Touching on some of the most-pressing issues for rural voters in the Region of Waterloo, all four federal candidates running in the Kitchener-Conestoga riding met for a federal all-candidates meeting in New Hamburg early last week.
The local candidates discussed their parties’ positions on topics ranging from farmland protection and the impact of tariffs to housing and health care for roughly one hour at Puddicombe House in New Hamburg during a respectful debate hosted by the New Hamburg Board of Trade. Participating candidates included Liberal incumbent Tim Louis,
Conservative candidate Doug Treleaven, New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Maya Bozorgzad and People’s Party of Canada (PPC) candidate Kevin Dupuis. Each candidate was given three minutes for opening statements, a minute and 30 seconds to answer each question submitted to the board of trade ahead of the event and THURSDAY,
Mayor Phil Schaefer released a statement when he first found out he would be joining 168 other mayors in receiving Strong Mayor Powers on May 1. At last Wednesday’s East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) council meeting, other elected officials had their say.
Councillors discussed the province’s move to add Schaefer to the list of those with the ability to make decisions that include firing and hiring senior staff, coming up with a budget with little input from other elected officials and overriding some council votes.
Coun. Jeremy Smith said it’s unfortunate mayors have been put in this position.
“Every decision made will have amplified scrutiny. I certainly feel for Phil in that regard. … It’s unfortunate this American style of municipal governance continues to make inroads in Ontario at the will of the provincial government of the day.”
He added the move could diminish the role of the six councillors around the EZT horseshoe to dilute the concept of majority rule and inflict a disservice on local democracy.
“The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) believes Strong Mayor Powers have blurred the political administrative authority between the roles of head of council and chief administrative officer, threatening the neutrality of the public service,” an AMCTO spokesperson told the Gazette recently.
Smith added the widening of the original bill is expanding mayoral powers in Ontario in ways that are without precedent
Pictured in the back row, from left to right, are volunteer and Opti-Mrs. member Charlotte McTavish, Easter Bunny and Sprucedale student Cohen, Opti-Mrs. president Ellen Fuhr and Easter Bunny and Sprucedale student Dorothy. In the front row, from left, are Sienna, Blair, Fiona, Hadley, Vanessa, Peyton and Brinley as they get ready to fill their baskets with eggs. See page 5 for the full story.
GRIFFI
(DIANE DANEN PHOTO)
Farmland and housing dominate Kitchener-Conestoga debate
Continued from page 1
two minutes to make closing statements. The following are each of the candidates’ verbatim responses to two questions pertaining to important local issues, farmland protection and affordable housing, presented in the order they were answered. The full debate was livestreamed on the New Hamburg Board of Trade’s Facebook page and is still available for viewing.
Farmland protection
Question: Farmland protection is a key issue for Canadians, particularly for those who live in Wilmot. What would a government controlled by your party do to stand with farmers and protect farmland from expropriation?
Bozorgzad (NDP): “We all know food is at the heart of our homes, our communities and our economy, and protecting the people who grow that food is essential to Kitchener-Conestoga’s future, but also Canada’s future. Food sovereignty is national sovereignty and when we talk about standing up for Canada, that means standing up for our farmers. Whether they’re being threatened and betrayed by their own municipalities and province, or outside politicians like Donald Trump, our farmers have to be at the forefront of our plans and they have to be at the table when we are making decisions that affect them. As New Democrats, we are committed to supporting farming families and we’re going to reduce our reliance on the U.S. by opening up and diversifying export markets while investing in the infrastructure farmers need to compete globally. We’ll defend supply management in every trade negotiation and we’ll make sure farmers are front and centre in the climate strategy because they know the land better than anyone. We also want Canadians to feel confident when they shop; that means clear food-labelling, public education and traceability systems that highlight Canadian-made products. I will always stand with and amplify the voices of the farmers in Kitchener-Conestoga in Ottawa, and I promise to bring home real results instead of just talk.”
Dupuis (PPC): “The expropriation of farmland in New Hamburg is a disgrace and a warning to every Canadian. Our farmers are the backbone of this country; they feed us, they steward the land and they represent the spirit of hard work and independence that built Canada, yet governments drunk on power think they can steal private property for their own agendas without respect for the people who actually live and work on the land. The People’s Party of Canada stands firmly against this abuse. We believe property rights are fundamental to a free society. When the government can seize your land at will, freedom itself is under threat. We will always stand with farmers, landowners and working Canadians, not with bureaucrats and politicians who think they know better. It’s time to respect private property, it’s time to respect the people who built this country and it’s time to fight back.”
Treleaven (Conservative): “I own a farm here in our riding of Kitchener-Conestoga
and I just want to say this topic hits very close to home. I could talk at length about the topic, but let’s just boil it down to one thing, and Kevin alluded to this. I am a firm believer in private-property rights. Now, my colleague is going to go on and talk about a national framework for farmland protection, but what he’s actually talking about is that we are never going to build a pipeline in Canada, we’re never going to develop our resources and we’re going to continue giving billions of dollars of discounts to the Americans when we do export our resources, making each and every one of us poorer. I’ve sat and talked with all sides on this particular issue and the root of this goes back to transparency and accountability, and transparency and accountability is what we need now more than ever in Ottawa. Mr. Carney has moved billions to avoid Canadian taxes and refuses to disclose his assets and conflicts of interest, and my entire career has been about transparency and accountability, and exposing the hidden things, and that is what I will bring to you as your representative in Ottawa.”
Louis (Liberal): “Prime farmland is disappearing in Ontario at an alarming rate. We’re losing 319 acres a day. Economic development is important, but it must be done responsibly and it must be done transparently. I sit on the agriculture committee and I’m a member of the rural caucus. I understand farmers and the impact that tariffs will have on the ag sector here, and I continue to meet with farmers. The challenges that are faced here with the
All four candidates running in Kitchener-Conestoga in the upcoming federal election on April 28 participated in an all-candidates debate host by the New Hamburg Board of Trade at Puddicombe House April 14.
(PHOTO FROM NEW HAMBURG BOARD OF TRADE FACEBOOK PAGE)
Kitchener-Conestoga Hopefuls Face Off in New Hamburg Debate
770 acres; there are water and wastewater concerns. The project contradicts previous regional planning. It lacks infrastructure for the projects that might be – we’re not even sure what’s there. And the potential threat to our adjacent water aquifers; it’s being done without you listening and that’s not supposed to happen. So, I have written and drafted legislation, a national framework to protect our farmland called the Canada Farmland Protection Act. It is in direct response from what I’ve heard. I’ve also drafted a piece of legislation called the Affordable Local Food Act, but I’ll focus on the Canada protection act, which is to conserve farmland, harmonize conservation practices and create conservation incentives. We need to listen to our farmers; we need to support them. I’ll continue to be there for our farmers that feed cities.”
Affordable housing
Question: Here in New Hamburg and here in Wilmot, we have an affordable-housing problem. What are your parties’ plans to tackle the issue of affordable housing?
Bozorgzad (NDP): “The housing market has really been treated as a profit machine for speculators and corporate landlords. That’s driven up prices, it’s pushed people out of communities where they live and work, and it’s due to unfair practices like renovictions, unjust rent hikes and a government that has shown a failure to build enough affordable housing to keep up with our population, which has worsened supply. The NDP will flip the script and, for once, prioritize Canadian people’s interests over that of foreign investors, speculators and corporate landlords. We’re going to ban corporate landlords from buying existing affordable rentals, we’re going to put in place a national rent control that will ban fixed-term leases, renovictions, demovictions, we’re going to put a ban on rent price fixing and landlord collusion, and, for people who want to get into the market, we’re going to offer long-term, low-interest mortgages to make homeownership more accessible, we’re going to invest in pre-fab housing to lower construction costs and build faster and establish a $5-billion national land trust to secure land for non-market housing. I personally believe housing is a right for everyone and everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home in this country, but particularly in Kitchener-Conestoga.”
Dupuis (PPC): “Housing affordability is one the greatest challenges Canadians face today and it’s government interference that caused it. The People’s Party of Canada will tackle the housing crisis by getting government out of the way. We’ll reduce immigration levels temporarily so housing supply can catch up with demand. We will ban foreign investors from buying up Canadian homes. We’ll cut federal funding to cities that block new homebuilding and excessive regulations. We’ll
stop reckless government spending that drives inflation and pushes home prices even higher. And we’ll cut taxes, allowing Canadians to keep more of their money to afford a home. While other parties propose more bureaucracy and bigger government, the PPC believes that the real solution is simple; get Ottawa out of the way and let Canadians build and own homes again.”
