FERGUS – Richard Pierpoint would be proud. And perhaps a little surprised that his life is now on a storyboard in a park that bears his name.

But those who gathered at the Pierpoint Fly Fishing Reserve on Nov. 13 were more than excited to unveil the storyboard that’s been years in the making.

Pierpoint was born in West Africa in 1744, was captured, sold into slavery and brought to North America.

He fought for his freedom with the British during the American Revolution and was given land outside St. Catharines for his service.

When the War of 1812 began, he petitioned the military to form an all-Black militia. Though he was in his 60s by then, he fought in the Black militia for the British during the war.

He was granted land outside Fergus and became a leader among Black settlers in Upper Canada.

• Council approves designation of Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve as a cultural heritage landscape
• Pierpoint reserve designated cultural heritage landscape
• Richard Pierpoint honoured at plaque unveiling ceremony
• Guelph Black Heritage Society calls for better recognition of Pierpoint Park
• Future Highway 6 bypass route beside Pierpoint Park is off the table

“Even in his later years, Pierpoint continued to serve and advocate for others,” Mayor Shawn Watters told a crowd of about 20 people.

“His legacy reminds us of the strength, perseverance and contributions of early Black Canadians.”

Watters also spoke of the partnerships and collaboration that brought Pierpoint’s name out of the dark corners of history and onto the plaque.

“His spirit is something we need to take away and send to the ethos,” Watters said.

Rosemary Sadlier, who came from Toronto to mark the occasion, remarked on the honours she feels Pierpoint is due.

Sadlier was president of the Ontario Black Historical Society for 22 years and among other accomplishments, such as being the impetus behind Black History Month, she nominated Pierpoint as a person of national significance.

She has visited all the sites Pierpoint is said to have lived – Niagara, St. Catharines, Fergus and she even travelled to Bondu, a region in Senegal where Pierpoint was born.

Pierpoint wanted nothing more than to return to Senegal and live out his days in his own country but that was not to be.

Millicent Gordon set a wreath beside the national plaque that honours Richard Pierpoint. This plaque is opposite the township’s new storyboard.

“I gathered soil from here and brought it with me to Senegal,” Sadlier said.

“Symbolically I returned Richard Pierpoint to Bondu. I was honoured to do that.”

Sadlier also sat on the Richard Pierpoint working group that worked with township staff and local community members on a proper way to honour the man.

“This is not just a Fergus story,” Sadlier said. “It’s not just a Canadian story. It’s an international story.”

Township manager of planning services Mariana Iglesias said when the township started its cultural heritage landscape study, “we kept hearing people talk about Pierpoint and so we decided to include him and this land in the study.”

“He was resolute, a community builder and a national and international person of importance,” said Millicent Gordon, founder of the Centre Wellington Black Committee, which also played a pivotal role in Pierpoint’s recognition.

“His story is so powerful.”

The storyboard talks about Pierpoint’s early life and military service, the Black settlement he formed in Centre Wellington, his legacy and the Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve and its beginnings and environmental importance.

Nearby on the site is the national plaque erected in 2020 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. 

Pierpoint’s story is both tragic and inspiring, Sadlier said, and it’s important to recognize people of colour and the impact they made on Canadian history.

Iglesias said the signage will help “educate the community” and is a visible way to honour the past.

Councillor Denis Craddock also read a land acknowledgement at the event, recognizing that even before Richard Pierpoint settled in the area, communities of First Nations people also lived there, worked the land and called the region home.

From left: Patricia Bown, Millicent Gordon, Pamela Brown Wass, Rosemary Sadlier and Norman Jones stand by the new storyboard revealed on Nov. 13. These individuals played a key role in getting the storyboard made and erected on the site.

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“I want people to feel, like, more relaxed. When they have a bad day or a long day at work, they come here and have a drink and just relax,” said Victoria Nguyen about her newest salon, Velvet Nails, located in the Fairway Plaza, Kitchener, Ontario.

This salon is not your typical salon: it is the ultimate, tranquil spa experience. They offer manicures, pedicures, massages, relaxing hair washes, laser treatments, waxing, and even have a bar on deck, ready to serve a glass of relaxation and escapism.

Nguyen owns five nail salons outside of Waterloo Region, but she says she has never owned one quite as blissful as this.

The atmosphere of the salon is quite serene; with pure white walls and sparkling floors, creamy beige, yellow-gold, and deep chocolate-brown accents, the space provides a warm and cozy yet sterile feel.

