OnTheRoad_Nov17_WebEdition

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE: NOVEMBER 2017
RINGWOOD
1800-1950
the essential position
of a forgotten place
PAGES 3-6
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WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE
plus
EDITORIAL
PAGE 2
RINGWOOD DRIVE
PAGE 7, 10
new OTR feature: HOME SPACE
PAGE 8, 9
DOWNTOWN FOR
CHRISTMAS
and
PAGE 11
OFFICIAL
COMMUNITY NEWS
PAGE 12

From the Editor
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WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE
Last month the OTR feature was
marketing “Beyond our Borders”.
We had sent out a paper in Chinese
language. We received two negative
messages from Stouffvillians, yet the
overall response from the targeted
audience was very strong.
I went up to DynamicGreens Wheatgrass
a couple weeks ago to replenish
my supplies. Greeting me at the door
was a Chinese Canadian couple from
Richmond Hill. They had the newspaper
in hand. Apparently, they received
it in the mail and immediately
drove up to DynamicGreens - all the
way up Ninth Line - to inquire about
exporting wheatgrass to China. I am
not privy to the discussion, but the
goal of broadening the market for our
farmers, perhaps, has potential.
I heard from Mother Magdalene of
Holy Theotokos Convent and Joyous
Light Candles, she said: “These last
two weeks we have seen quite a
number of new customers, especially
from the Chinese community, coming
to visit our store. Almost all of those
we asked, say that they saw the ad in
the newspaper and that is why they
came to visit us.”
Mother Magdalene also mentioned
that a couple recently came in to
the shop with an old January issue
of OTR, saying that they saved the
article on purpose of coming to visit
us one day; they finally made it.
Guy Farintosh, Farintosh Farms, reported
that “one woman spoke very
passionately about the relative isolation
of older Chinese, who tend
to largely limit their business to a
5 km radius from their homes. The
newspaper provided them with new
opportunities relatively close by in
a language they could understand.”
Guy mentioned that a public health
nurse in York Region had visited. She
was keen about promoting local food
to immigrants. She learned about the
farm by reading the Chinese edition.
Mark Hayward of Velvet Sunrise
shared that a customer came in the
very next day “clutching the paper
like it was made of precious metal.”
He continued, “these customers
are valuable to us because they will
drive out of the way to seek quality
products like ours, and most often
become regular customers.”
We only have anecdotal evidence
thus far, but it is promising. There
is a lesson to be learned from this
experience. I met a new client this
week who wants to open a factory
here. He and his family are new
Chinese Canadians that live in
Richmond Hill.
For this gentleman, to open a factory
in China is a straight path from A-to-B,
but for here, he says that he doesn’t
know whether to take a left or right,
or “a right and three quarters” as
stated in a Dr. Seuss book. Navigation,
not investment, is his problem.
He is under the impression that
commercial property must be bought
with cash only. He doesn’t know
where to start, but he has a proven
product and wants to create jobs. His
frustration is clear, his vulnerability is
high, and he doesn’t know whom to
trust.
Perhaps, this presents an opportunity
for Whitchurch-Stouffville. We have
meager resources and many restrictions
upon development, but with
a little effort, we could become the
leading experts in navigation. We do
not seek speculation, which comes
from every direction regardless of
desire, but value-added investment
is always welcome.
This edition is our oneyear
anniversary. Our goal
is to support the business
community, promote tourism
and agriculture, and
strengthen our sense of
community identity.
We’ve covered over 100 businesses
this year. That means 800 businesses
have not received coverage. We need
to step it up, but is it working? You
tell us at ecdev@townofws.ca.
David Tuley.
Inside the Ringwood Edition
When driving into Stouffville from the west, the typical
reaction may be “yikes”. It is a mixture of marsh and
ramshackle buildings. But - scratch the surface and a
rich history is presented.
Those remnant buildings you see are our founding
father’s and mother’s homes, and these are the places
where they shopped, lived, and went to school or
church. Believe it or not - they had more then, than we
have now. Most of their day-to-day living, eating, socializing
and surviving took place within a square mile.
They didn’t spend hours on the road to work, distant
from their families. Everything was ‘here and now’ and
the community was close-knit, as you shall read.
Thinking about Ringwood is particularly relevant today,
because the area will soon transition to the next phase.
This past September the Town held a public meeting
to gather feedback on the “Gateway Mixed Use Area/
Western Approach Land Use Study”. Two preferred
concepts were presented.
The image on the right is “Land Use Concept 1”. In
short, the green areas are undevelopable because of
the presence of two prominent creeks, the pink areas
are mixed use commercial/residential, and the yellow
areas are proposed as medium density residential.
In theory, this could be under development within 2
years. Will we call it Ringwood?

