When Craftsmanship Meets Community Care
Saunders Secondary School teacher Stephen Merklinger sums up his students’ work to build doghouses for First Nations in the region. “I cannot change four hundred years of history, but together we can affect the next fifty, how people are treated, respected. and mutually benefitted.” Under his supervision, students volunteer their time over their lunch hours to build the houses. They also acquire skills and experience at working with tools and wood. It began more than ten years ago when Stephen was approached by Standing Stone School of the Onieda Nation of the Thames, and Antler River School of the Chippewas of the Thames to build “buddy benches” for their students. After the success of the project, word got around. “That lead to picnic tables at both schools,” explains Stephen. “Standing Stone School asked our students to build kindergarten play stations and a sitting gazebo and pergola. The Onieda community had our students build the sleigh for their Christmas parade.” A feral cat shelter was built and then came a request for doghouses. Now, the students are working on their tenth doghouse build, totalling about 300 doghouses in the past decade. “The Aboriginal Community and Animal Advocacy Connection approached us about building doghouses for different reserves in the area,” says Stephen. He adds that the building supplies are donated by local businesses and the school board. “We have built from scratch and from modified shipping containers.”
These insulated doghouses have gone to many First Nations including Walpole, Delaware Nation at Moraviantown, Onieda, Chippewa of the Thames, and Muncey. Students will complete another 30 doghouses by the end of this school year. Stephen says it’s a tremendous opportunity for students. “Quality skills based on experience adds to the student’s skill portfolio for future employment,” says Stephen. “The community groups benefit with reduced labour costs and providing the opportunity for our students. They train through work- experience, they take students on co-op and hire them. The student can also add in portfolio and volunteer hours required for a diploma.” The project brings together people of different faiths, backgrounds and abilities with one goal. To let sleeping dogs lie in a warm home of their own.
WESTERN UNIVERSITY – EXERCISE, MOBILITY & BRAIN LAB PARTICIPANTS NEEDED!
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR MEMORY HAS GOTTEN WORSE?
STUDY IN EXERCISE IN OLDER ADULTS AT RISK FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES: HEALTHY CONTROL SUBSTUDY
ELIGIBILE if you: • Are aged 60 – 80 years • Have not been diagnosed with neurodegenerative or musculoskeletal disorders • Have not had a stroke FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Olivia Ghosh-Swaby Ph.D. oghoshsw@uwo.ca 519-661-2111 x88284 Dr. Lindsay Nagamatsu, Principal Investigator This study consists of: Two sessions of physical testing, cognitive testing & MRI
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Dr. Lindsay Nagamatsu
STUDY DETAILS This study investigates the effects of dietary supplementa - tion and exercise on cognition, brain health and physical function in older adults. 26 Week Trial * you will consume a daily dietary supplement and partake in an exercise program 3x/week
lnagamat@uwo.ca 519-661-2111 x82659
CONTACT Amrutha Elanko Lab Manager aelenko@uwo.ca 519-661-2111 x88284
ELIGIBILITY
• 60+ years of age • Have noticed memory getting worse over the past five years • Have not exercised regularly (more than once a week) in the past 3 months
COMPENSATION AND FREE PARKING WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PARTICIPANTS
Exercise, Mobility and Brain Lab at Western University Dr. Lindsay Nagamatsu, lnagamat@uwo.ca
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Byron Villager March 2026
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