St. Marys Independent - June 11, 2026

The gazebo at the St. Marys Memorial Hospital has been beautifully redone, making it a welcoming space of comfort for those visiting family and friends as well as for the staff.

The project was made possible through a group effort between the St. Marys Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation and the Carter family. The Carter family generously donated towards this project in memory of their parents, John and Marg. John Carter was the St. Marys hospital administrator from 19641991.

The work was expertly done by DDB Carpentry, who also donated two benches inside the gazebo. From the gazebo, visitors can see the beautiful gardens and window boxes the St. Marys Horticultural Society donated and maintains.

The ceremony that took place on Thursday, June 4, as a thank-you to the Carter Family, started with a welcome from auxiliary member Janis Fread, who shared some information on how the project got started.

Communications manager for the health-care foundation Bernice DeDecker then spoke about the foundation’s role in helping make this project come to fruition and introduced board members.

Past chair Cindy Bilyea talked about the Carter family, thanking them as well as the auxiliary for their efforts in fixing up the tired gazebo.

A new emergency medical dispatch system coming to Perth County later this year will help ensure ambulances and other emergency resources are sent to the patients who need them most while reducing unnecessary emergency responses.

At its June 4 meeting, Perth County council received reports from paramedic chief Mike Adair and deputy chief of operations Tristan Barter outlining the implementation of the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) and new tiered-response agreements between Perth County Paramedic Services and local fire departments in Stratford, St. Marys, North

“Thank you to the Carter family so much for contributing and helping the auxiliary and foundation in a great joint effort to improve the experience for the patients,” Bilyea said.

Peter Westlaken of DDB Carpentry spoke to the crowd on how the positive vision of all of those involved prevented the gazebo from being torn down and giving the contractors an image of what the architecture and colours could look like, enhancing its character.

New dispatch system to prioritize most serious medical emergencies in Perth County

Perth, Perth East and West Perth. The changes are scheduled to take effect when MPDS is rolled out through the London Central Ambulance Communications Centre in November.

“At it’s core, MPDS is a modernized, emergency medical dispatch system that is already widely used across Ontario and North America,” Barter said. “The goal of this system is really straightforward; making sure the rights resources get to the right patient at the right time.”

The new dispatch system replaces the current two-tiered ambulance dispatch model with a five-level priority framework designed to better match emergency responses to a patient’s condition. Under the system, call-takers use a structured series of questions to determine the severity of an incident and assign the most appropriate response.

According to Adair’s report, the internationally recognized, evidence-based system is intended to improve dispatch accuracy, enhance patient care and ensure life-threatening emergencies receive the fastest response possible.

One of the most significant changes residents may notice is that lower-acuity calls will no longer receive the same response priority as life-threatening emergencies.

“Life-threatening emergencies will continue to receive the fastest response possible, while lower-acuity calls may receive a response that is clinically appropriate based on a patient’s condition,” Barter said.

“ … Another significant benefit of MPDS is it should reduce unnecessary lights-and-sirens responses within the county. Emergency driving carries a risk for not only paramedics but for the public. By reserving lights and sirens for truly timely, critical emergencies, we improve safety while ensuring patients receive appropriate care.”

The report notes that during periods when ambulance resources are limited – defined as three or fewer ambulances available in the system – some lower-acuity calls may be held for a defined period under guidance from base hospital physicians to ensure ambulances remain available for higher-priority emergencies. Those situations are expected to be rare and will be closely monitored.

The goal, according to the report, is to preserve resources for patients experiencing serious medical emergencies while ensuring lower-acuity patients continue to receive care within clinically appropriate timeframes.

“There really is not a difference for the

end user in terms of when you call 911,” Adair said. “It will feel exactly the same. They might ask you a few more questions, but if you’ve called 911 before, that system will remain the same. This is all the process behind the scenes that will change the way that we’re dispatched.

“What will feel different is in certain circumstances, we may be responding at a slower rate because it’s more appropriate to that call and we want to always have resources available for those higher-acuity calls.”

To support the transition, Perth County Paramedic Services is renewing tiered-response memorandums of understanding with the fire departments serving Stratford, St. Marys, North Perth, Perth East and West Perth. Adair told council the updated agreements have the support of all local fire chiefs.

The agreements establish when and how fire services may be dispatched to medical emergencies alongside paramedics. Under MPDS, fire departments will generally be sent to calls where their involvement provides clear clinical or operational value, such as cardiac arrests, unconscious or unresponsive patients, respiratory emergencies, motor-vehicle collisions, farm and industrial incidents, and remote-access rescues.

The new agreements are intended to reduce fire-department responses to lower-acuity medical calls while ensuring firefighters remain available for serious emergencies and situations where additional personnel or specialized equipment may be required.

“This (memorandum of understanding) establishes a process for fire services to bring forward either any kind of concerns or requests to make changes in terms of how they’re responding to calls,” Adair said, noting the new agreements will be flexible in nature so changes and improvements can be made over time, when necessary.

Adair’s report notes MPDS will not increase call volume. Instead, it is designed to ensure the right resources are dispatched at the right time based on real-time clinical information received through the 911 system.

Perth County Paramedic Services is working with the Ministry of Health, local fire departments and other emergency-service partners to prepare for the transition. A public-awareness campaign is also planned before the system goes live to help residents understand how calls will be prioritized and what they can expect when they call 911 for medical assistance.

Goodbye Bulky Recliner

Hh e P i l o t $ 1 9 9 9

100% Genuine Leather Chair & Ottoman Special Purchase

Available in four colours

In-stock & available for immediate delivery

100% Genuine Leather Power Recliner

Available in four colours

In-stock & available for immediate delivery

T h e E a s y $ 1 9 9 9

100% Genuine Leather Chair & Ottoman Special Purchase

Available in four colours

In-stock & available for immediate delivery

EDITORIAL

A midnight beeping

Late one night as I was sleeping, I woke to the sound of an alarm a-beeping.

My sleep disturbed, I rolled out of bed, I looked around and scratched my head.

The beep I heard was not alarming,

A battery dying is what it’s warning.

Between the sounds of Julia snoring, I stood and listened, not ignoring.

Chirping once every 30 seconds, I focused on from whence it beckoned.

From in the basement, I heard that beep,

And toward it softly, I did creep.

Though still plugged in, a detector was dying;

Remove the battery, I started trying.

I pulled it out and to my relief,

The sound had stopped, I could finally sleep.

Back in bed, all snug and warm, A thought intruded in full form.

Bravo Boo

We have 4 Bravos this week

1) Bravo to the two gentlemen from the hospital breakfast that went quickly to pick up four tables for the Alzheimer’s Walk group that needed them with so much going on down at Milt Dunnell.

2) Bravo to all of the kind people who have stopped to lend Bob a hand when he has tumbled onto either Queen or Ontario streets. Apparently it takes a village to cut our lawn.

3) Bravo to Sandy M. in the imaging department at the hospital for displaying great consideration and compassion for a patient. Arriving early, she made time to squeeze me in knowing I was in discomfort. She went above and beyond in her usual cheery, supportive manner. Thank you so much.

4) Once in a while you meet someone who checks all the boxes for a great employee - friendly, helpful, courteous, competent and professional. Karick at Foodland is one of these. Your parents raised an exceptional young man, Karick, Bravo!

We have 2 Boos this week

1) Boo to the lady walking three dogs offleash on Thomas Street/River Road, two big brown cuties ran after my car, luckily my two German sheps didnt jump out, I saw you and rolled windows up. I walk my dogs leashed there too. Disaster averted today, what about tomorrow?  Next time please use common sense!

2) Parents please talk to your kids who are on electric scooters. While driving, I stopped, looked both ways and started out to turn right and out of nowhere a boy wearing headphones came off the sidewalk on his scooter right in front of me and I almost hit him but he was totally oblivious to me or anything else. They travel very fast and a helmet would be smart. Bike riders, please watch STOP signs. Again a very close call.

Why had the detector suddenly died, when power should have been well-supplied?

With dawning horror, I opened my eyes,

A crisis was brewing, I hadn’t realized.

Just one week ago, we had contractors in,

They’d shut off the power so work could begin.

This house is old, its wiring confusing,

The upstairs lights weren’t all we were losing.

