Grey-Bruce Boomers Summer 2024

A FREE magazine for adults 50+
SUMMER 2024 — Volume 11, Issue 2
BUCKET LIST
A GREAT
weight
Bench press champ
honours his son
HISTORY
Bruce County
beacon
Point Clark tower shines
light on incredible history
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Get your H 2
0
Why water is a necessity for life
FREE!

Possibilities for generations,
made in South Bruce.
The Murray family has owned this farm for 170 years.
Today, with her job at the NWMO, Morgan is able to live close to home.
If a repository for used nuclear fuel is built in South Bruce,
it will bring jobs for generations and investments in community well-being.
Learn more:
www.nwmo.ca/SBProjectBenefits
@nwmocanada
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
Sweet, sweet summer in Grey/Bruce – it’s when the world starts to really
feel alive again, our communities are bustling with visitors, farmers are
working hard in the fields, and those of us lucky enough to call this place
home are taking advantage of every minute we have living in paradise.
I truly feel we are blessed to live in a region rich with natural assets, from
beautiful beaches and amazing waterfalls, to access to local produce, wellkept
trails and no shortage of wide open spaces where you can hear yourself
think.
Is it any wonder tourists drive hours upon hours just to experience a few
days in our paradise?
CONTENTS
Power of water • 4
Bucket List • 8
Point Clark Lighthouse • 12
The Big Apple • 20
Eagles • 26
Recipe • 30
This marks our 10th summer issue and it always amazes me the
knowledgeable and talented resources we have in our community. Thank
you to Kathyrn Forsyth, of Grey Bruce Public Health, for writing about
something we can’t live without, but don’t always think about – water! If
you’re looking for a summer day trip, read the Point Clark Lighthouse, a
National Historic Site on the south-westerly tip of Bruce County. While out
exploring, see if you can catch any local eagles, like Sylvain Champagne
has shared with us in his photo spread. Thinking of exploring a little further
abroad? Mandy Sinclair shares her experience in the Big Apple. Finally,
Doug Archer gives us a glimpse into the journey of Jimmy Watson, one of
Canada’s strongest men.
Thank you for reading our summer issue – I
hope you soak up all summer has to offer!
Amy Irwin, Publisher
Grey-Bruce Boomers
SUMMER 2024
Publisher
Amy Irwin
amy@greybruceboomers.com
Magazine Design
Becky Grebenjak
Advertising Sales
Amy Irwin
amy@greybruceboomers.com
Grey-Bruce Boomers welcomes
your feedback.
EMAIL
amy@greybruceboomers.com
PHONE 519-524-0101
MAIL
P.O. Box 287, Ripley, ON N0G 2R0
Grey-Bruce Boomers is distributed for free in Grey and Bruce
counties, and is published each March, June, September, and
December. Distribution of this publication does not constitute
endorsement of information, products or services by Grey-Bruce
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advertisers are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Grey-Bruce
Boomers reserves the right to edit, reject or comment on all material
and advertising contributed. No portion of Grey-Bruce Boomers may
be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
THE POWER OF
WATER
THIRST MAY NOT BE AS
EASILY RECOGNIZED AS YOU
GET OLDER BY KATHRYN FORSYTH

y Kathryn Forsyth
Do you remember drinking from the garden
hose as a child? For those who did, it may
seem odd that younger generations are lugging
around large water bottles everywhere they go.
Using designer, refillable water bottles or
trendy commercial bottled water may be a
choice, but access to safe drinking water is a
necessity for all.
Let’s explore the facts and find out why we
need access to adequate and safe water every
day, since the average person can survive
only three days without water.
No water, no life
About 65 per cent of the human body
consists of water, which is responsible for the
following functions:
• Controlling your blood pressure and
body temperature.
• Moving nutrients and waste through your
body.
• Protecting and cushioning your joints
and organs.
• Decreasing your risk of dehydration and
heat stroke.
• Helping you avoid feeling weak, lightheaded
or dizzy.
Your body’s fluid needs depend on your
age, sex, level of physical activity, and any
health concerns you may be managing (eg.
constipation, medications). Adults typically
need two to three litres of fluid daily to
maintain normal body functions. However,
you may need more fluids in hot weather or
when you are more physically active.
Dietary sources of fluid include:
• Water
• Milk or plant-based beverages
• Whole fruits and vegetables or juice
• Coffee or tea
• Yogurt and puddings
• Soups, stews and smoothies
• Pureed foods with added liquid
• Liquid meal replacements
Alcohol and caffeine
Water is the recommended drink of
choice in Canada’s Food Guide.
This guidance suggests we limit
our intake of drinks high in
sodium (such as vegetable juices),
sugars (pop, fruit punches, iced
teas, lemonades), and saturated
fat (creamy lattes or milkshakes),
as well as caffeinated drinks
(coffee, tea, energy drinks) or
alcoholic beverages.
Let’s take a closer look at some
of the issues with caffeine and
alcohol. Caffeine gives your body
the feeling of alertness without truly
providing your body with the energy
it needs. Some people are caffeinesensitive
and this can put them at risk for
cardiac events. In general, caffeine can
cause insomnia, irritability, headaches
and nervousness.
You need to eat food to provide energy for
your muscles and brain to work effectively,
otherwise you risk feeling faint, shaky,
or irritable. Aim to include adequate
food energy and limit caffeine-containing
beverages to two to three cups per day.
Alcohol can also be damaging to health.
There is no safe limit established for
the consumption of alcohol. Drinking
alcohol has negative consequences that
add up the more you drink. Drinking
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
SUMMER 2024 • 5

