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PAGE ASTRONAUT’S LOCAL CONNECTION PAGESt. Marys Independent LINCS FINISH THIRD Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent 36 Water St. S., St. Marys ON | 519.284.0041 | info@stmarysindependent.com | www.granthaven.com

Issue #1304

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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favour of the declaration after hearing from Optimism Place Women’s Shelter and Support Services executive director Donna-Jean Forster and board member and Perth South resident Deborah Pratt-Weersink, who outlined the prevalence of IPV locally and the importance of municipal leadership in addressing the issue. “Intimate partner violence has been in-

Life is a journey, with one step leading to another. In the case of Andrew and Candice Neufeld, their career path has led quite naturally to their new roles at the Stone Willow Inn’s Hillstone Restaurant. “We knew that there was going to be something that was coming in 2026; we just didn’t quite know what it was,” said Candice Neufeld, who described their spiritual journey after deciding to close the physical space for their previous business, Raise Your Vibe, in September of 2025. Their perfect opportunity came in the form of the Hillstone Restaurant at Stone Willow Inn, where the local couple has teamed with chef Bruce Miller to run operations since Feb. 27. With Andrew Neufeld as restaurant operator and Candice Neufeld in charge of marketing and events, both are embracing roles that encompass their years of related experience. “I started at the Creamery when I was 19 as a dishwasher and realized pretty quickly I wanted to be out front,” said Andrew Neufeld. “So, I started bartending and serving there, finding my legs.” In the years that followed, Andrew Neufeld gained a wealth of restaurant and hospitality experience, working in Stratford at Bentleys, then at The Old English Parlour (as it was then called), where he met his future wife. He then moved to Milestones in Guelph where he first took an interest in wines. Since then, the couple has lived in Cambridge, Kitchener and the

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(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)

SHERIDAN BAND PERFORMS AT ST. PADDY’S PUB NIGHT

Seen here performing at the St. Mays Kinettes’ annual St. Paddy’s Day pub night, the Sheridan Band is a fun, energetic band that plays to their audience and gets people moving. See full story on page 6.

Perth South declares intimate ADULT partner violence an epidemic PROGRAMS Perth East also declares epidemic, joining all five other municipalities in Perth County GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

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Perth South council has unanimously declared intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in the township following a presentation by local advocates highlighting the scope and impact of gender-based violence across Perth County. At its March 3 meeting, council voted in

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Broker for Coldwell Banker Homefield Legacy Realty, Brokerage 150 Queen Street East, St. Marys, ON Cell: 519-272-7666 | Office: 519-284-2381 *Each office is an independently owned & operated member broker of Coldwell Banker Affiliates of Canada

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

COMMUNITY Perth South declares intimate partner violence an epidemic CONTINUED FROM FRONT

creasing in our community and the negative impacts of intimate partner violence on the residents of our community and, in particular, women and children have consequences that last for generations,” Forster said. “We encourage Perth South to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and continue to work collaboratively together with our whole community to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all.” The declaration makes Perth South the 111th municipality in Ontario to formally recognize intimate partner violence as an epidemic. The presentation and declaration follow similar actions taken recently by other municipalities across the county. Last month, St. Marys council declared IPV an epidemic after hearing a presentation from Optimism Place, joining West Perth, Stratford and North Perth in recognizing the issue. Later the same day as the Perth South decision, Perth East council also passed a declaration following a similar presentation, becoming the 112th municipality in Ontario to do so. With those two declarations, all six municipalities within Perth County have now formally recognized intimate partner violence as an epidemic. Forster told Perth South councillors IPV continues to have a significant impact across the region. Statistics shared with councils across Perth County show that in 2024 alone, there were 994 reports of IPV in the county, resulting in 227 charges laid. The effects extend beyond police calls. According to data presented to council, probation and parole services supervise an average of 115 clients each month who are serving probation related to domestic-violence offences. At Optimism Place, 203 women and children stayed in shelter in 2024, while another 200 women accessed IPV-related services without requiring residential support. Since 2022, 50 Perth County women have been

assessed as being at high risk of intimate partner homicide and have received coordinated safety supports from community partners. “Every year at Optimism Place, we see about five to 10 women, along with their children, from Perth South who access our shelter for residential stay,” Forster said. “In addition, we have about 15 women and their children (from Perth South) who are accessing our community-based services such as counselling, support for family court, parenting supports and other family supports associated with experiencing intimate partner violence. “Every single day, at least one woman from Perth South calls our 24-hour support phoneline for support for themselves or someone they know who is experiencing intimate partner violence.” Forster also noted the issue often remains hidden, with many incidents of violence never reported. Research shows that 44 per cent of women who have been in an intimate relationship have experienced some form of psychological, physical or sexual abuse. Supporters of the declaration say formally recognizing IPV as an epidemic is an important step toward

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St. Marys Independent

Sherwin Law announces affiliation with Stratford firm

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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The latest municipal news from the Town of St. Marys

PET LICENCE REMINDER If you haven't registered your pets yet for 2026, it's time! Do so before March 31, 2026, when licence fees increase. Pet licences are valid for the life of your pet, with annual registration required. Current fee: $25 per pet After March 31: $35 per pet

(CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)

Claire Sherwin stands outside his St. Marys office with Mark Simon of McDonald, Simon, Stewart & Reidy LLP, a Stratford-based law firm. The two offices have announced an affiliation.

CONNOR LUCZKA Independent Reporter

Since 1996, Claire Sherwin can count on one hand how many consecutive weeks he’s had off. “In the last 30 years, I’ve had two consecutive weeks of vacation,” Sherwin told the Independent in his home office on Wellington Street in St. Marys, a building he has been in for nearly that whole tenure. “... I’m really blessed. I have a 22-step commute in the morning from the breakfast table to the desk. ... On a negative note, I will tell you I never get a snow day. It doesn’t interfere with the 22 steps.” Sherwin hopes that can change soon, however. In accordance with best practices for prudent planning, Sherwin has come to an affiliation agreement with McDonald, Simon, Stewart & Reidy LLP, a Stratford-based firm serving Perth County for over 50 years. As Sherwin explained, this affiliation is not a retirement announcement – rather a vacation announcement. He and his wife have planned a vacation for the whole month of June and are planning to have more time off in the coming years. With the affiliation, Sherwin can be assured there are resources at home he can call upon to assist when he is not available. Importantly, affiliation is not a merger nor an acquisition. “It’s a long-term plan,” managing partner Mark Simon of McDonald, Simon, Stewart & Reidy explained. “So, when Claire wants to fully retire, he’s got the resources for things to be taken over. And in the meantime, if he wants to take a little more downtime, he’s got backup. It’s really tough for sole practitioners to be able to take time off because they don’t have another lawyer to hand stuff to, so the affilition gives him the personnel backing and everything else he needs to adjust and live more of a firm life.”

For his clients, this partnership also means more opportunities. While Sherwin was proud of how little he has stepped foot in a courtroom in the last 25 years (not at all), preferring to come to agreements through mediation, McDonald, Simon, Stewart & Reidy LLP, on the other hand, has had plenty of recent experience in court. “If you come through the door and you and your wife are not of a mind to enter into a mediation and resolve this thing quickly and effectively and reasonably economically, then I can send you over to see one of Mark’s partners,” Sherwin said. “... So, it expands the breadth of service that is available to clients.” Both Sherwin and Simon said client service is the pre-eminent ideal for their firms and was one of the like-minded factors that originally brought the two together. Their offices have been linked since January of this year, with McDonald and his colleagues, Shawn Stewart and Luke Reidy, already having worked out of Sherwin’s back offices. Sherwin reiterated the affiliation is not a retirement announcement. “It’s sometimes said, ‘If you like what you do, you never work a day in the life,’ ” Sherwin said. “I like what I do. … I was 71 in December and I don’t think I’m going to be able to do this forever. So, this is a safeguard.” “That’s kind of the beauty of the affiliation,” Simon added. “There’s no hard end date. … If Claire becomes addicted to the long vacations, then they may get longer and other work may be covered by us more frequently. But really, there’s enough flexibility to figure out whatever timing works best.” For more information on Sherwin Law’s services, visit www.sherwinlaw.ca. For more information on McDonald, Simon, Stewart & Reidy LLP, visit www. mcdonaldsimon.com.

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STRONG AS STONE NOMINATIONS OPEN

Nomination period: March 8 - 22

Do you know someone who is StrongAsStone? If you are aware of someone who consistently goes above and beyond in serving our community, we encourage you to nominate them for a StrongAsStone award. Eligible nominees will be formally recognized at a Council meeting, celebrated through local media, and presented with an official certificate. Nominations: townofstmarys.com/StrongAsStone

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

566 Queen St. E. • 519.284.4348

Senior of the Week

Our senior of the week is Bev Parkinson. She was born in St. Marys and grew up on a farm on Cobble Hills Road. She has been married to Randy for almost 43 years. They have two children and three adorable grandkids. Bev turned 65 on Feb. 27 and has just recently retired. She loves reading, chatting with friends and can’t finish a diamond dot to save her life. If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, contact us at 519.284.0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com.

WEEKEND

QUIZ

St. Marys Kinettes hold annual St. Paddy’s Day pub night with musical entertainment by the Sheridan Band

(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)

Busy Kinettes Wanda Mossey, Sandie Vanderschot, Terri Iredale and Cate Deblock were all smiles making sure the St. Paddy’s pub night ran smoothly. The whole club works together to pull off a great event.

WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter

The St. Marys Kinettes held their annual St. Paddy’s Day pub night Saturday at the St. Marys Legion. The musical entertainment was the Sheridan Band, a high-energy Celtic folk group. The group consists of five family members who grew up playing together at family events and special occasions. They have travelled and performed across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and the northeastern United States. It’s easy to see they

love playing together and they pass that energy on to their audience. They cover a blend of Celtic tunes along with some contemporary rock that gets the crowd up on their feet. The funds raised from this event will go towards community support programs. Next up for the club will be their annual Easter Egg Hunt that will take place on Saturday, April 4, down at the Lions Park in Milt Dunnell Field. It will go from 9am to 11am. Kids that are nine and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is a non-perishable food item for the Salvation Army Food Bank.

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St. Marys Independent

York Street Thought Process to perform in St. Catharines for November’s Light of Day Festival

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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St. Marys folk duo York Street Thought Process has been tapped to perform at the Light of Day Festival in St. Catharines Nov. 7.

EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter

St. Marys folk duo, York Street Thought Process, will join big names in music this fall for a concert supporting further research and treatment for Parkinson’s disease and cancer. York Street Thought Process will be part of the lineup for Light of Day Festival in St. Catharines on Nov. 7 at the Meridian Centre. The concert will also feature country artist Tim Hicks as the headliner as well as Steven Page, formerly of the iconic group, The Barenaked Ladies. “We’re so honoured to be a part of the Light of Day Canada festival this year. Dave Rotella put together an amazing lineup and we’re grateful to be a part of it,” read a statement from the duo comprising musicians Jaron Camp and Rachael Frankruyter. Proceeds from the event will support the Light of Day Foundation for Parkinson’s disease research and patient care, and the Niagara Health Foundation’s Walker Family Cancer Centre. The Light of Day Festival has raised over $500,000 for Parkinson’s research and care over the years through their concerts in Ontario, and its 2015 event was the most attended in the festival’s history. “Everyone has been affected by cancer and Parkinson’s. We are grateful for the opportunity to spread awareness and be part of an event that supports research and patient care in an effort to help those

(affected) by such difficult circumstances,” Camp and Frankruyter said. The duo will be releasing their third album this year featuring acoustic recordings akin to what can be found at a live show. Camp also has a solo jazz folk album, Jigsaw Puzzle, coming out on March 22 and a Factor-funded album to be released later this spring. Frankruyter’s EP, Time will Tell, also funded by Factor, was also recently released. All new music can be found online via Bandcamp and physical releases will be announced at a later date. York Street Thought Process also has more shows on the way yet to be announced, but fans can keep track of any updates online by visiting yorkstreetthoughtprocess.com. “We are very excited for this year, which includes a handful of local shows to keep an eye out for,” the band said. York Street Thought Process toured across Canada in 2025, performing in Fredericton, Winnipeg and several Ontario municipalities like Ottawa, Orillia and Toronto. The band also performed at regional events like Canada Day in St. Marys and Rock the Muse at the Stratford Perth Museum. Tickets for Light of Day can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca/ light-of-day-canada-presents-tim-st-catharines-ontario. More information about Light of Day Festival can also be found online by visiting www.lightofdaycanada.com.

