W-T Gazette Sept 4, 2025 by granthaven

EZT Councillors no longer tied to the Council Chamber

limit. Hopefully, that should accommodate council should they need to participate electronically.”

She noted that the by-law states in-person attendance is preferred and encouraged EZT voters to share their thoughts on the change with their elected officials.

“I believe it would be up to your constituents to express whether or not they’re happy with you using electronic participation, or not, to the amount you do.”

The new by-law also removed the requirement that only those physically present at the Hickson office count towards quorum.

“We found that to be burdensome in the event someone was sick or two members were already participating electronically, or someone had a family emergency or couldn’t attend council for whatever reason.”

EZT joins neighbouring municipalities, including Wilmot Township and the City of Woodstock, in not requiring council members to attend meetings in person.

The mayor and members of council are required to let Vader know at least 24 hours

in advance of their intent to participate virtually.

“This was previously 48 hours but adjusted it to be a little more flexible for council. It’s not that burdensome for staff to create that electronic meeting link. There is also a provision that should you not be able to provide 24 hours notice, that, if possible, we will still accommodate that.”

Language was also added to the by-law to deal with privacy issues during in-camera sessions of council.

“It speaks to ensuring members are in a location that is private. Just ensuring you are alone…and taking proper precautions, similar to how we are in an actual closed session.”

In the event of a technology failure during a meeting, a 15-minute recess will be called to allow for “technical resolution.” If the issue is not resolved, the meeting will proceed without a live feed for the public to view. The meeting would still be recorded for posting on the township website if possible.

Coun. Jeremy Smith said he believes there is a distinct difference between in-person and electronic participation and

asked if the township should implement greater transparency.

“I don’t think to date we have noted that difference in our approved, recorded minutes. I don’t know if that…really needs to be covered in a procedural by-law, but I’d like to see (us) undertake it simply as a matter of practice.”

CAO Karen DePrest said there is no difference in attending meetings either in-person or virtually.

“That’s one of the biggest perks about virtual attendance. Council members are no longer required to miss meetings because they have other things to attend to. If you are able to attend, you’re in attendance whether you are here in the chamber or not.”

She added anyone wishing to know whether a council member attended a meeting in person can simply watch the recorded meeting video available on the EZT website.

“They can know (when the camera pans out) whether there are seats that are vacant or not, but as a matter of public record, there is no difference in the types of attendance.”

Township passes Optimist Park grass-cutting agreement, may not be an option come 2027

The Tavistock service club and EZT are one step closer to an official deal when it comes to cutting grass inside the ball diamond at the park.

The agreement means the township will continue to mow the lawn until the agreement comes to an end on Dec. 31, 2026. Coun. Jeremy Smith said now would be a good time for the Optimist Club to recog

contributed $4,000 to the park playground project and helped in “other” budget-related matters.

“In 2007, a $7,100 contribution was made for ball diamond improvements. In 2010, we covered over $22,000 in fencing upgrades in the park, and in 2016, a $38,000 grant was given to the Optimist Club for washroom renovations at their private facility.”

Smith also alluded to 23 years worth of grass cutting, which cost taxpayers $18,000 in the township’s 2025 budget.

“I don’t view a recognition request as unreasonable, and I guess the easiest way to accomplish that would be some form of signage onsite,” he added.

The township will see an increase in its green space area going forward, a contributing factor to the Dec. 31, 2026, agreement end date.

“By that time we should have an additional 10 acres of green space coming into us as well as an additional four acres in Hickson as well so we will have to look at the budgetary-wise and what council would like to do with that,” said Public Works Manager Tom Lightfoot.

He added he has not had any recent discussions with the Optimist Club.

“If council wants to move on with this agreement, then I will reach out and work on getting this signed.”

Deputy Mayor Brad Smith wants to let the service club know as soon as possible that this deal might be the last one.

“I think we have to take into account whether we are going to be able to continue to offer this service. I only think it would be fair to the Optimist Club that if we gave them as much notice as possible, that we

He added that additional staff would tends into 2027 — a decision Mayor Phil

Tourism Oxford launches revamped website

team effort from start to finish, and Oxford companies are now able to showcase themselves.

“Businesses can actually go online and quickly edit and maintain their content. The site isn’t just aimed at the consumer but also at the businesses. For example, people can easily go online and submit events and add offers.”

2025 is just year one of the five-year plan, and Maywood said Tourism Oxford is well on the way to successfully implementing the initiative.

“It’s been a very successful year in checking off some of those tasks to be completed. The website is a great example of one, and it was a priority for us this year. We are also working on the ‘Your Next Stop’ routes that we have in market now and the other ones we are hoping to wrap up and market for the fall for Ingersoll and Tillsonburg.”

Oxford County has been a growing tourist destination over the last several years, and another benefit of the new website is the ability to track visitor inquiries more efficiently. Maywood added the county is an up-and-coming hot spot for tourism dollars.

“At the end of the year I’ll be able to give some overall numbers. This week, we had a call from someone wanting to bring a group of 50 people into the area in September. We were featured in Blog TO earlier in the year and our inbox exploded over two days.”

She added how consumers plan vacations and getaways is changing, and they are now ready to provide the necessary planning information.

“We now have a website that is ready for you to build your trip and share a link with your friends. Or, if you want to give a trip idea hint to somebody to take you out, you can use it for that as well.”

One of Tourism Oxford’s key target

audiences is urban residents looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener, or London.

“As much as Woodstock is a city, it’s still small by metropolitan standards. People love what we have to offer. There are a lot of unique businesses, stories, culture and history to explore.”

The organization has also launched a program in Woodstock called Retro Rewind, where the goal is to get people to explore businesses in the Friendly City.

“We’re celebrating the fact we have some long-term businesses, even one back to the 1800s, and there are three themes. ‘Retro Vibes’ are businesses offering a unique nostalgic offering. For example, wandering through three floors of antiques, flipping through vinyl, and maybe getting a fresh cut at a local barbershop with vintage décor in the store. From an old school tailor on Dundas Street to a jeweler, checking out a museum and the local history with some walking tours.”

Maywood added customers can also go back to the future and check out some new and modern businesses that are bringing something fresh to downtown Woodstock.

“There’s so much to check out downtown, and I’m excited for it. There is a lot of enthusiasm there.”

More information is available on the Tourism Oxford website under the ‘Explore’ tab by clicking ‘Your Next Stop.’

Potential tourists can explore an events calendar to see what’s happening across Oxford and access personalized trip planning through a concierge service that highlights everything from hidden gems to must-see attractions. Businesses are able to update photos, details, and seasonal offers and access resources to make sure their information reaches visitors.

Anyone interested can learn more at www.tourismoxford.ca.

Are you interested in purchasing the former EZT building?

Property in Hickson now open for bids

LEE GRIFFI

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

East Zorra-Tavistock’s new municipal building has been up and running since March 2024, and the township has now decided it’s time to put the former facility on the market.

“The township uses Bids and Tenders as its electronic bidding system. Solicitations are posted electronically through (it), and bids/responses must be received through the online bidding system,” said EZT Clerk Meaghan Vader. “Bid documents are available for download by registered plan takers in a written format through the online bidding system. Bidders who wish to bid submit their required bid documents using the online bidding system through a formal sealed process,” she added.

Following the bid closing date, bids are unsealed and reviewed for compliance in accordance with the bid document and procurement policy. A report will then be taken to Council for their review and award to the highest compliant bidder.

“In accordance with the bid document, the bid will be awarded to the highest compliant bidder, subject to council approval. The bid closes on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m.

Bid Opportunity notices and awards, and a free preview of the bid documents are available free of charge without registration.

