— Coffee Club at the Delhi Senior Friendship Centre Wednesday, September 26th at 10 am. Speaker: Pharmacist Ryan Gabet from Delhi Roulston's will discuss the Importance of testing blood pressure and blood sugar as well as going over some of the extra services pharmacies can provide to help patients better manage & understand their medications FREE! ...Donations always accepted.— Norfolk General Hospital Waterford Branch Volunteer Open House - Come to an open house to find out more about joining the Waterford Branch of the Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home. Thursday, September 27, from
7 - 8 pm Waterford Legion. Snacks provided. For more information contact our Director of Volunteers at (519) 426-0130 ext. 2100 or [email protected].— Sunday Brunch At Marburg Community Hall, 1345 Lynn Valley Rd., Port Dover September 30 (Note Change Of Date) from 10 am to 1:30 pm. Adults $7, Children Under 12 $5 and Preschool Free. Come and enjoy the last brunch for the season.— Art Show Open House - In support and celebration of the Relaxation and Creative Expression Program (R.A.C.E.) Monday, October 1st, Noon - 4:30 pm ~ Open House & 6 pm - 9 pm ~ Coffee House Artwork is available for sale ~ Everyone Welcome Location: 395 Queensway W. Simcoe. Details: (519) 428-2380.— Join the Waterford Legion Ladies for a Wonderful PUMPKINFEST Brunch at the Waterford Legion on Nichol Street on Sunday, October 14, from 9 am to 12:30 pm (or until the food runs out!). The Cost is $9 for adults and $5 for kids (5 to 12 yrs) and kids under five eat for free! All are welcome!
— NORFOLK COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS presents PAUL ZAMMIT (The Fall Garden) Tuesday, October 16 at 7 pm Eising Greenhouses and Garden Centre, 814 Cockshutt Rd, Renton, just South of Hwy # 3. Free Admission and all are welcome. For further details contact [email protected] “Let a Master Gardener answer your gardening questions”.
Keeping the hub Cool!
421 Unit 1, Queensway West, Simcoe519.428.3241 www.causyncoolingheating.com
Any reproduction of this publication without permission is prohibited. Opinions and comments within this publication are those of the writers and not necessarily that of the Norfolk Hub.
519.582.3222www.delbac.com
P roud Sponsor o f . . . Coming Events !
Personal Injury is What We Do
CORINA ANGHEL BACHMANNMember of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Assoc.Erie Shores Brain Injury Assoc.& Lynn Valley Trail Assoc.
www.bachmannlaw.ca 39 Kent St. N. #5, Simcoe
New Offices Coming Soon... 101A Queensway E.
519.428.8090IntegrIty . CompassIon . strength
By Dave ScottI headed up to Cardinal Muffler in Simcoe on Monday to take a photo for the MS Society. You see, Jarrod Padgett from Cardinal was presenting a cheque to the chair of our local MS Society, Dr. David Horton. The funds were raised through the 4th Annual MS Golf Tournament, held Sunday, September 9th at Pine Valley Golf Club.
This year, the tournament had sixty players and raised $6,737. David said that the weather was great, for this non-competitive round
of golf and that everything went off without a hitch.David explained the money raised all stays in our community and helps local MS clients. Every year he is reminded by clients just how important the tournament is.Both men stated that the course at Pine Valley was fantastic and wanted to thank Pine Valley for all they do in helping with the tournament!
This great little tournament always takes place the second Sunday in September and is a great family event. So perhaps next year, you and yours can get out and do a little golfing, while helping our local MS Society.To Penny Wright, Jarrod and all the sponsors, another job well done. Folks like yourselves understand the importance of helping others in your community.PS. Hey, Scotiabank Simcoe, ‘Thanks for your $2000 donation!’
