the first Black woman to edit and publish a newspaper in North America. The American-born educator and abolitionist moved to Windsor, Canada West (now Ontario), where she established a racially integrated school in 1851, followed by The Provincial Freeman in 1853....” (Black History Month stamp celebrates the achievements and legacy of Mary Ann Shadd - Magazine | Canada Post (canadapost-postescanada.ca)

Since 2009, Canada Post has issued new stamps to commemorate Black History Month based on two distinguished Black Canadians and/or landmarks. Refer to my post, Canada Post Black History Month Stamps for more information.

The London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC) hosted their 22nd Annual Opening Ceremony for Black History Month on Saturday Feb. 3, 2024, at Museum London. This year’s theme is "Building Bridges to a Brighter Future: Furthering the collective role of the Black Community." LBHCC's mission statement is:

     To engage the community in celebrating Black History Month through organizing,
      supporting, and collaborating with community organizations on programs and activities
      that are available in the region to educate, uplift and inspire. Home | London Black History
      Coordinating Committee (lbhcc.ca)

This year, LBHCC collaborated with the Black History Tour Guide Committee who hosted the event. Michelle Edwards introduced the entertainment provided by singer Denise Pelley and Shannon Prince, recently retired Curator of Buxton Museum, who told stories of early Black settlers, accompanied by Steven Holowitz on piano. ​Matthew Lloyd, Curator at the Norwich and District Museum, introduced onthisspot.ca – a free App illustrating Black history from across southwestern Ontario including:

Oxford County - https://onthisspot.ca/cities/oxfordcounty
Elgin-Middlesex - https://onthisspot.ca/places/elgincounty
Chatham-Kent County - https://onthisspot.ca/places/chathamkent
Windsor-Essex County - https://onthisspot.ca/places/essexcounty
​
Future components of the app will include recorded narrations of local stories and music as well as virtual tours of the interior of the museums and historic sites. Stay tuned. 
​
On Monday Feb. 5th, Oxford Caribbean Canadian Association (OCCA) opened Black History Month with a flag raising at the Oxford County Building in Woodstock, ON, of the Pan African flag. 

“The Pan African flag is a symbol for the worldwide liberation of people from African ancestry and the three colors in the flag represent:

Red: the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry, and shed for liberation.
Black: Black people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag; and
Green: the abundant natural wealth of Africa. (Black History Month is here! (mailchi.mp)

President of OCCA, Suzanne Phillips, addressed the small crowd saying "we still have challenges." Like my, Suzanne was also surprised to know that Black people were in Oxford County. Oxford Warden, Marcus Ryan spoke about inclusion being important in community and having the youth involved. Suzanne and the Warden, along with two St. Mary's High School students, sisters   who both are involved in in the youth program with OCCA. Helped raise the flag that will be flying for the month of February. 

Public Historian, Zahra McDoom gave two discussions for Black History Month. On Monday Feb. 12th at Huron University in London, ON, she had a discussion with dancer, singer and actor Joey Hollingsworth, recipient of the first ever life-time achievement award by the Ontario Black History Society. The event was well attended which consisted of videos and a PowerPoint presentation of Joey Hollingsworth’s life. He grew up in SoHo in London, a history of predominantly immigrant neighbourhood consisting of Black, Jewish, Polish, and Indigenous cultures.

​At age 3½, Joey started tap dancing at the advice of his mother. He broke racial barriers through tap dancing and with his long and illustrious career, Hollingsworth has won numerous accolades. At 87 years old, Hollingsworth ended the evening with a performance of "Mr. Bojangles" for the audience.

​Zahra’s other presentation occurred on Thursday Feb. 22nd at Counch Public Library in London, ON to a packed audience to hear “The Hidden History of Hamilton Road,” about the 1928 Elite Black Women’s Baseball Team from London. Barry Howson, Basketball Olympian, and Gerry Anderson, former London Majors player both joined Zahra, who was pleased that many Hamilton Street residents attended her presentation. (Listen to Zahra's interview on CBC at: London's all-Black women's softball team of 1923 | CBC.ca)

Fanshawe College Celebrated Black History Month on Thursday Feb. 15th at Forwell Hall within the newly built state of the art Innovation Village. Organizer, Troy Townsend, Anti-Racism and Inclusion Specialist, had a well-rounded list of guests, including the keynote speaker, renowned Chef, Social Justice Advocate and Author Suanne Barr who gave a superb motivational talk. Students from the Hospitality and Culinary Arts provided a cooking demonstration of the Nigerian fried snack Chin chin, which bags of the delicious morsels were distributed to the audience. 

