STEPPING OUT INTO THE COLD FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The Kinette Club of St. Marys members volunteered at Coldest Night of the Year 2025 (CNOY25) but also raised money for the club’s team. Pictured left to right are Tasmin Sterkenburg, Sandie Vanderschot, Terri Iredale, Wanda Mossey, Nancy Riddell, Michelle Lester, Joanna Campbell, Julie Shackleton and Leslie Munroe.
Police hoping St. Marys will declare intimate-partner violence an epidemic
GALEN SIMMONS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In St. Marys last year, the Stratford Police Service responded to a total of 2,465 calls for service – 170 less than in 2023 – and laid 483 charges, 45 fewer charges than the year prior.
At the Feb. 19 St. Marys community policing advisory committee meeting, Stratford police deputy chief Gerry Foster took com -
mittee members through last year’s crime statistics for the town. At the top of the list was calls for service related to mental health with police responding to 83 incidents over the course of 2024, up from 74 in 2023. The next-highest number of calls for service police responded to last year was for incidents related to domestic violence with 73 calls to police made over the course of the year, down from 107 in 2023.
With donations still being accepted until March 31, as of press time, the St. Marys Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser saw 145 walkers and 30 teams raise more than $45,155 for important local causes.
The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) 2025 was held on Feb. 22. It is a family friendly walk in support of those most vulnerable in the community with all funds raised going to the St. Marys Outreach program and the Nourish Market.
There were also over 30 volunteers who stepped up to help the walk run smoothly. Walkers had the choice of completing either the two-kilometre or five-kilometre routes.
The committee of Jackie Cousins, Gwen Bradley, Louise and Marco D’Angelo, Rob and Leslie Edney, Cathie Szmon and Sue Fowler from Peak Realty, Terri Iredale from the Kinettes and Chris Schroer from the United Way Perth-Huron worked hard to make sure checkin went well and every corner was covered. Schroer starts his planning for the walk in early fall and the rest of the committee first met in December.
“So many came out to help, it definitely takes a village,” Cousins said of the event.
An event this size relies a lot on sponsorship. The following sponsors were recognized by Schroer as he welcomed all the eager walkers at the Pyramid Recreation Centre (PRC): McDonalds, the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation, St. Marys Dentistry, Forman Electric, St. Marys Insurance Group, Peak Select Realty, All Roads, Easy Lift Doors, Veterinary Purchasing, St. Marys Landscaping, Meridian and Ideal Supply.
Happy days are here again at the Stone Willow Inn.
After a long closure that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant step in the rejuvenation of the Stone Willow Inn occurred on Sunday with the re-opening of the hotel’s popular restaurant – now known as Hillstone Bar & Grill.
Hotel manager Noel Giesen told the Independent that while there was some consideration of keeping the old Wildstone name, it was decided a new moniker would be reflective of a new era for the enterprise. The Hillstone name is derived from St. Marys’ limestone heritage combined with the hotel’s hilltop setting.
The restaurant is leased and operated by chef Nick Abdiu, who brings 25 years of experience in the restaurant space. A native of Albania, Abdiu speaks six languages and has worked in several countries, including the United States and Italy.
While Abdiu set out to design a menu for Hillstone in the spirit of “Canadian-Italian,” the end product is further enhanced by his varied life experiences. Familiar favourites like burgers, pastas, sandwiches and wraps are found alongside cultural specialties such as Hungarian goulash and Greek-inspired chicken souvlaki. The diverse menu offers sufficient choice that one could sample a different dish each day for a month.
Those visiting the hotel restaurant may also notice the Inn itself has gone through some positive changes
since the pandemic. New owner Michael Rosehart, a real-estate and investment guru from nearby London, acquired the hotel in mid-2024 and has led his team to reinvest in the property.
The quarter-century hotel has all-new flooring, new beds and several new amenities such as a business cen tre, a small gym and an outdoor barrel sauna.
“We wanted to revitalize this space and see what people might want,” said Giesen. “We thought a business centre would be great (just off the lobby) because we get a lot of people out of Toronto area that come here to work.”
To this point, Giesen added this winter has been surprisingly busy, as outside contractors doing maintenance during the St. Marys Cement Plant’s traditional February shutdown have frequented the 25-room hotel as a convenient place to stay.
Giesen, a young man who hails from Lucan, has admirably represented the hotel in his role as manager and is thrilled at this latest step in the process.
“My favourite thing is bringing a great experience to everyone who comes here. We’re getting a lot of good feedback, especially with the restau -
rant coming now, so I’m super happy about that.”
The Hillstone Bar & Grill is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. To make a reservation or for more information, contact hillstonebarandgrill@ gmail.com or call 548-866-0410.
STEWART GRANT Publisher
I looked back this week at my editorial from three years ago, during the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“… The brave response of the Ukrainians in the first days of the invasion inspired the world, and united the world,” I wrote.
Recall those first moments when the 13 defenders of Ukraine’s Snake Island defiantly set the tone, by not surrendering to the threat of an imminent bomb attack but instead holding their outpost with a defiant response: “Russian warship ... go f*** yourself.”
This message was in concert with the resilient actions of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Refusing offers of a safe haven outside of the country, he stayed with his people. He stayed to lead them, to inspire them.
“When you will be attacking us, you will see our faces, not our backs, but our faces,” Zelenskyy said within his first-day address.
Recall that in late February 2022, it seemed the entire world was with Ukraine. A flurry of economic sanctions against Russia were established while Ukraine’s blue-and-yellow flag was raised everywhere in solidarity.
Three years later, the war continues. Ukraine has not been defeated but cracks are beginning to show in worldwide support. As always, the United States is the powerful straw that stirs the drink.
Earlier this week, the United States made a powerful and shocking statement regarding their current position when they voted at the UN General Assembly against a resolution which condemned Russia’s actions and supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Instead, the Americans voted on the same side as Russia, North Korea, Sudan, Hungary, Israel and Belarus, and on the opposite side of its traditional European allies. Despite the American vote, the UN resolution passed by a measure of 93 in favour and 17 against, with 65 countries abstaining.
Canada’s current administration showed their support of Ukraine by supporting
the UN resolution, and this sentiment was echoed by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who took a break from slamming the Liberals to write a thoughtful Facebook post reflecting on the last three years of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He wrote, “Just hours after the fullscale war began, I told a rally of Ottawa’s Ukrainian community that ‘Canadians stand in total solidarity with you, and we will be by your side throughout.’ Three years later, our dedication has not wavered. Canada’s common-sense Conservatives remain committed to getting Ukraine the weapons they need –and to promoting Canadian oil and gas as an alternative to Putin’s energy blackmail. And I want to be completely clear, Conservatives believe that no process for peace negotiations should happen without Ukraine being part of these discussions. Ukrainians have the right to determine their own future.”
Poilievre’s post, which was most likely to be read by his 814,000 Facebook followers, quickly received over 5,000 comments, of which no consensus was apparent. Many of the louder rebuttals were from voters who were unable to reconcile his Trump-style “Canada First” slogan with this show of support for another democratic nation.
“What has Ukraine ever done for us?” was among the most concise of the contrasting comments.
There isn’t space in this editorial to dig into the opinions on both sides, so if you are interested in seeing the range of opposing views, visit Poilievre’s Facebook page, scroll past the posts obsessing about Mark Carney, and find the Feb. 24 post that I’m referring to. It’s quite something.
What you’ll find is the supporters of the Conservative Party are very much divided on this important issue. As the federal election draws nearer, it will be interesting to see how the party deals with this difference of views and whether it will be able to hold sufficient support to stave off the resurgent Trudeau-free Liberal Party.
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows, a lot can change with the passage of time.
We have 4 Bravos this week.
1) Bravo to others who have expressed their opinion regarding coverage of Trump's tariffs in the Independent. If a newspaper and its editor/publisher are to be nonpartisan, they need to present both sides of a story. The article by Dr. Bruce Andrews in the Feb. 6 edition is an excellent piece, well worth reading and I thank you for putting this in the paper. This is presenting both sides of an argument!
2) Bravo to Conner who helped my husband and I when we were stuck coming out of the field. We were shovelling to try to get out and Conner stopped and offered to help and pulled us out. I don't know your last name, but thank you Conner for helping us during the freezing cold wind.
3) Bravo to Ruth who helped me take down Valentine lights when she saw me struggling.
4) Bravo to the five helpful Peel Street neighbours that showed up to help when I got stuck in the snow at Central School Manor when I went to see my mom. They brought two snow blowers and shovels to help get me on my way and then proceeded to clean out the whole parking lot.
We have 2 Boos this week.
1) Boo to the snow not melting fast enough.
2) Boo to those who choose not to vote. Get out and vote!
“You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted this shortly after Canada’s 3-2 overtime victory over the U.S.A. in the 4 Nations Face-Off final game on Thursday, Feb. 20.
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
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The St. Marys Independent THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK
Sponsored by:
The deep roots never doubt that Spring will come. Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.
Life can be tough, but so can you. The more you love yourself, the less nonsense you will put up with.
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT
Staff Contribution
The St. Marys Fire Department is advising residents to clear the snow around the fire hydrants on or near their property.
Keeping hydrants clear of snow ensures firefighters can access them quickly in the event of an emergency, when every second counts.
Residents can make a significant difference by taking a few moments to clear snow from hydrants near their homes or businesses. This community effort will help improve public safety during this challenging winter weather.
The town encourages residents to:
• Clear snow from all sides of the hydrant, creating a three-foot radius around it
• Ensure a clear path from the hydrant to the street
• Check hydrants regularly after plows pass to ensure they remain visible
“Seconds count during a fire,” said Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson in a press release. “Snow-covered hydrants can delay our ability to connect to a water source and can mean the difference between saving a home or business and losing it entirely.
“I urge everyone to pitch in and help keep hydrants visible and accessible when we have significant snowfalls.”
When clearing hydrants, prioritize safety. Be aware of passing traffic and wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night, to remain visible to drivers. Take breaks as required and avoid overexertion while shoveling, as heavy snow can be physically demanding.
MARCH BREAK CAMP PRC
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT
Staff Contribution
As the winter season reaches its peak, the accumulation of snow from the recent winter storms poses significant challenges for road safety and accessibility.
In response to these challenges, St. Marys is implementing a dedicated effort to push back high snowbanks along roadways and intersections to improve sightlines for safer and more efficient travel for all residents beginning Monday, Feb. 24.
