St. Marys Independent - April 16

A former developmental support worker with Community Living St. Marys and Area has been charged following the death of a 40-year-old woman at a residence in St. Marys last month.

According to the Stratford Police Service, the charges stem from an investigation

into the death of the woman, who was pronounced dead despite the efforts of paramedics in a Community Living supportive-living residence on March 11.

Police have charged the former employee with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life.

Stratford Police Service media relations officer Const. Darren Fischer said the death

St. Marys council has awarded a contract worth more than $2.1 million for the reconstruction of sections of Thomas Street, Jones Street West and Ontario Street South, with construction expected to begin later this month.

At a special meeting March 31, council awarded the tender to 291 Construction Ltd. in the amount of $2,151,628.25, including taxes and contingencies, for work that will include road reconstruction, underground infrastructure upgrades and improvements to pedestrian safety features. According to St. Marys director of public works Jed Kelly, construction is expected to begin within the next one to two weeks, with the contractor starting work by installing a temporary watermain and completing initial removals.

“Work will start in the next one to two weeks, potentially somewhere around April 20-27,” Kelly told the Independent.

During construction, the affected streets will be limited to local traffic only. Work will take place on Thomas Street from Jones Street West to Queen Street, Ontario Street South to Jones Street West, and Jones Street West between Ontario Street South and Thomas Street.

“The road will be limited to local traffic only,” Kelly said. “The contractor is starting on Thomas Street, then up to Ontario Street, and finally the Jones Street segment.”

Kelly said the contractor will maintain access for residents throughout construction.

COMMUNITY

St. Marys BIA annual general meeting reflects on a successful year

A strong turnout of local business owners filed into Perthstone Kitchen on Monday night for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the St. Marys Business Improvement Area (BIA).

The AGM presented the ideal opportunity for BIA board chair Megan Feeney to reflect on a successful and active year for the downtown business association.

Feeney noted several businesses were welcomed into the downtown during the calendar year 2025, referencing Pita Pit, The Quarry’s Edge, 162 Queen, Avontuur, Purpour Refillery, Izzy’s Place, Mauve & Stone, and Sage & Soul Studios.

Looking back on the year’s activities, Feeney noted there was much to celebrate. February 2025 brought the first annual Soup Crawl – a popular event that grew to new heights in 2026.

In April 2025, the BIA supported the Poetry Month window campaign, and in May supported National Accessibility Week. Many BIA members participated in the Destination Stratford Savour & Sip Trail, while other summer downtown promotions included support for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in June and the Stonetown Heritage Festival and Where’s Waldo Hunt in July.

Coordinated events in the fall included October’s pet costume parade, November’s poppy project, the Merchant’s Open House, Destination Stratford’s Christmas Trail, the Santa Claus Parade, Thursday late-night shopping, and Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2, 2025.

From a downtown beautification standpoint, the utility box public art project has been a great success with further work planned by local artists for 2026. The BIA also supported the downtown selfie station, seasonal décor including light strands and contribution towards downtown flower displays.

Much is planned for the current year, which kicked off with the second annual Soup Crawl in February. Upcoming is the Spring Bingo Crawl, the summer’s Grand Slam Search, the Stonetown Heritage Festival, downtown Trick or Treating in the fall and the Merchant’s Open House. Beautification efforts this year include investment in Edison lights throughout the downtown core, self-watering flowerpots, artist-designed banners and additional public-art-wrapped utility boxes.

Sara Bradshaw, who handles the BIA’s marketing efforts, has several initiatives planned to help drive traffic to support the vibrancy of the downtown and to grow local businesses.

The current board of directors for the 2022-2026 term consist of chair Feeney (Meridian Credit Union), vice

Alex O’Shea (The Flour Mill), treasurer Dan Troyer (Troyer’s Spices), beautification committee head Lisa Fewster (The Wine Lab), Jan Scott (Betty’s Bookshelf), Angela Dawn MacPherson (AD Aesthetics & MediSpa) and deputy mayor Brogan Aylward.

With the municipal election upcoming this fall, the final board meeting for the current directors is scheduled for Nov. 9, with the inaugural meeting of the new board anticipated for February 2027.

Feeney reflected that while this board has worked very well together and has undertaken many initiatives, she looks forward to seeing who will step forward to fill board seats for the upcoming term.

Former Community Living support worker charged

was preventable and resulted from the actions of the staff member at the time.

“The death of the resident was preventable and only resulted due to negligence of the staff member at that moment,” Fischer said.

Fischer added there were no concerns about the condition of the residence itself, and police are not investigating any other employees or the organization.

“There was no concern with the living conditions of the home,” Fischer said. “Stratford Police Service is not investigating any other employees or the agency itself. We are grateful for the participation and cooperation we have received from all staff and administration at Community Living St. Marys and Area throughout this investigation.”

Police would not provide the address or specific location of the residence, citing privacy and safety considerations for current staff and residents.

“I can only confirm that the residence is in the Town of St. Marys but cannot provide the location for safety and priva-

cy of current staff and residents,” Fischer said.

In a statement issued on behalf of co-executive directors Kim Monden and Jayden Nancekivell, Community Living St. Marys and Area expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and confirmed the organization has cooperated fully with authorities.

“We want to assure you that we are taking this matter very seriously,” the statement reads. “Upon learning of this incident, we took immediate steps to respond, including notifying the appropriate authorities and the family of the individual involved. We fully cooperated with the authorities as they investigated the matter.”

The organization also confirmed the employee involved is no longer working with Community Living.

“We promptly reviewed our organization’s protocols and procedures. We can confirm there is no ongoing risk to the health or wellbeing of the people our organization supports,” the statement continues.

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and all those affected. Out of respect for the integrity of the process and the privacy of those involved, we are not able to provide fur-

ther comment at this time.”

The accused was arrested on April 1 and later released from police custody. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 11.

chair

Treasurer Dan Troyer reviews the 2026 budget of the St. Marys Business Improvement Area at the annual general meeting held on Monday night at Perthstone Kitchen.

(STEWART GRANT PHOTO)

STEWART GRANT Publisher

St. Marys awards $2.1-million contract for Thomas, Jones and Ontario street reconstruction

“The contractor will ensure that driveways are accessible at the beginning and end of each day, maintaining a hardpack single lane of gravel for vehicle travel and hardpack gravel for access for pedestrian traffic,” he said. “Non-local residents should detour and avoid the area as through traffic will not be possible during the workday.”

Substantial completion of the project is expected by Aug. 30.

The reconstruction project was identified as a priority through the town’s 10-year capital plan based on the current condition of the roads and the need for underground infrastructure improvements.

“The scope of work includes the full reconstruction of both asphalt and concrete roadway sections to address existing wear and extend the lifespan of these important corridors,” Kelly said.

In addition to improvements to the road surface, the project includes replacement of watermains to improve reliability and reduce the risk of service disruptions, as well as isolated sanitary sewer repairs and targeted

This map shows where the reconstruction of sections of Thomas Street, Jones Street West and Ontario Street South in St. Marys will begin later this month.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF ST. MARYS)

EDITORIAL

Would a four-day work week work for you?

a consistent extra weekday off while maintaining service levels.

To me, four-day work weeks have always sounded like something I’d appreciate in theory, but not in practice.

As a journalist and newspaper editor, I have strict weekly deadlines to meet. Regardless of holidays, sick days or work interruptions, my colleagues and I need to a fill a paper with the news, sports stories and advertising our readers have come to rely on each and every week. Often, our week includes working evenings and weekends, and taking a full day off each week simply doesn’t make sense.

But in other workplaces, including nearby at the Township of Perth South, four-day work weeks are becoming more commonplace.

At its April 7 meeting, Perth South council approved a summer schedule allowing public works staff to work four 10-hour days per week between June and September, giving employees

The change is intended to improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime and provide employees with greater flexibility during one of the busiest seasons for municipal maintenance and construction. Township staff also pointed to benefits including improved morale, better productivity and enhanced recruitment and retention potential.

While the change is modest – and seasonal – it reflects a broader conversation happening in workplaces across Canada about whether the traditional five-day, 40-hour work week still makes sense.

Supporters of the four-day work week argue the benefits go well beyond giving employees a longer weekend.

Research and pilot programs have shown employees working compressed or reduced schedules often report better work-life balance, lower stress levels and improved overall job satisfaction. Having an extra weekday available allows people to schedule appointments,

manage errands or spend time with family without needing to use vacation days or rearrange work schedules.

Employers may benefit as well. Many organizations that have tested four-day schedules report improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and lower employee turnover. In a competitive labour market, offering flexible work arrangements can also help attract qualified applicants and retain experienced staff.

Obviously, a four-day work week is not feasible for every job. Emergency services, health-care providers, customer-facing roles and many retail positions require consistent availability across traditional business hours. In other workplaces, reduced hours could create scheduling challenges or place additional pressure on remaining staff.

Yet Perth South’s approach shows there are practical ways to adapt the concept without sacrificing service. By extending daily hours slightly, staff can complete the same amount of work while benefiting from a more flexible

schedule. Longer shifts can also reduce time lost to travel between job sites, meetings or equipment preparation.

It is also worth noting the municipality’s changes come at no additional cost to taxpayers, while potentially improving efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Flexible work arrangements will not look the same in every workplace, but the conversation is worth having. As employers compete to attract skilled workers and maintain high-quality services, small changes to scheduling can make a meaningful difference.

A four-day work week may not be a universal solution, but initiatives like the one adopted in Perth South show it is an idea worth exploring.

On the other hand, maybe it’s time to start exploring the concept of a universal three-day weekend. I could definitely get behind that, though my boss may say otherwise.

Quote of the Week

“Before you launch, it feels like it’s the greatest dream on Earth, and when you’re out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends.It’s a special thing to be a human, and it’s a special thing to be on planet Earth.”

- Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman in his first public remarks on Saturday, April 11 after returning from space

Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!

St. Marys Independent

Publisher

Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

Regional Editor

Galen Simmons • galen@granthaven.com

Graphic Design / Sales Inquiries

Tyler Carruthers • info@stmarysindependent.com

Business Development

Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com

Billing Administrator

Cindy Boakes • boakescindy1576@gmail.com

Administrative Assistant

Wendy Lamond • wendylamond74@gmail.com

Contributors

June Grant, Spencer Seymour, Emily Stewart, Jake Grant, Mary Smith, Nancy Abra, Lauren Eedy, Paul Knowles, Amy Cubberley, Laura McAsh, Alona Vasylieva, Nancy Bickell

36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@stmarysindependent.com | 519.284.0041 | granthaven.com

Your peace is more important than others opinions.

Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Where flowers bloom, so does hope.

May you find a Spring in your step.

GALEN SIMMONS

Regional Editor

Stratford police to host fraud-prevention talk in St. Marys

er delivered

• Emergency scams, which pressure victims into sending money quickly

Community members are invited to attend an upcoming fraud-prevention talk aimed at helping residents recognize and avoid common scams and fraud schemes.

The free event will take place on Wednesday, May 13, from 6-8 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the Friendship Centre.

Hosted by the Stratford Police Service, the session will be led by Sgt. Jeff McGregor and Const. Darren Fischer, who will share practical information, real-world examples and prevention tips to help attendees protect themselves and others from fraud.

Topics covered during the presentation will include:

• Fee fraud, where individuals send money for goods or services that are nev-

• Phishing scams, including fraudulent emails, texts and phone calls

• Door-to-door scams, where fraudsters target residents in their homes

Adding a friendly presence to the evening, Dusty, the Stratford Police Service facility dog, will also be in attendance.

“It’s important to learn about the different types of fraud and scams out there and to carry this message forward, as it takes a community effort to help prevent people from becoming victims of these crimes,” Fischer said in a press release issued by the town.

The session is open to all community members and advance registration is encouraged as space is limited. Register on Activenet or call the Friendship Centre at 519-284-3272 to save a seat.

townofstmarys.com/yardwaste

ST. MARYS NOURISH MARKET

St. Marys United Church (85 Church St. S)

The St. Marys Nourish Equal Access Food Market takes place on the 1 and 3 Thursday of the month from 2 - 4 PM offering fresh local fruit, vegetables and meat available at wholesale prices. st rd

Our Community Outreach Worker is available every Tuesday at the Library (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Friendship Centre (1:30 PM to 3:30 PM) to help residents access support for housing, mental health, finances, and more.

townofstmarys.com/stonetownsupports

Our seniors this week are this lovely group of ladies. They were all born in 1951 and will all be celebrating 75 years this year. They became friends in kindergarten. They remained friends right through high school. All have been married more than 50 years. Janice Grant, Sue Robinson, Geraldine Bertrand, Donna Dickson, Brenda Swan and Sylvia Galloway.

If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, contact us at 519.284.0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com.

QUIZ

A silhouette at sunset

7. What is the rarest blood type?

8.

is

The St. Marys Presbyterian Church spire silhouetted at sunset.

(DEAN MCKILLOP PHOTO)

Three Light Up the Night Kayaking paddles to be held in

St. Marys

EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter

After enjoying the paddles hosted in St. Marys, Light Up the Night Kayaking will bring three events to the town this year.

Light Up the Night Kayaking runs from the late spring to the fall and encourages kayakers to come dressed up to match the event’s theme and decorate their kayaks with illuminated lights. After kicking off the new season in Stratford with a Pink Power paddle for breast-cancer awareness, Light Up the Night Kayaking will host the Wild Wild West Paddle in St. Marys on June 13. There will also be a Hawaiian Paddle on July 11 and a full moon PJ paddle on Aug. 28.

“We love St. Marys. They have that dock that is so nice,” Clark said.

Last year, Light Up the Night Kayaking had to pivot amid low water levels in Stratford’s Lake Victoria. The organization held the summertime Christmas in July and Superhero paddles in St. Marys instead of Stratford.

“We really liked it and had a lot more people coming out, which was really great seeing more people come out to view us,” Clark said.

She also encourages anyone, whether they are kayaking on the water, standing and watching the paddle, or following the event with their own illuminated bike ride, to come to the event and check it out.

Friendships have been made through the kayaking events, participants enjoy decorating their boats and many find the activity relaxing.

“I know when people have come, a lot of them say that it is so relaxing and so comforting to be out in the night because you’re not seeing all the things around you,” Clark said.

Those attending the St. Marys events are to bring their own kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

In addition to the St. Marys paddles, there will be beloved themes returning to Stratford including the Canada Day, Christmas in July, Flower Power and Halloween paddles.

