Huron-Perth Boomers Fall 2023

A FREE magazine for adults 50+ 

FALL 2023 – Volume 8, Issue 3 

HISTORY 

A century 

on ice 

Stratford arena remains one 

of Canada’s best old rinks 

SPOTLIGHT 

Seeing the 

BIG PICTURE 

Eleanor Kane helped 

create culinary destination 

HEALTH 

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2 • HURONPERTHBOOMERS.COM

FROM THE PUBLISHER 

Pumpkin Spice is my season. No doubt about it, there’s no time I love 

more than fall. Warm September (and hopefully October!) days, cool 

mornings and crisp nights – everything smells fresh but also nostalgic at the 

same time. Kids are back in school (yeah!), sweaters and leggings come out 

and warm comfort meals take over for barbecues. If every day could be the 

ideal fall sunny September day, I would be a happy person! 

This marks our eighth fall issue of Huron-Perth Boomers! It’s hard to believe 

that when we published our first fall issue, my youngest daughter was five 

and is now going into Grade 8, while our oldest was in Grade 3 and now is 

behind the wheel! Every once in a while, I like to re-introduce our family to 

our readers, as Huron-Perth Boomers is a true, small, family-based company, 

not a big corporation. Our family works together – from writing, editing, 

selling advertising, and distribution to having the kids do some heavy lifting 

by loading magazines into my SUV and running the house at deadline time. 

CONTENTS 

Local Spotlight • 4 

Your stroke journey • 10 

William Allman Arena • 14 

Mardi Gras! • 20 

Letter writing • 27 

Recipe • 30 

In this issue, the stroke team at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance shares 

important information about stroke prevention and treatment. Elizabeth 

Kerr writes about Stratford visionary Eleanor Kane, while John Kastner 

takes us down memory lane as the William Allman Arena in Stratford 

prepares to turn 100 years old. Jill Ellis-Worthington takes us on a trip to 

New Orleans, with some affordable as well as luxury options to experience 

Mardi Gras, and April Taylor reminisces about the lost art of letter writing. 

Thank you to our readers, writers, advertisers 

and distributors – I hope you enjoy Pumpkin 

Spice season this year as much I do! 

Amy Irwin, Publisher 

Huron-Perth Boomers 

Layne, Amy, Jace and 

Dwight Irwin. 

FALL 2023 

Publisher 

Amy Irwin 

amy@huronperthboomers.com 

Magazine Design 

Becky Grebenjak 

Huron-Perth Boomers welcomes 

your feedback. 

EMAIL 

amy@huronperthboomers.com 

PHONE 519-524-0101 

MAIL 

P.O. Box 287, Ripley, ON N0G 2R0 

Huron-Perth Boomers is distributed for free in Huron and Perth 

counties, and is published each March, June, September, and 

December. Distribution of this publication does not constitute 

endorsement of information, products or services by Huron-Perth 

Boomers, its writers or advertisers. Viewpoints of contributors and 

advertisers are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Huron-Perth 

Boomers reserves the right to edit, reject or comment on all material 

and advertising contributed. No portion of Huron-Perth Boomers may 

be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT 

Seeing the 

BIG PICTURE 

ELEANOR KANE SAW STRATFORD’S POTENTIAL FROM THE START 

BY ELIZABETH KERR 

Photos by Terry Manzo

y Elizabeth Kerr 

It has been 10 years since Eleanor Kane stepped 

back from daily responsibilities at Stratford Chefs 

School, the school she co-founded in 1983 to deliver 

world-class culinary training to future Canadian 

chefs. 

Today, still involved with the school as Chair of the 

Advisory Group, Eleanor continues to inspire faculty, 

alumni, future chefs, and the broader culinary 

community with her accomplishments, insight, and 

perspective. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend time with 

Eleanor at my kitchen island, hear her story, and 

understand so very clearly what makes Eleanor 

Kane’s story not only extraordinary but also timeless. 

As the eldest daughter of six children, Eleanor 

grew up in a family of food lovers. Her mother 

was a wonderful cook and had ample opportunity 

to flourish as her parents often entertained guests. 

Eleanor became her mother’s “sous chef ” and was 

entrusted to carry out the finishing touches as their 

guests were welcomed. In 1969, during Eleanor’s 

formative years, the family relocated from Edmonton 

to Montreal, exposing her to that city’s wonderful 

chefs, restaurants, cuisine, and culture. 

After attaining a Master’s in psychology from 

the University of Alberta, Eleanor worked with 

developmentally delayed children and their families, 

first in Edmonton and then in Montreal, where 

she also taught sessional courses in psychology. By 

1977, feeling the effects of the intense work with 

children and their families, along with the fall-out 

from civil unrest in Quebec, Eleanor decided to take 

a sabbatical and open a tearoom in Stratford, Ont. 

“What began in 1977 as a self-directed sabbatical 

from this work, switching gears and opening a 

tearoom in Stratford, turned into a very successful 

career as restaurateur and then educator,” Eleanor 

said. 