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

Moon-bound astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s roots run deep in Downie Township

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF NANCY HANSEN)

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen in front of the space shuttle, Artemis II, that will take him and his fellow NASA crew members to the moon after it launches next month.

GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

When Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen heads to the moon next month aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission, he will carry with him not only the hopes of a country, but also deep family roots in Perth South. Hansen, who is set to become the first Canadian to leave Earth’s orbit, has a strong connection to a Perth South (Downie Township) farm where his grandfather, Alvin Good, was born and raised, and where generations of the Good family have lived and worked.

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(PHOTOS COURTESY OF NANCY HANSEN)

Future astronaut Jeremy Hansen with his uncle and aunt, Robert and Marylyn Good, who lived on a farm in Downie Township (Perth South).

For Hansen’s mother, Nancy Hansen, that farm was a constant part of her childhood. After her mother died when she was three, Nancy Hansen and her siblings spent nearly every summer on the family farm with their grandparents, Cora and John Good, while Nancy Hansen’s uncle, Robert Good, ran the operation. “We spent almost every summer on my grandparents’ farm,” Nancy Hansen said in a recent interview with the Independent. “We helped Robert with some chores, and we did have to clean out the pig pens and feed the chickens. … He never worked us real hard, but as a kid you think you’re working hard.”

That connection to Downie Township continued into Nancy Hansen’s adult life. After she married Gary Hansen, the couple remained close with the Good family and frequently returned to what Nancy Hansen said was always known simply as “the farm.” Once Jeremy Hansen was born, he became part of that tradition too. “The Good family’s quite close,” Nancy Hansen said. “I bet you once a month we were up at the farm.” Before Jeremy Hansen started kindergarten, Nancy and Gary Hansen spent several weeks living at the farm CONTINUED TO PAGE 9

St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Moon-bound astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s roots run deep in Downie Township CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

while Robert and Marylyn Good were away on a trip to Hawaii, helping care for the children and the farm in their absence. Today, the farm remains in the family and is now run by Robert Good’s sons, John and James Good. Nancy Hansen said there is no question her son’s time on farms – both at his childhood home near Ailsa Craig and in Downie Township – helped shape the work ethic that eventually carried him to the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Space Agency and now the cusp of a lunar flight currently set to launch on April 1. “He learned a lot of hard work values on living on a farm,” she said. According to a recent Canadian Geographic profile, Jeremy Hansen first became fascinated by space as a child after seeing a photo of Neil Armstrong on the moon in an encyclopedia. That moment set him on the path he has followed ever since. “One day, I told my family. I told teachers, and people started to use that inspiration to push me,” Jeremy Hansen told Canadian Geographic. Even now, as he prepares for one of the most significant space missions in Canadian history, Jeremy Hansen remains characteristically humble. “Where I always land is gratitude and being very humbled by the opportunity,” he told the magazine. For Nancy and Gary Hansen, pride in their son is mixed with understandable nerves as launch day approaches. “We’re pretty happy for him, nervous too,” Nancy Hansen said. “It’s a bit of a dangerous mission, but he’s wanted to since he was five years old.” And while Jeremy Hansen’s journey is taking him far-

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF NANCY HANSEN)

Future Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen at the Good Homestead in Downie Township (Perth South), which was originally owned by his great-grandparents, Cora and John Good, and operated at the time this photo was taken by his uncle and aunt, Robert and Marylyn Good.

A photo of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s maternal grandfather, Alvin Good, after he enlisted to serve in the Second World War. Good was born and raised on his parents’ farm in Downie Township (Perth South).

ther from Earth than any Canadian has ever gone, Nancy Hansen said his connection to Perth South remains strong.

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“Downie Township means a lot to our family and to Jeremy too,” she said. “We spent many, many hours on that farm.”

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

There’s a new vibe at Stone Willow’s Hillstone Restaurant CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Niagara Region, where Andrew Neufeld furthered his education in wines. “We moved up to Niagara-on-the-Lake where I worked in wine production for a little while and continued to take more wine courses. I ended up getting a job at White Oaks Resort, where I learned a lot of middle management and banquet functions, and they would do 12 to 14 different functions at once, as well as run three restaurants. I was in charge of the wine and cocktail pro-

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gram for the whole hotel, which was a big undertaking, but a really great learning experience.” Similar to her husband, Candice Neufeld is taking on a role at Hillstone that is an ideal next step in her career. She worked for 13 years in corporate at Maple Leaf Foods, starting out on the product development team in the sensory program and then shifting to the consumer insights team. The positions involved continuous testing of different tastes and concepts to best respond to the needs and wants of customers. Hillstone’s new chef, Bruce Miller, also brings a wealth of experience from working in highly acclaimed kitchens from across the country, learning from each unique experience. “His breadth of experience and knowledge just absolutely blows us away,” said Andrew Neufeld, who describes the new Hillstone as a chef-driven restaurant. “It’s really important to us that Bruce be able to be as creative as he wants to be. We have been foodies for a very long time. We’ve been to a lot of places and there’s just something about restaurants that celebrate the chef first that are just so unique and special. “I would say what we’re leaning towards is a small plates restaurant, more of a tapas style, where you might order four different dishes and share it.” While small plates may be the focus, Andrew Neufeld said full entrees will be on the menu as well to meet the needs of each customer. Though the Hillstone name continues, the change in suffix from “Bar & Grill” to “Restaurant” is a choice that reflects the new atmosphere. “The wine and cocktail program is going to be really important to us,” said Andrew Neufeld. “We’re working on specials to have a wine and dessert or cocktail and dessert. Chef Bruce’s desserts are amazing and are definitely something people should try.” Hillstone Restaurant is located within the Stone Willow Inn at 940 Queen St. E, St. Marys. They are currently open for dinner on Tuesdays through Sundays, and reservations are recommended by calling 519-500-3441. To find Hillstone on social media, visit @hillstone.stmarys on Instagram or on Facebook by searching “Hillstone Restaurant.”

(STEWART GRANT PHOTO)

Andrew and Candice Neufeld are the new operators at Hillstone Restaurant, located at the Stone Willow Inn at 940 Queen St. E, St. Marys.

YOUR EYES ARE IN GREAT HANDS WITH DR. ERICA GAGNON

Dr. Erica Gagnon loves helping patients of all ages see clearly and comfortably. She’s passionate about vision care, family life, staying active, and everything that makes small-town life special. Whether it’s a ﬁrst eye exam, an update for your glasses, or a routine check, Dr. Gagnon makes every visit feel welcoming and personal. She’s currently accepting new patients and would love to meet you.

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St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Perth County stewardship intake oversubscribed again as council debates program’s future GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor

Perth County council received the results of the spring 2026 intake for the Perth County Stewardship Program on March 5, with demand for the grant program once again exceeding available funding even as some councillors continued to question whether the county’s annual contribution could be better spent elsewhere. According to a report from Warden Dean Trentowsky, who also serves as chair of the county’s agricultural working group, and county resiliency and stewardship coordinator Hannah Cann, the spring 2026 intake drew 33 applications across three of the program’s four grant streams. Together, those applications represent 8,084 trees and shrubs proposed for planting, 20 acres of restoration and nearly 10.3 kilometres of windbreak, with a combined project value of more than $235,000. The total grant request came to more than $119,000, roughly 19.5 per cent above the program’s 2026 budget. This year’s intake included applications in the landowner, community and living snow fence streams, while no applications were received in the woodland stream for forest-management plans. The four available streams this year included grants for private landowners planting 50 or more trees and shrubs, forest-management plans, community-led restoration and tree-sale projects, and living snow fences planted along rural roads to reduce drifting snow. The landowner stream accounted for the bulk of applications and funding requests, with 21 applications requesting just over $65,300. The community stream received 10 applications requesting about $42,200, while the two living snow fence applications requested nearly $12,000 combined. In total, county staff said the projects would plant 6,383 trees through the landowner stream, 1,441 through the community stream and 260 through the living snow fence stream. The agricultural working group recommended the two living snow fence applications be funded in full because of their public-safety benefits along roadways, with the remaining landowner and community stream applications funded on a prorated basis to stay within the $100,000 envelope. That approach would reduce grant awards in those two streams by roughly 15 to 19 per cent, similar to the approach taken when the program was oversubscribed in 2024. Staff also noted there was strong uptake across delivery methods. Of the applications received, nine used conservation-authority planting services, 12 used private contractors and 12 involved volunteers or landowners planting the projects themselves. Seventeen applications sourced trees through a conservation authority, 12 through contractors and four

through nurseries. The greatest number of applications came from West Perth, which accounted for 15 submissions, followed by North Perth with seven, Perth East with six and Perth South with five. Staff said that pattern is consistent with previous intakes and many applications continue to come from sub-watersheds identified as high-priority restoration areas. Council discussed the intake results in closed session after a wider discussion about the value of the stewardship program itself in open session. That broader conversation followed concerns raised earlier this budget season by Coun. Rhonda Ehgoetz and current deputy warden Sue Orr, who asked for a review of the program, budgeted at $100,000 this year, to determine whether those funds could be used more effectively elsewhere in the county budget. Those concerns echoed questions raised last fall, when Ehgoetz argued the county may be duplicating services already offered through the local conservation authorities and suggested council needed to take a hard look at the program during budget deliberations. Orr similarly expressed concern at that time about opening the spring 2026 intake before council had fully debated the program’s future. “Some external grant programs offer grants for stewardship action similar to the Perth County Stewardship Program … however important limitations become clear upon closer review,” Cann told council while delivering an overview of the program March 5. “Many programs are geographically restricted and apply only to certain or specific conservation authority boundaries or select areas of the county. Others are limited to agricultural operations, excluding non-farmers or rural landowners who are interested in tree planting and land stewardship. Minimum project sizes often two acres or more create additional barriers, particularly for small- and medium-scale projects where the community impact can be significant.” Additionally, Cann said some funding programs require environmental farm plans, creating additional administrative burden for applicants, while many of the available programs have short or unpredictable application windows with inconsistent annual availability and often long and onerous application packages. “The (Perth County) Stewardship Program provides stability, reliability and ease of access where these grants fall short,” Cann continued. “Stewardship projects delivered by the county benefit from the local knowledge, established relationships and an understanding of the land and community context. … Applicants to (the program) are eligible to stack external grant funds with the county grant up to 100 per cent of project costs. … Allowing landowners to stack grant funds across multiple grants en-

ables them to do more stewardship action with less barriers.” At the March 5 meeting, Cann presented a broader defence of the program, outlining both its origins and its results to date. Created after county council directed staff in 2022 to develop a clean-water project, the stewardship program was broadened through consultations in 2023 into a wider environmental-stewardship initiative. Tree planting emerged as the top priority during that consultation process, which included more than 270 residents and stakeholders, 160 survey responses and more than 30 structured interviews. Staff’s comprehensive report says the program has now planted 28,429 trees, restored 51.31 acres, established 43 kilometres of windbreak and generated $724,478 in total project value in its first three years. The report also states the county has leveraged $2 in outside or private investment for every $1 it has committed to the program, and estimates supported tree planting is offsetting about 10.45 per cent of the county’s operational emissions. “I think this is a remarkable report,” Coun. Todd Kasenberg said. “I’m excited by a number of the results that are being documented here and appreciative of the investments that we’ve made. “I have argued, of course, for some time that we need to make more of these investments. … How do we move from a program that largely focuses on tree and forest health … into a clean-water program … given that in our regional neighbourhood, we seem to be the ones without a named clean-water program?” “It was always the intention of the program to start with a tree-planting offering because they were the most requested by the public,” Cann replied. “That being said, based on the funding available, there was always going to be an expansion of grant streams offered as more funds became available.” With several new grant streams ex-

pected to come online as early as next year, Cann said the county could begin offering opportunities for funding aimed at supporting projects that address drinking-water protection, water quality and aquatic habitat, erosion control and invasive species management among others. “I think this program needs to have adjustments to it,” Ehgoetz said during the council discussion. “I don’t mind giving money to people planting trees; I have a real problem giving my taxpayers’ money to people to dig the hole, get the ground ready and everything else. They can do that if they want. … We’re not (planting as many trees as we can) because we’re giving them all this money to do that.” In response, Cann told council the county had removed labour as an eligible cost supported by the program for 2025, however that led to 20 applications from conservation authorities alone being rejected. While labour was restored as an eligible cost for 2026 based on public feedback, Cann said the damage was already done with some potential applicants choosing not to apply for funding this year. Coun. Walter McKenzie agreed with the notion of adjusting the program slightly, specifically when it comes to paying for the costs associated with delivering trees to successful applicants from nurseries or other suppliers located outside the county. He noted, however, that many residents don’t have the time or expertise to plant trees themselves, and suggested labour-cost eligibility is an important part of the stewardship program. “I feel that the (conservation authorities) do an excellent job of stewardship and they’re really serious about getting trees in the ground,” said Orr. “It’s more effective to go directly through them. Ausable Bayfield (Conservation Authority); there was an advertisement that they’ve planted a million trees – that’s 50,000 trees a year since 2006. I think there should be effort to work directly with the conservation authorities.”

