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Stratford BIA hosts first Trick or Treat event
Families will flock to downtown Stratford with their children and dogs for the first-ever Halloween in Stratford event run by the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA).
An Oct. 10 press release from the Downtown Stratford BIA announced Halloween in Stratford will take place between 2 and 4 p.m. on Oct. 26. Trick-or-treaters can visit participating businesses in the downtown core and either receive candy or non-food Halloween items.
“People are excited about that,” said Jamie Pritchard, general manager of the BIA.
Participating vendors will have orange trick-or-treat signs for candy, and teal signs for non-food items to give to children with food allergies. The Downtown Stratford BIA will be giving out treats with CJCS Radio at 47 Downie St.
In addition to Halloween in Stratford, residents can also grab a SCARE bingo card from either the BIA office or Mercer Hall from Oct. 26-31. Those participating in SCARE bingo will have to find merchants across downtown that match the categories on the card. Any cards with five filled bingo squares in a row can either be dropped off at the BIA office or Mercer Hall for a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars.
Ghost Walking Tours of downtown Stratford by Laurie Leduc will also run on Oct. 25, 26 and 30 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets for the tours can be purchased by visiting stratfordwalkingtours.ca.
FESTIVAL CITY DREAMERS
To open this year’s festival, grass dancer Chris
history of the dance and what his movements represent.
Stratford may be a small city in Canada, yet it has miraculously produced some very big dreams over the years, and that’s precisely what will be explored this month in the Provocation Ideas Festival (PIF)’s second year operating.
Mark Rosenfeld, founder of the PIF, announced the 2024 Stratford lineup on Oct. 10 by the bandshell on the banks of the Avon River. As he told the crowd
that gathered, the river has a deep significance to this year’s festival, but it primarily focuses on the city’s wider history of change.
“It celebrates Stratford’s ongoing invention and reinvention over the years, over the centuries, really,” Rosenfeld said. “We're going to be doing that through community storytelling, discussion, culinary exploration, the geographic landscape, choreography, collective-art creations and the voices of our children.
Mejaki performed at the bandshell on the banks of the Avon River, sharing the
(CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)
EMILY STEWART
What happens to the dreams that don’t come true in Stratford? The Provocation Ideas Festival wants to find out
“And the festival also intends, because it is called the Provocation Ideas Festival, to ask some provocative questions in the discussions that take place. So why do some dreams succeed in Stratford? Why do some don't? And how would the city be different if the unrealized dreams came true? Who has a luxury of dreaming, who doesn't? And how might that change?”
PIF launched in Toronto in 2022. Ros-
enfeld originally intended it to bring together disparate voices working towards positive change for the community and society at large. Since then, he moved to Stratford and brought his creation over last year.
He describes it as “a new public square,” a venue rooted in local communities that are informed by global ideas.
This year’s festival takes place throughout October and November. Its theme is “City of Dreamers” and explores the dreams and aspirations of the region’s inhabitants, from initial Indigenous populations to future residents of the Festival City.
Donna L. Hinz
“Celebrating Stratford's spirit of innovation and reinvention, it invites the community to share its stories, engage in thoughtful discussions and explore the city through culinary experiences, art, choreography and the voices of our children,” a media release on this year’s festival reads. “Together, we'll witness how
dreamers shape Stratford’s past, present and future.”
The first official event, Neural Ballet Redux, took place on Oct. 10 and 11 in partnership with Gallery Stratford. It was a neo-classical ballet performance which fused ballerina Irina Lerman’s award-winning choreography with software artist Ryan Kelln’s AI-generated visuals. It included a half-hour performance and a discussion exploring the impact of generative AI on the future of art making.
Robert Windrum, interim director and curator for Gallery Stratford, said he was proud the gallery could be involved.
“There’s two things that just fit perfectly with what Gallery Stratford does, what I do … and that’s collaboration and dreaming,” Windrum said at the kick-off.
“In talking with Mark about the festival, about how the gallery could be involved, (it) got me really excited. … We really look forward to future years and we’re so happy we are able to present and collaborate with the neuro ballet.”
ganizers promise it is a captivating event for anyone passionate about food and the local community. It takes place Nov. 13 from 5-8:30 p.m. at The Old Prune, 151 Albert St. CBC IDEAS: Shaping Tomorrow’s Cities
Co-presented with CBC IDEAS and investStratford, host Nahlah Ayed will have a discussion on imagining the cities of the future with “Jay Pitter, an award-winning placemaker focused on bridging divides in urban spaces across North America; Robin Mazumder, an environmental neuroscientist studying the impact of urban design on wellbeing; and Greg Lindsay, a futurist exploring the role of AI and augmented reality in shaping cities.” It takes place on Nov. 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Stratford City Hall Auditorium, 1 Wellington St. Reimagining Stratford: Designing the Future City
Co-presented with investStratford and the Stratford Public Library, this event is a community-based exploration of urban development by citizens. Discussion will revolve around the future and current needs of the city. It takes place on Nov. 30 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Stratford Public Library, 19 St. Andrew St. Storied Stratford
Additionally, a month-long exhibition at Our Stōr(y), an “explorium” as owner Kevin September called it, is running. Entitled “River of Dreams,” it is an exploration of the Avon River, the waterway that simultaneously connects and divides Stratford.
The remaining 2024 Stratford PIF events, per the festival’s website, are: River of Dreams opening reception
NOW LEASING
The River of Dreams exhibition features work from more than 15 local artists of diverse artistic visions. The exhibition will be open from Nov. 1-29, barring Mondays when Our Stōr(y) is closed. An opening reception is scheduled for the first evening it’s open on Nov. 1, from 7-9 p.m., at Our Stōr(y), 7 George St. W. A Culinary Journey Through Past, Present and Future
Co-presented with Mercer Kitchen, this ticketed event celebrates Stratford’s deep culinary heritage and its future. Or-
“Participate in an unforgettable evening of live readings by local actors and authors, bringing to life short stories, vignettes, plays and historical accounts inspired by Stratford and the surrounding region. Following the performances, dive into a thought-provoking discussion on how Stratford has been portrayed in literature, film, history and the popular imagination – exploring diverse perspectives, including an Indigenous lens.” Co-presented with the Stratford Public Library, the Stratford Perth Museum and Fanfare Books and takes place Nov. 30 from 7-9 p.m.
For more information, visit www.provocation.ca/2024-events-stratford.
Andy Foster’s graphic for the second-annual Stratford Provocation Ideas Festival highlights this year’s theme, “City of Dreamers.” (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Perth County courthouse connecting-link addition nearing completion
SIMMONS Regional Editor
After more than a year of demolition, excavation and construction, the Perth County courthouse connecting-link addition is nearing completion with county staff expected to move into the new county headquarters in November.
Perth County executive director of public works John McClelland presented an update on the project to county councillors at their Oct. 3 regular meeting. Demolition and construction at 5 Huron St., located on the Perth County Courthouse campus, began in July 2023 and is expected to wrap up in October 2024. The project, which was awarded to Dakon Construction Ltd. at a cost of just over $5 million, included a $200,000 contingency allowance to cover any unexpected costs.
Since then, county council has approved two increases to that contingency allowance – $150,000 in April to address a number of unforeseen costs and another $75,000 in August after the contractor found an old oil tank at the back of the building county staff believe was part of the original heating system. The total budget for the project is now over $5.5 million.
“Let it be noted that I’m not requesting any other contingency increases this week,” McClelland smiled. “The report is positive; we are making significant progress. To date, construction costs incurred total approximately $3.6 million.
“At the last project update, I noted the discovery of an old oil tank. At that point in time, just the work to be done there, there was certainly concern for delays to the project completion because of that. I’m happy to report that we’ve remediated the area. Everything’s been taken care of and we are just awaiting TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) final approval on that, which I hope to be forthcoming.”
McClelland said he expects the costs associated with remediating the area where the oil tank was discovered to be approximately $100,000. After the oil tank work was completed, the contractor was able to complete some key work to help keep the project on track.
The building’s hydro upgrade was com-
pleted by Festival Hydro in the first week of September which then allowed the elevator subcontractor to begin installation work. The majority of the elevator installation is now complete and the county is now waiting for masons to finish block work before installing the elevator cab and doors.
As of Sept. 9, the parking lot has been graded and paved, and the sidewalks and curbs are poured. The majority of the concrete walkway and retaining wall around the side and back of the building has now been poured and backfilling and grading in that area will commence shortly.
Inside the connecting-link addition, which connects the Perth County courthouse and the building that once housed the Perth County land-registry and Stratford’s Service Ontario offices, McClelland said the lower level is painted and most of the light fixtures have been installed. Flooring was expected to begin at the end of September.
On the main level, drywalling, painting and ceiling structural work has been completed. Lighting and some mechanical work are ongoing in the finished ceiling, and glass walls and doors for offices and meeting rooms are expected to be installed in the next two weeks.
“We are getting down to the finishing stages of this project and it’s very pleasing to see almost every day you’re seeing change to the project as far as coming to completion,” McClelland said. “You can now get a sense of the space that we’re going to be working in and I was able to tour our management team through that last week. … The contractor was on schedule to complete in the month of November. We anticipate occupancy in the month of November, however when that is will be determined by a few things including the commissioning of the elevator by TSSA and also commissioning of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system within the building.”
“John, you’ve done a great job,” Perth County Warden Rhonda Ehgoetz said. “We really appreciate all the effort you’ve put into this and it’s really great to see the stages as we’re going through here and the photos and where it’s going. It is exciting as we get to the end and I’m sure you’ll be glad when we’re at the end.”
FINISHING STAGES
GALEN
The connecting-link addition between the Perth County courthouse and the former county land-registry office at 5 Huron St. is nearing completion with an expected staff move-in date in November.
(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO)
Stratford police launch homicide investigation after woman dies in hospital of gunshot wounds
STRATFORD TIMES STAFF
stratfordtimes@gmail.com
The Stratford Police Service has launched a homicide investigation after a 35-year-old woman died in hospital of gunshot wounds following an incident inside an Ontario Street home in the early morning hours of Oct. 15.
In a press release, police said officers and Perth County paramedics responded to the incident on Ontario Street, near King Street, at 5 a.m., at which time they found the victim unresponsive. She was taken to Stratford General Hospital where she later died of her injury.
Stratford police arrested and charged a 41-year-old man located at the scene in connection with this investigation. He was scheduled to appear in bail court later on Oct. 15.
In a press release, the Stratford Police
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
Stratford police were at a home on Ontario Street, near King Street, investigating a homicide Oct. 15 after a woman was found unresponsive with gunshot wounds around 5 a.m.
Service assured area residents there is no wider threat to public safety as this was an isolated incident.
A police presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues. Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call the Stratford Police Service at 519-271-4141 ext. 8116 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. An anonymous tip can also be submitted online at p3tips.com.
This is the second homicide investigation in Stratford in the last two-and-a-half months. On Aug. 1, an incident on Bradshaw Drive Stratford police described as a neighbour dispute resulted in the shooting death of 36-year-old Jonathan Bennett and serious injuries to David Tokley and Stephanie Irvine.
The shooter, 31-year-old Ricky Bilcke, then turned the gun on himself, taking his own life.
The 9th annual Walk ‘n Roll steers through Upper Queen’s Park Oct. 19
STRATFORD TIMES STAFF
stratfordtimes@gmail.com
It’s time to lace up for a good cause. L’Arche Stratford is hosting its ninth annual Walk ‘n Roll on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The walk takes place at Upper Queen’s Park and will support the Be Belong Become capital campaign to build a new community property at 426 Britannia St. The pro -
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posed development is a 15,000 square foot building designed to fill the gap of housing and services in the community, but it comes with a steep $6.5 million price tag to build it mortgage free.
This year, the event hopes to raise $15,000 for the campaign. As of publication, it has raised $3,795.
Registration for the in-person walk is at 9:30 a.m. at the bandshell in Upper Queen’s Park. The walk begins
at 10 a.m. and encircles the whole park, expected to last the hour.
Organizers note that anyone who can’t join in person can participate virtually throughout the month of October.
For more information or to donate to support a community member or team, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/ charities/larche-stratford/p2p/walknroll-2024.
Letters to the Editor
Context for the Erie Street parking situation
Dear Editor,
I’d like to contribute some background context to the Erie Street parking lot situation. Firstly, it wasn’t always a parking lot. A & P, Canadian Tire, one of car dealerships and probably others noted in the archives all operated on the site. Sometime in the 1960s when the city had the opportunity, it was turned into a parking lot and remains an intentional parking lot today.
Whatever benefits there may be from developing the site, as extolled by Robert Ritz and Michael Wilson’s letters, there is no way around using elevators in tier and
underground parking. So, taking the kids uptown in family friendly Stratford would involve breathing in exhaust fumes (bad for asthma) as well as being in an elevator which, to a child, could resemble a gas chamber. Elevators break down and when the one at city hall did, it took ages to fix.
Sinclair’s and Blowes were not short-sighted in opposing Vic Hayter and Dave Hunt’s project 20 years ago. It didn’t succeed because of the old saying, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Sincerely, Murray Scott, Stratford
STRATFORD
(CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)
LISA CHESTER Times Correspondent
Stratford House of Blessing Empty Bowls Fundraiser begins Oct. 28
Stratford House of Blessing’s (SHOB) annual Empty Bowls fundraiser returns for 2024, running from Oct. 28 until Nov. 1.
There are over 600 bowls beautifully created and painted by volunteers available to purchase with prices starting from $30 per bowl.
