Karen Kuzmich from the Canadian Cancer Society, a manager of cancer prevention programs and services, officially kicked off the CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe during Sunday’s opening ceremonies.
Kuzmich thanked everyone for participating and raising vital funds for lifesaving cancer research and the various support programs.
“For one powerful day, people in communities like this across Canada are coming together to run, walk, raise funds and honour people in our lives who have been affected by breast cancer,” said Kuzmich Sunday at the Lions Ball Park in Simcoe. “But the impact of this one day go far beyond today and beyond the finish line. It’s all of you that help make this lifesaving breast cancer research possible, and help us fund the compassionate care services that give people hope.
“The diagnosis of breast cancer today is very different than it was decades ago,” said Kuzmich, noting that advocacy and fundraising are “driving real change.”
“Together we have changed the breast cancer landscape over the past 30 years. Since this event began in 1992, the Run has raised an astounding $522 million for the breast cancer cause. In that same amount of time, the breast cancer death rate has been cut by nearly a half.
“So we’re going to keep that momentum going with events like this, and others,” Kuzmich said, thanking 29-year flagship sponsor CIBC and the local Run committee.
“Many, many volunteers make this event happen. A lot of behind the scenes energy and thought and
It was an emotional morning for the CIBC Run for the Cure committee on Sunday.
“We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who signed up to participate, fundraised, donated and helped
spread the word about the Run,” said Norfolk committee director Gail Catherwood at the Lions Ball Park in Simcoe.
“Your efforts, along with the generosity of our donors and sponsors, are making an incredible difference. It truly takes a society to take on breast cancer. So, on my behalf, I want to
thank everybody, over the years, it’s great…”
Catherwood announced this year’s fundraising – in support of breast cancer research and services – had reached $62,470 as of early Sunday morning.
“That brings our total for this com-
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
CHRIS ABBOTT
Judy Weller from Delhi is surrounded by family as she rings the bell at the CIBC Run for the Cure finish line Sunday morning in Simcoe.
Funds raised support cancer research
planning go into an event like this.”
Kuzmich also recognized the people who are the ‘heart and soul’ of the Run for the Cure, the partners of hope – people living with breast cancer, survivors, and those carrying a genetic risk for the disease.
“We run in your honour. We run beside you and we run always with you in our hearts and our minds.”
“For nearly three decades, Team CIBC has walked and run with our communities across Canada, raising awareness and funds,” said Matthew Doucher, representing CIBC at the Run for the Cure in Simcoe.
“Because for us, this is personal too,” said Doucher, noting that approximately one in eight Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer.
In 2024 about 30,500 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada, he said, and nearly 5,500 lost their lives to the disease.
“This is why we come together as a community. Every single one of us is making an impact long after this event is over… because the end of the Run is just the beginning of your impact. The funds raised across the country will fund cutting-edge research, community support, and more help to create a better future for people impacted by breast cancer.”
For 75 years Arnold Hearing Centres has been proud to serve our communities with trusted hearing care, and now we’re celebrating in a big way! Join us at one of our 75th anniversary open house parties to celebrate and allow us to say thank you for being part of our journey since 1950!
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Karen Kuzmich, from the Canadian Cancer Society, on the left, participated in Sunday’s CIBC Run for the Cure with a local CIBC team, including Carmen Locke, Tara Millen, Laury Penders, Grace Locke and Wendy McIsaac.
Simcoe CIBC Run for the Cure surpasses $3 million
munity over $3 million, so thank you very, very much.”
All fundraising award winners announced on Sunday will be posted on their website and social media (SimcoeCanadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Facebook).
“We were waiting to get to the $3 million mark and that did it for us,” said Catherwood after approximately 130 participants were on their way (1-km and 5-km routes), noting the 2025 total as of Friday night was substantially more than last year’s $46,000 - with even more funds expected to come in over the next few weeks.
It’s a team effort, she said, crediting the community, the organizing committee, all the run-day volunteers, and local and national sponsors.
“Some of these girls have been with me from the start,” said Catherwood, who had introduced the CIBC Run for the Cure to Simcoe and Norfolk County 26 years ago. It was Judy Weller’s first CIBC Run for the Cure.
Weller, who completed the 1-km walk on Sunday, was diagnosed with cancer on May 1st, 2025.
“I found my treatment to be very quick. I saw my surgeon May 12th, and I had a lumpectomy on June 5th. My chemo started on August 8. Eight treatments over 16 weeks… and I have four more left. Next Friday is my fifth.”
The breast cancer diagnosis came as a shock to Weller, who lives in Delhi.
“People want to come and see you, and I said ‘ok.’ They said ‘I’m glad you look ok.’ But that’s the thing,” she smiled, “you don’t know how you’re supposed to look.”
After completing Sunday’s walk, Weller was happy to ‘ring the bell’ at the finish line, surrounded by family.
“I am going to be a survivor. I have no doubt that I am going to get through this chemo and then radiation. And I’ll be here next year, hopefully doing the 5-km – I need to practice.
“Chemo’s rough, but I try to stay positive. If I have my down times, it’s usually with my husband. I’ve cried when my kids aren’t around… except for today. Today has been really emotional. My family, they’ve been my support. They’ve all been very, very supportive. Since Day 1, they’ve been with me all along. It’s wonderful. And the people I work with, they have been very supportive.
“This (Run for the Cure) is just great that they have this for breast cancer,” Weller added. “This was actually supposed to be chemo week for me – I thought maybe I would sit here and watch them go over the finish line. But my daughter wanted to do it and my weeks switched so… I thought ok.”
Jenn Prouse, from Langton, was Sunday’s Run for the Cure keynote speaker.
“Standing here, looking out at all of you, it is over-
whelming in the best possible way,” said Prouse, a 10-year breast cancer survivor. “Each one of you is here because breast cancer has touched your life somehow, whether you are a survivor, supporting someone in treatment, honouring someone we’ve lost, or simply showing up because you believe in this cause. I want to start by saying thank you from the bottom of my heart…”
Over the past decade, Prouse said she learned “strength does not always come from within, sometimes it comes from the people around you, from family who hold you up when you’re at your weakest, from friends who stand by you when you feel like giving up, from the doctors, nurses and care teams that fight alongside you every single day.”
And from communities, she added.
“Being a survivor fills me with overwhelming gratitude… But it also comes with grief. Grief for those who didn’t get this chance. Today we walk and we run for them too.
“The CIBC Run for the Cure isn’t just an event, it’s the reason that more of us get to celebrate milestones like five years, 10 years, and beyond. It’s the reason research keeps moving forward. It’s the reason we stand up here with hope in our hearts, and for the future.
“To those of you still in treatment, you are never alone.
“And to my fellow survivors, every scar, every story, every victory is proof of our resilience.”
Norfolk firefighters Doug Rixmann, Noah Richtie and Katie Petrella from the Simcoe Firefighters Association ran 5-km Sunday – in full firefighter gear - carrying 45-50 pounds of gear, including 30-pound air tanks.
It was Ritchie’s first CIBC Run for the Cure and Petrella’s second.
“I did it in high school, does that count?” smiled Petrella, who was also pushing a stroller Sunday while in firefighter gear.
“In gear?” asked Rixmann, who has done the Run the past 10-plus years. “No? No that doesn’t count,” he laughed.
“It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be but it was a lot of fun,” said Ritchie. “The guy who is double my age beat me by… how many minutes?”
“As the Simcoe Firefighters Association, we have always supported the Run for the Cure,” said Rixmann, “either with people or donations that people give to us through our scrap metal bins.
“It’s a little bit of suffering on our part, short-term, compared to what people do every day when they are battling cancer,” Rixmann added. “It’s just our way to show support.”
“My grandma is cancer-free – she had radiation back in the day – so I was doing it for her,” said Petrella.
“We’ve had firefighters, just in the past few years, that have had cancer, too,” Rixmann noted. “Cancer is unfortunately well-known in the fire service, so anything we can do in support…”
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
A CIBC Run for the Cure team with both Norfolk and Oxford County members.
EDITORIAL
Eliminating trustees – an affront to democracy?
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP
Bobbi Ann Brady
School board trustees in Ontario have a history dating back to 1816, when communities elected trustees to manage local schools, hire teachers, and develop rules for the way schools were to operate.
The role of the school board trustee has evolved over time, with significant consolidation of school boards occurring in the late 1960s and a reduction in the number of trustees. Today, trustees should serve as the democratically elected leaders of school boards. The public believes elected trustees set policies and ensure accountability by representing student and community needs within education laws established by the province.
You might have noticed I used the word ‘should’ because this has not been happening for quite some time. In fact,
today’s school board trustees have been stripped of much of their role and advocacy. Trustees can no longer answer constituent emails, they can no longer go into the schools they serve, and they can no longer call families back who have concerns with a school or the system.
As for holding things to account, look down the road to the Grand Erie District School Board (GEDSB) where trustee Carol Ann Sloat has been put through the ringer for raising concern the GEDSB conducts too much business behind closed doors. This long-term trustee has been in and out of court for seemingly advocating for the people she serves, the taxpayer.
By stripping trustees of their powers, it has created this means to an end mentality whereby some taxpayers have questioned, “Do we really need school board trustees?”
As we know, there is a Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board Trustee (Mark Watson) who has not repaid his Italian junket expenses. I asked Premier Ford last November 27th to demand these expenses be paid back. Legislation as it stands cannot force the trustee to cough up the money. I remember clearly after my question in the Ontario Legislature, a government member commented to me maybe it was time to get rid of trustees. I knew right then and there, Trustee Watson would serve as the poster child to seal the deal on the means to an end for school board trustees.
I find it curious Trustee Watson has said nothing know-
ing legislation could come forward ensuring his Italian trip is repaid but also eliminating school board trustees.
The province recently appointed supervisors to five school boards and has put the remaining 72 boards on notice; however, Ontario’s Education Minister over the past few weeks has said he will have a plan by the end of the year to possibly eliminate trustees from the province’s school boards.