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

St. Marys Legion’s Veterans’ Banner program open for orders WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter

Each November, Veteran’s Banners are proudly hung around the town in honour of St. Marys and area residents, past and present, who served. The banners display photos of each veteran, their unit and the names of those who sponsored the banner. This program has become very popular, jumping from 50 banners when it started in 2020 to the 220 banners proudly displayed last year. The banner program takes place in many towns and cities. More than ever, it is so important to see the faces of our veterans and remember and honour them for all they did for our country and for those still serving. The banners are made locally by Gerber’s Graphics and orders fill up quickly. The Legion has opened ordering early this year to make sure everything will be in place and ready for November. To place an order, download the form at https://rcl236stmarys.ca/ remembrance/. Include the veteran’s name, branch of service and

sponsor name, as well as a photo of them, preferably in uniform. The cost to order a banner is a one-time payment of $200. The form and payment can be dropped off at the St. Marys Legion and payment can be made by cash, cheque or debit. The Legion is adding something new this year. There is going to be website pages honouring the veterans that will be recognized on banners, cenotaphs and plaques. For those who have already purchased banners in the past, families can reach out if they want details added. The pages will link to the online banner map that will be available in November where residents can search the location of each banner. Donations towards this ongoing tribute are more than welcome and can be made by visiting the local Legion at 66 Church St. N. during normal business hours Tuesday through Thursday between 3 and 5 p.m., Friday between 12 and 5 p.m., and Saturday from 12-7 p.m. Questions regarding this year’s banner program can be directed to Legion poppy chair Tom Jenkins at 226-661-0057.

(FILE PHOTO)

The St. Marys Legion is inviting locals to place early orders for this year’s Veterans’ Banner program.

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St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

Local lawyers pledge support Kinettes support Salvation for Community Commons at Army with recent Fill the 14 Church project Fridge Draw

(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO) (PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MARYS LIBRARY BOARD)

Local lawyers John Sipos and Mark Poulton have pledged $65,000 to the Community Commons project in memory of their colleague, partner and friend, Ben Waghorn. These funds will be used to support the MakerSpace at 14 Church St., a place for the community to explore, discover, create and build skills, in Waghorn’s honour.

Project chair Terri Iredale and fellow Kinette Julie Shackleton present Jennifer Morris from the Salvation Army a donation from the St. Marys Kinette Club’s recent Fill the Fridge Draw that took place on Feb. 14 at the Broken Rail Brewery. The next Salvation Army Food Drive will take place on Saturday, March 21, with representatives at both Foodland and Tremblett’s Independent Grocer.

St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Inspiring International Women’s Day event held at the Friendship Centre WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter

On March 9, approximately 200 guests gathered at the Friendship Centre to take part in a very inspiring International Women’s Day program put on by Eliza Reid and other staff members of the centre. The day started with a fun Jeopardy game with subject categories including film, history, literature, music and The Friendship Centre, with all answers being a Canadian woman who had a hand in advancing women’s rights and encouraging other women to do the same. Next up was a TedxGreenhouse Road video by Dr. Jaime Seeman, who spoke about the importance of women staying strong and healthy, dispelling the myth that only men can strength train, and that it will not lead to being big and bulky. By keeping strong and building muscle, Seeman that will offset age-related decline in muscle mass and other aging issues. The main guest speaker, Rosita Hall, spent the first three minutes answering questions from the crowd about herself and her history. Hall is a former social worker who has spent the last 30 years speaking publicly, training and consulting. She is from a small town near Windsor and has eight brothers and five sisters.

(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)

Approximately 200 guests took part in the International Women’s Day program at the St. Marys Friendship Centre March 9.

She absolutely loves public speaking and encourages people to live their lives in their own truths, which opens doors mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Hall has written two books and is working on a third. Her purpose to motivate is to help people find joy, laughter and happiness, and bring that into their daily

lives. Hall shared with the group the importance of finding out why we are addicted to living and what we as women prioritize. She said it is about remembering that every single person has a story, and everyone could be in a different chapter. Whether it is a happy time, grieving,

fighting for health, separation or divorce, no one is without a story, and once we are all aware of that, it is about finding the steps on how to stay resilient and knowing when to stop and take a break. Hall talked about self-care. Everyone carries an invisible backpack called life. In this backpack, there could be regret, resentment, fatigue, anger, frustration – all of the heavy things. Knowing when to set down this backpack and recover for a while is necessary for our physical and mental health. Women need this state of recovery as many times, we don’t know how to stop, and when we do, there is often guilt on shirking responsibilities. Little do we know, stopping and taking a break will lead to self-improvement and more happiness. The last self-care tip that Hall shared was learning the joy of laughter and how a deep giggle can change the way we feel about a situation. Hall is a firm believer in always finding a way to challenge oneself and improve. It is about being ok with saying no, whether it be to plans, social media or the news, and it’s about identifying how we feel so it doesn’t impact ourselves or others in a negative way. Hall’s speech left the crowd feeling emotional and inspired, resulting in a standing ovation.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

St. Marys Station Gallery: A bustling hub for art ST. MARYS STATION GALLERY Contributed Article

It’s a busy week at the St. Marys Station Gallery with one exhibition coming down – The Art Olympics – and another going up, The Art of Denise Antaya. And on top of that, Spring Break Art for Kids starts next week! First off, the gallery wishes to thank people for voting on the artworks presented in The Art Olympics. Works from the art education program were featured in this exhibition by children and adults alike. The final tallies will be published next week as the response in voting was a bit overwhelming. “I need a couple full days just to count all the ballots,” said gallery director Duncan MacDonald. “It was so nice to see people engaging with the art in the gallery in such a thoughtful and meaningful way. The children in particular are excited to see the results, having already won chocolate medals

for their efforts.” This Saturday from 1-4 p.m., the next solo exhibition at the gallery opens. The exhibition features stunning landscapes and depictions of nature by the award-winning artist, Denise Antaya from Port Stanley. “I feel so lucky to be presenting the art of Denise Antaya,” MacDonald said. “Her oil paintings and graphite drawings are unbelievably beautiful on so many levels. Her use of colour, composition and amazing attention to detail make her work some of the strongest you will find in this province and beyond.” MacDonald is reminding people that there are still openings in the Spring Break Art Education program next week. For details on classes for children, visit www.stmarysstationgallery. ca. For more information on what is happening at the gallery, visit the gallery’s Facebook page or call 519-2741074.

St. Marys Station Gallery.

(FILE PHOTO)

St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Student nutrition program relies on community partnerships to feed southwestern Ontario students AMANDA NELSON Independent Reporter

The Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP), run by the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), invited community members to learn about the program and how it impacts local children across southwestern Ontario. Brittany McDonald, community development coordinator for Huron-Perth OSNP, discussed the operations and how they aim to focus on equity, inclusion and community partnerships to connect children across the region with healthy and nutritious food options. The program, funded by the provincial and federal governments, serves more than 15,000 students daily, distributing fresh produce and non-perishable items. The provincial government, through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), provides

about $0.12-$0.13 per student per day, while the federal contribution tops up the provincial amount by roughly $0.05$0.08 per student per day. Combined, that means most schools receive roughly $0.18-$0.22 per student per day in government funding for the nutrition program. Though the government funding is a great asset, McDonald says the amount is not enough to provide nutritious meals to all children and, therefore, community partnerships are a must. “We’re grateful for the government funding we receive, but it simply isn’t enough to provide a truly nutritious program for all students,” McDonald said. “Without community partners stepping up, far too many children would be left without consistent, healthy food at school.” With additional funding from partners like the President’s Choice Children’s

Charity, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie/ Make Happy Tummies campaigns, Grocery Foundation and Breakfast Clubs of Canada, the OSNP is able to provide service to more than 500 schools and counting. Locally, the Stratford-Perth Community Foundation (SPCF) is one of the key partners that helps top up what provincial and federal funding can’t cover, helping close the funding gap for children across Huron-Perth. McDonald described this new partnership, which started in September, as a big asset in supporting children across the region. “The support from the Stratford-Perth Community Foundation has been a real gamechanger for our schools,” said McDonald. “Their funding helps us close critical gaps so that children across Huron-Perth can count on consistent access to nutritious food, not just whatever our

basic government allocation can cover.” McDonald also highlighted the need for better coordination with schools and community partners to address food insecurity during school breaks and weekends, noting this is something they’re working on alongside SPCCF. “We do a good job of feeding kids during the school day, but hunger doesn’t stop on weekends or over the summer,” says McDonald. “That’s why we’re working more closely with school boards, public health and partners like the Stratford-Perth Community Foundation to figure out how we can reach families during those gaps in support.” The OSNP program promotes food literacy, especially with cultural foods, providing one-pagers for schools to educate students. Fifty-one per cent of products are sourced locally within Ontario. To learn more, visit www.osnp.ca.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

St. Marys Independent SPORTS U18 B Girls earn provincials berth after unbeaten playdowns SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter

The Hubbard Pharmacy U18 B Girls St. Marys Rock are headed to the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincial Championships April 9-12 in Scarborough after going undefeated through their playdowns. The Rock solidified their spot after winning a pair of games against the Huron Heat on March 5 and March 7. Head coach Nathan Brown said he had full confidence from the start of the season his squad could achieve their goal of qualifying for provincials given their high-octane quickness and two-way tenacity. “I knew they could do it the whole entire year, it was just a matter of getting them to believe,” said Brown. “On the ice, they know where each other is. They play with a ton of speed, which is hard for some teams to handle. On the forecheck, it’s crazy how quickly F-1 can get to the puck. They hunt pucks really well, backtrack up the middle really well.” Brown noted the team has made the most strides in their ability to communicate with one another on the ice after starting out as a group of players largely unfamiliar with one another. “They communicate really well now,” Brown said. “At the start of the year, we knew we were in tough because we have a whole bunch of girls from everywhere. Six girls are from St. Marys, three are from Mitchell, three are from Stratford, two are from Thorndale, two are from Monkton. Then add on the girls that are coming up from the U15s, playing their first year of U18, getting used to each other, line matches and line mixes. “It gravitates outwards when they start getting used to each other and finding that chemistry. And if you don’t have chemistry in the room, you don’t have chemistry on the ice. Everybody’s getting a lot louder. Everybody’s communicating at a different level on the ice, which is really relieving for me to see. You beat on them all year to play a certain way, and then they have the lightbulb moment and away they go.” The team’s younger players, according to Brown, have settled into their roles incredibly well. “They’re having fun,” said Brown. “At the start of the year, there was a lot of pressure on them because everything was

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(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)

The Hubbard Pharmacy U18 B Girls St. Marys Rock celebrate a win on March 8 over the Stratford Aces. The win continued the team’s unbeaten streak in playdowns, a streak that earned the Rock a spot in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincial Championship April 9-12 in Scarborough.

new and the game is faster. They have to think things faster, but they’ve really settled in with their grit. They all work really hard. They don’t take shifts off. Even in these two qualifying games for provincials, there is just that different level of, ‘I’m here to play for my teammates, and if I have to go that extra step and go a little harder to get back to help my defender or my goalie, I will.’ ” Brown cited examples of the younger players filling important roles, including Linley Porter and Abby Russell, who are top-notch penalty killers for the group, with Porter also having some of the most skillful hands on the team, and Russell being a “net-front machine” thanks to her ability to tip pucks. Brown also credited Emma Groenestege for her versatility, describing her as a “Swiss army knife who is willing to play anywhere she’s asked,” as well as being one of the team’s best shooters. The Rock’s unbeaten stretch was in no small part thanks to the team’s most consistent line of the season comprising Emma Carradine, Ellie MacArthur and Kayla Visneskie, who Brown credited for intuitively knowing where each other are

