Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR), in partnership with the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA), has officially launched Frameworks: A Building Innovation Exchange, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support the building sector in transitioning toward efficient, innovative and healthy buildings.
Now expanding into neighbouring Oxford and Perth counties, the program offers support that is not available anywhere else in the province.
The initiative is industry-led and shaped by an executive advisory committee of regional experts in construction, engineering, architecture and building sciences. It aims to bridge the gap and make building practices more efficient, smart and healthy.
A proposed nature trail and the construction of a fence behind residential properties is causing some confusion among Tavistock (EZT) residents.
Three different reasons have been
provided to Tavistock residents as to why a fence is going up in very close proximity to some homeowner’s property lines. Now, East Zorra-Tavistock says a nature trail is only proposed for a stretch of land behind one town roadway.
“I have just confirmed with Tom (Lightfoot) that the maintenance trail has
only existed behind Janelle (Drive) and will be maintained as such. The portion of the sewer water management facility behind Dietrich was only recently cut to allow for the survey work and fencing installation,” a township spokesperson said.
That means the trail, if approved by
The program’s goal is to ensure everyone involved in the planning, design, construction, operation and renovation of buildings has access to the tools, knowledge and connections they need to support sustainable building practices.
“Our job is to aggregate, communicate, help to gather, build momentum behind what other people are doing as well,” said Tova Davidson, executive director at
Canadian flag bearers lead the colourful opening parade marking the start of the 19th annual Morningside Village Summer Games, a 10-day celebration of friendly competition and community spirit in New Hamburg. Full story and more photos on page 4.
Trail and fence plans spark confusion among Tavistock residents
Continued from page 1
council, will only exist on township land behind homes on Janelle Drive.
Mayor Phil Schaefer sent a statement to the Gazette Tuesday afternoon saying the fencing is going up to stop residents from using township land for various purposes.
“The letter that came from the township may have given the impression that the fencing was being done in order to facilitate the nature trail. In fact, they are two separate issues.”
He added the project’s goal is to separate EZT land from residents’ properties.
“To ensure the (storm water management) ponds work as intended, and that they are not subject to items being dumped in them which could affect their performance. The fence will be approximately one foot from the property lines, and no trees will be cut down. Staff are willing to work with residents who currently have items on township property,” Schaefer said.
What items could potentially be dumped in the two small ponds is not clear and the Gazette is not aware of any issues with dumping. Schaefer added the impression given to residents may have been the trail would be established on Aug. 18. He said that is not the case and people will have an opportunity to have their say next month.
“With respect to the trail proposed by staff, at the Sept. 17 council meeting, staff will present their report and provide some options for the potential trail. Council will be able to have a fulsome discussion and decide how to move forward. No trail is being implemented prior to this meeting.”
Affected residents received a hand-delivered letter to their doors early last week explaining a fence would be installed in less than two weeks. A rough map of the affected areas was included with the notice but the exact location of the fencing is unknown.
“The township of EZT will be installing a page-wire fence … along the municipally owned property adjacent to the rear of your property along Janelle Drive/Dietrich Road/Perth Road 107,” said the letter, which was signed by manager of public works Tom Lightfoot.
“The work will commence on Aug. 18 and is expected to take approximately one week, weather permitting. …We kindly ask that you remove all personal items such as trailers, fire pits and greenhouses from municipal property; our team will be removing any items that remain. This fence is being implemented to allow a new walking trail along this property,” it added.
The 2025 budget includes a line to fence and pollinate ponds six and seven at a cost of $50,000. There was no mention of a trail being implemented. There has also been no talk of installing a fence for the purpose of removing the various items homeowners have on township land, including gardens.
Several other residents reached out to the Gazette but did not want their names published. Concerns included privacy due to the close proximity of the now proposed trail, the lack of communication and consultation from the township, a fear of property values dropping and the township not
maintaining its own land in the proposed trail area. Many residents say they have cut the grass themselves after the neighbouring farm owner stopped. They also worry about an increase in the presence of ticks and rodents.
Deputy mayor Brad Smith said the fact some residents have been using the property for their own purposes is a problem.
“I was told that people are using it for equipment storage, a vegetable garden and even a small greenhouse. This poses a liability issue for the township. This is a water-retention area. The garden grower has been told the township will allow them to harvest the plot and remove the greenhouse.”
He added the grass will not be trimmed along the fence after installation and he sees the potential trail as a way to be social.
“That may give homeowners a buffer from their property lines. I am in favour of any added trail area that we can add at minimal cost. I am the wrong person to comment on the privacy issue. My house is adjacent to the walkway from King Crescent and Hickson Park. We have residents walking through daily. I find it the perfect opportunity to say, ‘Hey,’ and be neighbourly.”
Among the homeowners affected are Darlene and Gary Schwoob-Thistle who have a small greenhouse and garden on township land.
“When we first moved in, there was a bunch of garbage there. I tidied it all up and kept it nice and clean. The biggest problem with this trail is privacy,” said Gary Schwoob-Thistle.
“We are worried when the fence goes up, who is going to clean the weeds in between? We don’t want weeds crawling over our fence. Are we allowed to come back and trim it?”
Darlene Schwoob-Thistle said the township should have made more of an effort to inform residents. She added Lightfoot was in the area on Tuesday to let residents on Dietrich know there is no planned trail behind that street.
“We are very relieved. I do feel for the
people on Janelle though. Tom kept apologizing and apologizing for the situation,” she said.
The couple added they have no issue removing the greenhouse and placing it in their backyard.
Schaefer said he has talked to several residents who have those privacy concerns. Some have fences but the vast majority do not.
“I can understand them, and they will need to be considered. Staff as well as some residents have also expressed their concerns about the township land being used as a dumping ground, a parking lot, storage area and generally an extension of private property. The fence will hopefully alleviate those concerns.”
There appears to be a certain amount of confusion among township staff as well as members of council. Replies sent to the Gazette from two councillors indicated their understanding was the trail was a done deal. Coun. Scott Zehr said he is referring all concerns he receives to township staff.
“After some back and forth, I have directed these frustrated residents to our CAO and staff as they are the experts on these township topics. Our staff can give a much-clearer picture of what will be installed and why. I trust our staff and that they actually have the best interest of our township at heart. If I did not trust them or agree with them, I would speak up.”
At last week’s council meeting, Coun. Steven Van Wyk said he was getting some negative feedback from affected residents.
“I am seeing a lot of pushback from homeowners on that due to privacy. All of a sudden, there is this new walking path behind their houses. They are concerned about privacy and I was wondering how far off the walking trail will the fence be put … and where are the access points to the trail?”
The access point will be where Jacob and Janelle intersect on township land but there are other place the proposed trail could be accessed. Despite some negative responses, Van Wyk said he is in favour of the trail
being implemented.
“More trails were ranked as a high priority, number three on the list, during the extensive public consultation conducted last year through the recreation advisory committee’s open houses and surveys. In the past few days, I’ve also heard from a number of residents who are excited that we’re able to deliver on this.”
He added staff have noted trees have been planted in the area and residents’ privacy shouldn’t be affected.
“In my view, the installation of a fence will keep trail users back from private property lines, and the existing trees will offer additional visual separation between the trail and adjacent homes. Staff have also informed me that they have been cutting the grass in that area since May into a trail and it is my understanding that it has seen use with zero concerns noted to date.”
The trees are in fact nowhere near backyards but were planted at the edge of the adjacent cornfield dozens of feet away and can barely be seen due to tall grass and weeds.
Van Wyk explained another trail may be coming to Tavistock in the near future.
“Another area that I will be recommending to staff to look at adding trails is behind Holley Avenue once that subdivision is complete and that green space is turned over to the township. If any privacy concerns arise once the fence is installed and the trail is fully operational, we can revisit the matter at council. Should any issues be substantiated, we could consider additional measures such as adding more trees/vegetation or if we had to gate access to the trail to prevent or restrict users of the trail.”
Township CAO Karen DePrest delivered a report to council last week. It stated staff are suggesting as part of the 50th anniversary of the township, council may want to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the fall.
“As part of that ceremony, staff are seeking council’s recommendation for a name for the trail that recognizes contribution to recreation and leisure in the Village of Tavistock.”
The report also said the addition of a naturalized walking path within the fenced boundary of the (ponds) can easily be foregone so long as everyone recognizes that Ministry of Environment recommendations are to maintain dry pond … facilities as naturalized areas and that grasses should not be cut.
“That being said, the addition of a mowed path would allow walkers to enjoy the naturalized environment surrounding our dry pond area only. The exact location of the mowed path has yet to be finalized however staff have been maintaining an existing path throughout this summer on a trial basis and the path has seen usage,” the report added.
Any resident interested in presenting to council at the Sept. 17 meeting may contact township clerk Meaghan Vader at mvader@tavistock.ca. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the township’s website at www.ezt.ca/township-office/ mayor-and-council/agendas-and-minutes/.
This is a look at the proposed walking trail behind houses on Janelle Drive in Tavistock. East Zorra-Tavistock council will debate the issue at its Sept. 17 meeting.
(LEE GRIFFI PHOTOS)
Waterloo Region. “We don’t claim to be the experts, but we want to make it easier to access the expertise that’s out there.”
The evolv1 project served as a catalyst for the ACE Frameworks program. As Canada’s first net-positive energy multitenant office building, it is located in Waterloo and helped demonstrate the potential for sustainable, efficient building practices in Ontario.
“The building and development industry is an essential player in how we’re going to get to a more resilient future and economy moving forward,” said Davidson.
Frameworks currently delivers proven strategies to the building sector through online resources, events and engagement opportunities, training and technical workshops, a policy engagement platform, market acceleration and project-specific support.
“We want to make sure that sustainable buildings are the most efficient buildings to build,” said Davidson. “The whole idea is to work towards smart and healthy buildings throughout the province.”
For more information or to learn about upcoming events, visit sustainablewaterlooregion.ca/frameworks.
Morningside Village wraps up 19th year of summer games
The 19th annual Morningside Summer Games have wrapped up for another year at Morningside Village Retirement Community in New Hamburg.
The 10-day event featured 21 different competitions, all organized by a committee of five residents and supported by 21 conveners.
Festivities kicked off with a parade of golf carts that circled the village. Leading the procession was a colour party and members of the New Hamburg Concert
Band. Following behind were golf carts decorated with Canadian flags, as well as flags representing 25 different countries. The parade concluded at the village centre, marking the official opening of the games.
Mayor Natasha Salonen, KitchenerConestoga MP Tim Louis and other local officials were on hand to offer their congratulations and support.
It’s good fun,” said Ross Eichler, one of the event organizers. “It’s a way for the community to get together and meet each other. New people who are coming in also have the opportunity to join in, and they don’t need any prior experience to
participate.”
Events ranged from ping pong, bocce ball and golf to bid euchre, cribbage, darts, shuffleboard and even a fishing derby, providing something for everyone and offering residents a chance to bond over shared experiences and friendly competition.
“It runs for 10 days and there is something different each day,” said Eichler. “It started with about 10-12 events, and we would just keep adding or dropping different ones depending on what people liked.”
Winners were awarded medals and earned bragging rights for the year.
The games closed with a banquet and
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awards ceremony, where the international flags were carried out of the village centre and the official torch extinguished – until next year, when Morningside Village will mark a significant milestone with its 20th anniversary celebration.
Regarding the 2026 Summer Games, Eichler says everyone will have to wait and see about a specific celebration marking the 20-year milestone.
“Oh, I’m sure we’ll dream up something different for next year to celebrate,” he said.
Residents of Morningside Village Retirement Community in New Hamburg enjoyed friendly competition, colourful parades and community spirit during the 19th annual Morningside Summer Games, which wrapped up with a banquet and awards ceremony.
AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE
Gazette Reporter
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
Rural townships impose fire ban
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The four rural townships in the Region of Waterloo issued a joint press release late last week in response to the recent lack of precipitation.
“Due to hot and dry conditions, the townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich are suspending open-air burning, effective immediately,” the release said.
The ban prohibits all fires except those set for the sole purpose of cooking food in a contained fire pit.
“Cooking fires should be attended constantly and extinguished completely after use,” it continued.
Wellesley Fire Chief Paul Redman said in his nine years at the township, this is the fourth joint ban.
“We do it collectively. We find that it’s a lot easier to do it jointly across the rural townships to there isn’t that confusion between areas of what you can and can’t do, especially in Wilmot where we cover off some of their area.”
The ban was implemented on Thursday afternoon after the four rural chiefs met for one of their regular meetings. A recent fire in Wellesley Township occurred in a combine which turned into a grass fire but otherwise there have been no other incidents.
“This is the preventative side of it. We’re in the last part of summer and people are on holiday and like to have fires. This is only for open burns at this point so the ones that are permanent (like a fire pit) are still allowed as they are contained,” Redman said.
He added current fire permits are suspended, and no new permits will be issued by the townships until further notice.
“If there is no significant rainfall over
fire department is required to extinguish an unauthorized burn. Redman said he doesn’t expect a lot of pushback from residents, but added those breaking the rules will face penalties.
“There are 16 different fines based on our burn bylaw and each infraction results in a fine of $200. If you go ahead and have a fire that turned into a situation where we were called out to put out a fire, the charge would be $575 per truck per hour. Hopefully, people abide by it, but we don’t really have any issues.”
The fine for having an open fire in Wilmot is $300 plus a charge should one or more fire truck be called out. Wilmot Fire Chief Rod Leeson echoed Redman’s
thoughts on the four chiefs working closely together.
