The negative effects of the Air Canada flight attendants’ strike were felt by many across Canada and even the globe, and one former New Hamburg resident had her own horror story to tell.
A Quebec-based data company has con firmed Wilmot and Waterloo Region are potential spots for its next mega centre.
QScale is looking to move into Ontario with an investment of around $ 4 billion,
included in the evaluation.
Local activist and opponent of the region’s 770-acre land acquisition Kevin Thomason said the idea is a bad fit for
“Even the most massive data centres being built right now are only 100-200 acres
Ange Snider, who moved to Nova Scotia three years ago, flew to British Columbia to attend a work conference at Whistler and was scheduled to fly out of Vancouver on Friday.
“Air Canada sent me an email the day before saying my flight was at risk of being cancelled and I could rebook it for free between Aug. 21 and Sept. 12, which wasn’t going to happen. They said I could apply for a full refund.”
When Snider tried to rebook on her own, the prices of other flights had risen substantially.
“I would have gotten a $350 refund and paid between $1,000 and $2,000 on another airline. Friday morning, I got the message they were cancelling my flight and looking to rebook me on another carrier.”
She took a shuttle to the airport, and on the way, Snider received a text from Air Canada saying another flight wasn’t available and she would get a refund. She tracked down an Air Canada agent who provided her with a brochure on next steps.
“I said I am visually impaired, I can’t
Moparfest, Canada’s largest all-Mopar car show,
festivities taken by drone.
(LOU DIVITA PHOTO)
Proposed $4B data centre raises alarms over farmland loss
in size, and most of that is for massive amounts of heavily polluting methane gas turbine generators to produce the massive amounts of electricity required.”
He added there are dozens of already serviced, shovel-ready industrial sites in Waterloo Region sized between 10 and 100 acres.
“We don’t need to be destroying working farms in distant Wilmot Township for any parcels that size.”
Thomason explained it’s not in the best public interest to see a huge amount of prime farmland destroyed for a data centre that doesn’t need to be located on prime agricultural land.
“Only one per cent of Ontario is prime farmland, and food security is so important. We need data too, but place it on rock and the other 99 per cent of Ontario that we aren’t depending on for food and drinking water.”
Thomason added the township isn’t even close to being able to provide what any major development would need to move ahead.
“We have very little electricity; there is no redundancy to electrical power whatsoever, with only a single transmission line running through Wilmot. We have no lakes or large cooling capacity unless they are going to risk our Waterloo Moraine and drinking water with geothermal loops, which would be really expensive and destructive to build. Wilmot has no major fibre infrastructure or significant data routing capabilities that are required at a massive scale for data centres.
“Almost none of the required infrastructure exists so far from urban centres. We have only a single major hydro transmission line with little redundancy, we have no major fibre optic or communications infrastructure, we have no cooling or geothermal infrastructure. Everything a large data centre would require would have to be provisioned from scratch at great expense and taking considerable time.”
The Gazette asked Thomason if he felt the region is feeling pressure to get some sort of development deal in the Wilmot site. He said the region and province are desperate to try to justify the Wilmot
farmland assembly.
“I fear they would jump at anything that comes along as vindication, no matter how inappropriate it would be for the community. A massive data centre that will consume all our electricity, overwhelm our water aquifers and pollute our communities like huge data centres are doing to communities elsewhere or even a chemical plant or nuclear facility. I wouldn’t put anything past certain elected officials when we see the announcements being made elsewhere despite public outcry.”
Thomason did not specifically name which elected officials he was referring to. He also had his own ideas for what types of manufacturing would be a good fit for the site, including agricultural food production and processing.
acres than the scheme some elected officials are trying to force onto our Wilmot communities.”
He added it’s a downward spiral once bad planning choices are made, which usually leads to many others.
“Good planning isn’t an accident and is very hard to do. We already had the visionary official plans we needed for a successful future. We need to get back to those plans and get back on track before even more taxpayer dollars are wasted.”
“Our number one industry, revenue generator and employer in Waterloo Region continues to thrive. Our townships have always been clear that they wish to re main rural, agricultural communities, not become bedroom suburban sprawl or be overrun by development such as Milton. We must ensure a better future for the 770
The region has not been able to acquire any more land in the township with the last update on May 15, saying they have purchased just over 550 acres or 70 per cent. Thomason said landowners have made it clear from the onset that they don’t want to sell.
“This isn’t the future they want, and they are unwilling. Some have been forced to
Strike fallout leaves flyers stranded
Continued from page 1
read it. She went into an office, came back and said I was booked on a WestJet flight leaving in an hour for Victoria, then from Victoria to Calgary and on to Halifax. I would have been home Saturday morning.”
Snider said while she was on the first flight, she received a text saying her WestJet flights were cancelled but being rebooked for Sunday. She would have had a six-hour layover in Calgary before hopping on a flight to Winnipeg with an eight-hour layover. She was not offered a hotel room, but that wasn’t the end of it.
“When I got to Victoria, I went to WestJet first because my booking was with them now, and they told me I wasn’t even in their system. I went over to Air Canada and I had a wonderful agent helping me. Although he failed, he tried. He was trying to get me one less layover and asked WestJet to release the ticket to them because it was sold to WestJet. Air Canada wouldn’t release it.”
To make an even longer story short, Snider flew back to Vancouver and stayed with a coworker for two nights, then flew back to Victoria Sunday morning on an Air Canada flight. She flew to Calgary after a seven-and-a-half-hour delay. The next plane took her to Winnipeg where she booked a hotel room for $450. Her frustration didn’t end there.
“I just made it through security when I received the first delay notification from WestJet – the first of, I think, seven. I was supposed to fly out at 8:34 a.m., but took off at 5:30 p.m.”
The Gazette asked her what she learned from her ordeal once she finally made it home.
“I’m never leaving Nova Scotia again,” she said.
To add to her frustration, Snider’s luggage didn’t come home with her, but while talking to the Gazette on the phone from Nova Scotia, her suitcase arrived – damaged to the point where it would be thrown in the garbage.
“It’s destroyed. Oh my God. It was brand new. It’s all cracked. Wow.”
Snider explained she understood the frustration of the striking flight attendants, but at the same time, she isn’t overly pleased they didn’t go back to work when ordered to by the Canadian government. She also said she will be seeking compensation for her ordeal from Air Canada and WestJet.
The Tavistock Athletics U15 fastball team earned a Canadian title at a tournament in Winkler, Man. Head coach Dave Nahrgang said they, too, were affected by the strike.
“Many families from multiple teams were travelling with Air Canada, and it was a discussion throughout the week. We were able to keep our rental vehicle and drive directly home through the U.S., which was a time saver. Others had to return to the Winnipeg airport and exchange rental vehicles. Some rental companies didn’t allow U.S. travel, and the route through Canada is a few hours longer. Overall, we managed, but I know there are families out there who were probably stranded for a while.”
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107 to compel binding arbitration between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees
(CONTRIBUTED
(CUPE) representing flight attendants. The move aimed to prevent ongoing strike-related disruptions in air travel and supply chains.
Despite the back-to-work order, CUPE flight attendants defied it and continued their strike. This act of resistance prompted the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) to declare that Section 107 is effectively dead, suggesting it’s no longer a credible enforcement tool.
The Gazette reached out to both local members of parliament for their thoughts on the strike and subsequent government action. Kitchener-Conestoga Liberal MP Tom Louis said after months of negotiations, it was time for them to act.
“I think for Canadian families and businesses, there is so much disruption and uncertainty already with our lives, with the economy. Further disruptions would be devastating, so we said sit down and keep negotiating. We urged them to work on a fair deal.”
Oxford Conservative MP Arpan Khanna said he would have preferred to see a negotiated deal come without back-to-work legislation. He added the opposition brought forward a bill following the last election to deal with unpaid work.
“It would have helped solve some of the problems we saw over the past week. We are glad it’s finally over, but we had hundreds of thousands of travellers stranded. The government overplayed its hand a little bit. We have also seen labour problems with Canada Post and at the ports. The Liberal government has a history of causing these problems.”
Hajdu has announced a probe into why flight attendants weren’t being paid for work in the first place, something Khanna doesn’t put much stock into.
“They are trying to cover their tracks because they created a public-relations disaster with Bill 107. The Conservatives and the NDP were fighting for workers. We don’t support illegal strikes but we want to make sure workers are treated fairly.”
Louis added the probe will likely dig into the correlation between unpaid time and flight delays at Canada’s largest carrier.
“If they’re not paying people when there are delays, then there’s no pressure for them to reduce them. One of the benefits that I hope comes out of it is Air Canada running more efficiently with fewer delays.”
Former New Hamburg resident Ange Snider poses with her damaged suitcase after arriving home days after she was scheduled to thanks to the Air Canada flight attendants’ strike. Her luggage was delivered to her Nova Scotia home the day after she arrived.
PHOTO)
Wilmot announces citizens of the year
LEE GRIFFI
The Township of Wilmot has released its 2025 Citizen of the Year Award recipients.
The awards are given annually to residents who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The following three people received the most votes from the community for their contributions in the categories of community service, culture and seniors. There were no nominations for the athletic and youth categories this year.
Krista Straus won the community service award and is well-known for her involvement in the Fight For Farmland campaign and the Wilmot Civic Action Network. A professional horticulturist and arborist with a science degree from the University of Guelph, she lives in New Hamburg with her husband and two sons. She actively volunteers at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and is known for her warmth, positivity and strong commitment to both her community and her faith.
