Stratford Times October 4, 2024 by granthaven

STRATFORD

??It's a monumental ask, but one that has been asked and received in Stratford and area many times over throughout the years.

This year’s United Way Perth-Huron campaign goal is $2,624,772.

Market Square was filled with red shirts on Sept. 20 for the organization’s Unite-For-A-Bite, its annual campaign kickoff event in Stratford where the total for the annual fundraiser was revealed.

As it has for countless years, Sunlife Financial Stratford served up hotdogs and coleslaw for those attending, with all proceeds going towards the campaign.

New campaign co-chairs Kristin Sainsbury and John Wolfe were at the event, promising “amazing things” were already underway to get to that total. After comments from Mayor Martin Ritsma, Ryan Erb, United Way’s executive director, and Keith Masterman, chair of the board of directors, the two co-chairs pulled names for a fundraising raffle with prizes ranging from vouchers for local businesses to helicopter rides.

Afterwards, Wolfe said a lot of what United Way does for the community is visible for residents to see, but there is also a lot in the background that is vital to the ethos of the organization – and that is a big part of this year’s campaign.

“Today's campaign number is more than a number,” Wolfe told the gathering crowd. “It's an opportunity for us to support our local communities. So, a couple ways that you can help us out with this; If you're an employer and you have not done so, there's an opportunity for you to set up a workplace campaign. … You

PROVIDING EDUCATION

iation Sept. 30,

that day.

On the front lawn of the Falstaff Family Centre in Stratford, a sacred fire was kept burning all day on Sept. 30.

Patsy-Anne Day of Oneida First Nation explained that for the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the sacred fire was used to acknowledge and give thanks and honour to those children who were taken from their families across generations and never made it home.

“This is a part of our shared history,” Day said. “Many of our people are still suffering what we call intergenera-

tional trauma from not knowing what happened to those children – … it's really not a long time ago. It's still happening now. And so, we want to acknowledge and honour and give thanks for those lives and to see if we can start to heal.”

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day – honours the survivors and those who never returned home from residential schools. Across the country, there were local activities, gatherings and teachings organized to remember and to commemorate.

Patsy-Anne Day and Matthew Maynard kept the sacred fire lit for the whole day on Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconcil-

with Day providing education for community groups, students, or anyone that came to the Falstaff Family Centre

(MARK MCCAULEY PHOTO)

Fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation celebrated in Stratford

Day hosted Indigenous teachings about the sacred fire throughout the day for community groups, students and for anyone that came onto Falstaff’s front lawn while, inside, two exhibits from the Legacy of Hope Foundation were on display in the community room and WaaPake, a film from the National Film Board, played on a projector.

Then, in the afternoon, Sallianne and Dale Patch of Aspens Ojibwe Spirit Horse Sanctuary brought their herd of Ojibwe horses onto the front lawn and taught about the once near-extinct horses that are

native to North America and were essential to the Ojibwe people.

Falstaff owner Loreena McKennitt led a solidarity walk around the river for the public, closing out its ceremony.

Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma praised the Falstaff Family Centre and for the sunrise ceremony when the sacred fire was lit in particular.

“It was an amazing event where (Day) took us from the east to the south to the north to the west,” he said.

On the first Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2022, the City of Stratford hosted a flag-raising ceremony outside of city hall, however it hasn’t since.

SHERRIE ROULSTON

Real Estate Broker email: sherrieroulston@royallepage.ca

Direct: 519-272-3578

A Passion for People

Ritsma told the Times that

is for a reason.

After that initial ceremony, he spoke with Jason Henry, then chief of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation, who said that city hall, as a government, represents an institution that was active in discrimination.

“So, he suggested, ‘We don't need this,’ ” Ritsma said that morning, explaining that Henry’s comments made him rethink the city’s involvement out of respect. “And to that end, today I went as a participant (to the Falstaff ceremony). I was invited to lead later on today and I said no … I feel it needs to be somebody that's not attached to government.”

That being said, Ritsma said he was

proud that the city did partner with the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) to host multiple film viewings in city hall’s auditorium. He said he feels comfortable with that involvement since it is facilitating education.

Five short, family-friendly films presented by the National Film Board entitled Urban. Indigenous. Proud., were shown at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m. that day.

“We feel it's important to keep our education of different issues going,” BIA general manager Jammie Pritchard said. “And we just felt it was very important to us.”

The films were selected by the film board, whom he praised for sharing the films without a screening cost.

Keeping their memories alive: locals to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Oct. 15

GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

It can be near-impossible to talk about the loss of a child, especially when that child is an infant or still in utero.

The Provincial Service Officer, Brittany Campbell is visiting on October 10th from approximately 1 pm until 4 pm. If you are a Veteran or Veteran’s spouse and need assistance, please contact Bill Rotherneel or the branch to book an appointment

All veterans and First Responders are welcome at the branch Tuesday mornings 10:30 to noon for a social visit at the Buddy Check Coffee

The Stratford Branch 8 Veterans Service Officer William Rothernel, with the support of Veterans Affairs Canada continues to serve the needs of all Canadian Veterans in need of assistance or advice on all servicerelated situations.

Call our Branch office at 519-271-4540 to speak to Bill. 804-B Ontario St., Stratford N5A 3K1 stratfordlegion008@gmail.com

Yet for parents who have lost an infant or a pregnancy, talking about the experience and keeping the memories of those children alive is key to healing. On Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Oct. 15, local advocate Jillian Chambers is once again organizing a flag-raising and the annual Wave of Light ceremony in Stratford to give Stratford and area parents like her a chance to re-

member, share stories and grieve as a group.

“On Aug. 10, 2015, we were having twins and on the day that our boys were born … twin B, which was Bear, he passed away,” Chambers said. “It was really unexpected. We had no idea. We had a really healthy pregnancy and it’s not something anyone thinks about or thinks is going to happen to them, but things went a little different.

“ … Two weeks later, we only took one baby (Foster Chambers) home from the hospital instead of two.”

Mourning the loss of one twin while celebrating the birth of another was an impossible mix of emotions for Jillian Chambers and her family. Her sister, Morgan Kneider-Patterson, learned about Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in October and the Wave of Light ceremony, which involves a candle-lighting in communities across the country and around the world, on Oct. 15.

Though it had only been a few short months since she lost Bear, Jillian Chambers welcomed the opportunity to grieve with people who understood what she was going through.

LOSS REMEMBRANCE

Stratford Branch 8

Jillian Chambers (centre) and her sons Foster (left) and Archer (right) will host a flag raising and the annual Wave of Light ceremony on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Oct. 15 at Stratford city hall. Pictured, the Chambers hold the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month flag and Jillian Chambers holds of photo of her son and Foster’s twin brother, Bear, who passed away on the day of his birth Aug. 10, 2015.

(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO)

can give online and you can set it up as a simple monthly payment on your credit card or you can make a one-time donation.”

The $2.6 million goal is derived from the sum of all the needs from the organizations that United Way assists across the region in addition to the internal projects which the organization is spearheading like United Housing, the region’s first non-profit housing organization dedicated to creating and sustaining mixed-income housing.

Erb told the times that this year, they are trying to raise money for the Connection Centre in particular, a centre based in St. Paul’s Church which supports those in the city who are unsheltered.

“We have 30 people a day who are coming to use that service, who are mostly living unsheltered somewhere in the city of Stratford, and that demand is pushing us to try to raise more money,” Erb said.

“We also have organizations in the community that haven't had an increase from

the government for a very long time, and they're struggling to make ends meet.”

As was explained at the event, there are over 40 programs and services that United Way assists with, all of which are struggling with inflation and longer lineups and waitlists for their services.

Last year, the annual campaign raised approximately $2.3 million, a record-setting year that still fell short of its $2.5 million goal.

Despite the expounding pressures facing residents this year, Erb is confident in Stratford’s generosity.

“We advocate for things like a living wage in the community, trying to make sure that we can grow income for everybody. It's critically important,” Erb said. “But as that happens, we're also encouraging people who can be generous to be as generous as they possibly can.”

To donate to this year’s campaign, visit https://give.unitedway.ca/donate/ WSTRAT. To set up a workplace campaign, contact Sonya Heyen at sheyen@ perthhuron.unitedway.ca.

UNITED FOR GOOD

This year’s United Way Perth-Huron campaign goal is $2,624,772, as announced on Sept. 20 during the organization’s annual Unite-For-A-Bite kick-off event in Market Square.

(CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)

Taxi fares not increasing, but further examination of how taxis charge in Stratford is on the table

CONNOR LUCZKA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After some deliberation, the previously approved taxi-fare increase will not be implemented – at least for now.

The Stratford Police Services Board met for the first time since June on Sept. 18 with a packed agenda, including approving increases to the regular fare rate from $14 to $16 and to the senior rate from $13 to $15.

At the June 19 meeting, the change was approved by the board but there needed to be a period of time for the public to be made aware of the potential change before the board formally approved it.

Gail Cossey of Aunt Gail’s Taxi originally brought the fare increase up, arguing the business model just isn’t working

with the rise in administrative costs.

“Insurance, repairs, oil, tires, licensing, cleaning supplies, washing, vacuuming, all of these items have increased in price due to inflation,” Cossey previously told the board. “And especially the costs of repairs are through the roof. … We really need a taxi-fare increase immediately.”

At that June meeting, Brad Rickert of Radio City Cab supported the fare increase, but Tony Rebelo of City Cabs did not attend.

Rebelo was at the most recent meeting, however, and while he acknowledged the business has gotten more expensive, he didn’t think a rate increase was appropriate at this time with the cost of living being so high.

“Sixteen dollars is too much,” Rebelo said.

CORRECTION: In the story, Barry James Payne includes Stratford in latest tour dates, on page 20 of the Sept. 20 edition of the Stratford Times, it was written that Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy would be performing in an upcoming concert alongside Barry James Payne and Derrick Barnes. Blue Rodeo's Keelor and Cuddy will not be performing with local tribute band, Diamond Mine, in concert at Revival House Oct. 4, however that shouldn't keep locals from seeing what should prove to be a fantastic concert. We regret any confusion this error may have caused.

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STRATFORD TIMES

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Rebelo, like Rickert, was in favour of examining the system as a whole. Currently, taxi companies must charge a flat fee for every ride, whether it's a ride down the block or across the city.

After some conversation of whether a new system would be appropriate and what model should be looked at, chair Tim Doherty interjected.

“This is the third year in a row that we’ve had some presentation from some cab companies, asking for a fare increase,” Doherty said. “You've had questions about whether, in fact, it's our appropriate role to be the gatekeepers of taxi-cab tariffs. There's certainly some merit to that. Here today, we're hearing different opinions on how we should impact pricing.

“We need to take this information, take

it away and have a meeting where we can dedicate time – have a more fulsome discussion about taxi fares, how do we licence them, how do they get increases, what law we want to look (at), pricing and possibly have some staff from the city involved in that discussion.”

The motion to table the fare increase and to have a dedicated, fulsome investigation of the taxi system in the city was passed.

Though Cossey did not comment on the decision, she had previously told the board what a rate increase meant for her company.

“There's the need for the increase in order to keep our businesses running,” Cossey said at the meeting. “Everything's gone up so much and we just need to be able to earn a living.”

Violent crime in Stratford increased over summer

CONNOR LUCZKA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Even aside from the homicide and attempted homicide that occurred in August, local police saw a surge in violent crime over this last summer.

“We are seeing our violent crimes increase, specifically robberies and sexual assaults and, of course, the homicide and attempted homicide that occurred with the firearm incident that we responded to in early August,” Stratford Police Service (SPS) Chief Gregory Skinner said at the most recent police service board meeting on Sept. 18.

The board did not meet in July and August, so the monthly statistics for June, July and August for each of the SPS’ regions (Stratford, St. Marys and Perth South) were presented.

Though Perth South saw no assaults over the summer and only one sexual offence, Stratford and St. Marys saw much more. In Stratford, there were 14 assaults in

June, eight in July and 11 in August. There were four sexual offences in June, four in July, and two in August. In St. Marys, there were four assaults in June, three in July and four in August. There were no sexual offences in June or August, but there was one in July.

Skinner also said mental-health calls, overdoses and drug-and-alcohol offences (particularly impaired driving) continued to trend upwards as well, along with violence in regards to youth charges.

Though the statistics presented did not include September, Skinner said incidents involving youth typically rise that month due to the start of the school year. Shoplifting is also trending upwards. Skinner attributed that to the rise of inflation and the difficulty residents are having with making ends meet.

The good news, Skinner assured, is there have been fewer domestic-violence and property crime incidents.

Over the course of June, July and August, there were 928 charges laid in Stratford, 160 in St. Marys, and 418 in August.

Scholarships from CFUW have been changing Stratford women’s lives for 68 years and counting

None of the women who gathered for the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Stratford’s first meeting of the year needed to be told the value of education – yet a reminder is seldom amiss.

Barbara Collier was the guest of honour at the Sept. 26 meeting at Stratford District Secondary School, where she spoke about the value scholarships had on her life and its trajectory.

Collier, now a gifted soprano and vocal teacher, was born in Stratford and almost didn’t pursue her musical education until receiving scholarships from CFUW Stratford and Trinity College at the University of Toronto.

From Trinity College, Collier went on to travel, study and perform across Europe as a vocalist, garnering international acclaim, but that was all through the good fortune of the scholarships she acquired in those early years.

70TH ANNIVERSARY

“If you had scholarships, you didn’t have to go and do extra jobs,” Collier said. “I was very, very fortunate and therefore I think it’s great that we are still doing the program.”

A new book for every shelf at Local Authors Book Fair and Market

EMILY STEWART

Times Correspondent

Readers will have a chance to flock to the Stratford Country Club for a onestop shop for books by authors right in the community.

Eerie River Publishing and Book Box Canada will host the Local Authors Book Fair and Market at the country club on Oct. 6 between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The event will feature more than 30 authors and publishers, as well as five craft vendors.

Michelle McLachlin, owner of Eerie River Publishing, an independent dark fiction, fantasy and horror publishing company, said she started hosting book fairs after recognizing the need when she searched for similar events after pandemic restrictions were lifted.

“I realized through that there was a need and a want from the general public for more book and craft-related and indie-author and indie-publisher events, so I decided to start doing book fairs and markets in southern Ontario," McLachlin said.

The Stratford event will feature everything from children’s books to youngadult to adult fiction to non-fiction. The book fairs are held across southwestern Ontario throughout the year. McLachlin, who is from Kitchener, said she loves to host the events in Stratford, a city that embraces arts and culture. She called Stratford “a leader in supporting the arts in Ontario.”

