The next Region of Waterloo municipal government will likely have a different look at the top following the Oct. 26 provincial elections.
The Ford government has tabled the Better Regional Governance Act, which would enable the province to replace the elected regional chair in Waterloo with a provincially appointed one. The current chair, Karen Redman, appears to be in the final months of her term since being elected in 2018.
The Braves have moved one step closer to reaching the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) final four after defeating Woodstock in an exciting Doherty Division Game 7 finale.
Tavistock downed Woodstock 4-3 in dramatic fashion on April Fool’s Day with a 4-3 road victory, thanks in large part to a pair of goals from Carter Arsenault, including the eventual game winner at the 13:30 mark of the third period.
The Braves jumped out to a 2-0
first-period lead on goals from Ryan McKelllar and Evan Palubeski, but the Navy Vets battled back with markers from Cooper Vickerman and Will McGregor to even the score 13 minutes into the second frame. Arsenault’s first
Ontario’s municipal affairs minister, Rob Flack, is proposing to appoint a slate of regional council chairs and give them additional powers. Legislation tabled last week would allow Flack to implement weighted voting at Niagara regional council, reduce the size of that council from 32 to 13 members, and directly appoint regional chairs in Waterloo, Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, York and Simcoe County.
The bill would also give those appointed chairs strong powers, including the ability to appoint or fire the chief administrative officer
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
Tavistock players, coaches, management and support staff pose for a photo with the Doherty Division playoff trophy.
(ALEC RICHARD PHOTO)
Province moves to appoint Waterloo regional chair, raising local concerns
and division heads, direct staff, veto certain bylaws and propose the municipal budget. The provincial government has already given strong mayor powers to the council heads in 216 municipalities, including Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen, who has a seat at regional council.
Salonen released a brief statement on the announcement.
"Municipal governance in Ontario operates within a framework set by the province, and this is one of those moments where that authority is being exercised. Our collective responsibility as a community is to ensure Wilmot and the region's voice, and the decisions that affect them, remain grounded in local perspectives."
Coun. Lillianne Dunstall made her feelings quite clear, saying she does not agree with the province’s proposal.
“We need to remember that municipalities are responsible for administering provincial policies and legislation. That is our role, and we operate within the framework set by the province. While it may not be surprising that the province is expanding its authority or finding ways to do so, it is concerning.”
She added small municipalities like Wilmot do not want to be absorbed into larger urban centres and lose their identity, local voice and community feel. Dunstall has also expressed opposition to strong mayor powers.
“We talk about democracy, and some of our legislative representatives even teach it, yet have no issue assuming powers that ignore the voices of ward residents and their elected councillors. What concerns me most is the lack of real choice and local control. When decisions of this
magnitude can be made at the provincial level, it leaves municipalities and residents with very little say.”
Coun. Kris Wilkinson said he also opposed the province’s direction.
“Moving to appointed chairs and expanded powers is an erosion of local democracy. Residents elect councils to represent their communities and this risks concentrating decision making in a way that reduces that local voice, particularly for smaller municipalities like Wilmot.”
He added while he understands the push for efficiency, it shouldn’t come at the cost of representation and accountability.
A statement provided to the Gazette by Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris essentially confirmed the writing on the wall for Redman. He said he had collaborated closely with her and thanked her for her leadership.
“I want to thank her for her leadership, which has helped to advance projects such as Waterloo Regional Health Network’s new hospital and the expansion of regional transit, including the Kitchener Central Transit Hub.”
He added the Better Regional Governance Act will support better alignment between regional decision making and shared provincial-regional priorities, expedite building housing and infrastructure, and lower costs for municipal taxpayers. These changes will help advance housing and economic development, preparing the province as a whole for growth, he added.
“Waterloo region must ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with growth to ensure we are ready to welcome more families, jobs and economic opportunity,” Harris said. “As the region works towards
a long-term solution for the current water-capacity system challenges, Ontario will continue to work closely with regional officials and will prioritize the review of applications once submitted.”
The Region of Waterloo released a statement on behalf of Redman.
“I remain focused on leading this regional council as we deliver key housing-enabling infrastructure, expand transit services and community supports, and work alongside all partners for a strong and affordable Waterloo region.”
She added she is proud to have been elected twice by the community.
“We share the province’s goals, and my focus continues to be on these priorities, now and throughout the months ahead as next steps are determined. I look forward to continuing to work with the province on the important services and policies that our community depends on.”
The Gazette also reached out to Eric Davis from SV Law in Guelph, a lawyer with expertise in municipal affairs. He said an appointed regional chair appears to be on the horizon.
“I have heard from some members of provincial parliament, and it appears it is questionable whether chair Redman will continue in that position.”
Davis explained the move to appoint regional heads of government could be one way to exert more provincial control over local issues.
“I presume they might want to exercise more power and control over regional governments rather than getting rid of them entirely. I think trying to dissolve Peel Region may have taught them it’s easier said than done and that there are a lot of things owned and operated by the region
that aren’t easily downloaded.”
Ken Seiling served as regional chair of Waterloo for an exceptionally long period – 33 years, from 1985 to 2018. In 1985, Seiling was chosen as chair by fellow members of regional council, not by the public, much like the current voting system for the Oxford and Perth county wardens, who are elected by their peers.
“I think it was only since 1997 that Seiling was directly elected by the people, and he continued for several terms thereafter,” Davis said. “I think it’s going to be interesting to see what the future of regional government is and even if it continues to exist in the future.”
Davis added the government is also looking at legislation to give regional governments weighted voting based on population.
“Voting would be based on the population of the municipality which they represent. That would lower the number of regional councillors than what we presently have. That’s not, as I understand it, for this upcoming election, but it could be something that happens in the future.”
The next question is who will be appointed to the top job at the Region of Waterloo. The government has not indicated any potential contenders or when an announcement could be made. The window for candidates to complete paperwork to run in the October municipal election opens on Friday, May 1.
Karen Redman may be nearing the end of her tenure as the province moves to replace elected regional chairs with appointed ones under proposed legislation.
(REGION OF WATERLOO PHOTO)
Families gather for annual Easter Egg Hunt in Shakespeare
Despite the chilly, wet weather, spirits remained high as families from Shakespeare and the surrounding area gathered at the Shakespeare Pavilion for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Shakespeare Opti-Mrs. Club.
The long-running event once again brought the community together for a morning of fun, welcoming more than 100 excited children along with their families. Each year, members of the Shakespeare Opti-Mrs. organize and host the event. Members of the Shakespeare Optimists were also on hand, offering free coffee and hot chocolate.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, children were divided into age groups before heading out to search for eggs. Two Grade 8 students from Sprucedale Public School dressed as the Easter Bunny assisted with the event, tossing foil covered chocolate eggs out for the children to gather.
Every child received a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of many prizes generously donated by the Opti-Mrs. Club and the Shakespeare Men’s Club. Children lucky enough to find a coveted Golden Secret Egg could exchange it for a gift certificate to Moo’s Ice Cream Shop in
Shakespeare, also generously donated.
Thanks to the efforts of the Opti-Mrs. and the support of local organizations, the event gave families a great start to the Easter weekend.
Volunteers Miller Follings and Jaxon Fischer-Nagtzaam, Grade 8 students from Sprucedale Public School, dressed as the Easter Bunny, adding to the festive atmosphere at the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
Pictured in the back row, from left to right, Opti-Mrs. member Dianne Zoeller and Andrea Berger join children as the eagerly wait for the Easter Egg Hunt to begin. In the front row, from left, are Maggie Berger, five, Sloane Lindner, seven, Duncan Lindner, seven, Randy Berger, eight, Lennix Grahmm, seven, Nora Maloney, six, Lexie McDermid Blakley, seven, and Aiden Metske, eight, standing behind Cory Toole, six.
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
Sidhu seeking a second term on Wilmot council
Cites unfinished business as one motivation
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
Wilmot Township Coun.
Harvir Sidhu said after nearly four years on council, one thing is clear – the work isn’t done.
As a result, the first-time politician will run for a second term in Ward 3.
“I’ve worked to push for line-by-line budgets, requested reporting on past spending and helped open up the process so residents have more opportunities to be heard at council. This even includes on items not listed on agendas.”
Sidhu said he’s consistently pressed for a more open and transparent budget process and stronger long-term financial planning.
“Residents deserve to know not just where their money is going today, but where we’re headed tomorrow. And as part of a two-tier system, I haven’t hesitated to ask tough questions and push for more transparency from the region when decisions impact our community. That’s something I will continue to do.”
He explained his candidacy is about respecting residents’ hard-earned tax dollars and making sure decisions are made openly, responsibly and
with taxpayers at the forefront.
“The number one issue I’m hearing from residents is still our financial position and the need to get our budgets under control. People want confidence that we’re on the right path and that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly. In this past term, I was a part of a council that really started to push back, ask tougher questions and shine a brighter light on our finances. That work has started, but residents are clear they want to see it continue and they want to see it done right.”
Sidhu explained the most satisfying part of his time on council has been being a voice for the residents who elected him to bring their concerns to the council table.
“It’s also the trust residents place in us to manage their tax dollars responsibly. Being able to push for accountability and represent the community in that way has been incredibly meaningful.”
Sidhu, who grew up in Tavistock, said when the all-rookie council was elected three and a half years ago, there was a clear need to refocus on the basics of municipal governance particularly around transparency, financial
oversight and long-term planning.
“I worked with members of council to push for more openness in our budgeting process and to start charting a more responsible path forward, including strengthening our reserves and working toward a proper long-term financial plan.”
He claimed progress has been made, including improvements in staff leadership and a shift toward greater accountability. He cautioned there is more work to be done.
“That includes continuing to build a culture of transparency, strengthening financial planning and ensuring council is consistently providing strong oversight on behalf of residents.”
He added that with the support of his constituents, he will run again to continue working hard to make Wilmot a better place to live.
“I will continue to ask the tough questions, push for better and stand up for the residents of Baden. As always, you can reach out to me at harvir.sidhu@wilmot.ca with any questions or concerns or to discuss any issues in our community.”
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Wilmot Township Ward 3 Coun. Harvir Sidhu has announced he will seek re-election.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
OPP participating in seatbelt compliance campaign
Police say not wearing them is major factor in injuries and deaths
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
“Half a century later, Ontario’s seatbelt law still saves lives. If you aren’t buckling up, what’s holding you back?”
That was the opening line from an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) press release as cops remind people that seat belts are a critical part of a vehicle’s safety regime.
With Ontario's seatbelt law heading into its 51st year, the OPP said nearly one in four road fatalities they investigate still involve someone who was not wearing a seatbelt.
“Dealing with dozens of deaths linked to a lack of seatbelt use every year recognizes that what makes these incidents even more tragic for the surviving families is learning that their loved one made the choice not to wear their seatbelt before heading out on the road,” the release stated.
Over the Easter long weekend, OPP officers conducted a provincewide seatbelt campaign, hoping to see all drivers and passengers make the right choice by buckling up.
Oxford OPP media relations Const. Randi Crawford said her detachment was out in full force.
“The goal of the campaign is to highlight the education and enforcement of wearing seatbelts. This was done through spot checks similar to RIDE programs, safety messaging through social media and extra officers allocated to patrol.”
She added that while the focus over the weekend was on seatbelt violations, it also allowed officers to closely monitor and address other offences at the same time.
“These initiatives allow us to focus on messaging about specific types of infractions. By pairing that messaging with highly targeted patrols, we hope to positively influence driving behaviour, even if it’s just one person making a safer choice.”
The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $240 and two demerit points. What people
often forget is seatbelt laws include children being properly secured in an appropriate child car seat, booster seat or seatbelt for their weight, height and age. People are also encouraged to reinforce with their children and other family members the importance of making seatbelt use a lifelong habit.
More information is available at www. mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/choose-carseat.shtml.
