Port Stanley Villager April 2025 Issue 67
Letter from the Editor One thing about the weather this time of year is that it is never predictable. One day I am in short sleeves, the next day I am defrosting my car. Case in point, March 1st. Just days before, it was glorious, but the day of the Childcan Polar Bear Dip? Freezing, with a strong wind that could knock your mittens off.
There I was, standing on the beach in a winter coat, hat, and gloves, practically chattering my teeth, while a group of brave souls dressed to take a dip ran across the snowy beach into the icy waters of Lake Erie. My hat’s off to all the volunteers and dippers (not literally, it was too cold for that), but what an amazing job they did. This year’s total
raised for Childcan was a whopping $115,651, bringing the grand total over the last three years to $341,866. Well done! Speaking of amazing volunteers, April 27th to May 3rd is National Volunteer Week, a time set aside to celebrate all of the incredible volunteers who keep our community running. Once again, we’ve invited local organizations from Port Stanley and the surrounding area to share their thanks for their hardworking volunteers. Some have also shared insights into what volunteering means to them, what their roles look like, and why they love what they do. If you’ve ever thought about giving back but aren’t sure where to start, this is a great time to learn more. Who knows? You might just find the perfect fit! And finally, enjoy these photos of some truly brave (and slightly frozen) dippers from the Childcan Polar Bear Dip.
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Port Stanley Community Calendar Recurring Events Pre-School Storytime Port Stanley Library, every Tuesday at 10:00 am. Join us for songs, stories, and a craft. Ages 0-5 and their caregiver. Knitting Group Port Stanley Library, every Tuesday at 2 pm. Bring your projects and meet new people. Everybody welcome. Men’s Club Port Stanley Library, every Monday at 10 am. Pop in for a chat and coffee. Kids Club Port Stanley Library, every Monday, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. (Starting September 9th). Join us for a story, games, and a craft. Grades 1 and up, JK/SK with a caregiver. Holistic movement with Nia Union Sports and Community Centre, every Friday at 10 am Enjoy dance, martial arts and relaxation techniques, contact niawithg@gmail.com Monday, April 7th, 2025 Port Stanley Art Guild Accepting New Members Port Stanley United Church, 7 pm 239 Colborne St, Port Stanley Wanting to connect with our art community? Check out our website for details and contact us for more info. www.portstanleyartguild.com Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 FREE special screening of the Canadian movie Ru. Port Stanley Library is excited to present a FREE special screening of the movie Ru for National Canadian Film Day. Refreshments will be served. Everybody Welcome. Thursday, April 17th, 2025 Adult Book Club Port Stanley Library, 6:00 pm. 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley We will discuss Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. Everybody welcome. Port Stanley Library, 3:00 pm. 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley
Artist Meet Up Port Stanley Library, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley Everyone will be working on their own projects. Bring your project and the materials that you need. Monday, April 28th, 2025 Scrapbooking Port Stanley Library, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley Organize your photos. Cost: $6 The Port Stanley Community Calendar is put together by the Port Stanley Villager Magazine and the Port Stanley Villager Association. To have your event included in an upcoming calendar, email hometown@villagerpublications.com with the name of the event, the date, time, location, and a description of up to 20 words. Wanting to connect with our art community? Check out our website for details and contact us for more info. www.portstanleyartguild.com
Port Stanley Villager
M ay 21 to May 31
Two estranged BFF’s have to reunite under extraordinary circumstances and “take out the trash” ...literally. By Simon Joynes Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this entertaining yet heartfelt story about friendship, garbage and second chances! Reserve Your Seats www.psft.ca 519-782-4353 PortStanleyFestival FestivalTheatre
PortStanley FestivalTheatre Summer Season 2025
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2025 • Page 3
Port Stanley Hosts Dominion Darts Championships by Peri Hayes Caroline Mayo discusses the Dominion Darts Championships, being held for the first time at the Port Stanley Legion: Royal Canadian Legion Branch #410, 310 George Street. Caroline has been with the Legion for 23 years and counting, participating in various events. In her position as Local Arrangements Committee Chair (LAC Chair), Caroline is responsible for organizing this upcoming event in accordance with the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command: “Along with the wonderful committee of about ten dedicated members, I have the privilege of being able to take care of the transportation, entertainment and running the competition.” While Caroline has experience working with the Dominion Command for Youth Track and Field as a Head Chaperone, she is enjoying her debut in this role for the Dominion Darts Championships. Caroline exclaims, “I am always looking for a new challenge, so this is awesome. In terms of organizing this event, we are in really good shape!” Caroline is excited to be continuing her involvement in the Dominion Command community, as well as in the lakeside village. She offers what this weekend-long event will entail: “The competition will take place during the first weekend in May, with players arriving from all over Canada. Each province holds a dart competition and upon winning at the zone level, followed by the district level, then to the provincial level, participants will be led to Port Stanley for the Dominion Darts Championships at the national level.” To ensure that ‘the best of the best’ win, games will be played as two-out-of-three in the round-robin style.