Sporting fields closed due to wet conditions

ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT

Staff Contribution

The Town of St. Marys’ sporting fields are closed until further notice due to unfavorable wet conditions, a press release issued by the town April 13 stated.

In the release, the town said with the arrival of warmer weather, it is essential to uphold the highest standards of field maintenance. To ensure these facilities are in optimal condition for the start of the outdoor sporting season, the town is asking the public to refrain from access-

ing the fields until an official notice of reopening is issued.

Closures include:

• Baseball diamonds: King Field, Milt Dunnell diamond north and south, Rotary Field, Solis Park diamond, St. Marys Cement Company Field, Teddy’s Field, Fairway Wealth Management Field.

• Soccer fields: Meadowridge Park, Solis Park Soccer Field east and west, DCVI Soccer Fields, West Ward Soccer Field, Southvale Park.

The Town of St. Marys thanked the public for understanding.

Travel journalist nominated for national award

ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT

Staff Contribution

Paul Knowles, who writes the weekly travel feature in this newspaper and all the papers in the Grant Haven Media group, has been named as a finalist for a national Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) Award.

TMAC has announced the finalists for its 2025 National and Recognition Awards, celebrating excellence in Canadian travel media. The winners will be officially announced at the TMAC National Conference, taking place in Richmond, B.C., during the Awards Gala on May 2. Knowles is nominated in the catego-

ry, Best Indigenous Tourism Experience in Canada Story, for his feature entitled “History, hurting and healing” about the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada in Portage la Prairie, Man. The article was published in September 2025.

Knowles’ weekly feature runs under the banner, “Oh, the places we’ll go!”

“This year’s finalists reflect not only outstanding storytelling and creativity, but also the important role travel media plays towards inspiring travel,“ said Jerry Grymek, president of TMAC. “On behalf of TMAC, I extend my congratulations to all of the finalists for their inspiring contributions to this industry.”

StopVAW event aims to spark conversation on sports culture in Perth County

Event to feature TSN correspondent and author of ‘We Breed Lions’ Rick Westhead

GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

A nationally recognized sports journalist will be in Stratford next month as part of a community effort to encourage discussion about respect, accountability and healthy relationships in sport.

Stop Violence Against Women (StopVAW) Perth County is hosting Tackling Sports Culture Together featuring TSN senior correspondent and author Rick Westhead May 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Burnside Agriplex. The free public event will explore how sports organizations, families and communities can work together to foster safer and more respectful environments for young athletes, particularly in light of recent high-profile cases involving hazing, abuse and sexual violence in Canadian sport.

Jen Olenewa, manager of public education at Optimism Place Women’s Shelter and coordinator with the StopVAW coordinating committee, said the idea for the event came after she heard Westhead speak previously and recognized the relevance of the conversation for Stratford and Perth County’s strong sports community.

“I know we’ve got a big sports community here and that this is an issue that we all should care about,” Olenewa said. “What Rick talks about in his book really helps people understand not only the experiences of women who have been sexually assaulted, but also the male-on-male violence that can happen within locker rooms as part of hazing. It’s harmful and it’s often silenced.”

Westhead’s book, We Breed Lions: Confronting Canada’s Troubled Hockey Culture, examines the culture surrounding hockey in Canada and the systems that can enable harmful behaviour, while also highlighting efforts to create change through education and accountability.

Olenewa said one of the goals of the event is to broaden the conversation beyond supporting survivors and encourage more engagement among men and boys.

“We can protect survivors all we want, but if men remain disengaged from the conversation, then we never see an end to this,” she said. “We need to start having honest conversations about how behaviours that are normalized in locker rooms can have impacts far beyond sport.”

The event will include a presentation on Coaching Boys Into Men, an evidence-based program designed to help coaches promote healthy relationships, consent awareness and positive team environments among young athletes.

Olenewa said coaches, parents, athletes and sports organizations all play an important role in shaping the culture young people experience.

“Coaches often spend more time with these young people than almost anyone else in their lives, so they have an opportunity to help shape who they become,” she said. “If we’re teaching respect, consent and healthy relationships, those young people will carry that into the community.”

Organizers are encouraging anyone involved in sports, including athletes, parents, coaches, team officials and community members, to attend.

“We want people to be part of this new conversation,” Olenewa said. “If we want safer communities, we need to be willing to look at how sports culture influences behaviour and what we can do differently.”

A youth-focused session for Grade 11 and 12 students involved in sports is also being planned earlier in the day May 5, from 2-4 p.m., giving young leaders an opportunity to discuss how they can help foster positive team environments.

A few weeks after the event, organizers hope to hold a community debrief session to continue the conversation

and identify practical next steps for local organizations. Community members interested in attending either the evening or afternoon session can learn more by contacting stopvaw@optimismplace.com.

Stonetown Treats making spring a bit sweeter

Sadie Martin, owner of Stonetown Treats, always enjoyed baking.

Her passion came from a young age, learning from her grandmother, Sally Benny, who was well known in Thorndale for her baking and especially her butter tarts. Benny won prizes for her baked goods at the Thorndale Fair and always gave back to the community and her church.

“Baking just always gave me a lot of joy because of the connection to my grandmother and it’s just a way for people to connect, and I just think that it’s really lovely,” Martin said.

Martin also learned some baking techniques on her own and can usually be found in the kitchen baking goodies for events like family gatherings, including birthday cakes.

“My favourite time of year is Christmastime for baking because I can just go all out and do big platter trays for my family and my friends,” she said. “I’ve never baked professionally before, so it’s all very new. Right now, I’m just trying to figure out the ins and outs.”

For a while, other family members encouraged her to pursue something further with baking. After talking about it for months with her sister-in-law, the two are renting a commercial kitchen where Martin does all the baking.

“It just kind of spiraled from there and I just kind of jumped in,” Martin said.

In a short time, Martin had to get a safe food handler’s certificate and contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to find out the restrictions as a home baker. For now, she doesn’t have to worry about labelling or ingredients as it’s on a pre-order basis, but she cannot make desserts with cream cheese, custard, or whipped cream.

“Working within the restrictions is hard. A good example is the cupcakes in that I have to use a buttercream that is at least 65 per-cent sugar for it to fall into the home-baked goods (category) so it is a sweeter buttercream,” she said. “Again, it limits my options a little bit, but I’m doing my best to work around it and put out the best stuff I can.”

Ultimately, Martin would like to have a permanent location to do her baking and become a farmers market vendor, but she will be focusing on creating goodies for pre-order in the meantime.

Stonetown Treats had its first pre-order and cookie drop for Easter and it was successful.

“I had a lot of orders and the response was very very

nice; a lot of people had very nice things to say,” Martin said.

There will be a Mother’s Day treat drop on May 9 that features vanilla cupcakes in a floral design, lemon cupcakes, strawberry shortcake cupcakes and Biscoff cupcakes, along with a mixed-treat box.

The Mother’s Day mixed treat box will have mint-chocolate cookies, a strawberry chocolate blondie, a sugar-cookie bar, a caramel-crunch brownie and a cranberry coconut white-chocolate bar. Orders will be accepted until May 5, or until sold out.

To place an order with Stonetown Treats online, either send a direct message to the Stonetown Treats Facebook page or email stonetowntreats@outlook.com.

The upcoming Stonetown Treats Mother’s Day drop will feature a variety of cupcakes for the occasion.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF SADIE MARTIN)

Sadie Martin, owner of Stonetown Treats, and her son, Devin Martin.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF SADIE MARTIN)

EMILY STEWART

Independent Reporter

Little Falls students learn the benefits of a triathlon

Students at Little Falls Public School had the opportunity to learn about participating in a triathlon from the organizer of a triathlon planned for St. Marys this summer.

The Stonetown Triathlon will be taking place on Sunday, July 5, at the St. Marys Quarry with distances depending on age group. The triathlon is organized by Balance Point Triathlon Club out of London and the Town of St. Marys.

As part of a pilot project to generate interest in the race, Balance Point triathlete Garth Jansen visited Little Falls Public School on four separate occasions, educating students from grades three to six about the history of the sport that combines three different sports – swimming, biking and running.

The town has been very supportive of this event since supporting the Ontario

Summer Games Triathlon two years ago. Jansen was connected with Little Falls vice principal Luke van Schaik, who introduced him to teacher Lynn McDougall. McDougall helped organize the sessions, making it a group effort to bring this to fruition.

Jansen, who completed his first triathlon nearly 20 years ago, wanted to relay his love of the sport to the students and encourage them to consider signing up for the event in July. Biking has always been his strongest and favourite part. Judging by the smiles and excitement, Jansen kept the students engaged while teaching them the benefits they would get from these three sports over a lifetime, including exercise, socializing with friends and just having fun.

The workshop started out with a history lesson. For those who don’t know, the first triathlon was hosted in 1974 in Mission Bay, Calif., by two friends who wanted to change up their boring track routine and

decided to combine the three sports.

The most well-known triathlon race is the Ironman, which was first started in Hawaii by a group of people who were arguing if the best athletes were swimmers, bikers or runners. To put the distances into perspective for the Ironman race, the swim portion is 3.9 kilometres, which would be approximately from the Quarry to Hearn’s and back. The Bike portion is 180 kilometres, the equivalent of biking to Toronto, and the running portion, roughly 42 kilometres, would be like running from the Quarry to London.

The training and dedication are remarkable for those who participate in a race of that magnitude. The kids also learned the very first Olympic gold medal in triathlon was won by Canadian Simon Whitfield in the Sydney, Australia Olympics in 2000.

Jansen then led the students through a visualization activity to help them understand the distance of each leg of the race, which will start with the swimming

portion at the quarry, then cycling along the streets and running along the Thames River.

After that, it was time to play. The students were put into groups where they had the chance to participate in a mock triathlon involving pretend swimming while wearing swim caps and goggles. They then ran back to put on bike helmets and jump on a bike and then finished up running a track around some pylons. It was easy to see how much fun the students were having cheering each other on when it was their turn to race.

The following are the distances for the July triathlon.

Age

For more information on the Stonetown Triathlon taking place in July and to register, visit www.bptriathlon.ca/stonetowntri.

Mrs. Lantz’s Grade 4/5 class listen as Garth Jansen gives a history lesson on the triathlon. Jansen ran some workshops to generate interest in the Stonetown Triathlon taking place Sunday, July 5, in St. Marys.

(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)

On your mark, get set, GO!! These racers are all set to try a triathlon.

(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)

Louis Bradley-Lind had a great time on the cycling portion of his race.

(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)

For the swim part of the race, the students wore swim caps and goggles to see what it was like to switch from that to bike helmets.

(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)

WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter

Perth South begins 2026 budget deliberations with proposed 7.5% tax increase

GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

Perth South council has begun deliberations on its 2026 draft budget, which proposes a 7.5-per-cent increase to the municipal – township and county – portion of the tax bill for local property owners.

Council reviewed the draft operating and capital budgets during a special meeting April 2, marking the first step in a budget process that will continue over the coming weeks before a final budget is adopted later this spring. According to CAO Will Jacques, the township’s 2026 budget timeline differs from some neighbouring municipalities due to Perth South’s decision not to use strong mayor powers, allowing the entire council to participate collaboratively in the process.

“Mayor (Sue) Orr made the decision in the fall of 2025 to include all of council in the budget process, and therefore not proceed using strong mayor powers,” Jacques said, noting that decision meant council was not able to formally begin budget deliberations until after Feb. 1. “We had hoped to commence the process closer to Feb. 1, but we experienced some scheduling challenges which slightly delayed our process.”

The draft budget includes a proposed levy increase of $499,500, representing a 10.65-per-cent increase over 2025.

Factoring in assessment growth of $13,497,000, the resulting tax-rate increase for the township portion of the tax bill is estimated at 3.92 per cent, translating to an overall increase of about 7.5 per cent on the final tax bill inclusive of both the township and county portions. Perth County council approved a 2026 budget with an 8.75 per-cent levy increase back in February.

Based on those estimates, the impact on a property assessed at the average 2016 value of $500,000 would be approximately $195.96 for residential properties, $49 for farmland and $244.38 for commercial properties.

The township’s draft operating budget includes increases in several departments, including general government, protective services and transportation services.

According to the draft operating budget document, overall general government spending is projected to increase in 2026, driven in part by rising salary and benefit costs, technology expenses, continued investment in municipal administration and services, and costs related to the 2026 municipal election. In total, the

general government budget is proposed at roughly $630,000, up by more than $185,000 over 2025.

Protective services costs, including policing, fire services and contributions to conservation authorities, also represent a significant portion of the township’s operating expenditures – proposed at nearly $1.7 million, an increase by almost $100,000 over 2025.

Transportation services continue to account for a substantial share of municipal spending, including road maintenance, winter control and equipment-related costs needed to maintain the township’s road network. The transportation services budget is proposed at nearly $2.6 million, up from nearly $2.3 million budgeted in 2025.

Perth South’s draft 2026 capital budget includes 16 capital projects and purchases this year, totalling approximately $5.24 million funded through a combination of reserves, grants and tax-levy contributions.

Planned capital spending includes road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects, equipment purchases and information-technology investments such as server replacement and records-management improvements.

Among the larger road projects pro-

posed for 2026 are improvements to Road 134/Station Road, Perth Line 15 (Perth Road 122 to Perth Road 130), Perth Line 16 (Perth Road 130 to Perth Road 122), and Perth Line 14 between Perth Road 130 and Perth Road 125, along with work on Bender Drive.

The capital plan also includes investments in municipal technology and administrative infrastructure, including upgrades intended to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Jacques said council has discussed implementing a consistent approach to reserve transfers and capital levy contributions to avoid large fluctuations in the tax rate from year to year and support longterm infrastructure sustainability.

“As part of the budget process, council has also discussed moving forward on a plan to provide consistent reserve transfers and capital levy contributions to keep rates from fluctuating greatly from year to year, and to provide for greater sustainability for the township’s infrastructure,” Jacques said.

Council will continue reviewing the draft budget at its April 21 meeting before considering adoption later this year. Council comments and any proposed amendments to the draft budget will be incorporated as deliberations continue.

Perth County awards $760,000 tender for culvert replacement south of Shakespeare

GALEN SIMMONS

Regional Editor

Perth County council has awarded a contract worth just over $760,000 for the replacement of a culvert on Perth Road 107 south of Shakespeare, a project that will require a full 19-day road closure later this year but is expected to come in well under budget.

At its April 2 meeting, county council accepted the tender results presented by director of public works Bill Wilson and awarded the contract to Cope Construction & Contracting Inc., the low bidder, at a cost of $760,785.80 excluding HST. The project had been budgeted at $1.3 million in the county’s 2026 capital budget, meaning the accepted bid is significantly below the approved funding amount for the work.

