Author, poet and founder of the St. Marys Poetry Circle Ione Grover’s new poetry book was just launched, and already she’s seeing lots of joy over it.
Grover held a book launch and signing on July 6 at Riverwalk Commons for her book, A Different Joy: Transformation through Poetry. The poetry book includes works about nature and life stages, as well as questions of reflection to accompany each poem. Grover felt joy from the support of the audience, including her family members and friends.
“I just feel grateful to everyone, so I just
feel that my cup is just overflowing and I’m very happy with the day,” she said.
After the event, the full house of attendees was eager to get copies of Grover’s book signed.
“I was surprised that there were so many people. I mean, that was just wonderful, so I just feel a great sense of joy,” Grover said.
Grover, along with her daughter, Paula, daughter-in-law, Danielle, and granddaughters, Samantha and Madeline, read selections from the book. Samantha also sang “Let it Be” by the Beatles and “Imagine” by John Lennon at the event, per Grover’s request.
The cause of a fire that injured one residents and displaced others at the Opera House apartment building in downtown St. Marys is still under investigation, the town’s fire chief says.
According to St. Marys Fire Chief Phil West, the local fire department received the call at 11:43 p.m. July 4. The fire department sent all three of its fire trucks, with the ladder truck first on scene at the Water Street South building, located between Queen Street East and Jones Street East. Fire officials called for backup from the Uniondale and Granton stations, which supplied five more trucks including a pumper.
“There was heavy smoke coming from second-story window; the window had busted out from heat prior to arrival,” West told the Independent. “Within a minute or two, we could see flame and smoke coming from the window. The St. Marys Fire Department attacked with a short, quick attack from outside and made entry promptly after for search and rescue and to extinguish the fire with an interior attack.
“The fire was contained to the one unit with no fire spread past the initial unit. The Granton and Uniondale fire departments assisted
COMMUNITY
The 2025 Stonetown Heritage Festival is almost here
The highly anticipated Stonetown Heritage Festival will take to the streets of St. Marys bringing the community together through creativity, culture, entertainment and flavour.
Kicking off the weekend festivities will be a complimentary outdoor movie (Minecraft) at Cadzow Park starting at dusk, hosted by The Friends of the St. Marys Public Library.
Saturday (July 12) begins with seasonal local goodies at the Farmers’ Market at Milt Dunnell Field, just a short stroll from all the action downtown on Queen Street. Free horse-and-wagon rides will be available at Milt Dunnell Field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The downtown Vendor Village is packed with something for everyone! In addition to inflatables, face painting, Bex in Motion (a hula hoop and comedy artist), magician stilt walker and an array of vendors, be sure to check out the performances at Queen Street and Water Street throughout the day. Downtown restaurants, eateries and food trucks will also be open for delicious dining and takeaway.
Learn about and experience the culture, heritage and history of the town. Discover the history of our waterways through a guided river walking tour (departing from Mill Race Island at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.), walk the town and learn about the past (tour departing from Victoria Bridge at 11 a.m. and town hall at 1 p.m.), or enjoy an educational bus
tour (departing from town hall between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and each tour is a 45-minute round trip). Due to the popularity of these tours, please contact the St. Marys Museum by calling 519-2843556 to reserve a spot.
Open for your discovery are various opportunities to experience the amazing art and artists of St. Marys. Visit the Art Exhibit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the building on the corner of Water Street
North and Queen Street (95 Queen St. E), Mill Race Island ‘Art Island’ from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the St. Marys Station Gallery from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Following the vendor marketplace downtown, enjoy live music at the street dance. Local acts, Grace San Andres (jazz), Frank St-Germain and Friends
(rock band), MeganBrady (duo) and headlining performer Max Smith (country) will be sure to keep the crowds dancing and entertained.
Organizers remind those attending the event to bring a reusable water bottle and that the festival is a rain or shine event. Queen Street will be closed between Church Street and Thomas Street from 7 a.m. to approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, as will Water Street North to the parking lot, and Water Street South to Jones Street East. A section of Wellington Street North and Wellington Street South will also be closed on Saturday from 7 a.m. to approximately 11 p.m.
The trestle (Sarnia bridge) will be closed to pedestrian traffic on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. for the fireworks show taking place at dusk. Those viewing the show are reminded to watch from a safe distance of at least 200 metres, including from water.
On Sunday, July 13, the weekend closes out with the St. Marys Horticultural Society’s Garden Tour from 1-5 p.m. Tour maps will be sold for $10 at town hall on Sunday, July 13 from 12:45-3 p.m.
Stay up to date with the Stonetown Heritage Festival through social media! Discover all of the town’s social media accounts at www.townofstmarys. com/stayintouch. For a full schedule of events, visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/ festival.
Heritage Festival promises a fun-filled lineup of exciting experiences!
(PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF ST. MARYS)
One injured, residents displaced after late-night fire in Opera House apartment building
with searching all apartments, working with the St. Marys team and assisting us with other key operations.”
According to West, the tenant who lived in the unit where the fire started refused medical treatment at the scene, however he said they may have been treated for burns later.
Residents were allowed to return briefly to their units after it was safe to do so later in the morning on July 5 to retrieve their phones, medications and pet supplies. One business on the ground floor of the building remained closed as of Monday, West said.
West said it is too early to determine the extent of the damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and
STONETOWN TRAVEL
the Office of the Fire Marshal has been contacted.
“The St. Marys Fire Department would like to thank the individuals that called 911, that banged on some doors to alert residents and the resident that pulled the (building fire alarm),” West said.
“The St. Marys Fire Department is pleased to report that smoke detectors were working at the time of the fire. We would like to remind everyone that smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be changed when you change your clocks. Residents should also check for expiry dates on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms so they will work as intended in case of fire.”
Where in the world would you like to go?
A fire contained to one apartment at the Opera House building in downtown St. Marys has left one person injured and displaced the building’s other residents. Pictured are the second-story windows that busted out from the heat of the blaze prior to the arrival of fire crews late Friday night.
(STEWART GRANT PHOTO)
EDITORIAL
Humour, what is it good for?
WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter
I have a weird sense of humour.
It’s true; one of my favourite movies is Dumb and Dumber. The easy, slapstick jokes that I have heard 100 times still make me full-out belly laugh. I have no idea why and have been asked many times why I still find that funny.
The truth is that humour can be used for so many things. It can cheer someone up when they are having a bad day, it can bring back old memories with friends or forge new ones, it can make babies laugh, it can help someone grieving the loss of a loved one. People often say laughter is the best medicine and it is so true.
You know that feeling when something funny happens and you find yourself with tears rolling down your face? Sometimes I laugh so hard I pee a little. Those are the best. I believe there are many health benefits to laughter, both physically and mentally. And let’s face it, you must have a twisted sense of humour to be a Leaf’s fan.
With so much negativity going on right now you may wonder, how can things be funny or where can
I find some of that laughter? You can watch funny movies, spend time with your funny friends, spend time with littles that haven’t had the weight of the world put on them just yet and just find simple fun in daily activities.
It’s everywhere if you just let yourself be silly from time to time. It is a free stress reliever for those around you and for yourself, and it can connect you to people you don’t know.
I have struggled, as many have over the last few days, listening to the horrific impacts of the Texas floods and I often wonder, how are those families ever going to laugh again? I hope they can eventually find some moments of joy and peace, even during the hard times, and feel some of the benefits laughter can bring.
I was sitting on our porch on Friday night listening to a group of people making their way down to Summerfest and it made me smile listening to their chatter and laughter, knowing they were making memories.
In this day and age, that is all you can hope for. Keep laughing; it’s better than the alternative.
the Co�ee
Bravo Boo
We have 5 Bravos this week.
1) Bravo and thank you to the Mitchells, longtime residents of St. Marys, for opening their home to me in a sudden time of need following the downtown Opera House fire.
2) Bravo to the St. Marys Quarry for having residents’ passes.
3) Bravo to the town for adding additional pickleball lines at the outdoor racquet courts. Now all the courts are dual purpose allowing more people to play the sport of their choice.
4) Bravo to the coordinators, contributors and musical talent that brought us such a lively Canada Day celebration. The whole day unfolded without a single flaw and all who attended seemed to be completely unfazed by the giant caterpillar eating children atop Cadzow Park hill.
5) Bravo to Amy Cubberley and the wonderful staff and volunteers at the St. Mary’s Museum for the wonderful Canada Day Celebrations our town and visitors enjoyed. All your hard work and dedication certainly paid off for a job well done!
We have 2 Boos this week.
1) Boo to the dog owners of two bulldogs on the west end of town that just leave their dogs unattended with no leash on their front lawn. They are charging at children and neighbours shouldn’t have to take alternative routes on their walks to avoid your house. Put them on a leash, it’s the law!
2) A big boo to Mitch Marner for leaving Toronto for the Vegas Golden Knights!
Quote of the Week
“The camp is horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster. The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins is shocking. We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.”
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott after visiting Camp Mystic that was unimaginably destroyed in flash flooding.
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
St. Marys Independent
Publisher
Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com
Regional Editor
Galen Simmons • galen@granthaven.com
Graphic Design / Sales Inquiries
Tyler Carruthers • info@stmarysindependent.com
Business Development
Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com
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Wendy Lamond • wendylamond74@gmail.com
Contributors
June Grant, Nancy Bickell, Mary Smith, Nancy Abra, Lauren Eedy, Spencer Seymour, Sarah Cairns, Paul Knowles, Jake Grant, Julia Paul, Emily Stewart, McGinny Photography
36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@stmarysindependent.com | 519.284.0041 | granthaven.com
The St. Marys Independent THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK
Be selective on who you give your energy and time to.
It is ok to live a life others can’t understand.
No matter how long you walked in the wrong direction, you can always turn around.
It is not who is going to let me, it is who is going to stop me.
Ione Grover’s A Different Joy introduced to enthusiastic crowd
All of the proceeds from A Different Joy will be donated to the Coyote Nature School, which provides education on all aspects of wildlife and nature to children in the area. Students from the Coyote Nature School read the poems they composed for National Poetry Month at the book launch.
