The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
THURSDAY, JUNE 5,
raising at Oxford County building draws
The Pride flag rose at the Oxford County municipal building at 23 Reeve St., Woodstock, last Friday. The crowd applauded as it reached the top of the flagpole and mingled after the ceremony.
Wilmot Township council has approved a new policy that will exempt property taxes on newly built affordable housing units.
A news release said the move is a significant step in the township’s efforts to address housing affordability for residents. The policy offers a 20-year property tax exemption for affordable housing projects led by non-profit and cooperative housing providers. It aligns with the Region of Waterloo’s existing property tax exemption framework and supports the provincial goal of accelerating housing construction across Ontario.
“We know that real solutions require collaboration. This exemption creates the conditions for our non-profit partners, and potentially for-profit builders, to deliver housing that meets the needs of some residents right here in New Hamburg, Baden, New Dundee and beyond,” said Mayor Natasha Salonen. “It’s one part of a bigger picture where Wilmot is stepping up.”
She added the move is about taking meaningful, concrete steps to tackle the housing crisis in the community.
Murray admitted there is still some
“This is amazing. You can just feel the support, the love, the community around us, and I’m just really proud and really grateful,” said Tami Murray, president of Oxford County Pride.
“This policy is one way we can say we
Many community members attended Oxford County Pride’s flag-raising ceremony to kick off Pride Month.
Serving New Hamburg, Tavistock, Baden, Wellesley, New Dundee, St. Agatha, Shakespeare, Petersburg, Hickson, Punkeydoodle’s Corner and area
Colton Lehman (five), Winnie Lehman (three) and Lucas Honsberger (two) are all smiles after completing the course. Full story and more photos on page 5.
(DIANE DANEN PHOTO)
Oxford County Pride raises flag to launch Pride Month
discourse towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but she still feels support from allies in Oxford County.
“I’m born and raised in Woodstock and Oxford County, so luckily I know enough people. I’ve gone to school here, where I feel those relationships have built a strong foundation for acceptance. There’s discourse, but at the end of the day, I always look at it that when one person steps forward, it will hopefully prevent someone else from taking two steps back.”
Ahead of the flag raising, Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan spoke about
the destruction of the Pride flag at Emily Stowe Public School in Norwich. In his statement sent out on May 22, Ryan called the tearing down and burning of the flag gutless and he emphasized that in his speech again at the Pride flag raising ceremony in Woodstock.
“When you do it at night and you cover your face and you don’t say who you are, I think that’s the definition of cowardice,” he said.
He added showing up as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at events like the Pride flag raising ceremony is an act of courage.
“When you look at this … today, as I said again, publicly notified in advance so that anybody can come, done in daylight and people who have some reason to be afraid coming out and saying, ‘No, here I am, let’s do this,’ I think speaks volumes about the people involved.”
The warden was also pleasantly surprised by the turnout at the event.
“You never know in a given year for these things, how many people are going to show up. For sure, there were a lot of people here with Oxford County Pride, but there were a lot of people who were allies who just came to say, ‘I support this,
I think this is good,’ ” he said. “It’s good that people in our community feel included and can participate, so great crowd. But also, I’m not surprised because it’s always a happy event.”
Oxford County Pride has many events planned for June during its 10th anniversary, including the popular Family Fun Day at Museum Square on June 14. More information about Oxford County Pride programming can be found by visiting oxfordpride.ca.
Preparing for the Pride flag raising were, left to right, committee member Katie Schutt, president of Oxford County Pride Tami Murray, Oxford warden Marcus Ryan, Oxford Pride co-founder Phil Vander Mallen, South-West Oxford Mayor David Mayberry, Pride vice-president Jordan Kent and East Zorra-Tavistock Mayor Phil Schaefer.
(EMILY STEWART PHOTOS)
A large turnout of local supporters gathered for the flag-raising ceremony, showing strong community support for Pride Month and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Wilmot approves 20-year tax breaks for affordable housing projects
see the need and we’re acting on it. No single policy will fix the housing crisis, but this is a concrete step in the right direction and a sign that Wilmot is ready to partner on real solutions.”
Not all members of council support the initiative, including Coun. Kris Wilkinson who said those living in affordable housing units could be negatively affected.
“If you live in a tax-exempt dwelling, you are not eligible for an Ontario Trillium grant and I think it can range anywhere between $1,200 and $1,400. If we are looking at an individual living in a dwelling that is subsidized and already geared towards low rent, are they necessarily reaping the rewards, or is potentially putting (that money) in their pocket a better use?”
Wilkinson said taking the benefit away from some people could be described as doing them a disservice.
“It’s something I struggle with but my guess would be any time you take money out of someone’s pocket, it can hurt them quite a bit in terms of their budget and how they spend money in the community.”
He is also worried about who ends up footing the bill when tax breaks are given.
“I am very conscious of the fact that taking away any potential tax assessment will eventually be passed on to the greater public. This is not a massive amount, but if this does end up becoming a regular application and we see 10, 15, 20 of these, what does that do to residents paying taxes?
I think there are a few things at play here and for those reasons I’m opposed.”
Reference was made in a report to Maple Heights Seniors Residence in New Dundee, a 24-unit geared-to-income development that will see its $12,000 township property tax bill disappear in 2026. CAO Harold O’Krafka said residents there are already not eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit because the region has exempted both regional and education taxes, which disqualifies them under provincial rules.
“They aren’t receiving that $1,200 now
and reducing the township’s portion of the tax won’t change that. What it will do is lower their overall housing costs directly. While we continue to advocate for the province to modernize these rules, this is one small step we can take locally to help make life more affordable.”
Part of the hope with the new policy is rent will be reduced since property taxes aren’t being paid. Wilkinson said his concern is there is no oversight to ensure that actually happens.
The township isn’t sure how many affordable housing units are available in Wilmot, something O’Krafka said staff is working on.
“As part of developing Wilmot’s new official plan, we will be conducting a housing needs study. This study will look at how much affordable housing is currently available, what types of housing will be needed in the future and how we can plan for a range of housing options to meet our community’s needs,” O’Krafka said.
He explained the new policy came out of seeing what other communities are doing, working with staff and talking with developers who are willing to build housing that meets real local needs, not just the high end of the market.
“This policy is the result of those conversations. It’s rooted in the idea that growth should benefit everyone, not just a few.”
Coun. Harvir Sidhu also voted against the motion but it passed by a 3-2 margin. Coun. Lillianne Dunstall was not at the meeting.
The township has identified housing affordability as a top priority in Wilmot’s 2024-2027 strategic plan. The new policy builds on previous council actions, including the exemption of regional development charges for a new 160-bed long-term care home being constructed by Tri-County Mennonite Homes.
The township said it expects the new policy will help unlock new opportunities for affordable- and supportive-housing development across Wilmot.
Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen marked the start of Pride Month with a flag-raising ceremony at the township administration complex May 30.
Wilmot kicks off Pride Month
(PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WILMOT)
Community gathers to remember at Riverside Cemetery for Decoration Day
AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE Gazette Reporter
The annual tradition of Decoration Day returned to Wilmot Township for the second consecutive year on June 1.
Members of the community gathered at Riverside Cemetery in New Hamburg to pay their respects to veterans and loved ones laid to rest.
The New Hamburg Legion Branch 532 led the service under sunny, windy skies. The event drew several attendees, many of whom brought lawn chairs and settled in to observe the ceremony.
The service began at 2 p.m. with the local Legion Colour Party marching to the cemetery to commence the proceedings. The New Hamburg Concert Band and the Sir Adam Beck Public School Intermediate Band provided musical performances.
Rev. Bob Thaler delivered a heartfelt address.
“You’ll see stones with a small plaque of a poppy that reads, ‘Lest we forget,’ and you’ll see the little flags placed there. These were the veterans – the ones who came home,” he said, “Eighty years ago, the Second World War ended and they came home. … Some returned wounded in spirit, some in mind and some in body. They had seen much, done much and what they saw would haunt them for the rest of their lives.”
Local dignitaries also spoke at the event and expressed their thanks to those who served for our country.
“Decoration Day may not be widely known as Remembrance Day, but its roots
run deep in the soil of Canadian history,” said Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis. “It was born in a time when sacrifices of veterans were too often overlooked, when those who fought to defend our country returned not to parades or praise but to silence.”
While veterans remained a central focus, the day also served as a moment to reflect on and honour all community members who have passed away, paying tribute to those who settled in the township in 1824.
“These stones remind you of the wilderness – the rough homes in the clearings, the little town by the river,” said Thaler. “Wander among them and, if you have patience, they’ll tell you stories. Some of them are grand stories – stories of great people.”
The event served as a touching tribute to the enduring legacy of those who came before and a reminder of the strength found in community remembrance.
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The Local Legion Colour Party commence the Decoration Day service at Riverside Cemetery on June 1.
(AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE PHOTO)
The New Hamburg Concert Band and the Sir Adam Beck Public School Intermediate Band provided musical performances throughout the service.
Shakespeare Optimist Club keeps Bike Rodeo tradition rolling
DIANE DANEN
Gazette Correspondent
The Optimist Club of Shakespeare has proudly served the community since 1973, and the annual Bike Rodeo organized by the club is a tradition that dates back to the mid-1970s.
Greg Ankenmann, longtime organizer of the Bike Rodeo, fondly recalls attending the event as a child.
“I enjoyed participating in the Bike Rodeo when I was a kid,” he said. “It’s great to carry on the tradition for today’s youth.”
Ankenmann has organized the Bike Rodeo for the past 15 years. In its early days, the rodeo was held outdoors, but thanks to the Shaespeare Community Athletic Association’s (SCAA) pavilion, the event now takes place indoors, rain or shine. As Ankenmann puts it, “Inclement weather doesn’t rain on our parade anymore!”
“Today’s version of the Bike Rodeo track is something I came up with based on my memories of the Bike Rodeos I enjoyed as a kid,” he said.
The course includes bicycle hand signals and key safety rules to help teach kids essential riding skills.
As a firefighter and the local station chief, Ankenmann emphasizes the importance of safety.
“Fun is important but safety comes first. Kids between six and 10 are like sponges. When we teach them about bike safety or fire safety, they really take it in and they often pass that knowledge along to their siblings and even their parents.”
Tade Ankenmann, the oldest son of Greg and Kristene Ankenmann, recently joined the
London Police Department and is currently training at the Ontario Police Academy in Elmira. A proud Optimist Club member himself, Tade Ankenmann spoke to the crowd before the prize draws, reminding parents about the importance of bike helmets.
“Safety always comes first,” he said, “but it’s not just about that, it’s also the law. A helmet costs a lot less than the fine you could receive for not wearing one.”
This year’s Bike Rodeo had 48 participants. For many, it was their first time participating in this event. The Bike Rodeo welcomed youth between the ages of five and 13, with a special Tricycle Rodeo hosted by the Opti-Mrs. Club for the littlest riders under five.
Every participant went home with a prize. Children under five received a sand bucket filled with a treat coupon and bicycle
accessories. Older participants had their names entered in a draw giving them the chance to win one of three bicycles, as well as many other valuable prizes including gift certificates for local businesses like Moo’s Ice Cream, Shakespeare Pizza and the SCAA concession booth.