“It’s a really good group of people to work with and we are all very likeminded and all seem to understand each other and the needs and circumstances of our communities.”
He added while this area doesn’t have the same threat for wildfires as northern Ontario and other parts of the county, people realize the ban is needed at this time.
“I would never fearmonger with that discussion here because we are in a very different area here, but with the wildfire smoke and the air-quality issues, I think people are beginning to understand we have to restrict this from time to time. We
don’t want something to get out of control. You could have a grass fire or a farmer’s field on fire.”
Updates will be posted on municipal websites and social media as needed.
The Township of Zorra also placed a ban on all open burns and recreational fires last Friday.
“Only small fires in campgrounds and those small fires that are used for the purposes of cooking are permitted, and all must be within approved containers, such as barbeques. There must be a method of extinguishing these fires within reach, and they must be supervised continuously. All other open-air fires must be extinguished immediately, and no new fires may be set until this ban is lifted,” said a township release.
“This ban is due to extremely dry conditions and consistent smog. All burn permits in Zorra are now suspended. No burn permits will be issued until the ban is lifted,” it added.
The township is also encouraging farmers to exercise extreme caution while combining as field fires can quickly overtake equipment and neighbouring crops, which can spread quickly into adjacent woodlands.
East Zorra-Tavistock has not implemented an open-fire restriction, but Fire Chief Scott Alexander said they are keeping a close eye on the situation.
“We do not currently have a burn ban in effect for EZT, but we aren’t issuing any burn permits right now anyway as we always suspend any burns when there are weather warnings or advisories in place from Environment Canada. There is rain in the forecast for (Tuesday) and (Tuesday) night, but if we don’t get any, the other rural fire chiefs and myself are meeting on Thursday and we will make a decision then.”
Perth County has also implemented a ban on any open fires until further notice.
Four Waterloo Region townships and Zorra have implemented open-air fire bans in response to recent hot, dry weather. Contained and cooking fires are still permitted.
LEE GRIFFI
(LEE GRIFFI PHOTO)
Huron County Local Immigration Partnership shares results of newcomer housing study for Huron-Perth
Access to housing information and affordability identified as key impediments to local
GALEN SIMMONS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Among the findings from a recent study conducted by the Huron County Local Immigration Partnership entitled, “Newcomer Experiences of Housing in Huron & Perth,” the cost of renting and access to housing information were identified as barriers to permanent newcomer settlement in small, rural communities.
At the Aug. 7 Perth County council meeting, Mark Nonkes, manager of the Huron County Local Immigration Partnership, presented all 10 of the study’s findings. The study, he explained, was conducted after finding an affordable place to live was identified as a top challenge for immigrants in the 2023 Huron-Perth Immigrant Survey. As there is little information available about rural immigrant experiences of housing across Canada and housing is known to have a significant impact on overall settlement outcomes for newcomers, the study is intended to begin a conversation around how to improve access to appropriate, affordable and sustainable housing for newcomers.
“Our partners, who work across both Huron and Perth, often ask us to do more work in Perth as there’s no immigration partnership there,” Nonkes said.
“So, this research study spanned the two geographies.
“ … Why is it important to study newcomer experiences of housing? … There’s no fall-back; they don’t have family or friends to go back to or rely on. There’s no credit or rental history in Canada which may be a barrier. Understanding the experiences of diverse groups allows decision-makers to keep things in mind like development and infill planning. Representation from different groups is important to break down barriers to enhance people settling in our community.
A lack of knowledge of local rental markets or housing support available is often experienced by newcomers. Rural areas often rely on social-connection referrals to rentals; newcomers may not have those networks. And finally, one of the big challenges that newcomers face is racism and xenophobia that other groups may not.”
The study comprised four hour-and-ahalf-long focus groups held in Goderich, Exeter, Listowel and St. Marys with a total of 40 newcomers who arrived in Canada since 2018 and live in communities of 10,000 people or less participating. Sixtytwo per cent of participants were female while 38 per cent were male.
As for their countries of origin, 15 were from Ukraine, five from Philippines,
five each from Mexico and Syria, three each from India and Ghana, two from Guatemala, and one each from Iran, Russia and Ivory Coast. All of the participants rented – 23 lived in houses and 17 in apartment buildings – and 31 live with children in their homes.
The following are the study’s findings:
• Housing is only one part of settlement experiences: It is entwined with employment and transportation. Other factors impacting housing for newcomers include English language classes, education for children, access to health care, programming for newcomers at community libraries and proximity to grocery stores.
• Newcomers face multiple barriers to housing: Nearly half of the participants pay more than 30 per cent of their income on housing with those fleeing war paying as high as 40-80 per cent of their incomes. Other barriers include a lack of credit history in Canada, which limits rental options; lengthy wait times after submitted rental applications; and difficulties finding suitable rental housing for larger families. Living with roommates allowed eight participants to allocate
newcomer settlement
only 20-30 per cent of their monthly income to housing, while some participants were assisted in finding housing by their employers.
• Multiple moves: Of the participants, 10 remained in the place where they arrived; 16 moved to new homes once; and six moved twice or more.
• Suitable housing determinants: According to participants, the factors that make housing suitable include having enough bedrooms, having enough bathrooms, having a place where everyone in the home can find privacy and that those living in the home can express themselves freely.
• Housing conditions vary: Seven participants lived in houses that were in good condition and renovated while four participants highlighted challenges with older buildings. Participants reported their repair requests were often delayed and shared laundry could be difficult to access with equipment in various states of repair.
• Landlord-tenant relationships: While participants said the hallmark of a good landlord was their
responsiveness to requests, some voiced concerns about their landlords’ views about immigrants.
• Housing information: Of the 40 participants, 15 found housing through family or friends, 12 through Facebook, two using a search engine like Google and two with the help of a real estate agent. Participants also noted they had no access to official housing information sources, they are not familiar with government supports for affordable housing and they lack knowledge around tenant rights. Twentytwo participants said there is not enough information on housing for newcomers in Huron-Perth.
• Newcomers appreciate small communities: Of the 40 participants, 33 felt accepted in their communities and they appreciate the slower pace, connection to nature and feeling safe and appreciated.
• Newcomers find local residents friendly and helpful: Of the participants, 17 said they have good and helpful neighbours, five have troubling neighbours, five do not know their neighbours, one does not have neighbours, and two did not answer the question. Overall, the participants described locals as welcoming, generous, empathetic and willing to help by sharing information, and they praised
volunteers and neighbours who supported their adjustment to their new surroundings.
• Newcomers unsure if they will stay where they are: Of the participants, 11 said they plan to remain where they are for the next five years, three said they would move elsewhere, nine said they were unsure and 17 did not answer. The participants said housing affordability and proximity to essential services is a key deciding factor. Many who wished to stay hoped to purchase their own home but recognized the need for permanent residency to do so. They also pointed to limited job options as a factor in whether or not they would stay.
“Now that we have all this information, what we’re doing with it is we’re rolling it out to the people who participated and we’ve organized meetings with immigrant-service providers, community organizations and housing-focused organizations. We’ve been doing consultations with newcomers to share the findings and identify additional solutions, and we’re working towards developing a second publication to highlight ways newcomer experiences with housing can be strengthened locally,” Nonkes said.
Community conversations have already been held in Goderich, Listowel and St. Marys, while the final conversation was scheduled in Exeter for Aug. 13, after this paper went to press.
Sunflowers bloom brightly in Shakespeare
GARY
WEST
Gazette Correspondent
In past years, the Optimist Club of Shakespeare has sponsored a sunflower competition, handing out prizes in various categories.
The initiative was so popular that many residents have continued planting sunflowers, saying they light up the town each summer. One of the most colourful displays this year can be found at the home of Jeremy and Tara Witzel, on the east side of Shakespeare along Line 34, where more than 25 blooms and counting brighten the yard.
Optimist Club president Mike McNeil said he’s pleased to see both village residents and those in the surrounding countryside still promoting the cheerful yellow flowers in mid-August, adding a splash of colour to the height of summer.
A vibrant sunflower display grows outside the home of Jeremy and Tara Witzel on the east side of Shakespeare, with more than 25 blooms bringing late-summer colour to the village.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Three competing for the title of Tavistock Fall Fair Ambassador
LEE GRIFFI
Tavistock is preparing for one of its most anticipated yearly events – the 38th annual Ambassador of the Fair Competition.
This year’s rendition is set for Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Hall.
“The ambassador competition is a cherished tradition in the municipality where talented young individuals aged 17-22 compete to represent the Tavistock and surrounding community, the agricultural society and the fall fair,” said Tori Wagler, co-convenor of the ambassador committee.
The winner not only earns a distinguished title, but they also build important leadership and communication skills with opportunities to travel to notable events like the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). The current ambassador is Lily Pullen who has proudly served in the role.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this experience,” said Pullen. “I am extremely excited to attend the CNE this summer as the Tavistock Ambassador. All of the events and ambassador workshops have prepared me to speak in front of many people, and I have gained a significant amount of confidence doing so. I encourage many young people to jump into the ambassador program.”
This year, three outstanding local youth are competing for the title. All three live in Tavistock.
Ava Ropp, sponsored by the Anna P. Lewis Women’s Institute, is currently a student at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School. Ropp also works at Quehl’s Family Restaurant as a waitress. She enjoys baking, sewing, acting and researching history. Looking ahead, Ropp plans to study history and hopes to volunteer with Kids Help Phone.
The Tavistock Optimist Club is backing Alexis Leis. She recently graduated from Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School. She now attends Redeemer University and is a pastoral intern. She has
a broad range of interests, including sports like soccer and baseball, as well as creative activities such as singing, acting, dancing and painting. Leis aims to travel around the world, share the Gospel of Jesus and serve her local community through volunteer work.
Brooklyn Ross is sponsored by the OptiMrs of Tavistock and previously attended Fanshawe for interior decorating. She is now the studio owner and director of the new Breaking Elements Dance School in Tavistock. When she’s not busy teaching dance, Ross enjoys hiking, beach days, walking her dog and crafting.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local clubs and sponsors,” said Steph Axford, co-convenor of the ambassador committee. “Their generous donations are absolutely crucial in helping this program thrive, even after 38 successful years. A huge thank you to the Anna P. Lewis Women’s Institute, Optimist Club of Tavistock, Opti-Mrs Club of Tavistock, Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club of Shakespeare, and Opti-Mrs Club of Shakespeare for their commitment to our youth, community, fair and ambassador program.”
In addition to the main competition, this year also marks the third-annual Junior Fall Fair Ambassador competition. This event is open to kids aged seven to 10 from Tavistock and the surrounding area who want to get more involved in the fair. It’s a fantastic chance for younger residents to experience the spirit of the fair, develop their community engagement and compete for the prize of a midway ride wristband.
“If you’re a young person in the Tavistock area (from Shakespeare to Hickson) and you’re interested in becoming the 2026 ambassador next year, now is the time to start thinking about it! To learn more about next year’s competition or to register your child for this year’s junior program, please contact me,” said Wagler.
She can be reached at tori.smythe@ gmail.com.
Three young Tavistock women are competing for the title of Tavistock Fall Fair Ambassador. Pictured from left are Ava Ropp, Alexis Leis and Brooklyn Ross.
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Four candidates step forward for Wellesley Fall Fair Junior Ambassador program
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
Directors of the Wellesley Fall Fair, taking place this August, are pleased to announce that four contestants will be competing in this year’s Junior Fair Ambassador program.
Now in its second year, the program was created by current Wellesley Fair Ambassador Katie Musselman after noticing that other fairs in District 7 had similar initiatives. The program’s first-ever junior ambassador, Manni Hayer, will join Musselman in mentoring this year’s contestants and guiding the next titleholder.
an honour to be a 2025 Junior Ambassador contestant for the Wellesley Fair. She has lived in Wellesley for nine years and considers it her hometown because of its strong sense of community and dedicated residents.
Chloe lives with her parents, three brothers and three sisters, and is homeschooled. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball, baking, walking, reading, writing and spending time with friends. In the spring, she works as a strawberry picker at Hoffman’s Strawberries and babysits for local families. She also volunteers at summer camps, priding herself on her endurance and willingness to take on any task. Since moving to Wellesley, Chloe has been actively involved in the fall fair, entering exhibits, participating in the stuffy and pet show, and taking part in other events. Last year, she baked a prize-winning cake that was auctioned for $100 to support this year’s fair. She has attended every fall fair planning meeting since joining the program and says she wants to serve as a role model while inspiring others to get involved.
Esther Koch
Esther Koch lives on her family’s seven-generation dairy farm just outside Wellesley. She will
enter Grade 9 at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School this September.
A dedicated 4-H member for the past three years, Esther has participated in both the vet and sheep clubs, embracing the motto, “Learn to do by doing.” She comes from a closeknit Christian family of six and credits her grandmother for instilling a love of the fair in her from an early age. Esther has previously volunteered at the Wellesley Fall Fair and is proud to be competing in this year’s junior ambassador competition, especially alongside her older sister, who is vying for the senior ambassador title.
Olivia (Liv) Logan
Thirteen-year-old Liv Logan has lived in Wellesley for 11 years and will also attend Waterloo-Oxford in September. She plays hockey for the Wilmot Wolverines, softball for the Waterloo Ghosts and has been involved in Theatre Wellesley both on stage and behind the scenes.