It was not by chance she and her friend Marion 

Isherwood later chose to open The Old Prune in 

Stratford. They had made several trips to Stratford to 

enjoy the Festival productions, which were reaching 

national and global audiences. With the growing 

numbers of patrons, it became apparent that 

hospitality would be critical to the City of Stratford 

for the success of this international endeavour. Being 

able to see the magnificent opportunity and the 

true big picture for the future of the city, Eleanor 

and Marion, and a growing group of culinary 

entrepreneurs, focused on building, promoting, and 

delivering a standard of hospitality, a level of cuisine, 

and a model of fine-dining service to match the 

excellence at the Stratford Festival. 

The Old Prune opened in Stratford in 1977. By 

the end of its first season, it was offering afternoon 

tea, complete with Royal Doulton Fine China, a 

simple lunch menu, and a tasty one-pot dinner 

dining option. When the restaurant began its second 

season, the one-pot dinner was replaced with a finely 

curated menu. 

From the start, Eleanor realized that this was a 

very important time in the history of Stratford. Joe 

Mandel had already opened the much acclaimed 

The Church Restaurant and Jim Morris would open 

Rundles Restaurant shortly after The Old Prune. 

Stratford now had not one, but three exceptional 

seasonal dining spots, each of which enhanced the 

dining experience of international theatre patrons, 

company members, and esteemed local guests. It was 

a magical time and it was exhausting, Eleanor said. 

Along the way, as these restaurants progressed and 

clienteles grew, it became apparent that finding and 

retaining skilled labour was to be a challenge. Working 

with James Morris, they created a curriculum to train 

future Canadian chefs, focusing on the fine-dining 

restaurant model, and to see it delivered at the new 

not-for-profit college, Stratford Chefs School. The 

goal was simple; to aim high and to match the best 

culinary training in Canada, America, and Europe. 

Forty years later and still focused on teaching students 

FALL 2023 • 5


Eleanor speaking to 

students at Stratford Chefs 

School in the early days. 

“The joy of being around those 

creative people gave us energy and 

inspiration... I think there was that 

fusion – loyal return guests (and) 

enthusiastic response to our efforts.” 

– Eleanor Kane 



how to create the most special culinary experience 

a guest could wish for, Stratford Chefs School, now 

situated prominently on Ontario Street, maintains 

and expresses the co-founder’s vision. 

Eleanor and Marion sold The Old Prune (now 

called The Prune) in 2011. Since 2013, Eleanor 

has continued to consult at Stratford Chefs 

School, leads the Advisory Group, and continues 

to promote the objectives of the school. Eleanor 

has worked tirelessly on many boards and was 

recognized by being named the City of Stratford’s 

2018 Senior of the Year, while also receiving the 

prestigious Ontario Senior Achievement Award for 

her magnificent contributions to her community, 

including chairing the Stratford Market Square 

Development committee. 

Eleanor’s extraordinary story has been told many 

times and her achievements are known by many. 

However, what strikes this writer most is Eleanor’s 

way of recounting her story, portraying the 

hidden potential and unrealized opportunity of a 

community on the cusp of growth and recognition, 

with the same enthusiasm that she and Marion must 

have felt years before. That enthusiasm has not 

wavered after all these years; in fact, it is contagious 

and has elevated both a community in southwestern 

Ontario and more than 800 Canadian chefs. 

Eleanor saw the big picture for Stratford – the 

intersection of theatre and the arts, the culinary 

industry, hospitality, and the local economy – and 

seized her opportunity! 

Eleanor is quick to commend those who forged before 

and worked alongside her; those who encouraged, 

guided and inspired her. Her professional legacy 

reflects the perfect balance of determination, 

courage, pride with humility, gratitude, and success. 

“There were ups and downs – it wasn’t a blazing 

success at first by any means. It was hard work,” she 

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by Elizabeth Kerr 

Chef-Instructor Mike 

Booth, left, Eleanor Kane, 

and Marion Isherwood at 

Stratford Chefs School’s 

2023 Gala Dinner. 

said. “If any of the Stratford Festival company or 

crew came to The Old Prune, we made sure they had 

a special table in a little side room, a room that several 

actors called their home. The joy of being around 

those creative people gave us energy and inspiration 

and the feedback was mostly good. I think there was 

that fusion – loyal return guests, enthusiastic response 

to our efforts – so it grew gradually.” 

As our time grew to a close, I asked Eleanor what 

a typical day for her looks like now. Her days are 

perhaps a bit too busy, she responded. She remains 

active in the community, takes weekly piano and 

French lessons, and is looking forward to her next 

trip to Piemonte, Italy. Travel, Eleanor explained, is 

a wonderful way to stay connected with and meet 

new friends. 

We discussed the importance of being able to see 

the big picture, looking forward, and maintaining 

those connections. As our time together ended, we 

discussed the upcoming 40th anniversary at Stratford 

Chefs School and its role, post-COVID, in educating 

a new generation of leading Canadian chefs. We 

discussed the importance of good health, staying 

engaged with our communities both near and far, 

and looking forward. 