“There isn't another community that really embraces any type of arts, be it

theatre or crafts and now books,” McLachlin said. “Being able to invite local authors and local publishers and opening the doors so we can talk directly to our readers is something that we love do to and something we love having at the Stratford location."

McLachlin said the marketing of newly published books can be expensive, especially for independent authors and publishers. Book fairs and other events are a great way to attract new readers.

“There's so many times where we do an event at a local community centre or something like that and people had no idea that there are authors even living in their town,” McLachlin said. “To be able to reach our audience on that kind of level, it's great to see and it's really important, because you never know if you're going to find your newest favourite author that lives right down the block."

In addition to purchasing books at events like the Local Authors Market and Book Fair, McLachlin said following local authors on social media and interacting with their posts is a great way to show support. Reviews on websites like Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon are a tremendous help as well.

“Every author and publisher that I know, especially indie, does a little dance every time they get a review,” she said. “It doesn't matter if it's three star, or four star, or five star, they are through the moon that someone purchased and took the time to actually do a review.”

More information, including other markets, can be found by visiting Ontario Markets on Facebook and Instagram.

gram continues with multiple prizes for Catholic and public system students.

Melissa Miller, 36, is a personal support worker based in St. Marys. She is the latest recipient of one of CFUW Stratford’s many scholarships, specifically for mature students returning to education. She attended the September meeting personally to thank the organization and to share how it has positively affected her journey.

“For a year and a half, I’ve worked on upgrading with Conestoga College, taking four courses, working the night shift and caring for my family … so you can imagine how much fun I had that year and a half,” Miller told the crowd. “But I did it and I’m very proud of myself. Now I’m working towards being a practical nurse.

“So tonight, I am standing here to thank you for your kind scholarship award to me. I was in complete awe and it was amazingly beneficial.”

CFUW is a national, non-profit organization of women working to promote lifelong education to improve the status of women and girls in the country. It was started nationally in 1919, but the Stratford branch was founded in 1954, making this year its 70th anniversary and the 68th anniversary of the scholarship program.

All these years later, the scholarship pro-

Cambria Ravenhill, this year’s CFUW Stratford president, told the Times the organization will be reflecting on its illustrious past this year. Each monthly meeting will have different guest speakers that will address topics the membership is interested in such as mental-health challenges.

The organization also has a number of internal social clubs like book and bridge clubs that members actively participate in and organize throughout the year.

First-ever male crowned Stratford Fall Fair 2024 ambassador

GARY WEST Times Correspondent

For the first time in 50 years, a young man has been crowned Stratford Fall Fair ambassador.

During the opening ceremonies and ambassador competition at this year’s 183rd annual Stratford Fall Fair, Marshall MaCannell won the right to be the Stratford and District Agriculture Society’s Ambas-

sador of the Fair for 2024-2025.

MaCannell, who lives north of Stratford, thanked the audience and his competitor, runner-up Marissa Van Straaten from the Sebringville area, for being a very worthy opponent.

They both spent time at this year’s fall fair presenting ribbons to 4-H competitor’s and mingling with the public helping to promote agriculture in Stratford and Perth County.

Pictured following the Ambassador of the Fair awards presentation are, from left, runner-up Marissa Van Straaten, 2024-2025 ambassador Marshall MaCannell, ambassador competition coordinator and co-chair of the Stratford Fall Fair Heidi Danen and Faith Knechtel, outgoing Stratford Fall Fair Ambassador.

(GARY WEST PHOTO)

Barbara Collier was the guest of honour at the meeting, sharing the story of how CFUW’s annual scholarships impacted her life.

CONNOR LUCZKA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)

Lots of joyful energy at the One Care Grand Parade

One Care Home and Community Support held their annual Grand Parade walkathon in Stratford in Upper Queens Park on September 21. The sunny Saturday had lots of enthusiasm from the participants full of energy

and ready to circuit around the Avon River. The Grand Parade is an annual fundraiser for One Care’s services that support seniors and older adults with health challenges in Huron and Perth counties.

“This event is such a great event for us,” Kathy Scanlon, outgoing executive director of One Care, said. “It's a big event where we come together as a community, really to support not only One Care, but all of the people we serve. It's wonderful to see people coming out to support that."

The Grand Parade brought mixed emotions for Scanlon, who was at her last Grand Parade before retirement.

"This is sort of bittersweet for me as this is my last Grand Parade as executive director,” she said. “I've worked with this organization since we created it in 2011 and built the services, this really broad range of services that we provide for people in Huron and Perth. I'm so excited to be continuing this work through the new executive director, Steph Ellens-Clarke."

The organization hopes to raise $30,000 from the Grand Parade. As of September 29, One Care has raised 95 per cent of their fundraising goal, $28,760, and donations can be made until October 31.

One Care provides a variety of services such as adult day programs, assisted living, Meals on Wheels, transportation, in-home support, and other essential services to enhance the quality of life of the clients. The char-

ity-based organization saw more demand for their services over time that continues to grow.

“You see in the papers how first of all,” Scanlon said. “Everyone is struggling a little bit more financially first of all, and that's across the board and that also applies to many seniors who have very fixed income and yet, they need services.”

June Lietch was volunteering at the event on behalf of Home and Company Real Estate Corp., one of the Grand Parade’s sponsors. Her mother, a resident of River Gardens Retirement Residence, had an abrupt health scare where she now requires daily care.

Lietch tries to see her as much as possible but isn’t able to go every day. However, One Care sends a nurse in to check on her mother. Lietch is grateful for One Care for stepping in while her mother is on the waiting list for a long-term care home.

“What is gives my mom is that for her, when they go and check on her and they need to clean her up or whatever and do things for her,” Lietch said. “Then, she can go to her meal and know that she's looked after and she's clean and everything and that's great. It's a lifesaver for sure."

Throughout late September, One Care also held Grand Parades in Goderich, Clinton, Exeter, and Wingham. Donations to One Care can be made by visiting https:// thegrandparade.org/location/stratford.

EMILY STEWART Times Correspondent

Take Back the Night: A woman’s right to walk at night

PAUL Times Correspondent

On Friday Sept. 20, Stratford residents rallied together to Take Back the Night, a worldwide movement against domestic and sexual violence.

“Take Back the Night is a grassroots movement that began in 1975,” said Alicia Houston with the Stop Violence Against Women coordinating committee of Perth County. “We were so excited to bring this walk back to Stratford. We used to do it years ago; probably 10 years ago we did the last one.”

In 1975, Philadelphia residents rallied after microbiologist Susan Alexander Speeth was stabbed to death on a sidewalk after work. In 1976, a tribunal council of women from more than 40 countries met in Belgium to advocate for the safety of women on the street. Since then, women and men have rallied together worldwide to support the right for women to walk freely and safely at night.

“So, why do we need to take back the night? When did we give it away?”

Asked Lisa Wilde, executive director of the Emily Murphy Centre. “The answer is, we didn’t. It was stolen from us eons ago and tonight’s the night we try to reclaim it.”

Wilde proceeded to list fact after fact; statistics that shocked the crowd gathered.

“Half of all Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence by the age of 16.

“On average, every six days a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner or someone that she knows.

“In Ontario, from November 2023 to July 2024, over 42 women have lost their lives to gender-based violence. Twenty-one per cent of those victims were under the age of 18.

“On average, five femicides happen in Ontario each month.

“On any given day, 3,300 women, along with their 3,800 children, are forced to sleep in emergency shelter to escape intimate partner violence. … Each night, about 420 women are turned away due to bed shortages.

“Violent crimes against women are about five per cent higher than men, but

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

women are 11 times more likely to suffer a sexual offence than men are and three times more likely to be a victim of criminal harassment.

“Each year, Canadians collectively spend $9 billion to address intimate partner violence,” finished Wilde.

The rally was a great opportunity to reach out to survivors and anyone needing support.

“This is a good place,” said Jen Olenewa, community projects lead with Optimism Place Women’s Shelter in Stratford. “Sometimes survivors who feel very alone or haven’t talked to anyone yet; this is the kind of place where they can come and just find out about resources and hear that other people care and support them without having to disclose in the moment.”

Many community support agencies were in attendance for the rally including Shelterlink Youth Services, Victim Services Huron Perth and the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society.

“Victim Services’ primary role is to support people that’s been victimized by crime and tragic circumstance and to navigate that system,” said Deborah Logue, executive director of Victim Services Huron Perth.

“If someone is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, we would make the connections to proper resources to help you leave that scenario or stay or process through the court proceedings or get counselling if they’re looking for those types of help. We are a referral-based or-

ganization, so it’s our job to find the correct referral that’s going to support the individual in whatever path they choose.”

To keep the momentum going and further the discussions on gender-based violence, more events will continue to be held in the coming weeks.

“We have events for November,” said Olenewa, “because November is Women Abuse Prevention Month. So, we’re holding a public work talk with Pamela Cross. She’s a feminist lawyer out of Renfrew. She’s on the death-review committee and she’s releasing a book called And Sometimes They Kill, which is all about femicide in Canada.

“She’s been doing this work for 30 years, so she’s coming to the public library on Nov. 27 to do a talk. Then there is the 16 Days of Activism which encompasses Dec. 5, the University of Montreal massacre. So, we are hoping to do another event that day.”

There are supports available in the community for those experiencing domestic or sexual violence. To contact Victim Services Huron Perth, call 519600-4108. For more information on Optimism Place, visit www.optimismplace. com. For more information on the Emily Murphy Centre, visit emilymurphycentre.com.

Keeping their memories alive: locals to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Oct. 15

“So that very first year, we actually hosted it in our own house,” she said. “We had a fair amount of people come and then more and more people found out about it. We had people who, 20 or 40 years ago, (lost a child and) never talked about their loss but realized you can actually be open about the things that are going on.

“Just because 40 years has passed, it doesn’t mean you forget about their birthday, your due date. So, we kind of made that available to people and we’ve done that now for nine years.”

Jillian Chambers, along with sons Foster

and Archer Chambers – the latter of whom is Foster and Bear’s younger brother – are inviting the community to attend a special flag-raising ceremony in front of Stratford city hall beginning at 8:30 a.m., during which Mayor Martin Ritsma will raise the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month flag.

That night at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Jillian Chambers will host the Wave of Light ceremony starting in the city hall auditorium. She is inviting anyone in Stratford and the surrounding area to attend the ceremony, light a candle in memory of a lost infant or pregnancy and

share stories to keep those memories alive. Together with other ceremonies being held internationally Oct. 15, Jillian Chambers said Stratford can help generate a continuous wave of light across time zones.

“I don’t ever want Bear to be forgotten,” Jillian Chambers said. “He was a big part of our life. We parent differently because he existed. We live our lives differently because he existed; we have more patience with our kids. A baby being up crying in the middle of the night wasn’t a big deal to us. It’s just that constant reminder that life is actually really short and we should value every single day.

“And being able to support others, whether it’s the loss of a pregnancy, a miscarriage, a stillbirth; it’s important to use to allow his name to carry on.”

Jillian Chambers and her family also help raise money for the Teddy Bear & Friends campaign in support of the Stratford General Hospital’s special care nursery – the unit that took such good care of Foster after he was born. For more information on how to support that campaign by purchasing Bear merchandise and for more information on the flag-raising and Wave of Light events, visit www.grottohairstudio.com/william-bear/.

JULIA

Lisa Wilde, executive director of the Emily Murphy Centre, shares statistics on violence against women at the Take Back the Night Rally in Stratford Sept. 20.

Advocates march down Wellington Street in Stratford, displaying their handmade signs.

(JULIA PAUL PHOTOS)

Huron-Perth sees its first-ever program for children whose family members have cancer

JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent

Wellspring Stratford is running it’s first-ever Just Show Up program for children that have been affected by a family member with cancer.

On Oct. 19, children ages 6-14 are welcome to attend this free event which includes pumpkin carving, potion-making and a few spooky stories at the Falstaff Family Centre from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“It’s really recognizing the need within the community and knowing that a cancer diagnosis impacts every member of the family,” said Todd Goold, registered social worker with Wellspring Stratford. “So, having this specifically for kids, it’s a way for kids to connect. Even though it is a social program, it doesn't focus on group therapy necessarily; those conversations naturally happen when you get a group of kids or youth together to share space.

“This is one of the reasons why we decided to go ahead with the Just Show Up program – just to provide kids with this opportunity to share space together, to kind of understand and know that these kids around you all have a same commonalty. They have a parent, guardian or grandparent affected by cancer diagnosis. (Through this opportunity) they are able to form supportive friendships and hopefully reduce that social isolation that comes along with (having) a parent impacted by cancer.”

Wellspring Stratford is hoping to continue this program monthly. Next month, participants in the program will go rock climbing at Pursuit Climbing in Stratford on Nov. 16 from 9-11 a.m.

“We would love to make this an annual (program), (but) it does depend on getting participants in the door and showing up,” said Goold.

“It’s quite exciting for us in Stratford

Office of the CAO Planning Division

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR NEW OFFICIAL PLAN

Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13 Section 26(3)

Meeting Date: October 17, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

Meeting Location: West Perth Municipal Office, 160 Wellington St, Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0

TAKE NOTICE that the County of Perth will hold a Public Meeting on October 17, 2024 during the County Council meeting scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. to present the New County Official Plan to the public and provide an opportunity for public comment.

A copy of the New County Official Plan, together with frequently asked questions, project updates, and background studies completed as a part of the Official Plan Review, will be available at perthcounty.ca/NewOP on September 27, 2024.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The New County Official Plan ensures a vision for Perth County and a comprehensive strategy reflective of provincial policy updates and current community priorities and values. The New County Official Plan is supportive of building community, ensuring environmental health, and informed land use decisions within the County.

The New County Official Plan will replace the current County Official Plan and those of Lower-Tier member municipalities and act as an overall guidance document for municipalities across the County. The New County Official Plan ensures consistent policy implementation across the County and provides a clear planning framework that is easier to navigate.

LOCATION MAP

As the New County Official Plan will apply to all lands within the municipal boundary of the County of Perth, no location map is included with this Notice.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this matter, including information on how to participate in the public meeting and information about appeal rights, visit perthcounty.ca/NewOP, call 519-271-0531 ext. 419, or email newofficialplan@perthcounty.ca.