“Please note, some documents may be secured, and you will be required to register for the bid to download and view the documents. There is no cost to obtain an unsecured version of the document and /

or to participate in this solicitation,” said Vader.

While the tender does not provide any information about the condition of the building, the Gazette is aware a new septic system is in order. What isn’t clear is what purpose a new owner would have for the property.

“In accordance with the information contained in the bid document on the township’s Bids and Tenders page, the building is being sold as is,” added Vader.

A pre-bid open house will be held on Sept. 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 90 Loveys Street in Hickson.

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“It is the bidder’s responsibility to inspect the property before the closing date of the tender. The township makes no representations to the bidder regarding the title to or the condition of the property. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests solely with the bidder,” she explained.

At press time, six people/organizations had expressed official interest in the building and are listed as official Plan Takers. The Gazette reached out to a pair of bidders who say they are no longer interested in the property after reading the detailed

information about it.

“A Plan Taker is a bidder who registers with a bidding system for the bid solicitation and, in doing so, downloads the related bid documents and specifications,” said Vader. “By taking this step, the bidder officially enters the process, becoming eligible to ask questions, receive any addenda or updates, and ultimately submit a bid in response to the solicitation.”

A report will be taken to council for review and awarded to the highest compliant bidder. More information is available at https://www.ezt.ca/township-office/ bids-and-tenders/.

East Zorra-Tavistock’s former municipal building at 90 Loveys Street in Hickson is now on the market through the township’s bidding system.

(GOOGLE MAPS SCREENSHOT)

Testing corn moisture

Gazette Correspondent

When Tavistock and New Hamburg area livestock farmers start testing for moisture in their corn silage, you know fall weather is just around the corner.

On Tuesday, with their annual Corn Silage Chipper Day, dozens of farmers brought six stalks of corn, freshly cut from their fields, to run through a small chopper. The corn that most brought in will go for silage and is tested on site through a very accurate John Deere tester that can tell available moistures from samples taken. Most moistures this day came in at 70%

to 76%.

The Trouw Nutrition and Shur-Gain ruminant staff on sight said that the moisture level is probably still too high for tower silos depending on their height, and for bunker silos the time is getting close depending on corn maturity and soils that the corn is grown on. The sandier and lighter ground usually has the corn stand drying down earlier than corn that is grown on heavier ground.

One to two weeks of sunny warm weather this time of year can make a big difference in how quickly corn silage harvest will begin.

above keeping the corn stalk chopper running are, from left: Chase Becker (Sales representative for Premier Equipment, west of Tavistock), Fred Wettlaufer (Yantzi-Trouw Nutrition), Lucas Reid and his uncle Dan Herlick (South Easthope dairy farmers who brought in their farm’s sample for testing), Angie Fairfield (Territory Manager for Trouw Nutrition), Rick Verhoef, David Coates, and Marissa Chesney (all three are Ruminant Sales Advisers for Shur-Gain), Rinske Peeters (livestock specialist for Premier and John Deere equipment), and Havie Carter (Ruminant Sales Adviser for Trouw Nutrition).

Organizer Zenon Bender, David Coates, Fred Wettlaufer, and Rick Verhoef chop stalks of corn into a bag for testing of moisture. This year’s corn crop in areas of Perth, Oxford and Waterloo Counties, according to Bender (Pride Seeds) appears to look as good as ever due to extreme heat and timely adequate rainfall.

Pictured

GARY WEST

(GARY WEST PHOTOS)

The right tree in the right spot: How trees are working for farms

GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Submitted to the Gazette

In the rolling fields of southwestern Ontario, farmers are turning to an age-old ally to boost productivity and protect their land: trees.

Trees work hard to protect soil, water, crops and even livestock.

“Trees are more than just scenery,” says Myles Henderson, forestry specialist with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). “When placed correctly, they become part of the farm’s infrastructure.”

There are three practices for tree planting that work well for farmers.

Windbreaks: Nature’s shield

Windbreaks are rows of trees planted to reduce wind speed. They help farmers protect crops from wind and soil erosion. By slowing down gusts, these natural barriers reduce moisture loss and create a more ideal climate for sensitive crops.

Buffers: Filtering and protecting Riparian buffers are strips of vegetation planted along waterways. These buffers trap sediment, absorb nutrients and prevent runoff from entering ditches and other waterbodies.

Shelterbelts: Reduced energy costs and snow load

Shelterbelts are rows of trees that provide shade and wind protection around farmsteads. Shelterbelts improve animal welfare and reduce energy costs. In winter,

they shield barns and livestock from harsh winds and reduce snow accumulation in yards.

A tree-planting project’s success depends on choosing the right species for the soil, drainage and intended purpose. Trees like spruce make excellent windbreaks and are less likely to clog drainage tiles. A mixture of hardwoods, shrubs and evergreen species is ideal for creek buffers, allowing grass and other vegetation to stabilize embankments.

With careful planning and the right species, trees can become a valuable farm asset working year-round to protect, support and sustain agricultural productivity. The GRCA works with rural landowners to plant an average of 100,000 trees each year on private land. Staff design planting plans based on site conditions and landowner planting goals, and offer advice on how to prepare for and maintain projects. Properties over five acres within the Grand River watershed are eligible to participate in the GRCA’s tree-planting programs.

Now is a great time to get started to plan for spring and there are lots of grants available. For more information and funding opportunities through the Grand River Conservation Authority’s tree-planting program, contact trees@grandriver.ca or call 519-621-2761.

Now is the best time to being working with the Grand River Conservation Authority to find out if a tree-planting project can benefit your farm or property.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY)

Adrianna Danen a key part of family farming tradition

GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent

Women have always been a big part of the farming community In Perth County. South Easthope dairy farmer Adrianna Danen was stopped climbing into a powerhouse, 8- wheel drive John Deere while “ripping” a field of wheat stubble during fall tillage this week. Adrianna graduated in the spring with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agri-Business with a Major in

Agriculture from college out in Alberta. She says she “and her brother Mitch milk a Holstein dairy herd (known as Daneaway Holsteins) near their parents’ home farm (known as Daneholme) on Line 33 (Pork Street). They both graduated from Agriculture School at the Ridgetown Campus of University of Guelph following secondary school at St. Mike’s in Stratford. They are now both dairy farming together in their updated free stall and milking parlour barn on some of the best land in the south of Perth County.

(PHOTOS BY NATALIE OTTERBEIN OF NAT.URAL PHOTOGRAPHY)

Ken is on the tractor seat and taking over as Adrianna, after hours of running the ripper, heads to the dairy barn to help with afternoon farm chores. She had been running the big machine since morning in a large field that she hopes will be all worked up

day’s end.

(GARY WEST PHOTOS)

Oxford County 4-H Beef Club Achievement Day

The Oxford County 4-H Beef Club held their annual achievement day at the Tavistock Pavilion and Fairgrounds last week. Sponsors for the event included Meadow Bridge Angus (the Deslippe Family) and the Oxford Cattlemen’s Association.

There were 28 beef club members who took part in both showmanship and confirmation during the day.

The results were as follows:

Junior showmanship: 1st place Alex Haley; 2nd place Owen Pletsch.

Intermediate showmanship: 1st place Sam Haley; 2nd place Faith Abel.

Senior showmanship: 1st place Emily Hartle; 2nd place Flynn Reinhardt.

Overall showmanship: Alex Haley

Reserve showmanship: Emily Hartle

For confirmation in the Heifer calf class, the champion calf, Entourage Black Beauty, was shown by Presley Eby, and the reserve champion heifer was DKMB Spice Girl 4N shown by Flynn Reinhart.

In the Junior Yearling champion class, Cypress Gilbert showed Say Russ Paula 161M to victory, while Faith Abell was reserve with Barhaven Tonto Cheyenne 17M.