“This project includes the replacement of a cast-in-place (culvert) that was originally constructed in 1950,” county public works director Bill Wilson said. “Over its 75-year service life, this structure has developed several condition-related concerns which have been documented in several OSIM (Ontario Structure Inspection Manual) reports.”

The culvert that will be replaced is on Perth Road 107 between the CN Rail line

and Perth Line 33, where the existing concrete culvert carries the Shakespeare Municipal Drain beneath the roadway.

The culvert has been identified in multiple inspections as requiring replacement due to structural deficiencies related to age, alignment issues and deterioration of the existing footings.

According to the report presented to council, the replacement culvert will feature a pre-cast concrete box design measuring 3.6 metres in span and three metres in rise, providing improved alignment with the watercourse and increased flow efficiency through the structure.

“This will support better flow through the site and the cast-in-place structure provides a service life of up to 100 years,” Wilson said.

While staged construction was initially considered to allow traffic to contin-

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ue flowing during the work, the county determined that approach would significantly increase both project costs and construction timelines. Instead, Perth Road 107 will be fully closed between Perth Line 33 and Highway 7/8 for 19 days to allow the culvert replacement to be completed as efficiently as possible.

A detour route utilizing Highway 7/8, Perth Road 101 and Line 33 will be established and maintained for the duration of the closure.

Construction timing is also subject to environmental regulations associated with the Shakespeare Drain, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). In-water work is only permitted between July 15 and March 15, meaning construction is expected to begin after mid-July and be completed no

later than Nov. 6.

Fifteen bids were submitted through the county’s online procurement process prior to the March 17 deadline, with staff and the county’s consulting engineer reviewing submissions to confirm compliance with bonding, insurance and technical requirements.

The report notes Cope Construction & Contracting Inc. has demonstrated experience completing similar bridge and culvert projects for other municipalities including the City of Sarnia and Lambton County, and has received positive reference checks supporting the company’s suitability for the work.

The culvert replacement is being completed in advance of broader road rehabilitation work planned for this section of Perth Road 107 in 2028.

Additional project costs, including engineering, permitting, quality-control testing and contract administration, will be managed separately but are expected to keep the overall project within its approved budget allocation.

Electronic message boards and project signage will be used to notify motorists of the upcoming closure, and updates will be provided through the county’s website and social media channels as construction approaches.

Perth South approves summer schedule changes

GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

Perth South council has approved two new initiatives designed to make better use of staff time while supporting improved work-life balance during the summer season.

At its April 7 meeting, council approved a change to the public works department’s summer work schedule, moving from a traditional five-day, eight-hour work week to a four-day, 10-hour-per-day schedule. Council also approved a summer hours pilot program that will allow municipal office staff to shorten their lunch breaks to close the municipal office early on Friday afternoons.

“Similar ideas here, but they are from different perspectives,” township CAO Will Jaques told council. “ … From the public works perspective, under normal circumstances, this type of decision would be management based – making sure that the right employees are at the right spot at the right time. But in fairness to council, we did think it appropriate to bring forward.

“ … For public works in particular, I can tell you that this is quite a common process for many municipalities during the summer months. Part of it is certainly a benefit to the operator, but there’s much more benefit to the municipality.”

According to a staff report presented by Jacques and deputy CAO/treasurer Tracy

Johnson, the revised public works schedule is intended to improve operational efficiency and productivity while providing staff with greater flexibility during the summer construction and maintenance season.

Under the approved change, public works staff will work four 10-hour days each week between June 1 and Sept. 30, with the possibility of starting as early as May 1 depending on coordination with subcontractors and service providers.

Staff noted that longer workdays allow operators such as grader and mower crews to remain in the field for longer periods without needing to return to the shop early, reducing travel time and minimizing disruptions to projects. The extended workday is also expected to create more time for equipment maintenance, helping ensure machinery remains in good working condition throughout the busy summer season.

The report also highlights the benefit of a consistent additional weekday off, typically Friday, giving employees more time for personal appointments, errands and family commitments without needing to take time off during regular work hours.

Staff noted the schedule change may also reduce overtime costs while supporting the township’s strategic priority of delivering efficient municipal services.

“If you’re telling me everything is going to be covered, I’m all for it,” Coun. Jeff Bell said. “I’ve been in similar sit-

uations … and maybe if there’s one fulltime employee or they rotate or whatever where someone’s got Monday off and they work Tuesday to Friday (that would) just ensure there’s always staff in.

“I’m not directing you on how to approach it, but to me it certainly makes sense and I support it.”

Others around the council table echoed Bell’s support for the initiative, with Coun. Jaime Martin pointing out it makes the township a more attractive employer by offering greater work-life balance.

Councillors did note, however, there could be some complications when it comes to coordinating staff hours with the schedules of contractors and subcontractors. Johnson said staff will clearly communicate any schedule changes to the township’s outside contractors, and either they will adjust their schedules, or the township will adjust staff schedules to ensure all necessary work is completed under township supervision.

Council also approved a summer hours pilot program that will allow administrative staff to adjust their lunch schedules to allow for an earlier office closure on Fridays.

Under the pilot program, staff will be permitted to shorten their lunch break to 30 minutes Monday through Thursday and forego a lunch break entirely on Fridays, allowing the accumulated time to be applied toward closing the municipal office at 1:30 p.m. each Friday from the

first full week of June until the Labour Day weekend.

According to the staff report, walk-in traffic at the municipal office is typically minimal on Friday afternoons during the summer months, reducing the impact of the earlier closure on residents. Staff will continue to monitor operational needs to ensure any essential Friday afternoon services remain available if required.

Municipal staff identified the pilot program as a no-cost initiative intended to support recruitment and retention efforts while promoting employee morale and productivity.

“It might be a little more about worklife balance, it might be a little more about something staff can (take advantage of) a little bit, but not at the risk of the ratepayer,” Jaques said. “Having said that, I appreciate fully that there would be fewer office hours and less availability on that Friday.

“ … We are in 2026, which is an election year. There may be things on a Friday that need to be done. Staff will adjust accordingly for that. Very much the same if the office needs to be open for something. If someone has to be there on Friday, we will make those same adjustments.”

The pilot program will be evaluated at the end of the summer, with staff expected to report back to council on any benefits or challenges and provide recommendations on whether the program should continue in future years.

It’s another record-setting year for United Way’s fundraising efforts

After another record-setting fundraising year for the United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH), the community came out for a night of celebration – specifically marking a total of $4.8 million for the United Way and its partner organization United Housing.

“Combined, we have raised more than $4.8 million, which is an incredible achievement for our organization,” said Ryan Erb, executive director of United Way. “We set out with a goal to raise over $2.5 million for our annual campaign and needed to raise (that) money to get housing projects off the ground – and combined, it’s quite an achievement.

“... The big thing is to remember why we’re doing what we’re doing. At that evening, there were stories shared from people who receive support and service in the community and what we want to help everyone understand is that approximately 25,000 people are helped every year because of people investing in United Way, and it really makes a difference in people’s lives.”

The annual celebration for the United For Good campaign was held the evening of April 2 at the Best Western Plus Arden Park Hotel in Stratford. While $4.8 million was raised in total this year, $2.56 million was raised specifically for the campaign, smashing the $2.52-million goal.

The other portion of funds raised, $2.27 million, was secured for United Housing, which is focused on building affordable housing in its service area across Perth

and Huron counties, through a mix of donations, grants, low-interest municipal loans and community bonds.

Community bonds are a new tool used to raise funds. They are essentially an investment in a local property, offering a percentage of return after a short term. Once the term is reached, purchasers of a community bond have the opportunity to receive their capital back or roll it into another investment.

United Housing is currently working on a 10-unit affordable housing development in Listowel. Erb also revealed to the Times they have secured the former Molly Bloom’s property in downtown Stratford, with the plan for converting it into nine units of affordable housing with commercial space for a not-for-profit organization.

More details on that project will be forthcoming, Erb said.

and Sainsbury for their kindness, generosity and passion.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve as campaign co-chair over the past two years,” said Sainsbury in a media release from the United Way. “We couldn’t have done this without the generosity of the businesses and people in our community who stepped up to support the campaign. I am blown away by the dedication of the volunteers and staff at the United Way who work tirelessly to raise awareness in our communities.”

“My biggest takeaway from the past two years was the energy of the volunteers and the commitment of the United Way staff. The team is outstanding – people who give their all to ensure that much-needed services are delivered throughout Huron and Perth counties,” added Wolfe. “It’s also been amazing to see the generosity of our community. We truly live in an area where people really care for and help each other.”

That night, the United Way also presented volunteer awards to Ellen Barnett, Gwen Bradley, Sarah Bussey, Sally Desjardine, Karen Dickins, Patti Fievoli, Bernice Glenn, Wendy Hutton, Andrea Loohuizen, Nick Skinner, Tom Soltys, Terri Sparling and Denise Winger. UWPH also presented Spirit awards to Beth Blowes, Peter Maranger & Associates, Ward & Uptigrove, Soup Surreal and Jayden’s Mechanical.

Erb said $735,000 was raised through community bonds in about three months, a colossal amount of money in a very short amount of time.

On a night full of inspiring stories, gratitude and celebration, the United Way also took time to honour the contributions of outgoing campaign co-chairs, John Wolfe and Kristin Sainsbury. Erb thanked wolfe

FIO Automotive Canada once again topped the list of workplace fundraising campaigns, raising $174,696 including a dollar-for-dollar corporate match.

Campaign co-chairs John Wolfe and Kristin Sainsbury watch United Way Perth-Huron’s fundraising total reveal.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

CONNOR LUCZKA Independent Reporter

Heaven’s Gateway Ministries seeking financial donations as Kenyan orphanage in desperate repair need

EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter

Rev. Janet Jolly-Lockyer and Alec Lockyer of St. Marys are urgently looking to repair an orphanage in Kenya and ensure the safety and security of the children who have been living there.

The Lockyers, who run Heaven’s Gateway Ministries, opened the orphanage, Kakamega Place Childrens’ Rescue and Home, also known as KP, in Kisumu, Kenya. With Jolly-Lockyer as bishop, Heaven’s Gateway Ministries runs 284 churches in three different East African countries and other programs addressing hunger, education, health and endangerment issues children face.

After nearly a year of operations, the orphanage has 30 children between the ages of five and 14 years old living there under the care of four staff members. The children recently had to be evacuated and relocated after a leaking roof caused by heavy rain and hailstorms that hit East Africa. The damage is right above the children’s dormitories.

For now, the children have been split up into three groups living in three different locations, including the boys in a church, some of the girls at the village chief’s home and other girls with a pastor.

Government authorities told Heaven’s Gateway Ministries the situation was unacceptable and that per a bylaw, can take the children away from the care of the orphanage at any time and relocate them where they see fit unless the roof of the building is fixed within a week.

“This is sending the children right back into the very situations that we saved them from, so we are desperately trying to get sufficient money together to go ahead

and do these repairs as fast as we can,” Jolly-Lockyer said.

There are some buildings on KP grounds that are unused and could be used for temporary living accommodations with roofs also in need of repair. Authorities gave the okay for temporarily moving the children’s beds and belongings from the dorms to the other building, but the repair still needs to be done. Repair costs are estimated between $1,800 and $2,500 Canadian dollars, or 180,000 to 250,000 Kenyan shillings.

Prior to living at the orphanage, some of the children were either orphaned, living in abusive situations, living in prisons, or subject to prostitution. Throughout the interview with the St. Marys Independent, Jolly-Lockyer said she could not fathom thinking about the children returning to such situations, and they have been thriving since living at the orphanage.

“They are now well, healthy, exceptionally bright, exceptionally happy and for the authorities to say, ‘You’ve got to get this building done and the children back onto the KP site within a week,’ is totally unreasonable, but it’s also totally upsetting for us because we have struggled for the last year to be able to keep them in the fashion that we have been doing so,” she said.

The Lockyers live off of a small pension and in a small apartment, sending any money they can. Alec Lockyer went around St. Marys to tell the story to people he provided snow shovelling for and was promised donations at some point. The deputy of the orphanage has called a meeting with the church leaders in and just outside of Kenya to see if any money can be pooled together towards repair costs. However, Jolly-Lockyer said that many in the area are in poverty.

Financial donations for the repairs are accepted either through e-transfer or cheque, though e-transfers are preferred. Cheques can be made to Heaven’s Gateway Ministries Inc. and e-transfers can be sent to revjanet. jollylockyer@yahoo.ca.

St. Marys Rev. Janet Jolly-Lockyer and Alec Lockyer of Heaven’s Gateway Ministries.

(FILE PHOTO)

Musical talent winners at the 2026 Mitchell Optimist Music Festival

Two St. Marys students made a big impact on adjudicators at the 2026 Mitchell Optimist Music Festival.

For 79 years, the community of Mitchell has been hosting the Mitchell Optimist Music Festival, which focuses on competitive and non-competitive categories including vocal, dance, instrumental, oral speaking or drama and percussion for all ages.

This year, the festival took place from March 30 to April 10 with the theme, “Small World, One Stage.” Hundreds of participants gathered to compete, create friendships and encourage community spirit. The 2026 adjudicator for vocal and instrumental categories was renowned

baritone and former resident of Kirkton, James Westman. The adjudicator is an expert performer who evaluates the presentations at festivals and concerts.

Vasy Shyshkivska, who is in Grade 7 at St. Marys DCVI, and Demian Shyshkivski, who is in Grade 5 at Little Falls Public School, took part in the vocals category and came home big winners for sharing their talent at this year’s festival.

Vasy, 13, took first place for Class CV12 intermediate (grades seven to eight) song from a movie vocal solo. She also took first place for Class CVS-3 Conservatory Grade 3 vocal solo, own choice, as well as first place for Class CV-14 kindergarten to Grade 8 folk song vocal solo, own choice, with any accompaniment.

Along with the three first-place finish-

es, Vasy was also awarded a certificate for the adjudicator’s choice in contemporary music.

“My favourite part is singing on stage and being inspired by the other participants,” Vasy said of her experience.

Vasy said winning the awards meant a lot to her as they signify how much she has accomplished.

Demian came in first for Class CVS1 Conservatory Grade 1 vocal solo, own choice, and placed second for junior (grades four, five and six) musical-theatre solo. He also walked away with the West Firefighters award for highest mark for conservatory vocal solo and the Promising Vocalist Award sponsored by Walther’s/Walt’s Pharmacy.