RINGWOOD
1800-1950
the essential position
of a forgotten place
3
The George Fockler family of Pennsylvania were the first
to settle the area of Ringwood in the late 1790s. They built
a home at the northwest corner of the intersection of Townline
and 8th Concession (present Stouffville Rd. and Highway
48). In those days, Townline formed the boundary between
Markham and Whitchurch Townships. Peter Wideman settled
the southeast corner of the intersection in 1803. George
and Elizabeth Brownsberger moved here from Pennsylvania
in 1826. These pioneers began to clear the forest for farms.
The first crops were sown and harvested by hand. They grew
enough crops and raised enough animals as to be self-sufficient.
Another early resident was George Sylvester from
Ringwood, England. He opened a general store on
the northeast corner; when he became the first
postmaster for the hamlet in 1856 - he named it
Ringwood.
In the early days, we had a plank road (a board walk of sorts)
that connected Stouffville to Richmond Hill, by way of Ringwood.
The stagecoach used to pass our home. The driver, Mr.
Marshall had one of the largest mustaches I have ever seen.
We didn’t have much in those days – Silvester’s store, Philip
Wideman’s marble shop (grandson of Peter), MacPherson’s
wagon shop, and a blacksmith shop. There were only a half
dozen houses scattered about.
Our early post office was not in Ringwood, but 2½ miles down
8th concession at Milne’s Sideroad. Newbury Button bought
a farm on the west side of town. The Ringwood School was
built in 1838, and the Ringwood Christian Church built in
1868. By 1870, the community grew to 100 residents with 21
businesses.
After a few years, a boom stuck. Business flourished, we had
everything - 2 hotels, 2 general stores, 2 shoe shops, a harness
shop, 2 sawmills, 2 cheese makers, a livestock dealer, 2 blacksmiths,
a cider maker, a life insurance office, an auctioneer, a
butcher, a shingle mill, 2 carriage makers, a builder, a weaver,
and a flourmill.
A bunch of houses were added to Ringwood too. Every family
along the road had 8 to 10 children each. Ringwood’s population
grew to around 300 by 1886. The original one-room frame
schoolhouse was replaced in 1887 with a red brick school,
built northeast of the corners (it is still there today with the
signage of a defunct church - “Jesus”).
Ringwood had one of the finest brass bands, with many Lehman
boys belonging to it. The brass band supplied the music
for the annual Orange Walk. The hotels doubled as a location
for auctions: Button’s Ontario House Hotel ended the 1892
year with a sale of 20 first class pregnant ‘milch’ cows, 10
yearling steers and many sheep and pigs.
Stivers’s Hotel began the new year of
1893 with the sale of household furniture
and furnishings. For Thanksgiving
of 1889, Messers and Brownsberger
announced a shooting match to be
held at Stiver’s Hotel; about 60 head of
turkeys and geese will be the subject
of No. 6 shot at a distance of 90 yards.
Two of our own – Newbury Button and
Jacob Grove were both appointed Justices
of Peace for the County of York.
Alas, by 1900 the population of our
community has fallen to 220, with 14
businesses – a 27% and 42% reduction
respectively in just over 10 years. Attending
the hockey matches is a great
pastime. In 1916 the cost of entry was
15 cents, and presented an opportunity
to see the Ringwood boys go head
to head with Lemonville, Stouffville,
Ringwood School Class of 1925 [courtesy of W-S Museum]
Vandorf, Mt. Albert or Claremont.
The year of 1918 was shocking for the
world, because of the war and for local
matters. In March, Israel Schell was
struck and killed by a street car in St.
Catharines; he had been walking on
the tracks – on account of the muddy
conditions – and did not hear the car
approach, which was reported to be
travelling at excessive speed.
Also in 1918, the Spanish Flu,
which was killing more people
than World War I (an estimated
500 million people died worldwide
– about one-third of the
planet’s then population), struck
the Stouffville area.

RINGWOODcont.
Public meetings were forbidden, the
library and pool-rooms ordered closed
and warnings were made about the
risk of Christmas shopping.
The epidemic was serious around
Whitevale, Locust Hill, Claremont
and here, with new cases being reported
daily, yet only one death resulted
prior to Christmas. Most of the annual
Christmas activities were cancelled.
1922 has shaped up to be a banner
year for Ringwood. First, in June, the
Christian Church of Ontario held its
annual conference in the Ringwood
Church. A visiting reverend from Ohio
delivered an aweinspiring sermon. A
record audience was in attendance,
which taxed the building to its capacity.
Then in September, Ontario Premier
King was met in Ringwood by the
48th Highlanders Band and mounted
veterans acting as escorts for a 2
mile parade walk into Stouffville.
Pupils from all the schools in the
neighbourhood fell in with the march.
The year ended finely with the annual
Christmas tree and concert at the
crowded and cheerful Ringwood
School.