By Dave ScottIn high school I ran cross-country and track. From those early days I remember thinking that some day I would like to run a marathon. For a runner it is the creed of the ultimate athlete, but as the years passed, life took over and well that dream slowly began to slip away. That was until last year, when I began to run again. I wasn’t thrilled about it, I was concerned for my back and knees, but the weight fell off and the knees and back felt great. The runs slowly began to increase in distance and a little of that speed returned. Running began to be fun again, or maybe it had always been fun and I just forgot how much I enjoyed it.I guess the down side to all this is the
competitive juices start to flow again. I started to feel the urge to race. I started thinking about the marathon again. I knew for myself I would need a solid year of training. If I was going to do
this, I would need to be prepared. The folks at the Runner’s’ Den in Port Dover were excellent, offering a program that suited my needs, offering advice and great running partners. I finally felt ready in the spring to go out and do a couple of short races. They went well and I decided to dedicate my summer to focusing on marathon training for the fall and the Scotiabank Marathon in Toronto. I asked advice from many local runners and then set out to train by myself. I know that sounds weird, after running with the group for so long, but when I run with the group, I am like a crazed dog chasing a stick. I don’t train properly, so it was time to be a lone wolf for a while. I set up a 21 km circuit and got to work. To
be honest, with all the Annaleise preparations we were doing during the summer, the runs were a perfect way for clearing my mind and keeping focused.Training runs were evenings and mornings with the occasional one during the hot afternoon. Those first real long runs took their toll. It was a slow build, and trust me, I was slow. The hill work could be crushing at times, but I continued on, knowing sooner or later it would get easier (I hoped!).I remember thinking that every kilometre now, every hill now, would pay off on race day. Training on tired legs, just to get your body
used to the feeling, was hard. I wanted to run faster, but I soon realized I needed to get my pace down and relaxed. Everything started to come together.With summer training starting to draw down, I ran a practice marathon on my own. It was tough and I realized that I still needed to work, especially on hydration, but it felt good to know that I could do it. Well now, I am down to the last three weeks of training and have started too ease up on the big miles; it is down to the fine-tuning. Hopefully in a few weeks, I will finish chasing a challenge that started over 20 years ago!
• Meds Check service available - call to book your Free consultation today!• Visit our website for more information and refill your prescriptions online
Michael Marini, B.Sc. Phm. Pharmacist328 Main St., Port Dover
519-583-3784 1-888-233-8111
Dover Apothecary“A Different Kind of Drugstore”
www.doverapothecary.ca
The new 2013 Santa Fe has arrived!
Come in and test drive one today
By Dave ScottI was blown away by the amazing amount of volunteerism that I could see all around me this summer. Folks just seemed to want to get involved with projects… and it seems to me the volunteers are getting younger. Our youth have a driven commitment to help others, which is absolutely awesome to see! It appears that volunteering has been built into their psyche, which bodes well for the future. Kids see the good in the world and
try to build on it. Perhaps some of the rest of us should consider their way of thinking and devote more of our time helping others. Volunteers are always going to be needed. With our aging population, we all need to realize that we must become involved. It doesn’t have to be anything big, an hour or two a week with an organization or just helping a friend or neighbour. You will feel good and create a positive impact for your kids. So, what are you waiting for? Make that call and make a difference!
More Hard Work needed
CHaSinG a CHallenGe
Take a Bow Norfolk!
Since we started “Simple Sort” recycling with our Tall and small 2-box system
we’re diverting 30% of our waste into recycling programs – but we want MORE…10% more!Lots of recyclables are still going into landfill. We can cut that down.
It’ll be better for our landfill and better for our environment.
Check out what you might be missing in your small paper recycling box:
...�anks Norfolk, and keep the material coming!
We’re at 30% – now let’s go for 40%!
Look for a reminder about your Tall container box next weekCheck out the full Tall and small 2-box recycling guide by going to www.norfolkcounty.ca and click on Target 10
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Norfolk Ads - Take a Bow copy.pdf 6 12-09-18 11:56 PM
Sip, Savour & SHop aT “eaT & drink aT flavourfeST”
PRESENTED BY
October 2-8, 2012Simcoe, Ontario
norfolkcountyfair.com
CHANTAL KREVIAZUKFRI., OCT. 5 AT 8PM
50 YEARS OF MOTOWNTUES., OCT. 2 AT 8PM
DEAN BRODYSAT., OCT. 6 AT 8PM
The Contoursfeaturing Sylvester Potts
KEVIN BRAUCH
Wednesday “Thirsty Trav-
eler” “Iron Chef America”
CHEF DA-VID ROCCOThursdayPresented by:
Erie Beach Hotel,
Port Dover
CHEF ANNA OLSONFriday
Presented by:Callahan’s
Beach House,Port Dover
CHEF KARY OSMONDSaturday
CHEF ROSE REISMANSunday
2 FAIRLY FAT GUYS
YOUR STAGE HOSTS!
