Liberal Part of Canada candidate Colin Walsh was not successful in his first federal election campaign.
Conservative incumbent Dr. Leslyn Lewis won the Haldimand-Norfolk riding with 41,218 votes (57.6%) on Monday, April 28. Walsh received 26,040 votes (35.4%). Four other H-N candidates combined for the remaining six per cent.
“Although tonight’s result was not what we hoped for locally – it is nationally. We’re getting our government in place, and… (Mark) Carney wins, I think we all win.”
As of May 5th, the Liberals were just shy of a 172seat majority in Ottawa with 169.
Walsh told supporters gathered at his Simcoe campaign office on election night he was filled with pride, gratitude and optimism for his H-N team and what they were able to accomplish together.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team of volunteers, our supporters, all of our community members who stood with us every step of the way. Your energy, your time, your belief in a better future made this campaign possible.
“We ran this campaign the right way – with integrity, honesty, transparency and positivity. We focused on the facts and we stayed true to our values. And we respected the people of Haldimand-Norfolk every step of the way.”
Walsh said they started something they ‘must
ably beating out Simcoe schoolteacher and Liberal candidate Colin Walsh.
Conservative incumbent MP Leslyn Lewis has retaken Haldimand-Norfolk.
Lewis was elected to her second term on Monday, April 28, comfort-
“I’m just very, very pleased that the people of Haldimand-Norfolk have entrusted me for a second time to represent them and be their voice in Parliament,” Lewis said when reached by phone while watching the results
come in at a private gathering.
The win for Lewis continues a 20year run of Conservative dominance in the rural riding that started when former MP Diane Finley was elected to the first of her six terms in 2004. Lewis, a Toronto-area lawyer,
(FILE PHOTO)
Simcoe Easter Hunt
Conservative Leslyn Lewis wins Haldimand-Norfolk
breezed to victory in 2021 despite being a newcomer to the riding. Four years later, she said concerns about affordability have multiplied, especially among local youth.
“Some of them are really worried about whether they’ll ever be able to own a home and whether there are going to be jobs there for them,” Lewis said.
There was “a lot of concern” among residents Lewis spoke with during the campaign about U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada, she added.
“People were so fatigued and worried and perturbed. This is our neighbour that we would have never expected this from,” Lewis said.
“My background’s in international law, and I was able to speak with them one-onone about how we could really strengthen ourselves as a nation and ensure that we hedge and protect ourselves against any aggression from the United States.”
In the last session of Parliament, Lewis was often seen sitting on the Conservative front bench, a few seats from party leader Pierre Poilievre. She was appointed to the Conservative shadow cabinet in 2022, becoming the party’s critic for infrastructure and communities.
Lewis has twice run for the leadership of the federal party.
In the House of Commons last year, she endorsed a citizen’s petition calling for Canada to leave the United Nations and associated groups like the World Health Organization.
Walsh, an educator, sports
coach and union rep, has lived in Norfolk for over a decade. Crediting his two young children for inspiring his first foray into federal politics, he stressed the need for strong local representation.
J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Haldimand-Norfolk results
Leslyn Lewis, Conservative: 41,218 (57.6%)
Colin Walsh, Liberal: 26,040 (36.4%)
Shannon Horner-Shepherd, NDP: 2,412 (3.4%)
Nathan Hawkins, Green: 750 (1.0%)
Henry Geisseler, PPC: 657 (0.9%)
Lily Eggink, CHP: 529 (0.7%)
Total number of valid votes: 71,606
Rejected ballots: 360
Voters on the electors list: 99,311
Validation Date: April 30, 2025
Weekend Quiz
By Jake Grant
1. What year was Pierre Poilievre first elected as a member of Parliament?
2. Name the 5 NHL teams whose names do not end with the letter “s”?
3. On May 1, 1930, which planet was discovered?
4. What is the birthstone for May?
5. On the first Saturday of May, what popular racing event takes place?
6. What country has the highest rate of gambling?
7. What year was Pac Man invented?
8. On May 2nd, 2011, U.S Special Forces took down the leader of al-Qaeda known as who?
9. Who founded Mother’s Day? 10. Which flower is associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite?
Ellia Avey, Liliana Garrett and Lily Avey stopped at the Kingfisher Café Saturday during the Simcoe Easter Egg Hunt on April 19, spearheaded by mobilemend. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Rain could not stop the Easter Bunny
BRENDA MOSER
Advocate Correspondent
The Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum held its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 19. In spite of the damp, rainy weather at the Waterford baseball diamonds, the turnout was amazing.
According to WHAM Curator James Christison there were 463 people through the Easter Eggstravaganza gate and 240 of those were kids of all ages.
To minimize congestion and to give the younger egg hunters a chance to gather eggs safely and fairly, the main ball diamond was theirs for the hunting and gathering. The older children were spread out in the large field outside of Diamond 1. As the time for the hunt grew closer you could see the anticipation on all the kids faces and you could almost see the wheels turning in their heads planning out their strategy.