“It felt really surreal that I had won, and I was surprised that I was nominated. I’m very honoured, especially since this award comes from the community,” said Straus. “The issue of the land grab is important to me because farming is so important to me, and I know it’s very important to this community.”
She added the landowners of the 770 acres are also a part of the Wilmot community.
“I often feel that farmers are underrepresented or not at all in big decisions. I believe that agriculture should get the same respect that other industries get.” Straus said it’s important for her to be active in the community.
“Growing up here, I’ve seen how important volunteers are to this community and I want to do my part. Whether it’s helping out at my kids’ school or church, or elsewhere in the community, it’s the volunteers of Wilmot that make it a great place to live.”
Lisa Hagen was awarded the township’s culture award after years of artistic work in Wilmot. Hagen is the founder of The Community Players and served as its artistic director for 14 years, shaping its artistic vision and inspiring hundreds in the local theatre community. She now leads Local Vocals, a Wilmot-based a cappella choir. Her second feature film, Dancing on the Elephant, premiered locally, marking a major milestone in her creative career.
“I believe the Citizen of the Year Awards were the brainchild of a local teacher and a late friend of mine, Lew Weber,” said Hagen. “I am very honoured to receive an award attached to this great person. He was a community builder to the nth degree and to be considered a builder alongside him is very special to me.”
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Hagen is a screenwriter, journalist and a theatre/ musical director. She said entertainment is an important element to those four interests, along with the opportunity to educate, bring
an issue forward, or allow people time to think about a different perspective in life.
“An extremely gratifying, corollary benefit to being in the arts is the times I can make a difference in someone’s life by creating a community. Many young people that I’ve worked with have found themselves and gained confidence because of theatre or music, especially in high school when it is so important to find your people. If you are not particularly athletic, music or drama is a life-changing refuge.”
She added adults also find likeminded people in music groups and it becomes an important social circle and support system. Hagen is also giving kudos to the incredible Wilmot community, which consistently steps up to help.
“Wilmot punches way above its weight when it comes to volunteerism and cultural events, with very little financial support from any level of government. When an event needs support, it is our neighbours who pony up money, physical space and people hours. This support has allowed me to grow as a creative and explains the great number of artists in all disciplines that live here. Everything from holding an art tour to producing a musical; we know our neighbours will come out to support.”
Dean Peachey was named the senior of the year and has been a driving force
behind Let’s Tree Wilmot, helping plant nearly 6,000 trees and securing over $200,000 in grants to support local treecare efforts.
“His leadership has strengthened partnerships with the Township of Wilmot and regional environmental groups. He also contributes to sustainability through the Nith Valley EcoBoosters and the EarthCare group he founded in his neighbourhood. In addition to his environmental work, Dean actively supports his community through civic involvement and volunteerism,” said a press release from the township.
Peachey is currently away and was not available for comment.
“We’re thrilled to honour three exceptional individuals whose contributions to culture, community service and support for seniors have made a meaningful and lasting impact in Wilmot,” said Mayor Natasha Salonen. “ Congratulations to our 2025 Citizen of the Year Award recipients and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and voted. Your dedication and community spirit help make Wilmot the vibrant place we’re proud to call home.”
As is tradition, award recipients will be New Hamburg opening ceremonies on Friday,
Wilmot Township’s Citizen of the Year award winners were named recently. From left to right: Krista Straus (community service), Lisa Hagen (culture) and Dean Peachey (senior). The awards will be presented by Mayor Natasha Saoloen during the New Hamburg Fall Fair
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
Shop
SHOP WILMOT, TAVISTOCK & AREA
For anyone in search of organic wine and beer, look no further than Pfenning’s Organic & More in St. Agatha.
The family-owned health-food store, which has been in its current location since 1998 with owners and staff who pride themselves in selling anything and everything organic and local whenever possible, is one of very few, if any, retail stores in the province that offer the LCBO’s full selection of organic wines and other beverages like beer and cider.
“These are the only organic wines of the 1,000 plus or so available through the LCBO,” said manager Almut Wurzbacher, showing off the endcap display of wines, ciders and other beverages at Pfenning’s. “ … In Europe, every health-food store sells organic wine – I mean for years and years and years. We always used to come back with a bottle in our suitcase.
“But here, why is that not happening? Now, when (the province) said smaller stores, convenience stores can have their liquor licence, we said we’ve got to have organic wines here because nobody else has them. It’s really a first. I don’t know any other health-food store that offers organic wines.”
While only a few of the organic wines for sale at Pfenning’s are actually made in Ontario, there simply aren’t that many available through the LCBO overall. Each of the wines, be they from Spain, Italy, Greece, Chile, Argentina or elsewhere in the world, are made only with grapes grown without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers and processed according to the strict certified organic
SMALL TOWN
Like the wines, most everything available for purchase at Pfenning’s is organic and/or sourced from local producers, a badge of honour Wurzbacher and her staff wear with pride.
“We have such a big Amish community; we pick up (fruit and vegetables) directly from them and it’s certified organic,” she said. “Meat, we get from them as well; grass-fed organic beef right from the source with no middleman. We try to keep our products from within the Waterloo Region or as close as possible within Ontario. We have an organic chicken producer, Fenwood Farms, in Ancaster where we pick up directly at their processing plant.
“There is so much in Ontario; we have a bounty here. … We at the Pfenning’s Store want to keep the food we sell as organic and unadulterated as possible, with no chemicals that don’t belong in our food system.”
Wurzbacher attributes many modern health issues, especially those that
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affect the gut, mostly to the widespread use of glyphosate herbicides by non-organic farms.
“There are a lot of sick people. When we look at the fields, glyphosate is being sprayed. Ninety-nine per cent of Waterloo County corn is glyphosate-sprayed. That is a major contributor to all the gut problems we see – the gluten-free sensitivities, the leaky gut syndrome, etc. All gut problems people have come from a compromised intestinal flora.
“Glyphosate gets sprayed on everything – soybeans, grains, beans and you name it. You eat it, you get sick. It’s been proven many, many times; if you eat a glyphosate-free diet for a month, your gut will start to heal.”
So, for anyone looking to switch to a chemical-free, clean diet – including that glass of organic wine with dinner –Pfenning’s Organic & More is the store for you. For more information, visit www.pfenningsorganic.ca.
Managers Almut and Aurelie Wurzbacher, and Sheri Fleischauer show off the selection of organic wines and other alcoholic beverages available at Pfenning’s Organic & More in St. Agatha.
GALEN SIMMONS
(GALEN SIMMONS PHOTO)
Perth County embarks on three-year comprehensive zoning bylaw review
GALEN SIMMONS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Following the recent adoption of its new official plan, Perth County is now undertaking a review of comprehensive zoning bylaws for North Perth, West Perth, Perth South and Perth East – a process that could take upwards of three years to complete.
A comprehensive zoning bylaw is a legal document that regulates land use and development within a municipality, ensuring land is used in a manner consistent with the community’s goals and policies.
As all four lower-tier municipalities’ comprehensive zoning bylaws have not been reviewed or updated in more than 25 years, this review is meant to bring each of them into compliance with the county’s new official plan, bring them into alignment with new provisions in Ontario’s Planning Act, ensure they are consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement and have them be reflective of current zoning trends and best practices.
“The project will be undertaken in five phases,” said Moira Davidson, Perth County’s senior policy planner. “The first phase involves a background review of the overarching guiding planning policies that direct how land shall be used within the province to understand the key issues and opportunities to be addressed through each zoning bylaw. Phase 2 involves the creation of discussion papers that focus on key chapters found within the zoning bylaws.
“The discussion papers will review trends and best practices for key chapters within the zoning bylaws and include a comparator analysis of similar municipalities with recently adopted zoning bylaw amendments to understand current best practices.”
Based on the research conducted in the project’s first two phases, Davidson says county planning staff will draft new zoning bylaws for each of the lower-tier municipalities, which will then be presented to the public through a variety of engagement
platforms, open houses and public meetings for comment and feedback.
“A mix of community engagement activities and events are to be deployed throughout the course of the project, including in-person open houses, virtual information sessions, one-on-one office hours and public meetings,” Davidson said. “We will be using council meetings, the project website, social media, print media and tax mailouts to keep residents informed of upcoming engagement events. As the first phase of the project is background-research heavy, residents can check back in spring 2026 on how to get involved.”
That feedback will then be incorporated, where possible, into the final zoning bylaws for council consideration and adoption. Following council adoption, the review’s fifth phase will see the zoning bylaws go through the statutory process under the Planning Act for appeals and feedback before they are implemented.
As many of the recent changes to the
county’s official plan were made to bring the official plan into conformity with provincial policy, county planning staff will take a similar approach with the zoning bylaw review.
“This is by no means a complete list, but some of the provisions that will be looked at during this review include the expansion of permissions for on-farm diversified uses, the alignment of accessible parking provisions with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and permissions for mixed-use buildings,” Davidson said.
The comprehensive zoning bylaw review is a chance to ensure the zoning rules in each local municipality work for citizens who engage with the planning process, including community groups, developers and professionals.
For more information about the review, visit the project website at www.perthcounty.ca/zblreview or email zblreview@ perthcounty.ca to register for regular project updates.
Farmer knits for premature babies at Grand River Hospital
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
To look at Wilmot Township farmer Larry Bearinger, one might never guess one of his favourite pastimes is knitting — or that his handmade creations are helping premature babies survive their first fragile days.
For years, Bearinger has spent his spare time knitting tiny hats, socks and outfits for the neonatal unit at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. He says the work not only supports newborns in need but also gives him a boost in his own mental health.
