The ongoing funding dispute between the St. Marys library board and Perth South has taken its latest toll as library board members reluctantly voted last week to rescind free access to the St. Marys Public Library for students who live in Perth South and do not attend school in St. Marys or its Perth County Information Net-
work (PCIN) partner communities.
At the July 4 library board meeting, members agonized over whether to continue honouring a 2015 PCIN agreement to provide free library cards to students across the county, including in Perth South, after a dispute over how much funding St. Marys’ neighbouring township should
By Wendy Lamond
At a time when the Kinsmen Club of St. Marys should have been celebrating a successful 50th-anniversary Summerfest weekend, organizers of the annual event were left with a sour taste in their mouths after a significant amount of alcohol was stolen from one of their secured event trailers.
A secured trailer located behind the big refreshment tent was broken into at some point between 2 and 4 a.m. Monday. From that trailer, the Kinsmen say a significant amount of alcohol was taken but, as of press time, they were not ready to share the approximate value of that stolen alcohol. In addition to the alcohol theft, the thief or thieves made away with a $4,000 Honda generator owned by Magical Midways, the company that brought all the midway games to Summerfest.
“I’m now embarrassed for the fact that we had a fantastic midway operator come to our town and provide such a great time to all our residents just to have bad actors put us in a bad light,” event organizer and Kinsman Ryan Leaman told the Independent. “We’re absolutely gutted. We put so much of our time into the weekend, only grabbing a few hours of sleep, then heading right back at it.”
In an update provided late Monday night, the Kinsmen said police have a potential lead on the theft after learning a dark-coloured truck of an unknown make and model was seen driving erratically over the green bridge towards Queen Street at around
Perth-Wellington hospitals receive $6.1 million in provincial funding for upgrades and repairs
By Galen Simmons
Four rural hospitals in Perth and Wellington counties, including the Stratford General Hospital and the St. Marys Memorial Hospital, have received more than $6.1 million combined through the province’s Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) and Exceptional Circumstances Project Grant (ECPG) program.
In a recent press release, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced the Stratford General Hospital would receive nearly $1.44 million and the St. Marys Memorial Hospital would receive more than $217,000 through the HIRF in 2024-2025.
“Our local public hospitals provide high-quality care,” Rae said in the press release. “It is funding like this that will allow them to continue providing that care locally. This funding demonstrates our government’s commitment to our local rural hospitals.”
In an email, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance president and CEO Andrew Williams told Grant Haven Media the funds are earmarked for a number of
projects across both hospital sites. In Stratford, the money will be used for LED lighting and sprinkler installations in the east building, as well as additional window replacements in the west building. In St. Marys, that money will go to LED lighting upgrades, north-wing window replacements and upgrades to the ambulance, main and Meighen wing exterior-entrance doors.
“As always, we truly value the support we receive from the government through the Hospital Infrastructure Renewal Fund and very much appreciate MPP Rae’s ongoing advocacy on our behalf,” Williams said.
Meanwhile, the Listowel Memorial Hospital will receive a total of more than $3.2 million – nearly $248,000 from the HIRF and $3 million through ECPG – while the North Wellington Health Care Corporation will get a total of more than $1.2 million – nearly $366,000 from the HIRF and $850,000 through ECPG – in 2024-2025.
At the Listowel Memorial Hospital, those funds will go towards completing a multi-year heating, ventilation
and air-conditioning project, as well as building-security upgrades. At the North Wellington Health Care Corporation, the funds will support critical-infrastructure projects including updates to electrical equipment and power supplies to prepare for a planned MRI installation.
Neither the Stratford or St. Marys hospitals received any funding through the ECPG program as part of this announcement.
“We were made aware that the demand for funds far exceeded funds available (through the ECPG program) and that funds dispersed by the province over and above the base (HIRF) amounts received are towards those projects deemed most urgent,” Williams said of not receiving any additional funding.
The Ontario government is investing more than $228 million this year to support critical infrastructure upgrades and repairs at 129 hospitals and 58 community health-care facilities across the province. This funding from the province allows its healthcare providers to address urgent infrastructure renewal needs such as upgrades or replacements of roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms
and back-up generators.
This year’s increase includes an additional $20 million through the ECPG, which is designed to provide targeted support for the most urgent hospital infrastructure renewal needs throughout the province.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making record investments in the health care system to ensure people are able to access care at state-of-the-art hospitals and community health providers,” said Ontario Minister of Health Sylvia Jones in the press release. “This year, our government is investing an additional $20 million to allow facilities to modernize and make critical upgrades, ensuring people can connect to the care they need, when they need it, close to home.”
HIRF was established in 1999 and provides annualized funding to assist hospitals in renewing their facilities. This includes upgrades, repairs and maintenance projects. Grants through the HIRF supplement hospital needs on a priority basis. This allows hospitals to decide where to invest the money and lets them proceed quickly with projects.
COMMUNITY
Traffic and parking stall closures for 2024 Stonetown Heritage Festival weekend
By St. Marys Independent staff
Saturday, July 13 closures
Please note that the following roads and parking stalls will be closed on Saturday, July 13 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. due to the Stonetown Heritage Festival:
• Queen Street from Church Street to Thomas Street
• A section of Wellington Street from 16 Wellington St. S to 11 Wellington St. N
• Water Street from Jones Street East to the Water Street North municipal parking lot
A detour route will be marked out with signage for those needing an alternate route.
Free shuttle service
Park at or walk to the Pyramid Recreation Centre (317 James St. S) for a ride to the festivities downtown. The shuttle will run on a continual loop on Saturday, July 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The shuttle pick-up/drop-off locations will be at the St. Marys Friendship Centre (Entrance C), town hall and Milt Dunnell Field.
Alternative downtown parking lots during Saturday closure
• Jones Street East (behind the Adult Learning Centre)
No public parking will be available in the Opera House lot during the festival.
The trestle (Sarnia bridge) will be closed to pedestrian traffic on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. for the fireworks show. Those viewing the show are reminded to watch from a safe distance of at least 200 meters, including from water.
Sunday, July 14 closures
Please note that the following road closures and traffic disruptions will take place on Sunday, July 14 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Stonetown Heritage Crit youth cycling event:
• 1 Veterans’ Circle (Milt Dunnell ring road) will be closed to vehicular traffic. Parking is not permitted
on the ring road during the closure.
• Water Street North will be closed from the Water Street North municipal parking lot to the north entrance of Milt Dunnell Field
• Restricted access to Jardine Street (local traffic only)
• Restricted access on Parkview Drive (local traffic only)
• Restricted access on Water Street North from the north entrance of Milt Dunnell Field and Widder Street East (local traffic only)
Spectators are encouraged to check out the events at Milt Dunnell Field on foot.
Alternative downtown parking lots during Sunday closure
• Downtown core
• Jones Street East (behind the Adult Learning Centre)
• Elgin Street East (Canadian Tire Parking lot)
• Water Street North
Event details
For more details about the event, visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/festival.
• Elgin Street East (Canadian Tire Parking lot)
COMMENTARY
The right costs to cut: Local students and families feel the pinch of Perth South’s cost-cutting measures
By Galen Simmons
There are no right decisions when it comes to cutting costs, a conversation that is happening around more and more council tables these days as municipalities deal with the impacts of provincial downloading and the ever-rising prices of goods and services.
As reported in this edition of the St. Marys Independent, Perth South council’s decision to cut its library services budget in half this year is continuing to take its toll.
Now, not only are many Perth South residents unable to check out books and other materials from their closest library, but their kids – students who live in Perth South but do not attend school in St. Marys – have similarly had their access to the local library restricted, depriving them of the ability to freely research school projects, check out books to read over the summer and even download e-books from the library and the Perth County Information Network’s (PCIN) online catalogue.
Having watched the most recent St. Marys library board meeting, I can tell you this was not an easy decision for board members to make. No one wanted to take free library services away from kids, and library CEO Sarah Andrews told the board her staff hate having to tell students, their families and other Perth South residents they can no longer access the library services they depend on.
While rural municipalities like Perth
Overheard
South continue to be forced to make tough decisions to balance rising costs with somewhat stagnant tax bases, the question remains: why cut library services?
Was there nothing else the township could have considered to help it either reduce costs or increase revenue this year? Was there a better way of discussing these financial pressures with the St. Marys library board and its other library partners before making the decision to cut?
When it comes to local politics and the relationships between neighbouring communities, I’ve learned diplomacy is key.
For the majority of my time covering councils in Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys, I’ve seen nothing short of enthusiasm among local governments and politicians when it comes to working with one another to save on costs and identify creative solutions to difficult problems. Why has that changed suddenly?
I think we can all agree that when a political decision hurts kids like this one now has, it’s time for everyone to come back to the table and start over.
I know the St. Marys library board is hopeful Perth South council might consider a new service agreement that will reinstate township students’ free library cards, and that would be a good start toward healing the relationship between two neighbouring communities with such a long history of partnership and goodwill.
Shop
Maybe I’m old but the beer tent seems to be getting younger!
with the title "Overheard at The Coffee Shop", call 519-284-0041 or drop by the office to let us know! What kind of lowlife steals from a volunteer service club?
Bravo Boo
We have 1 Bravo this week. 1) Bravo to Ruth (in the nice green Subaru). On July 5, I accidentally locked my keys in the truck at the municipal yard waste drop off site. Ruth kindly lent me her phone so I could call my wife to ask her to bring me the spare keys (but she wasn't home). Ruth then very generously offered to give me a lift home so I could get them. Her kindness and thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.
Quote of the Week
“I never doubted my ability as a coach, what I’ve always doubted in this business is how do you find the right people to work with? And so the best thing about where I’m at right now is it feels home to me. It feels like I’m working with a group of players that I think value the things that I bring. I value the things that they’re about.”
- Canada's coach Jesse Marsch prior to the semi-final game against Argentina at Copa America Tuesday, July 9.
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
St. Marys Independent
Publisher
Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com
Regional Editor
Galen Simmons • galen@granthaven.com
Graphic Design / Sales Inquiries
Tyler Carruthers • info@stmarysindependent.com
Business Development
Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com
Billing Administrator
Cindy Boakes • boakescindy1576@gmail.com
Administrative Assistant
Wendy Lamond • wendylamond74@gmail.com
Contributors
June Grant, Nancy Bickell, Mary Smith, Nancy Abra, Lauren Eedy, Spencer Seymour, Sarah Cairns, Paul Knowles, Jake Grant
36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@stmarysindependent.com | 519.284.0041 | granthaven.com
*Please note all Boos and Bravos must be signed in order to be considered. Bravos and Boos are submitted by community members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the St. Marys Independent.
We have no Boos this week.
COMMUNITY
Devin Oliver named Firefighter of the Month for July
By St. Marys Independent staff
The St. Marys Fire Department is pleased to announce Devin Oliver as its Firefighter of the Month for July. Oliver is the department’s newest hire. He was born in Stratford and moved to St. Marys for a few years when he was nine years old.
Oliver is a graduate of Lambton College’s Pre-Service Fire program, where he obtained Firefighter Level I and II, Hazmat Awareness and Operation, and Technical Rope Rescue certificates.
When asked why he wanted to become a firefighter, Oliver said “firefighting is a rewarding career that allows you to help the community and have a positive impact on people’s lives.”
“I also enjoy the team dynamic of the department,” he continued in a press release. “We are a caring and determined group and we like working together to complete difficult tasks.