Liv has volunteered with Girls RockWaterloo and the Wellesley Lions Club,
and recently spent two weeks at U-Turn Ranch near Tavistock, where she cared for animals, learned leadership skills and made lasting memories. Proud of her community, Liv says Wellesley is truly home. Dallas Shantz
Fourteen-year-old Dallas Shantz lives on the outskirts of Wellesley with her father, and in Kitchener with her mother. She has one younger brother, Keegan, and a dog named Kobe.
Dallas enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends, going to the beach and cycling with her brother. She supports local agricultural businesses, has recently earned her babysitting certificate and has started babysitting for family members, including her baby cousin.
Having attended the Wellesley Fall Fair for several years, Dallas says she’s seen firsthand how it brings people together. Inspired by friends who competed last year, she decided to enter the program herself as a way to connect with the community and serve as a role model for younger children.
Chloe Scott
Thirteen-year-old Chloe Scott says it is
Fourteen-year-old
U-Turn Ranch celebrates 20 summers of faith, friendship and fun
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
Jodie and Scott Zehr shared a vision of creating a place where people could experience farm life, build meaningful friendships, grow in their faith and have fun doing it, all in a scenic, rural setting.
In 2006, their dream took root on a beautiful 50-acre property just outside of Tavistock when U-Turn Ranch was established.
What began with just 30 campers has grown, now welcoming over 1,400 young people each year. Celebrating its 20th summer, U-Turn Ranch Camp continues to offer unforgettable experiences, spiritual growth and good old-fashioned fun. U-Turn also hosts school visits and retreats for groups. The picturesque setting has recently become a sought-after wedding venue.
Over the years, the camp has remained committed to its core mission, to create a safe and welcoming environment where kids can grow in their faith, build lasting friendships, enjoy a taste of farm life and have a whole lot of fun. Campers take part in all kinds of activities including horseback riding, vaulting, spending time with the farm animals, fishing, canoeing,
archery, swimming, nature programs, team games, campfires and theme meals. There is also time each day for learning about
faith through devotions and talks under the big tree.
Each summer, U-Turn is run by a dedicated team of about 40 staff members, including six international team members who joined the team this year. Two staff who have made a big impact over the years are Sandy Martin and Chantelle Sparling,
whose dedication has helped make U-Turn the special place it is today.
Sandy Martin is a mother of three and a licensed horseback riding coach. This is her ninth summer at U-Turn, where she began as the horsemanship director and now serves as the program director. Martin first trained in camp leadership under U-Turn founder Scott Zehr over 20 years ago. She says U-Turn gives her the chance to share her passion for horses and invest in the development of young leaders.
Each summer, her family moves onto the ranch property, creating countless memories along the way including the special moment when her youngest child took their very first steps at U-Turn.
Chantelle Sparling of Tavistock is spending her seventh summer at the ranch. She began as a camp cook. Over the years, she’s taken on multiple responsibilities, including the leadership program and, this summer, serving as day camp coordinator. Sparling credits her time at U-Turn as a major influence in her decision to become a teacher. In September, she will be returning to university to complete her teaching degree.
As U-Turn Ranch celebrates 20 summers, it remains a place where young people and the young at heart can enjoy the outdoors, build lasting friendships and grow in their faith. U-Turn Ranch continues to be a special place where lasting memories are made.
U-Turn Ranch founders Scott and Jodie Zehr pictured alongside longtime team members Sandy Martin and Chantelle Sparling.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
Campers (left to right) Alexis, Adelynn, Brooke and Kenadie enjoy a fun canoeing adventure at U-Turn Ranch.
Camper Natalie is all smiles while riding her favourite horse at U-Turn Ranch.
Colton on horseback with U-Turn staff Kylee.
Arnold Hearing Centres marks 75th anniversary
GALEN SIMMONS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A family owned and operated business centred in the Waterloo Region and specializing in hearing is marking a milestone anniversary this year.
Arnold Hearing Centres, which has seven locations including one in New Hamburg, is committed to ensuring families across the region stay connected through better hearing with its team of 20 hearing experts across its seven locations. The business, founded by hearing-aid salesman Harold Arnold in a brick-and-mortar shop on Kitchener’s Duke Street in 1950, is marking its 75th anniversary this year.
“It’s huge for me because I feel fortunate enough to be the third generation (running the business) – my grandfather, father and now myself,” said Chris Arnold, current president and owner of Arnold Hearing Centres. “I really want to make them both proud; my grandfather, of course, is no longer with us. My dad’s still alive and well. Just to make them proud we’ve kept this alive for so along, especially for an industry that has become commercialized with so many chain clinics.
“A lot of people who are my father’s age, rather than having someone to pass the business down to, they’re selling it to these big, corporate chains. So, to me, to be community focused is what’s helped us get to our 75th. My goal is to get to our 100th – I’ll be just under 70 at that time –so, that is my goal and I’m just making my dad proud.”
The business began after Harold Arnold found success working as a door-to-door hearing-aid salesman on his return home form the second world war. He had initially promised his British war bride, Rose, a “big farm” outside of Simcoe, though the farm he was talking about was his parents’ and no such promise came to pass.
Instead, Harold Arnold established the business and eventually expanded it to Guelph and Simcoe.
His son, John Arnold, took over the business in the mid-1980s, growing the business and relocating its Kitchener office to Frederick Street. Initially working toward a career in the music industry, Chris Arnold joined his father in 2006 after graduating from the hearing instrument specialist program at George Brown College. He eventually took full ownership when his dad retired in 2015.
In 2021, Chris Arnold, who lives with his
wife, Stacey, and their kids just 10 minutes down the road in Kitchener, established an office in New Hamburg before ultimately setting up the Arnold Hearing Centre in their current location, at 3 Waterloo St., in 2023.
“Funny enough, my dad asked me when I was 18 if I wanted to do this, and I said no. I wanted to work in the music industry, that’s what I went to college for, and it was such a cut-throat, awful industry, I did other things,” Chris Arnold said. “My dad said, ‘Do you want to join now,’ and a year later I went back to school and I’m so glad I did because I love it. I love the people that work with us, I love that I can work with my wife, who handles the bookkeeping and HR.
“She works from home mostly. My father and mother worked together, and my grandmother and grandfather worked together. I really love it. I love the passion of doing something that helps people but is also something that provides for my family and the community.”
As a family business in the truest sense of the phrase, Arnold Hearing Centres offers a kind of flexibility for its customers
unlike some of its corporate competitors. By taking the time to understand the needs and financial constraints of the people the business serves, Chris Arnold says Arnold Hearing Centres can work with customers and their families to find the best, individualized hearing solutions for them.
One major difference between Arnold Hearing Centres and its competitors, Chris Arnold says, is the business freely advertises the costs of all its hearing aids and assistive devices on its website. This, he says, allows customers to know more about what they’re getting into before they ever step foot in a hearing centre.
“We want to be as much a part of the community as the community is part of us,” Chris Arnold said, referring to New Hamburg. “I think the different things we offer … is we have the longevity, the experience, we’ve been around, we know what we’re doing, and I think we have such a great team of experts. … They’re just warm and welcoming.
“When people come in here, they don’t want hearing aids – nobody wants hearing aids – but they bring out the best in people. When we hire, we look for people
who can help with that. You can train how to sell a hearing aid, you can train how to do a hearing test; I can’t train how to be a caring person, so that’s why we focus on that.”
Chris Arnold said he, Stacey and the team are looking forward to getting to know the local business community more, especially those businesses in New Hamburg and the surrounding Wilmot Township that, like them, are family or independently owned and help locals address their health-care needs.
As for anniversary celebrations, though the hearing centre is currently undergoing interior renovations that may take the remainder of the year to finish, the New Hamburg location is still serving clients and there are plans for an anniversary celebration in the fall.
“We’re going to have some cake, some goodies. We’re going to have a big, grandprize draw, we’ll have some promos going on,” Chris Arnold said. “We’re calling it a birthday party and we’re throwing one at each office.”
For more information on Arnold Hearing Centres, visit arnoldhearing.ca.
Chris Arnold (pictured in New Hamburg) and the team at Arnold Hearing Centres are celebrating the business’ 75th anniversary this year.
(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO)
EZT unveils improvement to community centre in Innerkip
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Members of the community along with East ZorraTavistock (EZT) Township staff and elected officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Innerkip Community Centre last week.
The $143,000 project was completed by Gordner Construction Ltd., a family-run Kitchener-based company with over 30 years experience. The work was approved three years ago but was put on hold.
“This project was previously approved in the 2022 capital budget for $85,000. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in township’s recreation staffing structure and other ongoing projects, this project was delayed,” said a township report. “Staff believe that the increase in project costs can be attributed to
the inflationary market conditions since the project was originally approved. The treasurer has confirmed that there is adequate funding in the community centres reserve.”
The lowest compliant bid was received from Gordner for $102,010 plus $41,000 in provisional pricing. Provisional pricing is a type of pricing used in construction, contracting and procurement where the price for a certain item, service, or scope of work is not final at the time of contract signing and will be adjusted later based on actual costs or further definition of the work.
The project included upgrades and renovation of a storage room, office and storage loft in the existing hall, and washroom upgrades.
Additionally, the replacement of flooring and painting of the main entry, washrooms and main hall were included as provisional items.
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The Innerkip Community Centre was the scene of a ribbon cutting ceremony where over $100,000 worth of renovations were recently completed. From left to right are East Zorra-Tavistock Coun. Matthew Gillespie, Mayor Phil Schaefer and Coun. Jeremy Smith.
Residents attending the ceremony were treated to cake in the newly renovated community centre
(LEE GRIFFI PHOTO)
Former Baden business owners enjoying puzzling success with new venture
Gifts From the Heart owners find success selling high-quality jigsaw puzzles
GALEN SIMMONS
After running a framed-photo business selling original, framed photography to retail stores and direct to customers from their shop in Baden for more than 20 years, a Waterloo couple is enjoying a new kind of success after pivoting to the sale of high-quality jigsaw puzzles featuring those same original photos.
Rick and Mary Schmidt, owners of Gifts from the Heart, which prior to the pandemic was located in Baden but is now operated from their home in Waterloo, first decided to pivot to photography using Rick Schmidt’s photos back in the early days the COVID-19 pandemic when sales of framed photos began to drop. Since then, the pair has sold more than 15,000 puzzles featuring original photos from across Canada and close to home to retail businesses from coast to coast and direct to costumers through their website.
“I kept posting my pictures on Facebook and people said, ‘Why don’t you make puzzles out of them?’ ” Rick Schmidt said. “It was just the beginning stages of COVID and Mary was very adamant that we weren’t going to order from China, but then we started sourcing options in Canada and the States and it was very,
very difficult. In Canada, (having puzzles made) was very expensive. The ones we could find were just kind of mom-and-pop organizations that just made a few here and there, and they weren’t that well done.”
“And I have done puzzles for years since I was a young girl,” added Mary Schmidt. “So, I knew what kind of puzzles we wanted. Rick doesn’t do puzzles. He kind of jokes that he doesn’t have the patience for puzzles. … With puzzles, there are all kinds of different ones made. Some are loosey goosey, kind of; they fall apart when you put them together and they’re not firm, they’re not thick enough or they’re really small. I’ve had puzzles that I’ve started and then I threw them back in the box, so I was very particular about the way the product would come out.”
When they looked for a puzzle manufacturer in the U.S., the Schmidts found they would have to order a minimum of 5,000 puzzles in the first order, which didn’t make sense as that part of their business was just starting off and the cost per puzzle would have been more than what they could wholesale them for. Ultimately, they found a manufacturer in China that could make top-quality puzzles at the right price with an order of just 1,000 puzzles to start. In that first order, the Schmidts were able to create puzzles with five different designs.
Since then, their online catalogue has expanded to 30 different puzzles, which they order to a warehouse and dock in Elmira before transporting them by Uhaul trailer
back to their garage in Waterloo, where they sort and package them.
“Though chronic fatigue made it difficult
Mary and Rick Schmidt with their jigsaw puzzles made using Rick Schmidt’s original photography.
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICK SCHMIDT)
Continued from page 14 for me to handle boxes, Mary loved sorting and organizing them in our garage where we added shelves to store them on,” Rick Schmidt said. “We learned that handling half a box of 10 was much easier for both of us. Reinforcing the shelves was an urgent need after over 100 puzzles came tumbling down on Mary. Thankfully this only happened once and very few were damaged, and Mary wasn’t hurt too badly, but the new shelving brackets were up in less than a day.”
The puzzles feature backdrops and landmarks from across the country, each appealing to retail stores located in the provinces and regions featured. The Schmidts, who already travelled frequently across the country to sell their framed photos, would take the time during their trips to stop so Rick Schmidt could take photos.
In addition to the scenic landmarks and backdrops, Rick Schmidt takes photos of things like old cars, barns and tractors, as well birds, canoes, farmers market stands and other things he can place in the foregrounds of his designs using Photoshop.
“For our company before, we sold across Canada at gift shows, so we had been selling photos to stores right across Canada,” Mary Schmidt said. “Our best sellers were Peggy’s Cove and Banff, so we did those designs for some of our first ones, and we did a couple (designs) from the area around here. We basically used different photos from across Canada for those initial puzzles.”
While the Schmidts had a list of retailers they had sold to previously, they wanted
to bring their puzzles to even more stores across the country.