The significant accumulation of snow has resulted in challenges due to the limited space available for storing cleared snow. As a result, it may be required to direct some snow removal onto the front of properties situated in these areas.
Snow removal in the cul-de-sacs will also begin this week as resources become available.
Clearing snowbanks at intersections will help to improve the following:
Improved visibility
High snowbanks at intersections often obstruct drivers' line of sight, increasing the risk of accidents. By pushing back these snowbanks, visibility is significantly enhanced, allowing drivers to see oncoming traffic and pedestrians more clearly.
Say goodbye to boredom this March Break with Camp PRC!
From crafting masterpieces to actionpacked games and skating, the fun never ends at the Pyramid Recreation Centre Register online through ActiveNet today
townofstmarys.com/campprc
Enhanced road access
Narrowed roads due to snowbanks can restrict the movement of vehicles, particularly larger ones such as emergency services, snowplows and sanitation trucks. Widening roads by clearing snow at intersections ensures these essential services can operate effectively.
Pedestrian safety
On-street parking
Clearing the snow from intersections helps maintain clear and safe pathways for pedestrians.
Clearing snow banks enhances the availability of on-street parking for residents during daytime hours and improves accessibility to passenger-side vehicle doors.
Stormwater catch-basin clearing
Clearing snow from roadway edges will open the stormwater catch basins and help control flooding when warmer temperatures arrive.
"We sincerely thank all residents for their cooperation and understanding this winter,” said town public works director Jed Kelly in a press release. “Your patience and support are invaluable as we work through this year’s winter challenges."
For more information about winter maintenance, visit www.townofstmarys. com/snow.
If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, contact us at 519-284-0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com. Our Senior of the Week is Marg Boreham who celebrated her 79th birthday on Feb. 24. Marg has been married to the love of her life, Leonard, for 59 years. They have three children, nine grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. Marg is an avid watcher of TV game shows and enjoys frequent visits with Leonard to local restaurants.
New video project showcases downtown opportunities
ST. MARYS
Staff Contribution
The Town of St. Marys is excited to share the launch of a new video project designed to highlight the unique business opportunities available in its historic downtown.
Called Craft Your Business’s Future in Historic St. Marys, this initiative showcases the town as an ideal location for entrepreneurs and aims to attract businesses to fill currently vacant commercial spaces.
In collaboration with the St. Marys Business Improvement Area (BIA), this project features local businesses that have found success in the heart of town. Through engaging video storytelling, viewers will get a firsthand look at the vibrant business community and the support available for entrepreneurs considering St. Marys as their home.
The series includes stories from:
• Zenfire Pottery: Angela of Zenfire Pottery shares how the St. Marys BIA and Town of St. Marys economic-development team helped her turn her passion into a thriving business. The town’s strong sense of community and creative spaces make it the perfect place for entrepreneurs to flourish.
• The Flour Mill: Tracey and Alex of The Flour Mill discuss the benefits of operating in St. Marys, from the town’s welcoming atmosphere to its prime location that attracts customers from Stratford and London. Their story showcases why St. Marys is a hidden gem for business owners.
• Troyer’s Spices: Dan Troyer of Troyer’s Spices explains why St. Marys has been an incredible place for his business to thrive for the past eight years. With a strong customer base and a passion for quality products, he shares how the town’s support has helped him grow.
• The Chocolate Factory: Highlighting the unique charm of St. Marys, The Chocolate Factory owner, Liz, shares how the town’s heritage and community spirit have contributed to their continued success.
These videos are now available on the town’s newly launched webpage at discoverstmarys.ca/business, as well as on YouTube. Over the next several weeks, the Town of St. Marys and BIA will continue sharing these inspiring stories to reach potential business owners and investors.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with local businesses to showcase why St. Marys is such a fantastic place to set up shop," said Kelly Deeks-Johnson, tourism and economic development manager with the Town of St. Marys. "With a combination of historic charm, strong community support and a strategic location, we believe St. Marys offers incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs."
For more information about business opportunities in St. Marys and support resources, visit discoverstmarys.ca/business or contact Deeks-Johnson at 519284-2340 ext. 272 or kdeeks@town.stmarys.on.ca.
1) What mathematical holiday is celebrated annually on March 14th?
2) What is generally more powerful: a 12-gauge shotgun or a 20-gauge shotgun?
3) What is the northernmost country capital in the world?
4) What is the currency of Japan?
5) Who played Amanda Woodward on the TV show Melrose Place?
6) What version of the iPhone is being released this week?
7) How many U.S. states start with the letter A?
8) What Canadian female singer hit the music charts with a cover of John Denver’s hit song “Leaving on a Jet Plane”?
9) What element on the periodic table is represented by the letter K?
10) Who scored the winning goal for Canada at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off final?
By Jake Grant
The Manufacturing shop at St. Marys DCVI was fortunate to receive generous donations from the St. Marys Cement Company and the United Steelworkers District 6 Local 9325 to support the program with materials and tooling. These donations help support the next generation of skilled tradespeople develop their skills in welding, machining, CNC programming and more. St. Marys DCVI is very thankful for their support. Pictured are: Ben Hewitt (USW District 6 local 9325 vice president), Dylan Carter (St. Marys DCVI manufacturing teacher), Alejandro Aviles (St. Marys Cement Plant manager), Vanessa Barr (St. Marys Cement human resources manager), Petra Goetz (St. Marys DCVI principal), Jeff Mossey (USW District 6 local 9325 president)
GALEN SIMMONS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Though an ad-hoc advisory committee struck by St. Marys council to find solutions to the town’s racket-sport-court capacity issues ultimately sided with recreation-and-leisure-master-plan consultants on how to address those issues in the short term, the committee has agreed to continue working on a longterm strategy with the goal of developing dedicated courts for both pickleball and tennis.
Representatives from the St. Marys Pickleball Association and St. Marys Tennis Club met with town councillors and staff for the ad-hoc committee’s second meeting Feb. 19 to discuss potential short- and long-term plans for St. Marys’ racket-sports courts on Water Street South identified by the committee at its first meeting Feb. 5 and researched by town staff in the interim.
Those potential plans were meant to address a longstanding dispute between local tennis and pickleball players around how the town’s current four tennis courts – the town’s north courts have lines for pickleball and tennis, while the two south courts are painted for tennis only – should be laid out to maximize use, enjoyment and competitive play by players of both sports. The plans also include the addition of pickleball nets so members of the public can play at any time. Currently, the town’s pickleball nets are only available to pickleball association members or they must be booked in advance.
“Our team worked on getting some pricing for this committee today,” St. Marys director of community services Stephanie Ische told committee mem -
bers. “ … The first option is the shortterm option to resurface the north half of the existing Water Street facility courts to create the six pickleball courts, which would be four shared (with tennis) and two dedicated, and one shared tennis court.”
At an estimated cost of $74,000, this first option proposed by the committee at its last meeting includes the cost of portable pickleball nets on wheels for the shared courts and permanent nets for the dedicated pickleball courts, and the painting of lines with different colours indicating which are for tennis and which are for pickleball. Based on contractor availability, the work for this option, which is expected to take three to four days, would have occurred mid-season or in the fall. It would also have extended the amount of time before the courts need to repainted from three to five years to seven to 10 years.
The second option, Ische continued, would have been to repaint the north courts to accommodate six pickleball courts and two shared tennis courts with different coloured lines indicating which are for tennis and which are for pickleball. At a cost of $65,000, this option would have similarly extended the life of the north courts, required three to four days to complete and the work would have been done in mid-season or in the fall. Unlike the first option, option two only includes funding for portable pickleball nets.
The final short-term option included in Ische’s report to the committee was the same recommendation made to council by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants through the town’s new recreation and leisure master plan, adopted by council on Jan. 28. At a cost of $20,000
– $7,500 of which is for painting and the remainder for the purchase of pickleball nets for all pickleball courts – the consultants’ recommendation will see the painting of four additional dedicated pickleball courts on the south side of the existing courts facility.
While the pickleball association representatives ultimately said they preferred the first option, tennis club representative Don Van Galen made a motion to recommend option three to council, the very same consultant recommendation he spoke against at council’s Jan. 28 meeting, resulting in the formation of the ad-hoc committee.
In his motion, which was supported by the committee with the exception of the two pickleball representatives, Van Galen specified that the town should work with both clubs to determine which colours would be used for pickleball-court lines, and which would be used for tennis-court lines to help prevent confusion during play.
“We don’t agree but, as you’ve said, council is committed to a permanent solution,” Van Galen said. “If pickleball is committed to a permanent solution, then we should move ahead with option (three).”
“I’ll speak against option (three) and suggest proposal one,” said pickleball association representative Merlin Leis. “I think any short-term solution isn’t (for) a year, it isn’t two years. It’s many, let’s be honest here; at least five. I think dedicated pickleball courts is something the community requires. Our members certainly want and expect it. It’s regrettable that we’d lose one tennis court. Tennis only really uses the shared courts in overflow situations. I don’t know how often you use (all) four courts; I think
it’s tenable that you can lose one court.”
Currently, the St. Marys Tennis Club has 72 members and the St. Marys Pickleball Association has 140 members.
As for a long-term, permanent solution to the issues at play, Ische included both the expansion of the current courts facility to include four additional, dedicated pickleball courts – a project that would be complicated by the adjacent Riverwalk Walkway and Thames River flood plain, and require input and approval from the Upper Thames Conservation Authority – and the construction of a new, standalone courts facility with dedicated courts for both sports on an as-of-yet unspecified plot of land.
At this point, Ische said staff do not know whether an expansion of the current facility is possible or how much it might cost, and the construction of a standalone facility, based on the costs of similar facilities in nearby towns, could cost upwards of $460,000. Mayor Al Strathdee, who is serving as chair of the ad-hoc committee, said the pickleball and tennis clubs would need to lead a community fundraising effort to make the construction of a new courts facility possible.
As council had not yet given the adhoc committee a mandate to continue its work beyond March 11, when its recommendation will be presented to council, part of that recommendation will be to establish a more permanent committee with terms of reference and a mandate to work towards either a new, standalone facility or an expansion of the existing courts.
Town CAO Brent Kittmer said the committee could expect to meet again at some point in April to continue discussions.
Walker Julie Docker-Johnson from team Better Together was bang on when she shared the reason why people participate.