“I've also seen how much the community values the department with generous donations and contributions to our scrap-metal cleanup, plus a great turnout at the annual firefighter's breakfast. I’m very
STONETOWN STONETOWN CCRIER
The latest municipal news from the Town of St. Marys
proud to call myself a part of this team.”
Off duty, Oliver works for Horizon ProResp as a service delivery technician.
“Devin was selected as Firefighter of the Month for his willingness to learn at every opportunity,” said Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson in the press release. “Stepping into this new world can be quite the change. Devin has taken it all in stride and is progressing very well with his training.”
“Devin has already demonstrated the determination it takes to be a firefighter,” added deputy fire chief Phil West. “He is learning that you need to be a problem solver, a tool in a toolbox, always willing to do what it takes to help others.”
This year ' s Stonetown Heritage Festival takes place on July 12 to 14 and features family-friendly activities, a heritage walking tour, vendor's market, downtown street festival and a fireworks show discoverstmarys.ca/festival
EARLYON: WHEELS ALL AROUND THE TOWN
July 22, 12:30 - 2:30 PM | Solis Park
Come and visit the EarlyON Centre at Solis Park for Play & Learn to explore a variety of vehicles commonly seen in the community townofstmarys.com/earlyon or 226-374-6544
Valued at $480+! Zoom Whitening for only $299!
Aug 12 - 16, 9 AM - 12 PM | Lind Sportsplex
Campers will participate in different sports each day of the week while learning the basic skills and rules of play for multiple games and activities
Our Senior of the Week is Beth Grant who celebrated her 78th birthday on July 10. Beth enjoys visiting with the neighbors when out walking her dog Georgie. She regularly attends aquafit classes at the PRC and is a long-time member of the Stonetowne Quilters' Guild. Beth has two children and three grandchildren. Happy Belated Birthday, Beth.
If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, Contact us at 519-284-0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com.
Town hosting municipal hazardous and special product event on July 20
The Town of St. Marys is hosting its next municipal hazardous and special product disposal day on Saturday, July 20.
The event will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the municipal operations centre (MOC) at 408 James St. S (enter off South Service Road). It is open to residents of St. Marys and Perth South.
Items that will be accepted at the disposal event include:
All materials must be sealed and in their original containers with labels. Materials should be transported in the rear of vehicles (trunk, truck bed, etc.), and contained in rigid containers for safe transport and unloading. Vehicles with materials in the back or front seat will be re-directed to a separate area of the parking lot where they can be moved to the trunk or tailgate. Residents are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times as materials will be unloaded by trained staff.
Please note that the MHSW depot that was located at the St. Marys Landfill has now been closed, and MHSW material will no longer be received at the landfill.
For more information about waste disposal services in St. Marys, visit townofstmarys.com/MHSW.
If you are interested, contact If you are interested, contact Heather Dunbar at: Heather at: heather@granthaven.com heather@granthaven.com
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
AMDSB passes 2024-2025 budget with slight deficit
By Connor Luczka, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Avon Maitland District School Board has passed its 2024-2025 budget ahead of the deadline at the end of June.
Although expected to run a morethan $2 million deficit, the approved 2024-2025 budget for AMDSB complies with the Ministry of Education’s budget compliance rule.
Graham Shantz, director of education and secretary of the board, said in a letter attached to the approved budget that despite increases in revenues and student enrollment, they did not fully cover expenses.
“We will continue to use our funding effectively and efficiently as we review the details from our ministry agreements and implement new goals over the next school year,” Shantz wrote. “As we look forward, we will be undertaking a budget review process during the 2024-2025 school year. “This process will enable us to make
data-driven decisions that maximize our student’s learning experience. It will also aid us in developing and implementing budgets for future years that can adjust to shifts in ministry funding.”
The operating deficit is under one per cent of the annual operating revenue, which is compliant with the ministry of education’s budget-compliance rule.
Including capital and operating budgets, the total revenue for the AMDSB is projected at $268,913,236 and the total expenditures are expected to be $271,657,407, leaving a $2,744,171 deficit.
Main expenses for the school board are salaries and wages, which equals $154,114,466, followed by employee benefits at $28,764,072, supplies and services at $21,899,527, and fees and contractual services at $21,529,187.
The full AMDSB budget package can be found at https://22.files.edl. io/5875/06/26/24/123412-c4a9dbb80204-4efe-9db7-42b828890f04.pdf.
COMMUNITY
Library board rescinds access to Perth South students who attend school outside St. Marys amid ongoing funding dispute
Continued from page 1
pay this year so its residents could continue using the St. Marys library free of charge. After the township and the library board could not come to a funding agreement, the library board voted in May to restrict Perth South residents’ ability to check out books, e-books and other materials, however local students were still permitted to do so in accordance with the PCIN agreement.
“St. Marys along with our PCIN partners agreed to provide library cards to students in multiple boards,” St. Marys library CEO Sarah Andrews told the board of the 2015 agreement.
“ … It was intended to support students in their literacy development and their access to information in a public library. It provided them with a library card that could be used in any library in Perth County.
“ … It does shed a different light on our situation with Perth South. When this agreement was reached, we had received funding for many years from Perth South, so everyone in Perth County was participating and paying into the library system. As we know, that’s changed, so it is the St. Marys Public Library board’s decision whether we will continue to support this initiative or whether we say we are taking a break from it while Perth South takes a break from having a service agreement with us.”
During the lengthy discussion that followed, both Andrews and library board chair Cole Atlin emphasized the fact that the Perth South funding cut was already taking its toll on the St. Marys library as operating hours are being cut this year and staff have been working to reduce costs wherever possible. The board’s decision, Andrews said, is about what level of commitment the library should have in serving Perth South residents now that Perth South is not paying St. Marys for its library services.
“It’s equally hard, if not harder, to say, ‘I’m sorry, your municipality doesn’t have an agreement with us,’ to young moms, to people who need to use the computer, to the people who come in and just need a quick photocopy, to people who want to participate in summer programs,” Andrews said. “It’s not an easy discussion with anybody. … Every single one of them is very difficult for staff to have that discussion with them.”
“This is not why any of us joined the library board,” Atlin added. “To cut hours and to take service away and take cards away; do you think that any of us are excited to come here and have these discussions? I certainly am not.”
While the board decided to rescind access to the library for students who live in Perth South and do not attend school in St. Marys, members seemed marginally hopeful about approaching Perth South council with a potential PCIN service agreement that would see a portion of the township’s remaining library budget go toward reinstating library cards for all Perth South students.
In the meantime, Atlin said she and Andrews would meet with Stratford Public Library CEO Krista Robinson and Stratford Public Library board chair Michael Corbett to determine how that board plans to deal with its own Perth South funding cuts in next year’s budget and whether it will honour the 2015 PCIN agreement as it relates to Perth South going forward.
St. Marys library hours to be reduced in 2024 and 2025 due to funding shortfall
Also at the July 4 library board meeting, board members voted to approve a number of service cuts this year and in 2025 to make up for the shortfall in funding resulting from the lack of a service agreement with Perth South.
While the library provided services to Perth South residents from Jan. 1 to April 30 and it received payment for those services of $24,787.68, to have a balanced budget without the full funding from Perth South, Andrews said the 2024 budget would need to reflect the loss of $49,576.
To help recover those savings, Andrews said she met with her staff and found ways to reduce a number of budget lines in the library’s 2024 budget without noticeably impacting overall service levels for library users. This included reducing the office-supplies budget by $2,160, the contracted-services budget by $4,854 and the capital-book-purchase budget by $11,804 among others, while increasing projected revenue from donations by $5,000 and adding a $5,000 contribution from reserves.
“The cuts to the budget lines bring us down to $35,771, which doesn’t get us to $49,000, so there are two
service-level cuts,” Andrews said. “ … The first is to close Saturday afternoons – which would save us three staff who work normally on a Saturday afternoon – for three months in 2024 and then for all of 2025. That saves us about $4,000 in 2024 and $16,000 in 2025.
“The second service-level change for staffing is to close Thursday evenings and that saves us $5,363 in 2024 and about $10,000 in 2025.”
The board also approved budget cuts for 2025 to make up the full $74,363 in lost funding from Perth South, and board members expressed interest in donating their honorariums totalling $1,000 back to the library to help offset that funding shortfall.
At the April 4 library board meeting, board members discussed a March 20 letter sent by Perth South CAO Fred Tranquilli informing the board the township council had reduced its budgetary allocation for library services from both Stratford and St. Marys to just $53,734 combined and asked the St. Marys library board to reduce its funding request. The library board voted down that request, citing the fact St. Marys residents already subsidize library services for their neighbours in Perth South.
As part of a 20-year service agreement between Perth South, the Huron County Library in Kirkton, the St. Marys Public Library and the Stratford Public Library, Perth South was asked by the St. Marys library board to contribute $74,363 – an increase by five per cent over what the township paid last year – to allow Perth South residents to access free library services from St. Marys in 2024. The Stratford Public Library also requested $45,480 from Perth South to allow its residents to access library services there.
In his letter, Tranquilli said Perth South council already approved a request from the Huron County Library for $11,266 in funding this year. While Tranquilli said the budget for Stratford library services could be accommodated in this reduced budget allocation for library services, he asked the St. Marys library board to consider submitting a revised budget request that fits within Perth South’s allocation. As a result, the Stratford library board also opted not to renew its service agreement with Perth South.
The St. Marys library board voted last week to rescind free access to the library for students who live in Perth South and do not attend school in St. Marys or its Perth County Information Network (PCIN) partner communities until a new service agreement is reached between the board and the township. Photo by Wendy Lamond
New Ownership at St. Marys New Orleans Pizza
By Wendy Lamond
New Orleans Pizza has officially reopened under new ownership.
The new owner, Ajay Gautam, immigrated from India to Canada a decade ago. When asked what brought Gautam to Canada, he said he wanted to do something on his own for himself. He was selling cars in London when a friend who owned a pizza place
encouraged him to get involved in the business. He bought the Listowel New Orleans in October 2023, but after seeing the St. Marys store and experiencing the friendliness of the town, Gautam decided to change locations and took over the St. Marys store on April 10.
Some of the changes that have taken place since new ownership took over include the reintroduction of subs on
the menu, and the delivery radius has also been extended.
Also, previously when calling in to the store, customers were put to a call centre. This is no longer in place and when customers call to place an order, they will be speaking with someone at the St. Marys location.
Gautam is open to any suggestions as to how to make the business better and is eager to meet the community.
He is thrilled to be running the St. Marys New Orleans Pizza.
“Life has its up and downs, but you need to believe in yourself and good things will happen,” Gautam said. Orders can be placed by calling 519284-4949. Locals can also reach the New Orleans Pizza team at nopstmarys2@gmail.com.
Pictured from left to right are store manager Brittany Smith, Listowel New Orleans Pizza (NOP) store manager Parth Sharma, NOP head office reprsentative Marcus Anwar, employee Jayden Fenton, NOP owner Ajay Gautam, Listowel’s Country Inn owner Rick Patel, St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee, Stratford police Const. Jasmyn Burkholder, St. Marys Fire Chief Richard Anderson, fire department chaplain Jeff Sager and Stratford Police Const. Aaron Mounfield. Photo by Wendy Lamond
Head office representative Marcus Anwar and new St. Marys owner Ajay Gautam proudly stand in front of the New Orleans Pizza mural. Photo by Wendy Lamond
Summerfest 2024 another huge success for Kinsmen
Hunter and Hannah Hodgson enjoying the Magical Midway rides at Summerfest on the weekend. Contributed photos
Magical Midways provided some great entertainment for kids of all ages.