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
by Kathryn Forsyth
• Headache
• Dry lips and mouth
• Dizziness and feeling faint
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine
• Flushed skin (sudden reddening of the skin)
Be prepared for emergencies, like extreme heat
alerts, ice storms or flooding by maintaining a stock
of bottled water and non-perishable food supplies
in case tap water becomes unavailable. Older adults
and young children are especially susceptible to
extreme heat, which can lead to heat illnesses such as
heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat edema (swelling of
the hands, feet and ankles), heat rash (prickly heat),
and heat cramps (muscle cramps).
less is better for you and those around you. It reduces
your risk of injury and violence, and many other
health problems that can shorten your life.
If you drink alcohol, use these tips – adapted from the
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction –
to help decrease your drinking:
• Set a limit and stay within it. Aim for fewer than
two drinks on any given day.
• Drink slowly and include plenty of water in
between your alcoholic beverages.
• Choose alcohol-free or lower-alcohol beverages
instead.
• Eat food before and while you are drinking.
• Plan alcohol-free activities or weekends to get out
of the habit.
Hydrate with water
Water remains the most effective way to hydrate your
body. Following your thirst cues and eating a wellbalanced
diet can help you get the fluid you need
to stay hydrated on a daily basis. However, thirst
may not be recognized as easily as you get older, so
watch for other signs of dehydration like:
You can reduce these risks by staying indoors or in
the shade, reducing your activity level, and using air
conditioning or a fan.
Drinking water has become a health-promoting
habit for many, hence the multitude of water bottles
and dispensers you see everywhere you go. You too
can benefit from water refill stations at local parks,
public buildings, and recreation facilities. In this way,
municipalities have made it easier for you to embrace
the drink-more-water messaging.
Still not in the habit? Try some of these tips to
increase your fluid intake:
• Start each day with a glass of water and give
thanks for access to clean water.
• Keep a bottle or glass of water nearby and sip
throughout the day – refill as needed.
• Include fluids with each meal and snack.
• Dislike the taste of plain water? Flavour it with
berries, lemon, cucumber, nuts, or seeds.
• Try a temperature change. Keep it extra cold in
the fridge or drink warm water (boil and let cool
like a cup of tea – it is not recommended to drink
or prepare food with water from the hot water tap).
6 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Kathryn Forsyth
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Crucial to life
Many people take access to safe drinking water for
granted, but not all people in Canada have this
privilege, especially Indigenous Peoples living in
remote communities. Water has traditionally played
an important role in many cultures, including as
part of cleansing rituals, spiritual purification, and
providing food sources and routes for transportation.
Interestingly, women are often responsible for the
stewardship of the water in traditional communities.
Water is crucial to life in so many ways. The
shorelines and waterways of our region support
business and industry, while providing a source of
recreation and natural beauty that attracts visitors
all year long. Freshwater ecosystems, like the Great
Lakes, wetlands and rivers are integral in the global
water cycle.
Yet man-made impacts on these ecosystems threaten
both human and environmental well-being. As
citizens, we can raise awareness of the need for safe
drinking water access, along with water conservation
as a national issue, while taking action locally. We
can avoid using drinking water for watering lawns,
and plant more drought-tolerant pollinator gardens,
edible plants and ground cover instead of grass, as
permitted by municipal bylaws.
Employing more ways to protect and celebrate
safe and abundant water will ensure that water can
continue to do its wonders for the planet and for us.
Kathryn Forsyth, RD, is a Public Health Dietitian who has
been with Grey Bruce Public Health for the past 20 years. In
her free time, Kathryn enjoys gardening, hiking, and sunsetwatching
in beautiful Grey/Bruce. Learn more at www.
publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
SUMMER 2024 • 7