Since my election in 2022, I have often written and spoken about my concerns that Canada is headed toward centralized power and decision-making.
As egregious as the Italian junket fiasco was, I do believe it is somewhat of an anomaly. Further, I question whether school board trustees are really the problem in our broken education system, or are they the low hanging fruit? We have not eliminated the roles of MPs, MPPs, mayors or councillors, even though there have been some at all levels of government found guilty of abusing taxpayer dollars over the course of history.
School board trustees have long been somewhat of a sleepy election issue, but we might want to pay attention given this is the same government who has imposed strong mayor powers in nearly half of Ontario municipalities. If you look closely, the plan is to create a crisis, create the atmosphere for a means to an end and eventually the taxpayer plays along until it’s too late. Trustees eliminated today, councillors eliminated tomorrow.
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Cache in, trash out Geocachers help clean up trash in the Waterford Ponds area
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Cache in, trash out.
Geocachers from Norfolk County, and some coming from other parts of Ontario and Quebec and even Michigan, joined this year’s Waterford Ponds area fall CITO, picking up trash alongside the roadways, trails and shoreline on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
“This is how we give back to the community,” said Karen Daniel from Bloomsburg. “We’re taking the trash out.”
James Kuipers from Grand Rapids, Michigan organized the Waterford CacheIn Trash-Out event.
“I started (geocaching) in 2010,” said James. “I was up in northern Michigan with my family, and I bought a hiking map that said geocaching.com at the top. So we started it… and now it’s a hobby that’s brought me all over the world.
“I met a lot of great people through geocaching. I ended up meeting Karen and a group of Canadians doing kayak caches in Michigan. Geocaching… a lot of us like hiking, biking, physical activity, and having an objective, a destination. I don’t enjoy just going out to bike 10 miles, but I’ll go bike 10 miles if there’s geocaches along the way. A chance to stop and a challenge. I like a good, challenging task – you might have something like a tree climb. This morning I got one in a culvert.”
CITO is a social event, said James, as more and more bags of trashed were being brought back to their base to be picked up by Norfolk County staff the next day, “and really give back to the community and pick up trash. A CITO event is not typically about caching, it’s about picking up trash… But we are a community of cachers, so often before or after, you’ll find us caching as well.”
The Sept. 30 event was organized as a followup to a recent ‘mega’ caching event in Burford, which attracted enthusiasts from across Canada.
“Geocaching is worldwide – I don’t know exactly how many, but there are about 3.5 million,” said Karen.
“I don’t know if it’s still growing or if it’s levelled, but I’d say the ‘boom’ was around 2020 during Covid,” said James.
“For me, I used to do downhill skiing, but I can’t anymore,” said Karen. “The older I get, I can still ride a bicycle, do some kayaking, and some moderate hiking. So it (geocaching) suits me and I’m retired. It gets us outside.”
Karen estimated about 30 geocachers are in the Simcoe area.
“It’s a good number,” she nodded.
***
Geocachers use GPS to find small hidden containers, painted in camo and dark
colours. They log the find, then seek more containers. Some are virtual/Earth caches representing a place of significant or historical interest (including one at the Black Bridge, built in 1916).
“Within five kilometres of here, there’s probably 300 caches,” said Karen. “The smaller ones are nice because no one notices them. We don’t want non-cachers to see them.
“It gets better and better,” she laughed, scrolling a map on her phone.
Geocachers Starr and Fred Stothers came to Waterford’s CITO from London, Ont., while David Harvey arrived from Gatineau, Quebec.
“It’s addictive,” David smiled. “Sometimes you get challenges, sometimes you don’t find what you’re looking for and you have to walk away. It’s like gambling, you don’t win all the time.”
“It’s a beautiful area and there’s tons of caches here,” said Starr, who goes out geocaching every chance she gets. “There was a big one in Burford on the weekend (the only mega event in Ontario this year).”
To get involved, go to www.geocaching. com . You can establish a free, basic account.
“That gives you a taste of it,” said Karen. The next level requires a $40 US fee for an annual premium membership, which gives added benefits to cache owners – like Karen, who placed hundreds of caches in
the Waterford area over the years.
“This weekend, because there were so many people here (Burford), my phone has been going nuts, dinging,” Karen laughed. In total, Karen has found almost 23,000 caches, and her friend Susan Zakamarko from Oakland is nearly that, but there is an Ontario geocacher that has found more than 65,000.
A group of geocachers,
to Waterford on Sept. 30 for a CITO – Cache In, Trash Out – in the area of the Waterford Ponds.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
including from left Glen Sachro (Sault Ste. Marie), Chris Dickey (Simcoe), James Kuipers (Michigan), Karen Daniel (Bloomsburg) and Susan Zakamarko (Oakland) came
Prolonged drought puts scare into Norfolk growers
J.P. ANTONACCI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s largest pumpkin patch is looking a little lean.
Pumpkin farmers in Norfolk County say a prolonged dry spell has led to fewer future jack-o’-lanterns in their fields, and the pumpkins that did sprout are smaller than in past years.
“It was a very tough year for growing pumpkins,” said Ryan Kukielka, who harvests 450 acres of carving and pie pumpkins - plus some fancy heirloom varieties - on a farm in Vanessa.
“We received very little rain - less than two inches the whole growing season,” Kukielka said.
He irrigated his fields to help make up the shortfall in rainwater, but the crop still took a hit.
“The drought has left us with a lower yield and smaller pumpkins this year compared to last year,” Kukielka said.
The story is similarly spooky at Szatrowski Farm Produce in Greens Corners, west of Simcoe, where farmer Zebb Szatrowski said the intense summer heat zapped some of his pumpkin plants before they had the chance to flower.
“We actually didn’t have very many pumpkins this year because a lot of our pumpkins didn’t end up germinating,” Szatrowski said, explaining the lack of moisture in the soil caused fertilizer placed near the seed to interfere with the growth of the plant.
“All that fertilizer kind of burned up the pumpkin seed, and it didn’t germinate,” he said. “So we had a large portion of our pumpkins that didn’t even come up.”
Szatrowski normally grows 150 to 200 acres of pumpkins, mainly for carving. This year, the heat-stressed plants that survived the drought are yielding smaller pumpkins, and fewer of them. That forced Szatrowski to buy extra pumpkins from a larger grower in Norfolk to satisfy his wholesale contracts.
Rescuing thirsty crops
The federal government’s Canadian Drought Monitor for August said Haldimand-Norfolk was in the midst of a severe drought, with precipitation levels “well below normal” across southern Ontario.
The local field conditions mirror a trend seen across the country, with 70 per cent of Canada’s farmland classified as being in a drought at the end of August.
Delhi farmer Dave VanDeVelde has noticed some flowering stress in his pumpkin field, but he said the five-acre crop is hanging in thanks to plenty of added water.
“We have irrigated them multiple times throughout the season to ensure that there is a crop, because otherwise there probably
wasn’t going to be much of anything,” said VanDeVelde, who harvests 20 pumpkin varieties for sale as decorative gourds and baked into pies at Wholesome Pickins, the farm market he runs with his wife, Jenn.
Fruit and vegetable farmers in Norfolk irrigate their fields as a matter of course because the soil is sandy and porous, with excellent drainage ideal for growing tobacco, peanuts, potatoes and more.
Farms like Wholesome Pickins “have access to irrigation” thanks to available water sources and “existing infrastructure from the tobacco days,” VanDeVelde said.
But rescuing thirsty crops during a drought comes at a cost, since irrigating more frequently means paying more for water, fuel, hydro and labour.
Those added expenses cut into growers’ profit margin, while the reduced supply of pumpkins could mean higher prices for consumers.
“Most of our prices are negotiated well before we plant, but in general, the market prices rise when yields are low,” said Kukielka, who sells his entire harvest on the wholesale market.
Szatrowski had to focus his farm’s extensive irrigation system on his main commercial crop - 200 acres of fresh market potatoes - to ensure adequate size and supply.
That meant largely leaving the pumpkins to fend for themselves in the field.
“Pumpkins typically don’t need nearly as much water as potatoes,” Szatrowski said. “If you didn’t irrigate your potatoes in a year like this, it would make a huge difference.”
Canada’s biggest pumpkin patch
The 2021 Census of Agriculture found Norfolk farmers grow nearly 40 per cent of the 11,569 acres of pumpkins harvested in Canada.
Anchoring the county’s dominant position in the pumpkin market is Canada’s largest single grower, Scotlynn Sweetpac Growers, a Vittoria-based multinational that farms 1,350 acres of pumpkins each year.
Scotlynn’s director of maintenance and agriculture, Jorden Hughes, said the company’s pumpkin crop “is in relatively good shape despite the challenges posed by this year’s hot and dry conditions,” with harvested fruit “showing consistent sizing across the board.”
Shipping started “a little bit slower” in late August, Hughes said, but as of Sept. 23 over 300 truckloads of Scotlynn carving pumpkins had already left Norfolk bound for grocery markets throughout Canada and the United States.
The company expects to ship roughly 40 million pounds of pumpkin this fall.
Pumpkins can handle drier soil, Hughes explained, though Scotlynn staff spent months planting cover crops and tilling the fields “to position us for a strong harvest season.”
“And certainly, lots of burning of the midnight oil for irrigation… during the drought, which played a critical role in supporting crop health and yield,” he said.
- J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Pumpkins ready to be harvested in the Waterford area.
Breast cancer survivor Jenn Prouse, from Langton, was the keynote speaker Sunday at the annual CIBC Run for the Cure.
Doug Rixmann, right, ran 5-km in Sunday’s CIBC Run for the Cure.
Simcoe Firefighter Association’s Noah Ritchie, Katie Petrella and Doug Rixmann ran 5-km at the 26th CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe.
An estimated 130 people ran or walked 1-km and 5-km routes Sunday during the CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe.
Delhi’s Aaron Varnes and Amber Franklin warm up for Sunday’s CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe.
Riley and Justin Chapman are ready to start the 1-km route Sunday at the CIBC Run for the Cure in support of breast cancer research and programs.