DATED AT THE CITY OF STRATFORD THIS 19TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024

Corporation of the County of Perth

1 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario, Canada N5A 5S4 t. 519-271-0531 f. 519-273-5967 www.perthcounty.ca

because it's our first children's program ever,” said Lisa Stacey, manager of Wellspring Stratford. “Usually Wellspring across Canada, a lot of the programming (is) for adults. ... In London, last year, they started running this program and they had great success there, so we wanted to try it in Stratford. We know that Stratford is such an incredible community; to have a program like this to help young children and parents and grandparents that are going through a difficult situation like this in their lives, we thought we would try and see if we could help some families.”

A second new children’s program offered by Wellspring, Children’s & Parents’ Program, is a free, eight-week program for children ages five to 12. Starting Oct. 16, parents and guardians and their children will come together for a family meal catered by Black Angus, a conversation about having cancer in the family and to learn tools to help the children under-

stand more about cancer and express their feelings.

“There’s a lot of parents, a mother or father being diagnosed with cancer, that come in to get supp-ort from us or their caregiver or partner, but the children have never got help. If we could branch out to one more … family member, because I know a lot of parents … they said one of the hardest things, themselves, is how do you tell your child that you have cancer? There has been need in the past; now we have this opportunity to try it in Stratford. We got a very generous donation from the Optimist Club of Downie to be put towards the children’s program. It lit the fire for us to start these two programs, the Children’s & Parents’ Program and the Just Show Up program.

If interested, contact Lisa Stacey at lisa@wellspringstratford.ca or call Wellspring Stratford at 519-271-2232. Registration closes on Oct. 16 at 12 p.m.

Fall Hydrant Flushing Notice

The City of Stratford has begun its fall hydrant flushing program.

Hydrant flushing is something that the City does twice a year, typically in the spring and the fall, to remove iron that may have settled in the watermains, and as preventative maintenance on fire hydrants.

Property owners may experience discoloured water temporarily as a result of this process, but water quality is not affected. Discoloured water will clear, but before doing laundry, please check to see that water has cleared.

Here are some tips for clearing discoloured water:

1. Run your cold water for 10-15 minutes until it clears. If possible, choose the tap closest to where the water ser-

vice enters the house.

2. If water doesn’t clear after 15 minutes, turn off tap and wait 30 minutes.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until water runs clear.

For more information, please visit our Discoloured Water webpage, or call the City’s Water Division at 519-271-0250, extension 5222 during business hours.

JUST SHOW UP PROGRAM

The Wellspring Stratford staff look forward to welcoming children and their parents on Oct. 19 for the first monthly event to be hosted as part of the Just Show Up program.

(WELLSPRING STRATFORD PHOTO)

Local CMHA partners with Avondale for mentalhealth panel

EMILY STEWART Times Correspondent

The conversation on mental health continues at Avondale United Church this October.

Avondale United Church, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Huron Perth and the Huron Perth Centre for Children and Youth, will host Mental Health and Addictions: Services and Stories on Oct. 23 from 7-9 p.m. The free panel discussion will feature local organizations such as Shelterlink and the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, as well as people with lived experiences, talking about mental health, shelter, addictions and 2SGLBTQIA+.

Aleah Graff, community engagement coordinator at Avondale, said members of the church, both staff and congregation, recognize the importance of having discussions about mental health and services that are available.

“I really like the message that Avondale is trying to send by hosting this event,” Graff said. “I think that message is … very important. We know that (for) a lot of people out there, the need is there for this kind of event.”

Graff also said several older members of the church are concerned about the wellbeing of their younger family members and want to know how to help.

“We do have a lot of senior members of Avondale,” she said. “And some of them have said to me, 'I want to help my granddaughter going through this,' or 'I want to

Queer Book of the Month Club

ALIDA LEMIEUX

Stratford Public Library

Night of the Living Zed by Basil Sylvester & Kevin Sylvester

@SPL: J FIC Sylve

Basil Sylvester teams up with their dad, Kevin Sylvester for this follow-up to 2021’s The Fabulous Zed Watson! Like the previous book, Night of the Living Zed is a mystery with a queer love story at its heart. But instead of a road trip, readers are in for a spooky escape room adventure this time!

Every 25 years, the caretakers of late, great opera designer Charlotte Scherrer’s home host a contest. Contestants have three days to solve a series of puzzles in the house (which means sleeping over and confronting its resident ghosts). If they solve the puzzles in time, contestants win a pile of money! Best friends Zed and Gabe are eager to sign up – well, Zed can’t wait to commune with the spirits, while Gabe is more reticent (er...terri

fied). But solving literary and artsy mysteries is their jam, and winning a pile of cold, hard cash could help the friends throw Gabe’s sister Sam and her partner Jo the big wedding they ought to have! With each room they solve, Zed and Gabe uncover more details of a lesbian love affair from the 1900s between an opera designer and singer/magician. It’s a very romantic and tragic story-within-the-story, brought to life with beautifully written letters and journal entries.

Readers can enjoy this book without having to have read The Fabulous Zed Watson! first, though they will encounter some recurring characters and nods to the previous adventure. And while the first Zed book has a bit more character development at the beginning, Night of the Living Zed jumps right into the action. Tweens who love puzzles, escape rooms, and haunted houses will enjoy this eerie celebration of opera and theatre magic. I don’t think I would have made it out of the first room without Zed and Gabe’s combined smarts!

help my grandson' or 'I want to help my grandchild.’ “

According to the CMHA Ontario webpage, about one in five children and youth in Ontario have a mental-health challenge, and about 70 per cent of mental-health issues are onset in youth.

"We've definitely seen an increase in people presenting with particularly depression and anxiety, and particularly with young people, I would say,” CMHA Huron Perth executive director Catherine Hardman said. “The pandemic, quite frankly, did a number on people in that, especially on young people depending on what stage of development they were in and not being able to socialize and be in school and all of those things, they had a very disruptive time in their life."

The upcoming panel discussion will be the second time CMHA Huron Perth is hosting an event with Avondale United Church. The last discussion focused on where to find support within the region and how to start the conversation about mental health. The second event will build off that, but also give speakers with lived experiences a chance to share their personal stories.

“I really think people connect to that,” Hardman said. “They want to hear those stories and I think that's going to be the biggest difference with this one and probably the most impactful thing."

Anyone attending must RVSP via email to eventsavondale@wightman.ca by Oct. 16.

Our buildings tell a story: Almost not a Carnegie Library

Unlike most Carnegie libraries, the Stratford Public Library does not have the name Carnegie above its front doors. And as you might guess, there is a reason for that.

When the wealthy American industrialist and steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie, donated $15,000 to build Stratford's public library, citizens were divided as to whether the city should accept the money.

Some argued Carnegie had made his fortune by underpaying his employees. Others referred to his donation as "blood money," accumulated at the sacrifice of the working man. That was a reference to the labourers shot and killed during the 1892 strike against the Carnegie steelworks in Pennsylvania.

However, after much public debate, the donation was accepted and the library built. It was opened on Sept. 19, 1903, with no mention of Andrew Carnegie in the newspaper coverage. In 2003, library officials held a public and grand "official" opening of the library marking its 100th birthday.

Though not the first Carnegie library

built in this country, the SPL is now Canada's oldest surviving Carnegie building still functioning as a library. It followed the pattern of many Carnegie libraries in that it was built on a hill, necessitating steps but also giving the building an air of loftiness. The current design reflects the talents of the well-known local architect, James Russell.

In 1926, there was an addition that moved the entrance of the library, adding the new façade of the library to where it is today. The original front steps were where the Carnegie sign is located on St. Andrew Street. The addition was required because the library was already too small at that time. The log schoolhouse was moved and a new Central School replaced the log building on the same site from 1855 until it was razed in 1917. It was after the razing of Central School that the library entrance could be changed and other interior modifications made to the library itself. The stone marker in front of the library reads: “On this site the public school built in Stratford 1984 and the central school erected in 1917 and raised in 1917.”

The library was again renovated with an addition in 1975. The official opening of the library renovation and addition

took place on Sunday, Sept. 7, 1975, before a crowd of 300. Lloyd Robertson one of Stratford's own and a noted television news anchor. He reminisced about his childhood at the library, which included the stuffed squirrels in the children's department and the smell of the janitor making his lunch in the basement. Musical entertainment was provided by The Stratford Boychoir and The Royal Canadian Legion Band. As well, the Stratford Festival presented a video version of She Stoops to Conquer; the National Film Board sponsored a display of photography; and Stratford native Charles Trethewey presented a slide show entitled A walk along the Avon. The 1975 renovation and addition replaced the custodian’s apartment in the

basement with a colourful children's section. As well, a new audio-visual department and a lounge area featuring young adult books, comfortable chairs and a music listening area were added. The building’s facilities were upgraded throughout and made more accessible. On the top floor, a new auditorium replaced the assembly room and small stage that had been used as overflow classroom space in the 1950s.

Today, the library is taking steps towards addressing a significant lack of space in its current building as part of the library's 2023-2026 strategic plan.

Taken from the Streets of Stratford. Read more about Stratford’s built history at www.streetsofstratford.ca.

PAUL WILKER AND GORD CONROY Times Contributors

The dedication ceremony for the library addition in 1926. The stone marker in front of the library reads: “On this site the public school built in Stratford 1984 and the central school erected in 1917 and raised in 1917.”

(STRATFORD-PERTH ARCHIVES PHOTO)

Sketch by Megan Skelton

The dedication plaque on the Stratford Public Library.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

HPCDSB education director announces retirement next year

GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

While it’s never easy to say goodbye, Huron Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB) director of education Chris Roehrig feels the time is almost right to put a period at the end of his long career in education.

Roehrig, who has served as director of education at HPCDSB since 2019 and served in the same capacity with the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) for seven years before that, recently announced his upcoming retirement on Feb. 24, 2025. He will depart the school board as one of the longest-serving directors of education in Ontario.

“I’ve been told by folks you know when it’s time and I think I came across that,” Roehrig said. “For our system, we just launched a new strategic plan; I’m feeling the list of things I wanted to knock off when I started is either complete or down to the final stroke. So, it’s time. I’m excited about what’s next. It’s really less about what I’m leaving behind and more about what I want to accomplish next.

“It’s a been a long career. It’s been 30-some-odd years, so I’m ready.”

Feb. 24, 2025, is a date of particular importance for Roehrig as it will be 31 years to the day since he was first hired

as a full-time teacher in 1994 at St. David Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo. But his teaching career began six years before that when, as a 19-year-old student at St. Jerome’s University (University of Waterloo), he began working as an uncertified supply instructor at Catholic schools in Waterloo Region.

After leaving St. David, Roehrig taught at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge and Resurrection Catholic Secondary School in Kitchener before

serving as vice principal at St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School in Clinton and St. Mary’s in Goderich between 2001 and 2008. In 2008, he was appointed superintendent of education at BHNCDSB before being promoted to director four years later.

“Any of our system accomplishments are really a result of the people around me,” Roehrig said. “I can’t take credit for them alone. The (HPCDSB) system’s had several accomplishments in the last five and a half years; among them is our work in student achievement. We’ve positioned the board into the top-20 per cent in the province in EQAO results and our grad rates are super high, so we’re really proud of that.”

Though it was an initiative pushed forward by necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Roehrig said he’s proud of the board’s efforts in incorporating information and computer technology into everyday classroom learning, including the deployment of Chromebook laptops with every student across the board.

“There’s ubiquitous access to technology,” he said. “COVID, which was another thing altogether, really accelerated and organized (education technology). We had to really bear down on work with our infrastructure and some of the back-end stuff to really make sure the work we did during COVID went as smoothly as pos-

Antique Car Show at Stratford Fall Fair deemed a great success by organizers

asts were out in full force admiring the automobiles of yesteryear.

The antique cars and trucks came early from many areas around Stratford, Perth County and beyond on Sept 22 and stayed for hours as fair visitors and antique-car enthusi-

Organizer Ron Neeb, also a director of the Stratford and District Agricultural Society, was ecstatic about the number of cars that showed up and said the Sunday car show at the fall fair, continues to be a huge success year after year.

sible. I’m quite, quite proud of that.”

While Roehrig said he will miss both the people he’s worked with and the everyday interactions with the communities he serves that he became accustomed to over the past three decades, he’s looking forward to having more time on his hands to read the mountain of books he’s been meaning to read over the last number of years, dedicate some time to self-discovery and soul-searching, and decide what’s next for him in this new chapter.

“We are grateful for Chris’ experience, vision and faithful leadership during his role as our director of education,” HPCDSB board of trustees chair Mary Helen Van Loon in a press release. “He has been both guide and anchor through some very difficult, challenging times within the board and the greater community. His passion and dedication to faith formation and excellence in student achievement can only be matched by his love for our Huron-Perth system. It has been a pleasure and an honour to work alongside him.”

Though he says the expectations for our school systems and the accountability of those who work within those systems are much higher than they were when he first started teaching, Roehrig believes the HPCDSB is in an excellent position to continue improving its service to students and their families now and in the future.

Huron Perth Catholic District School Board director of education Chris Roehrig will retire from his position on Feb. 24, 2025.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

GARY WEST Times Correspondent

HUGE SUCCESS YEAR AFTER YEAR

Stratford’s Ron Neeb (left) and South Easthope’s Bob Schlotzhauer were busy admiring the various antique cars on display at the entrance to the fairgrounds off McCarthy Road Sept. 22. Schlotzhauer came with his 1959 Ford Edsel convertible, a car he bought from Stratford’s John Riordon of Festival City Motors 33 years ago. He said he bought a total of 18 vehicles from John over the years.

(GARY WEST PHOTO)

The Bruce Hotel expanding experiential offerings for locals and visitors alike this fall

SIMMONS

Regional Editor

Nick Benninger, a celebrated chef from Kitchener-Waterloo and the new director of tourism and events at The Bruce Hotel, has been tasked with one thing.

His job is to flip the script on The Bruce’s reputation as a high-class accommodations and culinary destination for tourists attending the Stratford Festival and reframe the five-diamond hotel and restaurant as somewhere locals and visitors alike can experience the bounty of what Stratford and the surrounding rural region has to offer.

“My mission is to do things that aren’t festival-based; not that we begrudge the festival, it’s just softening the shoulder (seasons) around it would be nice, and sort of building around that,” Benninger said. “ … As a hotel, it doesn’t occur to people that it’s not just for visitors, it’s for locals as well. I think that The Bruce Hotel in particular, being a boutique luxury hotel, sometimes local people think, ‘That’s not for us.’

“But we are. We want to be part of the local community as much as we are the international community that visits Stratford. Part of what I’ve been challenged to do is sort of bridge that gap. … As a restaurant, maybe even more so than as a hotel, it’s really important to be ingratiated into your community and be part of it. If you want people support you during the off-season when the theatre guests aren’t around, you’ve got to show them why and give them opportunities to come through the doors.”