THE BUCKET LIST
Canada’s
STRONGEST MAN
HOW THE BENCH PRESS MAY HAVE SAVED JIMMY WATSON
BY DOUG ARCHER
8 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Doug Archer
You could say that Jimmy Watson is strong for
his age. A construction contractor working and
staying in Saugeen Shores, he recently entered a
powerlifting competition and bench-pressed 212.5
kg (467.5 lbs), shattering the Canadian national
record for men aged 55 to 59.
Not bad for a guy who just turned 57.
It’s not like he was out to prove anything – it’s
something he wanted to do for his son.
Jimmy is not small of stature. He is a mountain of a
man with a physique like a body builder. In fact, at 6
feet, 5 inches and 320 lbs – every ounce of it muscle
– he could give Arnold Schwarzenegger a run for his
money. That hasn’t always been the case though.
“As a 16-year-old I was long and gangly,” he said.
“I may have been well over six feet tall, but I was
terribly skinny and tended to draw a lot of attention
in high school. Not all of it well meaning.”
So he started working out. A lot.
“I really took to it,” Jimmy said. “I started lifting
weights three and four times a week. It became a way
for me to blow off steam and to stay fit – and it led
to a good life balance. Besides that, I got pretty big
and strong.”
So much so that in his 20s he began competing in
local bench press contests. The results were mixed.
THE BUCKET LIST
the gym with him and introduced them to weightlifting.
“My sons are big lads like me,” he said, “so it was
quite a sight to see us out lifting heavy weights
together.”
As his children got older and more involved with
friends, school and part-time jobs, Jimmy found he
had more time to devote to the sport he loved, but he
never felt the urge to get back into competing until
about two years ago.
“My son, Vaughn, who was 34 at the time, and I
were working out together,” Jimmy said. “After doing
a particularly heavy bench press, I was sitting on the
bench recuperating and noticed that he was glued
to his phone. So I made some crack about spending
time on his cell phone wasn’t much of a workout
– kind of busting his chops a bit. He just shrugged
and said, ‘Well actually Dad, I was just looking up
something that you might be interested in. Turns out
that for your age group, the bench press you just did
would make you a Canadian National Champion!’”
Vaughn suggested that maybe it was time for his Dad
to get back to competing.
So Jimmy did. With Vaughn’s help and support, he
hired a trainer, obtained sponsorship from Aecon
Nuclear, the company he works for, and started
hitting the gym according to a rigorous schedule.
Four days a week, two hours at a time, Jimmy would
“The very first competition I entered, I won first
place,” he recalled proudly. “Then the next year, at
the same competition, I got my butt handed to me!
Still, I enjoyed the challenge of competing.”
It wasn’t long before life got too busy for powerlifting
competitions. Between work and a growing family – he
has four sons and a daughter – Jimmy didn’t have time
for intensive training, though that didn’t stop him from
working out. As he tells it, he just dragged his kids to
SUMMER 2024 • 9