I thought back over everything we covered in our 90 

minutes and reflected out loud on Eleanor’s Stratford 




beginnings, her timeless story of hard-work, focus, 

and commitment. She reiterated what she said to me 

at the beginning of the interview, as she sat at my 

kitchen island, “We were so fortunate, Elizabeth, it 

was a magical time!” 

Originally from Stratford, Elizabeth Kerr earned a Bachelor’s 

degree at the University of Waterloo before pursuing a career 

in the metal stamping industry. After living abroad, Elizabeth 

returned to Stratford and enrolled in Stratford Chefs School’s 

32-week Professional Program. Currently, Elizabeth is the 

Director, Marketing and Admissions Development, at Stratford 

Chefs School. 

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS 

stroke 

HOW TO EMBARK ON YOUR CARE JOURNEY 

BY LOUISE FLANAGAN and JOANNA SMORHAY 


y Louise Flanagan and Joanna Smorhay 

The Huron Perth District Stroke Program is 

a part of the Southwestern Ontario Stroke 

Network (SWOSN). Eleven stroke networks in 

Ontario provide leadership and planning to support 

stroke best practices across the care continuum. 

Evidence demonstrates that stroke survivors have the 

best outcomes when they are cared for in a system that 

is organized and coordinated. As part of the Huron 

Perth District Stroke Program, the Huron Perth 

Healthcare Alliance’s (HPHA)-Stratford General 

Hospital is one of seven hospitals in the southwest 

region that provides acute and rehabilitation services. 

This coordinated system of care, along with increased 

public awareness and better treatment, means that 

more people are surviving stroke, but according to 

the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, four in 

10 Canadians do not know any of the “FAST” signs 

of stroke. It is important to know the signs of stroke, 

as lifesaving treatment begins the minute you call 

9-1-1. 

Stroke is a major life event for you and those close to 

you. The common goal for everyone is your recovery. 

When you have a stroke, a team of health care 

providers works with you, your family and caregivers 

to help you recover from, or adapt to, the changes 

caused by the stroke. This team will also teach you 

about stroke, its effects and strategies to use in daily 

life. 


Risk factors you can do something about 

High blood pressure (hypertension) – You 

cannot feel high blood pressure, so many people don’t 

know they have it. When treated and controlled, the 

risk of stroke drops. 

High blood cholesterol – This is the fat in blood. 

High levels of cholesterol lead to the build-up of 

fat (plaque) on artery walls, narrowing the path for 

blood to flow and increasing stroke risk. 

Atrial fibrillation/irregular heartbeat – This 

condition could lead to blood clots forming in the 

heart which can break off, interrupt blood flow to the 

brain and cause a stroke. 

Diabetes – Especially if uncontrolled, high blood 

sugar levels damage the arteries and could lead to 

high blood pressure. 

Being overweight – As waist size increases so does 

stroke risk. Excess weight can lead to high blood 

pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Keep your 

waist size below 31 inches for women and 37” for 

men. 

Low activity levels – This may result in an 

increased risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, 

weight gain and high stress levels. 

Drinking too much alcohol – Having more than 

two drinks per day (to a maximum of nine drinks 

a week for women and 14 drinks a week for men) 

increases the risk of stroke. 

Smoking – Smoking and second-hand smoke both 

lead to high blood pressure and plugged arteries, and 

increased risk of stroke. 

Sleep apnea – This is a disorder that occurs when 

a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. 

Signs of sleep apnea include pauses in breathing 

during sleep, and daytime fatigue despite adequate 

sleep time. It is also seen with high blood pressure, 

irregular heart rate, and heart failure. 

Stress – High stress levels can be linked to unhealthy 

lifestyle patterns (increased alcohol use, unhealthy 

diet, etc.). Stress can also lead to high blood pressure, 

obesity, anxiety and depression. 

Poor diet – Diets high in fat, sugar, processed or 



by Louise Flanagan and Joanna Smorhay 

salty foods increase the risk of high blood pressure, 

weight gain and diabetes. 

Risk factors you can’t control 

Age – Stoke can occur at any age, but risk of stroke 

does increase with age. Most strokes (about ⅔) occur 

in people over age 65. 

Sex and gender – Sex and gender are different, 

and both affect women’s health. An increased risk 

of stroke is associated with estrogen, pregnancy and 

menopause. 

Family history – Risk of stroke increases if a 

family member (parent, child, and sibling) had a 

stroke before age 65. 

Ethnicity – Indigenous people, as well as those of 

African, Chinese, Latin American or South Asian 

descent, often have greater rates of high blood 

pressure and diabetes than the general population. 

This puts them at greater risk of stroke. 

History of stroke or Transient Ischemic 

Attack (TIA) – If you have had a stroke or TIA 

your risk of (another) stroke is increased. 

Your health care team, which provides stroke care 

at HPHA and in your community, includes primary 

care practitioners, which can be your family doctor 

or nurse practitioners. They provide education and 

monitor your health status to identify and mitigate 

risk factors. If you are showing signs and symptoms 

consistent with a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or 

stroke, your primary care practitioner may make a 

referral to the Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic. 

It is important to note that you may not interact with 

every team member listed below. Every stroke and 

every stroke recovery journey is unique. 

The Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic 

(SPC) provides rapid access to experts, diagnostic 

tests and treatments if you have had, or are at risk 

of having signs and symptoms of a recent stroke or 

TIA. Stroke Strategy Nurses coordinate care with 

support from an administrative assistant. If you 

meet SPC criteria, you will attend a variety of tests. 

A physician reviews test results and recommends 

treatment. Your Stroke Strategy Nurse will provide 

education on risk factor modification. Referrals to 

other service providers are initiated, as appropriate. 

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of a 

stroke you are encouraged to immediately call 9-1-1. 

Do not drive! Emergency Medical Service providers 

are trained to initiate treatment en route to the 

hospital. This includes identifying the closest stroke 

centre and notifying the hospital of their estimated 

time of arrival. This is called stroke bypass and it 

ensures that you will receive stroke care as quickly as 

possible. 

Upon your arrival at the designated stroke centre, 

emergency department nurses start your hospital 

assessment. Rapid brain imaging and blood tests 

require coordinated efforts amongst multiple 

different team members and departments. 

Time is brain, and every second counts. The internal 

medicine physician uses assessment findings to 

determine treatment options. You may be appropriate 

for thrombolytic therapy (ie. the medication t-PA) to 

try to dissolve the clot and/or endovascular therapy 

(EVT) to mechanically remove the clot. EVT requires 

transfer to the Regional Stroke Centre at London 

Health Sciences Centre – University Hospital. 

If you require hospital admission, you will be 

transferred from the emergency department to either 

the Critical Care Unit (CCU) or Integrated Stroke 

Unit (ISU). Nurses and Personal Support Workers 

(PSWs) receive additional training to monitor 

neurological status and provide quality care. 

An interdisciplinary team of care providers will 

directly support you and your family/caregiver(s) 

throughout your recovery. Many additional support 

service providers, including stroke peer mentors, are 


y Louise Flanagan and Joanna Smorhay 


essential to the successful provision of stroke care. 

Rehabilitation continues in the community through 

the support of the Community Stroke Rehabilitation 

Team (CSRT). The team members identify what 

activities are most important to you and your family/ 

caregiver(s). They work collaboratively amongst the 

team and with community service providers to ensure 

you receive the therapy, education and support you 

need to reintegrate into your community. 

Reduce your risk 

• If you smoke, take steps to quit. Your health care 

team can assist with strategies/medication to 

stop smoking. 

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. 

• Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt and follows 

Canada’s Food Guide. 

• Limit alcoholic beverages. 

• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 

• Monitor your blood pressure and notify your 

physician if elevated. 

• Be tested to see if you have an unusual heartbeat. 

• Know your cholesterol levels and work toward 

keeping them under control. 

• If you have diabetes, work with a health care 

provider to keep it under control. 

• Keep stress levels under control. 

• Take your medication as prescribed. 

• Know the warning signs of stroke/TIA. Get to 

hospital immediately if they occur. 

Louise Flanagan is a Stroke Strategy Nurse at the Secondary 

Stroke Prevention Clinic. Joanna Smorhay is the District Stroke 

Coordinator for Huron and Perth counties and Manager of 

the Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic and Community Stroke 

Rehabilitation Team. 

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HISTORY 

An icy century 

THE WILLIAM ALLMAN ARENA – ONE OF THE BEST SMALL TOWN RINKS IN 

CANADA – IS ABOUT TO TURN 100 BY JOHN KASTNER 

As Stompin’ Tom Connors used to so aptly say, “Oh the good ol’ 

hockey game, it’s the best game you can name.” What he didn’t add 

is that, “The best game you can name” can be even better if you watch it 

from one of the best – and maybe oldest – continuously operating rinks 

in Canada. 

The William Allman Arena, fittingly located on Morenz Drive, in 

Stratford, is not only a fabulous Junior B barn but it’s also steeped in 

tradition, lore and history – and is about to become 100 years old. 

On the bank of the Avon River, the arena was built in 1924 by the 

Classic City Arena company, a for-profit company that also operated 

the arena for many years. The Galt Arena Gardens, on Shade Street 

in Cambridge, was built in 1922 by the same company and is still in 

operation today as the home of a Jr. B hockey team. 


y John Kastner 

HISTORY 

“More importantly, rinks like that were 

in the centre of town and the heart of the 

community. You go into Stratford on a Friday 

night and you know there’s a game at the 

Allman and, in those old rinks, it is like the 

fans are on top of you. It’s certainly a home 

game for Stratford in that rink.” 

There’s no bad view in the William Allman Arena. 

The proud people of Stratford make the case 

that the arena is the oldest “continuously 

operating” arena in the country because the 

Galt Arena was closed for almost two years 

for renovations. The Stratford Arena also 

underwent a series of renovations, including 

as recently as 2008, but still managed to 

operate every winter. 

For a bit of background and context, the 

oldest continuously operating arena in the 

world appears to be the Boston Arena – the 

former home to the Boston Bruins before 

they moved to the Garden. The rink, built 

in 1910, is the current home of men’s and 

women’s teams at Northeastern University. 