For Demian, winning these awards also signifies that he has reached the next

PUBLIC NOTICE / AVIS PUBLIC

PUBLIC NOTICE / AVIS PUBLIC

level in his performance abilities.

“My favourite part of the competition is when I move across the stage, and the audience watches me and applauds,” Demian said.

Both students have been training under musician Barbara Dunn-Prosser. Vasy has been singing for a year and Demian for just six months.

“It’s a real pleasure to teach such enthusiastic and committed young singers,” Dunn-Prosser said. “Both Vasy and Demian are progressing well and I look forward to them having more performance opportunities in the future.”

Dunn-Prosser sponsors Demian and Stratford singer-songwriter and musician Loreena McKennitt sponsors Vasy.

Bell Mobility would like to notify area residents of a proposal of a new telecommunications installation situated at the end of Carling Street. The proposed installation will be a 60m self support. All of the equipment required to operate the facility will be located inside an equipment shelter at the base of the tower.

Bell Mobility would like to notify area residents of a proposal of a new telecommunications installation situated at the end of Carling Street. The proposed installation will be a 60m selfsupport. All of the equipment required to operate the facility will be located inside an equipment shelter at the base of the tower.

Bell Mobilité. souhaite informer les résidents de la région d’une proposition d’installation de télécommunications située sur une partie de la rue Carling. L’installation proposée sera une tour autoportante de 60 m. Tout l’équipement nécessaire pour faire fonctionner l’installation sera situé à l’intérieur d’un abri d’équipement à la base de la tour.

Bell Mobilité. souhaite informer les résidents de la région d’une proposition d’installation de télécommunications située sur une partie de la rue Carling. L’installation proposée sera une tour autoportante de 60 m. Tout l’équipement nécessaire pour faire fonctionner l’installation sera situé à l’intérieur d’un abri d’équipement à la base de la tour.

This

Cette nouvelle installation de télécommunications

Cette nouvelle installation de télécommunications

Améliorera la couverture dans la région de la ville de St. Marys.

Améliorera la couverture dans la région de la ville de St. Marys

begin pre-arranging

Written comments can be faxed to (403) 263-5263

Written comments can be faxed to (403) 263-5263

Email to notify@scottland.ca

Email to notify@scottland.ca

Scott Telecom Services Ltd.

Scott Telecom Services Ltd.

Suite 900, Bow Valley Square 1

Suite 900, Bow Valley Square 1

202 – 6th Avenue SW

202 – 6th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 2R9

All comments will be accepted until May 16, 2026.

Calgary, AB T2P 2R9

All comments

be

funeral by scanning this QR code or visiting www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca and clicking on “Resources” then “pre-arrange online” to complete a basic information form.

This new telecommunications facility will improve coverage to the Town of St. Marys area.

new telecommunications facility will improve coverage to the Town of St. Marys area.

WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter

St. Marys student Demian Shyshkivski, musician James Westman and St. Marys student Vasy Shyshkivska are all smiles during the Mitchell Optimist Music Festival.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

From left to right, Vasy Shyshkivska, music teacher Barbara Dun-Posser, Demian Shyshkivski and proud mom and sister Nataliia and Alina, who were at the Mitchell Optimist Music Festival to cheer on Vasy and Demian.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Friendship Centre hosts Spring Scrapathon

A poem by Ione Grover

The world is in a mess today

But how can we just turn away? We can’t just yell and scream and cry That sends up toxins to the sky.

Instead we breathe and find our peace Which helps the fear to then release This frees our minds and bodies too To find our souls so deep and true.

But can this help a world that’s broken? It sounds too much like just a token, But yet I know that we’re all one A radiant light, a shining sun.

To share our light is life’s true mission, To love each other without condition, It sounds so simple. Don’t judge. Just love. Our world could be like heaven above

If we could build a new foundation Of love, respect, cooperation, There’d be no war or poverty Love births a new reality.

On Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Friendship Centre held its Spring Scrapathon fundraiser. The day consisted of scrapbooking, great giveaways, a silent auction, a continental breakfast, lunch and dinner. The funds raised support St. Marys Senior services. A wonderful day was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to all the volunteers who donated their time to make this day a huge success. Pictured below are some of the volunteers who helped at this special event. From left are Marion, Shirley, Melody, Vicki, Karen, Jenny, Allyson and Sarah.

(NANCY BICKELL PHOTO)

St. Marys Independent SPORTS

U13 A Boys win OMHA provincial championship

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Independent Sports Reporter

The St. Marys Firefighters U13 A Boys St. Marys Rock captured a provincial title at the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Provincial Championships in Whitby April 3-5.

Head coach Merlin Malinowski told the Independent the tournament was a culmination of everything the team had been building all season.

“What really impressed me was the way they put it all together,” said Malinowski. “I think everything that we talked about and worked towards during the year; we talked about controlling our emotions during the game and discipline on the ice, as far as not taking bad penalties. All those little things that we talked about that we worked on all came together on that final weekend. At times, games were tight, and they kept things in check. They really played as a team and really worked for each other. They were each other’s top fan, and those are the kinds of things that impressed me as I look back on it.”

Malinowski added the group’s ability to keep their emotions in check was vital to finding success at provincials.

“The discipline and holding their emotions together was big because we talked about losing at the International Silver Stick; it was all about losing our emotions,” Malinowski said. “Losing our emotions in that game and getting unfocused cost us. We had a couple of things that challenged us over the weekend, and they came through and remembered and did it right.”

The Rock won every game at provincials, maintaining an unbeaten record all season. Malinowski said the weight of preserving their unbeaten record never entered his players’ thought process.

“They never really thought about their record,” said Malinowski. “No one ever said, ‘Come on, let’s win another one, let’s stay undefeated.’ It was always just the next game, and let’s go out and play. It was always just the challenge in front of them, and I think that kind of focus was what carried them right through. All of a sudden, you’re looking and realize, ‘Hey, we didn’t lose a game.’ ”

St. Marys met a familiar foe in the semi-finals, battling the South Oxford Storm, a massive game for Malinowski’s squad.

“South Oxford is our biggest rival in the province and in our league, so we were really looking forward to that game. South Oxford took some penalties, but we stayed focused and kept our cool, and we were able to cash in on that, and then bouncing back after that. When you have a game like that in the morning, which is just so full of emotion, and you win it, and you just feel so good about it, but now three hours later, you’re getting ready for the finals, to be able to regroup and get focused again was great.”

Owen Leslie-Robinson opened the scoring in the semis with the eventual game-winner with just over five minutes left in the first period. The Rock then exploded for three goals in the span of a minute by one minute and 54 seconds, including by Theo Keller, Attley Ehgoetz and Hudson Monteith. Lucas Savile picked up the shutout in between the pipes to push the Rock to the 4-0 win and advance to the gold-medal game.

In the finals, St. Marys came up against the West Coast White Caps, with Malinowski noting the team still delivered a strong effort even though they were somewhat emotionally depleted after the game against South Oxford.

“We didn’t play our best game of the tournament, but we still played as a group, and even though it was a tight,

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Deon Keller.

one-goal game, pretty much for most of the game, they stayed together,” Malinowski said. “Sometimes, you can turn into an individual, thinking, ‘I’m going to win the game for us,’ and they didn’t. They just kept playing the same style of game that we’ve talked about all year, and we were able to hang on.”

Malinowski added he began to really feel confident in the team’s chances in the finals when they went up by a pair of goals.

“I remember standing on the bench going, ‘Where’s the emotion?’ I talked about emotional control, but there’s also that emotion that you have to have. But I also know we left it all out in the morning against South Oxford, so you’re trying to talk them up and lift that energy level.

“We got out to that two-goal lead, and once we did, I was starting to feel pretty confident in the way we were playing,” Malinowski continued. “We were defending really well, and that’s been a trademark of our team. We only gave up four goals at provincials. I knew our goaltending was on, our defence was really solid and I saw that’s how we were playing, so I started feeling pretty confident that we would be okay.”

After a scoreless first period, the Rock got two goals just two minutes and 36 seconds apart, first by Leslie-Robinson followed by Myles Havens scoring the eventual game winner. The White Caps got one back later in the second, but Savile shut the door the rest of the way to backstop St. Marys to a 2-1 lead and the provincial banner.

Malinowski described how special the moment was when the game concluded.

“The greatest pleasure is watching the kids when that final buzzer goes, and they’re throwing their gloves and their helmets off, and they’re racing to the goalie, and the arms are up in the air, and they’re hugging each other

and the smiles. You can’t beat that feeling. That makes it all worthwhile, and you just feel on top of the world.”

Branch 236, St. Marys

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The St. Marys Firefighters U13 A Boys St. Marys Rock capped off an undefeated season with an OMHA Provincial Championship in Whitby April 3-5. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Matthew McCarty, Theo Keller, Charles Coppins, Joey Brown, Jax Parsons, Talon Nov, Attley Ehgoetz and Lucas Savile. In the second row, from left, are Myles Havens, Keaton Ward, Owen Robinson, Hudson Monteith, Gavin Santagapita, Liam Showers, Emmett Parkinson, Talan Ward and Nick Simons. In the back row, from left, are Harper Murrell, Merlin Malinowski, Mark Monteith, Jeremy Savile, Jon Ward and

Synterra FUN3 Snipers win gold at regionals

The Synterra FUN3 St. Marys Snipers emerged as champions of the Regional Championship March 20-22 in London.

According to head coach Kerry Vergeer, the squad didn’t start the season as favourites to have such a successful season.

“They just got so much better as the year went on,” Vergeer said. “Being a predominantly first-year team, it was, for sure, an uphill climb in terms of learning everything that the game had to offer. We were definitely the underdogs of this season in so many aspects, even in our own organization. We felt the underdog story was really, really nice for us, and I think the kids felt like they had something to prove. It was unbelievable. They really did it.”

Vergeer described the all-around progression of a team that was largely brand new to ringette.

“We went from having some players who were just learning to skate, some playing their first year of full ringette and some who could barely pass it to each other. The amount of growth that we saw all year trickled up, and I feel like (at regionals), everything clicked. Their plays, their cycling in from defence, their drop passing, their teamwork, right down to like determination and grit. It all just steadily went up and up and up as the year went on. You wouldn’t believe the difference between the team that showed up for our first practice and the team that showed up for the Regional (Championship) final.”

Though the team didn’t have the most success in league play, the Snipers fared incredibly well when they competed in tournaments, including a gold in their first tournament of the season, and every player registering a point over the course of their four tournaments. They went to the finals in three of their four tournaments, taking two golds and a silver.

“They continued to be determined to do it when the games got important,” Vergeer said. “Their drive got stronger. Their grit got deeper. They wanted it more when the going got tough. When we got into tournaments, these kids brought something deeper than they’d ever had. There’s something about that grit and de-

The Synterra

from

are Kerry

termination that was really awesome to watch.”

Vergeer added that ability to perform when the games were most significant was born of their teamwide focus on playing cohesively.

“I think it was based on the culture of teamwork that we bred this team on,” said Vergeer. “Ringette is such a team sport. I’d say the culture of just believing in each other, believing that the person you pass it to is going to make the play, believing that the play can go down without you being the only person who can do it for our team. They really believed in each other, and I feel like that’s how they found a deeper place inside themselves when it meant the most.”

As driven as the team is, Vergeer said the team never lost sight of the importance of enjoying every moment they could.

“Our culture was fun,” Vergeer said. “We played, we danced in between games, we danced in the dressing room, we came in with music and had fun always. The fun side and the friendship side really were part of the culture, all the way to the parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins,

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

the

aunts and uncles.

“That culture bled through our whole team right into the stands. Our parents got along so well that there was just nothing that could take this crew down in terms of their relationships, and the friendships built were equally as important for me. Watching them win the gold together felt really special, knowing that we’re losing three of those players to the next season and going to the next age group.”

Reflecting on her team’s play throughout the weekend, Vergeer raved about the group’s play at both ends of the ice.

“Our defence could not have played better. Obviously, the goal scorers get a lot of the celebration, but our defence really, really stepped up to the plate. We played beautiful, solid triangle defence. We cycled in so well. Our defence had a ton of goals as a result of cycling in. Our forwards and centres had to be aware to stay out when our defenders cycled in, and they played so smart and watched the cycling happen.”

The Snipers found an early confidence boost in their chances at coming out on top of the Regional Championship in their first game of the weekend against the team they later met in the finals.

“In the first game of the round-robin, which was a close game that we won

against Sunderland, we had eight kids on the scoresheet out of our 10 skaters,” Vergeer said. “Sunderland is a team we had never seen before, and I think us having that first win really sparked the kids to recognize that winning regionals was in our clutches if we play together like that.”

A record of two wins and one loss in round-robin play was enough to earn a spot in the finals, a rematch against Sunderland, which saw St. Marys explode out of the gate.

“We came out guns-a-blazing,” said Vergeer. “The kids wanted it. We scored all five of our goals in the first period. Again, our teamwork and our defence did it for us. We couldn’t have been better on defence. One of our defenders had surgery and couldn’t play, so we had another player step up and play an important role on defence. There was a beautiful goal by Emerson (Muir) from Natalie (Kittmer). That duo played so well all season together, but this weekend in particular, both of them had strong offensive tournaments.”

Emerson Muir scored the first two goals of the game, with Briar Cornwell scoring before Muir added two more goals to take a 5-0 lead in the first period.

Though Sunderland clawed back into the game, they couldn’t complete the comeback, with the Snipers riding an intense determination to the win.

“It was a pretty great feeling going into the second half of the game up 5-0,” Vergeer said. “Sunderland chipped away at that and came in and made it 5-3, but we were just really focused on doing everything together, and everything clicked. We woke up that morning, and it was not a matter of feeling like we could; it felt like we will. They had so much drive to do it.”

Vergeer added the Snipers weathered a feisty second half thanks to strong team play to close out their regionals win.

“The second half got really chippy, and there were a ton of penalties, us included, but we had restraint and composure and didn’t retaliate with silly penalties. A lot of our penalties were tripping and didn’t feel intentional, but we had great composure, and that helped us protect our lead.

“Sunderland was coming back, and it felt like momentum was swinging, and then our defence would just come out and stop it,” continued Vergeer. “Our goalie, Elizabeth (Robinson), had an extraordinary weekend as well. They just played so smart and so well as a team. They really believed in each other. They trusted in each other so much.”