THE BUCKET LIST
by Doug Archer
“I needed to carry on in my son’s honour,” Jimmy
said through tears. “He was determined to see me
compete for a national powerlifting record and I
knew I had to do that for him.”
Jimmy went on with his training, sticking to his diet
and faithfully going to the gym for Vaughn. Then on
Aug. 19, 2023, he drove to Cornwall, Ont., to compete
in the WPC Canada Powerlifting competition.
There are three powerlifting events. Deadlifts –
where a loaded barbell is lifted off the ground to
the level of the hips – squats, and bench press. Each
event has strict rules governing such things as the
competitor’s body position during a lift, how the lift
is to be carried out, and even the type of clothes that
can be worn during the lift – certain types of gym
gear have bracings and supports that are deemed to
give lifters an advantage.
arrive at the Learn Fit gym in Southampton to
stretch, warm up, and then lift heavy. He pushed
through set after set of bench presses, starting at
365 lbs and adding 10 lbs each week. People at the
gym would stare in awe as he loaded a barbell with
countless metal plates and then, often with his son
acting as a spotter, heft them over and over again.
His eating regimen wasn’t any less intense. In
preparation for competition, Jimmy needed to
consume 3,800 calories per day of what he calls
‘clean food.’ That translated into eight chicken or
turkey meatballs, four eggs, two cups of oats, a cup
of rice, copious amounts of cabbage and broccoli,
and large helpings of protein powder. Every day.
“My son really got me dialed into becoming a
national powerlifting champ,” Jimmy said.
Just a few months into the training program, however,
tragedy struck. Vaughn passed away in his sleep due
to a heart issue that no one knew he had. Jimmy’s
world was forever altered, but despite the grief and
pain, he resolved to see his son’s wish through.
Powerlifting is also split into categories. Gender, age
and what are called ‘raw’ and ‘classic’ classifications.
Classic allows competitors to use some support
equipment such as knee wraps; the raw category, as
the name implies, allows only basic equipment such
as weight belts, wrist wraps and chalk.
Jimmy does not enter the squat and deadlift events. He
competes in bench press only – and always in the ‘raw.’
“I like that it is basically just me against the weights
in the raw category.”
When he arrived at the competition, Jimmy had to
fill out a health questionnaire, weigh in, and then do
his best not to get psyched out while he waited to
compete.
“Your name is up on the board for everyone to see,
you’re surrounded by experienced weightlifters – it’s
pretty natural to be nervous and feel out of place,”
said Jimmy. “I just tried to stay focused on my lifts
and not worry about anything else.”
10 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Doug Archer
THE BUCKET LIST
However, his nerves didn’t stop him from playing
some mind games on the other competitors.
“The lifters before me didn’t go over 405 lbs on their
first lifts,” he said. “I decided to throw everybody off
a bit by telling the judges to put 425 lbs on the bar for
my first lift, which I successfully pressed!”
It didn’t stop there. Several lifts later, Jimmy had left
his competition behind and was competing strictly
against the barbell loaded with weights. Surrounded
by spotters and judges and fellow competitors, he
finally topped out at a phenomenal 467.5 lbs!
“I remember I had just barely got the barbell back
on the rack after that lift when a fellow competitor
announced, ‘I think that’s a new record!’”
Sure enough, it was. Not only had he entered a
powerlifting competition and won it, Jimmy had set
a Canadian record, just like his son had predicted.
He was the new Canadian national record holder for
bench press in his age group.
Jimmy, right, with sons Vaughn, left,
and Zakk.
gives me a challenge to focus on. Who knows, maybe
I’ll break my own national record one day. For my
son.”
Doug Archer is a local writer who enjoys celebrating the multifaceted
lives of the 50-plus generation. He is also the author
of three locally set mystery-adventure novels. Learn more at
coldcasekids.com or email archer@bmts.com.
Jimmy later learned that he might have won the
overall competition that day, lifting more than any
age group, including the 20- and 30-year-olds, but
for a tactical error on his part.
“When I successfully pressed 467.5 lbs, the judges
gave me a chance to go even higher,” he said. “I got
over confident and told them to put the weight up to
485, which I wasn’t able to lift. I should have gone
with 475. An extra 7.5 lbs might have been doable,
and if I had lifted that I would have won the whole
competition!”
There will be other chances. Jimmy says his goal is to
lift 500 lbs. To that end, he is not only still in the gym,
he has also lined up future powerlifting competitions.
“I work out and powerlift now not only for physical
health but for the mental health aspect of it as well,”
Jimmy said. “Powerlifting helps me to de-stress and it
SUMMER 2024 • 11

HISTORY
Point Clark’s
Lighthouse
BRUCE COUNTY’S PROUD BEACON
BY AMY IRWIN
12 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Amy Irwin
HISTORY
If you are familiar with Bruce County, especially
along the beautiful Lake Huron shoreline, it’s likely
you’re familiar with one of its most iconic structures,
the Point Clark Lighthouse.
Nestled at the tip of Point Clark in Huron-Kinloss,
Bruce County’s most southwestern point, the
lighthouse has stood the test of time for 165 years.
Rising 87 feet into the sky, this National Historic
Site has been home to many brave Lightkeepers and
their families, and remains a beacon of pride for
local residents and cottagers, while acting as a major
tourist attraction for those visiting Bruce County.
Yet the allure of Point Clark stretches far beyond
the confines of its iconic beacon. Delve deeper, and
you’ll uncover a rich tapestry of history that dates
back much further than when construction of the
lighthouse began in 1856 – much, much further back.
At the end of the last Ice Age, about 9,000 years ago,
melting glaciers formed a small body of water since
named Lake Stanley. When it first emerged, the lake
SUMMER 2024 • 13