“The image of an empty bowl is a visual reminder of the fact that there are so many in the community that don’t have food to fill their bowls. It is a fundraiser for us and people can come and are able to choose a bowl from so many different designs. The money that they pay for the bowl goes directly back into our programs,” said SHOB resource coordinator Aaron Balzer.
All of the bowls created then painted by volunteers, plus the food to fill the bowl offered as a thank you on the day of purchase, have been donated, so the proceeds of the fundraiser goes 100 per cent toward maintaining the House of Blessing and the programs offered. Not only is SHOB a food bank, it also offers programs like a Welcome to the World basket for babies, a Christmas Toy program for kids and grandkids and the Off to School Smiling program providing backpacks filled with essentials, to name but a few.
Local business has played a huge role in helping to realise this event, from the potters who have donated bowls and the artists that have decorated them to the restaurants that will be filling the bowls.
“The food, the bowls and the art and the time are all donated by volunteers or local businesses so we are able take the proceeds and put it back in our programs. We will feature two different restaurants each day for when you buy a bowl,” said Balzer.
There are ten local restaurants donating to the cause.
When attending the fundraiser, there is a room dedicated to the many decorated bowls available for sale, made possible by the collaboration with Wild
Violet Pottery, Zenfire Pottery, Marenger Pottery and Distill Gallery. At the same time, there will also be a silent auction running in conjunction with the event closing on Nov. 1 at 2 p.m.
There are volunteer opportunities for the Empty Bowls fundraiser for those who wish to donate their time while the drop-in event is running.
“We are looking for people to come and help in the room selling bowls and also to help supervise the silent auction
Downtown Stratford BIA hosts
first Trick or Treat
“They're very good,” Pritchard said. “I've been on one. She's very successful and a very good storyteller."
After the October celebrations honouring Halloween, residents can drop off their leftover jack-o’-lanterns on Nov. 1 for the annual Pumpkin Parade. Pumpkins that are not painted nor have any objects will be illuminated for one last time at Market Square between 4 and 8 p.m. before local farmers feed their hogs a pumpkin feast.
“We love the opportunity to make sure that we always divert stuff from our
event
landfill sites and we're always promoting that,” Pritchard said. “This is a great opportunity to take your pumpkin down, have it in the parade, go see it lit with hundreds of other pumpkins and then the next day the farmers will come and take all the pumpkins to feed the pigs."
Pritchard said events like Halloween in Stratford and other related activities will help keep the heart of the city flourishing.
“Any city is only as vibrant as its downtown, no matter what city you go to,” he said. “We like to keep it animated and activated and really get a great sense of community downtown."
that is taking place so we are still looking for people to come who are interested to help with those things, just to be here for a shift during the day to help,” said Balzer.
Stratford House of Blessing has, as of September, serviced 14,211 individuals, year to date. There has been an increase of 208 new households this year and they are finding more and more families are employed and housed but are in need of assistance.
“We are seeing things like families who are employed and working fulltime but because of the cost of living and inflation, they are coming needing support for food. They have jobs, careers, homes, but they are just not able to cover all the costs, so when the choice comes down to rent or food, what do you do? There’s also those that are unemployed and unhoused,” said Balzer.
Food-wise, their immediate needs consist of crackers, soup, peanut butter, nutfree snacks for kids, canned fruit, canned meat and canned vegetables. Food supplies can be dropped off during regular business hours. For those unable to attend but still wish to donate, visit SHOB.org.
The Empty Bowls fundraiser runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1 and is located onsite at Stratford House of Blessing at 423 Erie St. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.
TENDER DEADLINE: Wednesday November 20th 2024 CLOSING DATE: Monday January 6th 2025
BOWLS FOR SALE
Aaron Balzer, resource coordinator at Stratford House of Blessing, is thrilled with the offerings of beautiful empty bowls for this year’s drop-in fundraiser.
(LISA CHESTER PHOTO)
HOW MANY HEARTS DOES IT TAKE
"The Heart of our Community" by Bareket Kezwer. Join the Downtown Stratford BIA next Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 1-2 p.m. for a dedication to all of those involved, including community partners and funders, and the ceremonial ribbon tying, as well as a fun, "heart-centered" activity and the official unveiling of this masterpiece. This Wall Mural Public Art Project was supported by FedDev Ontario and the Canadian Urban Institute through the My Main Street Community Activator stream.
The Heart of our Community County Stewardship Program Gears Up for Second Year
STRATFORD TIMES STAFF stratfordtimes@gmail.com
The Perth County Stewardship Program is back for a second year to support tree-planting projects and forest-management plans across the region.
Starting Nov. 1, eligible applicants including private landowners and community groups, can apply for funding online through the County’s website.
The Stewardship Program includes three streams: a landowner stream, community stream and woodlot stream. Each stream is geared towards different tree-planting projects such as forest rehabilitation, windbreaks, stream buffers and forest-health check-ups. These projects contribute to the resiliency of natural and agricultural lands across Perth County.
“The first year of the stewardship program was overwhelmingly successful. The program supported 35 landowners and community groups in planting 14,955
trees and completing one forest-management plan,” said Perth County resiliency and stewardship coordinator Hannah Cann in a press release. “We look forward to continuing to support stewards of natural and agricultural lands in Perth County in 2025”.
Following the success of the inaugural year, the county has pledged $100,000 to the 2025 program intake. The 2025 program guide launched earlier this month and applicants are encouraged to review the guide for tips on preparing an application. Landowners who are unsure if their project is eligible are encouraged to contact staff to discuss opportunities for their land or community group.
Applications to the 2025 stewardship program will open on Nov. 1. Applications must be received by Jan. 3, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-February 2025.
For more information about the program, and to access application forms, visit www.perthcounty.ca/Stewardship.
(DOWNTOWN STRATFORD PHOTO)
Increase in traffic volumes lead to changes for two Perth County intersections
GALEN SIMMONS
Regional Editor
Over the next month or two, drivers on Perth County roads will notice two new all-way stops at the intersections of Perth Road 130 and Perth Line 20 north of St. Marys as well as Perth Road 107 and Perth Line 33 between Tavistock and Shakespeare.
At Perth County council’s Oct. 3 meeting, councillors approved the installation of the two all-way stops – one permanent and one temporary – after county executive director of public works John McClelland shared updated traffic counts on all county roads conducted last year. In reviewing the updated counts, McClelland said staff identified four locations where either traffic volume or volume splits at intersections had significantly changed and could potentially warrant alternative traffic controls.
“One thing we did notice was there
were three sections of roadway where traffic volumes were substantially increased,” McClelland said. “Those roads are Perth Road 130 from Perth Line 20 to Sebringville, Perth Line 33 from Stratford to Perth Road 107 and Perth Road 107 from Shakespeare to Tavistock.”
According to the data collected last year by RC Spencer Associates, traffic consultants hired by the county, roughly 4,000 vehicles travel on the north section of Perth Road 130 every day, up from 2,500 vehicles per day the last time traffic counts were updated for county roads, with about half of that traffic volume turning at Perth Line 20.
“Given that the traffic volumes on Perth Line 20 are 2,600 vehicles per day, staff were concerned the stop controls (stop signs) were on the wrong roads and that warranted further investigation,” McClelland said.
Perth Line 33, meanwhile, now carries roughly 4,300 vehicles per day, up from
3,500 at the last traffic count. Perth Road 107 also saw an increase in traffic by 500-600 per day to roughly 5,500 vehicles on that road daily.
McClelland said the traffic consultants conducted intersection reviews at both intersections – as well as at Perth Road 131 and Perth Line 72 north of Milverton and Perth Road 135 and Perth Line 44 between Wartburg and Rostock – and found both the Perth Road 130 and Perth Road 107 intersections met the criteria for intersection improvements. The other two intersections were found not to warrant improvements.
“The intersection of Perth Road 130 and Perth Line 20 does meet the all-waystop warrant,” McClelland said. “This has been recommended to be installed as soon as possible and could likely be completed by the end of October.
“The intersection of Perth Road 107 and Perth Line 33 meets the traffic-signal warrant. This installation would take
more time and certainly carries a higher price tag. In consultation with the consultant and in keeping with guidance from the Ontario Traffic Manual, it is being recommended that an all-way stop be installed at this intersection as an interim measure. (Traffic) signals would be budgeted as part of a planned road reconstruction on Perth Road 107 in the year 2028.”
The cost of installing signs for both all-way stops is expected to be roughly $4,000, however the county will also be required to make some geometrical changes to the layout of the Perth Road 107 and Perth Line 33 intersection before the all-way stop is installed at an as-ofyet unknown additional cost.
Additional delineation lighting is also required at four streetlights across three of the four intersections reviewed at a cost of between $2,500 and $10,000 per light depending the existing hydro pole and infrastructure at each location.
Honking your horn has never been more generous as Strickland’s hosts Honk for a Farmer campaign
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Donating to your local food bank is as easy as honking your horn this month.
Strickland's Automart has partnered with Stratford Farm Equipment for a new initiative: Honk for a Farmer. It is a community-driven campaign in support of Stratford House of Blessing.
Every honk heard during business hours at Strickland’s will see $1 donated to the local food bank, aiming to bring attention to the importance of supporting local agriculture while also addressing the increasing need for food-bank services in the area.
Josh Bes, sales manager at Strickland’s Automart, explained that it was a “no-brainer” to get involved with both Stratford Farm Equipment and Stratford House of Blessing, calling the two of them cornerstones of the community.
This is not the first time the company organized a do -
nation campaign for Stratford House of Blessing, but it is the first time it has taken this form. The idea for honking came about naturally given the dealership’s history. For over a decade, anyone who purchased a vehicle would hear the sound of a gong in the showroom, but even before that they would hear the sounds of horns.
“We always honk the horns in the showrooms, since the beginning of time here at Strickland’s,” Bes explained. “It was a great way to continue what we've already been doing with the horns, but outside as well. And of course, for every honk outside or inside the dealership, $1 is going to the Stratford House of Blessing.”
Bes highlighted the importance of community partnerships as well, saying things have changed in the last little while.
“I don't see a lot of cross promotions between businesses anymore and I hope, me personally, I hope that a lot of people follow suit with it. I really do. I think that from a business aspect, I think a lot of businesses can do a lot more collaborating together and gain a lot more out of it,
GENEROUS HONKING
working together, rather than trying to do things themselves. And that's what team's all about, right?”
“We are so grateful for Strickland’s ongoing support of our essential work,” said Aaron Balzer, resource coordinator at Stratford House of Blessing, in a media release. “And we love the idea that people can honour and support our local farmers while simultaneously raising funds for our food bank!”
The campaign runs until the end of October.
CONNOR LUCZKA
Strickland’s Automart staff pose for the Honk for a Farmer campaign, when donating to the local food bank becomes as easy as honking your horn when passing by the Stratford dealership.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Dementia Education Night 2024: The Heart-Brain Connection
lic Education Coordinator with the local Alzheimer society.
Huron Perth Public Health and partners offer advice on staying healthy during respiratory illness season
When it comes to detecting early signs of dementia, new research indicates there could be a helpful connection between the heart and the brain.
The Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth’s 19th annual Fall Dementia Education Night will be held online beginning at 7 p.m. on November 7.
The session will focus on the connection between the heart and the brain.
Sponsored by the Municipality of Central Huron, this year’s session will be led by Dr. Sandra Black, a senior scientist at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
She is a Canadian physician and neurologist known for her work in contributing to improved diagnosis and treatment of vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.
“When it started, it was in person, it was before online and zoom. When I worked in long-term care, I came in and attended some of the programs here; I always liked it then, as a healthcare worker, you read about these researchers. They have the most up-to-date information. To have them come to our small town was amazing. You get to hear from them, you get to ask questions. They are so willing to share their expertise…They are very knowledgeable and good presenters.”
According to Sears, as many as 150 people virtually attend the fall education night, which is free and open to everyone.
Registration is online at alzheimer.ca/huronperth, under Dementia Education Night 2024 tab, select ‘Click Here to Register’.
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
It’s official. Cold and flu season is here and viruses like COVID, influenza, RSV, pertussis and many other respiratory illnesses are going around.
In a letter distributed to local media outlets recently, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) along with local family health teams and local hospital emergency rooms offered some advice and guidance on staying safe and healthy this time of year.
“Always be vigilant with respiratory etiquette,” said HPPH director of health protection Christina Taylor when asked what lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can be applied to cold and flu season. “Practice hand hygiene and cough and sneeze into your elbow; stay home when you’re sick; and stay up to date on vaccines that you are eligible for like RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), influenza and COVID-19.
“These practices are well known to be effective at preventing the spread of illness.”
tain pregnant people prior to delivery.
To prevent pneumococcal infection and other common illnesses, Taylor recommends staying on top of routine immunizations which help to protect against pneumococcal bacteria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and meningococcal.
When it comes to preventing the spread of illness, other practices made common during the COVID-19 pandemic can also be helpful.
“Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings,” Taylor said. “Certain settings may have masking policies, such as hospitals or long-term care homes. HPPH recommends wearing a mask when in public for 10 days after onset of symptoms of respiratory illness. Physical distancing is another layer of protection against the spread of illness.”
“Alzheimer Society Huron Perth has been hosting this event for close to 20 years,” explained Jeanette Sears, Pub -
Questions for Dr. Black can be sent to Sears, prior to the event by emailing jeanette@alzheimerhuron.on.ca
Both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for people aged six months and older are currently available for high-risk priority groups through pharmacies and healthcare providers. They will become available to the general public starting Oct. 28.