Treleaven (Conservative): “I want to say that my heart breaks about this whole issue. This is a very large challenge and, in a country where we have the lowest population density and as many resources in Canada, every single person should be able to have a roof over their heads. I’ve talked with countless parents that have young-adult children, and they are fearful for what the future holds for them. And this is the first generation that believes that they will not be as successful and as welloff as their parents. The failed Liberal plan of the last 10 years is continuing and their plan is to sink more of your resources into those failed plans. Rents, mortgages and housing costs have doubled. Young people want to move out of their parents’ homes just as much as parents want young people to move out of their homes. A common-sense Conservative plan will axe the tax on new homes, saving up to $65,000 per home, we will tie federal infrastructure funding to homebuilding, we will incentivize municipalities to lower development charges and, basically, if you want to own a home or have your children own a home, you need to vote Conservative.”
Louis (Liberal): “We want our children to have the same opportunities that we had, and we’re going to be implementing Canada’s most ambitious housing plan since the Second World War, building homes faster while partnering with workers and the industry, and cutting taxes for homebuyers at the same time. It’s called the Build Canada Homes Plan to build affordable houses at scale. We’re going to provide loans to affordable homebuilders that will help address homelessness and also build supportive housing right here in our community – up the street is our old factory and they’re turning that into housing. When a community works together, it’s amazing the things that we can do. We’re also going to make the housing market work better by cutting municipal development charges in half for multi-unit residential housing. And we’re eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes under $1 million. All of that and we’re going to invest $1 billion to make it easier for Canadians, including renters, to adopt energy efficient retrofits. So, working together is the way to do it. As the federal government, we’re working directly with municipalities with the Housing Accelerator Fund, which is something the Conservatives said they would cut. That’s $56 million that went directly to municipalities here to make permitting faster and to get homes built quicker. We need to work together.”
Council voices concerns over incoming Strong Mayor Powers
in western democracies.
“As we enter this new reality as of May 1, let’s pause for sober thought and work not to change the way we approach our duties as singular elected officials, and as a collective of council,” he added.
Deputy mayor Brad Smith explained if he were in Schaefer’s chair, he would stay away from it as far as he possibly could.
“To me, it looks like a way to be a oneterm mayor. … If you see something you don’t like going on with your council or your administration and you use these powers, I can see not getting much accomplished.”
Schaefer admitted these are sweeping powers and reiterated he likely won’t use them.
“I expect I will be delegating the personnel portion of these powers as well as the budget. I think you have to have some sort of separation between the politicians and staff, so … I will be considering delegating those powers.”
He added there is a certain harmony needed in a municipal council as well as coordination between staff and council.
“Does that mean we have to agree on everything? No, it does not. But this harmony needs to exist to some extent in order for the people around this horseshoe to do what’s best for the township and its people.”
Schaefer doesn’t feel the province is looking to cause havoc at the municipal level, but he admitted the result could be just that, if the powers aren’t used properly. He added the provincial government has taken this step because it wants to get development moving.
“That’s the short answer. I’m confident that with us, especially considering we are in a two-tier system, we can get things done with a spirit of cooperation. … I think the opportunity to use these is going to be fairly limited, especially when you are in a twotier system like we are.”
Oxford County is in charge of EZT’s official plan and also makes decisions on
water and wastewater, all key aspects of residential and commercial development.
“If I think something is a good idea, I don’t see why I can’t get a majority of council to agree to that,” Schaefer said.
Coun. Steven Van Wyk said his worry isn’t in the short term, but with a mayor who could decide to use Strong Mayor Powers in the future.
“There is nothing we can do about this. It’s being legislated in, but I definitely do have concerns in general. Who knows who is going to run for mayor next time and who gets in, … where they are going to be able to fire the CAO, reorganize department heads. Someone could cause havoc.”
Deputy mayor Brad Smith asked if there was any way EZT could declare itself an unwilling host, much like the move made to reject a potential wind-power development in the township. Schaefer said even if they did, it wouldn’t make a difference.
“This is happening May 1 whether council likes it or not. How a mayor and a council handle these new powers is going to be key.
To send a message to the government that EZT doesn’t want to take on these powers to promote provincial initiatives, I don’t think would be a good look and ineffective as well.”
Will Jaques no longer with EZT An 11-year employee of the township is no longer on staff. Will Jaques was named the township’s corporate services manager in 2014 but left that role to become EZT’s manager of community and recreation services.
“Since the situation with Mr. Jaques is an HR matter, I am not at liberty to discuss the nature or timing of his departure. However, I can confirm that the position will not be replaced and an updated organizational chart will be coming to a future meeting of council,” said CAO Karen DePrest.
She added Jaques’ duties have been redistributed among various positions within the organization. No reason was released for his departure.
Shakespeare Opti-Mrs. host annual Easter Egg Hunt
drew more than 125 excited children and their families.
Families from Shakespeare and area gathered at Sprucedale Public School for the annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Shakespeare Opti-Mrs.
The long-running event continued its tradition of bringing the community together for a morning of fun. The event
Each year, members of the Shakespeare Opt-Mrs. organize and host the event. This year, two students from Sprucedale Public School dressed as the Easter Bunny and posed for photos. The Shakespeare Optimists were also on hand, offering free coffee and hot chocolate to attendees.
Program staff from The Perth East
recreation department offered fun activities, prizes and information about upcoming programs and summer camps.
Children were divided into age groups to ensure a safe and enjoyable egg hunt for everyone. The littlest egg hunters toddled around the kindergarten play area in search of eggs while older kids raced around the front lawn of the school gathering eggs.
Every child in attendance received a
raffle ticket for a chance to win one of the many prizes donated by the Opti-Mrs. Club and The Shakespeare Men’s Club. Moo’s Ice Cream Shop of Shakespeare generously donated five gift certificates to the raffle.
Thanks to the Opti-Mrs. egg hunt and raffle, everyone went home with sweet treats to enjoy over the Easter weekend.
Velaria Bresee, three, Freya Hobson, four, and Taylor Gauler, five, eagerly wait for the egg hunt to begin.
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
Eighteen-month-old Emilia fills her basket with chocolate eggs with a helping hand from mom, Krista Hyde.
Hundreds flock to Queen’s Park for Tavistock’s beloved Easter Egg Hunt
The Tavistock Agricultural Society welcomed hundreds of children, parents and grandparents to its annual Easter Egg Hunt, continuing what has quickly become a beloved springtime tradition in the community. Held in Queen’s Park, the event brought out families from across the region, all eager to take part in the fun as youngsters raced to fill their baskets with colourful chocolate eggs.
The event was organized and hosted by the dedicated volunteers of the Tavistock Agricultural Society who ensured the day was a success for participants of all ages.
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Tavistock Agricultural Society directors who organized this year’s Easter Egg Hunt, from left, are Perry Keller, Val Jones, Chad Keller, Kaitlin Keller, Julie Kimpel, Kim Urlando, Alisha Wilson and Chris Wiffen.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Grandma Eva Bell with three of her seven Easter-Egg-hunting grandchildren, Summer, Ryann and Bradlyn, all students at Hickson Public School.
One of the youngest participants, Lacey Weicker, searches for eggs to fill her basket. She is the daughter of Ashlie and Jessie Weicker, and granddaughter of Nancy and Wayne Weicker.
A large crowd of families gathered in Tavistock as excitement filled the air and children eagerly hunted for chocolate eggs during this popular agricultural society tradition.
Democracy in action in Oxford County
About 75 Oxford County residents attended the Meet the Candidates event co-hosted by the Tillsonburg, Norfolk, Woodstock and Ingersoll chambers of commerce, along with the Tillsonburg Post, Woodstock/Ingersoll Echo and The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette. Candidates in attendance at the event – Jacob Watson of the Christian Heritage Party, Arpan Khanna of the Conservative Party, Cheryle Baker of the Green Party, Independent Akshay Vardhan, Dave Hilderley of the Liberal Party and Matthew Chambers of the NDP – were on hand to answer questions and explain their party platforms to those in attendance. The event was held in the Tillsonburg Community Centre on April 22.
(JEFF HELDSON PHOTO)
Tavistock group wins big in Shakespeare Optimist 50/50 draw
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
There were cheers and wide smiles from a Tavistock group last week after they claimed $2,610 in the 50/50 draw during the Shakespeare Optimist Club’s annual Pig Tail, Ribs and Sauerkraut Supper.
The meal, catered by Kennedy’s of St. Agatha, drew over 800 guests on the evening before Good Friday. Along with celebrating Easter, attendees helped raise funds to support youth programs in the region.
Bill Smith of Tavistock led a group of 14 people who pooled their tickets – and their luck – to take home the cash prize.
The event drew support from Optimist Clubs across the area, including Tavistock, Ellice (Rostock) and Downie, all coming together to support their fellow members in Shakespeare.
The Shakespeare Optimist Club also hosts a similar dinner in November and will hold its annual Maple Lodge Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ in late August.
Organizers thanked the community for their continued support, including the purchase of nearly 500 Easter hams during the club’s recent fundraiser.
Watch the Gazette’s Coming Events page for updates on future Optimist events.
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Bill Smith and his group from Tavistock celebrate their $2,610 win in the 50/50 draw at the Shakespeare Optimist Club’s annual Pig Tail and Rib Easter Dinner, held last Thursday in Shakespeare.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
East Zorra Play Group: Building community through play
Every Thursday morning, activity and laughter fill the East Zorra Mennonite Church as the East Zorra Play Group welcomes children and caregivers from Tavistock and the surrounding area.