With ten provinces participating, there are ten sets of doubles, ten single competitors and ten teams of four players for these three events. With the double and single events occurring on Saturday, May 3rd, the teams will compete on Sunday, May 4th. Arriving on Friday, May 2nd, competitors will be transported to their St. Thomas and Port Stanley accommodations, as well as to the Legion each day. On the Friday evening, participants are invited to attend their ‘Meet and Greet’, socializing with the committee and fellow competitors. Their Opening Ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph on the Saturday, about which Caroline details, “People will be arriving in teams with their provincial flags around 8:30 am, with our service and welcome from dignitaries to follow.” After the games have concluded each day — and following their banquet on the Sunday — there will be Darin Tucker in action. Darin competed inthe 2024 Championships in Quebec.
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live musical performances in the evening, open to the public. Caroline warmly welcomes, “We want the community to be involved. Come enjoy the night!” “Being held in Port Stanley this year,” Caroline enthuses, “we are able to show off our community, and I am looking forward to that. We are providing souvenir booklets and a map highlighting sights of Port Stanley, such as shops and places for participants to visit when they aren’t at the Legion.” Caroline graciously concludes by announcing, “One of our sponsors is Railway City Brewery Co. in St. Thomas, and they are sponsoring our gift bags for each participant. We are working closely with them, and are grateful for this partnership.” Moreover, Caroline’s beloved grandson, Nash Guest, has contributed 3-D printed creations at the age of eight years. For inquiries about advertisements, donations or further information regarding the Dominion Darts Championships, kindly email Caroline at mayocaroline20@gmail.com.
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Is the Lions Club For You? by Rick Nemett In Canada, we are blessed with a society that, for the most part, provides us with everything we need to survive - from universal healthcare to a social safety-net; our government, through the judicious use of our tax dollars, has our back, right? Right? – insert cricket noises – OK, reality check; much of what is there to support us in our times of need, is in fact NOT publicly funded. The Province may ‘fund’ the operational expenses of our hospital, but they don’t provide capital funding for a lot of the equipment used - for example, surgical equipment, IV pumps, wheelchairs, etc. The government may fund a homeless shelter, but they don’t necessarily fully fund the staffing. So where do all these ‘extras’ come from? Volunteers and donations are the real backbone of our country. This is where service clubs, like the Port Stanley Lions Clubs, fill a vital role. Lions Clubs look for the areas of need in our
communities and seek to fill the gaps; through volunteering (such as the Leos - our youth group - serving meals at the homeless shelter) or by raising funds for public services (such as our new Hospice, or a new piece of medical equipment that could improve surgical outcomes). At its core, a Lions Club is just a group of people who want to go beyond ‘thoughts & prayers’ and actually make a concrete improvement in people’s lives. Whether it’s just in our own community through the local food bank, across Canada such as through Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, or around the world through the Lions Clubs International Foundation, we work towards a better, more inclusive world for everyone. But the Port Stanley Lions Clubs are even more than that! Members, through their common interest in service, become friends which makes us a social-club of sorts as well! We meet twice a month to plan our service activities – the first meeting each month includes a dinner and time of fellowship before getting down to business. We are proud to be fully inclusive, but recognize that some may be more comfortable in a female- centric club such as the Lioness Lions Club. Both Clubs work closely together on many joint projects. As President, I want to personally invite you to one of the Port Stanley Lions Clubs’ events, service projects, or dinner meetings to see how you could fit in and make your mark on your community! Or come out on Saturday, May 24th for our Community Appreciation BBQ! We hope you join us!
