Silver Stick minor hockey qualifiers

U14 & U16 tournaments Nov. 1 - 3 in Woodstock

Compiled By MARK SCHADENBERG

Tradition in minor hockey in Woodstock represents a Charles Schulz bird and the long-time Legion Minor Hockey Tournament weekends

The Woodstock Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) Junior Navy Vets travel teams no longer utilize the Peanuts character in its logo, but there will be many appearances by the cartoon Woodstock over two upcoming weekends.

Nov. 1 - 3 is both U14 and U16 Niagara Region qualifying tournaments in the prestigious International Silver Stick program. From Nov. 15-17, Woodstock will then host the U10 and U12 qualifiers. Minor hockey teams always enjoy the pursuit of in-season tournaments to compete in during their respective Alliance regular season schedules.

With Woodstock hosting 4 age groups, each of the WMHA entries receive an invitation to compete, and also have their tournament fee waived by the organizing committee as it re-directs income / revenue from previous years to continue its local hockey tradition.

When it's time to roll out the red carpet at the Reeves Community Complex, the person who should be recognized first and foremost is long-time event convener Bill Carrothers (Sports Wall Of Fame plaque picture). His resume includes retired high school principal, high school football and hockey coach, restauranteur, hospital foundation board, harness racing hobbyist, local oldtimers hockey league chair, and more than 40 years with the Legion (Branch 55) Minor Hockey Tournament Committee. 

The Carrothers crew has included many volunteers over the decades -- Alf, Pat and Bob Langdon, Ted Thorn, Roger Boyd, Dave Hay, Ted Vleuten, Ed Cook, Graham Wallace, Steve Chesley, and many many others.

With both tournaments acting as qualifiers for the International Silver Stick finals (tournaments) in all 4 age divisions it's an opportunity to attract many top 'A - AA' squads to the city. 

The annual Silver Stick competitions date back to 1956, beginning in Richmond, which is now part of the Greater Ottawa area as they organized cross-border challenges with Potsdam, N.Y. In just about its 70 years of existence it has multiplied from 4 participating teams to 65,000 players annually according to www.silverstick.org

Overall champions are now awarded in boys' and girls' divisions. 

The most recent WMHA International Silver Stick division finals are the 2022-23 Woodstock U12 team, and the 2021-22 Woodstock U18 squad. An interesting note about that age group is that the Woodstock Junior Navy Vets won 'A' Ontario (OHF) titles in both 2022 and 2023.

Scrolling through the event's archives, I noted that the first-ever Woodstock Silver Stick champs were the 73-74 Bantam team.

The Nov. 1 -3 weekend is upon us and features the U16 WMHA playing Burlington at 9 p.m. on Friday, Brant at Noon on Saturday, and Sarnia at 5:15 on Saturday. The round robin schedule for the U14 Junior Navy Vets was not published on the WMHA website when I checked on Oct. 29.

Additional busy minor hockey tournaments in Woodstock includes the Wildcats events Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, and also Jan. 2 - 5 with 11 divisions planned for early in the 2025 sports calendar.

      

The Woodstock Recreation Advisory Committee 

created this scrapbook binder a few years ago 

to assist in honouring previous inductees as a resource book. 

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Happy 50th birthday to Indwell

Indwell has called Woodstock 'home' for 20 years

By MARK SCHADENBERG

Indwell is inviting everyone to its 50th birthday party on Nov. 1 in Woodstock. 

This past summer they had a 20th birthday for their presence in Woodstock

The local connection to the housing organization was established 20 years ago and is now the home to both Harvey Woods Lofts at 18 Vansittart and also the three residential buildings at Blossom Park just north of Devonshire. Indwell at Blossom Park had a barbecue with balloon and cake in July and I attended.

Indwell was originally established as Christian Homestead in 1974 in Hamilton with a home for adults with disabilities. 

Now, Indwell supplies many affordable accommodation services in several other cities in southern Ontario including London, St. Thomas, Cambridge, Waterloo, Mississauga, and Simcoe, and many more projects appear on the horizon.