This free, drop-in program runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on school-day Thursdays, and its mission is simple yet impactful: to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children can play and grow, and caregivers can connect and find support.
Founded in 2011 by a group of moms from the church, the play group has blossomed into a vibrant and much-loved community program. Today, it’s led by Holly Barron, a Tavistock resident of 13 years, who also runs a home daycare. Barron attended Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School and has a deep passion for working with children.
“I just love the kids,” she said. “Reading to them, watching them play and learn and grow; I just love it!”
Each Thursday morning includes free play, crafts, snacks and circle time. Barron leads the program with dedicated volunteers Sarah Schnurr and Holly Bucholtz playing a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. They assist with snack preparation, cleanup and any other tasks that arise, making them an essential part of the team. The church generously provides the space and funding for snack and craft
supplies. Attendance typically ranges from 20-40 children, from newborns up to age four.
The program also offers special days like Grow Day, which will be held on May 15.
Heidi Wagler, the faith community nurse for East Zorra Mennonite Church, will check children’s growth and development, and provide information about valuable resources to caregivers.
Barron and her team go the extra mile to make the group feel like a true community. In the warmer months, they move the play group outside to the church’s green space. In July and August, Barron invites the group to her home for some backyard play. They also organize potlucks, which are always a favourite.
Beyond playtime, the group fosters meaningful connections among caregivers.
“It’s not just for the kids,” Barron said. “Parents, especially new moms, need a place to go. They need to talk, to laugh, to share stories. It’s good for their mental health.”
Another popular event is the Mom to Mom Swap, where caregivers bring gently used items to trade. Originally a one-day event, it has grown in popularity and is now held over three Thursdays. Any remaining items are donated to the Mennonite Central Committee New Hamburg Thrift Centre.
With a growing Facebook community, the East Zorra Play Group continues to be a hub of support and connection for families. Whether it’s a new parent seeking support, a toddler eager to explore, or a grandparent looking for something fun to do with their grandkids, EZ Play Group has something for everyone.
For anyone looking for a warm and welcoming space to have fun and feel at home on a Thursday morning, the playgroup at East Zorra Mennonite Church is the place to be! For more details, visit EZ Playgroup on Facebook.
Sarah Schnurr and her son, Fynn, along with Steph Witter and her son, Bentley, wash dishes and tidy up together after snack time.
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
Holly Bucholtz plays with her son, Ethan Roth, and playgroup friend, Cheyenne Reibeling, while Brooks Lapointe builds with blocks in the background.
Denise Ropp-Zylstra and her 13-month-old son, Samuel, from Woodstock, enjoy attending playgroup together.
Eight churches will honour Red Dress Day across Wilmot Township May 5
AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE Gazette Reporter
In response to Elder Nina De Shane’s call to action, the Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships (WEWGISR) is working with local faith communities to recognize Red Dress Day as the National Day for Awareness of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Persons (MMIWG2S+).
Beginning in 2010, Red Dress Day originated from the REDress art installation by Métis artist Jaime Black. In her artistic installation, hundreds of red dresses were displayed in public spaces. The installation aims to honour the memories of MMIWG2S and to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
This year, eight Wilmot churches will recognize Red Dress Day on May 5 for the second year by hanging red dresses outside or inside the church properties.
“We hope this will create conversations and curiosity and lead people to ask questions,” said WEWGISR member Marie Pavey. “Part of the artist’s purpose of creating the original art installation was to show that the dresses are empty, which acknowledges the absence of someone. It makes us think, ‘What’s the story behind this?’ ”
A member of the local Indigenous community will smudge the dresses (a form of purification) in accordance with and respecting Indigenous protocol and culture. Each dress will profile a missing or murdered woman, girl, or two-spirit person
and explain the meaning behind Red Dress Day.
Red Dress Day acknowledges the past and ongoing violence against
MMIWG2S+, recognizing Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence, according to the Assembly of
First Nations.
Simultaneously, Red Dress Day honours the resilience demonstrated by First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and communities in the face of continued systemic barriers and racism that make them more vulnerable to violence.
The National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Children and Two-Spirited (MMIWG2S+) persons in Canada was tabled in 2019. It concluded that the ongoing crisis of violence constitutes a genocide of Indigenous Peoples.
In May 2023, the House of Commons in Ottawa recognized this as a Canada-wide emergency. The red dresses are hung in solidarity to advocate for human rights and more equitable systems.
During weekly services, Wilmot congregations will also acknowledge and encourage discussions and reflection about MMIWG2S+.
“It’s our job as settlers here to do the work; we need to learn, ask questions and amplify the voices of those who cannot be heard,” said Pavey. “In time, we hope more churches and community groups can become involved and help amplify these voices.”
Community members can also acknowledge Red Dress Day by hanging red dresses, a red ribbon or placing a red heart or feather at their homes, businesses, or agencies on May 5.
For more information on Red Dress Day and its origins, as well as useful resources and links for learning, visit https://amnesty.ca/activism-guide/ red-dress-day-2024-take-action-on-may-5/
CORRECTION:
An error was printed in the story, “Tavistock Figure Skating Club dazzles with ‘In My Skating Era’ show,” on page 15 of the April 17 edition of the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette. While the story indicated Myra Hendry was the recipient of the 2024 Nancy Pate Memorial Award, it was actually her sister, Annabelle Hendry, who was presented with the award. We regret any confusion this may have caused, and congratulations, Annabelle, on receiving the award!
Red dresses hang outside of the Zion United Church in New Hamburg to recognize the National Day for Awareness of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Persons (MMIWG2S+).
(PHOTO COURTESY OF WEWGISR)
Shakespeare Pies a holiday favourite for area shoppers
a
on Sunday, knowing his
offering not only fruit pies and pot pies, but also milk, cheese, local eggs, jams, preserves and more.
The Hearing Aid Trade-In That Helps You and Someone in Need
Local hearing aid wearers are being invited to quite literally change lives, as well as benefit from stepping into brand new highperforming hearing technology, for a significant savings.
Local hearing aid wearers are being invited to do something extraordinary: change someone’s life while upgrading to the latest high-performance hearing technology - with significant savings
Arnold Hearing Centres the longeststanding independent hearing care provider in the region, has teamed up with the local charity Friends for Life for a mission to Yamasà, an underserved community in the Dominican Republic
It has become a local Easter tradition: a trip to Shakespeare Pies for fresh, homemade baking that brings people from across Perth County and beyond into the village for a taste of something special. Started decades ago in the farm kitchen of Susan and Gerry Wagler, the business has grown from a modest pie-making operation to a bustling country store,
On Easter Saturday, the lineup stretched out the door as customers waited patiently to stock up on fresh baking and festive treats.
Among them was Jeff Iacobellis, known to many as the owner of Swanson Jewellery in Stratford, who made the trip for some fresh buns and desserts to round out his family’s Easter dinner.
During their trip, a group of hearing care professionals will be testing hearing and fitting donated, professionally reconditioned hearing aids to people who have no access to treatment These trips are life-changing; both for those receiving hearing aids and those delivering them In places like Yamasà, something as small as a hearing aid can be the difference between a child receiving an education or being left
es to help over 200 people in need of better hearing but they’re short
g Centres has vowed to help them reach their goals
that gap, Arnold Hearing Centres has launched a special trade-in ng aid wearers are invited to visit their Elmira or New Hamburg location urrent devices professionally valued
receive an elevated trade-in credit towards upgrading to g 2025 hearing technology Afterwards, their existing devices will be d donated to someone in urgent need upgrade your hearing and give someone else a life-changing gift; all significant savings
s are now available in Elmira and New Hamburg If you’d like to get a our current hearing aids and discover what stepping into new and changing a life - looks like, contact Arnold Hearing Centres today.
cing Available to All
Stratford’s Jeff Iacobellis leaves Shakespeare Pies with
smile
family’s Easter dinner will be even more enjoyable thanks to the fresh baking he picked up at the village’s busiest market.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Wellesley Lions and their families clean up for Earth Day
Stanley Jacob
Otterbein
Our father, grandfather and great grandfather will be celebrating 90 years on April 24th! Love and hugs today and always Dad, Brad & Claire, Doug & Elaine, Karen & Rick and of course all the kids!
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, April 27 from 1-4 p.m. at the New Hamburg Legion. Everyone welcome Celebration of life
Joyce Laura Isabella (Barton) SOMMERS
Joyce passed away early Easter Morning on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Joyce was born in Stratford, Ontario back in 1941 and was married to James Wesley Sommers in 1963 and he still survives her. She is pictured here in the year 2000 as a vivacious lady of 60, while attending a World Arabian Horse Association meeting in Australia. Joyce and Jim have been blessed with a beautiful family over the years, which includes the late Geoffrey James who passed at 2 days of age, daughter, Joni Louise and her husband Kenneth D. Green of Ayr, Ontario, and their children Jefry James Thomas, Jordan Riley (and Cassandra Dadson) and Jack Kenneth Robert; as well as daughter Jennifer Lynn and her husband Lee Jay Bamberry of Vancouver B.C. and their children Wolfe James Lee, Coltrane Jones, Elijah Bernard, Jonphonse Jabez, Maehalia Isabella, and Juliette Truth.
