It will take some time, but staff at the Region of Waterloo will bring a report back to council on what a well-interference committee could look like.
Well interference is the term used when private wells of people living in rural
areas dry up or become disrupted because of actions taken by others, and is the accusation being made by 31 households in Wilmot Township in recent months.
Mayor Natasha Salonen brought the motion forward, and it was passed unanimously. She said despite all of the talk at staff and council levels, the region really isn’t any closer to finding a solution to its
water woes.
“A lot of actions, words and meetings have happened, but apart from materially taking the extra water from Wilmot, nothing else has advanced the water capacity problem at this point,” she said.
When it comes to the well-interference complaints by Wilmot residents, Salonen
es to myself about it. I would say a lot of residents, assuming they are informed, are okay with where it is going.”
She added there is room for improvement, taking into consideration the desires and hopes of the community and the expectations and pressures from the provincial government.
“At the end of the day, they are the ones who approve how we are growing and approve our official plan. I think it’s a fine balance of multiple interest groups’ ideas along with what’s best planning practice and what’s falling in
Tony Zurell shared this fantastic photo of a heron wading through the water and hunting for food at the New Hamburg dam to the Show Us Your Wilmot Facebook page on May 22. He also included an incredible video of the bird catching a fish.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SHOW US YOUR WILMOT FACEBOOK PAGE)
Wilmot residents finally get a water win
said it needs to be looked at closely.
“Not to say all of them are necessarily due to regional pumping, however, there is more than enough correlation that we need to thoroughly explore what’s happening and make sure residents have access to water.”
Each of the 31 affected households is currently required to utilize the current interference process, something Salonen said doesn’t appear to be consistently enforced.
“If you have an issue you believe is caused by regional pumping, you reach out to the region, file your complaint and they send out somebody to investigate your well. I’ll be honest as to what that looks like. I am hearing dramatically different stories of what it actually entails.”
If the region decides there was interference, a maximum of $4,000 is paid to the property owner, but a waiver must be signed saying there will be no further action taken. An appeal process is available, which is delivered by staff only.
“My motion requested staff to bring back a new appeal process and explore a new well-interference committee to give residents the opportunity, if they aren’t satisfied with the first answer given to them, they have a third-party with external expertise who can weigh in on the appeal process.”
Residents are required to prove incidents of interference are caused by the region,
something Salonen explained is very difficult to prove.
“I would love to see a shift to the region, so they need to prove they weren’t the cause.”
A frustrated Salonen said a report is expected back during an August meeting of regional council after staff initially requested an October deadline.
“We’re talking about some residents who right now are making choices between doing laundry and having a shower. That’s a problem, and if it's due to the
region’s pumping, that’s an even bigger problem. We know the region has already stated Wilmot is where they are going to be seeking new sources of water.”
She added if that is the direction the region decides to pursue, there is a duty to take care of the people whose water is being taken away.
“If we are having any negative impacts on residents, we need to make them whole and ensure they have reliable access to safe water.”
Samantha Lernout from the group,
Citizens for Safe Groundwater, presented to council to support Salonen’s motion and began her delegation with a question and brought two jars of cloudy water with her.
“Does a rural resident in Wilmot have the same right to clean, secure drinking water as someone in an urban centre? This is water that came out of my water heater after a slug of orange and black coffee filters came through after a 15-minute total loss of water.”
She added she and her fellow township residents are facing a real and escalating crisis.
“Residents are reporting wells going dry for days or weeks; pressure drops and sediment-filled water; seniors hauling water into their homes; family gatherings cancelled or planned at motels due to a lack of water; geothermal heating failing in the dead of winter; residents limited to water for dishes and flushing toilets. This is not theoretical. It is happening now,” Salonen said.
During the discussion on her motion at last week’s meeting, Salonen said at the end of the day, the issue comes down to transparency and trust.
“Residents need confidence that groundwater concerns are being reviewed through a process that is evidence-based, transparent and arm’s length.”
Lernout encourages anyone experiencing issues to report potential well interference immediately to the Region of Waterloo’s 24-hour hotline at 519-575-4400.
Wilmot mayor proposes hospital tax for regional residents Proposal expects
region to find savings elsewhere to offset the cost
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
“You can pay me now, or you can pay me later.”
That’s the old Fram Filters advertising slogan and it is the approach of Wilmot Township mayor Natasha Salonen when it comes to Waterloo Region taxpayers paying their share of a future hospital in north Waterloo.
Waterloo Regional Health Network is planning a massive new hospital campus on lands owned by the University of Waterloo. The project is intended to replace aging infrastructure and serve one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions. It is expected to open around 2035.
For major hospital projects, the province typically covers 100 per cent of planning and design costs, and about 90 per cent of eligible construction costs. Waterloo Region officials have said municipalities and the community may need to cover roughly 25-30 per cent of the costs not funded by the province, including equipment, furnishings and other ineligible
expenses.
Salonen said her motion for a 0.5 percent yearly tax levy at the regional level, if approved, will be less of a burden for ratepayers.
“Our taxpayers only have so much money, and we know that every level of government draws taxes from our residents. My concern is we have so many other bigscale projects across the region at different levels of government, and they directly impact the purses of our taxpayers.”
The region has no idea what the bill from the province will be for the new facility, but the mayor said they need to prepare to avoid what could be a massive bill down the road.
“We know it's coming and we know it's going to be significant. I don't genuinely believe that we can afford everything that we are striving to do at this exact moment in time, and for me, I would say the acute care and hospital upgrades and new hospital are pretty important, as we know that access to healthcare is a huge driving factor in both life and health outcomes.”
She added the health and wellbeing of a community is an economic driving force and should be a priority for investment.
“If we start collecting now, we can invest that money in a safe portfolio. That interest can also build up towards what we're going to owe in the end. My idea is to get it going now, get it on the books and be able to weigh it against all of the other projects and aspirations that we have at different levels of government in the region.”
Salonen is also hoping big donors will step up for the cause and added the 0.5 percent proposal won’t scratch the surface of what the final bill will be.
“My estimate is not even scratching close to the surface … based on what other municipalities have paid for similar projects. It's not even close to what those local share amounts are when we're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars. So again, I'm just asking to get it on the list, start weighing some of these other projects, and perhaps putting off some since we know this is coming.”
Salonen made it very clear she does not
want the tax to be over and above what residents are paying for the regional portion of their taxes. She is confident savings can be found elsewhere to offset it.
“My expectation is we are going to find that money elsewhere in our budget because we don't have the ability in the tax room to just keep on taxing residents. I guess we're in the same boat as every other municipality across Ontario, that we have an infrastructure-deficit gap. These are the things that keep me up at night.”
She explained she first brought the motion to council during the 2026 budget deliberations, but it was deferred. She admitted bringing it back mid-year isn’t ideal but something she felt needed to be addressed.
“Staff are expected to find that tax room. And I want to be very clear, I'm not anti-staff in this. We all collectively need to be working to make something that's getting services our residents need and plans for the future. We need to work collectively on a solution that is still something residents are able to actually pay.”
Samantha Lernout from Citizens for Safe Ground Water presented to Region of Waterloo councillors last week to support Wilmot mayor Natasha Salonen’s motion to reinstate a well-interference committee.
(REGION OF WATERLOO YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT)
Wilmot Township unveils draft official plan
line with things like the provincial policy statement and where the province is taking legislation on how to do official plans.”
Salonen explained some municipalities’ plans are hundreds of pages long, something the province would like to see condensed into smaller documents and added Wilmot’s new plan needs to keep the township’s community as it continues to grow.
“We have a need for jobs. We have a need for people to be providing healthcare services. We have a need for our long-term care home which is expanding and we need people to come in and fill these roles and jobs because we have an aging population in Wilmot. We also have a younger population who needs teachers and we need somewhere affordable for them to live in our community.”
She added the township’s master and strategic plans also play a role in keeping the sense of community for people who live in Wilmot.
Coun. Kris Wilkinson said the township needs a solid plan as it’s one of the most important documents council will deal with for decades.
“There are parts of the plan that I support, but there are also areas where I think we need to slow down, listen carefully to residents and potentially make changes before anything is finalized.”
He added he would like to see lower overall density targets and a stronger focus on directing density toward main roads, strategic growth areas and places where
infrastructure can realistically support it.
“I also think future neighbourhoods should continue to include a strong mix of detached and semi-detached homes, rather than shifting too aggressively toward higher-density housing across the board.
I’ve also heard significant concerns from residents about traffic, parking, congestion and whether infrastructure is keeping pace with growth. Those concerns are valid and deserve serious consideration as this process moves forward.”
Wilkinson said council shouldn’t rush to approve the plan as it will influence planning decisions for a generation.
“We were able to successfully extend the timeline by roughly a month, and I believe that was the right decision. Residents need time to review the document, understand what it means for their communities and provide meaningful feedback.”
He said at the end of the day, growth should be responsible, financially sustainable, infrastructure-led and reflective of the character and priorities of Wilmot’s communities.
The township’s project team will review and incorporate feedback received from council and residents, then revise the policies and mapping. A final version of the plan will be brought forward to council for adoption in June. Once adopted by council, the official plan will be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for final approval.
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Deputy mayor Brad Smith seeking re-election to EZT council
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) deputy mayor Brad Smith is running for a second term in the position and said he has more to give and more to learn from the opportunity to represent the township’s constituents.
“I hope I am a voice of common sense and reason.”
He added he has learned something new almost every day during his first term.
“From what we as representatives are allowed to do, and equally what we cannot control. I use the example of policing to people who ask. We do not negotiate the cost of policing with the province. It is passed down to the municipality.”
He added the calculation is based on population, settlement areas and kilometres of roads serviced.
“The only decision we really have a say in is whether we want or do not want the enhanced officer, which is an added service to the township. I feel it is working well for us.”
Smith, a first-time politician, explained he has become more aware of how municipal government works.