In the Senior Yearling class, Owen Pletsch showed Kade’s Sodapop 101M

to victory, with reserve going to Courtney Pletsch showing Your Majesty.

In the Market Steer class, Hank Weir

with his steer named Roma Dimepiece earned 1st place, while Jade Dill showing Glencar Jack Daniel’s finished second. It was good to see that approximately 15

Oxford Beef Club members will be attending this year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto in November.

Above: Oxford 4-H Beef Club members, front row from left: Brett Pearson, Henry McCoy, Owen Pletsch, Mark Haley, Averie Tew-Smith, Cyprus Gilbert, and Brady Campbell. Back row from left: Keenan Grieve, Tyler Smith, Sam Haley, Zack Haley, Faith Abell, Emily Hartle, Olivia Heleniak, Courtney Pletsch, Spencer Norris, Ben Kitmer, Nate Campbell, Zephy Gilbert, Alex Haley, Alekis VanWeiren, Flynn Reinhart, Jade Dill, Hank Weir, Meiska Gilbert, Albert Reinhart, Sarah Bean, and Presley Eby. Club Leaders not pictured: Amy Reinhart, Shawn Weir, Sarah Pletsch, and Katie Deslippe.

GARY WEST

Gazette Correspondent

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Tavistock Fall Fair is here

With the Tavistock Fall Fair Banner in the distance, these tractor drivers will try to make it to the fair’s car and tractor show in the park this Sunday. Like the banner says every year, the Tavistock Fall Fair occurs the weekend after Labour Day.

(GARY WEST PHOTO)

Dreamkeeper and Jazz at the Wellesley Fall Fair

GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent

One of the star attractions at the Wellesley Fall Fair this year was the commercial team of horses owned by Murray McGonigle and family.

This fancy team is made up of 15-yearold Dreamkeeper on the left and 17-yearold Jazz on the right.

When asked why they step so high, Murray’s answer was due to them being a cross between a Clydesdale and a Hackney.

The fancy stepping team were purchased by Murray 11 years ago at one of Dave Carson’s horse sales near Listowel.

They have seen many fairs and exhibitions across southern Ontario ever since.

Murray McGonigle and driver Bruce Ross from St. Marys keep their team of commercial horses in perfect step at this year’s Wellesley Fall Fair Horse Show. Organizers said it was the best show in years with horse owners coming in from all over Southwestern Ontario.

(GARY WEST PHOTO)

Hoping to reel in a cure for Parkinson’s

GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent

There is a Shakespeare resident who has been known for his golf game but is fast becoming famous for his fishing expertise.

Bill Schafer built many barns, sheds, and houses throughout the area during his busy life as the hands-on owner of Schafer Structures, based on the west side of Shakespeare.

Bill says he and his friends motored this day out of Port Burwell and could hardly get their lines baited soon enough to reel in another good-sized fish. They caught their limit of 18 fish in four hours and had lots

of time to fry up some of their catch for a fresh fish dinner.

Shaefer would also like readers to know that this weekend he won’t be fishing but taking part with his family in Saturday’s annual Parkinson’s Walk in Stratford. He is still looking for area residents that will help sponsor he and his family’s quest for research in finding a cure for Parkinson’s. His wife Kathy has suffered for decades from this horrible disease and he and his family hope donations will help find a cure, through funded research. Bill’s email is schafer.bk@gmail.com if you’d like to help with raising money for Parkinson’s research.

Shakespeare’s Bill Schafer, a proud fisherman who continues to help his family raise thousands of dollars over the last number of years in support of Parkinson’s research in Southwestern Ontario.

N.E.A.T. breakfast supports the Legion

Every year for the last number of years, members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor (N.E.A.T.) Breakfast Club roll into New Hamburg with their antique tractors and share a wholesome meal prepared by Royal Canadian Legion Branch #532. The New Hamburg Legion on Boullee Street, beside the fairgrounds, is on the banks of the Nith River and is a veterans’ organization that encourages 18+ aged residences to join from any walk of life. The organization supports veterans and promotes remembrance that serves their communities throughout the year, and especially on November 11th. Events like the N.E.A.T. breakfast helps the local Legion raise funds for the many area activities they are involved with.

Legion members who made their fundraising breakfast last week for tractor club members include, from left: Carl McMullen, Helen Remple, Diane Anger, Scott Strickland, and Judy Yearwood (behind Judy is a bashful Legion helper). At back is Gary Bender.

The friendly N.E.A.T. club members always like to have a photo before starting their tractors. In this case, they pose with the Legion workers who provided the full and nutritious breakfast while saying, “thanks for coming”.

Longtime Legion member, and N.E.A.T. club member Robert Miller hopes more people will join the Legion and become a member to keep this very important organization thriving well into the future. They are important all year round, “Lest We Forget”.

GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent

(GARY WEST PHOTOS)

Shakespeare collision closes highway for five hours

Charges could be pending after a black SUV collided with a passing dump truck on highway 7&8 just east of the traffic lights in Shakespeare. No one appeared to be injured. The mishap took place at approximately 2:30 pm in front of the Shakespeare Variety store. Highway 7&8 was closed in both directions for nearly five hours as highway crews cleaned up the hydraulic oil left on the pavement.

Gazette reporter helps out at Wellesley Fall Fair live auction

Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette reporter Gary West (left) is seen here lending his support to OLEX auctioneer Calvin Kuepfer (centre) and Oktoberfest Ambassador Katie Kneisel (right) during the live auction at the Wellesley Township Fall Fair.

(WENDY RICHARDSON PHOTO)

(GARY WEST PHOTO)

Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigade draw winner for August William Street construction complete

A young lady from Petersburg is the latest winner of the monthly Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigade’s cash raffle fundraiser.

Lisa Baca was excited to have her name drawn to receive $460 – representing 50% of the amount collected in the August draw in support of the ongoing

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

fundraising of the Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigade, located at 10 Bell Street, Baden. The money collected from the monthly draws will help to acquire, restore, and maintain all the museum’s pieces, including antique fire trucks and fire equipment. More information on tickets is available at www.wilmotfiremuseum.com, or from any member of the Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigade in Baden.

Watering of the newly grass-sodded area took place last week on William Street in Tavistock represented completion of the summertime street construction.

Workers with hoses and water trucks were out in Tavistock last week, tying up all the loose ends as the summer construction on William Street wraps up. With watermain work, new curbs, and pavement resurfacing now complete, new topsoil and sod were laid and rolled into place. Workers said this will ensure the new lawn takes root, and watering will ensure a good catch of grass. Much needed rain the following day was welcome in order to keep the green grass growing.

Lisa Baca with her winnings of $460.00 from the #37, August draw, on behalf of members of the Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigade.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent

DUBAI, ABU DHABI & OMAN

JANUARY 16-28, 2 26

JANUARY 16-28, 2026

FEBRUARY 1 -2 , 2 26 PANAMA CANAL CRUISE

FRENCH RIVIERA

APRIL 2 -MAY 4, 2 26

APRIL 23-MAY 4, 2026

FEBRUARY 10-27, 2026 DISCOVER SCOTLAND MAY 2 -JUNE 1, 2 26 DISCOVER SCOTLAND MAY 23-JUNE 1, 2026

CRUISE AU UST 11-22, 2 26

CRUISE AUGUST 11-22, 2026

RIVER

26-DECEMBER 5, 2026 PANAMA CANAL CRUISE

& CAPE BRETON AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 6, 2026

AU UST 2 -SEPTEMBER 6, 2 26

MARKETS

26-DECEMBER 5, 2 26

Duncan Arthur Walkom

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Duncan Arthur Walkom, who passed away peacefully at Tri-County Mennonite Homes in Stratford on 27 August 2025, at the age of 71.