To All of Our Amazing Volunteer Firefighters!
THANK YOU to all our volunteer Crisis Responders and Board Members 45 Caso Crossing, St. Thomas 519-631-3182 info@victimserviceselgin.com
Page 6 Port Stanley Villager • April 2025
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Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Thomas-Elgin by Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas Elgin The Heart of Our Organization: Celebrating Our Volunteers At Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteers are more than just helping hands — they are the heartbeat of everything we do. Our organization thrives because of the dedication, compassion, and unwavering support that volunteers bring to their roles. Whether they are mentors, event helpers, or administrative supporters, each volunteer makes a profound impact on the Volunteering with our organization comes in many forms. Our most well-known role is that of a mentor. Bigs commit to spending quality time with their Littles, forming positive, life-changing relationships. From playing sports to cooking together, these simple moments help build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience in our kids. In addition to mentoring, our volunteers contribute in countless other ways. Event volunteers play key roles in fundraisers like our historic Curl ForKids Sake and Railway City Road Races, directly supporting the programs we offer. Some volunteers lend their skills behind the scenes, assisting with administrative tasks, marketing efforts, or coordinating logistics for our events. Others provide valuable expertise by serving on committees or our Board of Directors, helping shape the vision and strategy of our organization. The Power of a Helping Hand Every hour our volunteers contribute forms a ripple effect, positively influencing not only the young people we support but also their families and the broader community. Our volunteers act as role models, guides, and advocates, inspiring brighter lives of the young people we serve. The Many Faces of Volunteering
futures through their kindness and commitment. Thanks to their dedication, we’ve been able to provide consistent support to children and youth who face adversities in our community and beyond, ensuring they develop the tools and confidence to reach their full potential. Thank You. To every individual who has given their time, skills, and heart to our organization—thank you. Your commitment drives our mission forward and changes lives in meaningful ways. Whether you volunteer weekly or lend a hand at special events, you are a vital part of our success. If you’re considering volunteering, know that your time and energy can make a lasting difference. We welcome anyone looking to positively impact the lives of young people to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin today. In any capacity, Little or Big, everyone has the ability to ignite potential. Thank you for making our community a better place.
Volunteers are the heart of our community, creating ripples of kindness that change lives. This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we honour their generosity, dedication, and lasting impact. A Single Act. A
of Gratitude. ripple Make Waves With Us! 519.631.2030 x 2246 STEGHFOUNDATION.CA
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Thank you Volunteers by Joice Schofield The Port Stanley Kettle Creek Swans would like to thank all the Volunteers who help make our community a better place to live. Our Swans have years of service to our community which helps us continue our Motto: Volunteering for a Better Community. SWANS: Service, Assist, Nurture, Support Since the Swans started in 2021, we have been busy raising funds through our volunteer efforts through Jackpot Time and various fundraising projects that include our yearly Family Flowers Spring Flower sales, Yard Sales, Dickens Bazaar, Little Caesars Pizza sales, Quilt auction, Quartermania, Online Auctions and more. We have donated over $160,000. These funds have been distributed to Kettle Creek Public School, Eva Circe Cote French Immersion Public School, STEGH, The Nameless, Port Stanley Food Bank, the Hospice, Cat Rescue, Epilepsy, Heart and Stroke, Ronald McDonald House, Eyes Right, Port Stanley Library, Port Stanley Legion 410, Cancer
Society, Mental Health, Fresh Start, Harness the Hope, Courage for Freedom, Tiny Homes, sports teams and many more. Two of our major projects are: The Pet Valu Walk for Guide Dogs, and the Port Stanley Annual Easter Egg Hunt. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and giving back to the community, please contact us at portstanleykettle- creekswans@gmail.com or call 519-782-4308. For more information, check us out on Facebook.com/KettleCreekSwans.