Perth County Properties Aerial Media were able to get some great shots of Milt Dunnell Field during Summerfest.
Cousins Laura Parkinson and Marleigh Lush look delighted for their turn on the motorcycles.
Another great shot from Perth County Properties Aerial Media
Kevin and Zohl were the winners of the 2nd annual Cornhole tournament that took place on Saturday during Summerfest.
A frustrating end to a successful Summerfest as a theft occurs at Milt
Dunnell
Field
community and local initiatives.
3 a.m. Monday. Anyone with security cameras in the area of Water Street and Queen Street is asked to check their footage and contact Stratford police at 519-271-4141 if their cameras caught anything suspicious.
Leaman said he was disgusted by the thefts, especially after the hours that are put into the Summerfest weekend by volunteers. Summerfest is the Kinsmen’s largest fundraiser with all the money raised going back to the
There were lots of rides, games, events, live music and refreshments at this year’s Summerfest and it takes many hardworking volunteers to pull off a successful event like this.
Many people attended Summerfest and the weather, for the most part, ended up being great. Magical Midways was on site with rides and games for all ages from July 4-7. The corn hole tournament and dunk tank went off without a hitch.
COMMUNITY
Perth County council to consider scrapping $10,000 Cultivating Opportunity Grant program
By Galen Simmons
Perth County council will soon consider whether to scrap the now $10,000 annual Cultivating Opportunity Grant program to help reduce the overall tax burden on county residents.
At the July 4 Perth County council meeting, county clerk and manager of legislative services Tyler Sager presented council with a report outlining a few recommended policy changes to the Cultivating Opportunity Grant program. While the program, prior to this year, had been funded by the county in two streams – one for tree-planting projects with a total of the $25,000 in county funding available and the other to support not-for-profit and charitable organizations in the county with programs and services that benefit county residents with a total of $10,000 in funding available – council opted last year to transfer the tree-planting funding stream to the new Perth County Stewardship Program, which supports environmental projects that protect the county’s air, water and soil.
The proposed policy changes, Sager explained to councillors, would eliminate any reference to the tree-planting funding, eliminate reference to two streams of funding since there is only one now, make minor spelling and grammar corrections and trans-
fer the policy into a new accessible format. While council ultimately approved those policy changes, Coun. Hugh McDermid suggested councillors discuss whether the county should continue to offer Cultivating Opportunity grants given the county’s 12.31 per-cent tax-levy increase this year.
“I think we should look at the fact that last year we increased our (levy) by 12.31 per cent,” McDermid said. “I realize that $10,000 is only 0.045 per cent of the levy, but I think this coming year is going to be a double (digit) increase again. We (should) at least look at something to give up. (It would show) goodwill for our taxpayers that we are at least doing something.
“I’ve seen in the news that an awful lot of municipalities are cutting … things out of their budget because they can’t afford them anymore, and it seems that our stewardship program is going to get another $25,000. The amount of staff time that’s spent on this seems to be excessive, so I would move that we put this program on vacation until we are better able to finance it.”
With county staff set to begin early preparations for this year’s Cultivating Opportunity Grant program by the end of this month or in August so the application process can begin in
the fall, Coun. Todd Kasenberg suggested staff defer that work at least until after council’s next meeting Aug. 1. At that meeting, Kasenberg asked staff to bring a report on the Cultivating Opportunity Grant program and similar programs offered by other municipalities in the region so councillors can discuss the merits of either keeping it running or eliminating it altogether.
“When we consider a move to get rid of a county-based grant program, we need to give the public the opportunity to offer comment,” Kasenberg said. “I’m not willing today to rush into this. I think we should send a message to the public that we intend to consider more completely whether we intend to discontinue this program’s funding.”
While no decision on the program has been made yet, councillors Jerry Smith and Sue Orr spoke out against discontinuing the grant program, with Orr backing a suggestion made by Coun. Jim Aitcheson earlier in the discussion about streamlining the program to lessen the workload for staff.
“This grant is cultivating opportunities,” Smith said. “We’re recommending approving new subdivisions, we want more people to come to our communities, to come to the county. We
start removing some of these things and, as Coun. McDermid mentioned, it’s 0.04 per cent of our budget for $10,000; we’ll see some of these people not come to Perth County. They’ll go to a different county. This is a great grant program to help a little bit. I’m totally not in favour of removing it or cancelling it. Every little bit helps and we shouldn’t have a problem funding this one.”
As it stands, the Cultivating Opportunity Grant program has a total of $10,000 to distribute annually among successful applicants, each of which is eligible for a maximum of $2,500. In 2023, funding through the community stream of this program was awarded to the Perth County Transition Home for Women (Optimism Place Women’s Shelter and Support Services), the Perth County 4-H Association, the Humane Society of Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford-Perth, and the North Perth Seniors Centre. This year, funding was granted to Stratford Summer Music, United Way Perth-Huron and the Huron Perth Ag Science Centre.
According to Sager, since the program was revamped and refreshed, the number of grant applications per year has increased from an average of just 2.6 from 2018-2022 up to 7.5 in 2023 and 2024.
COMMUNITY
York Street Thought Process reflects on singing and songwriting
By Emily Stewart
Duo York Street Thought Process, comprising musicians Rachael Frankruyter and Jaron Camp, are working to build anticipation for their upcoming album.
Their latest album, Colder, will be released on Aug. 5. Before the St. Marys based duo releases the album, they will release new singles every other Monday. Their latest single, “Stars and Machines,” came from Frankruyter’s observations on a skewed perception of the music’s worth based on streaming figures. The song was also inspired by the many tasks independent musicians must do that aren’t related to performing, such as social media and pushing out applications to receive playlist adds, festival-performance slots, grants and blog reviews.
“While spending time on these things are necessary for success as a musician, it can quickly feel like your focus has shifted from the art completely,” Frankruyter said to the St. Marys Independent. “I am incredibly grateful to be able to create art and share it with others, and I think as a musician now, it is essential to not give the streaming numbers and recognition all of your energy, and remind yourself that the ability to create art and connect with people through it is a beautiful and special experience. Otherwise, it is easy to get burnt out quickly.”
The pair played off and on together as solo musicians for years before forming York Street Thought Process and releasing their first album, Roots in 2022. Frankruyter and Camp would meet in Frankruyter’s hometown of Stratford for coffee and sit by the Avon River backing out onto York Street while sharing ideas. York Street Thought Process performed at a variety of venues from local eatery TuttCo. to Stratford’s The Bunker Café and Performance Lounge, and London’s renowned Home County Music and Art Festival as Emm Gryner’s backing band members.
“We love having the opportunity to play small, intimate venues where we feel a strong connection to audience members,” the band said. “Getting the chance to chat with listeners after a show or on a set break is one of our favourite aspects of playing these venues. As we look to the future, we have goals of playing our original music at folk festivals to reach an even wider audience in a folk-loving atmosphere.”
York Street Thought Process is all about the “playful and authentic folk experience,” as the band loves improvisation and keeping the music fresh
for themselves and their audience, in addition to seeking inspiration from John Prine and Bob Dylan in their passion for songwriting and recording the sound of instruments, rather than creating sound electronically. The band travelled to Newfoundland, where Camp’s family is from, to work on its Colder album. The pair wrote songs driving up, in the cottage and in the car after hiking. Newfoundland based musicians Keelan Purchase (button accordion) and Leah Vokey (fiddle), as well as Eric Lagace (Concertina) and Kevin Lagace (group vocals) from PEI are featured on the album.
“Both of our albums have been recorded in small cottages instead of studio spaces,” the band said. “We believe that being isolated from everyday life allows us to be in a fully creative environment. The entire trip was truly inspiring and we would recommend any creative to take a trip there and see what comes out of it.”
York Street Thought Process will perform at the Stonetown Heritage Festival on July 13 at 7:15 p.m. They will also tour with Toronto trio Wild Bloom to honour the release of Colder. They will be performing at St. Marys’ River Walk Commons on Aug. 17 and will also stop in London, Stratford and Toronto.
More information can be found by visiting www.yorkstreetthoughtprocess.com.
St. Marys based York Street Thought Process is getting ready to release its second album, Colder. Photo courtesy of Lucid Musings Photography
St. Marys Independent SPORTS
www.lindsaypickering.ca
lindsaypickering22@gmail.com
alumni Carter George drafted by LA Kings
By Spencer Seymour
Just over one year ago, Carter George was sitting inside GOJHL dressing rooms as a member of the St. Marys Lincolns. Fast forward to just over one week ago when George was sitting inside the Sphere in Las Vegas for the NHL entry draft, during which the Los Angeles Kings selected George as the 57th overall pick. George recently spoke to the Independent and admitted his meteoric rise through junior hockey en route to becoming an NHL second-round draft pick has been a whirlwind.
“If you would have told me back when I was in St. Marys that less than two years later, I’d be experiencing all of this, I probably wouldn’t have believed you,” said George. “The Lincolns were such a great stepping stone for me and such a great organization to help me get junior experience and work my way to the OHL. St. Marys was one of the big pieces that went into my success and I just can't thank St. Marys enough for what they did for me during my 16-year-old season.”
As a kid, George cheered for the L.A. Kings, a fact that the native of Thunder Bay acknowledged made his big day all the more memorable.
“Growing up, I was a huge Kings fan, so getting drafted by that organization; it's just extra special and I'm happy that I got drafted by L.A. because I had talked to them throughout the year and they really wanted me, and that's what I want. I want to go to a team that wants me. I did a draft show and I’m pretty sure I said that I'd want to get picked by L.A. in the morning of the draft. I just got to the development camp and the facility here is off the charts and they treat you like kings.”
When asked how it would feel to wear his childhood team’s jersey in a real NHL game in the future, George couldn’t contain his eagerness.
“I'm so excited. That’s something I've been dreaming about since I was probably four years old. To put on that jersey and actually play for this team would just mean the world to
me. To play in front of a great crowd in L.A. would definitely be amongst the best experiences I've ever had.”
Going into the weekend of the draft, George didn’t expect to become a King. Los Angeles entered the twoday event with no picks in the second and third rounds, the range in which George was expected to be selected. However, during the first round, the Kings made a trade with the Montreal Canadiens, which saw Montreal send Los Angeles the 26th, 57th, and 198th overall picks in the 2024 draft. In return, the Canadiens moved up five spots in the draft’s opening round, acquiring the 21st overall pick from the Kings.
As pick number 57 rolled around and it was confirmed that Los Angeles was making the pick, George got the feeling his name was coming next.
“To be completely honest, I didn't think I was going to go to L.A. because they didn't have a second-round pick. When they made
the trade with Montreal, I thought there was a chance I might go to L.A., and sure enough, they used that second-round pick on me.”
George described his feelings as he made his way down to the draft floor to accept his jersey and hat from his new team.
“Once I saw their pick was up, I got a little nervous and then they called my name and it just felt surreal. It's hard to explain. It's almost like shock just runs through your body. It's like all the nerves and everything build up and then it's a kind of relief. Then, of course, I hugged my parents and it got a little emotional there. Obviously, they've done so much to get me here, so it gets emotional hugging them.
“Then walking down from the stands, it doesn't feel real,” George continued. “It's like it hasn't really sunk in yet, and it was a pretty cool experience that I'm definitely fortunate I got to have it because I don't
know what they are going to do at the draft next year; if it’ll be in-person or not, but I think it was pretty cool and something I’m always going to remember.”