In Woodstock, the 373 Blossom Park property was transformed into two sets of stacked townhomes with a 3-storey apartment building inserted between the two. The apartment complex, which opened in 2019, includes a large social-sized kitchen, so residents do have dinner supplied daily. The actual apartments are modest in size and are all 1-bedroom layouts. Built to 'passive' standards the mechanical functions of the building far exceed construction codes for utility consumption. 

Overall, there are 61 units in Blossom Park as the townhomes date back to 2008.

At 18 Van Ave, there are 80 apartments as the residences include both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom styles. The original structure was a Harvey Woods factory which had been vacant for about 20 years. Credit can be assigned to many for re-purposing this brownfield building, but the Mayor at the time Michael Harding along with Sierra Construction principle Cliff Zaluski combined their concentrated efforts on the original renovation and then there was a later brand-new addition. 

Indwell needs a hearty congratulations for its many refurbishments of old churches or schools or factories into residential focus. Another example is their current plans in London to transform two SoHo hospitals on South Street to multi-residential homes, including the building known as the War Memorial Children's Hospital.

Also, a historic Hamilton landmark called Century Manor is receiving a facelift in another dedicated Indwell strategy, 

Indwell has more than 1,250 tenants at present, according to its website.

BACK TO WOODSTOCK

Indwell is celebrating its 50 years since its original inception at all its multiple municipalities (Beginning with Hamilton as noted) and in Woodstock the party will be at Maranatha Church on Juliana on Friday, Nov. 1 at 5:30.  Tickets are $50. Part of the Woodstock Gala will be to update patrons, volunteers and donators on upcoming projects.

Indwell, by the way (hint hint) is a registered charity. Their profile on the website notes that about 15% of their operating funds result from donations -- from individuals or corporations.

Beyond apartments, the Indwell focus has always been more than a roof and meals, as the dedicated association offers services ranging from health and wellness to a strong sense of belonging, and connections to local care to social workers, disability care, and employment assistance. It's defined as integrated wraparound supports.

The province's Roadmap To Wellness plan set aside $5.8 million late last year to assist Indwell and other similar agencies to continue their integral work.

Some may say Indwell is playing an important role in reducing homelessness as transitional living.

Further, earlier this week MPP Ernie Hardeman played a significant role in nominating Indwell for an architectural award as Queen's Park recognized the Harvey Woods Lofts final product. Invizij Architects were the award winners for their ability to draw and design for Indwell in Woodstock.

www.indwell.ca

https://erniehardemanmpp.com/ontario-investing-in-new-supportive-housing-units/

www.invisij.ca

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Material Compiled By:

Mark Schadenberg, Woodstock City Council

(519) 532-2068        Email: mschadenberg@cityofwoodstock.ca   

Me at Indwell - Blossom Park on July 18, 2024.

Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce update

Membership Has Its Privileges

By MARK SCHADENBERG

It was in 1987 that American Express introduced their adage / slogan 'Membership Has Its Privileges".

Those words continue to be true in many spaces and organizations -- quite notably the Woodstock District Chamber Of Commerce.

In business, having a strong network of colleagues and often a mentor among your group, can be key to success. Friendships and community bonds could lead to partnerships, service club volunteering, a successful local fundraiser, or perhaps simply a camaraderie of reaching common goals.

The Chamber of Commerce with its slogan -- Connects & Advocates -- can be integral in all these areas, which in turn can be advanced to recognizing your peers with an annual awards dinner. The Woodstock Chamber Awards of Excellence is divided into 8 categories ranging from food services to community engagement, from young entrepreneur to outstanding new business, and from agri-business to manufacturing to retail / commercial. Membership has its privileges as members can vote for their choice. The Chamber also has a 'hall of fame' with the annual announcement of the President's Award recipient. Nominations are closed, but the event is set for Wednesday, Nov. 6  at the Columbo Club in Beachville. The online voting portion of calculating the winners is now underway ! Buy your tickets and join the Chamber. Or, join the Chamber and then buy your tickets.

