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Simcoe Advocate - August 27, 2026

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Gardner named to Hall of Fame “Simply the finest shortstory writer in the history of Canadian science fiction,” says Robert J. Sawyer LISA TIMPF Advocate Contributor

Author Jim Gardner, a science fiction writer with a local connection, was recognized for his body of work on August 9, 2026. On that date, Gardner and two other Canadian science fiction writers were this year’s inductees into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association (CSFFA) Hall of Fame. Though Gardner was born in Bradford, Ont., his family moved to Simcoe when he was eight. Gardner attended North Public School and Elgin Avenue Public School, then moved on to Simcoe Composite School, graduating as a member of the Class of 1972. Gardner studied mathematics at University of Waterloo, earning a B.Math and M.Math in Applied Math. While at University of Waterloo, Gardner wrote plays and radio dramas. He went on to pen 10 novels, published as James Alan Gardner - Expendable, Commitment Hour, Vigilant, Hunted, Ascending, Trapped, Radiant, Gravity Wells, All Those Explosions Were Someone Else’s Fault, and They Promised Me the Gun Wasn’t Loaded. He has also written short stories and novellas, and has had a number of pieces published in Amazing

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

From left, Norfolk County Terry Fox organizers Maddy Thorpe, Carolyn Verhoeve, and Mackenzie Thorpe stand next to a Terry Fox display at a fundraising BBQ at Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer. This year’s Norfolk Terry Fox Run is Sunday, Sept. 20th.

Join the fight against cancer CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

The 2026 Norfolk County Terry Fox Run is fast approaching. This year’s Terry Fox Run is Sunday, Sept. 20 at Simcoe Lions Park (Da-

vis Street). Check-in or registration starts at 10 a.m. Opening ceremonies start about 10:30 a.m. and the Terry Fox Run starts at 11 a.m. “We will have lots of refreshments and snacks that have been donated by local businesses, and pizza

for after the run,” said co-organizer Mackenzie Thorpe. “It’s all free for participants.” Local sponsors include Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer in Delhi, Giant Tiger, Domino’s in Simcoe and Port Dover, Aspire Bakeries,

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August 27, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

SCS alumnus earns CSFFA Hall of Fame honours CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Stories, Asimov’s SF Magazine, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Nature, and other venues. Gardner says he’s always been a writer. “Hiding in my family’s house in Simcoe is a story I wrote when I was five,” he says, adding, “It’s terrible, but maybe it’s okay for a five-year-old.” He wrote some plays in high school, which were put on at drama nights in the SCS cafetorium. At university, Gardner says, “I didn’t do much writing until I joined a group called FASS (Faculty, Administration, Staff and Students) which put on an original musical comedy every year. I became part of the writing team and eventually rose to Head Scriptwriter for FASS 1978.” As a spinoff from FASS, “a number of us formed a theatre group called Sumwat which wrote and performed plays at UW for several summers in a row. That same group became the core of a team that wrote and performed radio dramas on the university’s radio station CKMS.” In the mid-80s, Gardner began writing science fiction and fantasy stories on his own. In 1989, his story ‘The Children of the Creche’ won the Writers of the Future grand prize. Soon after winning, Gardner went to the Clarion West Science Fiction workshop. Here, he wrote several stories that were eventually published. The first story story that actually appeared in print was ‘Muffin Explains Teleology to the World at Large’ in OnSpec, April 1990. ‘Muffin’ won the 1991 Aurora Award for Best Canadian Short Story in English, and Gardner notes that it has been reprinted many times. Throughout the 90s, Gardner published numerous short stories in various venues. In 1997, his first novel, Expendable,

was published by Avon Books. “I’ve mostly published novels ever since,” says Gardner, “although I write the occasional short story when I’m struck by a good idea.” Asked about the early influences that sparked his interest in science fiction, Garnder says that though he read a lot of science fiction and fantasy when he was a kid, “a really important influence was comic books. I’m proud to say I owned the original issues of Avengers No. 1-10, although they’re long gone now. (The age-old story: ‘those comics would be worth a fortune, but my mother threw them out.’) I tended to collect Marvel comics, while my brother did DC.” Why comic books? “Comic books, then and now, were a constant mix of science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, and everything else you can imagine. The writers of each series had to come up with a new story every month, so they took inspiration from everything. And comics grew up as I did; comic books from the early 1960s were pretty simplistic, but they grew in sophistication as time went on, strangely keeping pace with me.” Gardner adds, “Of course, I read regular novels and short stories too - lots of them. But superhero comic books were where I started.” The CSFFA Hall of Fame recognition was not the first time Gardner’s work has earned accolades. Past honours earned by Gardner include the Aurora Award, the Asimov’s Readers’ Choice, the Writers of the Future Contest, and the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award. His stories have also appeared on the final ballots for the prestigious Hugo and Nebula awards. Robert J. Sawyer, who was inducted into the CSFFA Hall of Fame in 2013, calls Gardner “simply the finest short-story

writer in the history of Canadian science fiction.” There are aspects of short story writing Gardner enjoys, noting that it’s possible to write them in ‘a burst of enthusiasm.’ “They only take a few days to write, and it’s easy to maintain my excitement for the idea, the characters, etc. Novels take a lot longer to write, and inevitably, you have bad days, dead ends, messes that need to be cleaned up, and so on,” he says. “Short stories also omit the ifs, ands, or buts that you have to deal with in novels. In a short story, you don’t have to address all the second thoughts that characters will have if they have days or weeks or years living with a problem. Issues and actions can remain sharp rather than getting fuzzy with clutter.” Asked if he has a story or novel he is particularly proud of, Gardner says, “I’ll always think well of my first novel Expendable. It had a strong heroine with a strong voice, and it did very well for me.” After that, his favourites are his two most recent publications: All Those Explosions Were Someone Else’s Fault and They Promised Me the Gun Wasn’t Loaded. “Those are (surprise, surprise!) superhero novels set on campus at the University of Waterloo,” he says. “I laughed a lot as I wrote them, and I had a great time.” Garder’s induction into the CSFFA Hall of Fame was a meaningful milestone. “Of course, it’s a great honour to be welcomed into the company of so many writers I admire,” Gardner says. “Writing is a hermit-like profession; it’s sitting alone at a keyboard for hours at a time, and often wondering if anyone will enjoy the end-result. Joining the Hall of Fame is a sign that my work has reached a group of readers: that it meant something to them.” But Gardner isn’t resting on his laurels, continuing to work on projects.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Simcoe Composite School alumnus (class of 1972) James Alan (Jim) Gardner was recently inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association’s Hall of Fame. Garner has 10 published novels and a number of short stories to his credit.

“At the moment, I have an epic fantasy novel called Six Goddesses and a Cat that is under consideration at a number of publishers,” Gardner says. He’s also working on “a modern fantasy set in Waterloo, with the working title Dungeons and Other Depths I’ve Sunk To.” CSFFA was established in 1980, and since that time has recognized both the best Canadian SF&F professional writing and the best Canadian fan activity. The CSFFA’s Hall of Fame was founded in 2014. Each year, a jury selects new inductees from a list of nominees. The names of Hall of Fames inductees go on a permanent trophy that is displayed at conventions across Canada.

Gardner offers advice for aspiring sci-fi writers LISA TIMPF Advocate Contributor

Simcoe Composite School alumnus Jim Garder (who writes as James Alan Gardner) was recently inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association Hall of Fame. We caught up with Jim to ask him what advice he has for aspiring science fiction writers. He generously provided the following suggestions: Read a lot: Get lots of input. Write a lot: Make lots of output. Read widely: Many genres (not just

science fiction or fantasy), from diverse sources (different types of writers from different cultures/subcultures), both fiction and nonfiction. Science fiction writers in particular should keep up with developments in science, because science is an ever-expanding source of cool ideas. Writers should also familiarize themselves with history, geography, mythology and folklore… pretty much anything. The great SF writer Samuel R. Delany says you can never write anything better than the best thing you’ve read in the past four months. Visit the library: Go to the library of-

ten; max out your library card. Take out anything that catches your eye - the books are free. If you take a book home and after a quick flip through the pages, you find it doesn’t interest you, take it back. No problem. If you take out 20 books and only one gives you something you wouldn’t have found otherwise, you’re still ahead of the game. If you only read books that you buy, you’re going to play things safe, and that narrows your world. Write expansively: In different places and times, using different methods. At a computer or longhand, full sentences or

point-form, fast or slow. Keep some kind of notebook; “I always carry a few blank index cards in my back pocket so I can write down any ideas or phrases that come to me when I’m not writing.” Finish stories: Make sure to make finished stories fairly often. You don’t have to finish every story you start, but it’s easy to get into a cycle of "Start a story, give up when you run into problems, start another story." Writing consists of a set of skills that you have to practice… and one of those skills is learning how to keep going when a story gets messy. Writers learn to finish what they write.