“I thought about how wonderful it was
children to learn about nature to be encouraged to write poetry,” Grover said. “I wish I had been encouraged to write poetry at an early age, and I think being in nature does that.”
Anyone interested in purchasing one of Grover’s books can send an email to turtle75@rogers.com. More information about Grover can be found online by visiting www.ionegrover.com.
Ione Grover signs copies of her books, including her newest release, A Different Joy: Transformation through Poetry, at Riverwalk Commons on July 6 as part of her book launch.
(EMILY STEWART PHOTO)
Our Senior of the Week is Gary Cumming who will be 84 on July 12. Gary was born in Ridgetown and came to St. Marys in 1960 to begin his career with Hinde & Dauche and subsequent companies. He was a loyal employee for 40 years, ending his working years in quality control. Gary was blessed with three children but unfortunately lost one son to cancer at age 24. He is the proud grandpa to four grandchildren. Gary has been happily married to Margaret for 53 years and in his retirement enjoys gardening, woodworking, travelling and his involvement with the Rotary Club of St. Marys.
If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, contact us at 519-284-0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com.
1. When was Oxford University founded?
2. Carlo Mastrangelo was a member of which 1950s band?
3. Which iconic ship sailed the Pilgrims across the vast Atlantic to land in North America in 1620?
4. What is the name of the famous sea monster in Scotland?
5. What do you call a female sheep?
6. What was the first DVD shipped by Netflix?
7. What do the letters of this boy band spell out “NKOTB”?
8. Who does Pocahontas fall in love with?
9. In Greek mythology, who rules the underworld?
10. Who is the youngest driver to ever compete in an F1 race?
Melodies at the Museum returns for a 12th season
Summer concert series showcases local favourties and new talent
The St. Marys Museum is hosting its twelfth Melodies at the Museum summer concert series this August. On Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. a different musical performance will take place outdoors at the performance stage in Cadzow Park (217 Park St.).
New Melodies performers, Jess and Andrew Damen will kick the series off on August 6. Longtime residents of St. Marys, Jess and Andrew are a local duo with a deep passion for music. During their performance, they will share a mix of original songs and well-loved covers. With a musical style rooted in adult contemporary and singer-songwriter traditions, their love for live music and supporting fellow artists has spanned decades. They are thrilled to be part of Melodies at the Museum and can’t wait to share their sound.
August 13 brings return Melodies performers, MeganBrady. This dynamic musical duo from St. Marys performs a blend of oldies, classic rock, and pop tunes from the decades. Meg’s soulful powerhouse vocals, Brady’s guitar/bass/cajon expertise, along with some vocal harmonies, are a perfect fit for all occasions.
On August 20, welcome Kintore-based jazz septet known as Jazzm@x (pronounced Jazzmatics) to the stage. They were born because of big band charts received by a member of the band from Andy Hoe, a venerated bandleader and sax player from St. Marys. More of these charts were also purloined or borrowed from high schools, and the idea that they could perform this
music came to be. Carol Shaw (tenor sax), Wade Whittaker (bass), the Four Irvines (Dan [drums], Barb [keyboards], D’Arcy [alto sax/flute] and Judy [trumpet]), and an import from Mitchell, Brad Carew (trombone) combined to form Jazzm@x in 2002. Since then, the group has performed in many venues, playing a range of styles from jazz standards to Bossa Nova to Funk.
The series finale will take place on August 27 with former Museum employee, Jaron Camp, who will take the stage with Rachael Frankruyter. After years of playing together, Jaron and Rachael created the duo project York Street Thought Process. They have collectively performed at a variety of venues throughout Canada, including the Mariposa Folk Festival and Winnipeg Folk Festival this summer! The duo creates a playful mixture of indie-folk and improvisation, from a wide range of original music to classic covers. Their debut album was released in August 2022.
All concerts will take place on the performance stage in Cadzow Park and will be canceled in inclement weather. If the weather looks questionable on the concert day, visit the Museum’s Facebook page by 5:00 p.m. for a decision regarding the concert.
Admission to the concerts is by donation, with all proceeds going to the St. Marys Museum. Thank you to McCormick Canada and the Friends of the St. Marys Museum for sponsoring the performers.
For more information, please contact the St. Marys Museum at 519-284-3356 or museum@town.stmarys. on.ca.
The popular Melodies at the Museum summer concert series returns for a 12th season on Wednesday evenings in August from 7-8 p.m. at Cadzow Park.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF ST. MARYS)
Kin Kitchen receives ‘a really great turnout with a lot of service’ at Summerfest
EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter
Buying poutine from a food truck run by the Kinsmen Club of St. Marys supports the community.
The Kinsmen Club of St. Marys included their Kin Kitchen food truck as part of their annual Summerfest at Milt Dunnell Field. The food truck was at the event for three days of the festival, between July 3 and 5, and partnered with Naina’s Indian Kitchen. All proceeds from Kin Kitchen purchases went back to the club.
“We had a really great turnout and a lot of service. I think we did 1,000 orders over the three days,” said Ken Andren, who organized the food truck’s operations.
The total fundraising amount from Kin Kitchen still needs to be finalized, but Andren estimates it to be around $46,000. The funds raised will go back into St. Marys for programs and events like minor sports leagues, bursaries for students, the Yak Shak, paving and illumination of the Grand Trunk Trail, and
the Santa Claus Parade.
“In taking this on, we’re driving more funding into our group, which goes right back into the community,” Andren said.
Summerfest’s new additions also include a three-day live music series and a larger midway. Mark King, organizer of Summerfest, said it was all part of the best Summerfest yet with thanks to the community.
“The community was fantastic in their support, their respect, how they showed up, and we’re looking forward to finding the best initiatives that we’re going now to put that money towards for this upcoming year,” he said.
After the music series wrapped up, Summerfest continued their midway for one more day on July 6.
The Kinsmen Club of St. Marys is looking into how to include the Kin Kitchen in future initiatives.
Announcements and updates about the Kinsmen Club of St. Marys’ programming and events can be found online by visiting www.facebook.com/stmaryskinsmen.
Rotary Club of St. Marys supports Stonetown Heritage Festival fireworks
St. Marys Kinsmen host annual Summerfest
Chris, Tina and Nolan Swarthout with the newly won hot dog with ketchup plush toy.
(EMILY STEWART PHOTO)
The midway at this year’s Summerfest July 4-6 was larger than it ever has been before with plenty of rides, games and prizes to be won for all.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Stephanie and Sophia Forman take a ride on the Orient Express.
(EMILY STEWART PHOTO)
Ryan Hacking from the St. Marys Kinsmen Club was busy working the refreshment tent on Saturday.
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
An open mic event took place at the Summerfest stage on Saturday from 1-5 p.m. This group gathered together to create some incredible music. From left to right are Kirk Sweetzir, Kim Anderka, Christopher Swarthout, Steph Martin and Joe Mills.
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
Logan Baechler on the Scrambler.
(EMILY STEWART PHOTO)
St. Marys Kinsmen deem Summerfest a huge success thanks to the community
MARK KING AND RYAN LEAMAN
Summerfest Co-chairs
The ideas started at the conclusion of Summerfest 2024. We wanted to expand “Beertent” into a family friendly weekend concert.
It was a big risk, but it was presented to our committee in January of 2025, and we got the green light. That’s when the real work started. We worked on securing a legitimate stage and figuring out a new layout for the concert area.
We really wanted local artists, so I reached out to Darcy John and told him what we were planning and that we wanted him involved. He became very
excited about coming home and playing a show like this. Once Darcy said yes, we were all in! We spoke with Max Smith, whose family goes way back together with Darcy, and they both really wanted to play together so that’s how “Stonetown Saturday Night” was created.
We continued to speak with local artists in the area as we wanted to keep supporting local. Janna Leduc was recording with Darcy in Nashville at the time and was blowing up; I saw Colt McLauchlin perform at Music in the Field last year as an emerging artist, so they got real excited about this as well. On top of that, Steph Martin/Good
Company and Roy’s Garage have been with us for a long time, and we wanted them to be part of this with us!
It all started coming together fast!
Darcy was instrumental in guiding me along as I was a little inexperienced at this and I’m forever grateful for what he did to help this new venture be a success for us and St Marys.
The presales came out for Summerfest 2025 Midway and concerts, and the support was overwhelming! The Midway was expanding to the biggest it’s ever been; three days of concerts and the town was buzzing. Presales for the concerts sold out and we ended up making more tickets available.
Summerfest was a huge success this year, so much so that we’re already making plans to expand it even bigger next year.
We want to thank the artists for their professionalism and for giving us a chance. We also want to sincerely thank the entire town of St. Marys for showing up and supporting the Kinsmen Club, but also all of our local artists and vendors. Without their support this wouldn’t have been possible.
If you thought Summerfest 2025 was awesome, just wait until you see Summerfest 2026!
Musicians Janna Leduc and Colt McLauchlin entertained the crowd on Friday night at Summerfest Country night.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Hannah and Hunter Hodgson and Brayden and Juliet Mills had a great time taking in the midway this past weekend
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Summerfest 2025 saw three days of incredible live music featuring local talent.
(TREVOR SCHRAMM PHOTO)
Max Smith plays for an energetic crowd during his music set on Saturday night.
(TREVOR SCHRAMM PHOTO)
Perth County youth build more than farm stands –they build community pride
AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE Independent Reporter
Ten new farm stands featuring fresh, local produce are now open across Perth County – each built from the ground up by local high school students.
The Discover More Flavour Farm Stand Project is a community initiative that saw local high school shop students design and construct stands to celebrate what makes Perth County unique.
The colourful structures are on display this summer at participating locations as part of the broader Discover More Flavour campaign, which aims to boost business visibility and enhance the visitor experience.
The project was created to empower youth while showcasing Perth County pride.
“The Discover More Flavour Farm Stand Project was inspired by the broader Shareworthy Moments initiative to encourage visitors to share their experiences using unique infrastructure,” said Ricky Zhao, Perth County tourism officer and project coordinator. “We also wanted to blend community, creativity and collaboration.”