Soft, melodic piano plays in the background, loud enough to be heard but not blaringly obvious and deafening.

Despite being home to esthetics, it doesn’t smell like acetone and acrylic are soaking through the floors. Of course, there’s a hint of those smells, but it hides behind toasted vanilla and green tea.

The salon is massive, with enough room that even on the busiest days, patrons don’t feel cramped. The size is matched with a gorgeous chandelier, consisting of six multi-sized golden rings.

Every detail of this salon was methodically planned, including purse hooks at every chair, and beautiful, lacey sconces on every wall.

Nguyen moved to Canada from Vietnam in 2002. Shortly after, she found out she was pregnant and later gave birth in 2003.

“I was struggling with the language, and then to find out that I’m pregnant with my first daughter, it was even harder,” said Nguyen about her first few years in Canada. “I’m like okay, I think I’m gonna find a job, then do school at night. [Doing nails] is easier for me because, in my country, it’s very popular.”

While the beginning of her story is filled with stress and change, her salon business is filled with success and excitement.

Julie Tran is a friend of Nguyen’s, and when the opportunity to work with her at her newest salon came up, she was thrilled to make the change. She has been working at Velvet Nails since its grand opening in June 2025.

“[We] talked about a deal, you know, the pay. Then [the acceptance of the job] was right away,” she said.

Tran boasted about working at Nguyen’s salon, saying, “Everything is professional, clean. It’s less stressful, and the owner is really nice.”

She was not exaggerating about the cleanliness of the salon. Without a mere speck of dust on the wall or crumb of dirt on the floor, Velvet Nails is truly dedicated to providing the absolute best customer service. Tran has worked at several salons over the past decade and says that there is no comparison between Velvet Nails and the others.

Nguyen talked about adding more appeal to an already luxurious treatment. “I’ve been doing this for years; this is just a new version of doing nails.”

She prides herself on the extravagance of the salon and plans to further the business to new locations.

“I want more of what’s happening [at Velvet Nails] in every city.”

The salon has perfected the art of self-care. Manicures, massages, martinis; everything needed for the ultimate leisure day can be found at Velvet Nails.

The bar in the salon serves an extensive list of drinks, including wines, beers, and cocktails. There is even a section of the menu dedicated to margaritas. They also have non-alcoholic drinks, like Coca-Cola and juice, for those looking for a sober retreat.

Hot stones, aromatherapy, and quick massages are just a few of the other services available. Each option delves further into more specifications, like the length of time.

The high-end feel of the salon might cause some fear of prices. This amount of premium services would normally cost an arm and a leg, but at Velvet Nails, the pricing is more than fair.

It is $30 for a regular manicure, and $50 for a regular pedicure.

Their basic hair wash is an hour of relaxation, including a mini-facial, head and shoulder massage, and blow dry for $95.

Visit Velvet Nails & Beauty Lounge for a more in-depth price list.

They go even further to ensure their customers are satisfied with the price point. Birthdays, as well as health-care workers, students, military officers, teachers, and seniors, are gifted dedicated days for 10 per cent off.

Nguyen’s vision goes beyond beauty; she crafts an atmosphere where indulgence feels effortless. After all, pampering isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, too.

ELORA – In the face of a housing crisis, the province has determined that every municipality in the province should allow homeowners to add up to two additional residential units (ARUs) to their property.

With that direction in their back pockets, council decided at its Nov. 10 meeting to update its zoning bylaw amendment to allow it here.

Managing director of planning and development Brett Salmon explained that while Centre Wellington had a long-standing provision to permit a second unit inside a detached house, the province expanded those provisions in 2019 to allow two ARUs on a property.

Wellington County updated its Official Plan through OPA 112 to be compliant.

In 2022 “the province went a step further and now requires municipalities to permit a total of three residential units per lot where full municipal sewer and water services exist, which can include up to three attached units, or two attached units and one detached unit,” Salmon wrote in his report.

Again, Wellington County updated its official plan through OPA 123, which was recently approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Salmon said because of that the township doesn’t need an official plan amendment, just a zoning bylaw amendment. And because of the provincial planning statement certain aspects of the township’s previous bylaw are no longer permitted.

“For example, our 2022 bylaw specified that site plan approval applies to detached ARUs, but this is now prohibited by the Planning Act. Site plan approval cannot be applied to a site with fewer than 10 dwelling units,” Salmon wrote.