When given the signal ‘the hunt was on,’ it was a mad dash to the goodies! All participants seemed to fare well, gathering their share of more than 9,150 chocolate eggs scattered throughout. There were also a limited number of coloured, plastic eggs that held a ticket for entry into 12 prize draws and those were scooped up quickly. To help WHAM cover the cost of those prizes, the Waterford Chamber of Commerce made a much-appreciated generous donation.
This was the 10th year for the WHAM Easter Egg Hunt. It first started on the grounds of the museum on Nichol St., but it outgrew that outdoor space. Christison stated, “COVID put a damper on things back then but we got through it. There has only ever been one wash out so we’ve been lucky.”
If necessary Christison was prepared to move a scaled down version of the hunt into the museum but their luck held out.
The Easter Egg Hunt is just one of many events and activities organized by the Waterford Heritage Agricultural Museum and we have Christison and Assistant Curator Angela Ferreira to thank for that. At present they are busy working on upcoming events, exhibits and school programming for
the summer. They are also asking Waterford residents to go red-and-white when planting their summer garden beds to show our support of Canada! The museum will be supporting Waterford Chamber’s red-and-white theme with a very special exhibition of historic red-and-white quilts in its upcoming Textiles of Tenacity exhi-
bition.
You are welcome to visit the museum at 159 Nichol Street, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are so many great exhibits to enjoy and the staff are happy to answer all of your questions. Admission is by donation and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Norfolk to continue providing security at Talbot Gardens
After some sober second thought, Norfolk councillors decided to continue offering security services at Talbot Gardens.
They made the decision at the April 23 council meeting, approving a motion put forward by Coun. Alan Duthie that calls for a security guard to be hired for up to 36 hours a week through the summer and into the upcoming hockey season. His motion was similar to a recommendation at the April 8 council-in-committee meeting that was defeated.
Duthie brought up issues at the arena back in the winter. At that time stories of kids coming across drug paraphernalia or finding people in arena bathrooms who appeared to have just taken drugs caused council to approve a security guard on an emergency basis.
The April 8 recommendation would have seen a security guard hired for Talbot Gardens beginning in the fall and continuing through the hockey season, while council
would also receive a more fulsome report on options to consider ahead of 2026 budget deliberations.
It was defeated, though staff was directed to continue working with user groups and report back to council, including the consideration of user fees.
“We were aware of the problem, we in-
June 13th road closure plan remains largely the same
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
Main Street will remain largely off limits for motorcycles for the next Friday the 13th event.
Despite interest among some on council to open up the street for June’s event in Port Dover, town staff and OPP remained uncomfortable with the safety issues that they believe would arise from such a move. An information report at the April 23 council reiterated those concerns.
“We had a look at some suggestions that had been brought forward about separating the Main Street with some sort of barrier to keep people and motorcycles separated so that we don’t have these issues that Inspector Tait had just talked about,” said Fire Chief Gord Stilwell, referring to an earlier presentation from Norfolk OPP detachment commander Inspector Andrew Tait.
Last September’s event saw a small portion of Main Street opened up to motorcycles.
“During the event, staff observed significant delays for Paramedic crews responding to calls in the downtown core,” the report read. It specified one instance where it took 26 minutes for crews to respond, when normally it would only take two.
“These delays were caused by pedestrians, MC’s and vehicles not yielding to emergency response carts with activated lights and sirens, as well as reduced maneuverability from signage that’s purpose is to prevent MC’s from parking in the centre of the street,” the report said.
Even with those warnings, county politicians sought ways to get the bikes back on Main Street. Coun. Chris Van Paassen suggested moving vendors to the side streets and putting the bikes on Main
stituted a solution for a period of time. Admittedly when we did it, it was meant to be temporary,” said Duthie.
“But then we chose not to renew it because we didn’t want to spend the money on it.”
Coun. Kim Huffman said some sober second thought following the committee meeting convinced her of the need to provide security at the arena throughout the year whenever youth are accessing the facility.
“I feel very strongly that it is the responsibility of council, this is a community issue, it’s a community concern and we need to show leadership in our community,” she said.
A petition signed by more than 150 people, as well as a presentation from a community member at the April 23 meeting likely helped.
“It’s just too high of a risk for one child to make that fatal mistake of picking up something… I just couldn’t live with it,” said Coun. Linda Vandendriessche, referring to the possibility of a child picking up used drug paraphernalia and putting themselves
at risk.
While he understood the need for a guard at the arena, Coun. Adam Veri maintained his position that it wasn’t a taxpayer issue, but instead a user issue.
“I don’t believe it’s something we pass onto the taxpayers,” he said, offering several other examples where the county insists the costs of an increase in service be borne by the users.
Despite moving forward with a guard at the arena, councillors are still asking for a report back from staff before the next budget deliberations. Security issues have been raised at other county-owned buildings, including the administration building and the Simcoe branch of the Norfolk County Public Library.