“It’s relaxing, it gives me a break and I know I’m helping someone at the same time,” Bearinger said. “Everyone should find something that helps their mental health and, if they can, use their talents to give back.”
His interest in knitting goes back to Grade 4, when he surprised his classmates by quickly producing sweaters and socks while they were still learning the basics. Encouraged by his mother, an accomplished knitter herself, he kept at it.
Bearinger, who also runs a custom liquid manure hauling operation, often passes the time on long waits at delivery sites by knitting. Some of his yarn comes from the Mennonite Central Committee thrift store in New Hamburg. Years ago, he even knitted a full baby outfit that raised top dollar at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale, which supports relief and development work worldwide.
He laughs when recalling the reaction of another trucker who once climbed up to chat with him during a delivery wait, only to retreat in shock after seeing him knitting.
“Some people don’t know what to make of it,” Bearinger said with a grin. “But what matters is that premature babies are getting something warm.”
Bearinger said he plans to continue knitting for as long as he can, knowing each stitch carries both care for a child and peace of mind for himself.
Wilmot Township farmer and custom operator Larry Bearinger spends his spare time knitting hats for premature babies at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. He says the hobby gives him peace of mind while helping newborns in need.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
24 new and returning artists participating in eighth annual New Hamburg Art Tour
Art tour to be held at the New Hamburg Community Centre Sept. 20 and 21
The work of 24 local artists will be on display upstairs at the New Hamburg Community Centre over two days Sept. 20 and 21 for the eighth annual New Hamburg Art Tour.
Having quickly become a beloved local tradition each year, the art tour gives participating artists – both new and returning from Wilmot Township and the surrounding Waterloo Region – a chance to show their work and sell some pieces to both local and visiting art lovers.
“Every year, it seems to get better and better; more people come, and I think it’s become, now, a major event for Wilmot Township,” art tour organizing committee chair and artist Nancy Taves said. “I think it gives people an outing, it’s run for two days over the weekend and people look forward to coming to it. We’ve had people come from as far away as Alberta.”
For Taves’ part in the tour, she is displaying a number of her own oil
paintings including two currently on display at Castle Kilbride and one on display at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection gallery.
“It’s great satisfaction to be able to show your work and show it locally, and have people appreciate it,” Taves said about participating in the tour each year. “They always stop to talk, they’re interested in what you do and how you do it, so I get a chance to talk to them and, of course, the purchases (of art) are always wonderful.”
In addition to Taves, returning artists participating in the art tour this year include Michele Brenneman, Linda Chamberland, Sheri East, Kathleen Freeman, Ann Gordon, Judy Gascho-Jutzi, Janice Gray, Greg Kimmett, Cornelia LeRoux, Amanda Lundrigan, Barbara McLeod, Wayne Richardson, Linda Sanderson, Donna Schyff, Donna Voisin, John Werlich, Anne Williamson and Simona Zak.
New to this year’s lineup are Brigitte Huber, Adrienne Zoe, Viktoriia Makarova, Jonathan Sau and Dyane Eugenio.
“We’ve always had some pretty good artists,” Taves said. “I think every year we lose a few and gain some new ones, so it keeps it fresh. This year, we have five new artists; I think we have a really good selection of art as well. We have painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, textiles and stained glass. … If they want to adorn their own home or buy something for gifts – we’ve got lots of gift cards –there’s something for everybody at every price point.
“ … We have (Ukrainian newcomer and painter) Viktoriia Makarova joining us this year. We decided we would have her come. Normally, there’s a participation fee and for her, we decided, as a humanitarian effort, we would just have her join us as a guest.”
Again, this year the tour will feature work by emerging art students from Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School, who will be displaying and selling their art during the event.
Each of the participating artists will be
set up with their work upstairs at the community centre, which is accessible by lift for those who need it. According to Taves, there are many different door prizes to be won this year, each provided by sponsors. The event is also free admission – a boon for those who just want to meet some artists and appreciate some great local art.
For those interested in previewing some of the art that will be displayed during the art tour, a few pieces are on display now at Pharmasave Town Square in New Hamburg.
The New Hamburg Art Tour is possible thanks to the support of many local sponsors, as well as grant funding from the Township of Wilmot. This popular event has seen attendance as high as 500 people over the past two years, and Taves hopes this year’s event will exceed that.
For more information on the New Hamburg Art Tour, follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ NHarttour, call 519-577-8523, or email newhamburgarttour@gmail.com.
Attendees peruse the art on display during the 2023 New Hamburg Art Tour at the New Hamburg Community Centre.
There was plenty of great art on display at the 2022 New Hamburg Art Tour upstairs at the New Hamburg Community Centre.
GALEN SIMMONS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF NANCY TAVES)
Wellstead Child & Family Therapy opens in Wellesley
Wellstead Child & Family Therapy, located at 1235 Queens Bush Rd., Wellesley, is now accepting new patients at its rural community family therapy practice.
Catrina Clark and Melanie Therrien, both registered social workers with a Masters of Social Work degree, have extensive experience working with youth and teens. They are looking forward to expanding their practice in Wellesley Township.
The pair of local professionals specializes in supporting children, teens and families through life’s most challenging moments, said Clark, owner and clinical director.
Both Clark and Therrien were raised in Wellesley and look forward to offering services locally, giving families a safe, accessible space instead of having to drive as far as Toronto for professional support.
“I was born and raised in Wellesley Township and I still live here with my own family,” said Clark. “I understand that it’s a lot to travel out of town for kids’ appointments. I wanted to take the stress out of it and bring the services to people here instead.”
Clark and Therrien help children navigate difficult transitions such as divorce, social challenges with peers and school
changes. They also work with families, children and teens on a range of issues, including ADHD, anger management, autism, behavioural concerns, body positivity, trauma, PTSD, video game addiction and more.
“We provide a safe, inclusive space where children and teens can explore their experiences, build healthier relationships and develop tools for long-term emotional wellbeing,” said Clark.
The practice uses evidence-based approaches to ensure each client receives personalized, effective support, informed by a comprehensive intake process.
“We specifically use evidence-based therapies because they are proven by research to have better outcomes,” said Clark. “There have been extensive studies done on practices like CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) for depression and anxiety and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) for trauma. We choose to offer these supports so patients and families can see meaningful progress throughout their time in therapy.”
Services provided by a registered social worker are typically covered under extended health benefits. Wellstead Child & Family Therapy recommends contacting benefits providers for more information.
For more details or to book an appointment, call 226-779-5157 or email info@ wellsteadtherapy.ca.
Catrina Clark, owner and clinical director of Wellstead Child & Family Therapy, looks forward to welcoming new patients to the newly opened practice in Wellesley.
AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE Gazette Reporter
(AMANDA MODARAGAMAGE PHOTO)
The Second Hand Book Nook Sale returns to the Tavistock Fall Fair
DIANE DANEN Gazette Correspondent
The Tavistock Fall Fair will once again play host to The Second Hand Book Nook Sale, running Sept. 5-7.
The book sale has quickly become a popular event at the fair since it first began in 2022. The idea for a book sale was brought forward by Ruth Schwartzentruber who had heard about another community holding a similar event. Schwartzentruber shared the idea with her fellow committee members and, together with Julie Kimple, Kathy Rosenberg, Kim Hill and Janet Heinbuch, they decided to give it a try.
This same group had previously worked together to organize the popular Soup and Chili CookOff, so when Schwartzentruber suggested the book sale, the committee was happy to continue working as a team on this new project.
Four years later, the sale has grown steadily and continues to be a highlight of the fair. Last year, 12 tables were completely filled with more than 1,500
books. Most of these books found new homes over the course of the weekend thanks to eager shoppers of all ages.
This year, the committee is once again hoping for a large selection of donated books so there is something for everyone to discover. Donations are now being accepted.
The committee is looking for both hardcover and paperback books in good condition. Books for children, youth and adults are all welcome, along with talking books, fiction and non-fiction, craft and hobby books and magazines, sheet music, music books, comic books, and graphic novels.
However, there are some items the committee is not able to accept, including encyclopedias, textbooks, business or computer manuals, tax guides, VHS tapes, CDs, or DVDs.
Heinbuch shared that the group would especially love to see donations of books about antique and vintage cars.
“People from the car show are always asking for books,” she said.
Other popular requests include
sports, farming, birdwatching, nature and photography.
One of the best things about the sale is the affordable pricing, which makes it possible for everyone to take home a stack of books. Children’s books are priced at $1 each, soft-cover books are $2 and hardcover books at $3 each. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags, though the committee will try to have some available for those who need them.
On Sunday, the committee will also be offering a mystery special. In past years, this has included bargains such as 10 books for five dollars or a chance to fill a bag for a flat fee, which has proven to be a big draw for book lovers.
The event is possible thanks to the support of community volunteers. Last year, 16 volunteers worked alongside the five committee members to help sort, set up and run the sale.
The committee is once again looking for volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to support the fair and meet new people. Anyone interested is
encouraged to contact Kimple at 519-590-1617. There are several convenient ways to donate books for the sale. Donations can be dropped off ahead of time at the Tavistock Public Library or Southeasthope Mutual Insurance before Sept. 4. Books may also be brought directly to the arena on Thursday, Sept. 4 from 6-8 p.m., and Friday,
Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. The committee encourages everyone in the community to consider donating, as every book helps make the sale a success. It not only gives books a second life but also raises funds for the fair itself. Visitors can look forward to another year of browsing the tables and finding hidden gems to take home.