A pit in my stomach, I walked back downstairs,

To see the freezer sitting silently there. I opened the lid, afraid what I’d find,

Hopes of still-frozen food I had in mind.

But up from the freezer a smell did arise,

So putrid and pungent, it brought a tear to my eye.

Meat, veggies and fruit long forgotten

Had, over a week, all gone rotten.

Lightly sighing, trying not to gag, I knew all was lost and doomed to a bag.

At three in the morning, I closed the lid,

Went back upstairs – beneath the covers I hid.

A problem for tomorrow, I closed my eyes,

And worried about the food we’d need to buy.

Quote of the Week

“As Canadians, we have the extraordinary privilege of living in a mature democracy. We benefit from strong institutions that allow different views to be expressed. We must continue to protect the public space in which our national debates take place.”

- Former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour who is now the 31st governor general of Canada after being sworn in during a ceremony in Ottawa on Monday

Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!

St. Marys Independent

Publisher

Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

Regional Editor

Galen Simmons • galen@granthaven.com

Graphic Design / Sales Inquiries

AT THE COFFEE SHOP

Why didn’t Mitch Marner play like

Tyler Carruthers • info@stmarysindependent.com

Business Development

Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com

Billing Administrator

Cindy Boakes • boakescindy1576@gmail.com

Administrative Assistant

Wendy Lamond • wendylamond74@gmail.com

Contributors

June Grant, Spencer Seymour, Emily Stewart, Jake Grant, Mary Smith, Nancy Abra, Lauren Eedy, Paul Knowles, Amy Cubberley, Laura McAsh, Alona Vasylieva, Nancy Bickell

36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@stmarysindependent.com | 519.284.0041 | granthaven.com

You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself. Growing old is mandatory but growing up is

Laughter is the cheapest therapy you will ever get.

If you can’t find a safe space, become one.

St. Marys set to host the Stonetown Triathlon

The Stonetown Triathlon, organized by the Balance Point Triathlon Club, is coming to St. Marys on Sunday, July 5.

Young athletes aged eight to 19 will swim in the quarry, cycle our streets and run along the Thames River. This event is set to foster a spirit of community and personal growth, emphasizing sportsmanship and perseverance for all who participate. Proceeds from the event will go to support St. Marys Youth Centre programs.

This triathlon is open for any individual between the ages of eight and 19 to participate as an athlete regardless of experience. Participants can choose from a variety of race formats, catering to both seasoned competitors and those new to triathlons. Spectators are encouraged to cheer from the sidelines.

“We’re excited to once again host this triathlon and introduce participants to the charm of St. Marys,” said town director of community services Stephanie Ische in a press release. “The quarry provides an unforgettable race setting, and we’re proud to share it with visitors from across the region.”

To accommodate the triathlon, the following roads will be closed from 7 a.m.

to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 5:

• Thomas Street from Park Street to the sewage treatment plant

• Park Street from Thomas Street to Water Street South

• Water Street South from Park Street to the entrance of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

Impacted residents are encouraged to park on nearby side streets during the event. Residents with mobility issues who require access to their driveway can contact public works coordinator Thomas Redman at 519-284-2340 ext. 213 or tredman@town.stmarys.on.ca to make special arrangements.

The St. Marys Quarry will open late (3 p.m.) on Sunday, July 5, to accommodate the swimming portion of the triathlon. For more information on the event, including how to participate as an athlete, volunteer, or spectator, visit www.townofstmarys.com/triathlon.

TOWN WIDE GARAGE Sale

LISTINGS FOR JUNE 13TH

The latest municipal news from the Town of St. Marys

Nomination packages are available for pickup by appointment only during the construction of the Church St stairs at Town Hall Please call 519-284-2340 ext. 212 or email clerksoffice@town

DOWNTOWN PARKING

The limit for on-street parking in the downtown core is 3 hours Extended duration parking is available at one of the 4 municipal lots: Water St N, Jones St E, Opera House and Elgin St E across from Canadian Tire (enter from Water St or Wellington St )

STONETOWN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

There's fun for everyone at the annual Stonetown Heritage Festival on Saturday, July 25! This free event celebrates the cultures, stories and histories that shape the past and present of St Marys The festival features family-friendly activities, heritage tours, art, vendor's and farmers'

and

TOWN HALL STAIR RECONSTRUCTION

Town Hall’s outdoor staircases are currently undergoing construction Access to the Town Hall service desk and public washroom will be closed for approximately six weeks Services usually offered at Town Hall will be provided online, by phone or at other municipal facilities Learn more: discoverstmarys ca

Our senior of the week is Larry Hodges, born in Woodstock on June 12, 1946. Larry is an avid reader of the St. Marys Independent, despite not living in St. Marys. A retired teacher, he enjoys his time with his wife Judith and taking care of his garden and all the neighbourhood birds and squirrels. He has two sons, one granddaughter and one grand-wiener dog. Happy 80th birthday Grandpa Larry!

If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, contact us at 519.284.0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com.

Fortino triumphs in rematch against Hagarty at World Crokinole Championship

second game before Hagarty extended the match.

By Jake Grant

It was a case of déjà vu as the World Championship final at the Tavistock and District recreation centre over the weekend was a repeat of the previous year with Devon Fortino facing off against Shawn Hagarty.

In what was a barn-burner of a match, Fortino avenged his loss from the previous year to win the 2026 World Crokinole Championship.

Fortino won the first game of the best-of-three final, and was one round away from winning the match in the

“He’s such a good player,” said Fortino of his championship opponent. “I was telling myself that I have to win now. I really didn’t want it to go to a third game.”

Nevertheless, Fortino got the lead in the third game and when he was once again one round from victory, he capped off the match with a perfect round (scoring all eight shots for 20s) to become World Champion.

Fortino and Hagarty are now crokinole’s greatest rivalry, after having played a number of memorable matches, and pushed the boundaries of 20s shooting. A month

Fortino triumphs in rematch against Hagarty at World Crokinole Championship

ago, in a match at the Ontario Championships, the pair shot back-to-back perfect rounds in overtime before Hagarty won the match. In the final of a tournament in Tuscarora First Nations last August that Fortino won, the pair shot a combined 85 out of 90 open 20s (94 per cent)

The Fortino vs Hagarty rematch was the fourth rematch in the history of the World Crokinole Championship final. Interestingly, every player who lost their first matchup returned victorious in the second match: Brian Cook lost to Bruce Hartung in 2005 before winning against him in 2007, Cook also lost to Justin Slater in 2010 and won the rematch in 2014, while Slater lost to Jon Conrad in 2012, but won in 2018.

Ryan Buhr of Fort Wayne, Ind., won the third-place match against 2019 finalist, Darren Carr of Shelburne. Former champions Connor Reinman and Jason Beierling were eliminated in the quarterfinal stage, as were James Medway of Simcoe and Jamie Harter from Stevens Point, Wis.

Devon Fortino is an MRI technician from Astorville who has only been playing crokinole on the competitive circuit for two years, but has already had substantial success, finishing second and now first in his only World Championship appearances.

Fortino and Hagarty also faced each other in final of doubles competition. Hagarty partnered with third-place finisher Ryan Buhr and won the championship match by a score of 7-1 against Fortino and his partner, Josh Carrafiello, the second-place finisher from 2024.

The third-place match of the doubles competition was won by Justin and Fred Slater, previous five-time doubles world champions, against last year’s victors,

Andrew Hutchinson and Jeremy Tracey.

The World Crokinole Championship hosted their 25th annual tournament on Saturday, June 6, with another year of record-setting numbers. A total of 430 people participated including contestants from Japan, Hungary, Germany, Australia, First Nations, 18 U.S. states and seven provinces.

Weber wins again

In the Cues division, Oscar Weber came away with two trophies, winning both the singles category and the doubles with his brother, Paul Weber.

It was the fourth time Oscar Weber had won either category. He previously won the singles events in 2004, 2005 and 2024. He first won the doubles championship in 1999 with his brother, Enoch Weber, and now has won three times with his brother, Paul Weber (previously in 2007 and 2011).

The Webers won the doubles final match against another pair of brothers, Dave and Dennis Brubacher. Last year’s fourth place finishers, Wayne Kipfer and Lorraine Ziegler improved their position to finish third, ahead of Lorne and Karl Steckley.

