Robin George

FERGUS – Local seniors can enjoy a range of activities like fitness classes, games, groups, billiards, bingo, or even a book club at the Victoria Park Seniors Centre here. 

ELORA – For the first time in the Strathcona Cup’s 120-year history, Elora had the honour of hosting a game on Jan. 13. “It’s a very special day in Elora Curling Club history,” said Darlene Furlong, a curler who has volunteered with the club for about 20 years.

ERIN – Alexa Leal, host of “Alexa’s Country Party” on Erin Radio 91.7 FM, has accepted a position writing features for the Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO). 

GUELPH – Grade 12 students from the Upper Grand and Wellington Catholic district school boards are working hard to organize a big fundraising gala. The student-led Imagine Charity Gala is on Jan. 21 at the River Run Centre in Guelph, from 6 to 10pm. 

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Dr. Andreas Laupacis said being appointed to the Order of Canada is an honour that is “very humbling in a big way" but there are many others he “worked with who also deserve it.”

FERGUS – Wellington County’s first baby of 2023, Euphemia Emma Ruttan-Rude, was born at Groves Memorial Community Hospital at 3:43am on Jan. 1.

ELORA – “She made a huge impact ... she was a bit of an icon in the community.” That’s how former coworker Kim Iverson describes Debbie Mooney-Bianchi, who retired from the Elora Co-operative Preschool this year after teaching there since 1974. 

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Scottish curlers are heading here early in the new year to compete at the Fergus and Elora curling clubs as part of the Strathcona Cup Tour.

FERGUS – Students and staff at J.D. Hogarth Public School have collected over 3,700 food items to contribute to the Centre Wellington Food Bank.  “Christmas is a special time, but it can be very stressful for those who are struggling financially,” said teacher Jim Newton.

ERIN – The book begins, “I’ve never lived in Erin Township, but I do feel completely at home there. I love to meander the side roads, finding a kind of spiritual asana that eases the urban angst from my mind and body, filling me up with lingering peaceful vibrations.” 

ERIN - Lacrosse player Cohen Jennings has been offered an athletic scholarship at the University of Tampa and is looking forward to the opportunity. 

FERGUS – Local entrepreneur and candlemaker Kristy Miller says she was “unexpectedly thrilled” when her store, The Scented Market, was shortlisted for an Ontario Made award recognizing retailers selling local products.

GUELPH – A solemn group gathered at Marianne’s Park in Guelph on Tuesday evening to acknowledge and remember women and girls who have lost their lives to femicide.

ELORA – The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) has presented an Elora lacrosse trainer with an award in recognition of 40 years of leadership and volunteerism.

WELLINGTON COUNTY – More county residents are accessing support from local food banks this season, with all locations across the county reporting increased demand.