Stonetown Cheese will be upgrading its cheese-washing process this summer thanks to federal and provincial funding.
A Jan. 15 press release from Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced two local businesses would receive funding from the Dairy Processors Modernization Initiative (DPMI), funded by the Ontario and federal governments. The DPMI supports dairy processors to help improve
efficiency, capacity and food safety by helping them modernize milk processing.
Stonetown Cheese, an award-winning artisan cheese producer in St. Marys, received $200,000.
“We are very thrilled and feel fortunate to be a recipient of the DPMI as it will provide considerable financial assistance with our project,” said Rachel Dundas, office manager at Stonetown Cheese.
Stonetown Cheese will use the funds to automate its cheese-washing process, which
The beer at Broken Rail Brewing has received heaps of praise from locals and visitors alike ever since it opened back in 2020.
But now, its reputation for quality has been recognized at a provincial level as Ryan and Erin Leaman’s microbrewery received a bronze medal at the recent Ontario Brewing Awards held in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Their Bock Buster brand finished third place in Ontario in the pale malty European lager category, with Brauwerk Hoffman’s Oktoberfest Festbier taking gold and Old Flame Brewing Company’s blonde earning silver. This pale malty European lager category was one of 35 different styles in which beer judging was contested within the annual competition, which is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence in craft beer within the province
The Independent spoke with brewer Ryan Leaman about the Bock Buster, which is just one of many different beers available from their brewery at 480 Glass St.
“Bock Buster is a German Helles Bock style, which is essentially a strong lager that has a malt-forward character, but well attenuated, meaning it has dry finish increasing its drinkability. The name Bock Buster is inspired by its style name but also a spinoff of the defunct Block Buster.”
Leaman says the award-winning beer is available both on tap and in cans at the brewery, but the cans are in limited supply.
“Like a majority of the beers around the brewery, I brewed something that I want rather than the typical menu you would see at a brewery
COMMUNITY
St. Marys Legion hosts first-annual Canadian Chili Cookoff
as they would like.
Who knew there were so many different variations of delicious chili.
On Jan. 18, a smorgasbord of chilis were available to try as the St. Marys Legion held its first-annual Canadian Chili Cookoff.
The cost of the fundraiser was just $5 per person to get in. Those who paid the price of entry received five tickets to cast their votes for their favourite chili after being allowed to sample as many
There were two separate categories being judged, restaurants and people’s choice.
The event, which was three months in the planning, was organized by new to St. Marys Legion member Bernie Vandonk. Vandonk, who comes from Pelee Island and was president of the Legion there for two years, was encouraged to join the St. Marys chapter after moving to town. He also has chili-cookoff planning experience as he was chair for a similar project through his church.
The first-year event was considered a success as there was 15 people’s choice entries and four restaurants competing for the title. Vandonk commented they would like to host it again next year and shared they would be interested in adding a kid’s category and maybe some games for those in attendance.
On behalf of Vandonk and all Legion members, organizers thanked the community and local businesses for supporting this event.
Drumroll please; the top-three win -
ners for each category are as follows:
• Restaurant category: Campbell’s Catering and Canteen won first place, Naina’s Indian Kitchen Bar & Grill won second place and TuttCo took third.
• People’s choice category: Jason Firby won first place, Colin Coburn won second place and Becky Hewitt took third. Congratulations to all the winners. Watch for upcoming events from the St. Marys Legion like Bingo starting the first Sunday of February and a Mardi Gras celebration coming in March.
Winner of the people’s choice category was Jason Firby with his Caribbean jerk chicken and pork.
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
Winner of the restaurant category was Chris Campbell who took first place with his Texas chili consisting of smoked sirloin, brisket and chuck.
The top three winners of the restaurant category consisted of Chris Campbell, Prahlad Meena and Andrew Tutt.
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter
Broken Rail wins bronze at Brewing Awards
focusing primarily on sales. By doing so, I can help introduce so many of the amazing styles that are out there rather than just pumping out IPAs, lagers and sours,” Leaman said.
The Ontario Brewing Awards have been around for several years, but this was the first time Broken Rail submitted an entry into the contest.
“This is my first time entering a beer into the Ontario Brewing Awards,” said Leaman. “I have had a distaste for brewing awards but at a time when craft breweries are really struggling, I thought it might be good to try and bring home some hardware to raise our profile. It's a great honour to be recognized for the beers we put out. Even the ones we've submitted that haven't won have received some very impressive scores!”
categories shows the breadth of talent within Ontario’s craft-brewing industry.
Spark Beer, which was founded in Ottawa in 2020, was the only Ontario brewery to win gold in three different categories (Czech lager, wood beer and specialty beer). There were five other businesses that won two gold medals: Rainhard Brewery from Toronto, Gillingham Brewing Company from Bloomfield, Old Flame Brewing Company from Newmarket, Granite Brewery from Toronto and Lost Villages Brewery from Long Sault.
One beer that many people will
be familiar with, Steam Whistle Brewing’s pilsner, won gold in the international lager category.
The varied list of breweries recognized across the awards’ 35 different
The judging process is conducted in a double-blind, impartial manner by certified judges who bring extensive knowledge and experience within the craft beer industry. For more information, visit www.ontariobrewingawards.com.
Broken Rail’s Bock Buster beer won bronze in the pale malty European lager category at the 2024 Ontario Brewery Awards last Friday.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
EDITORIAL
Why do I always end up moving in the winter?
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
This weekend promises to be potentially the coldest this winter.
While most people will be inside keeping warm, my fiancé, Julia, and I will be undertaking an activity I quite possibly hate more than anything else I’ve done or will do in my life.
We’re moving.
Almost exactly a year ago, we moved into our current place with the help of some very, very good friends. Had they asked me to help them move in the dead of January, I wouldn’t have told them no outright, but I would have thought it very loudly.
In addition to the chaos and physical strain of moving, which already sucks more than I can put into words safe to publish in this paper, we had to contend with the snow, ice, cold and many extra layers of clothing as we carried furniture, bins and boxes from apartment to truck, and truck to house.
When we were finally moved in, I told Julia I had no interest in moving again anytime soon. I think I’ve said that every time I’ve moved, actually, but this time I meant it.
But, as so often happens, the universe heard my declaration and laughed. Flash forward a year, and I still don’t get the joke, but here we are in the same boat, regardless.
As we finish packing and finalize the details for this weekend’s frosty festivities, there are a couple of things keeping me from achieving a state of absolute dread.
First and potentially most importantly, friends of ours offered to pay for movers to transport the heaviest of our furniture and belongings. While I pity those movers, I’m grateful it will be them doing the heavy lifting and not me. I honestly didn’t know if my back could take it this time around.
Second, because Julia and I have purchased our new home instead of renting, I feel as if we now have more control over when we move next time. To me, that means no more winter moves, and I thank the universe for that!
So, while you’re all warm and toasty, bingeing something mind-numbingly wonderful on Netflix, spare a thought for Julia and I as we once again battle the frigid temperatures to move all our worldly possessions from our current house to our new home.
Bravo Boo
We have 2 Bravos this week.
1) Bravo to the homeowners on Oakwood Court who have blown out their neighbors' driveways this winter numerous times without being asked to do so. It is wonderful to see the sense of community in our neighborhood.
2) Bravo to the Busch Heavy’s elite sniper Alex king, scoring a record breaking six goals and one assist in a 7-4 win against the Empties.
We have 1 Boo this week.
1) Boo to drivers that don't pay any attention to where they park at Tim Hortons. We witnessed a truck parked to the south of the handicapped space for at least 10 minutes, completely blocking off the access to the ramp that allows people with walkers to get to the sidewalk. This person appeared to be in his 30s and seemed very capable of walking across the parking lot to use the washroom.
Quote of the Week
“We’re hiring servers for the Wildstone restaurant”
Noel Giesen of Stone Willow Inn posted this to the St. Marys Life Facebook group on Jan. 15, signalling a forthcoming return of the popular restaurant
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
June Grant, Nancy Bickell, Mary Smith, Nancy Abra, Lauren Eedy, Spencer Seymour, Sarah Cairns, Paul Knowles, Jake Grant, Julia Paul, Emily Stewart, McGinny Photography
36
The St. Marys Independent THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK
The only way to make sense out of change is to join the dance.
When you stop expecting and start accepting, life becomes easier.
If you don't like the road you are walking, pave a new one. At the end of the day, I am thankful my blessings are bigger than my problems.
Stonetown Cheese receives $200,000 to modernize cheese washing process
STONETOWN STONETOWN CCRIER RIER
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) SAFETY
Protect your home from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning this winter! As furnace and fireplace use rises, the St Marys Fire Department encourages you to stay #WinterWise For more information, visit www cosafety ca
has been done by hand in the past. The upgrade will reduce the manual, strenuous work involved in washing cheese and will allow the company to fully use its aging rooms’ capacity. The upgrades will be in place in the summer of 2025.
“We feel these initiatives such as the DPMI are important to the dairy industry as it allows us to be able to make the upgrades needed to our facilities to ensure we remain competitive and continue to meet the growing demand for dairy products in Canada,” Dundas said. “These initiatives also allow producers to implement new and improved processes to ensure we continue to produce a high-quality product that our
consumers are accustomed to.” River’s Edge Goat Dairy of Arthur also received $1,312.87 as part of DPMI.
Brush off your dancing shoes this New Year! Line Dancing is returning to the Friendship Centre this winter for both Tuesday evening and Friday morning sessions All levels welcome!
Once Stonetown Cheese automates its cheese-washing process, the plan is to fully utilize the space in the business’ aging rooms.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL DUNDAS)
Our senior of the week is Jessie Scheuermann. Jessie, who just celebrated her 90th birthday on Jan. 16 was born in Stratford and grew up in St. Pauls on the family farm. Jessie has been married to her husband Doug for 66 years. They had three boys - Bill, Joe and Rodger, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Jessie spends her time looking after her husband and doing word search puzzles. She also enjoys following baseball and hockey on TV.
If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, Contact us at 519-284-0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com.
One meal ends, but another begins at TuttCo
St. Marys’ TuttCo Queen Street Eatery closed its doors last week after almost two and a half years.
There is no time for tears, however, as TuttCo owner and executive chef Andrew Tutt opened again Jan. 22 under a new banner with some familiar and favourite menu items. Tutt is pivoting the upscale downtown eatery into a fast-casual burger stop, to be known as TuttCo Burger Bar.
“Our burgers were our top-selling menu items,” Tutt
said. “And considering current economic challenges, it makes sense to exclusively focus on these fan favourites. Plus, if you know me, you know I love a good burger; this is a natural fit.”
At the burger bar, patrons can choose from a quarter-pound chuck beef, Schnitzel or Nashville-fried chicken cutlet, or the chef’s proprietary veggie patty on a regular or gluten-free bun, with standard toppings included, for $10 each.
1. What is rapper Diddy's real name?
2. What Canadian figure skater duo holds the most gold medals?
3. What year was NASA founded?
4. The majority of the human brain is made up of what?
5. In what State is Harvard University located?
6. Which city was the main target of the First Crusade?
7. What do bees collect from flowers?
8. True or False. O.J Simpson was considered for the lead role in Terminator.
9. What animal has the strongest bite?
10. What year did Martha Stewart go to prison?
By Jake Grant
And then the fun really begins with a range of toppings from classics like bacon to foodie-influenced caramelized onion to the more unusual “cheesy goo” (inspired by one of Tutt’s favourite burger joints in Atlanta) to add for a variety of prices.