In the cues singles category, Herb Rau of Kitchener finished second, with David Notzold of Elmira third and Lorraine Ziegler, St. Agatha, finishing fourth. For both Rau and Ziegler, the performance was a large improvement, as neither had finished inside of the top 10 before.

In other singles play, David Whyte won the recreational singles title, Knox Clark won the intermediate division and Morgan Webster won the junior division. The youth doubles competition was won by Dietrich and Jude Clark. The recreational doubles competition was won by Benjamin Doner and Colin Murphy.

Downie Optimists host another successful Bike Rodeo

On Saturday, the Optimist Club of Downie held its annual, popular bike rodeo at the Pyramid Recreation Centre (PRC).

The event, which has been running for well over 20 years, teaches young cyclists about road safety, how to avoid obstacles, how to handle intersections and how to keep their balance. Rob Staffen from the Brain and Mind Matters charity (BAMM) was once again on hand checking hel-

mets, looking for any damage and to make sure they fit properly.

Since 2016, the Brain and Mind Matters Community Fund, under the sponsorship of Robert and Sharon Staffen and Home Hardware head office, St. Jacobs, has donated more than 328 helmets to the Perth County OPP and Stratford Police Service through The Youth Safety on Wheels program.

“Kids copy everything we do,” Rob Staffen said. “When you put your helmet on, you are showing them that safety isn’t a kid rule that you outgrow – it’s

what smart riders do. Protect your brain so they protect theirs. Set the example for our kids”.

The teeter-totter ramp and the speed trap were the most popular amongst the bikers. As always, the Downie Optimists put on a great event that included hot dogs and refreshments, gift cards and prize draws.

The rain, thankfully, held off for the rodeo to be held outside but there was a backup plan for the event to go on inside the PRC if needed.

“Thank you to the 77 children and their

parents that came out and rode the course. I think they all had a great time; it was a great day. For our club, it is one of the most fun days of the year.

“Thank you to Stratford Police Service, Hearn’s Dairy, Canadian Tire, Rachel and Dusty, Park Patrol, Stonetown Triathlon, Rob Staffen and Family (Brain and Mind Matters), Tim Hortons, Perth County Pork Producers and Perth County Dairy Producers,” Optimist club president Manny Puetz said.

The club is already looking forward to next year.

McCully’s Hill Farm Summer Day Camp

Our plan to protect Ontario is fighting for every auto job

As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. We’re building to protect every job in the automotive industry.

That’s how we protect Ontario.

Annual public-health unit report highlights measles outbreak, growing challenges

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has released its 2025 annual report, highlighting programs and services delivered throughout the year to prevent disease, protect health and promote wellbeing across Huron and Perth.

The report highlights efforts in infectious disease control, vaccination, health promotion, health equity and community engagement. Key achievements include managing Ontario’s largest measles outbreak, which included 297 probable or confirmed cases in the region, the highest number seen in three decades.

“For most of my public health career, I haven’t seen one case of measles; there would be a handful across all of Ontario every year, so this was a considerably large outbreak,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, HPPH’s medical officer of health. “There were 35 hospitalizations, and one of those was in the ICU. Fortunately, there were no deaths.”

As measles cases increased, HPPH expanded measles vaccine eligibility to people six months of age and older who live, work, play, travel to or worship within the Huron Perth Public Health region.

HPPH distributed 10,532 doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR/MMRV) to primary care providers in 2025, compared to 4,800 doses in 2024, and administered 1,251 doses in 2025, compared to 549 in 2024.

“The biggest challenges were misinformation, both about measles and misinformation about the vaccine,” said Klassen. “Rumours say that measles is a very minor illness and a routine childhood illness, and that it’s better to acquire immunity by becoming infected. That’s absolutely not true. If you develop a measles infection, you have a much higher risk of severe illness, including hospitalization or death, or even a complication that can happen years later called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which is a fatal brain illness.

“Measles is not a minor illness; it’s a very serious one.” Klassen said HPPH saw a decrease in vaccination rates

following the pandemic, which she believes contributed to the rise in measles throughout the region.

“Because vaccination rates dropped, that’s why measles was able to spread so effectively,” she said. “Although rates are still generally high in Ontario and Huron-Perth, there are communities whose vaccination rates are not high enough to stop transmission. If the infection enters that community, it can spread very effectively.

“We repeated it over and over. Measles is one of the most infectious pathogens that we know about. It spreads very easily through the air.”

HPPH continues to educate families about the importance of vaccines, and the number of vaccinated children has risen since 2020.

“Collective trauma and the challenge of the pandemic impacted all of us, and certainly during that time, a lot of misinformation about vaccination spread, as well as

people’s responses to public-health measures that were intended to break chains of transmission, keep people safe and help support health-care systems,” said Klassen. “It was a difficult time, and because of that, people’s attitudes did change. However, we’ve seen an improvement and continue to find that if we can talk to people about their specific concerns, the majority of people vaccinate.”

Aside from the measles outbreak, Klassen said global challenges and technology have affected how HPPH operates on a daily basis.

“The global context has never been as important,” she said. “Normally, what the president of the United States is doing, or what’s happening in other countries, doesn’t really impact us on this large a scale, but right now the uncertainty due to everything happening globally does impact budgets and plans in Canada and Ontario.”

“There’s a lot of uncertainty and that impacts our orga-

nization,” she continued. “And, again, misinformation. Misinformation is nothing new; it’s always been a challenge for medicine and public health, but now technology has enabled it to spread. It’s a different challenge, and we have to respond differently.”

Klassen said in 2026, HPPH will continue to focus on education and building public trust through outreach and technology. She said ongoing challenges related to global politics and climate change will continue to affect communities across Ontario.

“Emergency preparedness with climate change –we’re going to see more heat events, winter storms and poor air quality,” she said. “We’re going to see new infectious disease risks. You’re hearing in the news about Ebola virus. I’ve mentioned vector-borne diseases like anaplasmosis, Powassan virus and babesiosis. These are new and emerging.

“Tuberculosis around the world is still continuing and rising in some areas. We need to keep doing our core public-health functions. I think some of what we need to do is leverage technology, leverage partnerships and focus on health equity because a lot of people aren’t seeing these things because they are very well-resourced and privileged. But some people are being left behind, and we want to make sure that everyone benefits from public-health work.”

The report also highlights HPPH’s continued focus on health equity, accessibility and inclusion, including efforts to strengthen social connections, advance anti-racism initiatives and support community partnerships.

The 2025 report marks the fifth anniversary of Huron Perth Public Health, which was formed in 2020. HPPH

Perth County awards $1.3-million tender for ambulances and patient-handling equipment

GALEN SIMMONS

Regional Editor

Perth County council has approved the purchase of four new ambulances and associated patient-handling equipment as part of the county’s ongoing effort to keep its frontline paramedic fleet up to date and in compliance with provincial standards.

At its June 4 meeting, council awarded a tender for four replacement ambulances to Tri-Star Industries Ltd. and approved the purchase of four Stryker Power Cot stretchers and four Stryker PowerLOAD systems from Stryker Canada. Together, the purchases total approximately $1.35 million before HST and remain within the county’s approved 2027 capital budget.

“We put a tender out for the purchase of four ambulances next year,” Perth County Paramedic Services chief Mike Adair told councillors. “During COVID, we ended up receiving four in one year and our replacement cycle is every seven years, which is why we’re purchasing four and hoping we can enjoy some of the economies of scale for purchasing four ambulances at once.”

According to a report prepared by deputy chief of operations Tristan Barter and reviewed by Adair, Perth County Paramedic Services replaces ambulances and stretcher systems on a seven-year lifecycle to ensure vehicles and equipment continue to meet Ministry of

Health standards, manufacturer requirements and operational needs.

The replacement program is designed to support safe and effective patient care while reducing maintenance costs and minimizing service disruptions caused by aging equipment.

Perth County issued a request for tender earlier this year for the supply and conversion of four ambulances, including all emergency-vehicle modifications and certifications required before they can be placed into frontline service. Tri-Star Industries was the sole compliant bidder.

“We only had one bidder. At the time, we were very surprised both (ambulance manufacturers in Ontario) didn’t bid, but it turns out that one of the organizations missed a deadline,” Adair said.

Following negotiations permitted under the county’s procurement bylaw, the company reduced its pricing below the originally approved project budget while continuing to meet all operational and Ministry of Health requirements.