The oldest rink in Canada is the Stannus 

Street Arena in Windsor, Nova Scotia. It was 

built in 1897 but last saw a puck drop in the 

1960s. It is now a storage facility for a car 

dealer. 

The classic wooden seats were fixed, painted and 

returned during renovations about 15 years ago. 

Those two fantastic rinks have been peas in a pod ever since. 

Phil Pritchard, the famous white-haired keeper of the 

Stanley Cup, summed it up perfectly. 

“There are two great rinks in Ontario – the one in Galt and 

Stratford – and I’m not at all surprised they were built by 

the same company,” Pritchard said. “No offence intended, 

but rinks today are built for business – those rinks were built 

for the fans. 

Impressive bloodlines aside, the Stratford rink 

has an incredible story to tell as it is set to 

celebrate its 100th birthday in 2024. The rink 

was built in 66 days and includes some 275,000 

bricks. The famous wooden floors that still 

comprise the walkways and corridor around 

the top of the rink were even repurposed from 

a downtown department store. 

The first game was Dec. 15, 1924, and the 

Stratford Indians lost 4-3 to London in 

front of a capacity crowd of 2,500. When it 

opened, the front of the arena faced North 


HISTORY 

by John Kastner 

Street, which ironically was on the east side of the 

arena. Years later a lobby was added on the west side 

and that portion of Nile Street was renamed Morenz 

Drive after Howie, one of the NHL’s first superstars 

and a local hero. This became the front of the arena. 

The Classic City Arena company showed a profit 

of $3,478 that first year but fell victim to the Great 

Depression and went bankrupt in 1929. A few forprofit 

companies tried to run the rink but with limited 

success, and in 1942 the City of Stratford bought the 

arena for $25,000. The city still owns and operates 

the rink today. For decades it was still known as the 

Classic City Arena, and then simply the Stratford 

Arena, and when long-time arena manager Bill 

Allman died in 1996, it was renamed in his honour. 

In 2001 there was a push by some city councillors 

and staff to get rid of one of the best rinks in the 

country. This was at the same time the city was 

thinking about a new modern complex and there was 

a feeling by some that the William Allman Arena had 

seen its best days. There was a public meeting about 

the fate of the rink and city council got the message 

loud and clear – fix the Allman. Just to make sure no 

future city councillors or anybody else got a similarly 

questionable idea, the rink was also designated as an 

historic building under the Ontario Heritage Act. 

The designation was important because, when the 

Rotary Complex – a new double-pad arena – was 

being built, at least one city councillor suggested many 

times the new rink at the north end of town could 

and should become home to the Stratford Cullitons 

and the Allman levelled to become a parking lot for 

the neighbouring Tom Patterson Theatre. 

The heritage designation made that a short 

discussion, and disaster was averted again. 

At the end of the day, the City of Stratford deserves 

a lot of credit for putting money into the rink as it 

is still one of the best small arenas in Canada. In 

2009, the city spent just over $2 million and made 

the rink more accessible, removed 252 seats, added 



HISTORY 

some wheelchair seating, made the stairs wider 

and installed an elevator. The coolest thing was, 

even though they spent $2 million on the place, it 

maintained its charm and historic feel. 

Not only were the wooden floors around the top 

saved but all the red and blue wooden seats were 

numbered, taken out, fixed, painted, and put back 

in place. No plastic bucket seats allowed! Today’s 

seating is 2,266, down from the original 2,500. 

The Flanagans 

The Flanagans are Stratford’s first family of hockey. 

Dinny was a great player beginning in the 1940s 

and was one of the best senior players in Canada 

as a member of the Indians in the 1950s. He then 

managed the Cullitons to a Jr. B dynasty. 

His son, Denis Jr., coached 1,500 Jr. B games and 

won five Sutherland Cups. He said there is little 

doubt that the Allman was a great place to play and 

coach, and many nights the rink itself was one of the 

team’s biggest assets. 

“I think the Allman has the best atmosphere of any 

small-town rink I’ve been in,” Denis Jr. said. “The 

way the seats are, and the closeness to the players 

and the coaches, make it a pretty special place. You 

can walk in there today and it’s not a lot different 

than it was 50 years ago. The blue and red seats, the 

high ceiling, the banners... 

“I’ve been in a lot of barns and I’m biased – but 

it’s my favourite. It was always very well looked after, 

and it really helped us when we brought in players 

to try and get them to play in Stratford. We would 

bring players in on a Friday night and that was a big 

selling point.” 

The Allman atmosphere certainly gave every 

Stratford team the home-ice advantage. Years ago, 

this journalist was asking the coach of Stratford’s 

arch-rival, the Waterloo Siskins, about the upcoming 

league final. Gerry Harrigan was blunt when he 

said Stratford was always tough to beat at home 

because, “It’s tough for a visiting team to win in ‘The 

Asylum.’” 