Sides, from TuttCo’s popular hand-cut fries to tater tots to chop salads, ranging in price from $5-10 each, round out the menu. A small selection of local beers and house wines, plus Boylan cane-sugar sodas, complement the menu.
Just as they were at TuttCo, the burger bar’s ingredients will remain steadfastly local and items handmade.
“Except for the tater tots,” Tutt says with a laugh. “A classic is a classic for a reason.”
Reservations will no longer be taken and the service will be at the counter rather than at the table. Patrons can dine-in or order takeout as desired. TuttCo gift cards will be honoured.
“The burger bar is designed to be unintimidating, a fun and fast way to give into cravings and satisfy the entire family,” said Tutt. “And, as we settle into this new concept, we’ll introduce other delicious features.”
As for those who miss the more upscale offerings of TuttCo Queen Street, Tutt’s not hanging up his chef’s hat just yet.
“I’m still offering private catering and restaurant buy-outs with more elevated menu options,” he said.
Tutt trained at the Stratford Chef’s School and has used his classical French training at high-end restaurants from Toronto to British Columbia.
The TuttCo Burger Bar launched Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. at 159 Queen St. E. Moving forward, weekly hours will be Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has supported us these past few years,” Tutt says. “And if you weren’t familiar with TuttCo Queen Street, I hope you’ll visit the burger bar and enjoy every single bite."
ANDREA MACKO Contributed
TuttCo Burger Bar officially opened up in St. Marys Jan. 22, replacing Chef Andrew Tutt’s previous venture, TuttCo Queen Street Eatery.
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF TUTTCO BURGER BAR)
St. Marys Imagination Library has most registrants in Canada for second year in a row
EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter
The St. Marys Imagination Library’s efforts to foster a love of literacy at an early age is once again being recognized at the national level.
The St. Marys Imagination Library came in first among all the Imagination Library chapters in Canada for 2024. The St. Marys chapter received the honour for the second year in a row based on the percentage of children registered. Each year, the St. Marys Imagination Library supports at least 7,200 children, along with their parents and/or siblings.
"We're doing really, really well. We're really pleased with the results,” said Chantal Lynch, co-founder of the St. Marys Imagination Library. “Canada Imagination Library is pleased with the results. We’ve done really, really well. We have a great community that's stepped forward to make it happen."
The St. Marys Imagination Library, part of country music icon Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library initiative, provides free books to children five years old and under who reside within the N4X postal-code area. The local imagination library’s operating expens -
es are $16,800 a year or $1.82 per St. Marys resident. The organization aims to raise a total of $300,000 for its endowment fund.
"Once that's done, we're done,” Lynch explained. “Other than as the community grows, we might need to chalk up a little bit more but once you reach that designated amount, then it will fund itself, which is amazing.”
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library website lists benefits to introducing a love of reading at an early age, including increased emerging literacy skills to be ready for kindergarten and more interaction between parents and their children when reading at home.
"No one can take away literacy,” Lynch said.
Lynch also praised the postal workers for ensuring every child gets their books.
"They're getting a lot of books in,” she said. “There's an awful lot of them that don't have the box number on them, and they just have been fantastic. They need a shout-out."
More information about the St. Marys Imagination Library can be found by visiting www.stmarysimaginationlibrary.com or in-person at Hyggeligt Fabrics (144 Queen St. E).
Perth County Paramedic Service recruiting 15 new paramedics
GALEN SIMMONS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Perth County Paramedic Service is currently in the process of recruiting 15 new paramedics during its annual recruitment drive.
The paramedic service, operated by Medavie Health Services, began accepting applications on Jan. 13 with a closing date of Jan. 26 at 4:30 p.m. According to the job posting for primary care paramedics on Perth County’s website (www.perthcounty.ca/en/ county-government/employment-opportunities.aspx), candidates must be certified in Ontario as a primary care paramedic, a paramedic eligible to work in Canada who has obtained or is obtaining the paramedic labour mobility equivalency exam, or a primary care paramedic student writing the provincial certification in June 2025.
“We are a progressive service with a focus on our patients through paramedic engagement,” Perth County Paramedic Service chief Mike Adair said. “All of our paramedics are trained and re-certified annually to provide emergency care to our patients. We also focus on staff. Not only do we focus our training on patient care, but we also learn about responder mental health. We like to have fun at work as a team. We are here for the community and would love to employ you if you are interested in clinical excellence, care for the community, and you’re looking for a unique place to work, learn and grow.”
According to the job posting, each primary care paramedic is responsible for responding to requests for paramedic service and delivering medical care to victims of accidents and illness, ensuring safe transportation to receiving medical facilities and assisting with the ongoing care of the patient within the facility as may be required.
Paramedics also participate in the ongoing maintenance of ambulance vehicles, equipment and stations, and other duties as may be required by the duty commander or the Perth County Paramedic Service.
Adair said there are numerous opportunities for primary care paramedics to advance and develop their careers within the Perth County Paramedic Service.
“Our service has many areas for engagement that include working as an acting-supervisor, training paramedic and community paramedic,” he said. “ … Perth County Paramedic Service is a place where people can grow, learn and flourish. We invest in our paramedics and patients in many ways.
“All paramedics practice at the highest primary care paramedic level and must be IV certified. We strive to foster a caring culture of love, respect, excellence and accountability. We provide paramedics with the tools they need to do their job. We have modern equipment and facilities such as powerload stretchers, CPR devices and defibrillators. We engage our paramedics in the way of committee work or though our special positions or programs. We have a peer-support team, paramedic-advisory committee, equipment committee, field-training paramedics and acting supervisors.”
Perth County employs 127 people on the paramedic-services team. The county deploys paramedic services from five base locations across the entire geographic region of Perth County including in the City of Stratford and Town of St. Marys.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Town of St. Marys has passed By-law 03-2025 to designate 140 Peel Street North as a property of cultural heritage value or interest in accordance with Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.0.18, as amended.
Property Description
The subject property is described as LOT 13 WEST SIDE PEEL ST (LT 17 CONCESSION 17) PLAN 225 ST MARYS; PT LOT 12 WEST SIDE PEEL ST (LT 17 CONCESSION 17) PLAN 225 ST MARYS AS IN R285349 ; ST MARYS
Description of Heritage Attributes
• The projecting porch at the front door.
• Original features of porch and verandah: posts and carpentry details like dentils have been sympathetically restored.
• The original salmon pink brick, which has been painted
• The window openings with original 2-over-2 lights and storm windows which probably date from 1900. Original shutters.
• The pendants and finials on the gables.
Notice of Objection
Any person who objects to By-law 03-2025 may appeal to the Tribunal by giving the Tribunal and the clerk of the municipality, within 30 days after the date of publication, and no later than 4:30pm on Friday, February 21, a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the by-law and the reasons in support of the objection, accompanied by the fee charged by the Tribunal. Objections should be directed to the Town of St. Marys, Box 998, St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6, Attention: Jenna McCartney, Clerk, or by email to clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca A notice of objection must set out the reason(s) for the objection and all relevant facts.
St. Marys to open warming centres as temperatures expected to plunge this weekend
MARYS INDEPENDENT Staff Contribution
Severe cold conditions are anticipated this week with windchill values approaching minus 30 degrees Celsius at times.
Several town facilities are open for those looking for a safe, warm space: • Pyramid Recreation Centre
• St. Marys Public Library • St. Marys Museum
Anyone in need or assistance or knows someone that does can contact the community outreach worker at 226-2610098 or communityoutreach@town.stmarys.on.ca.
Black Angus Bakery and Catering offers homemade, nostalgic meals and desserts. Inspired by family recipes, they use locally sourced ingredients and AAABlack Angus Beef from Tim Yungblut of Hickson. For over 18 years, Trevor and Susan have provided reliable service and high quality food to the community and beyond. Specializing in customized wedding menus tailored to your tastes and budget, they cater everything from engagement parties to family brunches. Services after include dinner clean up, with additional options available for linens, flatware and more. website: blackangusbakeryandcatering.ca email: exner@execulink.com
Kandy is best known for her award winning artistry in custom designed cakes, cupcakes and sugar cookies. Established in 2008. She has been providing Stratford and surrounding areas with Wedding Cakes and beautifully delicious confections for over 15 yrs. Specializing in meringue cookies, sugar cookies and French macarons. Everything is made in-house using only the best ingredients such as local eggs, Belgian chocolate and locally grown fruit. website: kandycakes.ca email: kandycakes1gmail.com
With temperatures expected to fall to nearly minus 30 degrees Celsius, St. Marys has opened warming centres at the Pyramid Recreation Centre, St. Marys Public Library and St. Marys Museum.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF ST. MARYS)
St. Marys council endorses liquor licence for lawn-bowling club
GALEN SIMMONS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Members of the Parks Lawn Bowling Club in St. Marys could have the opportunity to enjoy alcoholic beverages while they play at their clubhouse in Milt Dunnell Field this year after St. Marys council agreed to provide a letter of consent as part of the club’s application for a liquor licence.
Councillors made the decision to provide a letter of consent at their Jan. 14 meeting after addressing the request from the club, which is in the process of applying to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for the purpose of obtaining a liquor-sales licence to allow the storing, selling and serving of alcohol at the lawn-bowling site for those who are participating or viewing lawn-bowling activities.
“It is meant to help generate more revenue for a club that is experiencing losses here yearly, currently, and to bring in, hopefully, an influx of younger members,” club board member Mark King told council. “It will facilitate and bring in more tournament revenue with people from Grand Bend and surrounding areas to help generate a little more
revenue and also make it a little more fun experience for everyone.”
According to a letter sent to the town by King, the Parks Lawn Bowling Club has been active in St. Marys for 135 years. In that time, it has produced several members who have won regional and provincial lawn-bowling championships, as well as a few who have represented the town at the national level.
As the club leases its clubhouse from the town, securing a letter of consent from the town as property owner is a necessary step in securing a liquor licence. The club also needs to obtain approval from the town on behalf of its building and development department and fire department, as is standard for all AGCO applications.
“When the town received the request, we consulted with a number of staff in various areas of the town to ensure we understood what sort of impact (this would have),” town clerk Jenna McCartney told councillors. “As you know, there’s been some upgrades to the facility. We wanted to make sure, first of all, is it compatible with serving or selling alcohol, do we have the space to be able to store alcohol and what does that look like for the general area for alcohol to
be in.”
McCartney said staff supported the town providing a letter of consent for the storing, selling and serving of alcohol, however she noted the town’s alcohol policy would need to be amended to allow it in that building, and the club’s lease agreement with the town would likewise need to be amended.
McCartney clarified that the lawn-bowling clubhouse would not operate as a bar and the purchase of alcohol would only be available to club members and those who come in from out of town for tournaments.
“I think it’s a win for everybody,” Coun. Dave Lucas said. “I think it’s a win for the club. I think if it helps drive membership, that’s great. If you are able to partner up with a local business to provide that, I think that’s great. I just think it’s a win all the way around.”
According to King’s letter to the town, the club has approached local brewery, Broken Rail Brewing, about a potential partnership should it be approved for a liquor license. He said Broken Rail is willing to assist the club in acquiring a fridge or a draft system in exchange for offering their products at the clubhouse. He said the clubhouse is able to
be outfitted with a draft fridge without any renovations, and any costs associated with the liquor licence or security upgrades required by the AGCO would be assumed by the club.
After the club receives its letter of consent from the town, it will be required to apply for a liquor-sales licence to the AGCO. The application process includes:
• an application fee in the amount of $1,055 for a two-year term
• providing a floor plan of the premises; and
• agency letters of approval after inspections have been completed by the building department, fire protection officer and public-health department among other requirements.