CELEBRITY CHEFSPLUS...
NIGHTLY LIVE MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT!!!
The Miracles The Vandellas
Check websitefor showtimes
Check norfolkcountyfair.com for details.
Midway & advance pass purchases available at:
Simcoe Mall, Downtown Simcoe, Port Dover & Delhi.
The Norfolk County Fair & Horse show may be a 172 year old tradition but it is anything but old. The Fair continues to evolve each year with something new and exciting always added to its incredible line up of concerts, shows, exhibits, rides and animals to name a few. This year’s newest event is “Eat & Drink at Flavourfest”. The name is likely familiar to many of you. For the last three years, the highly successful “Eat & Drink Norfolk” has been held at the Aud each April. “After many requests to have this show on more than once a year, we decided to launch a smaller version during the Fair as part of Flavourfest” says General Manager Karen Matthews. Flavourfest is a specialized market located in the Rec Centre Arena for the entire duration of the Fair featuring Norfolk products supplied by local farmers, producers and vendors. Located next to Flavourfest, “Eat & Drink at Flavourfest” will feature six local restaurants including Blue Elephant, David’s Restaurant, Dover’s Hidden Bistro, Kaley’s Restaurant, Ritzy Cakes & Eatery and Three West Trends Bistro, five local wineries including Burning Kiln Winery, Dover Vineyards, Golden Leaf Estate Winery, Villa Nova Estate
Winery and Wooden Bear L Winery, two brand new breweries including Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm and Blue Elephant Craft Brew House and finally Silver Lake Vodka, the area’s only distillery. All are serving up the best of what Norfolk County has to offer. There is no extra admission fee to this show as it is included in the cost of admission to the Fair. It is also open to all ages so that families can attend together as part of their day at the Fair. Tasting tokens will be available for $1 each and most samples will range from one to four tokens. “Eat & Drink at Flavourfest” will open daily at 3 pm for the length of the Fair, Tuesday, October 2 through to Monday, October 8.The Celebrity Stage will feature an incredible line up of well-known personalities from the world of Food and Drink sharing healthy and delicious fall harvest recipes. The Fairly Fat Guys, Norfolk’s Food Ambassadors will be the stage hosts for the week and will have cooking demonstrations on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 3 pm. Kevin Brauch of Food Network’s “The Thirsty Traveler” and “Iron Chef America” will appear on Wednesday, October 3. Chef David Rocco , host of “David Rocco’s Dolce Vita” on Food Network will be onstage
on Thursday, October 4. The ever popular Pastry Chef Anna Olson of Food Network’s “Sugar” and “Fresh” will be presenting on Friday, October 5. Chef Kary Osmond of CBC’s “Best Recipes Ever” will be appearing Saturday, October 6 while Chef Rose Reisman, cookbook author and TV personality will be onstage Sunday, October 7. All shows are scheduled for 4 pm and 7 pm.Musical entertainment will also be featured nightly on the Entertainment Stage. Rob Reed, Claire Senko, Brittany Brant Quartet, Tia McGraff, Mushy Peez and Grey Sky will each perform on different days at 5 pm, 6 pm and 8 pm. The Fair has been able to launch this new event thanks to a Celebrate Ontario grant provided by the Government of Ontario as well as the generous support of corporate sponsors Butcher and Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, Norfolk Mutual Insurance Company and the Travelodge.“Eat & Drink at Flavourfest” is the perfect opportunity to sample and enjoy the many amazing food and beverage products that come from Norfolk County. Sip, savour and shop all under one roof. It’s a show not to be missed while visiting the Fair,” says Chantal Zorad, Special Events Manager.