The negotiated price for the four ambulances is $1.061 million, excluding HST. The agreement also includes access to local onsite warranty and non-warranty service support, which staff say will help reduce vehicle downtime and improve fleet-maintenance turnover.

The county also completed a competitive procurement process for four replacement Stryker Power Cot stretchers and four Stryker PowerLOAD systems. Stryker Canada was identified as the lowest compliant bidder meeting all tender specifications and operational requirements, with a bid of $293,829.59.

“These systems are an important part of our staff-safety and patient-handling program and align directly with our seven-year replacement cycle,” Barter said.

The powered stretchers and loading systems are designed to reduce the physical strain on paramedics when lifting and transporting patients, while improving safety and efficiency during emergency responses.

Staff noted replacing the equipment at the same time as the ambulances aligns with the county’s established fleet-replacement strategy and ensures continued compliance with manufacturer and Ministry of Health requirements for patient-handling systems.

Funding for the project will come from Perth County’s fleet and medical-equipment reserves, as previously approved by council.

Answer the call.

Young Guys win third straight Ryder Cup

STEWART GRANT

Publisher

There’s a true sense of tradition at the Ryder Cup, which for more than 30 years has been an annual weekend-long event at the St. Marys Golf & Country Club.

The event pits the club’s top golfers against each other in a series of pressure-filled matches. It’s a team sport of “Young Guys” versus “Old Guys.” This tradition allows patterns to emerge. At the Ryder Cup, the year-over-year results visibly ebb and flow as the balance of power shifts from one generation to the other.

This year’s contest showed that the club’s young golfers still hold the advantage, as a strong Sunday of singles play propelled them to a convincing 20-12 victory, allowing them to retain the Ryder Cup that they had also won in 2024 and 2025.

Similar to last year’s event, a competitive set of matches on Saturday set up an intriguing Sunday finale with both teams in the hunt.

The Young Guys took a 5-3 lead in Saturday morning’s best-ball matches, which was not unexpected given the power game employed by the younger squad.

“There were windy conditions in the morning,” said Old Guys captain Greg Wolfkamp. “We were just grinding out some points. It’s really hard for us being 50 yards behind them all day long, but we’re hanging in there.”

Historically, the experience of the Old Guys has allowed them to excel in Saturday’s alternate shot format, and this year was no different. Their steady play earned them a 4-4 draw against the Young Guys in the afternoon, setting the stage for a

competitive group of singles matches on Sunday.

Among the top performers during Saturday’s matches were brothers Mitch and Jake Watt, who were paired together for both rounds as Young Guys teammates. In the morning’s best-ball match, they edged Dan Murrell and Merlin Malinowski two and one, while in the afternoon, they bested Marty Rutledge and Mike McMillin three and two in alternate shot.

“Jake was riding a hot putter,” said older brother Mitch Watt, whose long drives put the twosome in great positions on many holes.

“It was disgusting,” agreed teammate Evan Bechtel of Jake Watt’s putting prowess on Saturday afternoon.

Heading into Sunday with a 9-7 advantage in points, Young Guys captain Mike Glover hoped his first golfers out would set the tone, and they did not disappoint. Six of the first seven singles matches swayed in favour of the youth, with Aaron O’Connell, Kenny Hutton, Mark Vandenberk, Glover, Bo Jackson and Jonathan Allum each earning full points.

Glover also reserved some of his team’s top firepower for the day’s anchor matches, and each of Alex Taylor, Matt Murray, Alan Johnston, Mitch Watt and Evan Bechtel were able to secure victories on Sunday.

When the results were tallied, the Young Guys took 11 of 16 singles matches, cruising to their third straight Ryder Cup. Interestingly, this was also the third consecutive year the Young Guys won the Sunday singles by an 11-5 score.

Three players on the weekend managed perfect 3-0 records: Hutton and Mitch

Watt for the Young Guys, and Steve Fisher for the Old Guys. Hutton was named the tournament MVP.

“The Ryder Cup has a good balance of competitiveness and fun,” said Old Guys’ captain Greg Wolfkamp when asked about what he likes best about the annual event.

During the closing ceremonies, each captain nominated the players who would lead the 2027 teams. Mike Glover nominated Matt Murray to be next year’s captain of the Young Guys as they will

be gunning for their fourth straight win, while Wolfkamp nominated Mark Vandenberk to lead the Old Guys.

The 43-year-old Vandenberk was one of the older players on the Young Guys this year, but he will be graduating to the Old Guys next season. Over the years, the age threshold has moved up and down to try and seek the best competitive balance. As a result, since 2004, the Old Guys and Young Guys are tied 11-11 in Ryder Cup victories.

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS TO DESTROY WEEDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all persons in possession of land within the municipalities of the County of Perth that:

In accordance with the WEED CONTROL ACT, R.S.O., 1990, Chapter W.5, Sections 3, 13, 16 and 23 and the respective property standards bylaw of each municipality, you are requested to destroy all noxious weeds on your property by June 13, 2026 and throughout the season.

The co-operation of all citizens is earnestly solicited.

Marvin Smith, Weed Inspector

Municipality of North Perth

Township of Perth East

Township of Perth South

Municipality of West Perth

Lindsay Cline, Clerk

Ashley Carter, Clerk

Lizet Scott, Clerk

James Hutson, Clerk

Hawkins, Long, Parker, Roy win St. Marys Rotary Club golf tournament

SPENCER SEYMOUR

Independent Sports Reporter

The Rotary Club of St. Marys’ 39th Golf Scramble was held at the St. Marys Golf and Country Club (SMGCC) on June 4, with beautiful weather helping make the event a fundraising success.

The Rotary Club is very thankful for the golfers who participated and for the increase in the number of sponsors for this year’s event. The team of Len Hawkins, Brody Long, Chris Parker and Gerard Roy emerged as the low-score victors of the tournament, scoring 16 under par to take the top spot.

Long described a hot streak that helped catapult the foursome to victory.

“Overall, our team played better than expected,” said Long. “Normally, I would expect to finish between 10 to 12 under par, but we ended up finishing 16 under par. I knew we would end up around the top of the leaderboard when we started the round with a solid par on the first long par-three before going on to eagle the next hole and then make five consecutive birdies after that.”

Hawkins added the four-man team was hitting well from every part of the course.

“All parts of the game were working well, and everyone contributed,” Hawkins said. “Brody (Long) and Chris (Parker) are good long-ball hitters, and Gerard (Roy) and I made some long lucky putts. It was a beautiful golf day, and the course was in great condition. We have played in the Rotary tournament for probably 15 years, and our team now has a lifetime golf memory.”

Long credited Hawkins with a massive clutch putt from just off the green.

“While the whole team worked hard to get to the green as quickly as possible, Len (Hawkins) made the difference with the types of putts that were made,” Long

said. “A particular example was on a short par three, when Len drained a downhill putt from the fringe and across the green into tough pin position to turn a tricky par save into a surprising birdie.”

Both Hawkins and Long detailed a fortuitous result on Hole 10, a par four.

“Hole 10 was a special memory as it’s a dogleg left with a hidden green behind the trees and river,” said Hawkins. “Gerard (Roy) hit a safety shot down the middle and about 140 yards to the green. Brody (Long) decided to try the high-risk shot over the bush and river, and he hit a tree on the far side of the river and landed on the green, five feet from the pin. Gerard dropped the putt for an eagle. That’s when you know the golf gods are with you for the day.”

“Hole 10 represents the type of round that we were putting together,” Long continued. “We were having one of those rounds when you’re not scrambling for the birdies. We were fighting for eagles, even on par fours.”

The team of Rick Fifield, Brian Hughes, Brian Humphrey and Merlin Malinowski finished in second place, while the foursome of Rhett Hawkins, Dan Jenkins, Dale Levy and Mark McEwan won the putting contest. Levy also won the closest to the pin prize on Hole 7.

Sue Marcaccio won the ladies’ longest drive prize on Hole 6, while the men’s longest-drive prize on Hole 15 was won by Rick Youlton. Connor Preston was the winner of the closest to the pin on Hole 16.

Dan Hill, Craig Hunter, Dave King and Albert Madill received the most honest golfers prize.

