As I write this, it is Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, and I just walked to work because I am giving up unnecessary use of my car for Lent.
Columns
Pieces of the Past: A history of Prohibition in Perth County
The Temperance Act, also known as the Scott Act, was introduced in Canada in 1878. The Act gave local governments the power to ban the sale of alcohol. By 1917, the sale of alcohol had been prohibited by provincial governments across the country, with the exception of Quebec.
100 years ago on Valentine’s Day…
Valentine’s Day is for cards, chocolate, flowers, love and parties. One hundred years ago, different organizations from across Perth County celebrated the day with teas and socials. Area newspapers – the Stratford Beacon Herald, the Mitchell Advocate, and the Listowel Banner – all had write-ups abou
The chair looms large
The first time I stepped into the editor’s office at the top of the stairs at 185 Wallace Ave. N. in Listowel, it seemed very big indeed.
The Me Too movement has been quite an equalizer
The five were literally at the top of their game, as members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team.
From the Minister’s Desk: Love
If you’ve never seen the adorable answers kids give to the question, “What is love?” you should Google it and have a laugh! Sometimes they nail it with such innocence it wakes me up a little.
Battle of Port Arthur was flashpoint for big changes in East Asia
I went the entire month of January without offering my readers a break from the present with a dip…
Finding joy in winter
The winter season holds a special opportunity to find joy amidst the cold, wet and often challenging weather. By embracing the unique aspects of winter, you can discover a deeper sense of joy and connection with God. How, you might ask?
Cell phone ban: not coming to a school near you
As of December 2023, Toronto District School Board was seriously toying with a ban on cell phones in schools. One has to wonder why. In theory, at least, Ontario has had such a ban since 2019.
A month in the hospital and I hope for a miracle
This story continues with Leah and I going to the emergency department (ED) of University Hospital in London at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15.
‘Wrapped Bread is Advocated’
Contrary to popular belief, the most astounding dough-related invention of the early 20th century…
How do we bridge the growing divide between the wealthy and the workers?
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer, goes the old saying.
The rest of the story regarding my health
The year 2024 has not started out to be as positive as I had expected. Thinking back over the past three years, both my wife and I have been struggling with our health care systems. We are certainly aware of our increasing age but I do not think that ageism is a negative factor with either of us – m
Canada needs to spur growth of new small businesses
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) called last Friday “a sad day for many Canadian small business owners.”
February events at Brockton’s libraries
If you are like me, you dream of winter evenings cozied up with a warm blanket, hot drink and good book. This winter, head to the library for something different. We have snowshoes, light therapy lamps, puzzles, DVDs, binoculars, board games, Ontario Parks passes, Bruce County Museum passes, loads o