The initiative provides students with meaningful, real-world experience in both skilled trades and artistic expression.
“Through the hands-on building process, students not only developed practical abilities but also gained confidence, creativity and a sense of ownership in their work,” said Zhao. “The project strengthened the connection between
young people and their communities by allowing them to contribute to something visible and valuable.”
For the broader community, the farm stands serve as symbols of rural pride and collaboration. They also promote local agriculture and encourage farmbased entrepreneurship.
According to Zhao, feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers involved in the project said it was not only fun and engaging for their students but also a valuable opportunity to build practical skills.
“Local leaders have praised the initiative for empowering youth and fostering community pride, and businesses were eager to participate,” Zhao said.
“It’s incredible to see our youth engaged and empowered through hands-on learning,” added Perth County deputy warden Dean Trentowsky. “Projects like this highlight the value and importance of skilled trades, while at the same time helping ignite passion, instil confidence and fuel a strong sense of purpose in our future leaders.”
The farm stand project is currently a pilot, and the county will gather feedback from community partners – including students, educators, businesses and the public – to evaluate its impact.
Based on this input, the county will consider opportunities to continue or expand the initiative in the future by involving more schools or exploring additional creative elements to engage youth and support local tourism and agriculture.
One of the 10 new farm stands created by local high school students. The mobile farm stand hosted at Martinville Micro Market, is located at 3648 Road 122, Perth South.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Perth County courthouse entrance officially open to the public
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT
Staff Contribution
Perth County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month to celebrate the grand opening of the new courthouse entrance and county administrative offices in Stratford.
Council members celebrated the occasion alongside past wardens, MPP Matthew Rae, members of the construction crew and county staff. The connecting link and office-renovation project began in late October 2023 with the goal of creating additional office space for county staff and providing a new central entrance for the facility.
“I am pleased to welcome the public and staff into this new space to and to see the successful completion of this project,” said Perth County Warden Doug Kellum.
“These past few years have been incredibly transformative for the courthouse campus – with the addition of a modern elevator to the courthouse itself, the creation of this beautiful new central reception and connecting-link atrium, and the renovation of the new administrative office wing in the former 5 Huron St. building.”
Access to the Perth County courthouse (1 Huron St.) can now be made through the new central entrance located off the parking lot. Central reception staff will be available to direct members of the public upon their arrival at the facility.
Limited customer parking is available during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) in designated customer parking spots in the adjacent lot. The county reminds the public that the remainder of the parking lot is reserved for county Staff only; there is no public parking available at 1 Huron St.
The Perth County courthouse front entrance renovation is now complete and open to the public. Staff would like to remind visitors that there is limited customer parking available during business hours.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The art of Leanne Davies: Pop Goes the World
DUNCAN MACDONALD Independent Contributer
Portraiture is a genre of art that is anything but new; it spans thousands of years. We all know ancient Egyptians portrayed the dead with great reverence; important military leaders around the globe have been immortalized in art for millennia (from Caesar to Napoleon); religious icons have been presented to the masses by artists for millennia. Historically, portraiture was reserved for the powerful, the ruling and the elite.
In the 18th century, a significant shift occurred in Western art history as artists began using portraiture and representational art to critique the ruling classes and depict less-pleasant social realities, as seen in the works of Honoré Daumier and Gustave Courbet. Daumier was sentenced to six months in prison for his outlandish depiction of King Louis-Philippe as a giant devouring everything in his path! This radical departure from history paved the way for a broader and critical approach to depicting the human figure. It also compelled artists to think carefully about who they believed should be portrayed in art, and who was important to them for reasons beyond power and social status.
If we fast-forward about 150 years to the present, we find ourselves in an era of “anything goes” in the art world. Whether it is duct-taping a banana on a wall (Maurizio Cattelan) or presenting a urinal in a gallery (Marcel Duchamp), the rules of art have changed. Really, there are none. Despite the conceptual, avant-garde and rebellious presentations provided by contemporary art, portraiture has endured the test of time and continues to evolve.
On Saturday, July 19, St. Marys Station Gallery presents a solo exhibition by Leanne Davies entitled “Pop Goes the World,” showcasing portraiture that extends an age-old tradition of immortalizing the subject. The solo exhibition features paintings and giclee prints by the artist depicting famous icons from the music world including Joni Mitchell, Iggy Pop, Prince, Peaches, Nash the Slash, and many more. The portraits pay homage to artists whose music she adores and are deeply inspirational to her.
“There is a strong sense of nostalgia and admiration for how they shaped culture through image, style and their music,” Davies said.
Her paintings and prints explore popular culture and, as she states, “fame is an inseparable part of that.”
“The subjects I’ve chosen are artists who often cultivate highly recognizable personas and I’ve always
been fascinated by that process of self-construction. Growing up in the ‘80s during the MTV era, I was surrounded by music that included a visual narrative that was bold and theatrical – those images were how I experienced and understood identity and performance.
“At the same time, my painting and drawing style has been inspired by the golden age of children’s illustration with artists like the Johnstone twins, Jessie Wilcox Smith and Kay Nielsen or Arthur Rackham. I had several books with illustrations by those artists growing up and when I started drawing and painting, I just wanted to develop that strong recognizable style just like those artists that I really enjoyed. The illustrations in those books had so much imagination and magic, and I would be lost for hours studying the details in those images. These illustrations really honed my interest in composition and draftsmanship, detail and texture while the MTV era gave me bold imagery, colour and style, and an understanding of how identity and music intersect. I
think what I find interesting in both the MTV era and the golden age of illustration is how those artists used artifice as an expressive tool, through idealized worlds and enchantment and through constructive styling, illusion and emotional exaggeration.”
One painting that stands out in this exhibition depicts the late musical icon, Prince, portrayed similarly to Salai’s Renaissance painting of St. John the Baptist. Davies explains that she was thinking about a specific scene from the ‘80s film, Purple Rain, “where Prince asks Apollonia to purify herself in Lake Minnetonka. … It was a fun exercise to juxtapose Prince with a renaissance painting, blending the sacred with the sensual and the theatrical with the iconic in a tonguein-cheek way.”
Beyond the technical precision and skill that goes into the portraiture work, the backgrounds in her paintings are equally intricate and complex.
“Sometimes, it comes from their work quite literally, like the line in the Prince film, or lyrics from a song. In the case of the Janis Joplin piece, it was a bit different. I was painting her fur coat and, as I was painting it, the little ghost figures started to appear, so I just went with that and accentuated them in the brushwork. So, in some cases, my process feels like a visionary one where details emerge through the process when I am in a meditative-like state, focusing on the details and colour choices. That part is just very intuitive rather than a conceptual approach. I want the colours and lines I am making to lead me somewhere unexpected. I enjoy that.”
To finish these paintings, Davies had a clear goal in mind; the pieces are complete “when I feel like everything is tied up with a bow.”
“I don’t like areas of my work looking ‘unfinished.’ I gravitate towards highly detailed and resolved work – structure and closure make me feel happy and satisfied,” Davies said.
Born in Victoria, B.C, Davies moved to Toronto in 1993 to pursue a visual arts degree at York University. In addition to her art practice, she has performed as a drummer in Toronto’s indie rock music scene for almost 20 years. In 2009-2010, she lived and worked in Paris, sharing a workspace at the legendary Les Frigos (a former railway hangar converted to artist studios). She has participated in artist residencies in Marnaysur-Seine, France and Vermont in the U.S, and her work has been shown in the Netherlands, France, the U.S and Canada.
Don’t miss the exhibition opening of this star-struck exhibition, “Pop Goes the World,” by Leanne Davies, opening on Saturday, July 19 from 1-4 p.m. at St. Marys Station Gallery. For more information on the gallery and exhibition, please see www.stmarysstationgallery.ca.
Cosmic Blue (2021), acrylic on panel by Leanne Davies. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Wellspring Stratford’s annual BBQ fundraiser brings in $16,000 for cancer support
GARY WEST Independent Reporter
Wellspring Stratford’s annual summer barbecue fundraiser was another resounding success this year, raising approximately $16,000 in support of free cancer-support programs offered in the region.
Organized by executive director Lisa Stacey and her dedicated committee, the event has, for several years, been held at the beautiful rural property of David and Lenore Mountain, located north of St. Marys. With near-perfect weather and a picturesque setting, the Mountains once again generously opened their home and grounds to welcome dozens of supporters.
Guests enjoyed a hearty, home-cooked meal prepared by volunteers, featuring Perth County smoked pork chops, broc -
coli, salad, coleslaw, baked beans and potatoes. Dessert was kindly donated by Dairy Queen in Stratford.
The evening also featured a popular raffle with prizes donated by generous local and regional supporters. Among the highlights were wine tastings and tours from Flat Rock Cellars, gift baskets from Dylan’s Distillery, Vineland Estates, Megalomaniac Wines and Black Fly.
Stacey said the event continues to grow each year thanks to the unwavering generosity of community members, donors and local businesses.
“It’s always a warm, welcoming evening filled with good food, community spirit and heartfelt support for families affected by cancer,” she said.
To learn more about Wellspring Stratford or to support future events, contact Stacey at lisastacey2@hotmail.com.
A large crowd turned out for this year’s Wellspring Stratford annual BBQ Fundraiser, held at the country home of David and Lenore Mountain, R.R. 7, St. Marys. The event raised more than $16,000 in support of free cancer-support programs.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF WELLSPRING STRATFORD)
Community consultations aim to shape 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion training across Perth and Huron County
The Proud Community Project, in partnership with Stratford-Perth Pride, is launching a series of community consultations this August and September to help shape a new 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and equity training program.
The program is being developed for local organizations, businesses, service providers and municipal representatives across Perth and Huron counties.
These consultations are not just about this workshop; they aim to lay the groundwork for future 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives in the region, says A.J. Ashley (he/him), executive director of Stratford-Perth Pride.
“By listening deeply and inclusively, we’re not just creating a workshop but building a foundation for meaningful, lasting change that will support and empower our 2SLGBTQIA+ community for years to come,” he said.