HISTORY
was divided by a high ridge of land. Over centuries,
the water levels rose and formed Lakes Huron and
Michigan, submerging the ridge.
However, an amazing discovery was made in Lake
Huron in the early-2000s that provided a greater
understanding of what life was like before European
settlement. A team of underwater archaeologists
from the University of Michigan embarked on
a groundbreaking expedition beneath the serene
surface of Lake Huron. Led by Dr. John O’Shea,
their journey unearthed a remarkable discovery – an
ancient drive lane and remnants of preserved trees,
nestled 37 metres below the lake’s surface.
This submerged corridor, known as the Alpena to
Amberley Ridge, stretched from Alpena, Mich., to
Amberley/Point Clark, offered a glimpse into the
lives of Indigenous caribou hunters who roamed
the land over 9,000 years ago. These parallel lines
of boulders, called the Drop 45 lane, is the most
complex hunting structure identified to date in the
Great Lake region (University of Michigan, Great Lakes
Archeology). The boulders placed there by Indigenous
hunters strategically steered migrating caribou into a
natural dead end where they could be easily hunted.
Over 60 boulder formations have been found at
the bottom of the lake and are similar to the drive
lanes found in the Arctic. This discovery, combined
with evidence of ancient hunting tools amongst
the boulders at the bottom of the lake, show the
importance of the Point Clark area, long before the
lighthouse ever shone her first light.
An Imperial Tower
For centuries, Indigenous peoples traded fish, corn,
tobacco, and wares with neighbouring tribes and
communities. Later, they traded with Europeans and
became key players in the fur trade. When Europeans
began settling southern Bruce County in the 1850s,
Captain Henry Gamble established a saw and grist
mill near the mouth of the Pine River, which meets
14 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Amy Irwin
HISTORY
Lake Huron in Point Clark. During this time, the
region was referred to as “The Point,” however, it
later earned the name “Pine Point” due to a lantern
hung from a pine tree to caution sailors about the
nearby shoal before the existence of a lighthouse.
Recognizing the peril posed by the offshore shoals
to maritime traffic, increasing U.S. trade, and the
impending opening of the Soo Locks to link Lake
Superior to Huron, authorities recognized the
necessity for a lighthouse in 1855.
John Brown, of Thorold, was contracted to construct
11 lighthouses along Lake Huron and Georgian Bay,
but the challenges of building in remote regions proved
daunting and costly. Once construction began, there
were many disasters that set the project back. Vessels
carrying supplies to the remote building locations
sunk, and the project proved to be more costly than
anticipated. Ultimately, only six lighthouses – Point
Clark, Chantry Island (Southampton), Cove Island,
Nottawasaga Island, Griffith Island and Christian
Island – were completed, earning them the moniker
of the Imperial Towers.
Construction of the Point Clark Lighthouse
commenced in 1856, with its inaugural lighting on
April 1, 1859. Crafted from limestone quarried in
Inverhuron to the north, the tower features inner
and outer walls filled with rubble. The top section
consists of a single granite wall designed to support
the weight of the ironworks, including a distinctive
red cast-iron polygonal lantern room crafted by
skilled artisans from France.
Its completion in 1859 marked a significant milestone,
with its light visible up to 15 miles away. The original
structure rested on a foundation of sturdy timber
concealed beneath the sand.
As lighthouse construction commenced at Pine Point,
Join us for a site bus tour this June, July
and August to learn how we produce
clean energy and medical isotopes.
Wonder.
Explore.
Discover.
Open
seven days
a week in
July and
August!
Register at www.brucepower.com/visit.
3394 Bruce Road 20, North of Tiverton,
West of Hwy. 21 (519) 361-7777
SUMMER 2024 • 15

HISTORY
Photos courtesy of Wellington Drone,
@explore.ontario, Bruce County Museum
& Cultural Centre & the Township of
Huron-Kinloss
16 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Amy Irwin
HISTORY
a small community emerged around it, complete with
many shops and a hotel. There were high hopes that
the Point Clark community would be a bustling and
thriving town. However, Point Clark was still remote
and hard to get to, dashing the hopes of the vision
of a port town. The absence of a proper harbour
and the construction of a more convenient trade
route (along today’s Hwy. 21) between Kincardine
and Goderich, led to disillusionment, prompting
numerous families to relocate to more promising
locales. Combined with a devastating flood in
1868, the settlement plunged into hardship, and
even Captain Gamble, one of the original settlers,
returned to his homeland in Ireland.
Despite the hard times, lighthouse construction
continued. The keeper’s residence was finalized
in 1857, and consisted of a kitchen, parlour and
bedroom, Boomers with Summer a 2024.pdf loft with 1 2024-04-18 two 11:45:36 small AM rooms up a
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THERMAL JOURNEY | MASSAGES | GETAWAYS
SCANDINAVE.COM
SUMMER 2024 • 17

