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Environmentally-conscious students educated their peers while learning a lot themselves during Earth Week at Stratford District Secondary School.

Guest speakers stopped by the local high school to chat with students about a variety of environmental topics, part of activities held throughout the Avon Maitland District School Board.

Students from the school's Eco Club organized some fun activities, including a 'Where's Bruno' game. Similar to 'Where's Waldo', students had to find Bruno and then answer questions about the environment, such as what can be recycled in Stratford, to win a prize.

Trustee Bruce Whittaker stopped in to talk about the city's skate park and new outdoor gym and how it helps the environment.

The Eco Club have appeared in delegations before city council and have worked on a produce bag initiative with the Local Community Food Centre. They have planted trees with other local organizations and try to raise awareness in their school.

Student Lucy Chung said students have also worked on an urban farm project, learning about soil best practices in the process.

"One of our goals for Earth Week is to show people that talking about the Earth and caring for the environment isn’t just specific to biology and science programs…we had something about robotic farming so it can apply to engineering and apply to Indigenous studies and English classes, even math classes and physics classes."

Students said they learned new insights into how city processes work through their Eco Club involvement, and ideas on how to connect with the community and inspire changes.

Some may pursue careers that intersect with the environment.

"What I am personally going to take away from Earth Week, it was really interesting to see, you can do things for the environment from any career. You can always make a change, make an impact," said Elliana Morrison.

Christine Ritsma teaches a Green Industries course at the school, and is staff advisor for the Eco Club.

"They are a robust group of kids and it’s not just this group. We have been so lucky at this school to have such great kids in leadership. This is a group that sees an idea and then they go for it...they work so well together, they are amazing."

Ritsma said there is so much motivation to go around that her only concern is keeping everyone focused and narrowing in on ideas.

"They want to make changes, here in the community, so it’s just about what is our goal, what do you want to do, how do you want to do it. And that is fun right, that is so much fun.”

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OPP are modernizing public phone systems outside detachments.

The new 'E-phones' are touchscreen based, replacing handset phones used for many years outside of provincial police buildings.

The new systems have been installed in Mitchell and Listowel and should be up and running at the Sebringville detachment in August, Derek Rogers, regional media relations coordinator, told My Stratford Now.

Although a modernized system, the function remains the same, OPP said.

All E-phone calls will connect to OPP Provincial Communications Centres for service.

When the user touches the call-screen icon, call-takers and dispatchers will see the originating location of the call. The location display saves time gathering the caller's information and provides the public with the confidence that their location is readily identified and that police will respond.

To date, 20 of 34 West Region locations have transitioned to the new E-phone system.

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A popular musical trio are coming to Avondale United Church.

Boreal are an award-winning group featuring Katherine Wheatly, Tannis Slimmon, and Angie Nussey. The singer-songwriters are performing May 11 at Avondale United Church.

According to their bio, in the winter, Boreal shines their collective light on Canada’s coldest months with their show 'Songs for the Snowy Season'. The brighter months are reserved for 'Songs of Renewal', a show that combines sun-loving, moon-watching, finger-snapping, heart-touching and deeply uplifting songs.

Avondale United Church marks just one of the 13 venues on the 'Songs of Renewal' tour.

Boreal describes their performance as a journey of "friendship, laughter, and connection”, while celebrating hope, and new beginnings.

“Stratford just breathes with art, theater, and culture. We're very excited to be part of it...if only for a night," said Nussey.

The Stratford performance starts at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening 30 minutes before. Tickets are $25 each, and can be purchased at the Avondale United Church office (194 Avondale Ave), by emailing avondaleuc@wightman.ca, or by visiting Ticketscene.

For more information, call Avondale United Church at: 519-271-7946.

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A 20-year-old Stratford man was arrested in Waterloo earlier this week.

Waterloo Region Police said they responded to the area of King Street North and University Avenue East on Monday at 11:50 p.m. for a report of a stolen GMC pickup.

The driver of the stolen vehicle attempted to flee from police at a high rate of speed, collided with a police cruiser, and then fled the area, police allege.

The suspect was arrested after a foot pursuit.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage. No injuries were reported.

The Stratford accused faces charges that include theft of a motor vehicle, flight from police and assaulting a police officer. He was alleged to be driving under suspension and had an outstanding warrant. The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 6399.

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Jack O'Donnell's first period marker stood up as the game winner as the Listowel Cyclones cruised to a 4-1 win over the Fort Erie Meteors on Wednesday night.

The Midwestern Division champion Cyclones improved to 2-1 in the round-robin portion of the Sutherland Cup junior B championships series. Fort Erie, who won the Golden Horseshoe playoffs, dropped to 1-2.