People of a previous generation might associate the 

Allman with the Stratford Indians or other famous 

Junior teams or players, but for those of us over 50, 

the mystique of the Allman Arena is synonymous 

with the Stratford Cullitons and now the return of 

the Stratford Warriors nickname. Brent Ladds, who 

was president of the Ontario Hockey Association 

for over 30 years, graced just about every arena in 

Ontario and he said Stratford’s rink was in a league 

of its own. 

“Going to a Stratford Junior game was always an 

event,” Ladds said. “It didn’t matter who they were 

playing, the atmosphere in the building was always 

professional, electric. Walking into the building, you 

could feel the atmosphere in the same way you would 

walking into an OHL or even an NHL building.” 

For those of us who read Huron-Perth Boomers, the 

Allman reminds one of a scaled-down Maple Leaf 

Gardens – the high cathedral ceilings with exposed 

ironworks, the coloured seats, and the press box that 

hangs over the ice like the famous “gondola.” 

And, of course, the long list of great players that 

pulled on Culliton uniforms. 

“Dinny and Joan (Flanagan) were such a big part 

of the program, and their intuitive recruiting drew 

special players to the team, which created the ‘must 

see’ atmosphere,” added Ladds. 

“The one important thing to never forget is that they 

did it with class, which was evident throughout the 

building, from the boiler room to the dressing rooms, 

the ice quality, and the integrity of the volunteers 

who adorned the building every Friday night. The 


HISTORY 

by John Kastner 

championship in 1963. There were many great 

hockey players in Stratford en route to Hall of Fame 

careers, including, most notably, Wayne Gretzky, 

who scored his first ever goal at the Stratford Arena, 

which his father Walter was fortunate enough to 

capture with his camera. 

George Armstrong, the last Toronto Maple Leafs 

captain to raise the Stanley Cup, played junior in 

Stratford in 1947-48. Armstrong, from Skead, won 

the Red Tilson Trophy as the Ontario Hockey 

Association’s Most Valuable Player that year. Other 

Stratford alumni in the Hockey Hall of Fame include 

Howie Meeker, Rob Blake and Chris Pronger. 

Phil Pritchard, the official keeper of the Stanley 

Cup, calls Stratford’s arena one of two great 

rinks left in Canada. 

hockey team had as much to do with the reputation 

of Stratford as the Festival, in many ways.” 

Ironically, even though the arena sits on Morenz 

Drive, the Montreal Canadiens superstar never 

played in the arena. He was already in the NHL 

by the time the new rink was built. However, the 

Canadiens played a fundraising game at the Classic 

City Arena following Morenz’s death in 1937. 

Like all small-town arenas that are relatively unused 

all summer, there were lots of other events held there. 

Roller derby, pro wrestling, boxing, trade shows, 

dances, the circus, rodeos, concerts – even funerals. 

For a number of years in the 1960s, the Springfield 

Indians of the American Hockey League held its 

training camp in Stratford with many future NHLers 

getting ready for the upcoming season, including a 

young Don Cherry. 

It was also home ice for Stratford native Don 

McPherson, who won the men’s world figure skating 

But it isn’t all ancient history for the Allman Arena. 

Just this past spring the Jr. B team went to Game 7 

of the Sutherland Cup final against Leamington and 

once again the rink was full to the gunnels. 

The old barn still looks pretty good – even at 100! 

Important dates 

1924 – Classic City Arena opens. 

1942 – City of Stratford buys and operates the rink 

and changes name to Stratford Arena. 

1942 – Stratford Kist Canadians, led by Howie 

Meeker, win the Sutherland Cup. 

1951-52 – Historic run by the Stratford Indians 

to the Allan Cup final before crowds well 

beyond capacity. 

1968 – Wayne Gretzky scores his first goal in 

organized hockey at the Stratford Arena. 

1971 – Stratford Warriors lose in eight games (yes, 

eight games) to the Dixie Beehives. 

1977 – Stratford defeats Seneca Nationals in the 

OHA playoffs. Seneca is led by 15-year-old 

Gretzky. 

1978 and ’79 – Stratford wins the Sutherland Cup 

in back-to-back years – defeating their arch 

rivals, the Streetsville Derbys. These are 

Stratford’s first Sutherland Cups since 1942. 



HISTORY 

1982-83 – Biggest crowds in recent history for a 

playoff game between Stratford and the 

London Diamonds. Stratford defeats the 

Diamonds in double overtime before 3,000 

people in a rink that holds 2,266. Two in the 

game go on to have great NHL careers – Ed 

Olczyk and Craig Simpson. 

1984 – Stratford plays host to a World Junior game 

between Sweden and Czechoslovakia. 

1985-86 – Stratford wins another Sutherland Cup 

against their historical rivals, the Derbys. It 

was one of the best Stratford teams ever with 

a record of 56-4-1, going undefeated in the 

playoffs. 

1988 – Eric Lindros plays an exhibition game in 

Stratford as a member of the St. Michael’s 

Buzzers. 

1996 – Name changed from Stratford Arena to 

William Allman Arena. 

1996 – Bauer films a commercial at the Allman 

featuring Lindros. 

2009 – The Stratford Cullitons start the season on 

the road, and at the Rotary Complex, while 

renovations are completed. Stratford returns 

to the Allman Dec. 1. 