Austin’s Pumpkin Patch supports cancer centre
BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent
The Juravinski Cancer Centre Pumpkin Patch, now called Austin’s Pumpkin Patch, is back and as busy as ever.
Now in its third year at their new location, 2587 Cockshutt Road, it is hosted by the Sloot and Smith families at Austin’s PickYour-Own and Farm Market.
You can stop by and get all of your outdoor decorating needs. They offer pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, straw bales, porch packages, scarecrows and flowers… all for a set donation. All items are donated by generous local farmers and all proceeds from sales will go directly to the Juravinski Cancer
Centre for the purchase of much needed cancer treatment equipment.
Last year’s proceeds were used to purchase four Vital Sign Monitors. This year’s proceeds are going towards Radiation Immobilization Boards with the hopes of raising enough money to purchase two boards.
If you would like to purchase your decorating needs at Austin’s and support this great cause, The Pumpkin Patch is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Friday, Oct. 31st. Please stop by and support this great cause.
Once you have purchased your outdoor decorating needs be sure to stop in at Austin’s Farm Market. There you can purchase not only fresh fruits and veggies but homemade goodies as well. Once again, this year
local quilter Mary Weber has so generously donated another handmade, quilted masterpiece. This stunning quilt will fit well in any home. Be sure to get your tickets.
Each Saturday afternoon the Pumpkin Patch, northeast of Waterford, will have a different cancer survivor and when I stopped in, I was fortunate to meet 18-year-old Olivia Hazen, herself a survivor.
“I have always loved fundraisers, so I was thrilled when they asked me to help here,”
said Hazen.
Having spent more than her fair share of time at Juravinski, she has nothing but praise for the staff there.
“They are very welcoming and you get to know the staff there very well.”
Olivia has aspirations of one day becoming a Child Life Worker.
“I love working with kids. Through my treatments I have developed a passion for working with those special kids.”
(SUBMITTED PHOTOS)
Olivia Hazen at Austin's Pumpkin Patch.
A handcrafted quilt at Austin’s Pumpkin Patch generously donated by Mary Weber.
‘It takes a village’ to hold a successful fair
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The sun was shining for the 135th Langton Fair on Sept. 17, as it does most years. It lifted spirits as people browsed their exhibits, pounded nails, tied tobacco, bounced on inflatables, or enjoyed the fair food at the Langton Lions Community Sports Complex and the Langton community centre.
“On behalf of Norfolk County and our Mayor Amy Martin, I’d like to congratulate everybody’s who has come out today,” said Norfolk County Ward 2 Coun. Linda Vandendriessche, who also volunteers with the North Walsingham Agricultural Society. “And I’d like to congratulate Carol (Overbaugh) and her staff, and all the hard work, because that’s what it does – it brings all this stuff together.
“It’s a beautiful day, there’s lots of stuff for you kids to do, lots of activities, so I want you to enjoy the day and have lots of fun,” said Vandendriessche during opening ceremonies, which followed the energetic parade.
On behalf of the Province of Ontario, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady also thanked Overbaugh and her Langton Fair crew, and congratulated everyone who entered artwork and exhibits in the arena.
“What a wonderful day to be here at the Langton Fair, I don’t think the weather could get any better,” said Brady. “Rural fairs like this one, they are such an important part of our rural way of life. They bring us together as neighbours, we celebrate the hard work of our famers, and it also
reminds us of the traditions that make this area so very important.
“Year after year, this group’s dedication ensures that this fair – although it might be small – is very, very mighty.”
Overbaugh, who had a long list of thank yous, thanked all the people and volunteers who helped make the fair a success, including the staff and students at Langton Public School, Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School, Norfolk Little People’s Day Care, Valley Heights Secondary School, and Holy Trinity Catholic High School.
“It’s beyond words,” said Overbaugh. “They are always there for us, supporting us, putting exhibits in, bringing the cheerlearders, whatever is asked they do, and do very well. We truly appreciate your help, support and participation.
“Thanks also to the parents, grandparents and all the community for your tremendous support and participation. And the arena staff – everything I ask for is there and done. You are all amazing and we thank you so much.”
Overbaugh also thanked Frank and Shirley DeDobbelaer for organizing the car show and Eric Dekeyser for the tractors, the Langton firefighters for leading the parade, Al Ross as parade marshal, the Langton CWL for the student lunch, the Langton Lions who handled fair admission, and all the judges.
“Without our volunteers, this day would not happen,” said Overbaugh, who concluded by thanking the hardworking fairboard and the community for coming out to support and participate in the 135th Langton Fair.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Skye Bueckert and seven-month-old Dean are ready for the Langton Fair Baby Show
Allie Chadwick sings Famous Last Words by My Chemical Romance in the Langton Fair junior talent contest on Sept. 17.
Rob and Chase Bradbury look at student art at the Langton Fair.
Tables at the Langton arena were filled with local produce at the Sept. 17th fair.
Grow and Gather helps feeds the Norfolk community
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The idea behind the first Grow and Gather – From Farms to Families event on Sept. 27 was simple – give back to the community.
The work involved during harvest season, enormous.
“We wanted to host a produce giveaway event,” said Rebekah Jean Konrad, Marketing Manager, Sandy Shore Farms Ltd, who took the lead on the one-day event. “We just wanted to give back to our community.
“At Sandy Shore, one of our purpose pillars is to grow community and we do that many different ways, growing relationships with other growers in the area. As growers, we rely on each other sometimes to fulfil orders. We do a lot of back and forth with our neighbours, so having those good relationships with our competitors is important.
“So the idea was Norfolk County growers – in Norfolk County – for our Norfolk County community.”
Sandy Shore Farms was supported by a dozen Norfolk County farms.
“We had probably 12 growers participate with us,” said Konrad, who reached out to the Norfolk farmers in the area. “We had overwhelming response from everybody.” Trucks full of food started to unload at 6 a.m. that morning. Families filled bags,
and sometimes even came back for more free food.
“You should have seen it at the beginning, we had probably two or three times more food than what you see right now,” said Konrad, noting they started with close to 80 bins of produce – each bin about 1,000 pounds.
There were bins of apples, pumpkins, squash, onions, cabbage, sweet and russet potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, sweet corn, and multiple varieties of tomatoes and peppers…
“All different varieties of sweet and hot peppers,” Konrad nodded.
Konrad said they knew people in Norfolk County needed food – they did not know how much. How many people would show up at the Delhi Friendship Centre parking lot between 9-2 for free produce?
“We had no idea how many people would come,” Konrad smiled. “Starting at 8:30, people have just been streaming through. Some people came back and filled up again.”
They did not have exact numbers, but safe to say ‘a lot.’ People were still arriving close to 2 p.m.
“Some people that came today told our volunteers their family only eats once a day. And if there isn’t quite enough, the one mom said she didn’t eat that day. So we filled up their car, literally.”
About 25 people volunteered during the five-hour event.
It felt good to offer a much-needed and successful event, said Konrad, happy that so many people learned of their one-day giveaway project.
“This is wonderful… this is incredible. We are overjoyed at the turnout. This is much better than I think we could have imagined, though I did imagine it to be
great. I think we pulled it off.”
No food went to waste. Leftover produce was taken by Second Harvest and Harvest Hands, who were on site.
“They will take everything that is left over, and they will find a home for it.”
Plans are to do it again in 2026, said Konrad.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
John Kinaschuk and Brett Dennie add zucchinis to their bags at the first Grow and Gather event in Delhi, Sept. 27th.
Cainan Bramer, Azara Bramer and Hailey Szalkai volunteered at the Sept. 27th Grow and Gather – from Farm to Families in Delhi, organized by Sandy Shore Farms and supported by a dozen Norfolk growers.
Festival celebrates all things pumpkin… and more
BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent
With October officially here, it is time to start the countdown to Waterford Pumpkinfest!
The 2025 edition of the yearly festival, which marks its 43rd anniversary, will be held Friday, Oct. 17th to Sunday, Oct. 19th.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, it was ‘all hands on deck’ at the Foodland parking lot in Waterford for the opening of this year’s Pumpkinfest clothing sales and it was busy!
“By 8:15 a.m. there was already a lineup for a 9 a.m. opening of sales and it was pretty much non-stop from there,” stated Official Clothing organizer Gisele Vervaet.
Jim McEachren, Pumpkinfest chairperson, stated, “Each year we hold a contest, from January to March, inviting everyone that wants to submit a design logo idea. This year there were 13 designs submitted.”
Voting was open to Norfolk County residents and the winning submission by Cory Girard, depicting a very large pumpkin in the back of a pickup truck, has captured the essence of Pumpkinfest as well as Norfolk County.
On Thursday, Oct. 16, clothing will be on sale in front of the Waterford arena on Church Street East from 5-8 p.m. Friday sales will run from 1-9 p.m., Saturday 10:30-6:30 and Sunday 11-4. Be sure to get yours early because they will sell like hot
cakes!
Friday, Oct. 17, be sure to take in the grand fireworks display by the arena. This event always attracts a huge crowd so you might want to get there early to find the ‘perfect’ viewing spot. Donations gratefully accepted. Rain date is Saturday.
Saturday, Oct. 18 you will need to get into town early if you want to get a good vantage spot to enjoy the Pumpkinfest Parade. This year’s parade marshal is Shane Bergman, former Calgary Stampeder, CFL star, and two-time Grey Cup Champion. Shane was born locally, lived in Teeterville and attended Waterford District High School. Let’s give him a great homecoming welcome!
A new event this year is Line Dancing, Saturday night at the Ukrainian Hall on Thompson Road East. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and dancing runs from 7-10 p.m. Instructors from Urban Cowboy will be on hand for those familiar with the dance and those new to the activity. The cost is just $20 and you can get your tickets by emailing pumpkindancebeats@gmail.com . It is a licensed event but open to all ages and there will be door prizes as well. Get out those dancing shoes!