It was O'Donnell's eighth goal of the playoffs, coming on the power play, after Chet Hudson opened the scoring for Listowel. Ben McRobbie scored his ninth goal of the playoffs in the second period to extend the lead to 3-0.

Chaka-Benjamin Ntumba-Muntu got one back for the Meteors in the third period. Tanner Dietz iced the win with an empty netter with 17 seconds remaining.

Dixon Grimes stopped 24 of 25 pucks shot his way in net for the Cyclones.

Fort Erie are at the Western Junior B League champion St. Marys Lincolns (1-1) on Friday night. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. at the Pyramid Recreation Centre.

The final game of the round-robin is Sunday when Listowel host St. Marys at 7:30 p.m.

Top two teams after the round-robin play a best-of-seven series for the Sutherland Cup championship.

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St. Marys Town Council is recognizing volunteers and donors whose efforts have ultimately contributed to improvements to the Grand Trunk Trail.

Council members will join representatives from the Lind family, the Kinsmen Club of St. Marys, Texo Terra Contracting, Forman Electric, and volunteer Bill Richardson on a section of the trail next to the James St. N parking lot, the Town said in a media release.

The event on Wednesday May 1, beginning at 8 p.m., will feature a speech by Mayor Al Strathdee, followed by a ceremonial lighting of the new trail lights, in a nod to a beloved St. Marys tradition.

Guests can enjoy free refreshments on the trail.

Improvements to the trail include 23 new light standards and 700 metres of paving along a section that runs between Wellington St. N and just past James St. N. The trail has also been connected to the new trailhead parking lot on James St. N.

“The Grand Trunk Trail is one of the jewels of St. Marys,” said Mayor Al Strathdee. “I want to thank all the donors and volunteers, including those that chose to remain anonymous. Your hard work and generosity have made the trail safer and more accessible for all.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the rain or shine celebration.

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Changes are being made to the collection of household hazardous waste in Stratford.

Collection days will now be held at the Romeo Street landfill site, instead of the Rotary Complex parking lot.

It starts this weekend with the first collection day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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The 56th camping season is set to begin at Wildwood Conservation Area.

The conservation area announced Wednesday, May 1 as opening day for campers.

“We’re looking to build on the success of last year – we had a great season with well attended events, new rental equipment and new visitors discovering what a beautiful spot Wildwood is,” Superintendent Alison Miller said in a media release.

While at the conservation authority, campers can use hiking and biking trails from 1.2-25 km. There are also opportunities for water sports, including kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle rentals.

You can also boat or fish at the conservation authority.

Some special presentations this season: 

• Wild Ontario: Saturday, July 20
• Scienssational Snakes: Saturday, July 27
• Canadian Raptor Conservancy: Saturday, August 3
• Scales Nature Park: Saturday, August 10
• Speaking of Wildlife: Saturday, August 24

For more information, or to book online, go to wildwoodconservationarea.ca

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Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) is proving it's commitment to the environment.

The public school board released details of a three-year environmental action plan on Wednesday, outlining its commitment to developing and fostering an ethic of care for the environment in staff and students, according to a media release.

AMDSB is leading the way in this area as one of only a few school boards across the country committing to an action plan of this scope, the board said.

It defines the board’s efforts to connect with the land, take action to preserve and protect the land, and become community leaders in environmental practices.

A committee composed of educators, employees, a trustee, and community partners worked on the project.

Calls to action include teaching and learning about the land so students and educators develop relationships with the more-than-human world that inspire its preservation and protection, as well as providing opportunities for students to become knowledgeable and active environmental leaders in their communities.

The board will serve as a model of environmental care and responsibility.

April Smith, Superintendent of Education, said implementing the plan is a shared responsibility between school leaders, staff, students and the community.

“The Environmental Action Plan is a framework for AMDSB staff and students as they consider their impact on the land in their day-to-day activities and operations, and long-term programming and planning.” Smith said.

The Plan is grounded in a desire to uphold the Truth and Reconciliation’s 94 Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples.

The plan can be viewed on the board’s website at: amdsb.ca/environmentalactionplan.

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After accomplishing a lot in a relatively short amount of time with an important local business organization, Eddie Matthews has some new plans.

Matthews is retiring as GM this summer from the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce.

“When I joined the chamber, I knew it would be a chance to stay involved with my community,” Matthews said in an announcement from the local chamber of commerce. “In the past five years I accomplished this and so much more.”

Matthews took over as general manager from Brad Beattie, following a distinguished radio career in Stratford, where he was a long-time morning show host.

Matthews told My Stratford Now that his role at the chamber was an extension of what he did on the air, promoting and working with community.