“We want to learn what the community wants from us. We want to gain a better understanding of what could work in Stratford and Perth County; what people want to see and what people want to learn from us to help make conversations at workplaces better and more accepting across the region.”
Organizers are especially encouraging input from rural residents, racialized individuals, youth, elders, trans people, people with disabilities, frontline workers and anyone with lived experience in local queer and trans communities.
“We want anyone who works with the public or interacts with the public to take part,” said Ashley. “We want to help people be more comfortable and understanding of how to address things professionally, politely and respectfully with everyone in the community, regardless of who they are.”
The regionally specific workshop, which will run two to four hours in length, aims to reflect the lived ex-
periences, challenges and aspirations of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents from diverse backgrounds and communities. Organizers say meaningful community input is essential to ensuring the training is relevant, responsive and rooted in the voices of those it’s meant to support. In-person and virtual community consultations will be held throughout August and September as part of a regional 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and equity initiative.
In-person consultations will take place from 5:307 p.m. at the following locations:
• Stratford: Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the Stratford Public Library, 19 St. Andrew St.
• Listowel: Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Steve Kerr Memorial Arena, 965 Binning St. W.
• St. Marys: Tuesday, Aug. 19 at the Town Hall Auditorium, 175 Queen St. E.
• Goderich: Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the Huron County Museum Theatre, 110 North St.
Virtual consultations are also scheduled:
• QTBIPOC community session: Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 5:30-7 p.m. This session is specifically for Indigenous and racialized community members.
• General virtual session: Saturday, Sept. 6 from 1011:30 a.m. Open to all residents of Stratford, Perth and Huron counties.
All sessions are led by facilitator Markus Harwood-Jones (he/they), a white, queer and trans person. Register today at www.stratfordpride.com/ proud-community-project. For more information, please email proudcommunityprojectspp@gmail.com.
Jonathan Buckland has an entrepreneurial spirit
Anyone who has visited the Farmers’ Market over the past two weeks may have noticed some awesome, homemade, wooden Canadian flags.
These flags are being created by Grade 8 student Jonathan Buckland. In his first week at the market, Buckland’s flags were all sold out by 9:40 a.m. Sales have been going so well that Buckland is busy taking pre-orders that are keeping him very busy.
According to Buckland’s mom, Kim, he was looking for a summer job and a way to make some money. They live a little out of town, so it was easier for him to have a job at home than to bike
to town. At just 13, there are few options for the teen.
Kim and dad, Jeff, showed him how to make the signs based on a sign that his grandpa had made with Buckland’s older brother, James. Buckland is learning quite a bit about costs of production and the hard work that goes into making things and wanting them to look good and last a long time.
When asked what he is enjoying most about the experience, he said he loves creating something that people enjoy and chatting with people at the market. The cost of the flags are $25 apiece with a choice of two designs.
To place an order for a flag, message Kim Anderka on Facebook Messenger.
You are invited to stop by Benchmark’s office (across from the St. Marys Town Hall) between 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Saturday, July 12th where Marty & Jeff will be handing out popcorn and coffee gift cards
Jonathan Buckland and brother James are all smiles at the Farmers’ Market showcasing Jonathan’s homemade flags.
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter
St. Marys Independent SPORTS
Bob Davis retires from coaching hockey, part two
After more than 30 years coaching minor hockey teams in St. Marys, Bob Davis announced the 2024-2025 season would be his last, with Davis retiring from coaching.
Davis described his sons Michael and Andrew’s playing days as some of his most cherished memories from his time in coaching.
“Coaching both my sons was a treat,” Davis told the Independent. “My oldest son, Michael, was very talented and very coachable. He could read the play on ice as well as anyone. My younger son, Andrew, always gave 100 per cent in practice and games. Andrew’s team won two all-Ontario championships, but the second one with Kenny (Schiedel), Ernie (Little) and Rick (O’Donnell) was so much fun and something I will always remember.”
Davis, recognized as one of the best minor hockey coaches in St. Marys of the last three decades, explained how he had three key influences in becoming the coach he was; Ferris Stewart, Ernie Little and Kenny Schiedel.
Stewart, a legend of the St. Marys sports community, was Davis’ first mentor.
“Ferris (Stewart) was a real gentleman,” said Davis. “He always said, ‘You’ve got to be professional.’ Ferris never swore. Ferris knew the game. He knew when to be strict and he knew when not to be. He was old-fashioned in that you skated, you worked and if you did the job, you got rewarded for it. He was approachable and I looked up to him when I played for him. There is a reason he won multiple championships.”
Davis described Little as being “like an older brother” to him.
“Ernie told me two important things among many. He told me that any coach can win with talent. Only a really good coach can take his players, regardless of their skill level, and make them into a team. He also said, ‘Don’t coach like a doctor; coach like a coach.’ As a doctor, you’re listening to what the patient wants, you’re coming up with answers and you have to find the pieces to the puzzle. You’re being the nice guy.
“As a coach, you have to be the one to say, ‘This is how we’re going to do it.’ You can’t be mean about it, but you have to be the leader. You have to have a presence that the kids can respect. You have to make sure everyone buys in. Ernie definitely helped me through a couple of tough times over the years.”
Davis further stated he and Little could talk about hockey for hours.
“I’d pick Ernie up for a game or a practice, and afterwards, we’d sit in the car for an hour and talk about what went on,” Davis said. “One day, (my
son) Andrew finally called his mom to come pick him up because Ernie and I were talking and talking, and I wasn’t coming home fast enough for him. One year, we were in tryouts and trying to decide on our goalie. We sat inside my back door for an hour and a half trying to make our decision.
“He taught me a lot about confidence and taught me how to handle kids. He just had this way of building a kid’s confidence or straightening them out when they needed it, but in a way that was really positive.”
Davis also told the story of how a chance encounter with Little led to their long coaching partnership.
“I just got my first rep team and I met Ernie on the front lawn at Kingsway Lodge. He was around 60 years old by that point and I stopped him and asked him if he’d come help because I didn’t know anything about goaltending. He said, ‘You don’t want me, I’m in my 60s. My coaching career is long over.’
But I made it clear that I wanted him and he agreed to do just that, and then he and I worked together for 20 years. Standing on the lawn at Kingsway in the middle of summer, it’s 85 degrees, I did the best thing I ever did in coaching, convincing Ernie to join me.”
While he is now known for being a top-notch coach, Davis admitted he had to go through some growing pains, which Little helped him through.
“The first practice I ran with Ernie was awful. I didn’t have my strategy for the practice. I had all these things I wanted to do, I didn’t take the time to explain anything and it was just too much all at once. No drill went the way it was supposed to go at all. I came off
the ice and I said to Ernie, ‘That didn’t go very well, did it?’ And he said, ‘That was frigging awful, but it will get better.’ That’s what made me sit down and write out my practices and understand that fewer drills with better explanations is the better option.”
When discussing Schiedel’s influence on him, Davis described a mastermind tactician.
“Kenny was a real strategist,” Davis said. “Kenny could read the game. When I coached with him, I basically did his practices. He would tell me what he wanted and he would watch, and then in a game, Rick (O’Donnell) would run the bench at the back and I would run the bench at the front, and Kenny would come down and tell us what he wanted us to adjust. And it was always coming from him watching what we did and what the other team did, and how to adjust.”
Away from the ice, Schiedel also introduced Davis to an annual coaching instructional event they would continue to attend until the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You can never know all about the game. You have to have a bag of tricks you can dip into to teach the kids a strategy, along with the basics, to be competitive. Kenny (Schiedel) actually got me to go to Roger Nielsen’s coaches’ clinics, and from 2000, he and I went every year until the pandemic when they stopped. It was absolutely fascinating and you would always find something you never knew or you wanted to implement, and you would go home and wish the season started tomorrow.”
When reflecting on the Roger Nielsen coaching clinics, Davis explained one of the biggest lessons he learned.
“One of the things I learned was that, at the end of a game where the team played really lousy, you always find something positive to say, or you don’t say anything. You should never leave the kids in the dressing room after a game with a negative. You can never patronize a player because they aren’t stupid; they know if they aren’t as skilled as another player, but they still want to be out there playing just as much.”
Davis’ final season behind the bench was a perfect full-circle conclusion to his coaching tenure as he served as the bench boss for the U16 A Boys St. Marys Rock, with his sons Michael and Andrew working as his assistants.
“It was fabulous coaching with them,” Davis said. “Obviously, I know them well and I know how they are good coaches. They interact with kids well. They like coaching kids. They could both run practices well. It was really fun working with them. They both have a very good knowledge about the game, how to play the game and how to teach.”
Davis also described the experience of his final game of the season, knowing it would be his last.
“I tried not to think about it because I knew it was going to be the last one,” said Davis. “I just had this feeling that they would play well, and if they won, they would win the league. So, I just sat back and enjoyed being there with my two sons because that was the highlight, coaching with both of them. I stood back and let them coach and just enjoyed it. And at the end, I shared a laugh with them because I said, ‘This is weird, this is the last time I’m going to walk across the ice like this.’ ” However, the last game of the season was not the final note in Davis’ coaching timeline as, at the St. Marys Minor Hockey Association’s year-end awards banquet, Davis received the Ferris Stewart Coaching Award, an honour Davis acknowledged as being a poetic and sentimental finale of his coaching career.
“It was huge. I very much appreciated that. I don’t hope for accolades at all, but for somebody to recognize that you put all this effort in was really special, and I thanked (St. Marys Minor Hockey) profoundly for that. The only sad part was that I wasn’t able to be there to receive it in person, but Andrew and Michael got it for me and Scotty (Graham) gave a speech, which my sons said was phenomenal. It’s all the more special because it’s named after Ferris (Stewart). Ferris is the reason I started coaching. I would have gone through the boards for him, and I got to know him on a personal level when I came back to town to work. So, to receive the award named after him in my final year was really special.”