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on the ice at all times. Brown also credited goaltender Ramona Graham for playing a massive role in lifting St. Marys to their provincial qualification. Graham went on an otherworldly run leading to their ticket to provincials being punched. “Ramona has been playing exceptionally well,” said Brown. “Our goalie coach, Rachel Bentley, put a rebound drill together where there is a lot of action in front of the net at practice, and we’ve done that the last six or seven practices, and you can see it in real time in the game how it’s really helped Ramona and everyone’s reaction time. And all our defenders, Mira (Broughton), Jenna

(Gooder), Macie (Russworm), Maeve (Wheeler), Cortney (Linton) and Marci (Linton) are helping her chipping the puck out.” One of the team’s most potent lines at both ends of the ice is the trio of Maddie Monisit Brown, Piper Broughton and Hailey McLean, all of whom are in their final year of minor hockey and, according to Brown, have histories of heated battles against one another. “The three girls who are leaving this year, Maddie, Piper and Hailey, never played together before. They hated each other when they played against each other. They came in for tryouts and they all made the team, so I threw them on one line together and said, ‘Figure it out.’ And now they’re dominant. They’re all crazy fast. Cortney (Linton) is also a graduating player. She AP’d with us from the U18 C team, but she’s been around us all year and is an absolute leader for us.” Brown added the line of Monisit Brown, Broughton and McLean thrives in part due to the three all having similar, wide-ranging abilities. “They are three different girls coming out of three different systems, two of them having been coached by other coaches their entire hockey careers. They can all be agitators. They can all be scorers. They can all be great defenders. They have figured out to feed who’s going. If somebody’s flying on offence, they’re feeding that player. If somebody’s great defensively, they’re just sliding into their role.” Brown described the provincial qualification as the product of the team’s evolution. “They’re a really tight group. They do everything together. All the conversations in the room are all together. There are no splits in the room. They’re from all these different regions, but when they get into the dressing room, they totally exemplify what a team is.”

St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

‘Supportive, hungry’ U18 C Girls qualify for provincial championships SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter

The U18 C Girls St. Marys Rock will compete at the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincial Championship April 9-12 in Vaughan. Head coach Kelly Linton explained how the team’s continuous desire for growth led them to qualify for the provincial competition. “This team qualified for provincials because of their commitment to improving every day and their ability to play as a complete team,” Linton told the Independent. “Their work ethic in practices and games has really set the tone and helped them earn the results needed to reach this point.” For a team that has been so driven to find ways to improve over the course of the season, Linton noted their biggest area of improvement has been in their overall belief and cohesiveness. “The biggest growth we’ve seen has been in their confidence and their ability to play as a unit,” said Linton. “Early in the season, we were still figuring things out, but over time, the players really learned to trust each other and communicate better on the ice.” The qualification for provincials, according to Linton, means a great deal to the entire team, and especially their two

graduating players, Cortney Linton and Cammie Lobb. “Qualifying for provincials means a lot to this group. It’s a reflection of all the hard work they’ve put in throughout the season, from practices to games to tournaments,” Kelly Linton said. “For some, it will be their first time competing at this level and for our two graduating players, it is their last chance in their minor hockey career. “Provincials is the ultimate goal for this team, but both Cammie (Lobb), who is an assistant captain, and Cortney (Linton), who is our captain, have been instrumental leaders on this team. The skillset they have in terms of their leadership and inclusion has grown over the season, and I am very happy to see them lead their peers into the provincial championship.” When reflecting on what made this particular team special, Kelly Linton, who has seen many teams in his time coaching minor hockey, noted it was the incredibly supportive nature of the group that stood out to him. “I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of a number of teams during my coaching career, and what makes this team special is their character and how they support one another. They truly play for each other and celebrate each other’s success. Whether someone is scoring a goal, blocking a shot, or making a key de-

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The U18 C Girls St. Marys Rock have qualified for the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincial Championships, to be held in Vaughan April 9-12. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Silver Breckon, Malaika Kibedi, Ella Frayne, Cortney Linton, Cammie Lobb and Marci Linton. In the back row, from left, are Abbey McMillan, Paisley Wood, Deanna Muir, Kacie Storey, Georgia Edwards, Sunny Derbyshire, Brooklynn Roth, Georgia Agar, Isobel Williams and Chloe Pethick. Not pictured was Sydney Haanstra.

fensive play, the whole bench is behind them. That kind of culture and positive energy has been a big part of what’s made them successful.” Looking ahead to the provincial championship, Kelly Linton said the team simply needs to continue on the path they took to get to this point.

“To find success at provincials, the team will need to stick to the style of hockey that got them there,” Kelly Linton said. “If they continue to compete, support each other and play with confidence, they’ll give themselves a great chance to succeed.”

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

Three Stonetown Karate students start 2026 WKC circuit with medals SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter

Three students at the Stonetown Karate (STK) Centre kicked off the 2026 World Karate Commission (WKC) Canada circuit with a cache of medals at the Ontario Provincial Martial Arts Championship tournament at the Haber Recreation Centre in Burlington Feb. 28. Sensei Jalyne Lorentz emerged as the overall grand champion in the 18+ Women’s division, following three first-place finishes in traditional kata, traditional weapons and creative weapons. Marieke Van Lierop captured a silver medal in 15-17 Girls’ traditional kata, as well as a bronze medal in the creative weapons competition in the same division. Morgan Houston earned silver in the 35+ Women’s weapons competition, and a bronze medal in 35+ Women’s kata. This was the first tournament of the 2026 WKC Canada circuit for STK , whose own Master of the Ring Martial Arts tournament is next on the schedule on March 28. That tournament is the last chance for athletes to test their skills before the WKC Ontario provincial qualifier on April 11. Senseis Jalyne and Jeremy Lorentz told the Independent their results in Burlington were a great way to kick off their

2026 circuit. “We’re incredibly excited about the 2026 circuit and the opportunities it brings for our competitors,” Jeremy and Jalyne Lorentz said. “We look forward to seeing our students apply the skills, discipline and resilience they’ve developed in the dojo when they attend tournaments this year. Every tournament is a chance to grow, to test themselves against diverse opponents and to celebrate the spirit of karate, sportsmanship, focus and perseverance.” Jeremy and Jalyne Lorentz added the local dojo is striving to continue developing strong people as well as strong competitors. “For 2026, our goals and aspirations centre on both development and achievement. We aim to nurture a new generation of confident, technically skilled martial artists, while fostering a supportive community that inspires each competitor to reach their personal best. Beyond medals and rankings, we want every student to leave the mat with increased confidence, stronger character and a lasting love for karate. “Ultimately, our aspiration is to see Stonetown Karate recognized not just for competitive success, but for shaping well-rounded athletes and leaders in our community.”

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Pictured from left to right are Sensei Jalyne Lorentz, Marieke van Lierop and Morgan Houston. The three Stonetown Karate students combined for seven medals at the Ontario Provincial Martial Arts Championship tournament Feb. 28 in Burlington in the local dojo’s first tournament of the 2026 circuit.

Blue Jays Academy Baseball clinics coming to St. Marys EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter

Young baseball enthusiasts will get a chance to train under Blue Jays Academy Instructors. The Blue Jays Baseball Academy will be coming to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Marys to host a baseball academy clinic on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The baseball academy clinics, presented by Rogers, travel across Ontario during the summer to provide beginner baseball training to

children between eight and 12 years old. “With the Jays excitement last year and the playoffs and World Series, the kids are excited about baseball and having this opportunity – it’s going to be pretty cool for them to see coaches come in and teach them how to play the game,” said Scott Crawford, director of operations with the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Crawford said kids interested in playing baseball will learn how to properly play the game though the clinic. “Many, many people can play baseball,

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but you want to play it the right way,” he said. “They’re going to teach you how to warm up properly, how to throw properly, how to hit, how to base run. They’re going to hit all of the aspects of the game of baseball but it’s going to be a good opportunity.” Instructors who are part of the program are National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) certified with lots of experience and training to teach “The Blue Jays Way” of baseball to youth. “The Jays hire the top coaches available in the province to go out and run these

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clinics, so they know what they’re talking about, and for a 10-year-old kid to learn from the coaches that the Blue Jays think are really good, that’s just a cool opportunity,” Crawford said. “I would have died to have this when I was a 10-year-old kid in town where I lived.” All participants will receive a baseball skills manual, a Blue Jays hat and a Blue Jays t-shirt. The clinic offers just over 100 spots and the St. Marys baseball clinic is about halfway full with registrants. To sign up online, visit baseballhalloffame. ca/blue-jays-clinic-at-the-hall-of-fame.

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St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Lincs finish third in West after win in St. Thomas; OT loss to Elmira Lincolns will meet Strathroy Rockets in first round of playoffs SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter

Sometimes, you lose the games you play well, and other times, you win games in which you have large chunks of subpar play. That was the case for the St. Marys Lincolns in their final week of the regular season, winning 8-3 in St. Thomas despite having a terrible second period, and playing one of their best games of the last month against the Elmira Sugar Kings, but ultimately falling 3-2 in overtime. The overtime win for Elmira, along with their victory over the Sarnia Legionnaires in their final game of the regular season, locked the Sugar Kings into second in the Western Conference. The Lincolns will end the regular season as the third seed in the West, which sets them up to play the Strathroy Rockets in the first round of the post-season. Arguably, the biggest bright side for the Lincolns in their final two games of the regular season was the return of four of their five injured players, three of whom returned to the lineup on March 4. Declan Ready, Cam Kean and James MacGregor all returned to the ice, with MacGregor coming off the longest layoff, having not played since Feb. 1. Lincs’ captain Chase MacQueen-Spence then returned as well on March 6 against Elmira, leaving Oliver Lacko as the only Lincoln still on the mend. Head coach Jeff Bradley noted the additions were a welcome boost to the group. “I think there’s a little bit of rust there, but it was nice to see James (MacGregor), Cam (Kean) and Declan (Ready) get back in against St. Thomas, and then Chase (MacQueen-Spence) against Elmira. Those are all big pieces for us, and we’re always happy to get guys back. We just want to make sure we’re healthy getting in the playoffs. That’s step one, so we’re pretty happy on that front.” Owen Voortman and Devun Colebrook scored two goals in 47 seconds in the late stages of the opening period on March 4 to give the Lincolns a 2-1 lead heading into the second, with the Lincolns thoroughly controlling play in the first, outshooting St. Thomas 14-6. However, the script flipped in the second with the Lincolns falling asleep in the middle stanza. The Lincolns were outshot 22-9, however both teams managed to find the back of the net twice, sending the game into the third with St. Marys up 3-2. Voortman and Callum McAuley scored for the Lincolns in the second. The Lincolns escaped the second with the lead largely thanks to goaltender Vaughn Barr, who made 20 saves, including many

quality scoring chances he turned aside. Barr ended the game with 35 stops. The Lincolns got back on track in the third, with Voortman completing the hat trick, McAuley adding his second of the night, Maddyx Chaput firing home his first career Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) goal and Tyson Cartier burying his second of the season with just two seconds left in the game to secure an 8-3 win. Bradley told the Independent the second-period showing was very inadequate, and something they have to avoid in the post-season. “I thought we played two good periods,” Bradley said. “I think there was just a lack of concentration, a lack of focus and just not at all the way we want to execute our plan. It was a pitiful performance in the second period. It’s something that we’re obviously trying to avoid going into the playoffs. “It’s something that we address with the team as much as we can. It’s a long season and you try to understand that 50 games is a lot, and we have an older team with a lot of guys who have played some big games, so sometimes period two against St. Thomas in March isn’t the most important thing in their lives, but you’ve just got to try to get the best out of it.” Sugar Kings edge out Lincs in clash of west titans Though the Lincolns played a largely solid game against the Sugar Kings, Elmira emerged with a 3-2 overtime victory to help them clinch second in the conference. After Nate Gravelle gave the Sugar Kings a 1-0 lead midway through the first, Ryan Hodkinson tied the game for the Lincolns with a powerplay tally. Elmira jumped up to a two-goal lead with a pair of goals three minutes apart in the second frame by Brady Schwindt and Brendan Gerber. Approximately threeand-a-half minutes later, Ready cut the lead back to one with his 14th of the season. Lincoln Moore found the equalizer in the third, with the game staying deadlocked until Gerber potted the game-winner on a breakaway in overtime. Despite only leaving with one point, Bradley credited his squad with a strong performance for the majority of the game. “I thought we played really well. I really liked our game from start to finish. There was maybe a gap for a bit of time in the first period where they got on us a little bit, but Elmira is also a very strong team. Even in the second, even though they were up 3-1, I didn’t think we played poorly. I thought there were a couple of bad decisions made on the goals against but give our guys credit; they battled back and got the game to overtime.