“The Coldest Night of the Year walk can be uncomfortable,” she said. “Uncomfortable because we are physically cold. Uncomfortable because we are acknowledging that there are people in our community that are struggling. Often, we need to feel it ourselves to take action. The Coldest Night is the opportunity to, as a community, get together to make change.”
by the big white polar bear and were able to mingle and warm up with some soup.
The walkers were met back at the PRC
The St. Marys event mascot, Phileo the Penguin, had been making his rounds in town getting the word out prior to the event. His name means to welcome and befriend someone. The
penguin was made by our local mystery man, painted by Julie Docker-Johnson and was dressed by Julie Phillips. Planning is already starting for CNOY26 in support of those who are struggling with hurt, hunger and homelessness especially in the cold winter.
CONNOR LUCZKA Independent Correspondent
Ahead of the provincial election on Feb. 27, four candidates went head-tohead in a debate hosted by the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce.
On Feb. 20, Ashley Fox of the Ontario Liberals, Ian Morton of the Green Party of Ontario, Matthew Rae of the PC Party of Ontario and Jason Davis of the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Ontario joined moderator Craig Thompson of Ballinran Entertainment in the Stratford Rotary Complex to field questions on anything from health care to rural transportation.
At some point during the night, all of the opposing parties brought up the priorities of the PCs, highlighting the proposed Highway 413, the opening of the Greenbelt for development and the Ontario Science Centre’s closing, as evidence of the government not having this region’s priorities at heart.
Fox, the only familiar face on stage other than incumbent Rae, focused on her work as a registered practical nurse (RPN). Her personal priority is health care this election.
“We need to rebuild, we need to modernize,” Fox said. “We were once so proud, and we still are, of our healthcare system, but we lost its potential. … Sixty-three per cent of RPNs right now in 2025 want to leave the field – 63 per cent. And when you think of where RPNs provide care on the frontline level, that's our seniors, that's our most vulnerable, that's our emerge, that's all over. In 2024, we were tracking the ER closures in Perth-Wellington. (From) the top 10 all over the province, two were right here in our riding. This needs to be a priority. It needs to be discussed.”
Morton routinely drove home the breadth of policies the Greens have this election, often running out of time to list all of them during his time allotment when it came to housing, infrastructure and the like.
He also focused on his relationship with the riding, if elected.
“This is about bringing the people's voice back to Queen's Park, making sure that the issues – the serious issues and problems that we're facing, regardless of where we live in Perth-Wellington – making sure that those are taken seriously. … We have lost touch with the citizens and constituents in our ridings. We need to bring that voice back, because you are the heart and soul of this province.”
Rae, meanwhile, focused on what he was able to accomplish as Perth-Wellington’s incumbent. As he said, since being elected in 2022, he has been able to help secure $200 million for the region in provincial funding.
At one point in the evening when asked about infrastructure, Rae apologized for all the construction occurring in Stratford, saying the Erie, Huron and Ontario Street redevelopment projects were all made possible through provincial dollars.
“Millions of dollars have gone to the City of Stratford,” he said. “Millions of dollars more is needed. Our government is committed to investing an additional $2 billion in the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which will help unlock more homes in the City of Stratford and across Perth-Wellington. It's something I hear often from our municipal partners because they need the infrastructure to support housing development.”
“Those investments sound great, but if we keep building the wrong kind of housing, it’s not really helping anyone,” Davis replied.
Davis, a self-described affordable-housing advocate, consistently spoke about housing as the root of many of the region’s issues. Without proper housing that people can afford, there will continue to be labour challenges, health challenges and affordability challenges in the region, he said.
“The last time that we had any official government program to build housing for Ontario was the year that the Backstreet Boys first formed,” Davis went on to say. “That was 1993, so as much as the conservatives and liberals might say that they have this plan or that plan for housing, it's been 30 years.”
In their closing remarks, all thanked the chamber for hosting the debate and asked listeners for their votes. They all urged citizens to cast their vote on or before Feb. 27, no matter who that vote
was for.
Four candidates may have debated but there were seven candidates running to be Perth-Wellington’s MPP.
Robbie Smink of the Freedom Party of Ontario was one of the candidates left out. He has been running in the riding for 36 years.
He told this newspaper he got his election papers into Elections Ontario before the deadline and phoned the chamber to inform them he was running and would like to be involved in the debate. He claims they refused his participation due to the short turnaround (his name was listed on the Elections Ontario web -
site on Feb. 14), something he doubted. After all, he said, it would be easy to put another chair and microphone on stage.
Natalie Moore, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, said the chamber followed the example of other chambers and only included candidates on stage with party representation in Queen’s Park.
“Then, also, there was the time constraint,” Moore said. “So, naturally we only heard from some other parties that they were running last minute. … But certainly, we just wanted to keep it the model that other chambers have done.”
Moore also said she was happy with the turnout of the event, not only in person at the Rotary Complex but watching at home through Rogers TV or livestreamed through the Wightman Telecom YouTube channel. The chamber hosts a public provincial debate each election, she said, as one of their goals is advocacy and an event like a debate is crucial to the community.
Aaron Martin, general manager of the chamber, reiterated Moore’s comment about the short-turnaround and added all of the questions were recorded and sent to non-participating candidates, with the idea being to circulate their answers with the chamber’s membership.
For those interested in the twohour-long debate, a recording can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Ake6frs6wTA.
The election is Feb. 27, after press time. A full story on its result will be available in the next edition of the Independent.
On hand to celebrate the opening of Jacob Liquidation & Auction Ltd. were contractor Paul Bender, Perth South chief building official Martin Feeney, Perth South councillors Sam Corriveau and Jim Van Nes, Perth-Wellington incumbent candidate in the Feb. 27 provincial election Matthew Rae, owners Craig and Deanna Jacobs, Perth South councillors Jeff Bell and Jaime Martin, Perth-Wellington MP John Nater, Perth South clerk Lizet Scott and Perth South director of public works Ken Bettles.
2018 and, as the business got busier, they realized the need for more space.
The wait is over for Deanna and Craig Jacobs and staff as they held their official opening Feb. 21 for Jacobs Liquidation at its new location, 1911 James St. S. Dignitaries from Perth South, Perth-Wellington MP John Nater and Perth-Wellington’s incumbent PC candidate in the Feb. 27 Ontario election Matthew Rae were all on hand for the ribbon cutting.
The Jacobs founded the business in
The new build has more than 17,000 square feet of space and is located just off Highway 7 with a large parking lot and space for future growth.
"This expansion represents our commitment to serving the community and providing our customers with even more incredible deals," said Craig Jacobs, co-founder of Jacobs Liquidation & Auction Ltd.
The new space will allow for more inventory in a more spread-out envi-
ronment with items for sale including clothing, bedding, furniture, books, housewares, decorations, shoes and so much more at great prices.
“We are excited to see their business thrive in this new space and look forward to the opportunities it brings to Perth South." Said Perth South Mayor Sue Orr.
The newest Perth South councillor, Jeff Bell, was on hand to celebrate the opening.
“This is a great facility with lots of parking and room for future expansion.
We are always happy to see local businesses grow and expand,” he said.
The business held a soft opening the week prior and spent the following few days figuring out some quirks. By the ribbon cutting, everything was running smoothly.
To keep up with new inventory, sign up for the Jacobs Liquidation weekly newsletter at jacobsliquidation.com.
For more information, contact Craig Jacobs at 226-661-4000 or Jacobsliquidation@gmail.com.
EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter
Anyone missing spring weather can enjoy artwork featuring colourful spring flowers when they stop by the St. Marys Station Art Gallery.
Elementary school students from Little Falls and South Perth Centennial public schools will have their artwork, which was inspired by spring flowers flourishing, displayed at the St. Marys Station Gallery as part of the bi-annual Elementary Schools exhibition.
Cameron Porteous, curator, said he picked the spring flowers theme to coincide with the upcoming spring break.
“Kids are all looking forward to spring break,” Porteous said. “Everybody's looking forward to spring break, so I thought it would be fun to have them think about spring flowers. You know, anticipating the growth of new flowers coming in."
The Spring Flowers exhibition is expected to display 40 different artworks, 20 from each school. The pieces had to fit the 11-by-17-inch requirements for the
frames and matting the gallery supplies.
Beyond that, students could use whatever materials they wanted to create spring flowers. One of the students made a 3D collage.
“Basically, it was a collage using bits of paper put together to create a chrysanthemum and things like that, which I thought was very clever, very colourful,” Porteous said.
Results from the 2023 survey, Arts and the Quality of Life for Ontarians, commissioned by the Ontario Arts Council, revealed 96 per cent of Ontarians feel arts education is important for child development. Porteous hosts these exhibitions to let students express themselves through art.
"We give these kids this opportunity to show how they feel about things like spring flowers or birds and butterflies, etc.,” he said.
The Elementary Schools exhibition will have a preview on Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and an opening reception on March 1 from 1-4 p.m. The Spring Flowers exhibition will be on display at the gallery until April 12.
Newly appointed committee chair Tony Winter asked Foster and Stratford Police Chief Greg Skinner to speak to the notion of declaring gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence an epidemic as other municipalities, including nearby Stratford – which saw 548 calls for service related to domestic violence made to police last year – have already done.
“We have been working very closely with the violence against women group in Perth County (StopVAW) and they strongly recommend that it be identified as an epidemic because there is rarely a week that goes by in the Province of Ontario where there is not a death related to a domestic-violence incident,” Skinner said.
“The City of Stratford did identify domestic violence or intimate-partner violence as an epidemic a number of months ago, and I know we have talked about it at this committee as well. There was some hesitancy on the part of the committee and council here to identify it as an epidemic if there was no strategy in place to deal with the issue.”
To that end, Skinner said police have been working with StopVAW to develop such a strategy by reviewing weekly statistics, the severity of domestic-violence incidents, charges laid and what support is available for both victims and perpetrators with the goal of preventing domestic violence before it happens wherever possible and giving the advisory committee and council cause to declare an epidemic.
Skinner also noted intimate-partner violence was identified as a core pillar in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County’s 2021-2024 Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
“We’re trying to be proactive in that regard,” Skinner said of the supports available. “There’s a lot being done and my hope is that … all of these initiatives together and the focus on intimate-partner violence locally will allow councils to see that it is in need of being identified as more than simply a call for service from the police, and that it is epidemic among our communities and we need to have further government funding and focus on these issues within our community.”