We are extremely grateful for our team of hardworking and dedicated volunteers, who make all things possible! #KidsNeedKiwanis Port Stanley Kiwanis Club
Thank you to our many volunteers and contributors who continue to make the Port Stanley and Area Community Cupboard possible. Everyone is welcome. All non perishable food and monetary donations gratefully accepted. 3rd Tuesday 3:30-6pm • Thursday 10am-12pm 283 Colborne St, Port Stanley 519-782-3122 • PSAACC20@gmail.com
PortStanleyFestival FestivalTheatre Tuesday April 22 6:30pm Grace Auditorium No previous experience is necessary. We are looking for volunteers with a passion and curiosity for the theatre. You must be reliable and committed as well as friendly, courteous and respectful with our staff and patrons. NIGHT VOLUNTEER We couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you to our many wonderful volunteers. You bring so much joy into our home!
The Board Members of Christmas Care would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our volunteers, our corporate donors, our individual donors, Ardent Industries (Steelway Building Systems), the City of St. Thomas, Elgin Centre, DNO Towing, local Emergency Services, area schools, area places of worship, area service clubs, our individual and anonymous donors, ETC., ETC., ETC. A special shout out to all the local businesses. We are most appreciative.
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Page 8 Port Stanley Villager • April 2025
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Councillors Corner – Elbow Up, Roots Down by Morgaine Griffin
When a foreign leader declares their intention to use economic weapons against us, we have a duty to strengthen our resilience — starting at home. The U.S. has made it clear that tariffs on Canadian goods are meant to weaken our economy and pave the way for annexation. These policies will ripple through our supply chains, drive up costs, and strain the food security of Canadian households. We cannot control what happens in Washington. But we can control how we prepare, adapt, and protect our communities from economic coercion. This week, I am bringing a motion to Council proposing that we replace ornamental floral plantings in our parks with edible gardens. This is a small but meaningful step toward local food security. By growing fresh produce in public spaces, we can support struggling households, reduce pressure on food cupboards, and ensure that more of our food is produced and consumed right here at home. Food security is national security. Strengthening our local capacity to grow and share food makes us less vulnerable to economic manipulation. And while this initiative is just one piece of the puzzle, I encourage all of our families, businesses, and organizations to think about the steps we can take to protect our community and everyone in it. Sovereignty isn’t just for premiers and prime ministers to defend. It’s something we all have a role in protecting. Let’s start here.
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Throwing Shade: How Blinds Can Transform Your Home Blinds are more than just a practical window covering; they play a significant role in home décor, energy efficiency, and even smart home technology. Choosing the right blinds can transform a space, adding both style and function while improving comfort throughout the year. From a design perspective, blinds offer a sleek, modern alternative to traditional curtains, allowing homeowners to control the amount of natural light in a room without sacrificing style. With a range of materials, colours, and textures available, they can complement any décor, whether it’s a minimalist, contemporary space or a warm, rustic retreat. Wood and faux wood blinds bring a natural, organic feel to a room, while fabric or cellular shades can soften the look and add warmth. The ability to customize blinds to match or contrast with existing furnishings makes them a versatile option for any interior. Beyond aesthetics, blinds contribute to a home’s overall energy efficiency. During the colder months, properly installed blinds provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping heat from escaping through windows and reducing energy costs. In the summer, they help block out excessive sunlight, preventing rooms from overheating and reducing the strain on air conditioning. Cellular shades, in particular, are designed with a honeycomb structure that traps air and provides superior insulation year-round. Homeowners who strategically adjust their blinds throughout the day can maximize these energy-saving benefits, improving comfort while lowering utility bills. Advancements in technology have made blinds even more convenient and efficient. Motorized blinds, which can be controlled
with a remote, or a smartphone app, are becoming increasingly popular. These innovative blinds can be programmed to adjust automatically based on the time of day or temperature, optimizing both comfort and energy use. Some models integrate with home automation systems, allowing homeowners to schedule them to open in the morning for natural light and close in the evening for privacy. This level of automation enhances convenience and improves security by giving the impression that someone is home even when the house is empty. Whether chosen for their visual appeal, energy-saving potential, or smart technology integration, blinds offer a simple yet effective way to enhance a home’s interior. With so many options available, homeowners can find the perfect balance between style and function, creating a space that is both beautiful and comfortable in every season.