In 1923 McKenzie, the “canny Scot”
and popular garage owner, installed a
generator to make his own electricity
and light in advance of hydro being
available. Ringwood lost to Stouffville
in a narrow defeat of 7-8; our hockey
hopes were high when we were up by
3 in the first five minutes, but they
couldn’t hold the pace.
The school has been closed for a few
days, owing to the measles outbreak,
and the annual school concert was
duly cancelled. The first sign of Spring
came with the opportunity to buy
Choice Gladiolus Bulbs from W.J. Jacobs
for 25 cents a dozen.
Good news about hydro, its now reported
that the rates may be as low
as $1.90 per month; we were worried
about the earlier report of $3, which is
very high. Perhaps soon we shall see
some of our homes and business places
illuminated with the great white current
from Niagara. Hugh Boyd almost
lost his brother Alex of Markham, due
to the fact that Alex was driving a truck load of
cattle up from Toronto which collided with the
Stouffville four o’clock train at Unionville Station;
he and the cattle escaped with minor injuries, but
the truck was a complete wreck.
The ice cream social at the Ringwood School
proved to be a good program for all those involved,
despite the August heat.
Chickens! F.A. Bruels’ new model brooder stove
is capturing all the talk. The larger of the two
models has 1000 chick capacity in a mere 52-inch
canopy, burning coal or coke. One of John Fisher’s
Plymouth Rocks produced an egg that measures
7 ½ x 9 inches and weighs 5 ½ ounces – it may
win largest egg in the province. The chickens were
surely shaken by that 9.2 earthquake we felt in
March – the dishes were shaking and the pictures
swaying.
About 60 from around our burg spent the evening
at the home of Mr. Kenneth Campbell. We had
a very enjoyable evening of games and music;
Ringwood Hockey Club of 1915 [courtesy of W-S Museum]
afterwards, oysters were served.
July brought another sad reminder about the fragility
of life when one of our esteemed citizens,
Abram Lehman died, at age 76. Mr. Lehman’s
parents were one of the early pioneers in this section.
He used to run the carriage shop and general
store here, before opening an ice cream shop in
Stouffville.
The 1925 school year started off with 36 pupils,
five being beginners. Our school beat Stouffville in
the singing contest at the Stouffville fair. It is reported
that a young man from here made his first
trip to the Exhibition – he stood so long gazing up
at the skyscrapers at King & Yonge that the roof
of his mouth got badly sunburned.
Mark this date – February 4, 1926: we now
have bus service available 7 days a week from
Ringwood to Toronto. After Ringwood, it serves
Stouffville too. 10 trips on the Maple Leaf Bus
Lines for $7.00. About 25 passengers were onboard
today. Many improvements came to our burg this

spring: the hotel property was electrically lighted under the
management of Mr. Sinclair, Albert Pemberton took over the
property and blacksmith business vacated by Ernest Watson,
and the Ringwood Garage was renovated again – they now
have a washroom for ladies!
L.A. Brownsberger, the fruit expert, pruned 15 acres of orchards.
He says there are good prospects for all kinds of fruit. Sad news
came in July – Wellington Stouffer died in the lane from heart
trouble while doing his evening chores at his Ringwood barns;
few men were more highly regarded in the community.
J.L. Grove and sons have 1300 ducks hatched. Under the Corn
Borer Act, all stubble must be destroyed or plowed under by May
20. Another large hole washed in Mr. Jones’s mill race during
last week’s flood; we’re looking at buying a boat for getting
around Ringwood. J.J Rae’s are advertising a lot of Ringwood
Cheese for sale. It has been announced that a gold fish farm is
coming to a plot one mile north on the 8th Concession.
McKenzie’s is selling closed cars, 1928 Chevrolets – winter would
be easier with one of those to keep you warm. A great number of
citizens attended the Royal Fair. Our trappers are busy these
days setting traps for the season’s catch of mink. Five of our
hunters returned home this week from the Nipissing District,
each with a deer. It is reported that Bruce Stouffer, who went
west for the harvest, secured work with General Motors in
Regina; he may not be back for a while. The Ringwood Garage
is up to 7 hands – it’s a busy corner.
April 11, 1929. Considerable damage was done to
Ringwood during Friday night’s storm. We were
nearly submerged in the flood waters that came from
the north. Fences, dams and bridges were wrecked.
Of the hundreds of culverts and roads and lanes in Markham
and Whitchurch Townships, 90% are damaged or destroyed. A
foot of water flooded the floors of Ringwood Garage, while the
furnace pit held 3 feet of water.
Despite the rains of last spring, the ground is dry in October.
The Toronto Gold Fish Company continues the work of sinking
wells. Both locals and authorities are watching with more than
ordinary interest, as the new wells are being sunken near
the Stouffville town wells – the ratepayers may be injured!