The costs for the guard continuing the rest of the year are unclear. Councillors worded the motion to approve up to 36 hours a week to give staff flexibility. Bill Cridland, general manager of operations, said he wasn’t sure how much a guard would be needed in the summer, but suggested it would be significantly less than 36 hours a week.
Port Rowan boat ramp to stay at $20 in 2025
Street.
Mayor Amy Martin also questioned the logic behind those decisions.
“Why not half of Main Street when we fill half of Main Street with tents?” she asked.
But Stilwell pointed out once tents are installed, they stay there until the event is over, where bikes may or may not move.
“Stationary objects we can deal with,” he said.
Martin likewise questioned the argument of allowing bikes on St. George Street but not Main Street. Stilwell said it’s not as busy on St. George.
At the end of the day, Coun. Adam Veri said the OPP has the final say. Under the Highway Traffic Act, they can close a road they deem unsafe.
In his presentation, Tait said police are also cautious of allowing motor vehicles into the area, citing concerns about the weaponization of cars and trucks. Last year an incident after the event led to the death of a person and Tait said there’s video of the person driving throughout the actual event.
More recently, a person drove a SUV into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver, killing 11 people.
“These events, they are a reality, they do occur,” said Tait.
However, Martin said motor vehicle drivers disobey the road closures, and can be found winding their way through the crowds during the event.
Even with the restrictions in place, Tait said Friday the 13th remains a popular day in Port Dover.
“People still come to the event and are doing very well and enjoying it, which is pretty much what everybody likes. However, we do want to make it safe and we just don’t want to compromise that,” he said.
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
The cost to launch a boat from the Port Rowan ramp will stay the same in 2025, but the payment system may change.
Councillors approved a motion from Tom Masschaele at the April 23 council meeting that reinstated the $20 fee for using the boat ramp at that marina. The county was previously planning to increase the boat ramp fees at both Norfolk-owned marinas - Port Dover and Port Rowan - to $30.
“I really question the need to raise it to that degree,” said Ron Bankes, speaking as a delegate and on behalf of the Port Rowan Harbour Committee.
Since opting to maintain ownership of the marinas in Port Rowan and Port Dover, Norfolk County staff and councillors have been looking for ways to increase revenue in their quest to make the marinas self-sufficient.
However, Bankes and Masschaele argued there are other options to consider before raising the fees by $10 to $30. Namely, those changes revolve around ending the honour system the county has used at Port Rowan for several years.
“I think the current method of cash payment on the honour system, which we’ve used for a long time at the ramp… If there’s a way to have the ramp be paid for by a credit card or a debit card, that may in fact increase the ramp revenue,” Bankes said, suggesting so few people carry cash with them nowadays.
Staff are planning to present a report this summer that considers revenue generation at the marinas, and will likely include ending the honour system at the Port
Rowan boat ramp.
Bill Cridland, general manager of operations, said those changes could include an elevated arm system or something similar to the paid parking meters that would be monitored by bylaw officials.
Coun. Chris Van Paassen suggested an opportunity to run the latter option as a trial, saying there are extra parking meters available thanks to the work being done on Harbour Street. A friendly amendment to Masschaele’s motion directed staff to look at installing one of those extra meters at the boat launch.
Cridland said they’ll just have to confirm wifi connectivity and work out bylaw enforcement.
Councillors were otherwise supportive of reducing the fees back to $20. Given the Port Rowan ramp lacks some of the advantages of others, Van Paassen said it makes sense to keep it at or below the local average.
“I think our deputation today explained that because of the layout of the ramp, the depth of the harbour, (the fact) it only services very small boats, and there’s no other amenities available, I think there is logic in being not above the average but at the average on this one,” he said.
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
Alan Duthie, Ward 5 Councillor
Army Navy Air Force Easter Brunch
Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk returns May 25
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
David Horton is looking forward to the 25th Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk on May 25, 2025.
“The 25th on the 25th in the year 2025,” Horton smiled.
Opening ceremonies for the 25th Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Simcoe Royal Canadian Legion, 200 West Street.
Registration and check-ins are 8:30-10:30 – with a light breakfast - and the Walk begins at approximately 11 a.m. There are two distances available – 5-km or 2-km.
“Everyone ends up back at the Legion,” said Horton, chair of the Grand Erie chapter of the MS Society of Canada and organizer of the Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk.
“We will have a lunch ready for them from Kaley’s On the Go food truck.”
MS FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST
A MS fundraising breakfast is planned at Kaley’s Restaurant, 33 Robinson Street, Simcoe, on Sunday, May 11 (Mother’s Day), from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in support of MS Canada.
“We thought the timing was appropriate,” said Horton. “Kaley has done this fundraising breakfast for us for probably the last eight years, and the funds raised go right
to the Walk total. We had a really good turnout last year and I think we raised over $1,100.”
The fundraising menu is limited to three items – at different price points – to make it affordable for families.
The community is invited – reservations (226-440-3444) are recommended but not essential.
“We’re excited to have her do this for us, and of course the food is always good. It’s a fun day.”