The next highest calls for service for Stratford police in St. Marys last year
was for motor-vehicle collisions with police responding to a total of 70 for the year. Police also responded to 39 frauds, 25 assaults, 17 thefts under $5,000 and 11 break and enters. There were five calls to police each for incidents involving hate or bias, sexual offences, drug offences and impaired-driving offences, nine calls to police for auto thefts, three calls to police for suicides or attempted suicides, and two calls to police each for drug overdoses and robberies.
In neighbouring Stratford last year, police responded to 18,479 calls for service and laid 4,112 charges while, in Perth South, police attended 2,435 calls for service – 30 more than in St. Marys in 2024 – and laid 1,281 charges, nearly three times as many charges laid when compared with St. Marys in 2024.
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SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
It would be understandable if the results of the St. Marys Lincolns’ most recent two games have given fans whiplash.
A weekend that started with a record-setting high on Feb. 21 ended with a bitter-tasting low Feb. 23 with the Lincolns winning their franchise-best, 18th-consecutive game in a matchup with the St. Thomas Stars before falling in a frustratingly forgettable 3-2 shootout loss to the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins.
The Lincs’ surpassed the 2007-2008 record of 17 straight wins with a dominant 8-3 win over the Stars.
Assistant coach Michael Siddall told the Independent the coaching staff was pleased with the team’s hunger to hunt down the puck.
“We challenged our guys and spent some time in practice working on getting back to the kind of forecheck that has been a staple of ours for several years now,” said Siddall. “Specifically, we were looking at when to pressure hard and when to sit back into a more controlled forecheck. I thought that was an area we executed a lot better in for much of the game.”
Cohen Bidgood netted the game’s first goal, giving the Peterborough native seven on the year. Siddall credited Bidgood for his improved overall play.
“Cohen (Bidgood) has taken good strides as of late,” Siddall said. “He went through a phase when he was finding his footing and engaging the way we need him to, and I think he’s starting to do that. He’s battling more, he’s engaged physically and on the forecheck, and he’s doing a good job protecting pucks defensively.”
Trent Clinton tied the game for St. Thomas a mere 47 seconds later with the score staying deadlocked at one apiece until, with one minute and eight seconds left in the opening period, Jaden Lee scored to restore the Lincolns’ one-goal advantage. Luca Spagnolo and Owen Kalp picked up the assists, the latter of whom extended his point streak to five games with the helper.
The Stars once again evened up the game, this time off the stick of Artsiom Bialiayev two minutes and 20 seconds into the middle stanza. However, just a minute and 19 seconds later, Spagnolo found the back of the net, giving the Lincs’ captain goals in four of his last five games and his league-leading 34th goal of the season.
St. Marys buried their first of two powerplay markers on the night with Ryan Hodkinson’s 16th goal of the campaign at the 9:59 mark of the second before Lee netted his second of the night, once again with just over a minute to go until the intermission.
In the third, Quinn Gavin-White scored for St. Marys against his former team, a goal that gave the 19-yearold forward points in four of his last five games. The goal also came immediately following a point shot by Ethan Coups, giving the overage rearguard points in seven in a row.
Dylan Hendrick got the Stars back within three but a pair of goals by Chase MacQueen-Spence, one of which came on the man advantage, sealed the 8-3 win for the Lincolns.
The goals also made it seven straight games with a goal for MacQueen-Spence, which tied four other skaters – one of whom being his teammate, Lee – for the longest goal streak of the season in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL).
Siddall explained how he can see MacQueen-Spence preparing to try to elevate himself in the post-season, just like he did so marvellously one year ago.
“Chase is a playoff performer. He was the MVP of the playoffs last year, and I think he’s doing a good job getting in the right headspace and implementing the right habits to perform in the playoffs. Chase is digging a little deeper and getting in that right frame of mind to have success in the playoffs, and I think the
rest of the team is doing so as well.”
Nico Armellin secured the win in between the pipes for the Lincolns and, in doing so, joined in on the history-making nature of the night. The win gave the product of Vaughan 18 wins this season, a new Lincolns’ record for wins in a season by a rookie goaltender.
According to Siddall, even though the game came against a team out of playoff contention, the Lincs still had plenty of reason to be focused.
“Our goal wasn't so much centred around defeating St. Thomas specifically, as much as it was about working on ourselves. It’s about making sure our systems and gameplay is up to our standard, and for the most part, we did that. That’s really what we’re focusing on as we inch closer to the playoffs.
“It might not be the most high-profile game in terms of who we’re playing, but it’s still big for us,” Siddall continued. “We’re challenging our guys to keep bringing their best effort every game. It’s great to clinch the conference and the league titles, but we are still trying to find ways to be better and more consistent in any way we can.”
Lapsed focus costs Lincs in 3-2 shootout loss Typically, if a penalty kill is getting offensive opportunities, it’s the Lincolns getting the scoring chances while shorthanded. However, the roles were reversed in the Lincs’ trip to Waterloo, which saw the Siskins end the Lincolns’ winning streak with a 3-2 victory in a shootout.
A misplay on a zone entry led to Kayden Oliver getting a breakaway, which he backhanded past Colby Booth-Housego less than five minutes into the game, giving Kitchener-Waterloo a 1-0 lead.
It took almost exactly 13 minutes for the Lincolns to get an answer, which came in the form of a power-
play goal whacked home by Noah VandenBrink for his eighth of the year. Lee, who tallied an assist on the goal, heads into the Lincolns’ next game on Feb. 28 with points in 17 of his last 18 games.
Liam King scored the lone goal of the middle period to put the Siskins up 2-1, a lead that held until Ryan Cornfield scored the game-tying tally with just under three minutes left in regulation. Along with Jacob Montesi, Blake Elzinga, who turned in a strong effort throughout the game, earned an assist on Cornfield’s equalizer, giving Elzinga at least a point in each of his last six games.
Heading in, the Lincolns powerplay had been white-hot, operating at a nuclear 40 per cent during the month of February. However, errant mismanagement of the puck resulted in numerous rushes the other way, many of which were turned aside as part of a strong, 25-save performance by Booth-Housego.
Siddall attributed the Lincolns’ powerplay struggles to a lack of focus and execution of their gameplan.
“I don't know if there was a hangover from reading all the headlines about the winning streak and clinching the league,” Siddall chuckled, “but our attention to detail definitely lacked at
times. Our powerplay wasn’t as hot as it normally is and Waterloo actually gained some momentum off of our powerplay. When you give teams the chance to build momentum like that, it can re -
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
parties are encouraged to contact bboyd@lincs.ca or 519-520-0799 for more information.
when it looked good. We were able to get (the Siskins’ penalty killers) out of position, but there were a bit too many non-characteristic things we were doing, like trying to beat guys one-on-one rather than move the puck into open space. The Siskins are fighting for their playoff lives right now, and they caught us with our pants down.”
While the team is eager to correct what went wrong against the Siskins, Siddall noted the team isn’t panicked by one disappointing result.
“I think all of our systems are ready to go, our mindset is ready to go and we don’t need to make any drastic changes to what we’re doing, especially after one lacklustre game. Now we’re focused on all the little things and tweaking the finer details of our gameplan, but we’re operating with a pretty firm foundation.”
ally hurt you.
“Our powerplay obviously hasn’t been hurting us lately, and it had moments
The Lincolns host a rare double-header on home ice, first welcoming in the Komoka Kings on Feb. 28 followed by the London Nationals on March 1. After that, the final week of the regular season will see the Lincs visit the Nationals on March 5 before hosting the Chatham Maroons on March 7 in their final game before the start of the playoffs.
We are seeking dedicated community leaders to join our Board of Directors and support our mission of fostering a "Healthy, Active Community "
Board members play a key role in overseeing fundraising efforts and shaping how resources are allocated to enhance services at St Marys Memorial Hospital and the Tradition Mutual Centre for Wellness, benefiting St Marys and area
Ideal candidates are: Passionate about healthcare
Familiar with our community
Willing to dedicate time to board meetings, activities, and sub-committee work
All applicants must abide by the HPHA vaccination policy
If interested, please email your current resume and cover letter to the Foundation at info@stmaryshealthcare foundation
We're accepting applications until March 7, 2025
SPENCER SEYMOUR
The Cubberley Plumbing and Heating U13 LL Boys Red reached the summit in their long-running quest for tournament gold, capturing the top prize at the Feb. 21-23 Johnny Bartram Memorial Tournament hosted in Embro, Ingersoll and Thamesford.
Head coach Jim Holliday explained how the team’s previous second-place finishes boosted the group heading into the South Oxford tournament.
“We went into the weekend believing that we could win this tournament,” said Holliday. “After having lost in the finals of our previous two tournaments, our players had a sense of what it would take to get us over the top. I'm thrilled for our players. They proved preparation, hard work and discipline can lead you to the best outcomes, and we need to ride this momentum into our playoffs.”
Holliday added several members of the squad played their best hockey of the year in the tournament, including Jonny Buckland, Keegan Forrester, Tristan Fraser and Sawyer Votary.
St. Marys came out on the right side of a tiebreaker in their pool after finishing with the same 2-0-1 record as the Ingersoll Express #2, which put the Rock in a quarter-final clash against the Ilderton Jets. The Rock won 5-0 in the quarters, setting the stage for St. Marys to meet the Ingersoll Express #1 in the semi-final.
Cubberley Plumbing and Heating U13 LL Boys Red earned the gold medal at the Johnny Bartram Memorial Tournament Feb. 21-23
The briskly paced semi-final saw St. Marys take a 2-0 lead into the third period, when the Rock’s offence extended their lead en route to a 6-2 victory which included an empty net goal late in the third. Cole McIntosh and Alex Peachey each scored twice, while Lachlan Thistle and Brett Pearson added individual goals.
“The key to us winning the semi-final game was that we didn't sit on our early lead,” Holliday told the Independent. “We kept pressing and working hard until the game opened up a bit.”
The Rock met the Twin Centre Stars in the gold-medal game, and despite the contest’s breakneck speed, the game stayed scoreless until around four-anda-half minutes into the third when the
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Stars scored the icebreaker. However, St. Marys, showing an unwavering focus, responded less than two minutes later with a goal by McIntosh. Exactly one minute later, the eventual game-winning goal was netted by Peachey.
Strong defensive play and goaltending by Tyler McDonald held on for a 2-1 victory by the Rock. McDonald picked up two shutouts in the tournament and didn’t give up more than two goals in any individual game.