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Simcoe Advocate

August 27, 2026

Join the fight against cancer on Sept. 20 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Tim Hortons from the White Horse Plaza in Simcoe, Culligan, A&W Delhi, McDonald’s Simcoe and The Apple Place. There will be music, MC, and Terry’s team member (cancer survivor) for the opening ceremonies. “We also have our early bird draw that day for our big raffle,” said Mackenzie, noting ticket sales began in May and the grand prize draw will be Oct. 15. Three routes are available for this year’s run, said co-organizer Maddy Thorpe. “We have a 1-km, a 5-km, and a 10-km,” said Maddy. “And people can walk, run, ride bikes, rollerblade, whatever they wish.” Some participants love to in-line skate – something Maddy and Mackenzie remember from years ago – on the paved 1-km route. Portions of the longer routes have a gravel pathway. “Usually we walk the trail the day before to do all of the marking,” said Mackenzie, “and we bike it the day of to set everything up.” Maddy, 21, and Mackenzie, 27, ‘grew up’ with the Terry Fox Run. “We always did it in school, then our grandma, she passed away a few years ago, she was a three-time survivor, so that’s kind of how we got into it,” said Mackenzie. “Our family always had a team. As long as you have two people or more, you can enter as a team, and we

still do that.” “The big thing I remember when I was younger was at the schools,” Maddy nodded. “We would always do our big circle in the backyard of the school (Elgin Avenue).” “We do have a lot of kids that come to our run on the Sunday, and I think a lot of recognition comes from the schools,” said Mackenzie. “It’s a very family friendly event,” said Maddy. “And there is no minimum donation, so you can bring whatever donation you would like, even on the day of. “We do get a wide range of ages, seniors to young children and babies.” “People are also welcome to come out, register, and they don’t even have to do the full walk,” said Mackenzie. “They can enjoy the activities in the park.” The majority of pre-registration and donations are done online (run.terryfox.ca) through the Norfolk County Terry Fox Run page. “We also have a spot for dogs as well, with treats and water, so people are welcome to bring their dogs as well,” Maddy noted. Terry Fox volunteers were at Wilkinson’s Saturday for a fundraising BBQ, and selling raffle tickets and T-shirts. “We will be selling T-shirts ($30) on run day as well,” said Mackenzie. Norfolk’s fundraising goal is $23,900, and as of Tuesday, they had registered donations of $3,365. Brenda Wilson

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(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Lynn Baker sells Terry Fox Run raffle tickets and T-shirts at a fundraising BBQ on Saturday.

is the top fundraiser so far. Last year, raising more than $40,000, the Norfolk County Terry Fox Run was in the Top 20 for year-over-year increase in fundraising. “It’s still early. We have about 10 teams registered… usually we have that many,

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sometimes more. The last few years we’ve had a few more teams. A lot of repeat teams and a couple new ones this year, which is great. “Some people register in-person on the day of, instead of online,” said Maddy. “Individuals and teams.”


August 27, 2026

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Simcoe Advocate

EDITORIAL

DCs don’t make infrastructure free Haldimand-Norfolk

MPP

Bobbi Ann Brady The annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference has wrapped up in Ottawa. You may have seen news reports over the past week coming out of AMO that Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with the parliamentary secretary to the federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure announced that the provincial and federal governments are ponying up $1 billion to help municipalities that don't levy development charges (DCs), build more homes. DCs are municipal fees paid by land developers and home builders on new builds and those fees help municipalities build and renew critical infrastructure like roads, water systems, and bridges. The original thinking behind the charges was that “growth should pay for growth.” Sounds great, except those charges are passed down to the homebuyer and make a home more expensive. As Ontario and Canada face a protracted housing affordability crisis, development charges have become a political football. Haldimand County has tackled high DCs by having some of the lowest of those charges in the province. Sitting at around $30,000 for single or semi-detached urban residential units, it comes in much lower than the DCs in places like the Greater Toronto Area where charges run from $100k to $170k. On the other side of the field, Norfolk County recently announced a proposed $25,000 increase to existing DCs Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!

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for an average home. Naturally, home builders, real estate agents, and other stakeholders are up in arms about this. In speaking with a local homebuilder, some municipalities are looking for a short-term solution to their problems, which have in many cases been self-inflicted. These problems did not arrive overnight. Tacking on $25,000 and you’re looking at a 97.24 per cent increase by my math. I’m curious what the PC government thinks about this dissenting move. The question remains if we essentially get rid of development charges, who pays for the infrastructure needed to support growth? There is only one taxpayer, and in the end, the consumer pays for everything. Governments at all levels must stop swinging the pendulum uncontrollably and take stock. Extremes are not the answer. There are local governments like Haldimand and Oxford County who are taking a measured positive approach and working with their homebuilders - in the end protecting the homebuyer and taxpayer. If a healthy approach is taken, local developers and builders who have deep roots in our communities, employ local tradespeople, support local businesses, and are known for quality workmanship, can all benefit. Keep in mind, when a home is built the municipality collects a lifetime of property taxes on that home, which far exceeds the monies collected in an upfront approach. Speaking of dissent, recently online I was accused of poking the premier in the eye. I prefer to call it respectfully holding things to account. But I was intrigued and frankly encouraged to read Colin D’Mello’s Global News report on a survey conducted with 32 Chief Administrative Officers of municipalities probing their opinions of how lower-tier governments are treated by the province. The survey conducted by StrategyCorp just before the AMO conference gathered anonymous thoughts on their relationship with the Ford government. As Colin put it, “Top municipal civil servants described a government that’s filled with ambition but falls short on implementation, rushes through the consultation process, and is often ‘thin-skinned and unforgiving’ when faced with criticism.” Another city official’s bit of feedback said, “the province doesn’t accept dissent, and you are punished for it.” I know that feeling all too well and can assure you I won’t just fall in line. I am heartened others are beginning to speak out. As a regular source of constructive criticism for the Ford government, I urge municipal politicians and administrators to join me, come out of the woodwork and raise their

voices when voices should be raised. Don’t stay silent under the spectre of punishment. I think a brighter future is built on honest feedback from the folks with their boots on the ground. TICKS ARE SMALL BUT BRING TOWERING CONCERNS One of the great privileges of living in our neck of the woods is enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s walking local trails, working on a farm, spending time at the cottage, or simply enjoying our own backyards, this community is surrounded by, I believe, the most beautiful natural spaces in Ontario. As we savour everything nature has to offer, there is a big concern in a diminutive form we cannot afford to overlook, ticks. They might be tiny, but the health risks associated with them can be anything but. Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses are becoming an increasing concern not only in Haldimand-Norfolk, but across Ontario and North America. Recently, I had the opportunity to learn more about the growing tick population and the importance of awareness and prevention. When it comes to ticks, knowledge and quick action are vital. A tick carrying Lyme disease can transmit the illness after being attached for approximately three days. That means there is a window when identifying and properly removing a tick can make all the difference. Three days may sound like plenty but anyone who has spent time outdoors knows how easily a tick can go undetected. Aside from being small, they hide well and can attach themselves without being immediately noticed. If you find a tick, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it. See guidance from a health care provider and take advantage of resources available to help identify what type of tick you have found. www.etick.ca is a great resource for the public to learn about tick identification, how to submit a tick for identification, and much more. The website is a straightforward tool, which will ask for some basic information such as where and when the tick was found, and whether it was on an animal, person, or in the environment. Trained experts will review your submission and provide identification results, usually within one or two business days. And all eTick services are free of charge. Although, if they must examine a tick in their lab, the customer covers shipping costs. This technology is useful because not all ticks carry the same risks. Knowing the species helps determine whethCONTINUED ON PAGE 8


Simcoe Advocate

August 27, 2026

Baby Show tradition continues at the fair CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Sixteen babies competed for prizes and ribbons at the 172nd Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 15 in the Lions Auditorium at the Tillsonburg Community Centre. Judges for the event were Anne Hollis and Fran Brown. Competing in the infants up to six months were: Nash Frank, Cooper Page, Nikolai Kolomaya, and Sebastian Panks-Phipps. Competing in the seven to 12 month age group were: Wyatt Cluett, Mackenzie Harren, Joseph Lindsay, Faithlyn Roy, August Vezina, twins Georgia and Skylar Voldock and Zayden Williams. Competing in the 13 to 18 month classes were: Ripley Britton, Jackson Clunas, Lucas Lynn and Leia Kendrick.

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Rosette ribbons were won for the Best at Throwing Things, Friendliest, Happiest, Most Curious, Most Active, Most Hair, Prettiest Eyes, Sleepiest, Travelled Furthest to get to our Baby Show, and Youngest. In the two classes of babies creatively dressed for the fair's ‘Teddy Bear Picnic and Family Fun’ theme were: Ripley Britton, Jackson Clunas, Nash Frank, Nikolai Kolomaya, Joseph Lindsay, Lucas Lynn, Cooper Page, Sebastian Panks-Phipps, Faithlyn Roy, and August Vezina. Draws for grocery vouchers were held throughout the event. Many thanks go to volunteers who decorated, took registrations and made the show possible. They were Ilene Chesterman, Laura Hawley, Bonnie Edwards, Barb Emms, and Paula Hathaway. Thanks also to our Junior Ambassador Dylan Reid who presented the ribbons to the winners. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

August Vezina, right, from Tillsonburg competed in the 7-12 month old boys division with his mom Paige Vezina at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair on August 15.

Faith Roy from St. Williams competed in the girls 7-12 month old division at the Tri-County Fair on August 15 – following in the footsteps of her older siblings.

Amanda Voldock with her twins, Skylar and Georgia, from Woodstock, competed in the TriCounty Fair baby show.

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Mackenzie Harren, from Tillsonburg, competed in the Tri-County Fair baby show with mom Michaele Harren.


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August 27, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

A field of yellow as far as the eye can see.