***
Horton said they are not planning anything extraordinary for the 25th anniversary MS Walk, but they want the community to know it’s a milestone year.
According to statistics from MS Canada, the Simcoe-Norfolk Walk has raised nearly $1 million over the past 25 years.
“It’s quite impressive,” said Horton, hoping for numbers similar to last year.
“Last year was probably one of our better years post-Covid. We had about 95-100 walkers and the volunteers, so around 110-120 people, and we’re kind of looking for the same thing on May 25.”
For more information visit msspwalk.donordrive.com
chris@granthaven.com
Army Navy Air Force Unit 255 hosted an Easter Sunday all-you-can-eat brunch. More than 190 people participated – an average number for the monthly Simcoe brunches (every third Sunday of the month).
From left are Army Navy Air Force Unit 255 volunteers Kelton Ernst, Ann Wingrove and Bruce Wilson.
Glenn, Bob and Gordon Hoover enjoyed an Easter Sunday brunch at Army Navy Air Force Unit 255 in Simcoe. Bob will be celebrating his 101st birthday in May.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
NORFOLK HOSPITAL 100TH
Kinsmen donated $31,000, and with a $5,000 donation from Mrs. A.W. Donly, and support from the Town of Simcoe Council, County Council, and community, the Kinsmen Wing opened in 1938.
1940
NGH capacity increases from 29 beds in its first year to 76 beds. The hospital is valued at $235,000.
“Truly the Norfolk General Hospital is a community-owned enterprise, made possible by Norfolk people and operated for their benefit,” stated a hospital brochure. “It cares for the sick and injured, as well as the needy and unfortunate. It is not a mon-
ey-making institution, indeed it could not successfully carry on without the aid of its many friends and interested public bodies. Its sole purpose is to serve the community, to alleviate suffering and counteract disease.”
1950
Usage of the hospital had increased by 60%, well beyond the building’s capacity, and there was new momentum for expansion. Adding beds, bringing the number to 106, was not enough. All services needed to be upgraded.
1954
Grants from the County of Norfolk, Simcoe Council, Provincial
1986
The Norfolk General Hospital Foundation was incorporated on Nov. 24, 1986 as a fundraising arm for the hospital, receiving and managing community donations towards the work of the hospital.
1995
Celebrating 70 years, NGH is committed to ‘doing things even better,’ satisfying patients at a cost the community can afford, and looks forward to caring for the community with dedication and commitment – “now and in the future.”
Other major additions and improvements include:
• 2005 – Emergency Room Expansion & Redevelopment
• 2006 – CT Scanner Installed
and Federal governments, and community support, led to the opening of a $1 million expansion on Oct. 20, 1954.
1959
Urgent need for more beds led to accommodations doubling to 215 beds and 33 newborns.
1967
There was need for a new heating plant, operating rooms, X-ray department, laboratory, kitchen, cafeteria, physio department, delivery rooms, nursery and pediatric ward and offices. A new four-storey wing emerged, costing $4.5 million, officially opening on June 7, 1967.
Within six months, it was overcrowded.
“We had hoped that when the use of the new hospital became available, it would serve us for a good many years,” stated Chair-
man James W. Holden, Board of Governors, in a Simcoe Reformer story, citing a larger population, prepaid medical and hospital care, and too few doctors to treat patients other than in a hospital.
“We had excellent consultants for the expansion. But as you know, we are already hard-pressed for accommodation in some areas, particularly in the medical wing.”
Planning began for an adjoining 80-bed nursing home with homes purchased on Robinson Street and Elgin Avenue to make room for a new parking lot.
1975
The Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home officially opened.
1983
The ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign helped fund a state-of-theart eight-bed ICU and eight-bed Step-Down Unit opened in 1984.
• 2007 – Intensive Care Unit Redevelopment
• 2009 – Digital Mammography/ PAC-MED
• 2012 – Electronic health records from NGH and several surrounding hospitals were amalgamated
• 2014 – Portable ‘Giraffe’ X-Ray
• 2015 – Automated Drug Dispensing Cabinets
• 2016 – Telemetry Units
• 2020 – New 128 slice CT Service
From the Norfolk General Hospital’s 1995 Memories & Milestones fundraising brochure, 1940 NGH brochure, NGH website & Simcoe Reformer files
Times of financial hardship Family Fund leads to $7 million hospital enhancements
In 1932, new records were set for births – 207 babies born – and patient days (13,466) at Norfolk General Hospital.
Operating costs were $36,604, down from $41,029 in 1931. The cost per ‘adult day’ was only $3.28 compared to $4.14 in 1930, demonstrating the hospital’s efficiency.
In a 1933 newspaper editorial, it was noted that ‘hospitals in all parts of the country were experiencing a difficult time financially.’ Some were threatened with closures.
