This Week in Photos - May 14, 2026

That’s a lot of ducks – The Arthur Lions Club held its annual duck race – its 30th – on May 9 with a great turnout from the community. From left, Isaiah with Arthur Lion Len Cheney, and Stella and Jade with granddad and duck race chair Mike Marshall prepare to launch the ducks. Photo by Duncan Hossack

Winners – On May 2, 10 Lions Districts came together in St. Catharines to partake in the Lions Multiple District “A” Effective Speaking Competition for the Province of Ontario. The competition was open to students in Grades 4 to 10, in both English and French. Participants who finished first, second or third in their districts were invited to compete in provincials. Belwood’s Effective Speaking competition took place in late February. ABOVE: From left, Salem Public School student Arlo Dalton, Westside Secondary School student Olivia Thompson, Zone Chair 51 West and Belwood Lions Club president George Woodley and Centre Wellington District High School student Ashlyn Wilson. This competition brought in students from all over Ontario to present their speeches in a highly polished manner, officials say. Dalton competed in the Junior English division for Grades 4 to 6, Thompson placed third in the Intermediate English division for Grades 7 to 9, and Wilson placed first in the Intermediate French division for Grades 7 to 9. Submitted photo

Years of service – Ken Tosh and John Uptegrove received a plaque, commemorative helmet and much applause during the May 6 council meeting for 51 and 40 years respectively with Puslinch Fire and Rescue Services. Both men are retiring. PHOTO 1: Uptegrove, left, and Tosh, beside him, receive their helmets. PHOTO 2: Uptegrove, left and Tosh pose for photos in front of a fire truck.

Plant a tree – The Credit Valley Conservation Authority and the Rotary Club of Erin with help from many community volunteers got their hands dirty by planting over two hundred native trees and shrubs to improve the wildlife habitat along the Elora-Cataract trail near Erin’s Centre 2000 on May 9. PHOTO 1: Town councillor Cathy Aylard. PHOTO 2: Former Town of Erin councillor and Mayoral candidate for the 2026 municipal election Rob smith. PHOTO 3: councillor John Brennan. Photos by Tristan Clark

Sponsor – Cory Young Insurance Group, Co-operators, presented a cheque for $30,000 to Guelph/Eramosa council in support of the annual Party in the Park event. “Cory’s support over the years has played an invaluable role in the success of this event and our ability to bring the community together year after year,” officials stated in a Facebook post. “We are incredibly grateful for his ongoing commitment, generosity and belief in this celebration.” From left: councillors Bruce Dickieson and Mark Bouwmeester, Mayor Chris White, Cory Young and councillors Steven Liebig and Corey Woods. Guelph/Eramosa Facebook photo

Gym riot – The gymnasium at Wellington Heights Secondary School in Mount Forest was an explosion of colour on April 23 as four colour teams of about 40 students and staff battled it out in creative and wacky competitions in the school’s annual Gym Riot event. The competition was organized by the school’s athletic council and physical education teachers Bridget Kosempel and Matt McFarlane. Participants dodged balls, carried one another in bedsheets, popped balloons, ran obstacle courses, covered their faces in whipped cream and popcorn, and boosted school spirit and camaraderie. Over 160 other students and staff bought tickets to watch the spectacle and cheer on their favourite teams. The blue team won overall. PHOTO 1: The blue team celebrates its Gym Riot victory with supporters. PHOTO 2: The green team, consisted of, back row from left: Desmond Kelly, Matthew Sammons, Hannah Rundle, Grace Holliday and teacher Stephanie West. Front: Adam Henderson, Jake Hickman, Mason Lankin, Rogan Hunt and Lily Baker. PHOTO 3: Owen Radojcin in full Yellow Team regalia. PHOTO 4: All four colour teams popping balloons. PHOTO 5: All four colour teams participate in a unique version of Duck, Duck, Goose. PHOTO 6: Student council president Russell Lopes-Walker poses with the championship trophy. Submitted photos

Donation – Blessings To You Palmerston donated $1,800 to the Seniors Centre for Excellence to be used for speakers, Zoom meetings, entertainment and dining. Pictured are Joni Timbers, Carolyn Kuipers, Helen Edwards (seniors health services coordinator), Cory Harrison, Curtis Bradley and Anne Boychuk. Submitted photo

Birthday – Mount Forest Pickleball celebrated Jim Ramore’s 80th birthday last week. Pictured with Ramore is Mount Forest Pickleball coordinator Faye Meulensteen. Submitted photo