Sunday, Oct. 19, will host one of the highlights of the weekend when the annual Waterford Lions Car Show is held at the high school football field. With hundreds of entries you will want to allow some time to check out all of the vehicles… classic,
modified, new, old… they will have them all.
Also be sure to catch some ‘different’ cars at the Soap Box Derby. This year it is being run down Alice Street (location change) on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m. The event is open to kids ages 6-14 years and will go rain or shine. There are two divisions - ages 6-10 and 11-14 - and pre-registration is required by Wednesday, Oct. 16. You can go to www.pumpkinfest.com for more details and to pre-register.
There are so many events planned for Pumpkinfest weekend so plan to take in as many as possible. You can check out Pumpkinfest shows, events and all weekend activities by visiting their website or their Facebook page (Waterford Pumpkinfest). Free event booklets will also be available at various locations.
It’s a great time with lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy!
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
The Pumpkinfest clothing pre-sale kicked off in Waterford on Saturday, Sept. 27 in the Foodland parking lot. Gisele Vervaet, Official Clothing Organizer, on the left, and Jim McEachren Pumpkinfest Chairperson, hold some of this year’s merchandise.
(FILE PHOTO)
The annual Waterford Lions Car Show is held at the high school during Pumpkinfest.
(FILE PHOTO)
The annual Waterford Pumpkinfest will celebrate all things pumpkin, Oct. 17-19.
Adam Shoalts - From Falcons to Forgotten Explorers
ADVOCATING FOR AUTHORS
By Dick Bourgeois-Doyle
Adventurer and author Adam Shoalts makes it hard to complain about a lack of inspiration in Norfolk County.
As many of his fans know, the routine sight of a bird flying past his St. Williams home four years ago set him on a 3,400-kilometre wilderness adventure and inspired his national bestseller Where the Falcons Fly. One autumn morning, Adam spotted a peregrine falcon over a field - a bird he recognized instantly from its movement and size. Living on Lake Erie’s north shore, he knew that the falcons stop in our region on their annual journey to and from the Arctic Coast.
For Adam, that bird wasn’t just part of the scenery. It was a spark. Soon, he was loading a canoe at Long Point, determined to follow the falcon’s migration route north. His journey would carry him through wetlands, boreal forests, and treeless tundra, ending at Ungava Bay. He retraced the bird’s flight path not from the air, but at ground level - by canoe and eventually on foot - navigating landscapes that few people ever see.
Local nature lovers know just how special this region is for wildlife. Hundreds of bird species, and hundreds of thousands of individual birds, pass through Norfolk County each year. As Adam wrote of the Long Point area, “There’s nothing else quite like it… the peninsula (is) a rich oasis.”
It’s easy to overlook what’s in our own backyard, but inspiration often hides in plain sight.
WHAT HAPPENS IN NORFOLK… ECHOES IN THE ARCTIC
Adam’s decision to embark on that journey was born of curiosity and a deep love of the outdoors - passions he dis-
covered as a teenager. But his motivation to write about it came from a bigger idea: to show how falcons depend on a series of linked ecosystems stretching across half a continent. A healthy wetland here affects a hunting cliff there; what happens in Norfolk echoes in the Arctic.
His book tour featured vivid, image-rich presentations that brought this message to life. Audiences saw how a single bird could open a door to understanding vast landscapes. And for local writers, that’s a reminder that powerful stories often begin with something small: a moment of noticing, a question worth following.
Adam Shoalts has made a career out of connecting those small sparks to larger narratives. With a master’s and PhD, and bestselling books like A History of Canada in 10 Maps and Beyond the Trees, he’s known for blending ecological and historical research with gripping storytelling. While some might say he’s riding a wave of renewed interest in Canadian identity, in truth, his work does something more. It reminds Canadians of the landscapes, histories, and en-
vironmental concerns that bind us together.
This fall, Adam is returning to audiences with a new mystery: Vanished Beyond the Map: The Mystery of Lost Explorer Hubert Darrell. The book intertwines his academic and adventurous sides as he retraces the life of another intrepid Canadian figure.
The U.K. native Hubert Darrell was, like Shoalts, a man of many talents - a farmer, hunter, trapper, prospector, and above all, an explorer. In 1897, he joined the Klondike Gold Rush, and in the fall of 1910, he set out alone on a prospecting trip in the Anderson River region of the Northwest Territories. He carried maps he believed were flawed and intended to correct them along the way. Darrell never returned. All that remained were fragments: journals, letters, and sketches of his planned route.
More than a century later, those clues drew Adam Shoalts north again. Just as the falcon had once inspired a journey, Darrell’s unfinished story became another spark. Adam followed the breadcrumbs, delving into archives and venturing into remote wilderness to piece together the mystery. The result is both a historical detective story and a testament to the enduring pull of exploration.
Stories like these remind us that inspiration isn’t limited to distant places or famous figures. Often, it begins right where we live - in a passing bird, a faded map, a book in our hands, or a forgotten local tale. Norfolk County is rich with untold stories, waiting for someone to follow the trail. If you’re a local writer looking for inspiration, take a page from Adam’s book. Pay attention to what’s around you, what you read. Follow a question or a bird and look for more. You never know where it might lead, and you may find your own adventure.
BOOK TOUR
Adam Shoalts will be sharing his latest adventures this fall on a new book tour, including a presentation at the Port Dover Community Centre on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m., organized by Beach Reads Bookshop. Details are available at doverwrites.blogspot.com.
Weekend Quiz
By Jake Grant
1. What is the traditional birthstone for October?
2. What country is Prague located in?
3. LAN stands for what in computing?
4. When was the last time the Blue Jays won the AL East?
5. Who sings "Rock you like a hurricane"?
True or False–Ostriches can fly.
8. What is the most common eye color?
9. How many moons does Mars have?
10. What year was truth and reconciliation day created?
Adam Shoults, adventurer and author.
(SUBMITTED PHOTOS)
Adam Shoalts will be sharing his latest adventures this fall on a new book tour, including a presentation at the Port Dover Community Centre on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 3 p.m., organized by Beach Reads Bookshop.
MP Lewis says local steel jobs shipped overseas
Leslyn Lewis, Member of Parliament for Haldimand-Norfolk, recently blasted the federal Liberal government for failing Canadian workers after United Steelworkers testimony confirmed that thousands of Canadian jobs were lost when BC Ferries contracted new vessels from a Chinese state-owned shipyard - backed by a $1-billion low-interest loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).
Testimony heard from labour union leaders at the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities confirmed that:
• Canadian steel producers, including Stelco, could have supplied the steel for the ferries.
• Thousands of good-paying, unionized jobs for steelworkers and skilled trades were lost to foreign competition.
• Canada missed a generational opportunity to strengthen its steel and shipbuilding industries.
• The $1-billion loan failed to meet the CIB’s own mandate to create economic benefits for Canadians.
“In Nanticoke, a town just a few minutes from where I live in Haldimand-Norfolk, the Stelco steel mill employs thousands of workers and drives our local economy,” stated MP Lewis at committee. “These are the same workers already battling unjustified U.S. tariffs. Now, with a $1
billion, taxpayer-funded ferry contract being handed to a Chinese-state shipyard, it feels like a slap in the face.”
The loan agreement with BC Ferries was signed March 28, but not publicly disclosed until two months later on June 26. It is now financing the construction of four ferries in China - despite the CIB’s mandate to attract private investment for infrastructure in Canada.
“This government had a clear choice: uplift our worldclass Canadian workers or allow their jobs to be shipped overseas. They chose the latter,” said MP Lewis. “Haldimand-Norfolk knows the value of our steel industry, and Canadians know we can build the best here at home. Ottawa needs to take accountability for this failure and start putting our workers and industries first.”
Haldimand-Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis.
Service you can trust at Delhi Flowers & Gifts
Autumn can be a beautiful time of year, and you can celebrate the season at Delhi Flowers & Gifts.
“Everybody likes to decorate, and we have indoor and outdoor decorations for Thanksgiving,” said Joyce Verbrugge, owner. “We have beautiful table arrangements… and we deliver them all over the area.”
Orange and brown are popular fall colours, along with bronze and yellow.
“We have all the beautiful fall flowers,” she said.
In coming months, colours can change to green and red for Christmas… and red for Valentine’s, yellow and pink for Easter.
“That’s when we are busiest,” said Delhi Flowers & Gifts’ Cheryl Charbonneau. “Our business is very much holiday oriented.”
Of course, Delhi Flowers & Gifts also specializes in gifts and flowers for timely occasions like anniversaries and birthdays, Charbonneau noted.
“A lot of babies this year,” Verbrugge smiled.
“Simcoe, Tillsonburg, Port Dover… we have the largest selection here.”
“And we deliver, all over Norfolk County, Tillsonburg, and part of Elgin County,” Charbonneau noted.
Sympathy flower arrangements and products are also provided.
“We even have people from big cities who come here, get their flowers, and take them to the funeral home.”
“They know what they are getting,” said Verbrugge. “Guaranteed. We just pack it up for them and away they go. They’ve got their dollars’ worth – and no delivery charge.
“Sympathy is one of our biggest thing here… I think it’s the biggest (supply) in Norfolk County, nobody’s got this much stuff in their store. We have these stone toppers here, for cemeteries, and quite a
few people come from Toronto because they don’t do them there. And next year they’ll come back for more – repeat customers.”
“Our sympathy section was smaller, but we keep adding more and more things,” said Charbonneau. “Now, there are so many things here - people want that service. And they can come here to look…”
“Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say,” said Verbrugge. “You can always send flowers.”
Located at 167 and 169 Main Street in Delhi, Delhi Flowers and Gifts celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024.
With three decades servicing a small town – and a much, much wider areawith fresh and artificial flowers for all occasions, along with plants, plush toys and giftware, there have been generations of customers.
People know their quality, said Charbonneau, but she added it’s very import
directly.
“A lot of times we know the family, we know what’s going on, we know the colours and we can help.”
Many customers like to visit in-person, but for convenience many also use their online service. Verbrugge stresses it’s important to go through their website (delhiflowers.ca), or even better call them directly at 519-582-8246 (or 1-800-887-4387).