The most recent well completed gave a flow better than the
previous four, but it was a gusher of short duration. In the
meantime, the wells on the Mortson and Sinclair farms have
dried substantially. There is no law on statute books to prohibit
drilling in wholesale quantities.
With great merriment, about 50 people gathered for Grandma
Hoover’s 90th birthday. Although she has been confined
to a chair for the past years, her mind is very alert and she
participated in the enjoyment to the full extent. We understand
that 8th concession will be surfaced from Ringwood to Baker
Hill with tarvia this summer (a tar and gravel substance). With
this section built, Ringwood will boast hard surface roads year
around!
The Gold Fish Supply Company has hired Charles Dadson to
guard over the fish ponds, against crows, hawks, gutter snipes,
and prowling animals that prey on the fish. On the note of
birds, Starlings are coming in such numbers as to turn day as
overcast, yet you could kill 17,000 and have a million come to
Ringwood looking west [far above]; Ringwood looking east [above]
[courtesy of W-S Museum]
the funeral. They seem to be driving out the good birds that destroy insects
and sing songs, such as the morning doves, swallows and woodpeckers. These
starlings carry deathly chicken diseases, they eat our fruits and vegetables, and
they bring death to the trees where they roost.
Mark this date – January 1939. When winter is at its darkest, the
Ringwood School Trustees voted against the installation of electric
lights.
One farmer said that he would invest if it was growing and worth fixing up. He
said that he pays $1,200 a year for only 13 pupils at the Ringwood School - a
weak investment. The trustees also voted down a motion to hire a dedicated
music teacher.
The winter of ’42 has proved rough. The February snowstorm brought 10-foot
snowdrifts and closed all roads to incoming food supplies. General store owner
John Sinclair said that he was preparing to ration his customers. “Our supply
of milk was almost exhausted by the time the plows got here,” said Mr. Sinclair.
The former Button Hotel, having operated as the Sinclair Place this past 20
years, has been sold to John Hicks of Niagara. Our population has dropped to
about 100. Grove’s Store is about the only business still operating.
5

RINGWOODcont.
In Retrospect
8th Concession (Highway 48) used to be staggered at Townline (Stouffville Rd.), meaning
that vehicles would have to jog east or west in order to continue north or south. The
roadway was widened and straightened in 1957 to the current alignment. As a result,
one of the hotels, a harness shop, two garages and several homes were destroyed - the
four corners of traditional Ringwood were no longer.
The Ringwood School, despite being expanded in 1956 (the addition on the south side),
was closed in 1971, along with the schools at Bloomington, Pine Orchard, Lemonville,
Pottageville, Shrubmount, Melville and Hagermon. The Ringwood Post Office, serving a
reduced population of 40, was closed in 1970; other sources state 1975 for the closure.
Further hastening Ringwood’s decline, a farm on the north side of Ringwood became the
subject of the largest seizure of hashish ever in Canada in 1971. The Ringwood Christian
Church seems to have closed around 1997.
The only remaining retail business in Ringwood, the Ringwood Cafe - reportedly a biker
hang out - is now boarded up. Florence (Brownsberger) Yakely, a native of Ringwood,
wrote “No longer are weary farmers and teams called from the harvest field by their
own dinner bell; no longer are heard the ringing blows of the local blacksmith; and no
longer is a honey-pail full of warm milk carried home from Grandma Fockler’s spotted
cow. No longer, in 1975 does the green highway sign even mark - Ringwood.”
The biggest question remains - why did Ringwood fail as a community? It would be easy
to say: after several property-gobbling road widenings, and after the school, church and
post office closed - how could it survive? But this would be short of the reality. Ringwood
reached a population of 100 in 1870, peaked at 300 in the mid-1880s, and declined back
to 100 persons by 1950. It was a community of 30 years of rapid growth, and 70 years
of slow decline.
This is a puzzling riddle - if every family had 8-10 children, population growth should be
the result, right? However, it appears the population did grow, but rather in other places.
You can see this trend in display advertising in the local newspapers - Ringwood was a
powerhouse of business Ads in the Eighteenth Century, but after 1900, mostly Stouffville
and Markham advertisements dominated the papers. It was more a matter of migration,
rural to urban - from Ringwood to somewhere else.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “in 2011, 86 percent of Ontario’s population was
urban. By comparison, 160 years earlier, in 1851, the figures were reversed: 86 percent
of Ontario’s population was rural. These numbers reflect the fact that, in addition to
being the most populous province in the country, Ontario is also the most urban.”
However its current state, Ringwood continues to have an essential position in our area
history. A lot of the residents of Whitchurch-Stouffville are descendants of these early
pioneers. Ringwood may have died, yet it fueled the growth of Stouffville and other
towns in the area. Its blood still flows.