When purchasing prizes, Greg Ankenmann makes an effort to support local businesses in the community. And why not, he said, “all the kids love ice cream, pizza and visiting the booth for snacks and treats!”
The annual Bike Rodeo is a true reflection of the Optimist Club’s motto, “Friend of the Youth,” and highlights their ongoing commitment to promoting youth safety and wellbeing in our community.
Thanks to the dedication of its members, this well-loved tradition is sure to continue for many years to come.
Weston Kelterborn (eight), Greysen Reis (five), Randy Berger (seven) and Maggie Berger (five) give a thumbs up while they wait patiently for their turn.
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
Nora Moloney (five), Savay Hobson (seven) and Mason Kuiack (eight), all of Shakespeare, pose proudly with their new bikes.
Pictured are Zach (two, in front) and, from left, Ryan (six), Jake (five) and mom, Amy Yantzi. Amy Yantzi says the boys love riding their bikes
New Hamburg Legion members deliver record-breaking food donation to Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre
GALEN SIMMONS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The members of the New Hamburg Legion Branch 532 have broken their own record, delivering more than $4,500 in much-needed food to the Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre (WWRC) food bank as part of an annual fundraiser going back at least 12 years.
On May 29, the Legion members loaded up a pickup truck with boxes of food from Sobeys, all identified by food bank staff as being in short supply and high demand by those they serve, before delivering and unloading them across town at the resource centre.
“Through the lottery, we raise funds for this specifically – this year, it was 50/50 tickets – plus we also do, we call it a silent auction, and we raise money through that,” newly elected New Hamburg Legion president Brian Miller said. “So, the combined two things, actually, is where we get the money from, but actually, say it’s an oddball number, our branch will top it off so it’s a nice, round number.”
This year, the Legion and its members managed to pull together $4,000 – more than they ever have in the past – which they took to Sobeys New Hamburg with a list of needed foods. Instead of selling the Legion food off the shelves, the local Sobeys
offered the branch wholesale prices, allowing the Legion to stretch that $4,000 into what would otherwise have been about $4,500 in food.
Working with resource centre staff, the Legion members understand how foodbank donations can fluctuate throughout the year, as most donations come in around the holiday season and start to stagnate at
the onset of summer as locals head off on vacation. As the need for food-bank support is constant year-round and is growing year-to-year and even month-to-month, the Legion holds onto its annual donation to ensure it goes to the food bank when it is needed most.
“We really look forward to this every year because in fall and winter there are a lot of
food drives, we get a lot of food coming in and it has to last us,” said WWRC food bank coordinator Tamara Robinson. “This time of year, it starts to run out; a lot of our shelves are bare. The Legion is so generous and we’re so happy, and I think this year it’s maybe more than they’ve ever given us. It’s a beautiful thing because we connect with Sobeys and we’re able to actually choose what foods we get – so it’s some of the things maybe we typically don’t get or that we know we need. It’s just nice when this comes in and we’re able to give everybody what they need.”
“Fifty per cent of what we do is for veterans, but the other 50 per cent of what we try to do is give back to the community any way we can, whether it’s youth groups, organizations like this, whatever – any way we can,” Miller added. “The community sponsors us and supports us, so we’ve got to give back.”
The food bank at WWRC is always accepting donations, whether it’s shelf staples or fresh produce. This summer, Robinson suggested local gardeners consider planting a row of vegetables in their home gardens for the food bank, which could help provide that extra bit of nutrition and fresh-garden goodness everyone should have access to this time of year.
For more information on the WWRC and to donate, visit www.wilmotwellesleyrc.ca.
Members of the New Hamburg Royal Canadian Legion Branch 532 deliver and unload donations to the Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre food bank May 29.
(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO)
Oxford to become a living wage employer
Municipality stopped short of applying for designation
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
It wasn’t unanimous, but Oxford County council voted to pay all of its employees a living wage.
Oxford County directly employs two positions, a library page and seasonal students, who are paid less than the 2024 living wage for London, Elgin and Oxford, which is $19.50 per hour. To become certified, an organization must commit to ensuring externally contracted employers who provide services for at least 120 hours of labour per year pay their staff a living wage. Currently, the county pays some library staff $17.20 and seasonal workers $18 per hour.
“Given the dollar amount, I don’t have a problem moving forward with this. It is such a small group,” said Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie. “I think we have some challenges in our library system trying to attract people to that form of work.”
When it comes to students, Petrie said
their cost of living has increased, particularly with the price of schooling and housing.
“I think we need to provide leadership. One of the things we face in our society is the cost has gone up, but the wages have not. These are seasonal students and investing in them can lead to … attracting better employees and convincing them this is a great place to work.”
Among those voting against the motion was East Zorra-Tavistock Mayor Phil Schaefer, who said there are too many negatives in pursuing a formal certification and disagreed with raising the pay of those affected.
“I think if our wage rates for these positions were too low, the county would certainly be looking at making them more appropriate. But we haven’t done that because I don’t think they are too low and to offer an 8.3 and 10.8 per-cent wage increase to a couple groups of our employees and commit to adjusting that biannually, it’s not fair to the rest of our employees.”
He added taking on the designation would be an exercise to satisfy a third party that feels the county is underpaying some staff members.
“I don’t agree with that, so I will not be supporting the motion.”
Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesey rejected the idea of becoming certified with the Ontario Living Wage Network because of the effect it would have on companies hired by the county.
“I would consider that to be government overreach if we are determining what our contractors should have or not. The director mentioned we are lagging behind in student wages, but there is also a 15.8 percent youth unemployment rate in Ontario. It surprises me that over $18 (per hour) we are behind because there seem to be a lot more students than jobs.”
She added a student wage isn’t meant to be a living wage.
“They still have support from parents. It’s not like an individual out on their own.”
The decision will not have any effect on the wages of employees who are currently above the living wage threshold and the hourly pay hike will kick in on Jan. 1, 2026.
“This year we are employing 19 summer students; however, since this takes effect Jan. 1, the new wage will apply to the summer students employed in 2026,” said county human resources director Amy Smith. “We have 11 employees currently working in the library page position.”
The move toward providing a living wage will cost the county just over $42,000 split almost evenly between the library system and student employees. To become certified as a Living Wage Employer by the Ontario Living Wage Network, employers sign a license agreement and pay an annual employer certification fee. For Oxford County, it would have been $600. Staff had recommended against becoming certified.
4-H Club members put ‘hands to larger service’ for cancer-care initiative
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
The Community 4-H Club recently gathered at Cassel Church for its fourth meeting of the season, continuing its tradition of service and community engagement.
Seventeen members, ranging in age from nine to 21, represent families from across Oxford County. While 4-H is traditionally linked to agriculture, this club welcomes all youth with projects spanning cooking, sewing, outdoor living and agriculture.
The meeting began with the recitation of the 4-H pledge:
“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
Members shared examples of how they serve the community, from roadside cleanups to volunteering at local events such as the Innerkip Breakfast on the Farm. Club members also help sell refreshments at the Embro Truck and Tractor Pull to raise funds.
The club raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society through activities such as poinsettia sales, electronic and bottle recycling and making and selling rhubarb jam and grape jelly from locally sourced produce. Over the years, members have contributed more than $200,000 to support cancer care.
This month’s meeting focused on the Cancer Care Bag Project, a grassroots initiative that aligns with the club’s commitment to service. In the spirit of “hands
to larger service,” members spent the evening preparing materials for care bags, removing packaging from donated items and setting up workstations.
Guest speaker Holly Bucholtz, founder of the Cancer Care Bag Project, shared how she started the initiative in January 2022, inspired by a similar effort in Norfolk County. Her first bag was for a friend facing cancer and the project has since expanded with a growing team of volunteers dedicated to spreading kindness
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Pat Csinos, a longtime volunteer, also shared her story. She recounted how her brother received one of the care bags during treatment, inspiring her to get involved by sewing neck pillows and sleep masks for the project.
Each bag includes about 35 items such as cozy slippers, puzzle books, hand cream, locally baked cookies, tea, a blanket, a soft neck pillow and a handwritten card. The project uses natural and
unscented products whenever possible and sources local goods to support area producers. Volunteers assemble the bags in small batches to ensure everything inside is fresh.
The Cancer Care Bag Project has a dedicated team of 10 who pack the bags, 20 who deliver them and others who sew the bags and knit slippers and hats. Bags are available to anyone in Oxford and Brant counties, and children’s bags can also be requested. Volunteers and donors are always welcome.
The Community 4-H Club has proudly participated in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Woodstock, Stratford and, most recently, at WaterlooOxford District Secondary School. With no official event this year, the club is hosting its own version called Relay My Way on Friday, June 13, from 6-11:30 p.m. at Hickson Park Pavilion. Everyone is welcome to attend.
To mark 4-H Ontario’s 110th anniversary, members have decorated 110 luminary bags that will light up the walking path during the evening. Bucholtz will be on hand to show her support and raise awareness for the Cancer Care Bag Project.
For more information about the Cancer Care Bag Project, email hollybucholtz@ live.com or visit the Facebook page @ Home & Heart Community: Cancer Care Bags. For information about Relay My Way, contact Shonna Ward at wardshonna@hotmail.com or 519-854-6919, or visit the team website page at support.cancer.ca/ site/TR/RelayForLife/?pg=team&team_ id=530276&fr_id=30530.
Jacob Bergsman, 20, with Oxford 4-H Community Club leaders Amanda Witmer and Elizabeth Bruce, remove packaging from socks.
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
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Vanna Lupton, nine, Grace Piper, 16, Megan Ball, 15, and Mackenzie Westwood, 14, organize items for cancer-care bags.
Holly Bucholtz, founder of the Cancer Care Bag Project, and volunteer Pat Csinos display a handmade bag that will be filled with supplies from the bins stacked behind them.
Owen Bean, 13, helps organize the bins for assembly.
Nathan Bean, 18, Julia Brekelmans, 17, and Lauren Ball, 19, carry bins of supplies from storage to prepare for bag assembly.
EZT mayor delegates some Strong Mayor Powers
Potential control over the budget is not one of them
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
For the first time since being elected mayor of East-Zorra Tavistock, Phil Schaefer has issued a statement to township residents.
Schaefer was one of 169 mayors across Ontario to be given Strong Mayor Powers on May 1 and has decided to delegate some of those powers to council and staff.
“On May 1, 2025, Strong Mayor Powers were extended to me along with 168 other Ontario municipalities. Accepting these powers was not optional, and the province is doing this to advance their priority interests, namely around housing and infrastructure,” said a Facebook post on the township’s page.
Schaefer added he understands the move could be concerning to residents and municipal councillors and has officially delegated some powers to council including the ability to appoint a chief administrative officer and establishing or dissolv-
township’s organizational structure and duties of staff has been given to CAO Karen DePrest.
“These are the first steps in navigating these new powers and their associated responsibilities. There are many other changes established under this legislation. I hope the need to use the new powers does not present itself, but if, and only if, the situation arises where they are needed, I will strictly act in the best interests of the residents of this municipality,” he added.
The Gazette reached out to Schaefer and asked several questions, including why he didn’t delegate the budget to DePrest. He said the timing of EZT’s budget worked in his favour.