“If you just search for ‘local florist’ online, you might find a California distributor that will take the order, then try to send it to us,” said Verbrugge. “That international distributor will charge an extra 20% and the poor customer is the one that’s suffering because of it.”
“That price from California is an American price and some people don’t realize it,” said Charbonneau. “It might look cheaper, but it is not.”
“So instead of ordering it online, just call direct,” Verbrugge said. “Shop lo
Cheryl Charbonneau arranges products in the sympathy section at Delhi Flowers & Gifts.
Clash on the Coast comes to Port Dover Oct. 25
CHRIS ABBOTT
Editor
Go big or go home? Norfolk County Championship Wrestling promoter Adam Martin is going BIG in Port Dover with the first Clash on the Coast, Oct. 25 at the Port Dover Community Centre.
Clash on the Coast is actually a double-header -two pro wrestling events in one day, along with a value-added meet the legends (free meet and greet) in the morning, vendors all day, an afternoon Q&A session with The Mountie –Jacques Rougeau, and also a private training seminar with Dijak in a different section of the community centre.
The spectacular afternoon show, called Event No. 1, begins at 1 p.m. It will have a family-friendly vibe, said Martin.
The evening show – 7 p.m. bell time for Event No. 2 – is expected to have more of a PG environment, which is new for NCCW.
“Two completely different cards. The wrestlers are excited, generally the response was very good. It worked out really well.”
The one-day promotion is supported financially by the Amplified Norfolk program through a grant given to the Port Dover Board of Trade, who are helping to run the event in conjunction with NCCW.
“Two events in one day is a little bit more unique, a little bit more special - and it gives us ample opportunity to bring out two different types of crowds,” said Martin.
In addition to Rougeau, wrestling fans will also see former WWE wrestler Al Snow, who is making guest appearances.
EVENT 1
NCCW tag team championship match – Dynasty vs Generation Now
Women’s grudge match – Wanda Delrey vs Kingsley
Rajan Husher vs Tre Lamar
TNA International Championship Match – Steve Maclin vs Shane Sabre
Mixed tag team match – Boone/Shilo vs Fuerza/Nicole Dijak vs Jessie V
Main Event - Pretty Boy Smooth/Taylor Rising/EC3 vs Wade Allen/Jody Threat/Pretty Boy Ricky Willdy
EVENT 2
NCCW heavyweight championship – EC3 vs Willdy
MLW vs TNA – Dijak vs Maclin
No. 1 Contender – Boone vs Allen
Alexia Nicole vs Shilo vs Taylor Rising vs Wanda Delrey
PB Smooth vs Jessie V
Jody Threat vs Kingsley
Robbie Hollywood vs Husher vs Luke Aiden vs Lamar vs Fuerza
Tickets are available online through Eventbrite.ca (Clash on the Coast). They can also be purchased at Max Convenience in Simcoe, Stoney’s Home Hardware in Port Dover, and Port Dover Jewellery.
“One of the big things about the first event, we’re finalizing our tag team tournament,” said Martin, “and we are crowning our first-ever inaugural tag team champions, which is cool.
“I think the really special thing about Clash on the Coast is having the former WWE talent, the modern day stars, and what I call the ‘stars of the future,’ all blended in. Rarely will you see them all on the same card.”
Martin expects two separate crowds, though some fans are planning to attend both shows. NCCW is offering a $10 discount for those purchasing tickets to both events. Frontrow seats are sold out, but general admission tickets remain available.
He’s hoping to see 250–350 fans for what will be NCCW’s season finale. “I think it’ll be the biggest wrestling experience in Norfolk County since the days of Andre,”
Martin said with a smile. “We’re aiming BIG — and we want to show there’s more to Port Dover than beaches and summer festivals. This event will put the town on the map with big-name talent and something totally different.” Even non-wrestling fans, he added, will find it affordable, fun, and family-friendly.
Watch for more NCCW shows in 2026!
Media Announcement
Haldimand-Norfolk Community Senior Support Services
Welcomes New Executive Director
September 29, 2025 – The Board of Directors of Haldimand-Norfolk Community Senior Support Services (H-NCSSS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gina Mannen, MBA as the organization’s new Executive Director.
Ms. Mannen brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience across healthcare, education, and research institutions, including McMaster University, Conestoga College, and the Ontario Centre for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care. Throughout her career, she has overseen complex operational and strategic initiatives, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and led diverse, high-performing teams.
Most recently, Ms. Mannen served as Manager of the PREP LTC program with the Ontario CLRI, where she provided strategic leadership to enhance clinical student placements across Ontario’s long-term care sector. She has also held senior roles as Director of Operations for McMaster University’s Global Nexus School for Pandemics, Prevention and Response and Managing Director of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research and the David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery.
In addition to her extensive management and operational background, Ms. Mannen has taught at both Conestoga and Mohawk Colleges, further reflecting her dedication to education and workforce development. She is recognized for her ability to align long-term vision with operational goals, foster collaborative relationships, and drive meaningful community impact.
As she steps into her new role at H-NCSSS, Ms. Mannen is committed to strengthening services that enable seniors to live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes and communities. Guided by both her leadership background and her personal understanding of how important these supports are for families and individuals; she is determined to ensure H-NCSSS continues to grow its impact across the regions. Her expertise in financial stewardship, program development, and collaborative leadership will support the organization in expanding vital services such as transportation, meal delivery, caregiver support, and wellness programs across Haldimand and Norfolk counties.
“I am honoured to join Haldimand-Norfolk Community Support Services at such an important time,” said Ms. Mannen. “Seniors are at the heart of our communities, and am dedicated to ensuring they have access to the supports they need to thrive. I look forward to working alongside our incredible staff, volunteers, and community partners to build on the strong foundation of care and compassion that H-NCSSS is known for.”
Community members, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to connect with Ms. Mannen as she begins her role. She welcomes conversations with those who share a passion for supporting seniors and strengthening services across the region.
Valley Heights comes from behind to win 29-26
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
A large crowd watched Friday’s AABHN Varsity Non-CWOSSA football game at Valley Heights Secondary School.
In the first quarter alone, they saw two touchdowns in the first 3:23 with Valley Heights Bears scoring on a 25-yard pass and Holy Trinity Titans quickly responding – after a surprise onside kick attempt –with an electric run on the next play. VHSS added to its 7-6 lead punting into the end zone. Thrilling action continued when the Bears intercepted a Titans’ bomb that was called back on pass interference.
Valley Heights led 22-14 going into a back-and-forth third quarter, but Titans’ running back Sean Cross scored on a 10yard run to cut the gap to 22-20.
Holy Trinity then took its first lead with 4:20 left in the fourth quarter, going up 2622.
“We came from last year, I think the score was 35-7 or something like that,” said Holy Trinity quarterback Logan Mark, recalling a 2024 season finale exhibition win at Valley Heights. “Today, we did not score on our first drive… and they came back and scored on their first drive. We knew they were coming for it - they took a bye week so they had some time to prepare for us. That’s what they planned to do and I think they executed pretty well.
“I think we did pretty well down the stretch, thought that was the game-winning drive (with 4:20 left),” Mark added.
“Honestly, I reckon our team has to build on discipline,” said Cross. “Listening and doing what we’re supposed to do. Definite-
ly some more fitness conditioning, making sure we don’t get tired out in the fourth quarter. I’m gassed, we’re all gassed.”
Both Mark (safety halfback) and Cross (corner/linebacker) played both sides of the ball, all game. Both are nursing injuries from the first week.
“Honestly, I just think we need to build on teamwork,” said Mark. “That’s our big thing, teamwork. We just don’t have the numbers sometimes (at practice), things don’t mesh well. And we have great athletes.”
“It’s assignments,” Cross nodded.
***
On the edge of their seats since the opening minutes, Bears fans were treated to some last-minute heroics.
“We knew that we could come back,” said Valley Heights quarterback Brady Smith. “We just had to hype everyone up, get this offence moving… because we weren’t really moving that good in the second half. Injuries happen – it is what it is. But we figured it out. We were trying to get the pass play going, but every time I would just get smoked. So… let’s get these short passes.”
With just 52 seconds left, VHSS tight end Joel Driedger - with good blockingraced 40-plus yards down the right sideline for a game-winning touchdown that was converted to give Valley Heights its 29-26 lead. It would stand as the final.
“It was a double reverse,” said Smith. “We’ve done it a few times – we did it last year when we weren’t in the league, we’ve done it in practice. It was one of our good plays that we kind of perfected. It’s just so much motion,
right? It gets you confused.”
The Bears quarterback, one of Driedger’s lead blockers on the play – had to shift into high gear.
“You normally don’t see a quarterback as lead blocker,” he laughed. “I looked back and was like ‘where is he?’ Then all of a sudden he (Driedger) is right there! I thought, I’ve got to turn it on high.”
The third game of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk season had playoff vibes.
“It was huge,” said Valley Heights coach Joel Smith. “It’s our first year back in the
league so every game is going to have that intensity to make it look like we belong in the league… and we’re 2-1 (with a forfeit to Delhi rather than playing twice that week).
“Last year we played Cayuga here and they scored with a minute-and-a-half to go up,” said the Valley Heights coach. “We scored a touchdown and two-point conversion to walk away with a tie. So we’re never out of it.
“Neither team quit today,” he concluded.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Valley Heights’ Joel Driedger (26) celebrates his gamewinning touchdown on Friday.
Holy Trinity quarterback Logan Mark looks for an open teammate.
Jim Pepper, a familiar face in Norfolk County football, refereed until he was 74, then switched to timer. Now 85, he’s still doing games.
Wolves building confidence in AABHN football
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The Waterford Wolves won’t back down from anyone in the Brant Haldimand & Norfolk Non-CWOSSA varsity football division.
The team has swagger.
“That’s the biggest thing this year,” said Waterford head coach Andrew Miller. “Last year when we were down, there wasn’t a lot of fight-back. Now, it’s almost business-like, the attitude that they take.”