Currently, RSV vaccines are publicly funded for people aged 60 and over in the specified high-risk priority populations such as in long-term care and retirement homes. An RSV vaccine called Beyfortus will soon be available to newborns prior to discharge from the hospital. For those who did not receive the vaccine in the hospital, babies born in 2024 can receive this immunization from a health-care provider. RSV vaccines are also available for cer-
She added employers should encourage their employees to stay home when sick and not return until symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours, or 48 hours if illness symptoms included nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Following Canada’s Food Guide ensures a variety of foods are eaten each day to meet nutritional needs and contribute to overall health. Visit www.canada.ca/foodguide for more information. Supplements can also play a role in meeting nutritional needs, but a health-care provider should be consulted about which supplements may assist in meeting each person’s specific needs.
“Being physically active and getting an adequate amount of sleep are also key elements to staying healthy,” Taylor added. For more information on how to stay healthy and safe during cold and flu season, visit www.hpph.ca/illness.
JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent
Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Black is a Senior Scientist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and will present on the link between the heart and the brain when it comes to improved diagnosis and treatment of vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke during the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth’s annual fall Dementia Education Night on November 7.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Feedback from online survey to help determine the future of PC Connect rural bus service
SIMMONS Regional Editor
Users of Perth County’s PC Connect rural-route bus service have until the end of this month to share their feedback on the local transit service to help county council determine its future.
As the transit service’s provincial funding is scheduled to end at the end of next March, Perth County council is set to determine how, if at all, PC Connect will be funded going forward during the county’s upcoming 2025 budget deliberations. To help councillors understand the human impact and importance of this transit service locally, the county has launched an online survey at www.perthcounty.ca/ RuralRouteSurvey.
“The main objective of the survey is to really find out about the impact of the rural-route service,” said Justin Dias, economic development officer with the county. “We want to inform county council in their decision making.
“So, through that we’re asking a variety of questions of folks about why they use the service or what they use the service for – whether it’s themselves or employees, their clients or members depending on who’s answering – whether it’s for access to employment, medical appointments, education and training, social and community connection, grocery shopping, etc. Really, the analysis in the report from the consultant is designed to help council understand the impact of the service on the community as a whole.”
PC Connect’s rural route is the public-transit service for Perth County, offering safe, affordable and accessible transportation to rural residents. PC Connect’s rural-route buses serve the communities of Stratford, Gadshill, Brunner, Milverton, Newton, Millbank, Listowel, Atwood, Monkton and Mitchell through a regular loop providing connections to
employment, health care, education, social connections and services across the region.
PC Connect also operates as three intercommunity routes which offer urban connections and include service between Listowel and Kitchener-Waterloo (Route 1), St. Marys, Stratford and Kitchener-Waterloo (Route 2), and Stratford and St. Marys (Route 3). These intercommunity routes are not being considered for the purposes of this survey.
PC Connect users have until Oct. 30 to respond to the survey, which is also available in hard copy at any of Perth County’s municipal offices. Anyone who needs alternate forms of the survey can fill out an online form available on the PC Connect
Mother-Daughter Murder Night, by Nina Simon
@SPL: FIC SIMON
Nothing brings an estranged family together like a little neighborhood murder… or two.
Trapped in the sleepy coastal town of Elkhorn Slough with her estranged daughter Beth and granddaughter Jack while she recovers from her cancer treatments, Lana Rubicon is bored. Forced to leave her fast-paced life in L.A as a high-powered real estate mogul she finds herself instead counting otters and watching her life pass her by as she convalesces. That is, until late one evening, Lana spies something suspicious through her binoculars. The following day while Jack is out kayaking, she discovers a washed-up body floating in the water and soon after becomes a prime
website at www.perthcounty.ca/PCConnect-Feedback.
After the survey closes, the feedback provided will be presented to council as part of an overall report on the future of PC Connect during budget deliberations.
“The community transportation steering committee and county council have been looking at a variety of options once the (Community Transportation Grant Program) funding is exhausted,” Dias said. “ … There are some sources of funding that will support the service over the long term. Obviously, fare revenue is one, provincial gas tax is also a source of long-
suspect in a homicide investigation. Lana, adamant on protecting her granddaughter, ignores Beth’s comments about recovery and launches her own investigation. Soon, both Beth and Jack find themselves involved, and all three begin to uncover an intricate web of lies, family vendettas and land disputes. As their amateur sleuthing advances into ever-more dangerous territory, the Rubicon women must band together and mend their relationship, if they want to remain alive and solve a murder.
Debut author Nina Simon writes a fast-paced whodunnit mystery told with a dash of humour and heaping amount of generational drama. Imagine Gilmore Girls with murder. An atmospheric read that is cinematic in its scope, it is a heartwarming cozy mystery complete with richly detailed scenes and well-developed characters. A novel that is well suited to readers who enjoy the novels of Jesse
and Richard Osman.
term funding we’re hoping to access, as well as the Ontario Transit Investment Fund, which is a newer fund the province has announced to help support rural transit.
“Those are all parts of the equation that we’re looking at and including in our options, but in all cases, we’re not expecting the service to be fully funded, so council will be looking at the impact on the (tax) levy.”
The options council is considering are extending the program by nine months to Dec. 31, 2025, at which time a decision on PC Connect’s future beyond that point will be made; discontinuing the transit service when the funding runs out in March; or committing to a longer-term, three-year agreement to extend the service to 2028, which also includes the cost of purchasing a new bus fleet for the rural-route service.
Should the service continue past March 2025, Dias said it will likely cost the county almost $300,000 for the remainder of 2025 and then a little more than $500,000 annually until the end of 2028.
“In addition to understanding the impact of the service on the community, (council) also will be balancing a number of other factors in determining the future of PC Connect in the overall budgeting process,” Dias said. “So, hearing from as many stakeholders as possible will be important in their decision making because they obviously have many other projects and things they’re considering at budget time.”
GALEN
HAVE YOUR SAY
Users of PC Connect’s rural-route service have until Oct. 30 to provide their feedback on the transit service and help Perth County council determine its future.
(PERTH COUNTY PHOTO)
Our Buildings Tell a Story: Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar all in the family
John Leeming Bradshaw was born in Lancashire in northwest England and came to Canada with his parents and a sister in about 1862. When he was 21, he entered into the furniture and undertaking business in Stratford with a man named R. White.
In 1895, John Bradshaw got into the business for which he became best known – the china trade. He was asked to dispose of the stock in Peter Watson’s china shop after Watson died but he became so interested that he decided to purchase the shop himself. He took over Peter Watson’s inventory of teas and housewares, and soon after opened his own store called Bradshaw’s China Hall at 58 Ontario St.
The Bradshaw advertisement in the Stratford Directory for 1896 notes that J. L. Bradshaw China Hall carried china, glassware, crockery and lamps as well as teas, coffees, cutlery and silverware. That location at 58 Ontario St. was known as the Orr building and had once housed Wilson’s Hotel.
By 1907, John moved his China Hall to 84 Ontario St., the address most associated with the Bradshaw China business today. Then he began making buying trips abroad, and nothing, including the First World War and the Kaiser’s submarines, could keep him from the great English and European warehouses. He introduced group buying and became a major importer, wholesaler and retailer of china, mainly Staffordshire. He was also Canada’s
leading importer of Limoge tableware. One of John’s sons, Harold Struthers Bradshaw, took over after his father died in 1942. By 1961, Harold's son, 20-yearold John David Bradshaw, was already involved with the family business and succeeded his father as president, having been secretary-treasurer before that. The business remained in the Bradshaw family until it was sold to Gordon Wreford in 1975. After the sale in 1975, Gordon Wre -
ford retained both the Bradshaw name and location at 84 Ontario St.
In 1985, the business moved across the street to 129 Ontario St. The store at 84 Ontario St. was temporarily vacant until David Bradshaw, Harold’s son and the father of Carole (Bradshaw) Rowe, opened a new china and glassware business at the original location and named it Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar after the original purveyor of china and crockery, Peter Watson. In
this way, four generations of Bradshaws have been involved with the family. The present owners are Carole (nee Bradshaw) and Todd Rowe. David Bradshaw was also deeply involved in the life of Stratford as a city councillor/alderman and member of the public-school board. One event is certainly worth mentioning. In the late 1960s, when a plan to tear down the city hall and replace it with a hotel complex stirred controversy, Ald. Bradshaw almost single-handedly made certain the citizens of Stratford had a hearing to air their views.
Taken from the Streets of Stratford. Read more about Stratford’s building history at www.streetsofstratford.ca.
PAUL WILKER AND GORD CONROY Times Contributors
Sketch by Megan Skelton
The Three Bradshaws.
Barrels to be shipped with goods to Bradshaw's from England in 1895.
Carole Rowe, current owner of Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
Council approves Krug development proposal and what could be Stratford’s tallest residential building
CONNOR LUCZKA
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Though many councillors were emphatic in their support of the BMI Group’s “Builders Block” development at the former Krug Factory, one councillor expressed incredulity on the proposal.
Coun. Cody Sebben was the lone opposer of the development, which includes a controversial 10-storey apartment building as part of the extensive development’s plan approved in the middle of a lengthy council meeting on Oct. 15 with a long list of site-specific regulations.
“In my opinion, I don’t know why this has even gone this far and gone to council,” Sebben said. “As council, we have direction for an official plan. We have a direction for the zoning bylaws that exist … In my opinion, I think if council wants 10-storey buildings, we should have a zoning bylaw that allows for 10-storey buildings.”
The build, located on the south side of Douro Street between Trinity Street and King Street, will include 343 apartment units and 18 townhouse units (with 371 parking spaces, including 51 visitor parking spaces) across nine total buildings spread across 2.69 hectares, including the old furniture factory.
A public meeting was held on June 27 surrounding the same development, which had a few differences compared to the proposal submitted for the most recent meeting in which it was approved, including removal of 266 King St. from the application, a revised preliminary site plan, a reduction of 21 dwelling units and revised requested parking rates.
As part of the revision, the applicants submitted an updated parking study that was peer-reviewed by a third-party engineering firm. Its findings are reflected in the passed proposal.
Henroy Bailey spoke at both meetings. Though he currently lives in Hamilton, his family has been living at an abutting property for 40 years now. He had four concerns at the recent meeting: that the 10-storey building is “so far out of step with the neighbourhood,” that the central road running through the development will have residents using it as a thoroughfare to avoid traffic on other nearby streets, that a maple tree in their backyard is very close to the development, and that he wants more trees planted in between the buildings and his family home for privacy.
Local architect Robert Ritz also pointed out this decision is precedent-setting, claiming residents across Stratford should be asking, “Is my backyard next?”
Mike Sullivan echoed Ritz’s concern regarding precedent.
“Once one goes up, every other developer then eyes that as the new base,” Sullivan said.
Following delegations from residents, each attending councillor aside from
Sebben spoke in favour of the build, with one amendment from Coun. Lesley Biehn for more parking at the site getting defeated with only her and Sebben supporting it.
By and large, higher density and building up rather than out was praised by council.
“The density that we're looking at in this project is still modest compared to cities that are just a little bit bigger around us,” Coun. Jo-Dee Burbach said.
“The density of the proposed build is 1.45 floor space ratio when other cities like to push four or five. “So, I think it is part of an incremental growth that Stratford needs to make, and any growth will have growing pains with it, but I think it can keep us moving forward.”
“This is a crisis,” Coun. Brad Beatty said about the housing shortage facing Stratford and the county at large. “We say that we're going to be part of a solution, that we're going to find opportunities for housing. … This is our opportunity as a community to take this opportunity and really address our housing challenge.”
Though Coun. Mark Hunter was not in attendance, he provided a written statement with Coun. Larry McCabe, who read it at the meeting.
“We need to grow our tax base,” McCabe read. “I'm sure everyone is aware that we have had large tax increases in the last couple of years. … I believe that smart growth is the only way to increase our revenue without continually asking for larger and larger tax increases. By bringing more residents to our community, we bring in more people to help carry the cost of the city.”
That was a sentiment which Sebben refuted, calling it “scapegoating.” He argued that builds like this one wouldn’t fix Stratford’s financial woes – managing the financing better will.
However, when it came time to cast their votes, McCabe emphasized his support. He had earlier supported not only the build but the same sentiment Hunter was referring to.
“This is a very important moment for the City of Stratford,” McCabe had earlier said. “We are in a desperate situation with our infrastructure and our funding the way that we operate. The city is in danger. The reality is if we do not see growth, and this is appropriate growth in my opinion – right along the railroad, right near our transit. I can't imagine a better place for a 10-storey building in Stratford, to be honest. … If we do not do things like this, you're going to have 10 per-cent tax increases for the next 10, 20 years in order to deal with the impact of the cost of our infrastructure, fixing what we have. This is the way forward.”
Though the Builders Block’s site-specific provisions were approved, it will still need to go through the requisite siteplan approval process, which could require changes as it is investigated further.
APPROVAL FOR KRUG FACTORY
THE TOWNSHIP OF PERTH SOUTH PERMANENT, FULL TIME FINANCE/TAX CLERK
Are you tired of hearing about how artificial intelligence is going to make your job obsolete? The Township of Perth South is looking for a Team Member with real intelligence who loves to deal with people as much as they like to deal with numbers. There is nothing artificial about the addition we would like to make to our professional Team. We do real things here like dealing with finances and garbage, roads and recycling, and most importantly, we deal with people every day to help build the community.