“We loved travelling and so we loaded up the Rav4 and headed out,” Rick Schmidt said. “At first, it was a little daunting – just walk into a store and ask for the buyer to see if they would be interested in buying our Canadian puzzles. … It became easier and many stores were very receptive and helped us make our puzzle story possible. Many Home Hardware stores were expanding into gifts, toys and other lines and were very open to trying out puzzles, especially when we provided free shipping if they bought right then, right out of our car.”
Currently, the Schmidts have four puzzle designs featuring scenery and landmarks in the Waterloo Region and the surrounding area. They include the “Harvest Market, Wellesley” puzzle featuring the Fall Harvest Farm Market, the “Abraham Erb’s Mill, Waterloo” puzzle, two “Mennonite Story” puzzles featuring the St. Jacobs Farmers Market, and the “Old Trucks and Tractors” puzzle featuring a barn in Amulree as a backdrop.
Thanks to those photos, the Schmidts say they have a lot of support from local residents, and many stores in KitchenerWaterloo and throughout the Waterloo Region, including New Hamburg Home Hardware and Schmidtsville Restaurant in Wellesley, sell their puzzles.
For more information, to see the Schmidts puzzles and to browse their other merchandise, visit www.giftsfromtheheart.art.
Friday August 22nd
4:30pm - Gates open, Inflatables open, Face Painting, Henna Artist, Food Trucks, and Exhibits open!
5:00pm - Musicians
7:00pm - Opening Ceremonies, Ambassador (Jr & Sr) program, and Live Auction
Saturday August 23rd
10:00am - Gates Open, Inflatables Open, Exhibits open, AgriVenture Tent Opens, Musicians, Horse Show, Car Races, and Face Painting, Henna Artist (All Day)
12:30pm - Dressage Demonstration (approximate start time based on Horse Show)
1:30pm - Parade starts
2:00pm - Livestock Show
3:00pm - Magician Show
3:30pm - Wellesley Idol Semi-Finals, and Citizen of the Year Presentations
4:00pm - Line Dancing
6:00pm - Magician Show, Line Dancing, and Silent Auction closes
8:00pm - Exhibits to be removed
9:00pm - FIREWORKS!
A display featuring Gifts from the Heart jigsaw puzzles made by Rick and Mary Schmidt.
Thelma Grimes Steele turns 101, celebrates at Quehl’s Restaurant
Submitted to the Gazette
Saturday was a busy and fun day at the Plattsville and District Heritage Society Museum and Archives.
As on most Saturdays, visitors dropped in to check out the Retro Rewind 1970s and 1980s exhibit, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and to share their own memories from those decades.
Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., guests enjoyed a barbecue lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers, packaged butter tarts, cool drinks and groovy tunes from Ray and the Vagabond Music Duo. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the amalgamation of Blandford and Blenheim Townships, held under the pine trees south of the museum with “ancestors smiling down.”
This coming Saturday, Aug. 16, music will be provided by Bev and Bill Bell. All are welcome with donations appreciated.
One special visitor on Saturday was Thelma Grimes Steele, who stopped by on her way to Quehl’s Restaurant in Tavistock to celebrate her 101st birthday — yes, 101 years young.
Steele, a member of the Grimes family who co-founded Canada Sand Papers Ltd. with P.R. Hilborn in 1931, grew up in Plattsville. As a young woman, she lived
in the house across from Plattsville United Church (now Peace United) on John Street, now called Samuel Street.
Her birthday was Aug. 9, 2025.
“If we had known she was coming, we would have baked her a cake,” museum staff said with a smile.
She was joined by her daughter, Nora, and son-in-law, Walt Kelly, along with her mischievous nephew, Bryan Grimes, of Newmarket. Together, they shared many memories and laughter about people and times gone by in the village.
Steele is a second world war veteran, having joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps on Jan. 6, 1944. She served as a private for one year and two months, stationed in Kitchener, Toronto and Halifax. She married James Charles Steele of Woodstock, who served in the Royal Canadian Navy, on Nov. 25, 1944. Thelma Grimes Steele was honourably discharged on March 1, 1945.
The couple had two children, James and Nora. James Sr. passed away in 2016.
Over her lifetime, Thelma Grimes Steele has seen tremendous change, lived through a world war and spent most of her years as a Woodstock resident. She enjoys spending time with her family and, according to those close to her, loves reading a good story in any of the community newspapers.
Happy birthday, Thelma!
Thelma Grimes Steele celebrates 101 years young at Quehl’s Restaurant in Tavistock.
CAROL COOMBS
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Thelma Grimes Steele visits the stone in Chesterfield Cemetery marking the grave of her parents, Warren and Ruth Grimes. Warren was one of the founders of Canada Sand Papers Ltd.
Blandford-Blenheim Coun. Tina Young at the township’s “Then & Now” 50th anniversary display.
Jeff Glendinning, Blandford-Blenheim Mayor Mark Peterson and his wife, Nikki, enjoy a barbecue lunch under the pines during Blandford-Blenheim Township’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Justin Bieber fans – would our grandchildren believe it?
which opened in February of 2018 and is extended indefinitely.
Museums are excellent places to learn about local history and to keep cool on a hot summer day.
Members of the Braemar Women’s Institute (WI) participated in a self-guided tour of the Stratford Perth Museum located in Stratford on Aug. 6 in the afternoon.
This museum has a long history of growth, and the current site was purchased in 2008 and has lots of room to grow and to deliver indoor and outdoor programing. The 1870 Victorian buff brick home catches your eye as you enter the site and the museum’s collection structure sits on the footprint of the horse barn.
One of the most popular exhibits for all ages has been The Justin Bieber exhibit, Steps to Stardom,
According to the receptionist, the majority of the items in the exhibit came from his grandparents, who are regular visitors to the museum.
For the readers who don’t know Bieber, he wasn’t a war hero but a Canadian singer and songwriter from Stratford who was born on March 1, 1994. Maybe some of the Perth District WI branches have newspaper clippings about Bieber in their Tweedsmuir History scrapbooks.
Prior to our museum tour, the branch did a little “window shopping” at the Cozyn’s Garden Gallery. Cozyn’s is family-owned and operated greenhouse and retail business which first opened in 1983. It was a great feeling to be a tourist and not to worry about the items on your grocery shopping list which you left at home.
Smiling fans of Justin Bieber are members of the Braemar Women’s Institute branch who were touring the Stratford Perth Museum for their August meeting. Members are Sue Simonson, Laura Green, Linda Hammond, Norma Howe, Jane Adams, Linda Howe and Anya Donaldson.
LAURA GREEN
Braemar Women’s Institute
(PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAEMAR WOMEN’S INSTITUTE)
Local historian Fred Lichti preserves the heritage of Deitsch, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch or Pennsylvania German
Waterloo, Perth and Oxford counties are home to many knowledgeable historians, and one of them, Fred Lichti, is working to preserve a unique part of the region’s cultural history.
Lichti, originally from East ZorraTavistock, has interviewed about 40 local residents on camera about their lives and their use of Deitsch — also known as Pennsylvania Dutch or Pennsylvania German. Each video runs between 30 and 60 minutes and, while each is as unique as the storyteller, most share memories of family life, school days, church, courtship and marriage, life on the farm, changes in agriculture, and their lifelong connection to the language.
“In this area, for about 125 years, a Palatine German language called Deitsch was the first language of many European families who settled in Wilmot Township and the neighbouring communities of Tavistock, Wellesley and Milverton,” Lichti said. “Some of these settlers came from the United States, but most immigrated directly from German-speaking Europe, especially from the Alsace and Lorraine regions.”
Many residents may remember that in 2021, the Tavistock and District Historical Society sponsored a recording project called Wie Geht’s Tavistock (WGT) — “Wie Geht’s” meaning “How Goes It,” a
of an American Language
Working with Dr. Louden, Lichti took brief clips from each WGT recording, translated them into English, and added subtitles. These clips were featured at the Tavistock historical society’s 2023 annual meeting. Full-length videos are available at the Tavistock and District Historical Society and the Mennonite Archives of Ontario at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo.
Recently, Dr. Louden added the WGT clips to his website, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection: padutch.net/wilmot-tavistockmilverton-deitch-wie-gehts. His site also offers written texts, a pronunciation guide and other resources for those interested in learning Pennsylvania German.
Except for “Old Order” groups, most fluent Deitsch speakers in the area today are over the age of 70. Still, there is interest in keeping the language alive through Zoom classes, textbooks, online dictionaries and even a Pennsylvania German translation of the Bible
common Deitsch greeting. The goal was to record people in Tavistock, Wilmot and Wellesley who still speak their heritage language.
Lichti noted that the foremost scholar
on Deitsch — America’s oldest thriving heritage language — is Dr. Mark Louden, professor of Germanic languages at the University of Wisconsin. In 2016, Louden published Pennsylvania Dutch: The Story
“While most immigrants lose their heritage language within three generations, Deitsch has been around for hundreds of years,” Lichti said. “It’s actually the fastest-growing heritage language in North America thanks to the ever-increasing population of Old Order Mennonites and Amish, whose numbers double every 20 years.”
The Deitsch 101 class of 2025, taught by Fred Lichti and assisted by Lois Cressman and David Ropp. Front row from left: Lois Cressman, Ruth Cressman, Janna Lynn Cressman, Kathy Lorre, Rosie Lichti and Reta Malloy. Back row from left: Phil Martin, Mary Wagler, Lynn Yantzi, Jamie Enns, Myron Steinman, Dave Ropp, Sandra Vosters, Greg Kuepfer and Fred Lichti. Missing: Karolyn Fournier and Wanda Zehr Anderson. In addition to weekly Zoom sessions, students connected with fluent Deitsch speakers for weekly pronunciation coaching.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
A selection of Pennsylvania German print resources. For more information, contact Fred Lichti at frlichti@bell.net.
Pennsylvania Dutch: The Story of an American Language by Dr. Mark Louden.
Mary and Wayne Wagler, who live south of New Hamburg, are committed to maintaining their heritage language. Mary was one of 15 students in the winter Deitsch Zoom class, while Wayne, a fluent speaker, participated in the Wie Geht’s Tavistock recordings.
Perth and Oxford well represented at Lucknow Invitational 4-H Dairy Show
Oxford County’s Keenan Grieve earned Reserve Champion Calf honours with Roesbett SK Raven.
Perth and Oxford counties were well represented at the recent Lucknow Invitational 4-H Dairy Show, which drew 159 members from 14 counties across central and southern Ontario.
Perth County’s Addison Hyatt topped the Intermediate Showmanship class (ages 15–17) with her Jersey calf. Hyatt, whose family farms near Topping, north of Stratford, was named the top intermediate showperson.
By the end of the highly competitive show, Perth County was named Premier County, collecting the most points overall.
Results:
• Grand Champion Calf: Golden TS Exquisite, shown by Emma Lewis.
• Reserve Champion Calf: Roesbett SK Raven, shown by Keenan Grieve.
• Honourable Mention Champion
Calf: Dandyland Major Augusta, shown by Shyanne McGriskin.
• Summer Yearling: 1. Golden TS Exquisite, Emma Lewis; 2. Beckridge Quality Master Minty, Josh Brander.
• Spring Yearling: 1. Paullor Premier Sweetness, Aven Dykstra; 2. Heather Holme Chief Destiny, Loralei Gross.
• Fall Calf: 1. Roesbett SK Raven, Keenan Grieve; 2. Golden CC Deandra.
• Spring Calf: 1. Kentville Master Gracie Mae, Avery McGriskin; 2. Cnossome Alpha Look At Me, Ryan Cnossen.
• Novice Showmanship (ages nine to 11): 1. Ryan Cnossen; 2. Ivanka Noom; 3. Hayden Maisonneuve; 4. Elyse Rowbotham; 5. Shae Kingdon.
Perth County’s Addison Hyatt of Mornington Township accepts her Intermediate Showman ship award from Chris DeKlein of Grand Valley Fortifiers.
Perth County’s large contingent of 4-H Dairy members celebrate being named Premier County at the Lucknow Invitational 4-H Dairy Show.
Oxford County’s Keenan Grieve receives the Reserve Grand Champion Calf award from Huron County’s Emily Franken, left, alongside judge Jonathan Rylaarsdam.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
Beatrix Potter enthusiast Heather Browning visits Brocksden Country School Museum
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
Presenter Heather Browning shared her love of Beatrix Potter’s classic children’s tales and her gift for storytelling with visitors at Brocksden Country School Museum on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Browning has been a Potter enthusiast for many years. In 2010, she joined the Beatrix Potter Society and has since attended many events around the world to learn more about the famous author and artist.
Before she retired in 2016, Browning spent 34 years teaching primary grades and kindergarten. One of her favourite stories to share with her students was The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Now, she enjoys presenting Potter stories to people of all ages.
Potter was born in England in 1866 and is best known for her children’s book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, first published in 1902. The story began as a letter Potter wrote to a young friend, in which she included a tale about “four little rabbits whose names were Flopsy,
run out of things to say, she turned to storytelling. That letter would become one of the most famous ever written to a child. Friends encouraged Potter to publish the story she had included in the letter, launching her career as a writer, illustrator and storyteller.
Browning explained Potter intentionally made her books small so children could easily hold them but for the reading, Browning used an oversized version so everyone could enjoy the detailed illustrations.