DonationsScotiabank SimcoeCardinal MufflerRegional Auto GlassHarold Pepper & SonsDundee WealthBank of MontrealDeb CanadaBloomco Automotive Detailing SuppliersDayco AutomotiveSecond Ave PrintingProctor MarineColdwell BankerThe BrickRBCState Farm InsuranceCanada Bread CompanyMike ClancyGood Redden Klosler LLPKernal PeanutsCulligan WaterPine Valley Golf ClubFederated Auto PartsRyerse Garden Gallery Norfolk County Fair & Horse ShowStaplesBurtol CleanersSuperstoreVictor Pool & Spa Supply
The SourcePicard PeanutsShoppers Drug MartCathy Ryan/NorwexTD BankNorfolk PowerKaltireAdPlus PromotionsCobb & Jones LLPMillard Rouse & Rosebrugh LLPCrime StoppersThe Daily Grind
Hole SponsorsKnights of Columbus Prema Thames Valley Tire Repair APC Park Road AutomotiveWormald & AndrewEdgil Pool ServicesJ&D ContractingSheer Brilliance Bio Ped Foot CareJohn Schneider Brody’s MechanicalGood Redden Klosler LLPMillard Rouse & Rosebrugh LLP Humane Wildlife ControlMcKay Financial Services/Sunlife Harold Pepper & SonsTravelodge SimcoePrestige Plumbing
Thank You for Supportingthe MS Society
77 Queensway E, Simcoe
519.426.8084
Athlete’s Profile
77 Queensway E, Simcoe
519.426.8084
B ru c e Pa r k i n s
Athlete NAme Bruce ParkinshometowN Delhi
sPorts PlAyed Floor Hockey (1 Year) Bowling (5 Years) andBaseball (10 years)
AwArds received 5 Pin Bowling Award
Biggest iNflueNce oN sPeciAl olymPics
My Wife, Susie
iNterests & hoBBies Bike Riding, Walking, Hockey and Wrestling
three teAm mAtes Laura, David and Doug
SportsGood
awesome
Canadian TireSimcoe
Proud Sponsors of...
Congratulations Mary on your 500kM bike ride in support of JuMpstart!
runner’s’ den • 361 main street, port dover 519.583.3100 • www.northshorerunners.com
Runner’s’ DenIt’s Who We Are
By Dave ScottCongratulations to Mary Taylor, ‘You did it! 500 km in 5 days… all to raise funds for our local Canadian Tire Jumpstart Fund!!’As you may remember a few weeks back, I chatted with Mary (owner of the Simcoe Canadian Tire Store) as she prepared for her trek from Kingston to Niagara Falls… all to help local kids get the opportunity to participate in sports locally. Well, Mary and other Canadian Tire folks from across Canada completed their journey Friday afternoon. Tired and a little sore, but smiling because it was well worth it. Mary fundraised close to $10,000 for our local Jumpstart Chapter. Annaleise Carr joined Mary for her last 100 km. Annaleise wanted to join Mary for the ride to show her support. Next week our story on Mary’s journey…
Did You Know?Being insured doesn’t necessarily mean you’re taken care-of. Insurance companies have systems in place that can potentially deny you thousands in settlement dollars that you rightly deserve: Multiple adjusters, complicated paperwork, and even their own doctors who can undermine the diagnosis of your own.
A Brimage Law Group personal injury lawyer can ensure thatyou don’t lose any of the settlement you deserve to loopholesand complicated paperwork.
Don’t let the insurance companies add insult to your injury. Contact Brimage today.
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Visit us online at: brimage.com or call us at 519.426.5840
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George Pond You may have two different species of Nuthatches visiting your feeders here in Norfolk County, the White-breasted and the Red-breasted Nuthatch. Many people have both species, some have only one and some may not have any. Nuthatches are short tailed birds that climb up and down tree trunks. They like to dart into bird feeders, grab a seed and quickly fly away only to return a few minutes later and repeat the process. In winter they like to associate with flocks of Chickadees. Both species nest in Norfolk, although most Red-breasted Nuthatches tend to nest further north in the conifer trees. This is the White-breasted Nuthatch, the larger of the two. It has a black cap, an all
white face and breast and a beautiful slate blue back. Some have more rust below than others. You have probably heard the fairly loud, low pitched, nasal "Yank, Yank" call of a White-breasted Nuthatch in your travels. I actually photographed this bird sitting on the top of an old board fence, which wasn't much of a setting for a Vic Gibbons painting. Vic, again, has risen to the challenge. Now "my" bird sits on the branch of one of Vic's favourite trees, a White Birch.