“Yet by the practice of rigid economy, the (Norfolk) hospital was able to show a decrease of approximately $4,400 in operating expenses. The showing is a very gratifying one and demonstrates that the hospital is being conducted in a very efficient manner by the superintendent, Miss M. Buck, and her staff. They have had the able co-operation of such organizations as the Women’s Hospital Aid, the Decem Club and various branches of the Women’s Institute.”
There was an increase of nearly $6,000 in assets in 1932, coming from cash and in-kind donations from the community of $4,566 and a $1,000 grant from the county.
“The truth is that the hospital needs every possible bit of assistance during the next two years, because at the end of that time the institution will have completed 10 years of life and government grants will automatically cease. These grants totalled $5,718 during the past year and their withdrawal will increase the burden on the community to that extent.
“In the past eight and one-half years we have built up an institution in which every citizen may well take pride. It has proved an inestimable boon to Norfolk County. The closest harmony and co-operation have existed among all parties concerned with the operation of the hospital and it is doubtful if any other small hospital in the country can point to such a fine record of service and efficient management as the Norfolk General Hospital.
“It now rests with the people of Norfolk to do their part in ensuring their hospital will not be listed among those which are facing real financial troubles.”
- Simcoe Reformer editorial
In June 2000, Norfolk General Hospital’s board of directors committed themselves to enhancing healthcare in Norfolk County “in a manner never undertaken in the 75-year history of the institution.”
The Emergency Room (ER) and Diagnostic Imaging (DI) area at NGH had been built more than 40 years earlier, and were designed to serve a much smaller population base than the 60,000-plus residents in 2000.
‘Our equipment needs to be updated and the space to care for our families, friends and neighbours needs to be enlarged,’ it was reported in a NGH
Foundation brochure, launching the ‘Family Fund.’ The Family Fund set a goal of raising $7 million, anticipating the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care would commit 50% of the project’s capital cost. In just over one year, it had reached $6.8 million, which included a $2.5 million pledge from Norfolk County. The Volunteer Association of the Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home had pledged $250,000 over five years.
“The staff in the Emergency Room and Diagnos-
Norfolk General Hospital introduced new signage through its Family Fund project.
Rob Francis
Gerry Branderhorst
Terry Sheppard
George Demaiter
Jim and Tracy Cochrane
‘The health of our community is worth fighting for’
CHRIS ABBOTT
Editor
There are many reasons to support Norfolk General Hospital and the NGH Foundation in its quest to raise funds for hospital equipment.
Marc Vanden Bussche of Vanden Bussche Irrigation, presenting sponsor at the 2nd Annual Heart of Healthcare Gala, identified many of them at the May 3rd gala fundraiser.
“Whether you are a donor or caregiver, a volunteer, a board member, a proud member of this incredible community, I am grateful for you.”
Vanden Bussche said he wanted to talk about one simple word - the word that
drives us, drives what we do. A word that children ask with eyes wide and open hearts. A word that people ask when faced with big decisions. Why.
“Why are we here? We are here because we believe in something bigger than ourselves. We are here because we believe that the health of our community is worth fighting for. We are here because we know that every person, no matter their age, background or circumstances, deserves access to excellent care close to home.
“We’re not just building a hospital, we’re building hope.”
It’s a place where mothers meet their newborns for the first time, he said. It’s a place where broken bones are mended, where hearts are healed, where lives will be saved.
“Why do we need a new hospital?” he asked, touching upon the 100-year-old hospital’s future. “Because things have changed and so have the needs of our patients. Our community is growing. Our technology is advancing. It’s not about luxury. This is about necessity. This is about ensuring that care of our patients, our children, is right here, when they need it the most.”
Every dollar raised by the Foundation serves one goal, he said, to provide compassionate, cutting edge, dignified care.
“Why am I here tonight as a donor? Because I am seeing what happens when someone you love needs care, and the right people, the right equipment, the right environment is there. Because I want my children – and yours – to grow up in a community where health and well-being is a priority.
“Because for me, this is personal,” he said, noting his father was born at Norfolk General Hospital five years after NGH was established.
“Eighty-nine years later my grandson was born there too, each generation was born under the same roof. That’s a legacy… and I am here because I want that story to continue. I want the next baby born here to have the very best care. I want the next
‘Cheers to 100 years’
CHRIS ABBOTT
Editor
Norfolk General Hospital is celebrating 100 years in Norfolk County.
“Congratulations to absolutely everyone who has – and continues to make Norfolk General Hospital a pillar of our community,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady in a video message at the Heart of Healthcare Gala, a NGH Foundation fundraiser, on Saturday, May 3.
Norfolk General Hospital plays a crucial in the local economy, Brady noted, and is always looking for new ways to foster community support.
No matter which department you connect with at the hospital, you are bound to see a friend or neighbour, which ensures you will be treated with the utmost care, compassion and respect.
grandparents who walk through those doors to be met with compassion, comfort and confidence in what the hospital can offer.”
Vanden Bussche said he wants to know he played a part in making sure NGH isn’t remembered just for it was, but for what it becomes.
“That is why I am here,” he told the 250 gala participants. “And I know that many of you are here for the same reason.