Bob Davis, pictured in the middle, coaches with his sons Michael and Andrew Davis during the 2024-2025 season.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
SPENCER SEYMOUR
Independent Sports Reporter
St. Marys welcomes athletes from across Ontario for Stonetown Triathalon
and female athletes ranging from eight
in a triathlon event for their respective divisions’ youth
19
are the
trophies that were presented to each divisional winner in the medal presentation ceremony following the conclusion of the competitions.
The Stonetown Triathlon featured male
to
years old, competing
cups. Pictured
coveted
Pictured are some of the younger competitors making the dash out of the Quarry towards the bike station to begin the next leg of the triathlon.
Athletes from across Ontario visited St. Marys on July 6 for the Stonetown Triathlon. The event was the second consecutive year St. Marys has hosted such an event after hosting the triathlon event of the 2024 Ontario Summer Games. Pictured is the overall team champion, the Toronto-based Atomic Chargers.
Pictured is a fiercely contested swimming leg of one of the girls’ triathlons. Each triathlon wave began with a swim in the St. Marys Quarry.
Pictured are several of the competitors making a turn during the second leg of the triathlon, the cycling portion.
The competitors finished the triathlon with a sprint down the path alongside the river in the competition’s third leg. (SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTOS)
St. Marys’ Vaughn Barr drafted by OHL’s Erie Otters
SEYMOUR
St. Marys native Vaughn Barr heard his name called during the 2025 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection earlier this year, with the 16-yearold goaltender being drafted in the 10th round by the Erie Otters.
Barr described hearing from many people with his new OHL team, including Erie’s general manager, Dave Brown, as making the experience of being selected with the draft’s 194th overall pick.
“It was pretty exciting,” Barr told the Independent. “Getting called by their general manager, Dave (Brown), and then the coaches and everyone following that was a really cool experience. And then I had a little party that night, so it was good to spend that time with a lot of my friends and family.”
Barr further detailed his conversations with those in the Otters organization and how they motivated him to ramp up his summer workouts.
“The message was that it doesn’t really matter where I got drafted. All the work starts now, and I now start to prepare over the summer for next year. My early experiences have all been positive (with Erie). I went down there to watch a playoff game after I got drafted. I met some coaches and players. They’re all saying the same thing about starting to prepare over the summer, and that they’re part of a good organization.
“My big focuses this off-season are lots of off-ice training as well as on-ice
training, and trying to be the best athlete I can be,” continued Barr. “I want to make sure I’m in the best shape I can be in, eating right and staying in game shape.”
Last year, Barr played for the U16 Huron-Perth Lakers and posted a sparkling 1.03 goals-against average along with a 12-2-0 record. In the playoffs, Barr’s goals-against average remained outstanding, finishing at 1.49 in six postseason contests. According to Barr, his
Tealya Thistle hits in-thepark home run
compete level between the pipes is what made him an attractive prospect to the Otters.
“It doesn’t matter what team I’m on, but every game, I’m determined to give them a chance to win. It doesn’t matter if I’m playing the best I can or if I’m playing not that great, I can still keep my team in it when they need me. I think this year, I was able to get more consistent game to game. Whenever it was my turn to play, I was always showing up
and doing what I could and doing my best every day.”
This coming season, Barr is signed with and currently projected to suit up with his hometown St. Marys Lincolns. Lincs’ general manager Pat Powers said when Barr was officially signed that his interest in the local product goes back before Barr was even eligible to sign with the Lincolns.
“Vaughn (Barr) is a super athletic and competitive kid,” said Powers. “He’s got good size. I think his trajectory in hockey is only going to improve as the years go on, and he’ll fit seamlessly in junior hockey. I told him at last year’s training camp that he was good enough to be on our team then. He is a local kid who is very motivated to help this program continue to be successful. Every team in our area would have been all over him, so we’re very fortunate he chose us.”
When looking ahead to the upcoming season with the Lincolns, Barr explained how he hopes it will be another step on his path towards blossoming into a major junior netminder.
“Obviously, (the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League) is another level, so I’m looking forward to getting used to the strong competition,” Barr said. “I’ll be playing against older players and guys on another level from what I’ve experienced previously, with quicker shots and more deceptive players. I think this year will be really beneficial for my game and hopefully will translate and help me make the jump to the OHL.”
St. Marys native Vaughn Barr holds his Erie Otters’ jersey bearing his last name after being drafted by the Otters in the 10th round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection earlier this year.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Marys Rockies game on July 1 when Thistle belted a bomb of
hit
into the outfield. Thistle sped around the bases and was able to arrive back at home plate before the ball made its way back into the orbit of the infield. Pictured is Thistle getting swarmed by her teammates after crossing the plate.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Levi Garniss reaches back to catch a fly ball during last Tuesday’s Hubbard Pharmacy U9 WOBA Red St. Marys Rockies game.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
McKenna Ross swings and makes contact with the ball during the Wildwood Care Centre U15 HP St. Marys Rockies game last Tuesday.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Alex Hernandez gets a solid hit during the Dunny’s Source For Sports U9 WOBA Blue St. Marys Rockies game last Thursday.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Cam Hughes lets the ball fly from the mound with a pitch during last Thursday’s U13 WOBA St. Marys Rockies game.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Violet Holliday loads up a pitch during the Stonetown Electric U13 HP St. Marys Rockies game this past Monday.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Mya Grose launches the ball towards the opposition’s net during this past Monday’s U12 Girls Tier Three St. Marys Storm game.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
St. Marys Pickleball Association hosting demo day on July 12
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT Staff Contribution
For anyone who has never heard of pickleball, or for those who have seen it and wondered what exactly the game is, the St. Marys Pickleball Association is welcoming new players to try the sport with a Pickleball Demo Day.
The Pickleball Demo Day takes place July 12 at 10 a.m. at the St. Marys Racket Courts across from the Quarry. The St. Marys Pickleball Association noted experience is not needed, all ages are welcome, laughs are guaranteed and participants may get slightly competitive in the best way.
Pickleball is a fascinating hybrid of tennis, ping-pong and badminton, and is easy to learn and quick to play. It is the fastest-growing sport in Canada, and
those attending are encouraged to bring a friend.
The day will include going over the basics of pickleball, hitting a few balls and playing some friendly games. Attendees are encouraged to wear running or court shoes and bring sunscreen and water. Some paddles will be available courtesy of Brickhouse Paddles.
More information about the benefits of joining the St. Marys Pickleball Association will be available at the demo day. The association hosts weekly nights of play on Mondays and Wednesdays at the local racket courts, with beginner play commencing at 6 p.m. followed by full club play starting at 7 p.m. during the summer. The association also hosts ladies’ play on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Pictured on the left is Derry Hairsine smashing the ball during the St. Marys Pickleball Association’s weekly club play on July 2. In the middle is Hayden Moore returning the ball over the net on the backhand. On the right is Colleen Eve launching a shot to their opposition. The St. Marys Pickleball Association is hosting a Pickleball Demo Day on July 12 at 10 a.m. at the St. Marys Racket Courts across from the Quarry.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTOS)
Birthday girl lives life on her terms King and Kumar win Kinsmen awards
A special birthday celebration of 90 years was held for the birthday girl, Klassiena, known to us as Siena Kainz. Siena’s guiding principle throughout her 90 years was to meet life on life’s terms and to always celebrate everything. She lived for the love of her family and friends and this celebration was an opportunity for them to give back to her on this very special milestone day. Friends and relatives attended from different parts of Ontario and one special relative came all the way from Holland. Thanks to the Friendship Centre and staff, family and friends that helped make this day a success.
Kinettes hand out year-end awards
(NANCY BICKELL PHOTO)
On Sunday July 6, fresh off a remarkable, successful weekend, the Kinsmen presented their yearly awards. Kinsmen of the year award was won by Mark King and the Rookie of the Year award was won by Akshay Kumar.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The St. Marys Kinette Club hosted their last meeting of the year June 25, during which they handed out year-end awards. The winner of the Kinette of the Year was Wanda Mossey. Presenting her the trophy is president Joanna Campbell.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
At the June 25 meeting, the club also installed a new member. Pictured from left are Life and Charter member Phyllis Spearin, new Kinette Christina Kerekes and president Joanna Campbell.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
COLUMNS
UKRAINIAN CORNER: Walking the streets of Kherson
Kherson, one of the oldest ports on the lower Dnipro, mixes steppe scents with river breezes to create an unmistakable southern flavour.
Its skyline looks modest at first, yet alleys and courtyards guard stories stretching back almost two and a half centuries. In 1778, Empress Catherine II ordered a fortress to secure the Black Sea gateway, so military engineers built the bastion first, and only later laid out the settlement that would serve it. The best witness to that unusual birth is the Ochakiv Gate, more than 240 years old, whose weather-pitted arch once faced open steppe and now leads into a shady park.
Guides whisper that tunnels beneath the ramparts still snake far beyond today’s streets. Hardy explorers sometimes descend to map forgotten powder magazines, their headlamps sliding over saltpetre crystals that still glitter on the brick.
Follow the shaded path from the gate and you reach St. Catherine’s Cathedral, whose pale limestone turns honey-gold at sunset. The severe baroque façade, wrapped in textured columns and tidy lawns, honours the empress who placed Kherson on 18th-century maps. Inside, candlelight trembles over silver icons, and a faded naval ensign reminds visitors that Admiral Ushakov prayed here before steering the Black Sea Fleet toward Crimea.
Legend holds that Catherine herself attended mass beneath the gilded dome during her 1787 progress, though parish records remain silent.
A few blocks east, an unexpected flash of bronze draws the eye: an 11-metre sundial dedicated to English reformer John Howard, who died in Kherson while battling a plague outbreak in 1790. Forbes Magazine once listed this timepiece among Ukraine’s five most unusual street clocks. Its spear-shaped gnomon casts a razor-sharp shadow across Roman numerals set into the pavement, reminding passers-by that time
– and history – never pause along this riverfront. Kherson also boasts the only genuine European-style town hall in the country’s southeast. Designed anonymously by architect Adolf Minkus and opened in 1906, the pastel building originally housed the city council, an orphanage and a municipal bank. A slender beffroi rises above wrought-iron balconies and Art-Nouveau mascarons, chiming the hour over Freedom Square.