(BRENDA MOSER PHOTOS)

The beauty of sunflowers in Norfolk BRENDA MOSER Advocate Contributor

We have some of the most beautiful countryside right here in and/or near Waterford and my hubby and I often choose to take a ride just to enjoy the scenery. Recently we took some time to stop and snap a photo or two of one of our county’s most colourful crops - sunflowers. Here in Norfolk County, we grow and

harvest a number of varied crops and each year I look forward to this time and season when they are at their best. Truth be told, there is nothing more breathtaking than a field of sunflowers in bloom and, at present, they are out in full force. Acres upon acres of the flowers ‘searching’ for the sun offer the opportunity to snap a quick photo… or two… or three. Sunflowers not only offer the perfect

photo op but they are used in so many ways with one of the most popular being as a snack food… just ask any baseball player! Crops are also grown for bird feed and sunflower oil. Take a drive off the beaten path and snap a few pics yourself, always showing respect for the flowers and farmer’s field/private property. Take only pictures and do it safely! Enjoy the beauty in Norfolk County and be appreciative of all it has to offer.


Simcoe Advocate

August 27, 2026

Tri-County Fair thrives on busy weekend CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

The Monster Madness Show, with three full-size monster trucks, was an instant hit at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair in on August 15th and 16th. “Saturday and Sunday, the grandstands were jampacked,” said Rosemary Dean from the Tri-County Fair. “It shows that people were interested in that new addition to the fair. I think we made a good choice this year.” Monster Madness, by Edge Motorsports, was followed by the Impact Motorsports demolition derby a couple hours later, both days, and after a quick cleanup the bleachers filled again, many derby fans returning from the monster truck show. All for the price of general fair admission. The demolition derby has been one of the biggest draws of the Tri-County fair weekend in Tillsonburg for decades. Two big bleachers fit up to 1,000 people, and they had another six smaller bleachers – giving them a crowd of about 1,500 both days. “We had a lot of (demolition) cars Saturday. Sunday not as many cars, but we had a good audience watching. To go watch all that – on the days and the times they were running – you hit the jackpot, more-or-less, because they

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Magical Midways’ Scrambler ride is always popular at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair.

are not cheap to watch at another venue. We didn’t charge anything extra, it was part of your regular admission into the fair. “For everything that was happening this weekend (Aylmer Fair, Cowapolooza, Norwich Truck and Tractor Pull), it was a good choice to bring the monster trucks to our fair,” Dean nodded. “It flowed very nicely, we’re pretty happy. “Attendance was about 9,000 over the three days. We do everything within our budget – and you hope for nice weather that brings the people through the gates. This year we had beautiful weather. Mother Nature was wonderful to us again.” Magical Midways’ ride ticket sales were up every day compared to last year, and there were 814 pre-sales for ride passes. “In prior years we did 500-600 pre-sales,” Dean noted. “So it was much better this year.” The Tri-County’s Got Talent was also new this year, with three tryouts at The Copper Mug leading up to Saturday’s final at the Kinsmen Bandshell. Winners were announced Sunday. “I think they’re already looking forward to doing something similar next year. We appreciate The Copper Mug

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coming out and doing that, providing music entertainment for us and the community.” The free ice cream eating contest on Saturday and Sunday, sponsored by Shaw’s Ice Cream, filled up quickly. First with kids, then adults & kids for a second more challenging division. “The adults are good sports when I say you can’t eat with a spoon,” Dean laughed. “Some of them got right into it. At the end, everybody’s a winner and they walk away happy. “We thank all of our sponsors, people that donate, and everyone who comes to the fair. We’re all volunteers – volunteers raising money for the community – and all the money that comes through the gates, it goes to help bring back the fair next year. The Town of Tillsonburg contributed $4,500 to the fair, and waived event fees, and the fair board appreciates the support. New members have joined the ‘old guard’ Tri-County Agricultural Society fair board, and more are needed. The 2026 AGM is in September. “We’ve got a few new people and we are always interested in people coming to find out what it’s about. Then we can give them the process if they would like to join… then come and join the board. “I think we’re going to have an open house, so if you want to become a volunteer or join the fair board, watch for the open house. It’s probably the best way to do it.” Planning for the 173rd fair in 2027 will start in November. Fair board representatives go to an annual convention in February to find new attractions that might work in Tillsonburg.

Connor Gunkel’s dog Buster won two trophies Saturday, including Best Conditioned Dog, at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair Pet Show. Tatiana Babcock won Best Stuffie in Show.

August Parry of Salford rides a ‘little tikes’ police car at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair. The fair’s free kids zone, sponsored by Advanced Automotive, was available to children five-and-under.

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August 27, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

Learning new skills, having fun with Norfolk 4-H CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Willow Hyatt’s llama showmanship was on a championship level at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair on August 15. “This is my third summer,” said Hyatt, from Simcoe, who won the intermediate llama division of the Norfolk 4-H Showmanship at the fair, then won the overall best-at-show junior-intermediate llama showmanship title. “I like being able to have fun with my friends and to learn new skills, and to have fun with it.” Sonny’s Llama Farm, near Delhi, provides the llamas for Norfolk 4-H. One of the biggest challenges for those showing llamas and goats is ‘sounds from outside the showing arena.’ “It can stress out the llamas, which makes it harder for us to hold them and actually get them to do their skills,” said Hyatt. Norfolk 4-H traditionally shows at 12 p.m. on Saturday near the Tri-County Fair livestock building. This year, nearby entrants from the demolition derby were revving motors and raising dust as they prepared for their 4 p.m. show. Some llamas seemed to take it in stride, some seemed a bit flustered. Showmanship involved lining them up, moving forward, turning around, backing up, and their pace. Some years, going in reverse is something llamas are not inclined to do – no matter how much persuasion is applied by 4-H members.

“That is a really easy skill for me, but it depends on the llama itself, not really the trainer,” said Hyatt, who was showing Margie, one of the tallest llamas. “Some aren’t actually able to back up, just because of the way a llama works. Mine, I have no problem. Some are really good at it, some aren’t. Babies don’t know how to do it, so they are harder as well. “We get to choose the llamas we use – there are easier llamas and there are harder ones. The (4-H) that are more experienced, they get harder ones. The younger (4-H) get easier llamas. The oldest and most experienced, they get the babies so they can help train them.” Norfolk 4-H competes at four fairs – Tillsonburg Tri-County, Ancaster, Caledonia and the Norfolk County Fair in Simcoe. “The competitions are fun because you get to see how everyone does in the experience of a show ring, but personally, I prefer being at the farm itself and training and learning and just having fun with it. I like animals and it’s a new experience for me.” The Norfolk County Fair will include costume and obstacle course competitions in addition to showmanship. “Your goal is to have the biggest, most flairy costume you can. It’s not only a show of the llama, it’s a show of how you are able to handle the llama while you’re doing it. “Last year my llama was a green fairy and I was matching with it. This year, my llama will be a mermaid and I will be a pirate.”

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Willow Hyatt of Simcoe shows the llama Margie, from Sonny’s Llama Farm, during the Norfolk 4-H Showmanship at the Tri-County Fair in Tillsonburg, which included goats and llamas.

Ticks are small but bring towering concerns CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

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er someone may have been exposed to a tick that can transmit illness such as Lyme disease. The Blacklegged tick, by the way, is the primary species associated with Lyme disease transmission in Ontario. Other species may carry different pathogens or pose different concerns. Every submission to www.etick. ca helps paint a bigger picture of tick activity in Haldimand- Norfolk and across Canada. The information collected maps where ticks are being found and how populations are changing. For a rural region like ours where people work

outdoors, farm, hike, hunt, fish, and spend time with animals, this information is invaluable. Being proactive beats being reactive. As a first line of defense, make a habit of checking yourself, your children, and your pets after spending time outdoors; wear appropriate clothing; and be aware of areas where ticks are commonly found. As we head into the cooler months, don’t be fooled into thinking ticks disappear with the summer heat, they aren’t insect snowbirds. Ticks remain active well into the fall and even on milder winter days. Stay vigilant.