The organizing committee for The Second Hand Book Nook, a fundraiser for the Tavistock Fall Fair, includes, from left, Kim Hill, Janet Heinbuch, Julie Kimple and Kathy Rosenberg. Absent is Ruth Swartzentruber.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Tavistock Fall Fair banner raised ahead of September event
The Tavistock Fall Fair banner once again streams across Woodstock Street, sparking excitement for the annual community celebration just around the corner.
Directors of the Tavistock Agricultural Society, along with friends and volunteers, were busy last week installing the iconic sign over Woodstock Street South — a tradition that signals the fair is near.
As noted in earlier editions of the Gazette, the agricultural society has been planning since last year’s successful event, preparing a full slate of activities including animal competitions, a new midway and much more.
This year’s fair runs the weekend after Labour Day, from Sept. 5 to 7, just after the start of the school year.
Organizers encourage anyone with free time to volunteer in helping set up or take down. Interested residents can contact a fair director or simply stop by the fairgrounds, where they’ll be welcomed.
Volunteers with the Tavistock Agricultural Society raise the iconic fall fair banner across Woodstock Street South last week, signalling the community is gearing up for the annual fair Sept. 5-7.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
NEAT Club tractors roll into Milverton for breakfast and community visit
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
The North Easthope Antique Tractor (NEAT) Club rolled into Milverton last week, travelling from as far away as Tavistock and New Hamburg to support a fundraising breakfast at St. Paul’s United Church.
The church, once known as Milverton Evangelical Church, welcomed about 80 members along with their wives to a hearty meal in the church basement. Proceeds will help fund future church activities.
Pastor Sonja van den Hoef-Fraser, who has served the congregation since 2020, said the colourful tractors brought the town to life on a picture-perfect morning.
After breakfast, the tractor parade made its way to Knollcrest Lodge, where residents were delighted by the surprise visit.
“They had their hearts in the best place possible for the residents,” Pastor van den Hoef-Fraser said.
Touch-a-Truck event coming to B-W Feed and Supply
B-W Feed and Supply, a longstanding family business just west of New Hamburg, will host a community Toucha-Truck event on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The multigenerational company has provided livestock feed and nutrition services to area farmers for decades. Their products serve a wide variety of livestock, including chickens (both broilers and laying hens), dairy and beef cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, lambs, turkeys and more.
Beyond nutrition, B-W Feed and Supply has also shown strong community support through initiatives such as its Pink Truck campaign. One of their feed delivery trucks has been painted pink to raise awareness and support the fight against cancer.
As part of the Touch-a-Truck event, families will be able to get up close with farm and delivery vehicles while helping raise funds for cancer research.
(CONTRIBUTED
B-W Feed and Supply is donating $1 per tonne of feed delivered on its pink truck to support cancer research. Area farmers are encouraged to match the company’s commitment. For more information, contact Chad Bender at chad.bender@bwfeed.ca.
“We’re proud to continue supporting the fight against cancer, and we hope families will join us for this fun community event,” the company said in a release. The event will be held at B-W’s new location on the west side of New Hamburg.
Breakfast at St. Paul’s United Church was prepared by, from left, Brenda Coxon, Pastor Sonja van den Hoef-Fraser, June
Partridge, Sheila DeVries, George Elg, Jean Ballie, Lorrie Plein, Pia Daetwyler, Barb Elg, Kara Kipfer, Judy Kipfer and Betty Crummer.
Antique tractors owned by NEAT Club members leave St. Paul’s United Church after breakfast.
NEAT Club tractors parade through Milverton to Knollcrest Lodge, where residents greeted them with smiles and waves.
(GARY WEST PHOTOS)
IMAGE)
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
Sheldon and Jessie Hahn celebrate milestones in North Easthope
Gazette Correspondent
Few couples can claim the milestones Sheldon and Jessie Hahn of North Easthope Township are celebrating this year.
Family, friends and neighbours recently gathered to honour Sheldon Hahn on his 90th birthday and Jessie Hahn on her 85th, while also marking nearly 65 years of marriage. Together, the couple built Hahn Farms into a name recognized not only across Ontario and Canada, but around the world.
The story of Hahn Farms is as much about vision as it is about hard work. Sheldon Hahn’s entrepreneurial instincts showed early. At just five years old, he cut his new red wagon in half — not to destroy it, but to create a “truck and trailer.” Years later, that same intuition led him from trading pigs at Kitchener stockyards to buying and selling tractors, a business that grew into an international agricultural equipment company.
Sheldon and Jessie Hahn raised five children while building the business. By 1972, they had acquired 300 acres in Wartburg, and just a few years later, were feeding nearly 4,000 pigs. When frustration with tractor-supply delays led Sheldon Hahn to purchase, use and resell used tractors at a profit, a new path was set.
In 1988, Hahn Farms moved to its present location on Highway 7 & 8 between Stratford and Shakespeare, expanding into a major operation that now employs dozens and maintains a reputation as an industry leader in quality used farm equipment. Their sons, Kerry and Michael, continue to lead the business, travelling extensively to source machinery that meets the family’s standards.
From the boy who reinvented his wagon to one of North America’s leading agricultural equipment dealers, Sheldon Hahn’s story reflects innovation, perseverance and the value of family. Today, the Hahn legacy lives on, built on the foundation he and Jessie Hahn created together.
Pictured above in 2011, Sheldon and Jessie Hahn gather with 12 of their 13 grandchildren around a 1960s Massey Ferguson 65 Dieselmatic with multipower. The couple now enjoy two great-grandchildren and hope for many more to come.
GARY WEST
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Sheldon and Jessie Hahn relax during their milestone celebrations this summer. Sheldon Hahn marked his 90th birthday, Jessie Hahn her 85th, and together they will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary next June. With them are their children, from left, Michael, Katherine, Judith, Heather and Kerry.
Purebred Holsteins grazing in North Easthope
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
The Andrew and Sherry Bell family operate a picturesque dairy farm in North Easthope Township, northeast of Stratford. Their family includes three sons — Braydon, Cody and Griffin — and a daughter, Gracie.
The Bells manage a modern operation with a robotic milking system at their home farm, while also raising broiler chickens on a second property east of Shakespeare.
The farm has been in the Bell family since 1964 when Andrew Bell’s parents, Keith and Gail, purchased it from Alex and Mary Crerar. Along with the land, the Bells acquired livestock, including milking cows and heifers, as well as machinery. The Avon River runs through the property, giving the family’s registered Holstein prefix, Avonslope, its name.
Andrew Bell, the youngest of five children, purchased the farm from his parents in the mid-1990s. Today, the family continues to build on the legacy of both the Crerar and Bell families.
The Holsteins pictured grazing are in their dry period. Once they calve, they will be moved into the new free-stall barn and begin another lactation cycle, producing Grade A milk for 10 months or more through the farm’s robotic milker.
Modern dairy cows can produce more than 10,000 litres of milk in a year, and with proper management may exceed 100,000 litres over a lifetime. Perth County continues to boast one of the highest numbers of dairy cattle in Canada and, alongside neighbouring Oxford County, is recognized as part of the nation’s dairy capital. Oxford County, with fewer cows, still produces a higher volume of milk.
Is your business organizing future workshops, seminars, or community events? Let me show you how to reach your audience to boost registration and attendance.
On a peaceful Sunday afternoon, this herd of Avonslope Holsteins grazes on the Andrew Bell family farm along the 37th Line (Vivian Line) between Stratford and Shakespeare.
The original house on the Andrew Bell farm, pictured in 1920, when it was owned by Peter Crerar.
Peter Crerar’s son, Alex, feeding hay to his Holstein herd inside the original barn in the 1950s. The farm is now operated by Andrew and Sherry Bell.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
(PHOTO FROM THE HILLS OF HOME HISTORY EDITION)
(PHOTO FROM THE HILLS OF HOME HISTORY EDITION)
Dynamic Duo entertains residents at Tavistock’s Maples Home for Seniors
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
Diane Ditner and her Dynamic Duo partner Gary Moser brought lively music and nostalgia to Tavistock last week with two outdoor performances at the Maples Home for Seniors.
The Kitchener-based pair performed one evening for long-term care residents, families and friends, and the next for those in the independent retirement residences.
Executive director Joan Hergott and the Maples staff were pleased to welcome more than 100 country music fans over the two shows.
The setlist included crowd favourites such as Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day,” the Irish Rovers’ “Wasn’t That a Party” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Residents enthusiastically sang along and clapped to the beat throughout the hour-long shows.
The audience also joined together to sing “Happy Birthday” for resident Lila Davidson, who celebrated with her family.
To close out the evenings, staff served ice cream with a variety of toppings — a sweet treat to cap off a memorable performance.
Maples executive director Joan Hergott joins resident Susan Elzinga in a two-step while the Dynamic Duo plays to a clapping, toe-tapping crowd.
Bower, a dog named after Maple Leafs goaltending legend Johnny Bower, soaks up the music alongside his owner, Aiden Wilkins, and friend, Jailyn, at the Maples.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
New Hamburg resident celebrates successful cancer battle
Grand River Hospital and McMaster Hospital.
Church sign brings a smile in Shakespeare
Sunday, Aug. 4 was a day of celebration at Zion United Church in New Hamburg. After Melanie Austin’s moving and heartwarming testimony about her twoand-a-half-year cancer treatments as she battled leukemia, she told the congregation she has undergone her last chemo treatment and “rang the bell” at both
The congregation as well as family, friends and the wider community have followed Melanie’s journey and tied orange ribbons at their homes and around trees throughout Wilmot to show their support and encouragement.
We are all grateful that Mel has completed her last treatment and celebrate Mel’s strength, courage and faith.