"That was the great thing, working with some really great people."

Dana Walton, Chair of the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce, said Matthews was an integral part of the chamber’s success.

“Our growth and innovation throughout the pandemic is a testament to his leadership.”

“He’s not only an advocate for the business community but he’s also become the voice - always aware of what’s happening and when, and making key introductions to support our community’s growth.”

Matthews reworked key events during the pandemic, the local organization noted, including pivoting the 2021 Business Awards Gala into an outdoor, drive-in event that was “still fun, still interactive”, and supported local restaurants.

Matthews helped grow membership and continued fostering collaboration among local businesses, while advocating for economic development, and promoting a thriving business environment.

The board of directors said it will soon start a search for a successor. Matthews will continue to work throughout the summer to ensure a smooth transition, the organization said.

Added Natalie Moore, Vice-Chair, Board of Birectors: “Eddie’s been an incredible fixture in our chamber universe for as long as I’ve been a member and on the board. He’s deeply connected to our community—its people, its businesses.”

Mathews will leave his role following the chamber golf tournament in June. He will still be around the city helping out, in a "smaller capacity".

“It’s been such an honour to serve the businesses of Stratford and area. Using a little of my local notoriety to boost our voice as an organization never hurt either,” Matthews said.

“Leading in this role’s been a lot of fun.”

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Whether in small, peer group settings or through organizing a large, multi-speaker mental wellness event, Jean-Guy Poirier is raising awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Poirier, of Stratford, started ‘PTSD The Truth Behind the Smile’, a peer support group, on Facebook in 2017 after a hospital stay. That followed his own traumatic experiences during 11 years as a firefighter.

He has since started peer support groups in Kitchener and London.

Poirier advocates getting help from a mental health professional, but also notes that peer support groups can be beneficial.

“This is kind of in between…always nice to get all of your information from a professional but at the same time a professional is not going to give you the insights of a peer group.”

Everyone in the groups, usually consisting of five to eight members, has something different to share, he said. They generally meet once-per-week and have a main topic, discussion and end with a gratitude session.

PTSD can affect every aspect of a person’s life, Poirier said.

“It takes a lot of time and a lot of work…but you also have to work on yourself.”

Poirier has also organized ‘Empowering Mental Wellness', scheduled for May 23, 7-10 p.m. at Stratford Rotary Complex. Guest speakers include Dr. Edward Beharry, a psychologist with experience in various clinical settings, who has worked with first responders.

Also speaking at the event are Ken Reid, a Sportsnet Central co-anchor, author and mental health advocate and Scott Goyette, founder of the Go Love Now Movement.

Emcee is Stewart Reynolds, a Stratford-based comedian, writer and host.

"This event is designed to bring more awareness," Poirier said.

Tickets are still available on Eventbrite.

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Jasmine Clark will discuss the history of Optimism Place, how it helps community members and the story behind the need for expansion at an upcoming event hosted by Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Stratford.

Clark, Executive Director at Perth County’s women’s shelter since 2017, has worked in the violence against women sector in Perth and Huron since 2010, CFUW Stratford said in a media release, holding positions that include frontline, outreach, sexual assault counselling and leadership roles.

Since beginning her career as a student at Optimism Place, Clark has been committed to the field of supporting survivors of intimate partner violence.

CFUW’s advocacy group focused on violence against women is asking how members can recognize signs of abuse and what to do in response.

Sheila Clarke, CFUW member and chair of the climate change committee, will also present to membership.

The committee has worked on three projects over the past year, including IDLE-WISE!, pollinator protection and reducing the use of plastic.

Clarke is a retired teacher/librarian, originally from Chicago.

Clark has pursued the study of ecology, the interaction of all living things, including humans. She has led nature clubs, taught classes, worked on pesticides, and started a side career of environmental advocacy. Because ecology and climate are so connected, she has a passionate interest in climate change.

The evening of discussing advocacy is scheduled for April 23 at Stratford Perth Museum, beginning at 7 p.m. There will be time for questions and discussion.

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Hundreds of concerned people showed up at the Wilmot Recreation Complex Friday for a town hall in protest of the Region of Waterloo’s plan to drum up 770 acres of farmland for development purposes. Landowners have been told the region is preparing to expropriate land for ‘shovel-ready’ projects.

Organizers weren’t ready for the size of the crowd leaving some people upset and having to find other ways to listen and ask questions. The event was arranged by the Ontario New Democratic Party who booked an upper hall with a capacity of 80 people. An estimated 300 turned out and some were forced to watch the events unfold on a Zoom call. Others gathered at the facility’s outdoor playground where NDP leader Marit Stiles eventually addressed the overflow crowd.