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Snip, Snip, Hooray! Creating a Cutting Garden for Endless Bouquets A cutting garden is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with fresh bouquets throughout the growing season. By planning carefully and selecting the right flowers, you can enjoy a steady supply of blooms from spring to fall. The first step in creating a cutting garden is choosing a sunny location with well-drained soil. Most flowers that are ideal for cutting thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Preparing the soil by enriching it with compost or organic matter ensures healthy root development and robust growth. Selecting a variety of flowers with different bloom times helps maintain a continuous supply of fresh-cut stems. Early spring flowers like tulips, daffodils, and alliums provide the first wave of colour. These bulbs should be planted in the fall to establish strong roots before winter. As spring transitions to summer, perennials such as peonies, irises, and delphiniums come into bloom, adding elegance and fragrance to arrangements. Annuals like zinnias, snapdragons, cosmos, and sunflowers are excellent choices for a mid-to-late summer display. These can be started indoors in early spring or sown directly into the garden once the risk of frost has passed. Hardy perennials such as rudbeckia, echinacea, and asters will extend the season into autumn with their rich hues and sturdy stems. Foliage plants and fillers play an important role in creating well-balanced bouquets. Herbs such as basil and mint add fragrance, while greenery like dusty miller, amaranth, and ferns provide texture and contrast. Branches from shrubs like ninebark or spirea offer structural elements that complement delicate blooms. Regular maintenance ensures a productive cutting garden. Deadheading spent flowers encourages plants to continue producing new blooms, while consistent watering, particularly during dry spells, keeps them healthy. Staking taller varieties prevents damage from wind or heavy rain, ensuring stems remain long and straight for arrangements. Harvesting flowers at the right time extends their vase life. The best time to cut blooms is early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Using sharp, clean scissors or pruners prevents damage to the stems. Flowers should be placed immediately in a bucket of water and allowed to hydrate before arranging. Removing excess foliage that will
sit below the waterline reduces bacterial growth and keeps bouquets fresher for longer. A cutting garden not only provides an ongoing source of fresh flowers but also attracts pollinators and adds charm to outdoor spaces. With thoughtful planning and care, it is possible to enjoy the simple pleasure of homegrown bouquets all season long.
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2025 • Page 11
True North Theatre: Celebrating the Uniquely Canadian Spirit of Port Stanley Festival Theatre by Liz Gilroy Artistic Director, Port Stanley Festival Theatre I am Canadian. First generation. My mother came from Edinburgh, Scotland and my father from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I was raised with a strong sense of my Scottish and Irish heritage but also raised as a proud Canadian. I continue to be a proud Canadian as the Artistic Director of the Port Stanley Festival Theatre where we produce Canadian works, written by Canadian playwrights, performed by Canadian actors directed by Canadians. Our sets, lights and costumes are designed by Canadian designers. Our sets are built by Canadians, and all our administrative staff are Canadian. Telling Canadian stories has been our mandate since 2012, and we need to continue to tell our stories now more than ever. Our 2025 Summer Season starts with a Canadian play, Dump Guys written by our former AD, Simon Joynes. A Canadian comedy about love, best friends, and takin’ out the trash. Next up, we are proud to present Canadian legend Norm Foster’s Doris and Ivy In the Home . It is hard to imagine our Canadian theatre scene without Norm Foster -- one must ask what we did before him? Not only that but Norm’s writing has inspired so many other Canadian playwrights such as Mark Crawford; Kristen Da Silva; Daniel McIvor and Sophia Fabiilli. Norm really paved the way for the future of Canadian comedies: he is our most celebrated and prolific playwright to date. Next up, a newly penned farce by Sophia Fabiilli that is sure to become a Canadian Classic: Liars At A Funeral . Slamming doors, mistaken identity, family feuds, a little sex on the side, and possibly dead bodies.... Canadian playwright and educator, Sophia Fabiilli has knocked it outta ‘the casket’ with this one. I first met our next playwright, Caroline Smith, while I was at Sheridan College, a Canadian institution that has produced some of the most talented musical theatre performers and animators in North America. She came to choreograph the musical Brigadoon. Caroline then went on to choreograph at The Shaw Festival; she was the Artistic Director at The Stirling Festival Theatre, and she wrote our next comedy, The Kitchen Witches , which has been flambéing stages from Newfoundland to Vancouver. Rounding out the season is the World Premiere of Steve Ross’s goldfish . This play came across my desk a couple of years ago and after one read, I knew PSFT had to produce it. We are honoured to be staging the WORLD PREMIERE this August/September.