“I did not delegate the budget because it cannot be delegated. The mayor must present a budget by Feb. 1. As our budget process commences after that date, it will automatically default to the CAO to prepare and present the budget.”
Schaefer added the process has not been overly challenging, but his goal is to con-
“I did not seek these powers and it is simply performative for a mayor to say that they will refuse them. We have them. It is essential that I am completely clear with my constituents and fellow councillors that I cannot say that I will never use them, but I hope that the situation does not present itself where I will need to. I will always act in the best interests of the township.”
He said some residents have reached out to obtain clarification on the new responsibilities, and added township clerk Meaghan Vader has been an invaluable resource in navigating these powers.
“She has done extensive research in establishing best practices as well as finding answers to my questions.”
Schaefer explained he has talked to other mayors who have been granted Strong Mayor Powers, but he is focusing on East Zorra-Tavistock.
“Each one seems to have a different perspective. My focus is on moving this municipality forward, whether using these
have sends a clear message of stability to the council and staff.”
To view the mayoral decisions and learn more, visit the Mayoral Decisions page at www.ezt.ca/township-office/
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) East-Zorra Tavistock mayor Phil Schaefer
Fit, Active and Healthy Seniors
Wilmot Seniors’ Woodworking & Craft Shop a community treasure
Anyone in Wilmot and the surrounding area who has ever needed help with a woodworking project in support of an important community cause likely knows about the Wilmot Seniors’ Woodworking & Craft Shop in Baden.
Located around the corner from the iconic Castle Kilbride, the woodworking and craft shop is a treasure trove of tools, equipment, machinery, knowledge and experience for community groups, organizations, businesses, schools, churches and area residents looking for help with woodworking projects, as well as people of a certain age who are interested in learning woodworking as a hobby after they retire.
“This club has been well-supported by the township and the community all the years I’ve been here,” said John Gruhl, who has worked out of the woodworking and craft shop on personal and community projects for 28 years of the shop’s roughly 40-year history. “If a service club comes here and says we’re having a fundraiser, I run right upstairs and get them a couple of nice pieces of woodworking from the storeroom (to auction off).
“Right now is the (Mennonite Relief Sale in New Hamburg). I give the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) a couple things for their auction from here to help them raise money. … We have lots of people who move here, to Waterloo and Kitchener, and this facility is here for them to come in and enjoy. It was old Mennonites – the original old farmers –that supported and built this place and put a lot of money and time into it.”
Though the 7,000 square-foot shop and the land it sits on is owned by Wilmot
Township, the equipment, tools and machinery are owned by the shop’s members and has been purchased over the years with funds raised through the sale of completed woodworking projects.
And boy, there are a lot of tools, equipment and machinery at the shop. From planers, table saws, routers (computerized or otherwise) and laiths to milling machines, welders, hydraulic presses, sanders and industrial exhaust ventilation for painting and staining, it’s rare someone comes into the shop looking for a piece of equipment or a tool the members don’t already have.
“Lots of people do their own projects,” said Ken Zeitz, who joined the shop three years ago when he and his wife moved to the area after retiring from working for the nickel mines in Sudbury. “We got a bookcase upstairs that one of the members just built for his grandson, and we’ve got a CNC router upstairs and we just made a sign for the president’s cottage. It’s just things like that and we make stuff for
Christmas sales and spring sales, and people will bring in broken chairs or whatever from the community and we fix them up and charge them a fair price.”
“You can’t get chairs – old rockers and
stuff – repaird anywhere, but you can get that stuff done here and for a very reasonable price,” Gruhl added. “ … It’s not to make a profit; it’s just to run the place.” And while the club has all the equipment a woodworker might need, it’s the combined years of experience of its members that has the most value, especially for those just starting out with the hobby. Whenever someone new walks through the shop doors with a project they’d like to work on, the members who know what they’re doing will provide training and support to ensure they can learn how to use each of the machines safely while accomplishing their project goals.
“I think you have to be 50 and retired to join the shop,” Gruhl said. “ … I’d never built a thing in my life (when I joined) and if I take you to my son’s house in New Hamburg, all my grandkids’ beds,
Some of the woodworkers at the Wilmot Senior’s Woodworking & Craft Shop include, from left, Jim Bennett from Stratford, Tony Scholl from Baden, Keith Eatwell from Waterloo, Judy Sherwood from Kitchener and Bob Johnston from Kitchener.
GALEN SIMMONS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO)
Ron Davy works on a joint table at the Wilmot Seniors’ Woodworking & Craft Shop in Baden.
The Maples Home for Seniors
Continued from page 11
armoires, everything, I built. All those old (Mennonite) farmers taught me (when I joined). I’d never done anything before. The big thing here is to understand how to run the machine and not harm it or yourself. When someone joins, I say pick a very easy thing to get used to the machinery, and then away you go.”
“You cannot be afraid to ask for help,” added Zeitz. “Anyone here will help anyone, and we would rather help someone than to have them damage the equipment or hurt themselves.”
Above all, the members of the woodworking and craft shop enjoy spending time with one another, learning from each other and working together to keep the shop going for future retirees.
For more information on the shop, visit wilmotseniorsworkshop. weebly.com.
Seniors make a big difference in our
(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO) Ken Zeitz shows off an intricate woodworking project made by another member at the woodworking and craft shop.
Fit, Active and Healthy Seniors
Osteoporosis in old age
MERCEDES KAY GOLD Gazette Correspondent
Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density among the aging population, and predominately in women.
In Canada, one in four women and one in eight men over the age of 50 are impacted. As we age, the process of bone renewal becomes less efficient and mineral density is lost. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thin and weak, leading to potential fractures, disability and even deformity.
The most common fractures are wrist, spine and hip. The scary fact is the mortality rate increases after a hip fracture, and even more frightening, fewer than 50 per cent of people experience functional recovery.
Did you know 25 per cent of patients are living in a long-term care facility for a minimum of a year of post-recovery for a hip fracture?
There are tonnes of risk factors for developing osteoporosis, but we can’t turn back time. Prevention and reducing the risk of falling are key. Yes, genetics plays a part, but you can help delay the process through
daily choices.
As a personal trainer, exercise is essential. Be active daily. Strengthening bones can be as easy as incorporating regular weight-bearing activities. Include exercise such as walking, dancing, hiking or climbing stairs. All of these awesome activities are inexpensive, requiring no equipment. Just you and a can-do attitude.
For those already sporty and on-the-go, choose more vigorous activities. Golf is grand when you walk the whole course and carry your bag. Tennis is top-notch and how about pickleball, the fastest growing sport in North America? What about old-fashioned skipping or jumping on a rebounder?
A recent study in The American Journal of Health Promotion showed increased hip density after just four months of jumping just 10 times twice daily.
Weight-bearing is non-negotiable but adding in strength-training is beneficial. Using just your bodyweight or adding dumbbells makes muscles stronger, which protects and strengthens bones. Bodyweight exercises include squats, lunges and planks. Power up with push-ups whether on the
wall, modified to on the knees or the standard military option. Aim for two to three sessions per week and please rest up to 48 hours in between. Challenge yourself and wear a weighted vest while performing the bodyweight exercises.
Don’t sit on the sidelines due to arthritis, aches and pains. Move the body and minimize inflammation. Yoga and Tai Chi are considered low impact but still weight-bearing. They will help lower the risk of falls because they are fantastic for helping improve balance. Mat-based Pilates, also suitable for all fitness levels, is also a great go-to, increasing flexibility and strength.
Always consult your doctor or health practitioner before beginning a new program. Now is the time to start exercising. Wear comfortable shoes with great support. Warm up with walking or marching and add in some arm swinging. Have fun and stay hydrated.
Advice provided in this column should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a doctor first before adding anything new to your health and wellness regime.
Staying strong: Regular exercise, including weight-bearing and strength-training activities, is a key tool in preventing osteoporosis and maintaining bone health—especially for women over 50, who are at greater risk.
(FREEPIK IMAGE)
Adapting your diet to combat osteoporosis
MERCEDES KAY GOLD Gazette Correspondent
As a personal trainer, let me remind you exercise is essential to offset osteoporosis but there’s more ways to minimize your risk. I have switched to my holistic-nutritionist cap, and now it’s time to share the importance of diet and supplements.
Eating well is a whole lot of whole-body wellness. It all begins with the diet and then, if needed, supplements are added. Choose nutrient-dense options that deliver key minerals and vitamins which boost bone health.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a crucial role in bone health. Supplementing is non-negotiable at any age. Speak to your health partitioner about the type best suited to your needs. We are learning a magnesium deficiency is common worldwide. Magnesium helps the body utilize calcium and vitamin D. Magnesium is required for bone healing and rebuilding, and a deficiency leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Daily requirement ranges between 250 and 400 milligrams but most people require more, and older adults require even more due to bone loss.
Load up on magnesium-rich foods. Your menu planning should include gads of gorgeous greens, raw nuts and seeds, high-percentage dark chocolate, avocados, bananas and sweet potatoes. Healthy foods are imperative and garden fresh is your
friend for strong bones.
Calcium
Are you over 50? The goal is to obtain 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily. Top food sources include wild salmon and sardines with the bones; legumes; figs; sunflower and sesame seeds.
Milk is controversial. Do you choose organic or from a factory farmed cow? Do you drink fortified plant-based milk alternatives? Almond, soy and oat plus the long list of other options contain fillers, thickeners and could be GMO. There’s also reams of recent studies questioning dairy as a source of calcium for humans.
Vitamin D
Calcium works in tandem with the sunshine vitamin. Load up on fatty, cold-water fish like wild salmon and mackerel. Enjoy eggs and eat the yolks. Love liver and make mushrooms a suppertime staple. Forget fortified foods. Cereals and orange juice are not the best. Aim for wholefood options whether plant- or meat-based. Everyone living north of the equator requires supplementing this vital vitamin. Adding the all-important vitamin D is crucial but make sure it contains k2 for ultimate absorption.
K2
K2 is required for D3 to work its magic. A healthy gut produces vitamin K2 but too many people struggle with digestion. Keep in mind, some medications such as antibiotics and blood thinners interfere
Bone health starts on your plate—nutrient-rich foods and smart supplementation provide the building blocks your body needs to stay strong, active, and thriving as you age.
(VECTEEZY PHOTO)
Continued from page 1
with absorption. K2 is paired with D3 in high-quality supplements in capsules or liquid. Purchase D3 on its own? Use it up before making the switch but include food sources.
Meat-based choices include beef, chicken and liver. Plant-based lovers look for fermented soy referred to as natto as well as unpasteurized sauerkraut and lush, leafy broccoli, spinach and kale.
Zinc
Zinc plays a part in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and this immune booster is on my list. Most people can get enough in their daily diet. Do you?
Choose beef and beef liver, preferably grass-fed and pasture-raised, as well as lamb. Snack on raw pumpkin and sunflower seeds, cashews and enjoy lentil stew or a tofu stir-fry on Meatless Mondays. Eggs are exceptional and hands down my favorite food source supporting overall health in a million ways.
Boron
Boron is rarely mentioned and few people are aware if they consume enough of this vital trace mineral.
