LOCAL HEADLINES

As the leaves turn, Stratford’s own Cozyn’s Garden Gallery is turning up the fun. The business is debuting its Fall Fest on Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where families can enjoy live music, fall-themed workshops, food, drinks and more – all while celebrating the community that has supported Cozyn’s for 44 years.

In spite of facing challenges that come with opening a new business during the COVID-19 pandemic, Aunt Gail’s Taxi owner Gail Cossey was determined to let her business flourish.

Justin’s Corn Stand on Vivian Line in Stratford has become a summer staple for families looking for fresh, local produce, especially sweet corn and peaches.

Optimism is in the air for the Stratford Hunter Steel Warriors as the regular season draws closer to reality.

Is Stratford for visitors or for residents? Can it be for both?

Stratford residents will have noticed the Canadian Flag at city hall flying half-mast this past week. As Mayor Martin Ritsma explained at the city council meeting on Sept. 8, it was in honour of resident Graham Greene.

Black Creek Flower Farm’s new Sunset Flower Picks are giving people a chance to slow down, relax among the blooms, and leave with more than just a bouquet but memories. 

When Garvia Bailey first got involved with the Stratford Perth Museum for an upcoming exhibit on the region’s Black history, like many she wasn’t fully aware of how deep its roots go. As she soon discovered, the stories of Black Stratforders throughout history are not superficial.

While many delegates at the Sept. 8 Stratford city council meeting agreed that the Rotary Complex was not a good location for a shelter, nearly all of them acknowledged that something must be done.

Amid rumours that the trustee-system will soon become a thing of the past, trustee Michael Bannerman, chair of the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB)’s board of trustees, warned that uncharted territory is before them.

After winning the Eli Palfreyman tournament, the Stratford Hunter Steel Warriors had a great first week of GOJHL preseason with a 2-1 record. 

A former Stratford radio personality and part-time cab driver took to social media recently to express his concerns about homelessness and the absence of a shelter in the Festival City.

Ahead of the Fall Beauty Mingle, the downtown Shoppers Drug Mart partnered with Corner Store Candy Co. for a sweet way to give back to the community.

The S.S. Juliet is set to sail once again.

Filmmaker and visual artist Josh Cooper is combining his love of posters, postcards and film to bring his newest project to life.

In the Aug. 29 edition of the Times, the cover story said that organizers for the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival “could not rely on Mother Nature” to fill Lake Victoria for the Sept. 13 festival.

In April,1980, Terry Fox embarked on a one-man mission to raise money for cancer research in his cross-country Marathon of Hope. For 145 days he ran until the unthinkable happened and lung cancer was detected, forcing him to end his courageous journey across Canada.

Richard Matthews, #17 with the Toronto Football Club (FC)’s unified exchange team, is back on home soil after travelling to the U.S. to represent Stratford and area on the pitch.

This year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)’s theme was “one big family, driven by hope.” As Holly Smith, director of clinical programs at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Huron Perth, told a crowd that gathered on the front steps of Stratford City Hall on Aug. 29, that highlights the huge impact overdose has on individuals and on families and communities.

Mayor Martin Ritsma joined local families outside Stratford City Hall on Sept. 2 to raise the Childhood Cancer Awareness flag and proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the city.