FUN3 St. Marys Snipers won the Regional Championship in London March 20-22. Pictured in front is Elizabeth Robinson. In the first row, from left to right, are Briar Corneil, Lenny Vergeer, Annie Simons, Charlie Sharp and Ruby Kissler. In

back row,

left,

Vergeer, Tanya Buck, Michelle Robinson, Natalie Kittmer, Emerson Muir, Kinsley Buck, Keira Pfister, Jolee Beech, Ali Harrigan, Janette Whaling and Meredith Stokes.

Dr. Michael Nixon, Dr. Karl Weselan and Dr. Reem Amayem

Lincs fall into 2-0 hole in West Final against Stratford

At this point in the season, a team doesn’t have to play horribly to lose.

The St. Marys Lincolns did not crater in Game 1 and Game 2 of the Western Conference Final against the Stratford Warriors, but they didn’t manage a full 60-minute showing in either game.

They were good, but not great, at a time of the year when just good isn’t good enough.

In the first game of the series April 11, imperfect play through the first 40 minutes resulted in the Warriors taking a 3-0 lead. Assistant coach Mike Siddall told the Independent the team’s inconsistent performance ultimately cost them the first game of the series.

“It was a funny game,” Siddall said of Game 1. “We had moments of playing well, and we had moments of not playing well. In the moment, it feels like everything is not going your way and you’re not playing well, but after Jeff (Bradley) and Mike (Herman) watched it back, they said we actually did a lot of good things, and it wasn’t as bad as we thought on the bench. But, when you’re playing a good team like that, they make you play in ways you haven’t before.”

The Lincolns came to life in the third, delivering much better play, but, as Siddall pointed out, the incredibly tough defensive capabilities of the ever-stingy Warriors resulted in Stratford escaping with a 4-2 win.

“Stratford plays very structured as a five-man unit. They move up the ice together and they backcheck together, so when you’re playing a team that’s connected like that, it’s tough to hit holes and break them down. We just felt like we were chasing. We never got our confidence going. These are high-stress situations, and even though we have a lot of

maturity, they’re still kids, and how they deal with pressure is different than how we as coaches or the fans in the stands deal with it.

“There are moments when you get behind the eightball, and it feels like the end of the world, but it’s something that we’ve rallied around, and we can come from behind,” Siddall continued. “I think we need to get the first goal and get our mojo going and play with some confidence and play with the puck a bit more.”

The Lincolns travelled to Stratford for Game 2 on April 12, but for the second straight game, the Lincolns had a disappointing start to the contest. Only this time, the Warriors needed just half the time to jump out to a 3-0 lead, going up by three with just over three minutes left in the first period.

However, Ryan Hodkinson finally gave the Lincolns some life 61 seconds into the middle frame, but 22 seconds

later, Jaxon Broda restored the Warriors’ two-goal lead.

And so began a Sisyphus-like climb through the rest of the game, where seemingly every time the Lincolns got the metaphorical boulder near the top of the hill and got the game within one goal, the Warriors would answer back with a goal of their own.

St. Marys and Stratford traded goals for the rest of the game, which included Hodkinson completing a hat-trick, as well as single goals by Ethan Weir, Blake Elzinga and Chase MacQueen-Spence. Ultimately, the Lincolns couldn’t tie the game, losing 7-6 and falling behind two games to none in the series.

Siddall admitted it was trying to constantly watch the Warriors clap back every time the Lincolns scored.

“It felt heartbreaking every time because we have so much faith in our guys and we know that we can come back from behind, and once you see it happen-

ing and you get one or two goals closer, there was no doubt once we got that first goal. You can feel it some games where you’re not going to be able to come back and get yourself in the game. But the whole time on the bench, it felt like we could do it. We felt like we could get back into it, and we did, so every time that they scored again, it was a little deflating, but we kept clawing back.”

The Lincolns, who gave up the fewest goals in the West in the regular season, have suddenly allowed 11 in just two games, which Siddall noted wasn’t down to major shortcomings in the defensive zone, but rather momentary errors with costly ramifications.

“It comes down to lapses in judgment,” Siddall said. “It’s not even major things that we’re doing wrong. It’s just missed assignments. Half a second here and half a second there goes a long way at this point in the season. The little stuff feels like it’s adding up to big things, and that’s what’s happening.

“We’re breaking down each goal and saying, ‘Here’s what we can do better and where this guy should and shouldn’t be.’ I hope the guys will see that. They’ve always responded well to that kind of stuff and what we’ve been asking of them, so hopefully, those little lapses in judgment get cleaned up.”

When reflecting on the up-and-down play by the Lincolns through the first two games of the series, Siddall detailed what they did when they had success.

“We started to get to the middle more,” said Siddall. “We were getting pucks in the middle of the ice, getting some bodies in front and playing with that desperation. We should be playing with that desperation for a full 60 minutes. We’re gripping the stick tight. We have to be ready right off the opening faceoff and play a full 60 with structured hockey and high-skill hockey.”

Ryan Hodkinson, pictured, has four goals through two games of the Western Conference Final for the St. Marys Lincolns against the Stratford Warriors.

(TR SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO)

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Sports Reporter

Jennifer Hatch gearing up for another fun racing season

Jennifer Hatch, a service advisor at St. Marys Ford and realtor at PC275 Realty, is getting ready for another year of auto racing.

More than three decades in, Hatch hasn’t been able to give up racing.

“I’ve been racing since 1993,” Hatch told the Independent. “I’ve had three kids through that, four grandkids through that, and I have to be one of the oldest women out there racing. I always say I’m going to retire, and then I never retire. Every time I think about selling my car, there’s just no way. I just can’t.”

The reason for that, according to Hatch, is racing has been a part of her life since the moment she was born.

“It’s been such a large part of my life,” said Hatch. “I’ve been going to the racetrack since I was three months old because my dad raced and is still drag racing at 82. I was born in March, and by June, I was sitting in the stands, so that’s 54 years of being at a racetrack. I think it’s in your bloodline and your bloodstream. I’m definitely an adrenaline junkie. I ride motorcycles. I’m always on the go. I have two full-time jobs. My adrenaline is always amped up, so I feel like it’s an adrenaline thing that keeps me coming back.”

For Hatch, nowadays, she strives most to simply enjoy herself every time she goes to the racetrack.

“My main goal is always to have fun. I don’t ever want to come away from the racetrack upset about how the night went. Even a bad night at the racetrack is better than no night at the racetrack, … so number one, we definitely have a tonne of fun. We always have a lot of friends come and hang out. We have had a lot of opportu-

you’re having fun. You’re doing what you want to do. You’re doing what you want to love.’ So, keep your expectations reasonable and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. And give the boys back what they give you. Don’t be timid. If you’re going to get a door slam, then give a door slam. Don’t feel like you’re not worthy of being here because you have every right to be here as anybody else does.”

Looking ahead to the coming racing season, Hatch noted she doesn’t want to miss any races this year.

“I am going to attempt to race all the races,” said Hatch. “Last year, I knew I wasn’t going to be in the points. I had some other responsibilities that I had to take care of a couple of nights, so I missed a couple of nights in points. But this year, I’m going to take that a lot more seriously. I’m going to run all the races, and if I can’t be out one night, I’m going to find a driver to take my car out and keep us in the points. I’d like to be in the top 15 at the end of the season.”

Hatch added the biggest focus in the offseason has been to increase her car’s speed.

nities to do extra things, like car shows or a sponsor’s events. We take extra time to participate in autograph sessions and to go up in the stands, meeting fans and selling shirts and hats. Selling our swag is huge for us.”

Hatch sells T-shirts, tank tops, hoodies and hats with her car’s affectionate nickname, Big Booty Judy, which she put a bigger focus on last year. You can buy pieces of merchandise by visiting Hatch at St. Marys Ford or by messaging her through her Facebook page, Jenny Hatch. In 2025, Hatch won the best appearing car at Delaware Speedway.

Her 30-plus years in racing have created countless connections across the continent and made her a mentor for younger racers.

“I feel like anywhere I travel – I could be in Mexico, or California, or downtown Toronto – I will know somebody. That’s when people who are travelling with me comment, ‘Do you know somebody everywhere?’ And I do because I’ve just been around that long.

“I take that role (of mentor) pretty seriously,” Hatch continued. “I always stop and talk to the younger females who are racing. I know a couple of them have said, ‘Honestly, until our talk, I was really frustrated, but now I see it a different way and thanks for stopping and chatting.’ And then with the guys, I’m just one of the guys, quite honestly.”

Hatch explained the advice she offers to the younger female racers.

“I always tell them, ‘Don’t forget,

“I would say 100 per cent of our focus is on being faster,” Hatch said. “There are over 50 cars every Friday night at Delaware Speedway, and we’re a top-20 car, and that gets really frustrating, knowing that no matter how good a night you have, that car is only capable of being in the top 20. So, we’re putting a new motor in, we’ve got a new clutch and we’re just updating a bunch of stuff and trying to be faster than last year.”

Hatch also emphasized her immense gratitude to her sponsors, which includes St. Marys Ford, which Hatch noted has been behind her every step of the way and helped her with anything she’s needed. Additionally, Hatch credited Kent Robson of Robson Scrap Metal for being vital to installing a new engine and getting her car to where it needs to be.

Red Rock Construction and Sunset Diner, both of St. Marys, are also generous sponsors of Hatch.

From outside of St. Marys, Hatch is supported by Finch Construction, Batten Built Construction, Jay’s Detail Shop, Coursey Line Electric and Tracy Ellis, her business partner at PC275 Realty. Hatch also thanked David Rockwood, Mike Lamont, Zach Hatch and Jamie Hartley for all their help, and goes to her uncle Russ and aunt Connie for the use of the shop and dragging the car to the track every Friday night.

Hatch has one open space for a new sponsor. Interested businesses can email jennifer@stmarysford.com.

Jennifer Hatch, pictured alongside her car during the 2025 season, is excited to jump into another year enjoying her lifelong passion for racing.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

U10 A Boys capture finalists banner in hard-fought

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Independent Sports Reporter

The Dunny’s Source For Sports U10 A Boys St. Marys Rock brought home the finalists banner from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Provincial Championship April 3-5 in Whitby.

Head coach Rod Harrison expressed immense pride in his team’s ability to keep growing as an even more tightly knit group as they competed at provincials.

“We just kept getting better,” Harrison told the Independent. “Every single game, they just fed off each other. This group was pretty tight, but they were even tighter. Obviously, with the playoffs, we kept the mentality of, ‘Believe in yourselves.’ They really bought in and believed in themselves, and they were super effective. Our forecheck was dominant pretty much all weekend.”

Harrison added he can see that increased bond in the team’s intelligence and ability to process what is happening around them.

“I can really see it in their decision-making,” said Harrison. “They’re not even having to think about it; they’re just doing it. They’re just reading and reacting to what was given to them, and they’re making smart choices and making a strong play most of the time. That’s the difference in nine-year-old hockey. When you’ve got kids who are going to make a strong play, it’s probably going to out-muscle or outwork the other guy.”

According to Harrison, that growth is born from the team’s strong compete level.

“This team has faced a lot of adversity, and they just always find a way. Every single one of them, they find a way to compete and find a way to make it happen or get through. We were beat up healthwise, but they went out and gave all they had. They never gave up. They kept pushing the pace, and they deserved the recognition for sure.”

The Rock finished first in their pool

the semi-final game.

“We played Bruce Grey around Christmas time, and they got us real good,” said Harrison. “We heard some rumblings in the dressing room, so we really pushed the boys and reminded them that we’re (at provincials) for a reason. We scored the first goal (in the semis), but Bruce came back and got one early in the second on a powerplay.

“Everyone was a little deflated, but again, we pushed that good teams respond, and if we do, we’ll be fine. We knew Bruce Grey would score. They’re a good team, and you can’t expect either team to win 1-0. But then, 40 seconds later, we put one in to take the lead again. They just kept playing, getting pucks behind their defence, having a good forecheck and wearing them down, and jumping on opportunities.”

Just under 30 seconds later, Ben Hemstock scored for the Rock to extend the lead to two. Jacob Zwambag buried the eventual game-winner with 50 seconds left in the second.

In the third, the Bulls scored twice, but the Rock withstood the comeback, with Landon McIntosh potting an empty netter to secure the 5-3 victory.

with two wins and one loss, the same record as the Haldimand River Kings, with St. Marys finishing first after defeating Haldimand during the round-robin play.

A big theme during the season for the team has been to bounce back when they experience a loss, something they had to do during the round-robin in the provincial tournament.

“We lost our second game, but I thought we carried the play,” Harrison said. “Our forecheck was super dominant, but we just couldn’t find a way to score. But going into the next game, we knew we wanted to respond. If you ask any of these kids who played on this team what a good

team does, I bet you every single one of them would say, ‘Respond.’ They went out and they did it.”

Finishing in the top spot of their pool set St. Marys up to play the Bruce Grey Bulls in the semi-final, which the Rock won by a score of 5-3. In the semis, Max Bilyea opened the scoring for the Rock with the only goal of the first period, but under two-and-a-half minutes into the second, the Bulls tied the game at one apiece. Once again, the Rock answered and retook the lead with a goal just 40 seconds later by Quinn Stewart.

Harrison said the ability to bounce back was a story on multiple levels throughout

Though the Rock fell in the finals against the Windsor Junior Spitfires, a team that likely would have been more suited to playing in the AAA loop, it didn’t detract from Harrison’s pride in his group’s strong weekend at provincials.

“I think we had one or two assists on most of the goals all weekend, so it was a lot of strong hockey plays,” Harrison said. “Every single battle on the wall, in our zone, on the breakout, our goalies in the house, they all never gave up and won pretty much every battle they needed to. As the weekend went on, they got more confident. They all stuck up for each other. They found a way to play loose. There was a lot of fist-bumping on the bench and picking each other up when there was a hiccup on their shift.”

The Dunny’s Source For Sports U10 A Boys St. Marys Rock earned the finalists banner at the OMHA Provincial Championship in Whitby April 3-5. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Quinn Stewart, Carter Van Wieren, Zach Rasenberg, Callum Palmer, Zac Bes and Nicholas Madsen. In the second row, from left, are Ben Hemstock, Jacob Zwambag, Landon McIntosh, Jack Becker, Everett Douglas, Ryker Harrison, Brody Pearson, Max Bilyea and MacLean Ross. In the back row, from left, are coaches Dan McIntosh, Carter Van Wieren, Rod Harrison, Drew Pearson and Will Galloway.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

U9 C Girls earn silver medal at St. Marys tournament

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Independent Sports Reporter

The St. Marys Kinsmen U9 C Girls St. Marys Rock ended their season on a well-deserved high note, taking a silver medal in the U9 Western Ontario Girls Hockey League (WOGHL) Year-End Championship tournament, hosted in St. Marys March 27-29.