Duncan was the beloved son of the late Arthur O. Walkom and Grace I. Walkom. He is survived by his sister Jennifer L. Gibson (Robert), twin sister Della M. Young (Ian), and brother David B. Walkom, along with their families.

After completing his studies at Centennial College and DeVry Institute of Technology in Toronto, Duncan travelled coast to coast across Canada. He worked in the logging industry on the Fraser River in B.C. before accepting a position as a survey technician with Northwest Geophysical in Thunder Bay, where he enjoyed assignments working alone in the far north.

In 1980, Duncan suffered life-altering injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Thunder Bay, an event that reshaped the course of his life. Through extensive rehabilitation, family support, and his own determination, he rebuilt his life and carried on with resilience.

Duncan will be remembered for his magnetic personality and love of the outdoors, fishing, music, carving, and playing darts. He took joy in walking and stopping to talk with people, always leaving a smile on their faces.

He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Private family arrangements have been entrusted to Francis Chapel of the Glendinning Funeral Home, Tavistock, with interment to take place at a later date in Avondale Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Stratford General Hospital may be made through the funeral home. Personal condolences can be shared at

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

CARD OF THANKS

Thank you

The family of Oliver Kropf wishes to extend our dee pest thanks to everyone who reached out with cards, flow ers, and heartfelt sympathy during the passing of our be loved Dad. Your kindness and thoughtful gestures have bee n a great source of comfort to us in this difficult tim e. We truly appreciate the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and community members alike.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to The staff at The Maoles for all their loving care and s upport over the last 5 years. To Glendinning Funeral Home for their compassionate and professional care throughou t the entire process. Their support helped guide us with dignity and understanding when we needed it most.

A special thank you goes to Tavichill for providing the delicious sandwiches. We are also very grateful to Joshua Martin for all his support and the lunch committee at Cassel Mennonite Church for their dedication and ki ndness in organizing and serving the lunch. Your efforts m ade a meaningful difference and helped bring comfort to everyone present.

During such a challenging time, the love and suppor t from all of you have been invaluable to our family. We f eel truly blessed to be surrounded by such a caring community , and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Always in our hearts, we miss and love you.

THE KROPF FAMILY

What is the highest possible score the can be achieved on the SATs?

What is the birthstone for September? How much is a carat in grams?

4. What is a male turkey called?

5. In what city does Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade take place?

6. Manhattan is not a city. It is a what?

7. What does the acronym GPA stand for?

8. Where does The Boots and Hearts Music Festival take place?

9. The mandible and the maxilla make up what bone?

Which has the thickest fur of any mammal?

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.

September 2-9, 2020, Edition (5 years ago)

A new home on Jacob Street West has an old lawn ornament that is sure to catch your eye. A massive cast-iron kettle sits tilted on the front lawn of Don and Connie Junker and is now filled with flowers and grasses given to them by some friends. The kettle is a family heirloom from Connie’s Francis family, whose century farm was located in Woodham Township outside of Kirkton where she grew up. “It was used to make lye soap by my great-grandparents,” Connie said, “and it may be older than that.”

Writing down random thoughts, ideas, doodles and anything else that comes to mind can be great therapy, especially during a pandemic. It is said that journaling can strengthen both your memory and communication skills. For nine-year-old Bella Matthews, the COVID-19 pandemic gave her the idea to start a journal so that she could look back on this time in 2020 and read about it. Looking back, some of her most favourite entries included writing about her cast coming off. The other most favourite day was the day her mother woke up Bella and her twin sister, Alyssa, early for a surprise. She let them know that they were about to take a three-hour drive to Gravenhurst to get a new puppy.

A group of ladies from the community gather for exercise and conversation in Tavistock every Wednesday evening. “We first started this walking group in 2010 as a Tavistock Mennonite Church (TMC) initiative to develop fellowship groups by affinity or common interests,” said Deb Kaster, who coordinates the walking group. “Over the years, we have added several ladies who do not attend TMC but are friends of the core walkers.” The church’s congregational chair, Cheryl Bender, who is one of the other participants, says “the walking group has been a great way to connect with friends and support each other as we walk and talk.”

September 1-8, 2010, Edition (15 years ago)

Three young Tavistock girls have come up with their own idea of raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. The trio of Kristin Ropp, Kennedi Roth and Hailey Mohr are making bracelets and selling them around the village. They have already raised $233.78 from their handiwork. Kristin, 11, began making the bracelets in her spare time and her mother suggested she give the money to charity. Kristin’s grand-

mother, Shirley Ropp, passed away in 2001 due to cancer, and it was an obvious choice for the funds to go. When her best friend Kennedi Roth’s great uncle, Cephas Roth, was diagnosed with cancer, the girls knew what they would do. Kristin and Kennedi enlisted the help of another friend, Hailey Mohr, 10, to create an inventory of bracelets they could sell around the village.

A dozen talented members of the Kitchener chapter of the Sweet Adelines entertained residents and friends of the Retirement Home at The Maples Home for Seniors last Friday evening during an outdoor concert. The group was conducted by Delores Alexander and sang a wide variety of tunes from Broadway shows such as “New York, New York” to the theme of the Lion King and other favourites. The musical entertainment was followed by homemade ice cream sundaes served by the staff.

When Dave and Kim Piggott purchased the former Oxford Hotel in Tavistock and started renovations, they weren’t fully prepared for the work that lay ahead. Now, after 13 months on the job, nine tenants have adopted the new Oxford manor as their own and the Tavistock Public Library is well on its way to becoming comfortable in its newly renovated premises at 40 Woodstock St. S in Tavistock. Although the couple estimates they are way over budget on the project, there is a real sense of pride in their accomplishment.

September 6-13, 1995, Edition (30 years ago)

The Labour Day Weekend would not be complete without the annual “boot toll” at the five-corner intersection in Tavistock sponsored by the Tavistock Volunteer Firefighters. The voluntary toll raised $3,700 through donations collected by firefighters at the main intersections during red lights between 4 and 8 p.m. However, many drivers stopped regardless to offer their monetary support.

The 10th annual Tavistock Fair Queen Competition Friday evening, Sept. 8, was everything it was supposed to be and more. Not only were there six talented young ladies vying for the crown, but the audience was treated to seeing seven of the past nine queens all on stage at the same time. Miss Michelle Holst was crowned queen at the climax of the evening with Miss Karla Bender, runner-up. Michelle, 18, sponsored by the Tavistock Men’s Club, captured the attention of the judges and the audience with her honest and heartfelt images of what Tavistock means to her.

The ham, loin and bacon from the top five Market Hog Competition winners at the Tavistock Fall Fair were auctioned Saturday afternoon, realizing a profit of about $4,000 for the Tavistock Arena Fund.

TOWNSHIP OF EAST ZORRA-TAVISTOCK

GRACE UNITED CHURCH

116 Woodstock St. S., Tavistock Phone: 519-655-2151

All are welcome

Service led by Rev. Marilyn Arthur Music by Marilyne Nystrome

TRINITY 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 LUTHERAN LCC

Cemetery Decoration Service

September 21st, 2 pm

Church Phone 519-276-0701

Wellington Street, Tavistock stpaulstavistock@gmail.com

Pastor Rev. Michael Mayer

EAST ZORRA MENNONITE

677044 16th Line Road, East Zorra

Pastors Ray Martin & Mike Williamson www.ezmennonite.ca

Service audio recordings available at: https://ezmennonite.ca/worship/

WILMOT TOWNSHIP

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Corner of Waterloo St and Byron St, New Hamburg

Weekly Sunday services at 10:15 am. All are welcome. https://www.stgeorgesnewhamburg.com

St James Chapel of Ease 4339 Huron Rd Wilmot Township

All are welcome.