Sources
The historical information for this article was gathered from 65 articles in a variety of
newspapers. And from two white papers found in the Ringwood File at the Whitchurch-
Stouffville Museum & Community Centre - one by Fred Robbins entitled “Ringwood
Community Heritage Conservation District, 2008”; the other is named “Ringwood” by an
unknown author and unknown date, although evidence would suggest that it is written
by a daughter of the Brownsberger family named Florence Yakely in 1975.
The Ringwood School of 1887 on Highway 48, defunct as a church [top]
Former Ringwood Church of 1868 on Stouffville Rd., converted to residential [middle top]
The Ringwood store & post office, removed for a highway widening in 2009 [middle bottom]
The Lehman house built in 1870 or earlier, south side of Stouffville Rd. [bottom]

an economic powerhouse
The economic power of Ringwood Drive should not
be understated: there are 665 employees working
for 92 businesses. The diversity of business is incredible.
A lot of the business activity is hidden; finding
them is a bit like hide and seek.
Ringwood Drive is the only place in Whitchurch-
Stouffville where you can - stay the night, drop
your kids in daycare, eat out, get your nails done
RESTAURANTS
1. Classic Greek
2. India 360
3. Thai One On
4. Jade’s Finest Chinese
5. Maki Zushi
6. Captain George’s Fish & Chips
7. Domino’s Pizza
8. Wild Wing
9. Clipper Coffee
10. Velvet Sunrise Coffee
ARTS & CRAFTS
1. Golden Eagle Art Gallery
2. Crock a Doodle Pottery
3. Dance Creations
4. Stouffville Academy of Music & Dance
5. The Workshop Scrapbooking
6. Costa Nada Hand Dyed Clothing
7. Homespun Designs Quilt Shoppe
SIDE NOTE: RINGWOOD DRIVE
1
7
1
2
3
4
2
5
1
RINGWOOD DRIVE
1 2 8 3 4 5 2 7 6
4
3
& back massaged, have cosmetic surgery, stucco
your house, visit a butter tart manufacturer, learn
how to drive, redesign your house and kitchen, sue
someone, invest money, rebuild an engine, have a
wedding cake made, Thai One On, give to the poor,
learn to dance, check your eyesight, make pottery,
have a computer network fixed or a computer demolished,
purchase a Tutu, drink freshly roasted coffee,
get your photo taken, do some scrapbooking,
install a sprinkler, seal concrete, study global energy
costs, customize a greeting card, wash your clothes,
have your staff trained, get your teeth cleaned, and
buy slot cars or a tie dyed scarf. Did I mention that
there are Japanese, Greek, Indian, Thai, and Chinese
restaurants?
Below is a categorical map-listing of the walk-in
businesses on Ringwood Drive.
STOUFFVILLE ROAD
5
10
6
7
HEALTH & BEAUTY
1. Hakim Optical
2. Fusion Physiotherapy & Wellness Ctr.
3. Casa Massimo Salon
4. Dr. Jon Barnes, Optometrist
5. Pedi N Nails
6. Stouffville Dental Centre
7. Shell’s Nails & Spa
8. Stouffville Massage Therapy
9. Smileville Dental
10. Michel’s Medical & Beauty Clinic
11. Stouffville Traditional Chinese & Wellness Ctr.
SERVICES
8
9
8
4
3
5 6
7
11
7
6
1. UPS Store
2. Stouffville Coin Laundry
3. Tiny Amigos Daycare
4. Care & Share Thrift Shop
5. Days Inn Stouffville
6. Cheryl Ritchie Photography
7. All Pass Driving School
8. Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank
More about
Ringwood Drive
Page 10
9
10

Beginning with this issue of On the Road, we launch a new series named “Home Space”.
Home Space will serve to introduce the reader to local home builders, furniture makers,
interior designers, home furnishers, carpenters, landscapers and suppliers of all kinds.
home
space
“I started out building full kitchens in my
garage on Mill Street,” says John Valleau. John
was born and raised in Stouffville. He recalls
being able to play street hockey on Ninth Line.
We spoke with John for the better part of an
hour before we realized that this was supposed
to be an interview. Needless to say, he’s friendly
and down-to-earth.
Valleau Custom Woodworking has received
the “Best of Houzz” award three years in a row
- 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Valleau Custom Woodworking
86 Ringwood Drive, Unit 51 | www.valleaucustomwoodworking.com
Also on houzz, Valleau has achieved a Pro
rating with 18 five-star reviews, for projects
ranging between $1,000 and $100,000.
Currently, the work of Valleau is carried out
in two units on the backside of 86 Ringwood
Drive. Despite having much more space than
the former residential garage, they are already
outgrowing this space.
When asked about the latest trends, John says
that: people want fireplace mantles with panels;
hardware is the new bling; grey is the new
taupe; quartz is the big flavour of the day; some
kitchens are white, on white, next to white; and
many like dark grey islands with light grey
walls.