Musician and MIA Alumni, Jordan Macdonald sang a few songs, one that he wrote but his band Texas King, did not care for. His second time attending this event, the audience was very receptive to Jordan’s music, singing and playing acoustic guitar. He reminds me of John Legend whom I love listening to. Jordan finished off the event belting out the tune “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. Jordan will be performing at the Words & Music event held at Wolf Performance Hall on Tuesday Feb. 27th at 7:30 pm.

The documentary, The Chapel Project Film, by Canadian film producer, actor, director, social activist, and public speaker Anthony Sherwood, premiered on Sunday Feb. 18th in the Lecture Theatre at Museum London. The 50-minute documentary chronicles the story of the perseverance of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and the dedicated and diverse group of people who laboured for over 15 years to prevent its demolition, to its restoration to its lustre.

Also known as the Fugitive Slave Chapel, the church was built in 1848, at 275 Thames St. in London, ON, where it served as a hub for the Black community, known as “The Hollow,” and a refuge for formally enslaved people who escaped the U.S. via the Underground Railroad. In 1869, the Black congregation outgrew the church and moved into the newly built Beth-Emmanuel British Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 430 Grey Street in London.

​After being derelict for many years after the church was sold and became a residential dwelling and an office space, it was saved twice from demolition. Once in 2013, by the efforts of The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project (FSCPP), when the church moved to its’ daughter church on Grey Street on Nov. 12, 2014. And again in 2022. This time around, local Black organizations like the London Black History Coordinating Committee, the Congress of Black Women London Chapter, and Black Lives Matter, banded together with FSCPP to help with the chapel’s continued survival. 

On Nov. 2022, the AME Church was moved for the third and finally resting place, to its forever home, on the grounds at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, where it was fully restored in the summer of 2023.

After viewing the film, Anthony Sherwood mentioned that he heard about the chapel a year ago and decided to document the story on his own time and money. He also spoke about the precious moments making the film, including strings being pulled to be able to go inside the church to take pictures before it was restored. The Chapel Project Film was nominated at the Montreal International Film Festival, but did not win. Sherwood wants to do a film circuit,  before selling it to TV. The producer and Hilary Neary, answered questions posed by the audience.

In the film, Neary mentioned "tearing out the wallpaper and partition, the chapel can tell more then a story of the past, it can tell a story of the present." Visit the restored AME Church at Fanshaw Pioneer Village to see this 167-year-old historic site; winner of  the 2023 Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award.

The 13th Annual Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award for Youth was held on Wednesday Feb. 21st at RBC Place London, formerly the London Convention Center. After posting this event on my website for the last13 years, I was finally able to attend and what an extraordinary event it was!
​
In 2012, the London Police Service (LPS) established the Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award for Youth, which recognizes young people from the African, Caribbean, and Black Canadian communities who have contributed to the community. The award is named in honour of London’s first Black police officer, the late Det. Sgt. Lewis “Bud” Martin Coray, who was hired in August 1951 and served for 30 years, retiring as a fraud unit detective. Coray died on Jan. 12, 2023, at 97.  

Master of Ceremonies, Inspector D’Wayne Price, first Black officer in a high-ranking position at London Police Service, informed the large crowd that this was first time holding this event outside the police station. He commented that it looked wonderful and felt like inviting people back into their home. 

A tribute film of Lewis Coray was shown, followed by an exquisite dinner. One of five speakers for the evening, Stacey Coray, Lewis Coray’s son, shared what his father wrote in one of 12 journals. In 1951, Lewis worked at a furniture store and applied to become a police officer. Thought it was a long shot, but in August Coray was hired along with 16 others. He made $2,400.00 a year.
​
Inspector Price introduced the keynote speaker, Judge Rochelle Ivri, one of nine citizenship judges who gave a compelling speech of her life and how she achieved her career aspirations. She remarked: “We should share stories with each other and break down barriers.”  And quoted Shirley Chisholm, first Black woman in U.S. Congress: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” 

Presentations were handed out to the three winners of outstanding videos citing What Black History Means to Me included: Rebekah Omondi, Natalie Brereton, and Ella Eagleson who was the recipient of the 2024 Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award for Youth. 