The families, both adults and kids, enjoyed playing, working and visiting at our Sommerloch Farm. Grandma Joyce, always a busy and spirited lady, provided many good times and remembrances as her family grew up enjoying horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, upland gamebirds such as pheasants, chuklar partridges and bobwhites, and plenty of fresh air.
Grandma Joyce, although feisty, was a fine example of how to live a great life here on earth. She enjoyed many social activities, was always ready to help. One of her favourites activities was singing in church choirs for over 60 years.
Unfortunately, in later years, Joyce’s state of diminishing hearing led to the dreaded dementia, followed by ugly glaucoma, leading to total blindness in her final days.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation, at the Wm. Kipp Funeral Home, Ayr Chapel, 183 Northumberland St. Ayr, www.wmkippfuneralhome.com on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 2-4 pm. A Private Family memorial service will be held. Everyone is invited to attend a “Celebration of Joyce’s Life” gathering to be held at the farm, 1550 Reidsville Rd, Ayr, on Joyce’s birthday, Sunday June 29, 2025. All Joyce and Jim’s family from Ayr and Vancouver will be attending and participating.
Should you wish to make a donation in Joyce’s honour, we suggest the following: YouTheatre in Vancouver at youtheatresociety.com which is an educational charitable foundation started and operated by Jennifer and Lee. They explore the spiritual roots of society’s crises, through storytelling and plays, tackling issues like the Opioid Crisis, Sex Trafficking and Mental Illness. All donations receive a tax-deductible receipt. ytms.ca/donate or, simply “do an act of kindness to another human being” in Joyce’s honour of a life well lived.
Joyce’s family would like to sincerely thank our local Dr. Parker and her team of medical professionals, and the helpful PSW’s and nurses at Cambridge Memorial and Freeport Hospital and the wonderful staff at Hilltop Manor in Cambridge. We are truly blessed here in Canada, for all the excellent care we are freely given. We also appreciate the good service provided by the Wm. Kipp Funeral Home (Jason Vernooy and Steve Brunton) for helping us with final arrangements.
The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette Weekly Quiz
By
Stewart Grant
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.
Sorry For Your Loss
What American city hosted the world’s busiest airport by 2024 total passengers?
What city, located in the Middle East, was the world’s second busiest airport in 2024?
Jorge Mario Bergoglio is better known by what name?
How many balls are used in a game of 9-ball billiards?
As of April 2025, there are six former Canadian Prime Ministers who are still living. Name them.
Why are they called Wisdom Teeth?
How many eyelids does a cat have?
Which political party had the highest percentage of the popular vote in the last two Canadian federal elections?
Who invented the printing press?
Pita Pit restaurant was founded in what country?
Answers found on the classified page
Wellesley Lions Club members and their families were out April 22 cleaning the rural ditches around Wellesley in honour of Earth Day. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Sutter C., Weston K., Westin C., Seth J., Jonathon W. and Thomas W. In the back row, from left, are Norah W., Mia M., Elise J. and Garner J.
(SHARON LEIS PHOTO)
The Old Gazettes
By Sydney Grant
Slowly but surely, I’m reading through the past pages of the Tavistock Gazette (est. 1895). Within this weekly column I’d like to share with you some of my findings.
April 15-22, 2015, Edition (10 years ago)
On Thursday, April 9, 2015, at approximately 3:03 p.m., Oxford County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers responded to the report of a robbery at the Scotiabank located at 23 Woodstock St. S in Tavistock. Investigation indicates an unknown male entered the bank and demanded money. A confrontation occurred and the man fled from the building. Perth County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded along with the Tavistock Fire Department to assist with the scene. A male employee was transported by EMS to Stratford General Hospital with minor injuries and was later released.
Students at Tavistock Public School from junior kindergarten to Grade 5 participated in the annual Jump Rope for Heart event at the school on Thursday, April 16, 2015. The event coordinator was teacher Cathy Kelly while teacher Kathie Kaster ran the event day. All Grade 6 students were responsible for coming up with their “station” ideas that included some kind of physical activity. “I would say that pretty much all of the stations were some type of obstacle course,” Ms. Kelly said. By the end of the day, the students raised $2,450.25 with more donation envelopes expected to be received until the end of this week. This year’s goal is $5,000.
On Tuesday, April 7, 2015, the Hickson 4-H Cookie Club had their Achievement Night at the Men’s Club Hall. The night started at 6:30 p.m. with club members playing “Are You Smarter than a 4-H’er?” All 4-H members were supposed to make a dozen cookies to bring, so everyone would have a chance to vote on the cookie that looked the best in each category. They finished off the night eating everyone’s cookies. The Achievement Night meant the Cookie Project was over. We would like to thank our leaders, Shonna Ward, Karen Witmer and Marilyn Lichti. Upcoming 4-H projects that members can participate in
are Potato Project, Paintball Club and Calf Club.
April 17-24, 1985, Edition (40 years ago)
Two Tavistock girls were crowned Sunburst Queens at a competition held at the Stratford Mall last Friday evening. Nova Yausie and Suzanne Brenneman placed first in their respective age categories out of a group of 33 contestants. Nova and Suzanne and the other winners will go on to the provincial competition in Toronto’s Cara Inn in July. Suzanne will compete July 20 and 21 while Nova is scheduled to appear July 26 and 27. The winners received beautiful trophies along with tiaras.
The Tavistock Braves Junior D hockey club held their annual awards night and dance on Saturday, April 13 in Memorial Hall. Six players and an executive member were honoured during the awards presentation chaired by Stratford Cullitons play-by-play radio announcer Clarke Hayman. Brad Zehr received the Don Burton Most Defensive Player Award. Steve Hohl was the recipient of the Most Improved Player Award. Ross Yantzi presented Paul Bryn with a trophy as the Most Sportsmanlike Player for the Braves. Rookie of the Year honours went to Charlie Lupton. Terry Ross, who placed second in scoring in the league with 110 points, was given the Most Valuable Player Award. Finally, John Beimers honoured Mr. Leroy Scott for his four years of service on the Braves executive team.
April 16-23, 1975, Edition (50 years ago)
A truck driven by Brian Swartzentruber, R.R. 1, Tavistock, and owned by Martin Feed Mills Ltd., and a car driven by Sherman Roth, Tavistock, were in collision at the five corners on the main intersection of the village last Wednesday, April 9, at approximately 5:55 p.m. The Truck was turning to the mill from Woodstock Street North and the car proceeding from Woodstock Street South onto Hope Street East. The car remained at the intersection while the truck swung sideways and toppled onto the front of Robert Rudy Ltd.’s truck, parked on the east side of Maria Street. Both vehicle drivers received minor injuries and the damage was estimated at $5,000.
TOWNSHIP OF EAST ZORRA-TAVISTOCK
GRACE UNITED CHURCH
116 Woodstock St. S., Tavistock Phone: 519-655-2151
All are welcome
Service led by Rev. Marilyn Arthur Music by Marilyne Nystrome
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
SEBASTOPOL-TAVISTOCK
Pastor Steve Hoffard
Church Office 519-655-2372 trinitylcoffice@gmail.com www.trinitytavistock.com
TAVISTOCK MENNONITE
Pastor Julie Ellison White 131 Wettlaufer St., Tavistock 655-2581
Sunday Worship services begin at 9:45am, with coffee and fellowship to follow at 11am. All ages Junior Sunday School will follow after the service. All are Welcome
Stream services online at www.tavistockmennonitechurch.ca
EAST ZORRA MENNONITE 677044 16th Line Road, East Zorra Pastors Ray Martin & Mike Williamson www.ezmennonite.ca
Service audio recordings available at: https://ezmennonite.ca/worship/
WILMOT TOWNSHIP
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
Corner of Waterloo St and Byron St, New Hamburg
Weekly Sunday services at 10:15 am. All are welcome. https://www.stgeorgesnewhamburg.com
St James Chapel of Ease 4339 Huron Rd Wilmot Township All are welcome.
Rev Margaret Walker; Office: 519-662-3450 sgacnewhamburg@gmail.com
St Agatha Mennonite Church 1967 Erb's Road St Agatha 519-634-8212
Pastor Jim Brown
Worship service 10am followed by coffee hour and sermon discussion. All are welcome
The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
Junior Firebirds reach OHF final four in Wilmot tournament
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Correspondent
The New Hamburg U18 Firebirds reached the semi-final of the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) tournament last weekend but dropped a 7-2 decision to St. Thomas on Sunday morning at the Wilmot Recreation Centre.