If you like farm animals you will be able to see plenty of them on your way to work and out the front window of Town Hall. If you like to get away from your desk for lunch or a break you can roam the dozens of acres of green space outside the back door. Like to barbecue at lunch? Count on a regular staff lunch in the pavilion beside the office. While we make sure we do all the important things like taxes, roads and garbage exceedingly well, we also like to make sure our workplace is a pleasant and enjoyable place to spend your day.
If you have made it this far you should think about joining our Finance Team. You will be front and center when it comes to Property tax billing, collection, financial reporting and analysis, and counter customer service. If your creativity takes you beyond numbers, you will have a free hand delivering communications and social media. Further details are available on the website www.perthsouth.ca/employment or by emailing ftranquilli@perthsouth.ca
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume expressing their interest to the undersigned clearly marked as “Finance/Tax Clerk” by Friday, November 8, 2024.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Fred Tranquilli | CAO
Township of Perth South 3191 Road 122
St. Pauls, ON N0K 1V0
E-mail - ftranquilli@perthsouth.ca
Information gathered is under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and shall only be used for candidate selection purposes.
The old Krug Factory will be developed into a multi-phased BMI Group development called the “Builders Block,” which includes the construction of a 10-storey apartment building separate from the old factory.
(BUILDING FOR BETTER/FACEBOOK. PHOTO)
While some say that there is nothing individuals can do to combat climate change, Marianne Vanden Heuvel, manager of the Stratford-Perth branch of Tree Trust, disagrees.
“Each and every one of us has an infinitesimal effect on carbon,” Vanden Heuvel said. “Working together, doing things, we can have an effect.”
One of those things, she said, is tree care and on Oct. 7, she joined representatives from Tree Trust and residents to honour the 2024 Stratford Tree of the Year, an approximately 90-year-old Ginko tree at the Arthur Meighen Garden in front of the Stratford Festival Theatre.
“Ginko trees are special,” Joelle Bulbrook, head gardener with the Stratford Festival, said at the celebration. “They are known as living fossils because they are one of the oldest tree species to exist, dating back before dinosaurs roamed the earth 50 million years ago. In the right conditions, they can live to upwards of three to 4,000 years. So that is quite a goal for us.”
This particular Ginko is approximately 90-100 years old and has been a favourite of theatre patrons who walk through the gardens before or after a show. It is unique in that it has a double-trunk structure, but
2024 Tree of the Year
it is unknown if that developed through damage or was intentionally grown in that manner.
Regardless, Bulbrook said it stands out from others in the area.
Vanden Heuvel told the crowd that gath-
ered that trees are important to a city for a number of reasons, including the carbon capture they are capable of. Trees have the ability to store vast amounts of carbon in their trunks and trees – especially old trees, which would need hundreds of saplings to offset the same amount of carbon.
“Old trees deserve and need to be saved,” Vanden Heuvel said. “Preservation is costly in the short term, and so we rely on donations to do our work. But doing nothing would be even more costly. The price of climate change is not affordable.”
As part of being named tree of the year, the Ginko will have extensive rehabilitative work done to keep it as healthy as possible, courtesy of Tim Lott’s company, Tim’s Tree Care.
He told the crowd they are going to “clean it up and make it look good,” including removing any deadwood and making sure the tree is best prepared for
any ice storms that may come.
Additionally, Coun. Jo-Dee Burbach told the crowd what exactly the City of Stratford is doing to keep their tree cover healthy. In short, it passed a tree-preservation bylaw in 2020, which requires property owners to consult an arborist before cutting a tree down, it plants new trees from the funds collected from tree-removal permits and it developed a management plan for trees on public property.
Burbach estimated that on top of pruning and caring for the trees already planted, the city plants 500 new trees a year.
Tree Trust is a regional organization based in Ontario with chapters from Toronto to Meaford. Its mission is to preserve older trees through specialized arborist care. Each year, its various chapters pick a local “Tree of the year” and work to rehabilitate the winning tree and make sure it has all the support it can.
The Stratford-Perth chapter was founded by Vanden Heuvel in 2020. Last year, the sugar maple tree cresting the hill behind Stratford Intermediate School was awarded the Tree of the Year prize.
CONNOR LUCZKA Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TREE OF THE YEAR
Marianne Vanden Heuvel, manager of the Stratford-Perth branch of Tree Trust, stands in front of the 2024 Tree of the Year, the approximately 90-year-old Ginko tree at the Arthur Meighen Garden in front of the Stratford Festival Theatre.
City of Stratford Coun. Jo-Dee Burbach and the Stratford Festival’s head gardener, Joelle Bulbrook, unveil the banner suspended off of Stratford’s 2024 Tree of the Year.
(CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTOS)
Hertz celebrates grand opening of Stratford location
EMILY STEWART
Times Correspondent
Stratford has a new car-rental business that is sharing a building with an established family owned body shop.
Hertz held the grand opening of the first location of its kind in Canada on Oct. 9 at 897 Erie St., Stratford. Hertz, a car-rental service offering luxury Sedans, sports cars, SUVs, EVs, trucks, vans and other vehicles, is co-located beside Stratford’s Fix Auto.
Carole Anne Andrews, Ontario account manager for Hertz, said that she and Fix Auto Stratford owner Kate Tapley have known each other for a long time because of the family business founded by Tapley’s father. Stratford was picked as the first Canadian Hertz to be co-located with a Fix Auto because of the well-established reputation of the family business in Stratford and St. Marys.
“We have a national partnership with Fix at work,” Andrews said. “Kate has been very instrumental in supporting us in the local area and we're excited to be meeting all of the local businesses and be able to help them out with rental support."
In addition to providing vehicles for those who were involved in a car accident and need transportation, Hertz also serves body shop customers and local businesses. Andrews said she knows firsthand how important it is for rural area residents to have access to the right kind of transportation for all kinds of needs.
A Child’s
“I grew up on a farm, so a lot of people – their farm and their businesses are their livelihood,” she said. “They have to
Smile’s Christmas Fun-Raiser to ease financial stress on families
Halloween hasn’t even happened yet, but a non-profit organization in Stratford is already thinking about how to help children in need this Christmas.
A Child’s Smile will have its annual Christmas Fun-Raiser at Revival House Nov. 3 from 1-5 p.m. The event will feature a large silent-auction table, food specials from Revival House and live music from Stratford’s Jack and Bob and St. Marys’ Jesse Weber.
"It's usually a really great time, that's for sure,” said John Gray, founder of A Child’s Smile.
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, a Thunder Bay based organization that distributes Christmas presents to Indigenous children living in remote Northern Ontario communities.
As many families are feeling the pinch from the cost of living, A Child’s Smile is looking to help those unable to afford to purchase toys for under the Christmas tree for their children. Gray distributed just 25 toys when he started the organization, and he’s been eager to help out since.
Though admission to the Christmas Fun-Raiser is free, monetary donations will be accepted. The organization will also be collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys to give to children at Christmas.
A Child’s Smile is a non-profit organization helping children in need around Christmas for 34 years. This year, A Child’s Smile hopes to raise around $10,000.
The organization covers Stratford and St. Marys, as well as children in London through the Children’s Health Foundation. A Child’s Smile also sends money to the
"I've just never let it go,” he said.
“Every Christmas now, I just want to see the kids happy and smiling.
I think if the kids are happy and the parents are struggling, if they have something under the tree for the children, then the parents are going to be a little more happy."
A Child’s Smile has been nominated for the Non-Profit Organization of the Year award three times by the Stratford Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the Christmas Fun-Raiser, donations can be sent via e-transfer to achildssmilestratford@gmail.com and new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at 44 Perth St. More information about the event can be found by visiting visitstratford.ca/events/a-childssmile-annual-christmas-toy-fun-raiser/.
be able to get around. If someone needs a specific vehicle for that, and you're travelling far distances, we know how far it is to get to the city from here.”
Hertz had a soft launch in June 2024.
As there was only one other vehicle rental business in Stratford, Tapley said Hertz is a welcome addition.
"It's nice to have another alternative to car rentals in our area,” Tapley said. “It's a great addition. It's nice to have them right in-house so we can offer better customer service to our customers."
Hertz is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday.
Bookkeeping & Finance Specialist - North America
Are you on the look-out for a versatile job within accounting and financial services at an international level? Where you can utilize all your talents? Where you can build & develop FNF and your possibilities are endless? Want to sink your teeth into this new job and grow together?
Join us at FNF!
FNF Ingredients is a full-service marketing organization and supplier for various feed and food ingredient producers. Our goal is to become a lifelong partner for all end-users in the US and Canadian food and feed industries. We achieve this by fully supporting our customers with the procurement and total delivery of quality products at competitive prices.
What you’ll do:
o Responsible for maintaining accurate financial records. This includes recording daily transactions, managing accounts payable and receivable, and reconciling bank statements.
o Analyzing financial performance and trends.
o Preparing invoices and managing billing cycles.
o Maintaining ledgers and ensuring accuracy (Quickbooks).
What you offer:
o A College Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
o Experience in financial management, including reporting.
o Systems and process expert.
o Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
What we offer:
o Base Salary which recognizes your qualifications and the value you will bring to our growing company.
o Bonus Structure: a percentage of annual net profit without cap, providing a direct link between your contributions and financial growth.
o Flexibility: Full flexibility in working hours and location, enabling a work-life balance that aligns with your family and personal priorities.
o Growth Potential: As FNF continues its rapid expansion, you’ll have the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Let’s get in touch!
We would like to receive a reply! Let us know your interest in joining FNF and we’ll organize a meetup. After all is agreed and finalized, we will be building a future together in no time!
If you would like more information, please contact: Managing Partner Canada: Brad Wittig, bwittig@fnfingredients.com, +1 519 274 2365
GRAND OPENING
Pictured from left to right, Jas Magnat, Mike Hua, Kate Tapley, Josh Mattu, Adnan Manzur and Carole Anne Andrews at the Hertz grand opening on Oct. 9. The Stratford location is the first Hertz to be co-located with a Fix Auto body shop in Canada.
(EMILY STEWART PHOTO)
EMILY STEWART Times Correspondent
20th annual Innkeepers Dinner a true celebration of local history
JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent
Bubblies, beef tenderloin and a musical preview. The Annual Innkeepers Dinner has it all this year.
The Stratford Perth Museum is hosting its 20th annual Innkeepers Dinner on Oct. 26 at the Arden Park Hotel. Starting at 6 p.m., the evening begins with a glass of champagne at the reception.
“We’re going for it this year for the dinner,” said Kelly McIntosh, general manager of the Stratford Perth Museum. “It’s a sit-down, plated meal and we are serving beef tenderloin, which I know, in this day and age, is a pricey thing to do, but we wanted to give people an exceptional meal this year and really get them in the mood.”
Amongst a silent and live auction – with Brent Shackleton as the auctioneer –guests may see Mayor Martin Ritsma and Gary West acting like ring men, yipping to get the crowd going. The big event of
the night is a special preview of Kroehlers: The Musical. With the musical genius of Dayna Manning, McIntosh’s original play, Kroehler Girls, has been brought to life in a musical adaptation. Guests will enjoy a preview of the story of the 1950 women's baseball team from Kroehler Manufacturing, where 5,000 people would come to attend the women’s games.
The inspiration for the Innkeepers Dinner started in the ‘80s with the intention of clarifying a collection and having a museum. In the ‘90s, the original Innkeepers committee had their first Innkeepers Dinner at the Normal School in Stratford where people gathered and brought up all of the food on old dumbwaiters from the basement. They also had a copy of War of 1812 veteran and first Huron riding MP William “Tiger” Dunlop’s will arranged at every place setting.
“This really started from a love of history,” said McIntosh. “Our museum is such a community hub now, the board of directors and John Kastner built the place out
WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
at last
to be a wonderful museum that reflects the heritage of the City of Stratford and the County of Perth.
“Also, this weekend we’ve got an Indy Rock Fest happening on Sunday and a Car Rally on the backroad of Perth County on Sunday. So, it has become this dynamic place. I think it’s appropriate for our gala fundraiser to just celebrate a little bit of where we all started and kind of remind us about what it’s about.”
Tickets are $125 and available until Oct. 24 or until tickets are sold out. Tickets can be purchased at stratfordperthmuseum.ca.
Mayor Ritsma hosts 17th annual breakfast for the community
The annual mayor’s breakfast is not about the mayor, Stratford Mayor Martin Ristma shared with the packed Arden Park Hotel dining room on the early morning of Oct. 10. Rather, it is about the rest of the room.
“It's here so that we can acknowledge those amazing agencies, organizations that serve us in our community,” he said. “And sometimes we think that they serve only that small group – that that's their niche. But we know that when they are supporting that small group, that expertise that they have, that they're raising the boat of the entire community.”
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024
9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
In addition to serving breakfast for the community in exchange for donations, and musical performances (this year had performances from Stratford artist Dayna Manning and Ritsma’s granddaughter, Frances Rose Ritsma), the breakfast is an annual tradition in Stratford with one of “those amazing agencies” taking centre stage each year. This year, it was Shelterlink Youth Services.
Shelterlink is a local organization with the goal of
eliminating or reducing youth homelessness in Perth County. Through advocacy, shelter and communication, it connects youth with the supports they need, be it a bed, basic needs like showers, or access to case workers.
“Shelterlink is new and old in the sense that we will be turning 33 this year,” executive director Cate Trudeau said. “But a lot of folks still don't know we're here and don't know what we do.”
She explained Shelterlink has been a part of Stratford history since 1989, when locals recognized there was a need for new homelessness services and established an ad hoc committee which eventually grew to become the organization it is now.