Head coach Bryan Foley told the Independent the team’s ability to work as a cohesive unit was some of the best they had seen all year long.

“Our biggest takeaway from the tournament was, ‘Teamwork makes the dreamwork,’ ” said Foley. “This phrase was something that we ended every pregame speech with over the weekend. We’ve had a tough season this year. We’re a big team with many first-years learning how to play the game of hockey, learning new positions and finding what worked best for our team. The team didn’t get to experience too many wins over the season, just a lot of learning points, so this was a great way to end the season we’ve had.”

The Rock got off to a strong start in their four-team division, winning their opening game of the round-robin 2-1 over the St. Thomas Panthers. According to Foley, the team carried a different atmosphere out of the dressing room for their first game of the weekend.

“The players were focused, ready to play, ready to work as a team and play their positions,” Foley said. “The dressing room was just different. I cannot describe

it, but it just felt different as the bench staff addressed the team. This game got the ball rolling, and every player was buzzing. This seemed to be the turning point for us. Everything fell into place. Players were in position. Our offence and defence were in control. The puck was moving in the right direction and connecting. The team kept generating play after play.”

Foley added their second game of the tournament against the Central Perth Predators was more of the same, resulting in a 3-2 victory.

“The team kept this momentum into Saturday with our first game of the day against Central Perth, who we’ve been back and forth with all season,” Foley said. “They continued to stay focused on staying in position and working as a team.

“Starting the tournament with back-to-back wins with major highlights within each game by many players was a very proud moment for the bench staff watching them play. It truly was a collective effort, with high points on all lines and positions. Some players had their first breakaways, others had shots on net, while others stickchecked the opposition and stole the puck.”

St. Marys came up against a very tough challenge in their third round-robin game in the form of the Ilderton Jets, the same team they went on to meet in the finals, and hung on for a scoreless draw, sending the Rock into the gold-medal game without a loss in the round-robin.

“Our last round-robin game was against Ilderton, who is a team we hadn’t played at full ice and was a division

above us in the regular season,” Foley said. “We ended this game tied at 0-0, leaving us undefeated going into the finals. This moment was not lost on the team. They knew what they accomplished and were extremely excited. They earned their ticket to the finals.”

Though they came up short in the championship contest, dropping the final game to Ilderton 4-2 to take the silver, Foley was thrilled with the team’s year-end tournament performance.

“The team finally got a taste of winning and the hard work that has to go into playing like that,” said Foley. “Based on the smiles, actions and comments the team were making afterwards, I believe earning the silver medal meant a great deal to a lot of the team. After a hard year, it was proof to themselves that they can do it, and I’m excited to see what they do next season.”

Gemma Thompson (front) leads a goal celebration with Blair Foley and Joey Bilyea (back), as well as Alannah Maxwell (right) during one of the St. Marys Kinsmen U9 C Girls St. Marys Rock games in the U9 WOGHL Year-End Tournament.

(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)

The St. Marys Kinsmen U9 C Girls St. Marys Rock claimed the silver medal in the U9 WOGHL Year-End Championship tournament, hosted March 27-29 in St. Marys. Pictured from left to right are Aliza Harlton, Alannah Maxwell, Florence Stewart Noeske, Blair Foley, Emma Steckly, Alice Hinz, Gemma Thompson, Emmy McIntosh, Arianna Hunniford, Piper Harrison, Vivian Carradine, Joey Bilyea, Natalie Hubert, Tessa Shute, Morgan Nairn and Leah Jones. Not pictured was Charlotte McLean.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Brandon Boyd wins GOHL Executive of the Year

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Independent Sports Reporter

St. Marys Lincolns’ president Brandon Boyd was recognized by the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) with the league’s Executive of the Year Award April 8.

Boyd became Lincolns’ president in 2016 and has overseen a renaissance for the club, presiding over a stretch of six consecutive seasons of the Lincolns advancing to at least the second round of the playoffs, including four straight conference finals from 2023 to 2026, a Western Conference title in 2024, and a Commissioner’s Cup in 2025 for having the league’s best regular season record.

Boyd was humble in discussing the award.

“It’s a reflection of the many people throughout the organization and town that have helped bring stability to junior hockey in St. Marys,” said Boyd. “Junior hockey brings people together from many backgrounds, and I’m grateful for the new relationships that have come along the way. Overall, it’s just about being surrounded by a great network of people, and hopefully we’re doing it in a way to create a fulfilling experience for all involved.”

During his tenure, Boyd has brought a thoughtful, rea-

soned and meticulous attention to detail to the Lincolns’ executive branch, ensuring the team is always making as informed and considered decisions as possible.

Lincolns’ general manager Pat Powers called Boyd vital to everything the Lincolns do.

“Brandon (Boyd) is the heartbeat of our organization, and he makes all of the on-ice success possible with his efforts off the ice,” Powers told the Independent. “Brandon is instrumental in any success our organization has.”

Boyd has also been a prominent figure at the league level, contributing at a high level to the league’s decision-making and being regarded as one of the most thoughtful and valuable voices amongst the league’s top executives.

“In St. Marys, you’re not playing or working under a private entity; you’re playing for a community, which has always been part of our identity, especially as a smaller town,” Boyd said. “Maintaining cohesion between board, management and staff remains a big priority for continued success and longevity.

“We’re fortunate to have Pat (Powers) as GM and Jeff (Bradley) as head coach on staff, who have proven the ability to develop players and contend year over year.”

St. Marys Lincolns president Brandon Boyd was named the GOHL’s Executive of the Year April 8.

(MCGINNY PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO)

Eight St. Marys bowlers compete at High-Low Doubles Zone tournament

T:10"

T:7"

On April 12, eight St. Marys Lanes YBC bowlers competed in the High-Low Doubles Zone competition. Pictured on the left, in the front row from left to right, are Austin Kittmer, Christie LeBlanc, and Arely Gregory. In the back row, from left, are coach Melissa Kittmer, coach Scott Louwagie, and Felix Louwagie. Felix and LeBlanc, the bantam team, placed second with a points-over-average of plus-176 and earned a spot at the provincials at Nebs Fun World in Oshawa May 31. Peewees Austin and Gregory placed fourth with a points-over-average of plus15. Pictured in the middle, from left, is the senior team of Nathan McKeen and Landon Ball, who travelled to New Hamburg and claimed a silver medal and a spot at provincials in Oshawa May 31, with a plus-68 points-over-average. Pictured on the right, from left, are Aisla Fisher, coach Aaron Fisher, and James Van de Gevel, who competed at the St. Marys Bowling Lanes, placing sixth with a points-over-average of plus-16.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

COLUMNS

UKRAINIAN CORNER: Why spring in Canada is pending CRA approval

ALONA VASYLIEVA Independent Columnist

They say the fourth year is when the roots really take hold. Watching the swans return to the Thames and seeing the St. Marys limestone catch the first real warmth of the sun, I finally feel like I belong.

But I’ve also discovered a hidden Canadian rule: no matter how high the thermometer climbs or how green the grass gets, you aren’t actually allowed to enjoy it yet. In Canada, it seems you aren’t granted a “permit” for a real spring until you’ve submitted your paperwork to the Canada Revenue Agency. It’s as if the tulips are waiting for a notice of assessment before they dare to fully open.

We recently had a few beautiful days of sunshine here in the Stonetown, but as soon as the wind turned cold again, I realized what happened; clearly, not everyone has filed their taxes yet. Every time the snow flurries return, I can’t help but think someone is still procrastinating on their T4s!

Along with the budding maples and the muddy trails comes that uniquely Canadian springtime tradition: the annual conversation with the Canada Revenue Agency. By my fourth spring, I’ve realized that Tax Season is a national ritual, and while I’m still learning the finer points, I’ve at least stopped looking at the forms with total bewilderment.

Coming from Ukraine, the Canadian tax system feels like a high-stakes etiquette lesson. Back home, taxes are the invisible neighbour – your employer handles the deductions, and you rarely have to speak to the tax office at all.

In Canada, however, it’s a very polite game of “I know that you know.” The government treats you like a trusted business partner. They already have my slips and know exactly what I earned, yet they wait for me to tell them first to see if we’re on the same page. It’s the most civil test of character I’ve ever experienced!

As many of us in the Ukrainian community begin dreaming of opening our own local businesses – from cozy bakeries to professional trades – we’ve run into a funny, cultural, lost-in-translation moment. In Ukraine, there is a funny cultural quirk; if someone says they have an accountant, people often start whispering. Back home, having a personal accountant usually implies you have something to hide from the government, or you’re involved in some complex scheme that requires a professional “magician” to solve. In Canada, they are more like a special-

Straight from the Shelves

LAURA MCASH

St. Marys Public Library

Benefit from our spring cleaning by dropping in to craft with us at the St. Marys Public Library! Reinvent, repurpose, and recycle using our smorgasbord of odds and ends. Make jewelry, decorate a door mat, paint on a canvas, or envision something completely unique with the variety of items at your disposal. Join us from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day) and get your creative juices flowing! No registration is required. A $10 donation is recommended. This event is for pa-

trons aged 18+. Up This Week

Fri., Apr. 17: Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sat., Apr. 18: Dungeons & Dragons (10 a.m.)

Mon., Apr. 20: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tues., Apr. 21: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wed., Apr. 22: EarlyON Play & Read (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Mahjong (1-4 p.m.), Spring Cleaning Make & Take (6-8 p.m.)

Thurs., Apr. 23: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ized therapist who helps you build a solid, honest foundation for your future.

I haven’t quite crossed the finish line of filing just yet – I’m still in the stage of carefully organizing my receipts and wondering if my extra-thick wool socks count as a necessary survival expense for

an Ontario winter, or if the CRA will just think I’m being a typical, overly cautious Ukrainian.

There is a wonderful, uniquely Canadian optimism regarding the tax refund that is quite different from life back home. In Ukraine, the idea of “money returning from the government” is often treated as a myth – something that involves mountains of paperwork and a wait so long you’ve forgotten why you applied in the first place. Here in Canada, however, my Canadian friends discuss their refunds like a surprise birthday gift they accidentally mailed to themselves. It’s the only time I’ve seen people check their mailboxes with such genuine joy; it’s essentially a national lottery where the grand prize is simply getting back the money you overpaid while you were busy trying to survive February!

The real magic, though, is the suspense of the tax refund. Will it be a “dream vacation to the coast” refund, or a “laying the first brick of my future empire here in St. Marys” refund? Either way, clicking that “submit” button feels like a badge of honour – the final key that unlocks the season and allows me to finally enjoy the Stonetown sunshine without a calculator in my hand.

As we all face our spreadsheets this month, don’t forget to look up and enjoy the sunshine on the Flats. We are very lucky to call this Stonetown home. May your credits be plentiful and your “amount owing” stay at a peaceful zero. I wish you a smooth filing and a speedy notice of assessment, leaving you with enough in the budget to celebrate the re turn of patio season with a clear head and a happy heart.

Ask the Arborist

By Joel Hackett

• 519.272.5742 • jtsquote@gmail.com

Joel Hackett is a certified Arborist residing in the St. Marys area. Currently, he spends most of the year running Joel’s Tree Service. For contact call 519.272.5742 or email jtsquote@gmail.com

Dear Arborist,

I have a maple, I think it’s a Norway. It’s big, it’s ruining the grass, it’s got roots showing. Can you top it and make it small to let light in? Are these good trees or bad?

Thanks, Art

Dear Art,

Norway maples are considered invasive and are not overly popular, but they are good for

shade and are often planted. When they get bigger, they release chemicals to kill other plants around them, so it’s normally hard to grow anything under them. Topping them is not recommended. You can raise them, pull them back from buildings, thin them. Thinning can be interior and exterior (for light). If those options don’t fix the problem, then you may want to consider removal.

Sincerely, The Arborist

From Ukrainian traditions to Canadian T4s; why spring in St. Marys is the ultimate test of patience and paperwork.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

HISTORIC ST. MARYS: E. Pauline Johnson’s St. Marys connections

April is National Poetry Month, an annual celebration established in 1998 by the League of Canadian Poets. Book lovers, libraries, schools, and poets in communities across the country come together to show that poetry has a vital place in our culture. This year, the celebration is held in collaboration with Native Women in the Arts (NWIA). In our province, the Ontario Heritage Trust is showcasing Emily Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake), a celebrated writer, poet and performer. Born in 1861, she was the daughter of an English mother, Emily Howells, and a Mohawk father, George H. M. Johnson, a hereditary and elected chief of the Six Nations. From 1893 to 1909, she toured North America and Great Britain, speaking and reciting her poetry. Her stage appearances and her published works made an impact on how people saw Canada, its lands, and its indigenous peoples.

In this community, on Wednesday evening, April 22, at Riverview Commons, the St. Marys Poetry Circle will present the poems of Pauline Johnson Tekahionwake, the alternate name she always used, taken from her Mohawk grandfather, a renowned storyteller. The Poetry Circle is calling the event “The Song My Paddle Sings,” probably Johnson’s best-known poem, a staple in mid-20th century school textbooks. It will be an appropriate celebration of this Canadian poet because, more than a century ago when she was at the height of her fame, Pauline Johnson performed at least twice at the St. Marys Opera House, just a block from Riverview Commons. The photograph with this week’s column was taken on one of these occasions at the Leary Studio on Queen Street.

Johnson already had formal portraits to use as publicity for her stage appearances. She would not have sought out a small-town studio for yet another picture. On this occasion, perhaps the photographer, Kate Leary, approached her and asked her to sit for a photograph. From 1882, Kate had worked with her widowed mother, Rebecca, and her brother, James, to establish the photography business. By the mid-1890s, Kate Leary was running the business on her own. Her brother had moved out of town and her mother had retired. Kate may have admired Pauline Johnson as another independent, single woman, making her living through her own talent and initiative in the very masculine, 19th century world. In turn, Pauline Johnson must have liked Leary’s beautiful studio photograph.

Researchers for the upcoming poetry reading found this small notice in the St. Marys Argus, December 6, 1894: “Miss E. Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake), a member of the Six Nations tribe of Indians, the eminent Canadian poet-reciter, will be in the Opera House tonight. She appears in striking and effective Indian costumes, reciting her own poems and prose sketches, tales of warfare, legends of spirit land, Indian tragedies, etc. 25 cents and 35 cents.” St. Marys was well acquainted with women performing alone in the Opera House. The elocutionist, Agnes Knox Black, who was from St. Marys, often performed on her hometown stage. Female musicians, including violinist Nora Clench, were popular attractions.