Holliday credited the team’s leadership for elevating their play.
“We had some big performances from some of our veteran players. Cole (McIntosh) scored in every game and was nearly unstoppable in front of the other team's net. Our defence played extremely well in our own end and didn't give up a lot of scoring chances. I also felt like we played a little tougher when we had to.”
That added grit shown by the Rock came without an uptick in trips to the penalty box, which Holliday said was one of the biggest positives coming out of the weekend.
“I was really proud of how disciplined the team was. We only took three penalties during the entire tournament. As with most tournaments, there were times we were faced with adversity, whether it was a missed call or a play that didn't go our way, but our kids did a great job of staying focused and moving forward. In hockey, you can't control all the variables, but you can control how you react in those situations, and our entire coaching staff was proud of the players for learning this lesson and staying so disciplined.”
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
The Cascades U13 B Girls St. Marys Rock put forward a tenacious showing at the 43rd-annual Walter Gretzky Tournament in Brantford Feb. 21-23, ending with the squad returning home with the silver medal.
According to head coach Jamie Matheson, the team’s resiliency stood out all weekend long.
“The coaching staff was extremely happy with the way the girls found a way to dig deep and bounce back throughout the tournament,” Matheson told the Independent. “They definitely saved their best game for the final, and even though we didn’t get the win, we’re incredibly proud of the girls for how they competed.”
After falling to the province’s topranked team, the Temiskaming Shores Puckhounds, in their round-robin opener, the Rock put forward incredible lockdown defence with goaltender Charlotte Jeffreys backstopping the group to shutouts in three of their next four games.
The first of the team’s three shutouts saw Jaelynn Seok score twice in a 5-0 win over the Norfolk Hericanes. Camille Crummer, Lauren Masselis and Charlotte Matheson also scored against Norfolk.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The Cascades U13 B Girls were resilient and tenacious at the 43rd annual Walter Gretzky Tournament on Feb. 21-23 in Brantford, leaving the tournament with the silver medal. Pictured laying on the ice in front is Charlotte Jeffreys. In the first row, from left to right, are Lauren Masselis, Brinley St.Clair, Lucy McFarlane, and Jaelyn Seok. In the second row, from left, are Violet Holliday, Nora Frayne, Charlotte Matheson, Olivia Davis, Eleanor Froud, Camille Crummer, and Ellen Robson. In the back row, from left, are Jamie Matheson, Greg St.Clair, Matt Holliday, Bridgid Goris, and Natalie Minshall.
into a shootout, from which the Rock emerged victorious with goals by Davis and Masselis and another strong effort in net by Jeffreys, securing the 2-1 win for St. Marys.
Riding the momentum of three straight wins, the Rock blanked yet another opponent, taking a 1-0 victory over the Woodstock Wildcats. Jamie Matheson praised the team for their incredibly high compete level in the semis.
“They just came out and played a good, aggressive game,” the coach said. “We had a good overall team game. Our work ethic was great. The girls worked extremely hard both offensively and defensively.”
The semi-final win lifted the Rock to a place in the gold medal game against the only team to beat St. Marys, Temiskaming Shores, who defeated the Rock 4-0 to take the top prize. The Puckhounds ended the tournament without allowing any goals.
Even though the Rock fell in the final game, Jamie Matheson was thrilled with his team’s effort in the championship contest.
Charlotte Matheson and Lucy McFarlane scored while the team got a defensive masterclass from Nora Frayne, Eleanor Froud, Violet Holliday and Ellen Robson in their 2-0 round-robin win over the Flamborough Falcons.
With two wins and one loss in the round-robin, St. Marys finished second in their pool and met the North Bay Junior Lakers in the quarter-final. Olivia
Davis scored the Rock’s lone goal in regulation, with the thrilling game requiring overtime after the third period ended in a 1-1 deadlock.
After three-on-three overtime failed to produce a winner, the game went
“They had a really good game in the final. Their determination to be a pest to the other team was great to see. Everyone worked as a team, from the goaltender to the defenders to the forwards. They all really stepped up and played hard against Temiskaming. They could have given up, but they dug deep and really worked hard until the end."
SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter
The Bickell Built Homes U13 C Girls St. Marys Rock outlasted the Ilderton-Lucan Jets to take a 3-2 win in their playoff game on Feb. 22.
Head coach Davin Heinbuck told the Independent his team has “turned the tide” in their favour as the post-season has gone along.
“It seems to me that the deeper we go into the playoffs, the more they want to win games,” said Heinbuck. “You see that in the way they are backchecking and deeper in on the forecheck. They’re also moving the puck a lot better, and that’s really the key for us right now. The puck movement is allowing us to stay competitive through three periods of hockey with teams who have bigger rosters than we have.”
Heinbuck said much of the team’s biggest areas of improvement this season were at the heart of their win over the Jets.
“It’s good to see the developments they have made, and it’s good to see how much they want to win. They are coming together as a core and they’re
starting to realize how much they want something out of the season to celebrate.
They’re communicating well on the ice. They’re keeping their legs moving and,
most of all, their puck movement has improved so much. I think all of those elements were also big factors in this win (over Ilderton-Lucan).”
Molly Haight got the Rock on the board with the team’s first goal of the game in the opening period. Delaney Bond scored the Rock’s second goal of the game in the second frame before Paige Johnson potted the eventual game-winner. Haight and Johnson assisted on each other’s goals, while Charlotte Heinbuck recorded the lone assist on Bond’s goal.
Heinbuck also commented on the squad’s cohesiveness, noting major growth in every player’s commitment to one another.
“I think the biggest growth is just jelling as a team,” Heinbuck said. “A lot of these kids haven't played together before. Some of the kids didn’t really know each other at the start of the year and now, they’ve really come together as a group. One thing we always preach is playing for one another and that we win or lose as a team, and it seems like they have really embraced that. They have each other’s backs and are picking each other up when they get down.”
The next Community Liaison Committee Meeting will be held on Friday March 14 at 10am at the St Marys Municipal Operations Center. Members of the public who wish to observe are welcome to attend.
Residents who wish to speak in front of the Committee may submit a detailed request in writing at least 3 days prior to the meeting in writing to the Committee. The request will be considered by the Committee and approved prior to the meeting.
Please submit all requests, questions, and concerns for the meeting to kara.terpstra@vcimentos.com by March 12th, 2024.
St. Marys Town Hall
Tickets $25 advance $28 @ door
Doors @ 7:30 pm • Show @ 8:00 pm
Tickets available at The St. Marys Rec Centre 519 284-2160, www.ticketscene.ca & the door This is a LLBO all-ages Mudmen Inc event
Thursday, February 27, 2025 19
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The St. Marys Bowling Lanes were well-represented at the Family Twosome tournament in Port Elgin on Feb. 23. The tournament format included two divisions into which each pair could fall, including bowler and non-bowler and bowler-bowler. Pictured are the St. Marys pairings, including, from left to right, Bridget and Troy Stevens, Jason and Landon Ball, Amanda and Melissa Kittmer, Felix and Scott Louwagie, Nathan McKeen and Gerry Brockman, Matt and Natalie McKeen, and coaches Michelle McKeen and Helen Brockman. Bridget and Troy Stevens won gold in the junior bowler-bowler category and will head to the provincial championships on June 1 at Nebs Fun World in Oshawa. A bronze medal in the senior bowler-non-bowler group was earned by Jason and Landon Ball. Matt and Natalie McKeen also earned bronze in the junior bowler-non-bowler group. Amanda and Melissa Kittmer missed taking a bronze in the bantam bowler-non-bowler category by just three points. In the senior bowler-bowler group, Nathan McKeen and Gerry Brockman placed fifth. Felix and Scott Louwagie bowled in the bantam bowler-bowler category and placed sixth, with Felix, a peewee bowler, competing up a category. The teams were coached by Michelle McKeen and Helen Brockman.
local
in three leagues each week, and
bowl in the YBC youth bowling program. Lyons requested donations to the YBC program in St. Marys in lieu of birthday gifts and, as a result, presented Brockman with $855 to help offset the cost of lineage for tournaments.
Submitted article
The St. Marys Healthcare Foundation is thrilled to announce that Canadian comedian, writer and actor Brent Butt will be the special guest speaker at the Built For Tomorrow Gala on Saturday, June 7.
This highly anticipated event will take place at the Pyramid Recreation Centre, celebrating the completion of the east- and west-wing renovations at St. Marys Memorial Hospital.
Best known in television for his hilarious role on CTV’s Corner Gas, which portrayed life in small-town Saskatchewan and the mayhem that ensued there. It became an instant hit with unprecedented ratings and numerous accolades, including an International Emmy Award nomination. Bringing a similar style of humour to his onstage performances, Brent is an audience favourite with his clean jokes and stories that everyone can relate to. His appearance at the Built For Tomorrow Gala promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the evening.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Brent Butt to St. Marys for this special
night,” said Amanda McCurdy, board chair for the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation.
“This year’s gala is not only a fundraiser but a celebration of the hospital renovations! Brent’s comedic brilliance will add a unique and entertaining touch to what is sure to be a memorable evening.”
The Built For Tomorrow Gala will feature a glamorous, futuristic theme, incorporating elements of chrome, LED lights, silver and stars. Guests will enjoy an evening of good company, live entertainment and opportunities to support local health care through sponsorships, donations and live auctions.
Funds raised from the event will continue to support essential health-care initiatives at St. Marys Memorial Hospital, ensuring the community has access to top-quality medical services and equipment.
Tickets for the gala are available online exclusively at Trellis.org/Gala2025BuiltForTomorrow.
For sponsorship opportunities or to contribute to the live or silent auction, please contact Bernice at bernice@stmaryshealthcare.foundation.
competition in Canada in both English and French.
The Thorndale Lions Club held its Effective Speaking competition for area students at the club’s Feb. 19 meeting. This competition is part of the International Lions Club Multiple District A Ontario and Quebec Lions Club contest. It is the longest effective-speaking
For more than 35 years, the Thorndale Lions Club has hosted this annual student-speech competition with a goal of providing opportunities for students in competitive public speaking and self-expression. There were six students from West Nissouri Public School chosen to compete in this contest. For
Did you know … The
The Tweedsmuir books are a fascinating collection of local history volumes created by Women’s Institutes (WI) in Canada and they play a special role in preserving community stories.