2010 – Stratford and the Allman get national 

attention for CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada. 

That night, fans fill the rink twice for junior 

games and tickets for Stratford versus St. 

Marys sell out in 30 minutes. A Jr. C game 

between Kincardine and Mitchell caps 18 

hours of hockey. 

John Kastner is just finishing his tenure as general manager 

with the Stratford Perth Museum. In his previous career as a 

journalist, he spent over 20 years as a sportswriter and hundreds 

of hours in the press box at the William Allman Arena. 


TRAVEL 

Mardi Gras! 

NEW ORLEANS SURE KNOWS HOW TO THROW A PARTY 

BY JILL ELLIS-WORTHINGTON

y Jill Ellis-Worthington 

TRAVEL 

Go early, go often is an advertising catchphrase I 

remember from my childhood, and I definitely 

have applied it to trips to New Orleans. 

The Big Easy is a great getaway at any time of year, 

with an over-the-top celebration of St. Patrick’s Day 

(Irish immigrants built many of the city’s levies), big 

time fun on New Year’s Eve, and the spring brings its 

world-famous jazz festival. Yet, nothing beats a visit 

to NOLA during Mardi Gras season; and, yes, it is 

a season. Mardi Gras starts the first Saturday after 

the new year with King Day and the first parades. 

The festivities continue through Mardi Gras proper 

six weeks later. 

Planning your visit to the Crescent City (a nickname 

recognizing its location at a bend in the Mississippi 

River) earlier during Mardi Gras season can help 

to maximize your experience while minimizing 

expenses. Mardi Gras usually runs mid-February 

to early-March, making the weather variable, so 

being prepared and dressing in layers is helpful. 

Accommodation is less expensive and easier to find, 

restaurant lines are shorter, and crowds at parades 

are a bit better. 

Parades 

To get an overview of the parade schedule, 

Tourism New Orleans has a great website at www. 

mardigrasneworleans.com/parades. There are 

descriptions of each type of parade, as not all are 

what you might expect. There are versions featuring 

pets, kids and tiny floats (built in shoe boxes). Some 

are tilted toward an adults-only crowd with explicit 

content, while others are family friendly. Explanations 

of each parade’s Krewes (organizers), themes and 

histories are available on the website. While some 

run right through the French Quarter, others transit 

adjacent areas or suburbs. If catching beads is big on 

your Mardi Gras agenda, knowing times and routes 

may help you choose where you want to stay and 

determine your schedule of other sightseeing. 

Writer Jill Ellis-Worthington and her 

husband Ralph Lembcke celebrating Mardi 

Gras in 2019 at the Holiday Inn Chateau Le 

Moyne, a more affordable place to stay near 

the French Quarter. 

Accommodations 

The French Quarter (FQ) and its surrounding areas of 

Marginy, Frenchman’s Street and the Garden District 

are where most visitors concentrate their interest, so 

staying in any of these areas can be beneficial. It’s 

great to park the car and walk or take the streetcar, 

but you’ll pay more for this convenience. Picking a 

hotel on the edge of the FQ (like the Holiday Inn 

French Quarter-Chateau Lemoyne) can give you 

the best of both worlds. If money isn’t a concern, 

the stately Monteleone is located at the heart of the 

FQ on Royal Street. It has a heated rooftop pool to 

stretch those weary muscles at the end of a touring 


TRAVEL 

by Jill Ellis-Worthington 

Fountains at the stately Houmas 

House near New Orleans. 

day, and its famous Carousel Bar is worth a visit, even if you’re not 

staying there. You’ll remember this unique watering hole from scenes 

in several movies, including Double Jeopardy, The Last Time and Girls Trip, 

among others. 

Airbnbs in and surrounding the Quarter can be a good choice if you 

like to have breakfast at home before exploring. Check the map carefully 

so you choose one close to a streetcar or bus stop to minimize taxi and 

ride share costs. 

On our last trip, we spent just $25 US per night by taking our travel trailer 

and staying at Bayou Segnette State Park near Algiers (one the most 

colourful districts of NOLA). The $2 ferry ride across the Mississippi 

River took us to the foot of Canal Street and into the Quarter. 



TRAVEL 

Cheap and free 

The French Quarter – Just walking around this 

vibrant, eclectic, sometimes seedy part of the city 

that seethes with history is worth the trip. Places like 

Napolean House (see food section), Jackson Square, 

the Voodoo Spiritual Temple and the French Market 

will enthrall you. 

The Garden District – Investing a few bucks in 

a walking tour is worth it to learn which was Anne 

Rice’s house when she was penning her vampire 

series, which homes belong to Nick Cage, John 

Goodman or Sandra Bullock, and which was the 

Benjamin Button House. This is one of my favourite 

parts of New Orleans, with its grand historic homes, 

gracious lawns and old-world charm. 

Algiers – Take a ferry across the river and visit the 

15th Ward if you love the ‘painted ladies’ as much 

as I do. Residents have revitalized this area and are 

outdoing each other in making the shotgun homes as 

colourful as possible. (www.neworleans.com/plan/ 

transportation/algiers-ferry) 

Sazerac House – This offers great, free tours (but 

you must reserve at https://tickets.sazerachouse. 

com/p/newhome) detailing the history of cocktails. 