“Three-on-three isn’t something we’ll be doing again, so we’re not going to look too deeply into that,” Bradley continued. “It’s unfortunate to lose and unfortunate to get third place, but it doesn’t really matter what we think about it now. We know who we’re playing and we’re looking forward to it.” Bradley added the team playing much better in the bigger game on the schedule has been a throughline across the Lincolns’ season. “It’s not just that game (against Elmira); we’ve seen it all year, and that hasn’t really been a question to us. If you look at our record against Elmira, we got six points in four games. We got six points in four games against Chatham and six points in four games against Stratford. So, we know when games are big, our guys are going to show up. We saw some good things, and we just want to make sure we’re building on it.” The first round of the playoffs in the Western Conference will see the top-seeded Chatham Maroons battle the eighth-place St. Thomas Stars. Elmira will have home-ice advantage over the LaSalle Vipers, who sit seventh in the west. In the three-versus-six matchup, the Lincolns will take on the Rockets. The fourth-placed Stratford Warriors will clash with the fifth-ranked London Nationals. On the Eastern Conference side, the regular-season champion Cambridge Redhawks will take on the Caledonia Corvairs. The second-versus-seventh series will feature the St. Catharines Falcons having home-ice advantage on the Ayr Centennials. The third-placed Fort Erie Meteors will face the sixth-ranked Brantford Titans. In the battle between fourth and fifth, the Pelham Panthers will face the Port Colborne Sailors.

STATS AND STANDINGS

(TURNER ROTH PHOTO)

Pictured from left to right are Lincoln Moore, Jacob Montesi, Chase MacQueen-Spence, Owen Voortman and Owen Kalp. The five overage players were honoured before the Lincolns’ game on March 6 and were presented framed jerseys as part of the pre-game ceremony. The Lincolns ended the season in third and will play the Strathroy Rockets in round one of the playoffs.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

Boys’ minor basketball team rides work ethic to win over Stratford

(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTOS)

Pictured on the left, Sawyer Hayes lifts the ball up for a shot during one of St. Marys Minor Basketball’s boys’ team’s games on March 7. In the middle, Jake Carpenter takes flight to try for a basket. On the right, Kayden Brode puts up a shot from inside the key.

SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter

St. Marys Minor Basketball’s boys’ team picked up a tight 25-18 win on March 7 over Stratford. Coach Steven Reid noted the pair of prior battles between St. Marys and Stratford this season showed the similarities between the two teams. “We played that team twice before, and it’s a nice matchup for us,” Reid told the Independent. “We beat them and then they beat us, and then (we beat them on March 7), so that was good. We’re pretty evenly matched, and it was a good defensive matchup, so we had to grind through it, and thankfully, we have a good, hardworking team.” Reid cited two of the team’s older play-

ers as helping to lead their younger, hardworking teammates through the tightly contested game. “We have a few players who played last year when we had a small team, but it’s noticeable now, the kids who are back. Mark (Richardson) had an unbelievable game and led the way in battling through those tough, low-scoring minutes, and Jake (Carpenter) is also a good veteran for us. “It’s nice to have those veterans leading the way. I think them just being in game situations and having that composure is a big plus for the younger players on the team. It shows them how to play calm. Calm doesn’t mean slow, but you have to be calm, cool and collected.” Reid also praised Kayden Brode for his strong work in the post.

“Kayden, our big post player, I think that game against Stratford was probably his best game of the year. He has been getting better and better each and every game about using his size and being a big post player, and that was probably his best from when it comes to rebounding and using his size. Even as a post player, he’s willing to get on the ground and fight for loose balls and jump balls, which is good to see.” According to Reid, the team has focused heavily so far this season on building up each player’s abilities. “Our coach, Jack (Taylor), has gone through a lot of individual skill work with them. It’s hard with the limited amount of times we can practice to put in a lot of team systems, but we’ve worked hard on individual skills and certainly from

last year to this year, the individual skills are far higher on this team. Their ability to break people down and certainly get things done one-on-one has certainly grown in a big way.” With many of the team’s players eligible to play for the squad again next year, Reid hopes the skill development of each player continues and leads to an even stronger group next year. “Looking at this team, a lot of our boys are in Grade 7, so a lot of them are coming back next year. I think, with the focus on individual skills and as our players continue getting better and getting more comfortable in the game situations, I think we’re in pretty good shape for next year. We’ve certainly come a long way, even in the first six games, and hopefully we continue in that direction.”

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St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Girls’ minor basketball scores strong victory over Stratford

(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTOS)

Pictured on the left, Maya Brown drives the key and puts up a shot during St. Marys Minor Basketball’s girls’ team’s game on March 7. In the middle, Jerzie Mayos dishes the ball to a teammate outside the three-point arch. On the right, Akaya Hylton launches a three-pointer towards the hoop.

SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter

St. Marys Minor Basketball’s girls’ squad earned a 42-30 victory in their home game against Stratford on March 7. Coach Sam Watt told the Independent the team’s positioning was a key factor in their success in the offensive half of the court, and ultimately, St. Marys coming away with the victory. “I thought today in particular, they did a good job of spacing it out and not standing too close to each other,” said Watt. “That just opened up the lanes for dribble drives and give-and-goes, which we focused on a lot in practice. We focused a lot on just passing and cutting and looking to get the ball back and fill in the empty spots.” Maya Brown, one of the team’s two Grade 8 players, said their ability to find open space was connected to their improved communication. “I think we did great at getting open and communicating,” Brown said post-game. “I think over time, we’ve gotten to know each other better, so we feel more comfortable talking on the court. Really, it’s about having fun during the practices because although we are learning a bunch of stuff, we’re also bonding.” Kaitlyn Foster, the other Grade 8 player

on the team, also mentioned their communication as a strong point in the victory, adding their communication has improved as the team has grown closer. “Communicating was the biggest thing for us,” said Foster. “We weren’t doing it as much at the start of the year, but we’re doing it more now. There’s a lot of chemistry with the team. We joke around a lot. I think the biggest things we’ve learned are to pass more and dribble less, and to have your back to the basket.” Coach Tim O’Connor echoed the sentiments of passing more and dribbling less, noting it reflected an improved composure amongst the group. “We played with a little more patience,” O’Connor said. “At this age, it tends to be a little rushed. In our games earlier in the season, we would get the ball, dribble up the court and score, and we’ve been trying to slow them down a little bit. Today, there was a handful of baskets that were really nice to look at, where they hit somebody who was cutting to the basket, or they caught it right in the hand. They are passing more and dribbling less.” O’Connor added the group’s awareness on the defensive side of the ball has also improved since the start of the season. “I think kids figure things out as they go,” said O’Connor. “A couple of girls

have noticed, when they’re just guarding someone who’s dribbling, unless they’re really fast, they’re very easy to guard. But if they move the ball around, it’s very

hard. The ball movement has improved a lot in the house league, and I think it’s spilling over here.”

St. Marys Bowling Lanes celebrates Helen Brockman’s birthday

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

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Pictured from left to right are Rory Brockman, Jesse Brockman, and Helen Brockman. On Feb. 27, Helen celebrated her 70th birthday at St. Marys Bowling Lanes with an Open House Bowling Party. Helen asked her guests to donate to the Youth Bowling Canada (YBC) program that she coaches instead of giving her gifts. Helen presented St. Marys Bowling Lanes’ YBC program with $1,300. Money will be used for lineage, shirts, and year-end awards. At this time, there are 10 local bowlers heading to the Provincials.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

U15 LL Boys claim silver at New Tecumseth tournament SPENCER SEYMOUR Independent Sports Reporter

The Armstrong Motors U15 LL Boys St. Marys Rock returned home from the Lefroy Year-End Tournament in New Tecumseth Feb. 27 to March 1 with the silver medals. According to head coach Jim Holliday, the team’s weekend reinforced the group’s belief in themselves. “Overall, we cemented our belief that we are a strong hockey team and we can beat any team when we play together,” Holliday told the Independent. “We went through some extreme highs and lows with a loss in the round-robin and a statement win in the semi-finals. We learned that staying even keel and controlling the emotions around the high and low points can be a really powerful tool.” The Rock narrowly edged out the Brock Wild for fourth place after the three-game round-robin, which saw St. Marys finish as one of four teams with two wins and one loss. This set up St. Marys to play the undefeated Douro Dukes (Riel) in the semi-final, from which the Rock emerged victorious, taking a 2-0 win to earn a spot in the gold-medal game. Holliday called their semi-final win the team’s best game of the season. “The semi-final game on Sunday morning was the best game we’ve played all year,” he said. “We went up against a very strong team from Douro, and we really controlled the play. We were backstopped by some excellent goaltending by Jack (Brockman) and ended up sealing the game on an empty net goal. Our players were thrilled to have toppled the best team from the round-robin.”

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Armstrong Motors U15 LL Boys captured the silver medal at the Lefroy Year-End Tournament in New Tecumseth Feb. 27 to March 1. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Jon McDonald, Jack Brockman, James Holliday, Ayden Eidt, Adam Nelson, Chase Hienrichs and Tyler McDonald. In the back row, from left, are Kyle McCutcheon, Jim Holliday, Ahmad Al Hadid, Gavin Terpstra, Alex Peachey, Jude Schlozhauer, Keegan Forrester, Cole McIntosh, Sawyer Votary, Derek Vernooy, Fin McCutcheon, Jonathan Buckland, Zach Zwambag and Dan McIntosh.

The scoring opened in the second period with Ayden Eidt banging in a rebound off a nice rush by Fin McCutcheon. Cole McIntosh scored an empty net goal in the final minute of the third to secure the 2-0 win. Holliday described an intense determination before they took the ice as a precursor to the team’s excellent semi-final showing. “I could tell in the dressing room before the game that the players were focused.

On the ice, we combined a hardworking effort with a lot of smart play. We really supported the puck and had a lot of bodies back in our own zone. We kept the play in our end to the outside and didn’t give Douro a lot of scoring chances. If we play like that, not a lot of teams can beat us.” Holliday said the team put a premium on playing strong defence in front of their netminders. “We knew going in that all the games would be close. We really focused on

our defensive play and making sure that we put the puck in smart spots to limit scoring chances from our opponents. Our goaltending is strong, so we knew that if we kept shots at length, we’d have good chances to score on the transition. “This proved to be true as our first three games of the tournament were all decided by one goal,” continued Holliday. “Our defensemen do a nice job of taking away space, and when our forwards are supporting on the backcheck, we are really tough to play against.” Holliday added there was no shortage of strong individual efforts from throughout the lineup. “Across all five games of the tournament, there were strong performances turned in by a number of our players. Ahmad (Al Hadid) had a game-winning goal in our 1-0 win to start the tournament that brought us a lot of momentum and set us off on the right trajectory. Alex Peachey was a standout on defence all tournament long. He really used his size and speed to his advantage. He was rushing the puck out of our zone with ease, and he was able to shut down some of their bigger players.” Unfortunately, the Rock fell in the finals to the Douro Dukes (Bass), but even though they came away with the second-place prize, Holliday noted the result could provide a spark for the rest of the high-pressure games on their schedule. “We knew that we had a good tournament performance in us,” Holliday said. “We had made the semi-final in our two previous treatments and could not get over the hump. This weekend will bring us a lot of momentum as we continue on into the playoffs.”

Lincolns host second annual dinner fundraiser

(MORGAN EASTON PHOTOS)

The St. Marys Lincolns hosted their second annual dinner fundraiser, the Lincs Launch, on March 5. The event featured a dinner provided by Joe’s Diner, an autograph session with the Lincolns’ players, an interview with members of the Lincolns’ leadership group, and jukebox bingo. Many attendees had glowing reviews, and the team hopes to continue growing the success of the event in years to come.

Brought to you by your local St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

84 Wellington Street South St. Marys, ON (519) 284-1690

(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)

Tony Fluttert blasts a shot on goal during the Nicholson Concrete U11 LL Boys Blue St. Marys Rock game last Saturday.