The Bruce Hotel’s Long Table Dinner Series is a monthly dinner, each with its own theme hosted in conjunction with local partners and chefs from across the province. On Sept. 24, The Bruce hosted its Sustainable Seafood Dinner in partnership with Organic Ocean Seafood. The event featured a multi-course meal curated by Benninger and chef Jacob Leblanc spotlighting sustainable seafood sourced from Indigenous westcoast fisheries committed to environ-

PART OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

mental stewardship.

For the next long-table dinner on Oct. 29, dubbed Bruce X Beast: The Three Witches Feast, Benninger has invited chef friends of his, Nate Middleton and Scott Vivan from Toronto’s Beast Pizza, to cook a Halloween-themed dinner featuring local pork prepared to perfection, farm flavours and a little “Big Smoke” magic.

“That runs all year and, as much as we think it’s something our hotel guests will enjoy, we really think it’s also – and even more so – for locals from Stratford and the surrounding Perth and Waterloo counties,” Benninger said. “We have

this beautiful fire table that we try and cook everything on. Obviously as things shift towards winter, we’ll be relying on that less and we’ll be moving the seating indoors, but generally speaking, we do the seating (in The Bruce’s gardens) and we cook on this big, beautiful fire table right next to the dining table.”

The Bruce Hotel is also hosting a soft launch of its new Farm Tours experience beginning on Oct. 9 and running on the following two Wednesdays. These farm tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at local agricultural businesses Benninger says should appeal to locals as much as they appeal to visitors.

“We haven’t launched them yet, but we’re running a very small window starting on Oct. 9 for three Wednesdays in a row just to make sure we get some concept for how this product will work before we relaunch it next year.

“We’re partnering up with Brentwood Livery, which is out of Waterloo Region. They’re a luxury coach service. We start from the hotel. The guests do not have to be hotel guests. We know the majority will be, but we’re hoping this is appealing to guests of other hotels, other visitors or, again, people local who would like to visit these places too.”

From The Bruce, those on the farm tour will travel by luxury coach and visit a number of different local farms and producers including, at least for these first tours, Perth Pork Products Ltd. in Sebringville, the Appleflats crab-apple orchard in Wellesley and Pfennings Or-

ganic Farms in New Hamburg.

In addition to the behind-the-scenes tours, the experience will include picnic lunches featuring ingredients from each farm.

“It’s sort of a culinary, agriculture, experiential tour,” Benninger said. “ … I think, for as much as we’re famous for our theatre festival, we are uniquely surrounded by incredible farms and producers we could be equally famous for. So, I think getting people to come either pre-theatre season or extend their stay during theatre season … there’s a huge draw for that.”

Finally, on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, The Bruce Hotel is hosting a German Inspired Holiday Market free of charge and open to everyone. Complete with Christmas carollers, a tree lighting, local vendors, live music, hot beverages and German Christmas Market inspired stall food cooked up by Benninger and Leblanc, Benninger said he hopes the event will be a great way to demonstrate The Bruce Hotel is open and welcoming to everyone in the community.

“That is absolutely for the community around us,” Benninger said. “We want people to come in; there’s no cost to walk through the doors, enjoy the space, shop the vendors and enjoy yourself here. And we’ll have our little (faux) ice rink set up … and you can skate on it.”

For more information on all the events and experiential offerings at The Bruce, visit www.thebruce.ca/events-at-thebruce.

GALEN

Chef Nick Benninger, who is also the director of tourism and events at The Bruce Hotel, cooks up a delicious dinner outdoors and tableside during The Bruce’s Sustainable Seafood Dinner – part of the hotel’s Long Table Dinner Series – on Sept. 24.

(THE BRUCE HOTEL PHOTO)

Fire Prevention Week: Local firefighters pushing for working smoke and CO alarms in every home

ensure even those who are hard of hearing will be alerted to possible danger.

“Smoke alarms: make them work for you!”

That’s the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2024 in Ontario and it’s something Stratford firefighters take to heart, not just this week but all year long.

“We’re stressing the importance to everyone of having a working smoke alarm, to install them if you need them, to test them if you have them and to replace them if they’re past due,” said Stratford fire prevention director Scott Petrie. “That’s what saves people’s live, essentially. There’s best practices in how you cook or how you participate in whatever kind of recreation activities at home, but when in doubt, you’ve got that smoke alarm to let you know and wake you up.

“We’ve had instances where we’re had a fire and the homeowner was alerted from a dead sleep and left the building because they heard that alarm. They literally said, ‘I heard that thing and got the heck out of there.’ ”

During Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 6-12 this year, firefighters with the Stratford Fire Department will be stationed with their fire-prevention booth at Canadian Tire in Stratford from Monday Oct. 7 to Friday Oct. 11. While there, the firefighters will be available to answer any questions from shoppers and help them ensure they have a working smoke and carbon-monoxide (CO) alarm in their homes. If they don’t, the firefighters will help them find exactly what they need in-store.

“Outside of saving lives, it actually is law that you have (a smoke alarm) on every level and outside any sleeping areas,” Petrie said.

“You want to test them once a month and you’re going to make sure, if they’re 10 years old, you’re going to want to replace them,” added Lisa Walter, the Stratford Fire Department’s safety educator.

While standard smoke alarms used to take nine-volt or double-A batteries that needed to be changed regularly to ensure continued functionality, Petrie said the focus is shifting to newer combination smoke-CO alarms that take lithium-ion batteries, which have a 10-year lifespan. Petrie said the newer alarms will even alert homeowners that the battery life is coming to an end so they can change them well in advance of those batteries dying.

Some alarms are even wired into a home’s electrical system and not only do they sound an alarm when smoke or CO is detected, but they will also emit a strobe light to

Outside of Fire Prevention Week, the Stratford Fire Department is committed to ensuring everyone knows how to keep their families safe from fire and CO at home. The fire department is planning to host education sessions for Grade 1 students at every elementary school in Stratford and Petrie and Walter regularly host fire-extinguisher training sessions for service clubs, organizations and any group that requests one.

The fire department also makes a point of visiting apartment buildings in the city to ensure new tenants who may have never lived in an apartment building before know how to stay safe and get out of the building in an emergency.

“If you ever do have a problem with a smoke alarm or CO alarm, never hesitate to call 911,” Walter said. “A truck is available 24 hours a day to make sure you’re safe in your own home. Don’t hesitate. If you don’t know, air on the side of caution. Call and we’ll be happy to come help you out.”

“And that’s any time of day or night,” added Petrie. “I’ve heard people say to us, ‘We didn’t want to call you because it was the middle of the night.’ That’s why we’re here.”

For more information on the resources offered by the Stratford Fire Department, visit www.stratford.ca/en/ live-here/fire.aspx.

alarms. Pictured from left

Rob Steele,

Derek Robertson,

inspector Andrew Rogerson, acting Capt. Kevin Hare, safety educator Lisa Walter, prevention

training administrator Shanna Core, firefighter Jake Jenkins and director of fire prevention Scott Petrie.

(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO)

GALEN SIMMONS

Regional Editor

PERTH EAST – MILVERTON STATION

Left to right- Wade Goodwin, Captain Paul Leis, Justin Dietrich, Reid Baillie, Brennan Watson, Travis Hammer, Station Chief Kevin Reis, Gary Streicher, Rob Brett, Captain Scott Smith,

Captain Dan Gerber, Ryan Harloff, Captain Adam Ropp, Adam Harloff, Kyle Woodrow, Stephen Jantzi, Station Watch Jerry Smith, Ken Kuepfer

Absent – Deputy Station Chief Mike Carter, Tony Tabbert, Keela Shantz, Jarvis Kuepfer, Nathen Milovancev

PERTH EAST – SHAKESPEARE STATION

Back Row L to R – Mike Hill, Dave Wilhelm, Andrew Sebben, Jay Wettlaufer, Zach Lindner, Tim Hodgson, Jim Luckhardt, Ayden Gautreau, Rob Faulhafer, John Knechtel

Front Row L to R - Ben Lindner, Kyle Soetemans, Captain Dave Bell, Captain Matt Neumeister, Deputy Station Chief Steve Marriott, Station Chief Greg Ankenmann, Captain Jeff Forthuber, Captain Barb Myers, Harley Langford, Adam Higgins Absent- Adam Wilhelm

PERTH EAST – SEBRINGVILLE STATION

Back Row L to R– Jeff Serf, Andrew Thiel, Carson Dunseith, Tylor Walters, Chris Crozier, Maxim Mulder, Jason Depatie, Meadow Coulson

Front Row L to R – Craig Jezard, Tessa Feryn, Jeremy Root, Captain Glen Dunseith, Station Chief Dean Simpson, Captain Jake Jenkins, John Timmermans, Travis Clarke, Andrew Hodgkin

Absent – Deputy Station Chief Corey Keller, Captain Walt Ziltener, Captain Derrick Robertson, Aaron Langille, Brady Simpson

WEST PERTH

Back Row L to R – Curtis Vessie, Cory Willows, Matt Rock, Emily Dewetering, Kory McKone, Trevor Vanderhyden, Amanda Pennings, Ryan Osborn, Brad Brace, Chris McKone, Joe Rock, John Wight, Ben Thompson, Garret Scherbarth

Front Row L to R - Chaplain Bill Ney, Captain Rick Cook, Captain Cody Feltz, Deputy Station Chief Mike Montgomery, Station Chief Ken Monden, Captain Joe Graul, Captain Rob Lealess, Dispatcher Randy Satchell Absent- Jody Catalan, Brad French, Chris Wise, Matthew Krug, David Peeters, Lisa Mohr

STRATFORD SPORTS

U11 Aces win gold at Orillia tournament

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Times Regional Reporter

The U11 Stratford Aces grabbed an early season accolade when they won the gold medal at the Orillia Hawks Early Bird Rep tournament Sept. 20-22.

Co-head coach Josh Bohnen told the Times the overall character of the group led to their on-ice success.

“This tournament was an overwhelming success and a great start to the season,” said Bohnen. “They really displayed their teamwork, skill and commitment to one another. We also got a ton of great help from our parent group who supported the girls incredibly throughout the weekend.”

After going undefeated in pool play, the Aces came up against the Walkerton Capitals in the semi-finals, winning 3-0 to advance to the finals. Bohnen was really pleased with his team’s well-rounded play throughout the game.

“Walkerton was a tough opponent, but we got some great goaltending and our overall teamwork was excellent. We applied a lot of pressure and were able to dominate in puck battles. Our team defence was very good and we moved the puck well throughout the game, which I think tired Walkerton out by the third period.”

The goaltending of Lauren Rossi once again came up big when the Aces took on the Collingwood Lightning in the finals. Collingwood, like Stratford, also came into the gold-medal game undefeated, but ultimately, the Aces walked away with the 2-1 win to claim the tournament’s top prize.

“In the finals, it took us some time to find our legs,

GAMES

SPORTING THE GOLD

Voyce, Stella Zacher, Lindsay King, Luxe Ignor, Lenna

are Allie Lambert, Emma Rogerson, Chloe Illman, Jill Devereaux and Sabelle Ische.

but Lauren really shut the door in net, which gave us the opportunity to get into the game and eventually find the back of the net,” Bohnen noted. “The girls really played

for each other and made a commitment to one another shift-by-shift. They communicate and are willing to learn while competing hard and playing a team-first game.”

Friday, October 4 - 7:30pm vs Caledon - Allman Arena

Friday, Sept. 15th 7:30pm vs Listowel Allman Arena

Jr. NBA program returning for 2024-2025 season

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Times Regional Reporter

UPCOMING GAMES

Wednesday, October 9 - 7:30pm at St. Thomas - Joe Thornton C.C.

Saturday, Sept. 16th 7:30pm at Listowel

Friday, October 11 - 7:30pm vs St. Thomas - Allman Arena

Steve Kerr Memorial Arena

Friday, Sept. 15th 7:30pm vs Listowel Allman Arena

Wednesday, October 16 - 7:30pm vs St. Marys - Allman Arena

Warriors win six through unbeaten September

Even though the Stratford Hunter Steel Ltd. Warriors’ brass felt they had a good roster, no one would have expected the team to have a perfect record a month into the season.

However, as the calendar flipped from September to October, the Warriors have yet to lose any of their first six games. Head coach Dave Williams told the Times, despite the organization’s belief in their lineup, a perfect record through their first six games was a start no one could have expected.

“At the beginning of the year, I'm not sure we thought we would be undefeated after six games,” Williams said, “just knowing the parity that typically is within the league and having some unknowns about some of the teams who we haven’t really played in the past. But as we started the season, I think we felt positive about the group. We had a good training camp and saw a lot of growth of our guys in a fairly short, three-week window, so I think we were optimistic that we could play the right way.”

Williams added the team recognizes there is still work to do, despite their place in the standings right now being strong.

“Even though we're really happy with our record, we also know that a couple of breaks along the way for the other team might mean that we're not undefeated right now. I don't think that's lost on the group that we've worked hard and we've tried to earn the success that we’ve had, and we’ve done a good job at that. But we need to continue building on that consistency and really dial in on those good habits and make sure we’re doing good things every time we’re on the ice.”

The Warriors hosted the Komoka Kings on Sept. 20 and, after limiting the Kings to just 10 shots over three periods, Stratford came away with the 3-2 win. Aiden Hill earned his first win of the season and Jacob Wiseman scored a pair of goals against Komoka.

Just two days later on Sept. 22, the Warriors travelled to Elmira to battle the

Sugar Kings. After a scoreless first period, the two teams suddenly had a flurry of offense in the second, including three goals in just one minute and 13 seconds. Jack McGurn scored for the Warriors before Elmira responded with two quick goals from Joey Martin.

The Sugar Kings held a 2-1 lead until the 17:28 mark of the third when Rhyse Brown tied the game for Stratford and eventually forced overtime. In the extra frame, McGurn netted his second goal of the night to win it for the Warriors.

Carter McDougall made 27 saves in the 3-2 victory and, according to Williams, their 20-year-old netmind er’s play has been vital to their early success.

each had three-point nights, and the bench boss credited the line for their strong performance against London.

“They played to their strengths and used their foot speed and pace to generate turnovers,” said Williams. “I thought they did a great job getting on top of pucks and taking time and space away from the London guys. What they did created odd-man situations and created situations where we got the puck in a good spot in front of the net.”