“Shelterlink is a good news story,” she said. “It demonstrates the will of this community and its commitment to the young people and our future. We have always found a way because not having supports for our kids and our neighbours in the time of need was never an option. We did not leave those struggling to fend for themselves. Time and time again, we have
rallied and done what was necessary to wrap around young people, regardless of the barriers or limitations. We have never given up on each other and this demonstrates the care and resolve we have for creating a better tomorrow.
“I think we can be proud of what we've accomplished together. We have made a difference in the lives of young people and have been able to carry that forward and thrive and together, we will continue to transform futures.”
In addition to Trudeau, Will Mason, once a user of the services, shared his past experiences with Shelterlink.
“The team of Shelterlink supported and guided me. … Their assistance helped support getting resources, such as government programs to receive financial aid. That's why I was able to continue my studies, have shelter, food and clothing.
“Shelterlink Youth Services helped me get my life together and put me on the right path,” said Mason, who now oversees operations at the Erie Street McDonald’s. “I will forever be indebted to them.”
Guests viewing the menu
year’s 19th annual Innkeepers Dinner
(STRATFORD PERTH MUSEUM PHOTO)
CONNOR LUCZKA
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth host enlightening online hour sessions for dementia education
me?’ We try to go over all those things.”
The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth offers one-hour, online webinars, free and open to the public, delving into specific topics associated with dementia.
What started during the pandemic, has continued with great success due to its accessibility. Available through alzheimer. ca/huronperth, anyone can click and register for a topic of their choosing.
The topics include a dementia overview, how dementia is diagnosed, information about mild cognitive impairment (MCI), demystifying memory clinics, brain health and happiness, 10 warning signs of dementia, types of dementia, communication tips, and dementia-related brain changes.
“In terms of diagnosis, the diagnosis experience is so different person to person,” said Jeanette Sears, Public Education Coordinator with Alzheimer Society Huron Perth.
“We go over what might happen at a memory clinic, or ‘why is somebody else having (a different) experience than me? Why does this diagnosis seem different to
EDUCATION HOUR PROGRAM
Guests can be as involved as they want and are free to have their microphones and cameras switched on and off.
Questions and topics that are not available on the website can be suggested to the Program Education Coordinators and sessions will be tailored to the specific questions submitted by Huron-Perth residents.
“Our main goal..is to answer people’s questions,” said Sears.
“If someone starts noticing changes, they might have a lot of questions like ‘should I be considered?’ The changes that happen with regular aging can sometimes look a little bit like dementia so (people often ask), ‘Is this just regular aging or should I be concerned?’ So, we just like to provide an easy place to access answers to those questions.”
The next Education Hour sessions will be held on October 8, October 10, October 15, October 17, October 24, November 6, November 7, November 14, November 21 and November 28.
For future topics or to register for a session, pleases visit alzheimer.ca/huronperth and click on the education hour’s ‘Register Here’ button.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Jeanette Sears and Christy Bannerman, the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth’s Public Education Coordinators, welcome everyone to their Education Hour program.
Stratford celebrates its cultural diversity on Cultural Diversity Day
JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent
Yelyzaveta Khmilevska performs the traditional Hopak (Gopak) Ukrainian Dance for guests to enjoy. Children jump for joy during the Stratford Public Library's Storytime.
A girl enjoys the swing as her mother pushes her for more speed. The food trucks in the background were available for guests to enjoy all day at the city’s Cultural Diversity Day celebration Oct. 5 in Upper Queen’s Park.
(JULIA PAUL PHOTOS)
Have a picnic like never before with Opulent Outings
SYDNEY GOODWIN Times Correspondent
Sitting outside on a beautiful day to enjoy a picnic is an age-old activity that everyone has enjoyed at least once in their lives. Sometimes, an old activity needs to be shaken up and made new, and that’s what Melanie Hepburn thought when she created Opulent Outings Luxury Picnic Experiences.
First coming up with the idea in late 2023, Hepburn was struck with the idea while grieving the loss of a loved one.
“I really understood the importance of sharing space with someone; creating moments of connection and memories. And I guess that’s where the thought of curating luxury picnics was born,” Hepburn said.
Wanting to showcase the importance of closeness and creating unforgettable memories with loved ones, and combining her loves of people, creativity and nature, Hepburn, with help from her husband, Jason, began setting the groundwork for the company, and officially launched Opu-
lent Outings in the early summer of this year.
Taking the time to set up a specialized picnic for each customer takes a lot of passion, skill and patience, attributes Hepburn has in spades.
“This being our first season, we are still ironing out the kinks and finding what works best for our guests,” Hepburn said.
Even though they’re new, that doesn’t mean they don’t have big plans. Opulent Outings is already working with businesses around Stratford, such as Spiritleaf and Stratford Walking Tours, and they’re looking forward to 2025 when they hope to collaborate with more local vendors. Hepburn is also considering adding more activities to the company’s roster such as painting, wine tasting and Dungeons and Dragons games.
To learn more about Opulent Outings, check out their website at www.opulentoutings. ca as well as their socials on Instagram, Threads Tik Tok and Facebook.
Opulent Outings Luxury Picnic Experiences launched in Stratford earlier this year.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
Fine dining and elegance at this year’s Hunter’s and Gatherer’s Gala
The Local Community Food Centre will host its annual Hunter’s Banquet this year on Nov. 16, but this year is a little different. What was once called the Hunter’s Banquet is now called the Hunter’s and Gatherer’s Gala.
This change in title comes from the desire to be inclusive of both carnivorous and vegan diets.
“This year we re-branded it as a Hunter’s and Gatherer’s Gala because I think for some people, an all-meat or meat-heavy (meal) isn’t what they necessarily want,” said Miriam Mann, chair of the Hunters
and Gatherer's Gala committee. “We have so many locally sourced vegetables and farmland and farm produce around here, plus the local has its own garden now that grows its own produce and things as well.”
Starting at 5:30 p.m., up to 140 guests will enjoy an upscale, fine-dining experience with beautiful cutlery, custom centrepieces and a bottle of red and white wine on each table.
“In the early days of The Local, the director, Steve Stacey, conceived the idea of the Hunter’s Banquet,” said Mann. “He thought about it for two reasons. The first was that we cannot serve wild-caught game in restaurants in Ontario, but you can for fundraisers. So, its an opportunity to use
wild-caught game and this is an area where there’s a lot of hunters, a lot of hunters who hunt very sustainability and ethically. (Secondly,) it also harkens to the traditional roots of the people who lived here.”
Chef Nick Benninger from The Bruce Hotel has curated the four-course meal, a broad menu of locally sourced and foraged ingredients. From root vegetables to a mushroom course, guests can expect to have their taste buds delighted.
“The other things that are new are we have some new auction items, which are silent and live auction,” said Mann. “We have a Chilina Kennedy concert, an evening concert on Dec 28, to be auctioned off to 20 people who are interested in attending. …
The Bruce is sponsoring a chef’s dinner and night stay at The Cottage at The Bruce with a Bruce breakfast for six people.
“There is a holiday wine-and-cheese tasting, packages that include theatre tickets, dinner experiences in Stratford, a St. Marys experience which will include dinner at TuttCo as well as St. Marys golfing.”
Get your tickets before they run out. Tickets will be available until Nov. 14 or until they are sold out.
Tickets are $150 each. A table of six is $135 per ticket and a table of eight is $130 per ticket.
Tickets can be purchased online through Destination Stratford or directly on the Eventbrite website.
JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent
Art and nature combine into one in this ethically and sustainably sourced dish. An amuse bouche to delight the senses. (THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOOD CENTRE PHOTOS)
STRATFORD SPORTS
Warriors hot start continues through 10 games
The Stratford Hunter Steel Ltd. Warriors are right near the top of the GOJHL standings, winning all but one of their first 10 games of the season.
Heading into a highly anticipated clash with the unbeaten St. Marys Lincolns on Oct. 16, the first half of a home-and-home series between the Perth County teams, the Warriors’ 9-1-0 record had them tied for first in the entire league with the Lincolns. According to head coach Dave Williams, while the team’s start has been strong, the Warriors still have room to grow.
“Obviously, we're very happy with the results where we're at 10 games into the season,” Williams told the Times. “But we've had a lot of close games where one or two bounces going against us could have potentially changed the outcome. I think we've continued to really reinforce the message about trying to be more consistent with our play from start to finish.”
Williams added the team’s consistency issues largely stem from not always getting the game off on the right foot early.
“I think we can do a better job with our starts. We've been a little slow getting out of the gate early on in games at times. I’d like to see us getting to our game and finding the way we want to play a bit quicker. I think it's just a
Friday, Sept. 15th
Friday, October 18 - 7:30pm at St. Marys - Pyramid R.C.
7:30pm vs Listowel Allman Arena
matter of simplifying our game. There have been times when we got ourselves into a bit of trouble trying to make certain plays when making simple plays would be more effective.”
The only blemish on Stratford’s record came on Oct. 4 when the Warriors stumbled against the Ayr Centennials, losing 6-0. Ryan McKellar scored a hat-trick for the Centennials.
Just 24 hours later, the Warriors got back in the win column with a 9-0 thrashing of the Caledon Bombers. Newly acquired goaltender Chase Fur long earned the shutout in his first start for the Warriors, while Cole Lewis had a three-point night, including two goals.
Stratford’s powerplay went threefor-five against Caledon.
Colin Slattery also had three points in the win, including a goal and two assists, and going into the home-and-home series against St. Marys, Slattery has points in seven of his previous eight games. Coach Williams praised Slattery for his combination of tenacity and skill.
“Colin has a history of being a really good offensive talent, but what impresses us most about him as a coaching staff are the offensive opportunities and the space for himself and his linemates that he generates when he moves his feet and hounds pucks. The big piece we push with Colin is how successful he can be when he’s aggressive on pucks, forcing turnovers and forechecking hard, and when you combine that with his offensive skills, it’s no surprise how good he’s been to start the year.”
guys a good opportunity to win every night. As we go through some of the ebbs and flows and inconsistencies, it’s reassuring for our group knowing when we do make mistakes, we have two goalies who are going to do their best to bail us out of some of those situations.”
The Warriors’ powerplay stayed hot as they won their third in a row on Oct. 11, the second half of the homeand-home against the Stars, with Stratford’s powerplay going four-for-nine in a 7-1 victory. Lewis posted two goals and two assists while Dax Vader and Dracen Campbell each had three-point games. Vader’s goal and two assists gave the Listowel, Ont. native nine points in just five games, and at least one point in all but one of his first five outings.
“Dax has a really good offensive skillset and he is making a really good effort to utilize it all the time,” Williams said. “Sometimes, guys with good skillsets also tend to try and create plays or situations that aren't necessarily there. When Dax is playing a bit more of a simple game, getting pucks to the net and getting around the blue ice, he seems to have a good knack for finding a way to get the puck across the goal line. If he keeps doing those simple, effective things, he will keep building confidence.”
Coach Williams believes the team’s hot start should only push the group further to keep rounding out the edges of their game.
For the second straight game, the Warriors powerplay erupted for three goals en route to a 3-2 victory over the St. Thomas Stars on Oct. 9. The white-hot powerplay output comes after a slow start to the season in which the Warriors managed just four goals on 40 opportunities in their first seven games.
“Based on the results, our players should be playing with a certain degree of confidence given what we've been able to accomplish in the early part of the season. Our guys continue to work really hard in practice and as a team. They are aware that we have to play a certain way to be successful and I think they're making a collective effort to play that way, but it's going to take some time to get to where you want to be.
Friday, Sept. 15th 7:30pm vs Listowel Allman Arena
Thursday, October 24 - 7:10pm at Sarnia - Pat Stapleton Arena
Saturday, Sept. 16th
7:30pm at Listowel
Williams said, while it’s unlikely the powerplay will always operate as hot as it did against Caledon and St. Thomas, he hopes the positive play by the team’s units will lead to more consistent production.
Friday, October 25 - 7:30pm vs Strathroy - Allman Arena
Steve Kerr Memorial Arena
Saturday, Sept. 16th 7:30pm at Listowel
Friday, November 1 - 7:30pm vs Brantford - Allman Arena
Steve Kerr Memorial Arena
Sponsored by
“You want your special teams to be as consistent as you can. You’re going to have highs and lows, but it's really just trying to smooth those things out and, again, trying to be more consistent with those parts of your game and remembering that the goals we score in the powerplay don't have to be highlight reel goals. A lot of powerplay goals come off of broken plays and just by simply getting the puck to the net and making sure we outnumber the other team around the blue ice.”
Carter McDougall made 29 saves in the Warriors’ win on Oct. 9 and the head coach acknowledged both McDougall and Furlong as being vital to the team’s early season success.
“There have definitely been times along the way during our start when I think without the goaltending we’ve got, I’m not sure the outcome would have been the same,” said Williams. “Both Carter and Chase are giving our
“Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that there are 20 other guys on the opposite side of the rink also trying to impose their will,” continued Williams. “Sometimes, it just doesn't quite go the way you want for the entire game. But I like the work ethic our group is showing and we just need to keep getting more consistent in sticking to our style of play. We just need to keep reinforcing the habits that are going to allow us to play more consistently.”
The Warriors also have a new addition to their roster in the form of Calgary, Alta. product and 11th round pick of the Victoria Royals in the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft, Hudson Binder. In 23 games with the U18 Calgary International Hockey Academy, Binder scored 13 goals in 31 games.
Jason Clarke, the Warriors’ director of hockey operations, said he is excited about what Binder brings to the team’s forward group.