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Page 12 Port Stanley Villager • April 2025
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Return of C.A.L.I.P.S.O by Marna Berry As April showers promise the bloom of May flowers, the Port Stanley Calipso Festival Committee is abuzz with anticipation for the return of the C.A.L.I.P.S.O Summer Festival. Slated for the Civic Holiday weekend, August
2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2025, this event, currently awaiting the nod from the Central Elgin Special Events Committee & Council, is poised to be the crown jewel of our summer festivities. C.A.L.I.P.S.O, standing for Come And Live In Port Stanley Ontario, is not just an event; it’s a celebration of our vibrant community and the unique charm that Port Stanley has to offer. The festival, which was first held in 2019, emerged as a beacon of community spirit and unity, filling the gap left by the discontinuation of the Canada Day and Harbour Fest Events. Despite the setbacks of 2020 and 2021 due to COVID restrictions, the festival’s spirit remained undimmed, and we are eager to bring back the joy and camaraderie that define our gatherings. This year’s festival promises a blend of beloved traditions and fresh attractions. From Captain Thom Bedlam’s Magic Show to Magical Mermaids, the festival is a treasure trove of entertainment. The Lions Antique Car Show, The Beauty Bombshells, and a plethora of artisans and exhibitors add to the festival’s allure. Not to forget the Kids Sandcastle Competition, CALIPSO Marketplace, and the enchanting Kids Zone on Little Beach, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. As we gear up for this year’s C.A.L.I.P.S.O Summer Festival, we’re also calling on the community for volunteers and ideas. This festival is a testament to our collective creativity and dedication to celebrating our diverse, vibrant local culture. Whether it’s through participating in the CALIPSO Photography Contest, enjoying the Boat Parade, Fireworks on the Berm at dusk, or simply soaking in the tropical vacation theme that envelops the village, your involvement is what makes this event special. Stay tuned for some exciting new additions and make sure to follow our CALIPSO Festival Facebook group for updates. As we prepare for this fun-filled event, let’s come together to make the 2025 C.A.L.I.P.S.O Summer Festival a memorable celebration of our community’s spirit and charm.
Photo courtesy of Hot Shoe Hustle Photography.
Port Stanley Villager April 2025 cover March 1st once again saw the Childcan Polar Bear Dip on Little Beach in Port. This year, 56 teams, made up of 424 participants, raised over $115,000! Photo by Geoff Rae
Port Stanley Villager Geoffrey Rae, Managing Editor /Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoffrey Rae unless otherwise indicated. Writer – Peri Hayes Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com
Thank you Elgin-Middlesex-London for your support! Here to Serve!
Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood C opyright @ 2015 Villager Publications.