The best way to determine if the Chamber is a destination for you is to attend a monthly After Five social gathering (These are free and open to non-members). The next calendar event is Nov. 12 and the co-hosts are Amanda Murray from Edward Jones and also The Beauty Hive. The location will be 563 Dundas -- The Beauty Hive. I will be the first to admit that the After Five networking nights are often scheduled when I'm already double booked for City Council with both the museum board and recreation advisory meetings on the second Tuesday. 

I just realized, that I'm already at paragraph six and I haven't mentioned the 2 key people in operating the Chamber and its office at 447 Hunter Street (Next to library; same building as United Way Oxford). Mike Crabbe (pictured) is the general manager, while Kim Whitehead is the past manager.      

Whitehead is a perfect example depicting why you should consider joining the Chamber (Membership rates are noted on website of www.woodstockchamber.ca) as she was the long-time advertising sales manager of The Sentinel-Review and you can only guess the long list of contacts she developed over the years in business and retail circles in that role. Crabbe, meanwhile, who grew up in Woodstock, is well known for previous positions with Theatre Woodstock and the United Way of Oxford.

The Chamber locally also offers a monthly newsletter (along with timely E-blasts at other times) with important updates, education sessions listed, a group insurance plan, a membership directory, travel groups, and a strong board of directors, which is currently led by Jason Stanko, who is prominent locally from RBC Bank, but is community-minded through projects which include Habitat For Humanity and the board for United Way.

Other board members are posted on  the website -- a list which is impressive for local business leaders such as Brad Hammond of the City Of Woodstock Economic Development office, along with dedicated board members Allison Henkell, Ted Beynen, Ifhan Hudda, Darlene Jauernig, and also the guy I like to refer to as Woodstock's Giant Tiger -- store boss Bob Armstrong. As a long-time curling convener, I wonder if Bob Armstrong would list curling and the chamber as the best 2 places to acquire friends and networking allies?

In an effort to continue name dropping, I will add that Fanshawe College Woodstock campus continuing education manager Lisa Wells is a regular at Chamber functions. The connection is that your business may have employees seeking an upgrade in credentials and Lisa Wells would be the person to talk to.  

Lisa Wells is also organizing the next Coffee Connection gathering at Fanshawe (Note: To be held at 45 Metcalf campus) on Oct. 31. Here's the second note: The event is for members only, so consider being a member.

By the way, the Chamber Of Commerce has evolved from the name the Board Of Trade, which in Woodstock was established in 1877. Chamber director Jim Harrison, who own Whitelaw Machinery, has not been a Chamber member since then, but his business was established at its Main Street location in Woodstock way back in 1874.

On Tuesday, March 19, (2025) the annual Sip & Sample Social tastings event will feature the Oxford Auditorium as its venue. It's billed as 3 hours of socializing and wandering around to more than 30 participating vendors. 

When you additionally factor in the Jingle & Mingle holiday social at Fore Oxford on Dec. 3, plus an annual general meeting, and other on-going events, the annual membership rate of under $300 is an economical fee. Look at the website for more details as companies enrolling more than 2 people receive discounted rates.

Email: info@woodstockchamber.ca 

March News Story: https://www.heartfm.ca/news/local-news/woodstock-chamber-welcomes-new-gm/ 

www.woodstockchamber.ca

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Mark Lives In Woodstock blog is compiled by:
Mark Schadenberg, Woodstock City Council
Email: mschadenberg@cityofwoodstock.ca
(519) 532-2068

WOW -- What's On Woodstock

Art gallery and museum exhibits, autumn leaf pick up, public skating schedules . . . 

Compiled by MARK SCHADENBERG

The October issue of the What's On Woodstock magazine should be in your super mailbox and it's another super edition.