While recent local statistics on local historic fatalities or Easter weekend charges are unavailable, Crawford said the overall goal is to improve driver behaviour.
“As a police officer, we are always looking for every type of infraction while on patrol. These initiatives allow us to focus on messaging about specific types of infractions. With our messaging paired with increased patrols being very focused, we hope it changes the driving behaviours of at least one person for the better.”
Crawford said she didn’t encounter many people improperly wearing their seatbelts during her patrol days.
“I was really hoping we were getting to a point in society where everyone just wore them automatically. Perhaps the most concerning was seeing parents driving with their children not in car seats or with seatbelts.”
She said that excuse came mainly from folks in rural areas during nice weather when they were just going for a drive down the road.
“I would remind them that a driver may have to slam on the brakes or redirect their car for an unexpected animal or piece of debris, which could cause the children to move freely in the vehicle, potentially causing serious injuries, and that can happen anywhere. Seatbelts need to be worn for any distance.”
One concern from parents is a lack of car-seat clinics to ensure they are installed correctly. Crawford agreed but said there are still some out there.
“I suggest you search online for ‘car seat clinics near me.’ I know Oxford EarlyOn and the Children’s Aid Society of Oxford are hosting two events in May by appointment.”
She added one example of the importance of the proper installation of any type of baby or booster seat, or seatbelt, is still carved in her mind.
“There was a collision on the 401 outside of Woodstock last summer where the vehicle had rolled over. I remember everything was thrown around except the passengers who were secure with their seatbelts, and an infant safe and secure in their properly installed car seat. I saw with my own eyes it really can save lives.”
In 2025, the OPP responded to 41 Ontario road fatalities in which the lack of seatbelt use was either the cause or a contributing factor.
“At any time, you can become involved in a collision caused by another driver. The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself during a crash is to ensure you and all other vehicle occupants are properly buckled in," said OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique.
CORRECTION:
An error was published in the story, "New Hamburg resident wins March Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigades 50/50 draw," on page 18 of the April 2 WilmotTavistock Gazette. In the photo description, we identified one of the people
featured as Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigades president Peter Gingerich when, in fact, they are heritage fire brigades member Tony Hergott. We regret any confusion this may have caused.
Fastening a seatbelt takes only seconds but remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death, a message police continue to emphasize to Ontario drivers.
(VECTEEZY PHOTO)
Wilkinson declares intention to run for mayor Current councillor working on campaign platform
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
“I’m planning on running for mayor of Wilmot in the upcoming municipal election.”
Those were the first words on Wilmot Coun. Kris Wilkinson’s recently launched election-campaign website.
“I’ve always led with facts, accountability and common sense. That won’t change,” it added.
The first-term Ward 2 councillor said he’s running because he believes a more open and transparent municipal government is needed.
“Residents should be able to clearly understand decisions and feel part of the process. Over the past while, I’ve had many residents approach me and encourage me to run, and after a lot of conversations out in the community, I made the decision.”
Wilkinson said he announced his candidacy early to be upfront and start important conversations with voters.
“This gives me time to be out in the community, listening and making sure what I bring forward reflects what residents are actually asking for.”
He added getting out and talking to voters will help him shape his platform, which is a work in progress.
“That’s a big part of it. I’ve already been spending a lot of time talking with residents, including many in my ward, and I’m hearing consistently that people are feeling the pressure of rising costs and can’t just absorb more increases. I’ve felt that same pinch myself, and I understand where people are coming from. Those conversations will directly shape the more detailed plan I’ll be releasing later this spring.”
Wilkinson explained his priorities are transparency, efficiency and disciplined spending.
“I’ll be fighting hard to make sure we’re operating efficiently and focusing on core services. Residents are tired of seeing tax increases without a serious look at where we can find savings and make better use of existing dollars.”
He added the township will need to be practical about growth and infrastructure, including water, ensuring decisions are grounded in what can realistically be supported.
“I’m focused on listening right now. I’d encourage residents to reach out and be
part of the conversation as this develops. Residents deserve clear decisions and real value for their tax dollars. One place we can do better is in transparency. People should know where their money is going. Period.”
Nominations for the 2026 municipal elections in Ontario officially open on May 1 and run until Aug. 21. Wilkinson’s website can be found at www.kris4wilmot.com, and residents can connect with him by email at kris4wilmot@gmail.com.
Answer the call.
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Kris Wilkinson, shown here with his family, has gone public with his intention to run for mayor of Wilmot Township in October.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF KRIS WILKINSON)
Innovation and youth focus highlight Canadian Dairy XPO 2026
The Canadian Dairy XPO was held in Stratford from April 1-3, drawing a record 18,000 attendees.
The show, considered Canada’s largest dairy showcase, featured more than 350 exhibiting companies from around the world, bringing innovation, education, genetics and hospitality to Canadian dairy producers.
Opening ceremonies included several Canadian dignitaries, among them Heath MacDonald, Rob Black and Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma.
“It’s really great to see these people show up and stick their neck out,” said Jordan Underhill, CDX director. “Getting in front of and speaking to the people who produce their food means a lot to the farmers and everyone they talk to.”
Underhill said the record attendance is notable at a time when the dairy sector is consolidating across Canada, with farms growing larger.
“We don’t have fewer cows or less milk being produced; we just see small farms getting bigger and medium farms getting even bigger,” he said.
“We’re seeing consolidation in the dairy and agricultural sector by up to five per cent a year, so the fact that we’re holding attendance and even slightly growing each year is pretty incredible. It really comes down to the quality of the audience, which obviously we have with dairy farmers, but we’re still seeing more people attending each year.”
Event features included the Canadian Dairy Business Summit, held March 31. The one-day educational program focused on discussions about the future of Canadian dairy, including market outlooks, trade pressures, artificial intelligence, profitability and farm succession.
DairyFEST also hosted its annual Irish-themed opening night, presented by Enterprise Ireland, featuring food, networking and entertainment.
Youth Day was held April 2, offering students a career-focused program
connecting them with dairy employers for résumé reviews and networking.
“It’s a chance for youth to drop off résumés at the companies that are hiring,” said Underhill. “Over half of the 150 companies that participate in CDX are actively hiring. There are a lot of great job opportunities not only in agriculture but also in agri-food.”
Featured events also included the Youth Dairy Showing Clinic, Calves for a Cause sale, producer pancake breakfast, Hoof Trimming Corral show presented by Diamond Hoof Care, Blondin Sires Youth Clipping Clinic, John Deere Kids Zone, Genetics in Motion showcase and international pavilions from Germany and the Netherlands.
“The Canadian Dairy Expo is for Canadian dairy producers, but the idea is that we give them access to international innovations,” said Underhill. “We’ve had the German pavilion for years, and this year we added a Netherlands pavilion showcasing companies interested in doing business in Canada and North America.
Underhill emphasized the importance of encouraging youth to consider careers in
dairy farming, noting innovation is helping improve work-life balance on farms.
“You hear people say this is an industry show, and it’s become the place to be seen, whether you’re an agribusiness or a producer,” he said. “You see families walking around with their sons and daughters, and it becomes more than just a trade show. There’s a cultural component – a real need for it.
“With farms getting bigger and dairy farmers having less time off, this is a chance to get away, network and share ideas. That camaraderie has become really important.
“The magical thing about the dairy industry in Canada is that it’s attracting young people. Whether it’s robotics or the ability to have some work-life balance –which is important to younger people now – those opportunities weren’t really part of agriculture in the past, but with robotics, they are.”
Underhill said innovation plays a key role in attracting and retaining the next generation of dairy farmers.
“It’s attracting and keeping intelligent young people on dairy operations. Youth and innovation go hand in hand. I don’t think we’d have the youth without the innovation, but we do.
“The show’s concept is giving Canadian
dairy producers access to international innovation to make them more efficient and help them produce a safer product for consumers. In turn, that’s keeping young people on these dairy operations.
“I think the Dairy Expo does a good job of capturing and showcasing the Canadian dairy industry to the rest of the world. We have so much to be proud of living here in Canada and being dairy farmers in Canada. It’s a great snapshot of what the industry has to offer.”
The sales crew and staff join Daryl and Sarah Markus and family during Wednesday’s CDX Sale for a Cause, which raised $326,000 through the sale of 47 calves, with proceeds supporting the Children’s Health Foundation.
CDX founder and general manager Jordan Underhill says the excitement surrounding the two-day Stratford event continues to grow each year within the dairy industry.
EastGen representatives gather at CDX as retiring CEO Brian O’Connor, left, welcomes Amanda Stokes as the company’s new CEO alongside director of sales Jamie Howard.
CDX and ADX leadership attending this year’s show included, from left, Jens Kremer of Frankfurt, Germany; Ulrike Schmidt-Machinek of Elora; Kuno Jacobs of the Netherlands; and Freya von Czettritz of Frankfurt, Germany.
Perth South Mayor and Perth County deputy warden Sue Orr, left, joins Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma at this year’s Canadian Dairy Expo in Stratford.
AMANDA NELSON Gazette Reporter
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Calves for a Cause grosses over $484,000
for Children’s Health Foundation
AMANDA NELSON Gazette Reporter
The Canadian Dairy XPO’s annual Calves for a Cause auction raised more than $484,000 during this year’s live sale April 1 in the Cow Coliseum at the Stratford Agriplex. Thousands attended to show their support and submit bids on this year’s lineup.
Calves for a Cause is a live auction featuring elite dairy calves, embryos and genetics from breeders across Canada. Proceeds from the sale support programs and care for children at London Children’s Hospital.
The initiative was started by dairy producers Darryl and Sarah Markus to give back after their son, Brooks Markus, received care at the hospital.
The average sale price was $6,942 across 47 live lots, with a total gross of $484,248, including frozen genetics. Jordan Underhill, CDX director, said more than $72,000 will be directly sent to Children’s Health Foundation.
“The cool part about it is that this donation helps people outside of the agricultural industry,” said Underhill. “It’s a bigger picture. Everybody knows somebody who’s had a child who’s been in a children’s hospital, and it’s such an important cause. I like the fact that the cause is helping all children, even those outside of the ag industry.”
Top sellers at this year’s auction included Lot 20, Hilrose-I Altitude Red Annalee, which sold for $19,000 to Alphie Stoltzfus
of Pennsylvania. Coming in second was Lot 21, Budjon-Vail Ec Citron, purchased for $17,000 by Mark-A-Valley Holsteins in Arthur. Third was Lot 44, Echo Glen
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Major Irene, which sold for $13,500 to Martin-View – David Martin, also of Arthur.
“The calves are selected for a
- $72,000
combination of conformation, but also genomics,” said Underhill. “So, some of it is about physical appearance, and some of it is genomics. The top-selling calf happened to have both, and when you get that combination, then you hit those kinds of sale numbers.”
The sale attracted buyers from across Canada and the United States, something Underhill said is encouraging.
“The show definitely started off in the first couple of years mostly with southwestern Ontario farmers, and obviously, there’s a high concentration of dairy farms in this region,” said Underhill. “But over time, it’s definitely pulling from the East Coast to the West Coast of Canada, and other parts of the world as well. It’s pretty cool to see that it’s become the industry show.”
Those in attendance who purchased calves included dairy farmers from Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Pennsylvania and California.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended our sale last night,” the Markus family wrote in a follow-up post on Facebook on April 2. “Thank you to all the consignors and the buyers who invested in these great heifers. As a family, we are also so grateful for everyone who has played any part in this sale. Your dedication to our sale does not go unnoticed.”
The Markus family also thanked the Canadian Dairy XPO for its support and for providing a platform to run the Calves for a Cause auction.
Brooks Markus kicks off the Calves for a Cause live auction with Lot 1, Fraholme Apollo Aneeda-P, consigned by Fraholme Farms and born Jan. 6. Bidding opened strong, and the Holstein calf sold for $4,200.
