The 2nd Ticket to the Trades job fair was another success. Thank you to North Middlesex District High School, June Schweitzer and to vendors for all of your efforts to create engaging and informative exhibits for attendees. 

PUBLIC SKATING - NORTH MIDDLESEX ARENA

Sundays

3:30pm - 5:00pm

Monday - Friday

10:00am - 12:00pm

Parents, Tots and Seniors

No Public Skating on: Nov 12, Nov 26, Dec 10, Dec 24, Dec 31, Jan 7, Jan 21, Feb 11, Feb 18.

Adults: $4.00

Senior/Child/Student: $3.00

Family Season Pass: $40.00

COMMUNITY SKATE PROGRAM

NORTH MIDDLESEX ARENA provides an opportunity for businesses and community groups to both support our community and gain exposure with residents. By becoming a Community Skate Sponsor, you provide a free skate between the hours of 3:30pm an 5:30pm.

All skaters get free entry. Setup in the arena lobby to promote your business or organization.

COST: $270 for skating between 3:30pm - 5:00pm.

Mike and Kristina Courey, owners of New Moon Community Homestead in Ailsa Craig, have created an innovative and unique approach to farming.

The goal of New Moon Community Homestead is to make agriculture accessible to those interested in entering the market, while addressing environmental issues, building local food systems and educating kids and adults about responsible, local agriculture.

The New Moon Community Homestead Mission below aligns with the ROSE Land Care Association objectives: 

1.      Making possible and promoting biodynamic agriculture

2.      Using the educational and therapeutic purposed

3.      Creating connection between urban and rural communities

Protect land for future generations

The 200 acre farm located on on New Ontario Rd, grows vegetables, laying hens, meat chickens, pasture-raised pork, dairy and beef cattle. Mike and Kristina both have education and experience that helped prepare them for the business. Mike knew he wanted to be a farmer at an early age, and went on to earn an Ag Diploma at Guelph University. From there he continued is studies in Guelph in sociology then went on to earn a PhD in Community Economic Development at Western University. It was at Wester Mike met Kristina who was doing her Master’s in Sociology with focus on education and identity development.

As a Membership based business, New Moon Community Homestead currently has 27 members, including North Middlesex residents, as well as people from outside of the Municipality. Membership benefits include access to produce, meat and dairy products, and events hosted at the farm. Handmade artisan soap and locally roasted coffee are a couple of examples of products provided by members, and are available for purchase at the store. Members are invited to get their hands dirty at the farm, including in the 4 acre full market garden. 

New Moon Homestead has extensive programming they offer to people of all ages. Farm & Forest School, for children aged 4-12, is an agriculturally focused weekly class that meets on Thursdays. “It is an excellent introduction to farming for kids”, says Mike, “ by allowing them to help out on the farm, spend time outside and take hikes on the property.” The volunteer youth internship and apprenticeship program is geared toward 13-17 year-olds. Jessie, a resident apprentice, has an education in permaculture and holistic farming. Jessie is very excited by the prospect of New Moon’s growth and plans to remain a part of the operation. Young adults that want to get involved usually take on a full time role on the farm.

If you would like to feature your business or organization in a future North Middlesex Spotlight, submit your request and details to:

Natalie Core, Economic Development

nataliec@northmiddlesex.on.ca