Valleau is a busy company. They are in peak
demand. If you desire this quality of workmanship
- call ahead and be patient.
The job photos on the right were downloaded
from Valleau’s feature on Houzz.

9
home
space
Michael Borisko of In the Clamps Rustic
Furniture is booked solid until January 1. He
works out of a residential shop in Downtown
Stouffville. Four different projects can be seen
at various stages of development. “I was doing
handyman stuff until a customer asked me to
refinish a piece of furniture,” says Michael.
There was no turning back - he enjoyed the
work too much.
A trend that Michael enjoys most is making
custom furniture with a technique of
combining new and old wood. He has made
dining tables, sliding doors, picnic tables,
end tables and rustic styled commercial signs
(photograph bottom right is the adoré II
restaurant sign in Downtown Stouffville).
In the Clamps Rustic Furniture
Downtown Stouffville | www.facebook.com/michaelfixitservices
Michael teams up with other local business,
such as Redefined Finds, 2nd Street Studio,
and Born Again Shabby Chic. He often gives
customers that spend over a certain amount a
$25 gift card from one of the local merchants,
like Aaron K. Purveyors Fine Foods.
Michael and his wife live in a century home.
He shows us a coffee table and a barnwood
door that he made for their home (photograph
at top).
Woodworking isn’t Michael’s first career. He
has been involved with IT, camera sales, and
as a professional photographer. He’s one of
the people that can embrace many divergent
skills within a lifetime. “I don’t think I’ve ever
enjoyed work as much as I do now.”
Michael sources his materials from only a few
blocks away - Schell Lumber, and sometimes
from Century Mill Lumber at Kennedy and
Stouffville Rd. Often, he doesn’t meet the
client in person until delivering the finished
piece, with most of the business being
conducted online.

SIDE NOTE: RINGWOOD DRIVE
John Ferdinald
86 Ringwood Drive, Unit 52
www.facebook.com/lelavenderbyjohn
John Ferdinald is a local celebrity chef and caterer. Originally from Sri Lanka, John trained
under Jean-Pierre Piallier. When Jean-Pierre opened a fine-dining French cuisine restaurant in
Toronto, he invited John to come with him - where he became the Executive Chef.
In 2010, Chef John opened Vanilla en Glaze, a wholesale pastry production business. Later
he opened Le Lavender Catering & Food Services, which allowed him to add savory dishes to
his repertoire. Chef John has come to work closely with Mark McEwan, and under McEwan’s
supervision provides full catering services for the Toronto Congress Centre. He also makes
products for the McEwan brand, available for sale at the high-end McEwan store in Don Mills.
Chef John has catered for the Prime Minister, for the Pan Am Games, and for Indian weddings
of 1000 people. He and McEwan are in production of a broadcast show about catering for Food
Network Canada that will air on YouTube. Chef John will soon be releasing two recipe books:
“Rustic Srilankan” and “Modern & Fusion, It’s My Style”. At present, he has built a new kitchen
facility in Markham and is planning to open a restaurant in Toronto’s Financial District.
Chef John provides work placement training opportunities for students at Stouffville
and Markham high schools. He sources many items directly from farms like Reesor’s and
Applewood. As for the Ringwood Drive location, this will remain his head office and the home
of Le Lavender - “This is my luckiest place, I will never give it up.”
Alan Halabi
86 Ringwood Drive, Suite 208
www.acceinfo.com
Alan Halabi and team at AcceInfo are creative geniuses. They are involved in many
enterprises, beginning with developing Customer Service Management (CRM) software
for financial institutions. Essentially, they have optimized the Salesforce CRM for the global
banking industry; Salesforce has listed AcceInfo as #2 in the world on their app exchange in
the banking category.
AcceCentric 3D Virtual Branch by AcceInfo was designed to simulate a real bank branch,
supermarket or retail store. By creating a ‘Real World’ environment, the customer will feel
as if they are in an actual bank branch or store. Customers will be able to conveniently visit
a branch or store online from the comfort of their home. The ability to “pick up” a product
virtually and view it from different angles prior to purchase, without being there physically,
has unlimited applications.
This is barely a start - AcceInfo is also involved in Lead Generation Robots, the buying and
selling of mobile apps internationally (GamiMarket.com), and YallaTV, a streaming TV service
that connects audiences, fans and each other with news and entertainment in their native
language. GamiMarket has huge potential for emerging software developers.

DOWNTOWN for Christmas The 24-Day Countdown
11
December 1
IDA: The annual Christmas Open House, featuring
not to be missed in-store specials. They
have a wide selection of gift items, including
Christmas decor, ornaments, and cards.
December 2
CARD’S APPLIANCES: See if the Laundry Pair
and Dishwashers Christmas Sale has started.