Today, the chambers hold the Shovkunenko Art Museum where steppe panoramas hang beside avant-garde works; even visitors indifferent to canvases pause to admire the stained-glass stairwell. The grand assembly chamber, once lit by gas chandeliers, now hosts recitals, its parquet floor polished to a mirror sheen.
Yet Kherson’s appeal extends beyond bricks and mortar. Central markets overflow with produce fattened by fertile black-earth: striped watermelons that crackle at the touch, peaches fragrant enough to perfume a tramcar, tomatoes bursting with midsummer sweetness. Vendors credit the flavour to the “salt wind,” a briny current that drifts inland from the Black Sea 50 nautical miles away, dusting vines with minerals no greenhouse can supply. Ask for a tale and you will hear of Catherine’s golden carriage hidden in a maze under the fortress or catfish so large they guard Cossack treasure.
Active travellers can join guided crawls through the catacombs, pedal levee roads lined with lavender, or kayak past reed islands where herons rise at dawn. Those seeking calm claim pavement tables beside the river, sip sunflower-honey medovukha, and watch rusty barges shoulder upstream toward Kyiv.
Kherson feels less like a place to tick off and more like a prologue you’ll want to keep reading. Limestone cottages, the click of dominoes in leafy yards and the half-imagined taste of sea salt linger long. One visit is never enough; the city insists its story is still unfolding and invites you back for the next chapter. The story, as the locals love to say, is “to be continued.”
Straight from the Shelves
Sat., July 12: Dungeons and Dragons (10 a.m.)
Ask the Arborist
Our first Funday Friday of the summer is tomorrow at the St. Marys Firehall at 10:30 a.m.! Meet the members of the fire department and learn what it takes to be a real-life hero. Explore actual fire-fighting gear, learn about fire safety, and more!
Register for this FREE event here: tinyurl.com/SMPL-Summer-Program
Children under 7 are welcome to attend, but caregiver supervision is required. The 2025 Summer Reading Program is proudly sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Up This Week
Fri., July 11: Fire Safety with the St. Marys Fire Department*” (10:30 a.m.), Movie in the Park: Minecraft^ (dusk),
Mon., July 14: Crafty Kids (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.), Euchre Mondays (10:30 a.m.),
SMPL: Adventure Zone (1:30-3 p.m.)
Tues., July 15: Reading Help* (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.), Discovery Den (1:30-3 p.m.), Write of Way (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
Wed., July 16: EarlyON Play and Read (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Summer Book Club* (10:30-11:30 a.m.), Mahjong! (1-4 p.m.), Reading Help* (1:30-3 p.m.)
Thurs., July 17: Reading in the Park~ (1011 a.m.)
*Registration Required
“St. Marys Firehall (172 James Street South)
^Cadzow Park (217 Park Street)
~Kin Park (109 James Street North)
By Joel Hackett
Dear Arborist,
My white pine is dying. Any idea why?
Thanks, Pine Troubles
Dear Pine Troubles,
There are a few possible reasons why your white pine tree could be dying. The first would be white pine blister rust which is a fungal infection; unfortunately, there is no cure. The second possibility is white pine weevil which can be treated with pesticides, although in large trees, the weevil may be difficult to eliminate.
I have also seen some evidence of a pine beetle and wonder if the southern
pine beetle is now in this area. I have yet to prove this conclusively. It is always frustrating when you are in danger of losing a tree, especially if there is not much that can be done to save it. Hopefully this information helps you to determine the best possible solution.
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
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
1: Ochakiv Gate. 2: St. Catherine’s Cathedral. 3: An 11-metre sundial dedicated to English reformer John Howard. 4: The Shovkunenko Art Museum.
TETIANA DIDKOVSKA Independent Columnist
LAURA MCASH
St. Marys Public Library
HISTORIC ST. MARYS: A story by Helen Robertson
MARY SMITH Independent Columnist
In the spring of 1999, an American researcher visited the St. Marys Museum on a genealogical fact-finding trip. He hoped to locate the house in St. Marys where his grandfather, Charles Waters Robertson, had grown up. He believed it had been built of fieldstone by his great-grandfather, David Archibald Robertson, and he hoped it was still standing. To help identify the house, the researcher brought along the photograph shown with this week’s column. It was used as the frontispiece for a short novel, written ca 1920 by Charles’ sister, Helen Robertson, about a family who lived in a home called The Maples. The researcher believed that much of the story was based on her own life.
Although Museum staff at first didn’t recognize the house, it was finally determined to be the beautiful stone farmhouse at 465 Widder Street East, owned by Stan and Cavell Fraser. Because the photograph is black and white, the beautiful colours of the fieldstone do not show. Other views of 465 Widder Street in the Museum’s collection were taken from the road, looking at the south façade with the sweeping lawn and beautiful double-arched window in the gable over the veranda. In this view of the east side of the house, these features can’t be seen. The researcher kindly gave the Museum a scan of the photograph and sent a photocopy of his great-aunt’s novel when he returned home.
Helen Robertson, born in 1866, was the eighth of David and Helen Robertson’s ten children. She attended local schools – her father, owner of the National Hotel, was the chair of the public school board for a decade. She was three years old when her father sold the hotel to concentrate on farming his property on Widder Street East. Although she was, at one point, employed as a bookkeeper, Helen, apparently, mostly worked at home. But there would have been plenty of work for her within that busy household. Gardening, preserving, cooking, cleaning, laundry, mending – these tasks were shared by the women of the house.
She took at least one extended trip. This small item appeared in the St. Marys Argus on August 11, 1892: “Miss Helen D. Robertson, who is west on a trip for her health, arrived in St. Paul on Friday last. A few days later, she had the honor of being interviewed by a St. Paul Daily Globe reporter. Miss R gives a charming description of her tour of the lakes and speaks in the most glowing terms of the accommodations provided by the Monarch and her genial captain, Captain Robertson. She expresses herself delighted with the Minnesota climate and the city as ‘out of sight’ in comparison with any other city she has seen.” So far, it has not been possible to determine if Captain Robertson was related to Helen. The Monarch was a passenger-package freighter, launched in 1890, operating on the Great Lakes, mainly between Sarnia and Duluth, Minnesota, with stops along the way. Years later, Helen would have been upset to learn that the Monarch was wrecked off Isle Royale in Lake Superior in December 1906. Helen Robertson may have worked at being a writer – and perhaps she did write and publish articles or stories in some of the many small periodicals of that time. The short novel that her great-nephew sent to the St. Marys Museum was self-published. It was printed in 1921 by Woodgates & Sons, Printers, in Acton, a suburb of London, England. She gave her story the title, The Little City Beautiful. Divided into 15 chapters, it is 25 pages of very small, dense type. The plot is episodic and dated. But for readers today, its interest lies not in the storyline but in the descriptive details it provides about the life in a small-town Ontario family more than a century ago, and specifically, in the Robertson household.
Helen describes the house itself. Her fictional family, the Rosses, always gathered in the Old Room, “the
original home of the family before the new or house proper had been added onto it. A large old room of many angles, with low ceiling and high wainscotting, for Father Ross must have it somewhat like his home in far off Scotland.” She describes its fireplace and cooking range, two large windows with deep window seats, and furnishings that included a grandfather clock, a bookcase, and a large, round, walnut table, the focus of many family activities. “The Old Room seemed to radiate comfort.”
The Ross family was also proud of the “new part, the big square house with its dormer windows and slanting roofs. How they gloried in the exquisite colouring of the stones, black and white, sprinkled with diamonds, soft greys and dull pinks of granite, and pearly pinks, like the inside of a seashell.” Helen wrote that David and John Ross, “with some hired help, had built the house with stones gathered from the land itself.” In fact, David Robertson and his sons may have gathered the stones, but it took a skilful mason to create the lovely pattern in the stonework of the walls. The family named their home “The Maples,” after the trees surrounding their house – “so dear to the heart of every Canadian.”
Helen Robertson was one of ten children. In her story, she reduces the Ross children to seven: the oldest (unnamed) son who moved west and made good; Isabelle, an older married sister who frequently visited with her children; Jim, the son who ran away from home; John, the beloved older brother and his father’s righthand man; and finally three daughters – Patty, Nell and May. Mrs. Ross is always called “Mother Dear,” and is never given any other name. David Ross, the father, is an older man, as was Helen’s own father. Helen writes that David Ross resembles St. Jerome –“the same clear, kind eyes, long flowing beard, and clean-cut aquiline features.” Did D. A. Robertson look like this too? No photograph of him has been found and so we don’t know.
Helen describes a happy, social family, evening gatherings of friends with singing and dancing. There are picnics in the summer and snowshoe parties in the winter. Nell is a teacher and helps her cousin, Mary Moss, teach poor children on weekends. Mary Moss is clearly based on Mary Moscrip (1848-1930,) who was wellknown for her work with under-privileged children in St. Marys. Some research shows that, in fact, Mary’s mother, Margaret Moscrip (Aunt Moss in the book,) was Mrs. Robertson’s sister, and the families were very close. Margaret’s son, William Cavan Moscrip, mayor
of St. Marys in 1894 and 1895, lived with the Robertsons in the early 1860s when he was a little boy, possibly because of some illness in his own family.
Most of the story is set ca 1890-1900. But suddenly the reader realizes that, without its characters correspondingly aging, the story has shifted forward to the First World War and the final chapters deal with separation and loss. The marriage of May, the youngest Ross daughter, takes place just before war is declared. Her young husband enlists, goes overseas and is shot by a sniper. May returns to The Maples as a young widow where her baby son is born. John, the favourite brother, becomes an officer with the Canadian forces and is killed in action. Helen Robertson’s own brothers and contemporary male friends were too old to enlist. In 1910, the real Robertsons moved to a house on Elizabeth Street in Stratford. But Helen transferred her entire fictional homestead – house, barns, animals and all – to the banks of the River Nova (Avon spelled backwards.) Suddenly landmarks include the Normal School, the market square and the country club and we realize that The Little City Beautiful is Stratford. As well as picnics, there are games of golf and boating on the lake by Victoria Park. These places all seem to be within easy distance of The Maples, which is confusing, because winter scenes include a lot of walking through blizzards, struggling through fields of blowing snow to get safely home. But then the story also features a beautiful girl of unknown parentage, an aristocratic Englishman seeking his lost sister, the return of a prodigal son, sudden illnesses, miraculous cures, and deathbed visions. This little story tells us one certain thing about the Robertsons: the third youngest, Helen, had a great imagination.