(AMANDA NELSON PHOTO)
Brocksden Country School Museum brings history to life this Easter
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
Despite a chilly, wet morning on Saturday, April 4, Brocksden Country School Museum was warm and welcoming as children explored what classroom life was like more than 100 years ago. Built in 1853, Brocksden is the oldest one-room schoolhouse in Perth County. To celebrate Easter, families were invited to take part in an Easter themed lesson
followed by an Easter egg hunt.
Dressed in period costume, Gloria Hutchison portrayed schoolmarm Miss Priestap, leading lessons in proper slate writing using the right hand only, as well as lessons in symmetry and oral arithmetic.
Once lessons were completed, visitors enjoyed an indoor Easter egg hunt. Instead of chocolate, the eggs were filled with simple schoolhouse trinkets such as pencil sharpeners, erasers, Union Jack stickers
Optimist Club of Downie Inc.
and stamps. Each family also received a game of jacks, a favourite pastime from years gone by.
Brocksden Country School Museum is getting ready to welcome visitors for another season of pioneer-style learning and community events.
Old Meets New (June 6): Visitors are invited to the historic schoolhouse to explore modern technology, including robotics, 3D printing and more.
Teddy Bear Picnic (June 20): Featuring Grandma’s Storytime, a scavenger hunt, face painting and lots of family-friendly fun.
Blacksmith on Site (Aug. 29): See how a blacksmith worked at the forge in years past.
The Brocksden Country School Museum is located on Vivian Street, just off of Highway 7/8, between Stratford and Shakespeare, at 2719 Perth Line 37.
Schoolmarm Miss Priestap (Gloria Hutchison) stands over student Neville Clarke, five, from Stratford, as he practices printing on a slate.
Emmerson, 10, and Brooklyn Perrin, two, enjoy the Easter egg hunt at Brocksden Country School Museum.
Mom Meghan Brant of Rostock encourages her son, Charlie, as he uses chalk to print his name on a slate.
Janina Urich holds her two-month-old son, William, while watching her four older children take part in a symmetry lesson. Pictured at back, left to right, are Everly, three, and Maxim, five, and in front are Henry, nine, and Kate, seven. The Urich family is from the Shakespeare area.
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
Perth County awards $760,000 tender for culvert replacement south of Shakespeare
19-day closure of Perth Road 107 planned during construction
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
Perth County council has awarded a contract worth just over $760,000 for the replacement of a culvert on Perth Road 107 south of Shakespeare, a project that will require a full 19-day road closure later this year but is expected to come in well under budget.
At its April 2 meeting, county council accepted the tender results presented by director of public works Bill Wilson and awarded the contract to Cope Construction & Contracting Inc., the low bidder, at a cost of $760,785.80 excluding HST. The project had been budgeted at $1.3 million in the county’s 2026 capital budget, meaning the accepted bid is significantly below the approved funding amount for the work.
“This project includes the replacement of a cast-in-place (culvert) that was originally constructed in 1950,” county public works director Bill Wilson said. “Over its 75-year service life, this structure has developed several condition-related concerns
which have been documented in several OSIM (Ontario Structure Inspection Manual) reports.”
The culvert that will be replaced is on Perth Road 107 between the CN Rail line and Perth Line 33, where the existing concrete culvert carries the Shakespeare Municipal Drain beneath the roadway. The culvert has been identified in multiple inspections as requiring replacement due to structural deficiencies related to age, alignment issues and deterioration of the existing footings.
According to the report presented to council, the replacement culvert will feature a pre-cast concrete box design measuring 3.6 metres in span and three metres in rise, providing improved alignment with the watercourse and increased flow efficiency through the structure.
“This will support better flow through the site and the cast-in-place structure provides a service life of up to 100 years,” Wilson said.
While staged construction was initially considered to allow traffic to continue
flowing during the work, the county determined that approach would significantly increase both project costs and construction timelines. Instead, Perth Road 107 will be fully closed between Perth Line 33 and Highway 7/8 for 19 days to allow the culvert replacement to be completed as efficiently as possible.
A detour route utilizing Highway 7/8, Perth Road 101 and Line 33 will be established and maintained for the duration of the closure.
Construction timing is also subject to environmental regulations associated with the Shakespeare Drain, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Inwater work is only permitted between July 15 and March 15, meaning construction is expected to begin after mid-July and be completed no later than Nov. 6.
Fifteen bids were submitted through the county’s online procurement process prior to the March 17 deadline, with staff and the county’s consulting engineer reviewing submissions to confirm compliance
with bonding, insurance and technical requirements.
The report notes Cope Construction & Contracting Inc. has demonstrated experience completing similar bridge and culvert projects for other municipalities including the City of Sarnia and Lambton County, and has received positive reference checks supporting the company’s suitability for the work.
The culvert replacement is being completed in advance of broader road rehabilitation work planned for this section of Perth Road 107 in 2028.
Additional project costs, including engineering, permitting, quality-control testing and contract administration, will be managed separately but are expected to keep the overall project within its approved budget allocation.
Electronic message boards and project signage will be used to notify motorists of the upcoming closure, and updates will be provided through the county’s website and social media channels as construction approaches.
Wagler family welcomes visitors to maple syrup open house near Wellesley
The Wagler family welcomed visitors to their Sand Hills Maple Products Farm west of Wellesley this spring as part of their annual open house in the sugar bush, offering guests the chance to enjoy pancakes, sausages, fruit, coffee and plenty of fresh maple syrup.
Held each spring and fall, the open house gives visitors an opportunity to see firsthand how maple syrup is produced while enjoying a traditional maple breakfast in a rural setting.
The Wellesley-area family has been producing maple syrup for 23 years, beginning in 2003, and for the past three years they’ve invited visitors to enjoy breakfast featuring freshly made pancakes topped with syrup produced onsite. Pancakes are prepared on the grill by Jeneve Wagler and her children, while John Wagler and his sons keep busy tending campfires and assisting customers purchasing maple syrup.
Visitors are also offered a tour of the
sugar bush to learn more about the maple syrup production process and the work involved in bringing maple products to market.
Among those visiting Saturday were representatives connected with local fall fairs, including Wellesley fair ambassador Clare Koch, junior ambassador Chloe Scott, past junior ambassador Manni Hayer, junior ambassador coordinator Katie Musselman and Wilmot Fall Fair ambassador Erin Jackson. The group toured the maple bush and learned more about how maple products are produced locally.
The Wagler family produces approximately 6,000 litres of maple syrup each year and said this season’s sap run has once again been a successful one.
With warmer temperatures arriving and trees beginning to bud, sap collection for the season is now nearing completion. The family said they were pleased to welcome hundreds of visitors this spring for what they described as a true Waterloo Region maple bush experience.
This gated community home offers 2–3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and approximately 1,366 sq. ft. of space, including a spacious eat-in kitchen, large living room, and primary bedroom with cheater ensuite and built-in storage. Flexible back room ideal as a bedroom, office, or family space. Outdoor features include a wood deck, insulated gazebo, garden shed with hydro, and extra storage. Equipped with a Generlink generator and pop-up carport. Enjoy access to the clubhouse, indoor pool, and seasonal amenities.
PM (HOSTED BY LUCIE STEPHENS SALES REPRESENTATIVE) 199
This custom-built 2+1 bedroom brick bungalow (2015) backs onto peaceful farmland. Move-in ready, it features an open-concept main floor with cathedral ceilings, a spacious eat-in kitchen with pantry, and walkout to a 3-season sunroom, gazebo, and deck with scenic views. The finished basement offers a large family room with gas fireplace, a third bedroom with cheater ensuite and walk-in closet, plus a Kinetico water softener. Double garage with two 9-ft doors—ideal for hobbyists or car enthusiasts. Bonus: income from solar panels.
Gathered around the fire at Sand Hills Maple Products Farm on Saturday are, from left, Wellesley fair ambassador Clare Koch, junior ambassador Chloe Scott, past junior ambassador Manni Hayer, junior ambassador coordinator Katie Musselman and Wilmot Fall Fair ambassador Erin Jackson. Behind them are Sand Hills Maple Products Farm owners John Wagler and sons William and Joe.
From left, Manni Hayer, Katie Musselman, Chloe Scott, Erin Jackson and Clare Koch enjoy time together during the Sand Hills Maple Products Farm open house and pancake breakfast on Manser Road near Wellesley.
North Easthope dairy farmers Lois and Don Horne enjoy the Wagler family’s pancake breakfast hospitality during Saturday’s open house at the Sand Hills sugar bush.
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Shakespeare Optimist Club serves record crowd at annual Easter dinner
More than 860 sauerkraut and rib enthusiasts gathered in Shakespeare last week for the Shakespeare Optimist Club’s annual Easter dinner, filling the Optimist Hall to capacity for one of the organization’s most popular fundraising events.
Held each year on the Thursday evening before Good Friday, the rib, pigtail and
sauerkraut dinner continues to draw strong support from across the region. Club president Jeremy Witzel said this year’s turnout was the largest in the event’s history.
“It was the biggest ever and will go a long way in securing funds for the club to be used for future youth activities in the community,” Witzel said.
Patrick Kennedy and his team from Kennedy’s of St. Agatha prepared the
meal, keeping a steady pace as ticket holders lined up from 5:30-8 p.m. to enjoy what has become a longstanding Easter tradition for residents of Shakespeare and surrounding communities.
In addition to the meal, games of chance and a 50/50 draw added to the evening’s excitement. A resident of Innerkip took home more than $3,000 in the largest 50/50 draw in the event’s history.
Longtime Optimist member Murray Schlotzhauer said the club is already preparing for its next major fundraisers, including a drive-through chicken barbecue planned for the end of August and another rib, pigtail and sauerkraut dinner scheduled for November.
Funds raised through these events support youth programs and initiatives in the local community.
New Hamburg’s Luke Shantz (centre) accepted more than $3,000 on behalf of friend Chase Becker of Innerkip, whose ticket was drawn in the Optimist Club’s record-setting 50/50 draw. Optimist members Gary West and Fred Schuler organized the draw and presented the prize.
More than 860 people attended last week’s Shakespeare Optimist Club rib and sauerkraut dinner, lining up outside the Shakespeare Optimist Hall for the annual Easter event.
Patrick Kennedy of Kennedy’s of St. Agatha, along with volunteers, serves ribs, pigtails, sauerkraut and scalloped potatoes during the annual Easter dinner at the Shakespeare Optimist Hall.
Rainy weather didn’t dampen spirits at the Tavistock Agricultural Society’s annual Easter egg hunt, as dozens of children and their families gathered at Queen’s Park to take part in the popular spring tradition.
Despite steady rain and cooler temperatures, young participants eagerly searched the park grounds for hidden chocolate treats, filling their pails with colourful eggs scattered throughout the ball diamond and surrounding green space.
Agricultural society president Val Jones said organizers were pleased to see another
strong turnout for the annual event, noting the weather did little to discourage families from taking part.
Once their pails were filled, participants gathered under the pavilion roof, where additional treats including mini chocolate eggs and chocolate milk were handed out by Agricultural society directors and event
sponsors Transition Acres and Tavi Chil. The Easter egg hunt continues to be one of several family-focused events organized each year by the Tavistock Agricultural Society, helping bring the community together while creating lasting memories for local children.
1983
Benjamin Tempelaar, seated in his blue toy car with green pail in hand, joins his mother, Shannon, and friends from Tavistock as they prepare to search for Easter eggs hidden in the grass at Queen’s Park. Families say the annual event is one they look forward to each year.
Members of the Tavistock Agricultural Society helped organize the annual Easter egg hunt. Directors pictured include Chad Keller, Kathy Rosenburg, Val Jones (president), Kim Hill, Perry Keller, Heidi Lamb, Julie Kimpel, Chris Wiffen, Linda Keller and Tavistock Fall Fair ambassador Brooklyn Ross. Not shown is Kaitlyn Keller, who assisted in organizing activities for older participants behind the pavilion.