Those who watched the 2024 draft were treated to a much more dramatic presentation than in years past with the production values employed at the Sphere vastly greater than has been previously seen at the NHL draft. Perhaps the best example of this was the graphic and horn that blared when a trade had been made, such as the deal that resulted in George being drafted by the Kings, which George was blown away by. “It was awesome. The way they had the lights set up and everything; it was so cool. It was such a such a cool experience. To go to the Sphere and see all the guys you play with or play against get drafted and put on jerseys with all the lights and videos they had was all definitely really cool.
“The trade alerts were crazy,” George added. “It would be just normal music and then all of a sudden, a trade happened and this insane horn would go off and they shoot this big puck on the screen that showed it was a trade alert. Anytime there was a trade, that scared the life out of me.”
There was little rest for George and his fellow draftees, with the former Lincolns’ goaltender flying from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for the team’s development camp just one day later.
“There have been a couple of times where I’ve thought, ‘Wow, this is really happening,’ ” George said, recounting standout moments of his post-draft whirlwind. “It was pretty cool getting to do all the photos and the media and everything and then you meet your family in the lounge and all that was pretty cool. Once I got on the plane to go to L.A. and when I was there, it was kind of crazy to think, ‘I got drafted 24 hours ago and now I’m at the Kings’ training facility,’ and that’s when it sets in that the work really begins.”
Lincs’
Former St. Marys Lincolns’ goaltender Carter George had his name called on June 29, the second day of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, by his favourite childhood team, the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings took George with the 57th overall pick in the draft. Contributed photo
SPORTS
Burgins earn more accolades at Ontario Masters
By Spencer Seymour
Aileen and Harold Burgin brought seven gold medals and yet another record back to St. Marys after another strong showing at the Athletics Ontario Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championship held June 29-30 at the Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University.
Harold Burgin earned gold in the men’s 85+ 100-metre and 200-metre runs, as well as the discus, shot put and javelin throws. Meanwhile, Aileen Burgin captured the top prize in the women’s 80+ 100-metre and 200-metre sprints. In the latter, Aileen Burgin set a new record time of 51.86 seconds, breaking the record she set one year ago. Aileen Burgin also came within just over a second of setting another provincial record in the 100-metre event.
“It feels good,” Aileen Burgin told the Independent when discussing her and Harold Burgin's success. "We are unique in the sense that we’re husband and wife competing at this level. We know of no other couples competing in our age classes.”
Aileen noted the training regiment the two employ as being key to their continued athletic success.
“We have to give a lot of credit to the twice-a-week falls-prevention-exercise classes that the Friendship Centre offers at the local Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre. We try to follow those up with our own version of HIIT (high-intensity interval training), using the suitable space on our farm lane. Mindful of the possibility, at our age, of injury, we have been careful not to overextend these sessions.”
As one would expect, the partners enjoy witnessing one another’s successes while also having fun competing to one-up each other.
“Naturally, we are proud to see each other do well,” said Aileen Burgin. “I really get a charge out of
Harold Burgin launches a javelin into the air during the Athletics Ontario Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championship held June 29-30 at the Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University. Harold and Aileen Burgin combined for seven gold medals and, for Aileen Burgin, a new provincial record. Photo by ShaggysPhotos.com
bettering Harold’s time in both the 100-metre and 200-metre dashes thanks to the two-year age difference, no doubt. Harold leaves no stone unturned when he has the chance to brag about his partner’s
successes.”
According to Aileen Burgin, part of the reason she narrowly missed out on the 100-metre record was the rainy conditions during the event with the sun coming back out in time for her record-breaking 200-metre run. Despite just missing on her earlier record, the accomplishment still feels massive for Aileen.
“Setting the 200-metre record was still more of a surprise than an expectation. I am definitely solar-powered, as I did much better in the sunny conditions. Being recognized and seeing my name on the official Ontario records is pretty special for me. I have managed to break a total of four track records, which is something I never dreamed of in my first 81 years.”
For both Aileen and Harold Burgin, their interactions with members of the community continue to serve as motivation for their track-and-field pursuits.
“People of all ages go out of their way to express their congratulations, which are often followed up by the hope that they, too, could be similarly fit when they reach our age. That encourages us to continue to set the example that physical activity can still be part of the aging process. We want to promote the Athletics Ontario Masters program. The only criteria is that you must be 30 years of age or older. Anyone is eligible to enter any of the events. You pay your membership, choose your event and show up to compete. All are officially timed or measured.
“We went to high school in St. Marys,” Aileen Burgin continued. “We taught there for over 30 years and called St. Marys our hometown. When we attend any function in or around St. Marys, we are met with smiles and congratulations. Knowing that our achievements are being used as inspiration to others keeps us going and hoping that others will join in this endeavour.”
U15 WOBA Red Rockies win high-scoring battle over Goderich
By Spencer Seymour
The bats of the Social Thirty-One U15 WOBA Red St. Marys Rockies managed to outduel the visiting Goderich Seahawks Black July 3 in a 1917 scoring derby.
Despite the team falling into a lull defensively in the back half of the game, head coach Jon Hodson told the Independent he was pleased with the team’s start and bounce-back.
when to stay.”
As the two teams traded momentum throughout the first half of the game, Hodson said a decisive moment came in the fourth inning.
Hodson added the squad was doing all the right things when stepping up to the plate.
“I thought the boys started strong in the field and at bat,” said Hodson. “We made a few mistakes in the later innings that let Goderich back into the game. However, the kids did not get down on themselves and were able to rally in the end for the win which was impressive to see.”
“Everyone did good things in their at-bats. They demonstrated patience at the plate. They were taking walks and waiting for the right pitch to hit. They also were smart running the bases and knowing when to go and
“The bottom of the fourth inning, when we were down by a couple of runs, was the turning point. The kids got on base, had some smart stolen bases and we got a key single that helped score some runs. We got strong starting pitching from Will Jacobs in the first two innings, giving up only three runs. We had two timely hits driving in runs, first by Nolan Stewart in the third inning and Lake Hodson in the fourth.”
SKC piles up 19 medals at Brampton tournament U16-GT2 Storm dominate Cup Game qualifier
By Spencer Seymour
In their first Cup Game qualification match, the U16 Girls Tier Two St. Marys Storm trounced South Huron to the tune of 8-2 on July 3.
Head coach John Hodkinson was thrilled with his team’s performance.
By Spencer Seymour
The suitcases of Stonetown Karate Centre (SKC) students were notably heftier coming home from the Greater Toronto Open Martial Arts Championships held June 22 in Brampton, with six St. Marys students combining for a whopping 19 medals.
Isabelle Lariviere earned four silver medals in the 18+ women’s black belt division, finishing second in traditional forms, creative weapons, freestyle forms and point sparring.
Shannon Campbell captured the gold in point sparring and the silver in traditional forms.
Sensei Jalyne Lorentz earned the top prize in traditional forms and traditional weapons, plus two silver medals in creative weapons and freestyle
weapons.
In the 13-14 boys junior black belt bracket, Fox Houston claimed the gold in traditional forms and creative weapons, as well as a pair of silvers in traditional weapons and freestyle forms.
Morgan Houston added a silver medal to the SKC’s cache after finishing in second place in the 35+ women’s novice division.
Competing in the 15-17 girls advanced group, Marieke Van Lierop took home two golds in traditional forms and the traditional kata challenge, which included all Kyu belt competitors 17 and under. Van Lierop also placed third to take the bronze in traditional weapons.
“The girls played a terrific game (last Wednesday),” Hodkinson told the Independent. “All the girls worked incredibly hard together to pull off the win. The girls have been implementing what they have been practicing and they kept that up against South Huron.”
Hodkinson noted it was the team’s ball movement and tenacity that stood out in the team’s Cup Game match.
“They were passing the ball around the opposition and maintaining control of the play throughout the game. The girls scored a few goals against South Huron by following up their shots to the net and pouncing on the rebounds.”
Charlotte Richardson led the way offensively, posting a trio of goals in the win.
Aubrey Cousineau chipped in two while Laura King, Carlie Muir and Alanna Savile each scored once.
“The girls have had a great season thus far and continue to improve with each
game. At the beginning of the season, their mindset was to always push forward with the play and hope they can maintain control of the play after going through the opposing players. That gameplan does not always work and the girls are realizing it is better to maintain ball possession and control the pace of the play.
“Their ball control and planning of their attack have improved greatly as well,” continued Hodkinson. “They are working together to move the ball around more and more with every passing game.”
The girls clearly came ready to compete against South Huron, but as coach Hodkinson explained, their mentality heading into the Cup Game is the same as it has been for the entirety of their young season.
“The effort and mindset of the girls in preparation for our Cup Game qualifier was no different than what they bring to each of their league games. They come prepared and have the desire to do their best. They knew this game was important and played with a high drive to succeed but that’s what they do every time they take the field. The girls work hard to support each other and that tends to bring out the best in each of them.”
Pictured from left to right are Shannon Campbell, Morgan Houston, Isabelle Lariviere, Fox Houston, Sensei Jalyne Lorentz and Marieke Van Lierop. The six Stonetown Karate Centre (SKC) students combined for an outstanding 19 medals at the Greater Toronto Open Martial Arts Championships held on June 22 in Brampton. Contributed photo
Charlotte Richardson fires a shot on goal during the U16 Girls Tier Two St. Marys Storm Cup Game qualifying match on July 3. Photo by Spencer Seymour
Brought to you by your local
Odin Puiras kicks the ball up the field during the U10 Boys Tier Three St. Marys Storm One game this past Sunday.
Ben Becker makes a catch during the Cubberley Plumbing and Heating U13 WOBA Red St. Marys Rockies game last Wednesday.
Limar Ajjan Al Hadid sends the ball flying through the midfield during this past Monday’s U12 Girls Tier Three St. Marys Storm game.
Ryan Pickel fields the ball during the St. Marys Building Centre U9 WOBA Red St. Marys Rockies game this past Monday. All photos by Spencer Seymour
Max Bilyea tosses the ball to get an out at second base during last Wednesday’s St. Marys Firefighters U9 WOBA White St. Marys Rockies game.
Kolton McAllister rounds second base during this past Sunday’s Red Rock Construction U15 OBA Boys St. Marys Rockies game.
84 Wellington Street South St. Marys, ON (519) 284-1690
SPORTS
Carpenter competing in provincial, international track and field meets
By Spencer Seymour
St. Marys resident Jake Carpenter has ascended to become a top-notch track and field athlete, and now the 11-year-old is competing on his two biggest stages to date.
From July 11-15, Carpenter will be in Landover, Md. as part of Team Ontario competing in the International Youth Track and Field Championships. Carpenter will compete in the javelin throw, 100-metre sprint, and long-jump events, the latter in which he currently owns this year’s Avon Maitland District School Board’s record for his age group.
Then, in August, Carpenter will be one of eight members of the U14 Team Peninsula competing in the 2024 Ontario Summer Games hosted in London, in which he will compete in the 100-metre hurdles and long jump.
Carpenter said he is pumped up for the challenges that lie ahead of him this summer.
“I am really excited,” Carpenter told the Independent about the upcoming competitions. “I feel honoured to be included in such important events. These are big opportunities that I’m really looking forward to.”
The journey to such a high level of competition be-
gan in Grade 4 when Carpenter first competed in track and field. After competing in the regional and district championships two years ago, Carpenter joined the Stratford Sabrecats program last year, which led him to participate in the U14 povincials at Western University where he placed second in the 80-metre hurdles. Earlier this year, Carpenter took second in the long jump and javelin throw plus fourth in the 100-metre sprint, securing his spot on Ontario’s team heading to Landover.