Clark Monteith unleashes a heavy shot during last Saturday’s Easy Lift Doors U13 LL Boys Blue St. Marys Rock game.

(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)

Sam Colvin rips a shot from the point during the Frayne’s Custom Cabinets U14 A Boys St. Marys Rock game this past Sunday.

Will Richardson skates with the puck at his blueline during last Saturday’s A.N.A.F. U15 A Boys St. Marys Rock game.

(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)

Maeve Sheldon rockets a slap-shot on net during the Sam’s Home Hardware U15 B Girls St. Marys Rock game this past Sunday.

Ethan St. Clair fires a shot off the rush during this past Monday’s St. Marys Legion U18 B Boys St. Marys Rock game.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

COLUMNS UKRAINIAN CORNER: Ukrainian Community in St. Marys – unity, support and growth TETIANA DIDKOVSKA Independent Columnist

In 2022, following the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, thousands of Ukrainian families were forced to leave their homes, careers and communities in search of safety. For some, that difficult journey led to the welcoming town of St. Marys – a place that opened not only its doors, but also its heart. From the very beginning, local residents demonstrated extraordinary generosity and compassion. Neighbours stepped forward to help newcomers find housing, navigate government paperwork, secure employment and enroll children in school. Emotional support was just as important as practical assistance. Among those who played a significant role in helping the first Ukrainian families settle were V.J. and Ric Knutson, whose dedication and kindness left a lasting impact on many. The Ukrainian Community in St. Marys did not appear overnight. At first, it was simply a group of people united by shared experiences and language. Families gathered informally for tea, conversation and mutual support. They celebrated traditional holidays together, shared homemade meals and helped one another adjust to unfamiliar systems and routines. These early meetings created a foundation of trust. With the encouragement and support of Canadian friends, these small gatherings gradually evolved into organized community events. Picnics brought families together in local parks. Creative workshops allowed participants to make candles, paint and create traditional decorations. These activities were more

(PHOTO COURTESY OF TETIANA DIDKOVSKA)

The Ukrainian Community of St. Marys continues to welcome, support and enhance life for Ukrainian newcomers in St. Marys.

than social occasions – they helped restore a sense of home and belonging that many had deeply missed after leaving Ukraine. Over time, the events became more structured and diverse. The community organized Shevchenko Day commemorations, women’s cultural evenings, Ukrainian Heritage celebrations and educational programs for children. Each initiative served two important purposes: preserving Ukrainian cultural identity and providing emotional support to individuals adapting to life in Canada.

Straight from the Shelves LAURA MCASH St. Marys Public Library

Join us at the Library this March Break for fun for the whole family! Lovers of stuffed animals will have a grand time at the Stuffy Storytime, Scavenger Hunt, and Sleepover, whereas fans of a galaxy far, far away will have a blast at the Star Wars Party. Kids who love to do a variety of activities will be inspired and entertained at our Drop-In Day, while those up for friendly competition will be thrilled by Family Trivia. For those simply looking for a warm place to hang out, we have plenty of ongoing activities to keep you busy, from free wi-fi and public computer access, to LEGO, puzzles, and board games. All March Break programs are free to attend and no registration is required. Parent/guardian supervision is required for each program.

Up This Week Fri., Mar. 13: Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Mar. 14: Open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon., Mar. 16: Learn to Play Bridge (1:30-3 p.m.) Tues., Mar. 17: Stuffy Storytime, Scavenger Hunt, and Sleepover (6:45 p.m.) Wed., Mar. 18: EarlyON Play & Read (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Star Wars Party (3-4 p.m.) Thurs., Mar. 19: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fri., Mar. 20: Drop-In Day (10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Sat. Mar. 21: Edith’s Storytime Adventures (10 a.m.), Dungeons and Dragons (10 a.m.), Family Trivia (10:30 a.m.), Books and Brews*~ (8 p.m.), Launch of the Community Commons Capital Campaign (11 a.m.) *Registration Required ~Broken Rail Brewery (480 Glass St.)

Through these activities, Ukrainian traditions became part of the broader cultural life of St. Marys. Two important milestones marked the growth of the community. On June 18, 2025, the group officially declared itself an organized Ukrainian Community in St. Marys. Shortly afterward, on June 25, 2025, it proudly joined the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), the national representative organization for Ukrainians across Canada. This step strengthened its voice within the Ukrainian diaspora and connected St.

Marys to a national network of cultural and advocacy initiatives. Today, the mission of the Ukrainian Community in St. Marys is clear: to support Ukrainians living in the region and to promote cultural, educational and social development. One of its proudest achievements has been the successful operation of a Ukrainian school during the past academic year. Plans are now underway to open a kindergarten for younger children and to launch clubs and development programs for youth of various ages. In addition to educational initiatives, the community organizes cultural events, seminars and traditional celebrations that promote Ukrainian language, history and customs. Efforts are also being made to establish a fund to support Ukrainians in the region. These initiatives not only strengthen the Ukrainian Community itself but also enrich the cultural diversity of St. Marys as a whole. On March 7, the community hosted a Spring and Love Festival at the local United Church from 2-5 p.m. The celebration honoured women and supported a children’s organization from Kyiv, as well as the Ukrainian school in St. Marys. Guests enjoyed traditional Ukrainian cuisine, live music and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. As a young organization without stable funding, the Ukrainian Community in St. Marys relies on volunteers and supporters. Contributions of time, skills, ideas, or financial assistance are deeply appreciated. Together, we are strong. Together, we remember, support and rebuild – step by step.

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

Dear Arborist, My Colorado blue spruce was perfectly fine until roughly two years back. Lately the needles have started turning orange, then purple before dropping off. The tree now looks awful. Thanks, Gary Dear Gary, It sounds like your Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) is suffering from a fungal disease. These trees are highly prone to Rhizosphaera needle cast (caused by Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii). The fungus

spreads by spores and usually begins on the lower branches and older needles inside the canopy. Needle cast is in the ground and is also spread by wind. The standard approach is to apply a fungicide spray (typically one containing copper) at the right times— generally in spring when new growth is emerging and again a few weeks later. This can stop the disease from advancing and protect fresh needles, but it won’t bring back needles or branches that have already died. Because of the often permanent damage, quite a few owners ultimately decide to take the tree down and replace with something else. Sincerely, The Arborist

St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

HISTORIC ST. MARYS: Art Loan Exhibition, 1898: Part Two MARY SMITH Independent Columnist

The Art Loan Exhibition, organized by the South Perth Agricultural Society in the St. Marys town hall, opened on Monday, November 28, 1898, and was scheduled to close on Saturday, December 3. However, the first week attracted so many visitors that the Society directors decided to extend it for a second week. The St. Marys Journal had been conscientiously covering the exhibition and easily had another week’s worth of material to report. The Journal had also printed a catalogue listing all the exhibitors. As described in last week’s column, five professional artists from this area had submitted dozens of pictures that they hoped to sell during the two-week event. These professionals included two women, Rachel Amanda Morphy and Mary Douglas Moscrip who both painted and were teachers of art. Of the other area professionals at the exhibition, the best known was John Powell Hunt. He had been born in 1854 in East Nissouri Township and had attended St. Marys Collegiate Institute. Although in 1875, his art studies took him to London, he kept close ties with his former home. He painted landscapes around the London area, often featuring grazing cattle and sheep. For the 1898 art exhibition in St. Marys, he submitted three paintings: A Visit to the Farmyard, Twilight, and Misty Morning. Each was for sale for $100 and, according to the Journal reporter, “much admired.” J. P. Hunt also painted portraits. In 1912, a group of Collegiate graduates commissioned him to paint a portrait of S. K. Martin, a former principal that they had all admired. This portrait was hung prominently in the St. Marys Public Library. Peter Dierlamm from Stratford brought ten pictures to the exhibition. Born in 1851 in Germany, he came with his family to Canada when he was three years old, settling in Bruce County. He showed early talent as a painter and studied in Toronto, Chicago and New York. He married and raised a family in Mildmay, Bruce County, but moved to Stratford in the 1890s where he became well known as a portrait painter. Although he had won many awards for his work, perhaps Dierlamm found it difficult to make a living strictly as an artist. He was involved in other enterprises in Stratford. The same year as the exhibition in St. Marys, he became a partner in a cemetery monument business. He also worked as a photographer for some time. But showing an even greater diversification, in 1901, he took over a private hospital on Shrewsbury Street, naming it the Windermere Sanitorium. The treatment featured steam baths and hypnosis. The pictures he brought to St. Marys in 1898 were small pieces, landscapes from the Stratford and Bruce County areas, priced at $10 each. The Journal reporter thought they would “most probably be picked up by some of our wealthy and art-loving citizens.” J. T. Billings was by far the youngest of these artists trying to make a living through painting and teaching. He

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

Alex Grant, a young athlete who lived in St. Marys, set up this display outside his home on Emily Street. It shows the trophies and medals he had won for athletic competitions, especially distance running. He and his brother Dick, another gifted athlete, took a case of their awards to show in the 1898 exhibition at the town hall.

and his twin brother, Joseph, were born in St. Marys in January 1878, to Joseph Billings, a pumpmaker, and Tamzin Box Billings. The twins had an older sister and four older brothers. A younger brother, Rolly, was born in 1881. When they finished high school, one twin, Joseph, worked with his father as a pumpmaker, but John’s ambition was to be an artist. In November 1897, when he was 19 years old, this notice appeared in the St. Marys Journal: “Mr. John Billings has opened out an art studio over Wilson’s jewelry store. The lover of oil paintings will there find scope for admiration as Mr. Billings’ work shows natural talent of no mean order. His class of pupils is steadily growing.” The exhibition catalogue lists 15 pictures by J. T. Billings that seem to be a mix of original work and copies of European paintings. He had already had some success. Two of his pictures were on loan from private collectors. The others were for sale for $10 to $15 each. The Journal also identified Billings as one of the organizers of the event. The older committee members would have been glad of this young man’s energy and enthusiasm. His career as an artist in St. Marys was short-lived, however. By 1901, he had moved to Brampton where he worked in a department store. In 1902, he married Mathewena Nichols from Brampton. They had one daughter, Rilla, born in 1904. By the 1911 census, the young family had moved to Vancouver where John worked as a buyer, again for a department store. Billings later spent some time in California. There are a few references to art exhibitions on the west coast that indicate he kept painting and showing his work. However, he must have decided that to earn a living, he had to have other steady employment. He died in 1947 and is buried with his wife in Burnaby, B.C.

The paintings in the town hall auditorium were only one component of the 1898 exhibition. The catalogue also lists an astonishing 80 exhibitors bringing items from their private collections. In fact, the Journal report indicates that even more people arrived with treasures to show as the event continued. At the St. Marys Museum’s annual Heritage Fair, there are perhaps 20 exhibitors with tables in the Community Centre, and the room seems quite full. In 1898, it can’t have been possible for all those listed to display their collections in the town hall auditorium at one time. While some people apparently brought in their own display cases and set them up for the duration, others with only one or two items might have shown them for a day or two and then taken them home again. If only someone had taken a photograph of the event, we would have a better understanding how it had worked! Instead, we must rely on the reporter from the St. Marys Journal. He explained that “every available portion of the walls and floor of the large audience room in the second storey is covered with costly and attractive exhibits.” He couldn’t de-

scribe everything, but he did have favourites. For example, he was very impressed by the “Indian relics,” particularly the collection of L. D. Brown, an early settler near Brown’s Corners. “In his first case are over 100 pieces, including gorgets, arrow tips, spear heads, bone toggle, whistles, needles, drills and flint knives, mostly all from East Nissouri.” F. E. Butcher, a prosperous local cooper, brought his rare coin collection as well as some souvenirs from a recent trip to Britain. Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Mathieson had “the most magnificent case in the hall,” containing Doulton ware, jade stone ornaments, fine bone china, and “a Royal Vienna vase, valued at $1,000.” Taxidermy was a popular activity in the 1890s. Thomas Gordon, Water Street, showed “22 cases of stuffed birds and animals. In one is a bald eagle, in another, a wildcat caught at Thorndale.” There were many cups and saucers and fine linens, brought from the “Old Country” and greatly treasured. The “oddities” included a flint lock blunderbuss used in the Crimean War, a handsaw used in 1802 to build the first frame house in Oxford County, a napkin ring of olive wood from Jerusalem, the first newspaper ever printed in America in 1704, and an oak money box from the time of George II. Travellers, some of them missionaries, showed souvenirs from India, China, Japan, the Middle East, and Africa. We have to wonder what happened to all these items exhibited in 1898. Certainly, many have been lost, but perhaps others were handed down to younger family members to treasure. Perhaps some are now in museums. Although no photographs of the exhibit itself have been found, the picture with this week’s column shows a pyramid of medals, trophies and awards won by Dick and Alex Grant. These two athletic brothers were the sons of the Reverend Alexander Grant, minister of Knox Presbyterian Church from 1885 to 1907. The brothers were well known for their athletic ability. They excelled at all sports, especially distance running, and competed successfully at high levels. The catalogue lists a case of Dick and Alex Grant’s trophies as one of the exhibition entries. Even a sample of the trophies shown in the photograph would have made a remarkable display to impress the Journal reporter and other visitors to the exhibition.