I was honoured to attend The Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards held on Thursday Feb. 22nd at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queens Park in Toronto, ON. Along with other members of both the London Black History Coordinating Committee and Board of Directors of Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Carl Cadogen, LBHCC Chair, and Christina Lord; Genet Hodder, London historian and member of the Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project Steering Committee (FSCPP), and Dawn Miskelly, Executive Director of Fanshawe Pioneer Village were also present.
​
Created in 2006 by the Honourable Jams K. Bartlman, then-Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in association with the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards recognizes remarkable heritage conservation achievements throughout Ontario. Presented annually at a ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto, these prestigious awards are handed out by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. This year The Honourable Edith Dumont, the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the first Franco-Ontario Lieutenant Governor bestowed the 2023 awards. 

The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project is one of four recipients in Excellence in Conservation award to win for the “successful preservation of the oldest building representing London’s Black history, which was accomplished with extensive stakeholder engagement” as cited by John Ecker, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

It was also the second Black history initiative to be honoured along with Buxton's 100th anniversary of Homecoming in North Buxton, who were honoured for their community leadership and promotion of heritage tourism. (Shannon and Bryan Prince were appointed to the Order of Canada in Dec. 2023.)

The Metropolitan United Church Restoration Project is the second restoration project in London, ON to win. Shadowpath Theatre Productions in York Region was another winner of the Excellence in Conservation award.
Other recipients of the 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards include the Lifetime Achievement to Jane Watt from Oakville; Youth Achievement: Maude Craig from Millbrook, and Adam Selalmatzidis of Sudbury, both youths receive a $3,500 post-secondary scholarship; and Dr. Ron Williamson of Toronto, won the Thomas Symons Award for Commitment to Conservation.
​
It was an extraordinary experience; I will not soon forget. 

The 13 Annual Closing Ceremony & Black Community Achievement Awards occurred on Saturday Feb. 24, 2024, at the Wolf Performance Hall with amazing entertainment by the London Kids Community Gospel Choir, Hip Hop artist Solo YT, Comedian John Paul, and one-man band Donald Waugh. The audience were verry receptive to all the performers. Host Sybil Femo, did a fabulous job engaging the crowd especially when she got everyone singing “Keli” Baby Don’t Cry the Mother Song, when waiting for one of the performers.

In 2009, the London Black History Coordinating Committee launched The Black Community Award, which recognizes two individuals for their service and contributions to the Black community and in the wider community. The two distinguished individuals awarded The Black Community Award this year, included Colin Caal and Rex Ward. 

Following the reception, boxed food was available for the crowd, even a vegetarian meal was provided. Many people who attended the Closing Ceremony, made their way to the African Food Festival on Huron St., for a very delicious African and West Indian cuisine for only $5.00. Children in the audience were happy to join Arielle from the Little Mermaid, who got them on their feet dancing and singing.

The grown ups in the crowd also got to their feet to join the African dancers after they performed and encouraged participation. A good time was had by all.

Other Black History Month Events include the following:

​Related Links:

• ​Black History Month 2024: 29 Canadian Black History Facts You Should Know - HISTORY Canada

• Films, podcasts, music and more for Black History Month
• Tap dancer Joey Hollingsworth receives Ontario Black History Society lifetime achievement award
• London's all-Black women's softball team of 1923 - CBC Interview
• Listings of London's all Black Women's softball team of 1923 
• Black Women’s Softball, the Dawn of Tomorrow, & the Canadian League for the Advancement of Colored People
  
•  This year's Lewis Coray Trailblazer AwLard winner | London Morning with Andrew Brown | Live Radio | CBC Listen
•  Meet Ella Eagleson, winner of the Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award | CBC.ca​

 
Quote: “It was nice to have been a trailblazer and while I say that, I don’t think I’m anymore a trailblazer than the people who came before me. People like my great-great grandfather, my great-great grandmother. They blazed that trail.” ~ The late Det. Seg. Lewis Coray

Quote: "They were just a group of young men, wanting to show people that this is everybody's game....They were our heroes." ~ Dorothy Wright, President of the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society, talking about the Chatham Coloured All-Stars Baseball Team.