“Let’s be honest, it won’t be easy. Big dreams rarely are.”
Vanden Bussche went on to ask the question ‘why not now?’
“We are the ones who can shape the future of healthcare in this community. We
are the ones who can step forward and say ‘we will build this together.’”
Why give?
“Because it isn’t just a hospital, it’s your hospital. It’s where your neighbours, your friends, your family will find comfort in their most vulnerable moments. Your generosity plants a seed of healing that will bloom for generations.
“So let us remember our why. Let’s echo in every decision we make, let’s inspire every gift, every hour of volunteer, every conversation we share. Because when we know our why, anything is possible.”
chris@granthaven.com
The past 100 years at Norfolk General Hospital sets an example for the future, she said.
“Cheers to 100 years,” smiled Brady, who attended the gala in Haldimand County.
As a community physician, Dr. Robin Martin-Godelie, Chief of Staff at Norfolk General Hospital, said she came to Simcoe – a small town – to participate in all aspects of healthcare.
“I think our hospital, being a medium size hospital, we have the opportunity to be a part of our community and really offer lots of really good quality services – and also be very connected to the community, responsive to what people need… sort of the individual needs. I think that is one of our huge strengthsthere aren’t many hospitals like ours out there anymore. At big academic centres, it’s very anonymous.”
Browsing at one of the 2nd Annual Heart of Healthcare Gala silent auction tables on May 3.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Sarah Page and Julie Gonyou pose at the 2nd Annual Heart of Healthcare Gala photo booth. The 2nd annual gala on May 3 was a major fundraiser for the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Marc Vanden Bussche of Vanden Bussche Irrigation, presenting sponsor at the 2nd Annual Heart of Healthcare Gala, speaks at NGH Foundation’s May 3rd gala fundraiser.
Home Improvement 2025
How to upgrade your home to accommodate modern living
Remodeling projects allow homeowners to put their personal stamps on a property. In addition to choosing a color and design scheme that fits a particular aesthetic, homeowners may want to outfit their homes with various features that can make them more accommodating to modern living. Homeowners can use these ideas as a springboard for remodeling projects designed to modernize their homes.
• Open floor plans: Open floor plans remain coveted characteristics of modern home architecture. An open layout enables occupants to feel like they are enjoying spaces together without having to be on top of one another. Since sightlines are not obstructed in open floor plans, homeowners can enjoy a cohesive design style across each level of the home.
• Eco-friendly features: Eco-friendly features modernize homes and may even earn
homeowners rebates from the government. From positioning rooms to take advantage of natural sunlight to using environmentally responsible materials throughout a home, modern homes can function with a much smaller carbon footprint than older structures.
• Smart home technology: A smart home is equipped with appliances and other devices that can be controlled remotely, typically from a phone or computer connected to the internet. Investopedia notes that smart home technology offers homeowners convenience and cost savings. Smart home technology is available across a wide range of budgets, ranging from thousands of dollars for a complete home automation to roughly $100 for a small change like a smart thermostat.
• Accessibility features: A home that can grow with its residents is advantageous.
When choosing renovations, features like slip-resistant flooring, stylish grab bars and low-threshold or barrier-free showers can enable homeowners to age in place more comfortably.
• Dual owner’s suites: Dual owner’s suites can be an asset for couples who choose to sleep separately. The Sleep Foundation says individuals choose to sleep in different rooms for a variety of reasons, notably reduced sleep interruptions and improved sleep quality. Plus, an extra bedroom can come in handy when one person is ill or in the event a partner snores. Rather than one person in the relationship getting the “lesser” space, certain homebuilders now offer plans for dual owner’s suites so both people get the features they desire in a bedroom.
• Three-season room: Many homeowners aspire to bridge the gap between the indoors and outside. Three-season rooms
help transition from the yard to the interior of a home, and offer a touch of nature without the bugs or unpleasant elements.
A number of home improvements can bring homes up to the standards of modern living.
SPORTS
Delhi Raiders cruise into soccer playoffs
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Delhi District Secondary School boys soccer team solidified their hold on ‘midpack’ on Thursday, May 1, defeating Valley Heights 6-1.
As of May 5, three AABHN South Division teams – Holy Trinity, Waterford and Simcoe Composite – shared the division lead with 6-1 records. Delhi (4-3) and Cayuga (3-4) were in fourth and fifth – leading to a tight May 6 quarter-final - followed by Hagersville, Dunnville and VHSS.
“I think we communicated really well,” said Delhi District Secondary School coach Ryan Gaertner. “The ball movement was definitely there, spreading the field, and the boys off of that communication were able to create a lot of opportunity and we were able to capitalize on it.
“I think they played a lot more relaxed… they were relaxed and confident,” said Gaertner.
The Raiders led 3-0 at half, and wore the Bears down to score three late goals after VHSS defender Brady Smith scored a long, booming free-kick goal from outside the 18-yard box.