Prunes solve more than constipation! Hazelnuts – not Nutella please – and almonds are astounding. Love smoothies?
Combine avocado, peaches and pears for a bounty of boron for bone-health building at its finest.
On-the-go? Dried apricots are dreamy, but look for sulfite- and colour-free, always.
Bone health improves quality of life and leads to bone longevity. Life is too short and moving is mandatory. No waiting and watching on the sidelines. If you want to live a long life, take a step in the right direction. You are meant to thrive not survive.
Advice provided in this column should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a doctor first before adding anything new to your health and wellness regime
Fit, Active and Healthy Seniors ontario.ca/SeniorsMonth
WILMOT-TAVISTOCK GAZETTE STAFF
thewtgazette@gmail.com
The Hearing Aid Trade-In That Helps You and Someone in Need
Local hearing aid wearers are being invited to quite literally change lives, as well as benefit from stepping into brand new highperforming hearing technology, for a significant savings.
Local hearing aid wearers are being invited to do something extraordinary: change someone’s life while upgrading to the latest high-performance hearing technology - with significant savings
Arnold Hearing Centres the longeststanding independent hearing care provider in the region, has teamed up with the local charity Friends for Life for a mission to Yamasà, an underserved community in the Dominican Republic
During their trip, a group of hearing care professionals will be testing hearing and fitting donated, professionally reconditioned hearing aids to people who have no access to treatment These trips are life-changing; both for those receiving hearing aids and those delivering them In places like Yamasà something as small as a hearing aid can be the difference between a child receiving an education or being left behind
Ontario retables legislation to support seniors and their caregivers
Province reintroducing legislation to improve quality of life and protect seniors
The team hopes to help over 200 people in need of better hearing but they’re short on devices
Arnold Hearing Centres has vowed to help them reach their goals.
To help bridge that gap, Arnold Hearing Centres has launched a special trade-in program Hearing aid wearers are invited to visit their Elmira or New Hamburg location to have their current devices professionally valued
In return, they’ll receive an elevated trade-in credit towards upgrading to groundbreaking 2025 hearing technology Afterwards, their existing devices will be refurbished and donated to someone in urgent need It’s a chance to upgrade your hearing and give someone else a life-changing gift; all while enjoying significant savings
Appointments are now available in Elmira and New Hamburg. If you’d like to get a valuation on your current hearing aids and discover what stepping into new technology - and changing a life - looks like, contact Arnold Hearing Centres today.
The Ontario government recently reintroduced legislation to protect and support seniors and the people who care for them. Support for Seniors and Caregivers if passed, would better connect seniors and their caregivers to complex care, according to a news release. It is backed by $114 million in investments to increase access to community and social programs that help seniors stay fit, active and healthy in their communities.
“As Ontario’s population continues to grow, it is critical to build for the future so we can support some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Paul Calandra, acting minister of long-term care. “That’s why our government is investing in new programs to improve quality and access to care while strengthening protections for seniors and their families.”
The proposed legislation would amend Fixing Long-Term Care Act and Retirement Homes Act. Several changes would be made which the government feels will make a huge difference:
• Protect residents with dementia by requiring all long-term care homes in Ontario to have an organized program for dementia care and services.
• Support seniors and their families by strengthening residents’ rights to ongoing support from family or friends who provide care.
• Broaden requirements for long-term care homes to recognize and respect the cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual needs of residents. This includes new regulations that require long-term care homes to increase information available in French.
• Introduce new offences related to the abuse or neglect of a long-term care home resident and enhance the ability to investigate and prosecute offences.
• Other initiatives complementing the legislation include:
• Investing almost $80 million over three years to improve and expand dementia care and supports.
• Expanding community programming and resources for seniors living in their own homes.
• Developing a provincial approach for using artificial intelligence for the early detection of osteoporosis, responsible for 80 per cent of all fractures in older adults.
These changes are one more way the province is taking action to protect Ontario and meet the needs of Ontario’s aging population and their caregivers by improving and expanding supports for seniors living
in long-term care, congregate settings and in the community.
“Our government is continuing to take action to ensure that Ontarians have access to the health care and services they need at every stage of life,” said Health Minister Sylvia Jones. “This investment will improve access to high-quality dementia care across the province, allowing more seniors and their loved ones to connect to the compassionate services and supports they need in their community.”
Donna Duncan is the CEO of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association, a group representing the majority of homes in the province, mainly the for-profit sector.
“Long-term care homes play a vital role in enabling seniors with high care needs to age in their communities when staying at home is no longer possible,” she said. “The government’s historic levels of investment in long-term care staffing, program and capital have enabled critical innovation and improvements in care.”
She added as Ontario’s long-term care homes continue a transformation to provide innovative, resident-focused models of care, the association thanks the government for its continued commitment to supporting and strengthening long-term care across the province.
The Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) has thrown its support behind the proposed legislation. The CEO of the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario explained the government’s recognition of nurse practitioners (NPs) as clinicians and leaders.
“We deliver high-quality, compassionate care in long-term care homes, ensuring Ontario’s seniors receive the support they deserve to maintain their health and wellbeing,” said NPAO CEO Dr. Michelle Acorn. “This is a necessary step in leveraging the full extent of NPs’ training and expertise, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Government of Ontario and the ministry of long-term care to improve resident outcomes across the province.”
Seniors, designated as those 65 and older, make up the fastest growing age group in the province, and over 60 per cent of long-term care residents have a dementia diagnosis. Ontario is in the process of building 58,000 new and upgraded longterm care beds.
Incentives up to $35,400 are also being offered to personal-support-worker students and eligible personal support workers to launch careers in long-term care homes and in the home and community care sector.
ON YOUR NEW HEADQUARTERS’ GRAND OPENING
TLC Pet Food celebrates new headquarters in New Hamburg
Gazette Reporter
TLC Pet Food marked a major milestone on Saturday with the grand opening of its brand-new headquarters in New Hamburg, a celebration of 31 years in business, deep community roots and a company culture built on family values.
Located at 3540 Bleams Rd., the new facility is four times the size of TLC’s previous space and was constructed with the help of local tradespeople and contractors – a reflection of the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting the community that helped build it.
TLC Pet Food was founded in 1994 by Eric and Sandra Kuttis in Wilmot Township. It started as a small, family-run operation with just eight truckloads of cat food. Today, the business has grown into a thriving company with weekly production and international reach, yet it has managed to keep its small-town heart.
“This isn’t just a building,” Eric Kuttis, TLC’s president and co-founder, said as he addressed the crowd. “It’s a celebration of our journey, our people and the values that have carried us all this way.”
Eric Kuttis credited TLC’s success to a simple philosophy; “learn, earn, return” – a quote he borrowed from actor Denzel Washington that speaks to the company’s belief in growth, responsibility and giving back to the community.
“Love people and use money, not the other way around,” he added, underscoring TLC’s people-first approach.
Saturday’s event brought together family, staff, longtime customers, business partners and government officials from all levels.
Speakers included Sandra Kuttis,
co-founder, along with their two children, Nikolas Kuttis and Kira Kuttis, and several speakers who know or work with the family. Local officials, MP Tim Louis, MPP Mike Harris Jr., Waterloo regional Coun. Michael Harris and Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen also offered their congratulations.
A highlight speaker of the evening, Mike Farwell, known as a local celebrity and founder of Farwell for Hire, spoke on Kuttis’ personal interest and hands-on approach to business. He noted that he took the time to understand Farwell’s fundraising efforts by personally accompanying him on a delivery and engaging in conversation about his work, which later led to a deep connection and donation to Farwell for Hire.
Over the years, TLC has generously donated to cystic fibrosis research and supported countless local sports teams and community projects. The company also took time during the celebration to honour the memory of longtime employee John Schultz and recognize staff who’ve helped shape the welcoming, family-like culture TLC is known for.
“We don’t stop learning,” said Eric Kuttis, adding TLC remains focused on innovation, sustainability and building strong, long-term relationships with both customers and employees.
Sandra Kuttis, TLC’s vice Ppresident and, as Eric Kuttis put it, the “heart and soul” of the company, was also recognized for her leadership and steady presence behind the scenes.
“She’s been my muse, my partner and the reason we’re standing here today,” he said.
Looking ahead, TLC plans to keep doing what it does best; taking care of people and pets with a focus on customer convenience, sustainable practices and meaningful partnerships.
“If you want to value your customers, you’ve got to cater to max,” Eric Kuttis said, capturing the energy of a company that’s proud of where it came from and excited about what’s next.
As the ribbon was cut and the crowd applauded, it was clear this wasn’t just the opening of a new building, it was a moment to celebrate a company that’s grown without ever losing sight of what matters most: people, community and purpose.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for TLC Pet Foods’ new headquarters in New Hamburg Saturday was Kieran Shantz , MP Tim Louis, MPP Mike Harris Jr., Nikolas Kuttis, Sandra Kuttis, Kira Kuttis, Erik Kuttis, Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen, Megan Clark and Waterloo regional Coun. Michael Harris.
AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE
(SHARON LEIS PHOTO)
AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE PHOTO)
Mike Farwell, known as a local celebrity and founder of Farwell for Hire, spoke on Eric Kuttis’ personal interest and hands-on approach to business, while also congratulating the family on their success.
TLC supports Farwell4Hire campaign in support of cystic fibrosis
Most people know Mike Farwell as host of the self-titled show and the play-by-play broadcaster for the Kitchener Rangers on CityNews 570 radio.
He also runs an annual fundraising campaign called Farwell4Hire, during which he does odd jobs in exchange for a donation to research into cystic fibrosis, the disease that took the lives of his two sisters.
One of his biggest supporters of the campaign over the last several years has been TLC Pet Food president and CEO Erik Kuttis. While Farwell doesn’t remember exactly how the pair met, he does recall Kuttis getting involved in the campaign in 2022.
“As you know, the campaign goes, ‘Hey, I’ll do an odd job in exchange for a donation for cystic fibrosis (CF).’ It was about as grassroots as it gets. I’m weeding gardens, washing cars. I think it was 2022, one of the jobs on my calendar was to go to this place in New Hamburg, pick up some pet food and deliver it.”
Farwell said he hadn’t heard of TLC Pet Food but did the odd job for the cause.
“I met Erik that day and he came with me on the delivery. He didn’t believe that I went out and did some of the crap labour I was doing. He said he listened to me on the radio every day, and then I’m going out and washing windows and trimming trees.”
He wasn’t prepared for what happened next.
(FARWELL4HIRE.COM
medication to treat CF, and people who take it say it’s one of those overnight success stories. They have trouble walking up the stairs one day, take the drug the next day and they aren’t winded when they get to the top of the stairs.”
The Farwell4Hire fundraising campaign was created in memory of Luanne and Sheri Farwell. The sisters lost their lives to CF, the most common fatal genetic disease in Canada. Luanne Farwell died in the fall of 1993 at the age of 24, and just nine months later, Sheri Farwell succumbed to the disease at the age of 18.
“We went back to the warehouse and he gave me a cheque for $5,000. Donations like that don’t happen to me. They’re starting to happen more, thanks to him, but that was the beginning. It might have been a round trip of 75 minutes from the time I got there, delivered, talked, shook hands and went home with my $5,000 cheque. He’s been with us every year ever since.”