GARY WEST Gazette Correspondent
Rev. Rob Congram, minister at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, is known not only for his sermons but also for his sense of humour.
One of the church’s recent front-lawn signs gave passersby a laugh — and even some friendly competition for a local business.
Just a few steps west of the church sits Moo’s Ice Cream Shop. Co-owner Rhonda Grubb, also quick with a joke, said her “sundaes” could never compete with the church’s “Sundays,” as the sign suggested — nor, she added with a laugh, would she ever want to.
Celebrating something special? Share it with your community! Contact us for more information
By Jake Grant
1. The first colour photo in the world was taken in which year?
2. What is Canada’s most valuable company based on market capitalization?
3. The car crash that killed Princess Diana occurred in which city?
4. When was the last time the Blue jays won the AL East?
5. Gregor Mendel is considered to be the father of the modern study of what?
6. What is the meaning of the letter “R” on movie rating?
7. What two brothers lead the English Rock Band Oasis?
8. What is the typical pH level of pure water?
9. Is the Equator a line of latitude or of longitude?
10. From the 16th to 18th centuries, India was ruled by which dynasty?
A lighthearted sign outside Shakespeare Presbyterian Church plays on words with Moo’s Ice Cream Shop, located just down the street.
(GARY WEST PHOTO)
Melanie Austin cuts the orange ribbon at Zion United Church in New Hamburg, celebrating the end of her cancer battle with leukemia.
Melanie Austin’s family celebrated her successful battle with cancer after Sunday service Aug. 4.
JANET BRADLEY Submitted to the Gazette
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF JANET BRADLEY)
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 19-26, 2020, Edition (5 years ago)
The Oxford Economic Stimulus Fund has provided COVID-19 related stimulus grants to five local organizations in Oxford County in its first release of funds totalling $90,000. The five local organizations that received funding include the Woodstock Agricultural Society ($25,000), Woodstock Chamber of Commerce ($25,000), Tillsonberg BIA ($25,000), Tavistock Chamber of Commerce ($9,234) and Oxford Women in Networking ($5,766). The Tavistock Chamber received $9,234 to help shift services online to support members in a low-risk manner. The funds will also help local business and hospitality with the installation of locally made bike racks aimed at attracting and encouraging locals and visiting cyclists to spend time exploring the downtown area.
Once again, the community turned out in big numbers to support the Optimist Club of Tavistock’s Friday Night Fries fundraiser. The fifth and final event was held on Aug. 21 with approximately 550 pounds of potatoes made into delectable, hand-cut fries, with 275 hamburgers and 120 hot dogs also served. As an extra treat, the club also gave away over 200 ice cream sandwiches over the course of the evening. Club president Rodney Ramseyer said, “We had a great turnout again this week.” The past week, the club had been approached by Monty Eby of Bennic Tool and Die Ltd. “He graciously donated all supplies and paid all costs that were needed to make the evening a success,” Rodney said.
Shakespeare residents will be happy to see that a Little Free Library has opened at the McNeil residence at 2192 Miller Ave. The idea for the library was imagined by Amber McNeil and her mom, Cheryl, and it was the result of informal book sharing with family and friends due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “My entire life, I got my reading material from the Stratford Public Library,” Amber said. “So, when it closed due to COVID-19, it affected me. I started looking elsewhere for books. I shopped at small bookstores, downloaded books onto my computer and borrowed books from my friends and family.” On Sunday, Aug. 9, the Little Free Library was filled with books and made available to the community.
August 18-25, 2010, Edition (15 years ago)
The Ramseyer Earth Works Bantam Boys went to the nickel capital of the world and brought home gold from the Ontario Summer Games. Last Tuesday,
the bantams travelled to Sudbury to participate in the opening ceremonies with 3,500 other athletes and over 8,000 spectators. They stayed on campus at Laurentian University and endured the heat as well as making many new friends. Although this was an experience of a lifetime, the boys were still there to play ball. After the opening ceremonies, they had to throw around practice with many other athletes stopping to watch the fastball team. For the first game, they defeated Jarvis with a score of 9-8. Game 2 was played Thursday with Travis Gerber pitching a two-hitter and an eight strikeout win over Glencoe 22-0. Every player on the Tavistock team crossed the plate to score at least once with the umpires and officials in awe of the strength of Tavistock. After defeating Embro 10-3, the boys were in the gold-medal game. In the final, Tavistock would not be denied as they met Glencoe after that team fought their way back up through the loser bracket. Bradley Wagler got the start and once again the Tavistock bats took the team to a 20-9 win.
A number of fires, three this year, at the South Easthope (SEH) Landfill Site has neighbouring farmers and landowners concerned about the facility. Township of Perth East public works manager Wes Kuepfer has called the Ontario Fire Marshall in to investigate the latest fire which sent thick black smoke over the countryside on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 17. Perth East Fire Department, Shakespeare and Sebringville detachments were on the scene shortly after 2 p.m. to try and suppress the flames on top of the current landfill cell.
The Oxford County Plowmen’s 2010 Plowing Match was held on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010, at Fred and Bruce Weldrick farm at 676586 Cassel Sideroad, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock. Miss Laura McKay was crowned 2010 Queen of the Furrow. She is the daughter of Don and Faith McKay of RR 6, Woodstock. August 23-30, 1995, Edition (30 years ago)
Work continues on the new two-storey addition to The Maples Home for Seniors at 94 William St. S, Tavistock. Employees of Junker Construction, New Hamburg, and a Perth Concrete boom truck operator completed a section of wall on the south addition. The foundation contains about 204 metres of supporting wall. Krantz Excavating and Bell trucking were busy backfilling to make way for Lume Masonry of Waterloo who began their block wall construction on Tuesday. The first loads of masonry blocks were delivered Monday by Boehmers. The project is under the direction of Logan Contracting of Stratford. The addition will add 27 rooms to the retirement home and provide accommodation for a total of 45 new residents.
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
The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
Athletics earn Canadian gold
LEE GRIFFI Gazette Correspondent
The Tavistock U15 Athletics (As) have brought home a national championship from Manitoba after winning eight of nine games, including a 7-2 win over Quebec in the gold medal game.
The As dropped a 1-0 decision to Quebec on Saturday before getting a chance to avenge their only loss of the tournament.
“Full credit goes to Quebec’s pitcher. He pitched great and we couldn’t generate much offense at all,” said head coach Dave Nahrgang. “Nobody was panicked after the loss, but we knew we definitely made our road to the gold medal a little tougher.”
That road had to be driven through geographical rival the Wilmot Thunder.
“Wilmot had played two must-win games on Saturday, and they played great and won them both. They were pretty banged up by the time they got to us on Sunday, and we were fresh. They’re always a tough opponent, and I hope they are proud of their bronze medal,” Nahrgang said.
The As’ first game of the tournament was also against Wilmot, and Nahrgang said the 8-2 final score wasn’t indicative of the game.
“It was actually closer than the final score shows. We were losing 2-1 heading into the seventh inning before our bats came alive. Our Friday games turned out to be pretty easy and it was a good opportunity to get some of our starters some rest. But yes, we would have liked a little more intensity before Saturday’s big game.” The team was confident going into the
title game, in part due to familiarity with Quebec’s starting pitcher.
“We knew what to expect. The top of our order, Brady Menich and Evan Nahrgang, both got on base in the top of the third. Quebec is then dealing with the heart of the order with two runners on and no one out. We ended up scoring three runs that inning, and our confidence grew from there.”
Most of the Tavistock players have played ball together for several years, something which can often lead to strong teams. Nahrgang commented on why his kids have enjoyed so much success together.
“They’re all great multi-sport athletes and they love the game. ... I think my main job is just keeping it loose and getting them to come back every year. We work a lot in the off-season, so they’re prepared when the season starts. There are a bunch of them who have played together for years, so the chemistry is pretty good, but they’ve welcomed in some new players without any issues. It’s a great group of young men.”
The As had a total of 15 players on the roster and Nahrgang said every one of them made contributions towards a Canadian championship.
“I’m extremely proud of how they represented Tavistock. Also, a big thank you to our community sponsors for helping us out. We are very appreciative!”
Shakespeare Falcons U17 girls cap season with bronze medal finish
Blue to close out pool play with a 2-1 record.
The Shakespeare Falcons U17 girls wrapped up an outstanding season with a bronze medal at their year-end tournament last weekend.
The Falcons opened pool play with a thrilling matchup against the league-leading UTM Revolution. Down five runs after three innings, they stormed back with a six-run fourth to briefly take the lead. UTM answered with two of their own, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With time running out, the Falcons pushed across two runs in the final inning and held on for an 8-7 win.
Riding that momentum, the Falcons edged the Stratford Flames 6-3 before falling 13-7 in an offensive battle with the London Lightning
The quarterfinals brought a rematch with London. This time, the Falcons staged a dramatic comeback, erasing a three-run deficit in the bottom of the seventh with a walk-off, bases-clearing double to advance.
In the semifinals against the Haldimand Heat, the Falcons struck first but couldn’t overcome a four-run fourth inning, falling 7-4.
That set up a bronze-medal showdown with the Guelph Gators, a team they had faced three times since September.
The Falcons jumped out with a solo homerun in the first and padded their lead with a fourrun fourth. Guelph chipped away late, but Shakespeare held strong for a 5-3 win to secure the bronze.