By Dave ScottLast Sunday was the perfect autumn day. It was sunny, cool, with the colours on some trees starting to turn; the kind of day
where you want to get the kids out and do something. For us, that was heading over to Duck Day at the Long Point Waterfowl Research & Education Centre. The afternoon event had it all, including a free flying raptor display. It was very cool to watch these majestic birds fly, as the handlers demonstrated the skill set of the different types
of birds. Plus there was a retriever handling demonstration. These labs were absolutely brilliant to watch, as the owners put their dogs to the test of finding and retrieving the simulated ducks… very cool!There were lots of different outdoor organizations on hand on this day, to educate the public on the diversity of groups in our area.
Did I mention the free sausage being barbequed or the children’s craft area? There was something for everyone!The Long Point Waterfowl Research & Education Centre is a must visit and if you missed out this year, watch closely around the same time next year. It is a perfect FREE outdoor family event!!
There will be no garbage or recycling collection on:
THANKSGIVING DAY - MONDAY OCTOBER 8, 2012
For Norfolk County Residents OUTSIDE the Former Town of Simcoe:
If your regular collection day is Monday, place your material out for collection on Tuesday. If your
regular collection day is Tuesday, place your material out on Wednesday, and so on through to Saturday. Please place your material to the curb no later than 7 a.m.
For former Town of Simcoe Residents (also known as Ward 5),
your collection remains unchanged.
Important Notice for WATERFORD: This year Pumpkinfest Weekend follows Thanksgiving, so garbage & recycling collection
will occur on Saturday October 13th , in Waterford. There will be extra collection vehicles in town very early to ensure the completion of in-town routes prior to Pumpkinfest events.
Refer to your 2012 Collection Guide for more information.
(Guides available at any Norfolk County Administration Offices and Norfolk County Libraries)
For more information contact: Norfolk County
519-582-2100 or 519-428-0020 www.norfolkcounty.ca
For Garbage Collection Only:
Norfolk Disposal Services 519-443-8022 or 1-800-616-0347
For Recycling Collection Only:
HGC Management 519-426-1633 or 1-888-729-1926
GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
COLLECTION NOTICE
There will be no garbage or recycling collection on:
THANKSGIVING DAY - MONDAY OCTOBER 8, 2012
For Norfolk County Residents OUTSIDE the Former Town of Simcoe:
If your regular collection day is Monday, place your material out for collection on Tuesday. If your
regular collection day is Tuesday, place your material out on Wednesday, and so on through to Saturday. Please place your material to the curb no later than 7 a.m.
For former Town of Simcoe Residents (also known as Ward 5),
your collection remains unchanged.
Important Notice for WATERFORD: This year Pumpkinfest Weekend follows Thanksgiving, so garbage & recycling collection
will occur on Saturday October 13th , in Waterford. There will be extra collection vehicles in town very early to ensure the completion of in-town routes prior to Pumpkinfest events.
Refer to your 2012 Collection Guide for more information.
(Guides available at any Norfolk County Administration Offices and Norfolk County Libraries)
For more information contact: Norfolk County
519-582-2100 or 519-428-0020 www.norfolkcounty.ca
For Garbage Collection Only:
Norfolk Disposal Services 519-443-8022 or 1-800-616-0347
For Recycling Collection Only:
HGC Management 519-426-1633 or 1-888-729-1926
Big SplaSh Of The Week!
