Following recent requests by residents to have the town restrict street parking along a portion of Pelissier Street, St. Marys council has approved several amendments to the town’s traffic, parking and boulevard maintenance bylaw, one of which directly addresses those requests.
At the Nov. 26 St. Marys council meet-
ing, town clerk Jenna McCartney presented an update to the traffic and parking bylaw that, after it was approved by council, officially incorporated several housekeeping and other changes approved by council in recent months. One of those changes, McCartney told council, will result in the town removing street parking along both sides of Pelissier Street from Queen Street West to Grahlyn Avenue.
With more than 560 children currently on the waiting list for child care in St. Marys, there doesn’t seem to be any clear or immediate solutions for increasing the town’s child-care staffing or spaces.
At the Nov. 26 council meeting, director of community services Stephanie Ische shared the results of staff efforts to find creative ways to expand local child-care capacity as directed by council earlier this year.
“As council is aware, we have a large waitlist. Those numbers are not going down,” Ische said. “Currently, our numbers (for November) are 564, so the numbers continue to grow, they don’t go down. We know that it’s available in our community, we know it’s a great program to have and we know people are very passionate about it. We try our best to accommodate as many people as we can, but of course, we can only do so much.”
According to the staff report to council, solving the child-care problem in St. Marys is not as simple as building additional childcare spaces. Even if there were adequate physical spaces available for children, the region faces a staffing shortage of registered early childhood educators (RECE) to adequately staff the child-care centres. Ac -
cording to statistics collected in 2021, Perth County is short 80 RECEs.
“At the (special priorities committee) meeting … on March 19, we did address the RECE shortages and lack of child-care spaces,” Ische said. “At that meeting … the committee did ask staff to go back and do some exploration on a few other options.”
Those options included working with the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board to determine if it has any underutilized spaces or opportunities for shared spaces that could be used for child care; investigating other ways staff could work towards reducing the child-care waitlist locally; and developing key messaging coun -
cillors and the mayor can share with concerned community members to help them understand what the town has done to address the situation and what staff is unable to do at this point in time.
“We did have conversations with the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board,” Ische said. “We did talk about what can we do; can we use an additional classroom? The answers were provided to us and it was, ‘No, not at this time.’ Numbers have increased in enrollment at (Holy Name of Mary school) and they’re one family away from needing another classroom, so they’re seeing the exact same growth we’re seeing in the recreation programs.”
Other ideas like using the school’s staff room for child care were rejected as teachers and staff require a secure space to keep potentially sensitive information. The notion of placing a portable on Holy Name of Mary school grounds was also turned down as there isn’t sufficient space on the property.
During the discussion that followed Ische’s presentation, Coun. Rob Edney suggested approaching local churches for available child-care space, however Ische said the churches staff approached are unable to provide a dedicated child-care classroom as it would become unavailable for receptions, community meals and other church functions.
“Staff continued to work with social services in Stratford … on ways not only to encourage new RECEs to our area, but also ways to reduce waitlists and encourage individuals in the community to do child care in their homes, if they wish, and looking at those alternatives,” Ische said. “We continue to have meetings with social services in Stratford, we continue to communicate with them regularly and we’re still trying to do whatever we possibly can.
“At the same time, it does not look like there’s going to be anything more that we can do other than what we
have in our space and within those walls right now, so our numbers will remain the same.”
With the continued phase-in of the Canada Wide Early Learning and Childcare program and the promise of $10-a-day daycare beginning next year, the staff report to council noted concern with the potential for more families seeking affordable child care. Without additional child-care space and staff, that could lead to a bottleneck and St. Marys’ child-care waitlist will likely continue to grow.
As that program is intended to prioritize child-care spaces for families in need, it could also change how the town allocates the available spaces it has.
“We’re still not sure 100 per cent of all the parameters around the $10-a-day daycare system,” Mayor Al Strathdee said. “The reality is we as a council are concerned and we’d like to have more child care … but the government’s program could change things drastically. … We may even lose the ability to prioritize children in the future and we don’t know where things are going.”
“If we lose the right to prioritize who goes in that classroom, that will have an impact for sure,” Ische said.
Updates to traffic and parking bylaw restrict parking on portion of Pelissier Street among other changes
As McCartney’s report to council and a resident who lives in the immediate area spoke during the public-input period earlier in the meeting indicated, the reason for restricting parking along that section of Pelissier Street has to do with the relatively narrow width of street, the fact it doesn’t currently have sidewalks, the use of that street for parking by construction traffic associated with new residential developments in the area and concerns over where new residents in the area might park.
“We are proposing that it is for a twoyear period of time,” McCartney said. “Staff are going to be monitoring that area to understand if there’s compliance. If there isn’t compliance, what are the reasons for that non-compliance, and then also, what does the area around look like? What does Grahlyn look like? What does south of Grahlyn on Pelissier look like? What does Elgin Street look like?
“As more individuals may be moving into those new developments that are oc -
curring up there, are we seeing additional traffic that may be spilling out into the area, and are there unsafe conditions?”
McCartney also noted staff has communicated the plan to restrict parking along Pelissier Street with the owner of the sweetcorn stand at the corner of Queen Street West and Pelissier Street. McCartney said the corn-stand owner is aware of the plan and will be able to accommodate those parking changes into their business approach.
“We don’t typically make changes to our traffic bylaw without a technical analysis,” town CAO Brent Kittmer said. “ … There really is no technical reason to post this as no parking. The biggest immediate concern we have is it really is unsafe when people park within a certain proximity of the intersection. Well, our bylaw already prevents (that) … it’s just not posted in every situation. So, when public works looked at this, they said there’s no real history of complaints, though there have been recent complaints because of the construction in the area.
“However, given the fact that (it’s part) of the Loop Trail and there’s no sidewalk, it’s more of that non-technical reason why we’re saying (no parking) from Queen Street all the way to Grahlyn.”
Kittmer said the other concern raised by area residents at a recent meeting with councillors and town staff is the notion that the town erred in reducing the parking standard from 1.5 stalls per resident to 1.4 stalls at the new residential development at 428 Queen St. W.
“There’s this belief in the neighbourhood that there’s going to be this wide proliferation of parking infractions,” Kittmer said. “ … Its difficult to deal in hypotheticals. You don’t over-regulate a problem that hasn’t happened yet. It’s better to let the building be built, let it fill and then see if people start parking on the side streets or not. If they don’t, none of these parking restrictions would have been necessary in the first place.”
Kittmer said the staff recommendation to restrict parking on Pelissier is a measured approach that addresses the residents’ immediate concerns while giving
staff and council a chance to review the parking situation and make any needed changes during the next parking and traffic bylaw review in two years or if issues arise before then.
The other changes made to the town’s parking and traffic bylaw at the Nov. 26 meeting include:
• extending the school-bus loading zone along Lindsay Atkinson Blvd. next to Little Falls Public School to safely accommodate multiple buses loading or unloading at once and reduce conflicts between buses, other vehicles and pedestrians;
• eliminating the town’s heavy vehicle parking-permit program;
• officially establishing a public parking lot next to Well 2 at the old PUC building in downtown St. Marys; and
• introducing parking permits valid for up to seven days for a limited number of the parking stalls at the St. Marys Train Station to accommodate train travellers who require longer-term parking.
EDITORIAL
Trump’s not joking about Canada becoming 51st state
STEWART GRANT Publisher
Well, that didn’t take long.
Trump is still six weeks from officially being back in office, but already he is floating the idea of redrawing the North American map.
Fox News reported Monday night that “when Trudeau told President-Elect Trump new tariffs would kill the Canadian economy, Trump joked to him that if Canada can’t survive without ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion a year, then maybe Canada should become the 51st state and Trudeau could become its governor.”
Something we should know about Donald Trump by now is that he’s not known as someone who jokes. Moreso, he’s known as someone who says the quiet part out loud. Most of all though, he’s known for being an extreme narcissist; one who constantly seeks attention and one who considers himself to be of great importance.
The thing that worries me most about a second Trump presidency is his first term, in the grand scheme of things, was not that historically important. Now that Trump has secured the first goal of his second term (staying out of jail), he can move on to doing something of equally great importance to him: building a legacy so his name will be remembered not just in our century, but for the many centuries that follow.
But how can one be remembered for
a thousand years? It’s not easy. Good or bad, you need to do something very significant, very memorable. Many of the names that will long be remembered, such as Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, Adolf Hitler, were all empire builders. Redrawing maps is the number-one way to be remembered, unless you are Jesus.
I don’t believe for a minute that Donald Trump truly cares about “Making America Great Again” for your everyday person. It’s a memorable and effective catchphrase. I also don’t believe that illegal immigrants coming over the Canadian border is of particularly great danger to the security of the United States. Instead, Trump highlighting this issue and threatening a 25 per-cent tariff was a means to open a dialogue about Canada. In the coming months, expect right-wing talk shows, social media bots, and Elon Musk’s X platform to spread misinformation exaggerating about “the problems with the Canadian border” or making the case for “why Canada should join the U.S.” Canada, with its vast resources, is a very attractive asset for a U.S. president who constantly seeks recognition and notoriety.