According to Carpenter, it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the sport.
“I knew early on that track and field was something I wanted to keep doing. I’m a sprinter and I love long jump, triple jump and high jump. I love track and field because it’s an individual sport. I’m always working on myself and trying to get stronger. The friends I’ve made have also been a great part.”
Carpenter also noted he is focused on being at the top of his game for both events.
“For both the international games in Maryland and the London games, I want to beat my personal best times and distances,” said Carpenter. “The London games feel like a mini Olympics and I’m looking forward to watching my friends compete.”
August, Carpenter will be part of Team Peninsula participating in the 2024 Ontario Summer Games in London. Contributed photo
Jake Carpenter of St. Marys is competing at the International Youth Track and Field Championships in Landover, Md. from July 11-15. In
Perth County closes out 2023 with $56,500 deficit
By Galen Simmons
Perth County closed out the 2023 fiscal year with a deficit of $56,500, partially the result of overages in the county’s annual drainage-ditch maintenance and the county’s planning division not achieving revenue estimates last year.
In his report to council, county treasurer and manager of finance Corey Bridges recommended council approve the transfers of $52,113 from the county, Stratford and St. Marys’ paramedic services Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) reserve to fund the deficit in paramedic services resulting from the higher-than-budgeted WSIB costs incurred in 2023, and $4,360 from the levy stabilization reserve to fund the remaining 2023 deficit.
“It was highlighted in public works we did have a surplus in winter maintenance, but we did have a significant deficit in relation to our drainage work,” Bridges said. “In discussing (this) with public works staff, we’re looking at some ways of funding that drainage work potentially like our capital maintenance with respect to (road) crack sealing and pavement preservation (where) we could poten-
tially fund that with our roads reserve in the future, but that will be coming back to council.”
In his report, Bridges said county public works’ general maintenance and other municipal work deficit was originally projected at $208,000 due to the county’s portion of significant drainage work done locally, which by the end of the year was higher than budget by about $420,000. The total deficit in general maintenance by year end was $530,000, which was mainly due to the drainage work, and took into account a final winter-maintenance surplus of $490,000 – 11 per cent under budget for the year.
The planning division accumulated a deficit of $120,787 resulting from the variance in revenue, public works’ roads division accumulated a deficit of $39,814 despite county staff estimating a deficit of $383,000 as recently as December, and the economic development division reported a deficit of $24,529 due to increases in salaries and benefits beyond what was budgeted.
Meanwhile, the county saw surpluses of $6,829 in the archives division, $8,347 in the emergency management division, $5,690 from council expenses and $159,915 from the balance of non-departmental revenue and expenses.
Following council’s approval of the transfers from reserves to offset the 2023 overall deficit, the county’s levy stabilization reserve, which is used to lessen the burden of annual tax-levy increases on taxpayers and offset the annual reductions in Ontario Municipal Partnership funding, is left with a balance of $673,600.
GOLDEN OLDIES REUNION
Fellow Attendees
St. Marys DCVI Prior to 1980 (60+)
It has been a long time since we departed high school but a Golden Oldies Reunion is being planned for July 13th to get reacquainted.
The event is being held during St. Marys Heritage Festival, at the St. Marys Legion, so lots of activities. Bar service is being operated by Legion and they do accept electronic payments.
A private Facebook Group "Golden Oldies Reunion" has been created for those that are interested.
Information on accommodations can be found at airbnb.com.
We have also negotiated a special room rate at the newly renovated Stonewillow Inn. Just call 226-582-5892 and ask for Golden Oldies preferred rate
A lunch will be served from 1-2 at the event. T-shirts available (cash purchase)
To purchase/reserve tickets ($30 each) and pay in advance, you can make an electronic transfer to Lloyd Monteith at ldmonteith@quadro.net - No password is required. Ticket payments onsite must be done using cash
In addition tickets can be purchased from Barista's, Cascade Cleaners, Hubbard Pharmacy, Dunny's Sports.
Please forward this information to all your DCVI contacts to make this an event to remember in 2024.
WE THANK OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE REUNION
Joe Taylorretired Ford dealer
ARTS & CULTURE
Celebrating arts and culture at Heritage Festival
By James Giles, edited by Alice Rixson
The town of St. Marys is aiming the spotlight on Arts and Culture at this year’s Heritage Festival from July 12-14. In a press release Events Coordinator Alana Bowes predicts the annual celebration will highlight “the vibrancy that art brings to our community.”
Art and architecture have been lifelong companions throughout civilizations. Active artists at work in historical communities are signs that a town is viable, lively and worth preserving. St. Marys not only provides insight to its rich heritage but also offers a wealth of art and cultural experiences. But how are we to define and understand art and culture and the manner in which these two aspects of the humanities intertwine in our societies? Wikipedia provides an uncomplicated interpretation. “Culture is a set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices that define a group of people…of a particular region. Culture includes the elements that characterize a particular peoples' way of life. The Arts…is a vast subdivision of culture, composed of many creative endeavors and disciplines. It is a broader term than ‘art’, which as a description usually means only visual arts. The Arts encompass visual arts, literary arts, performing arts (music, theatre, dance, spoken word and film, among others). Art is often distinguished from crafts and recreational hobby activities because it often generates emotion and expresses ideas.”
We began writing an Arts and Culture column for the St. Marys Independent, a free weekly publication, last September to promote cultural appreciation and awareness of the wider-range of working artists and events in St Marys and area. These articles targeted cultural events such as Poetry Month in April headed by the vibrant St. Marys Poetry Circle. The column celebrated nu-
merous local artists who will be featured at the Riverwalk Commons including Bonnie Richardson showcasing her Wonder of Water works and Peter Rice highlighting his stained-glass techniques and unique sculptures. Other artists in town include Don Wells (clay works including pottery, sculpture and wall art), Heather Ruthigart (sculptural and functional ceramics), Charles Sharun (drawings and paintings) and two female visual artists recently profiled in the St. Marys Independent, Maggie Jorna and Sylvie Verwaayen.
St. Marys Museum and Archives, housed in a 19th century heritage home, offers a wide collection of exhibits and over 3,000 historic photographs and is a place to explore the local history that shaped this beautiful town. Assistant curator Emily Taylor contributed a two-part article in December featuring notable painters from St. Marys’ past.
St. Marys boasts of Stonetown Arts, a group for artists and creative people who show the diversity of talent within our community. The town’s historic train station is the home of the Station Gallery under the curation of Cameron Porteous, former Head of Design at Shaw Festival. Hosting seven exhibits annually and exhibiting artists creating across a wide spectrum of media, the Station Gallery entices visitors from far and wide. The Art of Ideas Gallery is a private historical home built in the 1890s that offers guided tours where one can meet visual artist Eugen-Florin Zamfirescu or attend a concert or an art event that unites music and visual arts in the wonderfully glorious setting that is Art of Ideas. Over the years St. Marys has produced acclaimed
classical musicians such as Nora Clench, an internationally renowned violinist and Canadian baritone James Westman who has appeared internationally in many of the world’s renowned operas, recital and concert halls. Currently, it is home to performing artists such as Emm Gryner, a Canadian independent singer-songwriter, bassist and pianist with 10 albums and three Juno Awards nominations to her credit. Melodies at the Museum is a summer concert series hosted by the St. Marys Museum that continues each summer at the Cadzow Park outdoor stage.
St. Marys Community Players is an established group of dedicated volunteers staging theatrical productions to entertain and enlighten the community. Akoolfim Company is an international award-winning entertainment company that tells exciting, action-packed stories for television, streaming, and movie theatres, including its latest award-winning film Cry of Silence.
The St. Marys Independent Arts and Culture column has – and continues to - highlight various creative arts and forms of expression that push boundaries and challenges of traditional artistic norms in the fields of gardening, cooking, doll design and glass works. St. Marys recognizes that arts and culture impact the financial and social fabric of its residents. It is truly worth profiling and celebrating “Arts and Culture” in Stonetown during the Heritage Festival.
Please send comments and proposed topics for Arts articles to - smindependentarts@gmail.com
Heritage Festival Poster
St Marys Banner
COMMUNITY
Perth County Paramedic Service working with municipal partners to make AEDs more accessible
By Galen Simmons
The Perth County Paramedic Service is revamping its efforts to make automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) more accessible to those who need them when they need them.
At the July 4 Perth County council meeting, paramedic service deputy chief of program development Chris Keyser presented a report to council outlining the service’s plans for coordinating and revamping the Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program.
According to Keyser’s report, PAD aims to streamline and ensure consistent service delivery to the public, enhance accessibility and ensure AEDs in public places comply with provincial requirements and best practices.
The revamp of the program will include technological upgrades, the replacement of older units and the potential expansion of AED coverage across Perth County.
“The program started in 2008, evolved over time including more and more grants from the Heart & Stroke (Foundation). The grants dried up, so we’ve launched more of a program to
regionalize, take care of things, make sure everything’s in order as legislation moves forward,” Keyser said. “ … To date, we’ve replaced 23 units, taken the opportunity to upgrade our technology and do some training for facilities staff.
“That has also helped us increase our complement of spare AEDs that we can use for our cardiac-loan programs or for the loaner programs for events people can apply for through the county website, as well as provide us opportunities to identify other areas that need to have AEDs for certain events such as the Fullarton ball diamond when they have tournaments.”
As part of this program, Kesyer said the paramedic service intends to update current program policies, conduct a system-wide analysis of the PAD program and work with its municipal partners to inventory AEDs in public spaces that were not initially associated with the original program. That inventory, Keyser said, is crucial for updating records and ensuring comprehensive coverage and maintenance of all AED units within the
county.
During the discussion that followed, Coun. Jerry Smith asked Keyser whether the paramedic service will create a publicly accessible map of AEDs in the county to help people find one when or before they need it. Keyser said he and his IT staff are looking at options for providing the most-accessible map to the public. Whatever map they land on, he continued, will need that up-to-date inventory of all public AEDs in the county.
Coun. Jim Aitcheson also asked Keyser whether the paramedic service will address how AEDs kept inside public buildings can be accessed by residents after hours when those buildings are locked.
“Improving accessibility will be one key of the program as we move forward,” Keyser said. “With the introduction of digital systems that allow for entry and things like that, we do have options to be able to provide 911 access codes … through the dispatch registry, but that’s something each facility has to come onboard with and
then we may have to move locations and provide a safety net so we can protect the security of our facilities at the same time.
“So yes, there are different options we’re looking at and I’m also open to suggestions from you or your staff on how to improve accessibility. There are also outdoor cases – there’s one in Perth South. They’re very costly because they have to be temperature and humidity controlled to protect the device itself.”
At the beginning of this year, Keyser said paramedic services used capital-replacement funding to purchase 27 new AED units. In response to a question about unit price from Coun. Dean Trentowsky, Keyser said they normally cost around $2,500 each, all in, however Perth County Paramedic Service’s good relationship with the provider and the service’s ability to trade in older units has resulted in some savings.
Going forward, Keyser said the paramedic service will regularly present reports to county council on the progress of the PAD program.