“Obviously, Carter (McDougall) has gotten off to a great start. He's been a big part of why we’ve gotten off to the start we have. I think he's made some really timely saves and by playing as well and as consistent as he has, I think that has given our group a lot of confidence to try to play the way we want to. It gives our guys a boost knowing, if we make a mistake, Carter is back there and making some big saves and getting us through some key situations.”

McGurn once again took a starring role in the Warriors’ second straight 3-2 win, this time over the London Nationals on Sept. 25, including with the first goal of the game. Almost exactly four minutes later, Caleb Mitchell tied the game at one apiece on a London powerplay, but Colin Slattery responded for Stratford with two goals just 19 seconds apart. Mitchell added another powerplay goal in the third period.

McGurn, Slattery and Carter Petrie

Slattery found the back of the net once again on Sept. 27 when the Warriors rounded out their first month of the season with a 3-1 win over the Chatham Maroons. Cole Lewis scored a shorthanded goal in the second before Brown finished off the game with an empty netter.

Even though the Warriors began October with a blemish-free record, one area in which they continue to look for improvement is their special teams. As of Oct. 1, the Warriors’ powerplay ranks

10th in the Western Conference, while their penalty kill sits seventh in the west.

“Between the powerplay and penalty kill, we probably have eight or nine guys at least who weren’t playing these spots with us last year. I think with the special teams in particular, it just takes time to build that familiarity, and as we get more practice time and more repetition, I think that will lead to more success.

“That being said,” Williams continued, “I think sometimes, especially early, there is a tendency to overcomplicate and try to make an extra pass or an extra play when the best thing to do sometimes is to simplify what you’re doing. That’s an area we will definitely continue to work on.”

According to Williams, the team is focused on maintaining their early season consistency, not just regarding their winloss record but also in their compete level and rate of improvement.

“We're a really hardworking group. I think our guys, both in practice and in games, have been very conscientious about working and competing hard and I think that's incredibly important throughout the year, but maybe more so at the beginning of the season when some of your structure and some of your systems are not where you want them to be. You need a longer runway to get more consistent with those things. Our compete level has really served us well early on and hopefully it will remain a big part of our identity.”

Outdoor gym officially opens at Shakespeare Park in Stratford

GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

Stratford and area residents who need a little more exercise and a little more fresh air in their lives have a free, new, outdoor alternative to indoor gyms.

After roughly a year in development and thanks to support from the community, an outdoor gym officially opened beside the Stratford All Wheels Park in Shakespeare Park recently – one that required zero taxpayer dollars to build.

“It’s another reason to get people outdoors – I think that is really key,” said Bruce Whitaker, the Stratford resident who led the effort not only to build the outdoor gym but also the adjacent Stratford All Wheels Park. “It’s free, it’s physical fitness and it’s in nature. … This is community led and community funded, which means we didn’t have to rely on the city for money, but we’re appreciative that they provided the space.

“ … The big thing is this gym is for everybody. It’s for adults, it’s for young kids because the good thing about calisthenics is it’s by your weight. … The whole idea is it’s not plates. So, I’m working with my bodyweight and you’re working with your bodyweight. The nice thing is you can bring your family down here and work out together. My neighbours are excited to take a bike ride and then come down here to work out with their family because they can all work out with each other.”

The outdoor gym has three components, all of which can be used on their own or as part of a series for a wide variety of calisthenic exercises. The gym’s main structure includes monkey bars as well as other horizontal and vertical bars, there’s a dip station and then there’s floor bars that can be used for push-ups or hopping exercises.

“Really, the equipment is as useful as you are creative,” said Cole Johnson, owner of Pursuit Climbing in Stratford and the man Whitaker turned to for help designing the outdoor gym. “You could use the monkey bars the way you would traditionally use them, you could use the pull-up bars the way you would traditionally use them,

OUTSIDE WORK OUT

or you could connect movements. Calisthenics is just about using bodyweight and doing movement through bodyweight.

“One thing human beings are innately good at is … we know how to swing, and that connects all of this in an outdoor location, in a group-friendly environment and it’s something that you’re going to get a great workout and you might meet your next best friend.”

Whitaker says the location of the gym at the corner of Shakespeare Street and Downie Street is perfect for users because of its high visibility and proximity to the skatepark, giving parents and friends of skatepark users something else to do if they don’t skateboard, bike or scooter. The outdoor gym is also fully accessible and its design, which includes a recycled rubber floor, is meant to blend in with the natural look of the rest of the park.

The park also includes a sign with myr-

iad calisthenics exercises listed for those users who may not know where to begin.

According to Whitaker, this project wouldn’t have come to fruition nearly as fast as it did without the support of the Stratford Kiwanis and Kinsmen clubs, organizations like the YMCA of Three Rivers, and businesses like Magest Inc., all of which contributed financially to cover $60,000 of the gym’s $106,000 price tag.

“We were happy to contribute,” said Brock Martin, owner of Magest Inc. “We want to see the ability for people to come here and workout while they watch their kids at the skatepark, and have their kids see them being active. We thought it was a great opportunity for the city to have an outdoor, free space to come and workout.”

“Our focus is children and youth, and we wanted to be involved in this because, as Bruce has said, kids need to be outside, out of the basement and away from screens

a new, outdoor gym.

and having fun and exercising and finding out about being healthy,” added Kiwanis Club of Stratford president Tom Edge. “This gym checks all the boxes and it’s for the community. That’s what we do.”

As alluded to by Edge, while the outdoor gym is for everyone, Whitaker brought the project to fruition primarily to get young people outside, socializing and leading a healthy, active lifestyle, something that had already begun on the day of its grand opening.

“I’d see myself mostly with my friends … having fun and working out, and trying out new things,” said Nell McIntosh, 14, who tried out the gym for the first time after its grand opening. “Especially, I like where it is, where it’s located near the skatepark because a lot of my friends come to the skatepark, so it’s really easy. We can go there, go play tennis or something and come back here and workout.”

It's time to break the ice – not melt the ice – in monthly Climate Conversations

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Stratford residents John and Nancy Patterson didn’t know quite what to expect of Climate Conversations, but after attending the first, they said that they will be back –provided they can make it.

“We’re both very involved and concerned about the climate crisis,” John Patterson said after the session. “We’re facing extinction, right? It may not be in our lifetime, but it may be in our grandchildren's lifetimes and that's a concern. We love our grandchildren; we hope that they won't be facing catastrophe.”

Climate Conversations is a new endeav-

our from Climate Momentum. It is aimed to be a series of presentations and discussions on issues surrounding the climate crisis and its impacts locally.

On Sept. 26, the first of eight conversations was held in the city hall auditorium. Sadaf Ghalib, climate change program manager for the City of Stratford, presented the recently adopted Community Climate Action Plan, a plan to help guide residents of Stratford in their collective efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. Afterwards, attendees broke off into smaller groups to have discussions with their neighbours. At one table in particular, conversation revolved around local opportu-

nities, local businesses and individuals leading by example, and how local stakeholders may facilitate change.

Sheila Clarke, one of the organizers of the conversations, told the Times she was pleasantly surprised with the turnout. Before the presentations even began, organizers had to keep bringing in extra chairs and tables to the already packed auditorium at city hall, as people kept coming in.

Additionally, she said she didn’t personally know many of the attendees. Stratford being the small community that it is, she was excited to see fresh faces wanting to get engaged with solutions to the crisis.

Topics are fluid as organizers get feedback, however, according to Climate Mo-

mentum’s website, the next conversations are:

• Transportation: Mainstream and Active Motion on Oct. 24.

• Buildings and Land Use: Retrofit and Adaptation Measures on Nov. 28

• Alternative Energy options on Jan. 23

• Waste Not, Want Not on Feb. 27

• Natural Assets on March 27

• Tourism: Walking the Talk of a Green City on April 24

• Industry and Circular Economy on May 22

All meetings are on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Each will have a guest speaker, many of whom have not been selected yet.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Stratford and Kinsmen Club of Stratford, representatives from Magest Inc. and Pursuit Climbing, and youth from the community were at Shakespeare Park Sept. 24 to celebrate the grand opening of

(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTOS)

CONNOR LUCZKA

Stratford students compete in Pat Cook Meet

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Times Regional Reporter

The 32nd annual Pat Cook Memorial Elementary Cross Country Meet was held at the Stratford Education and Recreation Centre on Sept. 24 with close to 30 students from Stratford schools earning top-five finishes.

Thanks to over 100 staff and student volunteers, the meet was once again an incredible success.

Headlining the lengthy list of results for Stratford students was Morgan Mott of Bedford Public School, who set a new record of six minutes and 55 seconds in the U11 girls division. Also amongst the U11 girls, Lindy Downham of Avon Public School finished third, Tabitha Campbell of Anne Hathaway Public School came in fourth and Avon’s Ally Chadwick took fifth.

In the U9 girls bracket, Jill Devereaux of Avon tied the record of five minutes and 46 seconds to finish first. Emma Bessey and Katerina Schmidt, both also students at Avon, came in third and fourth.

Owen Hurley, a student at Jeane Sauve Catholic Elementary School, finished first in the U12 boys group, while Stratford Intermediate’s Nate Micks took second. Joseph Moss of Jeane Sauve came in third and Mason Bye from Saint Joseph

Catholic Elementary School earned fifth. Stratford Intermediate claimed the top two spots in the U13 girls division with Reese Campbell taking the top spot followed by Sinthyhu Wondmagegn coming in second. From Saint Joseph’s, Lydia Pyzowski took the fifth spot.

Everett McEwin of Bedford emerged as the winner of the U9 boys bracket, while the top spot in the U12 girls division was captured by Stratford Intermediate’s Isla Crinklaw. Miles Hurley of Jeane Sauve finished first in the U8 boys category, while John Cook of Avon took fourth in the same division.

Bedford’s Max Mari finished second amongst U10 boys, a division that also saw Levi Horenburg of Jeane Sauve take third and Avon’s Archer Ehgoetz claim the fourth spot.

The U13 boys division’s top-five placements included Jacob Price from Jeane Sauve finishing third, Brent Van Nes of Saint Joseph taking fourth, and St. Alysious Catholic Elementary School’s Reid Musselman coming in fifth.

In the U7 girls bracket, Maris McEwin from Bedford took second. Jaxon Schmidt from Avon captured second and Greyson DeGroot finished fifth amongst U11 boys. In the U10 girls division, Faye Daly of Anne Hathaway finished third and Avon’s Gracie Sutherland took fourth.

HOUSE OF BLESSING DONATION

Canadian newspapers are powered by journalists, not AI. They check the facts so you can trust what you’re reading. nationalnewspaperweek.ca

Stratford Kinsmen Club members Hal Montgomery and Roger Maddi proudly present the generous donation of $5,000 to the House of Blessing at the kickoff night for the Stratford Fighting Irish on Sept. 28th.

(JAMIE PETRIE PHOTO)

Brought back by popular demand, the Local Community Food Centre’s Bluegrass Brunch

JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent

The Bluegrass Brunch is back at the Local!

The Local Community Food Centre will host the much-anticipated return of the Bluegrass Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The brunch includes fabulous food curated by The Local staff, bluegrass tunes delivered by the Blurry Pickers and fun crafts for the whole family.

“The Bluegrass Brunch is something that has historically been done here at the Local for years and years,” said Julie Docker, community connector with The Local. “It is the most beloved event. It hasn’t been done since COVID, so it is something that people ask about a lot because they loved it. So we thought, ‘You know what? Let’s do this one more time.’ ”

The Bluegrass Brunch has not seen Stratford since before COVID. Starting in 2015, this free event is always a hit with the community. The staff of The Local are preparing for an even bigger turnout, expecting more than 200 guests.

“It’s by donation,” said Docker. “The money donated firstly will go towards paying the event. Then everything will go towards (the) My Community Includes the Local (capital fundraising campaign) because our community involves the Bluegrass Brunch.

“It's a nice opportunity for people who haven't been here for a few years; (it’s) a wonderful opportunity for them to come back. Again, it’s all about community, being able to be in a space and hear wonderful live music and eat and have fun. That's what it's about.”

Come support The Local by attending the Bluegrass Brunch at 612 Erie St. on Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy live music, great food, flower-crown making and a special bonus Community Access Market. It’s fun for the whole family!

ENJOY SOME BLUEGRASS MUSIC

New York musician joins Jazz Vespers service this Sunday

ALEX HUNT

Times Correspondent

New York based jazz vocalist, composer and pianist Brenda Earle Stokes will stop in Stratford as part of her new album tour.

St. James Anglican Church hosts its informal Jazz Vespers service this Sunday at 4 p.m. The nine-year tradition occurs five times throughout the year, inviting local and out-of-town musicians to provide melodies of their choosing throughout the hour-long experience.

Timothy Elliot, assistant clergy at St. James, says the service will feature a live performance by Stokes, who will play pieces from her newest album, “Motherhood”, with her band members between scripture readings.

“When putting my tour together, I always thought that I would love to perform at a Vespers and I have a long relationship with Stratford and used to play there regularly,” said Stokes. “After reaching out, I was asked not only to perform with my band but also talk about my parenting experience and the spiritual meaning that goes along with that.”

SHARING EXPERIENCES IN MOTHERHOOD

New York based jazz vocalist, composer and pianist Brenda Earle Stokes will perform at St. James Anglican Church as part of the tour for her newest album, "Motherhood.”

St. James will be one of four stops that Stokes will be making to promote “Motherhood”. Stokes will also be appearing at Mohawk College, York University, Aeolian Hall and The Rex.

“This album is really different for me because it’s all original music which was built around a theme,” said Stokes. “Usually, my albums aren't constructed like that; I just have a collection of piec-

es that I feel work well together, but this was a project based on my experience with mothering in the 21st century.”

Elliot says each Vespers service attracts people from various congregations and communities around southwestern Ontario, with visitors traveling far distances to experience the jazz service.

“It's jazz where you're sitting in this beautiful building with these great acoustics and you're right there with these great musicians. You can see them, you can hear them and speak with them afterwards,” said Elliot. “This is a very informal service in the sense that it's mostly music, which makes it different and much more approachable.”

Elliot said he was inspired by the idea in the late ‘90s when he studied in New York, where he was fully immersed by the jazz atmosphere from the surrounding clubs and churches. He brought the idea with him when he and his wife moved to Stratford in 2015, where the tradition has continued ever since. Elliot takes enjoyment in the impact the event has on the community.

“Sitting there in a sacred space, it's a spiritual experience to listen to the music played by the artists,” said Ellio

The Blurry Pickers playing bluegrass music at a previous Bluegrass Brunch event.