There’s Trump Tower, Trump National Golf Club, Trump Coins, even a Trump Bible. Does he envision a 51st state, perhaps dubbed Trump North? It’s a terrifying thought.
Bravo Boo
We have 2 Bravos this week.
1) Bravo to the person at Independent Grocer who handed my husband's wedding ring (40 plus years) in to customer service. He is so very, very thankful. Many, many thanks to the person and Independent Grocer.
2) Bravo to the kind man that found my wallet on the shelf at Dollarama on Friday afternoon and took it up to the cashier. I am forever grateful and only wish I could have thanked you in person. You make this world a better place. Thank you once again.
Quote of the Week
"This is the most snow I've seen in the 27 years that I've lived here, in such a short period of time. The closure of Highway 11 had separated parts of the town from plows and emergency services on Saturday, prompting the state of emergency declaration. It was a perfect disaster"
- Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz on the snow event in Gravenhurst causing a state of emergency after many were stranded.
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, Julia Paul, Emily Stewart
36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@stmarysindependent.com | 519.284.0041 | granthaven.com
The St. Marys Independent THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK
Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers. It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.
Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.
*Please
Bravos and Boos are submitted by community members and
We have no Boos this week.
Town reminds residents of alternate-payment options during Canada Post strike
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT
Staff Contribution
The Town of St. Marys is reminding residents of alternate-payment methods for property tax payments during the ongoing Canada Post strike.
Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike, mail delivery is currently impacted. Property tax billings were completed for the year and sent out by the town prior to the strike. Payment due dates for property taxes and parking tickets will not change.
Property owners and residents are reminded they remain responsible for ensuring property tax payments are made on time by the specified due date. Standard penalties will apply for late payments. Failure to receive a tax notice does not exempt the responsibility for payment.
Alternate payment options include:
• Telephone/internet banking: Residents must contact their financial institution regarding this payment option. A 19-digit property roll number will be the
account number.
• In-person: In-person payments can be made by cash, debit or cheque at town hall (175 Queen St. E) and the municipal operations centre (408 James St. S) during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). A drop box is available at the lower level of town hall and the front door of the municipal operations centre for cheques only.
• Pre-authorized payments: Residents can pay taxes in 12 monthly or four quarterly installments (last business day of February, May, August and October). Taxes are deducted from bank accounts on the first banking day of the month. Residents must complete a pre-authorized tax payment form to enroll in the pre-authorized payment program. For inquiries regarding payment options or to confirm any outstanding property tax balances, please contact the finance department at cbrine@town.stmarys.on.ca or 519-284-2340 ext. 214. For more information and updates on the possible Canada Post strike, visit their website.
STONETOWN STONETOWN CCRIER RIER
Senior of the Week
Our senior of the week is Bill Porter. Bill was born in Stratford and has lived in St. Marys his whole life and is married to Shirley. They have two children and five grandchildren. Bill worked at St. Marys Cement for 37 years and now works at River Valley Golf Course and loves to golf.
If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, Contact us at 519-284-0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com.
Weekend
1) What is the traditional birthstone of December?
2) Who plays the role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel universe?
3) How many times did the boy call “Wolf!”?
4) What was the original name for the song Jingle Bells?
5) What year was the Star Wars Holiday Special televised?
6) What color are the berries of the mistletoe plant?
7) “Mele Kalikimaka” means Merry Christmas in which language?
8) How many points does a snowflake have?
9) True or False. Greenland has green on their flag.
10) What’s more dangerous: hypothermia or frostbite?
Slippery roads leave truck overturned in Perth South ditch
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT Staff Contribution
An early morning collision resulting from slippery roads and the area’s first blast of winter weather left one transport truck overturned in the ditch and a portion of Perth Road 130 near Perth Line 26 closed for much of the day Nov. 29.
Shortly before 7 a.m., the Stratford Police Service (SPS) received a call about a single motor-vehicle collision on Perth Road 130 at Perth Line 26 in the Township of Perth South.
A transport truck had been travelling west on Perth Road 130 approaching Line 26 when it slid from the
roadway and struck a hydro pole and transformer. Upon arrival of police and other emergency service vehicles, the driver of the truck was found to be stuck on top of the cab, which was lying on its side in the ditch along the roadway.
Due to concerns with live hydro lines, the roadway was closed to traffic and Hydro One was contacted. The roadway in the immediate area remained closed for most of the day Nov. 29.
As this past weekend marked the official start to winter weather for the season, the Stratford Police Service is reminding drivers to slow down and create extra space while travelling.
Stratford police responded after a transport truck slid off the road early in the morning Nov. 29, struck a hydro pole and landed overturned in a ditch.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF STRATFORD POLICE SERVICE)
Amnesty International St. Marys hosts Write for Rights drop-in event
EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter
Community members spent the last Saturday of November writing letters calling for justice around the world.
The St. Marys chapter of Amnesty International, which includes members from Stratford, St. Marys and London, hosted a drop-in Write for Rights event at the St. Marys Public Library on Nov. 30. Booklets with information on the selected cases for 2024 were scattered across the table while participants wrote letters and enjoyed hot apple cider and snacks.
Write for Rights is the largest human rights campaign in the world. The 2024 campaign, which began Oct. 22, involves participants from around the world writing letters of concern to government officials and letters of support to the individuals and communities at risk of imprisonment, torture, or other danger.
The nine cases selected for this event focus on women’s rights, climate change and freedom of expression and censorship. One of the campaigns asks for an end to the imprisonment of Wet’suwet’en Nation land defenders in British Columbia for protesting a Coastal GasLink pipeline.
"With Write for Rights, you feel like you're part of a global community because many countries, hundreds of countries, are doing the same thing,” said Alizon Sharun, member of Amnesty International St. Marys. “Thousands of people are doing the same thing in the month of December."
Sharun said Write for Rights brings people together to take action, including those who otherwise are feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start with social justice.
“When you think of thousands of letters arriving, it does make the authorities, the governments, the prison authorities … realize that someone's watching, someone's concerned, so it's very much life and death," she said.
The St. Marys Amnesty International chapter meets once a month. In addition to letter-writing throughout the year, the organization participates in other activities such as tree planting on behalf of Indigenous land defenders.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the St. Marys Amnesty International chapter can send an email to Elena Dumitru at elenadumitru1983@yahoo.ca.
HOURS
TUE
THURS
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Ann Slater, a member of Amnesty International's St. Marys chapter, writes a letter as part of the Write for Rights campaign. The St. Marys chapter held a drop-in letter writing session on Nov. 30 at the St. Marys Public Library.
(EMILY STEWART PHOTO)
St. Marys Kinsmen annual Holiday Fruit Sale: A sweet tradition returns
ST. MARYS KINSMEN
Contribution
The holiday season is here, and so is a cherished local tradition - the St. Marys Kinsmen Holiday Fruit Sale! This year’s lineup of festive treats includes fresh oranges, grapefruit, and clementines delivered straight from the groves to your doorstep, just in time to brighten your Christmas celebrations.
Adding to the sweetness, the sale also features 500 millilitre bottles of local maple syrup in a charming Maple Leaf glass bottle. This syrup comes directly from the Kinsmen Club of London’s sugar bush - a true taste of homegrown tradition. For those looking for the perfect gift, the ever-popular gift baskets are making a comeback, combining holiday cheer with thoughtful convenience.
How to Order
Placing your order is easier than ever. Visit stmaryskinsmen.com/fruit-salestore to browse the selection and pay with your credit card. Be sure to include any specific delivery instructions in the memo section during checkout. Orders close on Friday, Dec. 13 at 12 p.m., so
don’t wait!
Prefer a more traditional approach? A paper order form is available below and can also be printed from the Kinsmen website. Simply fill out the form, clip it out, and drop it off at the St. Marys Independent office at 36 Water St before the deadline.
Delivery and Pickup
All items will be delivered on Saturday, Dec. 21 starting at 8 a.m. We will contact out-of-town customers to arrange for pickup. Any questions? Email the Kinsmen at stmaryskinsmenclub@ gmail.com, and a club volunteer will be happy to assist you.
Supporting the Community
As always, every dollar raised goes directly back into the local community. By participating in the fruit sale, you’re not only enjoying fresh, high-quality products but also helping the St. Marys Kinsmen fulfill their mission: ‘Serving the Community’s Greatest Need.’
Don’t miss this chance to share in the spirit of the season while supporting a great cause! Happy Holidays from the St. Marys Kinsmen!
2024 St. Marys Kinsmen Holiday Fruit Sale
Quadro supports To St. Marys With Love
For the third year in a row, Quadro Communications is supporting the To St. Marys With Love community dinner with a generous donation. This annual event brings people together to share a warm meal and celebrate the spirit of giving. “At Quadro, we’re proud to support events like this,” said Quadro general manager Darryl Evans. “Staying connected means more than just providing great service; it’s about giving back to the communities we call home. Supporting local programs through donations, sponsorships and partnerships is a core part of who we are at Quadro.” Organizers are excited for the event coming up Sunday Dec. 8. All tickets have gone out, so it promises to be a great gathering.