Farwell said Kuttis has continued to increase his level of financial support for the campaign.
“I don’t even know what to say about the guy; just an incredibly generous person with a terrific spirit. I am proud to call him a friend at this point and he has been instrumental in moving our campaign forward. This is year number 12 of doing this, and you would think I might run out of steam,
CONGRATULATIONS TO
but this guy has kept wind in our sails.”
The 53-year-old admitted it isn’t easy to perform the chores as he gets older, but the importance of raising funds for CF research is too important to stop.
“Last year, we raised about $135,000. How do you pull the plug and say I’m done when you can generate that kind of revenue for a charity that is underfunded, in my opinion? I think Erik was taken by the story that I have explained to you and how this personally has impacted my life and why it’s important to me.”
Farwell added Kuttis has gotten to know people in the CF community, including some teenagers.
“He has met them and seen the quality of their lives today. We have just recently seen the arrival of Trikafta, the most recent
“My oldest sister, Luanne, was the textbook case where you saw the deterioration the disease had taken. Sheri was a real surprise. She went in for a routine checkup and never came out of the hospital and wound up passing away a week or so later.”
Today, those suffering from CF are living longer lives.
“We now have a median age of 50 living with CF. They are living much longer and have a much higher quality of life.”
Despite the tragic losses of two of his siblings, Mike Farwell is always one to keep conversations light and fun. The Gazette asked him if he’s ever been injured while doing one of the many odd jobs he has completed over the years.
“Only emotionally,” he laughed. “I am legit in that I show up, I do the job that’s required. We have refined things over the years to give a two-hour window to a customer because I get so busy, I want to be at as many places as I can be.”
Mike Farwell, host of the Farwell4Hire campaign, shares a light moment with a furry friend and a load of TLC Pet Food. Farwell’s grassroots fundraiser for cystic fibrosis research has had a strong supporter in TLC Pet Food president Erik Kuttis, whose generosity has helped propel the campaign forward year after year.
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
PHOTO)
(NITH VALLEY CONSTRUCTION PHOTO)
THANK YOU THANK YOU
Erik, Sandra and the TLC Pet Food Fa i y for the opportunity to design your new fa i ity It was an honour to be a part of this great pro e t Wishing you a the best in your new ho e
Erik, Sandra and the TLC Pet Food Family for the to design your new facility. was an honour be a part of this great project. Wishing you all the best in your new home.
The brand-new TLC Pet Food facility is four times the size of TLC’s previous space and was constructed with the help of local contractors and businesses.
(AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE PHOTO)
Office space at the new TLC Pet Food headquarters in New Hamburg.
The staff breakroom at the TLC Pet Food headquarters, which had its grand opening on May 31.
A brand-new warehouse space at TLC Pet Food’s new headquarters in New Hamburg.
(NITH VALLEY CONSTRUCTION PHOTO)
(NITH VALLEY CONSTRUCTION PHOTO)
(NITH VALLEY CONSTRUCTION PHOTO)
Murray McTavish celebrates 80 years of community spirit
southwest of Amulree – still farmed by the family today.
“In the early years, I felt like I was growing more rocks than crops,” McTavish recalled with a chuckle.
An 80th birthday is always cause for celebration, especially when it’s for someone who has done so much for the village of Shakespeare and North Easthope in Perth East.
Murray McTavish, who many say doesn’t look his age, was raised on a farm on the 3rd Concession of North Easthope, near Bell’s Corners, by parents Don and Lillian McTavish and their large family.
After attending the one-room Bell’s School north of Shakespeare, he moved on to Central High School in Stratford and later joined the class of ’65 at Ridgetown College of Agriculture.
During those years, he also found time to learn to play the bagpipes with the North Easthope Pipe Band, marching in local parades in both summer and winter.
McTavish went on to purchase his own farm on the 3rd Concession, not far from his family’s home farm, and later acquired a 100-acre farm on the 4th Concession
The
Quiz
1. What is the modern birthstone for the month of June?
2. What year did the Canada’s Wonderland open?
3. How many Stanley Cups do the Edmonton Oilers have?
4. Where did Stonewall riots happen?
5. How many chambers are in the human heart?
6. What does SPF stand for?
7. What are the holes on a golf ball called?
8. Which actor played Captain Jack Sparrow
9. The Roman goddess Juno is the goddess of what?
10. Which zodiac signs are associated with June? Answers found on the classified page
Today, it’s a productive farm with rolling hills and a spring-fed pond that has been used by many, including the Shakespeare Optimist Club for steak dinners and youth fishing derbies.
A pillar of the community, McTavish is active in the Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, on the St. Andrews Cemetery Board, in the Optimist Club, Meals on Wheels and with the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign at Christmas. He also manages maintenance for his family’s apartment and rental houses.
In the past, McTavish ran his own real-estate business and built one of the first subdivisions in Tavistock, where Janelle Drive is named after his only daughter. He also spent many years as an insurance agent in the community.
McTavish and his wife, Charlotte, stay active and love to travel, raising five children and sharing camping adventures with their many grandchildren in their fifthwheel trailer.
THANK YOU
The family of the late Douglas Moulton wish to express their sincere thanks to relatives, friends and neighbours for their cards, floral arrangements, and memorial donations in memory of a special husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Special thanks to the nurses at Woodstock hospital for their compassionate care, to the PSW’s who came to help at home, to Reverend Keith Reynolds, Trinity Ladies for the luncheon and Francis Funeral, Jeff and staff for their assistance and kindness during this time.
Marge Mohr and family and the Moulton family
ANNIVERSARY
His good health and dedication to the community mean that Shakespeare and North Easthope will continue to benefit from McTavish’s enduring community spirit for years to come.
OBITUARY
HOWLING, Raymond Gordon
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Waterloo Regional Health Network - Chicopee Site, the former Freeport Hospital, at the age of 85.
Survived by his loving wife, whom he married in 1968, Sheila (Wight) Howling, his children Karen Dymond (Jesse), Diane Hersey (Rich), and Brian Howling (Sandra), and his sister Margaret Goldie, sister in law Evelyn Baechler (Richard) and brother in law Bill Howell (Ruth). Beloved by all his grandchildren: Jackson, Cody, Clint, and Parker Hersey; Brandon and Lindsay Schiedel and Dawson Howling; Eben Dymond; and Great-Grandson Wyatt Hersey. Predeceased by his parents, Eben and Irene (Spies) Howling, brother Delford Howling, and sister Sandra Howell, and his in-laws Harry & Evelyn (Priest) Wight.
Ray was a farmer who loved livestock and the soil. He and Sheila raised purebred Hampshires, enjoying the genetics and raising of breeding stock. He lived his whole life, as 7th generation, on their farm in New Dundee, where son Brian and grandson Dawson continue to farm. Ray and Sheila were active in their church, Bethel Missionary in New Dundee, where he served on the Property Committee and Archives Committee. He was active in many community organizations serving the farm community, including the Waterloo Farm Safety Association, Chair of the Ontario Farm Safety Association, Ontario Pork Producers, Waterloo Pork Producers, Grand River Conservation Authority, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s Junior Barrow Show, Wilmot Fair Board, and more. Ray and Sheila loved to travel, visiting almost every state and traveling to see their daughter Diane in Idaho and Karen in Quebec.
Relatives and friends were invited to Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church, 1531 Bridge Street, New Dundee, on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 6 - 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 1 - 1:45 p.m.
A Celebration of Raymond’s life took place at 2:00 p.m. A private family interment has taken place at Union Cemetery New Dundee. For those who were unable to attend the funeral service had a livestream available.
As expressions of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Canadian Food Grains Bank or Bethel Missionary Church and can be done through the funeral home.
Personal condolences can be posted at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, New Hamburg.
May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
For Your Loss
Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
By Jake Grant
Murray McTavish was honoured by family and friends on Sunday with an 80th birthday celebration at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church in the heart of Shakespeare.
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
HAPPY 65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY
Ralph and Irene Baker
(nee Bickle)
June 4, 1960
Hickson United Church Love and best wishes from your family!
The Old Gazettes
By Sydney Grant
Slowly but surely, I’m reading through the past pages of the Tavistock Gazette (est. 1895). Within this weekly column I’d like to share with you some of my findings.
May 27 - June 3, 2015, Edition (10 years ago)
The Tavistock Athletics Novice Girls captured the Port Perry Angels Invitational Tournament Championship over the weekend. The Athletics defeated Mississauga 8-7, Cobourg 6-3, Kawartha 10-0 and tied Barrie 6-6 in round robin play. They then defeated Napanee 8-7 in the semi-finals and Port Perry 13-0 in the championship final. Members of the team are Morgan Stock, Sarah Bailey, Paige Schneider, Karli Ramseyer, Emma Brown, Madi Oliver, Rachel Habermehl, Kamryn Lamond, Hannah Wagler, Leah Bauman, Megan Bailey, Alyssa Forthuber, Brianne Smith and Kirsten Stolk.
There has been a lot of action around The Ponds subdivision stormwater management pond last week. More than 250 local students from Tavistock and Hickson schools planted and mulched over 500 potted native trees and shrubs over three days. Species planted included fragrant sumac, red oak, black cherry, white pine, highbush cranberry, serviceberry, red cedar, sugar maple, red osier dogwood and beaked willow to name a few.
The Tavistock Legion Memorial Branch 518 received a Trillium grant recently for the installation of two new furnaces, an air-conditioning system and a new sign at their hall on Hope Street West in the village. Eric Skinner of Art & Function Design, Tavistock, designed and installed the sign while Scott Houle of Cool Houle’s Heating and Cooling, Tavistock, installed the furnaces and air-conditioning system.
May 29 - June 5, 1985, Edition (40 years ago)
The Tavistock Merchants defeated
TOWNSHIP OF EAST ZORRA-TAVISTOCK
GRACE UNITED CHURCH 116 Woodstock St. S., Tavistock Phone: 519-655-2151
All are welcome
Service led by Rev. Marilyn Arthur Music by Marilyne Nystrome
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SEBASTOPOL-TAVISTOCK
Walton 14-6 in Tavistock on Sunday, May 19, as Ross Yantzi tossed a six hitter and added a homerun and two doubles to the plate. John Heuther took the loss for Walton. In St. Marys on Tuesday, May 21, Tavistock defeated the Baird Lumber Kings 4-1 as Joe Yausie tossed a 10 hitter and Fred Bender had three singles. On Thursday, May 23, in Tavistock, the Merchants defeated the Tavistock Orioles 10-9 as Ross Yantzi tossed the win with relief help from Joe Yausie. Brad Litchi had three singles for the Merchants. Rod Zehr was tagged with the loss despite a home run by Bruce Pletsch.
Overall champions in this year’s Tavistock Public School field day posted five new records in separate events on Wednesday, May 29. Senior girls champion Lynne Rudy broke the previous long jump record with a 4.45-metre effort. Second-place finisher Marianne Wettlaufer was also successful in breaking the former 4.20-metre record with her 4.30-metre jump. Jenny Becker knocked two seconds off the intermediate girls 800-metre event record with her 2:59.8 run. Mark McKay and Jensen Rudy tied for top spot in the intermediate boys division as Jensen Rudy broke two records and McKay broke one. McKay cleared the high jump at 1.4 metres (record 1.37) while Jensen Rudy set a long-jump record of 4.45 metres and a 200-metre event record of 28.4 seconds, seven-tenths of a second quicker than the record.