“It is a learning curve. I better understand ratepayer concerns and how to act accordingly. I understand that no one, including myself, wants to see their taxes rise, but still expects the same or better level of service. We in the municipality
must maintain a certain level of service mandated by higher levels of government, and that comes with a cost. Sometimes this does not line up with the personal needs of our public.”
As for what has been accomplished in the township during the current term, he pointed to the completion and implementation of EZT’s strategic plan.
“This council voted unanimously to declare the township an unwilling host to a proposed wind farm. It was the most highly attended meeting of the term and the presentations and voices of the people spoke loud and clear that it was not viewed favourably. We, as council, listened to the people. I personally am not opposed to alternate forms of power, but not on the best farmland in all of Ontario and certainly not with what the cost to the province is annually on wind farms that were established in and around 2015.”
Smith said council has adopted prudent budgets and is keeping its reserves at a reasonable level while providing required services.
“We have been able to fully fund internally any purchases that have been needed. We, as well as councils of the past, have set the municipality on a fiscally responsible path and have posted a surplus every year of this term.”
He added township staff are a great asset that provides council with the information
needed to make educated decisions.
“Our five-year capital plan and our soonto-be-completed facility audit will also be used wisely for future planning. The new fire hall in Hickson will start to take shape in late 2026 on land purchased, which houses our new sand and salt shed and equipment storage.”
Smith said the biggest issue following the election will be the expected push from the City of Woodstock to annex EZT land.
“Woodstock approached us early in this past term, and this council insisted that we would not open discussion until our own settlement area boundary adjustment (SABA) was completed. While we hoped it would have been adopted by now, changes made by the province in 2025 added time and more preparation to the equation. Late 2026, early 2027, we should see this happen.”
He explained the SABA will allow controlled growth in residential and industrial areas of the township.
“Growth is inevitable, and towns and villages must grow to sustain their existence. Controlled growth is what is needed.”
Smith also floated the idea of providing greater support for community groups.
“I would like to see a community grant program initiated by the next council. The idea works in other municipalities, and I would like to see it explored here as well. Small support by the township encourages
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groups, and it has been shown to bring ideas and support to the communities many times over.”
EZT’s former grant program was disbanded in 2020.
“Going forward, it has been my honour to represent East Zorra-Tavistock and its residents for the past four years. I hope to receive the privilege again,” Smith said.
SHOW US YOUR WILMOT
East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) deputy mayor Brad Smith
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) (PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SHOW US YOUR WILMOT FACEBOOK PAGE)
Life's for the birds! Jennie Burns shared these wonderful bird photos she took to the Show Us Your Wilmot Facebook page after a Sunday afternoon stroll on May 24.
Wellesley resident Chris Martin announces mayoral campaign
Community member Chris Martin has announced his campaign for mayor of Wellesley Township in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 26.
Martin brings a strong mix of business experience, community involvement and volunteer leadership to the campaign.
“Good leadership starts with listening,” said Martin. “I believe the best decisions come from working together, finding common ground while keeping the community’s best interests at heart.”
Martin has lived in Wellesley for nearly 30 years and says his campaign is focused on “new leadership and a fresh look” while protecting the strong community values that make Wellesley special.
“I think our township is ready for new leadership and a fresh look, and I think I can offer that,” he said.
Over the years, Martin has been active in many local organizations, including serving as president of the Twin Centre Hurricanes, as a hockey referee, with Big Brothers and as chair of the Something 4 Everyone capital campaign, which raised $4.3 million for the Wellesley Township Recreation Centre.
“I strongly believe in community service,” he said. “My parents were very involved in their community, so I believe that’s where I got that from. I grew up in Elmira and I always believe it’s important to do your part to make where you live a better place.”
He has also served as a board member with the Woolwich and Wellesley Community Health Centre, chaired the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario and currently sits on the Wellesley Township Fall Fair Board, Waterloo
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Martin says building and running a successful business has taught him the importance of responsible spending, long-term planning and making thoughtful decisions
– all qualities he believes are essential in leading a growing township.
“I think the skillset I’ve acquired as an entrepreneur and business owner is invaluable with regards to being a mayor,” he said. “Strategic planning and thinking about fiscal responsibilities is important. I also believe that consensus is important. So that means reaching out to others, having discussions, listening well and putting in the hard work.”
Martin and his wife, Michelle, moved to Wellesley in 1997 and raised two daughters and a son, all now in their 20s and pursuing their own education and careers.
“This township has been an amazing place to raise our family,” said Martin. “I care deeply about our community and want to help make sure today’s families and future generations continue to have the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed.”
Throughout the campaign, Martin says he looks forward to connecting with residents and hearing their ideas and concerns about the future of Wellesley Township.
Martin also served as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve as a naval warfare officer. In 2002, he started Ready Pine, located in Waterloo, which manufactures interior wall and ceiling décor sold throughout Canada and the U.S. Martin was awarded Wellesley Township Citizen of the Year in 2022.
To learn more, visit www.chris4mayor. ca.
Chris Martin has announced his campaign for mayor of Wellesley Township in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 26.
AMANDA NELSON Gazette Reporter
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Wilmot council approves procedural bylaw changes aimed at improving meeting efficiency and transparency
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
Wilmot council has approved a series of updates to the township’s procedural bylaw that will change how council meetings are scheduled, how agendas are published and how residents can participate in meetings moving forward.
At its May 25 regular meeting, council approved amendments to the township’s procedural bylaw following a review of the current meeting structure introduced in January 2025. Among the most notable changes are moving all regular council meetings to a consistent 6 p.m. start time and requiring agendas to be published six calendar days before meetings, a compromise reached following discussion at the May 4 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
“In response to that feedback, staff are recommending a six-calendar-day publication timeline as a balanced approach between responsiveness and additional public review opportunity,” township clerk Amelia Jaggard said. “Staff recognize that previous inconsistencies in agenda publication contributed to concerns regarding shorter notice periods. Staff are committed to ensuring that agendas are published in full and on time in accordance with the procedural bylaw. These proposed amendments are intended to establish more
predictable and stable framework while maintaining council’s ability to defer matters or seek additional information where appropriate.
“Staff are also recommending that for clarity and consistency, the remaining regular council meetings for 2026, beginning with the regular July meeting, begin at 6 p.m.”
Coun. Kris Wilkinson, the only councillor to vote against the procedural-bylaw changes, noted he would have preferred a longer agenda-publication timeline of 10 calendar days instead of six to give residents more time to review reports. He also suggested the 6 p.m. start time for meetings as of July could be challenging for some members of the public who might otherwise attend.
“No time is really the ideal time for meetings for people,” Mayor Natasha Salonen said, “but … doing this for the rest of the calendar year gives the next council the opportunity, as well. It doesn’t hinder them from working with staff if the 6 p.m. (start time) doesn’t work for them.”
Coun. Steven Martin agreed with Salonen’s point but added that if residents can make it to their kids’ sports games by 6 p.m. on weeknights, then they should be able to make it to council meetings.
Coun. Stewart Cressman, on the other hand, raised doubts about whether there
would be an opportunity this year to truly test the change in meeting time and other procedural changes given the upcoming election and the potential for council to enter into a “lame-duck” period when no significant new decisions can be made by the current council.
The approved amendments will also see the township return to holding two regular council meetings each month on the second and fourth Mondays, eliminating the current committee-of-the-whole structure introduced last year.
According to staff, the current two-step process requiring committee-of-the-whole recommendations to later be ratified by council created delays for routine matters and contributed to an increase in special council meetings needed to address time-sensitive issues.
Staff noted the township held 12 special council meetings in 2025 outside of budget discussions, many of which were needed because matters could not wait for the full committee and council approval cycle.
The township also issued 25 revised agendas in 2025, not including budget meetings, with revised agendas continuing into 2026. Staff argued the frequent revisions reduced predictability for residents and undermined the intent of publishing agendas earlier.
The changes will also affect residents
who wish to delegate before council.
Under the updated rules, requests for general-interest delegations and presentation materials must now be submitted seven calendar days before a meeting, while delegations speaking to specific agenda items can still register up until 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
Staff said the changes are intended to improve public accessibility while ensuring council, staff and residents all have access to the same information in advance of meetings.
Council also approved removing provisions allowing routine late additions to agendas after publication, something staff said had become too common under the current structure. Urgent matters can still be added in exceptional circumstances with council approval or addressed through special meetings if necessary.
According to the staff report, the procedural changes are intended to create a more predictable and efficient framework for council decision-making while improving transparency and public trust in township processes.
The amendments are scheduled to take effect June 15 after council approves an amended bylaw at their next regular meeting.
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Wilmot council reviews potential ‘lame-duck’ restrictions ahead of municipal election
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
Wilmot council received an informational report May 25 outlining the possibility the township could enter a restricted-acts, or “lame duck,” period ahead of or immediately following this year’s municipal election.
Presented by township clerk Amelia Jaggard, the report explained the restrictions imposed under Ontario’s Municipal Act when it becomes apparent fewer than three-quarters of the current council members will return for the next term of office. Under the legislation, a municipality enters a restricted-acts period if enough incumbent councillors either choose not to run again or are defeated during the election process, creating what is commonly referred to as a “lame-duck” council.
“In Wilmot’s case, that means fewer than five members of council returning,” Jaggard said. “If triggered, council remains in power to continue governing and
conducting regular municipal business, however, the act does temporarily remove authority for a limited number of decisions, specifically certain hiring decisions, disposition of property over $50,000 and expenditures or liabilities over $50,000 outside of the adopted budget.”
For Wilmot council, the restricted period could begin either Aug. 21, nomination day, or Oct. 26 following election day, depending on the number of incumbent councillors running for re-election or the makeup of the incoming council respectively.
According to the report, the province allows municipalities to prepare for a potential lame-duck period by delegating certain powers to staff ahead of time to maintain continuity of municipal operations.