HISTORY
set of steep stairs. A separate structure housed the
lighthouse’s oil supply, still detectable by its distinct
oily scent today. Although a barn once housed
animals on the property, it has since been relocated
nearby and transformed into a cottage.
To keep the light running, warning mariners of the
shallow shoal, lightkeepers were employed by the
federal government. Married men were preferred
candidates for this government-appointed position,
which was coveted despite its difficulty. The role
included accommodation in the lightkeeper’s cottage
as well as a small government pension. However,
the life of a keeper was hard, with cold and isolated
winters before the development of what is now a
thriving cottage community. Roads and electricity
weren’t even common in Point Clark until the 1940s.
These conditions, combined with the hard work of,
twice a day, having to climb to the top of the lighthouse
with fuel and wind the light with a pulley system,
proved to be a challenging job. The keeper had to
always be available to relight the lantern should it go
out, and record and report the weather conditions to
the Coast Guard and government. Having a family
was encouraged for the lightkeepers to keep their
spirits up, and it was implied that family members
would provide extra unpaid labour to keep the light
shining on the sometimes-turbulent Lake Huron.
The first of 12 Lightkeepers in Point Clark was John
Young, who had the position from 1859-82. The
final caretaker was Eldon Lowry, who didn’t live in
the Keeper’s cottage, but nearby and kept an eye on
the then-automated light from 1964-67.
Unlike many Great Lakes lighthouses, the Point
Clark light continues to operate, emitting a white
flash every 10 seconds to guide passing ships.
Recognized as a National Historic Site in 1966, owned
by Parks Canada and operated by the Township
of Huron-Kinloss, the Point Clark Lighthouse
underwent a comprehensive five-year restoration
from 2011, aimed at preserving its significant
Canadian heritage. This restoration encompassed
stabilizing the tower’s exterior stones, repointing
mortar joints, masonry repairs and replacements,
18 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Amy Irwin
HISTORY
window refurbishments, and enhanced interior
ventilation. The enduring quality of the lighthouse’s
original construction has stood the test of time,
and is one of the few lighthouses that is still open
to the public. Open daily in July and August, paid
tours to the top are available for those looking for a
challenging climb up 114 steps to a beautiful bird’seye
view of the dramatic Lake Huron coastline, as
well as admission to the newly renovated museum,
located in the adjacent lightkeeper’s cottage.
Plan a trip to Point Clark this summer to take a step
back in history.
Amy Irwin is the Publisher of Grey-Bruce Boomers and a
resident of Huron-Kinloss. Tickets to tour the Point Clark
Lighthouse and newly-renovated Lightkeepers Museum are
available at secretsofthebackforty.com/point-clark-lighthouse/
SUMMER 2024 • 19

TRAVEL
The Big Apple
REVISITING NEW YORK AFTER 20 YEARS
BY MANDY SINCLAIR
20 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Mandy Sinclair
It had been more than a New York minute since
I was last in the Big Apple, and as I prepared to
return 20 years after my first visit, I was certainly
excited to, “Be a part of it, New York, New York,” as
Frank Sinatra so famously sang.
But with so many must-visit sites, Broadway shows to
see, and restaurants in which to indulge, trip planning
felt overwhelming (one tip is to book attraction
tickets and restaurants in advance, particularly
during peak tourist season, but be sure to leave time
for meandering too).
I happened to be travelling in January, and, while
the weather wasn’t always the greatest for wandering
outside, it was perfect for heading indoors and
indulging in tasting menus ranging from $30-$60
and designed specifically for Restaurant Week at
leading restaurants across town.
I opted to spend my days exploring a few
neighbourhoods rather than taking in all the sights.
So, in between meals, afternoons were often spent
rambling – Mulberry Street in Nolita for the sweetest,
independent boutiques, admiring art exhibitions and
speaking with gallerists on a gallery hop through
Chelsea, and refueling with a good coffee (Sunday
to Sunday in the Lower East Side was a favourite),
while chatting with friendly locals also in search of
a hit of java.
A moment in Midtown
TRAVEL
From the flashing lights of Times Square to shiny
skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller
Centre, and the Empire State Building, to the iconic
New York Public Library where Carrie Bradshaw was
prepared to say I do, the neighbourhood, as heavily
laden with tourists as it is, deserves a moment... or
even two.
While New York may be famous for many things, its
skyline is certainly up there. Thankfully, the options
for seeing the city from above are plentiful, particularly
in Midtown. The animated elevator ride to the Top
of The Rock at the Rockefeller Centre zoomed by
as we were whisked up to the 70th floor in less than
a minute. From the top, the Empire State Building
hovers proudly above hundreds of other towers. To
the north, the expansive Central Park appears. Yet the
unique selling feature here is the Beam experience – an
opportunity to secure oneself onto a steel beam before
being hoisted 10 feet above for views and a photo
similar to the famed portrait featuring 11 ironworkers
sitting on a steel beam from 1932.
While at the Centre, I admired the neon signs for
Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios, considered
skating on the famed rink, and grabbed a pizza at
Ace’s Pizza before wandering along Fifth Avenue for
some (window) shopping.
SUMMER 2024 • 21