Children spread out across the ball diamond Saturday morning as the Easter egg hunt got underway at Queen’s Park in Tavistock, with rainy weather doing little to slow the search for chocolate treats.
Rain continued to fall as young participants gathered Easter eggs across the outfield grass during the popular annual event.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Tavistock Agricultural Society fundraiser brings Niagara wines to local supporters
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
For the second year in a row, the Tavistock Agricultural Society has partnered with a Niagara-region winery to offer a bottled-wine fundraiser in support of local agricultural initiatives and community events.
After seeing strong participation during last year’s Christmas and Easter campaigns, organizers decided to make the fundraiser an annual event tied to both holidays.
Wine selections are supplied by Konzelmann Estate Winery in the Niagara region, with available varieties shared through the Tavistock Agricultural Society’s social-media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Supporters can browse the wine list online before placing their orders.
Once shipments arrive, customers pick up their purchases at the Queen’s Park Pavilion in Tavistock.
Organizers say interest in the fundraiser continues to grow, with orders already totalling approximately 150 bottles for the most recent campaign.
Agricultural society president Val Jones said the initiative has proven to be a valuable addition to the organization’s fundraising efforts.
Jones noted the fundraiser helps support the society’s ongoing work in the community, including organizing the annual Tavistock Fall Fair and other local events.
Those interested in participating in future wine fundraisers can contact Jones or any member of the Tavistock Agricultural Society board for more information.
Brayden Dupuy, who recently moved from Cambridge to Tavistock, picks up his wine order Saturday morning at the Queen’s Park Pavilion from Chad Keller and Chris Wiffen. Dupuy said he enjoys the selection available through Konzelmann Estate Winery while also supporting the Tavistock Agricultural Society’s fundraising efforts for community events such as the Tavistock Fall Fair.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Smelskis of Shakespeare among inductees to Stratford-Perth Museum Agriculture Wall of Fame
A well-known Shakespeare-area farming couple with deep ties to both agriculture and community service will be among those honoured this year with induction to the Stratford-Perth Museum’s Agriculture Wall of Fame.
Richard and Jean Smelski of R.R. 1, Shakespeare, along with the late William “Harvey” Ische of the Mitchell area, have been selected as the 2026 inductees in recognition of their longstanding contributions to agriculture in Perth County.
For readers in the Gazette’s coverage area, the Smelskis are perhaps best known as the King and Queen of the Pumpkin Patch, operating a popular farmgate pumpkin business along Highway 7/8 east of Shakespeare for more than 20 years. The seasonal attraction became a destination for families throughout the region, while quietly supporting numerous charitable causes.
Few people realize the equivalent of the revenue generated from the pumpkin patch was donated to community initiatives, including sponsoring a room in the cancer ward at Stratford General Hospital, as well as supporting many other local charities.
Richard and Jean were also instrumental in the development of the Ontario Pork
Congress (OPC) in Stratford. The couple were founding members in 1973, with the organization’s early headquarters located in their farmhouse for 38 years. Jean Smelski served as longtime secretary-treasurer while Richard Smelski held several leadership roles, including manager of the major industry tradeshow and serving as president in 1993.
Over the years, Richard Smelski oversaw the organization of the event, helping grow it into one of the most recognized pork industry shows in Canada, while also securing internationally respected speakers for its educational programming. At the same time, Jean Smelski balanced her volunteer work with a full-time teaching career at Conestoga College while raising their children, Owen and Pamela.
Their combined contributions to agriculture and the swine industry earned both Richard and Jean Smelski leadership awards from the Ontario Pork Congress and the Ontario Pork Board.
Richard Smelski also spent many years working as a swine specialist with OMAFRA in Stratford and later with Ralston Purina, where he received seven company awards, including one with international recognition. For more than two decades, he also wrote articles for industry publications, including Ontario Pork magazine, sharing insights with producers
across the province.
Jean Smelski’s volunteer contributions have also been widely recognized. In 2024, she received the King Charles award for her dedication to community service. She continues to serve as a director with the Stratford General Hospital Foundation and volunteers at the Stratford Festival Theatre. She has also been actively involved with the Shakespeare Opti-Mrs. Club, Probus, Friendship Force and serves as an elder at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church.
Richard Smelski has also served the community through involvement with the Stratford-Perth Community Foundation, Ontario Pork Industry Council, Shakespeare Optimist Club, Fryfogel Inn board, the Stratford-Perth Museum board, the Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Agriculture Tribunal.
Most recently, the couple produced a new play titled The Table, presented at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church at the end of March to two sold-out audiences.
Also being honoured this year is the late William “Harvey” Ische of the Mitchell area, remembered as both a Jersey dairy farmer and agricultural writer. Ische began writing at age 19 under the pen name,
Rusticus, contributing columns to the Stratford Beacon Herald and Farmers Advocate, often reflecting on farm life and the impact of world events on local agriculture.
Over the years, he built a respected Jersey dairy herd, winning numerous awards at fall fairs throughout Perth and Huron counties, including seven consecutive wins in the best-udder class at the Stratford Fall Fair.
Ische was also a leader in education, serving as secretary-treasurer of Seebach’s Hill School and later as a board member and president of the Mitchell District High School board, helping advocate for rural school busing.
Known for embracing innovation, Ische installed the first milking machine in Ellice Township in 1938 and helped others learn new farming techniques during challenging economic times in the 1930s.
Organizers say both inductees exemplify leadership, innovation and dedication to agriculture in Perth County.
The induction ceremony will take place during the Rotary Rural-Urban Banquet on Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through local Rotary members or by contacting Gary West.
Jean and Richard Smelski are pictured at their pumpkin patch east of Shakespeare, where they farmed and operated a popular retail business for more than 20 years.
William “Harvey” Ische is remembered as a pioneer in both farming and agricultural writing.
Family members of William “Harvey” Ische gather in Mitchell to honour his legacy as a leader in agriculture and rural life.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Theatre Wellesley brings Norm Foster’s The Gentleman Clothier to stage this spring
Theatre Wellesley will present its spring production, The Gentleman Clothier by Norm Foster, in April and May.
Evening performances are scheduled for April 23, 24 and 30, and May 1 at 8 p.m., with matinees on April 25 and 26, and May 2 and 3 at 2 p.m. Foster is a wellknown and beloved Canadian playwright, recognized for his witty humour and thought-provoking plays.
The Gentleman Clothier follows a Halifax tailor who travels to 1894 London, exploring contrasting lives across time and place. The story centres on Norman Davenport, a man who opens his own bespoke tailor shop in downtown Halifax, only to wish he had been born in a different era.
When that wish unexpectedly comes true, Norman is forced to confront what it really means to live a fulfilling life.
Blending clever comedy with touching insight, the play is full of Foster’s trademark humour and humanity.
The Theatre Wellesley volunteer cast and crew have worked to produce a heartfelt, profanity-free comedy-drama accessible to all ages and featuring quick-change costumes that depict two eras and help tell the characters’ stories.
Costume designer Wendy Seguin has assembled costumes to reflect both timelines, and director Al Cook said the eras are conveyed through wardrobe.
“Wendy has created costumes that we can do quick changes with during the scene changes that represent both eras, but they also tell the story of the characters as well,” said Cook.
Cook has been acting and directing with Theatre Wellesley for more than a decade.
The Gentleman Clothier marks his first time directing one of Foster’s works, and he said he is enjoying the experience.
“This is possibly Foster’s best play; full of wit, repartee and charm he’s known for, but one where he takes an honest look at the cost of our deeper desires and how what we wish for affects those we care about most,” said Cook. “Our amazing cast and incredible creative team have brought Foster’s tale to life in a way that is a joy to behold.”
Cook said the play offers a fascinating look at Norman’s life and the lives of those closest to him – two staff members and one customer.
“They all get carried back into 1894 London, and it’s a look at just how different those same people’s lives would be in those two different times and places,” said Cook.
“One of the hallmarks of Norman Foster’s writing is that he writes just brilliant dialogue,” he added. “The repartee between the characters in this show is hilarious. The lines just sing off each other.”
Ciara Crozier said she is delighted to be working on another Foster production, this time as producer, with a talented cast and crew. Her first community theatre production was Foster’s The Ladies Foursome with Scarborough Players in 2019, and she has participated in many productions since.
“I always find his humour dry and witty, and the shows are always fun to work on,” she said.
Crozier said she is excited to share the play with audiences and she’s proud of how the production is coming together.
“The whole cast and crew are all volunteers,” said Crozier. “We all do it for the love of it. Our cast is an incredibly talented group. Three of them have worked with us before on last year’s spring show. And then we have a newcomer, Stephanie Kraus, who has done shows with other groups in the region.”
Tickets are available at www. theatrewellesley.com.
Public Notice
2026 Municipal Election Filing of Nominations and Candidate Campaigns
The “Municipal Elections Act, 1996” (herein “the Act”), as amended, provides that every eligible person who wishes to be a candidate in the 2026 Municipal Election, to be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, shall file a Nomination Paper with the Municipal Clerk of the municipality responsible for the office they plan to run for.
Nomination period opens on Friday, May 1, 2026, and closes on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Under the Act, a candidate’s election campaign period begins on the day they file their Nomination Paper. Candidates cannot accept or make contributions, and cannot incur any expenses, until their Nomination Paper is filed. Money, goods and services given to and accepted by, or on behalf of, a candidate for their election campaign are considered contributions.
Offices Open for Nomination
The following offices are open for nominations across the Region of Waterloo and its school boards:
• Regional Chair
• Regional Councillor for Cambridge, Kitchener or Waterloo
• Mayor
• Ward Councillor
• Waterloo Region District School Board Trustee
• Waterloo Catholic District School Board Trustee
For School Board (Public, Separate, French Public, French Separate):
• Please consult the municipalities website for the school trustee position you wish to represent to confirm where nominations are to be filed.
For Regional Municipality of Waterloo Offices:
• Regional Chair and Regional Councillor: File in person with the Regional Clerk at 150 Fredrick Street, Kitchener, Ontario. Nomination Procedure
Nomination procedures, required forms, and filing locations may differ between municipalities. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they follow the correct process and meet all legislative requirement such as endorsement signatures and a filing fee.
All interested candidates should contact the appropriate Municipal Clerk to obtain detailed instructions on how and where to file their Nomination Paper, confirm required documentation, and the office’s hours of operation.
For region-wide election information, visit: https://www.wrvotes.com or contact the Clerk’s Office for the municipality where you plan to file your nomination:
Julie Hale
Deputy Clerk
Returning Officer
Region of Waterloo jhale@regionofwaterloo.ca (519) 575-4400 www.regionofwaterloo.ca/elections
Township of North Dumfries agood@northdumfries.ca (519) 632-8800 ext.122 www.northdumfries.ca/elections
Jeff Smith
Municipal Clerk
Returning Officer Township of Woolwich jsmith@woolwich.ca (519) 669-6010 www.woolwich.ca/elections
Julie Finley Swaren
City Clerk
Returning Officer City of Waterloo elections@waterloo.ca (519) 747-8798 www.waterloo.ca/elections
Amy Harron
Municipal Clerk
Returning Officer
Township of Wellesley aharron@wellesley.ca (519) 699-3968 www.wellesley.ca/elections
Jennifer Shaw
City Clerk
Returning Officer City of Cambridge election@cambridge.ca (519) 239-3280 www.cambridge.ca/elections
Cast members of Theatre Wellesley’s production of The Gentleman Clothier rehearse a scene from the Norm Foster comedy-drama, running April 23 to May 3.