As part of the report, staff recommended council direct staff to prepare a bylaw delegating limited authority to the township’s CAO should a restricted acts period occur. The proposed delegation would allow the CAO to make certain operational decisions
related to staffing, expenditures, property transactions and funding agreements where matters are considered time-sensitive, operationally necessary or legally required and cannot reasonably wait until the new council is sworn in.
“It’s essentially so that a council who no longer has the will of the people, whether that be through the election or not choosing to remain in office, can’t be making huge decisions impacting the municipality,” Mayor Natasha Salonen said.
The report notes similar delegations were approved by council during previous election years, including the 2022 municipal election, and are considered a precautionary measure to ensure township services and operations continue uninterrupted if a lame-duck period is triggered.
Coun. Stewart Cressman noted that, unlike previous election years, Wilmot’s head of council now has strong mayor powers. He asked staff how those powers impact lame-duck restrictions.
“The province has proposed amendments
to (strong mayor powers legislation) to expand on the rules in an election year on strong mayor powers,” Jaggard said. “The ministry is proposing to limit outgoing heads of council in strong-mayor municipalities from proposing the budget for the year following, as well, they are proposing restricted-act rules for heads of council with regards to their powers and duties.
“The comment period for those proposed changes just closed on May 17 and, at this time, I’m not aware of when that’s coming forward or when it will come into effect.”
Coun. Kris Wilkinson also pointed out that two members of council are running for the same seat as both he and Salonen are running for mayor. He asked whether that may have an impact on how a lameduck period is decided.
To that, Jaggard said the fact only one of those two members of council could possibly be re-elected to council for the next term is factored into the calculation.
Shakespeare Field Day returns June 13 with parade, fish fry and fireworks
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
Residents and visitors alike are invited to head to Shakespeare on Saturday, June 13, for the community’s annual Field Day festivities hosted by the Shakespeare Community Athletic Association (SCAA).
The popular event once again promises a full day of family activities, food, games and entertainment as the community comes together for one of Shakespeare’s biggest annual celebrations.
This year’s parade theme is “Life’s a Beach,” and organizers encourage residents, businesses, community groups and horse-and-float entries to take part in the annual parade beginning at 1 p.m.
The day begins bright and early with the firefighters’ breakfast from 8-10 a.m. at the Optimist Hall.
A silent auction will run throughout the day in the hall from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., while the annual soap-box derby gets underway at 9:15 a.m. in the hall parking lot. Organizers say children can register before the races in various age categories.
Ball games on two diamonds begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by parade judging and awards at 12:30 p.m.
Following the parade, memorial
presentations will take place near the equipment shed at 2 p.m.
Children’s races sponsored by Shakespeare Presbyterian Church begin at 2:15 p.m., followed by the always-popular frog races at 2:45 p.m.
From 3-6 p.m., the Shakespeare Optimist Club will host its mini-midway on the ball field, complete with inflatable bouncy castles and family activities.
The Shakespeare Opti-Mrs will once again host the kiddie fishpond beginning at 3 p.m., while axe throwing will also be available during the afternoon festivities.
One of the day’s highlights remains the annual fish fry, running from 5-7:30 p.m. under the tents beside the Optimist Hall.
Tickets are available from SCAA members or at the door while supplies last.
Organizers will also be selling 50/50 tickets throughout the event.
The evening continues with team-game challenges in front of the bleachers from 8:30-10 p.m. before the day concludes with one of the area’s most anticipated fireworks displays beginning at 10 p.m.
Organizers note the pavilion bar will remain open during the afternoon and evening, with music and entertainment continuing throughout the day.
The annual fireworks display always draws a large crowd during Shakespeare Field Day festivities each June.
Children enjoy inflatable bouncy castles during past Shakespeare Field Day celebrations. The attractions are sponsored by the Shakespeare Optimist Club.
The annual soap-box derby remains one of the most popular attractions during Shakespeare Field Day and regularly draws a large crowd of spectators.
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Dianne Yundt reflects on growing up in Tavistock and memories of public-school days
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
Many longtime Tavistock residents still remember Dianne Yundt by her maiden name, Quehl, from her years growing up in the community and attending Tavistock Public School.
Today, Yundt and her husband, Wayne, are often spotted visiting with friends while shopping for fresh produce, meats and local goods at the Stratford Farmers’ Market.
Recently, Yundt shared memories from a speech she delivered during the 50th anniversary celebration of Tavistock Public School several years ago, reflecting on what school life and growing up in a small rural community was like during that era. She recalled how moving into the newer school building brought together town and country students in much larger classes than many children had experienced before.
“Being from a small community like Tavistock meant we had the same kids in our classes each and every year,” Yundt recalled. “So, when we were preparing to come to the new school, our classrooms mushroomed with the country kids.”
School buses brought rural students into town each day, and classroom sizes often grew to 40 students.
“With the country kids came new friendships and new competitors in academics, athletics and the arts,” she said.
One of the biggest changes students experienced was gaining access to a gymnasium, something the older, two-room school did not have.
“Having a gym made a huge impact on all of us for many reasons,” Yundt said. “Aside from physical-education classes, we had organized intramural activities at noon, assemblies and lots of community outreach programs.”
She also fondly remembered attending yoga and fitness classes at the school with her mother, while her brothers and their friends frequently gathered there in the evenings to play sports. Regular movie nights with five-cent popcorn were also highlights for many students.
School life during the 1960s looked much different than it does today.
Girls wore dresses, skirts and jumpers to school, often with knee-high socks or stockings, while pants for girls were uncommon at the time. Shorts were typically reserved for annual field days.
Students walked or biked to school in all kinds of weather and usually went home for lunch each day.
“No one picked us up,” Yundt recalled. “Fathers worked and most mothers did not drive. No wonder we were all lean and fit.”
She also remembered that students remained in the same classroom throughout the day and did not yet have programs like French immersion, home economics or shop classes.
Still, students benefited from special teachers who visited classrooms regularly, including art teacher Mrs. West and music teacher Ms. Kollman.
“We entered music festivals every year and did very well under Ms. Kollman’s tutelage,” Yundt said.
Like many former students, Yundt also fondly remembered school trips and extracurricular activities, including opportunities to train as crossing guards and a memorable class trip to Expo ‘67 in Montreal.
“What an experience that was,” she said. “We went by school bus and were amongst thousands of students from all over the world.”
Yundt said Tavistock Public School
provided students with much more than just an education.
“As you know, Tavistock Public School provided us with so many opportunities, not just a solid foundation and education,” she said. “I speak for all students in giving thanks to the community of Tavistock, Tavistock Public School, the staff and educators both past and present, for all they did in helping shape each of us during those very formative years of our lives.
Police investigating serious motorcycle collision in Wilmot Township
Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a serious collision in Wilmot Township involving a motorcycle and a GMC sport utility vehicle.
On May 21 at approximately 4:25 p.m., emergency services responded to reports of a collision at the intersection of Bridge Street and Walker Road.
The motorcyclist, a 53-year-old male from Embro, was transported to an outof-region hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the GMC, a 45-year-old
female from St. Marys, did not sustain any physical injuries.
The intersection was closed for several hours while members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s traffic services unit investigated.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash camera footage is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777 ext. 8856. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers. com.
Dianne and Wayne Yundt are often seen at the Stratford Farmers’ Market purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables at the year-round market held at the Rotary Complex on McCarthy Road.
Dianne Yundt recently reflected on her memories of growing up in Tavistock and attending Tavistock Public School while visiting the Stratford Farmers’ Market.
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Tavistock Men’s Club gets smooth new driveway ahead of annual fish fry
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
Visitors attending this year’s annual Tavistock Men’s Club fish fry will now enjoy a much smoother walk into the club grounds thanks to a newly paved driveway completed last week.
Local contractor Fraser Paving of Stratford was hired to pave the laneway leading into the Men’s Club property on Woodstock Street North ahead of the popular annual perch barbecue set for June 3 from 4-7 p.m.
Workers spent last week completing the paving project, something Men’s Club members say has been needed for quite some time.
Men’s Club president Brian Boland said the project was important for both safety and accessibility for guests and members attending events at the clubhouse.
“It was a long time coming for the safety of our guests and membership,” Boland said.
The annual fish fry remains one of the Men’s Club’s most popular community events and regularly attracts large crowds from across the region.
Boland reminded residents tickets are available Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. and again from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the
Fraser Paving, based in Stratford, completes paving work throughout Tavistock, Stratford, New Hamburg, Woodstock and surrounding rural areas, including farmyards and laneways.
clubhouse. Tickets will also be available June 1-3 until sold out, which typically happens every year.
for purchase during ticket sales for $5 per bag.
The company previously completed paving work on the walking path surrounding the Shakespeare Optimist Park and soccer fields several years ago.
The Men’s Club’s well-known sauerkraut will also be available
Tavistock resident Jennifer McCann and Men’s Club member Steve Cahill watch workers from Fraser Paving of Stratford complete paving work last week at the Tavistock Men’s Club laneway leading to the clubhouse. McCann’s husband can be seen operating the paving machine in the background.
The newly completed paved driveway at the Tavistock Men’s Club on Woodstock Street North will welcome visitors attending this year’s annual fish fry and other events.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Perth East road crews preparing gravel roads for summer dust control
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
With warmer weather arriving and traffic increasing on rural roads, Perth East Township road crews are hard at work preparing gravel roads for summer dust-control applications.
Last week, grader operator Ron Pfeifer was busy grading Perth Road 106 in South Easthope ward, east of Shakespeare near the CN and CP rail line running between Stratford and Kitchener, ahead of dust-control treatment by an independent contractor.
Perth East can once again be commended for the condition of its gravel roads, which continue to be maintained to a high standard year after year for residents, farmers and the travelling public.
Pfeifer, who joked he still feels like
“a spring chicken,” will mark a major milestone this fall. Sept. 22 will officially mark 50 years since he first began working for the former Ellice Township before later continuing his career with Perth East Township following amalgamation.
