LOCAL HEADLINES

Aleah Graff and a friend were at a local restaurant. When it came time to order their meals, the server took her friend’s order, then nodded toward Graff as she asked her friend: “And what would she like?” As always, Graff took the high road and politely ignored the unintentional slight. As someone with cerebral palsy, this was not new to her. She says, “My physical disability is quite visible but I am naturally quiet and introverted so it leads people to assume things about

At the May 11 council meeting, Cate Trudeau, Shelterlink executive director, and Cambria Ravenhill, board director, spoke to council to request immediate and medium-term actions to address youth homelessness in Stratford and Perth County.

This past week, the Stratford 18U Nationals experienced highs and lows both on the field and in the weather, winning one of their three games while also suffering a defeat at a rain-shortened tournament in Brampton and Mississauga.

Perth County council has approved another round of revisions to its proposed tree-injury bylaw as debate continues over how best to balance environmental protection with the practical realities faced by farmers and rural landowners.

If the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) makes it to 2027, it will officially be 80 years old – though that milestone is looking more distant than ever nowadays.

Every year, starting on the last Sunday of May, is national AccessAbility Week, a week to celebrate and promote the contributions of people with disabilities, the work of accomplices in removing barriers and the ongoing efforts to become a barrier-free nation where all members of society can participate equally.

Avondale United Church is encouraging adults to join a community conversation to learn how they can evaluate what affects their own resilience.

The Queen’s Inn – the stately Waterloo Street centrepiece in downtown Stratford – may soon re-open as the Queen’s Cue, after getting a timely heritage adjustment at the most recent city council meeting on May 26.

The Stratford Festival and outgoing artistic director Antoni Cimolino’s season-opening production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest proved once again that good theatre is “such stuff as dreams are made on.”

It has been two years since Kevin September opened the doors of Our Stōr(y) with the goal of showcasing the many diverse stories to be found in Stratford and Perth, Huron, Waterloo and Wellington counties. Through books, quilts, works of art and whimsies, September has curated an “Explorium Imporium.”

A weekend-long rainstorm shortened the Stratford U15 Nationals’ participation at the Cardinal Classic in St. Thomas, and they held off a late rally by the Brantford Red Sox to win 6-4 on May 25.

Illume Wellness Spa at 35 York St. is shaking things up in the wellness industry with their new and innovative technology-based spa service.

The Stratford General Hospital Foundation has a big reason to smile, thanks to the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie fundraiser.

Stratford-Perth Pride is excited to announce the return of the annual Perth County Pride March and Stratford Pride Festival, taking place on Sunday, May 31. Community members, allies and visitors are invited to come together in celebration, solidarity and support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Since 2015, Off the Wall has served as a bridge between the professional artistry of the Stratford Festival and the next generation of theatre creators. The organization is an alliance of backstage artists, including prop builders, scenic painters, designers and wardrobe specialists, who are passionate about sharing their skills with students.

What started in 2009 as the Stratford Ribs and Blues Festival, and became what is now known the Stratford Live Music and Food Festival, will bring yet again a fantastic lineup of musicians and varied food offerings to the delight of locals and visitors alike.

The captivating story of the Kroehler Girls softball team of 1953 comes to life in the new original musical Curveball: The Fast Pitch Ladies from the Factory Floor appearing at Blyth Festival Theatre this summer. The play is co-written by Kelly McIntosh, Andy Pogson, Stacy Smith and Severn Thompson with music by Dayna Manning.

Walking or running the route for this year’s Hog Jog fundraiser will help the Emily Murphy Centre further expand its capacity.

The Stratford 15U Nationals experienced mixed results against the two Waterloo Tigers teams. They lost 8-2 at home on May 14 but bounced back with a 12-2 victory on the road during Victoria Day.

Lisa Stacey has spent much of her life helping others heal.