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By Jade Barker In my life, there have been many events and situations that have indicated which career path I would eventually choose. Throughout my life, I did not pay too much attention to these hints, as I felt that my connection with people was the same, as was for anyone else in the world. Not until I became employed as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the Simcoe Recreation Centre, did I open my eyes to discover the potential I had to become a social worker. I discovered many characteristics about myself later in life. Reflecting upon my childhood, I realized I was the sensitive type, as I took what people told me right to heart. My mother engrained confidence in my brain, at an early age. This is one of the reasons, today, why I can say that I am so confident with who I am, and who I am becoming. Along with the many characteristics about myself, I also discovered I loved the water, so my mother decided to put me into swimming lessons. By the time I was in grade five, I had completed all of the swimming levels, but my love for swimming and my dedication drove me to do more within the aquatics field. In grade six, I decided to start taking the courses needed, to become a lifeguard. At the time, I did not know the importance of this decision, and I clearly did not know what I was getting myself into, but that is the path I chose to take. In total, to become a lifeguard and swimming instructor, took me five years. Throughout those five years of dedication and commitment, I pushed myself through the fitness tests, studied for the weekly written tests, and committed myself to course after course, and the many long hours. In grade eleven, after obtaining each of the five courses, I applied for a job at the Simcoe Recreation Centre. I was offered a job for the summer of 2011. I remember picking up the phone, and hearing my employer offering me a position, I felt such a rush of joy and accomplishment, that all I could say was, "Awesome!" My experiences, while working as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, reinforced my desire
to become a social worker. I work with children of all different ages in small group settings, one on one, and even interact with families during parented lessons. I have also worked with children that have physical and mental disabilities. This job has opened my eyes, and shown me how much I enjoy working with people. During swimming lessons, I am responsible for disciplining the children, as well as ensuring they are attentive, involved, safe, and having fun. I am also responsible for organizing and planning swimming lessons. In the time that I have worked as a swimming instructor and lifeguard, I have gained experience with people of different ages and learning capabilities. Teaching a variety of people has allowed me to see how rewarding it is to help someone. Not only does it make me feel accomplished to know that I am helping people, I also enjoy it. For the longest time, I struggled with trying to decide on a career pathway, as I considered many different degrees over the years. Last May, I came across the idea of becoming a social worker. I felt a certain connection with the field of social work that intrigued me, but I was not completely confident with the decision. Working at the Simcoe pool, for the summer of 2011, really allowed me to appreciate myself and realize how many characteristics that I possessed, which would compliment the social work field. I discovered how many parts of my lifestyle pointed towards this career pathway. All my life I’d been so involved with people, through volunteering and employment. I thought back and realized how much I wanted to make an impact on people's lives, to help them
become the individuals that they believe they can be. As I think back to my past life experiences, and how it felt to have someone there for me, and to help me, was such a feeling of relief Sometimes, I think of the people in the world that have bigger issues and have no one there for them. This is the reason I would love to become a social worker, so that I am able to reciprocate those feelings to the people in the world that need them the most. In the fall of 2011, when it came time to apply to schools, I felt confident in my choice of applying to the Bachelor of Social Work Program. I feel so passionate about social work, and I just know that this is what I want to do with my future. Knowing that I could be the one to change someone’s outlook on their life, or simply provide someone with a different mind set, that does not involve worry or fear, but hope and love, is an overwhelming emotion.This fall, I will be attending Ryerson University for a four-year program, and upon completion, I will receive a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. Without my job as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, I would not have realized my love and empathy for people, or have appreciated myself, and love myself as much as I do today. Without this job, I would not have been confident in branching away from my many obscure career options from the past, in choosing my rightful pathway of becoming a social worker. My passion for this career and excitement for my future is immeasurable. I have my decision in choosing to pursue and explore more opportunities within the aquatics field, to thank. I have myself to thank.
My Hidden paSSion
Jade Barker, a resident of the Vittoria area and a graduate of Simcoe Composite School has won the twenty-five hundred dollar scholarship awarded annually by the Vittoria & District Foundation. Here is Jade’s essay.
Goldenrod is a common autumn wildflower and is host to the Goldenrod Gall Fly. Please see Nature Notes on page 11.