(BLAIR BABCOCK PHOTO)

(BRENDA EARLE STOKES PHOTO)

Open mic nights are back at Jobsite Brewing Co.

Thursday, Sept. 19 was the first open-mic night since Johann Yundt put the event on a summer hiatus.

Now, up and running biweekly, this hot event is a great opportunity for musicians of any level to get comfortable, practice in front of an audience and mingle with like-minded folk.

“Some people have come up to me and told me it has provided them with an opportunity to practice and get more comfortable up there,” said Yundt, creator of the Stratford Open Mic Nights. “Having a spot to play two to four songs, come for a couple weeks and build up their repertoire going hand in hand with some of the pictures I take, they can use that to market themselves and get gigs at other venues that are looking for longer set times, whether it be the Bunker or one of the other spots on Wellington Street – Bijou, The Common, or Startlight.

“(It’s a) solid stepping stone for people that are hoping to get semi-serious about music, (those) looking to give themselves an opportunity to engage in some professionalism.”

Launched in 2019 at Jobsite Brewing Co., Yundt created Stratford Open Mic Nights to harbour a safe place for musicians to gather and practice, something that had been missing in Stratford. Since then, it has become a town

staple. Evolving over the years, the open-mic nights started in the front area of the brewery and, after investing in a new PA system, open-mic nights are now held at the back of the distillery.

“Back in 2019, we literally had nothing like it,” said Yundt. “We’ve scaled up with small, aesthetic things like adding a little bit of lighting, adding our banner, which has some branding for Open Mic Nights. If patrons or guests are in there wondering, ‘What the heck is going on with the music,’ maybe they will know quicker that it’s one of our Open Mic Nights. I’m always open-minded to thinking about little tweaks that will improve it and continue to (reach) a new audience and new performers.”

Those who come out for the events come from all over.

“Somebody came from Toronto this past spring,” said Yundt. “I was asking him, ‘Are you coming to town for a different reason?’

He said he had seen on Facebook … that there was an open-mic night (and) he’s just been trying to hit up as many open-mic nights as he could. So, he drove up all the way from Toronto to Stratford to play open-mic night, which is pretty crazy.”

While most acts are acoustic guitar, solo or duo acts, Open Mic Nights embrace bands that can supply their own equipment.

“We’ve had a bunch of different acts. Violinists, one poet, I think we had a dancer at

MUSICIANS ONE AND ALL

one point. But it’s mostly acoustic or duo or trio acts. We are really open minded; … all ages, all talents. If anybody has something they want to try, that they want to get in front of people just to get more comfortable with performing in front of people, we are really open-minded in that sense.”

The signup sheet, located on the Jobsite Brewing Co. website, is for 15-minute slots between 5:45 and 8:30 p.m. There are some

new additions to the forum, which now includes the option of a walk-up song, as well as a suggestion box. There is an in-house guitar for musicians to use during their performances. Anyone who plays a song gets a free drink.

Upcoming Open Mic Nights are Oct. 3, Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Dec. 5 and Dec. 19.

Musicians one and all come to the Stratford Open Mic Nights to play, support and enjoy live music.

JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent

Johann Yundt, creator of the Stratford Open Mic Nights, plays an original song for the crowd at Jobsite Brewing Co. Sept. 19.

(JULIA PAUL PHOTO)

Heidi Danen a gift to the Ambassador Competition for 14 years at the Stratford Fall Fair

GARY WEST

Times Correspondent

Recognition of area do-gooders is what local newspapers are all about, and a young, energetic Tavistock woman fits that description to a tee.

Heidi Danen, whose home is in Sebastopol on the northern edge of Tavistock, was honoured recently by members and guests of the Stratford Agricultural Society and fall fair during the fair’s opening night Sept. 19.

Following 14 years of guiding and chairing the fair’s Ambassador Competition, she has decided to announce her retirement from a job she says she has certainly enjoyed.

With emotion in her voice, she said “it has been an incredible opportunity to get to know so many young adults and be there during their ambassador journey.”

“The ambassador program has served as a second family to me, both in Stratford and across the province at different agricultural events. It was a tough decision to step back, but it was time to offer this experience to someone new”.

She said her decision was made easier knowing Amanda Gray-Eve, who was a fall fair ambassador in Stratford in 2014, will be just as passionate about leading the program as she has been.

Danen wanted to thank the agricultural society, the ambassador program and all the lifelong friends throughout the province she made along the way.

Danen, who also co-chaired the very successful Stratford Fall Fair in 2024 and was, herself, the Tavistock Fall Fair Ambassador in 1996, has encouraged many young adults in the Tavistock and Stratford communities to get involved “with an experience they will never forget.”

Denen was raised on her parents, Bart and Gerry Danen’s dairy farm east of Tavistock on the 16th line in Oxford County’s East Zorra Township, where her brother Jack, sister-in-law Jane and their family continue the dairy farming tradition.

It is interesting to note that Heidi Danen’s nieces have all participated and done well in the ambassador competitions for both the Tavistock and Stratford fall fairs.

"SECOND FAMILY TO ME"

Heidi Danen (second from the right) was always praised by the young adults who entered the Stratford Fall Fair Ambassador Competition. She was flanked after announcing her retirement at this year’s competition by, from left, 2024 runner-up Marissa Van Straaten, 2024 ambassador Marshall MaCannell, and 2023 ambassador Faith Knechtel.

(GARY WEST PHOTO)

Through persistence and the power of social media, long-lost painting returns to its rightful home

CONNOR LUCZKA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After her mother’s beloved painting was lost, Sarah Luk Hill resolved herself to post about it every year on the anniversary of when it was taken until it was back on her wall.

She didn’t have to continue that tradition for very long. After the one-year anniversary and 40 or 50 Facebook shares later, she got a text from an unknown woman claiming it was hanging in her basement.

“I screamed so loudly,” Luk Hill told the Times. “I think I scared my family half to death, and then started crying. I'm not a crier, but I just started crying. I don't think I realized how emotional I was about it until I got it back.”

Within an hour, the long-lost painting was back where it belonged – on her wall.

Luk Hill explained that it was much more than just a painting.

Her mother, Mary Hill, had the painting

for 22 years. She got the artist-proof painting on her 60th birthday while vacationing in France and it quickly became one of her favourites.

When Hill began to experience advanced-stage dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic, she moved into a long-term care facility and the painting was entrusted to Luk Hill. She hung it in the same spot in her own house for a little more than a year before it was taken during a house party and subsequently lost.

“People were amazing a year ago and shared it all over, and then I heard nothing. So, I kind of assumed it was gone,” Luk Hill explained. “To be honest, I never replaced it on the wall. I couldn't bring myself to. I put up this tiny little picture that my daughter had done … but I couldn't bring myself to replace it on the wall.”

The first anniversary of it being lost came around and Luk Hill visited her mother at the facility. She posted on pop -

EMOTIONAL RETURN

In the wake of a car crash, a man finds himself without any memory of where he is, who he is, or how he got here. The only thing he does know is the unavoidable feeling of dread that someone wants him dead.

Traversing Ontario under several aliases, Dexter Connacher (one of his many names) must piece together what happened to him and who is the person that wants him dead. All of these questions and more are answered in Stratford author Ron Finch’s newest stand-alone piece, The Journey This addition to Finch’s bibliography steers away from his current, ever-growing universe in the Joel Franklin Mystery series. Taking place in real cities throughout Ontario, The Journey deals with how far people will go to get the answers they need.

Finch started working on this book two years ago, going back to it chapter by chapter periodically for a change of pace from his other writing projects.

“It’s an up-to-date story happening in this time period. The guy is seen on CTV news and they use drones to hunt him down and all kinds of stuff like that to show that this is current, happening in the 2020s,” Finch said.

Finch told the Times how this story deviates from his normal writing style. Instead of pieces taking place in the 19th and early 20th centuries, this story takes place in modern day Ontario and includes small details throughout the book to remind readers of this.

As Finch worked on this book and had the manuscript in its entirety, he felt he wanted to do something different than his usual route of self-publishing and decided

ular Facebook community groups like Stratford Connect and Stratford.Life, where it was shared extensively.

At the same time, Cat Jacoman was scrolling on Facebook and by chance came upon the shares.

“As soon as I saw her posts; … ‘Holy cow, it's the painting!’ ” Jacoman shared.

Almost a year ago, Jacoman’s father found it at a local garage sale, bought it and brought it home. Jacoman saw it and wanted to hang it in her own home office.

After a year hanging on the wall, she took it down to redo that space, bringing it to her basement.

It was then, by chance, she saw Luk Hill’s posts on Stratford Connect.

“That painting wasn't rightfully mine in the first place,” Jacoman went on to say. “I've had people say, ‘Do you know how much that painting is worth? You know anything about it?’ It doesn't matter. I wouldn't care if it was worth a million dollars. It's somebody else's thing and I

wouldn't have not given it to her if it was worth lots of money. That's not the point of this.”

Like Luk Hill, Jacoman was pleased that this episode was an example of social media being used for good – and just in time too. Before seeing the post on social media, Jacoman had resigned herself to bring it to the thrift store next time she was going.

“Then it really would have been gone,” Jacoman said. “Who knows if she ever would have seen it again. So, it is pretty cool that it made its way back to her.”

“I still walk into my house and I'm just amazed that it's back on my wall,” Luk Hill said. “I feel complete. I feel better. I don't think I realized how much it was upsetting me. I can't tell my mom about it, but I'm glad she never knew.”

Though Hill never knew about the ups and downs that occurred in the last year, Luk Hill’s father knew and was elated that it was back on the wall where it belonged.

THE LOST PAINTING

to reach out to the publishing house, Page Publishing, to get the book published by them.

“I started off by putting it up on my Facebook, and when I finished it on Facebook, I thought, ‘You know what, I think I want to get this one published now.’ So, I spoke to someone from Page Publishing and they’re hooked up with Barnes and Noble, which I thought worked well with this book as it’s more of a mainstream book.”

Finch said he wanted this book to reach a wider audience than what he could get just on his own.

The Journey came out at Barnes and Noble on Aug. 14 and it will be available on Amazon at a future date. Finch’s previous books are available on Amazon and at local bookshops.

Sarah Luk Hill and her mother Mary Hill. The lost painting was more than just a painting for Luk Hill – it belonged to Hill for 22 years before she had to go into a long-term care home due to her worsening dementia.

The book cover of Stratford author Ron Finch’s latest book, The Journey.

The artist proof painting, pictured here, hung in Luk Hill’s home for only a year and change before it was lost. Now returned to where it belongs, it will hang here for the foreseeable future.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

SYDNEY GOODWIN Times Correspondent

(RON FINCH PHOTO)

Another successful year for the Stratford Fall Fair

Guests fly around on Freak Out at the Stratford Fall Fair Sept. 20.

A large confirmation class of 4-H dairy calves were part of the Western Ontario Championship Show on Sept 21 in the Molson Arena at the Stratford Fall Fair. In total, there were 132 young 4-H exhibitors showing their 4-H dairy calves.

The Campbell Amusement Midway was the busiest spot in Stratford on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 21 as thousands of fair goers took in the food and rides at the annual fall-fair event.

The Freak-Out ride had area fair goers lined up all day for a chance to ride one of the most popular rides of the Stratford midway on a sunny and warm Saturday afternoon Sept. 21 as the weatherman couldn’t have made a better day for enjoying the annual fall extravaganza.

The iconic Ferris wheel kept turning all weekend long.

Stratford & District Agricultural Society's Homecraft & School Fair Exhibits were on display all weekend. (JULIA PAUL & GARY WEST PHOTOS)

Results from the Perth County South-East 4-H Dairy Calf Club achievement day and the Perth County 4-H Championship Show

achievement day. The leaders of the club included Brian Anderson, Julie Weitzel, Heather Peters and Jaime Carson.

Every year at the Stratford Fall Fair, area 4-H clubs hold their achievement days.

On the morning of Sept. 20, the Perth County South-East Dairy Club held their

The exhibitor names and winning calves are pictured below.

In the afternoon, the Perth County championship show was held at the fall fair.

Stratford Fall Fair Mid-Western Horse Show

GARY WEST

Times Correspondent

There were more than 55 horses and riders who took part in Stratford’s Fall Fair Mid-Western Horse Show Sept. 22 at the

Heather and Murray Schlotzhauer riding facility east of Stratford on Vivian Line 37.

Many experienced western riders put their mounts through the paces before the show’s experienced judges.

This year’s champion show person for Perth County was Maddy Dixon from the Mitchell 4-H club and the reserve champion was Jace Noom, also from the Mitchell club. Honourable mention went to Meaghan Weitzel from the Perth South-East club.

For calf confirmation, Maddy Dixon from Mitchell 4-H was the champion while Lexi Wilhelm from the Perth SouthEast club was reserve champion and Kylan Noom from the Mitchell club was honourable mention.

The Perth-Waterloo County Holstein show hosts a large crowd in Stratford

GARY WEST Times Correspondent

The Parade of Champions at the Stratford Rotary complex showed a large contingent of spectators that Holstein cows and heifers in the area continue to be of the highest quality.

The show in the past was closed to only exhibitors in Perth and Waterloo counties, but over the last two years, the show was open to all outside county exhibitors.

The numbers of milking cows and heifers has now increased to 175 in total,

along with a large crowd in attendance. When the evening was over, judge Richard Osborne chose an Oxford County senior three-year old, Up-Ridge Alleyoop Freezie, owned by the Charlie Lupton family on Embro road as the show’s grand champion, with the reserve champion banner presented to Brentridge Lambda Dixie from the five-year-old class for Brentridge and Marthaven Holsteins.

The honourable mention was from the fall yearling in milk class, Canhope Master Adele for Canhope Holsteins.

GARY WEST

Times Correspondent

The 4-H champion calves are shown with judge Gary Markus. Pictured from left are champion Addison Hyatt, reserve champion Lexi Wilhelm and honourable mention Brooklyn Hyatt.

The champion in showmanship was Janessa Weber (right) and reserve champion was Meaghan Weitzel (left).

(JENNY WEITZEL PHOTOS)

Above: the Jacobs family from the Mitchell area encourage the younger generation to take part in area horse shows. They were part of the Stratford Fall Fair Mid-Western Horse show Sept. 22. Pictured from left are grandparents Bonnie and Mike Jacobs, Savanah, eight, Lennon, one-and-a-half (in the saddle) and dad Calvin Jacobs.

Below: Some of the horses were on the lead line showing while judges were making notes for placings.