“We think Hudson adds to our forward depth and makes us quite a bit stronger,” said Williams. “He skates well, works incredibly hard in all areas of the rink and can score. We think adding guys like Hudson will make us harder to play against.”
Irish goalie Darren Smith #1 is positioned perfectly to take this shot right on the numbers in front of a sliding Mitch Casey #14.
(FRED GONDER PHOTOS)
October is SWEAT for Sustainability month
JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent
Yoga enthusiasts join together this October to sweat for the environment.
All month long, Modo Yoga members are practicing daily to support Modo Yoga’s initiative to save the environment.
SWEAT for Sustainability is a Modo Yoga wide campaign. The Stratford Modo Yoga franchise has been around for 20 years and operates independently but under the same values and core pillars as the other Modo Yoga studios: “Be Healthy, Be Green, Live to Learn and Be Community.”
Keeping it grassroots and accessible, Modo Yoga offers $5 and pay-what-you-can drop-in sessions twice a week. These donations are Karma Funds that are used to donate to local charities. Once or twice a year, Modo Yoga studios from across the continent pool together their Karma Funds towards their Be Green initiative. For the past three years, the organization has supported the Jungle Keepers.
“The Jungle Keepers is an organization that is protecting a large swath of land in the Amazon rainforest,” said Christa Mabee, owner of Modo Yoga in Stratford. “What they are protecting it from is human operations – so logging, hunters, clear cutting of wood, things like that. It’s a very dangerous situation with the loggers because they are very aggressive. So, these people have basically been protecting it and working with the Indigenous communities there to train them how to protect it.
“They are employing and working with the Indigenous communities there which is an important part of it. Including the children, they have a young-rangers program where they are teaching the children how and about the land itself.”
What started as a passion for Montreal based Modo
Yoga owner Dina Tsouluhas eventually turned into a permanent relocation to the Amazon rainforest to help keep this piece of land safe.
“Most recently they are under wildfires, which is terrible,” said Mabee. “This piece of Amazon almost never has fires because it’s the rainforest. But that’s how horrible it is. This piece is known as the lungs of our entire planet. So much of our fresh oxygen source comes from there, so much biodiversity there. I just don’t think that the general population really understands the threat of losing that piece of our planet, which is really a possibility at this point.
“I think it’s important that people know we can make a difference. Every little bit counts. It’s not just financially, it’s energetically as well. How we treat the planet and how, ultimately, we treat each other and understanding that it’s all interconnected.
“The 30-day challenge is running now. It started Oct. 1 but it’s not too late to join. The challenge is to just show up on your mat 30 times in 30 days. Some people will do 15 classes, some people will do some from home, some people will go for a walk instead, but you get a sticker every time you practice. When you sign up, you’re making a donation to the Jungle Keepers through your registration.”
Karma Classes are available Thursdays and Fridays where all proceeds will be donated on everyone’s behalf. Thursdays are $5 drop-ins at 8:30 p.m. and Fridays are pay-what-you-can at 5:30 p.m.
“I love to see the community get together behind a cause and see what we can do,” Mabee said.
KARMA FUNDS
Yoga enthusiasts sweat for sustainability during a Karma Class.
(MODO YOGA STRATFORD PHOTO)
The secret is out: Stratford senior Bette Reynolds appears on The Voice UK
AUDTIONING AT AGE 76
CHESTER Times Correspondent
Stratford senior Bette Reynolds has been keeping a mighty big secret.
At 76, she became the oldest contestant to audition for The Voice UK. Her audition was filmed last February and finally broadcast Sept. 28. It was with a very excited and enthusiastic group of family and friends that Reynolds watched the episode at a watch party held at Bentley’s the following day.
How did this come to be? Well, Reynolds is an internet content creator, just like her son, Brittlestar. She has followers on Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and Threads; wherever people enjoy media, they can find her. Fans of Reynolds are worldwide and, in particular, she has a fan in the casting director of the Voice UK.
“She said, ‘You have no idea how much I love you and have for years,’ when she came on Zoom,” said Reynolds. “I always just wanted people to feel joy when I’m singing. I just want people to be smiling and be happy for a wee bit.”
So they reached out to Brittlestar, aka her son, Stewart Reynolds, to ask if she might like to audition and, after much thought and consideration, she found the courage to say, “Absolutely.” It took a great deal of courage under the circumstances; she was caregiver to her husband who passed away before the filming of her episode. It was in his memory that she performed and found strength.
“It’s something that I would look back and say, ‘I’m so sad I didn’t take the opportunity,’ because I wanted to show my grandchildren that you can still do it at this age,” said Bette Reynolds.
Not that Bette Reynolds is a stranger to the stage either. She was classically trained and sang with a band on stage before marrying in 1967 and moving to Canada in 1968. Once here, she performed in community plays and sang at weddings
and functions but had not been back on the stage in the UK since 1966. The piece chosen for the audition was “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang.
“It was between my son and the boys; they were musical directors and we went back and forward with different ones. This was the first one but we tried other ones through Zoom and came back to ‘Rapper’s Delight,’ ” said Bette Reynolds.
The choice of tune was the right one, as the studio audience was on their feet and clapping along to give encouragement. At the watch party, the crowd erupted when she took to the stage and then, at the very last minute, the McFly team turned their chair to face Reynolds and welcome her to their team. The crowd at Bentley’s roared. It was an emotional moment for all in attendance.
“I was totally overwhelmed. It was the same when I was on stage. I expected the crowd to give me an applause at the end, but not all the way through. That was quite a thing. That shocked me more than anything. It’s still like a dream to get to this age and have an opportunity like that,” she shared.
Her social media has since blown up, as it has with the BBC. On X, she had over 1,000 new followers by the next day. The video produced by The Voice UK has steadily been climbing tens of thousands of views every day. She has acquired more views on her other videos like ‘I’m on the Bus Y’all’ and ‘I’m a Granny,’ both of which are raps written by her son, Brittlestar.
Now that she has joined team McFly led by Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, she will carry on to win hearts and hopefully win more accolades from judges and fans alike. Both sides are looking forward to working together. To view the video of her blind audition, visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=8GwEskPYShs or simply search for Bette Reynolds on YouTube and look forward to more episodes of The Voice UK.
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LISA
The image of Bette Reynolds appearing on The Voice UK was broadcast as the episode with her blind audition was shown during a watch party held at Bentley’s Bar Inn and Restuarant.
(LISA CHESTER PHOTO)
Stratford poet releases first poetry collection, Crows Foot Testimonials
GALEN SIMMONS
Regional Editor
Though he just released his first full collection of poems, Crows Foot Testimonials, Stratford’s Mark Hertzberger has been writing poetry on and off for most of his life.
Hertzberger started writing poetry while attending university back in the 1960s and 1970s but put a pause on his creative outlet to focus on raising his kids. Once his kids left home, he returned to the writer’s desk and found his passion and inspiration for poetic prose hadn’t abandoned him after all that time. Once he retired, he found he had even more time to hone his craft.
“I would say dark whimsy sums up my poetry pretty well,” Hertzberger said. “Sometimes it’s dark, sometimes it’s reflective, other times it’s meant to be humorous – sometimes in a dark way with a little meaning to it behind the humour.”
Hertzberger says he named his poetry collection Crows Foot Testimonials after the poems that start and finish the book, both of which feature crows. The first poem is about the Crows Foot intersection near Conestoga where Hertzberger grew up, and the final poem is about an actual crow.
“I guess a lot of it has to do with our identities and sort of are we part of the crowd or like a crow who sits up in a tree and observes what’s going on,” Hertzberger said. “If there is a theme (to the book), it’s ‘who
are we in this world and trying to make sense of things.’
“If you tried to describe life and what the world is, you can’t do it; it’s impossible. But you can get a sense of it, I think, if you write a poem that captures a feeling or essence.”
Hertzberger says his poetry is inspired by the world around him, whether that’s a
story that comes up on the news, his family stories and genealogy or even just a random thought he has while he’s half asleep waking up in the morning.
“A line will come to me and then I’ll sit down, I’ll put the line on a piece of paper, write a poem around it and, quite often, I’ll take that original line out,” he laughed. “Someone said about sculpting you chisel
away everything that isn’t the sculpture. It’s the same with writing poetry.”
Hertzberger says he’s really pleased with the way his book came out and credits Barbara Storey of Stratford independent publisher Storeyline Press for working closely with him to ensure the presentation of his poetry on the page is exactly how he envisioned it, if not better.
“I was lucky enough to find Barbara who made it happen and made it look good,” he said. “It feels really good.”
“What (Mark) writes is intensely personal but, like all good writing, there’s something everyone can identify with,” Storey said. “So, you want it to say exactly what you want it to say, and I’ve been over many poems many times trying to make sure they were just right. And I appreciate that kind of approach to work, that kind of meticulousness. … You’re willing to do whatever you have to do to make it come out right.”
Since Storey was able to meet with Hertzberger in person, unlike some of the larger publishers who work over the phone or by email, she said she was able to get to know him on a personal level and ensure his voice is really front and centre in all of the poems he wrote for the book.
Crows Foot Testimonials can be purchased online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as at local bookstores like Fanfare Books and Our Stōr(y) in Stratford.
Award-winning country trio The Washboard Union makes Stratford stop
Stratford will be one of the places to see award-winning The Washboard Union on their cross-Canada tour this fall.
The Washboard Union will make a stop in Stratford as part of their Get Up and Go Tour. The band will perform at the Stratford Rotary Complex Nov. 2 with Hamilton, Ont. based trio The Redhill Valleys opening.
Chris Duncombe, one-third of the band, said The Washboard Union is thrilled to return to the road for their 19-stop tour across Canada.
“This is a band that has been born and lived on the road since we started,” Duncombe said. “So, to be able to get back and to play all these shows, 19 of them in front of our fans, it's the best thing you could hope for, so we're so excited."
The Washboard Union is a well-decorated band, receiving nine Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs). It is the only country group to win the Juno Award for breakthrough group of the year. The band also recently received two CCMA nominations for group of the year and special of the year for “A Washboard Union Christmas.”
The band has lots of fans in London, Ont.
and nearby places such as Stratford. Duncombe said The Washboard Union, based in B.C., has driven through Stratford while on the road and admires the landscape.
“Stratford has got such a cool history and it's such a beautiful place,” he said. “I can't wait to be there."
The Washboard Union’s Get Up and Go Tour follows the release of their album Westerly. The album, released in July
2024, features their hit songs such as the number-one single “Band on her T-Shirt,” “Gather Round” and “I Run on Country.”
The band just finished a busy summer-festival circuit. The tour, which will kick off in Lac La Biche, Alta., on Oct. 22, will make a stop in a variety of municipalities, from larger cities like Calgary to small towns like Blyth. The band wanted to hit places they love to perform in, as well as
municipalities they’ve never been to before.
“Getting out to play medium-sized and smaller communities, it really reminds you that as a band, that it's not the big cities where the big festivals are where you find country fans too,” Duncombe said. “Being able to bring our show to smaller places has always been made very important to us. It's something that we've made important since we've started as a band."
Duncombe encourages everyone to attend a show and sing along to Washboard Union songs with the rest of the fans.
“We all have a lot to worry about and we all work very hard during the week,” he said. “A Washboard Union show is two hours to just sort of shut off, put your worries away and be part of this giant sing-along."
After the tour wraps up, The Washboard Union will have a short Christmas break before heading to Australia to perform at festivals. The band will also be featured in the hit CBS TV show, Tracker, in the episode airing Oct. 27. Although Westerly just came out, The Washboard Union is already working on new music.
"There's lots happening for the Washboard boys,” Duncombe said.
Doors for the concert at the Rotary Complex open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $54.57 each and can be purchased online at https:// tinyurl.com/washboard-union-stratford.
DARK WHIMSY
Stratford’s Mark Hertzberger recently released his first full collection of poetry, Crows Foot Testimonials
(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO)
EMILY STEWART Times Correspondent
GATHER ROUND FOR WASHBOARD UNION
The Washboard Union is looking forward to “Grab the Wheel and Go” to the Stratford Rotary Complex on Nov. 3.
(CORY OSBOURNE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO)
Plenty to see and buy at Avondale’s Craft and Vendor Show
From Avon to Epicure to gift tags made out of Christmas cards, there is truly something for everyone at this year’s Craft and Vendor Show hosted by the Avondale United Church.
Happening on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Avondale United Church (194 Avondale Ave.) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can enjoy an array of more than 50 different vendors. From youth groups making jewellery, beautiful stained glass, quilted cards and fleece-lined mittens made from wool sweaters, there is so much to see at this year’s Craft and Vendor Show. Annie’s food truck and Ken’s Fries will also be on site in the morning to provide delicious breakfast for hungry eventgoers.
“This year, we’ve got five rooms with vendors in it and … in one of the rooms we have a bake sale,” said Susan Wigan, co-coordinator of the Craft and Vendor Show.
“This will be bigger than last year. … Last year we had about 400 people attend.”
The classic Penny Sale will also be taking place. For those who purchase tickets, each vendor has donated a craft item to be won at the silent auction. That is over 50 different prizes to bid on!
The entrance fee is a suggested donation to the Food Shelf, or cash is also accepted but not mandatory.
“Last year, we got three grocery carts full of stuff for our Food Shelf, which is amazing,” Wigan said. “It’s like a store, the Food Shelf. People in need come in on Friday for a couple of hours and … they go home with a bag or two. It’s an amazing Food Shelf that we have.
“(The money fundraised) goes to the work of the church and also any food or money donated goes right to the Food Shelf.”
