LOCAL HEADLINES

The Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce is shaking up its annual Business Excellence Awards this fall with a new venue, format and focus on accessibility.

Martine Lee has only lived in Stratford since March but has decided to take a stand against what she said is a lack of action by the city on homelessness.

The Falstaff Family Centre (FFC) will host its fourth annual Truth and Reconciliation Week this September, offering exhibits, ceremonies and film screenings leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

In part two of our homelessness series, Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma weighs in on the future of the crisis and what steps the city may take next.

Downtown Stratford was a winter wonderland for a few days — or as much as it could be in September weather.

The final meeting of Stratford’s Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee took place Sept. 15, offering members a chance to reflect on both the challenges and the accomplishments of the group’s work over the past term.

Though she went on to write more than 20 books in her career, including her latest, Walking with Beth, author Merylin Simonds got her start as a writer working as a summer intern for the Stratford Beacon Herald newspaper.

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.