Browning also spoke about Potter’s early life. Potter and her brother, Bertram, were taught at home by a governess. In their schoolroom, they kept many small pets including rabbits, mice, a hedgehog and even bats. They also collected butterflies and insects. Potter began drawing some of these creatures and eventually they became characters in her stories. Potter wrote and illustrated more than 60 books during her life. Her beautiful drawings helped bring the stories to life and made her books famous around the
book sales and an inheritance to buy Hill Top Farm in the Lake District of England. Over the years, she bought more land to help protect the countryside. She also raised Herdwick sheep and became a successful farmer. When she died in 1943, she left most of her land and farms, over 4,000 acres, to the National Trust.
After the reading, Browning answered questions and chatted with guests. Visitors also had the chance to explore the schoolhouse and grounds. Easthope Historical Group members Jesse Campbell and Pat Eidt were on hand to answer questions about Brocksden Country School Museum, while children enjoyed playing in the schoolyard.
With the new school year approaching, Brocksden Country School Museum is now accepting bookings for class visits. The program allows students to step back in time with a 1910 pioneer-style learning experience that brings history to life. To learn more or book a visit, email brocksdenschool@ gmail.com, call 519-271-2619, or visit
Heather Browning shows off a few of her Peter Rabbit
(DIANE DANEN PHOTOS)
Companions in Christ Sunday service in Tavistock raises thousands for Tavistock Assistance Program
With warm weather and a relaxed outdoor setting, a church service like no other was held Sunday in the pavilion at Queen’s Park in Tavistock.
Eight area churches came together for worship, which included the biblical story of Martha and Mary. More than 200 people attended, welcomed by Rev. Marilyn
Arthur of Grace United, Rev. Steve Hoffard of Trinity Lutheran, Josh Martin of Cassel Mennonite, Rev. Heidi Wachowiak of St. Matthew’s and Bethany Lutheran, Pastor Kathleen Welch of Hebron United, Pastor Julie Ellison White of Tavistock Mennonite, Pastor Mike Williamson of East Zorra Mennonite, and Alexis Leis, summer intern at East Zorra Mennonite Church.
With so many congregations represented, the message was unified: love boldly, serve humbly and walk together in peace — one body, one spirit, anchored in one hope.
A collection raised $3,000 to support the Tavistock Assistance Program (TAP), which provides a hand up for those in need in Hickson, Tavistock and Shakespeare. Lunch was prepared by Quehl’s and served
by members from various churches, with 177 people staying to share the meal. TAP program director Angie Brenner thanked the churches for their generosity and explained how the program helps residents. She said the financial support from the ecumenical service will go a long way to meeting needs in the community, adding she remains grateful for the ongoing care and commitment of local congregations.
Leading the music were East Zorra Mennonite Church singers Larry Bearinger, Heidi Wagler (on electric piano), Brian Wagler and Lois Gascho.
Summer intern Alexis Leis of East Zorra Mennonite Church shared a message with local youth at the service.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Ministers from the participating churches, along with Alexis Leis, took part in the ecumenical service in Tavistock.
Members of eight area churches gathered at the Queen’s Park pavilion Sunday for a joint service in Tavistock.
OBITUARY
Wilma Evelyn (Augsburger) Martin
Loving and much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who passed away on August 11, 2025, at Columbia Forest Long Term Care, just 3 days shy of her 96th birthday. She was born August 14, 1929 to Raymond and Velma Augsburger. Married September 29, 1956 to Nelson Martin with whom she enjoyed almost 40 years. She supported him in ministry and worked to create a welcoming home for her family and friends. A candy dish was always ready for anyone who stopped by. She enjoyed baking, cooking and hosting in her home. When the house was quieter Wilma enjoyed reading, cross stitch, puzzling and visiting with family and friends.
Survived by her 5 children, Bev (Arnie), Charlene, Karen (Marv), Ray (Susan), and Carl (Sue). 11 grandchildren Ben (Jessica), Janelle, Justin (Jenna), Nicole (Geoff), Jessica (Ivan), Kyle (Becca), Natasha (Erik), Lucas (Katie), Mikayla, Kelsie, Kiri, and 12 great grandchildren. Also survived by a brother, Carol (Catherine) and 4 of the Martin sisters-in-law, Anna, Mary, Eva, and Verna.
Predeceased by her one true love, Nelson, siblings Oren (Arletta) and Melba (Herman), and in-laws Henry and Irene, Emerson, Cleason, Velina and Amos, and Clarence.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street, New Hamburg, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m. A private family interment will take place at St. Agatha Mennonite Church Cemetery. A Celebration of Wilma’s life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Wellesley Mennonite Church at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Steve Cox to officiate.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Rising Above Healing Ministries and can be done on the funeral home website.
Personal condolences can be posted on the funeral home website at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
IN MEMORIAM
MICHAEL ANTHONY HENDERSON / WILHELM
Son of Diane Henderson and Kathy and Tony Wilhelm Born Feb 4, 2000. Died Aug 16, 2018 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in a construction accident.
A ray of sunshine came and went, The son and grandson we loved but could not keep. When we lose someone we love, We learn to live with the love they left behind. There are no tomorrows for us to share, But yesterday's memories are always there. Memories are a gift to treasure, Ours of you will last forever. Sending you all the love, from the hearts you left behind.
Today as everyday, we fondly remember our handsome young man, loving son, precious grandson, fun loving cousin. Gramma Bessie and 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.
Sorry For Your Loss
Wilmot-Tavistock
By Jake Grant
1. What is the Michelin man made of?
2. How strong is an ant compared to its body weight?
3. What was Prince’s first album called?
4. What are the zodiac signs for August?
5. What is the capital of Alberta?
6. Cindy Lou Hoo is from what story?
7. When was the “Summer of Love”?
8. Which U.S. state is known as the “Sunflower State”?
9. What is the largest species of shark?
10. Who sang the 1970s rock anthem “School’s Out”? Answers found on the classified page
Christopher W. Franklin Funeral Director
deserve.
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.
August 12-19, 2015, Edition (10 years ago)
The Tavistock Squirts defended their Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) Squirt A title this past weekend in Queen’s Park, Tavistock, by defeating Shallow Lake 13-11 in the second of two final games on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 9, 2015. Tavistock was undefeated in the preliminary round beating Kitchener-Waterloo 7-3, Napanee 6-4, and Shallow Lake 9-8. Shallow Lake came up the loser’s side of the tournament to meet Tavistock once again in the finals. Tavistock had to lose twice. They were edged by Shallow Lake 5-2 in the first game but bounced back for the 13-11 championship win.
The skirl of bagpipes was heard in just about every corner of the Fryfogel Tavern and its surroundings on Saturday, Aug. 8 as resident piper Robin Baillie of Kitchener found unique places to ply his talents. Fryfogel Tavern, the 19th century stagecoach stop and resting place for incoming settlers to the Canada Company’s Huron Tract, was alive with music, food and fellowship as the Stratford Perth Heritage Foundation celebrated their first Ancestor’s Picnic and Fundraiser. Stratford chef Ben Uniac prepared delicious finger foods and the Tavern Tea Room served up refreshing tea and sweets including beautifully decorated cupcakes donated by Robyn Lusk, board member and owner of the Birdie Baking Co., Stratford.
Three young ladies will vie for the title of Tavistock Fall Fair Ambassador at the 30th annual event held on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. in the Tavistock Memorial Hall. Kirsten Schultz, 17, will represent the Tavistock Men’s Club. A graduate of Tavistock Public School, she is currently entering Grade 12 at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School in Baden. Nicole Stewart, 18, is sponsored by the Tavistock Opti-Mrs. The daughter of Frank and Rachel Stewart of Tavistock, she is a graduate of Tavistock Public School and Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School in Baden.
Karyssa Thompson, 18, is representing the Optimist Club of Tavistock. She is a graduate of Hickson Central School and Huron Park Secondary School in Woodstock. Karyssa will continue her studies at Humber College in Toronto in September where she will be studying public relations.
August 14-21, 1985, Edition (40 years ago)
The police committee met at the Tavistock Police office on Aug. 6 and received the July activity report showing 95 complaints investigated and three motor vehicle collisions with a total damage of $4,750. There were 49 charges laid for the month, 37 under the Highway Traffic Act. One break and enter was investigated with a value of goods stolen at $173. Two thefts were reported with a value stolen of $1,413.60. Two thefts under $200 were investigated for a value of $30.
For Miss Valerie Ramseyer, Aug. 14 was the crowning glory of weeks of anticipation, excitement and work. That was the night our 19-year-old Tavistock native became the 1985 Miss CNE –Queen of the Fairs. After winning Miss Wellesley Fair, Valerie earned the right to travel to Toronto Aug. 11 to compete in four days of judging along with 106 other rural Ontario fair queens. She originally entered the competition at the Wellesley-North Easthope Agricultural Exhibition because she wanted to meet new and interesting people, gain experience with the media and, mostly, to have fun.
August 13-20, 1975, Edition (50 years ago)
Freestone peaches from the orchards of the Niagara Peninsula and southwestern Ontario food stores and markets are available in steady quantities, and the chairman of the OntarioFresh Fruit Growers’ Marketing board states the quality of the 1975 crop is “exceptional.” The 1975 crop is expected to be 10 per cent heavier than the substantial harvest recorded last year. The close to 10,000 acres of peach orchards in the province are expected to produce 81 million pounds of freestone and clingstone peaches.
Bruce Halliday has just returned from Vancouver where he attended the National Scientific Meeting of the College of Physicians of Canada. A highlight of the convention was the convocation, at which Halliday was presented as recipient of the Family Physician of the Year award.
TOWNSHIP OF EAST ZORRA-TAVISTOCK
GRACE UNITED CHURCH
116 Woodstock St. S., Tavistock Phone: 519-655-2151
All are welcome
Service led by Rev. Marilyn Arthur Music by Marilyne Nystrome
TRINITY LUTHERAN (ELCIC)
Sebastopol - Tavistock 2210 Perth Line 29
Pastor Steve Hoffard Worship In Person or on Zoom Sundays at 10:00 AM (519) 655-2372 trinitylcoffice@gmail.com www.trinitytavistock.com
TAVISTOCK MENNONITE
Pastor Julie Ellison White
131 Wettlaufer St., Tavistock 655-2581
Sunday Worship services begin at 9:45am, with coffee and fellowship to follow at 11am.
All ages Junior Sunday School will follow after the service.
All are Welcome Stream services online at www.tavistockmennonitechurch.ca
TAVISTOCK BIBLE CHAPEL
32 Oxford Street, Tavistock, Ontario Questions or Need Help? Text or Call: (519) 655-2413 tavistockbc.org
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
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511 Finkle Street Woodstock, ON N4V 0C4 CA
Ragweed season is upon us, so I’ll be staying indoors for the next two months
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
It comes like clockwork every year.
While some years are better than others, on Aug. 15 without fail, I begin suffering from what past generations called hay fever, which we now know is due to ragweed allergies.
In the bad years, which the itching in my nose is already warning me this year might be, I get all the allergy symptoms. From itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and an itchy pallet to a stuffed nose and sometimes even a swollen face, I get it all.
And allergy season can be tricky. Sometimes, I wake up feeling great – no symptoms at all – but as soon as I even breathe a whiff of outside air, I start sniffling, sneezing, crying and wheezing almost like I’d just rolled around in a field of that dirty, rotten weed.
Ragweeds are flowering plants in the genus Ambrosia and native to North America. Several species have been introduced to Europe and Asia, and some have naturalized and become invasive species.
The name “ragweed” is derived from “ragged” + “weed,” coming from the ragged appearance of the plant’s leaves. Other common names include bursages and burrobrushes. The genus name is from the Greek ambrosia, meaning “food or drink of immortality,” a name I wholeheartedly disagree with.
Ragweed pollen is notorious for causing allergic reactions in humans, specifically allergic rhinitis – a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Up to half of all cases of pollen-related allergic rhinitis in North America are caused by ragweeds.
So, I try every year to seal myself off and remain indoors with the windows closed from Aug. 15 until the first frost, usually in mid-October. I take two 24-hour allergy pills every day like clockwork, as well as a steroid nasal spray once a day, and eye drops and decongestants as needed.
Sometimes, I’m so hopped up on allergy drugs, a single cup of coffee can have me so jittery, I can barely sit still.
However, my work and social life don’t always allow me to stay indoors. When I have to cover a fall fair, for example, or a plowing match, or if all my friends are enjoying an afternoon lounging around a pool, I simply have no choice but to take my meds and hope for the best, which is usually a day relatively free of symptoms and a full night where I feel like my head is so congested it could explode.
So, as this ragweed season comes into full swing, I am praying to the allergy gods for mercy, both for myself and all those like me who suffer needlessly.
An interesting sidenote: When I lived in Saskatchewan for a year and a half, I didn’t suffer any ragweed allergies at all. I’m not sure if that’s because of the drier climate or if ragweed simply doesn’t thrive in the prairies the way it does here, but I was certainly very grateful.
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SPONSORED BY:
By Galen Simmons
The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
Tavistock native joins OHL coaching ranks
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tavistock native Jon Jutzi has decided to trade a career in water treatment for a fulltime coaching gig in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
The Niagara IceDogs recently announced the hiring of 34-year-old Jon Jutzi as an assistant coach who most recently spent one year behind the bench with the Huron-Perth AAA U16 Lakers. He also spent three years behind the bench with the Junior C Tavistock Braves.