The cover story is about efforts by the City's works department to prepare for winter, including a (weather permitted) schedule for road-side leaf pick up, updates on happenings at the works yard on James Street, and tips on composting and mulching.

Between the Reeves Community Complex and Civic Centre Arena these busy venues have set schedules for FREE public skating, but sometimes there are exceptions to the rule, so consult the listing before grabbing your Bauer blades. Also, there are times specifically for adults (over 18), but there is also family shinny time. Check out the schedule to note the local sponsors paying for the ice time. 

Current exhibits at the art gallery (WAG) and Woodstock Museum are described in WOW. The gallery has a show depicting Woodstock artist Betty McArthur known for being exceptional at sketching. She actually published a book many years ago of notable local homes and landmarks. Another famed (late) Woodstock artist with a display is Florence Carlyle.  Furthermore, a fibre art exhibit called Delights debuted today. 

The museum is often a temporary home of a travelling exhibit, including the current The Suitcase Project. I've included a portion of the City's press release to explain the collection and its historical significance to British Columbia.

The haunted house escape room at the museum is a challenge for you and your family or friends.

WOW is also your destination in October for profiles on the Woodstock Fire Department, community volunteerism, options for all ages at the Woodstock Public Library, a modification to Woodstock Transit routes, and the always-informative COW Tales trivia feature.

What's happening at Theatre Woodstock, with the Wolverines youth football program, Sea Cadets / Navy League, the Elite Dance Centre, plus so much more. For example, do you know what the library's Local Author Fair in November is all about?

There are 23,500 copies of WOW distributed around Woodstock to residences and businesses, so it's jammed with details and is a go-to resource. The magazine is published at least 8 editions throughout the year with the November - December issue covering 2 months. If you read that introduction page (Page 3), you will see the name of the local layout and creative company which truly is called the Flying Squirrel -- Andrew Norris. For more information on contributing copy, you should contact Colleen Collins from the City's marketing group at (519) 539-2382.

www.cityofwoodstock.ca

www.mywpl.ca   

www.woodstockartgallery.ca 

www.woodstockmuseum.ca

www.cityofwoodstock.ca/wfd

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Woodstock Hospital releases September newsletter

Share Your Voice, Shape Your Care

By MARK SCHADENBERG

It was Nov. 10, 2011 when patients moved from the Riddell Street site of the Woodstock hospital to the new location on Juliana Drive.  The new campus is just a dozen years old, but many upgrades have already occurred under the watchful eyes of CAO and president Perry Lang.

Fundraising lotteries have been integral. The system of monthly 50/50 draws have raised dollars for updating equipment such as mammography machines, a brand new CT scanner, a mobile fluoroscopy camera, and many more items. 

Currently, a $3 million fundraising project is underway to enhance services in cancer care, including chemotherapy and IV Infusion clinic.

The hospital also raises money through its annual Dairy Capital Run and a golf tournament, but pledges from industry and families are certainly welcome. 

Share Your Voice, Shape Your Care:  Patients, volunteers, staff and citizens in general are all invited to participate in a strategic planning process as the future and / or horizon must always be prepared for and in this case its writing a 3-year plan: 

https://www.woodstockhospital.ca/media-releases-2024/

https://www.woodstockhospital.ca/strategic-plan/

As a member of Woodstock City Council, I know the importance of the local hospital even though I'm not on the board of directors. From surgeons, department doctors, emergency room staff, a crew of dedicated nurses, the organizing of out-patient care, food services and all other employees, the hospital is certainly proud of its team.

I would write more, but this truly is an invite to read the latest newsletter -- released for fall -- with many updates and special announcements. 

www.woodstockhospital.ca

https://www.woodstockhospital.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/September-Newsletter-2024-Final-Copy.pdf

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Mark Schadenberg

Woodstock City Council

Email: mschadenberg@cityofwoodstock.ca

(519) 532-2068

13 stories about 13-storey building

Tiffany Developments have land-breaking plan for Alberta & Juliana

A Woodstock developer has received zoning approval to go where no construction project has ever went in Woodstock -- a 13-storey apartment building.