Over the course of five decades, Pfeifer has become a familiar face on township roads and someone well respected by residents and fellow employees alike.
“I’ve always enjoyed my time serving the people of Perth County and now, in particular, Perth East Township,” Pfeifer said.
Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz previously praised Pfeifer’s dedication and commitment to the township.
“A guy like Ron is very hard to find,” Ehgoetz said. “For someone who has cared so much about his job
for 50 years and who is so dependable and conscientious about the residents of the township he passes by regularly, that’s something special.”
Ehgoetz added Pfeifer has also played an important mentorship role within the township’s roads department over the years.
“Ron has not only done his own job but has also trained so many people on the job who appreciate his mild manner and demeanour,” she said.
Despite nearly half a century behind the controls of a grader, Pfeifer said he still enjoys the work and the people he meets every day while travelling township roads.
When he’s not working, Pfeifer says he enjoys spending time with his family, including his three grown children and three grandchildren, who help keep him busy away from the job.
Sept. 22 will mark 50 years since grader operator Ron Pfeifer of Rostock first began working for the former Ellice Township before later continuing with Perth East Township. Pfeifer says he still enjoys his job and the people he meets every day.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Tavistock Opti-Mrs donate $5,000 to Tavistock Community Health Inc.
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
Tavistock Community Health
Inc. (TCHI) received a major boost toward its fundraising efforts last week thanks to a generous donation from the Opti-Mrs Club of Tavistock.
Representatives from the longtime community service club presented TCHI board members with a cheque for $5,000 in support of the organization and the Tavistock medical centre.
Members of the Opti-Mrs Club said supporting local health care was an easy decision given the important role the medical centre has played in the community for decades.
With Tavistock continuing to grow, club members said access to health care close to home is more important than ever for local families.
Having raised their own families
in and around Tavistock, Opti-Mrs members understand the value of maintaining strong local medical services and ensuring residents continue to have access to nearby doctors and health-care facilities.
TCHI board members expressed appreciation for the continued support they continue to receive from local residents, businesses and community organizations as fundraising efforts continue.
The organization is currently working toward its fundraising goals in support of local healthcare services and future medical needs within the community.
TCHI representatives also reminded residents about the organization’s upcoming golf tournament fundraiser scheduled for Friday, June 19, at River Valley Golf Course near St. Marys.
Registration forms and additional information are available through TCHI board members or online through the organization’s website.
What’s good for Ontario is grown in Ontario
Carolyn Kropf, treasurer of Tavistock Community Health Inc. (TCHI), accepts a $5,000 donation from the Opti-Mrs Club of Tavistock last week at the Tavistock medical centre. Also pictured are TCHI chair Greta Riedel, Opti-Mrs co-presidents Janet Churchward and Monica Schultz, club secretary Rachel Stewart, club treasurer Peih-Leng Ooi and TCHI vice chair Dennis Kuepfer. In the back is Opti-Mrs vice president Gerda Tolsma.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Perth County council approves further changes to proposed tree-injury bylaw
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
Perth County council has approved another round of revisions to its proposed tree-injury bylaw as debate continues over how best to balance environmental protection with the practical realities faced by farmers and rural landowners.
At its May 20 regular meeting, council reviewed an updated draft of the proposed bylaw – formerly known as the forest-conservation bylaw – alongside a presentation from West Perth farmer Gerald Kolkman, who has been one of
overly restrictive regulation. This proposed bylaw affects privately owned land; it is not Crown land. Trust and cooperation need to be developed.”
The revised draft follows months of consultation, council debate and public feedback surrounding how the county should regulate the destruction or injury of trees within woodlands while maintaining flexibility for agricultural operations.
Among the most significant changes approved during the latest review was the addition of a formalized appeal process tied to newly created compliance and
decisions could then be appealed through a peer-review process involving a registered professional forester.
Council also approved a timeline requiring appeal decisions to be issued within 90 calendar days from the date an appeal is deemed complete and received.
The appeal process has remained one of the most heavily debated aspects of the bylaw review over recent months. During his presentation to council, Kolkman argued a structured appeal system involving a committee comprising a registered forester, an agronomist and three members of council, similar
ground if councillors were seen to be enforcing the bylaw they themselves drafted by serving on such an appeals committee.
“It’s not a good idea to put councillors on that committee, so I guess I can’t look at that favourably,” Coun. Matt Duncan said. “I’m hung up on this whole needing to have a committee at this point because we’ve got five per cent of the applications (that would go to appeal); we’re willing to go to a third party that’s independent of this council that has a code of conduct and has to adhere to that. His job at that point is to look at the bylaw and see if (a
legitimate, councillors ultimately decided those procedures would be addressed through internal standard operating procedures for bylaw officers rather than being written directly into the bylaw itself. Staff noted including overly prescriptive restrictions in the bylaw could conflict with provincial legislation governing municipal enforcement powers.
“Part of the challenge with the biosecurity piece (and) council trying to limit the powers of the provincial offences officer or the municipal bylaw enforcement officer is those powers are already laid out in the Provincial Offences Act and the Municipal Act, and acts like the Biosecurity Act already have exemptions for those
gued throughout the consultation process that ecological boundaries alone could create uncertainty for farmers dealing with naturally spreading tree growth and seedlings along field edges.
Additional amendments approved May 20 include adding a schedule listing invasive species within the bylaw appendix and refining how biosecurity concerns involving bylaw officers entering private farmland will be handled.
While council agreed biosecurity concerns raised by farmers are
“To me, the best way to address those concerns in terms of having, let’s say, notification to owners (before a bylaw officer enters their property), for example, or making sure there is some sort of protection gear that they’re wearing so they don’t affect cultivated plants or any other property; the better way to realize that is through standard operating procedure and further instructions to the bylaw
Council was ultimately satisfied with that response and instructed Zhelev to include reference to standard operating procedures for bylaw enforcement officers with-
The proposed bylaw continues to focus on regulating the destruction or injury of trees within defined woodlands while encouraging communication between landowners and the county before major tree-cutting activities occur. County staff have repeatedly described the revised framework as an effort to promote stewardship and responsible forestry practices while simplifying the process for
The review process began in 2024 after county council directed staff to examine Perth County’s existing forestry bylaw and compare it with regulations in neighbouring municipalities. Since then, the process has generated extensive feedback from conservation authorities, agricultural organizations, municipal councils and residents across the county. The proposed bylaw is expected to return to county council for further consideration and potential approval at a future meeting following incorporation of the latest amendments approved during the May 20 discussion.
World's largest crokinole board to be unveiled in Tavistock
When the World Crokinole organizing committee started planning their 25th championship, they were looking to showcase something big. And they found it.
Jeremy Tracey, a member of the organizing committee and owner of the crokinole board manufacturing company Tracey Boards, hatched the plan to build the biggest crokinole board in the world. And now the 10-foot-tall board will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the Tavistock Arena for the 25th World Crokinole Championship.
“The hardest part was the weight,” said Tracey.
An official WCC board is 31.5 inches in diameter and weighs 20 pounds. Expanding to 10 feet in perfect scale would have made the board weigh 300 pounds.
“Despite our best efforts to lighten it, it is coming in at 285 pounds,” said Tracey, who hatched the idea about a year ago. Fortunately, the board, which will be the centrepiece of the 25th World Crokinole Championship showcase, won’t have to move around much once it’s set up for display.
Everything from the gutter to the pegs to the centre hole to the discs and even to the WCC logo on the edge of the board has been scaled to the new 10-foot size perfectly.
“When we’ve shared photos of the board, we always have to make someone stand in the photo, otherwise the board looks just like any other if we don’t put something in the photo to show the proper scale,” Tracey said.
Showcasing a massive WCC board at the 25th edition of the tournament is a fitting callback to a historic moment in the event’s history. The World Crokinole Championships first created their official
board and unveiled it at the fifth championship in 2003, and the board became the international standard competition board used by a large majority of board manufacturers today. Tracey uses the very same specifications for all of the boards manufactured by Tracey Boards.
Tracey Boards became the official board builder for the World Crokinole Championships in 2019. Prior to that,
Willard Martin of Elmira built the WCC boards for many years after the initial slate of boards in 2003 were produced by Creative Wood Products of London.
“It certainly doesn’t hurt the business’ reputation to be the official World Championship builder,” Tracey laughed. Some other questions came up along the way when trying to put this 10-foot board together. How can the pegs on the board
provide enough bounce for the discs? Should the enlarged discs be made of solid wood, or with a hollow middle? How can a board this big be transported? All questions the Tracey Boards staff had to find answers to.
The most crucial question for the World Crokinole organizing committee was will it even fit in the door? Thankfully, the Zamboni entrance of the Tavistock Arena is big enough, as most other doorways do not provide enough space.
The giant board will be on display at the tournament, and all are welcome and encouraged to come by and get their picture taken with it. Surrounding the board will be other crokinole items of historic importance, including antique boards dating back to the 1800s, and a year-by-year history of the World Crokinole Championship going back to 1999.
Spectators are welcome for free to come and check out the big board and the history exhibits at either the Friday Night Social June 5 or on tournament day Saturday, June 6, at the Tavistock Arena.
In addition to being a crokinole board builder, Tracey is one of the top competitive crokinole players, having won the doubles championship with his partner, Andrew Hutchinson, last year. While building the biggest board has been fun, the competition at the tournament is equally as fun for him.
“It was a thrill to play well and win the title last year. There’s a lot of good crokinole teams competing, so I’m really hoping Andrew and I can defend our crown."
What will happen to the world’s biggest crokinole board after the tournament?
“The board will go back to the Tracey Boards shop in Elmira and sit on our wall. It should make for a good display for anyone stopping by to see.”
Waterloo Regional Police investigating residential break-and-enters in Wilmot
WILMOT-TAVISTOCK GAZETTE STAFF
thewtgazette@gmail.com
Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s (WRPS) break enter, vehicle theft and robbery (BEAR) unit are investigating three residential break-and-enters that occurred in Wilmot, police said in a press release issued May 26.