Simcoe Advocate

Norfolk County municipal election candidates Norfolk County has officially reviewed and approved all nominations for the 2026 Municipal Election. In-person voting will happen on Election Day, Monday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling station locations for each Ward are available on the County website www.norfolkcounty.ca/vote/in-person-voting/ There is an alternative new option for voting in the 2026 municipal election in Norfolk County. Online voting will be available from Friday, Oct. 9, to Friday, Oct. 23. With the hybrid voting system, voters will be able cast their ballots from a computer or mobile device during the designated advanced voting period. During the online advanced voting period, Norfolk County will have in-person Online Voting Assistance Centres set up to assist with online voting www.norfolkcounty.ca/ vote/online-voting/ There will also be an opportunity at these locations to vote using paper ballots as an advance voting option. Eligible voters Voters must be 18 years of age or older; a Canadian citizen; and either a resident of the municipality, a non-resident who owns or rents property in the municipality, or the spouse of an owner or tenant of property in the municipality. To

explore voting options and stay up to date on important election dates, visit norfolkcounty.ca/vote. A Mayoral Debate Night for Norfolk has been scheduled Oct. 13, 7-9 p.m. at the Port Dover Community Centre, 801 St. George Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Brought to you by Cornerstone Association of Realtors, Delhi & District Chamber of Commerce, Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce, Port Dover Board of Trade and Entente Education Canada. Delhi & District Chamber of Commerce will host a Ward 2, 3 and 4 candidate debate Sept. 24 at the German Home starting at 7 p.m. More will be planned. The following is a complete list of all Norfolk candidates for Mayor, Council, and School Board Trustees: Mayor • Doug Brunton • David Finch • Ken Gilpin • Noel Haydt • Ken Hewitt • Keith Milner • Adam Veri Ward 1 • Greg D'Hulster • Tom Masschaele Ward 2 • Linda Vandendriessche • Debbie Wilbur Ward 3 • Chris Gill • Doug Moyaert • Hetty Verlinden Ward 4

• Drew Hemsley • Jeni Lambert • Chris Van Paassen Ward 5 (two candidates will be elected) • Kevin Allen • Peter Black • Ryan Boyko • Quentin Dixon • Alan Duthie • Princess Peace • Mike Storoschuk • Bob Townsend • Dennis Travale • Krissi Wiseman Ward 6 • Zvonko Horvat • Ray Hunter • Bill Jukes • Pam Taylor Ward 7 • Warren Cummings • Kim Huffman Grand Erie District School Board Trustee – Wards 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 • Eva Dixon • John Harris • Liz Whiton Grand Erie School Board Trustee – Wards 3 and 7 • Rita Collver • Lorraine DeJong • Jason Gemmill • Tom Waldschmidt Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board Trustee • Carol Luciani • Dennis Blake Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir School Board Trustee • Dorothée Petit-Pas Conseil scolaire Viamonde School Board Trustee • David Paradis

Weekend Quiz By Jake Grant

1. According to the Bible, what is the name of the final battle between good and evil? 2. Which object, traditionally made of metal, is worn on a cowboy’s boots to prod a horse? 3. Who is the Roman god of love? 4. How many lives do cats supposedly have? 5. The Caribbean Island of Bonaire is a municipality of what country?

6. When is the next leap year? 7. Which superhero carries a shield made of vibranium? 8. What do you call two words with the same definition? 9. What game challenges players to remove wooden blocks without toppling the tower? 10. What are the four main ingredients in beer?

This week’s answers are found on pg. 23

August 27, 2026

9

Senior Support Services launches speaker series Haldimand Norfolk Community Senior Support Services is launching a Senior Support Speaker Series, with the first happening on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Due to overwhelming demand, the first in the series will feature Nurse Practitioner Diane Gwartz, a Niagara Community MAiD Assessor and Provider with Niagara North Family Health Team. Gwartz will be presenting a talk on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) - What You Need to Know, and will answer questions. The Sept. 9 speaker series will take place at 1 p.m. at Cedar Crossing Retirement Community, 395 Cedar Street in Simcoe. There will also be an evening session at 5:30 p.m. in Cayuga at 6 Munsee Street South. The sessions are free,

however registration is required. “Our Diners Club attendees had requested we have a MAiD speaker come in to speak to them at one of their monthly lunches, however when we started sourcing out a speaker, we learned that there were many community members who wished to attend. This led to us choosing to use the topic as the first session in a Speakers Series we had already planned to launch this fall. We are pleased to be able to offer this to our community on a larger scale, free of charge.” said Norfolk Regional Program Manager Kelly Coulombe in a media release. Registration is required. Call 519-4266060 or 289-309-4628, or email hncsss@ seniorsupport.ca .

Norfolk County Ribfest returns August 28-30

(FILE PHOTO)

The 2nd annual Norfolk County Ribfest is coming to Simcoe, August 28-30 at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds. Enjoy live music and award-winning ribs. The three-day ribfest supports Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise - last year Rotary volunteers accepted donations at the gate (admission is free) and raised more than $3,000 selling 50-50 tickets. This year’s 50-50 draw will be on Sunday, August 30 at 5 p.m. Three rib vendors are scheduled to be here – King Smoke, Crazy Canucks and Jack the Ribber. Ribfest hours are 3-11 on the Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the Saturday, and it concludes August 30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Live music includes Friday sets from Sonic Sinners (5:306:30 & 7-8 p.m.) and The AC/DC Eras Tribute (8:30-9:30 & 10-11 p.m.). On Saturday, it’s After the Lounge (5:306:30 & 7-8 p.m.) and The Almost Hip (8:30-9:30 & 10-11 p.m.). The Summit Saloon Event Bar will be on site.


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August 27, 2026

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Simcoe Advocate

Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Kayden Campbell from Nova Scotia visited the Tillsonburg TriCounty Fair on Saturday, and enjoyed feeding the Educational Animal Display and Pony Rides animals.

August 27, 2026

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The bleachers were jam-packed for the Monster Madness Show Saturday at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair.

Larissa McCabe and Sarah Lise exhibited agricultural artifacts from Annandale National Historic Site in the Homecraft building Saturday at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair.

Finley Powell from Otterville gives it her best shot in the chocolatey first round of theTri-County Fair's ice cream eating contest on Saturday, August 15, sponsored by Shaw's Ice Cream.

Jonathan Hilliker performed in the Tri-County’s Got Talent show Saturday at the Tillsonburg Fair.

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August 27, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

SEPTEMBER IS WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

Changing the Narrative on Suicide Breaking the silence

Agriculture Wellness Ontario works to prevent suicide in farming communities GALEN SIMMONS Grant Haven Media

For farmers, the pressures of work and home are often impossible to separate. Weather, commodity prices, livestock health and finances can all weigh heavily on a farm family, while long hours and geographic isolation can make it difficult to connect with others or seek help when those pressures become overwhelming. Agriculture Wellness Ontario (AgWO) is working to change that by providing mental-health education, counselling and community support designed specifically for Ontario’s agricultural community. “Our programs and services are not only ag-informed, they’ve been co-constructed with actual farmers and industry partners to ensure that we’re actually providing mental-health education and support that is accessible, relevant and applicable to those who we are aiming to serve,” said Avery Dixon, program outreach coordinator for AgWO’s Guardian Network. That agricultural focus is particularly important when it comes to suicide preven-

tion. Dixon said research shows farmers are twice as likely as the general, non-farming population to experience suicidal thoughts or die by suicide. At the same time, stigma can prevent people from acknowledging they are struggling or asking for help. According to Dixon, the 2021 National Survey of Farmer Mental Health out of the University of Guelph found 40 per cent of Canadian farmers and producers would not be comfortable seeking professional help, largely because of concerns about judgement from others. “I think there’s often this perception in farming that your worth as a person is tied to the productivity of your farm,” Dixon said. “So, it’s a really vulnerable thing to say to someone, ‘Hey, I’m not doing well. I’m struggling to keep up with chores, I’m struggling financially, I’m going through family difficulties,’ whatever that situation might be.” Instead of inviting others in, Dixon said farmers may keep those struggles to themselves, compounding feelings of isolation and burdensomeness.

Through the Guardian Network, AgWO is attempting to build supports directly into agricultural communities. More than 500 Guardians have been trained across Ontario through a full-day, farmer-focused suicide-prevention program. Those volunteers learn to recognize signs someone may be struggling, start difficult conversations and encourage that person to seek professional support. “Guardians are the bridge between a farmer or an ag community member who is struggling and professional support,” Dixon said. One place that bridge can lead is AgWO’s Farmer Wellness Initiative, which provides farmers, farm workers and their families – including international agricultural workers living in Ontario – with free, unlimited counselling 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Counselling is available in English, French and Spanish by phone, virtually and, when available, in person. The professionals providing the service receive specialized training to understand the pressures and realities of agriculture. That means a farmer doesn’t necessarily have to sacrifice several hours during a busy planting or harvest season to travel to and from an appointment. “It’s about meeting farmers where they’re at,” Dixon said. “Most farmers don’t have that potentially up to two hours a day to drive to an appointment, attend the appointment and drive back. So, calling from your tractor can make all the difference in the world for some people.” AgWO also offers education through In the Know, a four-hour mental-health litera-

cy workshop developed specifically for agriculture, and shorter Growth Workshops covering subjects including mental health and agriculture, preparing for uncertainty and navigating stress. While those programs can give farmers tools to look after their own mental health, Dixon said education can also prepare neighbours, friends, relatives and other members of agricultural communities to recognize when somebody else needs support. “If you notice a community member doesn’t seem like themselves for whatever reason, don’t shy away from having those hard conversations,” Dixon said. “For a lot of people, it can be lifesaving.” Sometimes that support can be as simple as checking in or stopping by to lend a hand with chores. For AgWO, breaking down stigma means making conversations about mental health as acceptable in agriculture as conversations about weather, crops, livestock or equipment. “Normalizing that experiencing a mental-health concern doesn’t make you weak, it doesn’t make you a bad farmer, and teaching people what supports are available to them is so important,” Dixon said. “The better we get at understanding, as a community, mental health, having candid, open conversations about it and recognizing when someone needs support, I think the healthier and more prosperous our industry will become as a whole.” More information on AgWO, its Farmer Wellness Initiative and upcoming workshops is available through the organization’s website.