AMANDA NELSON Gazette Reporter
(PHOTO COURTESY OF THEATRE WELLESLEY)
Perth County council directs changes to proposed forestry bylaw update
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
Perth County council has directed staff to revise several key components of a proposed update to its forest conservation bylaw following months of public consultation and ongoing feedback from the agricultural community and other stakeholders.
At its April 2 meeting, council received a draft of the updated bylaw – now titled a bylaw to regulate the destruction or injuring of trees in woodlands and woodlots in the County of Perth – presented by county executive director of legal and corporate services Stefan Zhelev and CAO Lori Wolfe.
The draft reflects feedback gathered through the consultation process, which has highlighted the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the practical needs of farmers and rural landowners.
Among the most notable proposed changes was the inclusion of a permitting process intended to address the small number of situations in which a notice of intent (NOI) to destroy or injure trees would not meet the criteria outlined in the bylaw but may still warrant consideration.
According to Zhelev, approximately 100 notices of intent are submitted annually, with roughly 95 per cent resolved through the existing process. The proposed permit option was intended to address the remaining small percentage of more complex cases.
Under the proposal, landowners whose NOI applications were denied could apply for a permit allowing tree removal or injury under specific conditions, with the potential for an appeal process should the
permit also be denied.
“What happens currently, at the point where the bylaw official is contacted and they make a determination on whether or not the proposed activity falls inside or outside of the bylaw, effectively no decision is made,” Zhelev said, explaining why there is no appeal process currently included as part of the NOI process. “In theory, there is nothing in writing from the municipality and it makes it difficult to appeal. What are we appealing if there is no decision?
“ … In theory, (an appeal) could happen at the divisional court level, but to my understanding, it has never been done.”
Council, however, expressed concern the additional process could be unnecessarily complicated for landowners and difficult to administer. Instead, councillors suggested incorporating a peer-review process involving another registered professional forester when an NOI application is denied, allowing for a second expert opinion without adding another layer of bureaucracy.
“This is less than five per cent; we’re spending a humungous amount of time on something that is very, very small,” Coun. Rhonda Ehgoetz said. “If they don’t like the process, go to court. I’m sorry. That’s how you do it. … We’re supposed to be simplifying the process and adding this permit, to me, doesn’t simplify it.”
“I think the suggestion of just having a peer review if the notice of intent is turned down is the solution to this,” added Coun. Matt Duncan. “It does give an individual that feels he needs another avenue; it gives them an avenue. If at that point, the peer reviewer decides yes, the notice-of-intent refusal was correct, then they have the
position to go to court then. But at least it gives them the chance to be heard – a sober second thought.”
The draft bylaw also includes proposed changes intended to clarify how agricultural practices intersect with forest-conservation rules, particularly along the edges of cultivated fields.
Among those changes are provisions allowing farmers to selectively trim tree branches along field edges to allow farm equipment to pass safely, as well as permitting the repositioning of dead trees that have encroached on cultivated land or access routes adjacent to woodlands or woodlots.
Council also directed staff to refine definitions within the bylaw, including removing the standalone definition of woodlot and incorporating the definition of windbreak within the woodland definition to better distinguish between the two.
The distinction between windbreaks and woodlots has been a focal point throughout the consultation process, with some farmers expressing concern certain windbreaks could inadvertently be classified as protected woodlots depending on their size or density.
Windbreaks, generally defined as linear treed areas consisting of one to three rows of planted trees, play an important role in reducing soil erosion, protecting crops and livestock, and improving overall farm productivity.
By removing the woodlot definition and clarifying how windbreaks are treated within the bylaw, council signalled its intent to allow farmers greater flexibility to manage windbreaks and living snow fences without concern those features could trigger additional regulatory requirements.
“Given the relatively small impact against the total tree canopy of Perth County, I’m starting to lean towards saying let’s just take that woodlot definition out,” Coun. Todd Kasenberg said. “It’s woodlands that we’re concerns about. We’ll protect those with vigour and if we take out the woodlots, we still probably need the provision for windbreaks against woodlands because there could be an override.
“Generally, we’re not going to lose it all. … I don’t think people will go crazy and take (all the woodlots) down.”
According to Zhelev, woodlots make up just 813 acres of the 50,661 acres of total tree canopy in Perth County – roughly 1.6 per cent. Woodlands, meanwhile, account for 49,849 acres of the total tree cover in the county.
The bylaw review process began in 2024 following direction from council to examine how Perth County’s existing regulations compare with those in neighbouring municipalities and to ensure the bylaw reflects current forestry practices and legislative requirements.
Throughout the consultation process, staff have received significant feedback from conservation authorities, agricultural organizations, municipal councils and members of the public, reflecting a wide range of perspectives on how best to balance environmental stewardship with agricultural productivity.
County staff will now incorporate council’s direction into a revised draft of the bylaw, which is expected to return for further consideration at the May 21 council meeting.
Winter has been long and spring is elbowing its way to the front. It is hard to believe we can plant trees soon!
Let’s Tree Wilmot (LTW), a project of Garden Wilmot, starts planting on Saturday, April 18, in Mannheim. LTW is excited as this is a large new project of approximately 1.85 hectares (5.57 acres) area tucked in the northwest corner of Mannheim, north of Milne Drive. This area was identified in the Wilmot Trails Master Plan and the Wilmot Tree Canopy Policy Framework by Wilmot Township. LTW has dubbed this project, “Mannheim Carolinian Corner.” Southern Ontario has a Carolinian Zone south of an imaginary line that runs approximately from Grand Bend to Toronto. This land is known by some First Nations as Waawayaatanong, which means “Round Lake” in reference to territory around Lake St. Clair. The Carolinian Zone is the most diverse and fragile ecoregion of Canada, the smallest forest region in Canada amounting to
just one per cent of the country’s landmass. The Carolinian Zone has the highest diversity of wild species and number of species at risk in Canada. It is also home to 25 per cent of the Canadian population. The zone is expanding northward due to climate change, and LTW has incorporated some Carolinian species in many of the tree-planting projects throughout the township to date. The Mannheim site will have a higher volume of Carolinian species such as Kentucky Coffee Tree, hoptree, pignut hickory, tulip tree, flowering dogwood, spicebush, sassafras and chinquapin oak.
Common Carolinian species and species of our area include red maple, white pine, bur oak, red cedar and honey locust. The species selected for this site need to be drought tolerant as the site’s soil is sand and gravel. The Mannheim Carolinian Corner will be planted in three phases with the first phase on April 18, and the final phases to be completed this Fall.
The future trail will follow the natural topography of the site.
“The Mannheim Carolinian Corner project is an opportunity to increase the tree canopy from 22 per cent to 30 per cent and incorporate species diversity to the township,” said Wilmot manager of parks and facilities Cody Eby. “The most recent Green Communities Canada grant awarded to Let’s Tree Wilmot for the value of $67,240 covers two years of planting and one year of maintenance, with the current planting initiative in year two.
“Further tree planting and tree maintenance initiatives are carried out by way of the Enova Reforestation grant the township generously receives annually to advance long-term community and environmental sustainability goals.”
Come join Let’s Tree Wilmot to grow a special habitat for Wilmot Township on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. For details and registration, visit letstreewilmot.ca/events.
Why are we planting trees that typically grow south of us? Come and find out. Bring the whole family. There are snacks!
A map showing the Manheim Carolinian Corner with plans for phased tree planting. Phase one is blue, phase two is purple and phase three is orange.
Let’s Tree Wilmot’s Manheim Carolinian Corner tree-planting site.
MARLENE KNEZEVICH
Let’s Tree Wilmot
Grace United Church in Tavistock celebrates Easter Sunday
Grace United Church in Tavistock joined many churches across the area in celebrating Easter Sunday with a special service marking one of the most important days in the Christian calendar.
Members of the congregation gathered to reflect on the meaning of Easter, with church members Diane Harris and Connor Shantz welcoming those in attendance while dressed in Biblical-era clothing to help recreate the atmosphere of the first Easter Sunday centuries ago.
The service also welcomed residents and staff from the nearby Maples long-termcare home, who attended as part of the Easter celebration.
Following the Easter message delivered by Rev. Marilyn Arthur, communion was shared among the large congregation in attendance.
Easter Sunday at Grace United Church began earlier in the day with a sunrise service organized and led by youth and young adults from the congregation. The morning continued with a breakfast hosted by the church’s Middle Aged Pews group.
Church organizers also reminded the community about the ongoing High Noon luncheon program held at Grace United Church on the second Thursday of each month. This week’s luncheon will feature guest speaker Chip Bender.
The communion table was set near the piano of choir director Marilyne Nystrom as residents from the Maples long-term-care home listened during the Easter Sunday service at Grace United Church in Tavistock.
Rev. Marilyn Arthur and church board member Bill Brown ensure residents from the Maples long-term-care home were comfortable as they enjoyed the Easter message and special music during the service.
Diane Harris, at the pulpit, and Connor Shantz, standing in front of the draped cross, helped share the Easter message at the beginning of the service at Grace United Church on Easter Sunday.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
WAGLER, Shirley Jean (Roth)
Passed away peacefully at Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth on Thursday April 2, 2026.
Beloved wife of Herb Wagler. Loving mother of Lisa (Kelly), Joe, Dave (Alisa), and Sonia, all of Tavistock. Loving grandmother of Julianna (Paul), Leighton, Kaleb, Karissa, and Kaden. Survived by her brothers Ervin Roth (Ruth Ann Westover), and Edward Roth. Also survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wallace & Mary Roth, Delphine & Lorne Zehr, Laura Ann Wagler, Cecil & Reta Wagler, Marlene & Edward Schwartzentruber, and Keith & Ruth Wagler.
Predeceased by her granddaughter Angel Wagler, parents Almon & Annie Mae Roth, sisters Nelda Roth & Dianne Rellinger, and brother Mayne Roth. Also predeceased by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Delmer Roth, Brenda Roth, Marie Roth, Wanda Roth, Bill Knoblauch, Doris & Seranus Kropf, Bernice & Floyd Brenneman, Leander & Beatrice Wagler, Betty Roth, and Lester Wagler.
Shirley was married to Herb Wagler on June 25, 1966. She was a faithful member of East Zorra Mennonite Church where she volunteered on various committees, and as church historian for many years. She had a keen interest in history and was instrumental in collecting information and publishing family genealogies. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. She made many gifts for her children and grandchildren which they will always cherish.
Relatives and friends will be received in the Francis Chapel of the Glendinning Funeral Home, 77 Woodstock Street N, Tavistock on Monday April 6, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Ray Martin & Pastor Mike Williamson at East Zorra Mennonite Church on Tuesday April 7, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow the service at East Zorra Mennonite Church Cemetery, 16th line.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, Mennonite Central Committee, or Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
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.
Easter Breakfast at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church
The Elders of Shakespeare Presbyterian Church welcomed members of the congregation and their families for an Easter breakfast on Sunday.
Breakfast was served before the church service and was well
attended. The buffet featured ham, scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes with maple syrup and freshly baked scones and muffins, served with coffee, tea and juice.
The breakfast has become a popular annual tradition, offering a way for the church community to celebrate Easter together.
Sorry For Your Loss
What is the only country that begins with "q"?
What American restaurant chain is the biggest purchaser of lemons worldwide?
A cutlass, gladius and katana are all types of what?
In Greek mythology, who are Artemis’ parents?
Which U.S president was a peanut farmer before entering politics?
Finish the saying, "April showers bring ______" Mount Everest is part of which mountain range?
In scrabble, each player starts with how many letters?
9. What acid gives sourdough its tangy flavor?
10. What is the strongest currency in the world? Answers found on the classified page
Al Morris prepares scrambled eggs for the Easter Sunday breakfast hosted by the Elders at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church.
Al Morris takes a break from cooking to join his family who travelled from Toronto, Waterloo and Stratford to enjoy Easter breakfast together. Pictured from left to right are Diane Murray, Debbie Morris, Josh Walker, Chelsea Walker, Carrie Walker, Nick Betto, Martin Walker, Katelyn Walker and Al Morris.