Also, while you’re nearby - check out the Christmas
special on jackets at the BIKE ASYLUM.
December 3
K9’S IN KAHOOTS: Pet Photographs with Santa
on from 12-4pm. Park your pet and have
brunch at THE EARL OF WHITCHURCH.
December 4
STOUFFVILLE FAMILY DENTIST: Indeed, you
should launch the Christmas season with
clean teeth. Receive a free whitening kit or
custom-fitted sports guard after your first New
Patient Exam and Cleaning. Also, plan ahead -
check out the holiday workshop schedule at
REDEFINED FINDS - classes book up quickly!
December 5
HEADLINES SALON & SPA: Give the gift of
beautiful hair by purchasing a Headlines Salon
gift certificate. Also, they have a limited
amount of holiday product packs with savings
up to 44%.
December 6
THE SMOKERY KITCHEN & BAR: Time for the
staff Christmas lunch party. The Smokery has a
private dining room for up to 24 people. Consider
fixed menu choices to make things simpler
and well-paced.
December 7
CANDLELIGHT AND MEMORIES: take advantage
of the extended weekday hours 10am to
7pm at Candlelight, Dec. 1-22. This is a great
stop to ramp up your home for Christmas. Gift
cards available.
December 8
THE MEAT MERCHANT: It is Friday, you have
a dinner party tomorrow! Stop by the Meat
Merchant for a free-range turkey or ham, or
just good advice!
December 9
COZY MATTRESS AND BED: Focus your Saturday
shopping on someone’s good sleep - 50%
off Name Brand Factory Mattresses and Beds.
December 10
CHIC THRILLS: It is reported that Chic Thrills
opens on select Sunday before Christmas -
is this the one? Check their web site. While
there, make sure to look at their current gift
card promotions. While out, stop by the MAIN
STREET BAKEHOUSE for a coffee and treat;
they often run Christmas promotions as well.
December 11
MORRA CARUSO LAW: It is a Monday - take
care of business - Morra Caruso Law will honour
15% off Wills during the Christmas season.
December 12
PASTAGGIO ITALIAN EATERY: Yikes - you need
a space for a last-minute family gathering!
Pastaggios has banquet space for up to 100
people. Friendly service, reliable food.
December 13
MADDIES DOG GROOMING BOUTIQUE: Don’t
forget your pets at holiday season - Christmas
dog toys, treats for stocking stuffers, Christmas
themed dog bandanas available. While in
the area, stroll over to Freel Lane and buy a
stocking stuffer gift card at TRUE PATH YOGA.
December 14
RENEW INTEGRATIVE HEALTH: This is for you -
it has been a long week - and month - already.
Book an extended lunch with Renew Integrative
Health: 1st hour R.M.T massage only
$54.99.
December 15
PKG: Are you still short of buying that
special present for your niece or nephew at
university? Look no further, this present will
score big points! Visit PKG’s outlet and search
for that perfect urban carry-bag or computer
bag. Always deep discounts for the best stuff.
December 16
COFFEE TEA EXPRESS: Don’t miss the annual
Timothy’s Christmas Blend. They also have the
best local selection of K Cups and accessories.
December 17
THE FICKLE PICKLE: Earn some quick points
by taking your family to the Fickle Pickle for a
classic Sunday breakfast.
December 18
IMPACT DANCE STUDIO: Contact them before
the New Year and receive 10% off all new registrations
for 2018.
December 19
SHAWARMA VILLE: Take an office buddy out
for Shawarma. They have only been open a
couple of months, and all Google reviews are
5 stars.
December 20
STOUFFVILLE FAMILY DENTIST: Indeed, you
should launch the Christmas season with
clean teeth. Receive a free whitening kit or
custom-fitted sports guard after your first New
Patient Exam and Cleaning.
December 21
AARON K. PURVEYORS: Pick up your pre-ordered
Prime Rib for Christmas dinner. While
you are there - do not miss the opportunity to
stock up on Ontario’s best lean bacon.
December 22
SEBASTIAN MASTER TAILOR: Sebastian is one
of the few remaining master tailors. A gift of a
form-fitted, custom suit could last a lifetime.
Surprisingly, his services are very affordable.
December 23
THE TYPSY COW: this is the last Saturday before
Christmas. Surprise your partner with a
beer out and sports television before the hour
of 4pm.
December 24
IN2ONE COMMUNITY CHURCH: We are doing
a special Christmas Eve event on December 24
from 5-6pm; everyone is welcome.
Merry Christmas!

COMMUNITY NEWS
November 15 - December 14, 2017
Did you know we know have an Instagram
account? Follow us here:
@townofws
NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE
MUSEUM EVENTS
MUSEUM LIBRARY NEWS EVENTS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Council Meeting at 3 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Council Meeting at 7 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Draft Budget
Council Meeting at 3 p.m.