Simcoe Advocate

August 27, 2026

13

SEPTEMBER IS WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

Changing the Narrative on Suicide Preventing suicide CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

cmha.ca/brochure/preventing-suicide/

Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. To help raise awareness, the Simcoe Advocate is sharing information from a Canadian Mental Health Association ‘Preventing Suicide’ brochure. The CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk branch has an administrative office in Simcoe at 395 Queensway West (519428-2380 or email info@cmhabhn.ca) and Brantford. Suicide is a difficult topic to bring up. However, when someone talks about suicide or brings up concern for a loved one, it’s important to take action and seek help quickly. WHAT IS SUICIDE? Suicide means that someone ends their life on purpose. However, people who die by suicide or attempt suicide may not really want to end their life. Suicide may seem like the only way to deal with difficult feelings or situations. WHO DOES IT AFFECT? About 4,000 Canadians die by suicide every year. Suicide is the second-most common cause of death among young people, but men in their 40s and 50s have the highest rate of suicide. While women are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide than men, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Suicide is a complicated issue. People who die by suicide or attempt suicide usually feel overwhelmed, hopeless, helpless, desperate, and alone. In some rare cases,

people who experience psychosis (losing touch with reality) may hear voices that tell them to end their life. Many different situations and experiences can lead someone to consider suicide. Known risk factors for suicide include: • A previous suicide attempt. • Family history of suicidal behaviour. • A serious physical or mental illness. • Problems with drugs or alcohol. • A major loss, such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, or divorce. • Major life changes or transitions, like those experienced by teenagers and seniors. • Social isolation or lack of a support network. • Family violence. • Access to the means of suicide. While we often think of suicide in relation to depression, anxiety, and substance use problems, any mental illness may increase the risk of suicide. It is also important to remember that suicide may not be related to any mental illness. WARNING SIGNS? Major warning signs include: Ideation: thinking about suicide. Substance use: problems with drugs or alcohol.Purposelessness: feeling like there is no purpose in life or reason for living. Anxiety: feeling intense anxiety or feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. Trapped: feeling trapped or feeling like there is no way out of a situation. Hopelessness or Helplessness: feeling no hope for the future, feeling like things will never get better.

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Withdrawal: avoiding family, friends, or activities. Anger: feeling unreasonable anger. Recklessness: engaging in risky or harmful activities normally avoided. Mood change: a significant change in mood. HOW CAN I REDUCE RISK? Though not all suicides can be prevented, some strategies can help reduce the risk. All of these factors are linked to well-being. These strategies include: • Seeking treatment, care and support for mental health concerns - and building a good relationship with a doctor or other health professionals. • Building social support networks, such as family, friends, a peer support or support group, or connections with a cultural or faith community. • Learning good coping skills to deal with problems, and trusting in coping abilities. When a person receives treatment for a mental illness, it can still take time for thoughts of suicide to become manageable and stop. Good treatment is very important, but it may not immediately eliminate the risk of suicide. It is important to stay connected with a care team, monitor for thoughts of suicide, and seek extra help if needed. Community-based programs that help people manage stress or other daily challenges can also be very helpful. EXPERIENCING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE? Thoughts of suicide are distressing. It’s important to talk about your experiences with your doctor, mental health care team, or any other person you trust. They can help you learn skills to cope and connect you to useful groups or resources. Some people find it helpful to schedule frequent appointments with care providers or request phone support. Other things that you can do include: • Calling a crisis telephone support line. • Connecting with family, friends, or a support group. It can be helpful to talk with others who have experienced thoughts of suicide to learn about their coping strategies. If you are in crisis and are not sure what to do, you can always call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency room. Some people find a safety plan useful. A safety plan is a list of personal strategies to use if you think you are at risk of hurting or ending your life. You can create a plan on your own, with a loved one, or with your mental health care team. Your plan may include: • Activities that calm you or take your mind off your thoughts. • Your own reasons for living. • Key people to call if you’re worried about your safety. • Phone numbers for local crisis or

suicide prevention help-lines. A list of safe places to go if you don’t feel safe at home. HOW CAN I HELP? If you are concerned about someone else, talk with them. Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. Talking about suicide won’t give them the idea. If someone is seriously considering suicide, they may be relieved that they can talk about it. If someone you love says that they’re thinking about ending their life, it’s important to ask them if they have a plan. If they have a plan and intend to end their life soon, connect with crisis services or supports right away. Many areas have a crisis, distress, or suicide helpline, but you can always call 9-1-1 if you don’t know who to call. Stay with your loved one while you make the call, and don’t leave until the crisis line or emergency responders say you can leave. The two most important things you can do are listen and help them connect with mental health services. LISTENING Here are tips for talking with a loved one: • Find a private place and let your loved one take as much time as they need. • Take your loved one seriously and listen without judgement - their feelings are very real. • Keep your word - don’t make promises you can’t keep or don’t intend to keep. • Tell your loved one that they are important and that you care about them. SUPPORTS If your loved one already sees a doctor or other mental health service provider, it is important they tell their service provider about any thoughts of suicide they may have been having. Depending on your relationship, you can offer to help - by helping your loved one schedule appointments or by taking them to their appointments, for example. If your loved one does not see a mental health service provider, you can give them the phone number for a local crisis line and encourage them to see their doctor. Your loved one may also be able to access services through their school, workplace, cultural or faith community. Supporting a loved one can be a difficult experience for anyone, so it is important to take care of your own mental health during this time and seek support if you need it. DO YOU NEED MORE HELP? Contact a community organization like the Canadian Mental Health Association to learn more about support and resources in your area. Find your local CMHA at cmha. ca/find-help/find-cmha-in-your-area/ CMHA provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. CMHA’s website is cmha.ca For the complete CMHA brochure see cmha.ca/brochure/preventing-suicide/ •


August 27, 2026

14

Guilty plea for co-accused in Norfolk arson spree J.P. ANTONACCI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Convicted arsonist Chad Reimer managed to avoid jail time for his role in a months-long series of fires that targeted barns and vacant houses in Norfolk County. It remains to be seen if Reimer’s co-accused, Matthew Smith, will have the same fate. The two men were arrested shortly after a barn went up in flames east of Port Dover on Jan. 26, 2025. They were each charged with setting 11 fires between October 2024 and January 2025. Smith, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of arson. He briefly appeared in court in Simcoe on Monday, August 17, but his case was put over until Sept. 9, when his lawyer and the Crown attorney will establish a timeline for sentencing. In the meantime, he continues to live under house arrest with relatives near Fort Erie. Reimer, 45, pleaded guilty to two arson charges. He received a conditional sentence last week of two years less a day to be served in the community. In allowing Reimer to continue living under house arrest with his mother in Port Rowan rather than behind bars, Justice Gethin Edward cited Reimer’s “significant cognitive impairments” as determined by a psychiatric assessment. The judge also took into consideration that no one was hurt or killed in the fires, and that police determined Reimer alleged-

ly drove himself and Smith to each fire scene but did not start the fires himself. An arson conviction can carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, and Reimer’s relatively light sentence raised eyebrows in the community. “Our first reaction was a heavy sense of disappointment,” said apple farmer Jennifer Schooley, president of the Norfolk Federation of Agriculture. Farmers use outbuildings like the ones targeted by Reimer and Smith to store valuable equipment and supplies, she explained. “These were not simply abandoned barns,” Schooley said. “The buildings themselves may not generate income, but they are an essential part of the farm business.” Several farmers told The Spectator the spate of fires prompted them to beef up surveillance and double-check the inventory of goods stored in their outbuildings. “For those of us in agriculture, these incidents are not abstract,” Schooley said. “They affect our neighbours, our businesses, our livelihoods and our sense of security.” Noting the Ontario Federation of Agriculture wants tougher penalties for onfarm vandalism, Schooley said the arson spree should serve as a wake-up call. “That old barn you pass on the road may be far more important than it appears,” she said. - J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Port Dover catcher Gavin Barnard tags out Tillsonburg’s Owen West at the plate in the Southern Counties Senior Baseball semifinals.

Red Sox baserunner Robert Verhoeve leads off from second during the Southern Counties semifinals on August 15.

Simcoe Giants third baseman Jay Knelsen gets the throw in time as a Port Dover player slides in.

Port Dover pitcher Sam Wilson works from the mound during the Southern Counties Senior Baseball semifinals in Simcoe on August 15.

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Simcoe pitcher Hunter Boyd during the Southern Counties senior baseball championship game at Memorial Park in Simcoe.


August 27, 2026

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Simcoe Advocate

Waterford outdoor concert, veteran banners BRENDA MOSER Advocate Contributor

t’s sad to think about it, but we will soon be saying goodbye to the ‘dog days of Summer’ and hello to the cooler weather and colours of autumn. But just because the seasons may be changing there is still a lot to see and do in Waterford. Old Town Hall, Waterford has once again entertained us with a great lineup of local talent at their outdoor Thursday night Summer Lawn Concerts. Thanks to all of the entertainers who headlined the concerts and those who attended. The music was great and it was obvious that everyone enjoyed the entertainment. The final show, Summer’s Last Waltz, will be held on Friday, August 28th. It promises to be a bigger celebration than expected and a little bit different. The evening gets under way at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring Bazil Donovan of Blue Rodeo fame. There will be feature stories, songs, conversations and even a surprise guest with a special announcement. Everyone is invited to attend this

2nd annual musical celebration fundraising event in support of Old Town Hall. You can find more info on their Facebook page – Old Town Hall (Waterford, Ontario, Canada). It will be an evening packed with great music, great entertainers, special guests and some great news! You won’t want to miss it! VETERAN BANNERS If you enjoy strolling the streets of Waterford, be sure to check for the latest Memorial Banners that have been raised around town and at the Legion on Nichol Street. It is such a fitting tribute to Waterford Veterans who served their country. You can learn more about these Veterans by following Waterford Memorial Banners Facebook page. There is a story behind every banner! A huge thank you to everyone involved in this project. A special thanks to Norfolk Simcoe Electric Ltd. for volunteering their time and equipment to install the latest of the brackets and banners, including the ones that are located on the Main Street bridge. It takes a community and we live in one of the best ones around.