Rev Margaret Walker; Office: 519-662-3450 sgacnewhamburg@gmail.com

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 expect a much more competitive team this season

LEE GRIFFI Gazette Correspondent

“We’re going to be a good, fast, and skilled team and exciting to watch.”

Those were the words of Tavistock Braves General Manager Brent Lange when asked what current and potential fans of the Provincial Junior Hockey League team can expect when the team hits the ice for the 2025-26 regular season. Tavistock’s opening weekend features a home-and-home series against the Paris Titans on Sept. 12 and 13.

“We will play with a chip on our shoulders this year with the way last year ended. We want to feed off that.”

Last season ended with a hard-fought game seven loss in the opening round of the playoffs against the New Hamburg Firebirds, who went on to make it to the league’s final four.

“We had amazing fan support last year down the stretch and into the playoffs, and hopefully we can get that throughout the year and into the playoffs again. I do believe we can compete and beat last year’s top teams,” he added. “Our staff is ready to pick up where we left off and put in the work and get the kids ready to make the next step and be a top contender.”

The Braves have played three exhibition games to date, and Lange said so far, he likes what he sees.

“The first game we only had two veterans and four or five newly signed players, and then the rest were ones trying out and potential APs for us who will be going back to U18 in minor hockey. The last two we mixed in more veterans and played well in both wins. It will definitely be a new and improved team this season. “

Goaltending was an inconsistent area for Tavistock last year, something Lange said has been addressed with the addition of veteran puckstopper Blake Richard from Kitchener, who spent the last two seasons with the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins.

“He will be a rock back there for us for the next two years. He will be a game-changer for us. His new goalie partner is Andrew Torchia from Baden, a good young 17-year-old goalie who has played AAA in Waterloo and Huron Perth most of his career. It will be a strong goalie tandem for us this season and next, hopefully.”

Torchia’s father is former NHL goalie Mike, who had a long professional career that included six games with the Dallas

Stars. Along the blueline, Lange explained the team has added a key puzzle piece with the addition of Ryan McKellar who spent the last few years with the Junior B Ayr Centennials.

“He is our Super Over Ager this year. The kids and fans will love him and his dynamic play. He’s a smart, skilled D-man who can score and also play a physical game.”

Carson Bernhardt is back for his third season with the Braves and Lange explained they are deep along the back end.

“Some other good local players are still out with us in Rowan Bartlett and Carter Roth, along with the possible return of Yianni Peppas. They are all still in the mix.”

Lange said the team looks strong up front with a solid mix of veterans and some talented young players.

“Captain Marc Dionne, Assistant Captain Carter Arseneau and Tyler Bryzenskie are our overage forwards for their last season with us. Stephen Peppas, Jacob Reid-Brant, Nicholas Hambly, Blair Stokes and Carter Otto are all returning as well. Our newcomers include Felix Isert-Bender, Tucker Otto, Nolan Miller, Hudson Gordon and Brett Bell.”

Miller is the son of former NHL linesman Scott, while Tucker Otto is Carter’s

younger brother and another local player the team has signed.

“He is off to a great start for us with three goals in two games. Isert-Bender is also local and has been signed after playing a season of junior in Germany last season. Two of the veterans brought in are expected to make instant contributions, both coming from the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Cambridge Redhawks.

“Evan Palubeski will be a player the young fans will be excited to watch, along with Yann Raskin. I watched Yann and Evan play U18 AAA in Kitchener three or four years ago, and they were fun to watch back then. We’re excited to see them in a Braves uniform this year.”

Lange added the new lineup will result in a drop in goals against and a marked improvement in in-ice discipline, something that was a constant issue during the 202425 season. Off the ice, Lange said some of

the team will participate in the Tavistock Fall Fair parade this weekend, handing out schedules and stickers to the kids.

“We’re also going to be more involved with minor hockey in town here this year, helping out with some of the younger teams and practices to get the young hockey players excited and having fun.”

He added the team is always looking for new helpers of any age.

“If anyone is looking to volunteer with us this season, feel free to reach out to us. It could be high school kids needing community service hours, or someone just wanting to get involved with a team. Please reach out through social media. We’re still looking for a couple of gameday volunteers.”

The Gazette will also preview the New Hamburg Firebirds and Wellesley Applejacks in upcoming issues as the new PJHL season approaches.

Brent Lange is back for his second full season as the team’s General Manager and expects a much-improved on-ice product.

The Tavistock Braves have announced the leadership team for 2025-26. Marc Dionne returns as captain for his final season. Carter Arseneau has one of the A’s as he also enters his final year. Carson Bernhardt enters his first full season as an alternate captain after receiving it midway through last season. Keaton Bartlett has been given the final A in his first full season as a Brave.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Catching up with Dave Walkom and Lynda Matthies

championship that year with Catherine Hohner as coach.

There are some friends that you sometimes lose track of, but while offering condolences in Shakespeare last week for the recent passing of Duncan Walkom, we caught up Dave Walkom (Duncan’s brother) and Lynda Matthias, with the visit bringing back some great memories.

Dave and Lynda were both very much involved in their communities especially in school and sports, bringing years of memories and fond thoughts from our teenage years. Lynda (Matthies) Clarance was a dynamic skater and hockey player with the Tavistock Jets in 1969-1970 when they were in their first year in the league. The team was undefeated and won the

Lynda’s father, Bill, ran the Tavistock Post Office along with her mother Barb. They were very much involved in organizations in the Tavistock community. Lynda became a registered nurse from the Woodstock School of Nursing and spent much of her nursing career as a Home Care Case Manager.

Most of her W.O. School mates remember her as one of the most dynamic cheerleaders at sports games for the high school in the late 60’s along with others like Tavistock’s Jane Kaufman (Chesney).

Her partner Dave Walkom was raised in Shakespeare, the son of Grace and Art Walkom. Grace (Mrs. Walkom to most) was a teacher in Shakespeare for many

years at the two room S.S.#10 public school and later at Sprucedale. Art worked in Stratford for most of his life at Kroehler Furniture Manufacturing but was a prolific artist on the side, and his art worked continues to be talked about in the village to this day. He designed the monthly Kroehler magazines, Sprucedale School logo, designed the SCAA booth and roller skating pad, and also took on secretarial duties, with the Shakespeare Fire department among his many other accomplishments.

Son Dave was always very much involved in ball and hockey. He played fastball with the Stratford Memorials and then onto the Ontario Fastball league and the Kitchener Greenshirts. Dave’s love was really hockey, and in 1967, was one of their many star players for the Junior “C”

New Hamburg Hahns when they went all the way, winning the Ontario Junior “C” Championship and the Schmaltz Cup. He was then awarded a four-year scholarship to play at Dartmouth College (Div.1 Ivy League) in Hanover, New Hampshire. He went on to spend two years as a professional hockey player in Switzerland. Coming back to Tavistock, he coached Tavistock Minor Hockey for 12 years and was also named Optimist of the Year by the Tavistock Optimist Club. Walkom spent many years as a Licenced Independent Adjuster and later spent 14 years teaching Physical Education and working as a guidance councillor with the Peel District School Board near Toronto. He and Lynda are now happily retired, and living in Collingwood.

The winning girls from the Tavistock Jets pictured in 1969-1970. 1st row from left: Lynda Matthies, Linda Hohner, Bonnie Wilhelm, Carol Mosher, Marlene Dietrich, Betty Zehr, Brenda Hohner, Barbara Matthies. Back row: Tom Stere, Bob Stere, Betty Stere, Marilyn Dietrich, Brenda Steinacker, Joanne Yausie, Catherine Hohner (holding the championship trophy), Lynn Hyde (captain), Joanne Seyler, Mary Ellen Gerber, Lorna Kaufman, Jean Ann Schmidt, and Mary Weicker.