But Pauline Johnson had something unique to offer her audience. She recited her own poetry and prose and had learned to present them as dramatic stories. For the first half of her performance, she wore what her audience perceived to be traditional Mohawk dress. After intermission, she appeared in a lovely, Victorian gown, a tribute to her English mother. She was extremely proud of her Mohawk heritage and proudly proclaimed it. She was also a performer and knew her audience wanted to hear moving stories of a brave, spirited people who belonged, as was then believed, to a vanishing civilization. By the 1890s, she also needed to perform

to survive.

Pauline Johnson grew up in a privileged household. Her father’s position as an interpreter and cultural liaison gave him considerable status. At their beautiful family home, Chiefswood on the Six Nations Grand River Reserve, he hosted receptions for the notable politicians, intellectuals, and artists of the day. Pauline learned from these urbane guests, but she also loved the outdoors. She was taught to respect her Mohawk ancestry and was close to her paternal grandfather, Chief John Smoke Johnson. He told her stories in the Mohawk language that she drew on in her future writings. In 1884, when Pauline was 23, this life ended. Her father died, the family had to leave Chiefswood and moved into rented premises in Brantford. She never lived on her father’s reserve again.

Pauline had written poetry from an early age for her own pleasure. But once her father died, she began submitting poems to magazines and periodicals, hoping to earn a few dollars to help support her mother. She began to be published and to be recognized among the growing group of late 19th century Canadian poets. In 1892, she had a breakthrough at the Toronto Art School Gallery. She was invited to participate in a Canadian Authors evening with some older, established male poets and writers. The evening was just mildly entertaining until Pauline, in an elegant evening dress, took the stage. In her beautiful, emotional voice, she recited her poem, “A Cry from an Indian Wife.” The audience was thrilled and asked for an encore. Their reaction launched her career as a performer.

During the next year, she gave performances in 50 different Ontario cities and towns. With friends’ encouragement, she toured England in 1894. While there, she arranged for the publication of her first book, The White Wampum. It contained “The Song My Paddle Sings.” For the next decade and a half, Pauline Johnson

crossed the North American continent many times, reciting her poetry on stage. She also kept writing articles and stories for various magazines. It was an exhausting schedule and in 1909, she retired to Vancouver. She continued to write and lecture on Mohawk customs as long as she could, but she died of cancer on March 7, 1913, three days before her 52nd birthday. She had made many friends, and her funeral was described as the largest the city had seen. Her supporters obtained a special permit to bury her ashes, as she had wished, within Stanley Park, near the west shore.

Pauline Johnson’s photograph was donated to the St. Marys Museum in 1979 by two sisters, Helen Mills Wilson and Kay Mills Kessler, in memory of their mother, Kate Howell Mills (1866-1959.) The Mills moved to St. Marys in 1911, and this sociable, talented family soon became very involved in the community. They were members of St. James Anglican Church and keen participants in church concerts and theatricals. William Mills, the girls’ father, was a charter member of the Rotary Club of St. Marys. Helen, who later married to Lex Wilson, wrote a regular column for the Journal Argus. In 1963, Helen Mills Wilson was the first woman to be elected mayor of St. Marys.

Kate Howell had grown up in Brantford. Although she was several years younger, she met Pauline Johnson at high school. She clearly admired the older girl. On several occasions, young Kate and her family were guests at Chiefswood and Kate took her autograph album with her. Several pages from this album were part of the donation to the St. Marys Museum. On different dates, Kate was able to get autographs from Chief George H. M. Johnson, his wife Emily S. Johnson, and their two sons. The best autograph was from Pauline Johnson herself. It was dated February 14, 1878, Chiefswood, Tuscarora. The verse, written by 16-year-old Pauline to 12-year-old Kate, is very sentimental, like verses found in many young girls’ autograph albums of that time: “Think of me when the sun of life has set / And when purple shades of death draw nigh / Look on my grave with just one sweet regret / And for your little Gypsy, breathe a sigh. Your loving Pauline.”

This photograph of Canadian poet, Pauline Johnson, was taken in the 1890s in the Leary Photography Studio in St. Marys.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF THE R. LORNE EEDY ARCHIVES, ST. MARYS MUSEUM)

MARY SMITH Independent Columnist

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: Music is the heartbeat of Calabria

It was raining fairly steadily as we prepared to set off on a walking tour of the village of Siderno Superiore in Calabria, Italy. The folks in our group were coping in a variety of ways – ponchos, umbrellas, all-weather jackets with hoods. While the clothing options varied, we had one thing in common – a lack of smiles as we moped about the weather.

And then Massimo Diano showed up, playing a happy tune on his button accordion. The atmosphere changed immediately; suddenly, we were a jolly group following our own personal pied piper through the streets of this ancient village.

Diano played songs in the Tarantella folk-dance tradition of Calabria. He also played lots of other songs, including “Roll Out the Barrel” and we sang along. As he played, a window opened up, high in one of the stone houses that lined the narrow lanes. An elderly women leaned out, and Diano stopped walking. “Paul,” he called me over. “Come here. We sing for her.”

“What are we singing?” I asked.

“It doesn’t matter,” he laughed,

and he sang, and I made possibly appropriate sounds.

When he’s not serenading elderly Italian ladies from the street below their windows, Diano is one of the partners in a tour company in Calabria. His family business – which involves his cousin, Antonio Muia, and other relatives – had been contracted to organize our Senior Discovery Tours visit to this southernmost part of Italy.

They did their job extremely well, introducing us to all aspects of life in this lesser-known region of Italy. And one fundamental aspect is music.

Everywhere we went, it seemed there was music. One evening, a local group of four musicians gave us a concert. We listened, we sang and we danced a cumbersome but lively version of the Tarantella.

The selection of instruments used in Calabrian music is fascinating. Small “button” accordions, of course, but so much more. Every song seems to involve enthusiastic use of tambourines, sometimes more than one. Guitars are popular – we witnessed a Palm Sunday procession in which a band of many guitar players were leading the palm-waving crowd. But as a guitar player myself, I was intrigued that, in addition to a regular, six-string guitar, the Calabrian guitarist also use a five-string guitar, with one much shorter string acting like the drones do on bagpipes.

And speaking of bagpipes, the Calabrians love this instrument, but theirs are built using the entire hide of a goat turned inside

out. Most continue to have a bit of goat hair hanging from the large air sack.

Other traditional instruments include a wide variety of flutes – some of which are very similar to what we call recorders. Sometimes, two flutes are played at the same time by one busy musician.

And then there are the lyres, an ancient instrument played with a bow.

In sundry combinations, these instruments make beautiful, lively, joyful music, and from what we saw, the singing that accompanies them is equally enthusiastic and joyful.

And as I said, we experienced a lot of music, from Palm Sunday processions to music at a meal at a family home we were welcomed into.

I have a theory: Calabria is admittedly the poorest and most isolated region of Italy. This is not sophisticated Rome or upper-class Milan. This is a place of down-home people with fewer advantages who have relied on themselves, their families and their neighbours to supply occasions when they can simply enjoy themselves. And nothing does that better than music.

As I said, all two dozen or so of us were welcomed into a family home for a Sunday afternoon, homecooked meal. It was the home of Diano and Muia’s family; the wonderful meal was prepared by three women, including Diano’s mother and Muia’s wife. This hands-on, allfriends-here approach, by the way, is not usual among professional tour companies. This was

entirely exceptional, and very special.

The food was amazing. I’ll be writing, another time, about food in Calabria. My mouth is watering as I recall those flavours right now!

But what took the event to an entirely other level was, you guessed it, the music – music that reflected the personalities and the warm welcome we encountered in Calabria.

That welcome was especially evident after a very entertaining demonstration of the various traditional instruments they use. Having left all my guitars at home, I asked Diano if I could play his for a moment when the presentation was done. He happily agreed.

And the next day, a guitar was

delivered to me at our hotel in Siderno, mine to use for the rest of our stay. That led to a singalong with our Senior Discovery Tour group one evening, but I did not try to play anything related to a Tarantella!

The music is one reason I hope to return to Calabria, and soon. Then, of course, there are the people, the food, the history, the scenery, and you’ll hear more about all of the above in the coming months.

Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and past president of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.

Massimo Diano leads his flock through the streets of Siderno Superiore.

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

PAUL KNOWLES Independent Columnist

A typical group of enthusiastic, amateur musicians playing traditional Calabrian tunes. Massimo Diano plays a Calabrian flute while Dominico plays the unique, five-string guitar.

FROM THE GARDEN: Garden trends

Every spring brings innovation, whether it is a novel conception or a new trend. Some years it’s a new colour palette or that musthave perennial. But this year, something deeper is happening in our gardens. There is a shift or consciousness towards ecological awareness and a renewed intimacy with the land and with Mother Nature. Gardeners aren’t just planting; we are participating in a larger story about climate, community, and connection.

Growing native plants has moved from a trend in recent years to a tradition. Gardeners are embracing native plants, not as a novelty, but as the backbone of a healthy garden. Species like Butterfly Milkweed, Wild Ber-

gamot, and Rubeckia BlackEyed Susan are thriving everywhere from city balconies, public parks to rural gardens. What’s driving this shift is both practical and ecological. Native plants handle our region’s freezethaw cycles, summer droughts, and a variety of soils. But more important, they sustain the pollinators that keep our ecosystems alive. Nurseries are responding with expanded native sections, making it easier than ever to plant with purpose.

The concept of a single pollinator garden has evolved into something more ambitious. A movement into pollinator pathways or corridors has developed. From private gardens, schools and churches to public space plantings, a link is established to create a continuous habitat for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Even a small front yard filled with coneflowers and asters becomes part of a larger living network in a neighbourhood. Homeowners are converting parts of their lawns into naturalized plantings filled with native bee balm, asters, goldenrod and native grasses. These spaces buzz with life, require minimal mowing, and offer a sense

of wild beauty that feels right at home in our landscape. Municipalities across Canada are also getting involved with the challenge action of the ‘Mayor’s Monarch Pledge’ that engage neighbourhoods and community associations to increase awareness of the decline of the Monarch butterfly. These gardens help build a community in responsiveness for our valuable pollinators.

We are witnessing our weather being more unpredictable, with heavier spring rains and longer summer dry spells. In response, gardeners are turning to rain gardens, beautifully designed depressions that capture runoff, and reduce erosion. These gardens include moisture-tolerant native perennials such as Swamp Milkweed, Blue Flag Iris, JoePye Weed, sedges and shrubs which can handle both heavy flooding and dry spells. These gardens are both functional and attractive as they turn stormwater into a resource rather than a problem.

With rising food costs, we see the value in growing more food-producing plants. You don’t need a large acreage to have a vegetable garden. The

concept of a ‘square foot’ garden has been around for decades and is ideal for small yards, troubled areas of poor soil or for busy families who want to grow vegetables. A 4ft x 4ft square foot garden can feed a family of four throughout the gardening season. The model for this garden is, as one square of lettuce or greens is consumed, replace it with another vegetable such as cauliflower or broccoli to be harvested later in the season. With the trend to grow food plants, colourful Swiss chard is a very attractive addition to any garden and is edible. And there

are many vegetables that can be grown in large containers for the patio or balcony. Along with this, many gardeners are turning to perennial edibles such as asparagus and rhubarb for their garden scape. Fruiting shrubs like currants, gooseberries and haskaps offer flowering beauty in early summer, are resilient and a delicious harvest later in the summer.

As we eagerly await the upcoming garden season, the trends focus on being sustainable, purpose-driven spaces that blend our lives with the biodiversity of our gardens.

NANCY ABRA

Independent Columnist

Riddles

What has many teeth but can’t bite? A comb

What can fill a room but takes up no space? Light

What belongs to you but other people use it more than you do? Your name

What has an end but no beginning? A stick

What can you hold in your right hand but never in your left? Your left hand

What gets sharper the more you use it? Your brain

What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks? A river

What disappears the moment you say its name? Silence

What has cities, rivers, and roads but no houses? A map

What has one head, one foot, and four legs? A bed

Kid

- Word Search -

SPONSORED BY:

Adult Learning Programs of Perth, Upstairs at the St. Marys Public Library (700 Church Street North, St. Marys, ON) | Phone: 519.284.4408 | Cell: 226.374.8231 alearning@town.stmarys.on.ca | www.adultlearningperth.ca | Facebook: @AdultLearningProgramsofPerth

SMCP BOEING BOEING

Town hall theatre

High energy

Slapstick comedy

Classic farce

Buffoonery

Entertaining

Lots of laughs

Relatable themes

Director Ralph Small

Rick Hastings

Alison Mullings

Sandy Stephens

Alex Pedersen

Jessica O’Connor

Ann Jackson

St. Marys Veterinary Clinic is pleased to be the sponsor of the

PET OF THE WEEK

TIPS FOR YOUR ANIMAL HEADING INTO SPRING

Keep dogs on leash. In addition to preventing your animal from getting lost, keeping them on a leash will allow you to guide them away from people and other animals. As the snow melts, this also helps you keep an eye on your dog to make sure they don’t get into anything they shouldn’t that may be surfacing under the snow.

IZZY

Our Pet of the Week is Izzy, a fiveyear-old rescue cat that loves to eat, fight with the other cats in her household and bask in the sun.

Thorndale News

A section within the St. Marys Independent

The Purple Hill Country Music Hall boasts a great musical lineup

their Purple Hill Showband.

The Purple Hill Country Music Hall is located on the Taylor Farm on Purple Hill Road, east of Thorndale, north of Highway 2, and was built in the early 1990s.

Over the years, it has accommodated various events from auctions and community celebrations to music performances and weddings. The building is unique as it emulates the inside of an old barn, complete with large wooden beams, lofts, stage and rustic country collectibles that decorate the walls.

The Purple Hill Country Music Hall concerts, hosted by Anna and George Taylor on the first Sunday of each month with a catered roast beef dinner to follow, are very popular. The musical performances feature a variety of headliners from the local region and beyond, along with

“We have enjoyed bringing talented country musicians here every month and I am so thrilled to add a lineup of different shows coming this spring and summer, starting with our Purple Hill Fish Fry on Saturday, April 25, with Lake Huron whitefish and entertaining live music,” George Taylor said.

“The coming months will feature more country, blues, folk and Celtic music. This wide variety of music should be of interest to many people. And the performers I booked are from this region and as far away as Ireland. Also, in August we are hosts for the fifth year – the Ram Rodeo – which will be a fun-packed weekend of rodeo events and country music.”