Saturday, August 23rd
(PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MARYS MUSEUM’S GENEALOGY FILES)
This photograph, taken ca 1910, shows the east side of the fieldstone house at 465 Widder Street East.
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO:
Ronda’s reality - overtourism or economic bonanza?
Overtourism. You made have heard the word before, but if not, the outcry against the Bezos/Sanchez wedding in Venice last month would have brought you up to speed.
In short, there are places in the world that are simply getting swamped with tourists. Too many visitors, too little space, too much garbage, too little privacy for the locals.
In Barcelona last year, locals took to shooting water pistols at unwanted tourists. In Paris, the Louvre was recently shut down by overwhelmed staff pushed past their limits by the hordes of people wanting to get the briefest of glimpses of the Mona Lisa.
I think the closest Canada gets to overtourism is probably Niagara Falls. In high season, it’s always elbow to elbow around the best viewing areas. But therein lies a difference; you seldom hear of anyone from the Falls complaining about the visitors. Tourism is the key to their economic wellbeing and most of the residents know that.
I’m not saying the folks of
Barcelona are wrong, or that the Niagara Fallsians are right, but there are always two (or 10?) sides to every story.
Last March, we had the chance to visit one of the most tourist-packed places in Europe – the town of Ronda in Spain.
Ronda is historically important as the birthplace of bullfighting, but even more to the point, it is spectacularly beautiful. And the sheer beauty of the place is probably why most visitors come, though many of us also spend time touring the still-active bullring.
Ronda’s population is about 40,000 but each year, this community welcomes – or at least tolerates – 1.2 million visitors.
One of our guides during our visit to the south of Spain made it very clear: “Tourism has changed the way of life along the Mediterranean coast, and the economy.” The Costa del Sol was virtually unknown in terms of tourism until the early 1960s. Today, tourism is far and away the number one economic driver.
And that is certainly the case in Ronda.
Ronda is gob-smackingly beautiful. The highlight is the gorge; visitors cross a bridge and access a point that offers incredible views of one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. The gorge is 100 metres deep from the bridge straight down to the Guadalevín river.
The view is awe-inspiring, but that’s just one of the many astonishing panoramas visitors enjoy as they tour the town because Ronda is located atop a
cliff and spectacular cliffside viewpoints exist all the way around the town.
Not surprisingly, this Costa del Sol community is actually part of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park.
Visitors – whether you approve of bullfighting or not – will want to visit the Ronda bullring if only for its historical and architectural significance. The bullring dates back to 1785; the first bullfighter, honoured with statues in the town, was Pedro Romero.
Bullfighting continues as a much-revered national sport in Spain, but it is nonetheless declining in popularity. Our guide in Ronda went so far as to wonder aloud if bullfighting may be in its last generation.
Maybe, maybe not. En route to Ronda, we passed a farm dedicated exclusively to breeding and raising bulls for the ring. Bulls can cost up to 12,000 euros (almost $20,000 Canadian) apiece.
On the other hand, Ronda, the original location for bullfighting, now only hosts one day of bullfighting each year. On all the other days, the bullring is a museum and, at times, a performance space.
But while much curtailed, bullfighting still exists and we learned that matadors can earn up to 200,000 euros (that’s about $360,000 Canadian) for three hours work. Pretty intense work, I grant you.
A walking tour of Ronda – which becomes much less crowded the moment you are away from the gorge or the bullring – takes you through historic architecture including
13th century Moorish buildings (the Moors were the Moslem conquerors of southern Spain).
And speaking of architecture, most day tours to Ronda will include a stop at Setenil de las Bodegas, a village about 25 minutes north of Ronda. Here, you can stroll among shops and homes that are located in caves, deep in overhanging cliffs.
Visitors relax in cafés that line the already narrow streets, sandwiched between the cliffs and the river that runs through the heart of the village.
Walking around the village, even on a sunny day, you might wish you had an umbrella because the streets run under the overhanging – and dripping-wet – cliffs. With its unique but almost claustrophobic setting, Setenil de las
Bodegas presents a dramatic contrast to the sweeping panoramic views you have just enjoyed in Ronda.
So, is Ronda a victim of overtourism? Well, there are a great many tourists, but I don’t think the folks benefiting from it would see themselves as victims.
And one side note; yes, the place is busy, but we managed to find a table for 10 in a café on a plaza with no trouble. Conclusion? Ronda is ready and able to welcome you.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and Past-President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.
PAUL KNOWLES
Independent Columnist
Ronda’s bullring, the birthplace of bullfighting.
(PHOTOS BY PAUL KNOWLES)
The cliff-top town of Ronda offers incredible panoramic scenes.
A statue outside the entrance to the bullring.
EAT AT OUR HOUSE: Beat the heat
Feeling hot and sweaty, and in need of some simple dinner ideas? Here are some approachable and satisfying summer recipes to beat the heat and hunger.
Maple glazed salmon
Only five ingredients; this recipe is nutritious, kid approved, gluten-free, egg-free and dairyfree.
- In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic and mustard.
- Place salmon in a shallow baking dish; with a brush coat with the maple syrup mixture. Cover dish and marinate in re -
frigerator for 30-60 minutes, turning once halfway through and brushing more of the maple mixture.
- While marinating, preheat oven to 400˚F.
- Once salmon is marinated, ensure it is skin side down and lightly brush marinade again. Leave out. Lightly sprinkle each fillet with salt and pepper.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork and has turned opaque.
- Remove from oven and spoon remaining glaze.
- Serve warm garnished with fresh chives or cilantro.
- I enjoy serving this with rice (cooked with broth of your choice) and snap peas or green beans.
Roasted BLT salad
BLT-inspired salad has all the makings of the classic (served over greens) but is also paleo friendly – an excellent side dish or lunch for warm days.
Prep: 10 minutes; Cook: 15 minutes; Serves: 8
2 lbs small new potatoes, halved
1 ½ cups sliced cherry tomatoes
4-8 slices of cooked, thick-cut bacon (use how many your heart calls for)
2 cups chopped romaine Chopped chives or scallions
Dressing: 2/3 cup mayonnaise (paleo if
you wish)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
½ tbsp dill pickle brine
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 ½ tsp fresh lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Place potatoes in a large pot and sprinkle with about 2 tsp salt. Cover with cool water and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and continue cooking until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 400˚F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay bacon down in a single layer and bake 15-18 minutes. Check after 15 minutes and continue to bake if not crisp.
- Drain the bacon on paper towels and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk mayo, mustard, brine, garlic and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place cool potatoes in a large bowl and add tomatoes and chopped chives or scallions, crumble the bacon leaving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the dressing.
- To serve, arrange romaine lettuce on a large serving platter, top with potato salad and garnish with remaining bacon.
- Salad will keep in a tightly lidded container in the refrigerator for three days.
Prep: 15 minutes; Freeze: 5 hours; Serves: 10
Simple and refreshing freezer ice cream. No equipment required except a two-pound loaf pan.
400 ml coconut cream
397 g (1 can) condensed milk
75 ml pineapple juice from can with chunks
75 ml white rum (completely optional)
150 ml double cream
250 g pineapple chunks
30 g desiccated coconut
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl, except pineapple chunks and desiccated coconut, and whisk until smooth
- Pour into a large container (2lb loaf tin), and swirl through pineapple chunks and desiccated coconut. You can do this 1/3 at a time.
- Freeze until solid.
- Take out of freezer 15 minutes before serving and enjoy. Can drizzle with caramel sauce into waffle cone/bowl or on its own.
FARMLAND FOR SALE BY TENDER
96 workable acres, more or less
* systematically tiled * Part Lot 18, Concession 13 Downie, Township of Perth South, County of Perth, Located at 4697 Line 15
The highest or any offer need not necessarily be accepted by the Vendor. Tenders will be accepted until 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
For tender forms contact: Monteith Ritsma Phillips Professional Corporation Barristers and Solicitors
Email: burns@stratfordlawyers.com or lmacdonald@stratfordlawyers.com
Piña colada ice cream
This roasted BLT potato salad is a great side dish or lunch on hot days.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs? A clock!
What is full of holes but still holds water? A sponge!
What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese!
What has one eye but can’t see? A needle!
Why did the golfer bring an extra pair of pants? In case he got a hole in one!
What kind of tree fits in your hand? A palm tree!
What has feathers but can’t fly? A pillow!
What do you call a sleeping bull? A bulldozer!
What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot!
What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite!
What did one ocean say to the other ocean? Nothing, they just waved!
Why don’t skeletons fight each other? Because they don’t have the guts!
Kid Riddles
- Word Search -
SPONSORED BY:
Adult Learning Programs of Perth, Upstairs at the St. Marys Public Library (700 Church Street North, St. Marys, ON) | Phone: 519-284-4408 | Cell: 226-374-8231 alearning@town.stmarys.on.ca | www.adultlearningperth.ca | Facebook: @AdultLearningProgramsofPerth
JUNE HIGHLIGHTS
Pride month
Troops in LA
Bautista inducted No Kings Protests
Pita Pit opens
Florida Panthers Dominos Pizza Hospital Gala Israel vs Iran US strikes Iran Quarry opens Digital services tax
St. Marys Veterinary Clinic is pleased to be the sponsor of the
PET OF THE WEEK
St. Marys Heritage Festival promises a fun-filled day! However, loud noises, crowds, and hot surfaces can stress pets, so it may be best to leave them at home, especially if there are fireworks or large crowds. If you bring your pet, make sure the event is pet-friendly and has shade, water, and a safe area. This way, everyone can enjoy the celebration safely.