After three games, including a 27-14 homefield victory against Cayuga on Oct. 3, the Wolves were 2-1, tied for second behind undefeated Mackinnon Park of Caledonia – who have been putting up some big points - and Delhi.
Both Cayuga touchdowns came on ‘broken coverage’ plays, said coach Miller, but the Wolves’ tightened the defence considerably in the second half – there was no scoring for either team after 5:17 of the third quarter.
“We get into position sometimes, and guys just have to wrap up,” said Miller. “But it is all fixable.”
It was a good character win, he said, noting it was their second win of the week. On the Tuesday, Waterford defeated Holy Trinity 28-17.
“Cayuga came out and challenged us. Our guys got a little rattled today, but they settled right back down. It makes it fun when the guys can turn together and get the job done.”
The Wolves, who have rebuilt since the pandemic, seem to be deep with veteran talent.
“It’s been a long time. We had three straight championship appearances before
Covid… and it’s been rebuilding ever since – almost the culture of the school, the program - and we’re finally back to the point where the guys are ‘getting it’ and they are taking ownership of the team and responsibility for things. That’s really the cause of it – just that the guys are finally buying in.”
The Wolves have players with four years in the varsity program, he noted.
“We were just talking about our offensive line and kind of marveling at the fact that the guys who are playing now are the same guys who were playing three years ago. We were asking things of them then, playing against older players, and now they are the older players. You really see them coaching up the younger guys and bringing them along.
“So it’s finally getting back to what we needed here because we’re a small school with a small staff. We have a great group of captains and we rely on them to lead.”
The Wolves travel to Caledonia (3-0) Oct. 10, then return to Waterford Saturday, Oct. 18 for a 2 p.m. Pumpkinfest Bowl against Delhi (3-0) that is sure to attract a big crowd.
“A few years back, before Covid, we would have up to 2,000 people here,” Miller recalled. “The first year I coached in it (2017), I was blown away. I’m hoping if we’re there with a winning record, there will be that many more people who are really interested. That game could end up being part of the battle for first place, depending on what happens between them and Pauline Johnson (who earlier edged Waterford 38-35).”
Waterford will finish its regular season at Valley Heights (2-1), then Simcoe Composite (0-3) in Waterford.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Waterford Wolves defeated Cayuga 27-14 to improve their Brant Haldimand Norfolk record to 2-1. Waterford’s next home game is Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. when they host Delhi in the annual Pumpkinfest Bowl game.
Fungi the focus of Norfolk Field Naturalists’ hike
LISA TIMPF Advocate Contributor
When we think of nature’s beauty, our minds might turn to birds in spring plumage, butterflies sipping nectar from flowers, or deciduous trees in their fall splendour. But as the Sept. 27 Norfolk Field Naturalists’ Mushroom Hike demonstrated, mushrooms are also magnificent in their own way.
As local mushroom enthusiast and hike leader Inga Hinnerichsen pointed out, there’s more to mushrooms than meets the eye. Mushrooms are the visible part of many fungi, serving as fruiting bodies to form and then release spores.
Underlying the mushrooms, the part we see above the ground, is a network of mycelium, thin threads that might run through decaying matter like tree stumps, or in the soil. Some fungi feed on decaying matter like rotting wood, helping to break it down. In this way, they serve as one of nature’s recyclers. But there’s more to them than that.
Many mushrooms are in a symbiotic relationship with trees, so there’s a give and take. The mycelium under the ground connects with tree roots. When a tree is attacked by a virus or insect pests, the tree develops chemical defenses.
A signal goes through the tree’s roots and into the mycelial network, where it travels to other trees to help them develop their own defense mechanisms. In this way, Hinnerichsen says, fungi serve as the “wood wide web,” carrying messages underground.
By breaking down fibres and tissues, the mycelium also makes it easier for the trees to access nutrients. In return, the fungus gets sugars from the tree, making the relationship a win-win.
Trees aren’t the only ones to benefit from mushrooms’ presence. Mushrooms also serve as food for squirrels, chipmunks, and
other creatures. Squirrels will sometimes hang mushrooms in trees and let them dry for winter food, says Hinnerichsen.
It would be a mistake to think all fungi are friendly. Hinnerichsen notes that honey mushrooms, for example, kill trees by rotting their roots, though the process may take a number of years.
Humans can use some wild mushrooms for food, although it’s important to have top-notch identification skills as some poisonous species are look-alikes for the edible ones. Some cultures have also used mushrooms for medicines and teas.
First Nations people, Hinnerichsen says, also used a mushroom known as a “tinder polypore” to transport fire when they moved camp. Tinder polypores are hollow inside, so embers from the fire could be placed within them and carried to a new location.
This year’s mushroom hike offered viewings of many species of polypores (known for the small pores on their undersides where spores develop) as well as other mushroom varieties. The hike, however, did not yield the usual variety, a fact Hinnerichsen attributes to the warm, dry weather we’ve been having. Chicken fat mushrooms, slippery jet, “old man of the woods,” chanterelles, and other woodland fungi that have been spotted on mushroom hikes in other years were not present.
That being said, there were plenty of interesting sights.
“Turkey tails,” so-called because of their shape and striping, were visible in several spots. Bear’s head tooth fungus, which looks like a frozen waterfall made of rubber, could be found in a few places, and the woods were also dotted with honey mushrooms and tinder, purple spore, and other polypores.
There were also some specimens of artist’s conk, so named because scratching the underside will cause the mushroom to turn
brown along the scratch-lines.
The mushroom hike is one of a number of field events offered by the Norfolk Field Naturalists. The Field Naturalists’ next
speaker event, “The Niagara Escarpment,” will take place Tuesday, Oct. 21, starting at 7 p.m., at the Simcoe Recreation Centre. Speaker events are open to all.
Artist’s conk, also known as “canvas of the forest,” was one of many types of polypore mushroom visible on the recent Norfolk Field Naturalists’ mushroom hike. If the underside of the artist’s conk is scratched with a stick or other object, it will turn brown along the lines made.
(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTO)
(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTO)
While some mushroom species are in a helpful, symbiotic relationship with trees, honey mushrooms like these can kill trees by destroying their roots
(INGA HINNERICHSEN PHOTO)
Looking like a frozen waterfall made of rubber, bear’s head tooth fungus (Hericium americanum) is often found on decaying trees like this one in Backus Woods.
Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH) recently welcomed six new interns to the fall Project SEARCH program.
Coming from high schools across Norfolk and Haldimand, the interns will complete three work placements in departments at NGH and NHNH while also taking part in classroom learning. Each internship lasts 8-10 weeks and will be tailored to the intern’s interests and abilities.
Project SEARCH began at Norfolk General Hospital in September 2023 through a partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board and the Norfolk Association for Community Living (NACL). With the support of Grand Erie teacher Ryan Nightingale and dedicated job trainers like Jenn Vanden Hengel from NACL, interns gain the skills, training, and confidence they need to succeed after graduation. It was the first program of its kind in Norfolk County and is one of only 19 offered in Ontario.
“We’re grateful to have Project SEARCH students immerse themselves in a school-towork training program with Norfolk General Hospital and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, where they gain more than 600 hours of hands-on experience and employability training,” said Dr. JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education, Grand Erie District School Board. “Students are equipped to take their next steps with confidence and reinforce our belief that all students have a path to success in Grand Erie.”
The results speak for themselves. Every intern who has graduated from the program at NGH has found a job. Globally, about 70% of graduates are employed within a year of completing the program.
“Every year, Project SEARCH reminds us why inclusion really matters,” said Sarah-Jane Irvine, Chief Human Resources Officer at NGH. “This program helps break down barriers and shows what’s possible
when we believe in people’s potential. Our Project SEARCH interns bring so much talent and determination, and it’s truly a privilege to see them grow, find their voice, and move into meaningful jobs in our community.”
Project SEARCH has already made an impact in the community. In 2024, Norfolk General Hospital received the IDEA Award from the Simcoe & District Chamber of
Commerce for championing Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility through this program. The award shows how Project SEARCH is helping to make workplaces and communities stronger and more welcoming.
“Project SEARCH allows interns the opportunity for growth and development in a positive work environment,” said Paul Found, Employment Services Supervisor with NACL. “The interns learn many di-
verse skills that they can use to pursue employment opportunities of their choosing after their school year concludes. Interns learn job skills, life skills, and essential employability traits that will assist them through their lives. Perhaps most importantly, interns develop friendships with mentors, staff, fellow interns and Project SEARCH staff that they will have for the entire lives.”
Gillings turns up the volume with local Record Fair
ALEX HUNT
Advocate Correspondent
For Mick Gillings, nothing beats the feel of a record in your hands and now he’s bringing that experience to town with his first hosted record show in Simcoe.
After participating in multiple shows as a vendor in the United Kingdom and Ontario, Gillings is hosting his first 16-vendor Record Show on Oct. 25 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Simcoe, 200 West Street, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $2 entry (donation to Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge).
“There will be some CDs but it’s mainly all vinyl records,” said Gillings. “I specialize in Japanese imports.
“I moved to the county about a year and a half ago and I don’t think there’s ever been a show held here. I do a lot of shows all around the province and I thought it would be a great idea to do one here in Simcoe and see how it goes.”
The vinyl record community is always good, fun and friendly, he said, noting one of his favorite aspects of these shows is
meeting people.
“There’s always something for somebody and everyone likes something different. It’s always interesting to find out what other people like listening to and nice as well for people to discover an artist they haven't heard before.
“There’s a lot of younger people now discovering different types of music. There’s an interest in those generations and vinyl is so in demand again,” said Gillings. “It sort of came back from the dead - you can hold these records, admire the cover, read it and look inside it. CDs it didn’t have that, the writing was so tiny and it was more disposable.”
Gillings said he’s hoping for a strong turnout from the Simcoe community on Oct. 25, with a goal of attracting up to 300 people to the vinyl record fair. If the event proves successful, he would like to see it become a regular fixture, with two to three shows a year hosted at the Legion.