Named after Lord Tweedsmuir, the governor general of Canada from 1935-
the junior division, grades 4-6, Penn Cole, Tenley Osgood and Rosie Parsons competed, and for the intermediate division, grades 7 and 8, Madi Dopp, Marshall Gavin and Makayla Varallo competed.
The topics for their speeches were chosen by the students. Within their allotted time, each student delivered their speeches before a panel of judges that
included Jodi DiGuspie, Amanda Jary, Jenna Govier. Also in attendance were the students’ parents and school principal and vice principal Ingrid Hollander and Amanda Duncan. First- and second-place speakers from each division will advance to the Lions District A-1 competition April 13 at the Thorndale Lions Community Centre.
1940, these books were an initiative to document local histories during his term.
Each WI branch would complete and maintain these books, which contain photographs, written accounts, newspaper clippings and other materials that capture the social and cultural life of their community. The aim was to preserve the heritage and everyday stories
of rural and small-town life, ensuring future generations would have a rich, tangible link to the past.
Located at the Thorndale Library in the history corner, the Tweedsmuir books were compiled by the Wellburn and Thorndale WIs, both of which have since disbanded. The Crumlin WI, which is still active, also has it's Tweedsmuir books at the Thorndale Library.
These volumes of the Tweedsmuir books are a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in genealogy, local history or the evolution of local communities. These books are also an excellent resource for authors researching the evolution of rural communities or rural living. While these books cannot be checked out of the library, they offer great insights into the past.
TETIANA DIDKOVSKA Independent Columnist
Dnipro stands out among Ukrainian cities for its striking contrasts, where modern skyscrapers blend with historical buildings. As the fourth-largest city in Ukraine, it is an industrial and cultural powerhouse in the southeast. Its storied past stretches across many centuries, shaping a rich tapestry of diverse traditions.
Historically, Dnipro developed into a leading centre of metallurgy, machine building, mining and chemical production, propelling its economic growth. High-quality goods made here travel worldwide, exemplifying its industrial might. At the same time, the city has deep ties to Ukraine’s aerospace industry, hosting enterprises that pioneered rocket and spacecraft design. This innovative legacy, bolstered by reputable engineering schools, underscores Dnipro’s status as a cradle of modern technological breakthroughs.
The city’s cultural scene is equally impressive. With nine theatres, a philharmonic and the House of Organ and Chamber Music, Dnipro provides a vibrant repertoire for art lovers. It also boasts numerous museums, including the Dmytro Yavornytsky National Historical Museum, established in 1849. Exhibits featuring archaeological finds, folk art and military relics illuminate the region’s multifaceted heritage.
Dnipro’s educational infrastructure furthers its cultural vitality. Fifteen universities and 24 colleges nurture future scientists, engineers, educators and artists. A synergy of innovative teaching and research fosters fresh ideas, attracting talent from across Ukraine. This emphasis on learning strengthens the city’s academic reputation, making it a magnet for knowledge seekers. Advanced-research institutes, in tandem with local industry, fuel technological advancements that resonate beyond regional borders.
Steeped in history, Dnipro preserves relics from the Cossack era. Once part of several Cossack palankas – Inhul, Kodak, Samara and Oril – these lands hosted zimivnyks (winter camps) and small towns that reflect
a proud warrior tradition. The Polish Kodak Fortress remains a notable landmark on the city’s outskirts. Nearby stands the former Cossack settlement, Lotsmanska Kamyanka, whose stories evoke the spirit of courage and independence characteristic of Ukraine’s historic defenders.
LAURA MCASH
St. Marys Public Library
Join us on Saturday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. for a talk by author and Order of Canada recipient, John Lord. John will speak on his new book “Aging and Elder Care: Time for Transformation”. He will also explore how our aging society impacts how we need to care for one another, personalized home care, age friendly communities, and naturally occurring retirement community initiatives. This author visit will be held upstairs at the Library, is free to attend, and no registration is required.
This Week’s Recommendation
In “Aging and Elder Care: Time for Transformation”, John Lord combines personal experience with research and activism to examine the existing systems of elder care in Canada and to pro -
pose productive changes. His ideas for reform focus on community-based care, fostering independence, increasing resilience, and more. It is a welcome and necessary look at what needs to change in order to enrich the lives of our ageing population and their care givers.
Up This Week
Fri., Feb. 28: Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Mar. 1: Author Visit: John Lord on Aging and Eldercare (10:30 a.m.)
Mon., Mar. 3: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tues., Mar. 4: Cooking Club* (10:30 a.m.)
Wed., Mar. 5: EarlyON Play and Read (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Mahjong! (1-4 p.m.), Scrabble (6-8 p.m.)
Thurs., Mar. 6: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
*Registration Required
Monastyrsky Island adds a touch of legend to Dnipro’s identity. Supposedly founded by Byzantine monks in the ninth century, its monastery saw visits from Princess Olga and Prince Volodymyr Sviatoslavovych. Though destroyed in the Mongol invasion, the island now serves as a tranquil retreat within the bustling city. Romantic scenery, walking trails and picturesque views of the Dnipro River make it a favoured destination for couples seeking serenity.
Archaeological discoveries affirm that people have inhabited this region since ancient times.
The city’s historical museum hosts an impressive array of stone statues known as stone women or babas, revealing past civilizations that thrived here.
Another engineering marvel underscores Dnipro’s progressive spirit: the Merefa-Kherson Railway Bridge. Completed in 1931, it was the world’s first continuous monolithic reinforced concrete bridge, a testament to local ingenuity and bold innovation.
Dnipro’s diverse infrastructure supports this dynamic atmosphere. With two railway stations, an international airport, a river port and two bus stations, the city seamlessly connects to the rest of Ukraine and beyond. Visitors can traverse the scenic 23-kilometre riverside promenade, often cited as the longest embankment in Europe. This waterfront area not only features recreational facilities and open-air events but also symbolizes the city’s harmonious blend of nature and modernity.
Finally, Dnipro is more than an industrial bastion. It stands at the crossroads of heritage and innovation, weaving together Cossack valor, religious legacies and scientific triumphs. Students from diverse backgrounds shape its future while cultural patrons find inspiration in its theatres, museums and creative forums. The city embraces progress without forsaking its deep historical roots, demonstrating resilience and hospitality in equal measure. No matter your interest – be it history, technology, or leisure – Dnipro offers a vibrant, welcoming journey into the heart of Ukraine with a unique cultural flair.
By Joel Hackett | 519 272 5742 | jtsquote@gmail.com
Dear Arborist,
How do I keep animals like deer and rabbits from eating my trees and bark?
Jacob
Dear Jacob,
In regards to preserving lower branches and bark on trees, that can be difficult. Optionspeople use with limited success are burlap wrap, blinking predator LED lights, and predator pheromones. Some
people put out an alternative food source and I have heard decent results from this. The other option is to build a strong wire fence.
Sincerely,
The Arborist
Joel Hackett is a certified Arborist residing in the St. Marys area. Currently, he spends most of the year running Joel’s Tree Service. For contact call 519 272 5742 or email jtsquote@gmail.com
MARY SMITH Independent Columnist
This lovely brick house at 13 Robinson St. in the west ward of St. Marys was built in 1903 for a very special reason. In February of that year, the property was purchased by William Charles Box and James Brine Box, the two oldest sons of William Box and Susan Brine Box. Their parents were at that time in their 60s and, having raised a family of eight children, were tenants in a house on the west side of Robinson St., paying monthly rent. They had previously owned the property where 13 Robinson St. would be built – a very desirable location, overlooking the town. In the 1880s, they had mortgaged it and then sold it, possibly because they needed funds to deal with a family emergency. But in 1903, their sons bought the property back and built them a new house – a home for the rest of their lives.
The current owners of 13 Robinson St. have requested a property history report – a service that the St. Marys Museum offers, through the work of research volunteers. One volunteer, Larry Pfaff, a long-time student of domestic architecture, has described the house’s architectural features, putting its construction into the context of the styles popular in St. Marys and area at that time. He explained that 1903 was a banner year for construction of houses in St. Marys. Some two dozen were built, almost all in what is called the Queen Anne style. One of them was the house on Robinson Street.
This style of house is generally twoand-a-half storey, built with white or red brick, with verandas at the front and back. They frequently have large, decorated gables at the third storey level. Many have a kitchen wing to the rear of the main house, generally in brick as well. Examples of this style can be seen in several areas close to the downtown core – along Wellington Street, south of Hodges Funeral Home, and on Water Street South between Park and Victoria Streets. The first group was built by John Elliott, builder of the town hall, and the three on Water Street South by William Cockram. Larry Pfaff also notes a group of at least a dozen Queen Anne style houses, built in frame with delicate and extravagant fretted woodwork, located in the east ward. Most of these are attributed to another builder, William Pulleyblank
Pfaff explains that the white brick house at 13 Robinson St. shows variations of these characteristics. For example, although the Box family built a two-storey house, its hip roof does not have the typical large gable in the attic. It does have a two-storey wing but because the house was built on a steep hill, it wasn’t practical to build a kitchen wing at the back. Instead, for 13 Robinson St., the wing extends north from the main house and so both parts of the house face the street. There are two entrances – one into the main portion of the house by the southerly door and the other into the
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
This white brick house at 13 Robinson St. was built in 1903. Although the snow is deep, in winter when the surrounding trees are bare, the house's special architectural features can be clearly seen.
wing from the door to the north.
The wing entrance is protected by a veranda that has been restored by the current owners. They removed an unattractive enclosure and found the fretwork and Ionic columns from the original construction. Restored, it looks much the same today as it did when William and Susan Box sat out on warm, summer evenings, maybe chatting with a visiting neighbour or relative. Larry Pfaff also explained the layout of the interior: “The front door of the house opens into what the Edwardians called a reception hall. From the hall, a square staircase leads to the second floor. The living room is on the right with a dining room behind and the kitchen behind the hall. Perhaps the room in the wing to the left may have been originally intended as a summer kitchen or simply a more informal living room. The house retains its original woodwork throughout.”
A typical Queen Anne style house from this period contains some stained glass in the windows, often over the parlour window on the first floor. This window usually has an elliptical-shaped header. The main window on 13 Robinson St. varies somewhat from this pattern. The large window in the best room has a semi-circular header, rather than an elliptical opening. It does have lovely art nouveau patterning in the stained glass above. From the windows on the east side of the house, there are views out over the valley, an attribute very important in that period – and still highly prized today. Perhaps William Box sat by these windows and look down at his town, remembering some confrontational moments in his long career as bailiff, a position he held from 1860 up until his death.