Money raised at this event goes toward helping pay for the projects to which the Rotary Club of St. Marys has committed, along with the Town of St. Marys, including the Rotary Cadzow Park Splash Pad

and the upgrade of the Rotary All Wheels Park on James Street. Each of these project commitments was for $100,000 over 10 years.

The Rotary Club of St. Marys’ next fundraiser is Brews and Food Fest on

June 21 at the Baseball Hall of Fame, in what is described as a great treat for dad on Father’s Day. Tickets are only available online. Visit www.brewsandfood.ca for more details and to purchase tickets.

U13 HL Rockies teams compete

COLUMNS

UKRAINIAN CORNER: One year in ink – finding my voice in the ‘Ukrainian Corner’

once while the fire was still hot.

Imagine this: an entire year has already slipped by. It feels like just yesterday that I sat down to draft my very first piece for this column.

Back then, I was navigating St. Marys with the wide-eyed uncertainty of a “newcomer,” watching the world through a window I hadn’t quite figured out how to open. Today, as I look back on 12 months of stories, I realize that the Ukrainian Corner became my bridge to belonging long before I finished unpacking my last suitcase.

To be honest, I still react with the pure, unadulterated joy of a child every time someone stops me on the street or in a local shop to say, “I read your article!” You might not realize it, but those brief moments of connection are my “engine.” They are the fuel that pushes me forward when the words won’t come. To everyone who has read these lines, everyone who has shared an opinion, or even those who simply paused for a second to reflect on a thought – thank you. You have made me feel like I am part of the heartbeat of this town.

The journey to these weekly columns has been anything but linear. There were moments of genuine panic when I convinced myself I had run out of interesting things to say. Yet, inspiration is a fickle guest; sometimes ideas struck me through tears in a dentist’s chair, or while I was twisted into a new, agonizing yoga pose. In those bursts of clarity, I would find myself at 5 a.m. – my sacred hour of silence – abandoning all plans to write three articles at

During those quiet mornings, a thought often crossed my mind: Perhaps my degree in international journalism wasn’t in vain after all. But there is a vital difference here. As a journalist or a reporter, you are often bound by the “musts” – the specific events you have to cover. In this column, I found indescribable freedom. I realized being a reporter isn’t always the same as being a storyteller, and it is in the storytelling that I truly found my peace.

This year of writing has also been a study of the shadows we carry. We often talk about goals, but we rarely talk about the “security guard” living in our brains: the amygdala. This tiny, almond-shaped part of the brain is responsible for our survival. The problem is the amygdala is a bit old-fashioned. It cannot distinguish between a life-threatening predator and the social anxiety of sharing one’s truth. To our biology, the unknown equals danger. This is why we freeze before our biggest goals. I often think that if I had dedicated as much energy to my dreams as I have to feeding my fears, I would have reached nearly every one of my summits by now. Fear is a master of disguise, but it is just a signal that we are stepping outside our comfort zone. It is precisely there – past the safety of the amygdala – where life actually happens.

As these words reach you, I’ll be boarding a flight for a long-awaited European reset. However, if you were hoping this anniversary reflection was my curtain call, I have some news that might be either wonderful or slightly alarming: I’m not going anywhere! Consider yourself officially claimed by my stories. In fact, I’ve

Straight From The Shelves

By Laura McAsh, St. Marys Public Library

Visit the Library on Saturday, June 20 for two fun programs!

Join us on the Queen Street lawn outside the Library between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for “Bike Repair Day.” Doug Betteridge of Stonetown Cycle will be on hand to assist with tune-ups and simple repairs. Please bring any specific parts (replacement seat, spare tire, new bike chain, etc.) if you know you will be needing them as only basic tools will be available on site. While you’re here, step inside the building for our “Father’s Day Craft” between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to make a thumbprint keychain craft with/for the father-figure in your life!

Both programs are free to attend and no registration is required.

UP THIS WEEK

• Fri., Jun. 12: Open 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sat., Jun. 13: Dungeons & Dragons (10 a.m.), Edith’s Storytime Adventures (10 a.m.)

• Mon., Jun. 15: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Tues., Jun. 16: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Wed., Jun. 17: EarlyON Play & Read (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Mahjong~ (1-4 p.m.), Books & Brews*^ (8 p.m.)

• Thurs., Jun. 18: Open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*Registration Required

~Held at the Friendship Centre - Meeting Room A (317 James St. S.)

^Held at The Creamery (120 Parkview Dr.)

decided to take you all in my suitcase; I’ll be sending my columns directly from the cobblestone streets of Europe, documenting every adventure and misadventure as they happen. You haven’t seen the last of me – not by a long shot. I’m far too fond of our little weekly chats to stop now.

So, stay tuned. The location might change for a few weeks, but the voice remains the same. I can’t wait to share the world with you.

Thank you for walking beside me this past year; now, let’s see what the next one brings!

HISTORIC ST. MARYS: Log houses and summer cottages

When the first full census of Blanshard Township, including the village of St. Marys, was taken in 1851, one of the information columns recorded each household’s type of dwelling. The choices that the enumerators could tick off included: log shanty, log house, frame house, brick house, stone house or rough cast house – these houses’ exterior walls were covered with a coarse plaster. The total population of the township, according to the census, was 2,780. The enumerators counted 460 households – an average of six people per Blanshard household. Of course, some households had only one or two people, but there were families with ten or more children living at home. There were also boarding establishments and hotels with multiple occupants.

As a research assignment many years ago, a summer employee at the St. Marys Museum read through the microfilm of the entire 1851 census of Blanshard Township and counted the numbers of each type of dwelling. She discovered that, in these 460 households, approximately 190 dwellings were log shanties and 220 were log houses. Only 11 percent of the houses were frame, stone or roughcast. The 1851 census data showed that not a single brick house had yet been built in Blanshard Township. Those figures are not surprising. Many of the residents lived on farm lots, taken up through contracts with the Canada Company. They were working hard to clear their land so that they could pay their yearly installments and get their deed of ownership.

These hard-working pioneers had first erected log shanties for their families. A shanty was a temporary, one-room shelter with a dirt floor. It was built of green logs as quickly as possible and, although it was draughty, smoky and cramped, at least the occupants had a roof over their heads. It might have one small window, but the only openings in many shanties were the entrance door and a hole in the roof for a primitive chimney. The shanty was far from comfortable, but it enabled the family to survive through their first Canadian winters. Once they started to settle into their new life, they would find the time and resources to build a more permanent log house as soon as possible. Their original shanty was not torn down but used as a shed for livestock.

A log house took time and skill to construct. The logs for the walls were squared, tightly fitted and chinked with mortar. The house sat on a foundation, probably of stone, and had a proper floor above a crawl space. There could be several rooms inside and a sleeping loft in the attic. Although a log house had few amenities, these solidly built homes gave the occupants a sense of security and stability. Some log houses in this area remained occupied for decades and parents raised large families in them, often with the help of older relatives. Several generations might live together, sharing not only the limited space but also the work

and responsibilities of the household.

As the families prospered, more substantial farmhouses – frame, stone, or brick – would be built several decades later. In fact, by the time of the 1861 census, within the town of St. Marys, log shanties only made up about one-tenth of the total dwellings. Log houses accounted for about 20 percent more. Approximately 50 percent were new frame houses while the remaining 20 percent were stone plus a very few brick homes. As the decades passed, more improvements were made, certainly in town but also on area farms: running water, indoor toilets, electricity, telephones, carefully groomed lawns, elaborate gardens, garages for one or more vehicles.

Still, by the beginning of the 20th century, many Ontario residents – perhaps one or two generations removed from the farm – wanted to take their vacations away from concrete sidewalks, lawns and gardens. They chose to return to rustic living. They revelled in spending their holidays, often in multi-generational groups, in small, cramped, wooden houses without modern conveniences. They called them summer cottages!