All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproducedor used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
ROB FLACK MPP - Elgin-Middlesex-London
519-631-5995 • rob.flack@pc.ola.org • robflackmpp.ca
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2025 • Page 13
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Page 14 Port Stanley Villager • April 2025
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Port Matters by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail.com The old adage March comes, ‘In like a lion, out like a lamb,’ proved true again (as of this writing.) Spring in Port awakens our wild life, and our wildlife. Colleen Burns, our resident wildlife
rehabilitator offers humane strategies for co-habiting in spring. See FB Fur-Ever Wild Rehabilition and become a Wildlife Warrior! For emergencies, text 519-777-6440. Congratulations to PS Sailors Junior C coaching staff, Matt Bowes, Rob Richardson, and Parker Smith for winning the Yeck Coaching Award for 2024-2025! Cheers to the players for achieving new franchise records! Core values count in instilling a spirit of team in young athletes’ dreams. Melanie MacDonald has recently established Port Stanley Quilt- ers and invites aspiring quilters to learn more. Quilts are donated to charities. www.facebook.com/groups/676430701482910 Lake House Books is celebrating Canadian Independent Book Store Day by hosting our Peri Hayes for a poetry reading of her first book: Keep your Heart Open and Your Love Flowing , on April 26 from 11 am to pm. Book signing at 3 pm. Freebies from books to treats are on offer! On the MCE front, Erie Rest Beach is slated to be paved to accommodate 58 vehicles. The previous Council deferred the proposal in 2020. So, what’s different now? The hue and cry has raised a slew of questions. The delegation led by Ed Finlan attended the March 24 Council meeting looking for answers. Minutes and those of 2025-26 budget meeting and updates on the short-term rentals survey and public meetings are all available on MCE website. The Mayors’ Breakfast, hosted by the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce on February 26 assembled a crowd keen for an update on the year’s progress in regional development by the Mayors of St. Thomas, Southwold County, and Municipality of Central Elgin. Chamber President Paul Jenkins opened the event by referencing member survey results indicating that 62% of local businesses anticipate serious challenges due to the prospect of U.S. tariffs. Wowza! The preeminent question before the panel was what can be done with certainty in uncertain times here and now? All told, the consensus was to
prepare for whatever comes by continuing to work together to accelerate the current growth initiatives. What does that mean for Port? Tourism and fishing are less susceptible to issues challenging other sectors. Trump’s threat of annexing Canada has rallied a ferocious patriotism. Consider Canucks’ resistance to Excited States’ travel and the Americans’ exchange rate advantage as an opportunity to expand the visitor season and our hospitality offerings. What can we do to ensure Port’s prosperity beyond ‘shop local’? What about an ‘all hands on deck’ public-private sector partnering to promote Port as a year-round destination? Such collaborations work well when a common cause is the focus. Similar markets are promoting theme packages offering spa services; theatre/ entertainment; special interest tours; art, photography, and cooking classes, and hospitality. Let’s become Port’s winning ‘Eh Team’ ambassadors! When we practice our best future, we create it.
RE-ELECT BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH AND TOUR TODAY
226-210-9508
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2025 • Page 15
Saturday April 5th is Russell House Day! Join us in celebrating the first annual Russell House Day. Hosted by The Drift Gift Shop, The Edible Journey and Veterans’ Art Gallery Inc. The Russell House 211 Main Street Port Stanley The Russell house was built in the early 1870s of locally made strawberry bricks by a newly arrived settler, John Sweeney. It was one of the first hotels in Port Stanley, and one of a number of similar inns required in the early days of lake, rail and stagecoach travel.
Our Mission: Join us in supporting our serving heroes through the transformative power of art. Operating on public donations only. (Veterans Art Initiative established 2022) We are hosting folk songs singer Matt Larabie from 12 pm to 4 pm and a two piece Jazz Band from 5pm to 7pm Services Offered Veterans’ Wellness Alliance. Veterans advocate Amy Green retired military. Classes Offered. Painting Classes. Instructor Steve Tracy. Mindfulness Classes (Yoga) and Ti Chi classes. Instructor Jeaninne Diaz.
211 Main Street, Port Stanley, Ontario • 519-200-1616 Supported by
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