He would have been able to see the peaked roof of the Opera House on Water Street. He may have looked back on many happy moments as a prominent,
rested, tried, convicted and sent by prison ship to Australia. The charges against them were complex but basically, the men’s crime was demanding fair wages to support themselves and their families. The courage of the Tolpuddle Martyrs in confronting establishment landowners became the focus of the growing trade union movement in England. After their transportation, there were demonstrations and petitions demanding that they be pardoned. This eventually happened and the men made their way back to England. There James Brine married Elizabeth Standfield, the daughter of Thomas Standfield, another of the Martyrs. Both families emigrated to Canada and eventually settled in this area. (There is more information about the Tolpuddle Martyrs at the St. Marys Museum. James Brine’s grave in the St. Marys cemetery is marked with a commemorative plaque.)
long-serving member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His lodge was responsible for building the Opera House in 1880 with the IOOF lodge rooms on the third floor. Well-liked and respected, Box was fully engaged in many aspects of his community. He was secretary of the South Perth Agricultural Society and, as director, helped to make the annual fall fair a permanent event. For over half a century, he presided as returning officer at every election held in the west ward. He and his family were all devout Methodists. Their commitment to the St. Marys Methodist Church was the bedrock in their lives.
Susan Box had a busy life with her eight children and her own extended Brine family – a family that had earned a considerable degree of fame. Her father, James Brine, as a very young man living in the village of Tolpuddle, Dorset, was one of a group that had been unjustly ar-
On Christmas Day, 1909, a few years after they moved into their new house, the family of William and Susan Box celebrated what was, according to the St. Marys newspapers, “one of the brightest and happiest family reunions possible to any domestic circle.” Seven of their eight children were present – one daughter had died in 1899. Christmas was also Susan Box’s birthday and “most affectionate congratulations were showered on the mother and grandmother.” The newspaper reported that for William, “everything seemed to contribute to his pleasure and satisfaction.”
William Box was able to enjoy a dozen years in the house at 13 Robinson St. He died in 1915 in his 80th year. According to the 1921 census, Susan, age 79, was still living in the house, sharing it with her widowed daughter, Mary Evans, and Mary’s son, Welldon Evans, a druggist. Another daughter, Evangeline, (Mrs. Armon Ready) lived next door. Susan Brine Box died in May 1928 in her 86th year. The name “Box” has disappeared from St. Marys, but the fine home built for William and Susan remains for other families to appreciate and enjoy.
Did you hear about the fire at the circus? It was in tents
What did the fisherman say to the card magician? Pick a cod, any cod
What is the Karate experts favorite beverage? Kara-tea
What caused the airline to go bankrupt? Runway inflation
Where do Floridians wash their clothes? In Fort Launderdale
What’s a frog’s favorite drink? Croaka Cola
What is the moon worth? $1, because it has 4 quarters
What grows when it eats, but dies when it drinks? A candle
Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain on Earth? Mt. Everest
Why does the statue of liberty stand in New York harbour? Because it can’t sit down
What was Camelot?
A place where people parked their camels
What kind of lighting did Noah use for the ark? Floodlights
SPONSORED BY:
Adult Learning Programs of Perth, 26 Wellington St. S. St. Marys | Phone: 519-284-4408 | Cell: 226-374-8231 alearning@town.stmarys.on.ca | www.adultlearningperth.ca | Facebook: @AdultLearningProgramsofPerth
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St. Marys Veterinary Clinic is pleased to be the sponsor of the
February is Pet Dental Health Month. Chew toys: These can help with plaque control but must be chewed frequently and for extended periods of time to be effective. Ensure that the toys are not too hard, as some harder chew toys can break your pet’s teeth. Water additives: These are added to your dog’s drinking water designed to reduce plaque and tartar as your dog drinks.
Our Pet of the Week is Cash, appropriately named after the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. He is a rescue cat that eventually found his forever home thanks to the incredibly kind volunteers from Feline Friends in Stratford. Cash is a happy, loving boy who never passes up an ear rub or a warm lap. He's an excellent mouser and enjoys catnip. Go Lincs Go!
There are lots of popular attractions in the town of Gananoque – a fine summer theatre, good restaurants, museums and spectacular helicopter rides, among others – but there is no doubt the town they call “Gan” is really all about the water, specifically the waters of the St. Lawrence River. Gananoque is near the headwaters of the St. Lawrence. I say near because it’s not entirely clear where Lake Ontario ends and the river begins –somewhere near Kingston and Wolfe Island, according to the experts.
Gan is about 30 kilometres from Kingston, so we know for sure the waters flowing beside Gananoque are the mighty St. Lawrence and Gan is one of the key launch points for exploration of the Thousand Islands, the world-famous aquatic region that stretches through about 130 kilometres of the St. Lawrence, spanning the international border between Canada and the United States.
So, it’s very appropriate that two of the premier attractions in Gananoque take place on the
river: the Thousand Island boat cruises offered by City Cruises and the Thousand Islands Boat Museum.
For any fan of boating or history, the Bost Museum is not to be missed. Located right on the Gananoque waterfront, it’s a relatively new attraction. The museum opened only ten years ago, and its most intriguing feature – a Thousand Islands boat tour on a classic heritage motorboat – has only been happening for three years.
The museum has four buildings including a boatbuilding shop, a children’s activity centre and exhibit galleries, but the highlight is the boat house, which opened in 2023, the result of a five-year, $5-million project. In the boat house are dozens of historic boats, all afloat at docks where visitors can get up close and personal with nautical heritage.
The Thousand Islands Boat Museum, a non-profit organization, has a full-time staff of two as well as a part-time facilities manager and summer students. But the facility is a labour of love for a lot of volunteers, from the 14 members of the board of directors to an army of hands-on fans of the project.
The current collection of antique boats includes three-dozen heritage craft, from the 52foot Windswept III (built by Muskoka-based Ditchburn in 1935) to the 12-foot Jelly Roll, a 1936 lapstrake sailing dinghy built by Hans Nicholsen in Kingston. Heritage boats are on display both at the docks and in an exhibition building.
There is a special empha -
sis on local boat-builders, of which there were quite a few in Gananoque. Currently on display are five boats built by Charlie Cliffe, whose company, Cliffe Craft, has built over 2,500 watercraft during his 67year career.
The museum plans to feature other local boat-builders in future exhibitions – names like Andress, Malette, Gerrard and Gilbert.
There are several unique boats on display, including one commissioned by a man named Gerrard who wanted a boat that could easily be driven by his wife. The boat on display, the Ribuki, is one of only seven built to those specifications.
But while the boats on display make for a fascinating visit, the highlight for many is undoubtedly the opportunity to get out on the water in a heritage boat. One option is a cruise on the Little Toot, the museum’s steel tugboat. This cruise carries passengers along the waterfront, passing under a historic swing bridge into the mouth of the Gananoque River (the second river that touches the town), and also circling some nearby islands.
Our 30-minute cruise was aboard the Limit Up, a stunningly beautiful, classic, polished-mahogany motorboat. We boated around several privately held islands of the Thousand Islands, getting a first-hand look at the old-style luxury of these historic vacation retreats. Limit Up cruises carry only about six passengers.
By the way, are there really 1,000 islands in the Thousand
Islands? Well, the folks at the museum will tell you there are actually more – 1,864 to be exact. That’s based on one of several differing definitions of an island – the Gan museum people use the criteria that an island has to have two living trees growing on it, and has to have at least one square foot of land that remains above water year-round. Therefore, they admit the actual total could change.
An internet search yields the same number from most sites, though the Canadian Encyclopedia’s total is significantly lower at 1,149. So, even by the most conservative estimate, there are more than a thousand islands in the Thousand Islands.
But nobody is lobbying to change the name, and local attractions – like the Thousand
Islands Boat Museum – are sticking with the underestimate.
The Thousand Islands Boat Museum is open from the long weekend in May through Thanksgiving. Admission –amazingly – is by donation, although there is, of course, a charge for the boat cruises; the Limit Up cruise costs $60 per person and Little Toot, a more leisurely 30-minute ride, costs $25 or $20 for children.
Both provide a unique way to experience the unique community that is Gananoque and the Thousand Islands, the gateway to the St. Lawrence.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.
Cora Irene Mitchell (nee Holden) passed away at St. Marys Memorial Hospital on Sunday Feb. 23, 2025 at the age of 92.
Predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Lawrence (2013). Dear mother of Corina (Charles Henderson) and Phillip and his partner Andrea Kedzierski. Loving and proud grandmother of Katelyn Van Veen. Predeceased by parents Bristol Holden and Elsie (nee Markham) and siblings Herbert Holden (Phyllis), Arthur Holden (Frances), Edith Hastings (William), Winnifred Kinkade (Jim), Ruth Squire (Cecil), sister-in-law Doreen McMurray (Harry) and son-in-law Frank Van Veen (2015). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and their families. Special thanks to Ed and Valerie Hastings and Paula McMurray-Hoare for all of their help with appointments and errands for the last number of years. Cora worked many years as a secretary for Allied Farm Equipment, Maxwell Company in St. Marys, and McLean-Foster followed by many years in the admitting department at St. Marys Memorial Hospital. She was a faithful member of St. Marys United Church, The McConnell Club and enjoyed square dancing with Lawrence for many years.
Family and friends are invited to the ST. MARYS UNITED CHURCH, 85 Church St. S. St. Marys, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 for visitation from 1 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 2 pm with Rev. Robert Lawson officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Interment in St. Marys Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Canada or Diabetes Canada. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
Violet (née Corbett) passed away peacefully on February 13th surrounded by her family. Violet will be dearly missed by her children Nancy Goundry (Bill), Julie Davis (John), Chris Dill (Sarah) and Kenny Dill (Laura). Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Justin Winford, Ian Davis, Jack Davis, Chelsea Dill, Leightyn Dill, Ryann Dill and Wesley Dill. She also leaves behind her sister Barbara Hunter, nieces (Lynn, Cindy and Janet), cousin Carole Damen and family, and many Dill's and their families. Violet was predeceased by her husband Jack (Michael John), parents Stanley and Violet (née James), as well as sister Sandra Williams and nephew Stanley Hunter. Violet was born May 5th, 1951 in St. Marys, ON. She will be remembered as the most loving mom you could have and the biggest cheerleader at her kids and grandkids sporting activities.