In addition, the AGCO will provide a pre-licensing inspection before a licence is issued. The inspector will attend the facility and ensure that all proposed licensed areas are eligible for licensing, and that the areas match those listed in the application and the floor plans. During the inspection, the inspector will also provide information and resources about the responsible sale, service and delivery of liquor and the major responsibilities of a licensee.
Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Stratford-Perth plaque program uncovering local history one building at a time
For 13 years, members of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) Stratford-Perth County branch have been helping owners of residential, commercial and other buildings across Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County learn about and share local built history.
The historical plaque program launched in February 2012 is sponsored by the Stratford-Perth County Branch of the ACO. It helps locals and tourists alike connect with the history of the community by identifying with a plaque residential, commercial and other properties built before the Second World War.
“It’s just to make people aware of the history, residents and tourists coming in,” said plaque program coordinator Michele Bailey. “I think they like to read the history of the houses. The names on the plaques aren’t necessarily the people
who built the house, it’s the first people that lived in the house (or occupied a building). It’s the people who own the house (or building now) who request a plaque. Their neighbours might have had a plaque, so they might want to find out what their house is all about.”
Volunteers with the local ACO branch spend between 30 and 50 hours researching the history of each property through the Stratford-Perth Archives and the R. Lorne Eedy Archives in St. Marys to determine the date of construction and the name and occupation of the title holders or registered tenant.
Each plaque records the date the structure was built and the name and occupation of the title holders or tenant of record. Though women were rarely named as title holders, Bailey said the ACO researchers strive to recognize them in one form or another. Plaques are located in an appropriate and clearly visible place on the façade of the building. The details of the researched information ac -
companies each plaque presented to the current owners of the property.
“Nine times out of 10, there’s nothing very historically significant in a house (or building), but it’s always very interesting what you find when you start looking,” Bailey said. “ … Sometimes, it’s just your average person lived there, nothing too crazy, but we always go back to where they come from originally – did they come from England, Ireland, Scotland – and then we found out some really crazy things about some of the houses, too.
“The craziest one that I researched was, there was a murder in the house. The homeowner was not happy. I was so excited about it; she was not. So, I never put anything in the research about the murder because she didn’t want it.”
Bailey said the ACO volunteers always work closely with building owners, first to uncover anything they already know about their building or to obtain relevant historical photos and documents they
may have, and then to ensure the wording of the plaque and accompanying research is to their liking.
At the moment, Bailey said the local ACO volunteers are researching their 419th plaque since the program began. So far this year, she said requests for plaques have been slow to come in following the recent Canada Post workers strike, however she’s hopeful requests will pick up soon.
The plaque program does not involve heritage designation of the property under the Ontario Heritage Act, which means an ACO plaque does not impact what building owners can do on their properties or to their buildings.
“It’s just fun,” Bailey said. “Fun knowing when it was built, who built it.”
For more information on the ACO Stratford-Perth County historical plaque program and to download a plaque-application form, visit www. stratford-perthcountybranchaco.ca/Historical_Plaque_Program.
This plaque recognizes Stratford grocer William Joseph McCully who had the home at 218 Ontario St. designed by architect James Russell in 1901. McCully moved into the home the following year.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF ACO STRATFORD-PERTH COUNTY)
An example of an Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Stratford-Perth County historical plaque. This one, located at 54 Waterloo St. N in Stratford, recognizes “gentlewoman” Annie Sydney-Smith, who moved into the newly built “granny’s cottage” in 1889 and lived there for three years before she died in March 1892.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF ACO STRATFORD-PERTH COUNTY)
St. Marys Independent SPORTS
www.lindsaypickering.ca
lindsaypickering22@gmail.com
Lincs down Perth County rivals to hit seven straight wins
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
The St. Marys Lincolns picked up victories over the Listowel Cyclones and Stratford Warriors on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 to extend their winning streak to seven games.
The Lincolns began their double header on home ice with a 2024 Sutherland Cup Final rematch against the Listowel Cyclones and, despite a solid start to the game, a sluggish back half of the opening period sent the Cyclones into the first intermission with a 2-0 lead. It was just the fifth time this season the Lincolns have trailed by two goals. The team hasn’t trailed by three goals at any point this year and has yet to allow more than four goals in one game.
According to head coach Jeff Bradley, the Lincolns’ attention to detail wasn’t up to par in the latter half of the first.
“Our first eight minutes or so were really good,” Bradley told the Independent. “We had a bad read on the blueline that gave Listowel a two-on-one and we were on our heels for about 30 minutes after that. We just weren’t assertive enough. We had bad pinches, missed assignments and a lack of focus.”
Dylan Szymanowski opened the scoring for Listowel at the 12:18 mark of the first, capitalizing on an odd-man rush by whacking home a rebound. Just over three minutes later, Wylie Birkett wristed a powerplay goal by Lincs’ goaltender Colby Booth-Housego.
Booth-Housego finished the game with 27 saves, which included several breakaways and quality scoring chances for the Cyclones in the second period. Bradley raved about Booth-Housego's stellar showing, along with the play of one of the Lincolns’ newly formed lines.
and barely even touched the puck. Just over four-and-a-half minutes into overtime, Kyle Morey tipped a pass by Listowel defender Teague Vader to create a breakaway and, in his first game back with the Lincolns, Morey backhanded the game-winning goal through the legs of Kowatsch.
“I thought in the third period and overtime, we were outstanding,” said Bradley. “They knew we were going to come with a big push in the third and they tried to withstand it as long as they could. In all of our previous games, when we’ve had success, it’s when we played in-your-face hockey, and when we got back to that in the third and overtime, I think we got what we deserved.” Morey was the centre on a line that included fellow star forwards Chase MacQueen-Spence and Lincoln Moore, a trio Bradley is excited to see continue building familiarity amongst each other.
“Colby (Booth-Housego) was phenomenal for us. He did a great job keeping us in it when we took a nap for half of the game and was a big reason we won that game. I thought the line of Chase (McDougall), Noah (VandenBrink) and Jacob (McLellan) was a really good line for us. They did a great job playing the role we asked of them. They were great on the forecheck, they competed hard in the defensive zone and they got pucks out of our end.”
After a scoreless second period, the Lincolns emerged for the third and turned in one of their strongest periods in recent memory, outshooting the Cyclones 19-5 and tying the game on goals
by Jaden Lee and Owen Voortman, the latter of which came on a powerplay. Lee and Voortman assisted on one another’s goals, while Luca Spagnolo and Ryan Cornfield each picked up helpers in the third.
As Booth-Housego had done for the Lincolns during the first two periods, Cyclones’ netminder Ethan Kowatsch held Listowel in the game by withstanding several good opportunities for St. Marys on a late-period powerplay. With the game tied at two apiece, the game went into three-on-three overtime and the Lincolns didn’t miss a step, dominating the extra frame to the point the Cyclones didn’t record a shot
“Kyle (Morey) is obviously an outstanding player and he knows what we’re about, having played here before, so with Kyle, it’s just a matter of developing that chemistry with his new linemates. And Lincoln (Moore) is such an unbelievable player as well. He’s a great kid and he’s amazing at both ends of the ice. With Chase (MacQueen-Spence) also on that line, knowing how talented he is and the leader that he is, it’s such a difficult line for other teams to contain.”
Lincs overwhelm Warriors to win seventh in a row
On the backs of a physical, sturdy game from their blueline, yet another outstanding goaltending performance and their top line staying white hot, the Lincs torpedoed the visiting Stratford
Ethan Coups lays a big hit during the St. Marys Lincolns’ 4-1 win over the Stratford Warriors. Head coach Jeff Bradley praised Coups, along with the team’s veteran defenders Owen Kalp, Ryder Livermore and Jacob Montesi for “setting the tone” with their physicality and defensive responsibility during the game on Jan. 18.
(MCGINNY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO)
Team Murray wins Synterra Skins Spiel
Lincs down Perth County rivals to hit seven straight wins
Warriors to win 4-1.
Bradley observed major progress in his squad’s cohesiveness as the significant number of new members of the lineup continued settling into their new system.
“We got better as the game went on and I felt like the chemistry between our guys really improved the further into the game we got. Obviously, our new players are very good and they aren’t holding us back by any means, but with five new players on the roster, it’s understandable for it to be a process to build that chemistry with new linemates.
“The nice thing was that you could really see that process developing throughout the game, and guys were getting more and more in sync with each other,” continued Bradley. “I thought the chemistry between the defenceman pinching down the wall and the forward covering up top grew as the game went along, and by the third period, it seemed like Stratford didn’t have an answer for anything we were doing.”
With just 26 seconds left in the first period, Spagnolo deflected the puck into the Warriors’ net for his 24th of the year. Voortman and Noah VandenBrink picked up the assists.
With the goal coming on a St. Marys man advantage, the Lincolns head into their game on Jan. 22 against the London Nationals with at least one powerplay goal in eight of their last nine games.
The goal also extended Spagnolo’s point streak to 15 games, the longest stretch of point production of the entire season in the GOJHL. Spagnolo enters the Lincs’ game on Jan. 22 with goals in five of his last six games.
Though the Lincolns jumped out to a
one-goal lead, Bradley noted the team had room for improvement going into the second.
“In the first period, our breakouts were good, but when we had to get exits from the defensive zone under pressure, we were turning pucks over. So, we made an adjustment after the first period so that when we were under pressure, we just got the puck into the neutral zone and when we were in the neutral zone, if we didn’t have anything, to get the puck deep and trust our forecheck.”
Spagnolo added his second of the night in the second period, assisted by Lee and Evan Roach, which was followed by the fourth of the year for Cohen Bidgood, with assists going to Ryan Hodkinson and Blake Elzinga. The assist gave Elzinga a point in five of his last six.
Bradley noted the team’s high-speed dominance allowed them to play a lockdown style in the final 20 minutes.
“We were pushing more in the second period for offence. We wanted to turn up the pace offensively in the second, whereas in the third, the mindset was different in that we expected a big push from Stratford. Every time we’ve played them this season, the third period has been their best, so we wanted to make sure we were covering our blueline tightly, and we did a really good job shutting them down in the third.”
In the third, Lee buried his 19th of the campaign, with the lone helper going to Spagnolo. Lee, the team leader in points, goes into the game on Jan. 22 with points in 12 of his last 13 games and goals in five straight.
An odd-man rush late in the third ended Nico Armellin’s shutout bid with just 30 seconds left when Carter Petrie ripped home his sixth of the year. Armellin was stellar all night for St.
Marys, making 25 saves to backstop the Lincolns to the 4-1 final.
As Bradley continued seeing the team’s deadline acquisitions fitting in more and more, he noted the progress of the team’s three newest defencemen.
“Evan (Roach) came in here and didn’t want to make a mistake, so we’ve talked a lot before, during and after games, and he has been very good for us at doing what we need him to do,” Bradley began. “He’s a very low-risk player, he competes hard, he’s very smart and he makes good, simple plays.
“Ian (Gedney) is coming off an injury so it’s understandable for the process of getting in sync with everyone to be a little bit slower, but you can tell he’s a good player. His skating and puck movement are really strong. And then with Jake (McPherson), he brings something we didn’t really have before the
deadline. He is a smart kid, he wants to get better, he wants to contribute and he moves really well.”
Ahead of the game against Stratford, Bradley discussed a pregame conversation with the team’s longest-tenured blueliners, Ethan Coups, Owen Kalp, Ryder Livermore and Jacob Montesi, and said the quartet rose to the occasion against the Warriors.