Between May 5 and May 19, police say three residential break-and-enters were reported at retirement community areas, one on Foell Street in Baden and two separate incidents on Erb’s Road in St. Agatha.
In each incident, police say and unknown suspect or suspects entered through a rear door and stole jewelry and other personal property.
Investigators are looking to identify and speak to the person pictured in connection with this investigation.
WRPS’ BEAR Unit is asking residents to
consider the following tips to help prevent break-ins:
• Keep doors and windows locked, even when home;
• Keep valuables out of common areas and out of plain sight;
• Install audible noise alarm systems;
• Secure residences with home video-surveillance cameras in the front and back of the residence;
• Notify neighbours when away for an extended period and arrange to have someone check on your residence; and
• Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to police.
Anyone with information on these break-ins is asked to call the police at 519-570-9777 ext. 8255.
To provide anonymous information, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit online at Waterloo Regional Crime Stoppers.
Jeremy Tracey, of the crokinole board manufacturing company Tracey Boards, stands in front of the 10-foot-tall World's Largest Crokinole Board.
NATHAN WALSH
World Crokinole Championship committee
(PHOTO COURTESY OF WCC COMMITTEE)
Police are looking to speak with the person pictured as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple break-and-enters in retirement communities in Baden and St. Agatha.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF WRPS)
Perth East honours volunteers during appreciation dinner
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
Volunteers from across Perth East were recognized recently during the township’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held at the Milverton Recreation Complex.
Each year, Perth East Township hosts the event to thank the many volunteers and community organizations that help make the municipality a vibrant and welcoming place to live.
Among the organizations recognized this year was the Milverton Agricultural Society, whose members are already hard at work preparing for the 2026 Milverton Fall Fair.
This year’s fair is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18 and 19, and will carry the theme “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams.”
Fair-board members continue planning a full lineup of agricultural displays, exhibits, entertainment, children’s activities, the popular baby show, pedal-tractor pull and many other attractions celebrating rural life and agriculture in Perth East.
Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz welcomed volunteers attending the appreciation dinner and thanked them for the countless hours they contribute throughout the year.
Ehgoetz congratulated the 17 volunteer groups represented at the dinner and praised their role in keeping Perth East communities active and connected.
She described volunteers as the backbone
1. The Appalachian mountains span across what two countries?
2. What 3-day music festival took place in upstate New York 1969?
3. Who wrote the novel “To kill a Mockingbird”?
4. What planet in our solar system is known for its rings?
5. What country was the first to adopt bitcoin as legal tender?
6. A Permanent Resident Card is also commonly known as a what?
7. What year was Wikipedia founded?
8. What company owns YouTube?
of the community and credited them with helping maintain the quality of life residents have come to appreciate throughout the township.
Community organizations like the
Milverton Agricultural Society continue to play an important role in preserving local traditions while bringing residents together through events, recreation and agricultural education.
9. Who was the first actor to play James Bond?
10. What does AIPAC stand for?
ANNIVERSARY
June 2, 1954-March 28, 2026
The family of the late Dave (Rev) Hallman wish to express sincere thanks to so many.
To the first responders who arrived at our home and ER staff at Stratford General Hospital for their ex and compassion on March 28, 2026.
Since then, we have been overwhelmed with cards, flower arrangements, donations and, most of all, words of kindness and love.
To our family, friends and neighbours; our deepest gratitude for your ongoing support. Many thanks to Jeff and the Glendinning Funeral Hom staff and to Pastor Steve Hoffard, from Trinity Lut Church. The service was amazing and very fitting fo Dave, brother, husband, father and grandpa.
The motorcycle escort by Mark Soehner and Keith Hallman was incredibly special. All is so much appreciated as we move forward on our grief journey FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
This May, we proudly celebrate an extraordinary milestone shared by two Gerber sisters and their husbands.
Bonnie Hallman, Drew Hallman, Paige Dart, Lane Hallman and their families
MAY 27, 1961
Together, they are celebrating 130 years of marriage and a lifetime of love, devotion, family, and treasured memories. Warmest congratulations to both couples on their 65th Wedding Anniversaries!
Members of the Milverton Agricultural Society gather during the recent Perth East Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Front row, from left, are Michele Duskocy, Angela Schneider, Kaitlyn Elg and Debbie Riddell. In the back row are Helen Dowd, Virginia Elgrlich and Ann Marie Ryter.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
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 20 - 27, 2021, Edition (5 years ago)
The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) announced their annual leadership awards and a local farm took away top honours in the Organic Farmer of the Year category. Pfenning’s Organic Vegetables, between Baden and New Hamburg, picked up the award of excellence virtually on May 5 during the fifth annual ceremony. In the COTA press release, they described the advocacy that Pfennings has been doing around the granting of permanent residency for foreign nationals with recent work experience in essential occupations.
Wilmot Centre Church has challenged families in Wilmot to travel to nine different parks across the township and complete their Wacky Workouts in Wilmot contest. The contest consists of nine “wacky” workout challenges and nine “whimsical” trivia questions for families to complete as they visit the parks. The contest was designed to create some fun for families who are struggling right now because of the pandemic. “We try to plan different activities that meet people both in our church community and in the greater community of Wilmot where they’re at, and provide joy, love and hope in that moment. Right now, there is a need for that for young families,” said Brookelynn Gerber, the church’s creative director.
May 25 - June 1, 2011, Edition (15 years ago)
Tavistock’s famous racehorse, “The Eel,” is finally getting recognition for his achievements. For the first time since 2003, the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame will be inducting horses and people into the Legends category. Standardbred pacer The Eel, known as “The Grey Ghost” and “Silver Joe” was one of harness racing’s greats in the early 1900s, setting countless records both on the ice and the half-mile tracks.
The students at Hickson Central Public School have done it again. Following last year’s Lion King extravaganza, producer and director Mr. Kozak found a simpler play that gave lots of students the opportunity to showcase their activating, singing and dancing skills. Dear Edwina Jr. is about a girl from Paw Paw, Mich., who gives advice to her friends and neighbours from her garage. As well as telling the story of Edwina, who hopes to be noticed by the talent scout at the Kalamazoo Advice-A-Palooza Festival, each letter and response tells its own short story. The production included full choir numbers done by the entire company and solo performances by Tina Nauta as Aphrodite, Meaghan Louie as Abigail, Courtney Wilker as Carrie, Alex Naylor as Alex and several by Kaitlyn Drake in the lead role as Edwina.
May 22 - 29, 1996, Edition (30 years ago)
The Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) Hickson/Tavistock carnation campaign was a success again this year as the area met its goal of $3,000 through the sale of stems and bouquets of carnations through schools, street vendors and by advance orders. Hickson/Tavistock chairperson Linda Killing said the street vendors earned $1,700 on their May 10 and 11 campaign. Tavistock Public School raised a total of $565 in sales as students took advantage of the opportunity to show mom they care on Mother’s Day. The annual campaign raises funds for research, clinics and services for people who have this potentially paralyzing neurological disease. It is estimated that one out of every 500 Canadians has MS.
The second annual Carl Hohner Memorial Squirt Softball Tournament was held this past weekend with three Tavistock teams reaching the finals. The Tavistock Squirt Boys North Waterloo team won the A championship by defeating Sarnia 11-7 while the Tavistock Girls won the consolidation final defeating Elmira 19-7. The Tavistock Boys Central Perth team reached the B Consolidation final but were defeated 14-7 by Fullarton. The St. Marys girls doubled Waterloo 12-6 to win the Girls A Championship.
TOWNSHIP OF EAST ZORRA-TAVISTOCK
GRACE UNITED CHURCH
116 Woodstock St. S., Tavistock Service starts at 10:30 am Phone: 519-655-2151
All are welcome Service led by Rev. Marilyn Arthur Music by Marilyne Nystrome
TRINITY LUTHERAN (ELCIC)
Sebastopol - Tavistock 2210 Perth Line 29
Pastor Steve Hoffard Worship In Person or on Zoom Sundays at 10:00 AM (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 EV LUTHERAN CHURCH - LCC
Service - 2 pm Sunday 19 Wellington St., 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 Annual Anniversary Service
Sunday June 14 at 3:00pm 4339 Huron Rd, Wilmot Township
Come join us to celebrate over 170 years of Anglican Worship in Wilmot. https://www.stgeorgesnewhamburg.com/
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
The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
Braves hold dinner awards banquet
Event capped off team’s best season ever
“Another big thank-you to our coaches and our staff.”
The golf tournament may have been washed out on an extremely rainy day, but the mood inside the Tavistock Memorial Hall on Saturday evening wasn’t dampened in the least.
The Tavistock Braves’ team brass, volunteers, players and their families gathered for a meal and awards ceremony full of laughs and memories of an incredible playoff run to the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) Schmatlz Cup final series, where they lost to the Fergus Whalers in five games.
“Thank you to all the executive members and volunteers who make this happen. Without you, it wouldn’t be possible,” said general manager Brent Lange.
The bench staff, made up of head coach Zac Berg, Brody Oliver, Jake Wiffen and Jensen Van Boekel, were named the Doherty Division’s coaches of the year.
Lange looked back on the season, one he said he could have never predicted, after the team saw a seventh-place Doherty Division finish last year and, albeit in seven games, a first-round exit at the hands of the New Hamburg Firebirds.
“We sat back and broke it all down. We knew we weren’t going to let it happen again,” he said.
He also thanked the long list of team sponsors who play an important role in the team’s financial success.
Lange handed out the team awards, including Rookie of the Year honours to
Nolan Miller, son of former NHL linesman and Stratford resident Steve Miller. Captain and Tavistock native Marc Dionne was given the Robert H. Zehr Award for outstanding leadership as Lange praised his dedication over his career.
“This amazing young man is another one who wears his heart on his sleeve. He plays any role needed, lays his body on the line, sometimes breaking bones doing it. Shot-blocker, penalty-kill specialist; we will definitely miss this kid after five seasons with the club, but he’s going out a champ,” Lange said.