Location, of course, was everything. As early as the 1860s and 1870s, some prosperous dwellers in cities like Toronto looked north for escape in the comparative wilderness of Muskoka forests and lakes. Although the government sponsored farmers in the Muskoka region, starting in 1865, lumbering was the major industry in that part of Ontario in the last part of the 19th century. When farming on the thin soil covering the rocky land proved challenging and when the best trees had been logged out, some landowners discovered that they could attract summer visitors to lodges and lakeside resorts. Soon these seasonal

mer holidays meant Grand Bend. Milton Reesor (1880-1968), an amateur photograph from St. Marys, spent vacation time in Grand Bend as a young man, ca 1900. His surviving photographs – an important part of the St. Marys Museum’s historic image collection – record some of his experiences there. The photograph with this week’s column shows a cottage, the Crow’s Nest, that he and his friends rented at Grand Bend. The small cabin had a platform porch on three sides with canvas curtains like the walls of a tent. In the photograph, the curtains are open, showing a group of young men relaxing on wooden chairs. At night, the curtains would be closed for privacy. Reesor’s photographs show that his friends and family made at least one trip to the lake each summer. Before the age of the automobile, they probably took the train from the Junction Station in St. Marys, travelled west to Parkhill, and then rode a horse-drawn shuttle bus the remaining 21 kilometres to the Bend. While there, the group enjoyed themselves swimming, hiking in the pine forest, boating on the Ausable River and even taking a sailing expedition up the coast as far as St. Joseph.

visitors wanted their own piece of Muskoka and began to buy lakefront lots and to build their own small getaway cabins or cottages.

For most people in the St. Marys/Blanshard Township area in the late 1800s, the pleasures of Muskoka were too distant. If they looked for some place closer for a holiday escape, they could find it on the shores of Lake Huron. Grand Bend, for example, was just 60 kilometres to the west. The village began as a logging centre – timber from forests in Huron and Lambton Counties went to mills on the Ausable River. Commercial fishing was also important to the village’s economy. In the late 1800s, some local entrepreneurs realized that the beautiful, wide, sandy beach was another valuable resource, especially in summer. By the beginning of the 20th century, for many residents of southwestern Ontario, sum-

Although many summer cottages remained rustic like the Crow’s Nest through the early decades of the 20th century, after World War II, most were modernized. When electricity became available, it was tempting to install at least basic service. Many municipalities’ public health bylaws set standards for water supply and septic systems. Wells were tested and outhouses were prohibited. While a family vacation in a summer cottage may still be multi-generational, crowded, and smoky from the outdoor firepit or the indoor fireplace, there will likely be a flushing toilet and electricity for lighting, cooking and refrigeration. Today, for many of us, rustic conditions are likely to mean poor cell phone reception and no internet service.

Note: A current exhibit at the St. Marys Museum explores the evolution of building in this community. For more information, call 519-284-3556 or email museum@town.stmarys.on.ca.

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO:

“I failed.” What a depressing idea! But there are some great thoughts about failure that put it in an entirely different perspective. For example, Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” And my literary hero, C.S. Lewis, wrote, “Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.”

And what, you may ask, does this have to do with travel?

Come with me to Saskatchewan to meet a feisty woman named Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote. Barb and her husband, John Cote, are the founders and co-owners of Black Fox Distillery, located just outside Saskatoon.

Barb will tell you, with lots of witty anecdotes to prove the point, that Black Fox, now a notable success, was born out of a whole series of failures, mistakes and missteps.

Today, locals and visitors alike enjoy the ambience, the events and the products of Black Fox, but it took a while to get here.

John and Barb are fifth-generation farmers. Their “roots” go back for generations and they continue to be deeply committed to agriculture in Saskatchewan. Both have studied and consulted on agricultural practices worldwide and are recognized nationally and internationally for their industry leadership.

Once upon a time, they were

grain farmers, but – and this where an Ontario perspective on agriculture may cause some bafflement – they only had 5,000 acres of land, and that was not enough for a sustainable operation.

So, they pivoted, sold the 5,000 acres to a much bigger operator and bought the property that is now home to Black Fox Distillery.

But they didn’t come there with any thought of creating an award-winning distillery. Barb explains that they tried growing vegetables, but that was not a success. They tried fruit, planting acres of orchards, but that, too, was a commercial failure.

Barb says they then thought of creating a winery, but there was one hitch: “We don’t like wine.”

And thus, through trial and error, they arrived at the idea of creating a distillery. It’s named for a real black fox, one that took up residence one season on their original grain farm.

And although the idea of a distillery was new, their agricultural philosophy was bred in their bones.

“We are proud to be part of a movement of pioneering craft distillers who advocate for terroir, believe in the provenance of place and understand the ways in which soil, climate and topography influence the bounty a land bears.”

They also argue that “ecology and economy can live in harmony.”

“Through incorporating environmentally conscious, efficient systems across our business we pledge ourselves to a more sustainable way of life. From ingredient production to distillation, transportation, packaging and water conservation, our agronomic practices emphasize environmental stewardship and a

love of the land. As its current custodians, we take seriously our responsibility to leave it better than when it came into our care.

“We recognize that each step of the production process has an impact on the land and those who work it. Better soil management leads to more fertile soil, better crops, increased biodiversity and improved climate regulation.”

The couple brought all of their experience, their education and what they learned from their initial failures to the development of Black Fox Distillery. And, Barb explains, this worked almost too well. When they began to produce their whisky, and to win awards, they were accused of being “charlatans.” They are one of only two distilleries in the province making craft whisky from scratch, and some of the “experts” felt their product was simply too good to come from a fledgling operation.

Barb says there were two keys to the exceptional quality of their whiskies. First, they used a unique rye-wheat blend, producing an unusually dark whisky. Second, even in Saskatchewan’s climate, the whisky is aged in barrels kept outdoors. The changes in weather actually promote the development of flavours. No one else is doing this.

The couple grows most of their source products right on the property, and uses them for their whiskies, gins and cocktails. They still have fruit, though they don’t grow fruit as an end product. They have a haskap orchard, rhubarb gardens and are in the process of converting apple orchards into elderflower patches.

When we visited Black Fox, we tasted three excellent whiskies and enjoyed an unexpectedly tasty haskap gin cocktail.

An award-winning distillery arises from initial failures

We were certainly not the only visitors – the outdoor patio had welcomed a fair number of dropin customers, including some who clearly knew and loved the place.

Black Fox offers a full menu of ways people can enjoy the place. Of course, you can simply drop in, but there are also organized tours, mixology classes, organized tastings and unusual “u-pick” opportunities – not apples or pears, but flowers (peonies, gladioli and others) and, in mid-September, a u-pick pumpkin patch.

You’re probably not going to travel to Saskatchewan simply to visit a distillery, no matter how much you enjoy whisky. But when you do visit the province – and there are an incredible number of reasons why you should – be sure to include a visit to Black Fox Distillery on your itinerary. 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.

FROM THE GARDEN: Peonies

My grandmother’s peonies were her favourite, her pride and joy. She planted dozens of them along with evening primrose and bleeding hearts in the gardens that encircled the two-storey red brick home she and my grandfather built in 1917. These gardens framed the house with peony bushes of billowing blooms of cream, white and soft pink producing an elegant presence. Their scent, delicate, sweet and unmistakably nostalgic still drift through the air every June of my childhood home. Now, as my own peonies come into bloom, which originally came from my grandmother’s garden, I find myself thinking about the long journey this flower has taken, not just through my family, but

through centuries of history and folklore.

The peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is originally from China and has been cultivated for over 2000 years. Initially valued as a medicinal plant, it quickly became a luxury ornamental in Imperial gardens. Often called the ‘King of Flowers’, the peony symbolized prosperity, honour, and high social status. Peonies appeared in classical Chinese paintings, silk embroidery and in the Tany dynasty poetry. They were often paired with phoenixes to symbolize harmony and virtue.

From China, Buddhist monks brought peonies to Japan, around the 8th century. The Japanese refined them, favoring elegant, single-petal forms and developed winter-blooming displays with gardeners protecting the peonies with conical straw structures, creating iconic winter scenes. In Japan, peonies represent courage, good fortune, and a noble spirit. They also had an artistic influence, often depicted alongside tigers or lions, symbolizing balance between beauty and strength.

As trade routes expanded in the Middle Ages, peonies came to Europe first for medicinal

of the past and present

use. In early European herbalism, peony seeds were used for epilepsy, teething pain, and childbirth support. In medieval Europe, people also believed in magic and superstition. Peony seeds worn as amulets to ward off evil spirits, nightmares, and even storms. They also believed harvesting peony roots angered woodpeckers, who would attack anyone disturbing the plant.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, peonies in Europe were prized more as ornamental garden plants than as medicines. European settlers later brought peonies, along with other cherished seeds, to North America. Peonies became the staple of Victorian gardens as well as in early 1900’s in Edwardian gardens. As in many heritage farmsteads across Southern Ontario, like my old home where I grew up, these heritage peonies still bloom faithfully.