“I’m ready to coach at the OHL level. I have a great support staff around me with a lot of experience. I learned a lot from Krys Barch last year, who was the head coach I am going to be with again in Niagara. A lot of my experience comes from my playing days. I played fairly high-level hockey and I am excited for the new challenge.”
Barch played 187 OHL games with the London Knights and 381 games in the NHL with the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils. He also worked in a player-development role with the Buffalo Sabres before spending five years with the Lakers AAA organization. Jutzi, a former professional defenceman with over 100 games played in the
American Hockey League (AHL) and East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the IceDogs. Jutzi started at Minnesota State University (Mankato) during his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) career before transitioning into professional hockey.
“I am honoured to join this organization and excited to get to work. I am proud to be joining a great staff and group of young athletes. My goal is to support our players and coaching staff with energy, commitment and a focus on improvement every single day,” said Jutzi.
Jutzi said the biggest difference in coaching in the OHL is simply the calibre of play.
“We are dealing with some high-level athletes here between the ages of 16 and 20. The OHL is the highest-level junior hockey league in Canada. They all aspire to play professional hockey someday. They are high-motivated and high-skilled and it’s going to be fun to work with them and grow and mature and hopefully, by the end of their time here, they’re young men ready to make the jump to the next level of hockey wherever that is.”
Jutzi spent several years working for the
family business in Stratford, Jutzi Water Technologies. He said a coaching career is a new chapter in his professional life.
“Hockey has been a big part of my life for a long, long time. When I was done playing, I got involved with coaching right away in Tavistock and I have been involved in some way, shape or form since I’ve been done playing. What I’m looking forward to the most is being strictly focused on hockey and see how much I can learn, grow, and see where this takes me.”
When asked about any head-coaching aspirations, Jutzi said he isn’t ruling it out.
“For now, I am focused on learning as much as I can from the guys I’m with. We’ll see where it takes me and what options open up down the road. This is a great opportunity that came across my plate and I had to take it.”
Waterloo native Luke Israel has also been hired as an assistant coach in Niagara while Ryan Ludzik is back in his second stint as goalie coach.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Jon, Luke and Ryan to the IceDogs family,” said Barch. “Each of them brings a unique skill set that strengthens our staff and supports our mission to develop high-character players on and off the ice.”
U15 Thunder win OASA provincial gold
always really good, and we usually have close games when we play against them.”
The U15 Boys Tier One Wilmot Thunder won the gold medal at the Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) Provincial Championship held Aug. 1-3 at the New Hamburg Fairgrounds and will now represent Ontario in the national championship, taking place Aug. 13-17 in Winkler, Man.
Head coach Mark Murray told the Gazette the team’s tightknit bond was a key to the team once again reaching the highest competition in the country.
“Our group has been together for 10 years now,” said Murray. “This is our third provincial championship, and this year was our fourth trip to the finals. The boys had a great weekend (at the recent provincial championship) where they showed their abilities to compete at a very high level in all three phases of the game, being pitching, defence and hitting.”
The Thunder started the tournament with an 11-0 win against Campbellford. Despite the impressive 11-run offensive output, it was the pitching that stole the show. Lukas Stoll had a masterful performance on the mound, pitching a no-hitter and finishing with a complete game shutout for the Thunder.
Wilmot’s second game was against Tara, an opponent that Murray noted was always a tough test.
“This was our toughest game of the whole tournament,” Murray said. “Tara is
Tara took an early 2-0 lead, but strong pitching from Brayden Symanyk held Tara to six runs in the game, while the Thunder’s bats were able to battle back and secure the victory by a score of 11-6.
As a result of being able to win the first two games, the Thunder faced off against Haldimand with the winner getting a bye directly to the championship game. On the mound for Haldimand was a familiar face for the Thunder; Harm Hartwick played with Wilmot last season during the Eastern Canadian Championships. The Thunder was able to beat Haldimand 8-1 to advance to the championship contest.
The Thunder had a rematch with Haldimand in the final, who had made their way back up the losers bracket to meet Wilmot in the championship game. The Thunder came out of the gates hot, scoring two runs in the first inning. That strong offensive showing continued, leading to a 7-0 win.
Jacob Smaglinski caught every inning of the tournament, and on offense, the team had a couple of home runs hit by Symanyk, Ethan Pickersgill and Vance Hallman.
Wilmot’s pitching was the main bright spot in the entire tournament, with Stoll and Symanyk both pitching two complete games en route to the Championship.
coach
“Lukas (Stoll) and Brayden (Simanek) are both just exceptional pitchers and they have been locked in all year for us,” said Murray. “Pitching is one of our biggest strengths as a team. If one guy is having an off game, we have multiple other guys who can step in.”
Tavistock’s Jon Jutzi is trading in his water-treatment career for a full-time coaching job in the Ontario Hockey League.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF NIAGARA ICEDOGS )
The U15 Boys Tier One Wilmot Thunder captured the gold medal at the OASA Provincial Championship Aug. 1-3 and will now represent Ontario at the national championship in Winkler, Man. from Aug. 13-17. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Jared Shantz, Brayden Symanyk, Xander Nutt, Nate Monahan, Parker Pfaff and Charlie Oliver. In the back row, from left, are coach Tammy Stole, coach Mark Murray Sr., Vance Hallman, Jacob Smaglinski, Lukas Stole, Mark Murray Jr., Ethan Pickersgill, Julian Jones, coach Trevor Shantz and
Jody Pfaff.
KALE CRISP Gazette Sports Correspondent
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
North Easthope’s Levi Dill wins big in Grand Bend
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
Fourteen-year-old Levi Dill of North Easthope Township near Hampstead is burning up the track again this season at Grand Bend Motorplex.
Over the Civic Holiday weekend, Dill doubled up at the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) Canadian Nationals, going undefeated and capturing “The Rod,” a high-profile trophy coveted by racers. He sealed Sunday’s victory with a razor-thin margin of 0.0008 seconds.
Dill, who will enter Grade 9 at Stratford District Secondary School this fall after graduating from North Easthope Public School in June, has enjoyed a strong 2025 season. Humble and positive in both his racing career and dealings with competitors, he is supported trackside by his parents, Mike and Kirsten, and sisters Lexi and Jade.
Currently sitting fourth in the Junior Dragster Points Series standings at Grand Bend, Dill races with the backing of W.C. Dill and Company, Weills Food Processing, John Bear Chevrolet in New Hamburg and GM Canada, and is open to adding more sponsor logos to his car.
Those interested can contact him at levidill246x@gmail.com.
Foxboro Green Hopespring charity tournament raises over $14,000
The annual Foxboro Green charity golf tournament, which benefits Hopespring Cancer Support Centre, raised over $14,000 this year.
To date, the annual event has contributed about $190,000 to the charitable organization. The tournament was held on Aug. 7. The funds were raised through hole sponsorships and a silent auction that featured close to 100 donated items, goods and services.
Event chair Jim Arbuckle expressed
thanks to dozens of Foxboro Green residents, friends and local businesses that sponsored holes, donated items for the auction and played in the tournament, which was held at Foxwood Golf Course.
Low score honours for the best-ball tournament were claimed by the team of Linda and Brian Boehmer, Gail Muma and Barry Boehmer, all members of the Foxboro Green community.
The organizing committee of the 2025 tournament included Arbuckle, Neil Campbell, Diane Goring, Paul Knowles and Paul Solomonian.
Levi Dill stands proudly in the winner’s circle at Grand Bend with his Junior Dragster trophy, “The Rod,” and a $500 cheque. He hopes to finish the season in the win column and capture the overall points championship.
(KIRSTEN DILL PHOTO)
The Foxboro Green annual Hopespring Cancer Support Centre golf tournament, held Aug. 7, raised over $14,000 for Hopespring. Shown are members of the organizing committee along with Hopespring representative Tammy Simmons. From left are Neil Campbell, Paul Solomonian, Simmons, Diane Goring, Jim Arbuckle and Paul Knowles.
PAUL KNOWLES Gazette Correspondent
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAUL KNOWLES)
The winning foursome in the annual Foxboro Green golf tournament benefiting Hopespring Cancer Support Centre, shown with event chair Jim Arbuckle (centre), included, from left, Brian and Linda Boehmer, Gail Muma and Barry Boehmer.
Dave McLaren’s lifelong commitment to sports remains in game shape
JEFF TRIBE Gazette Correspondent
Dave McLaren’s lifelong commitment to sports is as far more than a figurehead.
At the recent South Oxford Softball League U11 Girls championship tournament, the Hickson Sports and Recreation treasurer was among a posse of volunteers making it happen through what was, at times, a brutally hot, three-day event. Beyond hosting and scheduling, community members prepared and maintained the diamond, manned the refreshment booth and added little touches like announcing players’ names and greeting them with walk-up songs as they approached home plate.
“My goal is to make it fun for kids to come to the park,” said McLaren.
He was at the diamond from 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and back again for Sunday’s championship round from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“It was a long weekend,” said McLaren, 73 as of Aug. 19. “But you do it because you love it and want to give back.”
Born in Woodstock, he was raised in Hickson, playing fastball competitively until 46 after growing up as the southpaw in a longstanding lefty-righty, Ontario Rural Softball Aassociation-winning pitching duo also featuring Don Oliver. McLaren enjoyed minor hockey in Woodstock, joining the Junior C Woodstock Navy Vets full-time as a 15-year-old.
“There was no Gameboys or Xboxes around and we didn’t have a lot of money, so we went out and played the games,” said McLaren, remembering ball with friends, street hockey, or throwing and catching a
ball off a wall if no one else was available.
“It was just one of those things.”
It was a different time, he admitted, recalling taking his hockey bag to the corner of Hickson’s main drag (Oxford Road 8) and Highway 59 if his dad had to work later than practice began, and hitchhiking to the arena as a 10-, 11- or 12-year-old.
“You wouldn’t do that now.”
McLaren played two seasons with the
Vets; he was nicknamed “The Hammer” while winning an all-Ontario championship in 1968-1969.
“I’m not sure why,” said McLaren, insisting he wasn’t a fighter, though he did amass 185 penalty minutes along with 35 points during his second season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). “It’s kind of stuck.”
McLaren began playing Junior A with
London in the 1969-1970 season. He played two seasons with the Knights before being traded to the Kitchener Rangers for his third. At the time, players had to be either fighters or a magician with the puck, says McLaren.
“I was neither,” he laughed, rather a “stay-at-home” defenceman who thought the game well, was strong positionally and moved the puck quickly out of his own zone.
“I prided myself on that first pass.”
McLaren played a year with the New Jersey Devils – then of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) – before returning home and playing senior hockey. Laughing, he remembered Vic Shelton, whose signature move was throwing a fish on the ice during games at the Perry Street Arena, or the time fans dressed up eight pig’s heads sourced from Rudy’s Meat Market as opposing Cambridge Hornets fans.
“It was absolutely hilarious.”
McLaren began coaching, including fastball in his home community where he had one prerequisite.
“I don’t care if we lose every game, just not to Innerkip,” he laughed, referring to an old rivalry. “Back in the day, oh man!” As a hockey bench boss, McLaren helped three Tavistock Minor Hockey teams win Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) titles, a senior division crown with that same centre and a senior title alongside Brad Wilkins in Tillsonburg. McLaren’s sons, Jack and Rob McLaren, also played hockey, joining the Navy Vets, the Junior B Stratford Cullitons and, eventually, the Thorold Black Hawks as they
Dave McLaren congratulates Sweaburg Storm head coach Matt Walker following the South Oxford Softball League U11 girls’ championship game.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTOS)
attended Brock University.
Both won Sutherland Cups (Junior B championships) in Stratford, and eventually a second championship together with the Black Hawks, both as defencemen.
“Seems to be a McLaren thing,” Dave McLaren laughed.
Four grandchildren all play sports – two play lacrosse in Toronto and two play fastball out of Innerkip where Dave McLaren has learned to embrace them in an Eagles’ uniform. All also lace up their skates; one forward among three defenders.
“They love the game,” said Dave McLaren. “Makes grandpa proud, let’s put it that way.”
He concurrently ran a sporting goods store in Woodstock for two decades in partnership with Don Jones, beginning as Cupolo Sports, progressing through Double D Sports to Collegiate Sports, Sports Experts and finally Intersport.
Just to check off another couple of boxes, Dave McLaren has offered a one-week hockey school in Woodstock that, in 2025, is celebrating its 39th year, and he was also a baseball umpire for 52 years.
In short, sports is a huge part of his life.
“Love it; it’s my passion. I don’t know what I’d do without it,” Dave McLaren said, noting how supportive his wife, Kim, has been through his ongoing athletic journey.
“Her understanding of my passion for sports has meant everything.”
Admittedly, there are times he feels like banging his head on a brick wall.
“But there are a lot of really good kids out there that make it a lot of fun.”
As a member of Hickson Sports and Recreation, Dave McLaren honours his father, who started minor ball in the community 63 years ago. He has been responsible for scheduling umpires, booth staff and a T-ball program resuscitated following COVID, initially with free registration but
now raised to $10, which includes a T-shirt and hat.
As well as behind-the-scenes work, Dave McLaren took his turn selling 50/50 tickets at the South Oxford tournament, handing out pennants to the championship Sweaburg Storm as well as less-glamorous duties including cleaning out the deep-fryer.
“When you slow down, you die,” he said. “So, keep on going as long as you can, anyway.”
Dave McLaren said he believes that if a child wants to kick a soccer ball, needs a ball hockey goalie, or wishes to play catch, it’s up to an older generation member to do so.