(GARY WEST PHOTOS)

The champions from the Perth-Waterloo Holstein Show. Pictured from right are judge Richard Osborne, Upridge Alleyoop Freezie (grand champion), Brentridge Lambda Dixie (reserve grand champion), Canhhope Master Adele (honourable mention) and ringman Doug Green. (CLAIRE SWALE PHOTO)

AMDSB board of trustees looking for new Perth or Huron resident to take up trustee vacancy

CONNOR LUCZKA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After a recent vacancy was announced, the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) is looking for a new trustee for its Perth East seat.

According to Chera Longston, communications manager with the AMDSB, the vacancy occurred due to unmet requirements of the Education Act, where trustees are required to be physically present at regular meetings of the board. David Briant, the former trustee, is listed as absent or attended through Microsoft Teams in most of the

I paused by the pearly everlasting this week, a small white flower needed by the American Lady butterfly as her host plant (the plant her caterpillars need to eat when they hatch from the eggs she lays on the plant). I saw a few curled-up brown leaves that had fallen on the flowers. They were anchored with spider silk, making a dense web – and there in the web sat a funnel spider, waiting for prey.

Funnel spiders are nature’s engineers, like many other spiders. The funnel they create is not really noticeable. When an unsuspecting insect touches it, zip, out darts the spider! They’re not dangerous to humans and are a benefit for insect control.

Robin Wall Kimmerer, author

meeting minutes of the past school year.

“Our trustees play a vital role in overseeing the focus in our education system as related to our strategic plan,” Graham Shantz, director of education, said in a media release. “They are individuals who are passionate about public education and they advocate for student achievement and wellbeing.”

There are nine trustees on the board, each representing a geographical portion of the district and the schools within. Perth East represents Central Perth Elementary School, North Easthope Public School, Sprucedale Public School, Milverton Pub -

lic School and Mornington Central Public School.

Normally, trustees are elected every four years during the municipal election, but this position is being filled through an application and interview process. The term will begin once appointed and runs until autumn 2026.

The successful candidate does not need to be a resident of Perth East. They only need to live within either Huron or Perth counties. They must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, not legally prohibited from voting and not disqualified by any legislation from holding a school board

seat.

If interested, residents can submit a letter of interest along with a resume outlining their interest for the position, qualifications and other pertinent information to barb. crawford@ed.amdsb.ca.

“We encourage anyone interested in this position to learn more about the role and to submit an application before the Oct. 17 deadline,” board chair Robert Hunking said in that same release.

For more information on the position, visit www.amdsb.ca/apps/pages/index. jsp?uREC_ID=1091747&type=d&pREC_ ID=1395854.

Web-Crawling in our own spider web

of Braiding Sweetgrass, likens all life on Earth to a spider web – “a beautiful spider web of connection or a big circle in which all the beings are relatives.”

That funnel spider is part of the circle by keeping other insect populations under control. We too are part of that web and need to look at our own web. Overshoot has been telling us that we’re taking too much from that circle of life, that we’re living on borrowed resources, borrowed from the future.

We’ve looked at the importance of native plants to support other beings in the spider web of living things, birds and insects, as part of one of the Overshoot solutions. In the last Web-Crawling column, we looked at ways to reduce the pollution that our vehicles cause as another Overshoot solution. That pollution is making the earth a difficult place to sustain life. Two other Overshoot concerns are the way we obtain energy and the way we eat.

At the Climate Conversation last Thursday, Sadaf Ghalib, Stratford’s climate change program manager, shared the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP), which noted the economic wisdom of community generated renewable energy –

solar panels, for example. That’s great for the web of life too, because it lowers the amount of pollution we emit from natural gas. The overheating effects of emissions blanketing the planet and trapping heat are very real. When it comes to how we eat, Overshoot notes that from pesticides and herbicides to land given over to animal feed, to animal digestion, there is a heavy output of pollution from fossil fuels and methane. We’ve noted the health and the pollution benefits of making our diets as plant-based as possible. Plantdiet-based agriculture also lends itself more readily to maintaining the habitat that so many of our fellow travelers on the spider web need.

Funny the way a funnel spider can tell so many stories. Take time to look when you’re out walking. Many of your fellow connections on that beautiful spider web of life are fighting for survival in the increasing challenges of climate change, of overheating. From plants to living beings, let’s look at our own spider webs through the lens of Overshoot solutions and see what we can do to help as individuals.

UPDATES:

1) Carbon ppm (parts per mil-

lion) in the atmosphere: 422.19 ppm. Levels are slightly lower than spring due in part to intensive agriculture in the developed world over the summer, with the crop leaves providing a temporary carbon sink. Safe level is considered to be 350 ppm, last seen in 1990. On the other side of the story, oil and gas production are continuing to increase.

2) Another secret lives in the curled-up leaves of autumn. Where do all those important insects go in the winter? Their cocoons, chrysalises and larval forms can survive with the protection of curled-up au-

tumn leaves. Spiders like our funnel-spider friend also seek safety in the shelter of ground, leaves and snow in the winter. Leave the leaves where nature intended them to be, on the ground to shelter important insects and pollinators. Leaves also give you free fertilizer! (If you’re bored, don’t take a rake, take a hike and admire autumn!) Sheila Clarke is a Stratford advocate for the environment, of our community and of our planet. She is a member of CFUW Stratford, Stratford Climate Momentum, and the Perth County Sustainability Hub.

SHEILA CLARKE Times Freelance Columnist

King Charles III Coronation Medals awarded to four Stratford residents

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS HONOURED

honour here today serve as an inspiration for others to embrace the spirit and commitment of service.”

Upon the occasion of the May 6, 2023, Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, a program was established to “recognize 30,000 outstanding individuals of all ages and from all walks of life who have made a difference in their communities.”

Following a nomination and review process here within the riding of Perth-Wellington, a ceremony was held on Sunday, Sept. 29 at Parkview Gardens (Royal Canadian Legion Auditorium) in Listowel where 20 individuals were presented with King Charles III Coronation Medals. Four of the 20 are based in Stratford: Richard Boon, Ruth Kneider, John Miller and Bernard Van Herk.

John Nater, MP for Perth-Wellington, said, “Today, we honour 20 worthy recipients who embody the idea and the ideals of service. These recipients were nominated by their communities: their neighbours, co-workers, friends and fellow volunteers. They come from all nine municipalities of Perth-Wellington and embody different backgrounds, careers and interests, but each of them holds one important thing in common, a commitment to community and country.

“Collectively, they have devoted tens of thousands of volunteer hours to community causes, they’ve raised millions of dollars for charitable activities and they have touched the lives of countless people in our communities. May each person we

Proclaiming Jesus Christ with communities of LOVE, JOY, HOPE & PEACE

Worship with us Sunday 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – Fellowship and Coffee Hour We are a Welcoming Community

The following citations were read for the Stratford honourees:

RICHARD BOON: As the ranks of Canada’s World War II veterans dwindle, the duty of Remembrance falls to the next generation. For his entire life, Rick learned the value of service from one of the best. Much of Rick’s life has been dedicated to young people, as a dedicated coach and referee, and he has helped children and youth achieve their full potential. Throughout his 30 years as an educator, Rick ensured that Remembrance Day and the service of our veterans was appropriately honoured. To this day, former students will recall the importance of those services and the visits. Since then, he has continued in helping others by fostering a sense of community and helping youth in remembering and honouring our veterans by organizing the Remembrance Day Service for the Stratford Legion. Rick is dedicated in ensuring that we remember them.

RUTH KNEIDER: Together with her husband Richard, you will find Ruth scooping ice cream, serving pizza, handing out turkeys, and making Christmas special. In short, Ruth’s compassion and love makes our community a place you want to live. As one of two founders of Simple Dreams Ministry, Ruth is all about fulfilling simple dreams. The purpose of the ministry is to help those in the com-

munity who have dreams or needs that don’t seem achievable. Every year, Ruth and her family host the highly popular To Stratford with Love, a Christmas banquet which brings together the community for an evening of food, fellowship and fun. Ruth and Simple Dreams Ministry support the community with events such as the Thanksgiving Dinner giveaway, the annual Pizza and Pool Party, and the Two Dollar giveaway.

JOHN MILLER: John is known as a man of music. In 2001, with a team of local volunteers, he created Stratford Summer Music to bring music back to Stratford. In 2018, he retired as its founder and artistic director emeritus. Under his leadership, the festival had grown to six weeks of dynamic indoor and outdoor concert and events with international praise for Summer Music’s variety of performers from five continents and across Canada. Prior to founding Stratford Summer Music, John had an extensive career in the arts-and-culture sector. He began a career with the Stratford Festival in 1980 and would go on to work in various roles including as the national director for the Canadian Music Centre and as the executive director of the Glenn Gould Foundation. Not one to sit idly by, John has also helped to lead the artistic programming at the Huron Waves Music Festival.

BERNARD VAN HERK: Bernard, or Bernie as he is known around Stratford, is a true cheerleader for the City of Stratford. Anyone who drove by his home on Huron

Worship With Us

Street would recognize his pride for his beloved city with the great gardens and displays in front of his home, complete with the statue of William Shakespeare. His gardens would celebrate local and national events in the most positive way possible. He is well known as a dedicated and avid volunteer at the Ted Blowes Memorial Pollinator Peace Garden. Bernie has spent a lifetime cultivating the land in his garden with beautiful flowers and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others. Bernie is one of our youngest recipients, having celebrated his 22nd birthday on Feb. 29. Like he has done on every leap year, this past February he was at the Stratford General Hospital, where he also worked for 30 years. On Feb. 29, he was there with cards and money for each baby born on that day.

Other Perth-Wellington individuals receiving King Charles III Coronation Medals on Sunday were: Julie Docker-Johnson, Stewart Grant, Charles Hammond and Cameron Porteous from the Town of St. Marys; Mary McIntosh from the Municipality of Perth South; Dianne Josling and Donna Yundt of the Municipality of West Perth; Jean Smelski of the Township of Perth East; Ronald Ellis of the Township of Mapleton; Jack Benham, William Nelson and Connor Schmidt of the Township of Wellington North; Michael Grosz and Debora Lynne Ritchie of the Municipality of North Perth; and Rose Van Sickle and Belinda Wick-Graham of the Town of Minto.

GALEN SIMMONS

Regional Editor

Twenty people from across Perth and Wellington counties were honoured at the Listowel Legion Sept. 29 as they received King Charles III Coronation Medals from Perth-Wellington MP John Nater.

(TIM SPARKS PHOTO)

UNTIL SOON. LIVE WELL: Becoming nothing

Contrary to what one might think, someone who works in the compassionate field of funeral service does not get asked about what they think happens after death. No more, no less than any other. Sure, in moments of pure uninhibited conversation where curiosity reigns and rhetoric is swept under the rug. But hardly ever. I wonder if caregivers or clergy carry a higher percentage with them in the asking of that. One thing is clear to me however – besides the many moments in a day, the trillions of moments in our lifetime, where what we do and how we respond truly mat-

ters – I feel in the depth of my soul, that I am, and we are – inherently anonymous. At least we “adopt” anonymity. Not immediately, but… eventually. I don’t say that flippantly or lightly. I thought about that sentence for a long time to see if it feels true, if it sits well with me, and it does. While I have been quite aware, particularly through a number of life-changing years, that my existence is surely aligning with my “selfhood,” it struck me that within the space given, the time given, each and every situation given – we have our gift to make a difference in incremental ways – and in such ways... we feel alive. Worthy. Remembered. Although our lives are finite and our lineage questionable, our worth is not. It is forever. In the mere process of “growing up”, through the aspects of what living means: self-reflection, inward searching, personal tragedies, shared victories, and every interaction that comes our way – we carry out our “raison d’etre”, our “reason for being” in that moment – even if we don’t see the bigger picture of who we are at that moment or who we are

to become. But when we begin to really understand our reason for being, ie: creating ourselves and our lives – our worth is actualized. It is the difference between going through life with blinders on (unaware of ourselves) or seeing ourselves as cause and effect.

I think it still important, however, regardless of our positions of wealth or power or influence to remember that anonymity is actually a foregone conclusion for all of us and eventually, who we were will have no meaning whatsoever because those who experienced us will be gone as we are gone. We will be forgotten. We shall be stories only, and not the truth of the living individual. Ponder that for a moment. Our ego’s will certainly have to get out of the way for that thought to be realized. Likewise, there have certainly been people who have contributed greatly to humanity and left a legacy of merit, but the truth of who they were too, as a person, eventually disappears, because no one is left to experience them.

It is only the everyday and ongoing contribution we make to the betterment of humanity, or

its dismantling, that will hold any meaning and last on into the future consciousness – not ourselves at all. We can read the plaques of history, but that will tell us little of the individual and everything about their achievements. And public displays are not private and deeply understood truths about anyone. Whatever one might think about a funeral director like myself and my profession, we, like you, follow our own hearts. In the duration of our time, immersed in our work, those hearts should illustrate service. But how we interact on a daily basis matters just as much, if not more, than our employ. No matter how many people I’ve served and dedicated my time to in the name of compassion, it is only that service that carries any weight at all. I am only the messenger and I shall be forgotten. So how I have treated myself and others in my lifetime matters more than a monument. Therefore, for me and anyone who knew me – anything I ever did, anything I ever stood for, stands on its own. My legacy? My legacy is the smile on the

face, the consoling touch, the pregnant silence of knowing, the warm thought in the heads and the warm feeling in the hearts of the ones who loved me. And my “self?” Well – energy is everywhere and within everything. It is fundamental to all change that occurs in the universe and it can lay dormant, stored as potential energy, or be set in motion as kinetic energy. I will go back to the source, no matter what you might call it. My name doesn’t matter. The shell my thoughts are in –gone.

Celebrate me. Scatter my remains. No cemetery. No monument. No epitaph. Make it so that there is as little evidence as possible that I was ever here upon this earth. Let me live for a time, in the hearts and minds of those who knew me, let them tell their stories to family, to children – then let me fade away into obscurity, from whence I came. Becoming nothing. Home. Stuart is a celebrant and the manager of Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services. It is his privilege to serve, dispel myths, and give information concerning his field of compassionate service.

Finding peace in the changing seasons

IRENE ROTH Times Freelance Columnist

As the golden hues of autumn replace the vibrant greens of summer, and the crisp air nudges us to trade shorts for sweaters, we are reminded of the inevitability of change. The shifting of the seasons is a constant part of life, and for many, it brings a range of emotions—from excitement for cozy nights and pumpkin spice to a sense of loss as the warmth fades.

Yet, beneath the surface of these external changes, the seasons hold a deeper lesson. They remind us that peace can be found, even in transition. All we

have to do is slow down to become aware of it.