Head Coach Zack Mark, who had almost no voice left after being behind the bench for five games in three days, said while a medal would have been a much more desirable end to the season, he has nothing but positive things to say about his team’s performance.
“I’m proud of what our group was able to do. Obviously, not the result we wanted, but to say we made it that far and we are one of the top teams in the province and competed is definitely an accomplishment on its own.”
New Hamburg lost its first game to Porcupine 5-1 but rebounded with 4-1 wins over Stratford and Hearst before dropping a 4-2 decision to St. Thomas in the final round-robin game. Rhett Calder and Kayden Livingston led the Firebirds in scoring with eight points each. Brett Bell chipped in with six.
The Stratford Warriors took home gold by defeating the St. Thomas Stars in a 3-2, triple-overtime thriller on Sunday afternoon. The title was Stratford’s first since 2016.
The Firebirds defeated the Warriors earlier in the season by a 3-0 count, something Mark said is a tribute to the quality of teams.
“Everyone was good. When three teams go two and two in the round-robin, you
know the teams are tight, and it was a tossup every game. We beat Stratford again in the tournament but they went on to beat a team we couldn’t in the final. The level of competition was very high.”
Mark explained the weekend was a tremendous experience for his players and coaching staff and he was quick to think everyone involved.
“I give full kudos to our event committee and Wilmot Township, who did an awesome job in terms of the ice and the facility, along with the community. I think we had 700 or 800 fans at our game against Stratford, which you don’t normally see for a U18 game.”
Thirteen New Hamburg players suited up for their last U18 games for the team
in the semi-final loss to St. Thomas. Mark, who has confirmed he will be back behind the bench for his fourth season, said he’ll miss each of them.
“The saddest part is losing the players and the people they are. It’s not losing on the ice, it’s losing 13 guys we’ve had for the last two years who have been great pieces of our program.”
Mark and his coaching staff are mainly in their 20s, something he said allowed him and his team to connect with the players.
“I was in their shoes only seven years ago when I was playing U18 hockey and we made the Ontario finals that year. I think it’s nice we can share our recent experiences with them, and I think we can connect with them on a level beyond the game, whether they are going to college, university or the trades.”
He added young coaches can relate to the lives of minor hockey players better than someone in their 40s or 50s.
OHF thrilled with host efforts
“The New Hamburg host committee set a new bar by which all OHF Championships shall be measured,” said Scott Stevens, the organization’s manager of programs and events. “The time and effort that they put into the planning and execution were evident. They transformed this from a championship to an event.”
Stevens added the next step for the OHF is to listen to what the championship and host committees have to say.
“They are given an opportunity to provide feedback on the entire weekend and those points are reviewed by our office. We also do a participant survey to solicit feedback from the teams.”
The Firebirds take to the ice at the beginning of the second period in their opening game on Friday afternoon. Porcupine downed New Hamburg 5-1.
(LEE GRIFFI PHOTOS)
The OHF tournament in Wilmot featured food trucks outside and activities inside, including a radar gun where players tested how hard their shot was.
Firebirds split opening games of PJHL semi-final series
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Correspondent
If the first two games of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) series are any indication of how the series will go, fans are in for a dandy. New Hamburg and Essex have each won by scores of 2-1, heading into Game 3 in Essex Wednesday night.
The 73s took a 1-0 lead just under eight minutes into Game 2 before Owen Bruder tied it up on the powerplay for the Firebirds three minutes into the second frame. Essex took the lead 10 minutes later after dominating the period where they held a 16-3 edge in shots on goal. New Hamburg outshot Essex 11-8 in the third period but could not find the equalizer.
Deklan Jermol stopped 31 of the 33 shots he faced in a losing effort.
Game 1
Jordan Jacobs was the hero for the Firebirds with an unassisted goal just 50 seconds into overtime, his first of the postseason. The rest of the scoring in the game came in the second period where Jack MacDonald gave New Hamburg a 1-0 lead two and a half minutes in on a man advantage. Essex tied the game 10 minutes later.
The Firebirds outshot the 73s 31-24. Here is the remainder of the series schedule:
• Game 4 – Friday, April 25 in Essex @ 7:30 p.m.
• Game 5 – Sunday, April 27 in New Hamburg @ 3 p.m.
• Game 6 – Tuesday, April 29 in Essex @ 7:30 p.m. (if necessary)
• Game 7 – Thursday, May 1 in New Hamburg @ 7:30 p.m. (if necessary)
Oxford OPP investigating after driver fails to remain at scene of EZT collision involving cyclist
WILMOT-TAVISTOCK
thewtgazette@gmail.com
Oxford provincial police are looking to speak with witnesses after a driver failed to remain at the scene of a collision with a cyclist in East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) last week.
On April 17 at 11 p.m., members of the Oxford OPP, Oxford County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and EZT Fire Department responded to a report of a
fail-to-remain collision on Blandford Street in the Town of Innerkip.
A vehicle struck a cyclist and fled the scene prior to police arrival.
The cyclist suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported to local hospital.
On April 19, Michael Book, 60, of Woodstock, was arrested and charged with failing to stop at an accident resulting in bodily harm.
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock on June 10.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident who may have observed this collision, or who may have dashcam footage and/or video surveillance footage between the times of 10:30 and 11 p.m. in the area of Blandford Street, to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
It is the responsibility of anyone involved in a motor vehicle collision on a highway or roadway in Ontario, to remain at or immediately return to the scene of the collision, render assistance and exchange information in relation to the driver’s identity, vehicle and insurance information.
Police must be notified of collision if the combined damage to all vehicles exceeds $5,000 or if there are injuries or damage to property.
Nith Valley Ecoboosters to host webinar on finding hope in the fight against climate change
GALEN SIMMONS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
When it comes to the ongoing fight against climate change, it is easy to lose heart as stories about the disastrous impacts of global warming seem to make headlines every day.
Whether it’s fires, floods, backwards policy changes, or the threat of extinction faced by an endangered species, there are plenty of negative stories to go around. But what about the positive stories? As part of an ongoing, free webinar series, the Nith Valley Ecoboosters is hoping to guide virtual attendees in seeking out the positive and understanding the importance of hope in the fight against climate change.
“We’ve had people make comments to us over the last few years talking about the articles people see in the media with respect to climate and the environment. In many cases, the types of articles and stories people read in media these days are normally reported as doom and gloom, bad-news stories,” said ecoboosters member and webinar organizer Tom Knezevich. “We hear a lot more about these bad-news, negative environment stories than we do about solutions to problems people are working on.
“ … So, we were looking at this and we were thinking, ‘Why is this happening?’ We go back to when the climate first became an issue a number of years ago. A lot of people didn’t think it was serious, they didn’t believe it, they didn’t think it affected them directly. It was something happening in another country on the other side of the world. … In order to get people to sit up and take notice, I think what the media was doing was pushing forward these stories that were really negative to try to get people’s attention.”
While negative stories with a certain shock value initially got people to sit up and take notice, the deluge of doom and gloom since that time has led to a kind of climate fatigue and many with otherwise
good intentions towards the environment are now left with a sense of hopelessness and no idea how they, as individuals, could possibly do anything to help.
To flip the script on this climate fatigue, the webinar on May 15 from 7-9 p.m., Why Hope Matters: The Practice of EvidenceBased Hope in a World of Climate Doom, will feature guest speaker Dr. Elin Kelsey, an international thought leader, scholar and science communicator on climate emotions and the role of evidence-based hope, and the author of Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis.
“When people get to the point where they say, ‘This climate crisis is unstoppable,’ they’re less likely to engage in making any personal changes in behaviour or support policies that the government or whoever are trying to bring forward to address climate change,” Knezevich said.
“ … Our keynote speaker, Dr. Elin Kelsey, this is her area. She is like the hope person. A lot of people say she is the most hopeful person they’ve ever heard speak. She’ll talk about … how when we feel hopeful, it leads people to taking positive changes and positive actions, which leads to more hope and more positive changes. … We think it’s important to turn things around and start talking about positive climate-success stories to help people become more enthusiastic, more optimistic. We need to hear about these good news stories. They are going to be helpful in tackling climate change.”
Not only will Kelsey speak to the importance of seeking out hope for one’s own wellbeing, she will also speak about how parents can highlight success stories for their children to help them escape that sense of dread and anxiety when discussing the environment, and see there is hope for a brighter, greener future.
And for those who don’t know how to make a difference on their own, Kelsey will
speak to the importance of finding a group of likeminded people, like the Nith Valley Ecboosters or Let’s Tree Wilmot, that can accomplish more for the environment as a
collective than anyone on their own. For more information and to register for the free webinar, visit nvecoboosters.com.
Cook family celebrates 60th reunion with deep roots in North Easthope
mark a significant milestone.
As spring turns to summer and fields across Perth County begin to buzz with activity, many local families also turn their attention to another cherished tradition –family reunions.
This year, one of North Easthope Township’s longest-rooted families will
The 60th anniversary of the Cook Family Reunion – descendants of Julius and Catherine Cook – will take place on Sunday, May 25 at the Sebringville Community Centre with hundreds expected to attend.