“I talked to our four veteran defencemen before the game and told them we can't afford them to have bad games anymore. I know there's a lot of pressure with that, but we're playing under pressure right now, and we’ve always viewed pressure as a privilege. And full credit to those guys, they took that to heart and went out and had really good games. They were physical and responsible, and they set a tone for the rest of the team to follow.”
The second annual Synterra Skins Spiel was held at the St. Marys Curling Club on Saturday, Jan. 18 with a full draw of eight teams competing. From right to left, Mark King of Synterra Security Systems presented the Synterra trophy and 1st place prize to the team of Pat Murray, Dennis Lunn, Steve Hutton, and Jeff Jackson
(STEWART GRANT PHOTO)
Team “White”, which included brothers Richard (left) and George White (right) along with their father Charlie who was visiting from Manitoba, finished second place in Saturday’s Synterra Skins Spiel. Russ Mitchell, pictured second from left, rounded out the team of four.
(STEWART GRANT PHOTO)
U15 LL Boys repeat as Stonetown Classic champions
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
The Armstrong Motors U15 LL Boys St. Marys Rock won a gold medal on home ice at the Stonetown Classic tournament Jan. 17-19 in St. Marys thanks in large part to a weekend-long defensive masterclass.
It was the second consecutive year the U15 LL Boys captured the top prize at the Stonetown Classic.
Head coach Burton Pickel told the Independent he “couldn’t be happier” with his team’s showing following their 1-0 win over the Ilderton Jets to capture the gold.
“We did a really good job keeping the puck to the outside,” said Pickel. “Our defencemen closed the gap early and pushed everything outside, and the wingers were moving the puck out of our end more efficiently. We didn’t give up very many shots all tournament, but when we did, Jack (Brockman) was right there to make the save. Jack held the fort down really well and, defensively, the guys in front of him played a really good brand of hockey.”
At the other end of the ice, Pickel raved about his team’s improved cohesiveness and ability to drive to the high-danger scoring areas in front of the net.
“Offensively, we had really good pressure. We got a lot of pucks on net. Coming into the weekend, the theme for us was generating and keeping mo -
Lockdown defence and a hardnosed offensive attack led the Armstrong Motors U15 LL Boys St. Marys Rock to a gold medal at the Jan 17-19 Stonetown Classic tournament in St. Marys. Pictured on the ice in front is Jack Brockman. In the first row, from left to right, are Adam Nelson, Ayden Eidt, Adrian Bes, Ahmad Ajjan Al Hadid, Jude Schlotzhauer and Sydney Clark. In the back row, from left, are assistant coach Harry DeVries, head coach Burton Pickel, Zach Zwambag, Adam Peachey, Dylan Chateauvert, Fin McCutcheon, Kain Visser, Josh Gerber, Chase Jeffrey, Rowan Pickel, Aiden DeVries, trainer Kyle McCutcheon and assistant coach Brad Gove. Not pictured was manager Jeremy Schlotzhauer
mentum, and that comes from everyone playing good team hockey. The boys were finding their teammates and using them rather than trying to do things all by themselves, and they were crashing the net hard, which is how we got a lot of our goals.”
U13 LL Boys Red take silver at Stonetown Classic
The Cubberley Plumbing and Heating U13 LL Boys Red St. Marys Rock had an impressive showing at the Stonetown Classic tournament, held from Jan. 17-19 in St. Marys, capturing silver and going unbeaten until the championship game. The team never allowed more than two goals in any game of the tournament, including the finals. Pictured on the ice in front is Tyler McDonald. In the front row, from left to right, are Sawyer Votary, Logan Thompson, Tristan Fraser, Lachlan Thistle, and Kyle McKichan. In the back row, from left,
and third periods to propel the Rock to a 4-2 victory and secure their spot in the championship game against Ilderton. In the opening period of the final, Jude Schlotzhauer scored the only goal of the contest – the eventual game-winner – with assists going to Adam Nelson and Dylan Chateauvert, while Brockman’s third shutout bid of the weekend resulted in a 1-0 St. Marys win.
Pickel, after mentioning the team’s ability to bounce back on the rare occasions they did allow a goal during the tournament, elaborated by saying the team’s resiliency has been a work in progress throughout the season that has recently begun to yield positive results.
“It's easy to not get down on yourself when you don't let any goals in, but even in the two games that we did get scored on, the boys didn't quit. There have been other times in the season where we've hung our head after letting in a goal or two, but this weekend, we came right back and responded every time.
The Rock went a perfect three-forthree in round-robin play, which set up a semi-final clash against the Kent Cobras. Rowan Pickel and Zach Swambag each found the back of the net for St. Marys in the first period before Josh Gerber added a goal in both the second
“It's been a learning curve this year, but I think it’s really starting to sink in with our guys that we truly can fight back,” Pickel continued. “We have a skilled-enough group that we are never out of a game unless we pull ourselves out of it and hang our heads. We played a game against Belmont a couple of weeks ago and fell behind by four goals at one point, but we got it back to within one. As long as we keep battling, we are never out of a game.”
U9 MD Boys win gold at Arthur tournament
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
are assistant coach Jeff Richardson, James Holliday, Alex Peachey, Cole McIntosh, trainer Karie Peachey, Sam Richardson, Brett Peachey, assistant coach Jon McDonald, John Buckland, Keegan Forrester, and head coach Jim Holliday.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
The Finnbilt Construction U9 MD Boys St. Marys Rock captured the gold medal at the Arthur Minor Hockey tournament on Jan. 19. Pictured laying on the ice, from left to right, are Jack Becker and Everett Douglas. Kneeling in the first row, from left, are Brody Pearson, Max Bilyea, Zac Bes, and Carter Van Wieren. Standing in the second row, from left, are Landon McIntosh, Ryker Harrison, Callum Palmer, Maclean Ross, Ben Hemstock, Jacob Zwambag, and Jackson Monisit-Brown. In the back row, from left, are coach Dan Mcintosh, coach Mark Ross, coach Drew Pearson, head coach Rod Harrison, and coach Ben Douglas.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
U9 LL Boys White strike gold at Stonetown Classic
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
The Stonetown Electric U9 LL Boys White went undefeated en route to the gold medal in the Stonetown Classic tournament hosted in St. Marys Jan. 1719.
Head coach Chris Rumble was thrilled with his team’s performance throughout the tournament.
“I’m really happy with our boys,” Rumble told the Independent. “They played great. They did everything we asked them to do. They got lots of pucks on net and they were getting pucks deep in the other team’s zone. Especially at this age, it’s awesome to see the kids get a win like this.”
After three straight round-robin victories, the Rock faced off against the Mitchell Meteors in the semi-final. On the backs of two-goal games by Will Graham and Nate Campbell, the Rock came away with a 4-1 victory to punch their ticket to the championship game against the Mount Brydges Cougars.
In the finals, St. Marys again picked up a 4-1 win, this one winning them the gold medal. Reiner DeBoer had a twogoal game to lead the offensive charge, while Graham and Marcus Horenberg
also scored in the final. Goaltender Mason Krauskopf backstopped the Rock very well throughout the tournament, allowing two goals or fewer in four of the Rock’s five games.
According to coach Rumble, the tournament was a culmination of a season of steady improvement by his squad.
“They are willing to learn and they are putting what they learn on the ice in games,” said Rumble. “Key fundamentals that we’ve worked on in practice such as getting the puck out of our zone, using the boards, using the wingers and heads-up passing; they are really coming along and we’re starting to see it pay off in the games.”
Rumble noted a simple-yet-important characteristic has allowed the team to get better consistently throughout the season.
“At this age, we’re not pushing positions too much, so there isn’t as much organization as you would see with the older kids. The important part for us is that our boys are great listeners and are doing a great job at the things we ask them to do. I think, as coaches, one of the biggest reasons this team is such a pleasure to coach is because of how well they listen and how much they continue to improve.”
The Stonetown Electric U9 LL Boys White St. Marys Rock won the gold medal at the Stonetown Classic tournament hosted Jan. 17-19 in St. Marys. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Logan Bickell, Elijah Campbell, Willem Essing, Mason Krauskopf, Marcus Horenberg and Mac McCarthy. In the middle row, from left, are Nate Campbell, Tony Fluttert, Sawyer Graham-Gosling, Gibson Rumble, Will Graham, Reiner DeBoer and Nico Sicilia. In the back row, from left, Brett Bickell, Scott Graham, head coach Chris Rumble, Brett Graham and Matt McCarthy.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
DCVI senior girls stay undefeated in dominant home wins
SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter
The top-ranked St. Marys DCVI Senior Girls Volleyball team kept their unbeaten record intact on Jan. 14 when they picked up consecutive wins on their home court over Goderich and Listowel.
Following a straight-sets win over the Huron-Perth league’s second-placed Goderich squad with scores of 25-17 and 25-18, head coach Steve Chateauvert told the Independent he was thrilled with the team’s play for numerous reasons.
“I thought we played very well,” said Chateauvert. “I was impressed with how they passed. They served aggressively. We missed a couple of balls but it’s hard to be perfect on every single play, especially against a really good team. Goderich is one of the best teams in the league, so to get a strong win over a team like that is really good for us.”
Their aggressiveness was one of the biggest bright spots for DCVI, with Chateauvert explaining that trait’s value to the Salukis.
“We need to stay aggressive like we were today,” Chateauvert said. “Any team really feeds off of big hits, big digs and big blocks, and if we continue to stay aggressive and get some of those big moments, that really helps energize the team and it is great for their confidence.”
The Salukis’ performance in the battle between the top two teams in Huron-Perth stood out for its consistency, an aspect of their play Chateauvert said has been a key focal point through the season.
“That is what we have been working towards all year. We had a tournament coming back from the holiday break and we got down in a number of sets, but we battled our way back. A big focus for me has been keeping our confidence and energy up when we go down, and they did that really well at the tournament, and that continued for us today. Even if we had a ball that didn’t go our way, we stayed confident and kept playing the way we needed to play.”
Later in the day, St. Marys picked up another win in straight sets, this time over Listowel, which the Salukis defeated 25-21 and 25-12.
“It was another solid win for us,” Chateauvert said. “We gave away a few points at the end of the first set, but that happens sometimes and the more important thing is that they stayed with it. Like they did in the first game today, they kept swinging and that was something I was really impressed with in both games today.”
In both games, the team’s overall tenacity and willingness to compete for one another was on display, which the head coach said plays such an important role in the team having a perfect 8-0 record with only two sets lost out of 18 in regular-season league play.
“They want the ball and when you want it, good things happen. You can’t play this game on your heels. You can’t play this game scared and you have to communicate, which is another aspect I like about how we’re progressing. We’ve been emphasizing to keep talking because when you verbalize it, you will execute better. You’re letting your teammates know what you’re doing and you don’t want to let them down.”
DCVI junior girls play best volleyball of season
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
The St. Marys DCVI Junior Girls Volleyball team turned in their two strongest performances of the entire season on Jan. 14 when they picked up backto-back victories over Goderich and Listowel.
To start the day, the Salukis defeated Goderich in straight sets by scores of 25-13 and 25-15. Head coach Ian Moore had high praise for the team’s effort in their first of two games.
“That's the best they have played all year,” Moore told the Independent. “They played with confidence. Positionally, they were very good. They knew what they had to do and where they had to be, and defensively, they were very scrappy. They didn’t give up on any play. There were balls that I thought, in previous games, we would not have fought as hard to make a play, but today, they were hustling and picking up balls that weren’t as easy.”