Bring a non-perishable food item to donate, cash for the Penny Sale and come check out all the craft and vendor items in all five rooms at the Avondale United Church on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
See you there!
JULIA PAUL Times Correspondent
CHRISTMAS IDEAS
Bottom: Susan Wigan, co-coordinator of the Avondale Craft and Vendor Show, posing at last year's Craft and Vendor Show.
Top: Judy and Marny accepting donations for
dor Show last year.
Avondale Variety Show: The Power of Music features something for all
EMILY STEWART
Times Correspondent
Avondale United Church will bring residents of Stratford together with the power of music.
Avondale will host its third-annual Variety Show called The Power of Music Oct. 25. The evening will feature performances by Kelly Walker, Trio Con Brio, Avondale Praise Band, Smokey Peats, Festival Sounds Chorus, Kinnaris and Dan Van Winden.
"It's people from the community. A lot of the people are from Avondale United Church,” said Karen Brown, a member of the Avondale music series team.
"People in the church community overlap with a lot of the other events that are happening in the city,” added Paul Harris, another member of the Avondale music series team and Brown’s husband.
Brown and Harris will also take the stage as their alter-egos, Trish Harris and Townline Slim, at the Power of Music. The duo performed around Stratford, from the Razzamajazz barge to The Livery Yard.
"It's nice because I get to showcase some of my own material,” Brown said.
"Give us a stage and a microphone, and we're there,” Harris said.
The variety show occurs during a time that Harris referred to as “the shoulder season,” where many performers who are in Stratford for the Stratford Festival theatre season and the Stratford Summer Music Series leave the city.
“We like to think of this as a time where we can become more focused on Stratford as that small community that exists just outside of the festival season,” he said. “That's the kind of people we are featuring here, large and small."
Whether attendees are members of the church or not, Avondale welcomes everyone and anyone to attend the upcoming variety show. Harris said in the past, guests remarked on the sense of community felt during performances at Avondale.
“It harkens back to a previous era where people would do that,” Harris said, “where there weren't professional entertainers coming to town and people would get together and they would do this for each other. We like to think that's the vibe we get there is that community feeling."
Tickets for the Power of Music are $20 each and free for children 12 years old and under. To purchase tickets, either visit the church office on 194 Avondale Ave., call 519-271-7946, or send an e-transfer to avondaleuc@wightman.ca.
KFPA’s exciting new partnership bringing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Musical in 2025
LISA CHESTER
The Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts (KFPA) is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with acclaimed composer Christopher Norton, his writing partner, Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton, and Christopher’s publishing company, 80 Days Publishing.
Through his publishing company, Norton is able to promote and market his micro-musicals originally created for schools in the UK to supplement the curriculum in a fun and creative way. This way, schools without a drama or music budget can still incorporate a micro-musical theme into the mainstream budget.
“In about 2012, I was approached by a primary school in East London (England) about writing a short musical which was linked to their curriculum. Short being as little as 20 minutes or as long as 45 minutes. The curriculum side was interesting because soon they started asking us to write other musicals because the first one was very successful, which gradually filled in gaps in their curriculum,” said Norton.
One such micro-musical has been adapted and expanded to better fit the KFPA programming for their Featured Musical in 2025 by Norton and Beardall-Norton.
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Musical has been adapted to include an additional approximate 20 minutes of dialogue and four original, new songs. The typical micro-musical, of which there are 30, is about 30 minutes in length. By adapting the original with the new dialogue and songs, the musical will better fit the KFPA’s Feature Musical format of about an hour.
“Of all that we do, I see this as the most important in my eyes because what we are doing is bringing music to every single child and we see the difference in kids before and after,” said Beardall-Norton. “When Pat (McKinna) got this light-
NEW PARTNERSHIP
Introducing the highly acclaimed composer. Chris Norton, who, with his writing partner, Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton, have written the 2025 Featured Musical for Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Musical, based on the writing of William Shakespeare.
bulb thinking maybe we could use one of these, I thought this is brilliant because it may be a catalyst in getting micro-musicals in the schools like in the UK.”
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The Featured Musical is intended for non-professional singers to come together and perform before an audience. The best source of singers is through schools,
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however teachers do not have the time and opportunity to work with their students, plus bussing can prove to be an issue. With the micro-musicals, everything needed to learn is included with licencing, for which the fee is nominal.
“These micro-musicals are the perfect solution because the show goes to them. They are so well put together that you don’t need a musical background to teach it,” said McKinna, executive director of KFPA.
There are micro-musicals that teach geography, history, mythology and literature, for example.
This iteration of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Musical will be a world premiere given the new dialogue and music. The cast size will be dependent on how many entrants come forward. As in previous years, the casting is inclusive with a part for everyone. There are principal parts and a chorus supporting the comedic story.
The creative team behind the production are Diana Leblanc as director, Jamie Syer as music director, Barbara Dunn-Prosser as choral/vocal teacher, Scott Beaudin as vocal coach and Pat McKinna as producer. There will be a free read- and sing-through of the musical where those interested can come and try out the material on Sunday Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 1. The venue is to be determined.
Weekly rehearsals begin around the end of January and the performance date is March 28, 2025. There is a cost to participate; early bird registration until December 15 is $99 for individuals and $150 for two people in the same family. After that and until Feb. 23, registration is $125 for individuals and $200 for two people in the same family.
Visit Kiwanisfestivalstratford.com to register for the free read-through. A playlist has been made available on YouTube by Info Kiwanis Festival Stratford to allow everyone to become familiar with the music.
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(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Shoulder season returns to UTRCA Conservation Areas, offering plenty of fall recreation opportunities
Authority (UTRCA) has scheduled another six-week extension to its day-use access at Fanshawe and Wildwood conservation areas this fall.
STRATFORD TIMES
Effective Sunday, Oct. 20, the shoulder season will run until Saturday, Nov. 30.
“Last year was our pilot shoulder season project and the extended access was so well received we’re doing it again this year,” UTRCA conservation areas coordinator Damian Schofield said in a press release. “Guests expressed that they appreciate having amenities available to them longer into the fall and we’re really happy to be able to provide this.
“This includes recreational opportunities, customer service staff being available, and washroom facilities at these beautiful conservation areas.”
Amenities offered to visitors during this extended season will include:
• customer service staff on site;
• access to hiking and biking trails;
• access to Fanshawe reservoir for canoeing and kayaking (pending reservoir conditions and water levels);
• access to day-use areas including a playground, barbecues, picnic areas and green space; and
• washroom facilities.
A reduced-vehicle day pass fee of $10 (up to four people), or a reduced pedestrian/cyclist day pass fee of $5 for those walking or biking will be charged during this extended season.
Hours of Operation will be as follows:
• Fanshawe CA
o Open daily from Oct, 21 to Nov. 20: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
o Open daily from Nov. 21-30: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
o Dam gate will be closed at 4 p.m. daily
• Wildwood CA
o Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
o Friday through Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
o Gate to day-use will be closed at 4 p.m. daily
Visitors can also purchase a 2025 seasons pass mirror hanger now at the current 2024 rates, which includes free dayuse entry for the rest of 2024! Available at the conservation area gatehouse or in the UTRCA’s online store.
AWARDED
HPCDSB unveils three-year roadmap for mental health and addictions
stratfordtimes@gmail.com
In honour of World Mental Health Day, the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB) announced the launch of its new, three-year Mental Health and Addictions Road Map for 2024-2027.
This comprehensive plan reinforces the board’s commitment to boosting student engagement, reducing absenteeism and fostering academic success.
The three-year road map will focus on the following key priorities:
1. Establishing organizational conditions for effective school mental health.
2. Building capacity in mental-health literacy and social emotional learning.
3. Providing equitable access to evidence-informed, culturally relevant and
identity affirming mental-health supports.
4. Increasing student attendance, safety and family engagement.
Key highlights of the strategy include:
• Enhanced attendance support: Formalizing procedures and responsibilities for school staff and social workers to significantly enhance academic outcomes.
• Comprehensive mental health and social services: Providing students with access to essential support throughout their school day to promote overall wellbeing.
• Collaborative community relationships: Continuing partnerships with community services to ensure timely and appropriate access to needed services.
• Capacity building: Empowering the board’s mental-health team and schoolbased staff to meet student social and
emotional needs in innovative and effective ways.
“In our commitment to nurturing the whole person, this three-year Mental Health and Addictions Road Map is a testament to our belief that every student deserves a safe and supportive environment to flourish,” said HPCDSB mental-health lead Kaitie Westbrook in a press release.
According to the press release, the road map and action plan priorities reflect the Catholic beliefs, teachings and values the school board is founded on. This plan was developed with extensive input from staff, school leaders, students, caregivers and community partners. Their feedback and insights have helped shape a strategy that addresses our community's strengths and needs in mental-health-and-addic-
tion services.
“Our three-year roadmap aligns beautifully with our board's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan: On Fire With The Spirit –Awaken, Illuminate, Rejoice,” HPCDSB superintendent of education Tara Boreham said in the release. “We are dedicated to implementing and monitoring a multi-tiered system of support to improve student attendance. By prioritizing positive student engagement, building strong relationships and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in promoting good attendance, we can boost student attendance rates, support wellbeing and improve academic achievement.”
The three-year road map and this year's action plan are available on the board’s website at www.huronperthcatholic.ca/ mentalhealth.
Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command president Robert (Bob) Cassels presents Ken Rielly, immediate past president of Stratford Unit 261 of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada, with the American Legion Friendship Award as well as the Life Membership Award for his time and effort volunteering as a member of Stratford Unit 261.
(ROBERT CASSELS PHOTOS)
One of the biggest and oldest spruce trees in western Ontario cut down
Home, the tree was planted after the turn of the century in 1902.
The tree was 80 feet tall and 122 rings from centre.
One of the tallest and largest spruce trees in the area had to be cut down last week on the Kollman century farm in North Easthope.
Bill and Cathy Hazen (Kollman) said by looking at pictures in the North Easthope history book, The Hills of
It was a major job for Stratford’s Tim’s Tree Care, arborists from which indicated beetles were in the top part of the tree. As the tree was so close to the Hazens’ farmhouse, the treecare company felt the best route was to have it slowly and carefully taken down.
It was part of the 200-acre Kollman Farm, which has been located on Perth Line 43 since 1894.
Cathy Hazen says the tree was probably planted by her great, great grandfather.
While there are many multi-generation families that have operated farms
in Perth County’s North Easthope Township and most are of Scottish descent, the Kollman family traces back to Germany.
Cathy Hazen said back in the early days, generations before her planted many spruce trees for a windbreak around the buildings and, in spite of many lightning strikes over the years, several are still standing.
122-YEAR-OLD SPRUCE
and Bill
show how big their 122-year-old
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
Neither do we!
Local businesses live here. They play here. They invest here. They need our support, now more than ever.
Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?
GARY WEST Times Correspondent
ALL THAT'S LEFT
Cathy and Bill Hazen stand on the large stump, all that is left of the giant spruce tree planted by early generations of the Kollman family in the early 1900’s.
Cathy
Hazen
spruce tree next to the entrance to their house was before having it taken down last week. Records might not be kept on the age of trees in the township, but this large spruce will go down as one of the biggest and oldest in the area.
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
One morning, my brand-new car didn’t start. It was completely dead. The issue is the engine is so quiet compared to my old car that I sometimes leave it running.
CAA was out in a jiffy and suggested that my car battery was fine; it was actually the battery in my key fob that was the culprit. The agent was able to get the car going by placing the fob on the right hand, back side of my steering wheel and vroom, it started. The challenge then became opening the fob to replace the battery. It made me wonder; do we have enough technology already?
Enough technology already?
My son responded to my enquiry by suggesting that more innovation is definitely needed.
“Dad, wouldn’t it be better and faster to get Amazon packages by drone?” he asked. “And, why do we have to drive cars on asphalt roads?”
According to my son, “We need flying cars.” Yes, this is certainly a different generation from mine. Advancement and innovation are important, we can agree on that. The questions are, how far do we need to go and are we at a point where we start seriously questioning technology? Do we need to get any better, stronger, fancier and faster?
Many consumers do feel overwhelmed with technological advances. Automakers are rushing to pack vehicles with the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), yet according to market research firm J.D. Power, drivers are swamped with glitzy features that don’t solve a problem, don’t work, are difficult to use, or are too limited in functionality.
New AI-based technologies like smart climate control have quickly won popularity, but rec-
ognition technologies such as facial recognition, fingerprint reader and interior-gesture controls fall out of favour as owners unsuccessfully try to solve a problem they didn’t know they had.
Manufacturers are also adding new features to household appliances. Oddly enough, the average lifespan of appliances is declining. According to Consumer Reports, appliances that once lasted up to 40 years are now closer to 10 years (i.e. dishwashers last for nine years, air conditioners last for 10 and fridges last for 10).
Appliances have shorter lives partly because components are outsourced to the cheapest places possible so one appliance could have parts from multiple countries, making it hard to control quality and ensure precise tolerances. Of course, let's not forget the need to drive shareholder returns. Built in obsolescence ensures consumers keep coming back.
With everything seemingly being replaced more often, our garbage dumps are busting at the seams. Yes, we keep the economy alive by buying the latest iPhone
(now iPhone16) while tossing the outdated technology away, but at what cost to our environment?
According to Canadian Geographic magazine, Canadians produce over 720 kilograms per capita of waste, about twice what is produced per capita in Japan, and more alarmingly, seven per cent higher than per capita output of waste in the United States, which all but invented consumer excess.