May 28 - June 4, 1975, Edition (50 years ago)
Don’s Food Market
• Schneiders Side Ends Bacon
$1.29 lb.
• Savarin T.V. Dinners (Beef or Salisbury), 11 oz., $0.69
• Knechtel Coffee Creamer, 18 oz., $1.33
• Lettuce, three for $1.00
• Oranges $0.79 for a dozen
Pastor Steve Hoffard
Church Office 519-655-2372 trinitylcoffice@gmail.com www.trinitytavistock.com
TAVISTOCK MENNONITE
Pastor Julie Ellison White 131 Wettlaufer St., Tavistock 655-2581
Sunday Worship services begin at 9:45am, with coffee and fellowship to follow at 11am. All ages Junior Sunday School will follow after the service. All are Welcome Stream services online at www.tavistockmennonitechurch.ca
TAVISTOCK BIBLE CHAPEL
32 Oxford Street, Tavistock, Ontario Questions or Need Help? Text or Call: (519) 655-2413 tavistockbc.org
Family Bible Hour - 11am Each Sunday
ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN LCC Church Phone 519-276-0701
Wellington Street, Tavistock stpaulstavistock@gmail.com
Pastor Rev. Michael Mayer
EAST ZORRA MENNONITE
677044 16th Line Road, East Zorra
Pastors Ray Martin & Mike Williamson www.ezmennonite.ca
Service audio recordings available at: https://ezmennonite.ca/worship/
WILMOT TOWNSHIP
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Corner of Waterloo St and Byron St, New Hamburg Weekly Sunday services at 10:15 am. All are welcome. https://www.stgeorgesnewhamburg.com
St James Chapel of Ease 4339 Huron Rd Wilmot Township All are welcome.
Rev Margaret Walker; Office: 519-662-3450 sgacnewhamburg@gmail.com
Annual Anniversary Service
Sunday June 8 at 3:00pm St James Chapel 4339 Huron Rd, Wilmot Township
Come join us to celebrate over 170 years of Anglican Worship in Wilmot.
St Agatha Mennonite Church
1967 Erb's Road St Agatha 519-634-8212
Pastor Jim Brown
Worship service 10am followed by coffee hour and sermon discussion. All are welcome
Double gold for Tavistock U15s
DAVE NAHRGANG Gazette Contributor
The annual Wilmot Spring Classic softball tournament was this past weekend, and the U15 teams from Tavistock came home with gold medals in both the A and B divisions.
The 2010 team finished the round robin with a 3-1 record. After beating Quebec 2 and Wilmot, they met Quebec 1 in the final game. After jumping out to an early 4-0 lead, they never looked back, winning 11-2.
The 2011 team finished in the B pool but found their footing. They defeated Innerkip and Tara on Saturday, earning a spot in the B final on Sunday versus Haldimand. Tavistock trailed 6-2 in the final inning but rallied for a 9-6 victory.
Thanks to Wilmot Softball for another great tournament, and special thanks to the Tavistock Men’s club for their continued support of these teams.
Standing left to right are Jordan Zehr, Peyton Christie, Marshall McKay, Keagen Ceccato, Dylan McCann, Colin Priestap, Jackson MacMillan, Augy Morschauser, Evan Nahrgang, Brady Menich, Ryan Davis and Mackiah Wagler. Kneeling left to right are Liam Chambers, Carson Gilmore, Cullen Buchanan, Noah Leis, Cam Bartlett, Levi Fuhrmann, Bobby Richard, Landon Zehr, Keaton Roes, Lincoln Fuhrmann and Logan Nahrgang.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Wellesley ABC Idol finalists announced
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
The stage is set for the annual “ABC Idol” competition, jointly organized by directors of the Wellesley Township Fall Fair and the Apple Butter and Cheese (ABC) Festival.
This local talent showcase is once again giving young singers a chance to shine and entertain their community.
Open to singers aged 10-18 who live or attend school in Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich or Perth East, the competition drew 20 hopefuls to the open tryouts on May 25. After impressive performances, eight finalists were selected to move on to the semifinals, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23 during the Wellesley Township Fall Fair weekend.
The grand finale is slated for Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Wellesley ABC Festival, where the top three contestants will each sing two songs with musical accompaniment. Judges will award first, second and third prizes of $500, $300 and $200 respectively. A People’s Choice Award worth $125 will also be given out.
Prizes are provided by the festival and fair boards, with additional sponsorship from St. Jacobs Printery and Wellesley Apple Products.
Organizers say it’s not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about putting on a show.
“Judges are looking for excellent singing, but they’re also watching for performers who can connect with the audience, bring energy to the stage and let their personalities shine,” they said.
The eight Idol finalists, pictured from left, are Kassie Lynne (Wallenstein), Nora Parks (Wellesley), Breea Shouldice (Elmira), Morrigan Woolner (Petersburg), Kristine King (Baden), Kayla Weeks (Wellesley), Jadeyn Snider (Milverton) and Eleanor Maggs (Linwood).
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Shakespeare station fires up the grill
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
The Perth East Fire Department’s Shakespeare station held its annual barbecue on Saturday, May 31, as part of Shakespeare’s village-wide yard sale.
The smell of grilled sausage filled the air as community members gathered for a delicious lunch. Firefighter Barb Myers welcomed guests and looked after sales for sausage on a bun and pop. The sausages were locally sourced from The Best Little Pork Shoppe in Shakespeare.
This annual lunch is a team effort, run entirely by volunteer firefighters from the Shakespeare detachment.
“Whoever is available steps up to help, whether it’s grilling, serving, or handling kitchen duties,” Myers said.
The next community event on the station’s calendar is the annual Shakespeare
Firefighter’s Breakfast, which kicks off the 78th annual Field Day. This year’s theme for Field Day is “Stronger Together,” and the Shakespeare firefighters are a perfect example of that spirit in action.
The breakfast will be held at the Shakespeare and District Optimist Hall and will be served buffet style. The menu includes eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and toast. No advance tickets are needed, just stop by the hall between 8 and 10 a.m.
It’s the perfect way to kick off a full day of activities, including the soap box derby, parade, children’s games, axe throwing, live music, the fish fry and fireworks.
So, mark those calendars and come out to enjoy a fun-filled day while supporting the Shakespeare and Community Athletic Association Park and minor sports programs.
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Shakespeare firefighters Kyle Soetemans and Zach Lidner are on kitchen detail.
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
The Metske children from Shakespeare – Jackson (12), Makayla (10) and Aiden (seven) with Wyatt (three) in front – check out the fire and rescue truck.
Firefighter Barb Myers takes food orders from Sarah Tipping and her children, Harrison (five) and Everlee (seven). The Tippings are from New Hamburg.
Summertime fun times, so get outdoors and get active
HEAPS OF HEALTHY TIPS
By Mercedes Kay Gold
Springtime is still in full swing, but are you still hiding out in anticipation of sunnier days?
Don’t delay, my friends. It’s officially June and the first day of summer is just around the corner. Before you know it, hello snow. Summertime should not be spent sedentary. A study published in 2021 recommends that in a 24-hour period, children and youth do not exceed two hours of leisure screen time and advises limiting sitting for extended periods. Adults would do best to not exceed more than eight hours of total screen time, including three hours of leisure screen time. Long periods of sitting should be broken up. Do we need to be reminded?
As a certified personal trainer, I am beyond on board with this and, as a grandma who loves spending time with her mini-love,
even more so. Playtime is best with tons of fresh-air fun and active all the way. It’s time to bring playtime back at any age. Whether you are eight or 80, take a break from the tablet, video games, Tik-Tok and the slew of social-media distractions. Get outside with loved ones. Talk, laugh, run, jump and fall in love with living life.
Exercise is essential at every age and offers physical benefits and mental wellbeing too. It’s never too early or late to start. Fitness-focused activities build strength, flexibility, balance and endurance from toddler to grandparent. Muscle is money in the health bank today and in the future. Exercise-inspired games teach the art of compromise, selfconfidence, celebrating success and being ok with losing. Most of all, time spent with loved ones is
From biking as a family to flying kites and getting tangled up in Twister, staying active this summer can be as simple as heading outside and having fun—no screens required!
the one thing money can’t buy.
Sunny days are synonymous with summer sign-ups and scads of kids playing soccer, baseball and football. Organized activities are amazing for teambuilding. I love family bike rides and canoe trips but backyard-badminton bliss gets the whole family moving and grooving as well. Let’s bring back some oldies but goodies; lawn bowling, horseshoes, corn hole and croquet.
What about a classic playground game to develop gross motor skills, coordination and balance?
Hit the local dollar store for chalk and draw a hopscotch court. Tie a skipping rope to a light post or gather a group and delight in double Dutch. Go fly a kite! Frisbee is fabulously fun and once the humidity hits, water guns are grandiose. Looking for laughs?
Set up lawn chairs, pick some
fun tunes and musical chairs is a hoot. Not every day is picture perfect, and Mother Nature is unreliable. My top pick for over-the-top laughs and magical muscle moving is Twister! Summer is all about enjoying the longer days. Get outside and live your best life. Fuel family fun fitness with healthy snacks and don’t forget to hydrate.
New Hamburg man’s winning streak in community draws
New Hamburg resident Wayne Simpson is on a roll – he’s won a total of $7,104.50 in four local fundraising draws in just a few months.
It all started when Simpson took home $850 in the New Hamburg Firebirds 50/50 playoff draw, followed by a $5,300 win at the local girls’ hockey tournament over Easter weekend. Next, he pocketed $482.50 in the Baden (Wilmot) Fire Brigade’s monthly 50/50 draw where he was recently
pictured receiving the cheque from brigade president Peter Gingerich, and capped it off last Thursday with a $472 win in the Wilmot Rod and Gun Club’s pig roast draw.
When interviewed by the Gazette last week, Simpson, who has been competing in the Ontario Special Olympics for years, shared his excitement. The multi-talented athlete holds 64 medals in events including floor hockey, bowling, track and field, and still holds the record in the 100-metre dash.
But Simpson’s contributions to his community extend far beyond athletics. A
Scout leader in New Hamburg for 25 years, he also volunteers with the Wilmot and Wellesley Resource Centre food bank and has been a member of the New Hamburg Legion Branch 532 for the past 17 years. In 2008, he was awarded both the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Lord Baden Powell Medal.
Simpson also helps seniors in the area through Community Care Concepts and can often be found mowing lawns or shovelling snow for Wilmot’s senior residents. In his spare time, he’s part of the Wilmot
Seniors’ Woodworking Shop in Baden where he crafts wooden puffin birds from Newfoundland. Additionally, he serves as a coordinator at St. George’s Anglican Church and St. James’ Church near Punkeydoodles Corners.
Wayne Simpson, a community winner in every sense of the word.
Editor’s note: After this story was written, the Gazette learned Simpson had won yet another contest – first prize in the New Hamburg Home Hardware draw. He won a $500 barbecue. Congratulations, Wayne!