St. Marys Independent

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: Ottawa offers superb options for food-lovers

PAUL KNOWLES Independent Columnist

Let’s be honest, Ottawa is to the rest of Canada what a very spoiled child is to the rest of the family. Ottawa gets way more than its share of good stuff, from museums to art galleries to arts venues and more. It’s the nation’s capital, the centre of the country, and it shows. Now, while that may irk taxpayers looking for cross-country fairness, it’s really good news for tourists visiting Ottawa. In truth, this is one of my favourite cities. I love the art galleries and museums, the intriguing architecture in the federal government district, the walking areas along the river, the history and most definitely the food. Ottawa is, without question, a destination for “foodies” with a plethora of restaurants offering unique and delicious cuisine. On our last visit to Ottawa, we were able to sample two of the best eateries in the city: Gitanes, at 361 Elgin St., and Arlo Wine & Restaurant, 340 Somerset St. W. Both have been named among Canada’s top 10 restaurants. Since we were staying at

Gitanes sommelier Bernard Joseph.

the downtown Alt Hotel, both were within easy walking distance. The Gitanes experience is defined as “fine French dining in Ottawa’s Golden Triangle.” There are two themes here: a superb wine cellar and French cuisine that features Canadian ingredients – a marriage made in foodie heaven. The two restaurants have one thing in common – absolutely superb service. The staff are welcoming, friendly and have somehow combined being attentive and unobtrusive at the same time – no mean feat. Our waiter started to present the wine list and then said, “Maybe you’d like to meet the sommelier.” So, we did. Sommelier Bernard Joseph was a gold mine of information and advice and eventually delivered to our table a bottle of Chateau Haut-Segottes Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018. I could pretend to know how special that is, but all I really know is it was delicious. And it paired beautifully with our meals. Between us, we enjoyed Steak Frites (a specialty of the house), a moules and sausage appetizer, a lamb saddle and focaccia bread. Dessert was a Basque cheesecake and (unlikely as this sounds) an absolutely delicious foie gras sundae. Every bite demanded we savour. It was, in short, a beautiful meal, unique and well presented. The starters were mainly priced at $23 to $28; the mains ranged from $40 to $50. There is a $105 tasting menu. The next evening, after we had

spent much of the day strolling the inviting streets of Ottawa, we dined at Arlo. The co-owner and chef is Jamie Stunt; our host, restaurant manager Simon Hodgson, told us chef Stunt has “deep roots” in the Ottawa region. His seasonal menu has been described as “playful and refined.” That also describes the restaurant, itself. One description of the place says, “Arlo feels like a dinner party at a stylish friend’s home.” That’s pretty accurate. When we visited, the place was full, and yet – wonder of wonders – not one person was on a cell phone. People were enjoying food, drink and conversation, not necessarily in that order. Arlo is known for a wine list thar features rare and unique natural wines, so I was looking forward to a glass of something special. But to my surprise, Hodgson told me they also feature some special beers from time to time; he had checked my bio, and discovered that I occasionally write about breweries, and so had brought in a bottle of a “Cantillon Drogon Lambic,” a rare Belgian sour beer. I decided to be polite and sample it – and then continued to sample until the 750-millimetre bottle was empty. Now, that is exceptional service! For dinner, our starters were a cucumber and melon salad (which was a work of visual art), and scallop tartare, perfect with the beer. Our mains were schnitzel and Caesar, and duck frites. I had finished off the Cantillon Drogon Lambic and found that a

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

Gitanes features French cuisine using local ingredients.

Cotes du Rhone wine went well with duck. Or, with just about anything, for that matter. The starters at Arlo range in price from $24 to $27; the mains, from $40 to $48. I love the motto on the bottom of the Arlo menu: “be excellent to each other.” Good advice. Does Ottawa deserve to be listed among the top “foodie” destinations in the country? Without question. And frankly, if you compare prices with some more run-of-the-mill restaurants, you’ll find the quality and superb service at eateries like Gitanes and Arlo make for very good value. Our thanks to Sarah and Vlad of Ottawa Tourism who arranged our very tasty visit. One quick recommendation:

At Arlo, it’s all about food and conversation – no one was on their phone!

after dinner in Ottawa, make your way to a restaurant called the Rabbit Hole (and yes, you should eat there on another evening). But tonight, your destination is the “secret” speakeasy called the Jackalope hidden below the main restaurant. There, the bartender will craft a unique drink matched to your tastes. You have to ask at the door of the Rabbit Hole, and you will be escorted to the speakeasy, if there is room. Tell ‘em Paul sent 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.

The manager at Arlo had brought in a special beer just for this writer!

St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

EAT AT OUR HOUSE: Tastes of Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day

LAUREN EEDY Independent Columnist

Irish cod fish cakes Golden breaded fried fish cakes, popular in Ireland. The perfect recipe for using leftover mashed potatoes. Prep: 20 minutes; Cook: 20 minutes; Total: 40 minutes To poach the fish: - 1lb cod fillets - ¼ tsp black peppercorns - 1 small onion, peeled and sliced - 1 cup whole milk To Make Fish Cakes: - 2 cups mashed potatoes - 1lb poached cod, flaked - 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium egg for binding fish cakes - ¼ tsp black pepper - ½ tsp salt - ½ cup all-purpose flour for dusting fish cakes - 2 large eggs beaten for coating fish cakes - ½ cup parmesan cheese, fine-

ly grated – optional - 3 tbsp canola - Breadcrumbs Method: - To poach the fish: pour milk into a large saucepan and add the sliced onion and peppercorns. Bring the liquid to a simmering point. Do not boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cod fillets and simmer for 7-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your fish. - Remove the pan from the heat and allow fish to cool in the liquid. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon. Reserve the liquid, which may be needed to bind the fish cakes. - To make the fish cakes: flake the fish into a large mixing bowl, taking care to remove all the bones. Pass mashed potatoes through a sieve or food mill. - Add mashed potatoes, minced garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Combine well together. Add the parmesan cheese if desired. - Add the beaten egg and bind the mixture. If mixture is too dry, add some of the reserved poaching milk. If the mixture is too wet and sticky, add a little flour. - Divide into eight portions. Using floured hands, form the mixture into flat cakes. - Set up three bowls; one with flour, one with beaten egg and the other with breadcrumbs. - Coat each fish cake in flour. Dip into egg and coat in bread-

crumbs. Repeat with remaining cakes. - Heat butter or oil in a large skillet. Fry the fish cakes for about 5 minutes on the first side until nicely golden brown. Flip the cake and brown for 4-5 more minutes on the other side. Cook in two separate batches. - Serve hot with a side of vegetables or crisp green salad and lemon. Kerry apple cake (Irish apple cake) Moist and sweet with a crunchy top. Can be served cold or warm with chilled cream or custard. Prep: 20 minutes; Cook: 45 minutes; Total: 1 hour; 10 minutes; Serves: 12 - 3 cups cake flour - 2 tsp baking powder - 1/8 tsp salt - 1/8 tsp ground cloves - 1/8 tsp nutmeg - 4 oz butter - ¾ cup sugar - 4 large Granny Smith apples - 2 large eggs - ¼ cup milk - 2 tbsp sugar to sprinkle on top of cake Method: - Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a nine-inch round baking pan by spraying with oil or coating with butter. - Sift the cake flour, baking powder, salt, cloves and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl. - Cut the butter into the flour

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

These Irish cod fish cakes are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day (and for using up leftover mashed potatoes).

and rub it using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. - Toss in the sugar and combine with flour mixture. - Peel and slice the apples into similar, one-to-two-inch sized pieces. - Add the apples to the flour mixture and mix them thoroughly. - Beat the eggs and add a dash of milk. Add the apples and flour and combine well with a large spoon. Add more milk as needed to fully moisten the flour. The result is a pretty sticky mixture.

- Transfer the dough into prepared cake pan and flatten the top surface using the back of a large spoon. - Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sugar over the top of the cake. - Bake the cake in the preheated 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 45-50 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. - Serve warm or cool with custard, a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Makes for a lovely coffee cake. Slán agus beannacht (Goodbye and blessings).

ONTARIO OUTDOORS: Experts agree winter was colder, snowier

JEFF HELSDON Independent Columnist

Those who believe the weather this winter was more like the winters of days gone by would be correct. “It has been colder and snowier than normal, but many would say it’s just a classic Canadian winter. It’s the way winter used to be,” said Doug Gillham, senior meteorologist at the Weather Network. He admitted winters like the present one are less common,

but pointed out 2022 was comparable, and last winter was cold, but not for as long. The winters of 2023 and 2024, however, were milder. “Winters like this have become less common,” Gilham said. January thaws are common, but this year saw the thaw in the second week of January rather than in the middle of a cold spell, followed by consistent cold from Jan. 18 until mid-February with the exception of temperatures crossing the freezing line on Feb. 10. Two cold winters after a couple of mild ones spark debate over whether climate change is occurring. Gilham explained warming global temperatures have moved the “goal posts” where warm winters will be warmer and cold winters not as cold as they once were. “It certainly doesn’t mean you

can’t have a classic Canadian winter. It just means they won’t happen as often and be as severe,” he explained. Environment Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder said December was two to three degrees below seasonal medians, as was January. February was colder than normal, but warmer weather at the end of the month pushed it closer to normal. Saying he didn’t have great data, Flisfeder noted it did show more snow this winter, with areas closer to Lake Erie getting more snowfall. Another way to look at the data is the number of cold weather alerts issued by Southwestern Public Health. There were six issued from January to March 2025, but 10 were issued in January and February 2026. The threshold for cold weather alerts is -15˚C without windchill, or -20˚C with wind chill.

Examining this year’s weather from a technical perspective, a weak La Nina currently in the Pacific Ocean generated a wavier jet stream pattern over North America. Gilham explained this can make southern Ontario winters either warmer or colder. This year, it disrupted the polar vortex, allowing the coldest air in the hemisphere to move over eastern Canada and farther south. Low temperature records were broken all the way down to Cuba. The situation in western Canada was different. “At times, the prairies were severely cold, but also had record-breaking warmth,” Gilham said. “They had a temperature roller coaster.” The south coast of British Columbia didn’t get much of a winter at all. After the two mild winters in 2023 and 2024, some south-

western Ontario residents may have felt a false sense of complacency, that winter isn’t as bad as it used to be, believing they don’t need snow tires anymore, and making other wrong assumptions. Or, likewise, with the last two winters being cold, they may assume cold winters are back to stay. With two cold winters under our belts, Gilham said not to make assumptions about next year. He again emphasized not to make conclusions about climate change either. “You can’t take one season in your particular area and say it proves or disproves climate change,” he said. “Globally, it is warmer overall. You have to look at the big picture long term when you’re talking about the state of the global climate.”

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

Riddles I’m small and green and dressed just right, With a tiny hat pulled down tight. What am I? A leprechaun I shine with colors after rain, Across the sky like a giant chain. What am I? A rainbow

- 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

ST. PATRICK’S DAY Ireland

I’m full of shiny yellow gold, At the rainbow’s end I’m told. What am I? A pot of gold

Shamrock Pot of Gold

I have three leaves and bring good luck, If you find me, you’re in luck! What am I? A shamrock

Holiday Green

I’m green and tall upon your head, On St. Patrick’s Day I’m often spread. What am I? A leprechaun hat

Rainbow Seventeenth

I jig and dance with happy feet, Irish music is my beat. What am I doing? Irish dancing

Jig Blarney stone Clover

You might wear me on St. Paddy’s Day, If you don’t, you might get a playful “hey!” What color am I? Green

Tradition Celebrate

I guard the gold both day and night, But catching me is quite the fight. Who am I? A leprechaun

Emerald Leprechaun

I’m lucky and shaped like a shoe, People hang me on doors for luck too. What am I? A horseshoe

Legend

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

The

PET OF THE WEEK

Presents

Riddle Kid OF THE WEEK

bow d of t kin tied? a h W be can’t

DID YOU KNOW MARCH BRINGS SOME FUN CHANGES FOR OUR PETS? As the days get longer and the seasons shift, our furry friends feel it too! From dogs sensing subtle scent and daylight changes, to cats shedding more with spring sunshine, and pups bursting with extra energy. March is full of exciting transitions. Spring is almost here, and our pets are ready for it!