The Tavistock Athletics U15 team earned gold at the Canadian Fast Pitch tournament in Manitoba. Team members are Logan Nahrgang, Ryan Davis, August Morschauser, Peyton Christie, Brady Menich, Jordan Zehr, Noah Leis, Marshall McKay, Mackiah Wagler, Jackson MacMillan, Colin Priestap, Dylan McCann, Evan Nahrgang, Harmon Hartwick, Calhon Urbshott and coaches Corey McCann, Mark McKay and Dave Nahrgang.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The Shakespeare Falcons U17 girls earned bronze at their year-end tournament. Front row, from left: Eden Fraser, Taya McLaren, Olivia Parsons, Adele Helson, Kalia McLaren and Deanna Halls. Back row, from left: coaches Andrew Medhurst and Trevor Glaab, Bree Weber, Ava Harmer, Taylor Pletsch, Kennedy Vail, Sierrah Babcock, Camryn Medhurst, Annalise Glaab and coaches Randy Halls and Matt McLaren.
GARY WEST
Gazette Correspondent
(ROSALYN MCLAREN PHOTO)
U11 girls Thunder ends season of growth with strong tournament showing
WILMOT-TAVISTOCK GAZETTE STAFF
thewtgazette@gmail.com
The U11 Wilmot Thunder girls’ baseball team capped off an incredible season with what coaches and fans called their best game of the year during the Year-End Tournament hosted in Ayr Aug. 8-10.
From the opening pitch, the Thunder played with heart and focus, delivering crisp plays on the field and powerful swings at the plate. Their determination and energy were undeniable, and the crowd couldn’t help but cheer louder with each inning.
Head coach Mike Thomson explained why the team’s final round-robin game against the North Middlesex Skeeters was their best of the year.
“All the players were swinging the bat and making plays in the field,” Thomson told the Gazette. “The team was wanting to hit where, at this age level, a lot of times the girls struggle to get the bat off their shoulder and are looking to walk.”
The strong finish to the season was the exclamation point on what Thomson called a year of significant improvement by the entire squad.
“As I reflect on the season, what stands out most is the team’s growth in the fundamentals of the game. From throwing
and catching to stepping up at the plate, every one of the girls has made noticeable progress. Their throws have become more accurate and their arm action more refined. In the field, they’re getting under fly balls with confidence and moving their feet to field grounders more effectively. But where they’ve improved the most is at the plate. They come up to bat with determination, swinging with intent and have been aggressive on the base paths.”
Thomson also credited each player for contributing to the team’s successes on and off the field, as well as a strong trio of assistant coaches.
“The team features a dynamic lineup of players who brought their unique strengths to the diamond all season long. Each of these girls played a key role in our team’s success this year. These girls brought a positive attitude and great energy all season. They’ve grown tremendously — not just in skill, but as teammates.”
“The team’s success was also made possible thanks to the dedication of the assistant coaching staff,” Thomson continued.
“Karen (Goerz), Kristy (Chambers) and Dayna (Dubrick), who brought their passion, encouragement and leadership to every game and practice, helping the players develop both on and off the field.”
during the
8-10
Wellesley hosts Don Green Slo-Pitch Tournament
KALE CRISP Gazette Sports Correspondent
The 2025 Don Green Slo-Pitch Tournament took place in Wellesley on Aug. 8-9, and once again was a tremendous success.
The tournament has raised money for parks and recreation facilities in Wellesley Township for over 30 years. With 16 teams spread out over four divisions, it was an action-packed weekend on and off the field.
“An event like this helps build a vibrant community,” said Wellesley Lions Club president Blair Cressman. “Our team had to make multiple food runs throughout the weekend to keep up with the attendance we got.”
This year, the tournament had four divisions – three men’s divisions and one coed. The River Rats took home the men’s ‘A’ division, The Queen’s Bush Clippers won Men’s ‘B’, the Inglorious Batters won Men’s ‘C’ and the Co-Ed division was won by the Dirty Mitts.
“This event is about more than just baseball,” said Cressman. “The 50/50 raffle generated $3,000 that will go back into sports and recreation in Wellesley.”
Cressman also said the Lions Club doesn’t have championship games in the tournament because they don’t want to lose focus on what the tournament is about.
One of the highlights of the weekend
among the players is the homerun derby, which gives the event a proper send off every year on the Saturday night. Anyone can participate by putting $10 into a pot, and the winner takes it. Each player gets 15 total pitches and the player with the most homeruns wins. This year’s
winner was Conner Doerbecker who hit five homeruns. Doerbecker is also a local junior hockey player for the Wellesley AppleJacks.
This year’s tournament was a success but Cressman says there’s always room for improvement.
“Next year, I’d like there to be more
activities for young kids to do while the games are going on,” said Cressman.
The Wellesley Lions Club is hopeful the success of the tournament, and the continued increase in attendance and participation, will continue into 2026 when they’ll honour Don Green again next summer.
Pictured from left to right are Elaina McGraw, Cali Gaudun-Gies, Bryn Stachowski, Arilynn Van Alphen, Shelby Dubrick, Mya Bannerman, Jordyn Thomson, Calee Richmond, Holly Pembleton, Lainey Chambers, Payton Goerz and Indigo Gaudun-Jones. The U11 girls Wilmot Thunder ended their season on a high with a round-robin game that was called their best game of the entire season
Aug.
Year-End Tournament in Ayr.
(SHANNON HILL MEDIA PHOTO)
Many people attended the Don Green Slo-Pitch Tournament on Aug. 8-9 in Wellesley, a successful event raising funds to support sports and recreation in Wellesley.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Life is good, especially when it comes full circle and on the golf course
CHASING A STORY
By Lee Griffi
Some people say life repeats itself; déjà vu if you will.
I recently experienced something I never thought I would again, a chance to share a round of golf with Canadian golf icon and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee Mike Weir. Oh, he also won a green jacket at Augusta. I think I shed a few tears when he beat Len Mattiace on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff in 2003. Tiger Woods, as defending champion, suited Weir up with his new sport coat.
I remember exactly where I was. I was playing a round of golf at the Stratford Golf and Country Club, a place where I worked for nearly 20 years. I started in the back shop at the age of 12,
cleaning clubs and making sure members and guests had what they needed before teeing off. I eventually earned my way into the pro shop and was knowledgeable enough about the game to begin teaching lessons.
I made the high school team at the former Stratford Central all five years I was there, and I believe it was in my grade 12 or 13 year when the Western Ontario Secondary School Association (WOSSA) tournament was held at Craigowan, just north of Woodstock. I had heard about this Weir fellow, and I knew how good he was. I was a pretty good player, but oh boy, could I knock the cover off the ball. My self-imposed nickname was
“Lee, Long Ball Griffi,” which I proudly displayed on my Jones carry bag. Some of you old golfers might remember the best carry bag ever made.
I had some success, winning a few stops on the old junior Tyson Tour, but the mystique surrounding Mr. Weir was huge. I just never had the chance to play with the Brights Grove native until one wet, snowy day in October. And I beat him.
I always tell people that is my golf claim to fame, and I never thought I would see him again. But after entering a Rogers draw online, I was given the opportunity once again. I was the only winner of the Beyond the Seat contest, which gave me a chance to play a round with Weir for the first time in nearly 40 years in Calgary as part of the PGA Champions Tour during a pro-am event.
Besides watching some of the best over-50 golfers compete, I was proud to be a part of the charity aspect involved, as is the case in any PGA and PGA Champions Tour event. Since the tournament’s inception, over $137 million has been raised
for over 290 children and youth charities across Alberta. I was a bit bummed John Daly, Fred Couples and Ernie Els weren’t there, but there were plenty of big names around, including former world number ones David Duval and Vijay Singh.
I don’t think Weir believed me on the first tee when I mentioned I beat him years ago. He likened it to a fish tale where he caught a 30-inch trout, but it was all in good fun. Also playing with us were three Rogers and Wasserman fellows, along with a club pro from Calgary. I can’t remember a more enjoyable round of golf. Wasserman is a sports management company Rogers works with on the sports side of its operations.
My partner and I were very well taken care of with all expenses paid, including a ride to and from Banff during our free day. I have never had the majestic experience I did there with one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders so present.
I guess my point in writing this column is to be humble and thankful. I have never had a lot in life aside from my family. I
don’t need much, mind you, so if they were all I had, I would be content. When something great happens in life, we should all be very appreciative. I’m not getting any younger, and with the amount of arthritis in my back, I honestly don’t know how much longer I can play the game I love.
My brother, Tony, was a professional golfer in Alberta before passing away during the pandemic. All I wanted when he died was his golf clubs and bag. I took his Mizuno staff bag with me on the trip, so it felt a bit like he was there with me. I know he would have been pleased.
I normally don’t give plugs to big companies, but I truly want to thank Rogers and Wasserman for their incredible customer service. They made this a once in a lifetime experience. A video of some of my trip is available at www.instagram.com/reel/ DNYrspiPRZv/.
Lee Griffi is editor of the Woodstock-Ingersoll Echo, reporter with the WilmotTavistock Gazette and a contributor to other Grant Haven newspapers.
(PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROGERS CHARITY CLASSIC)
The Gazette’s Lee Griffi won a contest recently and flew to Calgary to play a round of golf with Masters champion and member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Mike Weir.
Perth East is continuing to experience strong growth, with nearly $49 million worth of construction underway so far this year.
As of July 31, the township had issued 224 building permits with a total construction value of $48,924,797.79. That’s an increase of more than $2.6 million compared to the same period in 2024, when the township recorded $46,317,148.52 in construction value, according to Wesley Reidt, Perth East’s manager of building and planning.
Reidt noted that this year’s permit count is already close to last year’s record of 227 permits.
Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz said the construction boom reflects a wide range of projects, from residential builds to major commercial and agricultural expansions.
