This Week in Photos - June 18, 2026

Seniors’ Tai Chi – Local movement expert Nelda Rodillo, founder of Vintage Vitality, has launched specialized Tai Chi and resilience workshops in Palmerston, Harriston and Mount Forest. Rodillo calls the worshops, tailored for Wellington County residents aged 50 plus, “The Unfreezing Hour.” Tai Chi students in Palmerston reach up during a recent session at the United Church in Palmerston. Submitted photo

Seniors month – To celebrate seniors month, the Victoria Park Seniors Centre in Fergus hosted its annual mystery card walk on June 8. Organizers say the walk promotes fun, physical activity and healthy living. Participants walked 2km on a pre-determined route from the centre, down to Highland Park, through the cemetery and back. Participants began their walk with a quick warm up and a walk around the track behind the centre. Photos by Ellouise Thompson

Welcome project – Just ahead of National Garden Day on June 12, Arthur and District Horticultural Society members planted the public flowerbeds and street planters on June 10, to decorate and welcome everyone to Canada’s Most Patriotic Village. Getting their hands dirty, from left, were: Elaine Ballinger, Peter Ballinger, Mary Earngey, Marilyn Theurer, Patti Emery, Terri Ireland, Lisa Bigam, Faye Craig and Hans Theurer. Submitted photo

Pride – The grounds of the Wellington County Museum were abuzz with colour and excitement for the annual Pride Day Community Celebration on June 13. PHOTO 1: This custom rainbow cape was made by Trystan Wright’s mom as a specially requested birthday gift. PHOTO 2: Volunteer Max King danced and handed out bubbles during the Pride celebration. PHOTO 3: Lynx Dean was among those to perform. PHOTO 4: Adrian Nero had fun dancing with a rainbow ribbon. PHOTO 5: Métis Elder Diane Kilby, right, and her spouse Jan Baker. Kilby shared opening and closing remarks and prayers during Pride, including mention of a recent incident in Cambridge where a trans teenager giving a speech during a Pride event was interrupted by the mayor. She said it was important to mention because it takes a lot of courage for a teenager to figure out who they are and talk about harms done to your community, only to have the microphone taken away. PHOTO 6: This group used cardboard looms and yarn to weave pride flags during the event.

Ceremonial review – About 30 cadets turned out in full display for the 361 Fergus Army Cadet 4th Annual Ceremonial Review held at the Fergus sportsplex on June 3. A large crowd of parents and friends turned out for the occasion and award presentations. PHOTO 1: The troops are ready for inspection. PHOTO 2: Troops being piped off by the Fergus Pipe Band. PHOTO 3: Sgt. D. Way being presented with the Major D.M. Story (Ret,d) Award. Photos by Bill Longshaw

Car show – The Historical Automobile Society of Canada (HASC) held its 47th annual car show and flea market at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex on June 13 and 14. PHOTO 1: Central Region HASC club president Bob Lorentz stands with his 1960 Chrysler Saratoga which his wife has nicknamed “Pink Panther,” hence the stuffy in the back seat. Lorentz said he’s owned the car for about 25 years, but had the same car in black as a teenager. Lorentz said there were about 55 to 60 cars in the show, and the flea market was mostly car parts as well as hardware, tools, and other things such as puzzles. PHOTO 2: Larry Ortlieb, Jeff Dupuis and Dave Ortlieb sit with Larry’s 1928 Ford Model A Sport Coupe. They travelled from St. Jacobs for the event. Photos by Robin George

High honours – The Melvin Jones Award is the highest honour award given to individuals in the Lions Organization. The award, named after the founder of the Lions organization, is given to individuals who have shown the true meaning of serving: assisting those in need, working to improve the environment, helping various hospitals and other institutions, childhood cancer fundraising, Diabetes Canada benefits, and so on. This year’s recipients at the Belwood Lions Club are club president George Woodley, left, and speaking cabinet chair Nancy Woodley, who received the award from district governor Linda Vinette. Submitted photo

Garden festival – Sponsored by the Harriston and District Horticulture Society, the 23rd annual Harriston Garden Festival took place on June 6 at the Harriston Community Centre grounds. The event included a discounted plant table (above), garden vendors, silent auction and raffle. A popular vendor with attendees was Pootcorners Alpacas (right, above right). Owned by Peter and Suelaine Poot, Pootcorners is an alpaca farm and fibre studio located outside of Palmerston. PHOTO 2: Tom Arnott, far left, with his vendor booth Bolts 2 Bowls. Photos by Nicole Beswitherick

Bursary – The Palmerston Hospital Auxiliary awards graduating Norwell students going into a medical field with a bursary. Pictured is PDH Auxiliary president Helen McFadzean with Calla McLaughlin, who is set to study exercise science and doctor of physical therapy at Wheeling University; Ella Kuipers who is going in to the practical nursing program at Georgian College in Barrie; and Marley Smith who will pursue a bachelor of science in nursing Georgian College in Barrie. Submitted photo

Aspiring ambassadors – This year’s competitors for the Harriston Agricultural Society’s ambassador program are, from left, Shayla Glazema, Emery Richardson and Caleigh Lubbers. The program will take place take place July 3 at the Harriston Arena. Submitted photo

Starlight Gala – The 23rd edition of the annual Starlight Gala for the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation was held May 23 at the Harriston-Minto Community Centre. The gala raised just over $280,000 for a new bone mineral density machine, as well as other vital equipment needed in the Palmerston and District Hospital. Officials say 525 guests walked into a venue that had been transformed into the various beautiful geographic areas of Canada. The theme was From Coast to Coast: A Canadian Evening. “All were treated to a sumptuous dinner prepared by The Winston House Catering,” officials state in a release. There were live and silent auctions, dinner music provided by the Howard Gaul Trio, and a performance from The MooreBand that kept guests entertained and dancing. Plans are already underway for next year’s Starlight Gala to be held in Drayton on May 29. Back row, from left: Ron Ellis, Jacqui Cressman, Mark Leslie, Lisa Leslie, Amy Habermehl, Theresa Campbell, Brad Watt and Sarah Hathaway. Front: Dale Franklin, Tracy Hill, Hilary Graham, Chelsey Fotheringham, Josie McLaughlin, Kathy Statia, Yvonne Schieck and Nancy McIsaac. Absent: Janice Richardson. Submitted photo

Donation – Blessings to You Palmerston donated $1,000 to Minto Minor Ball to help with establishing the Minto Vikings hardball team. Coaches Curt McDonald, Dan Richardson and Reid Wightman are pictured with the team. Submitted photo

Donation – The Arthur Optimist Club presenting its annual $1,500 donation to Arthur Minor Lacrosse. Submitted photo

50/50 draw – Lion Judy Worsley with the Minto & District Lions Club, left, presents Eila Seifried with a check for $1,345. Seifried was the winner of the 50/50 draw at Kites for Clifford on May 30. Submitted photo

Ribbon cutting – The new owners of Chuck’s Roadhouse celebrated the re-opening of the popular local bar and grill in Arthur last Friday. From left: Arthur Chamber of Commerce member Faye Craig, Wellington North councillor Lisa Hern, owner Viresh Chauhan, musical guest Taylor Moore, co-owner Prayag Patel and Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae were on hand to cut the ribbon. Chauhan told the Community News he understands the importance of the restaurant’s role in a small community like Arthur. “We appreciate all the community support that we have received and are making an effort to provide good service,” he said. Photo by Sue Hogenkamp