(VECTEEZY PHOTOS)
Peter Gingerich, president of the Wilmot Fire Brigade in Baden, presents Wayne Simpson with a $482.50 cheque after last month’s 50/50 draw win.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS) Members of the Wilmot Fire Brigade show the cans and bottles collected for fundraising efforts. From left are Lyle Shantz, Tonya Hergott, Doug Ferguson and Peter Gingerich. For pickup of cans and bottles, email: peter.gingerich@rogers.com.
Regensburg: a well-preserved Medieval gem
OH, THE PLACES WE'LL GO
By Paul Knowles
It’s not a challenge to find something old when you are walking around the cities and towns of Europe. The history here goes deep, but it is also frequently on display all around you.
And in a city like Regensburg, Germany, the place is not just old, it’s special – as acknowledged when Regensburg’s Old Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ironically, while the designation honours the city’s Medieval architecture (the Middle Ages lasted a long time, from the fifth century to the 15th), the actual UNESCO recognition is only two decades old – it happened in 2006.
A walking tour of Regensburg (and it is very walkable) will take visitors through many centuries of history and many architectural eras. But perhaps the most striking thing about Regensburg is something that has not changed since before the Romans came here in the first century, the Danube River.
The Danube flows right through the city and at the time of our visit, the mighty river was on full, powerful display. It’s one of the remarkable things about Regensburg and other communities along the Danube that they have withstood the onslaught of the river in flood for many centuries.
You can’t help but be aware of the river during your visit because one of the highlights of any tour is the Old Stone Bridge, an engineering masterpiece constructed between 1135 and 1146. During the second and third crusades, knights crossed this bridge. Today, it is used by tourists and residents alike, but by very few soldiers in chain-link armour.
The ancient bridge is, itself, the subject of some great local stories. One that is certainly true is the project included impressive towers. There is one fewer today because a failed effort to blow up an ice jam on the Danube blew up one of the towers instead. It was never replaced.
A less-certain account involves a competition between the builder of the bridge and the builder of a cathedral, now replaced but under construction at the same time. The
story is the bridge-builder made a deal with the devil to guarantee finishing first; he promised the devil the souls of the first three to cross the bridge when it was completed as long as that happened before the completion of the cathedral. He won and offered up the souls of the first three to cross the bridge, which happened to be a dog and two chickens. There is no report of the devil’s reaction.
Perhaps the most striking ancient building in Regensburg is Dom St. Peter (Regensburg Cathedral). Founded on the site of much earlier churches (dating back to about 700 AD), construction on this magnificent church started after fire destroyed previous churches. Work on the present version began in 1275 and the cathedral was completed in 1320 – sort of. In fact, work continued for centuries with the cathedral’s towers (which measure about 106 meters in height) only finished in 1869. And as any visitor will notice, a view of the cathedral includes serious scaffolding, which has been in place for 20 years and which residents suspect to be permanent. As with almost every European cathedral, expensive, ongoing restoration work is an omnipresent reality.
In total, there are nearly 1,500 listed heritage buildings in Regensburg, dating from the
Roman period on.
As in many heritage cities in Europe, there are interesting examples of art, both ancient and modern, throughout the city. One very striking example is the mural on The Goliath House, a 16thcentury work depicting David’s defeat of the giant. The house itself is several centuries older.
I was also struck by a backalley mural portraying artist Pablo Picasso, there for no apparent reason but a really well-executed painting (except for the random branch of ivy that appears to be running up his nose).
There is more to do in Regensburg that wandering around looking at buildings – although that can take quite a while. The city is home to Germany’s oldest bratwurst restaurant, the Alte Würstküche (Old Sausadge Kitchen), and a number of breweries. Personally, I enjoyed a Gluck’s Pilz at Jolie’s Café.
Not enjoyable, but more essential, is the part of any tour of Regensburg that involves the history of the Jewish residents of the city. As is frequently the case, this is a story of persecution, betrayal and eventual genocide. In the late Medieval period, Jews were protected in Regensburg, but when a recession hit in 1500, the Christian leaders realized they could solve their financial problems by driving the Jews – to whom they owed money – out of the city.
By the 20th century, the Jewish population had recovered but, in 1938, the Nazis destroyed the synagogue and several Jewishowned homes and stores. During World War II, hundreds of Jews were deported, many to their death at the Dachau concentration camp.
Today, a newly created architectural/artistic work
commemorates the location of the synagogue and honours the memories of the Jews who died in the persecutions over the centuries.
It’s a sobering stop on a fascinating tour of one of Germany’s best-preserved
Medieval cities.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and president of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.
A typical, historic street in Regensburg, with the modern touch of a helicopter flying overhead.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
Regensburg is located at the northern-most point of the Danube River.
This photo was taken when the Danube was in flood – a continual challenge to riverfront towns.
Dom St. Peter has been fronted by scaffolding for at least 20 years.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PROPOSED SHARED TOWER INC.
TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER 3524 NAFZIGER ROAD, WELLESLEY ON
SUBJECT:
• Type: 40 m monopole style tower
• Location: 3524 Nafziger Road, Wellesley ON (coordinates: 43.469442, -80.766451)
• Legal Description: PT LT 18 BLK B CON 4 WILMOT; PT RDAL BTN LT 18 & 19 CON 4 BLK B WILMOT AS CLOSED BY UNREGISTERED BYLAW # 82, PT 1-4, 58R11085; S/T 1394160; WILMOT.
• Facility: The facility will comprise of a 10 m by 10 m fenced compound
• Site: The 40 m structure will accommodate initial and future loading for all cellular service providers, and additional fixed wireless equipment as required.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISEDC)is the governing body for installations of this type of telecommunication installation and can be contacted at: ISEDC – Southwestern Ontario District Office 4475 North Service Road, Suite 100 Burlington, ON L7L 4X7
Telephone: 1-855-465-6307
Email: ic.spectrumswodo-spectrebdsoo.ic@canada.ca
ANY PERSON may make a written submission to the individuals listed below no later than 5pm (ET) on July 4th, 2025. Please reference our file number, STC0467, in your correspondence.
Further information may also be obtained through the following contacts:
APPLICANT CONTACT
MUNICIPAL CONTACT
Cheyenne Zierler Township of Wilmot Shared Tower Inc. Development Services 1300 Cornwall Rd. Unit 101 60 Snyder's Road West Oakville ON, L6J 7W5 Baden, Ontario N3A 1A1 czierler@sharedtower.ca planning@wilmot.ca
AVIS PUBLIC PYLÔNE DE TÉLÉCOMMUNICATION PROPOSÉE DE SHARED TOWER INC.
3524, RUE NAFZIGER, WELLESLEY ON
OBJET:
• Type : Pylône unipolaire de 40 mètres
• Emplacement: 3524, rue Nafziger, Wellesley, ON (coordonnées: 43.469442, -80.766451)
• Description légale: PT LT 18 BLK B CON 4 WILMOT; PT RDAL BTN LT 18 & 19 CON 4 BLK B WILMOT AS CLOSED BY UNREGISTERED BYLAW # 82, PT 1-4, 58R11085; S/T 1394160; WILMOT.
• Établissement : L'installation comprendra un complexe clôturé de 10 m sur 10 m.
• Site : La structure de 40 mètres permettra de prendre en charge les charges initiales et futures de tous les fournisseurs de services cellulaires, ainsi que l'équipement sans fil fixe supplémentaire selon les besoins.
Innovation, science et développement économique Canada (ISEDC) est l'organisme directeur pour les installations de ce type et peut être contacté à l'adresse suivante : Bureau de l’ISED : Bureau de district du Sud-Ouest de l'Ontario 4475, chemin de service Nord, bureau 100, Burlington, ON L7L 4X7 Tél. : 1-855-465-6307
Courriel : ic.spectrumswodo-spectrebdsoo.ic@canada.ca
TOUTE PERSONNE peut soumettre des commentaires écrits à la personne listée ci-dessous au plus tard à 17h (HE) le 4 juillet 2025. Veuillez mentionner notre numéro de dossier, STC0467, dans votre correspondance.
Des informations complémentaires peuvent également être obtenues auprès du contact suivant: CONTACT DE LA DEMANDE CONTACT MUNICIPAL: Cheyenne Zierler Township of Wilmot Shared Tower Inc. Development Services 1300 Cornwall Rd. Unit 101 60 rue Snyder's Ouest Oakville ON, L6J 7W5 Baden, Ontario N3A 1A1 czierler@sharedtower.ca planning@wilmot.ca
SITE LOCATION MAP/ CARTE DE L’EMPLACEMENT DU SITE
MCC Relief Sale draws thousands to New Hamburg
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
The annual Mennonite Relief Sale once again drew thousands of visitors to New Hamburg and Waterloo Region, turning the small southwestern Ontario town into a bustling hub of activity.
Lineups stretched for hours as visitors waited for traditional Mennonite baking and the always popular French fries served up by Baden’s Shantz Mennonite Church. In addition to the quilts – on display and up for auction – and freshly made baked goods like pies and pastries, the event also featured local vendors and community groups from across the region.
Despite the large crowds, traffic and parking were well organized, earning praise for the volunteers and relief sale members who kept everything running smoothly.
On Saturday, a lively work-play live
auction took place near the racetrack, with local auctioneers Robert Beer and Greg Gerber briskly moving through 95 donated items. Up for grabs were gift cards from local businesses, campfire grills, pickleball passes, flying lessons and even professional sports tickets.
The auction’s final items were a highlight: an antique Massey Ferguson 35 diesel tractor, completely refurbished by the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) and two lawn tractors. The Massey Ferguson fetched $10,250 from a buyer in Pembroke, while the John Deere lawnmower sold for $1,300 and the Wheel Horse lawnmower with trailer brought in $450.
All funds raised during the Friday evening and Saturday auction sales support the ongoing work of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), which provides aid to communities in need both locally and around the world.
The cool and sometimes windy weather didn’t stop the thousands who visited the MCC Relief Sale on Friday evening and throughout Saturday. The tractors auctioned off raised $11,000 for MCC.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Retired farmers from the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) took a moment for a photo during the sale. From left are Laverne Gingrich, Ralph Swartzentruber and Murray Gingerich.
VINTAGE VIEWS Vintage Views: How to keep meat in the heat
By Tim Mosher Tavistock and District Historical Society
The generations who came before us were a clever bunch. Without refrigeration, they could keep food and drink of every description cooled and safe. The Vance Meat Market on Woodstock Street North (today where Tavistock Dental is located) was no exception.
David Vance operated his butcher shop here from 1891-1904. After it burned to the ground in 1908, it was rebuilt as a larger, two-storey brick structure that had a variety of businesses in it until it, too, burned in 1985. Mr. Vance advertised his shop as the “City Meat Market” in the Tavistock Gazette, supplying meats and abattoir services to the Berlin (Kitchener) market. As well, he was asking to purchase skins and hides, presumably to make leather products. Next door to his shop on the right was Yost’s Carriage Works where they would have needed leather harnesses and straps. Note the carriage wheels leaning against Vance’s shop wall on the right.