The Braves also recognized another local player who spent two seasons as an AP for the team before seeing regular ice time the last two. Nathan Brenneman, whose season was cut short by a serious injury, was given a framed jersey signed by his
teammates.
“Unfortunately, this young man’s season was cut short due to a horrific injury,” said an emotional Lange. “He showed up game in and game out after a major surgery with a metal rod installed in his leg. Whether he was in a wheelchair, on crutches or on a cane, he was there for our team. He was even cleared to possibly come back and play at the end of the year.”
Lange added “Tavi boys” are just built differently.
“For his last year, we wanted to do something special and present him with a thank-you gift for his dedication.”
The Braves won’t have many open roster spots available next season as much of the team is expected back, but they do have a spring skate set for June 6 and 7 at the Activa Sportsplex in Kitchener
Nolan Miller was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award, presented by Braves general manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right).
Yann Raskin led the Braves with 72 regular-season points and added 37 playoff points on the way to winning the team’s Most Points Award, presented by general manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right).
Felix Isert-Bender took home the team’s Most Sportsmanlike Player Award, presented by general manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right).
Carter Arseneau earned the Most Improved Player honour, presented by general manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right).
Tavistock native Keaton Bartlett was presented with the Heart and Soul Award, awarded by general manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right).
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
Ryan McKellar was given the Defenceman of the Year Award by general manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right).
(ALEC RICHARD PHOTOS)
The Braves overage players were presented with framed jerseys. From left to right are Marc Dionne, Ryan McKellar, Tyler Brezynskie, Carter Arseneau and head coach Zac Berg.
Bus driver Bruce Swartzentruber, middle holding frame, was presented with a signed jersey as he gathered with players and team officials. Swartzentruber, who was a member of the first-ever Braves team in 1969, has retired from his driving duties.
(ALEC RICHARD PHOTOS)
General manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right) presented Evan Palubeski with the Regular Season Most Valuable Player Award.
Nathan Brenneman was presented with a signed jersey by general manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right). Brenneman’s season was cut short by a serious injury.
Three players shared Playoff Most Valuable Player honours. From left to right are Yann Raskin, Ethan Stover, Keegan Metcalf and head coach Zac Berg.
The Robert H. Zehr Leadership Award was presented to captain Marc Dionne by general manager Brent Lange (left) and head coach Zac Berg (right).
NEAT club members enjoy breakfast tractor ride to Wellesley
Members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) took to the back roads of Perth and Waterloo counties last week for another one of their popular summer breakfast excursions.
Driving tractors that were once common sights on local farms throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, club members travelled to the Schmidtsville Family Restaurant in Wellesley for breakfast and fellowship.
The club continues to attract new members each year and welcomes antique-tractor enthusiasts from across Perth, Waterloo and Oxford counties to join its weekly summer outings.
Among the newer members is Harold Bruulsema, who proudly drove his 45-horsepower Farmall M tractor to the breakfast gathering.
The Farmall M was one of the most popular tractors found on local farms during the 1950s and 1960s and became well known for its reliability and versatility.
Bruulsema grew up on a farm near Carluke, near Hamilton, before later spending his working years in St. Marys as an engineer at the St. Marys cement plant.
He said the drive from his home between Gadshill and Rostock to Wellesley offered an enjoyable tour through much of North Easthope Township’s countryside.
The Farmall M was sold during the same era as the International Harvester W-6
tractor, and both models were commonly used on farms to power threshing machines and hammer mills using belt pulleys to prepare livestock feed.
Club members also took time to thank the staff at the Schmidtsville Family Restaurant for hosting the annual breakfast stop.
The antique tractors parked outside the restaurant drew plenty of attention from passing motorists and local residents, continuing a tradition that celebrates the region’s rich agricultural history and the machinery that once powered family farms across southwestern Ontario.
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Harold Bruulsema poses with his 45-horsepower Farmall M tractor, a model that was especially popular on local farms throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Staff at the Schmidtsville Family Restaurant in Wellesley were thanked by members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club following the group’s annual breakfast visit. From left are Lavina Sauder, Kristy Good, Sydney Gilchrist, restaurant owner Miriam Kuepfer, Linda Jantzi and NEAT member Keith Schmidt. In the back are Wayne Gerber seated on the tractor, Dave Neeb and Dwayne Snider. In front is Riley Esbaugh, described as Kuepfer’s honorary grandson. The Allis-Chalmers D-15 Series II tractor pictured will be auctioned at the May 30 Mennonite Relief Sale in New Hamburg.
A partial lineup of antique tractors belonging to members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club fills the parking lot at the Schmidtsville Family Restaurant in Wellesley during last week’s breakfast outing.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Dairy farmer shares passion for cheese-making
Members of the Shakespeare Opti-Mrs. enjoyed an informative and engaging presentation at their May meeting from guest speaker Maynard Martin of Farmers Cheese near Drayton.
The presentation was arranged by Opti-Mrs. member Charlotte McTavish. McTavish had sampled some of Martin’s cheese made at Ted and Diane Danen’s farm and became interested in learning more about the cheese-making process.
Martin shared the story of how he became involved in dairy farming and eventually cheese making. He grew up on a hog and beef farm near Drayton, but as a teenager, he helped milk cows at his uncle’s farm and quickly developed a passion for dairy farming.
“Something bit me there,” Martin said with a smile. “I was hooked on dairy farming.”
Getting started in dairy farming was difficult because quota was needed. Things eventually began to fall into place after he met his wife, Christine, who came from a dairy-farming family. A dairy farm located just four miles from where Martin grew up came up for sale, giving the couple their opportunity to get started.
Martin credited the owner of the farm with helping him learn the business, serving as a mentor over the years.
“I did have to learn some things the hard way though,” he said.
Initially milking in a tie-stall barn, Martin eventually began experiencing knee problems and decided it was time to build a free-stall barn with sand bedding in 2010. Improved cow comfort led to increased milk production. The farm soon faced a new challenge, producing more milk than their quota allowed.
Martin said it did not sit well with him to dump excess milk.
“Milk is one of nature’s most perfect
foods,” he said. “It just seemed wrong to pour good milk down the drain.”
That concern inspired him to begin experimenting with cheese-making in his own kitchen.
Martin explained the business grew slowly through plenty of trial and error. A turning point came when his sister, who lives near Cobden in eastern Ontario, connected him with a French cheese maker who was selling his equipment and was willing to share his recipe.
The French cheese maker had spent a year in Switzerland learning the art of cheese-making and developed the recipe Martin uses today. Martin purchased the man’s cheese trailer and invited him to the area to help teach him the process.
Martin laughed as he recalled his teacher spoke only French while he spoke only English, but despite the language barrier, the two somehow managed to communicate and the lessons proved invaluable.
He first began making cheese for neighbours, joking the real test was
whether people would actually enjoy it. Word quickly spread and today, Martin is kept busy going to the many dairy farms in southern Ontario, though he has travelled as far away as Georgian Bay and New Liskeard. The majority of the cheese Martin makes is produced from cow’s milk, but he has also made cheese using goat, sheep and water buffalo milk.
Martin and his family operate under home consumption regulations, meaning the cheese is produced for the farm families’ own use and cannot be sold commercially.
During the presentation, Martin walked members through the fascinating process of making cheddar cheese. Milk is pumped directly from the farm’s bulk tank into a vat in the cheese trailer, where it is heated and combined with bacterial cultures. Though Martin produces only cheddar cheese, he explained there are approximately 1,400 different cultures available, creating endless possibilities for unique cheese varieties.
Rennet is then added to separate the milk solids from the liquid whey. Within about 30 to 40 minutes, 1,000 litres of milk transforms into a Jello-like substance. Using special stainless steel “harps,” the substance is cut vertically and horizontally while the whey is drained away. The cubes are then put through a curd press.
The curds are heated, stirred, salted, flavoured and pressed into blocks, eventually forming cheddar cheese. Farmers Cheese offers a variety of flavours including onion, vegetable, chive, garlic and sundried tomato, cummin seed, hot jalapeño, caramelized onion and vegetable spice.
The entire cheese-making process takes about seven hours to complete at the farm. Once the whey has drained from the boxes of cheese, the blocks are cut into smaller pieces and vacuum sealed, a service that Farmer’s Cheese has offered to customers over the past few years. Before farmers can begin enjoying the cheese, it must be aged for two months, a process that makes it safe for human consumption.
Martin credits much of the operation’s success to his wife, Christine, and their five children, who keep the dairy farm running while he is away making cheese. Other family members, including his daughtersin-law and father-in-law, also lend a hand, making it a true family venture.
Today the family operates three cheese trailers, including the original trailer which now serves as a spare unit. Martin’s son also helps with cheese production several times a week.
Martin emphasized his commitment to reducing food waste by making good use of surplus milk while providing a quality product to his customers.
The presentation concluded with OptiMrs. members enjoying several flavours of cheddar cheese produced by Farmers Cheese. Members of the Shakespeare Opti-Mrs. thanked Martin for sharing both his story and his passion for dairy farming and cheese-making.
Beef cattle thriving on Oxford County pastures
Oxford County has long been known across Canada as the country’s “Dairy Capital,” with neighbouring Perth County not far behind in milk production.
But while dairy farming remains a major part of the region’s agricultural identity, beef cattle continue to play an important role on many local farms as well. At this time of year, it doesn’t take long while travelling rural roads across Oxford County to spot beef cattle enjoying lush, green pastures. While many beef animals are raised in feedlots, cow-calf herds can still be seen grazing peacefully in fields throughout the countryside.
The local beef industry is also celebrated annually during the Oxford County Beef Producers Association barbecue in Tavistock, an event that continues to draw beef lovers from across the region each summer.
The popular event features locally raised and prepared beef, cooked and served by Oxford County beef producers with help from their families and volunteers. The meal typically includes side dishes grown close to home, including locally grown sweet corn when in season.