The two above photos were from the archives collection of Dave Walkom. The photo on the left was taken in 1967, after the New Hamburg Hahns won the Ontario Championship and Schmaltz Cup. The photo on the right came from the Hahn’s team reunion on July 8, 2017, with the Schmaltz Cup in the foreground. In special notes of interest, Dave Walkom said the 1967 New Hamburg Hahns were much like the 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs. There are no teams in New Hamburg that have won the trophy since. A notable player in their league that year included a 16-year-old prospect named Darryl Sittler. Other future NHLers from the league included goaltender Jim Rutherford, John Gould, and Hahns defenceman Jim Nahrgang.

In the Walkom family home backyard in Shakespeare: Lynda (Matthies) Clarance, and Dave Walkom donned their leather hockey jackets from the Tavistock Jets (1975-1976), and the New Hamburg Hahns (1967) respectively, and they still fit!

GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent

(PHOTO TAKEN FROM PAUL BARTLETT’S BOOK, HISTORY OF HOCKEY IN TAVISTOCK)

(DEAN ROBINSON PHOTO) (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

(GARY WEST PHOTO)

By John Dinner

The “it” is suicide and it does exist. If you don’t know anyone who has died by suicide, you definitely know people who have thought about it. The difference be tween thinking about it and acting on it can be as simple as a conversation.

Suicide claims the lives of more than 4,500 Canadians each year. The problem? We don’t talk about this growing problem. If suicide is talked about, it’s usually in hushed tones.

To prevent suicide, we need to under stand it. To understand it, we need to talk openly and accurately about it. The start ing point is informed awareness. That’s what this column is about.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people. It also affects middle-aged adults, seniors and marginal ized groups in disproportionate numbers. For example, men are more likely to die by suicide, while women are more likely to attempt it. In many marginalized com munities, suicide rates are alarmingly high due to discrimination, trauma and social isolation.

Behind the statistics are stories of per sonal anguish, struggle, silence and, quite often, preventable loss. Suicide is often preceded by prolonged emotional pain that ends up feeling unbearable.

Many people believe suicide happens without warning or that talking about sui cide can put the idea into someone’s head. Both beliefs are harmful myths.

In reality, most people show clear signs that, if recognized, can be life saving. Look for indicators like hopelessness, rage, or

feeling like a burden. Behavioural indicators can take the form of giving away possessions, reckless behaviour, or withdrawing socially. Life events like the loss of a loved one, trauma, or chronic illness can increase the risk of suicide significantly.

Talking openly about suicidal thoughts does not increase risk, but often creates an opportunity for connection, help and survival. When people share their stories, they are reminded they’re not alone. This openness builds empathy, reduces shame and shows that healing is possible.

case of stress buildup, isolation and feeling trapped.

If you find yourself worried someone may be thinking about suicide, the best response is to be direct, asking, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Shame and silence can seem like insurmountable barriers to healing and the risk of suicide. When suicide is seen as a moral failing or a personal weakness, people are less likely to reach out. A simple question can lead to a life-saving conversation. In addition to asking pointed questions,

a support group. Empathy can often be the only lifeline really needed in the moment. Suicide is preventable through connection with others and having a sense of purpose and belonging. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. There is help. There is hope. You and they are not alone.

John Dinner is a registered psychotherapist who works as a counsellor at Interfaith Counselling Centre in New Hamburg. He wasn’t always comfortable talking about suicide, but each interaction is easier. World Suicide Prevention Day is Wednesday, Sept. 10. Take a chance and try talking to someone about “it.”

Antique Tractor Parade visits The Maples in Tavistock

above is Maples resident Janet West with her little brother Gary during the antique tractor

that visited the

Residence in Tavistock last week.

all her neighbours and especially the

says she

and Marcie Wilson in charge. She also says she’s looking forward to all the fun and activities at this year’s Tavistock Fall Fair this weekend.

SHOW US YOUR WILMOT

CORRECTION:

In the Aug. 28 edition of the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette, a Meteor Marquis was incorrectly identified as being owned by Toby Schultz. The vehicle is, in fact, owned by Toby Schlegel and was parked at Jeff Schultz’s garage lot for a safety inspection. We regret the error and any confusion it may have caused.

If you’re ready for a companion who will brighten your mornings and keep you smiling, Solar may be the purr-fect match. Apply today at kwsphumane.ca to bring this shining star into your life!

Pictured

parade

Maples

Janet

loves

staff with Joan Hergott

(LARA DRAKE PHOTO)

A great blue heron greets a misty sunrise at the Mike Schout Wetland Preserve on Sept. 3, 2025, in a tranquil moment captured by Mario Coniglio and shared to the Show Us Your Wilmot Facebook page.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOW US YOUR WILMOT)

Sponsored by:

Choose A B C!

HEAPS OF HEALTHY TIPS

By Mercedes Kay Gold

September is here and that means nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves are right around the pumpkin patch but for now let’s focus on my gardenfresh fall favorites. Apples, beets and carrots are this nutritionist’s winning trio for boatloads of body-boosting benefits top to toe. Whether the three are part of super snacks or meal time magic, Mother Nature nourishes with these versatile produce picks. Tempting tasting buds, and all culinary creation sensations can be catered to suit savory or sweet palates alike.

A is for apple. With the upcoming anticipated annual Wellesley’s Apple and Cheese Festival the last weekend of this month, and the true to life saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, all 30,000 varieties of apples worldwide are award worthy. Apples are one fabulous fiber-filled fruit. They are stocked with both soluble and insoluble fiber. The peel packs pectin power, a long chain of indigestible sugars acting

as a prebiotic. Increasing good bacteria in the gut, eliminating constipation and supporting overall digestive health is the name of the game. Pectin also helps lower cholesterol and may even support health blood pressure. Pectin is linked to weight-management. Fiber promotes fullness, and a satisfied tummy is less likely to binge. Apples are also low in calories and sugar, making them a healthy on-the-go snack. Apples are an array of antioxidants and crazy high in vitamin C. Start the day with apple pancakes, diced apple in oatmeal or simply grab-andgo. Apples are an amazing way to naturally sweeten muffins, make healthier crisps and pies or simple bake with cinnamon to crush sugar cravings. For a comforting side dish, apple squash soup, sauce and roasted apples are pork pairing perfection.

B is for beetroots or beets. This ravishing red beauty has an earthy sweet flavor and easily replaces conventional carbohydrates like bread, rice or pasta. Yes,

they are a starch, containing natural sugar, but overall they are a high-value food. Beets are a fabulous source of folate, an irreplaceable vitamin linked to growth, development and overall heart health. Studies show beet juice significantly lowers blood pressure thanks to nitrates which once converted into nitric oxide help dilate blood vessels, and in turn causes blood pressure to drop. Adding beets regularly to meal planning is magnificent and essential for blood pressure maintenance. Beets contain betaines, literally a bevy of antiinflammatory properties. Beets are fiber-rich promoting dramafree digestion. They come in a rainbow of colors, each hue with its own special purpose. Whether you grate, roast with olive oil, steam or pickle, beets are one right on root vegetable but don’t forget to steam the tops for gobs of green goodness.