“It’s tiresome to play defence all the time, for the other team, and it allows for more opportunities,” said Gaertner.
“Definitely they (Raiders) played with a different level of confidence than they have previously in other games,” he said, with a nod to an earlier 5-0 loss to HT, and losses to the two other ‘big dogs’ SCS and Waterford.
“We play better in shorter games,” said Delhi’s Liam Wouters. “In tournaments we have 25-minute halves. We just play better because we come out and stay strong the whole game. We usually struggle with longer games.”
With a limited number of rep players on some South Division teams – just two on
the Raiders - inexperience can be a factor in high school games.
“We turn athletes into soccer players,” said Wouters, who gave a shoutout to firstyear teammate Nick Krizmonics, a defender who made a ‘big move’ coming up as a striker.
“Almost scored,” Krizmonics laughed.
“He’s talking about that jump,” Wouters smiled. “He had an open net.”
Wouters said he was looking forward to making playoffs.
“I hope we pick it up towards the end, and I feel like we can beat any team in our league. It was 0-0 against HT going into half and we lost 5-0 – it’s that fatigue factor that we have. We play well in the first half, struggle in the second half.
“We are a strong team - we beat North Park, we lost to BCI 2-1 in a really strong, competitive game. But those were short games, we compete better in those games.”
VHSS goalie Mason McIntyre was busy in net for the Bears, making numerous point-blank saves.
“He is amazing,” said Valley Heights coach Terri Groh. “And consistently… One game against HT, I kept track, he had over 50 shots. They came up on him, one after another. He’s got spunk, and such a good attitude, too. I really love his attitude.”
Groh noted the Bears did not have any rep soccer players this season… or last season… or the season before that.
“None, it’s tough, and it’s such a short season,” said Groh as thunder growled in the background before the Delhi-VHSS girls game. “But before that, we always used to win.”
Groh said the Bears tried to focus on ‘the little things.’
“Coach Stephanie is all about optimism,” said Groh. “The thing about a small school, these kids are all on other teams. Every kid plays every sport.
“And it’s just for fun,” Groh summed up.
Delhi defender Justin ‘The Brick’ Vanderkoii follows through on a shot.
Delhi’s Ryan Vandevelde, left, tries to get past VHSS defender Dax Lambrecht.
VHSS goalie Mason McIntyre makes a save against Delhi.
A region offering dozens of mini-vacation opportunities
OH,PLACESTHE WE'LL GO
By Paul Knowles
I have lived in south-western Ontario all my life. Over the past few decades, as my journalism career has focused on travel writing, my appreciation for this region and what it has to offer has only grown stronger.
Today, with many of us deciding to avoid travel to the United States, the benefits of our extended neighbourhood are even more apparent, because there are many years’ worth of short-drive travel destinations at our doorsteps. One of my favourites is Niagara’s wine country.
I realize that the number one attraction in that area is Niagara Falls. In fact, Niagara Falls will usually appear in the top ten bucket list destinations in the world! However, I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I almost never make it to the Falls, because there are so many great places to stop on the way – and yes, I do mean wineries.
We made our early spring visit to wine country a week or so ago, and didn’t get past the Beamsville area, home to some of the finest wineries on the Niagara Peninsula.
The experts have divided the Niagara Peninsula into two re-
gions: Niagara Escarpment and Area, and Niagara-on-the-Lake and Area. Our stops this time were all in the Escarpment region, in fact, all within about 10 minutes of each other.
Would you believe there are now 61 wineries in this region, alone? And another 41 in the Niagara-on-the-Lake district – for 102 in all, along the Peninsula. Incredible.
I probably should be more adventurous, and try to explore new wineries – and I shall – but for our first wine country venture of 2025, I also wanted to re-visit some of my favourites. I was not disappointed.
I have a special affection for smaller, independently-owned wineries. A visit to any of these will probably be a little unpredictable, because they are, by definition, small operations, with limited staff. Which contributes significantly to their charm.
For instance, we dropped into Ridgepoint Wines, on Cherry Avenue, where I know we are guaranteed some tastings of superb, Italian-style red wines. It was lunch time, and there was a big bus in the small parking lot.
When we entered, I heard the voice of owner – and dedicated farmer – Mauro Scarsellone, addressing the folks in a crowded tasting room. His right-hand person, Avril, bustled by, explaining breathlessly that she couldn’t really talk, right now, and the dining room was temporarily closed.
Like I said, unpredictable. So, as she turned to cart more open bottles into the crowded tasting room, we told her that we would come back in a couple of hours. “Great,” and she was gone.
Two hours later, all was at peace.
We relaxed at the tasting room bar, chatting with Avril, getting hugs from Mauro, and sipping a superb 2020 Ripasso. That kind of personalized attention makes the necessity of a return visit more
than worthwhile.
We found the same laid-back atmosphere when we dropped in at Fielding Estate Winery, on Locust Lane. Because it was a weekday in early Spring, there was a small staff on hand. By “small”, I mean, “one” – in the tasting and sales room, at least.