Many of the Cook descendants still live and farm in North Easthope Township where the family’s deep agricultural and
community ties have been preserved across generations.
Family historian Cathy Cook says the very first reunion was held at Bell’s School, just north of Shakespeare, with 116 people in attendance.
“There were races for the kids, prizes for the youngest and oldest attendees, guessing games, a ball game, and, of course, a potluck supper,” said Cook. “We’re hoping
to recreate that same spirit this year.”
The reunion committee is also updating the Cook family tree, ensuring the legacy of Julius and Catherine continues to be passed down through the generations.
Cook encourages all family members and descendants to mark their calendars and join in this celebration of heritage, connection and community.
Taken on Sept. 5, 1902, this wedding photo shows Lydia Cook on her marriage day to Henry Kollman at the family’s North Easthope farm. Many of their descendants still reside in the township today.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(PHOTOS FROM THE HILLS OF HOME: A HISTORY OF NORTH EASTHOPE)
A treasured 1966 photo captures eight Cook sisters gathered at Upper Queen’s Park in Stratford with a combined age of 665 years. Raised on Lot 32, Concession 5, North Easthope Township, the sisters were all daughters of Julius and Catherine Cook. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Lizzie Faulhafer, Lydia Kollman and Tina McMillan. In the back row, from left, are Mary Wisby, Adeline, Agnes, Kate Hyde and Mabel McMillan.
Tavistock Tim Hortons undergoing major renovation
It’s been 25 years since Tim Hortons first opened its doors in Tavistock, and now the popular coffee shop is getting its first full renovation and facelift. The makeover is part of a broader trend across southwestern Ontario, where many Tim Hortons locations have recently undergone similar upgrades.
Despite the construction, coffee lovers need not worry – a large trailer has been set up onsite, allowing customers to continue enjoying their favourite baked goods, meals and specialty coffees throughout the renovation. Work is progressing steadily with crews even putting in time over the Easter long weekend to stay on schedule. Management hopes to reopen the newly renovated location by May 10.
LARK
Meet Lark! Lark is a charming, cuddly boy with a curious heart and a voice that’s always ready for a chat. This sweet feline loves to explore every nook and cranny of his surroundings-whether it’s a new room or a cozy blanket fort. When he’s not adventuring, he’s happiest curled up next to you, purring contentedly. Lark is affectionate, playful, and will never let you forget it’s dinner time with his adorable meows. If you’re looking for a loving companion who’s equal parts cozy and curious, Lark might just be your perfect match. Visit www.kwsphumane.ca to learn more!
SPONSORED BY:
Renovations were well underway at Tavistock’s Tim Hortons on Good Friday as workers aim to complete the project by May 10.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Rowing is rad
HEAPS OF HEALTHY
TIPS
By Mercedes Kay Gold
Exercise is essential for tiptop health inside and out. Exercise improves quality of life and leads to longevity. It is literally the most under-prescribed prescription for mental and physical health.
For body-boosting benefits, it’s ideal to incorporate aerobic fitness, muscle strengthening and flexibility into weekly workouts. As a certified personal trainer, I strongly agree in the statement, “Move it or lose it,” but it’s up to you to find something you love doing. Find the fun or fitness is a chore. Whether it’s Zumba, a round of golf, yoga or pickleball, just stop saying tomorrow. Start today and your body will thank you.
Spring is here and with the temperature increasing daily, the number of outdoor activities to choose from is soaring. Walking, running and biking are the first to the sunny day, fitness-inspired outings, but what about rowing? Whether you are alone or enjoying
the sunshine as a group in the great outdoors, fresh air and stunning scenery on the Nith River awaits.
Rowing is one heck of a fun, fullbody workout whether you kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
Why take up rowing?
Rowing burns up to 600 calories an hour, making it a great way to lose fat, gain muscle and reduce the risk of type-two diabetes.
Rowing is an aerobic or cardiovascular workout, strengthening the heart and blood vessels, allowing a stronger pump and increasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Regular cardio sessions lower blood pressure, resting heart rate and even help lower bad cholesterol. The heart just may be the most important muscle in the body.
Rowing is low-impact, kinder on the joints than running, but still provides a great workout for 86 per cent of the body’s muscles. Rowing uses approximately 65-75
per cent of the lower body and 2535 per cent of the upper body. Let’s not forget the all-important core. Rowing is a string of coordinated muscle actions and broken down into a four-art rowing stroke: catch, drive, finish and recovery. Each part of the rowing sequence comes together in a smooth flow. For example, the triceps muscles are used in the catch initiating the drive, using our powerful legs and biceps to pull the handles. Our core stabilizes the body in the finish and hamstrings and calves’ contract as you return to the catch and continue the flow of the row.
Rowing improves functional life by mimicking natural human movements. Rowing is an effective all-in-one workout, activating nine muscle groups. It’s perfect for on-the-go busy bees who struggle to find time to train. Here’s a few reasons to have you jump on team rowing.
Back muscle strength, trunk flexion and grip strength improve dramatically and quickly.
Rowing is a super stress reliever. The rhythmic motion is hypnotic and once you find your groove, it’s smooth sailing. The release of happy hormones or endorphins is mood-boosting but also increases melatonin, nature’s magic pill for a super sleep.
Rowing sessions can be tailored to fit goals, whether it’s low intensity and longer in duration to
high-intensity bursts. Rowing outside is more than a mode of camping transportation. It’s an inexpensive social weekend event. Pile into a canoe and fall in love with nature while catching some free vitamin D from the sun. A huge rowing shout out to New Hamburg’s very own Nith River Paddle. The one-man-show creates hand-crafted, one-of-akind canoe and kayak paddles, specializing in the double bend paddle.
Happy rowing!
The joy of participating in our democracy
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
By Galen Simmons
Though the phrase, “The most important election in our history,” seems to get thrown around every election cycle, there may actually be some real weight behind those words this time around.
As we inch closer to the federal election on April 28, Canadians everywhere understand the issues at play, from the need to take meaningful action on the housing and climate crises before those situations get much, much worse, to the need to defend our national sovereignty, economy and democracy from American
and authoritarian encroachment at all costs.
Last Friday, an estimated two million people voted for the future of this country on the first day of advance voting, and I’m happy to say I was one of them.
After a nice breakfast out, Julia and I hopped in the car and headed over to the Rotary Complex in Stratford with the notion that if we voted early, we could beat the lines on election day. Julia is still using a wheelchair to get around after breaking her leg in January, so long lines and crowds can be somewhat challenging.
As we pulled up and noticed the line of people extending outside the building’s front entrance and into the drop-off area, I thought, “Jeez, I guess everyone had the same idea.”
After dropping Julia off in her wheelchair, parking the car and running back to line up, I soon realized convenience really wasn’t at the top of everyone’s minds that morning.
I heard countless grumblings from people who had waited in line for over an hour without any sign they were getting closer to their polling booths. I saw tired Elections Canada volunteers rushing from one line to another, answering people’s questions and ushering people into the community hall to stand at the end of yet another line. I also saw young children and teenagers waiting as their parents stood in line to vote. In any other situation, tensions would be running high, people would be leaving en masse and someone would be screaming for
a manager.
But that didn’t happen on Friday.
Instead, Julia and I had the absolute pleasure of engaging in friendly conversation with a couple we didn’t know who live just around the corner from us. They, too, had moved recently, so we had a really nice conversation about moving and setting up a new home here in Stratford.
And from what I could tell, those around us were also enjoying pleasant conversations with friends and neighbours in between complaints about how long they had been waiting. There was no shouting, there were no angry looks from those in line ahead of us when we were ushered in before them and I didn’t notice anyone who opted to leave before they had the chance to vote – though, there were a few people who left to vote at another polling station in town that had opened up to handle the massive turnout.
What Julia and I were part of
on Friday was a community of friends and neighbours coming together to vote our consciences and secure what each of us sees as the brightest possible future for our riding, our province and our country.
To me, that in itself was a sign that Canadians in Stratford, and from coast to coast, are invested in the outcome of this election and are willing to endure minor inconveniences to ensure their active participation in our democratic process.
Regardless of who we vote for, it is abundantly clear we all care deeply about the future of our country. After this election is over and one party is declared the winner, I hope we all remember that and do our best to continue engaging in our democracy, whether that’s ensuring the new government keeps its promises or holding it accountable for its actions. And, above all else, get out there and vote in this election. Our collective future depends on it.
(MERCEDES KAY GOLD PHOTO)
Grab a paddle from Nith River Paddle and get out in that canoe or kayak for a full-body workout in the great outdoors.
The Cabot Trail: an iconic Canadian destination
OH, THE PLACES WE'LL GO
By Paul Knowles
We have all seen the reports: Canadian travel to the United States is down, way down. Canadians are choosing to go elsewhere in the world just now, or to stay home.