By MARG WERDEN The golden days of autumnDespite the bad name Goldenrod has garnered among allergy sufferers, this fall-blooming wildflower is not to blame for the runny noses and watery eyes that many people have to deal with at this time of year. The culprit is usually Ragweed, which blooms at this time as well. However, some people may have a skin reaction when they come in contact with Goldenrod.Goldenrod has the unusual ability to crossbreed with other plants, so there are now at least 130 species of the flower in North America, 30 of which can be found in Ontario. One of the more common species found in Ontario is Tall Goldenrod, a variety of Canada Goldenrod. Although the differences between these two varieties are subtle, the two varieties can be differentiated with practice. The main difference is in the size of the flowers, those of the Canada Goldenrod being somewhat smaller. This species is recognized by its plume-like flower head, as opposed to elm-branched, club-like or flat-topped flower heads of other species. It’s scientific name, Solidago canadensis var. scabra, comes from the Latin for “of Canada.”This native perennial wildflower is shade intolerant and occurs in a variety of habitats including waste areas, meadows, on the edges of forests, and in most areas with full
to partial sun. The flowers of the Goldenrod attract many species of insects and are an important source of nectar for honeybees. The flowers can also be used to produce several shades of dye and the herb has been used for medicinal purposes to treat a variety of ailments. The plant inhibits the growth of Maple seedlings, and possibly other plants, by exuding chemicals through its roots. Goldenrod is one of the first species to re-establish itself after disturbances or fires.There is a legend that explains the existence of Goldenrods and Asters, both of which bloom at the same time and in the same type of habitats. Two young girls talked about what they would like to do when they grew up. One, who had golden hair, said she wanted to do something that would make people happy. The other, with blue eyes, said that she wanted to be with her golden-haired friend. The two girls met and told a wise old lady of their dreams. The old lady gave the girls some magic corn cake. After eating the cake, the girls disappeared. The next day, two new kinds of flowers appeared where the girls had walked: Asters and Goldenrods.Tall Goldenrod is the only species of the wildflower in southern Ontario that gets the classic galls, or round balls, growing on the stems of the plant. The gall is made by the larvae of, what else? the Goldenrod Gall Fly (Eurosta solidaginis), a common and widely distributed insect found across the central part of North America. The adult flies emerge from the galls late in the spring, just as the Goldenrod stems begin to emerge. The adults are poor fliers and have difficulty righting themselves if they fall on their backs. As a result, they do most of their travelling by walking.The adults live for only two weeks,
during which time they mate and lay eggs on the tip of emerging Goldenrod stems. Although several eggs may be laid on each stem, the stem usually only ends up with one gall. After 10 days, the eggs hatch and the larva burrows down into the plant stem. The larva's chewing and the action of its saliva, which is thought to mimic plant hormones, results in the production of the galls, which provide the larva with both food and protection. After passing through two larval stages, a freeze-tolerant larva prepares to over-winter in the gall. The last thing the larva does before winter arrives is to excavate the exit tunnel that it will use to escape from the gall as an adult the following spring. It does this by scraping out a tunnel from the central chamber of the gall to the outer wall, leaving only a skin-like layer at the outer edge. It doesn’t eat the material it scrapes out, accounting for the debris usually found in the central chamber of the gall.As the cold temperatures of autumn arrive, the larva produces large concentrations of glycerol, an intra-cellular anti-freeze, which allows most of its body tissues to freeze, but keeps the inside of the cells liquid. For the next eight or nine months, the larva remains as an inactive grub. Then, as the temperature warms up in the spring, the larva transforms into a pupa, where the final transformation into a winged adult takes place. The adult crawls out to the end of the tunnel excavated the previous fall. Here it pumps body fluids into a special portion of its head and this swelling “balloon” bursts the outer skin of the gall, allowing the adult to escape and begin the entire cycle again.Even though the Goldenrod Gall Fly is safe from freezing inside the gall,
other predators find them a tasty and energy-rich tidbit. Small birds such as Chickadees and Downy Woodpeckers can peck into the galls to have a mid-winter snack. On a guided nature hike many years ago, we were also told that the grubs taste a bit like popcorn and, if stranded in the bush for a lengthy time, are an excellent, but tiny, source of protein. Not sure I want to put it to the test!National Tree DayThis year marks Canada’s second ever National Tree Day, celebrated on the Wednesday of National Forest Week (September 23 to 29). This special day is a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide us—clean air, wildlife habitat, energy and a connection with nature. Not to mention how immensely important they are for the climate. On average, 98 trees capture and store one tonne of airborne carbon dioxide every year. And with over 80 per cent of Canadians living in urban areas, it’s so important to keep our city centres green. Did you know that each healthy tree can reduce airborne dust by as much as 7,000 particles per litre of air? A healthy tree is a free-standing air conditioner and purifier and fall is a good time to plant an air conditioner!