But she was bubbly (the server, not the wine) and full of information, and managed to chat with us and other customers, never leaving us feeling ignored. Meanwhile, there were two gentlemen seated at a table in the middle of the room, clearly enjoying a relaxing afternoon out, and in no hurry to be anywhere else. Unlike at some of the big “industrial” wineries (my term, not theirs), this kind of leisurely visit was entirely acceptable. In fact, at Fielding, there are Muskoka chairs on the front patio, and picnic tables on the lawn between the winery and the vineyards. Fielding is all about relaxing.
Our third visit was to Megalomanic Wines, right next door to Ridgepoint. It’s a bit bigger, perhaps, but I love a) the name, b) the view (one of the best in the region) and c) the excellent, inexpensive wines produced by this independent winery, owned by John Howard (who also owns wineries in France). All the wines here have tongue-in-cheek names (“Pompous”, “Narcissist” and “Sonofabitch” among others), but that doesn’t mean they can’t be taken seriously as fine wines.
Many of the wineries in this area also now have restaurants or dining patios – including Ridgepoint and Megalomaniac – but we opted for a brewery, instead – Bench Brewery, on King Street, where the central building is an old school. The menu was surprisingly sophisticated, considering the fact that we were dining in a brewery. But this was several steps above pub food – between us, we had a Burrito Powerbowl,
and Pork Souvlaki, both terrific. That leaves us with exactly 99 more wineries, and several dozen fine restaurants, for future day trips, or weekends away. If you are looking for alternate travel opportunities this year – you need look no further than the Niagara Peninsula.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden. net.
The logo at Ridgepoint reflects the landscape of the winery.
Fielding Estate Winery, with its comfortable Muskoka chairs.
The folks at Megalomaniac never lose their sense of humour.
Some of the fine wines from Ridgepoint, including their unique "White Cab".
Bench Brewery, with the centrepiece schoolhouse.
Ridgepoint Wines
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
Eating local with author Autumn Demarest
ADVOCATING FOR AUTHORS
By Dick Bourgeois-Doyle
“English and writing used to be my weakest subjects,” says Autumn Demarest. “I really struggled with it (and) I probably cried writing essays in high school.”
The Norfolk County food writer and photographer (formerly Autumn Ongaro) overcame her challenges with the written word, in part, through education and work experience, which included studies in biological sciences, psychology, and teaching.
But Autumn really wrestled the written word to the ground when she decided to celebrate local farmland and food crops in her book FEAD. The book, published in 2022, combines local history, profiles of farms and farmers, innovative recipes, and high-quality photography in a work that is both entertaining and informative. It is a wonderful souvenir of our region.
Autumn grew up on the border of Haldimand and Norfolk, had lots of friends, and liked the area. But as a teenager, she looked forward to moving away and seeing more. This took her to Guelph and Cardiff universities and work as a teacher.
“But I didn’t have a passion for it and would have to drag my butt into the classroom each day,” she said. “I felt that the kids deserved so much more than this and that they needed a teacher who wanted to be there.”
So, Autumn moved back to Norfolk County to regroup and to find a new career. One that might satisfy the cre-
ativity she craved.
“Since I was two, I've been painting,” she said. “But I also really enjoyed cooking.”
After having been away from the area for years, she was struck on return by the abundance of food crops in the area. She saw an opportunity to tap those creative instincts with food photography, innovative recipes, and posts on Instagram, which drew international attention and eventually demand for her web content services.
“Companies would send me their products, and I would invent recipes using them and then take photos,” Autumn
explains. “This inspired me to wonder how I could make these recipes better with local, fresh ingredients.”
Going to markets and talking to farmers led her to make the connections and to gather material that eventually manifested in FEAD, a title that plays on the notion of “feed” as “the act of giving food to encourage growth and to satisfy.”
Today Autumn and her chef husband Matt, another Norfolk native, walk the local crop talk with their business Thrive Norfolk, which offers a six-course outdoor dining experience amid the bounty and beauty of their Langton area farm.
“That's what really brings a lot of joy to me,” Autumn said in talking about food and creative recipes. “I’m very passionate about it.”
This passion not only drove her to hone her writing skills, but also study photography, learn specialized software, and develop her marketing networks. This has, in turn, positioned her to produce other books such as a new one on the magic of sourdough (The Sourdough Mini Guide: Just the Essentials for Beginner Sourdough Bakers) - and possibly a sequel to FEAD.
“I would definitely like to do another one,” she says. “There are so many different farms that could be interviewed, more knowledge out there, and more education that could be done about the food we eat.”
So, even though high school English was a struggle and working in a classroom was not a good fit, Autumn Demarest is still very much a teacher.
CELEBRATING LOCAL AUTHORS
Autumn’s books can be found at retail locations throughout Norfolk County as well as the Beach Reads Bookshop and the Norfolk County Public Library. For the podcast interview in full, check out https://doverwrites.blogspot. com
Norfolk County author and photographer Autumn Demarest.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
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