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
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.
March 30 - April 6, 2016, Edition (10 years ago)
The Easter weekend was a mixture of weather with power outages all across Ontario due to a major ice storm early Thursday morning. The power was off for many hours in Tavistock and the surrounding areas until Monday night. Tavistock power was cut just before 9 a.m. on Thursday. The power was restored at 12:30 p.m., but not before students were sent home from Tavistock Public School. Then at about 9 p.m., a tree fell onto the main line feeding the village on Jacob Street West. The weight of the tree toppled a pole. Friday morning, the crews were ready to switch the power back on when another ice-covered tree fell and took out the powerlines on the same feeder line north of the village.
Mike Munro loves the thrill of competition on ice. Five years ago, he took up wheelchair curling with his friend Mark Ideson who he met at Parkwood Hospital in London during their rehabilitation from back injuries. “We wanted a sport we could play together,” Munro recalls, so they joined the Ilderton Wheelchair Curling Club. Munro was one of eight carded wheelchair athletes and, as such, was able to try out for the Paralympic team in Vancouver. “I just missed out on going to Sochi in 2014,” he said.
Four local skaters, who are training at the Plattsville Figure Skating Club, qualified and competed at the Ontario Starskate Provincial Championship in Sudbury from March 18-20, 2016. Pier Nauta of RR 6, Woodstock, is the Star 5 men’s provincial gold medalist. Meagan Vens from Woodstock is a bronze triathlon and senior bronze women’s provincial finalist. Leah Pellazzari from St. Marys was a silver triathlon and junior silver women’s provincial finalist while Alex Swartzentruber of RR 1, Tavistock, is a senior bronze men’s provincial finalist.
March 29 - April 5, 2006, Edition (20 years ago)
The father and son duo of Brian and Jacob Jutzi, Grade 7, knocked off the competition last Thursday to win the 21st crokinole tournament held at Tavistock Public School. Forty teams played a 10-game qualifying round to come up with the top eight teams playing under the direction of World Crokinole Championship executive members Mary Alice Roth, Chuck McIntyre and teachers Kathy Kaster and Chris Ross.
Participating in a sports competition in another country can be a humbling experience, especially when the host county is a leader in the sport. The Waterloo-Oxford Duckies spent 10 days in the United Kingdom in early March and came home with a new respect for the game. The Duckies have dominated their local competition over the years, this past year winning the bronze medal in Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations. Seventeen players, two teachers and a coach travelled to England and Scotland from March 7-17, 2006, and learned some of the finer points of the game while playing three of four scheduled games against their host schools.
April 2-9, 1986, Edition (40 years ago)
No need to travel to Hollywood, New York or to Toronto to see a fine stage production. All you had to do was travel to Hickson Public School and watch the kindergarten class of Mrs. Grace Grey last Wednesday night. Their professional production of CARE BEAR’S ADVENTURE had to be one of the best stage presentations imaginable. The exuberance and enthusiasm of these fiveyear-olds and the expertise with which it was directed and produced is top calibre.
W.C. (Bill) Shafer of Shafer Structures and Renovations Inc. of Shakespeare presented the Award of Merit plaque to Ray and Don Dietrich of Dietrich Farms Ltd. Monday morning. The award was in recognition of the new animal confinement barn built by Shafer Structures last year. The new structure replaces the barn destroyed by fire in October of 1984.
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
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.
Contact Carol Massel: 519-502-8648 carol@masselsmarine.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 battle back, punch ticket with Game 7 win
goal of the game with just one second on the clock in the period sent Tavistock to the locker room with a 3-2 lead.
Carson Littlejohn gave Woodstock some life with his eighth of the postseason with just over two minutes remaining but Tavistock was able to shut the door and seal the win.
The team’s next opponent is the Dundas Blues, who disposed of the Niagara Riverhawks in five games during the Bloomfield Division final.
“We have watched a couple of games over the last week or so, and we have good video on them. I think we match up well. They're quick, physical and hard on the forechecks, and so are we. It should be a great series,” said Braves general manager Brent Lange.
Despite being taken to seven games by the Navy Vets, Lange explained he was confident going into the series.
“Woodstock is a great team, and they have a great organization. We just knew, five-on-five throughout most of the series, we were the better team. They had a great powerplay that was stacked with five really good players, but we knew if we played our game, we would come out on top and we did.”
Lange added his team is a very tightknit group and described the team as a brotherhood.
“These guys would go through a wall for one another.”
Woodstock averaged well over 1,000
fans during the series while the much smaller Tavistock and District Recreation Centre jammed over 600 for each home game.
“Playing in front of our fans and their fans was amazing. Packed arenas with
good followings for both teams in each arena were unreal.”
One of the most interesting statistics in the series was road teams won five of the seven games, three by Tavistock, including Game 7.
The series was the last one for the Woodstock Navy Vets, who are moving to the Greater Ontario Hockey League for the 2026-2027 season.
We wish them all the best in the Future in Junior B (GOHL) moving forward.
(ALEC RICHARD PHOTOS)
Tyler Brezynskie drives to the net with the puck during the Tavistock Braves' game against the Dundas Blues April 6. Brezynskie scored a goal in the Braves' 3-2 win in Game 1.
Braves Captain Marc Dionne holds the Doherty Division Championship trophy following a seven-game victory over the Navy Vets. Tavistock players celebrate their Game 7 win in Woodstock
Braves show grit in come-from-behind victory over Dundas Blues
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Reporter
Tavistock showed exactly why they are a team to be reckoned with during the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) Schmaltz Cup playoffs on Monday night, April 6, at the J.L. Grightmire Market Street Arena in Dundas.
The Blues took a 1-0 lead two minutes into the first period as Jeff Giles roofed a shot over Braves goalie Blake Richard. It could have easily been 2-0 eight minutes later when a down-and-out Richard somehow kicked his pads up while on his stomach to make what could turn out to be the save of the season for Tavistock.
Andrew Harris scored for Dundas midway through the second period to up the lead to 2-0. Still, Tavistock was able to gain some momentum thanks to a shorthanded goal by Tyler Brezynskie with 56 seconds remaining off a beautiful pass from Ryan McKellar.
The third period went back and forth until the Braves were able to take advantage of a brief but devastating 28 seconds by the Blues. Evan Palubeski scored his 11th of the playoffs with a nifty tip off a shot by Ethan Stover off a faceoff to knot the game up at two, setting up the game-winning
goal.
Palubeski made a great play to stay onside after a flip pass and was able to slide a pass cross-ice to Yann Raskin with four minutes and 32 seconds remaining on the clock.
“I was sitting in front of the net all game, had some looks, and was able to finally tip one home on a great shot from Stover,” said Palubeski on his tying goal.
The 20-year-old Cambridge native, who has 21 points in 13 playoff games, said negativity just isn’t something in the team’s DNA.
“It’s a lot of positive energy on the bench. We have key guys who are always lifting each other up, and we know we are a team that, when we’re down, we can always get back up.”
Palubeski added he’s never played with such a strong group of leaders in his hockey career.
“We have a pretty unreal leadership group headed by our captain Marc Dionne. He’s the best captain I think I’ve ever played for.”
The Braves outshot the Blues 51-33, something Tavistock has done consistently throughout its playoff run.
Tavistock head coach Zac Berg said no
Dionne Hits 200-Game Milestone
one was pressing the panic button when they went down 2-0.
“This team never gives up. Whether we’re down or up, we stick to the same game plan and eventually we got a few breaks.”
He added outshooting their opponents consistently is a purposeful move given pure hockey statistical data.
“It’s just the way we play. We emphasize shots on goal and then getting to the net. About 75 to 80 per cent of the goals in hockey come from that area, so it's important to get there. It also helps us to be able to roll four lines every night. We have the depth to do it and it’s to our benefit to use it.”
Dundas coach Dane O’Neill said allowing a pair of goals in less than 30 seconds in the third period cost them the game.
“We’ve been focusing on playing a complete 60 minutes all year and not letting off the gas, and tonight it showed what happens when you don’t do that. They are a good team and they took advantage of it.”
On the positive side, O’Neill thought the Game 2 effort was much better than Game 1’s 5-0 loss.
“We upped our forecheck and definitely pressured their D a lot more into making
A bet is a bet
mistakes, and that’s going to be important from now on. I don’t think we’ve tested their goalie enough yet either.”
Tavistock dominated Game 1 with a 5-0 victory as Blake Richard kicked out 21 shots to earn the win. Palubeski and Stover had three points each.
Game 3 in the series is set for 7:30 p.m. in Tavistock on Wednesday, just after the Gazette’s deadline, with Game 4 back in Dundas on Friday, also at 7:30 p.m.
Notes:
• The barn in Dundas is one of the more enjoyable arenas to watch a game in anywhere in the league. It reminds me of Simcoe in that every seat seems right on top of the ice surface.
• Another positive for those who enjoy having a cold alcoholic beverage during a game – every square foot of the arena is licensed, something the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock may want to take a look at.
• Despite Palubeski’s dominating performance, all three stars of the game were from Dundas.
• To follow the other three PJHL series, visit www.thepjhl.ca/stats/ playoffs/77.
Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione (right) completed his side of a gentleman’s bet with East Zorra-Tavistock Mayor Phil Schaefer at Wednesday morning’s Oxford County Council meeting. The loser of the PJHL series between the Tavistock Braves and Woodstock Navy Vets would be required to wear the winning team’s jersey throughout the meeting, which Acchione did graciously.
(LEE GRIFFI PHOTO)
Tavistock Braves Captain Marc Dionne was recently recognized by the team for reaching the 200-game mark with the team. Dionne is in his final season with the team
(TAVISTOCK BRAVES PHOTO)
Our plan to protect Ontario is building new nuclear facilities
As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. We’re building the first small modular reactors in the G7, and the first large-scale nuclear facilities in decades. Creating 150,000 new jobs.
That’s how we protect Ontario.
T:12.429"
Summer 2026: Look better without trying so hard
DRESS SHARP. SPEND SMART.
By Scott Dunstall
Every year, someone claims “this is the summer, everything changes.” In recent years, nothing really does; like that 10-pound spare tire I can’t shed.
In the past, I have lamented about the shocking lack of diversity in men’s fashion since the pandemic. I’ve also complained about the lack of concern there is about that fact, or the apparent lack of attention to social constructs and the preference for rolling out of bed in plaid pajama bottoms, a sweatshirt and Grocs, then heading to the airport.
And to be honest, I may start going in that direction. With the boring, one-dimensional crap male fashion shoppers are taking from the market, I am very disappointed. When I walk into a Marshalls or even visit a Simons, the trend towards blacks, grays and browns is demoralizing. How do you create your own style from that? Men's fashion is definitely heading into the “We are Borg” territory where individualism has faded into collectivism.
So, with all that teeth-gnashing dispensed with, let’s make the most of what we have.
Blazers are still around, just not so stiff
You don’t have to ditch the blazer, but you do have to loosen up.
The heavy, structured ones that feel like a uniform are taking a backseat. Lighter versions from brands like Theory or Reiss are what you’ll see now. Less lining, softer shoulders and fabrics that don’t feel like you’re wrapped in cardboard. You can throw one over a T-shirt or a polo and not look like you’re headed to a meeting. If it feels comfortable, you’re probably on the right track.
Shorts finally make sense
Shorts have settled down.
They’re not hanging halfway down your leg, and they’re not creeping up your leg. Most sit just above the knee now, and that’s where they should stay.
Brands like Hilfiger and Banana Republic are doing a good job here. Clean, simple and made with better fabric. And this matters more than people think. Gym shorts are fine for the gym. That’s about it. If you’re going out, wear something that actually looks like you planned it, not like that guy standing in line at Timmies in his long underwear and construction boots.