Beyond their folklore and cultural significance, peonies are also valued for the unspoken messages they convey. According to the Peony Society, there is another entire world of peonies in the language of flowers. Red peonies represent love and passion; pink – gratitude and ad-

miration; white, usually in bridal bouquets symbolizes purity and innocence; yellow – friendship and happiness while coral peonies state enthusiasm and energy.

Peonies of elegance, delicate scent and symbolic beauty, have a position in history, culture and for many of us, personally.

As far back as I can remember, my mother picked my grandmother’s peony blooms and put together small bouquets to place on the graves of my grandparents and family ancestors for Decoration Day at Siloam Cemetery. I have carried on this tradition, only now I have included my parents’ graves.

I’m full of keys but can’t open a single door. What am I?

A piano

I fly without wings. I cry without eyes. Wherever I go, darkness flies. What am I?

A cloud

What has a neck but no head, and often wears a cap?

A bottle

I get wetter the more I dry. What am I?

A towel

I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I?

A candle

I have a tail and a head, but no body. What am I?

A coin

What has many teeth but never bites?

A comb

You can catch me but not throw me. What am I?

A cold

I’m not alive, but I grow. I don’t have lungs, but I need air. I don’t have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I? Fire

What building has the most stories? A library

- Word Search -

St. Marys Veterinary Clinic is pleased to be the sponsor of the

PET OF THE WEEK

HEARTWORM IS SERIOUS—BUT PREVENTABLE.

Along with heartworm prevention, talk to your vet about multipurpose protection against fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites.

Starting prevention early keeps your pets healthy, happy, and safe all year round. One step today means a healthier tomorrow!

PEPPER

Our Pet of the Week is Pepper, a five-year-old dachshund/yorkie cross. Pepper may not look like a hunter but he loves to chase rabbits, squirrels and has even had an encounter with a skunk. We met Pepper and his Grandpa out for a walk in Sparling Bush. Pepper is the beloved pet of Shannon Warren.

Thorndale News

For 26 years, the Middlesex County Agricultural Hall of Fame has recognized the history and tradition of agriculture in Middlesex County.

The primary objective of the agricultural hall of fame is to acknowledge those who have demonstrated unselfish achievements within the realm of agriculture and service to the rural community in Middlesex County and beyond. An induction ceremony was held at the Western Fair District on Sunday, June 7, to honour this year’s nominees, including Gerald and Jean Johnson and Ron and Mary Johnson from the Thorndale area.

The Johnsons moved to the Thorndale area in 1960 and established Nuview Farm as a top-producing dairy herd. A partnership of Ron and Mary Johnson and Gerald and Jean Johnson owned and operated the farm from 1977-2010.

Over the decades, both couples have been active in their communities and local organizations. They hosted many Holstein club events, farm hiker tours, school tours and community groups over the years. They were all involved in Middlesex 4-H and served on committees to host the 2002 International Plowing Match in Glencoe.

Gerald Johnson (1948-2024) was a director of the Thorndale Agricultural Society for over 27 years, including serving as the society’s president in 1975-1976. He participated in Junior Farmers, the Middlesex Federation of Agriculture, GayLea Foods, Western Ontario Breeders, and the local Holstein association.

Jean Johnson was a co-founder of Canadian Agriculture in the Classroom in the 1980s and a founding member of On tario Agri-Food Education, now Agscape. She was involved in the Middlesex Coun ty 4-H Association, was a director of the Middlesex Federation of Agriculture and Western Fair for many years and was

elected as their first female president in 2009 for a term.

Ron Johnson has been a member of the Thorndale Lions for over 50 years, he served on the West Nissouri Manor board of directors for over 35 years until he retired from that position in 2024, and he served on the committee for the Thorndale Community Centre. He also helped to establish the Thorndale Medical Centre. Ron Johnson also owned Thorndale Farm Supply from 1969-1978.

Mary Johnson participated in the can-

cer society, Home and School Association, Junior Farmers, the Thorndale Fair, Women for the Support of Agriculture and she was a founder of the Thorndale Nursery Program.

The dedication of both families to the community of Thorndale and various initiatives in the area, as well as their involvement in numerous organizations within Middlesex County and beyond, is recognized with this induction into the Middlesex County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

OBITUARY

Concannon

Suddenly at his residence on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Chris “Fester” Concannon of Dorchester (formerly of St. Marys) age 47.

Dear son of Yvette (Gagnier) and Jack Tolmie of Dorchester and predeceased by his father Brian Concannon (2025).

Loving father of Meadow and Brooke Concannon. Survived by his sister Amber Estabrooks of Stratford, stepbrother Darren Tolmie of St. Marys and predeceased by brother Russell Concannon (2008). Loving uncle of Hunter and Kemper Estabrooks. Survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins and fondly remembered by numerous friends. Remembered by Meadow and Brooke’s mother, Amanda Barber of St. Marys. Predeceased by his uncle Gary Concannon (2021).

Chris was an avid fisherman and generally loved the great outdoors.

A celebration of Chris’ life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #513, 1227 Donnybrook Drive, Dorchester between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Cremation has taken place. Interment of cremated remains will be at the St. Marys Cemetery, St. Marys, ON Memorial contributions may be made to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health www.camh.ca or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ONM4P 1E4 www.heartandstroke.ca would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www. biemanfuneralhome.com. (Bieman Funeral Home 3970 Hamilton Road, Dorchester, ON N0L 1G2 - (519)-2687672 - in charge of arrangements)

OBITUARY

Hughes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Irene Hughes on June 3, 2026, in her 91st year, with her dear friend Wayne Benny at her side. Dorothy was mother of Debbie (Bill) Damen, Terry (Mary Murphy) and Jeff (Julie) Phillips. She was grandmother to Jeremy (Rebecca) Damen, Laura (Dave) Albrecht, Steven (Katie) Phillips, Tanya (Aiden) Nix, and Cole Phillips. Dorothy was great-grandmother to Tyce, Kyen, Ryer, Nyel, Breanna, Brecken, Bensen, Brynlee, Josie, Ivy, Seryn, Atlas and Ryker. She was predeceased by her grandson, Michael Damen (August 3, 2009). Dorothy dedicated many years to volunteering at the Dearness Home in London and supporting the Canadian Cancer Society. Professionally, she had a long career as a medical secretary. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff at Kingsway Lodge for the compassionate care they provided to Dorothy during her time there. She will be missed by both the staff and her fellow residents. Cremation has taken place, and a private ceremony will be held for the family and close friends. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.

OBITUARY

Stephens

Marilyn Stephens (McMorran) beloved wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother passed away peacefully at Kingsway Lodge in St. Marys on Monday, June 1st, 2026, in her 91st year after a difficult, courageous battle with dementia. She is deeply missed by her husband Cliff after a marriage of over 68 years. She is survived by her children Joan Matthew, Paul (Jacqueline) and Brad (Stephanie); her grandchildren Kate (Patrick) May, Ben (Paige), Andrew, Lauren and Jeremy; her great-granddaughter Lillian May; her sister Maxine (Dan) Clifford; her niece Dana (Shawn) Thompson and other extended family members and dear friends. Marilyn is predeceased by her parents John Cecil and Catherine McMorran. Marilyn grew up in London, lived briefly in Owen Sound and moved to the farm outside of St. Marys in 1970. She was committed in the early years of her marriage to being a Mom to her three children and a homemaker. She always put family ahead of herself and hosted many family gatherings and holiday dinners on the farm. Occasionally when she was younger, she was called on to drive a tractor or run errands for the farm. She always enjoyed searching for the perfect antique to add to her collection, designing and making quilts, sewing including wedding and graduation dresses for family and friends as well as volunteer work as a 4H leader. Marilyn took pleasure in spending time with a close-knit group of ladies who enjoyed lunches out, road trips and community events together. She will be missed by Marjorie Rand, a lifelong friend. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful caregivers and health care professionals at Kingsway Lodge for her compassionate care during her final years. In keeping with Marilyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held to celebrate her life. Memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice in her memory. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.