The agenda for the Council and Public
meetings will be available for review
at the Municipal Offices, Whitchurch-
Stouffville Public Library and on our
website 12 p.m. (noon) the Thursday
prior to the meeting.
To listen to the Council meetings live,
visit townofws.ca/cmlivestream.
Also follow our Twitter account
@ws_townhall for live updates during
council meetings.
COMMITTEE VACANCY
Are you passionate about local issues
and interested in becoming more
actively involved in your community?
Join the Heritage Advisory Committee
today and make a difference in
Whitchurch-Stouffville!
The Town is seeking an energetic,
community-oriented resident with
a variety of skills and experiences
to appoint to the Heritage Advisory
Committee for the 2014 - 2018 Term.
Application forms and committee
descriptions are available online at the
Town’s website: http: /www.townofws.
ca/en/town-hall/advisory-committees.
aspx, and at the Municipal Offices.
Application deadline is November 17th,
2017.
TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
When: Wednesday, November 29,
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers - Town Hall,
111 Sandiford Drive, Stouffville
The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is in the
process of finalizing the Town’s Transportation
Master Plan (TMP) in accordance with the
Master Planning process as set out in the
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
(EA) (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011
and 2015), which is an approved process under
the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
A revision to the TMP report is being made to
identify a preferred transportation network
to support the development of the “Phase
3 Lands” in the Community of Stouffville.
These lands were identified in Official
Plan Amendment No. 137 to the Town of
Whitchurch-Stouffville Official Plan.
The public engagement process for the study
is designed to hear your voice in an honest,
transparent and respectful manner. Your
participation and input are important in helping
the Town identify a transportation system
for the Phase 3 Lands that meets the TMP
vision of a well connected, safe, and accessible
network.
If you require additional information or would
like to be placed on the project contact list,
please visit us on the study website at www.
townofws.ca/TMP or contact one of the
individuals below:
Dave Kenth, P. Eng
Manager Engineering Services / Town Engineer
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
111 Sandiford Drive, Stouffville, ON L4A 0Z8
(905) 640-1910 ext. 2359
Dave.kenth@townofws.ca
Jonathan Chai, P.Eng.
Consultant Project Manager
HDR Corporation, 100 York Blvd
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1J8
(289) 695-4629
jonathan.chai@hdrinc.com
37th Victorian Tea
Saturday, November 25th
Seatings: 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy a delicious taste of Christmas Past. The
Museum Gift Shop will be open for those hardto-find
heritage games, toys, and books!
Call to reserve your preferred seating time.
Adult: $18.00, Children under 12: $9.00
Deck the Halls: Adult Wreath Making
Workshop
Saturday, December 2nd
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Learn to build a beautiful wreath using a
variety of fresh greenery. Take your creation
home at the end. Refreshments & a holiday
tour of the Victorian Farmhouse included.
Pre-registration required. $40.00 per person.
Only 15 spots available.
A Candlelight Christmas
Saturday, December 9th
6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Decorated for the season, the Museum’s
historic buildings come to life with the
traditions of Christmas past. Enjoy a visit with
Santa, go on a wagon ride, taste traditional
treats, delight in musical performances and
listen to a classic story!
Enjoy all this enchanting evening has to offer
with your whole family! Adult: $16.00, Children
under 12: $10.00
Call 905-727-8954 for more information.
Register with WS Play…Online or in person at
the Leisure Centre or Museum.
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library will no
longer be offering access to Ontario Library
Service Download Centre and its app OverDrive
as of January 1st, 2018.
We will concentrate all our resources into the
Cloud Library App which is already available to
download to all library users. If you have any
questions about the change over, please call
905 642-7323 ext 5230 or come to Drop-In
Tech Help on Wednesday afternoons from 2-5
p.m. at the library.
COUNCIL eNEWSLETTER
The Town’s new Council e-Newsletter
is now open for subscriptions. This
newsletter, delivered directly to your
inbox, will summarize decisions made at
the previous night’s meeting, announce
upcoming Public Meetings and provide
other important Council-related
information.
Sign up here: eepurl.com/cKPNg9
PROCUREMENT BY-LAW
Consideration of the proposed
amendment of Procurement By-law
2013-136-FI, has been deferred from
the Council meeting date of November
7, 2017 to November 21, 2017. An
amended Procurement By-law will be
enacted at the November 21, 2017
Council Meeting, unless directed
otherwise by Council.
Any comments or questions can be
forwarded to Steve Mills, Procurement
Supervisor, by email: steve.mills@
townofws.ca
Customer Service:
(905) 640-1900 or (855) 642-TOWN (8696)
Whitchurch-Stouffville Town Hall
111 Sandiford Dr., Stouffville ON L4A 0Z8
townofws.ca