Thankfully, technology is not limited to the bells and whistles of automobiles, household appliances and telecommunications. There are many advances in areas that will determine our future. Medical researchers are using AI-driven computer simulation to manipulate the shapes of organisms, leading to significant advances in cancer research. Researchers are harvesting energy from rain drops by developing a generator to turn rain into energy. Cellular agriculture is now using cell cultures to produce animal products such as meat, milk and eggs without the need for animals.
Technology is improving our lives in many ways. Medical in-
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novations have contributed to the decline in child mortality and an improvement in life expectancy. Advances in agricultural technologies have led to higher crop yields and less undernourishment. The long-term decline of global poverty has primarily been driven by increased productivity from technological change. Access to energy, electricity, sanitation and clean water has transformed the lives of billions. Transport, telephones and the Internet have allowed us to collaborate on problems at a global level.
Like me, you may be frustrated with so many changes so quickly. Certainly, there are challenges with advancing technology, especially with respect to privacy, disposal and keeping abreast of developments. Yet, let’s be candid, technology is the answer to our most pressing needs. Be assured, becoming a technological hermit is not an option. By staying connected, we, at the very least, remain relevant to our children and grandchildren. Now, I’m off to watch a YouTube video on how to change the battery in my key fob.
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BRUCE WHITAKER
Times Freelance Columnist
Savouring the small moments with gratitude
In a world that often emphasizes the pursuit of more—more success, more possessions, more experience, it’s easy to overlook the beauty and significance of the small, everyday moments. Yet, it is often in these seemingly insignificant details that we find the deepest sense of contentment and joy. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude for these small things not only shifts our perspective, but enriches our lives in profound ways.
We tend to think that happiness comes from big, extraordinary events—vacations, promotions,
new purchases, or reaching milestones. While these experiences certainly bring joy, they are often fleeting. True contentment, however, is found in the everyday moments we often take for granted. It’s in the warmth of a morning coffee, the way sunlight filters through the trees, the sound of laughter with friends, or the comfort of a cozy blanket on a cool evening.
By learning to appreciate these small moments, we open ourselves up to a constant flow of happiness that doesn’t depend on grand events or achievements. The smell of rain, a kind gesture from a stranger, or the sight of a beautiful flower can become sources of joy when we pause to notice them. It’s about recognizing that life is made up of a series of small, meaningful moments that, when added together, create a rich tapestry of experiences.
One of the most effective ways to enjoy the small things is through mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment. Mindfulness encourages us to slow down and
engage with life as it unfolds, rather than rushing through our days on autopilot. When we are mindful, we become more attuned to the world around us and start noticing the beauty in what might otherwise seem mundane. For example, the act of washing dishes can be transformed from a chore into a meditative experience when we focus on the warmth of the water, the feel of the soap, and the sound of running water. A simple walk in the park becomes an opportunity to appreciate the rustling leaves, the cool breeze, and the sounds of birds singing. These moments may seem insignificant, but when we pay attention, they become sources of peace and happiness.
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform our outlook on life. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we begin to realize how much abundance surrounds us, even in the simplest things. Gratitude shifts our perspective from one of scarcity to one of abundance, helping us appreciate the blessings, big and small,
that fill our lives.
One of the easiest ways to cultivate gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for. These can be as simple as a delicious meal, a kind word from a friend, or a beautiful sunset. Over time, this practice rewires the brain to notice and appreciate more positive experiences, making gratitude a natural part of your daily life.
Gratitude doesn’t just make us happier—it also improves our relationships. When we express appreciation for the people in our lives, we strengthen our connections and deepen our bonds. A heartfelt “thank you” for someone’s support, kindness, or presence can have a lasting impact on both the giver and the receiver. Gratitude helps us to cherish the people around us and to recognize the joy they bring into our lives.
In a culture that often values materialism and achievement, learning to be content with the simple things can be revolutionary. Contentment is not
about settling for less but about realizing that what we have is enough. It’s the understanding that we don’t need to chase after external rewards to find fulfillment—true happiness comes from within.
The beauty of gratitude is that it doesn’t just benefit us. It can create a ripple effect that spreads to others. When we practice gratitude, we radiate positivity, kindness, and joy. Our appreciation for life’s small moments inspires others to do the same, creating a more compassionate and connected world.
Enjoying the small things and being grateful for all we have is a practice that enriches our lives in countless ways. By shifting our focus from what we lack to what we already have, we cultivate a deep sense of contentment and peace. Mindfulness helps us savor the present moment, while gratitude reminds us of the abundance that surrounds us. Together, these practices create a foundation for a life filled with joy, appreciation, and fulfillment—one small moment at a time.
Southwestern Ontario Outdoors: The advent of Canadian conservation fundraising
A significant milestone in conservation fundraising was marked on Sept. 20 in Port Rowan when the Port Rowan Ducks Unlimited Chapter marked its 50th anniversary.
This was not just any anniversary, as it signified 50 years of the start of local chapters and the conservation fundraising dinner concept in Canada.
Ducks Unlimited Canada was formed in 1938, just a year after the organization was started
in the U.S. With the majority of the ducks breeding on the Canadian Prairies, early visionaries knew they had to improve habitat where the ducks raise their young. The first project was on the ground in 1938 in Manitoba.
Although the organization had members and donors in the early days, it didn’t have local chapters and fundraising dinners as are known today. That started in the mid-1960s in the U.S.
In 1974, Hazard Campbell, who was a Buffalo, N.Y. resident and a member of the Turkey Point Company on Long Point Bay, convinced fellow members of the storied duck-hunting club Jack Rice and Dr. Duncan Sinclair of Aylmer to attend a DU dinner in his hometown. Rice and Sinclair were so impressed with the Buffalo DU dinner they questioned why they couldn’t do the same in Canada.
On Oct. 23, 1974, the first dinner of the Ducks Unlimited Long Point Bay Chapter was held in
the Tillsonburg Community Centre. The committee members, who became known as DU Canada’s Magnificent Seven, were: William Red Anderson, Tillsonburg; Walter Burton, Tillsonburg; Harvey Ferris, Port Rowan; Lloyd Leask, Simcoe; Dr. Elmer Quintyn, Tillsonburg, Rice and Sinclair.
The next dinner, and every one since, has been held in the Port Rowan Community Centre.
The importance of this milestone can’t be understated. Prior to this, DU Canada had members, but fundraising was not of the scale that quickly took off after the first dinner. Millions upon millions of dollars was raised for wetland conservation through the conservation dinner program.
Sinclair went on to become the national president of DU Canada. He also lent a hand in starting the organization in Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. The mark was not only made
on wetland conservation, but spread to forests as well. In the United States, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) led the drive to re-establish the wild turkey across the country. When a reintroduction program was started in Canada, Southwestern Ontario residents led the way. Dr. Dave Ankney, a zoology professor at the University of Western Ontario, and Joel Hopkins of London pushed bringing wild turkeys back to Ontario after a hunting trip to Virginia with their spouses. Both had cottages at Long Point.
When the turkey reintroduction started, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters led the way, and worked with the NWTF. The first release in the program to bring back wild turkeys was in Norfolk County, and a fundraising dinner to help with costs of the program was held in Port Rowan.
The conservation dinner con-
cept is part of hunters paying for conservation. Hunter dollars have assisted with preserving hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands, bringing back the wild turkey, the elk and enhancing habitat for waterfowl, turkeys, deer, ruffed grouse and many non-game species. Today, conservation dinners are held in many communities across the country. Rural communities with smaller populations often contribute more than cities. One lesser known fact is Norfolk County chapters of DU, Delta Waterfowl, the National Wild Turkey Federation (which since pulled out of Canada), the Canadian Wild Turkey Federation and the Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada have all at one time been the top fundraisers for their organizations in the entire country. Jeff Helsdon is an award-winning outdoor writer, a columnist for Ontario Out of Doors and writes for several other outdoor publications.
JEFF HELSDON Sun Contributor
IRENE ROTH
Times Freelance Columnist
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: A part of England that inspired a fascinating book
In September, we spent a few days at a cottage with some family members. One of them spotted me holding a book and asked, “Are you actually going to read that entire thing?”
It was a fair question because the hardcover I was reading runs to well over 900 pages.
“Yes, I am going to read it all,” I answered.
Then I made the confession that elevated her casual curiosity to genuine concern about my mental state. I said, “Actually, I have read it before.” She shook her head, sadly.
The book? Sarum: The Novel of England, written by Edward Rutherfurd and published in 1987. When I first read it, I enjoyed it and then I got my first opportunity to visit the part of England featured in the historical novel – Stonehenge, Old Sarum and Salisbury. It’s only 16 kilometres from the ancient monument, Stonehenge, to the soaring majesty of Salisbury Cathedral, but so much of English history is encapsulated in this small region.
I’ve been back to Salisbury several times and each time I have thought, “I would really like to read Sarum again.”
But I didn’t and on cursory explorations of bookstores, I never found the volume until we visited Florenceville, N.B., in August, where the local library had a book-sales table and there was Sarum available by donation.
The book instantly took me back to my visits to Stonehenge, Old Sarum and Salisbury, each a fine historic and cultural site in its own right and, combined, an amazing destination worthy of a multi-day visit.
The first time I saw Stonehenge was on my very first visit to the U.K. in the early 1990s. I was driving west on the A303 and was surprised to discover, there in the distance, a cute little model of Stonehenge. It took a few minutes to realize that it was no model. As we drew closer, the impressive, prehistoric structure became more and more awe-inspiring.
That day, Stonehenge was closed to visitors but you could
park on a sideroad and walk to a fence that was just yards from the standing stones, which you can no longer do.
Since then, much work has been done to limit such access to Stonehenge. It’s now more distant from modern roadways and visitors get a slightly more authentic experience of the ancient site.
About 10 minutes south of Stonehenge is the ruin of Old Sarum. Nearby fields and woodlots hold dozens of the burial barrows and other prehistoric ruins that surround Stonehenge for kilometres – some of them still not explored by archaeologists. Sarum itself shows evidence of its evolution as fortification, castle, aristocratic residence and bishop’s palace. There were people living here as early as 3000 BC, but the first structure bigger than a hut was probably a hill fort built in 400 BC. Visitors can explore the site, climb down the hill to the foundation stones that mark the
former cathedral and imagine the lives of the people who lived here for 4,500 years.
Oddly, although Sarum was essentially moved to become what is now Salisbury around 1220, Old Sarum continued to send two members to Parliament until 1832 as one of the “rotten boroughs” that were owned by rich landlords who guarded their “right” to hold places in government, though they represented exactly no one.
In the 13th century, the bishop at the time became frustrated with sharing power with military overlords of Sarum, so he abandoned the Sarum Cathedral and had a new cathedral constructed about four kilometres away in Salisbury. That was the beginning of the end for Sarum.
A thriving market town grew up around the new cathedral and today you can still see many buildings and monuments from that era.
Personally, it is my favourite cathedral, anywhere – and after about 30 years as a travel writer, I have visited more than my share of cathedrals.
I love it because it is both majestic and simple. It is consistent in design, unlike many ancient churches which have bits built across the centuries in a plethora of forms. It sits magnificently in the midst of a still peaceful and protected “close.” Its décor – including the amazing carvings in the Chapter House – are continually maintained in their original state. That Chapter House contains one of the original, handwritten copies of the Magna Carta of 1215.
But there is one more cause for my crush on the cathedral. On my first of many visits to Salisbury Cathedral, I was accompanied by my wife, Mary, who passed away in 1996. We learned that the ceiling of the church was being repaired. New tin sheets were replacing the original materials that lined the ceiling from above. For a pound or two, we could etch our names on one of these tin sheets, which would then be installed high above the nave, hidden forever except in our memories.
In the book, Sarum, a stone carver named Osmund is portrayed as taking great pride in his work for the cathedral, even those hidden details that would never be seen by human eye.
As I read Sarum, in small part, I understood.
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 Times Contributor
The ruins of Old Sarum hold many centuries of history.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
The mysterious and compelling structure we call Stonehenge.
Salisbury Cathedral at dusk.
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
519-301-0914 or 519-703-6544 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
INNERKIP QUILTERS CRAFT SALE
Friday, November 8 5:30 – 8 pm & Saturday, November 9 am – 1 pm
Innerkip Masonic Centre, 70 Blandford St, Innerkip Handcrafts, Unique Items, Penny Sale, Bake Table, Christmas Cake, Two draws (doll & quilt) Proceeds to support Community projects. Free admission
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 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
CASH ONLY - St. Marys area Call 519-272-5951 and leave a message. 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.
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)
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 hockey player go to jail? Because he shot the puck!
What do you call a hockey player who is bad at math? A puck-er!
Why are hockey players such good musicians? Because they know how to handle the beat!
What’s a hockey player’s favorite type of music?
Anything with a good drop!
Why did the goalie bring string to the game? To tie up the score!
What do you get when you cross a hockey player and a dog? A pup that can’t stop barking up the wrong tree!
Why did the coach go to the bank? To get his quarter back!
What do you call a hockey player who tells bad jokes? A punny forward!
How do hockey players stay cool during a game? They stand next to their fans!
STETSON
Meet Stetson, an extra-large breed mix with a big heart and a unique charm! This playful pup is still learning the ropes, so he’ll need guidance with basic obedience, especially to curb his excitement and jumping. He has a minor hind leg deformity that gives him a cute little swagger, but it doesn’t slow him down! Stetson's ideal home is patient and active, ready to help him grow with three in-person training sessions. If you’re ready for a loyal companion full of potential, adopt Stetson and start your journey together!