The only change the township can make to the bylaw is that there must be an unobstructed walkway to the ARU.

Councillor Lisa MacDonald noted she’s heard from residents who don’t like having an ARU next door.

“We are required to facilitate it,” Salmon said. “We are supposed to make it easy.”

Salmon included a guide to ARUs written by the Brant County for its residents to understand ARUs and suggested Centre Wellington could provide a similar guide for interested homeowners.

Council approved the motion.

The post Centre Wellington residents can have up to two ARUs plus original dwelling appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

With artificial intelligence advancing at break-neck speed, Elmira’s Doug Thomas, the president of Secular Connexion, a national humanist organization, is worried about it making moral decisions for us.

“Anytime you turn your life over to a traditional god or to a machine god, you diminish your own freedom, your own responsibility for what you do,” he told The Observer.

Having won battles against the imposition of religious views on atheists and others, he now believes these achievements could be at risk due to the unchecked technological power of those behind AI, many of whom are in hock to the rising tide of far-right Christian nationalism.

Elmira Dollar Tree staff told of their terror after witnessing a hooded young man with a cross tattooed under an eye rob their store and assault a customer.

“It was pretty scary,” explained Kara Losee, who said her own father was hit by the suspected thief and was then threatened by the man after bravely trying to stop him.

“He went to run out the door, and my dad sort of stood in his way, but he shoved my dad,” said Losee, who was working as a cashier at the time.

With great sadness our family announces Gary’s passing, suddenly, on Monday, November 10, 2025 at the age of 79 years. Husband of Jocelyn (Smith) Schaefer for 14 years. Loving Dad of Charlene (Jim) Radler, and Todd Schaefer. Devoted Grandpa “Branta” of Matthew, Lucas, and Jaiden Radler; and Gramps of Austin, and Jasmine Wilson. Cherished brother of Rick (Doris), David (Jeanette), and Susan “Sue” (Earl) Gingrich. Gary was very family oriented and will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, and their families as well as all his friends. Son-in-law of Donna Smith, and brother-in-law of Cait Smith. He is predeceased by his parents Gerry and Betty Schaefer, his first wife Barbara (2004), and father-in-law Harry Smith (2022). Gary was a very proud, active and dedicated Legion Member. He was past President at Branch 469 Elmira, and most recently he was the Veteran’s Services Officer for the Polish Legion Branch 412, Kitchener. Gary was always helping veterans one-on-one, getting housing and financial aid as well as any other assistance needed. He was also proud to have been the medical trainer for 30+ years with the Elmira Sugar Kings, and was the only recipient of the Trainer of The Year award, which he received twice! Gary was a longtime resident of Elmira, having come over from England with his mom on the Queen Mary at the age of six months, to join his dad after the war. Gary loved his 42 years camping at Silent Valley Park, going for golf cart rides, doing word search puzzles, not to mention Skip Bo, “beiners and weens,” travelling, hockey, baseball, listening to 50s and 60s music, Export Ale, and cruising around in the Mustang Convertible. After 40+ years at Uniroyal Chemical as a steam fitter/plumber, Gary also served as President for the United Steelworkers for many years. In 2007, Gary retired and thoroughly enjoyed driving school bus for Elliott Coach Lines for 19 years (he loved his “corner office with a window seat”). At Gary’s request there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place. A Legion service for family only will take place at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Gale Presbyterian Church or the Polish Legion Branch 412, Kitchener would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Grace from Dreisingers for her care and compassion shown to us during this most difficult time.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Waterloo Region residents can expect significant changes to their recycling and waste collection in the months ahead as Ontario transitions to a new, producer-funded recycling system on January 1.

The changes are part of the province’s enhanced recycling program, operated by Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit responsible for managing packaging and paper recycling across Ontario.

The Region of Waterloo will join more than 400 other communities that can now recycle a wider range of materials than before.

Amidst a brisk November wind, the final planting of 2025 by Trees for Woolwich took place last week, marking a symbolic close to a season that witnessed the successful rooting of thousands of saplings across the township’s roadsides and farms.

Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz, regional Chair Karen Redman, and Michelle Beaupré, executive assistant to Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis, were among the attendees, underscoring the community-driven nature of the reforestation initiative.