C is for carrots. This popular crunchy vegetable comes in a multitude of eye-catching colors from purple to yellow to white and even red, but orange wins in popularity hands down. Carrots come in a variety of shapes, sizes and lengths but they all are chocked full of minerals, vital vitamins and antioxidants to support the body inside and out. Half a cup of carrots is just 25 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of sugar making them a great source of natural energy. Carrots contain 73% of the recommended daily

vitamin A, an awesome immune booster, eye-helper, and supporter of glowing skin. Keep plenty of chopped raw carrots on hand for a simple health hack for weight management. Pair with hummus for an easy snack. Grate carrots for a splash of color on greens. Roast with heaps of herbs or cinnamon and a splash of maple syrup for a snazzy side dish. Celebrate life’s moments free of food dyes and processed desserts.

First time buyers, this fall market is

EXPERT REAL ESTATE ADVICE

By Isabel Livingston

There is no doubt that buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. It is the start of a new chapter, a new found independence and a huge milestone, but it can also create a sense of fear and uncertainty. Today I want to break down the experience, touching on the basics of buying

and how Fall 2025 buyers are winning.

Real estate is a competitive market, and it can often feel discouraging. Keeping a competitive edge is very important when purchasing a home. Real estate has always been known to be a competitive industry - for buyers,

for sellers, and for agents too.

Focusing on how to get ahead of the curve and “how can I best achieve my goals” is what sets you apart. Statistics show that fall is the second most popular time to buy and sell real estate. Is this what might set you apart? The fall market lines people up for success, with less competition than spring market, while still maintaining a good inventory. If you know you are getting ready to enter the market, talk to a mortgage professional and obtain a pre-approval, which is typically valid for up to 90 days. A pre-approval will not only help you establish a budget but will provide peace of mind in knowing that you can acquire a mortgage.

Knowledge is experience, which is why a local Realtor is always recommended. You want someone that will foster a positive relationship and have ample insights about the local neighbourhoods and market!

2025 has been a year of lowered purchase prices, offering a great incentive to buyers to get into the market. Last month, stats reached what was expected to be the bottoming point and are predicted to slowly start increasing. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of these lower prices and get into a home. Aside from this, there are many government incentives that you as a first-time buyer can leverage to benefit from and save money. As of April

Go healthy and serve a raw vegan carrot cake with cashew icing; it’s a crowd pleaser, I promise. Fresh farm to table fresh grown goodness packs a power produce punch. Apples, beets and carrots flood cells with what the body needs to thrive while fueling us with endless energy. Support local always. Have a super September my friends, I am off to sip on fresh apple, beet and carrot juice!

16, 2024, RRSP withdrawals for FTHB to use towards a downpayment have been increased from $35,000 to $60,000. Things like the Land Transfer Tax Rebate and the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit are ways that you may be able to earn some money back! Take the time to research and consult with professionals like your bank, financial advisor, mortgage lender, realtor and tax expert to ensure you are making an informed decision, after all this is a huge purchase and you deserve the best team!

Isabel Livingston is a sales representative with Gale Group Realty Brokerage Ltd. and the Jennifer Gale Real Estate Team.

(VECTEEZY PHOTO)

Freshly picked apples signal the start of September’s harvest and the return of Wellesley’s beloved Apple and Cheese Festival.

Malaga celebrates Picassso, its native son

OH, THE PLACES WE'LL GO

By Paul Knowles

There are plenty of reasons to visit the historic Spanish city of Malaga – a beautiful cathedral, extensive Roman ruins, a glorious view of the Mediterranean among them.

But the truth is everywhere you go there is an overriding presence; this was the birthplace of iconoclast painter Pablo Picasso. Though he only lived here for the first 10 years of his life, Malaga has claimed Picasso as its own.

The truth is, almost no one is blasé about Picasso’s work. Either people admire it greatly, or they think it is ridiculous. This is not a man who painted lovely pastoral scenes or photographically correct still lifes. Picasso is credited as a co-founder of the Cubist movement. Cubist art involves the deconstruction and re-assembling of the subject of the painting, to dramatic and often unrecognizable effect.

It can probably be argued all of modern art owns much of its origins to Pablo Picasso. On a recent visit to the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, which features ceramic art, I was intrigued to spot a wildly painted plate amidst much more conventional designs – and yes, it was an original creation of Pablo Picasso.

But back to Malaga. And please don’t misunderstand me; there really is much more to this ancient city than a groundbreaking painter. Malaga is, in fact, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in western Europe, first founded by the Phoenicians around 770

BC. The Roman amphitheatre here is amazing. With its intact steps, tiers of stone seats and flagstone stage, it seems more like a contemporary performance space than a ruin that dates back almost two millennia. On the hillside above the Roman theatre is the Alcazaba, a citadel from the time of the Moors in the 11th century.

And then there is the lavish Cathedral of Malaga, one of several important historic churches in the city. It took about 250 years to complete the cathedral, a project that started in 1528!

So yes, history goes very deep here.

But inescapable in the heart of all of this is the reality that one of the most renowned, revered, disliked, adored, controversial artists of the modern period spent the first decade of his life here.

The historic sites throughout Malaga certainly gain their share of attention from avid photographers, but I suspect the most photographed scene in the city – and certainly the busiest selfie spot – is the life-sized bronze sculpture of Picasso, seated on a marble bench that is clearly intended to invite visitors to join the artist on the bench. And in the background is his birthplace.

Malaga is also home to the Picasso Museum. Well, one of many Picasso museums – there are certainly similarly named galleries in Paris, in Barcelona, in Antibes and any art gallery worth its salt has a collection of Picassos. Fortunately, he was a prolific producer

of pieces of art.

Yet while his work has spread far and wide, the Malaga museum has managed to garner a good collection and the guided tours offer a lot of insight into Picasso’s work and the philosophies behind his complicated images.

Our guide there was genuinely honest, explaining that while there are lots of theories about the development of Picasso’s styles –including the fact that he was dyslexic – there is much that is merely conjecture.

One example I enjoyed involves a painting labelled “Seated Woman.” Before she revealed the name of the piece, our guide asked us our opinion about the subject of the work. I boldly suggested it was a self-portrait by Picasso, basing my uneducated guess on the sweater and beret the subject appeared to be wearing, similar to clothing I had seen on photos of Picasso.

The guide then told us the title, which seemed to discount my guess, but she admitted Picasso’s paintings typically don’t have titles given by the artist. “Seated Woman” was the opinion of an expert, but the guide admitted she actually agreed with my very non-expert guess.

As we toured the museum with a small group, I was interested to see about half of the visitors rushed through, barely glancing at paintings they clearly did not appreciate. The other half (maybe a smaller percentage) soaked up every bit of information they could get and lingered over individual paintings.

And it was intriguing. Our guide pointed out that in some paintings, Picasso had intended the normally impossible task of presenting his subject from all sides at once; thus, the Cubist reconstruction.

She also noted the overt sexualization in some of his work – his women tend to have large circles portraying oversized breasts, for example.

Enough art studies for today; I simply found Malaga’s obvious pride in their native son was very appealing and I was glad to benefit from their work to celebrate Picasso.

And then, as we took in the harbour view from atop the hills, I noticed two young girls below us, attempting to create their own art – purse-lipped selfies on smart phones. The results won’t be Cubist – but they won’t truly reflect reality either.

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)

Malaga’s first-century Roman amphitheatre.

A Malaga street musician.

Malaga’s Cathedral of the Incarnation, begun in the 16th century.

A bronze Pablo Picasso with his birthplace in the background.

Carousel Conundrum

VINTAGE VIEWS

By Tim Mosher Tavistock and District Historical Society

Local agricultural fall fairs have a very long history in the area. Only four years after the settlement was founded in 1848 the annual tradition started as the Frieburg Fall Fall as that was Tavistock’s name at the time. Then it became the Inkerman Fair when the community was renamed in 1855. Only two years later it was renamed a third time because of the possible confusion for the post office and local businesses with like-named communities in other parts of Ontario and has been Tavistock since 1857. Precisely why ‘Tavistock’ was chosen isn’t firmly established as it too has a namesake, a very old town of 13,000 in south-west England. The majority of early settlers in our community though were German and Scottish - not English.