Veteran banners in Waterford.

(BRENDA MOSER PHOTOS)

GROUP TRAVEL PRESENTATION Join us to learn more about our upcoming group trip:

DISCOVER CROATIA, SLOVENIA AND THE ADRIATIC COAST September 11-22, 2027

PRESENTATION DATE: Wednesday, October 14

St. Marys Pyramid Recreation Centre at 2 p.m. 317 James St. S., St. Marys (The End Zone - upstairs)

Wilmot Recreation Centre at 6.30 p.m.

1291 Nafziger Rd., Baden (Wayne Roth Room) To RSVP, email stew@stonetowntravel.com or call one of our offices.

READ US

St. Marys Branch: 150 Queen Street East, St. Marys, ON N4X 1B4 | 519-284-2332 agent@stonetowntravel.com TICO #5003192

ONLINE

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New Hamburg Branch: 210 Mill Street, New Hamburg, ON N3A 1P9 | 226-333-9939 newhamburg@stonetowntravel.com TICO #5003193

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LOCAL NEWS. COMMUNITY STORIES. DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX. SUBSCRIBE NOW AT WWW.GRANTHAVEN.COM/SIMCOE-ADVOCATE


Simcoe Advocate

August 27, 2026

Join the fight against cancer on Sept. 20 CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

This year’s Terry Fox Run in Simcoe on Sunday, Sept. 20 starts – and finishes - at the Lions Park on Davis Street East. Online registration can be completed at run.terryfox.ca - type Norfolk in the search box and you will be taken to a link for the local 2026 run page (run.terryfox. ca/129759). Shelley Weiler has been coordinating the Tillsonburg Terry Fox Run for the past seven years. Over the years she has learned several ‘best practices’ from the Terry Fox Foundation and other run organizers. “One thing that I found impressive was to really focus on teams, and to support the team experience. Keeping that in mind, last year we had a goal to create a community team, a business team, and a sports team… to really pull these people in, because the team building you get from a Terry Fox Run is unbelievable. It really promotes community spirit. It’s really, really nice when you can have a team and everyone’s working together.” Currently four Tillsonburg teams have registered online – Inovata Foods, Hill’s Pharmacy, Systemair Community Cares, and Walker-Piette. Another best practice was designing Terry Fox ‘door hangers,’ allowing them to reach out to brand new neighbourhoods with a personal touch… without actually knocking door-to-door. “We wanted to welcome new residents

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Shelley Weiler, coordinator of the Terry Fox Run in Tillsonburg, was at the recent Tri-County Fair promoting the 2026 Terry Fox Run.

in our town to this event, and that’s been really outstanding for us. Hanging an invitation on their doors, that’s been really, really nice, and it’s allowed us to grow a little bit.” *** Terry Fox chose a path of perseverance and positive action when he was diagnosed with bone cancer, and had his leg amputated three days later, at the age of 18. His experiences in the hospital, and the children he met there, were a driving force

behind his determination to raise money for cancer research. After 18 months of training, Terry embarked on his Marathon of Hope, and 45 years later his legacy continues across Canada and internationally. Over $1 billion has been raised since the run began. Terry’s dream was a world without cancer, and his remarkable example has inspired millions of people to take up the torch and carry on in his name. Funds raised at the Terry Fox Run go to the Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), which

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share Terry’s vision. Their mandate is to ‘fund and pursue innovative research to find new and better ways to detect, diagnose, treat, and prevent all cancers.’ From a personal standpoint, Weiler recalls joining a cancer research project to get treatment when she was just five years old. “That was the only way I could get radiation treatments actually. It was brand new.” She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer) in February 1980, just months before the first Marathon of Hope. “I was placed in a study, and it effectively saved my life. I would not be here today without it. The Wilms Tumor treatment plan for children at that time was surgery, two years of chemotherapy, and once radiation was finally approved for children in Canada, then it was another two years of radiation. “Now, they may or may not have to remove the kidney. They may or may not have to do chemotherapy. And it’s usually only two sessions of radiation, for a total of six weeks. “So that’s the difference that research makes over the years.” Terry Fox helped put a ‘face on cancer’, said Weiler. “At the time I was diagnosed, I didn’t know anyone that had cancer.” This year’s Terry Fox Run theme is Finish It, which will continue until the 50th anniversary. chris@granthaven.com - with files from by Robin Krafft.

Get Down Tonight! The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band hit the stage in Port Dover Sept. 15-26 From glittering disco dance floors and intimate coffee houses to the arena-shaking anthems of classic rock, Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band bring the spirit of the 1970s roaring back to life in Get Down Tonight! The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack - an electrifying new concert packed with some of the decade’s greatest hits. The production hits the stage at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover from Sept. 15 to 26 before moving to Port Colborne, Sept. 30 to Oct. 3. Audiences will be transported through a musical time capsule featuring iconic songs made famous by legendary artists including the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, ABBA, Carole King, Elton John, the Bee Gees, Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Marvin Gaye, Carly Simon and many more. Whether you’re a ‘dancing queen’ or ‘rock-and-roll rebel,’ this high-energy

show invites you to grab your sequins, warm up your hustle, and get ready to shake your groove thing. A vibrant celebration of the decade that defined a generation, Get Down Tonight captures the unmistakable sound of the ’70s. Backed by a powerhouse band of award-winning musicians, Way delivers show-stopping vocals, dynamic storytelling and the remarkable connection with audiences that has become her signature. Joining Way on the Lighthouse Festival stage are vocalist Jerome Ransome, a notable session and backup singer; guitarist and vocalist Jeremy Fox of the indie band Fox the Hound; bassist and vocalist Mark Dunn of the B-Jazz Orchestra; and drummer John Collin of the Cassie Steele Band. Way’s longtime collaborator Bruce Ley, known for his work on The Tommy Hunter Show and an Academy Award-winning film, performs on piano and arranged the

concert. “I am over-the-moon excited to return to Lighthouse Festival with this new concert,” said creator and star Leisa Way in a media release. “We have had so much fun creating this show, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences in Port Dover and Port Colborne.” The concert also holds deep personal significance for Way, inspired by cherished memories of music, family, and growing up in the 1970s. “The music of the ’70s brings back so many incredible memories for me,” Way says. “My older sister loved music - and loved to dance. When I was a kid in the ’70s, I’d sit on the living-room floor with a headset on and listen to all of my sister’s albums. When I was about 10, I traded a bunch of her Beatles 45s for some Cher singles. I’m surprised she didn’t disown me after that! “We lost my sister a few years ago, so

putting this concert together has brought back so many happy memories of dancing with her in our living room. It has been such fun to choose the artists and songs for this new concert, and my sister’s favourites will definitely be included.” With a full band, dazzling costumes and a nonstop soundtrack of beloved classics, Get Down Tonight promises an irresistible celebration of music, memories and pure entertainment. “I’m bringing an extraordinary band of singers and musicians who are going to raise the roof at Lighthouse Festival,” Way says. “We can’t wait to get down with everyone and shake that groove thing!” Take a trip back to the decade of disco balls, bell-bottoms and timeless tunes with the ultimate ’70s party. Tickets are available at lighthousetheatre.com or by calling the Lighthouse Festival box office at 888-779-7703.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE SIMCOE ADVOCATE EMAIL INFO@SIMCOEADVOCATE.COM


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August 27, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Email to inquire: info@simcoeadvocate.com SPONSORED BY

625 West St., Simcoe (at the corner of Hillcrest Rd.)

simcoelighting.ca 519-428-9927

OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PM & SATURDAY 9AM-3PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 WATERFORD LEGION GOLF TOURNAMENT

$90.00 includes green fees, cart and steak dinner. Steak dinner only $22.00 Register at Waterford Legion. Cut off date: August 24. Must be prepaid Port Dover Golf Course FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 FISH & CHIPS

Ticket sales start at 4:15 p.m. Cost: One piece of fish: $15.00 Two pieces of fish $20.00. Eat in or take out Waterford Legion 223 Nichol St. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 SIMCOE AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEETING

7:30 p.m. Our presenter is Cheryl Peck. She will be advising us about “Making the Worlds Best Apple Cider”. There will be refreshments and a light lunch. Admission is free and there will be door prizes. For more info contact helenuren@ live.ca or 226 440 2699. Junior Farmers building SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 WATERFORD LEGION FUNDRAISER FOR THE NORFOLK-HALDIMAND HOSPICE

Dinner from 4:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m Menu: Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, Smoked Mac & Cheese, Veggies and Bun. Cost: Advance tickets $35.00 per ticket At the door: $40.00 per ticket Admission only: $10.00 per ticket. Live Music: From 3 - 6 pm: The Atkinson Brothers Band 6 - 8 pm Wild High Band and 8 - 10 pm Street Survivors. Tickets can be purchased in the Club Room at the Legion Waterford Legion 223 Nichol St. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 2ND ANNUAL PORCH MUSIC