TRAVEL
by Mandy Sinclair
But, as touristy as it may be,
the views from the Empire
State Building stole my heart. I
nervously stepped inside (I’m not
a great fan of heights) for an earpopping
elevator ride up 80 floors
in less than a minute, and a second
ride up an additional six floors
for open-air cityscape views, just
before the sun went down for the
day. I smiled ear-to-ear as I spotted
the Chrysler Building, snapped
photos of downtown, and watched
as the lights illumed as the sun said
goodnight. In the distance, Lady
Liberty watched over. I managed
to see all of this without getting too
close to the edge, even though it is
caged.
Back on the ground and inside the
Chrysler Building, I felt like I was
transported back to the 1930s as I
admired the marble, the intricately
painted ceilings and art-deco
motifs on the carefully guarded
elevator doors. While not officially
open for visitors, it often just takes
saying hello to one of the security
guards who permit admiring the
building’s architecture.
Next door, the hulking Grand
Central Station also recalls bygone
days with its expansive foyers,
brilliant chandeliers and elegant
oyster bar filled with all sorts
throughout the day. I opted to slow
travel to New York City, departing
from Toronto’s Union Station, but
arrived at nearby Penn Station. The
journey was a pleasant alternative to
flying during winter months, even if
the duration was much longer.

y Mandy Sinclair
TRAVEL
Broadway on a budget
Brunching and a theatrical performance happen to
be two of my favourite things. The Starlight Diner,
conveniently located steps away from Times Square,
combines the two. From the neon sign on the
restaurant’s exterior to the retro interior, the place
feels like a classic diner, with a menu featuring all
the staples – eggs benedict, stacks of pancakes, and
a generous serving of tater tots – washed down with
mugs of drip coffee. Get cozy in one of the retro-style
booths or settle onto a barstool for a front-row seat
of sorts. You’ll want to linger a little over your cup
of coffee as budding Broadway stars serve guests in
between climbing atop tables and in between booths
to belt out a familiar tune from the stages nearby. It’s
a perfect start to fuel a day bustling around the city.
Don’t wait until hunger hits to head here though, as
lineups are known to snake around the building.
With endless musicals and theatrical performances
taking to the Broadway stage, the choice can be
overwhelming (though a glance at ticket prices
may start an elimination process). Not being set
on one performance in particular (although that’s
not entirely true, I really wanted to see Appropriated,
seemingly the hottest ticket in town), I downloaded
the TodayTix app. Scrolling through the options, I
added some of the hottest shows to my watchlist and
signed up for lottery tickets.
The result? I managed to snag rush tickets to a
preview of Days of Wine and Roses at Studio 54. A
dream! It was my last night in New York City, and I
was seated between theatre aficionados who shared
their top tips (and raved about Appropriated, leading
me to wonder if I should extend my trip once again,
though I left the following day as planned).
Early Bird
Flex Pass Pricing
June 12-July 12
SUMMER 2024 • 23