The annual barbecue has become a showcase for the quality of Oxford County beef and the strength of the local agricultural community.
Members of the Oxford County 4-H Beef Club are also heavily involved in the event each year, helping with ticket sales and fundraising activities that support the club and its youth programming.
Club members later showcase their beef projects during achievement day at the Tavistock fall fairgrounds each September.
Many local dairy farmers are also involved in beef production as part of their operations. Lower-producing dairy cows are often marketed for beef, while many
dairy producers now breed a portion of
their herds using beef semen.
At the same time, female-sexed dairy semen allows farmers to selectively breed their top cows to produce replacement heifer calves for future milk production, helping strengthen their dairy herds while
also creating additional value through beef-cross calves.
The combination of dairy and beef production continues to play an important role in the agricultural economy of Oxford and Perth counties, where farming remains a cornerstone of rural life.
Shakespeare Opti-Mrs. members pose for a photo with Maynard Martin of Farmers Cheese. From left to right are Anne Skubowius, Carolyn Stock, Jean Smelski, Charlotte McTavish, Bessie Wilhelm, Jean Rader, Opti-Mrs. president Ellen Fuhr, guest speaker Maynard Martin, Ang McPherson, Valerie Roth, Dianne Zoeller and Mary-Lynn Slobozian.
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
(DIANE DANEN PHOTO)
A beef cow-calf herd enjoys lush pasture last week on a farm southwest of Tavistock in East Zorra Township, Oxford County.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Music and more on Cape Breton’s Ceilidh Trail
OH,
THE PLACES
WE'LL GO
By Paul Knowles
Almost everyone has heard of the Cabot Trail. That’s not surprising; Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is one of the most breathtaking drives you can take in Canada, or anywhere in the world, for that matter.
Fewer, perhaps, know of the other Cape Breton Island “trail” that connects with the Cabot Trail. Known as the “Ceilidh Trail,” it begins at the Canso Causeway – the entry point to Cape Breton Island. The Ceildih Trail then follows the western coast of the island for 107 kilometres to Margaree Harbour, where it connects with the Cabot Trail.
As you may know, “ceilidh,” pronounced kay-lee, is a Gaelic word that originally meant “a visit.” Today, it has come to include the idea of an informal gathering with music, dance, storytelling and, very probably, beverages. There are ceilidhs all over Canada’s four eastern provinces, some simply kitchen parties, others ticketed events in rented halls. Every one of them is fun.
And there is no lack of east coast music on Cape Breton Island. This, after all, is the home of Ashley MacIsaac, Natalie MacMaster, The Rankin Family, the Barra MacNeils, John Allan Cameron, J.P. Cormier and the late and dearly missed Rita MacNeil. So, it’s not surprising that the powers that be have dubbed this route “The Ceilidh Trail.”
And you’re not far along the trail, coming from the south, before you encounter physical evidence of the importance of music in this region. The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre is on the route, only 29 kilometres from the Canso Parkway. It’s in Judique, not to be confused with the other small communities in the immediate area named Judique South, Rear Judique South, Rear Judique Chapel, Judique North, Judique Intervale, Little Judique and Little Judique Ponds. No, I am not making this up. I think it is charming, if a tad confusing.
The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre offers three distinct opportunities to visitors. You can dine in the restaurant. You can take in a concert of Celtic music played on a stage in the dining room, so you’ll probably want to eat and lis-
ten. And you can visit the museum section of the centre.
The museum has a lot of information about Cape Breton musical history and if my experience is anything to go by, it’s best to carry earplugs because visitors have the chance to try their hands at playing a violin – with a video introduction to the art of the instrument. Trust me, the lesson didn’t help. I was screech-worthy terrible.
The only problem with having lunch at the interpretive centre is that you will also want to have lunch at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, only 30 kilometres north.
This is a special place; the restaurant features live music seven days a week, and that’s not surprising because it’s owned by Heather, Cookie and Raylene Rankin of the famed Rankin Family.
In truth, there is music almost everywhere in this part of Nova Scotia. We stayed at the Glenora Inn (arranged very kindly by our hosts at Tourism Nova Scotia), which is in this district as well (I wrote about it in a previous feature). At the inn, there was a wonderful duo playing Celtic music in the dining room in the evening, and in true spirit of the ceilidh, they called up a young man from the audience, a pianist friend of theirs, to join them for several songs.
There are plenty of arts-andcrafts stops along the trail as well. In one shop, a woman was proud-
ly declaring herself to be a hooker as she produced hooked rugs, pot holders and other items for sale in the shop. I asked about her work, and she stopped for a moment to give me a very thoughtful, well-spoken answer.
I realized a few minutes later the reason for her articulate response when she gave the same spiel, word for word, to another shopper.
I admit that everything I have mentioned so far takes place indoors, which is rather ridiculous when you are talking about travel on Cape Breton Island. Inevitably, the star of the show will be the seacoast, and the innumerable panoramas that inspire you to pull off the road and savour the scenery.
One perfect stop is at Inverness, where you can walk the beautiful beach or stroll on the trail that runs along the very prestigious Cabot Links Golf Course. A note of caution: playing 18 on this lovely course will cost you between $400 and $600, but walking the trail, enjoying the view and not worrying about a missed putt is free.
There are many places to stay along the Ceilidh Trail, and it would appear that none of them are big, typical, cookie-cutter hotels. Here, the options range from beach-front villas to geodomes to distilleries to country inns to RV sites. For more information about accommodations, see https://capebretonisland.com/ceilidh-trail/.
Of course, if you are visiting Cape Breton Island, you will want to travel the Cabot Trail, but leave a few days for its little sister, the lovely Ceilidh Trail.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and past president of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre is a must-stop on your tour of the Ceilidh Trail.
Live music at the Celtic Museum Interpretive Centre.
The Red Shoe Pub, owned by the Rankin Sisters.
A mural at the Centre depicts a typical ceilidh.
Resistance bands are rad
HEAPS OF HEALTHY TIPS
By Mercedes Kay Gold
Movement is mandatory at every stage in life. From kicking inside the womb to crawling to hitting 10,000 steps a day to pushing a walker, physical activity is paramount.
Exercise is essential for quality of life. Those who move consistently glow from the inside out. Regular exercise builds muscle and strengthens bones, everyone knows that, but the payoff is much bigger. Exercise reduces inflammation throughout the body and therefore reduces risk of disease.
Maintaining weight is easier. Moving is linked to mental health and a magical mood. Aging is not for the faint of heart. Exercise improves cognitive function. Regular physical activity improves balance, preventing a slip or fall. Exercise is vital, and of course, this personal trainer loves the fun factor tied to friends and family.
It’s never too early or too late to start. Whether you are a couch potato or weekend warrior, resistance bands are a bevy of body-boosting benefits. Resistance bands are portable flat loops or bands with or without handles. They can be made from latex, rubber or fabric. A typical package supplies various resistance levels, often labelled light to extra-heavy or colour coded. They are inexpensive and easy to find.
Resistance bands are an awesome alternative to paying for gym memberships. They require a small space for an in-home workout or are perfectly portable as a dynamic warm-up pre-golf or tennis. Resistance bands are fabulous full-body workouts for anyone on the road.
Resistance bands build strength like using conventional gym equipment according to a 2019 study. They can be used to target big muscle groups and the smaller, stabilizer muscle groups. They are fantastic for improving flexibility thanks to a smooth range of motion. They are joint-friendly, rad for rehabilitation and for those suffering from inflammation. Suffering from arthritis? Reap the benefits of exercise by engaging muscles without excess pressure on joints.
Like any exercise, form is key. Always consult your favourite health practitioner before beginning any new exercise program. Hiring a personal trainer for a one-on-one tutorial or watching videos is a great way to learn. Always exercise with a mirror Infront of you. Hydrate. Walk for a few minutes, weather permitting, or march on the spot.
Using the loop bands, my favourite, here’s my top six exercises for any level. New to exercise? Choose the lightest resistance band.
Beginners do each exercise eight to 15 times and rest for 30 seconds. Repeat for a second set.
For my more advanced, fit friends, go heavy for muscle building with just eight
ribbons
in a set and complete three sets. Want to warm up for a sport? Choose a light resistance and time each exercise, working for 30-60 seconds. Complete as many rounds as possible.
My super six
• Overhead triceps work the back of the arms. Sitting in a chair with shoulders back, belly button pulled in, raise one arm overhead and the other at your lower back, holding the band one end in each hand. Pull the band apart and release.
• Band pull-apart works the pectorals or chest. Stand with feet shoulderwidth apart, shoulders back and belly button drawn towards the sign. Holding the band in front of your hands, pull the band out to the sides. Make sure you squeeze the shoulder blades together.
• Concentration curls work on the bicep muscle. Sit down on the chair and anchor the band under the front of one foot and the other end in the hand. Place your elbow at the knee. Extend the arm and then contract. Slow and steady. After completing eight to 15, switch sides. Repeat.
• Lateral walk or monster walk is all about the legs and tushy. Sit down on the chair and slide the loop over both feet and pull it up to mid-thigh. Stand up. Slowly hinge hips back and bend knees to a half-squat position. Stay low and move laterally. Toes should face forward. Back and forth side to side. Your body will tell when it’s had enough. Sit. Take a break and go again.
• Bent-over row is all about the back. Standing up. Hinge over, soften knees and place arms shoulder-width
apart with one hand through each side. Draw the band back, keeping arms in line and elbows tight to the side
• Standing leg curl is all about hamstrings. Holding the back of the chair, place the band ankle height. Stand up straight, shoulders back and feet in line with hips, curl foot towards the hamstring. Alternate sides for between 16-30 repetitions. Rest and repeat.
• If this is all new, go slow. Do the program a few times a week. Once it becomes too easy, increase the resistance or add a third set. Robin Sharma’s words are true. “If you don’t make time for exercise, you’ll probably have to make time for sickness.” Have a question? I would love to hear from you. Email me at mercedeskaygoldfitness@gmail.com.