SCOUT

w! inbo

A ra

Brock Welch (7) Hey Kids... Every Riddle Kid that appears in the paper gets a FREE MILKSHAKE at the Sunset Diner!

Our Pet of the Week is Scout. Scout is 13 years old and his favourite activities are playing with toys and going for walks in the park. He is blind and very friendly and like lots of attention. If you see me with my family, Gail & Kevin McCauley, stop us and say hi!

St. Marys Independent

Thorndale News

Thursday, March 12, 2026

A section within the St. Marys Independent

Thorndale Lions Club Presents

SOCIAL GAMES NIGHT & ELIMINATION DRAW

$20 PER TICKET

at the Thorndale Lions Community Centre

SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH 8PM - 1PM To buy tickets, go to www.thorndalelionsclub.ca Tickets also available at the door (admission only)

Thorndale Agricultural Society thanks their volunteers NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter

The Thorndale Agricultural Society has been part of Thorndale with its Thorndale Fall Fair since 1857. Over the years, this event has brought people of all ages together and helps boost the economy of Thorndale. This society has become a vital community organization in Thorndale and the greater area as it also organizes and hosts other events throughout the year. The recent Thorndale Dinner Theatre, Ladies Night in April, Back40 Bash in July and the Thorndale & Community Social in November all enhance the community economically, culturally and socially. The ag. society thrives with its volunteers. Through the events they organize and activities they take part in, they create opportunities for people to contribute their time, skills and creativity. This leads to stronger intergenerational collaboration and leadership development for both teens and adults, deepening personal con-

nections as well as making new community members feel welcome. Last Friday evening, March 6, the directors of the Thorndale Agricultural Society hosted an informal thank-you party for their volunteers. Newly elected ag. society president Patrick Duffin addressed the gathering. “Thank you everyone for coming. It is wonderful to see so many people here,” he said. “We greatly appreciate all the time and energy you have volunteered in the events that our ag. society put on, and I would also like to thank the Dorchester Agricultural Society for being here and helping with the refreshments. “For the past six years, both of our ag. societies have been working together, supporting and collaborating with each other, which only strengthens both of our societies and builds a stronger municipality.” It is community groups like the Thorndale Agricultural Society that keep our small towns vibrant, connected and with a sense of pride. And it is the dedicated volunteers that help make that all happen.

(NANCY ABRA PHOTO)

The Thorndale Agricultural Society held an appreciation event for its volunteers on March 6.

A busy month for the Thorndale Lions NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter

The month of March is shaping up to be a busy month for the Thorndale Lions. The Thorndale Lions Club held its annual Easter Bingo on March 2 with approximately 165 area residents who came out to enjoy a fun evening of bingo and prizes. The Lions gave out three large gift baskets to winners of its 50/50 draw, and the final number called, winning the 50/50 prize, went to Chris Tipping of Thorndale. On Sunday, March 8, the Thorndale Lions hosted the District A Effective Speaking competition. There were 13 contestants in the junior (grades four, five and six), intermediate (grades seven, eight and nine) and senior (grades 10 to 12) competitions who represented four

Lion clubs of the area. More than 80 people came out to support these young speakers as they delivered their speeches in either English or French to the gathering, as well as to the panel of local educator judges. Penn Cole from West Nissouri Public School in Thorndale won for the junior age group and will be representing the Thorndale Lions Club at the Ontario finals in St. Catharines in May. The other first place winners in the intermediate and senior categories will also be competing in the provincial finals. The next Thorndale Lions event is on Saturday, March 28, for their annual Social Gaming Event and Elimination Draw, a fun evening of entertaining adult games and prizes. Tickets are still available for this event from Thorndale Lions members.

The Thorndale Lions Club held its annual Easter Bingo on March 2.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.GRANTHAVEN.COM

(NORM JARY PHOTO)

Thursday, March 12, 2026

St. Marys Independent

OBITUARY

Boyer

Swan

Matheson

With heavy hearts the Boyer family announce the passing of John Wayne Boyer on March 6, 2026 at his home in St. Marys at the age of 75. He will be greatly missed by Suzanne, his best friend, travel companion, casino cohort and wife of 54 years. John was a devoted and loving father to Casey (Lisa) of St. Marys and Rocky (Vanja) of Hamilton. John’s goal in life was to guide and protect his sons and his joy in life was watching his sons guide and protect their children. He was a proud and much-loved Papa to Julien (Felicity), Cierra, Ana and Alexa who each had a special place in his heart. John was born in Thessalon, the son of John Eager and Mae (Chillman) Boyer. He was the youngest of seven children: Shirley, Loretta, Calvin, Pat, Valerie and his beloved Rosemary. He will be remembered by many cousins, nephews, nieces; especially Brad Boyer (Kim), Jason Duguay (Kim), Julie Bouchard (Frank) and Todd Showan (Cherie). John enjoyed meeting up with Gerry Showan and Gary Robinson to reminisce about the good ole days in Thessalon. John was a much loved, respected and welcomed addition to the Vinette family. He will be deeply missed by brother-in-law TiJean, sister-in-law Donna, nephew TiJean (Tara), niece Nicole (Freddy) and niece Rene (Tanya) and their families. John will also be missed by his Spirit Sister Dawn Olar. Together they shared many stories and laughs. He considered Dawn to be his true friend. Growing up in Thessalon, John’s interests included fishing, hunting, playing hockey and riding motorcycles. He passed these interests of hunting and fishing down to his sons and grandson. Over the years, John spent a lot time fishing on the Thessalon River with his sons and grandson. At an early age John moved to the Sault to work at Algoma Steel and lived there until he moved to St. Marys to be closer to his sons and their families. He treasured time spent with family. When a man dies, he does not die. He becomes the wind, the rain, the sun and the stars. Do not think of me as gone. I am with you still in each new dawn. The Boyer family extend their gratitude to Dr. Melissa Hemy, Sault Ste. Marie and Dr. Joshua Burley and Hubbard Pharmacy, St. Marys for incredible care and support. Thank you is also extended to the Stratford Police Services and Perth Ambulance Services for their professionalism and compassion. In keeping with John’s wishes, there will not be a service. If you wish, memorial donations in John’s honour may be made to the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation. Online tributes at www. hodgesfuneralhome.ca

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Jean Swan, who left us on February 22, 2026, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was a woman of fierce love and unwavering enthusiasm. Her presence brought light to every room, and she loved her family with her whole heart. Her warmth and vibrant spirit will be remembered always. She leaves behind her beloved sons, Joshua Stacey and Michael Stacey (affectionately nicknamed “Sam” by her), who were the centre of her world. She will also be dearly missed by her daughter-in-law, Leanne (née Erb). Her greatest joy was being Nana to her cherished grandchildren, Raegan and Brady. She adored them beyond measure and took immense pride in everything they did. Though gone too soon, she leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories. Her family finds comfort in one of her favourite sayings: “Don’t be sad it’s over. Just be glad it happened.” — Dr. Seuss She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Richard (Wendy) Swan, Dennis Swan, and Patricia Pearson.She was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Blanche (Betty) Swan, and by her siblings, David Swan, Sandra Damen, and Cheryl Heimgartner. An intimate graveside ceremony will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.

Beverley Charlotte (Piett) Matheson With heavy hearts the family of the late Bev Matheson wish to announce her passing after a brief but intense illness on March 5 at Stratford General Hospital. Bev was the oldest daughter of the late Stuart and Christine Piett. Wife of the late James (Jim) Matheson and loving big sister to Eileen Hart (Marvin) and Ron Piett Cherished mother of Judy and Jamie (Eileen). Loving Grandmother to Mackenzie (Ashleigh), Mackayla, Zachary, Charlotte and Samantha. Bev will be sorely missed by her fur babies Duke, Bruce, Lucy and Rufus. Know as “Auntie B “to her many nieces and nephews they will forever hold a piece of her in their hearts Bev’s life began in Brooksdale where her parents farmed, she would attend Youngsville School until grade 7 then move up the road to the newly build Zorra Highland public school. Highschool would take her to Stratford Central and she would do her final year at Northwestern Secondary school focusing on secretarial. Bev’s entry to the workforce would be as a secretary at Clever Brooks in Stratford until she became a Mom and wife. For several years Bev was a stay at home Mom, raising her children and being a farm wife . Bev was an amazing cook and her talents would shine now and in the years to come making many people happy with her delicious meals and desserts. She would re enter the workforce when her kids were of school age as a supply secretary for the Oxford County board of Education , eventually finding a full time position at College Avenue Secondary School in Woodstock . Bev’s passion for her work, joy for her students and close connections with her staff would allow her to work at CASS for more than 20 years, retiring after a very rewarding career Bev gave back to her community in many ways participating in several groups and boards over the years. The Embro skating club, Embro minor hockey, Brooksdale UCW and Brooksdale Women’s Institute to name a few . Bev’s greatest joy as a Mom and Nan was being in stands at an arena or on the sidelines for a baseball or soccer game , cheering her children and grandchildren on . Bev will also be missed by her many cousins, brothers and sister in laws and longtime friends Bob and Nora Morris Bev has chosen to be cremated and a celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, March 29th, 2026 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Embro Community Centre, 355664 35 Line, Embro, ON N0J1J0 As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made in Bev’s memory to Stratford General Hospital Foundation through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford, ON. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com

OBITUARY

Bourget Aaron Jeffrey Bourget passed away on March 4, 2026 at the age of 43. Son of Jeffrey and the late Joy Bourget (2022). Father of Ethan Daniel Frederick Bourget. Brother of Ashley, and Amanda (Ryan Kempen). Uncle of Jarred, Jacob, Everett, Mavrick and Carver. Nephew of Laura McIntyre, Jocelyn Proulx (deceased)(Gilles), and Gary Bourget (Andrea). Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will take place at the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington St. S. St. Marys, on April 4, 2026 at 1 pm. Interment in St. Marys Cemetery. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.

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St. Marys Independent

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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

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520 Water St. S., St. Marys, Ontario N4X 1B9 Ph: 519-284-2660 | www.stmarysdentalclinic.com

Notice of Application for Approval to Expropriate Land

Branch 236, St. Marys

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Form 2 Expropriations Act In the matter of an application by the Ministry of Transportation for approval to expropriate land, pursuant to s.11(2) and subsection 11.1(3) of the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, being in the Geographic Township of Fullarton, Municipality of West Perth, County of Perth, Province of Ontario For the purpose(s) of: constructing a new entrance to the property along Perth Line 20 and closing the existing entrance along Highway 23, for improved road safety.

TUESDAY BUDDY CHECK

Notice is hereby given that application has been made for approval to expropriate the land described:

BINGO FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

A limited interest for a period of time up to and including May 4, 2026, to November 15, 2027, in the nature of a free, uninterrupted and unobstructed easement for the purpose of constructing a new entrance to the property along Perth Line 20 and closing the existing entrance along Highway 23, for improved road safety.

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66 Church Street, N., St. Marys, ON | 519.284.2267

In the Municipality of West Perth, in the County of Perth, being Part of PIN 53219-0071 (LT), being Part of Lot 34, Concession North of Thames Road, Geographic Township of Fullarton, designated as PART 1 on Plan 44R-6439 (P-2198-46). The approving authority is the Minister of Transportation with an address of: Minister of Transportation 777 Bay Street, 5th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 1Z8 416-327-9200 Any owner of lands in respect of which notice is given, who desires to comment on the proposed expropriation of the land for the described purpose(s) may do so by submitting the comment within the time stated herein to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Transportation Infrastructure Management Division, Ministry of Transportation, in writing. The Ministry will review the comments for their technical/engineering information, having regard to the need for the land for the purposes of the project. The Assistant Deputy Minister must receive the comments within thirty days after the owner is served with this notice, or within thirty days after the first publication of the notice.