During the month of December (while quantities last) when your food bill is over $35 (before taxes) you will receive 1 “NO PEEKING” envelope.
When envelopes run out, there will be no more produced.
During the month of January customers may return one of the envelopes unopened and redeem the gift inside.
Only one envelope per table, per visit. If the envelope has been opened in any manner the gift will be void.
The redemption commences on January 2nd, 2025 and ends at January 31, 2025. No prize has any cash value.
Ha y Holidays from The Creamery gang! And Remember... NO PEEKING!
Other Notes/Delivery Info:
name is noted)
Christmas in the Country
Despite the cold, blustery weather conditions and slippery roads, the Avonbank farm machinery parade went off without a hitch. This parade has been an annual holiday tradition for over 20 years and this year's parade included 31 entries that were viewed by hundreds along the parade route. Two of the entries were David Mountain's tractor and float and Ron Wouter's articulated John Deere.
(JUNE GRANT PHOTO)
After the parade, the Motherwell Women's Institute provided warm drinks, cookies and squares for all to enjoy. Santa Claus handed out chocolate milk to the children that was provided by the Perth County dairy farmers in the area. Pictured from left to right are Bernice Hunter, Orrie Hartwick, Pauline Crawford, Ron Hunter, Yvonne Brown and Irene Hotson.
(NANCY BICKELL PHOTO)
Santa Claus stayed warm and dry in his tractor.
(NANCY BICKELL PHOTO)
(JUNE GRANT PHOTO)
No business like snow business for four young entrepreneurs
WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter
A group of ambitious high school friends have started their own snow-removal business offering fair pricing and guaranteed customer satisfaction.
Snowbusters consists of Finn Stewart, Peyton Lobb, Dan Zulu and Ethan Connolly, who were looking for a way to help in the community while making a little extra money.
“We know there are many people that can’t get out and get their laneways shovelled. We want to help them with that,” Stewart said.
Snowbusters requires a minimum of about five centimetres of snow, a bit more than a light dusting. The team guarantees to have clients’ snow shovelled by 8 a.m. Monday to Friday and by 10 a.m. on the weekends.
They will bring with them their shovels and anything else they need.
Lobb said he is hoping the snow and Christmas spirit will have peo -
ple thinking about Christmas gifts. What better gift to give someone than the help they need to make their lives a little easier.
The pricing format is as follows: $700 for the whole winter, $400 for a month and $150 for one week. The boys plan to focus on residential snow clearing but business store fronts may benefit from this service as well.
For more information or to book with Snowbusters, call 226-5822545. They can also be found under PRF Snow removal on Facebook.
Peyton Lobb, Dan Zulu, Ethan Connolly and Finn Stewart, now known as Snowbusters, are ready to help St. Marys residents with their snow-removal needs
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
St. Marys hosts second Tampon Tuesday event
St. Marys and area residents have once again helped residents in need by donating feminine hygiene products.
St. Marys’ second Tampon Tuesday was held at Gilly's Pub House Nov. 26.
Organizer Julie Jeffrey introduced the initiative earlier this year with the first Tampon Tuesday event held on Sept. 17. Feminine hygiene products are often the most requested but least donated items at the local food bank. Jeffery hopes to bring awareness to this issue, and it
seems to be working as she was very happy with the donations dropped off at her house, as well as the monetary donations made and products dropped off at the Nov. 26 event.
Jeffery plans to bring the donated hygiene products to the Salvation Army and the St. Marys Public Library’s pantry program on Tuesday Dec. 3rd as part of Giving Tuesday.
The international Tampon Tuesday initiative was started by Mandi Fields in 2009 and involves a social, pop-in gathering with admission being donations of female menstrual products.
Organizer Julie Jeffrey shows a small portion of the donated feminine hygiene products from the recent Tampon Tuesday event.
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter
St. Marys Independent SPORTS
www.lindsaypickering.ca
lindsaypickering22@gmail.com
Lincs solving problems as up-and-down November ends
Independent Sports Reporter
The St. Marys Lincolns earned three of four points with a win over the Sarnia Legionnaires on Nov. 28, followed by an overtime loss to the London Nationals on Nov. 29.
Coming off their most disappointing performance of the season in Elmira on Nov. 24, the Lincolns travelled to Sarnia and came away with a 5-2 win over the Legionnaires. While the team looked far more engaged, St. Marys struggled to execute their gameplan as well as they wanted to in the first 20 minutes, yet still outshot Sarnia 16-5.
Head coach Jeff Bradley told the Independent he was pleased with the team’s adaptability, which allowed them to find more success in the final 40 minutes.
“We had a rough start, especially giving up odd-man rushes, but we pulled our defencemen back and after that, I don’t think we gave up another odd-man rush,” said Bradley. “I thought they adjusted well after the first and we carried the play. We had a bit of a tough time scoring, but we created plenty of scoring chances and we did what we had to do to get the job done.”
The only goal of the opening period came seven minutes and 50 seconds into the game when Carter Fogarty got in tight in front of the Lincolns’ crease and roofed a quick shot past goaltender Nico Armellin, who finished the game with 20 saves and the win.
The game also marked the Lincolns’ debut of forward Quinn Gavin-White, who was acquired from the St. Thomas Stars in exchange for Dylan Searles and Tanner Ducharme. Gavin-White has six goals and 11 points in 21 games with the Stars this year, and last season, in 49 games with St. Thomas, recorded 13 goals and 38 points.
General manager Pat Powers spoke on the acquisition, crediting the 19 yearold for his versatility and intelligence.
“Quinn adds a veteran presence with a very high hockey IQ,” Powers said. “With the skills he has, Quinn increases our roster depth. He is a guy that can move up and down our lineup when different needs arise. He makes others around him better.”
As the Lincolns revved up in the second, they finally tied the game at one apiece with a shorthanded goal by Owen
Voortman at the 13:21 mark of the second. The lone assist went to Ryan Hodkinson.
Almost exactly four minutes later, Voortman potted his second goal of the game when Jaden Lee sent the puck through the slot with Voortman chopping it over Sarnia netminder Connor Davis. Ethan Coups also picked up an assist on the goal. Before the period was done, Chase MacQueen-Spence rocketed a powerplay goal home with eight seconds left in the frame after taking the puck out of a net-front scramble to put St. Marys up 3-1. Voortman and Luca Spagnolo earned the assists.
In the third, Jaxon Priddle cut the Lincolns’ lead back to one with a powerplay marker of his own. With one minute and eight seconds left in the game, MacQueen-Spence posted his second of the night with assists going to Coups and Ryder Livermore. In the final minute, Chase McDougall hit an empty net to ice the game and pocket his first GOJHL goal.
Bradley noted McDougall’s strong work ethic and grittiness easily could have earned him his first goal long before the game in Sarnia, and added his presence on the ice in the final minute is indicative of the strong season McDougall is having.
“I talked to Chase after the game and I think he probably would have wanted
his first goal to not be an empty netter, but my view on that was you have to be on the ice in that situation to get the empty net goal. Chase is a 16 year-old who we trusted to be on the ice with two minutes left to protect a lead. If Chase doesn’t play the way he has this season, he doesn’t get the opportunity to play in that situation, so I think it reflects the trust he has earned.”
Bradley added McDougall’s line, filled out by Tyler Oletic and Jacob McLellan, were “far and away” the team’s best line in Sarnia.
“They played heavy and I think that mix of Tyler, Chase and Jacob is a perfect mix of players. Tyler has much more skill than people might assume he has. He makes really good plays in tight and is great on the cycle. He seems to fit really nicely with Chase and Jacob. The three of them can really wear down the other team.”
Great start fizzles out as Lincs fall in OT
The McDougall, Oletic and McLellan trio once again turned in a strong game 24 hours later and helped the Lincolns correct one of their major issues against the Legionnaires – their first period.
“Coming in, the big focus for us was our start,” Bradley said. “I thought we did a good job at that. In the first and second periods, the first especially, I thought we were very good. We chal-
lenged Chase, Tyler and Jacob to go out and set the tone, and they did that. They got us off on the right foot, and everybody seemed to follow suit.
“Tyler fills a role that we’ve needed for a while. One of the things that hurt us in the playoffs over the last couple of years was the absence of a really solid power forward who can create momentum and intimidate the other team. Chase complements him really well, and being on that line as a young player creates an even more important role for him. Then you mix in the veteran leadership and skill that Jacob has, and it establishes that line as one that can get guys excited and into the game.”
Unlike the night before, the Lincolns got the game’s first goal against the Nationals when Cohen Bidgood banged home a one-timer on a powerplay to put the Lincolns up 1-0.