DrNixon
HISTORIC ST. MARYS: St. Marys DCVI celebrates Canada’s centennial HISTORY
By Mary Smith
In 1967, the year of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, the new St. Marys Collegiate had been open for 13 years. In other, older buildings, secondary school education had been offered in St. Marys even before Confederation. The first one-room grammar school was established in 1861 for those students wishing to qualify for university entrance. Since that time, the high school in St. Marys had grown in size and in scope, as had Canada. Of course, the collegiate marked the Centennial year with special activities and events. Some were specific to St. Marys DCVI alone; for others, the school participated as part of the larger community.
The new collegiate had opened in 1954 but within months it was filled beyond capacity. The first addition to the east was built in 1958 – eight more classrooms on two levels. (This is currently the Arthur Meighen wing, the space occupied by Grades 7 and 8.) In 1966, there was a much more ambitious expansion with an addition to the southwest, incorporating a larger gymnasium, increased facilities for commercial subjects, and a complex of shops for technical courses. The school’s official name changed to St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute. The school was proud of its vocational wing and some technical students showed off their work at a meeting of the Centennial Committee in early January 1967 at the town hall. Four Grade 12 boys presented drawings and specifications for new signs for the various entrances to the town. These would replace the current “archaic, battered signs.” The committee was enthusiastic about the design, all agreeing that new signage would help beautify the town for Centennial year.
But there was one problem: the students’ inclusion of an apostrophe in the name of the town. In fact, the committee’s agenda was interrupted by the re-opening of “the great apostrophe debate.” The Journal Argus reporter explained, “Latter day citizens were not too concerned by the matter, but long-term residents were openly hostile to the little tick.” Committee chairman and former mayor, David White, said he thought the matter had been settled in the 1930s when the town decided to drop the apostrophe. But the Department of Municipal Affairs, apparently, kept insisting that it was part of the name and used it in official communications with the town. The committee agreed to recommend the proposed signs to town council but without the apostrophe. As one committee member suggested, “Somebody will probably blow the ruddy things up if they include the apostrophe.”
New entrance signs were only a small component of St. Marys’ grand plans for 1967. St. Marys and Blanshard Township combined their resources to celebrate the occasion in partnership. The major project was the creation of Centennial Park beside the St. Marys quarry. (A plaque in that park still recognizes this Blanshard-St. Marys partnership.) Several Centennial events required a large venue. Because the 1950s arena on Water Street had limited space in its upstairs hall, the auditorium at the Collegiate was opened to the committee. In March, there was a Centennial Square Dance, and on April 23, an interdenominational church service with combined choirs directed by Burton Ready and a pageant organized by James Purdue. Purdue, a guidance teacher at the collegiate, was an enthusiastic supporter of all Centennial activities. But just five days after the pageant, the community was shocked to learn of his sudden death at the age of 31.
By far the most ambitious event involving the collegiate was a high school reunion, held on Friday, June 30. The reunion organizing committee sent out almost 3,000 invitations to former collegiate students. Although the focus was on those who had attended the old collegiate on the hill, all former students were welcome to attend. It was an enormous success. Registration began at 11 a.m. and by mid-afternoon, more than 1000 collegiate alumni were in and around the school, greeting friends and enjoying displays of old school photographs and memorabilia. They also quickly bought up souvenir Centennial booklets at 50 cents each, published by the Journal Argus. A formal program mid-afternoon included greetings from Erskine Evans, the reunion
committee chairman, happy to see so many of his former students and former fellow teachers and proud to show off the new school. Mayor Mabel Cline brought greetings from the town. From 5 to 7 p.m., the Centennial catering committee managed to find food to provide dinner for the multitude, many more than they had originally expected.
Out-of-town visitors were encouraged to meet and mingle with local residents downtown that evening. Andy Hoe, the leader of the St. Marys Marching Band was a member of the Centennial Committee. (The band included some St. Marys Collegiate students.) Just before midnight, he and his band led a parade of floats, cars and pedestrians to Water Street South where two important ceremonies took place. First was the unveiling of the plaque in Centennial Park. The second was announcing a new name for the nearby ballpark. In a contest to name the park, the winning entry was “Teddy’s Field” after neighbour and longtime volunteer, Ted Blackman. Milt Dunnell, legendary Toronto Star sports reporter and another former collegiate student, had been invited to make the announcement. St. Marys had a successful early start to July 1 celebrations.
At St. Marys DCVI, there were Centennial events throughout the year, including a special edition of Profile, the school’s yearbook. Editor Tom Bullen explained in his message that in honour of the special year, the Centennial edition included a review of the history of secondary education in St. Marys. The yearbook was dedicated to the school’s most famous alumnus, the Right Honourable Arthur Meighen. His portrait, commissioned by the 1963 Student Council, had re-
cently been unveiled in the hallway opposite the office.
Student artists decorated the cafeteria walls with murals – one depicting St. Marys a century earlier, the other showing the town in 1967. The Student Council’s contribution to the Centennial included planting a flowering crab tree in front of the school. More ambitiously, they also commissioned the installation of an ornamental fountain in the centre of the circular driveway. Almost six decades later, there are still lovely trees at the entrance. The fountain has not survived.
The Journal Argus ran a regular column, Collegiate News – updates about school activities written by Grade 13 student Karl Seale. The column included information about the school trip to Expo 67 in Montreal although plans shifted and changed with the availability of railway cars to transport the students and teacher chaperones. Senior students were given preference for spaces on the excursion. On May 18, 130 students and teachers filled two railway cars and set off for a brief visit to that popular site. Of course, the pavilions were popular but many of the Expo trip photographs in the yearbook show students sleeping in their railway seats during the long train ride.
Collegiate News also reported on sports events and the yearbook featured photographs of all the school teams. A section titled Outstanding Athletes briefly described the high school sports successes of Greg Thompson, Jim Robson, Barb Blight and Janice Hughes. Senior Athletes of the Year were Marilyn Arthur and Dave Finnie. St. Marys DCVI was particularly successful in track and field events and had claimed the overall championship pennant at Huron-Perth for the 11th straight year. (Still carrying on the tradition, DCVI won the overall Huron-Perth Track and Field Championship again in 2024.)
The 1967 yearbook contains 27 pages of photographs of DCVI students – 12 pages of undergraduate classes and 15 pages of head-and-shoulder portraits of graduates of various programs. And although, for some, tragic circumstances intervened and the promise shown in high school was never realized, it is great to see friends from their younger days. Some of them met their life partners at high school – Bruce Grant and Janice Sager, for example, and Jim Smibert and Linda Eedy. At the Golden Oldies reunion this coming Saturday, July 13, the good times will be remembered!
From Journal Argus archival material at the St. Marys Museum.
Thorndale News
A section within
By Nancy Abra
At the March 11 Thames Centre council meeting, it was announced, as part of the strategic plan for 2024, money was allocated for a community garden project in Dorchester and in Thorndale.
For Thorndale, they are using the community garden which was established by the Thorndale Library staff approximately 10 years ago. For the past two years, Cassandra Stewart, an area volunteer, has been doing much of the hands-on work of planting, weeding and watering in these four raised garden beds at the Thorndale Library. Her dedication and passion for growing good things to eat has proven in the plentiful bounty this garden has produced.
In May, compost was added to each of the four gardens before they were planted. Then to deter the little critters, chicken wire around each of the gardens was installed. With Stewart continuing to lead at the Thorndale Community Garden, the plants are growing well.
But there is still a need for community members to help with the watering and weeding throughout the summer. And, with Stewart leaving in August to go to college, people are needed for the harvest and the end-of-season cleaning out of the gardens.
A community garden is more than growing food. It contributes to healthier, more sustainable living, promotes physical and mental wellbeing, and fosters a sense of community connection by strengthening social relationships among those who come together to participate, learn and share the garden’s bounty.
On Wednesday, July 17 at 10 a.m., there will be a garden info session behind the Thorndale Library at the community garden. In case of rainy weather, this session will be moved into the library’s community meeting room. For more information on this community garden and information session, contact Steve MacDonald at SMacDonald@thamescentre.on.ca or at 519268-7334 ext. 702.
Thorndale’s Back 40 Bash
By Nancy Abra
Since 2018, the Back 40 Bash has been a fun, adult summer event for the community of Thorndale and area.
The committee for the 2024 Back 40 Bash has been working hard to organizing a 19+ summer event set for Saturday, July 27 from 7-11 p.m. on the grounds of Thorndale Lions Community Centre. It started when the Thorndale Agricultural Society had an idea to bring the community together for a fun, summer event in 2017. They hosted a concert
that year. In 2018, the ag. society teamed up with I Love Thorndale for a summer event to celebrate the 160th edition of the Thorndale Fall Fair, Canada’s 150th and to recognize special volunteers in the community. Since then, except during the pandemic, the Back 40 Bash has grown into a great, fun, adult summer event for Thorndale and area.
The 2024 Back 40 Bash event will include live music featuring Smugglers Alley, a high energy rock band from London. There will be ultimate-backyard competition games of KanJam, Corn Hole, Hu-
man Foosball, Washer Toss, Axe throwing and Giant Pong with prizes up for grabs. As for food and drink, Thorndale Lions will be selling their famous wings and fries, and the Gator Grub food truck will also be on hand with their burgers, brisket and poutine. As this is an event for adults 19 and older, there will be a cash bar with local favourites including a special, signature drink.
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors. Your support plays a vital role in the success of our event,” said Arden McClean from I Love Thorndale. “Many
of these amazing sponsors have been supporting the Back 40 Bash for years, and we deeply appreciate their loyal patronage and commitment to our community. Your continued generosity helps us host events that bring everyone together and strengthen the Thorndale spirit. Thank you for being such an integral part of our journey.”
The 2024 Back 40 Bash is a community event supporting the Thorndale Agriculture Society and I Love Thorndale with tickets are available online at www. ilovethorndale.ca/back40/.
By Thorndale Library staff
There’s plenty going on at the Thorndale Library this summer.
There are three reading-challenge editions this year: kids, teens and adult. For more information, please visit https://library. middlesex.ca/summer-at-the-Library.
We’re offering great programs, too! Get creative at Imagination Station, a drop-in craft program.
Storytime is the place to be for little ones and their caregivers on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Youth are invited to Nail Art at the Library on July 10 from 4:30-6 p.m. Registration is required.
Join us July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Introduction to Henna to share the history and culture of henna, and how to apply it with a professional henna artist. Registration is required.
Our Metal Embossing Course for adults will run on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with special-guest instructor Marina. Registration is required.
Families are invited to Slime Creation on July 17 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Fancy Restaurant: A Kids Cooking Class on July 24 from 5-6:30 p.m. is for parents and children. Registration is required.
Gather and Quilt will meet on July 26 and
Aug. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
School-aged children are invited to Toy Hacking on July 31 from 3-4 p.m. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.
A special thank you to the Thorndale Optimist Club for sponsoring our summer pro-
gramming for children and youth this summer! To register, please visit us online at www.library.middlesex.ca/ or contact staff. Please drop in, call us at 519-461-1150, or email us at thorndale_staff@middlesex.ca with any questions or to register for upcoming programs. We hope to see you at the library!
Thorndale Community Garden lead gardener Cassandra Stewart stands in front of the community gardens behind the Thorndale Library. Contributed photo
HOSTING UKRAINE: Honouring VJ Knutson
By Julie Ashley
She resists being compared to any of the great humanists, but grandmother VJ puts the saint in St. Marys! Like others that have gone before her, VJ has helped so many in need through selfless service despite her age and limiting factors. VJ’s passion is palpable. She reflects on her time writing the column as well as the work she has undertaken with Ukrainian people fleeing their country shortly after the war broke out in Ukraine. She chokes up and I imagine tears in her eyes. War is like an atom bomb; waves of invisible yet debilitating impacts that ripple across the human landscape.