$15.00 Children 6-12: $8.00 Under 6: Free Waterford Legion 223 Nichol St. ST. MARY'S CEMETERYDECORATION DAY AND MEMORIAL SERVICE

2:00 p.m Luncheon to follow at the Army, Navy, Air Force Club, 53 Water St., Simcoe. Donations welcomed for the upkeep of the Cemetery. 271 Fourteenth St. West, Simcoe. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 FREE LUNCH & LEARN

11:30 a.m. – Doors Open 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Presentation Guest Speaker: Dr. Alison Malo Haldimand-Norfolk’s Coroner Learn about the Coroner’s office, the death investigation process in Ontario, when an autopsy is required, and more. Open to your questions! Bring your own lunch. Beverages & sweets provided. Fundraiser: Blind Date with a Book Donations Welcome Contact Friends of the Library Simcoe Branch Chapter at folsimcoebranch2@gmail.com for more information.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 46TH ANNUAL NORFOLK COUNTY TERRY FOX RUN

Registration begins at 10:00 a.m Event begins at 11:00 a.m You can register at terryfox.org - runsite is Norfolk County. Lions Park | 75 Davis st E. Simcoe TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 FALL MARKET

1:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. The St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Women’s League is hosting a Fall Market Local vendors include garden flowers, local fruits and veggies , home baking , tasty treats, crafts , home treasures and outdoor décor. Come enjoy the colours and flavours of fall, discover something special and support out local community. We look forward to seeing you there. Parking lot at 165 Thompson Rd., Waterford

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

WINGS & KARAOKE

136TH LANGTON FAIR ANNOUNCEMENT

136th Langton Fair will be held on Wednesday September 16, 2026 at the Langton arena. Parade will begin at 11 am with opening ceremonies to follow. CWL luncheon at the Langton Community Centre. Also Baby Show, Talent Show, Tobacco Tying Contest and Car and Tractor Show! Also exhibits for Preserves, Baking, Homecrafts etc For adult and student prize lists call or text Carol 519-875-2973 or Susan 519-427-6314 Langton Arena THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 SENIOR'S FALL HOEDOWN

The Waterlot – Main Stage | Imperial Market Patio | Puddicombe House | LYNC Station

Waterford Legion 223 Nichol St.

9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.

St. James United Church, 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe

Norfolk County Public Library – Simcoe Branch (Lower Level)

Event runs from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m A FREE community concert featuring live music, local food & drink, family fun and community events across four amazing venues in New Hamburg.

BRUNCH

Friday - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. Please call Sharon at 519-443-7567 to reserve a spot. This is a free activity Totally Fall, with lots of food and fun!

SEPTEMBER 18 & 19 FREE CLOTHING GIVEAWAY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Begins at 4:45 p.m. Cost: Wings: per lb. $15.00 Onion Rings: $6.00 Fries: $5.00. Karaoke to follow in Club Room Waterford Legion 223 Nichol St.

EVERY MONDAY & THURSDAY SIT & FIT

Starting at 12:00 pm (45 minutes in duration) A FREE light exercise program. Organized & run by the Alzheimer Society. Come on up to the and join in the fun! Waterford Legion | 223 Nichol Street in Waterford

THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH LYNN RIVER PROBUS CLUB 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m

Our retired and semi-retired members enjoy diverse interest groups, friendship and fellowship. We have interesting speakers at our monthly meetings as well as time to socialise.Current and prospective members are welcome to join us at the Army, Navy & Air Force Club, Simcoe, which is on the corner of Water St. and Culver St. Simcoe.


Simcoe Advocate Enter via Culver St. For more information, please visit our website at: lynnriverprobus239.com or email lynnriverprobus239@gmail.com.

SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH COURTLAND COUNTRY OPEN MIC JAM Music starts at 1:00 p.m | Dinner at 5:00 p.m All welcome!

Courtland Community Centre | 272 Main St., Courtland, ON THURSDAYS CORNHOLE

7:00 p.m. Join in this free activity. Thursdays (except the 4th Thursday) Waterford Legion 223 Nichol St.

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH OPEN JAM Starting at 5:00 p.m (Until Sold Out)

August 27, 2026

Everyone is welcome to bring an instrument or just come out and listen to the music. Free event For More Information call the Legion at 519-443-5588 or www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY INGERSOLL COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE 1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m Every other Friday, 1-4pm be fall-ish and come to the Ingersoll Country Music Jamboree at Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St. S. Ingersoll. Join us, walk ins welcome. Qualifications - love 5070's country music. Perform, listen, dance & enjoy! September 4 & 18, October 2, 16 & 30, November 6 & 20, and December 4. Masonic Hall | 190 Thames St. S. Ingersoll

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ROTARY CLUB OF SIMCOE Join a 100-year-old, community-focused club dedicated to supporting Norfolk youth, scholarships, the arts, and local and international initiatives. Mondays | 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Bi-weekly in July & August. Enjoy lunch, interesting speakers and great fellowship! Email: simcoe.rotary.club@gmail. com Come see what Rotary is all about! Simcoe Legion | 200 West St. Simcoe

VERY 2ND, 3RD AND 4TH WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY NIGHT DARTS * Starting September 9. Registration from 6:45 - 7:00 p.m Entry Fee: $5 Blind Draw Doubles. Everyone is welcome! Waterford Legion 223 Nichol St.

Teddy Bears and all the ‘Bear Facts’ CHRIS ABBOTT Grant Haven Media

Bonnie Sitts might be considered a local expert on Teddy Bears. Her display at the Tri-County Fair, which she first came up with to decorate a room at Annandale National Historic Site last Christmas, focused on the ‘Bear Facts.’ Sitts highlighted the history of the Teddy Bear which goes back to 1902 when US President Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a black bear. “A gentleman made a cartoon of it in the newspaper,” Sitts noted. A US businessman/inventor (Morris Michtom), inspired by the cartoon, came up with the idea of creating ‘Teddy’s Bear.’ “Prior to that, the bear was only a stuffed toy,” said Sitts. Around the same time, the Steiff company began making plush bear toys in Germany. “I didn’t know there were so many bears,” Sitts laughed, noting its popularity in art, literature, toys and even educational campaigns. “I didn’t realize there were that many ‘Bear Facts’ when I decided to do Teddy Bears on the third floor in the Tower Room (Annandale National Historic Site). “We’ve got Smokey the Bear, we’ve got Goldilocks and the Three Bears… Winnie the Pooh (from Winnipeg)… Paddington

Bear, Berenstain Bears, the Coca-Cola Bear… so many. “I’ve got a whole book that has all the Bear Facts – all the stories – and it’s really fantastic. I was going to write up a lot more things (for the displays) but I ran out of time.” Her Christmas display, which she revived at the Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair in the homecraft building, proved to be popular, and this year at ANHS Sitts will be focusing on snowmen and the history of snowmen, as well as a couple other room ideas. “It’s amazing how… once you start something, it grows. I’ve been working on this for six months,” she added with a laugh. “Everything I do is a project.” Tangram Puzzles Sitts also decorated a room at Annandale House with puzzles, which she displayed at the 2026 fair. “It’s a puzzle – this is what you can do with that little three-inch square. You can do all of those,” said Sitts, flipping through a book of tangram puzzles and solutions. “You’ve got parallelograms, triangles, and you’ve got a square. So it’s a math thing for the kids.” Known as a dissection puzzle, it originated in China in the late 18th century, then came to Europe and North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s, used for ‘amusement, art, and education.’

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Bonnie Sitts highlighted the History of Teddy Bears with displays at the 2026 Tri-County Fair.


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August 27, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

Following Richmond’s Dumpling Trail

OH, THE

PLACES WE'LL GO By Paul Knowles I grew up in a traditional, rural, Canadian family with roots in the United Kingdom and all of its traditions. So, when I hear the word “dumpling”, I first think of those balls of dough (flour, suet and water), usually cooked on top of a stew. They can be a treat – although one suspects that the flavour comes almost entirely from the juice of the stew. They are not, however, what you are going to find if you follow the Dumpling Trail in Richmond, British Columbia. These dumplings are the Chinese variety – a dough or starch wrapper filled with sundry delicious things. And you will find almost limitless variations on the theme in the 16 eateries that are officially included in the Dumpling Trail. This is the Trail’s 10th anniversary, says Nancy Small, the delightful CEO of Tourism Richmond. It’s not surprising that Richmond – the city immediately adjacent to Vancouver – is home to the world’s only Dumpling Trail. Because Richmond is the city with the highest population of folks who identify as Asian, at 74%. I was more than intrigued by

Dumplings and other dim sum delights at the Richmond Night Market.

the culture and cuisine in the city, which certainly reflects this demographic. Hosted by Tourism Richmond, I was part of a small group of travel journalists who spent a few days exploring – well, honestly, mostly eating – our way through the community. We were taken to a food court in a mall, which I thought was a bit weird… except it was a truly unique experience, because every food booth in the extensive court offered some kind of Asian food. There wasn’t a McDonalds or a Timmies in sight. We also visited the Richmond Night Market, a multi-coloured mash-up of carnival, flea market, and Asian street food convention. Sadly, according to reports on line, the Night Market may be closing, permanently, because the leased site has been sold. I hope they find a solution to this, because, while I don’t care a bit about the flea market or car-

The energetic purveyor of Bao Bun desserts at the Night Market.

nival games, I was blown away by the variety and excellence of the food on offer. There was Chinese food, Korean food, Japanese food and more. I feasted on squid, dim sum, and finally, a huge serving of bao buns topped with ice cream and sauce. It bordered on sinful – and it was delicious. And also entertaining, as the guys in the booth could have starred in a Vaudeville revue! But back to the Dumpling Trail. This is more traditional dining, in actual restaurants, not food booths. And while they all serve Chinese dumplings, their menus are really quite different, one from the other. And dumplings are simply a few of the many dishes on offer. This, by the way, is real Chinese food. Not the fare offered by the “Chinese” restaurants in every Canadian small town, featuring sweet and sour chicken balls and egg fried rice.