In the second frame, after a defensive miscue led to a two-on-one for the Nationals on which Joshua Lepain blasted one past Colby Booth-Housego, the Lincolns saw McDougall leave the game due to injury, followed by Bidgood exiting after fighting with Luke McSorley.
McSorley not only instigated the fight, but also committed an appalling action in the leadup to the faceoff that preceded the fight when McSorley – a hockey player wearing skates, remember – attempted to stomp on the leg of Bidgood.
The Lincolns got a seven-minute powerplay out of the incident, and Spagnolo tallied his 15th of the year on the man advantage.
The Lincolns began to struggle in the third, punctuated by Lepain’s second tying the game at 2-2, which ultimately sent the match into overtime.
In the extra frame, despite controlling much of the play, the Lincolns couldn’t find the game-winner. After Aydan Doyle was stopped on a breakaway, David Brown found the back of the net to give London the 3-2 victory.
“I thought we carried the play in overtime, but we definitely didn’t have a great third period,” said Bradley. “We did lose Cohen (Bidgood) and Chase (McDougall), but we also lost our composure a bit, not in the sense of our discipline, but more regarding puck management. We started panicking with the puck.”
Bradley, who often calls the regular
Chase McDougall lays a hit on Sarnia Legionnaires’ forward Jimmy Monks during the St. Marys Lincolns’ 5-2 win in Sarnia on Nov. 28.
(MCGINNY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO)
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Lincs solving problems as up-and-down November ends
season a 50-game process to “get our game in order,” discussed the team’s next step after a mostly good game ending in disappointing fashion.
“You have to take the positives out of a game like that. You can't let a loss humble you. It's never going to go all well, so you can't let things humble you
like that. At this point in the season, it's about problem-solving. You're trying to solve problems throughout the year, and that's what we're doing. We had a problem a couple of weeks ago with our puck support and decision-making with the puck, and we worked through that.
“We had a problem against Elmira with our physicality and we addressed
that,” Bradley continued. “In our game against Sarnia, we had a problem with our controlled breakout and chemistry between our forwards and defencemen, as well as our start to the game, and we cleaned those up against London. This is the time of the year you want to be solving problems and it’s a good thing that we have been able to identify and
address each problem quickly.”
The Lincolns finished November with a 5-4-1 record. They have five games in December, including their next two games on Dec. 6 and 7 against the London Nationals and the Ayr Centennials. Both games are being played in Caledonia at the GOJHL Showcase tournament.
U15 LL Boys dominant in 8-1 win over Mount Brydges
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
It took a while for the Armstrong Motors U15 LL Boys St. Marys Rock to take a commanding lead on the scoreboard Dec. 1, but once they did, they never looked back, beating the Mount Brydges Cougars 8-1.
Head coach Burton Pickel said the win cemented the team’s refocusing after several weeks of struggles.
“The boys were good tonight,” Pickel told the Independent. “We had been struggling a bit recently, so we knew when we went into Port Stanley last weekend that we were facing an unbeaten team and the boys decided they wanted to play hockey again this year. We got things on the right track and they brought it again (against Mount Brydges). They were hungry and pushing the pace, and ultimately did a great job pushing the puck over the goal line.”
The only goal of the first period came when Ahmad Ajjan Al-Hadid jammed home a loose puck on the doorstep of the Cougars’ net. That goal remained the only one on the board for St. Marys until late in the second period when the Rock
finally solved the Mount Brydges’ netminder and scored three times in three minutes and four seconds.
According to Pickel, a more cohesive attack allowed the team to break through
in the offensive zone.
“At the beginning of the game, there was a bit too much trying to do it all on your own. But when we started getting goals in tight from driving the net, they
seemed to realize that the results are there when we do it together. They started moving the puck better. They were getting through the neutral zone more effectively. They were finding each other in the offensive zone. It really came down to them playing more as a team.”
St. Marys got a pair of goals from Adam Nelson in the second, along with one from Adriaan Bes.
In the third, Josh Gerber, who also picked up three assists in the contest, fired a goal home just two minutes and 12 seconds into the period, followed by Jude Schlotzhuaer’s first of two goals in the frame a mere 36 seconds later. Schlotzhauer’s second goal of the game came later in the third with Nelson completing the hat trick less than a minute and a half later.
“We went into a little bit of a funk and we seem to have brought it back,” said Pickel. “Our boys can play with the best. The message that we've been preaching is if we want to be the best, we have to be ready to play our best every night. In this game, they decided to play like one of the best. Hopefully that message is sinking in now and the boys can build off of this.”
Josh Gerber scores a goal during the Armstrong Motors U15 LL Boys St. Marys Rock game on Dec. 1. The Rock defeated the Mount Brydges Cougars 8-1 and Gerber had a four-point game
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
DCVI represented well at All-Star basketball games
(CONTRIBUTED
DCVI senior girls open season making tournament finals
SPENCER SEYMOUR
The St. Marys DCVI Senior Girls Volleyball team started the season by making it to the championship game of a one-day tournament in Strathroy Nov. 22.
In their first five games, the Salukis didn’t lose a game, ending the fourgame round-robin with wins over Glencoe and North Middlesex and two ties against London Christian and West Elgin, followed by a semi-final win over West Elgin to advance to the final game. St. Marys downed West Elgin in two sets by scores of 25-15 and 25-20.
DCVI’s senior girls met Strathroy, a AAA school, in the finals and ultimately came out on the losing end. However, head coach Steve Chateauvert was very happy with his team’s season-opening tournament performance.
“It was great to have such a positive start,” Chateauvert told the Independent. “We've still got a long way to go in terms of what we need to do in order to get better, but seeing where they are at this point of the season makes me excited for where this team can go. It is a good base to build on, and the team should have lots of confidence after how they played in Strathroy.”
Chateauvert further explained his
Community Liaison Committee
The next Community Liaison Committee Meeting will be held on Friday December 6th at 10am at the St Marys Municipal Operations Center. Members of the public who wish to observe are welcome to attend.
Residents who wish to speak in front of the Committee may submit a detailed request in writing at least 3 days prior to the meeting in writing to the Committee. The request will be considered by the Committee and approved prior to the meeting. Please submit all requests, questions, and concerns for the meeting to kara.pelissero@vcimentos.com by Friday December 4th
takeaways from the tournament.
“Overall, I was really impressed with the intensity that the team brought, particularly on defence. They were always chasing balls down, in a ready position and made some great plays because of it. We struggled at the service line throughout the tournament, but that's something that we'll work on. We passed the ball quite well and were starting to generate more of an attack as the day progressed.”
With the full season ahead, Chateauvert said the positive beginning should aid the team in developing further as the year progresses.
“I think that we need to think of this
tournament as our baseline. If this is how we can play at the start of the season, then the team needs to take every opportunity to improve on their own, individual skills in addition to becoming more of a team.
“It's a short season, and we need to develop chemistry early on,” continued Chateauvert. Learning to trust each other to be in the right position and to make plays is an important part of the game. Having a successful start certainly helps with that as it has shown them what they're capable of.”
Pictured on the left, from left to right, are Eden Sinnett, Marin Chateauvert, Anna Ropp, Charlee Pickering, and coach Monica Ryan. They represented St. Marys DCVI during the Huron-Perth Senior Girls All-Star game, which ended in thrilling fashion when Team White won with a half-court buzzer-beating bucket. Pictured on the right, from left, are Alanna Savile, Charlotte Richardson, coach Tim O’Connor, Holly Black, and Regan Jones. The four players represented DCVI in the Junior Girls All-Star Game, and O’Connor was one of the All-Star event organizers.
PHOTOS)
Independent Sports Reporter
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84 Wellington Street South St. Marys, ON (519) 284-1690
Max Bilyea launches the puck on net during the Finnbilt Construction U9 MD Boys St. Marys Rock game last Saturday.
Ivy Smith slides a wrist shot on goal during last Saturday’s St. Marys Kinsmen U9 C Girls St. Marys Rock game.
Jack Bilyea blasts a shot on net during the Social Thirty-One U11 A Boys St. Marys Rock game this past Monday.
Styn de Wit releases a snap-shot during this past Monday’s Dunny’s Source for Sports U13 A Boys St. Marys Rock game.
Alannah Maxwell takes a backhand shot during the Harris-Greig Automotive U9 HL Girls St. Marys Rock game last Saturday.
Kenzie Shackleton loads up a shot during this past Sunday’s U12 St. Marys Snipers game.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTOS)
Lincs, SMMHA host Rock The Rink Night at PRC
The St. Marys Lincolns’ game on Nov. 29 was the team’s annual Rock The Rink night, a celebration of the St. Marys Minor Hockey Association. Several St. Marys Rock teams were in attendance, including the Finnbilt Construction U9 MD Boys, pictured on the left, and the Social Thirty-One U11 A Boys, pictured on the right.
During the first intermission, the U7 White and Blue Timbit teams took the ice to play a scrimmage in front of the crowd at the PRC. Both teams got pumped up by Linc the Lynx, the Lincolns’ mascot who also sported a St. Marys Rock jersey.