CORRECTION:
An error was published in the story, "Farm to Fork digs deeper into Waterloo Region’s food scene," on page 2 of the May 21 Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette. In the story, a quote was attributed to now-retired Explore Waterloo Region CEO
Minto Schneider. The quote should have be attributed to current Explore Waterloo Region CEO Michele Saran. We regret any confusion this may have caused.
(MERCEDES KAY GOLD PHOTO) Resistance bands are perfect for at-home or on-the-go workouts.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
The Nith Valley EcoBoosters Repair Café
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Skilled volunteer fixers will be on hand for mechanical, woodworking, sewing, mending, knitting, crocheting, jewelry and book repairs. Contact us at: nvebrepaircafe@gmail.com or check out www.nvecoboosters.com
Zion United Church, 215 Peel St., New Hamburg
Wilmot Lions/Lioness BBQ in support of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide Walk
11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Sobeys
100 Mill St., New Hamburg
SUNDAY, MAY 31
Wilmot Lions/Lioness & Pet Valu Dog Guide Walk
Registration: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Walk starts at 1:00 p.m.
Treat bags for every dog. All proceeds support those needing a Dog Guide at no cost to them. Rear of Wilmot Recreation Complex - Schmidt Woods Trail, 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
Perth East council meeting
7 p.m.
Council chambers
25 Mill Street East, Milverton
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
East Zorra-Tavistock Council meeting
9 a.m. Council Chambers
89 Loveys Street East, Hickson
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
God's Love Knows No Boundaries - Pride Month Event
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Zion United Church
215 Peel St., New Hamburg
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
World Crokinole Championship
All day
Competitors will compete for the prestigious title of greatest crokinole player on the planet, at the 25th edition of the World Crokinole Championship. Website: worldcrokinole.com Spectators are welcome and can watch for free. Tavistock & District Recreation Centre
Berlin 95, Los Rolling Tacos, Born2Eat, Fo Cheezy Donations to Camp Bimini 116 Woodstock St. S. Tavistock
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
Wellesley Council meeting 6:45 p.m.
Council chambers 4805 William Hastings Line, Crosshill
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Community Care Concepts Lunch and Fellowship
12 p.m.
Please register by June 5 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900
Wellesley Recreation Complex, 1401 Queen’s Bush Rd., Wellesley
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Optimist Club of Tavistock Friday Night Fries
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Optimist Food Trailer Tavistock Optimist Park
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
Shakespeare’s 79th Annual Field Day and Fish Fry
Festivities begin at 8 a.m.
Parade theme is “Life’s a Beach”. Shakespeare Firefighters Breakfast, Mini Kids Midway, and Fish Fry and lots more. More info and tickets for Fish Fry - call Deb at 519-276-8109. SCAA Park and Optimist Hall
Shakespeare, ON
MONDAY, JUNE 15
Food Trucks at Grace United Church
Tavistock
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Wild Boar, El Milagro, Pablas Street of India, Beavertails
Donations to Grace United Church
116 Woodstock St. S. Tavistock
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
Free Caregiver Connection peer support groups
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Worried about your child or youth? Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health (PCMH) offers free peer support groups for caregivers, in person, virtual, or hybrid. Visit family.cmho.org or email oxfordcounty@pcmh.ca for more information. Revel Realty Woodstock, 111 Huron Street, Woodstock
Perth East council meeting
7 p.m.
Council chambers
25 Mill Street East, Milverton
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Community Care Concepts Lunch and Fellowship
12 p.m.
Please register by June 12 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900
Wilmot Rec Complex, 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden
East Zorra-Tavistock Council meeting
7 p.m.
Council Chambers
89 Loveys Street East, Hickson
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Tavistock Mens Club Meeting Dinner at 6.15 p.m.
Welcome to attend. Phone: 519-655-3573 Website: tavistockmensclub.ca
Join us for: Firefighter Breakfast 10 a.m., Heritage Displays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Portraits of Honour, 12 noon Parade, Opening Ceremony 1 p.m., Car & Tractor Show 1-4 p.m., Live Music & Entertainment 2-10 p.m., Kids Activities, Vendor Market, Lions BBQ and the grand finale, an 18 minute Drone Show at 9:45 p.m. Free admission. Fun for all ages. Thanks to our Platinum Sponsors - Canadian Heritage and North Blenheim Mutual Insurance celebrating 165 years. www.plattsvilledistrictheritagesociety.
com
Plattsville Park and Arena
68 Mill St E, Plattsville Tavistock & District Historical Society Museum Open 1-4 p.m. (other times by appointment) Email: info@tavistockhistory.ca or call 519-6553334. All welcome.
37 Maria Street, Tavistock
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Food Trucks at Grace United Church Tavistock
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Berlin 95, Born2Eat, El Milagro, Ish n Chips Donations to TAP, Tavistock Assistance Program 116 Woodstock St. S. Tavistock
Garden Wilmot visits Deep Purple Lavender Farm.
6:30 p.m.
Join us for a guided walk of the farm, nestled in a scenic valley with a wooded ravine, located south of Embro. FREE for GW members. For more info: https://wilmothortsociety.ca
Wilmot Council meeting 7-10 p.m.
Council chambers
60 Snyder’s Road W., Baden
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Community Care Concepts Lunch and Fellowship
12 p.m.
Please register by June 19 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900
Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line, Linwood
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
5 Corners Summer Sips - Tavistock Fall Fair Fundraiser
2 p.m. to Midnight
Get ready for a full-blown summer party with craft brews, food trucks and live music. Familyfriendly event. Kids 12 and under free. Visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/5corners-summer-sips for tickets. Early bird ticket special until June 1.
Tavistock & District Recreation Centre
1 Adam St, Tavistock
MONDAY, JUNE 29
Food Trucks at Grace United Church Tavistock
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Pablas Street of India, Swat, Fo Cheezy Donations to TAP, Tavistock Assistance Program 116 Woodstock St. S. Tavistock
EVERY WEDNESDAY
TOPS - Taking off Pounds Sensibly Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Contact Cathie 519-662-9273
St James Church, Baden
Euchre Night Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
New Hamburg Legion 65 Boulee St., New Hamburg
FREE SENIORS ACTIVITIES
Tavistock Seniors Pickleball
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12-4 p.m.
Contact: Don Junker 519-535-7052
Tavistock Memorial Hall, 1 Adam St.
Tavistock Seniors Card Games
Monday drop in 1-4 p.m.
Contact: Bob Routly 519-301-2118
Tavistock Memorial Hall, 1 Adam St.
VON Senior Exercise Drop-In Standing Class Tuesday and Thursday 9-10 a.m.
To register contact 519-539-1231 ext. 6319
Tavistock Memorial Hall, 1 Adam St.
VON Senior Exercise Drop-In Sitting Class Tuesday and Thursday 10:25-11:25 a.m.
To register contact 519-539-1231 ext. 6319
Village Manner, 98 Woodstock St., Tavistock
TAVISTOCK & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM DISPLAYS
Museum Display: "25th Tournament of the Tavistock World Crokinole Championship". Open 7 days a week until June 22
Tavistock & District Recreation Centre (arena lobby), 2 Adam Street, Tavistock Museum Display: "The Glasgow Warehouse" Can be viewed anytime
Tavistock Home Hardware (Front window), 24 Woodstock Street S., Tavistock Museum Display: “Heritage of Hickson Post Office”
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm runs until July 13
EZT Township Administration Building (lobby), 89 Loveys Street, Hickson
PLATTSVILLE & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY
Plattsville & District Heritage Society exhibit "Holidays & Celebrations That Bring Us Together"
June 6 to September 19 | Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Donations accepted. Refreshments. Contact plattsvilledistrictheritage@gmail.com or call 519.535.1417.
Archive & Museum at Chesterfield, 816661 Oxford Rd 22, Bright
CLASSIFIED ADS
FOR SALE
6 Bose speakers $300, Fire Table like new $300 or $350 with the tank, Electric Fireplace 1500Watts with remote $250, Ladies 24" 18 gear Mountain Bike like new #100, $40 Planer, 16" scroll saw with table $40, Miter saw stand brand new in box $75, Worx table new in bow $75, Everlast heavy bag with 2 pairs of gloves $50, NordicTrack treadmill $300, accordion imported from Italy needs minor repair best offer. Contact Joe 519-242-7904
FOR SALE
Shade Trees; Maples, Oaks, Birch, Beech, Honey Locusts, Elms, Magnolia, Hydrangea Tree, Tulip Tree, Crab apples, Ivory Silk Lilac, Chanticleer Pear, Golden Weeping Willows and more. Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Nectarine, Blueberry, Haskap etc. Lots of healthy strong Spruce, Cedars and White Pine for your privacy hedges and windbreaks. Hundred of flowering shrubs. Reg Hours 7am6pm Mon-Sat at Martins Nursery c/o Emanuel Martin. 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter, ON
LOOKING FOR
Senior living in central Tavistock looking for person to do light housekeeping including laundry once a month. Also need bi-weekly grocery shop. Fair compensation for gas & time (Cash). If interested, please call 519-655-3595 to schedule a meet and greet. Suitable candidate will be notified by phone.
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.
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
GARAGE SALE
Road, East, Baden
Garage Sale
YARD SALE AT GRACE UNITED CHURCH TAVISTOCK
JUNE 6, 2026
116 Woodstock St. S. Tavistock
Dishes, books, jewelry, games, toys, knickknacks, silverware, craft supplies, lamps, materials, china, decorations, small furniture, vintage and collectibles table, electrical appliances, plants and garden décor items
Garage Sale
518 John St. Hickson
Purging - Downsizing : Patio umbrellas, stands, table, smaller furniture(old wood teacher's chairs),household items, antiques puzzles, tools & garden tools & many more items. Signs will be up, street is west side of school.