For more information and tickets on the upcoming events for the Purple Hill Country Music Hall, visit www.purplehillcountrymusichall.ca.

Thames River Earth Day Cleanup in Thorndale set for April 18

Reporter

In recognition of Earth Day each April, there is a cleanup blitz of the Thames River watershed areas.

Hundreds of volunteers concerned about the environmental quality of the river converge in various places along its watershed, including its tributaries, to clean up garbage and debris that is harmful to wildlife and the quality of its water.

Danielle Lockie is coordinating the Thames River Earth Day cleanup in Thorndale, which will take place on Saturday, April 18. Lockie, who works at Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) in Thorndale and serves as a Ward 2 councillor for Thames Centre, is passionate about environmental matters in Thames Centre, including in the community of Thorndale.

Lockie is also the chair and council representative for the Thames Centre environmental advisory committee,

which was established to support and advise council in implementing the environmental goals and policies of the municipality. This committee comprises seven members, two from council and five community representatives. Patti Kemp of Thorndale is also on this committee and serves as its vice chair.

Volunteers for the cleanup in Thorndale are asked to meet at West Nissouri Public School on April 18 at 9 a.m. As spring weather can be unpredictable, volunteers are encouraged to wear waterproof boots as well as proper clothing. Garbage bags and gloves will be supplied.

This volunteer opportunity is open to individuals of all ages. Families and teens are encouraged to participate in the cleanup effort, as collective involvement contributes significantly to the success of the project.

For more information on the Thames River cleanup in the Thorndale area, contact Lockie at dlockie@thamescentre.on.ca or 519-777-7237.

Thorndale Lions Club Presents

SPRING COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM at

Dan Monteith retires from Thorndale Country Mills

Contributed Article

After 43 years of dedicated service, operations manager Dan Monteith is retiring from Thorndale Country Mills (formerly Thorndale Farm Supplies), marking the end of a remarkable career.

Monteith began his full-time employment in April 1983 after graduating from Ridgetown Agricultural College. Over the years, he worked in both the crop input and feed divisions, earning the respect of coworkers, industry peers and customers alike.

His extensive knowledge of all the equipment – including the feed mill and pellet mill – made him an invaluable resource, often answering late-night and early morning calls.

Customers have long relied on Monteith’s expertise and dedication, whether seeking nutritional advice, placing feed orders, or managing after-hours feed requirements. His commitment and reliability have left a lasting impression on everyone he has worked with.

Monteith’s contributions to Thorndale Country Mills and the broader community will not be forgotten, and he will be greatly missed.

Please join us in congratulating Monteith on his retirement and wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

Operations manager Dan Monteith has retired from Thorndale Country Mills after 43 years of service.

(PEGGY SEGEREN PHOTO)

PEGGY SEGEREN

NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter

NANCY ABRA Independent

Hiring Deputy Clerk HELP WANTED

The Deputy Clerk will play a key role in supporting the administrative, policy, and procedural functions of the Township of Perth South. Under the direction of the Clerk, the role will support the administration of Council, and Committee meetings, assist in developing and implementing the Municipality’s Records Management system, and lead the administration of Municipal licensing and permitting.

Duties:

• Attend Council meetings and provide technical support for live streaming.

• Support the Clerk with completion of statutory requirements for licensing and permitting.

• Provide administrative support and act as backup administrative support for Council, and Committee meetings, including preparation of agendas and minutes and drafting reports.

• Support the development and implementation of a Municipal Records Management System.

• Provide communications support through various municipal platforms including the Township website, social media, and the Township engagement platform.

• Provide support for organizing and executing public relations, special events, and meetings.

• Support the Clerk with policy research and development as needed.

• Assist the Clerk with the delivery of municipal elections.

• Provide backup customer service support to the front counter as needed.

• Perform such additional duties as assigned.

• Acts as Clerk, in the absence of the same or as required, performing statutory duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education (College Diploma or University Degree) with a major in Business Administration, Political Science, Communications, or related programs.

• 2-3 years of related experience in a municipal or public sector setting. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to deal with difficult and emotionally charged situations while maintaining a high degree of customer service at all times. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated political acuity, tact and diplomacy skills and the ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.

• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Project management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines.

Salary:

The salary range is $68,747 to $85,934 (2026 rates) based on a 35hour work week and a comprehensive benefit package.

Accommodations:

The Township of Perth South is an equal opportunity employer. The Township of Perth South will attempt to provide reasonable accommodation for known disability for an applicant or employee if requested.

How to Apply:

Applications must be received no later than Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. and sent to the attention of the Clerk at lscott@perthsouth.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

•

•

We are in search for a competent energetic electrician with a positive attitude. Candidates applying should be eager to deliver a customer-focused service, willing to learn and adapt to grow within our organization, goal oriented, team player, effective interpersonal skills, dependable and organized. Experience in estimating would be an asset.

We are a family run business where you are part of a team, not just a number.

We offer competitive wages, benefits and a pension plan. Please submit your resume to andyf@formanelectric.com.

HELP WANTED

Hiring Equipment Operator

The Township of Perth South Public Works Department is seeking a qualified Equipment Operator. Reporting to the Operations Manager, applicants will be experienced with the ability to operate and maintain various pieces of equipment, such as road graders, wheel loaders and tandem dump trucks. The candidate will also be required to complete roadside maintenance activities including, trees, signage, potholes, and debris clean up.

Applicants should have road maintenance and construction knowledge, experience in equipment operation and maintenance and a valid “DZ” license. This position is subject to weekend and winter scheduling and some emergency call-out. The 2026 salary range for this position is $27.63 – $33.67 per hour based on a 40-hour work week.

The Township of Perth South offers excellent benefits and a competitive compensation package. For a detailed job description of this position, please visit www.perthsouth.ca

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume expressing their interest to the undersigned clearly marked as “Equipment Operator” by Monday May 4, 2026.

Ken Bettles, Director of Public Works Township of Perth South 3191 Road 122 St. Pauls, ON N0K 1V0

E-mail - kbettles@perthsouth.ca

Information gathered is under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and shall only be used for candidate selection purposes.

OBITUARY

Franke

Karin Franke (Meyer), age 86, of Seebach’s Hill passed away peacefully at Ritz Lutheran Villa on November 26, 2025. Born in Halle, Germany, May 23, 1939, daughter of the late Wilhelm and Erna Meyer.

Beloved wife of Otwin Franke (deceased) for 65 years. Loving Mother of Dirk (Karen), Oliver (Susanne – deceased), Roger (Deborah). Grandmother of Katie (Blake), Haden (Ana), Amanda (Christopher), Sabrina, Samantha (Adam), Connor and Alexander.

We will be waiting until spring to hold a celebration of life for our beloved Mother and Oma, a time when the flowers are blooming. When the season arrives, we will invite family and friends together to honor her memory, share stories, and celebrate the love she gave so generously. Until then, we hold her in our hearts, looking forward to a time when we can all come together to celebrate her life. A celebration of Life service will be at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.

Memorial donations in Karin’s memory may be made to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of one’s choice. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com

St. Marys Independent

OBITUARY

Aitken

Matthew Alexander Aitken 1984 - 2026

Matthew was admitted to Stratford General Hospital on April 9th with a serious arm infection. He quickly developed sepsis and, sadly, died later that afternoon. We are grateful for the professional and compassionate care he received there.

Matt’s parents, Ron and Wendy, and his sister, Lindsay and her partner Aaron, are left to mourn his passing. Matt is predeceased by his grandparents, Burns and Verna Blackler, and Gertrude and Alex Aitken. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins will share in the mourning. As a child and youth, Matt excelled at sports and found great joy playing baseball, hockey, soccer, and basketball. He loved the water and achieved his lifeguard qualifications. He was an incredibly patient fisher, who loved spending the day trout fishing in Holstein with his grandfather or fishing for bass on the Thames. Matt was a kind, sensitive, and generous person who loved animals, especially our dogs. We are grateful for these precious memories.

Starting in his teenage years, Matt’s life was a series of ups and downs, fluctuating between periods of addiction and recovery. Years later he explained that alcohol made him feel normal and less anxious. Sadly, however, that was the beginning of a long and torturous downfall. After suffering a painful injury, he was prescribed oxycodone. At the time, it was considered a miracle pain treatment. This treatment led to a spiralling descent into fentanyl addiction. Matt tried numerous times to get out of it. As recently as two weeks ago he began a cessation programme. Addiction is an insidious, complex, and often misunderstood disease that brings immeasurable suffering to the person afflicted and those who love him. Matt did not choose to maintain this lifestyle. He suffered shame and always wanted better for himself. As expressions of sympathy please hug a family member today.

You may choose to make a donation to any health or mental health facility. Anyone wishing to pay their respects, please come to St. James Parish Hall, 65 Church St. South, St. Marys, on Sunday, April 19, 2 - 4 pm. Wendy wishes to acknowledge the continued support of the Al Anon family group. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.

AMY CUBBERLEY Independent Columnist

Looking Back School smoking

25 years ago (2001)

The Perth District Health Unit will host a stakeholder meeting in the coming weeks, aimed at reaching an acceptable compromise for the controversial smoking area on the grounds of St. Marys D.C.V.I. Since 1998, the only portion of D.C.V.I. property where smoking has been allowed is a small parcel leased to the Town of St. Marys by the school board. The school and Town devised the arrangement in response to the enactment of a provincial law prohibiting smoking on any property owned by school boards.

According to results released early this week, Grade 10 students from D.C.V.I. scored above average in last October’s provincially standardized reading and writing assessment. Passing grades were achieved by 74% of D.C.V.I. grade 10s who wrote the assessment, putting the school in fourth among the 11 Avon Maitland secondary schools. 50 years ago (1976)

Wreckers are busy dismantling the newer section of what was formerly the Great Star chopping mill at the rear of the main mill building along Water Street. From what we can gather, the older portion of the chopping mill along the Thames at Victoria Bridge will remain following the tearing down of the section built some twenty years back.

North Ward School Principal Gary Wright has been setting a good example to adults in the community by using a bicycle for some of his journeys to and from his home in East Ward.

75 years ago (1951)

Bert Harris and “Chum” Hammond were up in the air over the weekend, with the latter recapturing some of that old feeling from his days as a pilot with the Royal Navy’s Fleer Air Arm off Canada’s east coast.

The new tennis courts at the Quarry swimming pool require only the addition of four small sections to complete. These courts, built by Brig. J.S.H. Lind for use by local tennis players, will be one of the few regulation-sized courts in the district when completed.

100 years ago (1926)

The Thames Valley Bread Co. invites all the ladies to the reopening of their parlors next Saturday. The store and ice cream parlors were in the hands of decorators last week and the result must be very gratifying to proprietors A.H. Zurbrigg and H.C. White, as well as to the artist and contractor, Frank Willard. The rooms are done in blue and white with sand-coloured panels around the walls, and the ceiling is light cream. The firm has also installed a new electric Frigidaire ice cream plant which is something new in this district.

The Public Library board, recognizing the danger to patrons of the library, particularly in the winter months, going up and down the stone steps, are considering the erection of appropriate handrails on each side.

CLASSIFIED ADS CLASSIFIED ADS

WANTED TO BUY

All collectibles including sports cards, beanie babies, Funko pops and stamps. Highest prices paid. Free appraisals.Are you downsizing or need an estate clean out? We can help. Call or text Stan anytime 519-868-3814.

WANTED

I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi or any pop company. Brewery items - Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, wristwatches, pocket watches, old fruit jars - Beaver Star, Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signs - Red Indian, Supertest etc. Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me at 519-570-6920.

FOR SALE

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

CLEANING / PAINTING

House cleaning and painting available. Call or text Jacquie at 519-274-5761

LAWN CUTTING

Local Lawn Cutting - Prefer larger lawns. Insured, reliable service, fair prices. Call 519-933-8636

LAWN ROLLING / AERATING

Local Lawn Rolling & Aerating - reliable service, fair prices. Call 519-933-8636

LAWN CARE SERVICES

Shaun O’Neil - Owner & Operator. Professional grass cut & trim. Call 519-301-4933 or email shaunoneil80@icloud.com

JUNK REMOVAL

Junk Removal - Garbage, Basements, Yards, Dump Runs Call Mike 519-276-7766

WANTED

Looking for student Gr. 5/6 (11-13 year old), yard work, cleaning garage, odd jobs. Parents can meet with me, $10/hr cash to start and prove yourself, must be on time and want to work. Email frjkraus@live.ca

IN MEMORIAM

THE WEEK AHEAD

SPONSORED BY: McDonald’s St. Marys 752 Queen St. E., St. Marys Founding and Forever partner of Ronald McDonald House

PRC & Friendship Centre events – See the Stonetown Crier on Page 5

St. Marys Public Library events – See Page 26

FRIDAY, APR 17

- Royal Canadian Legion hot dog lunch at Noon

- A.N.A.F. meat draw – 6 p.m.

- St. Marys Lincolns vs Stratford Warriors at the PRC –7:30 p.m., Game #5

SATURDAY, APR 18

- Thorndale Thames River clean up – Meet at West Nissouri Public School at 9 a.m.

- Queensview Retirement open house at 70 King Edward St, Paris – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- A.N.A.F. Bob Lang & Butch Hammond memorial pool tournament – Register by 10:30 a.m.

- Royal Canadian Legion meat draw – 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, APR 19

- Ian Tamblyn concert at Harrington hall – Doors open 1:30 p.m., Concert 2 p.m.

- St. Marys Lincolns vs Stratford Warriors at William Allman Memorial Arena – 6 p.m., Game #6

MONDAY, APT 20

- Community Dinner at St. Marys United Church – 5 p.m., Sponsored by St. Marys Lions Club

TUESDAY, APR 21

- Royal Canadian Legion buddy check coffee – 10 a.m. to Noon

- St. Marys Legion cribbage – Starts 7 p.m. sharp

- St. Marys Lincolns vs Stratford Warriors at the PRC –7:30 p.m., Game #7

WEDNESDAY, APR 22

- St. Marys Poetry Circle at Riverwalk Commons: “The Song My Paddle Sings” Poems of Pauline Johnson Tekahionwake. 7pm. Doors open at 6.30, $20

THURSDAY, APR 23

- Piecemakers 2026 quilt show at the PRC – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- A.N.A.F. sausage on a bun – 12-1:30 p.m.

- SMCP presents preview of “Boeing Boeing” at the Town Hall theatre – 7:30 p.m.

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