The planting took place on the farm of Glen and Anna Horst, a family that has been a steadfast supporter of the initiative. While Glen was unable to attend due to illness, his wife and grandson, Carson, were present and actively participated in the day’s work.

The Woolwich Community Fund is marking its 25th anniversary after handing out more than $250,000 to local causes over that time.

“I think the proudest achievement is probably that it exists at all, for such a small community,” said board member Inga Rinne.

“Over the years it has had a big cumulative impact.

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at the age of 79 years. Loving husband of Sheila (Bitschy) Arndt. Cherished father of Ron, Carolyn (Don) Bauman, Cheryl Greene, Tim, and Rylee. Adoring grandpa of Colton (Emily), Nicholas (Sarita), Courtney; Emilie (Manny), Matt (Izzy); and great-grandchildren Avianna, Lily, Sophie; Luca, and fur baby Lucy. Survived by sister Eva Billings. Will be missed by many extended family, nieces, nephews, and their families. Predeceased by parents Henry and Eva Arndt, many brothers and sisters and their spouses. Peter’s love for automobiles was more than just a hobby; it was a way of connecting with others. His passion for cars brought him many friends, and he treasured every moment spent with his family, friends and neighbours bonding over engines, road trips, and the memories they made together. His sharp, sarcastic wit kept everyone on their toes and brought joy and laughter to those lucky enough to know him. Cremation has taken place. At this time there will be no funeral home visitation or services. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Elmira District Community Living would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

On the front steps of St. Jacobs Public School, three Jamiesons – father, son and grandson – sat in a place that has long been familiar in their family.

“There’s a lot of stories we can tell you about this place,” noted Art, 77, as he and Will, 40, reflected on being students there. 

Beside them was four-year-old Torey, the youngest of the trio to pass through those doors.

After I filled my deer tag at the tail end of the first week of deer season, I was once again reminded of how hunters such as myself have played a great part in the advancement of medicine. Much like how the first hammer-wielding carpenter provided study material to advance the treatment of thumb injuries, we hunters have given doctors ample opportunities to delve deeper into the problems created by hauling out a deer, bear or moose.

For instance, the morning after I dragged my 160-pound deer a mere 65 yards to where it could be accessed by a smarter hunter using an ATV, I immediately realized that there wasn’t a single part of my body that did not require medical treatment, or at the very least, its own aspirin.

This is on me. For the standard advice is that hauling all that dead weight out of the bush is unwise and could lead to serious medical complications – and it’s even worse when you are dragging a deer.

With the sudden arrival of snow this week, Elmira’s OK Tire was also expecting a flurry of calls as drivers scrambled to prepare their vehicles for another long winter.

Co-owner Rob Bowman smiles wryly when he considers this perennial pattern of Canadian life that always keeps him busy at this time of the year.

“The farmers make hay when the sun shines, and we change tires in the fall and in the spring,” he told The Observer.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m a people-pleaser by nature and have difficulty saying no or setting limits in my relationships. How can I start to create healthier boundaries in a kind yet firm way?

ANSWER: People have various types of relationships, including partners, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, neighbours and acquaintances. Different relationships involve different interactions, responsibilities and influences.

Every relationship has boundaries or rules of engagement. You may be deliberate and conscientious about these boundaries, or they may have formed subconsciously.

Elmira’s Gale Presbyterian Church is hosting a dinner and show fundraiser later this month to support youth-targeted programs.

Organizer Bill Judge noted they are hoping to raise $4,000 from the event to support National Service Dogs’ work with autistic children and their families, the Elmira District Secondary School music program, Gale’s Handbell Choir, along with the church’s youth programs, including the Camp Kintail Campership Fund, Messy Church, and the Gale Summer Camp program.

Set for November 28, the event’s dinner portion will feature music from the EDSS Jazz Ensemble. Afterwards, jazz singer Mary-Catherine Pazzano will perform, accompanied by Mark Eisenman (on piano), Jason Hunter (saxophone), Pat Collins (bass) and Steve James (drums).

There’s never been such a thing as a federal Liberal budget that satisfied farmers.

However, there’s also never been a budget released in the wake of the wild weather changes we’ve experienced this year, or on the heels of hostile threats to our sovereignty by a U.S. president as erratic as Donald Trump, either.

The latest federal budget – the first for Prime Minister Mark Carney, released last week – was prepared amid Trump’s chest thumping, an incessant act that led us to wonder if he might actually send tanks across the border.