Nature’s cyclical rhythms mirror our own lives. Just as winter gives way to spring, and summer ripens into fall, we too experience seasons—times of growth, of harvest, of dormancy, and of renewal. The key to finding peace in these moments of change lies in recognizing the wisdom that each season offers.

In the autumn, trees shed their leaves in preparation for the winter. What appears to be a time of loss is actually a vital part of the tree's survival. The shedding allows it to conserve energy and withstand the coming cold. In our own lives, we often resist letting go of things— whether it's habits, relationships, or mindsets.

Yet, autumn teaches us that release is necessary for growth. By letting go of what no longer serves us, we make room for something new. The transition may be uncomfortable, but it is also an invitation to find peace in acceptance.

One of the most challenging aspects of life is accepting its im-

permanence. We tend to cling to the familiar because it provides a sense of security. But just as the seasons change without our permission, so too do the circumstances of our lives. Relationships evolve, children grow up, jobs change, and we, too, grow older. While the unknown can be daunting, there is freedom in realizing that we don’t have to control everything. Finding peace in impermanence requires us to shift our mindset. Instead of fearing change, we see it as an opportunity for growth. Every season— both in nature and in life—has something unique to offer. Summer may bring vibrancy and activity, but fall offers a different kind of beauty: a quieter, more reflective time. The fading light encourages us to slow down and prepare for winter’s stillness. Rather than resisting the changes around us, we can embrace them. When we stop holding on to what was and open ourselves to what is, we begin to flow with life rather than struggle against it. This doesn’t mean that change isn’t hard, but it be-

comes less threatening when we understand it as a natural part of life’s cycle.

Another way to find peace in the changing seasons is by honoring the natural rhythms of rest and renewal. Just as winter is a time for the earth to rest and restore its energy, we, too, need moments of pause. The fast pace of modern life often pushes us to constantly be doing and achieving, but nature reminds us that periods of rest are essential for growth.

Take time during the cooler months to slow down. Reflect on the lessons of the past season and consider what you might need to release as you move forward. Creating space for quiet—whether through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature—can help restore your sense of inner calm. In these moments of stillness, we often find the peace that eludes us in busier times.

Gratitude is another powerful practice for cultivating peace during times of change. Instead of focusing on what’s ending, we can choose to appreciate what’s

here in the present moment. The beauty of the changing leaves, the warmth of a soft blanket, the simple joy of a hot drink on a cold day—all of these things are gifts, if we allow ourselves to notice them.

Autumn, in particular, is a time for gratitude. As the harvest season, it reminds us to take stock of the blessings in our lives, both big and small. When we focus on what we have, rather than what we’ve lost, we shift our perspective. Gratitude doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it helps us to see the good alongside the difficult.

The changing seasons are a reminder that life is in constant motion. But within that motion, there is a deeper rhythm—one that invites us to slow down, reflect, and embrace each moment for what it is.

By letting go of resistance, cultivating rest, and practicing gratitude, we can find peace in the midst of change. Just as nature moves effortlessly from one season to the next, we too can learn to move through life’s transitions with grace, finding beauty and serenity in every stage.

STUART LENDER

Times Contributor

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL

GO: Getting back to our roots in nature

Benoit Paquette unlocked the door and welcomed us into the tiny house that was to be our home for the next two days. Paquette and his partner, Paule Rochette, are the deeply dedicated and passionate owners and operators of Hébergement aux Cinq Sens near the quaint village of Piopolis in Québec’s Eastern Townships.

The tiny house was charming with a couple of possible quibbles.

The bed was in a low-ceilinged loft, which demanded care when rising, and the indoor bathroom would not accommodate anything but urination. Any other “function” was to be carried out in an outhouse, located a short walk away through the forest.

“What had we gotten ourselves into?” I wondered.

It turned out we had gotten ourselves into something wonderful, a unique experience in which the minor inconveniences were vastly outweighed by the delights, discoveries and warm hospitality offered by Rochette and Paquette.

Hébergement aux Cinq Sens (literally translates to Accommodations at the Five Senses) is a member of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and its provincial equivalent in Québec. Rochette is from of the Hu-

ron-Wendat First Nation; Paquette also has Indigenous ancestry.

Paquette is also a trained biologist and a terrific storyteller. So, guests at Hébergement have the opportunity to walk with Paquette through the forest on this 20-acre site, where you discover the intricate interconnections of woodland life, and also learn Native Canadian wisdom arising from an intimate connection with nature.

As Paquette says, “What you love, it’s easy to protect.” The love Paquette and Rochette have for nature, for their Indigenous culture and for their unique project is evident in everything they do at their Hébergement.

Let’s be clear, this is not luxury living. Hébergement aux Cinq Sens is deliberately designed to encourage guests to think about the increasingly pressing need to care for our natural world.

For example, the tiny houses have kitchens, but they don’t have running water. There is a supply of drinking water and water for wash-

ing, but when you recognize that the small container on the counter is what is available, you instantly become aware of conservation and sustainability. The same message is clear when you walk the forest path to use the environmentally friendly hot, outdoor shower.

Paquette and Rochette certainly walk their talk. Paquette has built a completely sustainable greenhouse that functions year-round. They can harvest fresh greens, for instance, in the dead of winter. And in the warmer months, they can enjoy the abundance of produce from the greenhouse and from their gardens, where they grow the three sisters of Indigenous lore – corn, beans and squash.

The couple have been operating Hébergement aux Cinq Sens for 16 years and continue to enhance the property. The tiny house we occupied is brand new, one of four in total, along with a cottage, four yurts and four campsites.

The limited number of accom-

modations means every guest can participate in small and one-toone experiences like forest walks, tepee talks and star-gazing.

Our stay coincided with the first nights of the Perseids meteor shower. Paquette invited his guests to bring lawn chairs and sweaters, and sit in the meadow by the main house to watch the wonders in the sky. Hébergement aux Cinq Sens is in the midst of the Mont-Megantic Dark Sky Reserve. There is very little light pollution, so the star-filled sky is an astonishing revelation to anyone used to seeing just a few faint points of light above some urban area.

As we scanned the stars and watched dozens of meteors streak across the sky, Paquette offered a seminar on astronomy, weaving in Indigenous stories about the constellations. It was a fascinating evening. Paquette and Rochette are completely bilingual, so Paquette will do his talks in French, English or a combination of both, depending on the audi-

ence.

A key message in Benoit’s stories is that we are far too accustomed to consider nature as something separate from ourselves. Not so, he insists.

“Nature and us, we are one. We are part of the threading.”

“We have to tend to health, and health is nature. We have to get back into balance.”

He discounts the popular “survival of the fittest” concept. Instead, as we sit in the midst of the forest, he tells story after story about how the plants of the forest support and even learn from each other.

“It’s more about survival of the most cooperative,” he says. “Cooperation is the way of going through change.”

He lovingly strokes the bark of the oldest tree in their forest.

“This grandfather tree is 100 years old. It’s a library of information” about survival and cooperation. And he draws an immediate parallel with Native Canadian culture.

“That’s why the elders in the native community are so important. They're the library of information.”

Paquette and Rochette are committed to offering a unique experience to their guests – a highly entertaining and inspiring visit, a bit challenging at times, that can be lifechanging in terms of your personal understanding of our role in the environment. They have set themselves a daunting task and they are succeeding, smiling all the way.

Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden. net.

PAUL KNOWLES Sun Contributor

A second tiny house.

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

Our tiny house at Hébergement aux Cinq Sens.

Paule Rochette and the part of the garden where the "three sisters" grow

JAMES WILLIAM SPENCER P.ENG.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James William Spencer, beloved husband, father and grandfather. Jim died peacefully with his wife of 50 years, Elaine, and his son Jack by his side. He left this world at age 90 on September 23, 2024, at the Rotary Hospice in Stratford, ON.

Born in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England on April 27, 1934, Jim was the son of the late William Spencer and Violet Margaret Spencer. He was pre-deceased in May, 2024 by his beloved sister, Sally.

Jim emigrated to Canada in July, 1966. He enjoyed a long and successful career as an Electrical Engineer, P.Eng. Jim worked with several companies over the course of his nearly 50-year career. These companies included, Allan West Ltd., Westinghouse Ltd., McGraw-Edison Co. Ltd., Trench Electric Ltd., Hydro One, and ABB Canada. At one point he was President & CEO of McGraw-Edison, with over 600 employees in his charge. Jim thrived on hard work and loved a challenge.

Following his retirement from Hydro One, Jim & Elaine moved to a small Nova Scotia village where they established a Bed & Breakfast called the Valley Rose. They operated it for almost four years. In 1999, they moved to Stratford ON, where they owned & operated the Stone Maiden Inn, a glorious15-room Victorian B&B Inn for 12 years. Such happy memories!

Jim loved to travel and saw much of Europe, Australia, all 50 states in the USA and travelled to all parts of Canada, except PEI (one of his few regrets). He was active and loved tennis, golf, gardening, table tennis, stamp collecting, and reading. He was a skilled small-bore rifleman when he lived in Montreal and he was the Captain of the English team before moving to Canada. He loved listening to music and attending concerts— especially loving Irish & Scottish ballads and sea shanties.

Most of all, Jim loved his family. He and Elaine, met in 1974 on a blind date. They were married only seven months later in Toronto and shared 50 amazing years together. They had two sons—Andrew and Jack—whom Jim loved with all his heart, and of whom he was incredibly proud. Andrew and his wonderful wife Melissa gave him two beautiful and much-loved grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Isaac. Life was wonderful!

Jim will be remembered for his integrity, humour, reliability, strong work ethic, great smile, charming English accent, his gentle manner and his loving heart. He will always be remembered as a caring father, a loving husband and a good man. A life well lived and one loved by so many. Rest in Peace, our beloved Jim.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 2-4 pm (with words of remembrance starting at 3 pm) at Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services. 804 Ontario St., Stratford. 519-271-5062.

Donations in memory may be made to the Stratford Perth Humane Society (www.kwsphumane.ca) or the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca) directly or through the funeral home.

KIWANIS FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS INFORMATION SESSION

Saturday, October 5, 2024, 2:00 p.m.

Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre

Information session about 2025 featured musical "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the new Christopher Norton's Micro Musicals.

GARDEN STRATFORD GENERAL MEETING

Monday, October 7, 2024, 7:15 – 9:00 p.m.

Army Navy Hall, 151 Lorne Ave. E., Stratford

Featured Presentation: “Horticulture – Is It Therapy? A closer look at the healing power of nature.”, Julie Riddell, Horticultural Therapist. Meeting Open to Everyone; Free Admission.

EUCHRE TOURNAMENT

Friday, October 18; 6:30 p.m.

Legion, 804 Ontario St., Stratford

Cash prizes. $20/team of two players. Register by Wednesday, October 16 by calling 519-301-0914 or 519703-6544 or 519-271-4540 or online.

GARDEN STRATFORD GENERAL MEETING

Monday, November 4, 2024, 7:15 – 9:00 p.m.

Army Navy Hall, 151 Lorne Ave. E., Stratford

Featured Presentation: “Succulents for Indoor and Outdoor Planters”, Westland Greenhouses, Grand Bend

OFFICE DESK, Bullet top table desk, 72 inches long

36 inches wide, Black Ebony on Oak veneer, solid oak headers, three legs, one leg is solid Oak, two legs are metal, black. Newly finished. $150.00.

CASH ONLY - St. Marys area

Call 519-272-5951 and leave a message.

OFFICE DESK , Bullet top table desk, 60 inches long 30 inches wide, Natural Cherry on Cherry veneer solid cherry headers, three metal legs one black two silver colour. Newly finished, some flaws in the veneer. $75.00.

CASH ONLY - St. Marys area

Call 519-272-5951 and leave a message.

OFFICE DESK TOP, 60 inches long and 30 inches wide, Medium cherry colour on Maple veneer, solid Maple headers, newly finished. No legs or base supplied, you can obtain legs from Richleau, Amazon, Wayfair. Can be made into a table desk with legs. $50.00.

CASH ONLY - St. Marys area

Call 519-272-5951 and leave a message.

36 sq.ft. of dry firewood ($35), 2 tennis racquets, like new circa 1975 & 2 new badminton racquets ($70), 2 baseball gloves (macgregor &cooper) ($15). Ph.519-2732104.

TREES: Shade trees, Fruit trees, Apple, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet and Sour Cherries, Apricot, Nectarines, Blueberry, Haskopp, Black Chokeberry, Grapes etc.

Lots of Spruce, Pine, Cedars for windbreaks and privacy hedges, Sizes 1 to 6+.

Flowering shrubs and much more.

Come check us out Mon-Sat 7:00am - 6:00pm

Martin's Nursery

42661 Orangehill Road

Wroxeter (1 concession north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line)

$ Cash Paid $ for your RECORDS and LPs. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk, Soundtracks, and more. Selectively buying CDs, Cassettes, Turntables, and Stereo Equipment. For more information: DIAMOND DOGS MUSIC 114 Ontario St. Stratford / 226-972-5750

WANTING TO BUY – All collectibles including sports cards, beanie babies, Funko pops and stamps. Highest prices paid. Free appraisals. Are you downsizing or need an estate clean out? We can help. Call or text Stan anytime 519-868-3814.

Fair value offered for your vinyl records, cassette tapes & hifi components. Please contact Sound Fixation, 519801-5421, 4 George St. W, Stratford.

I WILL PAY CASH FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES – Coca Cola Pepsi any pop company, Brewery items Kuntz, Huether Labatts etc. Old radios and gramophones, Wristwatches and pocket watches, Old fruit jars Beaver Star Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signs Red Indian Supertest etc. Any small furniture.

If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me - 519-570-6920.

Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two-tired!

What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!

How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together!

Why did the math book look sad? Because it had too many problems.

What did one wall say to the other wall? I’ll meet you at the corner!

Why can’t you give Elsa a balloon? Because she will let it go!

What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing, it just waved!

Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one!

How do you organize a space party? You planet!

What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear!

SPRINGER

Meet Springer, a young, medium/large mix with a lot of potential, seeking an experienced and patient forever home. Springer is nervous and shy, working on overcoming leash reactivity, resource guarding, and separation anxiety. He thrives with mental and physical stimulation, so a family familiar with working breeds and helping anxious dogs would be ideal. Due to his needs, a home without shared walls and with teenage children or older is best. If you’re ready to provide love, structure, and support, Springer is eager to meet you! If you’re looking to add a new member to your family, please fill out an adoption survey on our website at kwsphumane.ca.