There’s no record of who took this picture, but it was likely one of the five itinerant photographers who worked in Tavistock before John Lemp set up his popular studio in 1908. The precise date of when it was taken wasn’t recorded, or who the five people are in the photo. It’s likely that Vance is standing in the doorway for this posed shot.
This is a good example of a find in the collection of personal effects of an elderly widow of Tavistock, Emma Vollmerhausen, who passed away and her estate was being cleared. This picture was at risk of being thrown out with many other papers but I kept it and, decades later, donated it to the Tavistock and District Historical Society. It has been slightly cleaned up using digital technology. If you find or have pictures of local life, whether business, personal, church, school, sports, farming or other-
wise, please consider donating them to your local history group. Often times, they can be unique, so if they’re thrown out or deleted, it’ll be a permanent loss of the record of local history.
It’s interesting to see the sausage rings, goose and meats hanging in the window, the style of delivery wagon with “D. Vance” printed on its back end, the large carriage step, the two almost hidden boys on the left and the curious canine likely sniffing a tasty treat just behind him. The house on the north side is still there, though the board-and-batten walls and late Victorian gingerbread trim are long gone.
The most interesting detail is the dark sign with white lettering on the left edge of the shop. It says, “Fresh Oysters For Sale Here.” Oysters in small-town southern Ontario 120-years-ago? Even today, they would be a rare sight in local shops. Seafood spoils quickly, especially if it’s not refrigerated, so it makes you wonder how they kept these shellfish fresh, probably coming all the way from Atlantic Canada. This prompted the History Mystery question this week.
This week’s History Mystery: How did businesses and homeowners keep food and drink cold during hot weather, long before electric refrigeration became popular? The answer is a method that usually had a temperature lower than simply putting comestibles in a cool basement, or by draping a wet cloth over them and allowing evaporation to provide gentle cooling. This question is open to anyone under the age of 22. Send your answer, first and last name, your age and the name of your community or rural route number to tim_mosher@hotmail.com. The first person to answer this correctly will have this information published in the next edition.
The answer to last week’s History Mystery: The photo was a posed staff picture of 21 employees of the Tavistock Milling Company and the question was, “What article of clothing of at least three people was made of cardboard?” The question was open to all ages and answered correctly first by Connie Hitzeroth of Tavistock: the shirt collars.
Apologies to the History Mystery winner two editions ago for misspelling her name. Instead of “Connie Roth” it should have been Connie Hitzeroth.
The quality of photos advanced quickly from its invention in France in 1822. By the time this photo was taken about 75 years later, the detail, sharpness, tonal range, camera and darkroom techniques produced untold numbers of high-quality pictures valued today as a record of how our ancestors lived.
(PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN; LEMP STUDIO COLLECTION #5016)
Francis Furniture building welcomes four new businesses
The iconic Francis Furniture building in Tavistock, a landmark since 1936, has a new lease on life.
Four new businesses have moved into the Woodstock Street North building, breathing fresh energy into the historic site that served the community for decades.
This Saturday, June 7, the new business owners are inviting everyone to an open house and charity barbecue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents are encouraged to drop by, meet the owners and learn more about the exciting changes underway.
Crescent Ridge Services
Based in Tavistock, Crescent Ridge Services has been a trusted name in electrical contracting for more than three decades. They specialize in agricultural and residential projects with a focus on delivering reliable, efficient solutions across Ontario. With the introduction of Ontario’s Green Energy Act, the company expanded into solar PV and EV charging station installations. Their goal is to provide high-quality, knowledgeable electrical service that stands the test of time.
Built Fitness
Built Fitness, owned by Jason and Nikki Glofcheski, is a family-run gym that’s been part of Tavistock for nearly 18 years. With help from their three children, the Glofcheskis have created
a welcoming space for every fitness level. Members enjoy 24/7 access, a functional training area, cardio equipment and a wide range of strength-training gear. Personal training and supplements are also available. The owners look forward to meeting everyone at the open house.
Breaking Elements Dance Company
Breaking Elements Dance Company believes dance is for everyone, from toddlers to adults rediscovering a passion. Their studio offers a wide variety of programs designed to help dancers grow with confidence, creativity and technique. This summer, they’re hosting dance camps with classes in different styles, outdoor activities, themed games and dance-based obstacle courses. The studio aims to inspire dancers of all ages and abilities.
Stonecrest Engineering Inc.
Founded in 1995 by engineer Wayne Blenkhorn, Stonecrest Engineering is a leading firm specializing in agricultural facility design and planning across Canada, the U.S. and beyond. Under the leadership of partners Nick Hendry and Brian Van Den Heuvel, the company has expanded its services to include commercial, residential and biogas sectors. With a focus on collaboration, quality and environmentally sound solutions, Stonecrest has earned a reputation as a trusted name in engineering.
The new owners of the Francis Furniture building on Woodstock Street North, from left, are Brian Van Den Heuvel, Nick Hendry, Ryan Parton and Kenyan Gunn. They invite residents to their open house and charity barbecue this Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to see the building’s new transformation.
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
(TARA MCINTOSH PHOTO)
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Food Truck Night
4:30-7:30 p.m.
North Easthope Public School is hosting the event at the school. All profits go to the fundraising for the new school playground. North Easthope Public School 4672 Road 108, Stratford
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Open House and Charity BBQ
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The new companies in the Francis Furniture building at 66 Woodstock St., N – Stonecrest Engineering Inc., Crescent Ridge Services, Built Gym, and Breaking Elements Dance Co. – in Tavistock, are hosting the event. Everyone welcome.
66 Woodstock St., N
MONDAY, JUNE 9
Food Trucks at Grace United Church. Tavistock
4:30 - 7:30
Born2Eat, Crystal’s Fries, Fo’ Cheezy, Moreish Ice Cream. Proceeds go to TAP - Tavistock Assistance Program
Garden tour with Garden Wilmot
6:30 pm
Join us for a self-guided tour of the exceptional property and gardens of SpruceHaven Farm, 2005 Notre Dame Drive, St. Agatha. A fine example of restoration and conservation, we are fortunate to be able to visit this local gem. Free event.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
Chicken BBQ and Pie Auction Fundraiser
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp is hosting its 58th Annual Chicken BBQ and Pie Auction. Enjoy a delicious meal and bid on one of 60 pies. All proceeds support our summer camp programs. Visit www.hiddenacres.ca for more information and tickets.
Wellesley Council meeting
6:45 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 CON’T
Wednesday Walk in Wilmot Wonderful Wood
Join us to explore the flora and fauna on this level trail, much of it on boardwalk over wet areas. Details/register at letstreewilmot. ca/ events
Walker Woods Trail, New Hamburg
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Scotiabank and Tavistock Community Health Inc. is hosting a charity barbeque 11:00 a.m.
Burgers, hotdogs, chips and drink. In support of the medical clinic Alley between the Scotiabank and the IDA pharmacy in Tavistock
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Wilmot-Heritage Fire Brigade Open House and BBQ
Games for the kids and the whole family all day, along with an 8 AM breakfast put on by the Petersburg Optimist Club. Bell Street in Baden, behind the fire hall
“Breakfast on the Farm”
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Farm and Food Care Ontario is inviting all area residents to come Hoenhorst Dairy Farm near Innerkip
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
Hickson Lions Club’s 10th Annual Brunch in the Park
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ONLY 200 TICKETS AVAILABLE
Call Valerie 519-462-2786 or Heather 519-4622048 or contact any Lions Member Hickson Lions Park
MONDAY, JUNE 16
Food Trucks at Grace United Church. Tavistock
4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Frying Dutchman, SWAT, El Milagro, Moreish Ice Cream. Proceeds go to Camp Bimini
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 CON’T
East Zorra-Tavistock Council meeting
7:00 p.m.
Council chambers
89 Loveys Street East, Hickson
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
Fundraising Golf Tournament
Tavistock Community Health Inc. is hosting a fundraising golf tournament. All the money goes to the renovations at the Tavistock medical health building in Tavistock. Information is available at: info@tchi.ca River Valley golf club 4725 1 Line, St. Marys
The Optimist Club of Tavistock Annual Steak Stag
From 6:30 to 8:30 (rain or shine). Tickets are available from any Optimist member in Tavistock. In the Optimist Pavillion.
MONDAY, JUNE 23
Food Trucks at Grace United Church. Tavistock
4:30 - 7:30
Serial Griller, Pablas Street of India, Ish n chips, Beavertails. Proceeds go to Grace United Church
Wilmot Council meeting
7-11 p.m.
Council chambers
60 Snyder’s Road West Baden
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
Community Dining for Seniors in Wilmot and Wellesley Townships
12:00 p.m.
Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Please register byJune 20 by calling 519-664-1900 or toll Free: 1-855-664-1900.
Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line, Linwood
Wednesday Walk in Wilmot Wonderful Woods
TUESDAY, JULY 1
Wilmot Canada Day
Indigenous Sunrise Ceremony starts at 7:00 a.m. Canada Day events at 1 p.m. with Opening Ceremonies
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Pic-nic In the Park For Seniors Activities Tavistock Entertainment : Dianne & Gary The Cavaliers, with Johnnie Givens on fiddle. Lunch : 12:00 to 1 pm from Tavi Chill Music & Dancing : 1.30 to 3.30 pm Bring lawn chair.
Call Don Junker details and tickets (519) 535-7072
Queens Park Pavilion 1 Adam St, Tavistock
FREE SENIORS ACTIVITIES
Tavistock Seniors Activities
Pickleball Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon, 12-4. Contact: Don Junker 519-535-7052
Cards Monday , Wednesday afternoon 1-4, euchre, crib (bring board), etc. Just drop in to play, good to bring someone . Contact: Bob Routly 519-301-2118
Shuffleboard @ arena, Wednesday 12:30-4
CLASSIFIED ADS —
CONDO FOR RENT
Available July 1
$1950/ month plus utilities.
This unit features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Open concept ground floor unit. Perfect for retirement living! In-suit laundry 1 parking space
Garbage collection, snow and lawn maintenance included.
This unit is pet free and non- smoking.
Book a showing call or text Byron 519-272-6600
FOR SALE
Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm
Martin’s Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Oh Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us; St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us; St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day, by the eighth day this prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. S.F.
WANTED
$ Cash Paid $ for your RECORDS and LPs. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk, Soundtracks, and more. Selectively buying CDs, Cassettes, Turntables, and Stereo Equipment. For more information: DIAMOND DOGS MUSIC 114 Ontario St. Stratford/ 226-972-5750
WANTED
I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi, any pop company, Brewery items Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, Wristwatches and pocket watches, Old fruit jars, Beaver Star Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signs Red Indian Supertest etc Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me - 519-570-6920.
GARAGE Sales
COMMUNITY YARD SALE
June 7, 2025: 8:00 - 1:00 pm
plants, housewares, books, fabric, etc.
Chrystal’s Fries Food Truck from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Grace United Church Tavistock
BREAKFAST ON THE FARM
Date: June 14, 2025
Location: Hoenhorst Dairy Farm, Innerkip (parking is off-site and free shuttles will take guests to the farm)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5 for adults, children free
Get up close with farm animals, see extensive tractor and farm equipment displays, explore interactive games and exhibits about where your food comes from and meet with local farmers and food producers. Full details and tickets at FarmFoodCareON.org