Shoes: Keep them clean and simple Footwear hasn’t changed much, but people are wearing it better. Simple white sneakers
still work. Brands like Adidas or Common Projects have this covered. The difference is they’re clean. That’s it. That’s the rule. If they look like you mowed the lawn in them, they’re not part of your outfit anymore. Loafers are also back in a quieter way.
Suede ones from Cole Haan or Allen Edmonds are easy to wear and don’t feel too dressy. I was also in a Call it Spring and an Aldos this week, and while the colour is no longer there, they both offer some sharp designs at a fraction of the Cole Haan pricing, but you get what you pay for.
Sometimes 130 wears for $130 makes more sense than 30 wears for $60. Sandals are still hit or miss. Choose carefully.
Colours are easier to work with
And while this summer isn’t about loud colours, there are a number of pieces offering the softer stuff –beige, olive, off-white. The good thing about this trend towards blah is that you don’t have to think much when it comes to mixing and matching colours. Brands like Uniqlo and Everlane are full of these kinds of pieces.
If your closet is mostly dark colours, just add one or two lighter items. You don’t need to reinvent everything.
Patterns are back, but keep it simple
You’ll see stripes and small patterns again, but nothing too crazy. The rules are simple. If one piece stands out, keep the rest quiet. J.Crew does this well. So does Scotch & Soda. Don’t try to mix five different things together. That has always been one of my guideposts. Fit: A little looser, not baggy
Clothes are a bit more relaxed this year but not oversized. Think more room to move, not drowning in fabric. You’ll see this in brands like COR. Shirts and pants that aren’t tight but still look clean. If your clothes are pulling at the seams, they’re too tight. If they look like a tent, they’re too big. There’s a middle ground. Stay there.
The big shift: Dress for your real life
This is the part that actually matters. You don’t need a “fashion look.” You need clothes that work for your day. Running errands. Meeting someone for lunch. Sitting on a patio. That’s what this summer is built for. Brands like Ralph Lauren have always done this well. Nothing too flashy, just solid pieces that fit into real life.
I tried to write this in a positive reflection despite how I opened up the article. As I said, this blip in men’s fashion does not agree with me, but hopefully we (you and I) can learn to live with it.
Scott Dunstall has been on a stylistic journey for over 10 years. His belief is that every guy has a style of their own. When it’s discovered, it empowers and builds confidence. Scott has appeared several times on Rogers TV Kitchener as a guest on DAYTIME. His writing has been republished by LinkedIn Top Influencer and INC. Magazine contributing editor, Jeff Haden. He has also written several pieces for the Baden Outlook. You can follow Scott on Instagram @everydaystylebyscott or on LinkedIn @scottdunstall or Life & Style Wilmot on Facebook. Feel free to ask questions or propose collaborations: everydaystylebyscott1@gmail.com.
Gazette Puzzles
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The bright-red bounty of beets
HEAPS
OF HEALTHY TIPS
By Mercedes Kay Gold
April showers bring May flowers, or so it goes, but this health expert is excited about the bounty of beets.
Beets are by far this holistic nutritionist’s favourite source of carbohydrates. They are grown locally and their versatility make them a menu favourite from sunrise to sunset. In my opinion, beets give, by far, the most bodyboosting benefits for your hardearned money.
Beets are beautiful from the green leafy goodness to the bulb. The array of colors is stunning, deep ravishing red to purple to sunshine golden yellow and cutesy candy stripes. This ravishing root veggie has a distinct flavour. Some may say a little sweet, others a tad earthy,
but this highly nutritious produce is a powerhouse.
Bravo beets. Let’s start at the top. Gorgeous greens are not for composting but rather for steaming or chopping into summer salads. The tops are low in carbohydrates and calories. They contain an abundance of immune boosting A and C vitamins. Beet tops are off the charts in their daily value of crucial K and the vivid green shed light on their chlorophyll content. The lutein and zeaxanthin are notable and linked to eye health. The bulb is a bevy of body love inside and out. Beets are a complex carbohydrate and healthy root vegetable. Beets are high in heart-helping nitrates, lowering blood pressure,
Are you thinking
increasing the flow of oxygen and a nutritional food to manage cardiovascular disease. The fabulous folate or B9 is linked to healthy cells and the forming of red blood cells. Betalains, the pigments giving beets the vibrant colour equal all-star antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Most people struggle with bloating, gas or constipation on some level and making the rad root veggie your BFF will aid in digestive health. They are high in fiber, promoting regularity.
For those watching their blood sugar, yes, beets contain sugar, but the fiber slows down the absorption and there’s no need to avoid my April produce pick.
As we leave winter roastedbeet vibes, it’s time to lighten the food fare. Fresh-pressed alone or with gut-supporting herb ginger and an apple for sweetness floods cells with vitamins and minerals. Fermented beets are fantastic for Mother’s Natures probiotics. Grated into summer salads, hidden in a chocolate cake, boiled beet water as a natural food dye and mashed into egg salad, there are no shortage of beet options.
I am obsessed with beet hummus, the perfect sandwich
spread, rice topper, friend to falafels and veggie dip!
Beet hummus: My middle eastern magic!
Ingredients:
• 2 medium sized purple beets
• 1 15.5 oz can of chickpeas drained and rinsed
• ½ fresh lemon juiced
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• 2-3 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
• Himalayan Pink salt to taste
• 4 Tbsp tahini
• *1-2 small garlic cloves
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F to roast. Steaming, canned or using leftovers works, too.
2. Wash the beets, leaving the skin and removing the ends. If roasting, rub oil on the beets. Wrap in parchment paper and then tinfoil. Once the oven is ready, roast until the knife easily pierces the beet. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
3. When done, cool and chop.
4. **In a food processor, add
all the ingredients except the spices. Pulse until silky smooth.
5. Sprinkle the spices on top.
6. I love topping with crumbled goat cheese.
7. Serve with pita, crackers or raw veggies.
*My family loves garlic so I use two.
**The consistency can be thinned out with a tablespoon or two of water, but I use a tad more tahini for more sesame seed goodness.
about running for council?
Here’s a few things to keep in mind
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
By Galen Simmons
In a few short weeks, candidates in cities and towns across the province will begin formally declaring their intent to run for a seat on their local council in the Oct. 26 municipal elections.
The nomination period officially opens on May 1, and prospective candidates will have until Aug. 21 to file their nomination papers with their municipal clerk’s office. The process for filing nomination papers includes collecting endorsement signatures from residents in the municipality where you live and wish to serve on council, and the paying of a
nomination fee – $200 to run for mayor and $100 to run for councillor.
However, the decision to run for a seat on council should be much more involved than finding people to endorse you and paying a small fee. Having covered municipal politics for the entirety of my career, including three municipal elections, I can tell you with certainty that serving on council goes well beyond what the job may appear to be from the outside. First, you need to be the kind of person who has a deep desire to serve their community. You must be committed to representing all
your constituents, even if you don’t always agree with everything they tell you. You must be willing to make decisions that impact neighbours, friends and local businesses, and have an interest in shaping the long-term direction of your municipality.
Some of your friends and neighbours may not appreciate the decisions you and your council colleagues make, and you need to be ready to accept criticism from anyone at any time and take accountability for those decisions.
The general public may only see their mayor and local councillors at public events like ribbon cuttings and community gatherings or read about the decisions they make in the local newspaper. The real work, however, includes hours of combing through reports and asking questions of staff to ensure you as a councillor understand what you’re reading, and often even more time discussing those reports with your fellow councillors and community members at council, committee and
board meetings.
Having read many of those reports myself, I can tell you that part of the job can be boring and tedious, but each of the informed decisions that come from that work are crucial to shaping both the future and the day-to-day operations of your municipality.
In most municipalities, the pay councillors and mayors receive doesn’t even come close to fair compensation for the work they put in every day, often on top of regular day jobs and responsibilities at home. So, if you’re doing this for the money, you’re doing it wrong.
The ability to communicate, both with the public and around the council table, is another important part of the job. Being able to express your thoughts and opinions and giving fair consideration to the thoughts and opinions of your colleagues and constituents is a huge part of the overall decision-making process. While speaking in public doesn’t come naturally to all of us – me includ-
ed – it is a skill that can be learned and honed.
A knowledge of local issues is also a key piece for any member of a municipal council. If this is something you truly want to do, I would strongly encourage you to attend a council meeting and join an advisory committee to get a sense of the issues facing residents and how council and committees discuss and address those issues ahead of the election in October.
And look beyond your municipality, too. Give some thought to how new provincial and federal legislation is impacting your community, and how local politicians and staff are adapting to those changes.
If any of this concerns you, running for a seat on council may not be for you. If, however, you find yourself undaunted and ready to work collaboratively with council, municipal staff and the public towards the betterment of your community, you already have my vote.
(MERCEDES KAY GOLD PHOTO)
This bright-red beet hummus is the perfect way to introduce the goodness of beets into your diet.
The silly side of travel writing
OH, THE PLACES WE'LL GO
By Paul Knowles
I get a lot of comments from people who are a bit jealous of my gig as a travel writer. They’re right – it’s a great job. I will insist that it does involve work – being on a busy, dusk-to-dawn travel “familiarization tour” can be exhausting, but still fun and sometimes unexpectedly hilarious.
Often, these silly moments involve food. Like in Hong Kong, where I was taken out to breakfast at a congee restaurant. Congee is rice porridge, usually served with tea, and you add meat to the congee. My host recommended that I add, wait for it, bull’s penis. I did not and opted for chicken – at least, I hope it was chicken.
In Locarno, Switzerland, in the Italian canton of this multi-lingual country, I asked my waiter if he spoke English. “Yes,” he said with a vigorous nod of the head. So, I ordered. My meal, when delivered, bore no resemblance to what I had asked for. I explained. He nodded, hopefully, but clearly without comprehending my comment. I asked again, “Do you speak English?” “Yes!”
I pondered. And then, knowing that French is one of the four official languages of Switzerland, I asked, “Parlez-vous anglais?” He laughed and shook his head. “Non!” Well, that at least explained that.
And speaking of food, there was the time I punched a pigeon. I was in Ottawa exploring the Byward Market and decided to have a Beaver Tail. Yum. I sat down and was immediately approached by a herd of rather aggressive pigeons. Foolishly, I thought that if I threw a couple of bits of Beaver Tail well distant from me, they would leave me alone. Wrong. They got more aggressive and one flew straight at my face. I reached out to defend myself and, yep, I accidentally punched a pigeon.
In Ponce Inlet, Fla., at a diner, I ordered a salad. “We’re all out of salads,” said the waiter. “Really?” “Yes.” “Okay, I have a question,” I said. “If I order a hamburger, can I get it with lettuce, tomato and onion?” “Sure.”
“That’s a salad,” I pointed out with some emphasis. Made no difference, of course. Salads were off.
Occasionally, the unreal reality
of being a travel writer does lead to amazing things – circumstances you still have to laugh about because they really are so genuinely unreal.
Like the time in San Diego when I was supposed to go tandem hang-gliding off the cliffs. This seemed an ill-conceived idea, so I asked if there might be an alternative activity. “Do you want to play golf,” asked my host, “at Torrey Pines?” Did I want to play golf at one of the most famous golf courses in the world? We arrived. I was escorted to my golf cart, complete with a beautiful set of loner clubs, balls, tees, wate, the works. I asked “Am I playing with anyone?”
“No sir,” came the answer, “we closed the course for you.”
I looked at my host. He quietly said, “I don’t know who they think you are, but go with it.” So, I did. I played well – about which, I have no proof and no one believes me.
I have been bit on the lip by a sea turtle in the waters off Barbados; I have kissed a stuffed beaver in New Brunswick; I have marched in two parades in Québec City, one in full, brilliant blue costume as a 16th century seigneur; I have felt my underwear fall off during a walking tour of Lugano; and I have been trussed up like a hippopotamus in bondage gear to go ziplining in the Jamaican rainfor-
est.