You could say there are 13 stories attached to this project, but I can add no timeline has been finalized for bulldozers and concrete trucks.

1. The 13 floors represent and increase of 1 floor over the previous application, but it can be added that the 13th floor will be an activity space for birthday parties, potluck dinners, and even pickleball. As comparison, down the 401 in London they have recently approved 45-storey buildings in the downtown core.

2. The developer is Walter Broos, who has been quite busy in the south end of Woodstock for many years, including the Mary Brown's / Starbucks plaza near the 401 and Norwich Avenue. Ayr, Drumbo, Hanover and Goderich are also Tiffany residential sites. 

3. Originally -- in 2022 -- a 12-storey structure had been approved for high density zoning.

4. The new building will be located immediately behind the Cedarview retirement home, across Juliana from Maranatha Church, and across Alberta Avenue from vacant lands owned by the TVDSB.

5. Modern building and fire codes require fire suppression capabilities on every floor.

6. There will be up to 213 units.

7. There will be a total of 1.4 parking spots per unit.  All these numbers include accessible parking in the drawings. 

8. Parking will be both 2 levels in the building and on-surface (outdoor) parking

9. The developer was required to conduct studies pertaining to traffic, storm water management, utility servicing, and shadow analysis. The developer will be responsible for landscaping and a street sidewalk.

10. The apartment rental building will obviously include close proximity to the Woodstock Hospital, Reeves Community Complex, and St. Mary's High School.

11. The total land is 1.95 acres (0.79 hectares). Zoning allows for 109 units per acre.

12. Next month, the new Provincial Planning Statement will take effect -- as law from Queen's Park. The PPS stresses the utilization of all vacant lands with residential purposes as part of Ontario's Bill 23 - More Homes Built Faster Act. Woodstock's housing pledge is 5,500 new units by 2031.  

13. The expected address will be 335 Juliana.

https://www.broos.ca/woodstock-south

https://webresources.oxfordcounty.ca/documents/planning/22416_2_OP23-10-8_ZN8-23-16_WDSK_rpt_plates_accessible.pdf

 

Topic / Idea: Bird Friendly City

Should Woodstock pursue the concept / title ?

By MARK SCHADENBERG

Did you know that municipalities like London, Barrie, Windsor and even Toronto have done their homework and are now qualified to call themselves a Bird Friendly Community. It's an evaluation and process created by the sanctioning group Nature Canada (Formerly called Canadian Audubon Society).

This past week, a Zoom meeting was established by the Woodstock Environmental Advisory Committee - WEAC with Autumn Jordan of Nature Canada as moderator.

It's early days -- no eggs have hatched yet -- but the meeting included several WEAC members, a Woodstock Field Naturalists Club member, an avid local nature photographer, Harold DeHaan who is the City's engineering department manager, and (2) City Councillors in Kate Leatherbarrow and myself.

The checklist is not insurmountable and Nature Canada has three different levels to attain or advance to.

Speaker Autumn Jordan knows the stats for bird populations of all breeds, and showed the committee some charts through a power point, including an increase in water fowl numbers in recent years, but a significant reduction in other birds ranging from aerial insectivores to grassland birds and everything else gliding on the horizons and perching on your backyard feeders. Cities require more trees, and an interesting point made by Jordan -- fewer feral cats.

To gain the moniker Bird Friendly City, the criteria range from bird safety and bird watching groups, but also to organize events to recognize the importance of birds, promoting pollinator gardens, and policies to protect urban birds.

Woodstock declared a proclamation last year during National Bird Migratory Day. Local bird watchers conduct species counts around Christmas annually.

After reaching the accreditation, Nature Canada will re-assess each community every 2 years. This WEAC sub-committee plans to continue its promotion of the idea.

Your thoughts?

www.naturecanada.ca/bfc

www.birdfriendlylondon.ca

www.woodstockfieldnaturalists.org