Each show, he noted, brings something different for music fans to discover.
“The beauty of music is that people can
enjoy and share it. It has such an appeal.
Whether folk, rock or country music, it has that power to bring people together. I’m an
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Project SEARCH interns, from left, Haylee Murdoch, Jeff Hellewell, Sheldon Miller, Isaac Martens, Adam Zoskey, and Ryan Wales, are gaining hands-on job experience at Norfolk General Hospital and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home through the program.
old 70s fan, I love a variety of different types of music,” said Gillings.
(ALEX HUNT PHOTO)
Mick Gillings, with a collection of his vinyl records at the Simcoe Royal Canadian Legion, is looking forward to meeting the community at the first Simcoe Record Show on Oct.25, 10-3 at the Legion.
Simcoe Panorama festival needs volunteers
Three Simcoe parks will sparkle this holiday season as the annual Simcoe Christmas Panorama festival lights up with displays, Santa visits, hot chocolate, and community cheer.
Panorama lights will be turned on Nov. 29 and will stay on until Jan. 1 every single night from 6-10 p.m. Along with the holiday light displays, attendees will be able to take pictures with Santa Claus who is scheduled to make visits, along with enjoying hot chocolate beverages from Wednesdays to Sundays.
The official Panorama display is in the Wellington Park area, from Wellington into the Grant Anderson Park and across the street in Clifton Park.
“We have been running for over 60 years, the thing that the community loves about the Simcoe Panorama is that it's a free event to attend,” said Caitlin O’Neill, volunteer coordinator for Simcoe Panorama. "No matter your living situation, you can come down and enjoy the holiday spirit and downtown that brings a lot of cheer and enjoyment. It's special to see families continue the annual tradition and experience the different lighting displays.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The panorama is currently looking for volunteers to assist with in-park festivities such as serving hot chocolate, facilitating the Santa Claus picture taking line and other duties. All money raised from will go back to supporting the panorama.
“We encourage people with the little time commitments that they can give, even if it’s one night during the festival, that they can come to help facilitate the festivities,” said O’Neill. “We are looking for people to give help a little bit at a time. We will take student
volunteers as well as people who are interested in trying something new.”
O’Neill said organizers are also seeking volunteers to attend planning meetings and dedicate several nights in December to help run the festivities, ensuring visitors have a smooth and enjoyable experience. In return she hopes the festival has a positive benefit on downtown businesses.
To become a volunteer, people can send direct message the Simcoe Panorama Facebook page or email simcoechristmaspanora-
ma@gmail.com .
“The size of the parks and operating those spaces can be a bit challenging, but our volunteers are really ambitious,” said O’Neill.
“We invested somewhere between $4,000 to $6,000 in lights to go up into the trees and bushes over the last four years. We have refurbished eight displays, and we are also always adding new ones when we have the opportunity.”
O’Neill said the festival is exploring new lighting technologies to enhance the experi-
ence. She added that while Simcoe Panorama aims to embrace these innovations, the event will continue to preserve traditions the community has enjoyed for decades.
“Our largest partner is Norfolk County itself, they give us the labour and the equipment to get all these lights up,” said O’Neill. “They support us throughout the festival by making sure that pathways are cleared and plowed, as well as road closure to make sure people are safe when they are crossing between parks.”
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Volunteers are needed to help Simcoe Panorama continue its 60-year tradition of bringing Christmas magic to the community, Nov. 29 to Jan. 1.
ALEX HUNT Advocate Correspondent
Kamilla Millinger dances in the Langton Fair junior talent show.
Hudson’s sunflower won a second-place ribbon at the Langton Fair.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Logan is laser-focused during the Langton Fair nail driving competition.
Moose Basin Vacations offers unique experience
By Jeff Helsdon
Catching a 40-plus inch pike in the first night is a good indicator of a good fishing spot.
This was a surprise beginning to a trip to Moose Basin Vacations. I won the trip at the Ruffed Grouse Society dinner in Courtland the year prior, and was looking forward to it for a year. Renovations at the cabin on Allan Lake, west of Kapuskasing, Ont. were recently completed.
Prior to settling in, owner Jim Donaldson took fishing companions Marian Chelu and Angelo Dumitru and I for a tour of Allan Lake, the Opasatika River, and Zadi Lake. This river eventually empties into the Moose River, and Hudson Bay. We were shown the best spots for fishing in Allan Lake in early July, but Donaldson said the Opasatika and Zadi Lake may be better spots.
“That lake is very productive fishing in the spring when the water temperatures are low,” Donaldson said. “When the water temperatures go up, the fish seem to flood into the river.”
He said Allan Lake is ideal for hunting, with moose, bear and grouse mentioned.
Angelo and I couldn’t wait to hit the water the first night while Marian elected to stay back. We fished the river and tied into some walleye. The action wasn’t fast and furious like I have seen in the past in the north, but was steady. There was an occasional smaller pike mixed in to make things interesting.
There are some cottages on Allan Lake, but we didn’t see another boat on the water. We did see a bald eagle. Then we were drifting along the shore of Zadi Lake and Angelo seemed to catch on bottom, and then it moved.
“I’ve got a big one,” he said.
I scrambled for the net and quickly discovered we had forgot to grab it on our way out in haste. I offered to help, but Angelo said he had it. Watching him land a 43-inch pike with his bare hands was a site to behold. An amateur taxidermist, he opted to keep the fish to mount it.
The cabin on Allan Lake is one of three that Donaldson owns. He has been gradually renovating them and starting to rent them out. His plans are to open the cabin on Kapuskasing Lake in 2027 and the one on Saginash Lake in in 2028.
The renovation job on the Allan Lake cabin was impressive. The cabin is finished with pine boards on the interior, has electricity, indoor running water and a porch overlooking the lake. An outhouse/shower building is a few steps away, and although it’s an outhouse, it’s nicer than most.
Besides the cabins, Donaldson offers day fishing trips from his home base in Kapuskasing. Prices are $350 to $800, and vary from kayak tours to small boats and larger 18-foot boats. The Allan Lake cabin is $300 a night.
An ardent angler, Donaldson started weekly walleye fishing tournaments in Kapuskasing. He has a store attached to his house and bases the tournaments from there.
The three of us went back to the spot the next day. We caught a few walleye for supper, and some smaller pike. Zadi Lake
was a target that evening and we found a ridge that seemed to hold walleye, both that evening and the next morning. Marian discovered the hot lure was a Berkley Flicker Shad in fire tiger colour. It showed up well in the stained water.
On our last night, we went back near the spot where Angelo caught the monster pike. We were catching fish to take home, and had a couple walleye and two smaller pike on the stringer, when we heard a little splashing on that side of the boat. We chalked it up to the pike splashing around on the stringer. Hearing it again, Marian
looked over the side.
“Look at that pike,” he said excitedly. I looked and saw a pike as large as the one he caught previously, or larger. It was chasing after the fish on the stringer. I happened to have my line in the boat, and cast out quickly. The monster pike wasn’t interested in my offerings, or what Angelo or Marian threw. It will be there for the next angler, and it proved there could be ‘more than one’ fish that big in the lake.
Contact Donaldson at (613) 362-2943 to book, or with questions of his offerings.
Marian Chelu shows a walleye caught in Zadi Lake on the Berkley Flicker Shad in fire tiger that proved to be the colour the fish preferred.
( JEFF HELSDON PHOTOS)
Angelo Dmitru displays the 43-inch pike he caught with Moose Basin Vacations cottage on Allan Lake in July.
Mick Gillings, with a collection of his vinyl records at the Simcoe Royal Canadian Legion, is looking forward to meeting the community at the first Simcoe Record Show on Oct.25, 10-3 at the Legion.
Robyn Ottolini, JJ Wilde join fair concert lineup
The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show is turning up the excitement with two powerhouse Canadian female artists joining this year’s concert series.
Rising country star Robyn Ottolini will be the special guest for Owen Riegling on Friday, Oct. 10, while rock phenom JJ Wilde joins Big Wreck on Saturday, Oct. 11. Known for her bold lyrics and storytelling, Ottolini has quickly become one of Canada’s most exciting country voices. Her chart-topping hit F-150 and fearless stage presence have earned her a devoted following and recognition as an artist to watch. Pairing Ottolini’s energy with Owen Riegling’s breakout success makes Oct. 10 a night country fans at the fair won’t forget.
The following evening, Wilde brings her raw edge and commanding vocals to the stage ahead of Canadian rock legends Big Wreck. Wilde made history as the first female solo artist to simultaneously top all three Canadian rock charts with her debut single The Rush, and has since won a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year. Her explosive live show will set the tone for an unforgettable night of rock on Oct. 11.
“Adding Robyn Ottolini and JJ Wilde to the lineup makes this year’s concerts some of the most exciting in recent memory,” said Angela Hogeveen, General Manager of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society in a media release. “These women bring incredible talent, energy, and star power to the stage - fairgoers are in for something truly special.”
TICKETS
Reserved grandstand seating, Trackside, and VIP tickets are available. Concerts take place during the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show, running October 7–13, at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds in Simcoe.
***
The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show continues this week with loads of local entertainment on tap.
On Thursday, Oct. 9, you can see the Simcoe Composite School Band at 11 a.m., the Holy Trinity Band at 12:15 p.m., Jamie & Jon at 5 p.m., and something different, Trivia with Wishbone’s Tyler at 7 p.m., all at ‘Lounge 5.’ Arrive by 6:40 p.m. to confirm your trivia table. Teams of 4-8, free to sign-up online. Prizes include concert tickets for Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, ticket packages for Eat & Drink Norfolk 2026, local shopping gift certificates and more.
For the full daily fair schedules, go to www.norfolkagsociety.com online.
From Friday through Monday, fairgoers can also sample and enjoy beverages from some of Norfolk’s finest local producers, including: Bonnieheath Estate, Burning Kiln Winery, Charlotteville Brewing Company, Concession Road Brewing, Dover Distilleries, Hounds of Erie Winery, Meuse Brewing Company, Sassy Britches Brewing Co., and Wishbone Brewing Company.