Five different families have been hosted by VJ and her husband, Ric, in their own modest home. One instance was two young, Ukrainian men who were sleeping in a car at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto with nowhere to live and wanting to work. She welcomed them in.
Meanwhile, literally hundreds of individuals have been touched by VJ as she co-ordinated a network that reached across the nation to find homes for those leaving refugee camps, leaving their suitcases behind on the train platform back home to accommodate more people. Her receptiveness to stretching her reach even further lead her directly to another good Samaritan, a man named Lars who sits in a train station in Warsaw helping Ukrainians obtain the proper paperwork to qualify for arrival in Canada. Fast friends are made across the ocean, knowing that they knit precious lives together from each end.
We agree about how such help can so simply change the trajectories of these lives and future lives as she and countless other volunteers give of their time and other already stretched resources. VJ joyfully reflects on how her birthday un-
leashes the outpouring of little gifts of gratitude and celebration all day long from the many people she has helped. She exudes the same pride for them as if they were her very own children. Yet she knows that these people are only her children in spirit. They are strong and indepen-
dent in nature. VJ recounts how much they have taught her about work ethic, resilience and faith in the face of devastation and loss that most living Canadians have not experienced. Despite her deep passion and love for these Ukrainians, VJ acknowledges that she is a grandmother facing down her own health challenges and recognizes it is time to step back and give herself the attention she has bestowed on others. Her lasting hope is that other willing people will take up the torch and run forward with it – to continue the good work that she, in concert with others, has begun. We reflect momentarily. Who else might feel the nudge to share time and resources with those in our community who are pressed beyond measure; who share the same dreams and wishes that we hold dear but who have so little to begin with?
Looking forward, as I endeavour to continue the spirit of this column, I will be looking to write about other unsung heroes who are changing our local landscape here in St. Marys and the surrounding area.
As well, I hope to cast a light on those in our midst who are facing challenges in a manner that inspires us, too. Often, these people’s stories are never told because they are too busy doing what must be done, no time to take their eye off the goal or nose off the grindstone. Yet they make our community the rich community that it is and we need to hear their stories.
I hope you will look forward to reading more stories here and feel free to share some you think need to be told too, along with your contact information. I can be reached at jraeashley@gmail. com and I welcome your input.
New Independent columnist Julie Ashley writes of the impact outgoing columnist VJ Knutson had on those Ukrainian newcomers she has helped. Contributed photo
COLUMN
WHAT'S FOR DINNER: Local bounty
By Lauren Eedy
Seasonal summer recipes feature ingredients that are readily available to us. This is such a bountiful time of year for us in the area. We are blessed with fresh, local produce that now is just hitting its peak. The following are some of my favourite summer staples which are quick to prepare and don’t require a lot of effort, but are extremely satisfying.
Easy shrimp boil
An easy, classic shrimp boil recipe that includes pieces of sweet Ontario corn on the cob, shrimp, smoked sausage and baby potatoes cooked in a flavourful broth then tossed in a seasoned butter. This is one of my top-summer com-
fort meals and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 18 minutes
2 lbs large jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined, leave tails on
1 lb smoked sausage, kielbasa or andouille, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 ears of corn, cut into four pieces
1 lb small red potatoes, cut in half
1 medium onion, cleaned and cut into large pieces
4 lemons, two for cooking, two for serving
½ cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, cleaned and smashed
1/3 cup seafood seasoning such as Old Bay or Troyer’s Spices blend
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Method:
Ask the Arborist
By Joel Hackett | 519 272 5742 | jtsquote@gmail.com
Dear Arborist,
There is a Maple tree on my property, some sort of European variety.
It has a bulging root wrapping around the trunk. Is that normal?
Sincerly
Jimmy
Dear Jimmy,
It sounds like a Norway Maple. They are known for having girdling roots - it is very common. The root wraps around the trunk or
- Fill a large pot of water. Quarter two lemons and add to the water. Add onion, garlic and seafood seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Clean and cut potatoes in half. Add to boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes or until just barely fork tender.
- Clean and cut corn, add to boiling water along with the sliced, smoked sausage. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Add shrimp to boiling water and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until pink.
- Drain water and place the shrimp mixture in a large baking sheet.
- Melt butter, add the salt, pepper and parsley to combine.
- Pour half butter mixture over the shrimp mixture and stir to coat. Reserve remaining mixture for serving.
- Garnish with additional parsley and lemons.
- Sprinkle additional seafood seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately with re-
other roots and eventually strangles the tree. As it grows, it blocks the tree from taking up nutrients. Sometimes it is possible to prune the root, which prolongs the life expectancy of the tree.
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
served butter mixture.
Zucchini-blackberry salad
Total Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 8
5 zucchini, shred into ribbons
Salt Pepper
6 oz blackberries
½ cup olive oil
4 tsp local honey
1 red Fresno chili
Juice of 1 small lemon
Method:
- Shave 5 zucchini into ribbons with a vegetable peeler, discarding the core. Toss with ½ tsp kosher salt in a colander and let drain for 30 minutes.
- Smash 6 oz blackberries in a large bowl.
- Stir in ¼ cup olive oil, 4 tsp honey and lemon juice and 1 red Fresno chili, finely chopped. Season with salt.
- Squeeze the liquid from the zucchini; add to the berry mixture and toss.
- Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a platter and top with chives.
Brown sugar grilled peaches
Sweet summer peaches are the perfect, healthy, seasonal dessert.
Prep: 5 minutes; Cook: 6 minutes; Serves: 8
4 medium peaches halved and pitted
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon, or to taste
Ice cream for serving, optional
Method:
- Preheat grill to medium high
- Brush cut side of peaches with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar. Rub sugar right into the butter so it sticks and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Place peaches cut side up and grill for 3 minutes. Flip over and grill for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, optional.
Riddles
Which way did the outlaw go when he stole the computer?
He went data way
Why wasn’t the outlaw allowed to be buried in the town cemetery?
He wasn’t dead
What kind of horse eats and drinks with its tail?
They all do. They do not take their tails off to eat or drink
Where do race cars go swimming?
In a car pool
What kind of egg travels to unknown places?
An eggs-plorer
Why can’t you play basketball with pigs?
Because they hog the ball
Backward I am heavy, but forward I am not. What am I?
The word “not”
What can be swallowed, but can also swallow you?
Water
What can burn the eyes, sting the mouth, yet be eaten?
Salt
What can go up a chimney down, but can’t go down a chimney up?
An umbrella
Riddle Kid
- Word Search -
Movies in the park Bavarian garden
Free shuttle
Kids zone
Wagon rides
Artist demos
Garden tour
DCVI Reunion
TONS OF FUN FOR KIDS EVERY WEEK!
PET OF THE WEEK
Our Pet of the Week is Sierra, a threemonth-old lab, full of sugar and spice! If she isn't cuddled up with her mom and dad, she is chasing her human nieces and nephew. She loves car rides and is patiently waiting for her first McDonald's pup cup! Sierra is owned by Judy and Wayne Culbert.
St. Marys Veterinary Clinic is pleased to be the sponsor of the
PET OF THE WEEK
Bee Sting Awareness
Summer brings sweet treats and buzzing bees. Keep Benadryl handy for bee stings and consult your veterinarian for correct dosage. If your pet is stung near the mouth or face, call us right away for an emergency visit to prevent swelling.
500 Water Street South St. Marys www.stmarysvetclinic.com
COLUMN
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: When a river cruise gets disrupted
By Paul Knowles
There is a significant variable implied in the phrase, river cruise – that is, the river, itself.
River cruising has become one of the fastest-growing segments in travel, but, like any other kind of travel, there are unpredictable variables. Weather, of course, is one and, when it comes to cruising rivers like the Rhine, the Garonne or the Danube, the height of the water can bring about unexpected, last-minute changes. We’ve all heard stories of river cruises that turned into partial coach tours.
I’ve had the great fortune to enjoy four European river cruises, all with Viking. I hear good things about other river-cruise companies, but I have to say, Viking would be hard, if not impossible, to beat. My three previous cruises have all gone off flawlessly. But this time, the weather and the river did not cooperate. We were sailing from Regensburg, Germany, down the Danube to Budapest, Hungary, and we were sailing on an angry, rising Danube, swelled to bank-bursting limits by heavy
rains in Germany and two broken dams that pushed even more water into the river.
I watched the authorities in charge of the cruise meet the challenges presented to them every day. I learned our ship, the Viking Var, was the last vessel through some of the locks in Austria before the locks were closed. I learned by the time we reached Vienna, all shipping on the Danube was halted because of very high water and dangerously fast currents.
Most of all, I learned these professional river-cruise crew members are versatile, experienced, calm, resourceful, dedicated and determined their passengers will have the very best experience possible under whatever circumstances nature might throw at them.
I will write later about each of the countries and destinations we visited on the cruise, but for now, let’s stick to our theme – managing a cruise crisis. We were supposed to begin our cruise in Regensburg. However, the river was already rising when we arrived and we landed at Munich airport and were transported by coach to Passau, further downstream, where we boarded the Viking Var. That gave us free time in Passau, which provided an unexpected perspective on our visit to that same city two days later.
Our first excursion was to be to Regensburg, and that was provided by coach. As we toured that historic town and crossed the ancient stone bridge, we could not help but notice the
surging waters below us. When we left Regensburg, Passau was no longer a mooring option for the longship, so we were bussed to Linz. The next day, we returned for our scheduled walking tour of Passau, arriving by coach to find a city much changed in a day or two. Now, the Danube had breached its banks and our guide actually led us along the dry edges of flooding streets. Two days after our visit, the Danube was 10 metres higher than its normal height, and Passau – which sits at the confluence of three rivers, the Inn, the Danube and the Ilz –saw the buildings in the lower streets flooded to the level of second-storey windows.
But the unplanned stop in Linz offered us the unexpected opportunity to wander freely around this city centre, the capital of Upper Austria. And so, it continued until the Viking Var could sail no further, remaining moored among dozens of its sister ships in Vienna, our second-last planned stop, while we were carried by coach to our final stop, Budapest.
All the while, the Viking team went well above anything one might expect in level of service, quality of dining, provision of up-to-date information and efforts to offer options to those whose excursions – biking along the Danube, for example – had to be cancelled. We were among the most fortunate. It just happened that all our booked excursions – including a day trip into Slovakia to tour the beautiful capital
city of Bratislava – went ahead. As did the on-board entertainment – an evening of opera and operetta, a ballroom-dancing demonstration and an insightful and very pertinent lecture on the history of the Danube River, for example.
Though he was very busy managing the ongoing challenges, hotel manager Josip Benic took the time for a long chat with me. “Hotel manager,” by the way, means Josip is responsible for everything except actually sailing the ship. Of the 53 crew members on the Viking Var, 44 report to Josip.
In the midst of a temporary crisis, he had nothing but praise for Viking and optimism about the future of river cruising. The figures he shared indicate the rapid expansion of the Viking brand. The company launched its first longships in 2012 while, today, there are
81 river-cruise ships and 12 ocean vessels all carrying the Viking name. Seventeen more are planned through 2026 – six in Egypt, one in the Mekong and 10 longships for European excursions.
We finished our cruise in Budapest, spending the last night not in our stateroom, but in a hotel room overlooking the ever-rising Danube, the famous Chain Bridge and the skyline of the Buda Castle. It wasn’t what we had planned, but it was beautiful.