In their second match against Listowel, St. Marys again earned a straightsets win with scores of 25-12 and 25-20. Moore contrasted their rocky stretch earlier in the year with their two-win day on their home court, saying the team looked like they were playing with a strong belief in themselves.
“They’re playing with confidence and they're having fun, which I think is a big part of having success. When you’re confident in what you’re doing, you’re relaxed and you let the game happen a bit more knowing you can handle what comes at you. Until now, I think they were just thinking about it too much,
whereas today, we looked much more confident, which was great to see.”
A big part of the team’s up-and-down start to the season, according to Moore, stemmed from an interruption-filled practice schedule caused by a slew of school days affected by inclement weather.
“When you have consistency in practice, it leads to consistency in the games and the girls … they're coming to practice, they're working hard and I think they have a deeper appreciation of what we're talking about and of what needs to happen in games so that, when they're practicing, they can now understand why executing in practice is important.
“I always think of a game as a report card on how you practice,” Moore continued. “Because of all the days we missed due to the weather, we lost a lot of practice time, which makes it harder to fix things in games when you don’t get as much practice time. But we had some good practices coming into today and we're starting to see a little more consistency.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Moore said he hopes the team’s pair of wins propels them even higher.
“I think it shows that they are a good team and that they can play against good teams. They just haven't put it all together until today. Now, I think they know what they can do and believe they are a good team. In life, you don’t want to sweat the small things, but in sports, you have to sweat the small details, and I think today is a great boost for them to keep doing the little things better.”
Charlee Pickering winds back for a serve during one of the St. Marys DCVI Senior Girls Volleyball team’s two victories on Jan. 14.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Joey Binning stretches to keep the ball alive during one of the St. Marys DCVI Junior Girls Volleyball team’s two wins on Jan. 14.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
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Andrew Garvie fires a shot on goal during one of the Radar Auto Parts U9 LL Boys Blue St. Marys Rock’s games during the Stonetown Classic this past weekend.
James Lord leans into a wrist shot during one of the St. Marys Ford U9 LL Boys Red St. Marys Rock’s games during this past weekend’s Stonetown Classic.
Daxton Thistle drives the net for a shot during one of the Nicholson Concrete U11 LL Boys Blue St. Marys Rock games during the Stonetown Classic this past weekend.
Derek Vernooy fires a shot from the blueline during one of the Easy Lift Doors U13 LL Boys Blue St. Marys Rock’s games during the Stonetown Classic this past weekend.
Theodore Shute speeds through the offensive zone during one of the Independent Grocer U11 LL Boys Red St. Marys Rock’s games during this past weekend’s Stonetown Classic.
Hudson Monteith launches a shot from the point during last Wednesday’s St. Marys Building Centre U12 A Boys St. Marys Rock game.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTOS)
St. Marys bowlers compete at Brantford triples tourney
Four teams made up of bowlers representing the St. Marys Bowling Lanes travelled to Echo Bowl in Brantford to compete in the YBO Triples tournament on Jan. 19, with three of the teams capturing medals. The St. Marys haul of medals included the top two prizes in the mixed division. Pictured on the left are Aisla Fisher, Nate Sims, and Tyler Sims, who took the gold medal and were coached by Shawna Sims. Tyler Sims bowled his best game ever during the tournament, rolling a 299. Meanwhile, the other mixed trio of James Van De Gevel, Nathan McKeen, and Leia Slaney, pictured on the right and coached by Michelle McKeen, earned the silver. Both mixed teams will go to the provincial round on Jun. 1 at Nebs World in Oshawa.
On the left is the boys’ team of Colin Van De Gevel, Jaxon Cubberley, and Jase Robertson, who were coached by Aaron Fisher. On the right are members of the girls’ team, Natalie McKeen and Amanda Kittmer. Not pictured was Erin Slaney. The trio finished sixth in their division and were coached by Melissa Kittmer. All teams were comprised of a senior, junior, and bantam bowler.
Veterans, serving Canadian Forces members, RCMP, allied forces and first responders are welcome. You do not need to be a Legion member to attend.
Come meet fellow veterans in a safe, non-judgemental environment of comradeship. There will be free coffee and doughnuts.
Every Tuesday morning from 10 AM till noon at the St Marys Legion, beginning 4 February. 66 Church Street North, St Marys. For additional info, contact Reg Rumble at 519 661-7446.
SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE
Aspiring artists make up Stonetown Arts Group
JIM GILES
Independent Columnist
Edited by Alice Rixson
Communities around the world are coming to the realization that local arts groups play an important part in strengthening societal ties, creating a sense of belonging, and attracting visitors. Arts and culture can help people feel more connected to each other. The Arts can also generate experiences of shared joy where communities can feel pride when local artists succeed.
Artists at work in historical communities like St. Marys are signs that a town is viable, vibrant and worth preserving. St. Marys offers a wealth of cultural and heritage to locals and visitors alike and boasts of Stonetown Arts, a dedicated group of 40 talented individuals who share a passion for various forms of art. The group’s goals are to connect and encourage local artists, to collaborate with the community in creative ways, and to provide workshops for learning new art techniques. It also helps local aspiring artists gain confidence, to share their efforts, and to foster comradery among those involved.
Stonetown Arts co-chair Kathy Blake shares the history and mandate of the group. “In the early 2000s, an interested group of artists led by the late Darlean Morris formed the St. Marys Art Salon. Shows and activities were organized, connecting with the Community Players, the Library, local artists, and downtown merchants. Morris was fervent about involving the community,” recalls Blake. Unfortunately, Morris passed away in 2014, but not without leaving her mark and the groundwork for the formation of Stonetown Arts.
Blake explains that Cathy Atwell and Chantelle Marshall agreed to co-chair, and lead the faction through more than 10 years of workshops, meetings and shows. Atwell retired in 2024, and Blake then volunteered to fill the post.
Members of the Stonetown Arts meet in St. James’ Anglican Church Hall on the first Monday of each month. “At 6:30 p.m., we gather to visit and view our ‘Show and Tell’ table,” Blake explains. Members are invited to bring pieces they have completed or are
working on. “Thanks to committees that plan meetings and run the annual November show, Stonetown Arts continues to be an active group for those with an interest in the visual arts,” says Blake.
Stonetown Arts’ members come with a variety of skills. Some paint in watercolours, oil or acrylic, while others are embroiderers, needle felters (bonding wool fibres together and compressing them, forming a dense flat and warm fabric with many uses), wood carvers, encaustic painters (wax colours fixed with a source of heat or a process where colours are burned into the media), and collage artists. Some work in fused glass, and others design jewellery. The group strives to give members a chance to show their work, whether they are seasoned or novice artisans. The most senior member is a 96-year-old retired mechanical engineer, who still actively paints and sells his work.
“We allow time for socializing at our meetings,” states Blake. “The November show, our signature event, always generates excitement with artists and the public. We have settled into the historic Riverwalk Commons building downtown, lining the interior stone walls and windows with our gridwalls which, in the last exhibition, accommodated every piece of art beautifully,” reports Blake.
“Riverwalk Commons owner Melissa Barton offers the group the space every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members and non-members alike are invited to drop in to work on projects, visit, and enjoy refreshments.
The second Wednesday of each month features mini-workshops that have included creating collage and still-life drawing. A recently added workshop is a craft known as slow stitching, which is beginning to emerge as a relatively new art form, some claim. It is thus described, “Modeled after the slow food movement, slow stitching encourages sewers to forget about perfection and forget about the finished article. Instead, it nurtures the idea of enjoying the process of stitching for stitching’s sake.” “These workshops are posted on Riverwalk Commons website”, says Blake.
Stonetown Arts items can also be found at Baristas Coffee Shop, downtown St. Marys. Owners Tammy and Al Kempten generously donate their walls to dis
play and sell members’ artwork. Stonetown Arts also built a relationship with Art with Panache, a gallery in London ON that will host an exhibition in April.
Joining Stonetown Arts gives members the opportunity to participate in workshops, and to join field trips that are offered. Excursions to the One-of-a-Kind craft show in Toronto, the McMichael Art Gallery in Kleinburg ON, and road trips to Paint Ontario have been previous destinations of interest.
For more information, visit the Stonetown Arts Facebook page or contact Chantelle Marshall pmarshall@ quadro.net or Kathy Blake kat.blake@hotmail.com
Please send comments and propose topics for Arts & Culture articles to smindependentarts@gmail.com
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Stonetown Arts November Show placard
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Stonetown Arts Group at St James Church.
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Seminar to offer rundown on recent building-code changes in Ontario
ALEX HUNT Independent Reporter
Six area municipalities are co-hosting a seminar offering locals a rundown of recent changes to the Ontario Building Code, which focus on enhancing farm and residential buildings.
The informational seminar will be held on Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stratford Rotary Complex. The meeting will be hosted in collaboration with builders, contractors and developers. The event will deliver information on the changes and how they will impact future projects.
“Getting six municipalities together to convey the same consistent message, in our industry, that's huge” said Connor Occleston, Stratford’s deputy chief building official.
“A Lot of these builders, developers and designers all work in these different municipalities. They are not just in Stratford, they are not just in St. Marys, they are all in the surrounding areas.”
Farm buildings that have been regulated under The National Farm Building Code of Canada, last updated in the 1990s, are now being transferred to the jurisdiction of The
Ontario Building Code.
In addition to the farm-building updates, the seminar will also high light details on radon, fire protec tion, plumbing, accessibility, farm ing provisions and secondary suites in residential buildings.
“We’re seeing a rise in rental prop erties, basement conversions and de tached additional dwelling units, so a lot of that will be spoken under the secondary suite (provisions),” said Occleston. “The requirements for fire and light safety items, car bon monoxide smoke detectors will be in these types of buildings.”
Occleston said, thus far, the sem inar has seen registration by pro fessionals from a number of related sectors including realtors, insurance brokers, contractors, designers, ar chitects and engineers. Occleston said the new changes represent the largest building code implementa tion since 2012.
Occleston says that the build ing-code changes will provide longterm benefits for building structures across Ontario and promote safe building practices.
To RSVP, email building@strat ford.ca or call 519-271-0250 ext. 345.
The cover of Ontario’s 2024 Building Code Compendium.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
COLUMNS
EAT AT OUR HOUSE: Beating the January blues
As we push through the deepest, darkest part of winter, try making these satisfying comfort dishes to warm and make you feel good from inside out.
Honey-glazed cornbread casserole
Prep: 5 minutes; Cook: 45 minutes; Serves 8
2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
1 box cornbread mix
1 cup sour cream
½ cup butter, melted
½ cup honey
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, cornbread mix, sour cream, melted butter and honey.
- Pour mixture into greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese and mozzarella evenly overtop.
- Bake 40-45 minutes until the casserole is set and top is golden and bubbly.
Greek lemon chicken
Prep: 15 minutes; Cook: 55 minutes; Serves: 8
This should be called “Marry Me Chicken.” It’s that good.
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Method:
- To make the marinade: in a small bowl, stir together oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, mustard, salt and pepper.
- After patting dry, add the
chicken thighs to a large bowl and pour the marinade on top. Marinate for 1-2 hours (up to 8 hours) in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Transfer to a baking dish and pour the marinade on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and registers 175°F on an instant-read thermometer. Optionally, you can baste the chicken a few times while cooking. For extra crispy skin, turn the oven boiler on for the last 2-3 minutes. If serving for a dinner party, garnish with lemon slices.