With great sadness we say goodbye to Judith (Judy) Marie Johnson (Black), surrounded by her family at Stratford Rotary Hospice on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 in her 73rd year.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Bob, her children Kerri Talsma (Marvin), Chris Johnson (Lori); grandchildren Kayleigh, Makenna (Wyatt) and Jaelyn Talsma. She is also survived by her brother Ted Black (Edna), mother-in-law Jean Johnson, sisters-in-law Debbie Vander Spank (Paul), Jane Johnson and many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews. Judy will be dearly missed by her loyal companion Baylee. She is predeceased by her parents William and Gladys Black (Dunseith), her brother Bill Black, father-in-law Ray Johnson and family fur babies Brandi, Chiclet and Spencer.
Judy lived her entire life in St. Marys, growing up as one of the “west ward kids”. Judy appreciated small town living, and could be found enjoying the many beautiful walking trails around St. Marys, or simply enjoying the view of The Flats from her backyard. Judy had a love for crocheting and watching hockey. Receiving the title of “Nana” was one of her greatest joys. To her granddaughters, she was their biggest supporter and most loyal fan.
Judy was an active member at the Parks Lawn Bowling Club, where she enjoyed the sport and the many friendships she made over the years. The family is appreciative of the excellent care she received at the Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer, St. Marys Medical Clinic/Hospital, and Stratford Rotary Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Judy’s memory may be made to Stratford Rotary Hospice, St. Marys Healthcare Foundation or a charity of your choice. The Memorial Service was conducted at the St. Marys United Church on Feb. 25, 2025. Spring interment in Lakeside Cemetery on the Hill. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
Doreen Scheuermann passed away peacefully at Kingsway Lodge, St. Marys, on February 19, 2025 at the age of 90.
Beloved wife of the late Ron Scheuermann (2019), married for 64 years. Mother of Brenda (Doug), Brad (Darlene), Barry (Tammy), and Bethanne (Brian). Grandmother of Chris (Michele), Nicole (Chad), Erin (Cody), Alexandra, Nathan, Mackenzie, Britton, Georgia, and William. Great-grandmother of Grayson, Tallen, Aaden, Julian, Jackson Olivia and Layla. Sister of Joy Patton (Ron deceased). Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was conducted at the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. Interment in St. Marys Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Kingsway Life Care or to the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca
Marilyn Forrester-Audette, resident of St. Marys and formerly of Anchorage, Alaska and Palm Springs California, passed away at Sakura House in Woodstock on Feb. 20, 2025 at the age of 92.
Marilyn was born on Jan. 3, 1933, in Paris, Ontario, Canada to Russell and Ann Drouillard. She graduated from St. Marys District High School and obtained degrees from the University of California, Long Beach; University of South Mississippi, and Western Oregon State. On October 20, 2003 she married Steve Audette in Laughlin, Nevada. They were Snowbirds and spent their summers in Anchorage, Alaska and winters in Palm Springs, California. Marilyn came to Alaska in 1977 to work on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to be a welder. Instead, she became a secretary for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. Following that, she taught grade school and Special Education for over ten years in Alaskan villages and in Anchorage. After living in Anchorage for over thirty years, she retired from teaching in 2002 and wrote a book about her teaching experiences called Teaching at The Top Of The World.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Audette, her sisters Pat Philip and Hazel Mills (Nelson). She also leaves behind wonderful and caring nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers Russell, Steve and Doug.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sakura House through VON Oxford or to a charity of choice. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
It is with great sorrow to announce the peaceful passing of a dear mother, grandmother and sister Nancy Hudson, nee Jaques on Friday Feb 14/25 in Windsor Regional Hospital (at the age of 68).
Predeceased by father LLoyd Jaques (1983) and mother Marian (2023); Dear sister of Dan Jaques of Renfrew; Deb Ford (Ron) of St. Marys; Suzanne Matheson (Steve) of Devon Alberta; Barb Jaques of Napenee.
Mother of Joey Bedard (Melissa); and proud grandmother to Emma and Sammy; Mother of Rebecca Whatley (Chris) and proud grandmother of Henry, Harry, Leo and William. Many surviving nephews and nieces will miss her very much.
A funeral service was held in Windsor on Sat Feb 22/25. Nancy was a sincere Christian believer knowing a new home awaited her. Thank you for the many condolences and tributes extended to the family.
Dear Editor,
As I sat watching Team Canada battle for gold in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, my children couldn’t understand why I was so emotionally invested. I told them it was more than just a hockey game, it was about pride. It was about national respect. It was about showing the world who we are as Canadians, especially at a time when our closest neighbour’s leader has questioned and diminished that respect on the world stage. For a moment, when Connor McDavid scored that overtime goal and Team Canada stood victorious, it felt like all was right with the world. No matter our political beliefs, backgrounds, or differences, we were united in pride and celebration. Hockey has always had a way of bringing Canadians together, and on that
Dr. Michael Nixon,
night, we were one team, one nation, standing together. I only hope we can carry that feeling forward. While the United States seems more divided than ever, we have an opportunity to put our differences aside and work toward making Canada stronger.
Disagreements are natural and are part of a healthy democracy, but when we stop listening and start insulting each other, that’s when progress ends and conflict begins.
We all have something to contribute and if we work together with the same determination, teamwork and unity that Team Canada showed in that gold-medal game, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.
Sincerely, Erin Parsons, St. Marys
25 years ago (2000)
By Amy Cubberley
To the delight of many area citizens, Downie Central Public School was removed from a list of schools facing potential closure.
St. Marys resident Ian Young has earned himself a spot at the Olympic swim trials in Montreal at the end of May. The 21-year-old Brock University student will compete in the 100, 200, and 400-metre events as well as the 1500-metre swim in Montreal.
50 years ago (1975)
It is interesting to note Goderich has adopted a scheme of downtown improvements very similar to those carried out in St. Marys several years ago. Many St. Marys ideas were used as a basis for the Goderich plan, including new light standards, brick along the curb, small trees, and new concrete sidewalks.
Auctioneer Barry Nairn is getting around well now despite still having to use a cane as a result of his painful injuries some weeks ago. Barry was trampled by a steer at the sales yard in Stratford. He is now looking forward to Spring and being on his feet again.
Operation at the local post office has not been affected as yet other than by delay of mail through the Toronto postal terminal as a result of the strike by the Public Service Alliance of Canada workers. No local postal people are involved.
75 years ago (1950)
The Maxwell bowling team are soon going to be wearing smart new sweaters.
The colder below-zero weather of the past week has brought safer ice conditions on the river and on Trout Creek, so that the young folks may now skate to their hearts’ content. This has been one of the catchiest winters so far as natural ice is concerned, and the police have had to watch the activities of the youngsters on the river lest an accident happen.
Word received by Fred Lewis of the Lewis Café here, from his bother Harry, now at his ancestral home 70 miles from Hong Kong in China, indicates that Harry is coming back to Canada next month, accompanied by his wife, who has resided in China up until now. Passport procurement for Mrs. Lewis has been made more difficult because of the fact that Canada, unlike Britain, has not yet recognized the Communist Government of China.
100 years ago (1925)
The London-St. Marys branch of the C.N.R. was closed for a few hours on Monday owing to the derailment of four freight cars on a freight train between Kelley’s Siding and Thorndale. The passengers on the afternoon train had to be transferred to another train on the other side of the wreck, but the delay was not long as the auxiliary soon had things in order again.
Edgar Brown, who lived in Windsor, was the clerk shot in the jaw during a Detroit drug store raid. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Brown, formerly of Kirkton, and nephew of Mrs. Annie Basler, Water Street North. He was a graduate of St. Marys Collegiate and served his apprenticeship with W.A. McIntyre. His many local friends will be glad to know he is now out of danger and on a fair way to recovery. The Government has decided to appoint a Provincial Director of Dental Services.
Wanted
$ Cash Paid $ for your RECORDS and LPs. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Fold, Soundtracks, and more. Selectively buying CDs, Cassettes, Turntables, and Stereo Equipment. For more information: Diamond Dogs Music 114 Ontario St. Stratford/ 226-972-5750
Wanted
A working camcorder that will play Hi-8 digital tapes. Phone 519-284-3774
Wanted to buy
All collectibles including sports cards, beanie babies, Funko pops and stamps. Highest prices paid. Free appraisals. Are you downsizing or need an estate clean out? We can help. Call or text Stan anytime 519-868-3814.
Wanted
I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi or any pop company. Brewery items - Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, wristwatches, pocket watches, old fruit jars - Beaver Star, Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signs - Red Indian, Supertest etc. Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me519-570-6920.
Shade trees, Fruit trees, Apple, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet and Sour Cherries, Apricot, Nectarines, Blueberry, Haskopp, Black Chokeberry, Grapes etc.
Lots of Spruce, Pine, Cedars for windbreaks and privacy hedges, Sizes 1 to 6+.
Flowering shrubs and much more. Come check us out Mon-Sat 7:00am - 6:00pm Martin's Nursery 42661 Orangehill Road Wroxeter (1 concession north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line)
Large 3 bedroom downtown apartment in 3 story walk up, includes all utilities, wifi, laundry, parking. References required. Available February. Please call 519-697-4985
For full job descriptions, see our website: www.baseballhalloffame.ca
Museum Assistant - 3 positions (2 FT, 1 PT)
Available to students grade 11 or higher
Pay: $18 20/hr (weekdays and weekends)
Site Maintenance - 2 positions (2 FT)
Available to students grade 12 or higher, plus adults
Pay: $19.50/hr (weekdays and weekends)
Application deadline for all positions: March 4, 2025
Start date for all jobs will be late April
All cover letters and resumes can be emailed to baseball@baseballhalloffame.ca or dropped off at 386 Church St. S. in St. Marys
We currently have openings for the following position:
Please refer to the City of Stratford website at www.stratford.ca for details of the duties for this position, qualifications, and application submission process.
Application forms will be available on the Stratford Police Service website under the “Careers” link.
Completed application packages for this Casual Part Time - Experienced Police Constable position will be accepted until March 10, 2025.
Please mail or deliver completed applications to Stratford Police Service, 17 George Street West, Stratford, ON N5A 1A6 OR email to recruitment@stratfordpolice.com.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for testing will be contacted.