So, would I recommend a Viking River Cruise, given the potential for unexpected challenges? Yes, in an instant.
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.
Viking's Josip Benic. Photos by Paul Knowles
The surging Danube in Regensburg, Germany.
The Viking Var moored in high water under dark skies.
CELEBRATION
Come celebrate Ralph Scheuermann's 80th birthday!
July 28th, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
St. James Lodge St. Marys Ont. Best Wishes only please
IN MEMORIAM
Megens
In memory of a loving Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather John J. Megens who passed away July 14, 1998
Time slips by, But memories stay.
Quietly remembered every day, Happy thoughts of times together, Memories that will last forever. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, Although we cannot see you, You are always by our side. Lovingly remembered by the Megens, deGroot and Brandt Families
THANK YOU
Beavers
Sorry it took so long, but I would like to say thank you to all my hospital friends and family for going to my retirement party at Gilly's. Thank you for the wishes and gifts. I really enjoyed the social time we had, the stories from the past and present. What a great time I had, we had so much fun. I wish I could have talked to you longer, but the night went by quickly. Please stop by.
Thanks Deb Beavers
IN MEMORIAM
Wood
We think about you often
As we go about our day
Life is not the same, dear friend Since you went away.
We shared so many things in life
You and us together
Your friendship is a precious gift
In fair or stormy weather. It goes beyond all saying, friend
We miss you very much.
Ralph James Wood passed away 10 years ago July 12, 2014
Very greatly missed by wife Marie, Kim and husband Craig, Kent, Caleb
Gone, but not forgotten - Verna and Family
COLUMN
Straight from the Shelves
By Laura McAsh, St. Marys Public Library
Due to the loss of funding from our agreement with the Township of Perth South to offer library services to their residents, the St. Marys Public Library must make $50,000 in cuts to its operating budget. These significant cuts will manifest in part in changes to service levels, including a decrease in the number of new materials added to our collection as well as a reduction in hours of operation.
Our new hours beginning Sat. July 13 are:
• Mon. - Wed.: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thurs. and Fri.: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sat.: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (July 13 to Sept. 28)
This Week’s Recommendation
Next week’s theme for the Summer Program is Fossil Finders. Become an expert in all things fossil with “My Book of Fossils: A Fact-Filled Guide to Prehistoric Life” by Dr. Dean Lomax. Learn how to pronounce the names of extinct creatures and marvel at the diversity of fossils from ancient times as you flip through this informative text filled with detailed photos and illustrations. Look for “My Book of Fossils” in our children non-fiction section. Its call sticker reads J 560 Lom.
Up This Week
Fri., July 12: Funday Friday: Stream Safari with the UTRCA*^ (10 a.m.), Movies in the Park – Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire~ (dusk)
Sat., July 13: Open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mon., July 15: Crafty Kids (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.), Club SMPL (1:30-3 p.m.), Trivia Night at Gilly’s Pubhouse` (7 p.m.)
Tues., July 16: Reading Help* (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.), Discovery Den (1:30-3 p.m.)
HOURS
TUE – FRI 3PM - CLOSE (approx 5pm SAT NOON - CLOSE (after meat draw) SUN & MON - CLOSED MEAT
Wed., July 17: EarlyON Play and Read (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Reading Help* (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30– 3 p.m.), Mahjong Intro (1-2 p.m.), Mahjong! (2-4 p.m.)
Thurs., July 18: Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
*Registration Required
^Milt Dunnell Field “The Flats” (1 Veterans Circle, St. Marys)
~Cadzow Park (177 Church St. S, St. Marys)
`Gilly’s Pubhouse (17 Water St. S, St. Marys)
33rd Annual Garden Tour
Sunday, July 14, 2024 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sensational Area Gardens Gardeners in Attendance
Tour Maps
$10 Purchase at the Town Hall from 12:45 - 3:00 pm on July 14th
LOOKING BACK
By Amy Cubberley
Closing time
25 years ago (1999)
The “Off the Wagon Players” will present The Curious Case of Doctor Ford during the Stonetown Heritage Festival this weekend. Inesse Krastins, Don Van Galen and Chet Greason are the featured actors. The play was written by June Cunningham and directed by Jackie Kirkman.
A new swing at Cadzow Park will mean fun for more children. Marie Ballantyne approached the Kinette Club recently to see if they would consider covering the costs of a swing that her son, MacKenzie, 2, who has cerebral palsy, could enjoy. The Kinette Club has happily covered the cost and the swing has been installed, meaning that more children of all abilities can enjoy the park.
Gloria Drinkwalter is retiring from the St. Marys Day Nursery after 25 years. The Town of St. Marys presented her with a gold watch during a party in her honour on June 25.
50 years ago (1974)
A spot to sit was difficult to find at the quarry on Sunday afternoon.
Due to LCBO and local police regulations, the beer tent on the St. Marys Fairgrounds at the Flats is going to have to stop sales at 11:30 each evening. Kinsmen Club members are disappointed by the curtailment of hours.
A station wagon remained parked in a no parking zone on Queen Street in front of the Royal Bank for some hours last Thursday. Following complaints, the police explained that the owner, a Stratford resident, had accidentally dropped his only set of keys down a street grating and had to have a new key made before he could move the car.
75 years ago (1949)
Skunks and foxes are playing hob with ranging flocks of chickens in farmers’ field these days
Some mischievous lads caused the protective screening in front of the grandstand on the Flats to collapse one day this past week.
A meeting of the St. Marys Town Council scheduled for Monday night was called off owing to at least three of the members being out of town.
100 years ago (1924)
The Chief of Police reported at Council that $347 has been collected to date for dog tags. He also recommended the erection or purchase of six parking signs and the marking off of the intersections of Queen Street at the junction of Church, Wellington and Water Streets. This would help give pedestrians an idea of where to cross and would stop them from crossing at any point between intersections, which would be especially helpful during the congested traffic hours on Saturday and Sunday nights. A very narrow escape from a catastrophe occurred on the Queen St overpass on Sunday afternoon when an auto driven by a bunch of out of town girls became stalled on the top of the bridge and backed with force against the railing which prevented it from dropping to the railway tracks beneath.
CLASSIFIED ADS
CLASSIFIED ADS
Garage Sale
Saturday, July 6th from 7 a.m. to 12 noon at 14 Homefield Court, St. Marys
Wanted
$ 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 Sale
2 burial plots with deed, 2 vaults, gold cross certificate & memorial bronze marker located in Forest Lawn London. Today’s prices $13,000 - $15,000. Priced at $6,000.00. for quick sale. Please leave message 519-453-4917.
For Sale
Demag electric chain hoist. Complete with Pendulum Hook capacity 1000kg. Asking $700.00 Call Frank 519-859-1481
SUDOKU ANSWERS
OBITUARY Leslie
Donald “Don” Leroy Leslie passed away at St. Marys Memorial Hospital on July 3, 2024 at the age of 87.
Predeceased by his wife Marjorie M. Leslie (nee Barley) in 2015. Father of Marg McMahon and her husband Robin, and Don Leslie and his wife Sandra. Survived by grand-
children Dawn Leslie (Jeff), Charlene Hunter (Mitch), Sara Tipping (Keddy), Stephen Runhart (Katie), Rebecca Runhart (Paytong), Rachel Runhart (Brandyn), Nathan Runhart (Melissa) and great-grandkids Madison, Owen, Andrew, Emma, Everlee, Harrison, Arlene. Don’s family wish to sincerely thank Dr. Gatfield, Dr. Wilson, ER staff at St. Marys Memorial Hospital and staff at Kingsway Lodge for their wonderful care. Cremation has taken place. A private family service to be held at a later date. Online condolences at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY
Stevens
STEVENS: Lawrence Albert of Exeter passed away suddenly at his home in Exeter, Ontario on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in his 79th year. Beloved husband of the late Gail Rosiline (McKaig) Stevens for over 25 years. Much loved brother of Paul Stevens, Joan Hubbert, and Maureen (Robert) Jelly. Proud step father of Kelly Munroe, Sheila (Salko) Milic and Kathy Noble. Adored Papa of Sierra, Madysen, Reegan, Avery, Quinn, Enisa, Hana, Kayla, Zachary and great-grand children Jade, Darrien and Tristan. Lawrence will be fondly remembered as well by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his parents Chester and Evelyn (Shipley) Stevens, brother Gary Stevens, sister-in-law Paula Stevens and brother-in-law Patrick Hubbert.
Lawrence was a proud and dedicated Lions Club member serving in various capacities over many years. He never forgot his farm roots, growing up in the Thorndale area, later living in St. Marys and settling in his chosen town of Exeter.
His numerous interests were influenced by his strong sense of social justice, integrity and concern for others. His lively sense of humour, quick wit and friendly nature will be missed by his many friends, relatives and former co-workers. Lawrence retired from Bell Canada after many years of serving various communities as a Technician. Lawrence’s many skills, analytical mind and generous nature were often welcomed by relatives and friends needing assistance. In keeping with Lawrence’s wishes, cremation has taken place with a private family inurnment at the Exeter Cemetery. A celebration of Lawrence’s life will be announced at a later date, please continue to check back to the Haskett Website for more details.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lawrence are asked to consider South Huron Hospital Foundation or Exeter Lions Club. Condolences may be forwarded through www.haskettfh.com.
OBITUARY Stevens
Shirley Gordenia Stevens passed away at Wildwood Care Centre, St. Marys on July 5, 2024 at the age of 90. Mother of Nadine Colatosti (Leo), Thomas Sutcliffe, and Paul Sutcliffe and also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Sister of Claude Stevens (Donna, both deceased), Cecil Stevens (Marie, deceased), Bruce Stevens (deceased), Ronald Stevens (deceased), Lorraine Winstone (Roy), Barry Stevens (Linda) and John Stevens (Marie). Also remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Shirley lived in Ontario, moved to British Columbia and later moved back to Ontario to St. Marys in 2014. She was a hard worker, always looking after people. She loved children, dancing, bowling, was a skilled cribbage player and possessed an infectious laugh. Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Huron Perth. Online condolences at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca
STONETOWN STONETOWN
-
Outdoor movie and free popcorn at Cadzow Park, by Friends of the Library
9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Army & Navy Air Force Club Bavarian Gardens with live music
St. Marys Farmers' Market at Milt Dunnell Field
Free Shuttle Service: PRC to Town Hall to Milt Dunnell Field, on continuous loop
Downtown Street Festival: vendor marketplace with over 50 vendors, baseball pitching cage, demonstrations, snacks, games, shopping and more!
Horse & Wagon rides at Milt Dunnell Field
Kids Zone: inflatables, face painting, activities and games
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Artists at Riverwalk Commons - show, sale & demonstrations
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Downtown performances: hula hoop, stilt walker & local performances
Heritage Bus Tours: depart from Town Hall on the hour (45-60 minutes)
Heritage Walking Tours: depart from Victoria Bridge (11:00 a.m.) and Town Hall (1:00 p.m.) Tours are 45-60 minutes in length
River Walking Tours: depart from Town Hall and are 45-60 minutes in length
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ‘Invited Artists’ exhibit at the St Marys Station Gallery
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Golden Oldies DCVI Reunion
2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Army & Navy Air Force Club Bavarian Gardens with live music
Street Dance - bring a lawn chair!
Rotary Fireworks Show
Stonetown Heritage Crit Youth Cyling Race at Milt Dunnell Field
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. St. Marys Vintage Market at Riverwalk Commons