*Store leftovers in the fridge for four to five days. You can also store leftovers in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Avocado chocolate mousse
Prep: 15 minutes; Rest: 30 minutes; Serves 8
2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup almond milk or any milk of choice
Pinch of salt
Straight from the Shelves
LAURA MCASH
St. Marys Public Library
Looking for something to do on the next PA Day? Visit the Library anytime during open hours (10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on Friday, January 31 for a variety of fun activities! Spend an hour or an afternoon building LEGO structures, adding colour to a gigantic colouring page, completing the look-and-find, and more! This drop-in event is free to attend, and no registration is required.
This Week’s Recommendation
Not even a world-ending event can deter Petra Peña’s determination to be a storyteller. In fact, the comet headed straight for earth makes her stories even more important to share. Petra is fortunate to escape the devastation by joining her brother and their scientist parents on a journey to another planet. Across the starship’s over-hundred-year journey through space, a tyrannical regime
called the Collective takes control, erasing all passengers’ memories of earth in their wake. Now, it’s up to Petra to preserve what’s left of her old home in a place completely alien to everyone still alive to see it. Will she succeed? Find out by reading “The Last Cuentista” by Donna Barba Higuera, a junior novel available on Libby and in hard copy format.
Up This Week
Fri., Jan. 24: Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Jan. 25: Dungeons and Dragons (10 a.m.)
Mon., Jan. 27: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tues., Jan. 28: Tuesday Book Club (11 a.m.)
Wed., Jan. 29: EarlyON Play and Read (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Mahjong! (1-4 p.m.), Scrabble (6-8 p.m.)
Thurs., Jan. 30: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional for extra richness)
Method:
- In a food processor or blender, add the ripe avocados, maple syrup (or honey), cocoa powder, vanilla, milk and pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides to ensure it’s well blended.
- Melt the chocolate (optional). If adding dark chocolate, melt in a microwave safe bowl in 20 second intervals, stirring in between. Add to mousse and blend again.
- Transfer the mousse to serving dishes and into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so mousse can firm up.
- Garnish with additional chocolate, berries, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Scottish potato scones
Prep: 15 minutes; Cook: 15 minutes; Serves: 8
2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped 1/3 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup flour, plus extra for dusting
½ tsp salt
Pinch of ground pepper, optional
Vegetable oil or butter for frying
Method:
- Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a saucepan of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer 10-15 minutes.
- Drain and return to pan. Add butter and smash until smooth and lump free. Allow to cool.
- In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes with flour, salt and black pepper. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Be careful not to overwork it.
- Roll about ½-centimetre thick, cut into circles or triangles.
- Heat a frying pan with oil or butter, cook the potato scones for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
- Serve warm with butter and jam, fried egg, smoked salmon, along with breakfast, or as you wish.
*Optionally: add a sprinkle of cheese or herbs to the dough for a savoury twist.
*These scones can be reheated in a pan or toaster.
Ask the Arborist
By Joel Hackett | 519 272 5742 | jtsquote@gmail.com
Dear Arborist,
I have an Eastern Redbud, which I love. I have had two, but the previous one cracked and broke, advice on avoiding this?
Redbud Troubles
Dear Redbud Troubles, The Eastern Redbud is a beautiful tree, and is normally one of the first plants to flower in the spring. Unfortunately they are rather weak and tend to grow in a compromised manner. There are three options to correct this.
Option 1 – Selective pruning, prune out the weak unions and try to get it
to grow in a supported way.
Option 2 – Installing support, install a cable or bolt to hold weak unions in place.
Option 3 – Keep it small and hedge trim it, reducing the weight reduces the chances of failure.
Sincerely
The Arborist
Joel Hackett is a certified Arborist residing in the St. Marys area. Currently, he spends most of the year running Joel’s Tree Service. For contact call 519 272 5742 or email jtsquote@gmail.com
HISTORIC ST. MARYS: The Theodore Hutton Block
MARY SMITH Independent Columnist
Water Street South in downtown St. Marys is a special streetscape. Between Queen and Jones Streets there are beautiful limestone commercial buildings on both the east and west sides of the street. On the west side, the magnificent Opera House is dominant. The commercial block to the north, anchored by the popular Flour Mill, also gets considerable attention. Another remarkable building is located at 26 Water Street, just to the south of the Opera House. It is shown in the left foreground of this week’s photograph. Built for Theodore Hutton in 1868, a decade before the Opera House, it has historic and architectural value of its own.
This three-storey limestone building is pleasing to look at. In contrast with the extravagant features of the Opera House, its façade is symmetrical. There are four windows in each of the second and third levels with curved, segmented lintels, raised keystones, and stone sills. The entrance to the retail level is flanked by attractive, double sash, display windows. There are arches over the main door and the two windows, and over a smaller door to the south that leads to stairs to the upper levels. These four arches also feature raised keystones like the windows on the upper levels. Overall, it has a solid, dependable appearance, fitting for a prosperous member of the respected Hutton family.
Robert Barbour was the contractor for the building and probably also the designer. His reputation in St. Marys as a master builder was based on his wealth of experience. Born in 1822 in Berwickshire, Scotland, as a young boy, he was apprenticed to a joiner (a finishing carpenter.) This rigorous training gave him a skilled trade, a great advantage when, ca 1851, he immigrated to North America. He and his young family settled first in New York State but by 1854, they were in the village of St. Marys where records show that Barbour was one of the carpenters who built the Tracy house at 177 Church Street South (today the St. Marys Museum.)
In the following years, Barbour established himself as the town’s leading contractor. He was also an accomplished draftsman and could prepare plans for his clients and advise them how to place their residence to the best advantage on a building site. Just a year before Theodore Hutton hired him to build his commercial block, Barbour had completed the manor house in Westover Park for Theodore’s two older brothers, William Veal and Joseph Osman Hutton. Barbour would have hired the best of the local stonemasons to work with him and acquired the finest limestone from local quarries. The prosperous Hutton family could afford to pay for high quali-
ty work. The story of their lives in St. Marys and their influence on this growing community has been well told, most notably by Larry and Catherine Pfaff in their book, Limestone Legacy, first published in 1989.
Theodore Hutton was the fourth son of George Martin Hutton and Ann Veal Hutton. He was born in Ringwood, Hampshire, England, on June 23, 1830. His parents and his older brother, William Veal Hutton, left England on February 11, 1850, arriving in New York. From there, they travelled through New York State into Canada, to London, Ontario, where their oldest son, George Frederick Hutton, had been living for several years. Using London as a base, this mercantile family toured the surrounding area, looking for a community to establish their various business enterprises. They chose St. Marys and settled in the growing village. Soon their other four sons, including Theodore, came to join them. Unlike most immigrants, the Huttons seem to have arrived with considerable capital to start their new lives. This had probably been earned through hard work and excellent business sense – characteristics that brought them success in St. Marys. They had money but
were not aristocrats. They were members of England’s emerging merchant class and came prepared to build on all that their new country had to offer.
The brothers went into business. William Veal Hutton purchased and expanded the flour mill by the Queen Street Bridge and made his fortune in milling. Joseph Hutton purchased large parcels of land within town limits, had the land surveyed and sold as town lots. Theodore established a general store on Queen Street in downtown St. Marys soon after he arrived and later became a private banker. Although they undertook separate projects, the brothers supported each other, and their businesses were intertwined. Theodore’s commercial block at 26 Water Street South was built on part of the mill property owned by his brother, W. V. Hutton. The assessment records show that through the 1870s, although Theodore Hutton owned the building, he was a tenant on land owned by his brother. In 1882, Theodore finally bought the property his building stood on.
The three-storey building served not only as improved premises for the Hutton grocery store, it was also the family home. In 1858, Theodore had married
Sarah Edmison from Peterborough, Ontario. They had two children: Margaret Ann, who was born soon after they were married, and 12 years later, a son, Frederick Willoughby. Sarah Hutton shared her husband’s approach to business and helped in their grocery store. The two upper floors were the Hutton family residence as well as offices for Theodore’s private banking business. The family had pleasant living quarters. They could overlook a bustling Water Street to the east and enjoy sunsets over the Thames River to the west. When Theodore died in 1898, his obituary remembered him as “one of the wealthiest men in the County of Perth. Notwithstanding that he was a money-lender, he is credited with being fair and honorable in his dealings, and always taking the lead among private bankers in reducing the rate of interest to borrowers.”
Theodore’s two children inherited his property – substantial even after ensuring provisions for their mother, Sarah, who lived until 1907. Margaret, by this time married to banker Charles Rumsey, was an acute businesswoman. She invested in property and collected rents. Her younger brother, Fred, had received a good education and was given the opportunity to travel when he was a young man. But, being a Hutton, he was expected to work and to prosper. He started his retail career working for his father in the Hutton block on Water Street. By 1895, he had built a new store on the north side of the town’s main street, a handsome, two-storey, red brick building, now 109-113 Queen Street East. Following her husband’s death, Sarah moved to a house in a residential part of town. With 26 Water Street no longer used as their business or living quarters, the Huttons sold the property in 1906.
There were a number of subsequent owners who used the space for their own purposes or rented the retail and residential space. Through the 1930s and 1940s, the main floor served as the Armoury, a meeting space and drill hall for local members of the Perth militia. It was eventually absorbed as part of the Great Star Flour Mill complex and, like the former Opera House next door, when the mill closed in 1973 it fell into disrepair. Rescue came in January 1986 when the St. Marys Lions Club approached the town with a proposal to develop both the opera house and 26 Water Street to the south. The upper levels of the Opera House were made into apartments and 26 Water Street became a fitness centre and, later, once again retail with an apartment above. Having accomplished their goals, the Lions Club sold these properties. Both the Opera House and 26 Water Street are now privately owned. Both have been municipally designated as properties of cultural heritage significance.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ST. MARYS MUSEUM'S HISTORIC IMAGE COLLECTION.)
The three-storey limestone building shown in the left foreground, was built in 1868 for Theodore Hutton, a merchant and private banker. 26 Water Street South still is an important part of this fine streetscape of historic limestone buildings.
Stratford Perth Museum seeking nominations for Agricultural Wall of Fame
EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter
Perth County residents will have a chance to recognize significant contributions from those in the agriculture sector.
The Stratford-Perth Museum announced in a Jan. 13 press release that the nomination period started for 2025 inductees for the Agricultural Wall of Fame. Members of the public nominate current and former residents of Perth County who contributed to agriculture excellence. A committee determines the honourees after receiving the nominations.
"It's a chance to celebrate history, stories, how agriculture has changed, how some of these former recipients and
people who are being nominated have made an impact,” said Kelly McIntosh, museum general manager.
The Wall of Fame, which honours the contributions of 24 Perth County residents, will mark its 10th anniversary in 2025.
McIntosh was new to her role as general manager for the museum when the 2024 Agricultural Wall of Fame nominations opened. She got to visit some of the nominees, including a family that nominated someone posthumously, sit with the committee and go through the nominations, as well as attend the Rural-Urban Dinner at which the inductees are celebrated.
"Perth County has been such a centre of innovation on agriculture for so long,” she said. “My eyes were really
opened.”
While Perth County has a rich agricultural sector, McIntosh said there needs to be more recognition for what she called “the stars of agriculture” in the region. The wall of fame does that.
"We hear a lot about the stars of the town visa vie culture, arts and culture especially, in Stratford,” McIntosh said. “It's shining some light on the county; not only the essential service of food production but the creativity and educational opportunities."
Sandi Brock, a 2024 wall of fame inductee and sheep farmer, runs an educational YouTube page called Sheepishly Me about her farm.
"We want to point people in those directions because they don't come up first on Google,” McIntosh said. “I
think it's a wonderful thing for us to understand and create community together."
Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 28. McIntosh encourages everyone to consider submitting a nomination, including for those who can be honoured posthumously.
"Nominations large or small, if you want to share someone's story, I would love to hear it. The committee would love to hear it,” she said.
The wall of fame inductees will be announced at the Stratford Rotary Club’s Rural-Urban Dinner on March 27. Nominations can be made online at www.stratfordperthmuseum.ca/ stratford-perth-museum-agricultural-wall-fame-directory or in person at the museum between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Doherty, Cousins re-elected as chair and vice chair of police board
CONNOR LUCZKA
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The same leaders of the Stratford Police Services Board last year will continue their leadership into 2025.
Tim Doherty and Steve Cousins were
unanimously re-elected as chair and vice chair of the board at its most recent meeting on Jan. 15.
Doherty thanked the board after they agreed to continue his position. Cousins was absent from the meeting but previously expressed interest in letting his
name stand in the elections.
Doherty has served as chair of the board since 2022 and had previously served as vice chair. Likewise, Cousins has been serving as vice chair since 2023.
Doherty is a retired principal for
both the Thames Valley District School Board and the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board, as well as a former member of United Way Perth Huron. Cousins is a regional general manager for Ontario at Cascades Inc.
Thorndale News
New Year, New Connections!
Kick off 2025 with purpose!
Visit ilovethorndale.ca to:
Find local events, explore volunteer opportunities, support local businesses. Plan your 2025 at ilovethorndale.ca!
Supporting frontline firefighters in Thorndale
An aviation mechanic with ties to the Thorndale area is part of the Canadian effort to help American firefighters quell the wildfires currently raging in Los Angeles.
In recent weeks, the Los Angeles wildfires have dominated the headlines. Our hearts are saddened for the thousands of people who have been displaced and have lost everything. But we see skilled firefighters from Canada and their equipment assisting on the frontlines, and that offers a sense of pride.
Western Canada is no stranger to wildfires and the overwhelming destruction they produce. Conair Group, based in Abbotsford International Airport, is a global leader for over 50 years in battling wildfires in Canda, the United States and other parts of the world. They currently are not assisting in California, but their sister company, Aero-Flite, based in Spokane Washington is there.
Conair Group has 70 firefighting aircraft equipped with the latest tools and technology, piloted and maintained by a skilled team to ensure these aircraft are ready to dispatch when needed. To
maintain this fleet are approximately 70 aviation mechanics, and Todd Mandigo, originally from this area, has been a member of this team for the last eight years.
Mandigo grew up in London but always enjoyed visiting his grandparents, Harold and Shirley Hacon of Thorndale.
“Grandpa was a mechanic,” Mandigo said, “and I always enjoyed working on cars and small engines with him and my
dad.”
After high school, he decided to enroll at British Columbia Institute of Technology in the aircraft-maintenance-engineer program.
“I always knew I’d be a mechanic”, Mandigo said, “but never thought I would be across the country working on aircraft for a firefighting company.”
Mandigo explained the maintenance schedule at Conair Group is unique
compared to a regular airline-maintenance program.
“There are a few mechanics who choose to work on one part of the plane,” he said, “but the rest of us work on every part of these planes, which is good as we learn about each of the aircraft and their systems. I personally have worked on all the planes in our fleet, from fixing landing gears and engine maintenance to changing lightbulbs. Like commercial aircraft, there are periodic and annual inspections that must be performed. During the winter months when there is significant downtime is when we do most of the heavy maintenance.
“Conair Group teams are stationed in many places across British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Alaska and Australia during wildfire season. Personally, I have been stationed at all these places but Alaska. This summer, I am scheduled to be in Kamloops, BC. My favourite part of my job is the people. Going out to the middle of nowhere for four months at a time with just one or two other mechanics can be interesting and difficult. Although, working with friends is the best part of my job, but as we do our part in the frontline firefighting, that’s also rewarding.”
Car-charging station to be a benefit for Thorndale Thorndale Lions host Wings & Trivia Night
The most-asked question in Thorndale is, “When are we getting a gas station?”
So, Dr. Nicholas Massé of Thorndale Dental Centre thought he would do his part to help the community and hired Goris Electric of Thorndale to install a car-charging station.
“With electric vehicles becoming more popular,” Massé said, “I thought Thorndale needs a car charger, especially when we had someone run out of power in our parking lot, blocking the driveway. They had to be towed into London.
“This charger will also be for our area neighbours that have friends with electric cars who are visiting or staying over.”
The Thorndale Lions’ Wings & Trivia Night was the perfect, fun community event for a cold Friday evening.
The Lions cooked up approximately 230 pounds of their famous chicken wings. While some Lions members were in the kitchen organizing and serving up the wings along with orders of their fries and poutine, the true cooking heroes were outside in snowsuits with the deep fryers.
As for the trivia part of the evening, the committee room at the Thorndale Lions Community Centre was full of tables of trivia enthusiasts answering brain-teasing questions posed by Laura Garner of the Dorchester Library.
The next Thorndale Lions event is
their Winter Community Breakfast on Sunday, Jan. 26 followed by their Valentine Bingo on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter
Conair Group airplane mechanic Todd Mandigo and his grandparents Shirley and Harold Hacon of Thorndale area.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD MANDIGO)
Dr. Nicholas Massé has installed an electriccar-charging station in Thorndale.
(NANCY ABRA PHOTO)
Thorndale Lions Club members work diligently in the kitchen at the Thorndale Lions Community Centre preparing 230 pounds of wings during the Lions’ Wings & Trivia Night Jan. 17.
(NANCY ABRA PHOTO)
NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter
NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter
Riddles
I have keys but open no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?
A keyboard.
What has hands but can’t clap?
A clock.
What can travel around the world while staying in the corner?
A stamp.
I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?
A candle.
What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs?
A clock.
What has a neck but no head?
A bottle.
I’m full of holes but still hold a lot of weight. What am I?
A sponge.
What comes down but never goes up? Rain.
The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
Footsteps.
What has one eye but can’t see?
A needle.
What is as light as a feather, yet the strongest person can’t hold it for more than a few minutes?
Your breath.
What begins with T, ends with T, and has T in it?
A teapot.
Riddle Kid
- Word Search -
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: A little-known
island paradise rated number one
As I consistently confess to groups who invite me as a guest speaker, in my career as a travel writer, I am a very lucky guy and I don’t deserve the amazing experiences I get on a regular basis. It’s a great gig.
And sometimes it’s even better than great. There are very few destinations I don’t enjoy, but occasionally, I find myself somewhere that is darned near perfect.
That happened on my first and only visit to the small, eastern Caribbean island of Dominica. I fell in love with the place, with everything about it.
I wrote several pieces about Dominica, two of them for Grant Haven papers. Another article, published in the Toronto Star, featured the amazing Coulibri Ridge resort founded by Canadians Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand. Then, tragedy struck. About a year after those articles were published, Daniel and Dominique were brutally murdered, apparently by an American
neighbour, the grisly result of a land dispute.
I was deeply saddened. I had spent time with both Daniel and Dominique, and had come to like them immediately. Oddly, the photo of the couple used in all of the media coverage of their deaths was strikingly similar to one I had set up and taken – a staff member must have stood beside me and captured the same image.
Why do I tell you all this?
As I said, I fell in love with Dominica, and I guessed this very bad news would tarnish the island’s reputation and discourage others who might have visited this small piece of paradise.
So, imagine how thrilled I was when I read an article on the BBC website declaring Dominica as their number-one recommended “Best Place to Travel in 2025.”
Journalist Pier Nirand wrote, in part, “Visitors can explore hidden gorges, towering waterfalls and feast on local cuisine at unique eateries. … Dominica isn't just a destination, it’s a movement to support a burgeoning model of eco-tourism that balances biodiversity conservation with economic growth, ensuring that your adventure helps protect this natural paradise for generations to come.”
That’s high praise, and I would echo every word.
In a world of travel where the word “unspoiled” is vastly over-used, Dominica is just that. This volcanic island, located just north of Barbados, is in the chain of islands that
includes Guadeloupe and Martinique. The land rises sharply from the coast to misty mountain heights. Unlike stereotypical Caribbean islands, all gated resorts and beach bars, Dominica has accurately been dubbed “the Nature Island.” Visitors enjoy hiking, leisurely river cruises, diving, unique cuisine and constant, friendly interaction with local residents.
And speaking of friendly interaction, the BBC report informs us there is something brand new here; Dominica’s waters are the location of the world’s first sperm-whale reserve. This protected marine area is a safe space for the giant, marine mammals and also offers “limited permits” for visitors interested in actually sharing the water with the whales.
In my brief time on Dominica, I found there was always something wonderful around almost every corner. One of my favourite activities didn’t initially seem all that impressive. I was informed we were taking a river cruise and, having enjoyed luxury voyages thus described on the rivers of Europe, I was somewhat discouraged when I first spotted a shabby rowboat with plank seats, and a guide with oars. Hmmph.
Turns out, I could not have been more wrong. That leisurely afternoon on the Indian River was amazing. The slow pace allowed us to savour the scene: tropical trees, flowering plants, birds and animals. And by the way, Dominica has no poisonous animals or insects, a huge
plus for any tropical destination. The cruise included a stop at a rustic bar where we sipped rum concoctions and watched hummingbirds flit among the bright-red ginger lily flowers.
A drive high into the mountainous area brought us to the site of hot springs ¬– common on the island because there are still nine active volcanos here, none spewing lava but the source of hot water local entrepreneurs have used to create relaxing hot-spring spas.
The twin Trafalger Falls are a very popular stop in the heights of the island. Viewing stations provide the opportunity to take in the sheer beauty of the place.
I stayed at two eco-friendly resorts during my time on Dominica – Coulibri Ridge, which I am happy to say continues to operate despite the
loss of its visionary founders, and Jungle Bay, founded by Dominican entrepreneur Sam Raphael and guided day to day by general manager and Canadian Laura Ell. As a big fan of gardens, I could have spent weeks there without leaving the property, home to more than 75 species of fruit and nut trees, as well as innumerable shrubs and flowers.
Dominica was named “The Nature Island” not because you can encounter nature here, but because here, nature comes first!
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
Independent Columnist
Relaxation and adventure go hand in hand on Dominica.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
Laura Ells of Jungle Bay.
Trafalger Falls high in the mountains.
No lack of colour on the island!
OBITUARY Crowley
Andrew Donald Crowley, age 37, of Stratford passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Born in St. Marys on July 23, 1987. He is survived by his loving fiancée Sheryl Trotter. parents Dave and Beatrice (Van De Walle) Crowley. Loving brother of Jeff and Kelley (Davis) Crowley, Jerry and Kim (Sonier) Crowley, Gary and Melissa (March) Crowley, Marina (Crowley) Hartman and Andrew Hartman. Grandson to Donna Crowley.
Also survived by Sheryl’s family sister Rosanne and Matthew Holmes, sister Betty Trotter, children Bradley, Katie, Alena, and Dylan Trotter, and Grandmother Kay Trotter.
Survived by several special aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Andrew is predeceased by his grandparents Donald Francis Crowley and Maurice and Magdalena Van De Walle and Sheryl’s mother Ruth Trotter.
Andrew was an audio technician at Bax Audio Video in Stratford. He was an avid Toronto Maple Leaf and Toronto Blue Jay fan. He enjoyed playing all sports, hockey, soccer, baseball, golf, bowling and badminton. Andrew enjoyed milking cows, but most of all Andrew loved spending time with his two dogs Calvin and Brownie.