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

Most of the items in these local restaurants have been created to match North American tastes, and usually bear little resemblance to anything authentically Asian. Compare that to a few of the items at the Jade Seafood Restaurant in Richmond, where owner David Chung joined us for a feast of epic proportions. The dumpling choices include Guo Tie (potstickers – Chinese fried pork and cabbage); Ham Sui Gok (glutinous rice stuffed with pork, mushrooms and shrimp); oand Har Gow (prawn and bamboo filling). But the meal went galaxies beyond dumplings. We had king crab, wagyu steak, rock cod, roasted rock salt chicken, squid, and much, much more. The previous evening, we had dined at the Dinesty Dumpling House, where we enjoyed soup dumplings, where somehow, hot soup is trapped inside the dump-

An unusual and delicious combination - a shrimp and mango salad.

ling. Delicious! We ate lunch at the Empire Seafood Restaurant, where traditional dim sum is served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. It was a Monday, when many restaurants simply close for lack of business. The Empire – a big space, by the way – was jammed. And dumplings? Of course – they are always part of dim sum, but the other options (there were 45 menu items just for dim sum) far outnumbered the dumpling varieties. By the way – the regular menu at the Empire runs to hundreds of options. Vegetables – varieties usually found on Canadian tables, such as asparagus and beans, and others that we may never have encountered like Gai Lan or Lotus Root – are common on these menus. Desserts are unlike anything we’re used to. At the Empire, you could (I didn’t) order Double Boiled Bird’s Nest Soup with Sweet Almond Cream. At Jade, we had delicious Coconut Milk Taro Sago Dessert. At Dinesty, I loved the mango pudding. If you are food lover, and planning to visit British Columbia, I can honestly recommend that you plan to have two or three meals in the Dumpling Trail restaurants of Richmond. One caution: a surprising number of these eateries are not licensed. I was told, unofficially, that this is because many of the owners are fundamentalist Christians, who frown on the consumption of alcohol. So, be prepared. Or, be sure you include Jade Seafood in your itinerary, where David Chung happily poured glass after glass of excellent wine for his feasting friends. Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and Past-President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.

Just some of the food served to eager travel journalists at the Jade Seafood Restaurant.


Simcoe Advocate

Riddles

August 27, 2026

PET OF THE WEEK

Nominate your Pet of the Week by emailing info@simcoeadvocate.com

I was small, colourful, and you could trade me with your friends. What am I? Trading cards

MILO

--

Meet our Pet of the Week:

You'd blow into me to make me work, even though nobody told you that was a good idea. What am I? A video game cartridge

This is Mr.Marbles. Milo is a 5-year-old Toy Poodle with a huge personality! He is playful, sweet, loves other dogs and does well with cats. Although he can be nervous around people, Milo is making great progress with patience and positive experiences. He walks on leash, sleeps quietly in his crate and has had no accidents. Milo needs a securely fenced yard and a patient family willing to let him build trust at his own pace.

-I came with a little metal ball inside, and you'd spend forever trying to get it through the maze. What am I? A pinball maze game --

www.petfinder.com

I lived in your pocket and needed to be fed, cleaned, and cared for like a real pet. What am I? A Tamagotchi

Word Search

00 PM

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Nostalgic Childhood Memories - Word Search Labs

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CARTOONS 6. TAG

2. BIKERIDES 7. HOPSCOTCH

3. TREEHOUSE

4. SLEEPOVERS

8. HIDEANDSEEK

9. KICKBALL

CARTOONS BIKERIDES TREEHOUSE SLEEPOVERS PLAYGROUND TAG HOPSCOTCH HIDEANDSEEK KICKBALL JUMP ROPE SWINGSET SANDBOX BUBBLEGUM ICECREAM POPSICLES LEMONADE LUNCHBOX JUICEBOX SCHOOLBUS RECESS FIELDTRIP SUMMERCAMP PUDDLE FIREFLIES FORTS CRAYONS COLOURING STICKERS MARBLES YOYOS

5. PLAYGROUND 10. ROPE

WWW.GRANTHAVEN.COM/SIMCOE-ADVOCATE Medium Puzzle #1

Sudoku

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Solutions on page 23 Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 9 by 9 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.


August 27, 2026

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Simcoe Advocate

Residential Windows & Doors, Glass Showers, Storm Doors Unit 2 - 46 Luscombe Drive, Simcoe

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DINNER THE SUNDAY PRODUCE PUZZLE - SUNDAY DINNER 1

227 MAIN STREET IN DELHI, ON

DOWN

2 3

Clues

1. Food saved for another meal

4

5

6

2. Herb traditionally served with lamb 3. Baked fruit dessert topped with a crumbly mixture

7 8

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4. Loosen browned bits from a roasting pan 6. Herb commonly used in stuffing

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7. Pungent condiment paired with roast beef

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9. Another helping at the dinner table

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11. Creamy dessert or sauce made with eggs and milk

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15. Flavourful juices left behind after roasting 16. Decorative finishing touch on a dish

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19. Protects the table from a hot serving dish 20. Tart stalk often baked into a dessert

Answers found on page 23

d saved for another meal

23. Flour and fat mixture used to thicken gravy

Across: 5. Seasoned mixture served with roast poultry

ACROSS

5. Seasoned mixture served with roast poultry 8. Cook slowly in a small amount of liquid 10. Traditional pudding served with roast beef 13. Describes potatoes baked in a creamy sauce 17. Brown food until its sugars develop a deeper flavour 18. Large dish used for serving a meal 21. Savoury taste associated with meat and broth 22. Another word for an evening meal 24. Thin sauce made from meat juices 25. Traditional Sunday roast


Simcoe Advocate

August 27, 2026

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CLASSIFIEDS

Email to inquire: info@simcoeadvocate.com FOR SALE

QUIZ ANSWERS

HELP WANTED

For Sale: Shade Trees; Maples, Oaks, Birch, Beech, Honey Locusts, Elms, Magnolia, Hydrangea Tree, Tulip Tree, Crab apples, Ivory Silk Lilac, Chanticleer Pear, Golden Weeping Willows and more. Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Nectarine, Blueberry, Haskap etc. Lots of healthy strong Spruce, Cedars and White Pine for your privacy hedges and windbreaks. Hundred of flowering shrubs. Reg Hours 7am- 6pm Mon-Sat at Martins Nursery c/o Emanuel Martin. 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter, ON

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SUNDAY DINNER

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SUDOKU ANSWERS Puzzle #1 6

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

BI-WEEKLY PUBLICATION DATES SEPTEMBER 10 & SEPTEMBER 24 OCTOBER 8 & OCTOBER 22

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Food saved for another meal Herb traditionally served with lamb Baked fruit dessert topped with a crumbly mixture 4. Loosen browned bits from a roasting pan 6. Herb commonly used in stuffing 7. Pungent condiment paired with roast beef 9. Another helping at the dinner table I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, 11. Creamy dessert or sauce made with eggs Pepsi or any pop company. Brewery items - Kuntz, and milk Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, 12. Large and elaborate meal wristwatches, pocket watches, old fruit jars 14. - Beaver Sweet root vegetable often roasted Flavourful Star, Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and15.signs - juices left behind after roasting Decorative finishing touch on a dish Red Indian, Supertest etc. Any small 16. furniture. 19. Protects the table from a hot serving dish If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact 20. Tart stalk often baked into a dessert

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Across: 5. Seasoned mixture served with roast po 8. Cook slowly in a small amount of liquid 10. Traditional pudding served with roast b 13. Describes potatoes baked in a creamy 17. Brown food until its sugars develop a deeper flavour 18. Large dish used for serving a meal 21. Savoury taste associated with meat an broth 22. Another word for an evening meal 24. Thin sauce made from meat juices 25. Traditional Sunday roast

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PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS WITH US!HERE’S HOW: Deadline: Monday prior at 3 p.m. | Contact: info@simcoeadvocate.com • The Simcoe Advocate Community Calendar allows non-profit organizations to promote their free admission community events at no charge. Event listings can include the event name, date, time and location as well as contact information (ie phone number, email address or website). • If your event is not free admission or you would like to include more details than stated above, the Simcoe Advocate offers the following options for promoting your community events: ◦ Coming Events Word Ad (50 word max.) - $10 + hst ◦ Coming Events Boxed Word Ad (50 word max.) - $15 + hst ◦ Display Ad - Sizes begin at a Small Classified Display ad (3.3" x 2.5") - $35 + hst


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August 27, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

A SAFER ONTARIO MEANS PLAYGROUNDS WITH NO DRUG INJECTION SITES NEARBY

Learn how we’re protecting the province at ontario.ca/SaferOntario Paid for by the Government of Ontario


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