“No matter what it is, do your best job as an adult to keep them in the game,” he said, noting that kids playing games are not finding trouble on the street. “That’s the key in this day and age for sure.”
Dave McLaren (left) and Kyle Smith at the conclusion of the South Oxford Softball League U11 Girls championship game hosted in Hickson.
The smiles on the faces of the hometown Hickson Tigers and Sweaburg Storm following the South Oxford Softball League U11 Girls championship game illustrate Dave McLaren’s ongoing motivation for a lifelong commitment to sports.
Bite into some local, sensational sweet corn
HEAPS OF HEALTHY TIPS
By Mercedes Kay Gold
Corn is a starchy staple food eaten and loved globally. It’s technically a fruit, but considered a vegetable and even a grain once harvested into cornmeal.
This nutritionist is a fast-fact fanatic. Here’s a few to file away for crossword puzzle day. Corn has an even number of rows on each cob. Corn is also called maize and it comes in a rainbow of colours from purple to red and even beautiful blue.
Corn often has a bad rap, but don’t kick the cool cob to the curb just yet; the mighty kernel has health benefits in its natural form.
Corn is a super source of soluble and insoluble fibre, the reason why it’s one of the most widely consumed cereal grains worldwide. Corn is a carbohydrate through and through. One cup contains 41 grams and this starch is a massive
no on keto and carnivore diets.
Yes, corn quickly raises blood sugar but can be part of a wellbalanced diet. This naturally gluten-free food is high in fibre and when paired with protein, corn can help balance blood sugar. Corn contains 177 calories in a single cup and the average cob has about 90 calories, making it a stellar swap for a slice of bread or a bun. Corn contains vitamin C, folate, magnesium and potassium but the key vitamin is thiamine or vitamin B1.
As a nutritionist, I create menus for clients containing corn, but for top-notch weight control, I recommend one starch serving of a starchy meal or two half servings to eliminate boredom. In a salad, for an example, keep the focus on a gad of greens, tomatoes, diced avocado and shredded chicken breast. For a Mexican twist, whisk olive oil,
apple cider vinegar, lime, chili powder and cumin. Bring in starchy carbs to complete the magic of macros. Top with equal parts of fresh sweet yellow corn and black beans. Don’t forget to serve with loads of fresh chopped cilantro.
Summertime fun time is not over yet. Nothing beats throwing a cob on the barbie or over a roaring bonfire. For many, staying on track equals snacking. Popcorn is my personal favorite thanks to stolen moments over a big bowl of fresh-popped, hot and salty grain goodness with my grandpa. Air popped is the healthiest, waist-friendly option by far. A little Himalayan pink salt and melted coconut oil or butter is popped perfection. Move aside, movie popcorn. Never mind the average cinema’s popcorn contains approximately 1,300 calories, 70 grams of unhealthy fat and serious sodium at over 1,400 milligrams in a cup, kernels tend to contain flavacol. This seasoned salt contains an array of artificial flavours and dyes. The liquid topping contains soybean oil and other scary ingredients like polydimethylsiloxane and TBHQ. Recreate bougie bagged kettle corn with melted dark chocolate, preferably 85 per cent and up. Top with truffle oil and
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
The Wilmot mega-site joke – 770 acres for a project that needs 30
For over a year, local politicians and business leaders have been pushing the region’s plan to assemble a gargantuan 770-acre “mega industrial site” in Wilmot – ignoring farmers, neighbours and anyone who dares question the wisdom of bulldozing prime farmland for vague economic promises.
Now the punchline lands: the marquee suitor is a Quebec data centre company that needs less than 30 acres to do what it does – less than 10 per cent of the site. Yet the region already owns 150 acres, has agreements for 335 more and is trying to strong-arm the last two large farms into selling – possibly through expropriation. This 30-acre estimate comes from looking at QScale’s existing data centre campus in Lévis, Que., where their first phase occupies about 18 acres and the full planned build-out could reach around 28 acres. Even large hyperscale data centres rarely require more than 50 acres, making the region’s push for 770 acres wildly disproportionate.
Meanwhile, plenty of industrial parcels sit empty elsewhere in the region
and township, already zoned and ready for development. Even better, a data centre could easily be sited on less-valuable farmland, brownfields, or rehabilitated gravel pits, sparing the loss of fertile soil and rural character. But no, apparently bulldozing hundreds of acres is the preferred path.
And what about jobs? Forget about a manufacturing plant or a distribution hub.
A state-of-the-art data centre employs maybe a few dozen highly specialized people once it’s built. The rest are temporary construction workers, long gone after the ribbon cutting.
If this is “economic development,” Wilmot deserves better leadership than a group blindly pushing a massive land grab, disrespecting local voices and throwing farmland under the bus for a project wildly out of scale.
If this is progress, Wilmot deserves a better punchline.
Anne Loeffler, New Hamburg
Fresh off the grill — sweet summer corn on the cob is a fibre-rich, gluten-free treat that’s as tasty as it is nutritious.
parmesan cheese. Go vegan with nutritional yeast. The popcorn possibilities are endless. We can’t talk about corn and forget the perfect pairing to salsa, the 100 per-cent blue corn chip. Pass on polenta? Never. This traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal can be made
savory and sweet. Pour the hot creamy mixture cool and bake, fry or grill for a super side dish. Polenta is versatile and a grand gluten-free grain in baked goods. Corn is in season so shop local for the freshest homegrown garden goodness!
Iconic sign staying put in Tavistock, for now
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
Residents driving along Woodstock Street North this week may have done a double take after spotting a bucket trailer in front of the Francis Furniture building.
Some may have assumed the building’s iconic sign was coming down, but that’s not the case, says Nick Hendry of Stonecrest Engineering, co-owner of the property.
“The sign will be staying up for a while
yet,” Hendry said.
Only painting work is being done above the sign to preserve the wood for the four businesses currently operating inside this well-known Tavistock landmark.
Local painter Annabell Hendry is handling the scraping and painting, turning the maintenance work into “a work of art,” according to observers.
When the sign is eventually removed, it will remain the property of Scott Francis, in memory of his father, Peter, and grandfather, Jim.
(VECTEEZY PHOTO)
Local painter Annabell Hendry works from a bucket trailer this week to preserve the wood above the iconic Francis Furniture sign on Woodstock Street North in Tavistock.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
A superb destination a few minutes from home
And I have to be honest; I went to see Annie with a certain amount of skepticism. After all, the success of the play hangs on the work of a bunch of children, and how good could young kids really be?
By Paul Knowles
There are literally dozens of reasons to visit Stratford, Ont. Those of us who live within an easy drive of Canada’s premier theatre destination are very lucky, indeed.
Now let’s be honest; the things you can enjoy in Stratford range from the free-ofcharge to pretty pricey, but I am here to argue that activities on both ends of that financial spectrum are worth the price of admission.
Top of mind in Stratford, of course, is the Festival. The plays at the sundry Stratford stages certainly can fall into the pretty pricey category, but there are some more economical options for locals who can visit Stratford on shorter notice – ticket bargains offered on social media or to festival members, or as last-minute purchases – all worth exploring.
I was amused to discover that even the Festival folks themselves are aware of the discussion about prices. One of the songs in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, “Great Big Stuff,” features lyrics adapted to this particular performance. The character Freddy Benson, played hysterically well by Liam Tobin, sings about what it would mean to strike it rich. One of those perks, he sings, would be to afford tickets to Stratford!
We’ve attended the two big musicals at Stratford so far this season (with apologies to Mr. Shakespeare) and both were amazing.
As it turns out, really, really good. To my surprise, I loved every minute of the production. I should not have had any doubts because Annie is directed and choreographed by Donna Feore, and everything Donna does turns into gold. She is an amazing talent and every theatre-goer in southern Ontario should be grateful that she chooses to make magic in Stratford almost every year.
And those kids! Singing, dancing, acting and doing it all to perfection. Most surprising, perhaps, was that at the show we saw, the girl who stars as Annie was unavailable, and her understudy, Olivia Padfield of Cambridge, played the lead role superbly.
The adult actors are really fine as well. The versatile Dan Chameroy (who was so good as the outrageous Dr. Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and the also outrageous as Nostradamus in last year’s Something Rotten) has a lot of fun playing Oliver Warbucks as a buttoned-down businessman who has his life turned upside down by an orphan girl.
Laura Condlln plays Miss Aggie Hannigan with hilarious abandon; her numbers alone are worth the price of admission.
All in all, Annie was a delightful surprise to cynical old me, anyway.
Dirty Rotton Scoundrels offered some surprises, too. I have seen the movie on which this musical is based; it starred Michael Caine and Steve Martin, and I remember laughing a lot.
The musical follows the same plot, but as a more modern production, the book and lyrics are far bolder – which you could interpret as far more vulgar – and at times, I was mildly shocked.
But by the end of the play, I was entirely a fan. I enjoyed seeing Jonathan Goad in one of the lead roles, playing sophisticated Lawrence – I have enjoyed his work often in his 18 Stratford season. As mentioned, Liam Tobin is perfect as the over-the-top Freddy. And you will fall in love with Shakura Dick son as Christine Colgate.
There is also a lovely subplot, which also involves some rather scandalous declara tions, involving the excellent Derek Kwan as Andre and Sara-Jeanne Hosie as Muriel
Eubanks.
So yes, the musicals at Stratford this season are certainly worth the price of admission, but if you want to mitigate your budget in Stratford, there are also plenty of things to do and see that cost nothing! If you wander around the city, especially the riverfront area, I can almost guarantee you will encounter excellent musicians performing as buskers, or on the jazz boat, or in the park, or in one of the many outdoor music and arts festivals that take place in Stratford in the summer months.
And speaking of art, it’s always intriguing to stroll through Art in the Park and take in the truly fine work being done by local art ists.
One of our favourite things to do is to
bring a picnic – and I mean a real, old-fashioned picnic served on a table cloth with napkins, silverware, elegant beverages and sundry edibles. I don’t think there is a city anywhere that offers as many picnic tables along a river as you will find in Stratford. Full points to the city leaders.
And I have not even mentioned the fine dining, the interesting shops of the main street, or the astonishing gardens, both public and private. Tell you what, make the quick trip to Stratford and discover all your
(DAVID HOU PHOTO)
(TED BELTON PHOTO)
From left: Jonathan Goad as Lawrence, Shakura Dickson as Christine Colgate and Liam Tobin as Freddy Benson, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Stratford Festival 2025.
Members of the company in Annie. Stratford Festival 2025.
A picture for posterity – or so it seems
VINTAGE VIEWS
By Tim Mosher Tavistock and District Historical Society
Last week’s Vintage Views photo was of the Zimmerman’s house in Tavistock with the float the family built for the peace day parade to commemorate the end of World War I.
They first established a cooperage in the village in 1868 and in 1906 purchased this box and planing factory from John Kalbfleish. By the time this photo was taken of the factory in 1918, they had expanded, occupying much of the land between their house and the railway tracks south approaching the present-day Tim Horton’s.
The approximate picture date was determined by the fashions and because there are electrical wires in the picture; electricity came to Tavistock in 1916. Zimmermans produced a variety of wood-related products as detailed in last week’s article and were an important employer in Tavistock for many decades.
Front and centre in the group are two unnamed fashionable women who are thought to be secretaries working in Zimmerman’s office. Behind them are the proprietors of the manufactory, from left to right, Harry, John and George Zimmerman, no doubt dressed up for photo day, unlike the unnamed labourers around them. A man behind George is wielding a very large wrench and the fellow on the bottom right of the group is posing with a hammer in his right hand and an unknown tool in his left. A large band that’s usually on a pulley is on the ground beside this man. Three hostlers hold the horses’ reins and – oddly – a welldressed man seems to be hiding behind the wagon load of boxes on the right.
This is an example of Mr. Lemp’s very good understanding of the adjustments of his view-type camera. These were professional cameras that were large, ungainly, always mounted on a tripod and had a black piece of fabric a little larger than a pillow case to put over the photographer’s head while composing on the five-by-seven or eight-by-10 inch (13-by-18 or 20-by-25 centimetres) glass focusing screen on the back of the camera (equivalent to the tiny eye piece on a modern camera, or the screen on a cell phone). The photographer could raise the entire
front of the camera higher than the back or vice versa, or twist the back of the camera so the negative was angled in relation to the lens, among other adjustments. The body of the camera was a bellows, which allowed for these movements. Adjustments of this type are unknown on today’s mid-level or amateur cameras but they allow for a variety of image manipulations at the professional level (now largely possible in digital editing).
In this picture, note that the extreme left and right vertical edges of the building’s facade are parallel. In reality, that’s not possible because the upper floor is farther away from the viewer than the ground floor and so the structure’s edges should appear to be converging slightly. If it were a much taller building, the edges would converge dramatically simply due to the upper floors being much farther away than the lower floors. Mr. Lemp corrected this natural diminution by adjusting his camera. This gives the facade a subtle though artificial appearance of being constructed as it is in reality: perpendicular to the ground. If he had not made these adjustments, the facade would look as though it were leaning slightly backwards with the edges converging.
Mr. Lemp took four very similar photos that day, though the others don’t have the teams of horses, or it appears the camera accidentally budged. He also took a variety of photos in and around the factory and of the Zimmermans over the years posing on the front steps of their grand home. All of these images are available online on the Tavistock and District Historical Society’s (TDHS) website.
Type “Zimmerman” in the search tool and 45 photos will appear related to this family.