“Houses are going up in the Gies subdivision, there are new builds in the Percon Industrial Park, the Milverton child-care facility attached to the public school, and the addition at Anna Mae’s in Millbank,” Ehgoetz said. “We’re also seeing signif-
along with new barns, driving sheds and farm storage facilities.”
Other projects include expansions at Horst Welding, Streichter Transport, Gerber’s Workwear and residential growth on agricultural lands in the southern parts of the township.
Ehgoetz said the building boom is a welcome sign for the community.
“We are very fortunate to have all of these positive building activities happening,” she said. “They bring continued growth, create new jobs and help sustain the jobs we already have. It’s great for our
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(GARY WEST PHOTO)
I love working out but being sore makes it hard to function
in my day-to-day
HEAPS OF HEALTHY TIPS
By Mercedes Kay Gold
Working out is non-negotiable. Exercise is the key to longevity and making a quick recovery is essential. As a certified personal trainer, here’s my top tricks of the trade to have you off the sidelines.
1. Warm up with sportspecific drills. Let’s take pickleball, the fastest growing sport in North America, for example. Prepare the body with light jogging back and forth on the court as well as side shuffles. Add some leg swings, wrist and arm circles, trunk twists, and practice dinks and volleys with a partner to reduce the risk of injury and speed up recovery.
2. Thirst indicates dehydration. Drink water before exercising. Skip the sugar-stocked sports drinks. Instead, add sugarfree electrolytes to water or
life. What can I do?
sip on all-natural coconut water. True hydration is defined by how much water the body absorbs not how much you drink.
3. Eat clean. Whole foods are nutrient dense and support the body at the cellular level. Chia seeds and ground flax are amazing at helping lock water into cells.
4. Take a 15-20-minute Epsom salt or magnesium flakes bath nightly to help release tight muscles.
5. Magnesium oil or gel applied topically to sore muscles is holistic heaven. It quickly induces relaxation, reduces inflammation and speeds up recovery.
6. Don’t skip shut-eye. Sleep impacts physical performance and truly restocks super powers. According to a published
study in 2020, at least seven hours of perceived overall good sleep impacts athletic performance. For sweet dreams, my nightly pre-bedtime goto is mixing a few drops of lavender essential oil with magnesium oil and giving myself a mini foot massage.
7. Supplement with oral magnesium daily. Yes, this essential mineral is rich in raw nuts, seeds, fresh produce and grains, but most people are consuming the “Standard American Diet.” Processed foods lack nutritional value. Even a well-balanced nutrient-dense diet needs a magnesium boost to accommodate the over 300 enzyme systems requiring the mighty mineral. Adult males over 19 should aim for 400-420 milligrams daily while females require at least 310-320 milligrams. Supplementing with a high-quality magnesium will help aid and assist normal muscle contraction and relaxation specific to exercising. Speak to your health practitioner about which type of magnesium is best to support your health goals.
8. Post-training, foam rolling
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
If you ate today, thank a farmer
Having grown up on a dairy farm of Ayrshire cattle, pigs, chickens and ducks, and supplying New Hamburg with milk, eggs and chickens for Sunday dinners, I know and feel the love the farmers have for their way of life.
We are willing to work hard, long hours and seven days a week to care for our animals. Taking care of the land is a privilege and a great responsibility to nurture and protect so it continues to sustain the elements it needs to produce life-giving food each year. This takes planning ahead.
Farmers need the respect from all who love food for their dedication to give us the best and the most nutritious food possible. Thank a farmer and the Giver of sun and rain and soil for this precious gift every time you eat. This is a gift from Heaven. In the early 1970s in Haldimand County (close to Lake Erie), Route 9, Dunnville, my late husband and I experienced a landgrab like the one in Wilmot Township.
An unknown man came to the door wanting to buy our farm. We said No. He replied that he would come back again. Mysterious; no answers to our questions.
Our neighbours had the same encounter. It was a mystery.
Haldimand County is not prime farming land. It’s known because of Haldimand clay, but farmers grew crops and had dairy farms. Some time later, back they came and said we want the land. So, some of the neighbours gave in. Everyone was secretive. Nothing happened.
Much later, we learned that the provincial government planned to build a city to house the workers at Nanticoke Hydro plant and Sunoco Refinery along Lake Erie shores. The city was never built because the workers from Hamilton did not want to move and chose to commute instead. The farmers were encouraged to rent back their land which the government owned.
My proposal is for the government to leave their hands off of Wilmot’s prime agricultural land and build whatever on the acres that they paid for in the ‘70s where they have water from Lake Erie and hydro towers spanning the landscape. We residents of Waterloo County do not want to drink Lake Erie water. Show respect and value our wonderful Wilmot and Waterloo Region farmers.
Marianne Schlegel, New Hamburg
is rad for the body, and marvelous massage is always in style. Add the ancient art of cupping to increase blood flow to sore areas.
9. There are plenty of highlevel athletes, influencers and media attention focused on the heaps of holistic healing help out there. From cold plunge, sauna and steam room to infrared light therapy and compression boots, one will be the perfect fit.
10. Mix it up. If cardio is your
thing, yes, hit the trails running but from time to time, try rowing, biking or practice hitting the slopes indoors with a ski machine. 11. Last but not least, take time off. Training everyday leads to injury. Exercise is crucial for physical and mental health. From reducing the rise of chronic diseases to alleviating anxiety and stress to cognitive improvements, being fit feels fabulous. Incorporating tips to speed up recovery will have you moving and grooving again in no time.
(VECTEEZY PHOTO)
Sore muscles can sideline even the most committed athletes, but smart recovery strategies help get you moving again faster.
Discovering the freshwater shipwreck diving capital of the world
OH, THE PLACES WE'LL GO
By Paul Knowles
Here’s your trivia question for the day: Name the freshwater and shipwreck diving capital of the world.
You don’t have to go too far afield, according to Guillaume Courcy. His answer would be “Kingston, Ont., and the Thousand Islands,” and his evidence is pretty convincing.
Courcy, a native of Rimouski, Que., is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. He served internationally and learned to scuba dive while stationed on a peacekeeping mission in Israel. His last posting was to Kingston; he came there in 2011 and joined the local military scuba club and he quickly became aware of the treasure trove of shipwrecks awaiting exploration around the Thousand Islands. He completed his diving instructor qualifications in 2019.
His wife, Martine Roux, a diving instructor from Montreal, met Courcy because of their shared interest in spending time underwater. They became life partners and in 2020, they became business partners as well. In that infamous COVID year, they acquired their first boat, a tug called the Dorothy J. Guillaume moved straight from his military career into his new life as an underwater entrepreneur. And despite the challenges of the pandemic, Neptune and Salacia Diving prospered. Neptune is the Roman god of freshwater and the sea; Salacia, his consort, is the goddess of the sea. They opened a dive shop in 2022 and bought a second boat, a Zodiac, in 2023. If you spend some time with
Courcy, you will become convinced that the number one reason for their success is the personal enthusiasm of the owners. They live and breathe diving, and even after diving around the Thousand Islands for more than a decade, they continue to be very excited about the experiences that await them on every dive.
Courcy admits his claim about the freshwater and shipwreck diving capital of the world would be disputed by fans of the Georgian Bay waters around Tobermory, but his tongue-in-cheek goal is “to steal that title back from Tobermory.”
There is no doubt freshwater divers will find unending opportunities to explore shipwrecks in the waters of the St. Lawrence River, off Kingston. The St. Lawrence starts here, feeding out of Lake Ontario. The estimate is that there are between 200 and 400 shipwrecks in the area. Many of them are ships that floundered in storms; some, like the HMS Princess Charlotte, saw military action in the War of 1812; many more have been deliberately sunk by their owners because they were no longer seaworthy.
More recently, some, like the Wolfe Island II, have been deliberately sent to the bottom as artificial reefs and dive sites.
If you spend time on the water or in the air over the Thousand Islands, the sheer number of shipwrecks is quickly apparent. I took a helicopter tour that included flying over Garden Island where, in that small area alone, about
20 shipwrecks are easily spotted from the air.
What makes freshwater diving special for shipwreck enthusiasts is most wrecks are wooden ships. Wooden ships that sink in salt water are quickly eaten away by the salt. Courcy told me, “Cold water, fresh water, keeps these wrecks alive.” The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River are home to the largest collection of wooded shipwrecks in the world.
There are a number of ways visitors to Kingston can get up close and personal with shipwrecks. Neptune and Salacia Diving own the first and only PADI certified dive boat in Canada – PADI is the highly recognized Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
Courcy and Roux offered scuba diving charters, scuba courses and snorkelling tours. This summer, they introduced a War of 1812 snorkelling tour.
So would-be explorers have options ranging from snorkelling above wrecks to diving to spectacular sites like the Comet, an 1864 paddle-wheeler now resting in 80 feet of water.
This being Canada, it turns out diving is an all-weather sport. Courcy is a certified ice diving instructor, so he takes well-insulated clients out and under all year round.
The quirky, fun side of the business is evident as he talks about their very popular feature, Zombie Apocalypse Diving, where cosplay meets scuba.
Courcy and Roux also spearhead clean-up dives on the Kingston waterfront, run by the local Rotary Club. In the first year of the event, divers collected over 800 kilograms of debris around the harbour. The event has grown to include non-divers on the shore, and in kayaks and canoes, all working to keep the harbour in pristine shape.