The St. Marys Ford U9 LL Boys Red brought plenty of enthusiasm to the Lincs’ game, displaying plenty of hockey and holiday spirit.
The St. Marys Landscaping U11 B Girls were one of the most consistently loud and boisterous sections throughout the Lincolns’ game against the London Nationals.
U18 B Boys find much-needed spark against Petrolia
The Frayne Custom Cabinets U18 B Boys St. Marys Rock finally turned momentum in their favour on Dec. 1 when they defeated the Petrolia Oilers 4-2 on the backs of an explosive third period.
According to head coach Dale Switzer, the victory gave the Rock the shot in the arm they had been searching for.
“We've been struggling for a few weeks to find a spark,” Switzer told the Independent. “As a coaching staff, we talked to them about staying positive and not gripping their sticks so tight. We were working hard, but we just needed to work a bit smarter, so we kept reminding them that we were too good of a team for the results to not eventually turn in our favour. As soon as we got the first one in the third period, it seemed to be the spark we’d been looking for.”
St. Marys struggled in the first two periods to generate a ton of sustained offensive zone time, getting just one goal before the third period and trailing 2-1 heading into the final stanza. Brody Higham scored the lone Rock goal with two minutes and 17 seconds left in the first frame.
In the third, however, the Rock emerged from the dressing room look-
ing like a team possessed, potting three goals in just four minutes and 36 seconds to steal a 4-2 win from the Oilers.
Andrew Davis got the scoring started for St. Marys on a goal assisted by
Dylan Regier and Owen Maxwell.
Luke Richardson netted the eventual game-winning goal, with the lone assist going to Maxwell. The Rock then got an insurance marker from Simon Greig
assisted by Brier Frayne.
Coach Switzer explained what the differences were in his team’s play from the first two periods to the third.
“This was a tale of two games. The first two periods, we weren’t harnessing our energy. We were skating hard. They were coming to the bench sweaty, but they weren’t quite skating hard the right way. We were chasing the puck too much and spending a lot of energy trying to get it rather than with the puck in our hands.
“In the third, they did a much better job using their energy the right way,” Switzer continued. “They attacked more efficiently when the other team had the puck. Their offensive-zone play was much more effective. Their energy just exploded in the third and thankfully, they got rewarded for it.”
Switzer added he was very pleased his team finally managed to find the spark they had been looking for.
“We were happy for them because you don't want to be a coach that hollers and screams. Ultimately, they found the spark on their own. I think it should show them what they're capable of. They should already know how good they can be, but sometimes, when the results aren’t going your way, you forget. Hopefully, this reminds them how good they are.”
Brody Higham tucks home the Frayne Custom Cabinets U18 B Boys St. Marys Rock’s first goal of the game on Dec. 1 against the Petrolia Oilers. The Rock came away with a 4-2 victory over Petrolia, which included a spectacular three-goal third period by St. Marys.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
U13 LL Boys Red take silver at Bradford tournament
The Cubberley Plumbing and Heating U13 LL Boys Red St. Marys Rock earned a silver medal at the Bradford Blue and Gold Classic hosted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
Coach Jim Holliday told the Independent the team proved their ability to compete with the best of the best in their tier.
“Our main takeaway is that we can compete with the best teams in these tournaments,” said Holliday. “Some of the Northern teams don't have rep hockey in their centres, so we saw some strong talent at the LL level. Our boys now understand that it takes an effort from everyone on the team to win close games.
St. Marys went unbeaten during the three-game round robin, finishing with two wins and one tie. The Rock started the tournament with a 1-0 shutout followed by a 7-1 blowout win. Their round robin ended with a 2-2 draw.
Holliday explained the team’s defensive play was the key to their great weekend.
“Overall, our success was due to our strong defensive effort. Our defence is the backbone of our team, and it’s led by our captain, Alex (Peachey). We got strong goaltending from Tyler (McDon -
ald), who always makes the first save. Our forwards have learned that backchecking creates scoring chances in the transition game and we had a lot of success there. We have a group of very coachable kids who worked hard and had fun, which is a great recipe for success.”
In their semi-final clash against the Central Perth Predators, Lachlan Thistle scored a pair of goals, the first of which came late in the opening period followed by a goal early in the second. Thistle completed the hat trick in the third, while Tyler McDonald turned in a strong showing to earn the 3-1 win in goal.
“The key to our win in the semi-final was our tenacity on the backcheck,” Holliday said. “We are a hard team to score against. Our defence is really solid and moved the puck well out of our zone and up the ice to our forwards, who can play with good speed and create a lot of scoring chances in transition.”
Despite bringing a similarly great energy level to the tournament finals against Waldon Lake, the Rock dropped the championship game by a score of 4-2. Thistle and Alex Peachey scored for St. Marys. Nevertheless, the Rock left with the silver medals and delivered a strong, hardworking performance to end the tournament.
The Cubberley Plumbing and Heating U13 LL Boys Red St. Marys Rock captured the silver medals from the Bradford Blue and Gold Classic tournament hosted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Pictured laying in front is Tyler McDonald. In the first row, from left to right, are head coach Jim Holliday, Lachlann Thistle, Tristan Fraser, Logan Thompson and Kyle McKichan. In the second row, from left, are Keegan Forrester, Jonathan Buckland, Alex Peachey, Cole McIntosh, Sawyer Votary, James Holliday, Sam Richardson and Brett Pearson. In the back row, from left, are trainer Karie Peachey, assistant coach Jon McDonald, assistant coach Dan McIntosh and assistant coach Jeff Richardson.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
St. Marys youth bowlers collect items for Giving Tuesday
1. Keep decorations at least three feet away from heat sources, especially open flames such as candles or
2. Always turn off your decorative lights when you leave your home or when you are sleeping.
3. The best decorations are safe decorations, so when you are decorating, make sure not to run cords under rugs or furniture.
4. If you have a natural Christmas tree, water it to keep it fresh and safe.
5. If you are using extension cords or adapters that add receptacles, consider having a qualified electrician add more outlets to your home.
6. Only use electronics in dry places. As tempting as it is, you cannot decorate your aquarium in Christmas lights.
7. Tablets and phones should stay on your nightstand.
8. Every home should have a working smoke alarm in each bedroom, a smoke alarm outside sleeping areas and on every level, including your basement.
9. If you are using a space heater, make sure it has a tip-over feature.
10. Discard any worn-out decorations.
11. Keep batteries safely stored in their packaging out of reach of small children and pets.
12. The best gift you can give your family is an ARC-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers outlet. Many electrical fires that occur every year could be prevented by AFCIs.
more information contact St Marys Fire Department at 519-284-2340, ext. 301
The St. Marys Bowling Lanes YBC program collected items for the Library Pantry for the Giving Tuesday Initiative. The items will be dropped off on Dec. 3.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
COLUMNS
UKRAINIAN CORNER:
OLENA OLIANINA Independent Columnist
St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on Dec. 6, holds a special place in the hearts of Ukrainian children who eagerly await gifts from the saint himself. In Ukraine, St. Nicholas is viewed as a symbol of kindness, compassion and generosity. The tradition dates back centuries, rooted in the story of Nicholas, a real historical figure known for secretly helping those in need by leaving coins or food. His acts of kindness have made him a beloved protector of children and the less fortunate.
In the days leading up to Dec. 6, Ukrainian children write letters to St. Nicholas, sharing their wishes and promises to be well-behaved. This ritual encourages children to reflect on their actions as the holiday emphasizes not only receiving gifts but also fostering kindness and empathy. On the night before St. Nicholas Day, children clean their shoes and place them by the door or window, hoping to find a surprise in the morning.
St. Nicholas’ gifts are more than just treats; they carry a symbolic meaning. Traditionally, he would leave nuts, honey cookies, fruits, or even small rods as gentle reminders for children who misbehaved. These little rods aren’t meant to scold but to encourage children to reflect on their behaviour and strive to be kind-hearted and obedient.
In Ukrainian folklore, the night of St. Nicholas is filled with a touch of magic. It’s believed that during this night, the saint walks across the land, blessing homes and bringing protection. A common belief is that on St. Nicholas’ Day, frost patterns appear on grass and trees as if the saint himself paints them in a winter wonderland.
St. Nicholas Day is significant in teaching Ukrainian children the values of kindness, generosity and family bonds. Through this tradition, children learn to value thoughtfulness over material goods. The holiday reinforces moral values, helps preserve Ukrainian traditions and nurtures empathy in young hearts.
St. Nicholas Day is more than just a day of receiving
St. Nicholas Day a celebration of kindness and miracles in Ukraine
gifts; it’s a reminder of the timeless wisdom that true joy lies in acts of kindness and caring for others. Through these cherished traditions, Ukrainian children experience the warmth of family values that they carry with them into adulthood.
Straight from the Shelves
Just in time for the holidays, our next Makerspace Workshop is customising reusable gift bags! Visit the Makerspace on December 21 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to add a name of your choice to a cloth gift bag. This program is free to attend, but donations are always accepted and appreciated. To sign up for this event, please contact the Library (519284-3346).