But it was in Mexico where two incidents left me laughing and feeling rather humiliated at the same time.
We went snorkelling; the transportation to the coral reef involved two-person speedboats. Upon arrival at the reefs, they tethered the boats together and said, “Jump in.” Jumping in, I could do, but there was no way I was going to be able to haul myself back up and into the boat. I tried to ask, but our guide spoke as much English as my Locarno waiter. What the heck – I jumped in. The snorkelling was great; eventually, we were called back to the boats, and I was first to return. I went to the back and started to try to board the beast. No luck, of course.
The guide motioned that I should come to the front, which was even farther out of the water. I obeyed. Whereupon he grabbed me by the life jacket and landed me unceremoniously on the prow. It’s hard to laugh hysterically with the breath knocked out of you, but I managed it.
And also, during that visit to Mexico, I was offered a moment of self-awareness. A small group of media folk went to the amazing attraction called Xcaret, where you can swim in an underground river. You don a life jacket, but it takes some effort to complete the course. When we finished, a much younger member of the group told me, “If I ever live to be as old as you, I hope I am able to do as well as you just did.”
Sigh.
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 Beaver Tail kiosk in Ottawa, where our hero punched a pigeon.
The author in a poorly executed selfie at Torrey Pines golf course.
A sea turtle, perhaps a relative of the beast that nipped the author on the lip.
Kissing a stuffed beaver at the Big Fiddle Still in Harvey, N.B.
The famous Van Doos marching band, which led a parade in Québec City.
Swimming the underground river at Xcaret, Mexico.
Tavistock grows up
VINTAGE VIEWS
By Tim Mosher Tavistock and District Historical Society
Tavistock was growing and so too were its water needs for firefighting, washing and drinking. The late Carl Seltzer reported in his 1967 history book, Fact & Fantasy, that the costs for this new water system in 1911 broke down to " ... land, (a brick) pump-house, 6,900 feet of mains at $6,275, 16 hydrants at $504 and elevated tank, 40,000 gallons (181,844 litres), at $4,000."
Along with other unnamed items, the "total cost (was) $17,379."
After the system was completed, it was tested successfully with 60 pounds of pressure. "When
pressure was stepped up to 120 pounds, it seems the men had trouble hanging on to the hose and were bowled over," reported Seltzer.
John “Jack” Lemp climbed the tower a short time after its construction with his heavy tripod-mounted camera to take bird’s-eye-view photos of the community. One of these photos will be featured in the next Vintage Views article two weeks from now. The photo in this article captures the construction of this new village amenity before "Tavistock" was painted on its side. The tower became an icon,
The joys of collecting
On Saturday, April 11, the Tavistock and District Historical Society (TDHS) will host 20 exhibitors at our annual general meeting as part of our unique items and curious collection display, “The Olde Curiosity Shop.” The items being displayed are diverse, including collections of antique steam toys, photographica, motion lamps, antique checkerboards and stereoscope cards. How many have that special piece passed down to them
through generations? Unique items include a family Bible, an antique toy car and even a first Canadian passport! Local history will also be represented with a sampling of Tavistock and area items shown.
As a collector of antique lighting and clocks, it has always been interesting to know why people collect. For my husband and I, it is the focus of many day trips taken throughout Ontario, and it is part of every vacation we take.
For others, it is the search for that unique piece that has eluded them for years in their search, the
visible from a great distance to generations of local people.
The system served the community well for 82 years until 1993 when the tank was removed and a new concrete and steel tower was built a short distance away. It serves about 3,550 people from three wells. Capacity? 1,590,000 litres (350,000 gallons). Cost? $1.046 million. Thank you for paying your taxes.
The last History Mystery: The question was "Why are kerb sets (thin stone borders on a grave's surface) almost unknown in Canada but widely seen in England, unrelated to grass cutting, tradition or appearance?" The first reader to answer this correctly was Marilyn Pearson of Tavistock, when she wrote how "Canadian winters with heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles shift kerb sets, causing them to break (creating) tripping hazards." Tavistock artist Reginald Selfe was buried south of London, England with a kerb set, where winters are comparatively mild.
The village's first elevated water tank was constructed for $4,000.
The four men atop the tower are thought to be part of the 1911 construction crew.
This week's History Mystery:
What was Mr. Lemp, the photographer, standing on to take the 1911 photo of the water tower? Note that he's considerably higher than the buildings that are visible. The first reader to send me the
Constructed in 1993, the new tower has a capacity almost nine times greater than the first tank.
correct answer at tim_mosher@ hotmail.com will have their name and community name or rural route number published in the next Vintage Views article.
Holy Grail piece! For some it is tied to years gone by or a special memory. For some it is the historical significance that the item carries. Regardless of why, this is a hobby where passion meets obsession and, quite often, results in a fantastic curation of personal collections.
The TDHS museum collection also includes diverse items ranging from the Lemp Studio collection to simple pencils with local advertising. It is always fascinating when people visit and notice something that triggers a fond memory from childhood or
a local historical connection.
Recent unique additions in 2026 to TDHS include an old sled and a wooden wagon, both found half buried in the dirt under an old house back porch on Henry Street, Tavistock. The Lemp Studio collection also features a photograph of two children in a wagon. Is it the same one recently donated that was used in the Lemp photograph?
TDHS also received a wooden Canadian Butter Box – common itself, yet it has the “511” registration number which is unique to the Tavistock Cheese and Butter Company.
In asking those exhibiting what they collect, why they collect
and how their collection evolved, the answers were mostly different but passionate. In discussing what makes an item unique, rarity, historical significance, condition and popularity are all good reasons. Maybe it’s not about the “why”; maybe it’s simply just nostalgia for the past!
If you are interested in bringing a unique item with you to the annual general meeting, we will have a show-and-tell table set up for last-minute contributions. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m. at Grace United Church, Tavistock. Admission and membership are free. All are welcome!
(JOHN 'JACK' LEMP PHOTO)
(PHOTO COURTESY OF TAVISTOCK AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY)
A photo from the Lemp Studio Collection of two children and a wooden wagon is seen here on the right, and on the left is a familiar-looking wagon discovered half-buried underneath a porch on Henry Street, now in the Tavistock and District Historical Society museum collection.
A wooden Canadian butter box with the registration number, 511 – unique to the Tavistock Cheese and Butter Company.
DONNA DICKSON
Tavistock and District Historical Society
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAVISTOCK AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY)
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Swing into Spring - Craft Sale
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free admission
Morningside Adult Community Off Hwy 8 at Bleams & Bergy, New Hamburg
Tavistock and District Historical Society
22nd Annual General Meeting
1 p.m.
"Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe" Curious Collections and Unique Items Display Free Admission. All are Welcome.
Grace United Church Zion Hall, 116 Woodstock St. South, Tavistock
Please register by April 10 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900
Wilmot Rec Complex, 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden
Garden Wilmot presents “Gardening with less pain”
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Our Water - Challenges & Solutions
7-9 p.m.
Guest speaker - expert hydrogeologist, Dr. Hugh Simpson, followed by a Q&A. Free online and in-person event. Register at nvecoboosters.com under upcoming events. Questions? Contact nvecoboosters @gmail. com
Zion United Church, 215 Peel St., New Hamburg
Community Care Concepts Lunch and Fellowship
12 p.m.
Please register by April 17 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900
Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line, Linwood
Perth East council meeting
7 p.m.
Council chambers 25 Mill Street East, Milverton
MONDAY, APRIL 27
Wilmot Council meeting
7-10 p.m.
Council chambers 60 Snyder’s Road W., Baden
MORNING & EVENING BIBLE READING
Read the Bible in a Year in Community Morning meeting 6:00 a.m. daily
Evening meeting 6:00 p.m. daily
Contact Arthur Rosh if interested.
Phone number: 226-899-1551
Email address: arthur.rosh@gmail.com
3RD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH
TAVISTOCK MENS CLUB MEETINGS
Dinner at 6.15 p.m.
No meetings in July and August
Welcome to attend. Phone: 519-655-3573
Website: tavistockmensclub.ca
78 Woodstock St N STAMP CLUB
Oxford Philatelic Society
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday (2-4 p.m.) and 4th Tuesday (7 to 9 p.m.)
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
TAVISTOCK & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Museum Hours: Third Saturday of each Month 1-4 p.m. (other times by appointment) Email: info@tavistockhistory.ca or call 519-655-3334
Travelling Museum Display: The theme is “Heritage of Hickson Public Central School” - history of School from 1885 to present along with photos, artifacts, school and art work. TDHS partnered with the Hickson 4-H Club for this display that runs until April 27, 2026.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Website: http://www.rpsc.org/chapters/oxford Church of the Epiphany 560 Dundas Street, Woodstock Ontario N4S 1C7
FREE SENIORS ACTIVITIES
Tavistock Seniors Activities @ Tavistock Memorial Hall, 1 Adam St. Tavistock ON, except Shuffleboard
Pickleball Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon, 12-4 p.m. Contact: Don Junker 519-535-7052
Cards Monday , Wednesday afternoon 1-4 p.m., euchre, crib (bring board), etc. Just drop in to play, good to bring someone . Contact: Bob Routly 519-301-2118
Inside walking Monday & Wednesday morning 8.30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Contact: Larry Brown 519-240-6715
Crokinole Monday , Wednesday morning 8.30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Just drop in to play, good
Location: EZT Township Administration Building (lobby), 89 Loveys Street, Hickson Travelling Museum Display: “Easter Traditions & Egg Business in Tavistock" – history of the 1919 Tavistock Egg Circle and 1946 Tavistock Produce along with advertisements, artifacts & Easter decor. This display runs until April 27, 2026.
Hours: Open 7 days a week
Location: Tavistock & District Recreation Centre (arena lobby), 2 Adam Street, Tavistock CAREGIVER CONNECTION
Free Caregiver Connection peer support groups
Date: Third Tuesday of each month
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Are you worried about your child or youth? Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health (PCMH) is here to listen, support, and walk alongside you on this journey. Our free Caregiver Connection peer support groups offer parents and caregivers a community of support. Can’t make it in person? Join one of our virtual or hybrid groups! Visit family.
The Community Calendar allows non-profit organizations to promote their free admission community events at no charge. Event listings can include your event name, date, time and location as well as contact information (ie phone number, email address or website). If your event is not free admission or you would like to include more details than stated above, The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette offers the following options for promoting your community events:
New Hamburg Girl Guide launches cookie sale initiative
CLASSIFIED ADS
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 7am- 6pm Mon-Sat at Martins Nursery c/o Emanuel Martin. 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter, ON
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
Wanting to buy scrap cars, trucks, heavy equipment trucks, big trucks, buses, farm machinery, bulldozers, and excavators. Bin service available. Call 519-373-2565.
CLASSES
KARATE!
CLASSES BEGIN APR. 27TH SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS Self-defense, Self-discipline, Self-confidence GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADULT
Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 5th Degree Black Belt and 12X World Karate Champion Location Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church23 Church Street, New Hamburg EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ONLY $105+HST FOR 9 WEEKS Uniform extra Special ends Apr. 21. Regular price $125+HST Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com www.schweitzersmartialarts.com
Lennie Dagenais, a member of the New Hamburg Girl Guides, was on Woodstock Street South in Tavistock selling Girl Guides Cookies from her stand over the Easter weekend. The Girl Guides Cookies campaign is the organization’s largest fundraiser, supporting things like camp experiences, crafts, badges, outings and more. A portion of the funds raised goes back to the organization for training leaders, paying for first aid instruction and basic operational expenditures.
New Hamburg Girl Guide Lennie Dagenais is seen here showing true entrepreneurial spirit by building her own Girl Guides Cookie stand.