Stewart Snyder, one of the six affected farmers, said the support from not only the local community but those elsewhere has been comforting as he continues to battle what is still an unknown enemy. “We can’t ask for more support. It’s coming from all angles. You look at the petition that was started (with over 30,000 names). Who would have ever thought it? A friend of mine from Mount Forest called and said hey, we’re thinking about you. What’s going on down there?” An emotional Snyder said he loves the way the community has rallied behind him and the other affected landowners. “I would never have thought it. But when I see this, it’s unbelievable.”

One of the farmers just outside the affected area is Eva Wagler who grows cabbage with her husband south of Bleams Road. She spoke at a press conference earlier in the day and said she doesn’t believe the land grab is stopping with the six affected farms. “If it can happen to them, it can happen to anybody. They could come to our door tomorrow. I don’t think prime (farmland) should ever be questioned, it should not be touched. All of us had milk in our coffee this morning, I’m sure. Eggs on our plates. If we stand together we can stop this.”

Snyder shares Wagler’s concerns that those in power could expropriate land anywhere, not just in Wilmot. Many landowners just outside the affected area are now coming forward publicly to talk about their worries in terms of land ownership and the environment should a major industrial development arrive in Wilmot. “If they make this industrial who knows what the next step is.”

There have been very few if any answers from Wilmot Township, the Region of Waterloo or the Ford government to date. Something Synder admits but he does have hope thanks to recent events. “There has been no official traction but to be honest, there has been more dialogue in the last week than there was in the first couple of weeks.”

The town hall came just days before the Canadian Press published a report that Honda Canada is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant near its Alliston manufacturing plant. While Alliston is nearly two hours away from Wilmot there is speculation the 770 acres of land may be used for the development. An announcement from the federal and provincial governments is expected this week.

When Stiles arrived at the event she said she was blown away by how many people showed up and added the only other time she had seen such support was when her party was trying to save the Greenbelt. “We were expecting 80 people and there is a hockey game going on but if this says anything it says the community has the back of the farming community here.”

She added everyone in attendance wanted answers, transparency and accountability, and to save farmland. “There are a lot of people who stand to make a lot of money. We want to make sure that above all else the importance of farming to our economy, our communities, and the future of our province, is respected.”

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A former Perth County Warden is being remembered.

Barb MacLean began her political career in 1992 as a Councilor for Hibbert Township and was later elected as Deputy Mayor of West Perth in 2000.

She then served as Warden of Perth County from December 2005 to December 2006.

MacLean also held several other roles in the community including former Director of the Perth Farm Safety Association.

In honor of her life and public service, the County Courthouse flag in Stratford will be lowered until the day of the funeral on Saturday.

MyStratfordNow.com has reached out to local politicians for comment.

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Simple adjustments such as bringing a reusable coffee mug to work or bringing cloth bags to the grocery store are ways to lessen the impact on the environment, says Downtown Stratford GM Jamie Pritchard.

Earth Day is Monday and the local BIA has championed and highlighted its local business members' efforts at sustainable practices both today and year-round.

Over the weekend, through a sponsorship partnership, JENN and Larry's Ice Cream Shoppe offered a kid cone for anyone who brought in a bag of litter.

The local BIA is also holding a contest to promote Earth Day, asking for Earth-conscious activities downtown. Entries can be submitted up until 3 p.m. Monday via their Instagram page. A draw will choose a random winner, who will get $50 Downtown Dollars.

Local businesses think green always, by using sustainable packaging, reusing and repurposing and using biodegradable options when available, or using and encouraging public transit, according to a BIA social media page.

Pritchard told My Stratford Now that downtown businesses are often leaders in environmentally-friendly practices. Green thinking is important to the BIA, he noted.

"Earth Day should be important to everyone, it's important to me, personally. I worry about my four-year-old granddaughter and what kind of world we are leaving for future generations."

Pritchard said big cleanups that occur in the region and across the globe are important, but so are the daily decisions that people make to protect the environment.

"If everyone did one or two small things each day, 365 days-per-year, we can make a big, collective difference."

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Ethan Weir scored the winner on the power play Sunday to lead St. Marys Lincolns to a 2-1 home ice win over the Listowel Cyclones, in a battle of Perth County teams in the Sutherland Cup.

St. Marys got back on track in the provincial junior B championship series after a 2-1 overtime loss Saturday against Fort Erie, the other representative in the series.

Listowel opened the home and away round-robin portion with a 6-1 win over Fort Erie on Friday. All three teams now have one win and one loss, with two games each left to play.

The top two teams will play a best-of-seven series for the Sutherland Cup.

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