Andrew graduated from Conestoga College with a diploma in Electronics Engineering Technician. He was a proud member of the Stratford Knights of Columbus. Family and friends were invited to Andrew’s visitation on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. Andrew’s Mass of Christian Burial took place on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. 96 Huron Street, Stratford. Cremation will follow, private family interment. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada or Canadian Transplant Association through the funeral home. www. wgyoungfuneralhome.com
IN MEMORIAM
Smale
In memory of Dianne Smale on January 26, 2021
My mind still talks to you, My heart still looks for you,
But my soul knows you're at peace. I miss you every single day.
Love from Ken and family
OBITUARY
Davis
It is with breaking hearts we announce the passing of a truly extraordinary lady Jacqui Davis (Fort) after a courageous battle, on January 16, 2025 in her 92nd year.
Cherished mother of Bob (Mary Lou) Davis, Ann Davis, Sue (Peter) O’Grady and Lynn Lewis. Adored grandmother to Michael (Liv), Andrew (Shelby); Marty, Greg (Lellie), Nick; Michele (Taylor), Ashley (Nathan) and Robyn. Doting great-grandmother to William. Treasured sister and aunt to Jan and Steve Kerho and their children Steve (Ken), Mike (Nancy), Suzanne (Henry) and their families. Special and loving aunt to Marg (Wayne), Anne (Morrell), Jane (Bill) and their families. Predeceased by her husband Bill and her parents Dot and Art Fort.
Jacqui leaves behind a legacy of her many special gifts, most importantly her family, which meant the world to her. She taught us the love of spending time together, whether it be outside golfing, playing board games or enjoying a family barbeque. She was a generous and thoughtful soul who cherished her friends. Creative beyond measure, Jacqui will be remembered for her many talents; teaching dance, Girl Guiding, serving on the Hospital Auxiliary, community sports and sharing the love of her intricate handiwork. The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who provided exceptional care and kindness. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be conducted with a public celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation or the St. Marys United Church. Arrangements with the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home (519-284-2820 with online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY
Bean
Robert Bean passed away suddenly on January 16, 2025 at the age of 55.
Husband of Jane Bean (Ballantyne). Son of Frank Bean. Stepfather of Dennis and David Neill (Ellie). Brother of Cameron Bean. Nephew of Helen Lucas (Charles). son-in-law of David & Mary Ballantyne, brother-in-law of Jim (Marie), Ken (Lori), Paul (Christine), uncle of Matt Ford, Adam Ford, MacKenzie Ballantyne, Leena Ballantyne, Nolan Ballantyne and great uncle of Aubree and Jillian Ford. Also remembered by many cousins. Predeceased by his mother Jean Moore (Rock), stepfather Ronald Moore, step mother Bonnie Bean (Hodgson), aunt Doris Tippett (Bill), aunt Shirley Mullenix (Paul), and beloved pet Charlie.
OBITUARY Kernick
Maxine Kernick passed away on January 16, 2025 at Stratford General Hospital at the age of 93, born on December 27, 1931.
Wife of the late Wilbur Kernick (1996). Mother of Marlene Dinsmore (Scott) and grandmother of Julia. Dear sister-in-law of Constance Kernick. Predeceased by her parents Theodore and Irene Stephens. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Also survived by many extended family members and long-time friends.
Maxine will always be remembered as being a wonderful school teacher. She will also be remembered for her love of a good waltz and enjoying many games of euchre. Cremation has taken place.
A Memorial Open House will be held at the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington St. S. St. Marys, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 2 – 4 pm. Interment in St. Marys Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation, Stratford General Hospital Foundation or the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY Lang
Lorna Hope Lang passed away peacefully at Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth on January 17, 2025 at the age of 85 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Predeceased by her husband Gary D. Lang (2021). Mother of Randy (Donna), Tony (Karla), and Daniel, deceased (Sandra). Gramma of Ryan, Katie, Alisha (Dillon), Erin (Jeremy), Jesse (Tonia) and also survived by five great-grandchildren Aden, Elliott, Marshall, Willow, and Ava. Remembered by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister Madeline and brother Joseph.
Lorna will be remembered as fabulous cook, a fantastic artist and there is a special place in heaven for someone who raised three boys. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at St. Marys Cemetery, 150 Cain St. St. Marys, on May 10, 2025 at 1 pm. Memorial donations may be made to Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements with the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home (519-284-2820 with online tributes at www. hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
Email
An Open House Celebration of Life will be held at the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington St. S. St. Marys, on Thursday, January 23 from 3 to 6 pm. Memorial donations may be made to Community Living St. Marys and Area. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY Goforth
Lois Shirley Goforth, age 94, lifelong resident of Stratford, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at Spruce Lodge. She was the daughter of the late Stanley and Nellie (Gibson) Kunder.
Predeceased by her true love and best friend, Frank “Tony” Goforth (January 3, 2018).
Loving mother of Waverley (Declan) Griffin. Dearly loved grandmother of Lindsay (Ellen) McClure, Kieran (Allison) Griffin, and Amber (Ryan) Mansell. Great grandmother of 7. Also fondly remembered by her son in law, Paul McClure, and David Watt. Lois is survived by sisters-in-law Marlene, Wendy and Marion Kunder, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her daughter, Jo-Ann McClure, brothers, Don, Wayne and Keith Kunder, brothers-in-law Reid, Bob, Roy, Gord, and Art Goforth, sisters- in- law Ruby, Roberta, Barbara, and Edna Goforth, Marilyn “Molly” and Marilyn Kunder.
Throughout her life, Lois was employed at Kroehler Furniture, Sears Catalogue, Doctors Office on Albert Street, Perth Motors, and the Central Secondary and Northwestern Secondary School cafeterias.
Lois was a parishioner of St. Paul's Anglican Church. She was an active member of the “Friends of St. Paul's”, as well as a Sunday School teacher.
In her youth, she was an avid basketball and baseball player and enjoyed continuing to cheer on her grandchildren in the same sport endeavours. She also loved square dancing and bowling and won competitions in both activities.
A private family interment will take place at Avondale Cemetery, Friday April 25, 2025 at 1p.m., Then friends, and acquaintances are invited to join us for a gathering, from 2-4 p.m.,, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #8, 804 Ontario Street, Stratford.
As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford, ON. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
OPEN HOUSE
Come celebrate Irene’s 90th birthday open house
Jan 25 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Downie optimist hall, St Paul’s Best wishes only
LOOKING BACK
By Amy Cubberley
Albino Blue Jay
25 years ago (2000)
Tony Fluttert, who lives 2km north of St. Marys, said he’s had a pure white blue jay coming to his bird feeder for about three weeks. It comes with a group of seven or eight other blue jays every morning. It is believed that the jay must be albino.
St. Marys is faced with hiring new employees for the Friendship Centre after receiving two resignations within a two-week period.
Director Sue Fowler has resigned to pursue a real estate career after working at the centre for 12 years. Home Support Coordinator Kathy Holdsworth has resigned to continue her career in the nursing field.
50 years ago (1975)
Interior renovations, including re-painting and installation of rebuilt bookcases originally secured from Stratford Public Library, are underway at St. Marys Public Library on Church Street North.
Former Lincoln Rick Fifield, now playing for the Lucan-Ilderton Jets in the Senior Continental Hockey League, is on top of the scoring statistics in that league. Rick has 23 goals and 14 assists for 37 points. Other St. Marys players on the team are also on the list, including Jacques Cousineau and Jack Nairn.
75 years ago (1950)
When the meat truck calls on the mink men there’s no such thing as a small parcel containing a round steak. One local fur rancher had 15 tons of meat unloaded at his establishment. The meat, mostly horse, was packed into 50-pound boxes.
The gas pump man is quite used to hearing “fill ‘er up”, but when George Glover, Queen Street West, heard this familiar phase on Monday he had no idea the capacity of the tank, or tanks, on a Troy NY truck which called at his station. The meter on the pump totaled 70 gallons before it had stopped spinning.
100 years ago (1925)
A number of drivers of sleighs and cutters are unaware that the Highway Act is just as emphatic in requiring that sleigh bells are necessary when sleighs or cutters are driven as lights are when motor vehicles are using the highway. The firm of C. Richardson & Co, Dairy Machinery Manufacturers started working ten hours a day on Monday morning. For the past several months this firm has worked but eight hours a day with a half day off on Saturday. There is a general increase in business, and this necessitates a resumption to the ten-hour day.
Wanted
CLASSIFIED ADSCLASSIFIED ADS
9 7 1 8 3 5
$ Cash Paid $ for your RECORDS and LPs. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Fold, Soundtracks, and more. Selectively buying CDs, Cassettes, Turntables, and Stereo Equipment. For more information: Diamond Dogs Music 114 Ontario St. Stratford/ 226-972-5750
Wanted
A working camcorder that will play Hi-8 digital tapes. Phone 519-284-3774
Wanted 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.
Wanted
I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi or any pop company. Brewery items - Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, wristwatches, 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 me519-570-6920.
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)
For Rent
Large 3 bedroom downtown apartment in 3 story walk up, includes all utilities, wifi, laundry, parking. References required. Available February. Please call 519-697-4985
Wanted
Teenage boy looking for dog walking job in the area of Maxwell street. Call 519-276-8001
Stratford Police Service
We currently have openings for the following position:
Park Patrol
Please refer to the City of Stratford website at www.stratford.ca for details of the duties for this position, minimum qualifications, and application submission process.
Completed application packages for this Park Patrol position will be accepted until January 31st, 2025 at 2:00pm.
Please mail or deliver completed applications to Stratford Police Service, 17 George Street West, Stratford, ON N5A 1A6 OR email to recruitment@stratfordpolice.com.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for testing will be contacted.
No phone calls please. Applications will not be accepted via facsimile.
Radar Auto Parts has a full-time position open in our St. Marys location. Currently looking for a Full Time Counterperson. Looking for a team player.
Please send resume to Radar Auto Parts, 395 Queen Street in St. Marys radarstmarys@gmail.com
Attention: Shawn McNaughton, Branch Manager
Maintenance Millwright
to be responsible for general maintenance and millwrighting duties in our modern livestock feed manufacturing facilities. We offer very competitive wages and a benefit plan.
Straight days, Monday to Friday, Typical hours 7:00am to 4:00 pm, occasional overtime, and weekends
Typical Duties will include, but not limited to:
• Organizing the other maintenance team members
• Booking, and assisting outside contractors as needed
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair problems as they occur
• Adjusting/repairing pellet mills
• Complete preventative maintenance jobs
• Work on other jobs as assigned
Electrical experience/qualifications, would be an asset
If you are interested in joining our growing business please submit your resume to: kpalen@kenpal.on.ca via fax at 519228-6485.
Please note that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted
THE WEEK AHEAD
Legion “hot dogs and more” lunch at Noon - A.N.A.F. meat draw – 6 p.m.
- St. Marys Lincolns vs Sarnia Legionnaires at the PRC – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 25
- St.
- St. Marys Lincolns vs Komoka Kings at Komoka Wellness Centre – 7:15 p.m.
Sunday, January 26
- Thorndale Lions Club Winter Community Breakfast at Thorndale Lions Community Centre - 8:30-11:30 a.m., Adults $15, Kids 6-10 $5, 5 and under eat free - ANAF Funday Darts – starting at 12:45 p.m.
Monday, January 27
- Community Dinner at St. Marys United Church – 5 p.m., Sponsored by St. Marys Rotary Club
Wednesday, January 29
- St. Marys Lincolns vs LaSalle Vipers at Vollmer Culture Rec Centre – 7 p.m.