The business has grown significantly through its five years of operation, but Courcy and Roux are committed to making it better, continually offering new programs and dive experiences. When I met Courcy, there were 11 moorings at dive locations – permanent mooring stations where boats can tie up, thus preventing damage to the wrecks from anchors. The goal, he says, is to have 30 moorings, opening more and more potential for exciting exploration of the shipwrecks in the waters of the Thousand Islands.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and past president of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.
(PHOTO COURTESY NEPTUNE AND SALACIA DIVING)
(PHOTO COURTESY NEPTUNE AND SALACIA DIVING)
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The elongated shapes in the water of Garden Island are all shipwrecks.
Neptune and Salacia’s first dive boat, the Dorothy J.
The wreck of the twice-named vessel, the Alhoa/Effie Mae.
Guillaume Courcy wants to claim the title of “Freshwater and shipwreck diving capital of the world” for Kingston.
The Glendora is one of the many shipwrecks near Kingston that can be explored by divers.
Lawn bowling: Genteel pastime or cutthroat competition?
VINTAGE
VIEWS
By Tim Mosher Tavistock and District Historical Society
Bowling outdoors has a history that dates back to 3200 B.C. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs clearly illustrate the game and versions of it appear in many cultures around the world right up through the Middle Ages. Lawn bowling became especially popular in Scotland, where the modern-day rules were mostly standardized, and England in the early 1800s, enjoyed by both the middle class and royalty. As the British Commonwealth expanded, so too did its leisure-time activities.
Why did such a British-oriented game become popular in what was mostly a German-settled community like Tavistock? Perhaps it was the local Scottish influence combined with it being a leisurely warm-weather pursuit that could be enjoyed by both youth and retired people of both genders with minimal equipment, training and expense.
The first proposal for a bowling green in the community appears to have been shortly before 1902 for where the Oxford Hotel was built, now the public library/Oxford Manor. Then a larger area became available just south of the railway tracks behind a variety
of businesses on Hope Street West near the centre of town. This became the green’s location. The club grew quickly and by 1919, there were 42 members. That same year, a tournament was held in Tavistock with prizes of four fountain pens, four shaving kits and four ivory mantel clocks. The interwar years seem to have been the club’s heyday.
Decades later in the 1960s, my childhood chums and I bowled here. We learned the basics of the game along with the terminology. It’s not a ball that you throw; it’s a bowl.
The bowl is not round like a ball; rather it’s slightly flattened on opposite sides, which creates the ability to make the bowl curve when thrown. We didn’t throw our bowls in alleys as in pin bowling; rather we played on about six rinks, which made up the entire green. At the far end of the rinks was a ditch to catch the occasional bowl. The target on the far end of the rink was a small white ball widely known as the “jack,” though in Tavistock we used a variation of this word.
You can see one in the photo on top of the bowls in front of the group, atypically positioned like this for the picture.
Learning to arc the bowl was important to use against opponents because you could manoeuvre your bowls around those they had positioned to block yours. The point of the game is to get your bowls as close to, but not touching, the white ball and to block your opponents’ bowls at the same time. Strategies were discussed in hushed tones by adult team members. When the opposing team managed to arc their bowl around yours or knock it out of its “guard” position
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Creating havoc in Wilmot for a data centre?
Dear Editor,
Koodos for Anne Loeffler’s letter of Aug. 14.
I would like to summarize the issue of building a data centre within the 770 acres as follows:
1. On the plus side, a few U of W computer science grads might score a number of high-tech jobs. However, high salaries and benefits will not be guaranteed. No doubt, the owner of the data centre will earn fistfuls of money, should it all go well.
2. On the negative side, why all the secrecy, disrespect for regional planning processes and disregard for due diligence? Secrecy, in this case, strongly suggests that had the proponents of the land grab been honest and transparent, the acquisition of the 770 acres would have never gotten off the ground. Currently, the 770 acres provide an income for the farmers and an idyllic respite for the many retired people and younger families from the hustle and bustle of the city. The construction and operation of the data centre will put these people back into an industrial environment.
and stop a finger width from the target, I learned a word or two from the losing team that I was never taught in Sunday School.
There will be a dramatic increase in electrical-power consumption, leading to the expansion of electrical-generation facilities, no to mention the need to supply water to the data centre for cooling. Naturally, the region will agree to fund these projects, leading to higher tax rates for the residents, all so that a few computer science grads can wear a lab coat to work.Taking a moral perspective, is there any proof that a data centre, powering AI, will provide any lasting benefit to the general population of Ontario? Is it not possible that the overall effect of AI will simply be to eliminate all sorts of jobs with no tangible benefits to the people? Are there not already good examples of prosperous internet-related businesses with zero ethical standards?
3. Should we be really destroying farmland for a data centre? We already have our share of shady businesses to contend with.
Regards,
Paul Sedran, New Hamburg
Behind the group on the left is the station master’s home, today a private residence. Other homes on Station Street are visible too. Zimmerman’s box factory smokestack is on the right. The men are facing towards a small white clubhouse that was erected with deep overhanging eaves akin to the railway station nearby, but what was most impressive was the green. It was almost as level and smooth as a billiard table, very shortcropped, carefully watered and tended to by local people hired to care for it. The dense, very even grass was the envy of every home or golf club owner.
Despite this being an outdoor summer activity, no one in the photo is wearing short pants or short-sleeved shirts, which became popular post-WWII and in the late 1920s respectively. Men’s belts were starting to become common, replacing suspenders, as waist lines were comically high by today’s standards. No one appears to be smoking. Some of the men are wearing a vest, as well as the soon unfashionable paper collar, and most are sporting long neckties.
There’s another photo of lawn bowlers in the Lemp Studio Collection (0420) with four women, all wearing dresses and two men wearing bow ties. These modes of dress give lawn bowling a genteel air, incongruous with competitions that could become cut-throat.
Carl Seltzer’s 1967 Fact & Fantasy book on local history has extensive information about the club from 1902-1968. He listed all the executive members, annual fees and when women were admitted in 1919 paying $2 per year. The membership fee for “old members” was $5 and $3 for beginners the same year. By 1952, beginners membership
rose to $5. Total membership was 42 in 1919 when the club had expenses totalling $354.73 and income was $356.98. Electric lights were installed in 1916; three hanging bulbs are visible in the photo on the left. In 1919, rent was $20 per year for the green that measured about 120-by-120 feet (36.6by-36.6 metres).
Ruby Quehl was a renowned local bowler and accolades came in 1954 when Don Purdy and Harry Zimmerman were provincial champions in men’s doubles, and again in 1967 when Howard Wilson and Bill Ducklow won the American doubles prize. In the late ‘60s, the landowner sold the property and the club folded. The former bowling green is now a parking lot.
Lawn bowling; a game of yesteryear and language lessons for young boys in Tavistock.
Last week’s History Mystery: The photo was of Zimmerman’s box factory with about 50 employees and horses taken in 1918. The question was: “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?” The first reader to answer this correctly was Connie Hitzeroth of Tavistock. The answer is that the woman on the right is wearing gloves and the other is wearing a fur hand muff.
This week’s History Mystery: What do young lions, tigers, house cats and lawn bowling in Tavistock all have in common? This question is open to all. The first person to email the correct answer to me at tim_ mosher@hotmail.com will have their name and community or rural route number published in next week’s Vintage Views. The deadline to forward your answer is 9 a.m. next Tuesday.
Lawn bowling was popular in Tavistock for almost 60 years. Around 1920, this group of players posed for a photo. Only four are positively identified: Dr. W.O. Kaufmann is the sixth man from the left in the back row, C.J. Kaufman is in the front row on the far left, Harry Zimmerman is kneeling on the left and John ‘Jack’ Lemp is on the far right standing.
(JOHN LEMP; SCAN NUMBER 0419 )
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
The Wellesley Township Fall Fair committee, is having a pre-opening of this year’s Fair, with an event called “Sip and Savour Senior Tea”
2:30-4 p.m.
Entertainment by Eric Traplin. The deadline for ordering tickets is August 8. Call Joanne Stewart at 519-214-0305 or email wellesleyfallfair@gmail.com
Bill Gies Rec Centre 1401 Queens Bush Rd, Wellesley
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
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Ostomy Support Group Meeting
7 p.m.
Speaker – Peter West of Westcare Medical Ostomy products, and what’s new on the market. Social time and snacks. Everyone welcome. For information call (519)273-4327 93 Morgan St., Stratford
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
East Zorra-Tavistock Council meeting
9 a.m.
Council Chambers
89 Loveys Street East, Hickson
Perth East council meeting
7 p.m.
Council chambers 25 Mill Street East, Milverton
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
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
7 p.m.
Council chambers
25 Mill Street East, Milverton
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship.
12 noon
Please register and buy your tickets by Sept.
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 STAMP CLUB
Oxford Philatelic Society Meetings: 2nd Tuesday (2-4pm) and 4th Tuesday (7-9pm)
September to May
If you have never belonged to a stamp club, now’s the time. Meet new friends, grow your knowledge and collection.
Contact: Don Eaton dhfe@silomail.com Website: http://www.rpsc.org/chapters/oxford Church of the Epiphany 560 Dundas Street, Woodstock Ontario N4S 1C7
MUSEUM/ARCHIVES EXHIBIT
“Retro Rewind to the 70’s & 80’s” Every Saturday from from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or by appointment until September 13 Donations appreciated. Chesterfield Museum/Archives
Deadline: Tuesday prior at 3 p.m. Contact: thewtgazette@gmail.com
CLASSIFIED ADS —
FOR RENT
Newly renovated 1 bedroom apartment, upstairs unit. Located in Tavistock. If interested call 519-801-5454.
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.