OAKLEY
Our pet of the week is eight-week-old Oakley. She is a Bernese Mountain Dog and has just moved in with her Forbes family at River Valley. Oakley, so far, seems to love car rides, her little hedgehog stuffy, treats, napping and people. (especially kids)
Traffic and parking stall closures for 2025 Stonetown Heritage Festival weekend
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT
Staff Contribution
Saturday, July 12 closures
Please note that the following roads and parking stalls will be closed on Saturday, July 12 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the Stonetown Heritage Festival:
• Queen Street from Church Street to Thomas Street
• A section of Wellington Street from 16 Wellington St. S to 11 Wellington St. N
• Water Street from Jones Street East to the Water Street North municipal parking lot
A detour route will be marked out with signage for those needing an alternate route.
Free shuttle service
Park at or walk to the Pyramid Recreation Centre (317 James St. S) for a ride
to the festivities downtown. The shuttle will run on a continual loop on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The shuttle pick-up/drop-off locations will be at town hall and Milt Dunnell Field.
Alternative downtown parking lots during Saturday closure
- Jones Street East parking lot
- Elgin Street East parking lot
No public parking will be available in the Opera House lot during the festival.
The trestle (Sarnia bridge) will be closed to pedestrian traffic on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. for the fireworks show. Those viewing the show are reminded to watch from a safe distance of at least 200 metres, including from water.
Event details
For more details about the event, please visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/ festival.
Thorndale News
Back Forty Bash – Thorndale’s fun summer event
Clean of I Love Thorndale, “a fundraiser that directly supports our amazing Thorndale community.”
For many people, cultural and music festivals are the highlight of summer, and in Thorndale, that spotlight shines on the Back Forty Bash.
Since 2018, this lively 19+ event has become a staple of the local summer calendar. This year’s celebration is set for Saturday, July 26 from 7-11 p.m. at the Thorndale Fair Grounds.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Thorndale Ag. Society to host the Back Forty Bash,” said Arden Mc -
This event has quickly become one of the highpoints of the community in the summer, drawing friends and neighbours together for an evening packed with music, laughter, friendly competition in backyard games and community spirit.
This year’s live music features the Scott Howarth Band, an energetic force in the modern country music scene blending the essence of traditional country with the electrifying spirit of rock
and roll.
As for the backyard games, there will be KanJam, Corn Hole, Human Foosball, Washer Toss, Axe Throwing and Giant Pong, with prizes given out for each. The Thorndale Lions will be selling their famous wings and fries and, as this is an adult, age of majority event, there will be a cash bar with all the favourites, including non-alcoholic options.
“This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our local businesses and sponsors whose contributions help bring it all to life,” said
Cheers to summer in Thorndale!
Many people will argue summer is the best season not just for the warm weath -
er, but also for the fun activities for all to enjoy.
Perhaps the classic summer beach days or camping are on your list for these months. Escaping to a cottage for low-
McClean. “The Back Forty Bash is more than a fundraiser, it is a celebration of community spirit where friends and neighbours come together for a fun night of games, food, cold drinks and fantastic live music. It’s truly a can’tmiss event that captures the heart of Thorndale.”
The 2025 Back Forty Bash is a beloved local event that combines the community spirit with big summer fun. Tickets are available online at www.ilovethorndale.ca/back40/. Organizers are still in need of volunteers. Visit the event page to learn more.
key relaxation, backyard campfires with friends and neighbours, or a hiking adventure to enjoy nature at its peak may also make the list. Then there is always time for a few day trips to explore quaint
towns in our region.
Whatever is on your list of summer activities, undisputably the best way to enjoy this season is with family and friends. Cheers to summer!
Friends Pat Keeling of Dorchester (left), Sally Hendricks of Thorndale and Lori Elliott (sitting) of Ilderton enjoyed getting together at Heeman’s Cider Gardens for an evening of friendship, food, cold cider and local live music. Heeman’s Cider Gardens continues every Thursday evening from 4-8 p.m. through the month of July.
(NANCY ABRA PHOTO)
Thorndale car enthusiasts (back row) Perry Tremblay, Bonnie Wilcox, Steve and Barb Krasnicki, Sandy Pink (foreground) and Murray Pink with his 1965 Chevy pickup that pays homage to the Township of West Nissouri. This group of friends from Thorndale enjoys attending various car shows in the area throughout the summer.
(NANCY ABRA PHOTO)
NANCY ABRA
Independent Reporter
NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter
Kirkton Union Cemetery
Kirkton Union Cemetery Board has submitted by-laws to the Registrar of the Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act 2002.
Any interested parties may contact Betty Christie at 519.276.2090 for more information, or to make copies. By-laws or amendments may be reviewed or copied at 70411 Union Line South Huron Municipality, Kirkton, Ontario. These by-laws are subject to the approval of the Registrar, Funeral, Burial and Cremations Services Act 2002.
Phone: Bereavement Authority or Ontario 647.483.2645 or 1.800.493.6356
LOOKING BACK Over the Falls
By Amy Cubberley
25 years ago (2000)
Seven inches of rain fell in seven hours on Sunday, causing some havoc on town streets and leaving many homeowners bailing out their basements.
On Monday afternoon, a 25-year-old Mitchell man and his 10-year-old son went over the falls in their canoe. The canoe then overturned and the two were dragged down the river by the strong current. Luckily, two local residents saw the incident and were able to call 911 and offer assistance.
50 years ago (1975)
Work is moving ahead steadily on a new cement block repair garage for Ralph Nixon on Queen Street West, replacing the frame structure destroyed by fire some months ago.
Sudoku
A bus load of students from Elliot Lake Secondary School were in town in late June. They visited the museum, Smith’s Jewelry (to see the old showcases and clock) and Sir Joes. They were accompanied by two staff members, Mrs. Ann Locatelli, Librarian, and Mr. Bruce Barned, their English teacher.
75 years ago (1950)
Good progress is being made on the Clayton Sheldon house north of No. 7 highway at McCully’s Hill. The brick is being laid this week.
Rain spoiled the plans of the St. Marys Rotarians on Monday evening. The supper meeting was to have been held under the blue skies on the lovely lawn of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Graham on Robinson Street, but the last-minute downpour compelled the banqueters to retreat back to their usual haunt in the Royal Edward Hotel.
100 years ago (1925)
A thrill of excitement rippled through the town on Friday afternoon when the news of the hold-up of the Bank of Montreal, Thorndale, was bulletined at the Journal-Argus office. The bandit entered the bank just at closing time and drew a revolver, holding it to the manager’s head and ordering him to the safe along with all the clerks. He then locked them in the safe while he collected over $7,000 from the various cash drawers. The most badly fooled person is the woman who thought her hair wouldn’t be any trouble after it was bobbed. The real joke is on the husband, who thought there wouldn’t be any more expense.
CLASSIFIED ADSCLASSIFIED ADS
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 to buy
3 2 2 7 8 9 3 2 6
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. We are at the Pinery Market at Grand Bend every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call or text Stan anytime 519-868-3814.
Wanted
I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi or any pop company. Brewery items - Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc.
Old radios and gramophones, wristwatches, pocket watches, old fruit jars - Beaver Star, Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signs - Red Indian, Supertest etc. Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me - 519-570-6920.
For Sale
Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. Mon-Sat 7:00am to 6:00pm. Martin’s Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)
For Rent
Large 3 bedroom downtown apartment in 3 story walk up above Gilly’s, includes all utilities, wifi, laundry, parking. References required. Available July. Please call 519-6974985
For Rent
Loft apartment for rent on 3rd floor. Fully renovated with new kitchen plus five appliances. New three piece bath. Located downtown near plaza. $1450 per month plus hydro. Call 519-662-2914
For Rent
Room for rent in condo, working male preferred - $900 per month. Contact 226-301-4442
For Rent
Wildwood Care Centre (Retirement Living). Private room accommodations for Senior living available, can accommodate couples. Price $2800 to $4600 monthly. Meals, basic care, medication management and staff available 24/7. For tours call Lisa at 519-284-3628.
SUDOKU ANSWERS
THANK YOU Freve
On behalf of Betty Freve who passed away June 9/25 a very heartfelt thank you to all who made her stay in St. Marys happy, warm and loved. The memories are abundant and joyful. Thanks to all who attended her Celebration of Life, sent well wishes, flowers, cards and shared memories. Thanks to all the staff of Kingsway Lodge and Fairhill, her fellow residents who were her best friends, room mate, chefs, cheerful young servers, loving PSW’s, nurses, cleaners, entertainers, coordinators and administrators. You know who you are. Very special words can not express the family’s gratitude for 13 years of devotion and care.
Thank you, Sandy
YOU
Waghorn
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us through the passing of our beloved Ben. Your kind words, prayers, visits, flowers, meals, cards and comforting presence meant more than words can express.
To our family, friends, neighbours, and communityyour love carried us through a deeply difficult time. Whether you shared a memory, attended the service, or simply held us in your thoughts, please know that your support brought light to our hearts.
With sincere gratitude, The Waghorn and Curtis families
Sincere thanks to all those who have mourned the life of Betty (Garva Elizabeth) Freve, who passed away peacefully, Monday, June 9, 2025. Mom, Granny, GiGi had recently celebrated her 103rd birthday. She was born in Barrie on April 3, 1922. Betty was predeceased by her childhood sweetheart and beloved husband Gerry in 2013 after 71 years of marriage. She was dearly loved by her only child Sandra Pelesh (Russ, deceased). Betty was the proud grandmother of Radene (Kevin), and Krista and GiGi of Alexander (Alec), Melitza (Dave), Lylalee (Nick), and Kara (Kevin). She is also survived by her sisters Joan (Ron) and Carol (Jim, deceased). A Memorial Service was held at Fairhill Residence, Kingsway Lodge on June 13, 2025. Memorial donations may be made to Kingsway Life Care. Online tributes at www. hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
St. Marys Independent
THE WEEK AHEAD
PRC & Friendship Centre events – See the Stonetown Crier on Page 5