This Week’s Recommendation
The next time you visit the Library, you’ll notice that we have a couple Christmas trees set up. The origins of the Christmas tree stem from pagan ceremonies and were later adopted by Christians as a symbol for eternal life. The Christmas tree tradition was introduced to England in 1800 by Queen Charlotte who had grown up with decorated yew boughs during the holiday
season at her childhood home in Germany. Enjoy the true story of Charlotte’s gift to England by reading “The Queen and the First Christmas Tree” by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. Find it in the holiday section of the children’s end today!
Up This Week
Fri., Dec. 6: Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 7: Open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon., Dec. 9: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tues., Dec. 10: TeNoWriMo* (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
Wed., Dec. 11: EarlyON Play and Read (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Mahjong! (1-4 p.m.), Scrabble (6-8 p.m.)
Thurs., Dec. 12: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
*Registration Required
Ask the Arborist
By Joel Hackett
Dear Arborist,
I am thinking of cabling my tree, and was wondering why there are so many different kinds? I have also seen people using chains.
Rhonda
Dear Rhonda,
Cabling a tree is often an option if the the tree is cracked or in danger of falling over.
There are two different kinds of cabling systems - static and dynamic. Static has less flexibility and normally uses a steel cable. It lasts a long time and is cheaper, but it puts a hole in the tree to attach the bolt.
Dynamic cables on the other hand self adjust as the tree grows, and do not damage the tree. Normally they cost more though and do not last as long. Chains are not generally recommended as they have no stretch, and the tree needs to be able to move with the wind to some extent.
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
St. Nicholas, the beloved protector and gift-giver who brings joy and kindness to children in Ukraine on his special day.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
HISTORIC ST. MARYS: The Whelihan Block
MARY SMITH Independent Columnist
In the early hours of April 30, 1896, there was a disastrous fire in downtown St. Marys. It broke out in the loft of the stables belonging to the three-storey National Hotel on the southeast corner of Queen and Water Streets. The stables were demolished, and the hotel itself was completely gutted. An east wind saved the buildings on Queen Street, but it blew hot cinders right across the Thames River threatening the houses in the west ward. The upper floor of the bakery just to the south was destroyed. In the morning, the buildings along that part of Water Street were smouldering ruins.
The bakery owner began to rebuild immediately, but the burned-out hotel remained a scar on the streetscape because the owner, although insured, decided to quit the business. A year after the fire, it was a relief for St. Marys residents to learn that two brothers, Charles and Joseph Whelihan, well-known young businessmen, had bought the property and planned to erect a commercial block where the hotel once stood. They were the sons of Patrick Whelihan, Perth South Registrar and prominent St. Mary resident. Charles worked with his father in the registry office. Joseph was both a veterinary surgeon and a farmer, living and working on the family farm on the northwest edge of St. Marys. Both were in their early 30s, still unmarried, ready to make a success of this project.
On June 3, 1897, the St. Marys Journal announced that the contracts for the new Whelihan block had been let. The masonry work would be completed within two months and the building would be ready for occupancy by the end of November. The Journal had obtained the architect’s drawing showing how the building would look on completion. The engraving was published in the newspaper and is reproduced with this week’s column. The article gave a complete description of the building. It would be built of St. Marys limestone and although only two storeys, it would rise a foot higher than the three levels of the National Hotel. Its layout was designed to attract commercial tenants.
The four stores along Water Street would have large, plate glass display windows with leaded glass in the transoms above. Each store would have an entrance onto Water Street and the store on the corner would also have a show window and a door onto Queen Street. Inside, the stores would all have 14foot ceilings, “both floors and ceilings throughout being finished in red birch.” The second storey above the first three stores would be finished as warerooms, but the space over the store furthest south would be an apartment. The Journal believed it would greatly improve the west part of the downtown and went on to report: “A couple of the stores are engaged and there are several applicants for the others, so that this will be a bright and busy part of the town in the
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The architect's drawing of the Whelihan Block, first published in the St. Marys Journal in June 1897. Today the facade of this commercial block along the east side of Water Street South is remarkably unchanged.
coming winter.”
The Whelihans had chosen a young architect from Stratford, David Gunn Baxter, already well-known in St. Marys. As the Journal reported: “His work in connection with the Methodist churches of this district last summer gave every satisfaction to all concerned.” The newspaper was referring to the major renovations to the St. Marys Methodist Church that relocated the pulpit and the organ to the south wall of the sanctuary. The same year, Baxter also designed a new Methodist Church for the congregation in nearby Wellburn. Baxter had been born in Stratford in 1871. According to the Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, he was “a precocious and remarkably prolific architect” who began his career at the age of 21, working with another, established Stratford architect. He designed commercial, ecclesiastical, educational, and residential buildings throughout southwestern Ontario. As well as the Methodist churches already mentioned, his work included the Presbyterian churches in both Avonbank and Avonton. In Stratford, in 1893, he designed a new spire for St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. His work also included commercial properties in Stratford, Mitchell, Hespeler and Tavistock. But by 1897 when he produced the plans for the Whelihan block, his promising career was near its end. During the summer of 1896, his health had begun to deteriorate. He died of tuberculosis in January 1898 at 28 years of age. According to his obituary in the Perth County Evening Herald, on January 22, 1989, “His physical appearance was never very rugged, but always a great athlete, but his constitution was not strong enough to sustain an active disposition.”
Considering that he never enjoyed robust health, it is amazing what David Baxter had been able to accomplish.
The major contractors for the Whelihan block were both local men: William Cockram had been awarded the masonry work and Jacob Near was the carpentry contractor. Both were mature and experienced men, ready to undertake
this large commercial project. William Cockram had been born in 1850 in Bow, a village in Devon, England. He grew up and served his apprenticeship there. By the 1871 English census, he was working as a mason. He immigrated to Canada in 1884 and came directly to St. Marys. In 1885, he married Mary Ann Bain from Downie Township. Their son, Herbert Thomas, was born in February 1886. That same year, records show him working with Jacob Near on a house in the west ward.
In the 1891 Canada census, William Cockram was listed as a stonemason. However, he began doing more general construction work and by the 1901 census, he was listed as a contractor. He purchased property along Water Street South and built a number of houses either on contract or to sell when finished. These homes were both brick and frame. In 1912 his wife, Mary Ann, died. William remained in St. Marys until 1918 when, at the age of 68, he retired and
moved to Vancouver to live with his son. He died in British Columbia on September 25, 1923.
Jacob Near was born in 1847 in West Nissouri Township near Cherry Hill, south of St. Marys. He was a member of a large family – he had six brothers and seven sisters. Looking to leave the farm, he began working in construction. In 1868, he married a neighbour, Sarah Richardson. Three years later, they moved to St. Marys where they raised their family. Jacob became one of the most popular and prolific contractors in the community. He was involved in most major construction projects from the fire hall in 1880 to the Maxwell factory in 1888 and the St. Marys Town Hall in 1891. A short profile published in the St. Marys Argus in December 1886, described him as “thoroughly competent in all branches of the business, having built more than 150 dwellings, besides a large number of bridges, schoolhouses and other public buildings in St. Marys and the surrounding country.” Ten years later when he bid on the Whelihan project, those numbers would have significantly increased.
In 1900 Jacob Near retired from business. He and his wife moved away to be closer to their son, Percy, an engineer. In June 1932, the Nears returned to St. Marys, where, even in his 80s, Jacob built them a bungalow on Queen Steet West. But in early January 1935, he slipped on some ice while crossing Queen Street. An approaching car tried to avoid him, but Jacob fell against it and hit his head. Although he received medical attention quickly, he did not recover from the accident. Jacob Near had been a life-long, faithful member of the Methodist (later the United) Church. His funeral, held in the St. Marys United Church, was attended by “a very large crowd of citizens as well as scores from a distance.” Joseph Whelihan was one of the honorary pallbearers.
FROM THE GARDEN: Rest and regeneration
Despite the work our gardens require, they are our passion. Whether we grow prized roses, tasty vegetables, decorative perennials or native plants for pollinators, our gardens are a labour of love. Sometimes, being overwhelmed with garden tasks and disappointments throughout the season, weakens our joy of gardening. By the time we have finished harvesting the last of our vegetables or seeds for next year’s garden, weeding and preparing our gardens for winter, we are ready
for a break.
I found this past gardening season a disheartening challenge… battling hungry critters, plant germination and growing issues, two major rain events followed by excessive heat and dry spells. It didn’t help when I pulled my back in the middle of harvest time. By then, I was ready to throw in my trowel and burn my gardening gloves. Basically, I lost my garden ‘mo-jo’ this year. So, I am grateful that we are coming into the winter season. It’s the break I need, we all need, and so do our gardens.
Our most valuable asset as gardeners is the soil. If we have healthy soil, full of life, we will have a productive garden whether we grow annuals, perennials or edible plants. The soil has worked so hard throughout the growing season in our gardens, and it too needs to rest and regenerate.