Well, if you are in the latter category, staying home can open an unending cornucopia of opportunities. This home of ours is gigantic; our home and native land stretches 5,514 kilometres from Cape Spear, Nfld., to the YukonAlaska border, and 4,634 kilomtres from Cape Columbia on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, to Middle Island in Lake Erie, Ont. Our country covers an unimaginable 9,984,670 square kilometres.
So, given all of this, where to go after we’ve decided to stay home? My features over the next few months will include several good suggestions, but let’s begin with one of my favourites, which we explored last summer, The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.
Let’s admit the obvious, The Cabot Trail is a stunningly beautiful drive. It stretches 298 kilometres – which could be navigated in about four non-stop hours, I suppose, but should not be, at any cost. We actually stayed four nights on or near The Cabot Trail.
Please take the time to stop, and to stop a lot. Stop at little shops where artisans are working on the spot with their wares on the stores’ shelves. Stop again and again to savour the ocean views. Stop to walk the paths and trails that will carry you through forests to waterfalls and lakes, or along beachfronts. There are walks and hikes for every level of activity, from brief, gentle strolls to steep climbs. Many of them are within the boundaries of the terrific Cape Breton Highlands National Park, yet another of Parks Canada’s gems. By the way, you can tell when you are within the boundaries of the National Park, because the highways are in superb condition. The moment you cross the border, not so much.
Our first port of call on Cape Breton Island was a few minutes from actual access to the Cabot Trail. We stayed at the Glenora Inn and Distillery where they produce
truly excellent, single-malt whisky – they can’t call it Scotch because the Scottish distillers are litigiously protective of the name. Those who know me will know why I loved it, but more about this terrific place in a subsequent column.
Staying close to the trail meant we could begin our exploration early the next morning. We decided to travel clockwise, heading north and eventually east from the west coast of the island to the east. En route, we stopped to explore a craft shop and its neighbour, an ice cream parlour, in Cheticamp. We pulled off, often, to simply take in the incredible ocean views and, of course, capture as many photos as we could.
And we opted to hike two of the dozens of trails in the national park, in both cases avoiding steep climbs, but nonetheless having to keep a watchful eye on the rockstrewn and tree-root-filled paths. It was definitely worth the effort and we recorded 13,400 steps on this first day on the trail.
Our first stop was at MacIntosh Brook, where a woodland trail took us back to a beautiful waterfall.
Then, we explored the trail at Warren Lake, also in the national park. That trail circumnavigates the lake; there were signs cautioning hikers about coyotes, but we saw no large animals, only spotting four toads, three snakes, a white-tailed junco and a spotted sandpiper – at least, that’s my best guess as to the identity of those two Nova Scotian birds. It’s a very enjoyable walk.
Our next two nights were
spent at the quaint Knotty Pines Cottages near Ingonish. The accommodation was fine, but the view from the deck was amazing! Our first night there was Sunday, so no restaurants open but the Co-op was, and we purchased the raw materials for a wonderful alfresco dinner on the deck, where we watched the sun set.
And that reminds me, if you have the choice, explore The Cabot Trail on sunny days. That will make all the difference.
During our stay in the Ingonish area, we walked the beautiful beach; there are several great beaches along the trail.
Our final night on Cape Breton was spent in one of the southernmost communities on The Cabot Trail, Baddeck. Baddeck is definitely worth a leisurely visit. I have written previously about the fascinating Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site here, but there is much, much more.
We stayed at the Inverary Resort, a complex of comfortable lodges and cottages that also includes a tiny chapel, dubbed the Conn Smythe Chapel because the curmudgeonly owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs donated the money for its construction. That, too, is another story.
While in Baddeck, we partook in two quintessential Cape Breton experiences – a delicious lobster supper at Baddeck Lobster Suppers and a traditional Cape Breton concert (with an amazing fiddler, of course) at The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh.
And all of this just scratches the surface of the experiences awaiting you right here at home –albeit a bit of a distance from your living room – on Cape Breton Island.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and president of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.
One of hundreds of gorgeous views along The Cabot Trail.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
Self-confessed hooker Emelda Roach at Flora’s in Cheticamp.
The waterfall on MacIntosh Brook Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Sunset from the deck of our Knotty Pines cottage.
Spring forward, style first: Your warm-weather checklist
DRESS SHARP. SPEND SMART.
By Scott Dunstall
The sun’s out, the sleeves are getting shorter and it’s officially time to take stock of what’s hiding in the bottom drawers. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe, you just need to check a few key pieces and make sure they’re still pulling their weight.
Here’s your warm-weather checklist, built for real guys who want to look put-together without spending the whole weekend at the mall.
1. Get yourself in the game
Before we even talk about clothes, how are you doing?
If you’ve been carrying around an extra 10 pounds since you dragged the Christmas tree to the curb, you’re not alone. It happens to the best of us, but now’s a great time to course-correct.
You don’t need to train for a triathlon, just start moving. Walk after dinner. Jog the block. Dust off the gym key tag and reacquaint yourself
with a dumbbell or two. You’ll look better, feel sharper and your clothes (even the ones that didn’t quite fit last year) might just start playing nice again.
Think of it as maintenance, not punishment. If your truck sat idle all winter, you’d tune it up before a long drive, right? Same deal.
2. Shorts: Start here
Pull them all out. Yes, even that pair you swear you only wear for yard work. Now ask:
• Do they still fit comfortably?
• Are the colours still current –or at least neutral enough to fly under the radar?
• Any wear, damage, or mystery stains?
• Do they look like they’ve seen the inside of a laundry machine this year?
You’re aiming for three solid pairs: one neutral chino, one pattern or colour that adds a little
personality and one casual or athletic pair for days that involve sand, sweat, or a stack of firewood.
3. Short sleeves: The quiet gamechanger
Short sleeves are like wingmen; they don’t need to steal the spotlight, but they can definitely make or break the whole operation.
Do they fit well across the shoulders and arms without squeezing? Do they still match your go-to shorts or pants? Are they faded or stretched in weird places?
Polos are a staple for a reason; they clean you up without dressing you up. I lean toward structured ones because they fit nicely through the middle. If you’ve got the build for it, a PIMA cotton polo or shortsleeve button-up gives you a lot of range. Just don’t stock up on duplicates. You want a few solid, reliable options, not five of the same navy shirt.
4. Shoes: Time to rotate
Warm weather exposes more than just your ankles, it also puts your footwear choices under the microscope. Toss anything too beat up and make sure your go-to pairs still pass the sniff test.
Here’s what I would consider a minimum to keep in your rotation:
• Clean white sneakers (classic, versatile, and only work if they stay clean)
• A comfortable loafer or casual
slip-on. Look for these at Aldo or Call it Spring
• A utility shoe; think hiking sneaker, trail runner, or rugged hybrid.
Flip-flops are fine, but let’s keep them to barbecues, beaches and backyards.
5. Belts: The underappreciated MVP
One good casual belt and one dressier one will take care of 90 per cent of your outfits. Check that they’re in good shape and not splitting or flaking. Bonus points if you match them to your shoes; it’s a small move that makes a big difference.
Canvas or woven belts work well with summer clothes and give you some flexibility as things shift around the waistline (up or down).
6. Outer layers: Keep it light Yes, it’s warming up, but unless you’re vacationing somewhere with a palm-tree logo, you’re still going to need a light layer in the mornings or evenings.
Consider:
• A lightweight windbreaker or bomber jacket
• An unlined cotton sport coat
• A light crewneck or quarter-zip sweater
Go for breathable fabrics and colours that play nice with the rest of your gear. Slate blue, olive green, or khaki are all solid bets.
7. The flash factor: What you thought would work
You know that one shirt or pair of shorts you were excited to wear again this summer – the one you imagined nailing an outfit with? Try it on now. Make sure the pieces it depends on are still in your lineup. If something’s worn out or missing, that outfit won’t hit the same way. Gap in your rotation? Now’s the time to fill it.
The goal here isn’t perfection, it’s preparation. You don’t need to reinvent yourself for summer, but you do need to be ready. A few smart checks, a little polish and you’re good to go.
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.
An inconvenient logic
INTERFAITH COUNSELLING CENTRE
By John Dinner
Think for a minute about what things in you tend to trigger anxiety or anger. Then, take a moment to think about the amount of time and emotional energy expended on those things upon which we have limited or no influence. At best, how we react to these issues may be the one thing within our control.
At the time of writing, the federal election is a couple of weeks away. Many believe it is the most important election in
our country’s history. We all know the reasons for its significance. The best way forward is where consensus comes crashing down. The end result is sure to be unsatisfactory for much of the country. And so it goes.
Competing views are not unique to politics. Pick a topic and conflicting versions of the truth are a sure bet. These disparate views reflect special interests, insiders and outsiders, conservatives and liberals, and those who demand raisins in butter tarts and the misguided others who don’t.
Ensconced in our groups, we’re likely to be drawn to information and arguments that confirm what we already believe. It takes courage and humility to consider the validity of another’s beliefs and be curious enough to appreciate (but not necessarily agree with) a perspective that bumps up against our own.