TRAVEL
Give me the Lower East Side
The iconic metal staircases, lively streets, and
hole-in-the-wall eateries make this one of my
favourite neighbourhoods. On this trip, my main
reason for visiting the Lower East Side was to stop
by the Tenement Museum. More storytelling than
a traditional history museum, our guide shared
insight into Eastern European, Puerto Rican,
Chinese, and Jewish immigrants when they arrived
in New York City.
This particular tenement building – at 97 Canal
St. – dates back to 1863, and its four, three-room
apartments on each of its five floors were inhabited
until 1935 when they were boarded up for 53
years. Today, the apartments, relatively untouched
just refurbished to meet safety standards, feel like
stepping into a time capsule where the stories shared
are humbling, and incredibly insightful. Reserve
early to ensure a ticket to the tour of choice.
Unsurprisingly, it’s in this neighbourhood where the
famed Katz Delicatessen for pastrami sandwiches
on rye, and Russ and Daughters Cafe for bagels
loaded with smoked salmon are located. But I found
a perfect slice (maybe two) at Williamsburg Pizza on
Essex Street.
Galleries and art in Chelsea
The city has no shortage of heavy-hitting art galleries
– The Met, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and
even the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim
(free on Saturday evenings) – and I opted to join the
24 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Mandy Sinclair
crowds at “free Fridays” at The Whitney in Chelsea.
Guides led tours of the permanent collection, and on
the main floor, DJs entertained an all-ages audience.
This provided me an opportunity to wander the
High Line, a former elevated rail line turned
popular walkway between residential high rises,
which feature public art installations throughout.
The iconic Lantern House block recalled Moroccan
lanterns, particularly as the sun set and residents
began switching on lights within the apartments.
Start in Hudson’s Yard at The Vessel – a glittering
tower where 154 interconnecting staircases and 80
landings provide stunning New York City views
– before winding through Chelsea, and perhaps
stopping to take in some of the art galleries along
the way, ending at the Whitney Museum.
If seeing some of the city’s greats – Jean-Michel
Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring to name a
few – are top of the list, head to Tagliatelle Galleries
on 10th Ave. Renowned for its pop art, the gallery
features two floors of work by great American artists.
When hunger hit, the Chelsea Market was the
perfect stopover. Rows of wine bars, food stalls,
and small eateries dot the hallways of this historic
building. My tip, join the line at Los Tacos No.1.
Sightseeing made accessible
Purchase a New York CityPASS for access to the
Empire State Building’s observation tower and the
American Museum of History, and a choice of three
additional sites including ferry access to the Statue
of Liberty and Ellis Island (allow at least five hours
if opting to visit both islands), the 9/11 Memorial &
Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and more.
The value is worthwhile.
Mandy Sinclair is a freelance writer, travel consultant
and podcaster. Follow her adventures on Instagram at
@ms.mandy.sinclair.
SUMMER 2024 • 25

RECREATION
PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS
BY SYLVAIN CHAMPAGNE
Eagles, with their signature
feathered heads, are the
nomads of the skies – the
high flyers – that can reach
altitudes of 8,000 to 10,000
feet, habitually related to the
sky gods.
26 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

y Sylvain Champagne
RECREATION
Eagles characterize honesty,
truth, leadership, courage and
freedom, and many Indigenous
cultures hold them as sacred.
Eagles can be found year-round in Grey/Bruce
and adjusted to our climate. They live near
large lakes, where fish are abundant. They
can spot fish from 1.5 km away.
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SUMMER 2024 • 27

RECREATION
by Sylvain Champagne
The eagle can live more
than 20 years, and its
wingspan can extend to
nearly three metres, while its
body length can stretch to a
metre. They usually nest in
large pine or poplar trees to
have their dinner.
Sylvain Champagne has worked with some of
the best videographers and photographers for
the CBC. His collaboration with the
corporation recognized his artistry to expand
into writing jingles for morning shows. Sylvain’s
devotion as a musician has empowered his
spirited creativity as a photographer.
His “passionate eye” contributes to the beauty
of nature, birds, landscapes, and various other
works which depicts his artistry. Learn more at
www.champhoto1.com.

y Sylvain Champagne
RECREATION
The best time to see bald eagles in
Grey/Bruce is between December and
March in the early hours of the morning.
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SUMMER 2024 • 29

FOOD & DRINK
Fresh tomato and
zucchini tart
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
INGREDIENTS
1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
⅔ cup cold butter, cut in pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium zucchini, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup each black olives and fresh basil, chopped
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 thinly sliced tomatoes
Instructions
In large bowl, mix flour with salt until blended; cut in butter until it
resembles coarse crumbs and gather into a rough ball. Press dough onto
bottom and up side of 9-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom.
Prick all over with fork and freeze five minutes. Bake in 350 F oven for 25
to 30 minutes or until crust is a golden brown.
Cool completely on a rack.
In a frying pan, heat oil at medium-high. Add zucchini, garlic, salt and
pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender. Cool to
room temperature.
In a small bowl, mix olives with basil and scatter over the crust. Top
with zucchini and Parmesan. Arrange tomatoes in circular pattern,
overlapping slightly.
Serve immediately at room temperature.
*Recipe courtesy of Foodland Ontario
30 • GREYBRUCEBOOMERS.COM

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SUMMER 2024 • 31

Rediscover your Library
Provincial Park Passes
Fishing Gear
Binoculars
Walking Poles
Library membership is FREE!
Register online or at your local branch.
getacard.brucecounty.on.ca