After extensive growing,
whether it is our gardens or a larger acreage, the nutrients are depleted in the soil. Adding compost or organic matter on our gardens in late fall decomposes over the winter, enriching the soil with essential nutrients. Even during the winter, this matter breaks down. Microbial activity continues, although at a slower pace, and helps restore the nutrient balance. Beneficial fungi and bacteria thrive during the winter months contributing to the soil fertility and health. Additionally, resting the soil can help improve its ability to absorb water. A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and protects against harsh winter conditions, ensuring better moisture levels in spring. There are more reasons it is beneficial for soil to rest. Frost helps improve its structure and aeration as the freeze-thaw cycle during the winter helps breaks up compacted soil. Also, the many pests and pathogens are interrupted when the soil is allowed to rest, reducing them that have
built up over time. As well, plant residues left to decompose can suppress soil borne diseases. Consider the holistic approach of our gardens as they go through the seasons, cycles and generations into the future. If we have healthy soil that is full of life, we should have a productive garden next year, whether you grow perennials or
edible plants.
As the winter approaches, enjoy your much deserved rest. The break away from your gardens will give you the opportunity to reflect and be more energized come spring. And as for our gardens, the winter sets the stage for a healthier and more productive growing season next year.
NANCY ABRA Independent Columnist
Thorndale News
T’is
the season in Thorndale!
As the Christmas season is upon us, the community of Thorndale is abuzz with an array of activities planned for December.
The Thames Centre Community Choir held a concert, Songs of the Christmas Season, at Thorndale United Church on Sunday, Dec. 1. The Thorndale Lions hosted their annual Christmas Bingo the following evening at the Thorndale Lions Community Centre which always draws a crowd.
As for upcoming events, the Thorndale Agricultural Society community theatre group is selling tickets for the upcoming dinner theatre at the Thorndale Library on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. The 2025 dinner theatre
tickets for A Butler Did It by playwright Robert Scott always make great gifts for anyone who enjoys the theatre, plus it supports the local community groups.
Sheena Ball RMT at Therapy Worx (160 King St.) in partnership with the Thames Centre fire department is collecting new toys and games to be distributed through the Dorchester food bank. Donations can be dropped off by the Christmas tree upstairs at 160 King St. until Dec. 13.
Always a huge favourite for the community of Thorndale is the Lions Santa Claus Parade set for Friday Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. The parade will leave the community centre and head east, south on Fairview Road, through the subdivisions and return to the Thorndale Lions Community Centre for entertainment, snacks and an opportunity for the little
Happy December from the Thorndale Library!
MIDDLESEX COUNTY LIBRARY STAFF
Contribution
We have some fun activities planned for this month.
Our youngest patrons and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs and rhymes at Storytime on Tuesdays from 10:30-11 a.m. Registration is not required.
For young families with children ages zero to six year olds, drop in on Fridays 9-11 a.m. for Play & Learn hosted by Early ON. Registration is not required.
We are holding Holiday Giving until Dec. 12. Middlesex County Library branches will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items until Dec.
12. Items can be dropped off during all open hours. Donations will be distributed to food banks and cupboards in Middlesex County.
Our upcoming holiday hours:
• Tuesday, Dec. 24 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Wednesday Dec. 25 CLOSED
• Thursday Dec. 26 CLOSED
• Tuesday Dec. 31 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, CLOSED
We are open regular hours for all other dates.
As always, feel free to 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!
ones to visit with Santa as well as make some crafts. For the parade route and more details, visit www.thorndalelionsclub.ca.
Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thorndale United Church is hosting a Christmas Day Camp for children in kindergarten to Grade 6 to explore the first Christmas through crafts, games and music. Pre-register at lighthouse@tzuc. ca.
Also on Saturday, Dec. 14, Thorndale Country Mills is hosting a Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with fun activities for children, a magic show, face painting, Christmas music, food trucks and more. And don’t forget to check out their retail store for a wide variety of products and gift ideas.
Community Care Connection of the Thorndale United Church will also be
there collecting women’s and baby items for ANOVA, a women’s shelter in London, as well as men’s hats and gloves for Mission Services in London. The West Nissouri Grade 8 students will have a table at this event where they will sell chocolate bars and raffle tickets for their fundraiser in support of their yearend trip to Camp Celtic and June graduation.
While in the downtown area on Dec. 14, drop into Thorndale Hardware and check out their shelves for decorations and gift ideas while enjoying a coffee and yummy treats.
Who needs to head to the city or the malls, as Thorndale is a great place to shop local. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide at www.facebook.com/ ILoveThorndale. For upcoming events, visit www.ilovethorndale.ca/events.
Families in the community take advantage of the Masonic CHiP program
by Robert Scott
Feb 22, Feb 23 (brunch) Feb 28 and Mar 1 2025 with a play only (no meal) on Feb 26
Many families in the community took the opportunity to attend the Masonic Child Identification Program (CHiP) at the Mount Olivet 300 Lodge last Saturday, Nov. 30.
Different stations were set up where the children’s heights and weights were taken, along with hair and eye colour and any identifying birthmarks or scars. As well, digital photos and fingerprints of the children were recorded.
This total identification information
was compiled into a kit and given to the kids’ parents or caretakers for future reference in case the child ever goes missing or is lost.
This kit is free of charge as a community service offered by the Mount Olivet Lodge members.
“We hope you never need to use it,” said Nicole Elliott, one of the parents who attended with her children, Corey, six, Heidi, four, and Hailey, two. She said the program provided by the Masons was excellent and greatly appreciated.
NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter
NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter
Nicole Elliott of the Thorndale area and her three children – Corey, six, Heidi, four, and Hailey, two – participated in the free Masonic Child Identification Program at the Mount Olivet 300 Lodge Nov. 30.
(NANCY ABRA PHOTO)
Riddles
What do miners put on their face at night?
Coal cream.
Why did the coach go to the bank?
To get his quarterback.
What is green and sings?
Elvis Parsley.
Did you hear about the man who got his left arm cut off?
He's all right now.
Why did the bird go to the restaurant?
Because he wanted a tweet
What do frogs drink?
Croak-a-cola.
Why can't a leopard hide?
Because he's always spotted
Why did the rancher name his ranch "Peanut Butter"?
It was a great spread.
What's the richest kind of air?
Billionaire.
How come my uncle does not brush his hair?
Because he is bald.
Riddle Kid
- Word Search -
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: Getting the real story at Pier 21
Some travel experiences are just plain fun; some offer a combination of entertainment and education; and some are simply serious – sometimes life-changingly serious.
I would put the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in the latter category. If you spend the time and pay attention as you make your way through the exhibits at this museum on the Halifax waterfront, you will come out with a lot of new knowledge and perhaps even some changed perspectives.
You may even learn some new things about your own personal heritage – but more about that later, in our last stop at the museum.
Pier 21 was where about a million immigrants first set foot in Canaada, from 1928 to 1971. It was also an important transfer site for the Canadian military during World War II. So ironically, this is the place where many new Canadians entered the country for the first time, and also the place where many young Canadians left the country, too often for the last time, as they headed for the bat-
tlefields of Europe.
Those kinds of stories would make it easy for Pier 21 to be romanticized as heartwarming stories of newcomers and courageous stories of young soldiers are told. And while, yes, those accounts are part of the narrative here, Pier 21 does not duck the ugly realities of Canada’s racist immigration policies that lasted throughout the majority of our national history.
And that is, above all, the cause of the new knowledge and changed perspectives that can result from your visit, as I mentioned above.
The problem is summed up on one information panel entitled, Why Europeans? It reads, in part, “Canadian immigration policies overwhelmingly favoured white Europeans and Americans. Racist immigration policy and practice effectively excluded African, Asian and other racialized people until just a few years before Pier 21 closed in 1971.”
The museum tells its stories with brutal honesty. When we visited, there was a deeply moving exhibit concerning the reality of slavery in Canada. The facts as presented were in stark contrast to our comfortable image of Canada as the welcoming terminus of the underground railway, which welcomed enslaved people escaping from slavery in the U.S. That certainly happened, but so did slavery, with all its horrors, for a period that extended from 1629 to 1834.
Pier 21 owes its very existence to the work of a woman, herself the daughter of Jewish-Russian immigrants who settled in Cape
Breton. Ruth M. Goldbloom led the campaign to restore Pier 21 as a museum telling the stories of immigrants. Pier 21 opened in 1999. A decade later, it officially became The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Canada’s sixth national museum (four are in Ottawa, the fifth, the National Museum of Human Rights, is in Winnipeg). Pier 21 is a facility that rewards those who take the time to read all of the information panels. There you find the true story of immigration, and you will inevitably pause to reflect on our national history, a mixed bag at best. Rivalling the stories of slavery for sheer horror is the account of the ship, the MSS St. Louis. In 1939, the MSS St. Louis attempted to land in Canada. It carried 900 Jewish refugees attempting to escape Nazi Germany. Prime Minister William Lyon Mckenzie King refused to allow the ship to land, and sent it back to Germany, where over a quarter of the passengers eventually died in concentration camps. This, one of the darkest moments in Canadian history, is commemorated in an installation at Pier 21 called The Wheel of Conscience. The dramatic creation of Daniel Libeskind includes four interlocking gears. The smallest, labelled hatred, activates the racism wheel, which moves the xenophobia gear, which drives the anti-Semitism wheel. The names of the passengers are etched on glass in the piece.