What may seem absolutely true or obvious to us reflects a logic we apply to our life that reflects our individual experience,
upbringing, education, personality and values. This logic forms a lens through which we view the world and conclude how it should be. How we navigate each phase of life and react to the next day’s headlines is largely determined by the expectations and assumptions that our oneof-a-kind lens has fostered over time.
The risk is we believe the unique life experience that is ours alone somehow delivers us to the place where we believe we have inherited special insight that reflects what is right, what is just, what is correct and what should be not only for oneself but for others as well.
Given there is and will be no abatement in the difficult issues that crowd the headlines, perhaps a better course of action is the one where humility leads the way: one where we concede that our certainty may be subject to debate and our assuredness may not be as concrete as we might wish.
Learning from others throughout life provides an opportunity to continually
polish our lenses, gaining greater clarity by learning from others whose experience and conclusions are different from our own, to understand the inconvenient but genuine logic that informs who they are becoming.
How much richer could life be if we kept the door open to other points of view, to the possibility that others may have a perspective as valid as our own. And how much more enjoyable might life be reacting with curiosity and consideration instead of anger and fear? How great would that be for everyone?
John Dinner is a registered psychotherapist who works as a counsellor at Interfaith Counselling Centre in New Hamburg. He grew up in a world where choices seemed to be limited to yes or no; right or wrong; black or white. Today, he acknowledges life serves up more maybe’s, a lot of grey and a healthy mix of both/and’s.
A barn raising without a record
VINTAGE VIEWS
By Tim Mosher Tavistock and District Historical Society
This is the fifth in this series of Lemp Studio Collection pictures housed at the Tavistock and District Historical Society (TDHS).
Well over 100 years ago, photographers frequently created excellent photo records, but very often, no written record of their subjects survives. Until the digital method came along with date and time stamps etc., the analog method was used. That meant taking photos with light-sensitive materials producing a negative image, processing them in a darkened room with liquid chemicals and printing a positive of what was captured on paper, and sometimes mounting this final photo on a stiff-matt backing. Today, if we’re lucky, someone wrote the date, locale and the people’s names on the back of the matt shortly after the photographer sold the pictures to the customer. However, very often, people would think this was a special occasion, so they won’t forget and didn’t record anything in writing.
The original images – the negatives –didn’t lend themselves to writing on because they were on tin plates or mirrored or transparent sheets of glass. This is what today comprises the almost 4,000 negatives in the Lemp Studio Collection: glass-analog negatives without written records, each one measuring from four-by-six to eightby-10 inches.
This photo is a typical example of this: a beautiful image without supporting information, so we can only estimate the date and guess the location. Most of the people are too far from the camera to identify. If anyone reading this lives on a farm with this type of large barn, look carefully at the ground-level configuration of windows where the bank is on the right, and how the three roofs are tied to each other because it might be your barn. Perhaps you have a wind mill or water pump where it is in the picture, too. If you suspect this is your barn or if you have a copy of this photo or information about this, please contact me at my email address below.
At first glance, the photo shows a barn raising, or could it be the removal of it to rebuild at another location? Most likely the former as it was far more common and the barn wouldn’t have been very old considering this picture was taken around 1900. The foundation brick looks very fresh as well.
There are 12 women and 94 men in the photo, and not a hard hat or safety harness in sight. They gathered and posed for the
photographer with his big camera on a wooden tripod, and one man even climbed to the top of the windmill for the picture. Three men to the right of the centre are well dressed and the women, no doubt, came out of the homestead kitchen to help mark this momentous occasion, posing for the photo.
This week’s History Mystery is: What is the name of the very old method of finding water for a windmill or the like, that’s still practiced today and is disputed by the scientific community? This question is
wide open to all ages. Email your answer to tim_mosher@hotmail.com along with your name, the name of your community or rural route number, and we’ll publish this along with your correct answer in next week’s edition.
Last week’s History Mystery was: What is attached to the short chain that’s hanging from two of the men’s pockets? It was a photo of a group of eight men enjoying a cool drink, and a bartender on the steps of a local hotel. No one forwarded the correct answer. The answer is pocket watches.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
CANCELLED
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
Tree Planting
1:00 pm
COMMUNITY CALENDAR -
Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner. Serving from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY. Email: paulmackie@rogers.com or call 519-4989302. Sponsored by Wilmot Lions/Lioness. New Hamburg Legion 65 Boullee St, New Hamburg
Help create sustainable habitat. All ages. Join us! Details at letstreewilmot.ca/events Perth St. Wetlands, New Hamburg
MONDAY, APRIL 28
Wilmot Council meeting
7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Council chambers
60 Snyder’s Road West Baden
SATURDAY, MAY 3
Tree planting
9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Join Let’s Tree Wilmot for tree planting for habitat restoration. Details at letstreewilmot.ca/events
Nithview Floodplain, New Hamburg
TUESDAY, MAY 6
Ostomy Support Group Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Speaker - Perth County MIH Paramedics - Medical Assistance in the home. Social time and snacks. Everyone welcome. (519)273-4327 93 Morgan St., Stratford
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
East Zorra-Tavistock Council meeting 9 a.m.
Council Chambers 89 Loveys Street East, Hickson
SATURDAY, MAY 10
Optimist Club of Petersburg Bottle Drive
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bring your refundable bottles and cans. 1239 Notre Dame Drive, Petersburg (Bechthold Home Improvement)
TUESDAY, MAY 13
Wellesley Council meeting 6:45 p.m.
Council chambers 4805 William Hastings Line, Crosshill
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
Community Dining for Seniors in Wilmot and Wellesley Townships
12:00 p.m.
Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Please register by May 9 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900.
Wellesley Recreation Complex, 1401 Queen’s Bush Rd., Wellesley
THURSDAY, MAY 15
Nith Valley EcoBoosters will be hosting a free webinar
7:00-9:00 p.m. EDT
“Why Hope Matters: The Practice of Evidence-Based Hope in a World of Climate Doom” For more information check out the upcoming events page at https://nvecoboosters.com/ or contact nvecoboosters @gmail.com
APRIL/MAY/JUNE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Community Dining for Seniors in Wilmot and Wellesley Townships
12:00 p.m.
Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Please register by May 16 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900. Wilmot Rec Complex 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden
SATURDAY, MAY 24
Tree Planting
9:00 p.m.
Join Let’s Tree Wilmot to plant trees for habitat restoration and increase tree canopy. All ages. Details at letstreewilmot. ca/events
Scott Park, New Hamburg
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
Community Dining for Seniors in Wilmot and Wellesley Townships
12:00 p.m.
Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Please register byMay 23 by calling 519-664-1900 or toll Free: 1-855-664-1900.
Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line, Linwood
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
“Y” Knot Quilt Show and Sale
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Many beautiful new and antique quilts will be for sale with all proceeds going to help support the Stratford Family Y and Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. For more information please visit yknotquiltshowandsale.com.
Falstaff Family Centre 35 Waterloo St. Stratford
2025
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
Chicken BBQ and Pie Auction Fundraiser
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp is hosting its 58th Annual Chicken BBQ and Pie Auction. Enjoy a delicious meal and bid on one of 60 pies. All proceeds support our summer camp programs. Visit www. hiddenacres.ca for more information and tickets.
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
Fundraising Golf Tournament
Tavistock Community Health Inc. is hosting a fundraising golf tournament. All the money goes to the renovations at the Tavistock medical health building in Tavistock. Information is available at: info@ tchi.ca
River Valley golf club
4725 1 Line, St. Marys
FREE SENIORS ACTIVITIES
Tavistock Seniors Activities
Pickleball Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon, 12-4. Contact: Don Junker 519-535-7052
Cards Monday , Wednesday afternoon 1-4, euchre, crib (bring board), etc. Just drop in to play, good to bring someone . Contact: Bob Routly 519-301-2118
Shuffleboard @ arena, Wednesday 12:30-4 and Thursday 10-4. Contact: Don Junker 519-535-7052.
VON Smart Seniors Exercise, Tuesday and Thursday morning 9 - 10; Village Manor 10:25 - 11:25. Contact: 519-539-1231 x 6285 Tavistock Memorial Hall 1 Adam St. Tavistock ON
CLASSIFIED ADS —
FOR SALE
Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm
Martin’s Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Oh Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us; St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us; St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day, by the eighth day this prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. S.F.
WANTED
Local elderly Tavistock couple in search of someone to drive them to new Hamburg at least twice a month and sometimes to Kitchener. Willing to pay a reasonable amount. Please contact Janice at 519-412-0461
WANTED
$ Cash Paid $ for your RECORDS and LPs. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk, Soundtracks, and more. Selectively buying CDs, Cassettes, Turntables, and Stereo Equipment. For more information: DIAMOND DOGS MUSIC 114 Ontario St. Stratford/ 226-972-5750
WANTED
I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi, any pop company, Brewery items Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, Wristwatches and pocket watches, Old fruit jars, Beaver Star Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signs Red Indian Supertest etc Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me - 519-570-6920.