On Friday, Oct. 10, Lounge 5 bands include Paul Mallard (2 p.m.), The Treeline (4 p.m.), Bucking Broncos 5:30 p.m.) – a high energy country-rock group, and Sam Polley and the Old Tomorrows at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11, it’s the Warrior’s Day Ceremony at 11 a.m.
Saturday bands include Brousseau & Co ft. Jesse Murphy & Costa Chatzis at 3:30, Mark Wilson & the Way It Is at 5 p.m. and the Little Magic Sam Band (blues) at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, it’s the Art with Heart Flair Fest winners at 2 p.m. The day kicks off with KT’s Gospel Jam at noon, followed by The Echelon Band at 5 p.m. and Jesse Murphy at 7 p.m.
Monday Lounge 5 entertainment on Oct. 13 includes Eric Brousseau at 1 p.m., Old Barn Doors at 3 p.m. and Felicia McMinn at 5 p.m.
ABOUT THE NORFOLK COUNTY FAIR & HORSE SHOW
The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show, organized by the Norfolk County Agricultural Society since 1840, is one of Ontario’s oldest and largest fairs. The annual event attracts over 100,000 visitors each year with a unique blend of agriculture, entertainment, competitions, midway fun, and community spirit.
Barger
Clement
Dominguez
Fluharty
Gausman
Gimenez
Guerrero
Kirk
Varsho
Yesavage
Varland
Straw
Santander
Schneider
Springer
Lauer
Little
Lukes
Nance
Rodriguez
(FILE PHOTO)
Local bands, including the Holy Trinity school band, will be performing in Lounge 5 this year at the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, Oct. 7-13.
Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk raises more than $7,650
raising goals, it knocked it out of the park raising more than $7,650.
The 2025 Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk on Sept. 21 did more than surpass its fund-
Thirty-six walkers participated in this year’s annual Walk, held in Port Rowan, completing a 4-5 km route to the Port Rowan Wetlands and back to Front Road.
“Our team goal was $6,000 and we’re at $6,500,” said Greg D’Hulster, coordinator of the Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk and top individual fundraiser at $2,750, edging Glenda Fillmore, who first joined the walk in 2024, at $2,460. “Our personal goals
were $2,000, so it was a very good year.”
Checking the Kidney Walk page online,
Jenna McCulley from Woodstock, who raised just over $1,000, updated D’Hulster on this year’s total, noting the Norfolk-Oxford overall totals had reached more than $7,000 earlier that morning.
“It’s going to be over $8,000 for sure,” said D’Hulster anticipating more donations in the following weeks.
Long Point Lions and Lioness sponsored a free barbecue for participants and they
did the grilling.
“I made it a little bit further this year, I walked right up to the (Port Rowan Wetlands) pond,” said Fillmore, who was joined by her sister Donna Prystie. “It’s good to see some new faces this year, so that’s good.”
Every dollar raised at Kidney Walks fuels programs and services for those affected by kidney disease. In Ontario, Kidney Walks raised $1,176,275 this year.
Chris@granthaven.com
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Wray and Tracy Boughner joined the Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk in Port Rowan on Sept. 21.
Members of the Long Point Lions Club worked the barbecue at the 2025 Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk. From left are Randy Willman, Gary Eves, Barb Margeson-Eves, Al Carroll, and Dave Carroll.
Glenda Fillmore and Donna Prystie walk in the 2025 Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk on Sept. 21.
PET OF THE WEEK
Tickle Your Brain
• I have a friend who writes songs about sewing machines. She's a singer songwriter, or sew it seams.
• Why did the scientist get rid of his door bell? Cause he wanted to win the Nobel prize.
• I once saw a 3,000 year old oil stain. It was from Ancient Greece.
• I was walking down the street this morning when I was suddenly hit by a violin, a clarinet and a French horn. I think it was an orchestrated attack.
• I was wondering why Music was coming from my printer...Apparently the paper was Jamming.
DUTCH
Meet our Pet of the Week:
Dutch is a shy but sweet boy looking for a patient, loving home. Once he warms up, he adores pets and playtime! He’s being treated for Lyme and Heartworm, so his new family will need to continue his care. Dutch comes fully vetted with vaccines, microchip, neuter, and more. Could you be the one to give this gentle soul his forever home? www.simcoedhumane.ca
Clues
Sweet bread made with pumpkin puree
Sweet dough baked with caramelized sugar and nuts 7. Spiced dessert made with apples 12. Pastry filled with apples, cinnamon, and raisins
Apple dessert baked in a pastry crust 16. Spiced cookie shaped like leaves or pumpkins
17. Cake or muffin flavored with autumn spices
20. Mini pumpkin-flavored dessert in a cup
Orange pie often served at Thanksgiving
Autumn fruit often baked with sugar and butter
Classic autumn pie with brown sugar and nuts 1. Pumpkin-flavored coffee treat
3. Fall dessert with layers of custard, whipped cream, and pumpkin
4. Dessert drink made with steamed milk and pumpkin spice
6. Spiced autumn latte with whipped cream
8. Apple dessert with oat topping
9. Dessert topping made with butter, brown sugar, and nuts
10. Autumn-spiced cookie
11. Dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes
13. Sweet treat often flavored with cinnamon
14. Candy made from boiled sugar and corn syrup
18. Dessert made from mashed squash or pumpkin, sugar, and spice
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
DRAMATIC READING AUDITIONS
12:30 p.m - 2:30pm
The Friend of the Library, Simcoe Branch will be presenting a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Friday, November 28th, 2025. As such, we will be holding auditions at the Simcoe Public Library on Saturday September 27 and Saturday October 4 from 12:30 – 2:30. Auditions are open to all who have strong reading skills. Please note: there is no acting requirement. For more information, please email Friends of the Library folsimcoebranch@gmail.com.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
BINGO NIGHT
7 pm
Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m
Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15
LYNN RIVER PROBUS CLUB MEETING
10 am - 12:00 pm
Our retired and semi-retired members enjoy diverse interest groups, friendship and fellowship. We have different, 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. Meetings are once a month, on the third Wednesday of the month, from 10 – noon. Enter via Culver St. For more information, please visit our website at: lynnriverprobus239.com or email lynnriverprobus239@gmail.com
53 Water St, Simcoe
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
JOIN US FOR A FRIENDLY GAME OF DARTS
Registration at 6:45 pm | Starting at 7:00 pm
Everyone is welcome. Draw for partners. Cash only, we do not have debit, or ATM.
Legion hours. Wed.-Fri. 3 pm-10 pm, Sat.1 pm-10 pm, Sun.1 pm-6 pm. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or check out our website at https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
It’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Gather your friends—or come solo and be teamed up— for a lively Trivia Night at Riversyde 83. Enjoy a free evening of brain-teasing fun, tasty food, and community spirit. The café will be open until 9:00 PM, so make a night of it!
83 Sydenham Street, downtown Simcoe
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20
DELHI & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL "SILENT AUCTION"
7:30 pm
Monday OCT. 20TH/25 @ 7:30 PM At the Delhi.
Just like a big yard sale. Get a bargain and join in the fun. MEMBERS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS ALL WELCOME.
Friendship Centre, 418 Queen St., Delhi, Ont. Enter at the parking lot off William Street.
HALLOWEEN EDITION OF MONDAY NIGHT BINGO
Doors - 5:00, Early Bird Games - 6:30 and Main Games at 7!
We will have treats for each player (and maybe some tricks too!), and fun door prizes! Players are invited to dress up in costume, but it is not mandatory.stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society. If your local business would like to donate a prize for the door prizes in exchange for a post on our social media platforms and mentions at the event, please email abelfundraising@gmail.com.
50/50 draw! | $1000 Jackpot and over $3500 in prizes! | Simcoe and District Humane Society Concession Booth | Dabbers and tape also available!
Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
WINGS & THINGS PUB NIGHT
Starting at 5:00 pm
Cash only, we do not have debit, or ATM. Wed.-Fri. 3 pm-10 pm, Sat.1 pm-10 pm, Sun.1 pm-6 pm. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or check out our website at https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
You know the Riversyde 83 team for their great food and friendly faces—but there’s more talent behind the counter than you might expect! Join us for Riversyde’s Got Talent, a fun-filled evening of music, laughter, and surprises. Enjoy delicious food, good friends, and a great show—all for free!
83 Sydenham Street, downtown Simcoe
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
CLASSICAL PIANO RECITAL
3 pm
Bryn Blackwood will present his annual piano recital on Sunday, October 26 at 3 p.m. This Simcoe native will delight his audience once again with a varied program of classical piano repertoire. There will be a free-will offering at the door, and refreshments will be served after the recital. Come and enjoy hearing this amazing talent! For more information, contact Cara Blackwood at 226 567-7426 or Andy Blackwood at 226 206-1544.
St. James United Church, 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
OH SO MUCH SCARY, GHOULISH FUN!
8:00pm-11:45pm
Join us for our Halloween party and dance. DRESS UP and enjoy a great night of fun and devilish adventure! Dance the night away with
music and Karaoke by SUNSET DJ & KARAOKECash only, we do not have debit, or ATM. Wed.-Fri. 3 pm-10 pm, Sat.1 pm-10 pm, Sun.1 pm-6 pm. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or check out our website at https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
Simcoe Seniors' Centre Christmas Bazaar & Craft Sale
Is looking for Vendors for our event on Saturday November 1st from 10am to 3pm Held at the Simcoe Recreation Centre Tables are $15.00 per table
Contact: Linda at cumisky3@gmail.com & Wayne at winglehart@hotmail.com
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 & 17
BINGO NIGHT
7 pm
Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23
LEGION CHRISTMAS CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW
11:00 am- 3:00 pm
To book a table contact the legion and leave your name and phone number, or pop in during business hours. Cash only, we do not have debit, or ATM.
For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or check out our website at https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
Simcoe
Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)
PROMOTE YOU R 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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