The museum not only offers hours of exhibited reading materials, carrying the visitor from the darkest days of immi-
gration policies to today’s much more inclusive times, but there are also regular tours presented by clever and entertaining guides.
The museum’s theatre shows an uplifting film featuring recent immigrants to Canada.
And visitors may be surprised to discover the family research centre, where knowledgeable staffers are poised behind computer screens, ready to help you with your individual quest for personal history.
We had come quite unprepared for such an opportunity, but after dredging up a very few bits of personal genealogy, I was surprised at how much information our guide was able to excavate from the records.
In a matter of minutes, we had gone back six generations in the history of my birth family
– a family I only discovered a few years ago. I left with a few sheets of information, including the earliest ancestor discovered in that brief time, a man with the intriguing name of Ritchison Travers.
So avid, amateur genealogists may want to skip the tour and spend all their time in the family research centre! But that would be a shame, because time spend at Pier 21 will change your perspective on the history of our country. You will feel shame at what we were, and perhaps pride at what we are becoming. We can hope so, anyway.
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.
Hockey fans will remember this famous immigrant to Canada – Hockey Hall of Famer Stan Mikita, who came to Canada as a child from the former Czechoslovakia.
An art installation by Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers. The piece reflects the conflicting emotions inspired by the colour red and according to the artist is an attempt "to bridge the gap between settlers and First Nations."
PAUL KNOWLES Independent Columnist
Pier 21, the Canadian Museum of Immigration, on the Halifax waterfront.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
OBITUARY Clifford
Lawrence Daniel Joseph Clifford, age 70, of Stratford passed away peacefully, this past Friday, November 29, 2024. Born in St. Marys, son of the late Jack and Jesse (Bruder) Clifford. Beloved husband for 37 years of Judith (Whitham). Loving father of Robert Clifford and Jason Clifford (Krista). Grandfather of Brianna and Avery. Brother of Thomas (Heather), Gerald, John (Kim), Marie Goring (Tom), Patrica Cowsert, Rita Hoogenes, Theresa Noble (Doug) and Jean Clifford (Ira). Also survived by sister-in-law Elizabeth Clifford, brother-in-law Lyle Whitham (Leanna) and several well-loved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Robert Clifford, Joe Clifford, sister-inlaw Kathleen Poole (Derek) and nephew Dirk Poole. Larry graduated from the Sault Ste. Marie College in Forestry and worked at TB Woods for many years. In retirement he enjoyed volunteering with the Spruce Lodge Swim Program. He had attended many churches over the years strengthening his faith with Avondale United Church being his final church home. Larry enjoyed driving for St. John’s Preschool and the local Cancer Association. An avid hunter, he enjoyed the hunts with family and eating the roasts and sausage from their success. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held in the spring with interment in Avondale Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Terry Fox Foundation may be made through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
OBITUARY
Hill
It is with great sadness that the family of Patricia Hill (née Gage) announces her peaceful, but sudden passing on November 29, 2024 at the age of 94, at Wildwood Care Centre in St. Marys. Born in Stratford Ontario, to the late Ross and Doris Gage, Pat was an elementary school teacher in Niagara Falls before moving to St. Marys in 1968. She was the devoted wife of the late Norman Hill (2013) and cherished mother to Andrew and Wendy Hill of Baden, and Megan and Josh Dow of London. She was a proud grandmother to Mateo, Eve, and Jack, and is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. Pat will be fondly remembered for her involvement in several organizations including the St. Marys Presbyterian Church, St. Marys Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and McConnell Club. She was also an active participant in the Taoist Tai Chi Society. Known for her unending generosity, vibrant spirit, and wonderful sense of humour, Pat cherished life and found her greatest joy in her family and friends. At Pat’s request, cremation has taken place. A gathering to honour Pat's life will be held in the spring. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY McPhail
Phyllis McPhail, 93, of St. Marys passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Beloved wife of the late Jack McPhail (2012). Dear mother of Dave McPhail (Suzanne), Debbie Garlick (Kevin), Mary Lou Watson (Craig) and Murray McPhail (Karen). Loving grandmother of Candice McPhail (Chris), Natasha Vermeer (Bart), Adam Garlick (Ashley), Tyler Garlick (Danielle), Mitchell Garlick, Kayla Knieriem (Eric), Kelly Watson, Connor McPhail, Arden McPhail and Sarah McPhail. Cherished "GG" of Bethany, Jack, Amelia, Aiden, Davis and Oaklen. Dear sister of Doris Scheurman and Alvin Cooke. Dear sister-in-law of Joan Cooke. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents George and Sadie Cooke, brothers Lloyd, George (Barbara), Bob, and Ross (Lenore), sister Iona Everitt (Ross), brothers-inlaw Greg Scheurman, Manny Bennewies, and sistersin-law Shirley Cooke and Grace (Bennewies) Smitjes. Friends were received at the Lockhart Funeral Home, 109 Montreal St., Mitchell on Tuesday, December 3 from 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. A reception followed at the Lockhart Reception Centre. Spring interment in Roy's Cemetery. Memorial donations to the London Health Sciences Foundation would be appreciated and may be made at LockhartFuneralHome.com.
IN MEMORIAM Hughes
In loving memory of our parents, grandparents and great grandparents, Reta (December 3, 2012) and Harry (February 6, 1995). We think about you always we talk about you still You have never been forgotten and you never will.
We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain
To walk and guide us through our lives until we meet again.
Always remembered and forever loved.
Your family
Deery
Ron Deery
In loving memory of a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather that passed away Dec. 3rd, 2011 I thought of you today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name, All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which I’ll never part, God has you in His arms I have you in my heart.
Love Dianna
Are You A Newcomer
To The St. Marys Area?
friends of the library has a FREE Welcome Package for you to pick up at the library!
Recreation Info
LOOKING BACK
By Amy Cubberley
Mexican radio
25 years ago (1999)
The emotion caused by the possible closing of public schools in Huron and Perth counties spilled over into last week’s St. Marys council meeting with one councilor leaving the chambers after expressing his displeasure over council’s unwillingness to act immediately on the issue and then threatening to resign his position.
The River Road Run Committee was pleased to have 210 runners participate in this year’s event raising money for the St. Marys Memorial Hospital. A cheque for $4,700, the most profit ever, was presented to Andrew Willams by committee members Marco Balestrin and Paula Wilcox.
50 years ago (1974)
An industrial lay-off, fortunately scarce on the local scene during recent years, has been announced at the De Longe-Scovill plant, Wellington Street North. It is believed that some 19 hourly employees are involved in the lay-off. No definite date is known for possible recall but it is not expected to be until the new year.
While we hate to mention the fact this close to Christmas, we have seen the comparison figured between the estimated cost of power to be purchased by the local P.U.C. from Ontario Hydro during 1974 and 1975. The figures are $306,437 and $375,070. The P.U.C. estimated that $36,000 of this increase will be simply increased hydro costs with 5% for anticipated expansion of local service. However, local power rates cannot go up until next August.
75 years ago (1949)
A wasp’s nest bigger than a football is on display in the Journal-Argus window. It was found hanging in a tree by Mrs. R.S. Ratcliffe of Anderson. The wasps have vacated it.
St. Marys Rod & Gun Club had their first rabbit drive on Saturday. Ten rabbits and one red fox were bagged by eleven men who took part. Five other foxes were seen on the run.
100 years ago (1924)
At the latest Town Council meeting, a letter was read from Parkinson & Riordan, solicitors for Ferguson Bros, complaining about the town dumping ground and threatening action if immediate steps were not taken to remedy the condition.
Paul McMillan picked up a radio program station from Mexico City on Friday night last week. The numbers were quite distinct, being Spanish songs and orchestra or guitar numbers. The station is operated by the Casa Del Radio Company and is approximately 2,500 miles distant from St. Marys.
Word from Miss Edith Sparling, the St. Marys Missionary to China who was home on furlough the last summer, informs her friends and relatives that she arrived safely at her destination in China on October 26. She left St. Marys on August 28 and had a splendid rail and boat trip. Although her journey took her through many miles of Chinese war zones, she and her party encountered very little difficulty.
CLASSIFIED ADSCLASSIFIED ADS
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 Rent
2 bedroom ground floor apartment in mature adult building. $1750 per month plus utilities. 1 parking space included. References and credit check required. Please contact via email waterst.apartments@gmail.com
For Sale
Large Washer 5 yrs old, gooding running condition $300.00 Large Gas Dryer $100.00