OBITUARY

Wouters

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Anthony Wouters on May 11, 2026, surrounded by family, at Rotary Hospice Stratford. Born June 22, 1961, John was a dedicated farmer in Perth South for over 45 years. His love for the land and the animals in his care was evident to all who knew him. Starting his farming journey at age 2 riding in a trolley with his siblings while mom collected eggs in Port Perry, moved to Perth South at the age of 12 John and went on to build a life running his own cash crop, pig, and egg farm. He was always eager to share his knowledge of the land, barns, animals, and equipment. John especially loved having cab visitors and would proudly place guests in the operator’s seat. He was always ready to lend a hand or take time for a chat. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his Wife and best friend, Holly; his Son, Travis (Hannah); Grandchildren, Charlotte and Hudson; and Stepchildren Narissa (Frank) and Austin. John is also survived by his Father, Nick; Siblings Ron (Pat), Marg (John), and Nick Jr. (Yvonne); Son-in-law to Pat (Cyril), Dirk (Irene): Brother-in-law to Joe (Jen), Dan (Jenn), as well as many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. John is now reunited with his loving Sons, Bradley (1995) and Eric (2005), and his mother, Nelly (2021). A heartfelt thank you to Dr Sean Blaine, Nurse Andrea, and the whole care team at Rotary Hospice for the amazing care and compassion shown to John and our whole family during this difficult journey. A Celebration of Life will be held at the farm of Ron and Pat Wouters on June 21, 2026, at 2:00-5:00 p.m. Address: 3649 line 9 Perth South. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, or a charity of one’s choice. Online tributes at www. hodgesfuneralhome.ca.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

Hunter S. Thompson

BIRTHDAY OBITUARY

Charles Albert Herniman 1943 - 2026

We are sad to announce the passing of Chuck on June 4, 2026, surrounded by his family, his wife Diane, daughter Dawn, son Ryan and brother Ken. While a relative newcomer to the St. Marys area, Chuck enjoyed the pace of the area, the friendliness of people and the many activities at the St. Marys Friendship Centre, particularly bridge and pickleball. Chuck requested no visitation or funeral and said that anyone wishing to donate in his memory should do so to the charity of their choice.

Spanbroek Netherlands

Wife, Mother, Oma, Sister & Friend

Thank you for making our lives sweeter and more cheerful every day! We love you!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are that of their authors and do not reflect the opinions of the St. Marys Independent or Grant Haven Media.

Lions thank community for supporting Toll Bridge fundraiser

The St. Marys Lions Club would like to extend a sincere thank-you to the residents of St. Marys and area for their incredible generosity during our annual Toll Bridge fundraiser held on Saturday, May 30.

Thanks to your support, this year’s campaign surpassed last year’s contributions, helping us continue our work serving the community through local projects, programs and charitable initiatives.

We are grateful to everyone who stopped to donate, shared a kind word, or supported the event in any way. Your generosity makes a real difference.

Thank you for helping us make this year’s fundraiser a tremendous success.

St. Marys Lions Club

“Serving Our Community Since 1940”

KELLY (HY ATT) TAYLOR

Nov 25,1982 - June 13, 2022

There is always a face before us

A voice we would love to hear

A smile we will always remember

Of our daughter, that we loved so dear

Deep In our hearts lies a picture

More precious than silver or gold

It’s a picture of our daughter

Whose memory will never grow old.

Always Loved and Forever Missed Mom, Dad and family

Looking Back

AMY CUBBERLEY Independent Columnist

Turtles and Carp

25 years ago (2001)

The St. Marys Children’s Choir was given a 2001 Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteering on Tuesday. This is a big honour for the 120-person choir because only 20 awards such as these were awarded across the province.

Construction students at DCVI, under the direction of teacher Kirk Gregory, are repairing damaged and worn components of the town’s skateboard half-pipe.

50 years ago (1976)

Volunteer firefighters have been doing a bit of extra duty recently by giving the James St. South firehall a bright new coat of paint. We hear the smoke-eaters have had two goes at it and expect to complete the trim on the third go at the job.

St. Marys Kinsmen plan to erect a new entranceway to the Flats with work scheduled to get underway this Saturday. Plans call for the erection of four pillars with a fence between the twin entrance.

75 years ago (1951)

Doug Oliver, who was visiting his father in Grand Bend over the weekend, reports the perch fishing is good in Lake Huron this season.

There are more mud turtles in the Thames River and Trout Creek this spring than were ever observed before. It looks as though between the turtles and multitudes of giant carp, some enterprising citizen might well start a canning factory.

100 years ago (1926)

Iced drinks are consumed during the year and particularly during the summer months to an extent that staggers the imagination of Europeans. It may well give us pause, as the ice water habit is perhaps not as harmless as some people think.

The Salvation Army Self-Denial Fund Tag Day on May 29 netted $138.88, for which the local corps is very grateful and wish to thank those who so liberally supported them on that day.

CLASSIFIED ADS CLASSIFIED ADS

WANTED TO BUY

All collectibles including sports cards, beanie babies, Funko pops and stamps. Highest prices paid. Free appraisals.Are you downsizing or need an estate clean out? We can help. We are at the Pinery Market at Grand Bend every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call or text Stan anytime 519-868-3814.

WANTED

I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi or any pop company. Brewery items - Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, wristwatches, 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 at 519-570-6920.

FOR SALE

Shade Trees; Maples, Oaks, Birch, Beech, Honey Locusts, Elms, Magnolia, Hydrangea Tree, Tulip Tree, Crab apples, Ivory Silk Lilac, Chanticleer Pear, Golden Weeping Willows and more. Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Nectarine, Blueberry, Haskap etc. Lots of healthy strong Spruce, Cedars and White Pine for your privacy hedges and windbreaks. Hundrceds of flowering shrubs. Reg Hours: 7am- 6pm Mon-Sat at Martins Nursery c/o Emanuel Martin. 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter, ON

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

JUNK REMOVAL

Junk Removal - Garbage, Basements, Yards, Dump Runs Call Mike 519-276-7766

FOR SALE

Portable BBQ. Three small green propane tanks - $50. Call 226-661-0090

FOR SALE

1 Coffee Table and 2 End Tables, wrought iron, wood and slate tops, a must see. Selling for one third of what we paid new. $500 for the set. Phone 519-284-1087

BUY AND SELL

Coins, Paper Money, Numismatic collectables. Free Appraisals and information. Saturdays 8am to 12 noon @ Milt Dunnell Field St. Marys On. Other times by appointment only. Call 519-777-0142, email hamilton@quadro.net.

THE WEEK AHEAD

SPONSORED BY: McDonald’s St. Marys 752 Queen St. E., St. Marys Founding and Forever partner of Ronald McDonald House

PRC & Friendship Centre events – See the Stonetown Crier on Page 5

St. Marys Public Library events – See Page 26

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

- Royal Canadian Legion hot dog lunch at Noon

- A.N.A.F. meat draw – 6 p.m.

- Ladyless lip sync competition at the Royal Canadian Legion – Doors open 6 p.m., Show at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

- Town wide yard sale – See address listing on Page 5

- Garage sale at 162 Queen Street E – 8 a.m. to Noon

- St. Marys Farmers Market at Milt Dunnell Field – 8 a.m. to Noon

- Friends of the Library pop-up book sale at Milt Dunnell Field – 8 a.m. to Noon

Quilters Estate Garage Sale

All Proceeds to Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth SATURDAY JUNE 20 8 A.M.

Shakespeare Presbyterian Church (located at the lights in Shakespeare)

Contact Linda for more information 519-272-7783

Town-Wide Garage Sale

DATE: Saturday, June 13th TIME: 8am - 12pm

LOCATION: 162 Queen Street East, St.Marys (downtown)

INCLUDES: Household decor,

- A.N.A.F. brisket dinner & show – 5-7 p.m., Outdoor Bavarian garden – 5-9 p.m.

- Royal Canadian Legion meat draw – 5 p.m.

Monday, June 15

- Community dinner at St. Marys United Church – 5 p.m., Sponsored by the United Church Women

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

- Royal Canadian Legion buddy check coffee – 10 a.m. to Noon

- St. Marys Horticultural Society rose & flower show and meeting at the Legion Hall – 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

- Nourish Market at St. Marys United Church – 2-4 p.m.