The Tavistock Gazette is also available on the TDHS site back to 1895, including the Dec. 19, 1956, front page article and photo recounting the blaze that levelled the box factory in one of Tavistock’s largest fires. A 12-year-old girl first spotted the flames when the Tavistock fire department was alerted and, shortly after, the Hickson, Woodstock and Stratford departments too, but all was lost.
A main transformer was damaged which created a village-wide blackout. Residents of Baden could see the light from the fire reflected off the clouds. The factory’s most recent contract was with the Department of National Defence constructing ammunition boxes. The Zimmermans decided not to rebuild and pursued other business interests, rehiring some of the 35 men who lost their jobs only days before Christmas.
So why was this 107-year-old photo taken? It’s another example of a beautiful picture in the Lemp Studio Collection that was created for an unknown purpose. For advertising? For gifts to the employees? For posterity? It’s hard to say but it’s an important record of days gone by for local historians.
If the Zimmermans hired Mr. Lemp to take a photo for the record, i.e. for posterity, kudos to them for their foresight. Now, over a century later, we look at these pictures and marvel at what we see made by these time machines we call cameras. This is why I encourage current businesses, organizations, clubs and congregations to have these types of pictures taken. Years, decades or a century from now and beyond, our descendants will look at them and think, “Was life really like that in 2025? Oh my. So different. So simple.”
Last week’s first History Mystery: The photo was of the WWI peace parade float and Zimmerman house in Tavistock. The question was open to anyone under the age of 16. The question was “What is the meaning of ‘Pinta’ on the side of the float?” No one forwarded the correct answer. The an-
swer is that the Pinta was one of the three ships that Christopher Columbus sailed on when he – according to the popular legend – “discovered America” in 1492. The other two ships were the Niña and the Santa Maria. Why the Zimmermans chose this theme for their float is not recorded.
Last week’s second History Mystery: The question was “What’s the connection between popular American folk singer Bob Dylan and this story?” No reader forwarded the correct answer. It was open to all ages. The answer is that his name at birth was Robert Allen Zimmerman, which he changed to Dylan at the start of his singing career.
This week’s History Mystery: Apart from some of the workers standing with their arms crossed, perhaps for warmth, and all wearing long sleeves, what’s another hint that this photo was taken on a cool day, despite it being sunny? This question is open to all ages. The first person to send the correct answer to tim_mosher@hotmail.com by 9 a.m. next Tuesday will have their name and home community or rural route number published in the following edition.
Fifty-six men and boys and two women pose for their picture in the days before asphalt roads and motorized conveyances, but electricity had arrived in this 1918 photo.
(JOHN LEMP; SCAN #0197 )
NEAT Club members enjoy breakfast at Steinmann Mennonite Church
the congregation’s annual fundraising breakfast.
and sausage quiche that had tractor club members raving.
More than 90 members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor (NEAT) Club, along with their spouses and partners, travelled to Baden’s Steinmann Mennonite Church last week to enjoy
With many small neighbourhood churches closing due to declining attendance, Steinmann’s members continue to work hard to keep the church between New Hamburg and Baden vibrant and growing.
The breakfast’s standout dish was a ham
Church member Norma Iutzi addressed the group, leading the opening remarks and offering the blessing, which ended with a hope for future peace in the world. She invited the club to return next August.
Funds raised will go toward installing
new stainless steel countertops in the church’s licensed kitchen, which meets public health regulations. Steinmann’s volunteers also help prepare breakfasts and lunches for students in need in New Hamburg, in partnership with Hillcrest Mennonite Church.
Women’s Institute history day held in Tillsonburg
The annual Southern Area Women’s Institute (WI) Tweedsmuir History Day was held Aug. 9 in Tillsonburg at Avondale United Church, Cuthbertson Hall.
About 60 ladies and their guests from Southern Area WI, which includes the counties of Oxford, Elgin, Middlesex, Chatham-Kent and Lambton, spent the day in Tillsonburg with two great guest speakers.
Nancy John, Oxford district president, presided for the day.
The morning speaker was Dawn McClintock of nearby Springfield. Dawn showed us around her grandmother’s wartime kitchen, all the while explaining how rationing worked and how ladies, both rural and in town, fed their families from 1942-1947.
People were encouraged to grow ‘Victory Gardens’ in a patch of their lawn, or former flower bed, to help themselves out in food supply. Meat, sugar, coffee and many other things were either strictly rationed or in short supply for other reasons. She related a story in the Aylmer newspaper where one woman was publicly shamed after someone told the authorities she had an extra 200 pounds of sugar at her
house. Her name was in the newspaper and it also told what day she was in court about it. How embarrassing.
There was a fair bit of telling tales of hoarding around the community at the time.
Dawn lives in her grandmother’s house and has a great display of kitchen items and cookbooks from the 1930s and 1940s. She also treated us to samples of baked goods from the era. Canadian War Cake is delicious, and potato pastry is pretty good
too.
After lunch, Carolyn Crawford of Terra Cotta told us about her cookbook passion. She has about 5,000 cookbooks collected so far and explained more about wartime practices and some that were much earlier. She mentioned dedicated campaigns by women’s groups, such as Jam for Britain, that were successful.
Crawford is a WI member and one of the founders and past-president of the Culinary Historians of Canada Society.
This group preserves cooking and baking records from the last 200 years in Canada. The group is based in Toronto but is reaching out more and more to other areas.
One of Crawford’s great concerns is that many museums are either closing or reducing their holdings to reflect the funding they now receive for their collections and activities. This means many rural women’s artifacts and records are being either given to other museums and collections or being thrown away.
One of the items that this applies to in particular is the old 4-H Homemaking Club study books, in addition to regular cookbooks, pamphlets and personal notebooks. She is advocating these be given a second look and hopefully preserved before they are gone permanently.
There were cookie jars of various vintages and themes on the tables as a display for the day. Information about cookie jar history and a few notes about Avondale United Church were also at the tables for people to read.
A guided tour of Annandale House National Historic Site was enjoyed by participants at the end of the day. E.D. Tillson had a large experimental farm on the edge of town in the late 1800s, and his home still stands.
The Steinmann Mennonite Church kitchen crew were thanked by two executive members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club. From left are NEAT past president John Schyff, Joyce Erb, Gord Roth, Sharon Wismer, Carol Roth, Susan Seyler, Norma Iutzi, Darlene Gingerich and NEAT president John Mohr.
Raymond Ruby of Tavistock, a career dairy farmer, grins as he says, “My model A two-cylinder John Deere isn’t quite as old as I am, but runs just a little better than I do most days!”
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Carolyn Crawford has a passion for cookbooks, and one of her concerns is cookbooks being lost as museums reduce their collections or close.
NANCY WEST
Submitted to the Gazette
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Oxford County beef farmers host annual barbecue in Tavistock
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
More than 700 people turned out last week to enjoy the Oxford County Cattlemen’s Association’s annual beef barbecue at Tavistock Memorial Hall.
Traffic lined up early for a taste of what organizers call the best beef in the country.
John Kaufman, one of the event organizers, said that since switching to a drivethrough format, fewer helpers are required but many volunteers still come out to serve. The menu included tender local beef, locally grown corn on the cob, potatoes and vegetables, and Quehl’s homemade apple pie.
“We couldn’t do it without the dozens of 4-H Beef members and their leaders, who are always there to lend a helping hand and, at the same time, raise funds for their local club,” Kaufman said.
Launch of Waterloo Region’s 2025 Vital Signs® Report
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Online)
Join us and hear from Steven Ayer, Founder and CEO of Common Good Strategies and the Lead Author and Researcher for the report.
Register at wrcf.ca/dialogues or scan the QR code.
Register at wrcf.ca/dialogues or scan the QR code. Join WRCF for two events happening in September!
Strengthening our community through connections
Thursday, September 18, 2025 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (In-Person)
Join us and hear from Pete Bombaci, Founder & CEO of GenWell: The Human Connection Movement, followed by a fireside chat.
Members of the 4-H Beef Club volunteered in strong numbers to help prepare meals during the drive-through barbecue.
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
Oxford County beef farmers stepped away from their nightly chores to cook corn outside Tavistock Memorial Hall, keeping up with the high demand in the first hour of the barbecue. At right, a young cowboy stands by as an Oxford County “quality control” representative.
Fourteen-year-old Tyler Smith and 15-year-old Hank Weir of the 4-H Beef Club sold 50/50 tickets to drivers, raising funds for their 2025 initiatives.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Mopar Breakfast
Serving 7 a.m. until 10ish
New Hamburg Legion
65 Bouillee St., New Hamburg
Plattsville & District Heritage Society
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
50th Anniversary of Blandford-Blenheim Township’s amalgamation
Yummy food at the free outdoor barbeque, cool drinks and groovy music Bill & Bev Bell Chesterfield Museum/Archives
816661 Oxford Road 22, Bright
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
Mopar Breakfast
Serving 7 a.m. until 10ish
New Hamburg Legion
65 Bouillee St., New Hamburg
MONDAY, AUGUST 18
Food Trucks at Grace United Church
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Crystal’s Fries, Ish n Chips, Fo’Cheezy Donations to Tavistock Agricultural Society
116 Woodstock St S, Tavistock
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20
TOPS - Taking off Pounds Sensibly
Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
A non-judgmental weight loss support group. to help with your weight loss journey. For info call Cathie 519-662-9273
St. James Church, Baden
Shakespeare Optimist Club chicken barbeque drive-thru dinner
Drive-thru from 5 pm - 7:30 pm
Annual Maplodge chicken dinner . For tickets call Gary at 519-272-9140 or Murray at 519-271-3330.
Shakespeare Optimist Hall 3976 Galt St. Shakespeare
Wednesday Walk in Wilmot’s Wonderful Woods with Louis ~ Schneider Woods 7:00 -8:30 pm
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
New Hamburg Legion Smoked Chop Dinner
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Advance tickets 519-662-3770
New Hamburg Legion
65 Bouillee St., New Hamburg
MONDAY, AUGUST 25
Food Trucks at Grace United Church
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Berlin 95, Born2Eat, Los Rolling Tacos, Beavertails
Donations to Grace United Church
116 Woodstock St S, Tavistock
Wilmot Council meeting 7-11 p.m.
Council chambers 60 Snyder’s Road W., Baden
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
Wellesley Council meeting 6:45 p.m.
Council chambers
4805 William Hastings Line, Crosshill
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
Jack Wyndham and Danielle Chomyn
Davison concert
12 noon - 1 p.m.
Zion United Church 215 Peel Street, New Hamburg
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 CON’T
Wednesday Walk in Wilmot’s Wonderful Woods with Louis ~ Baden Hills
7:00 -8:30 pm
Stroll along old agri experimental rows of walnut, new prairie meadow, pine plantation and hardwood forest. Details and register at letstreewilmot.ca/events/ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Wellesley & District Lions Club Duck Race
2 p.m.
All proceeds go towards Lions community projects.
For tickets email: wellesleylions@gmail.com Firella Creek, Wellesley
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Youth Appreciation Night, Garden Wilmot
7 p.m.
Our speaker is wildlife ecologist Kyle Swanson, a bird specialist and photographer. We celebrate our Junior Gardeners tonight. Free.
Wilmot Rec Centre 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship.
12 noon
Please register and buy your tickets by Sept. 5 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900.
Wellesley Recreation Complex, 1401 Queen’s Bush Rd.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Terry Fox Run
Registration: 8:30 a.m. Kick off at 9 a.m.
For more information, to register and to donate, visit: https://run.terryfox.ca/92735 Wilmot Rec Centre 1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Perth East council meeting
Deadline: Tuesday prior at 3 p.m.
Contact: thewtgazette@gmail.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Ring the bell for DOORS OPEN (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Concert at 2 p.m.
Refreshments available.
Zion United Church 215 Peel Street, New Hamburg
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship.
12 noon
Please register and buy your tickets by Sept. 19 by calling 519-664-1900 or Toll Free: 1-855-664-1900.
Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line, Linwood 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 STAMP CLUB
Oxford Philatelic Society Meetings: 2nd Tuesday (2-4pm) and 4th Tuesday (7-9pm) September to May
If you have never belonged to a stamp club, now’s the time. Meet new friends, grow your knowledge and collection.
Contact: Don Eaton dhfe@silomail.com Website: http://www.rpsc.org/chapters/oxford Church of the Epiphany
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:
Coming Events Word Ad in Classified section (50 word max.) - $10 + hst
Coming Events Boxed Word Ad in Classified section (50 word max.) - $15 + hst
Display Ad - Sizes begin at a Small Classified Display ad (3.3" x 2.5") - $35 + hst
CLASSIFIED ADS —
FOR SALE
5th Wheel Trailer & Truck
2014 Chaparral Lite 5th Wheel. 2015 Dodge Ram 1500. Willing to sell as a set. Good condition. $29,950 or best offer.
Innerkip 519-469-3760
FOR SALE
Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm
Martin’s Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)
WANTED
$ Cash Paid $ for your RECORDS and LPs. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Folk, Soundtracks, and more. Selectively buying CDs, Cassettes, Turntables, and Stereo Equipment. For more information: DIAMOND DOGS MUSIC 114 Ontario St. Stratford/ 226-972-5750
WANTED
I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi, any pop company, Brewery items Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, Wristwatches and pocket watches, Old fruit jars, Beaver Star Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signs Red Indian Supertest etc Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me - 519-570-6920.