Since the first settlers arrived here, agriculture has been the long-established mainstay of the area and the residents organized

the first annual shows to collaborate and improve the quality of their livestock and crops. Today it seems odd that the first fair is thought to have not have been held in what today is Tavistock, rather, it seems it was near Strathallen, south of Hickson in 1852. Then, seven acres were acquired from the farm of Adam Mohr on the south-east side of town and was named Queen’s Park to honour Queen Victoria. The property has improved steadily with the addition of a wide variety of facilities: three arenas were constructed one-by-one, a bandstand, a ball diamond and children’s playground equipment were installed over many years. The tall, stone park gates were dedicated in 1929 as the official entrance at the corner of Adam and Maria Streets, rededicated in 2017.

Was the photo of the carousel taken in Queen’s Park, Tavistock?

To date, no one knows for sure because it’s an enigmatic image, its precise location isn’t known, no one in the picture is identified and the date that it was taken was not recorded. It’s very likely to be a local photo because the camera equipment was very large and cumbersome at the time using big fragile glass negatives.

Curiously, between the two pairs of carved wooden horses’ legs is some partially obscured illegible lettering probably of the

carousel maker’s name. Above that is a series of circular ‘speakers’ undoubteldly for music. It appears that the horses couldn’t move up and down like modern carousels, as the mechanics for this aren’t present.

Like usual when the date of a photo that includes people isn’t known, their fashions can narrow this down. The steam press was invented in the 1880s so men’s pants up to this time didn’t have creases; note how none of the pants have creases. The width of neck ties changes almost by the decade; it’s easy to see that they’re extremely wide here and surprisingly even the boy on the left is wearing a tie, all with early Windsor knots. The lad’s knickerbockers and the straw boatmen and bowler hats are all hints regarding the date and everyone is wearing a hat (more popular then than now) all pointing towards the 1890s. Then ask yourself,

what’s not in the photo? No one is smoking, nor has a snack or drink in hand, no bare arms or legs, no strollers or bags and there’s no visible litter. Oh, how times have changed. I estimate the picture was taken circa 1895.

If a reader suspects that they know where the picture of the carousel was taken, or recognizes anyone, please contact me at my email address below to let me know.

The Tavistock Fall Fair brings the community together to celebrate, collaborate and initiate new ideas, products and services. And where else can you get ‘dentists’ delight’: candy floss?

Last week’s History Mystery:

The photo was of Governor General John Hamilton-Gordon stepping off the train at the station in Tavistock to give a brief address to the townsfolk gathered there.

The question was considering that electricity didn’t arrive until 1911 in Tavistock, why are there

wires and poles in this photo that was taken fifteen years earlier?

The correct answer was sent by Phil Schaefer of Tavistock: these wires were used for telegraph and telephone.

This week’s History Mystery: When this photo was taken, cameras didn’t have the ability to stop a subject’s motion to create a sharp image, as they can today. What strong hint in this picture tells you that the carousel was fully stopped to take this photo? Note: It’s not because there’s no blur in the moving carousel because there is a small amount of blur caused by the wind in the leaves in the top, centre and on the right. This question is open to all ages. Send your answers to tim_mosher@hotmail.com with your first and last name and the name of the community where you live, or your rural route number. The deadline for answers is next Tuesday at 9 am.

It’s difficult to know where this carousel was because the surroundings have few clues. The building behind on the left has a board and batten-type wall and the building on the right has a returned eave and very pale clapboard. Very few of both are currently in Tavistock.

This 1908 photo from an elevated viewpoint shows split rail fences in the distance, a commercial fence on the edge of the fair grounds behind the tents including its advertising, a wind mill on the right and a good size crowd in their Sunday finery. There were no mechanical amusements yet, like carousels.

(PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN; LSC SCAN #0220)

(JOHN LEMP; LSC SCAN #0184)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

2 p.m.

All proceeds go towards Lions community projects.

Wellesley & District Lions Club Duck Race

For tickets email: wellesleylions@gmail.com Firella Creek, Wellesley

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Optimist Club of Petersburg LAST

Breakfast In The Park

8:30 a.m. - noon

Scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, homefries, toast, juice and coffee.

Petersburg Park 1338 Notre Dame Dr., Petersburg

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Youth Appreciation Night, Garden Wilmot

7 p.m.

Our speaker is Shey Smith, a teacher and avid bird watcher and photographer. We celebrate our Junior Gardeners tonight. Free.

Wilmot Rec Centre

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Terry Fox Run

Registration: 8:30 a.m. Kick off at 9 a.m.

For more information, to register and to donate, visit: https://run.terryfox.ca/92735

Wilmot Rec Centre 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Perth East council meeting

7 p.m. Council chambers

25 Mill Street East, Milverton

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship.

12 noon

Please register and buy your tickets by Sept. 12 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900. Wilmot Rec Centre 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden East Zorra-Tavistock Council meeting

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 CON’T

Tavistock Braves Smoked Pork Chop Dinner

Serving from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Advanced tickets only. Available from executive members or call Steve 519-320-8985 Queens Pavillion Tavistock

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Gospel Music Concert

6:30 p.m.

4 One Quartet from Mi. No Admission. Free Will Offering taken Rosebank Church 1434 Huron Road, Petersburg

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Wilmot special council meeting, pre-budget 6-9 p.m.

Council chambers

60 Snyder’s Road West Baden WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Wellesley Council meeting 6:45 p.m. Council chambers

4805 William Hastings Line, Crosshill

-STAMP CLUB

Oxford Philatelic Society Meetings: 2nd Tuesday (2-4pm) and 4th Tuesday (7-9pm)

September to May

If you have never belonged to a stamp club, now’s the time. Meet new friends, grow your knowledge and collection. Contact: Don Eaton dhfe@silomail.com Website: http://www.rpsc.org/chapters/oxford Church of the Epiphany 560 Dundas Street, Woodstock Ontario N4S 1C7 MUSEUM/ARCHIVES EXHIBIT

“Retro Rewind to the 70’s & 80’s” Every Saturday from from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or by appointment until September 13 Donations appreciated. Chesterfield Museum/Archives

CLASSIFIED ADS

FOR RENT

Newly renovated 1 bedroom apartment, upstairs unit. Located in Tavistock. If interested call 519-801-5454.

FOR SALE

Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm Martin’s Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)

WANTED

$ Cash Paid $ for your RECORDS and LPs. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk, Soundtracks, and more. Selectively buying CDs, Cassettes, Turntables, and Stereo Equipment. For more information: DIAMOND DOGS MUSIC 114 Ontario St. Stratford/ 226-972-5750

WANTED

I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi, any pop company, Brewery items Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, Wristwatches and pocket watches, Old fruit jars, Beaver Star Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signs Red Indian Supertest etc Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me - 519-570-6920.

UPCOMING EVENTS

TAVISTOCK FALL GUN SHOW

Sunday, October 5th 8:00am – 12:00pm Tavistock District Memorial Hall

3 Adam St., Tavistock. Admission: $5 (children 5 and under free).

The kitchen will be open with food, coffee, etc available

Are you a motivated self-starter with a passion for sales and marketing? Do you thrive in a flexible work environment where you can set your own schedule? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Location: Work from Anywhere!

Schedule: Your Own Schedule Type: Commission

About Grant Haven Media: At Grant Haven Media, we are committed to delivering top-quality news and information to our readers. As a leading newspaper

If you are interested, contac t Heather Dunbar at : heather@granthaven.co m

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