You will be able to score some free cocktail samples, 

as well. 

A wild alligator jumps 

for marshmallows 

offered by the tour guide 

during a swap tour. 

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TRAVEL 

by Jill Ellis-Worthington 

Waterfront walk – A relaxing stroll along the river 

will bring you face-to-face with steamboats, rolling 

greenery and the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial. 

Cemeteries – NOLA is famous for its aboveground 

cemeteries. Unfortunately, some – like St. 

Louis Cemetery Number, where notorious Voodoo 

priestess Marie Laveau is buried – have been closed 

to the public due to vandalism, while others are still 

open and worth a visit. 

Other stuff to do 

Hop-on/hop-off tours are a good idea to see what 

you want to explore and get the lay of the land. If 

you drove or rented a car, there are sites worth seeing 

within easy reach. Houmas House is an antebellum 

sugar plantation with tours of the home by costumed 

interpreters. The size of the live oaks is amazing; 

they’ve had hundreds of years of humanity walk 

beneath their boughs. Go for the day, the restaurant 

provides delicious food and a gracious atmosphere. 

A swamp tour is also a must if you’ve never seen an 

alligator jump out of the water to get a marshmallow 

on a stick – no, really! Floating under the arms of 

mangrove trees, we saw gators and feral pigs, both of 

which seem to love marshmallows. 

A place for foodies 

Being on a delta of the Gulf of Mexico, you know 

seafood will be a star, and you can’t miss sampling 

the Creole and Cajun cuisines. Some of my favourite 

places to eat and drink include: 

• Chicory coffee and beignets at Café Du Monde. 

Iconic, so you just have to go. If the line is long, 

slide over to the takeout window and stroll across 

the street to enjoy your treats while sitting in the 

sun in Jackson Square. 

• Grilled oysters at either Drago’s or Acme Oyster 

House. 

• Muffalettas at Napolean House. For us, this 

created-in-NOLA mega sandwich is a must 

for every trip. We love it and the ambiance at 

Napolean House. An historic residence gifted 

to the French Emperor when he was exiled – 

though he never lived there – Napolean House 

has a hidden oasis of a patio, as well as indoor 

seating saturated with history. The muffaletta 

sandwich starts with a special round loaf of the 

most delicious bread, which is spread with olive 

relish and stacked with various Italian cold cuts 

and cheese. I recommend ordering a quarter; it’s 

a lot of food. 

• Breakfast at Ruby Slipper. This eatery has several 

locations in and around the French Quarter, and 

there will probably be a line-up. Get a breakfast 

cocktail (I recommend the Mardi Gras Mimosa) 

and relax because it will be worth it. Consider 

splitting an order of stuffed French toast or one 

of their famous bennies; they are big servings. 

‘Painted ladies’ in Algiers, just across the 

Mississippi River from the French Quarter. 



TRAVEL 

• Mudbugs at… well, everywhere. Called crawfish 

along most parts of the Gulf Coast, their season 

usually starts at the beginning of February. Get a 

local to show you how to eat these spicy freshwater 

crustaceans. They are so addictive we call them 

crawfish crack. 

• Cocktails at the Bourbon O’ Bar. A Ramos Gin 

Fizz, a Sazerac or a Pimm’s Cup are best enjoyed 

at one of the only quiet spots on Bourbon Street. 

Hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s (get a souvenir glass) 

are a must for NOLA first timers. 

• Classics that serve local inventions and southern 

cuisine, include Brennans (originated Bananas 

Foster), Antoine’s (the oldest restaurant in NOLA 

originated Oysters Rockefeller), and Court of Two 

Sisters (live jazz brunch in the lovely courtyard). 

Birthplace of jazz 

Above: Stop in for a cocktail and some jazz 

at the Bourbon O’ Bar on Bourbon Street. 

Below: Hundreds of years old, graceful live 

oak trees populate the grounds of Houmas 

House. 

Bourbon Street was famous for its jazz clubs, but 

it’s mostly been given over to alcohol-fueled revelry. 

Buskers show off and there’s electricity in its bawdy 

nature, but for a taste of local musicianship visit 

Frenchman’s Street. You can have a drink and plate 

of food while listening to band after band churn out 

all musical genres. There’s also a night market worth 

checking out. 

Safety 

NOLA has a reputation as a rough place, going back 

to its origins as a major port with pirates and warships 

going in and out. The fact that the North American 

version of the mafia originated there didn’t enhance 

its safety rating. But, like most places, if you’re smart, 

practice good situational awareness, keep to the main 

areas and don’t participate in illegal activities, you’ll 

be fine. 

A writer, public relations professional, traveller and football fan, 

Jill Ellis-Worthington celebrates life every day. You can follow 

her blog at www.writeoncommunicationservices.com. 


OPINION 

The lost art of 

letter writing 

“TO SEND A LETTER IS A GOOD WAY TO GO 

SOMEWHERE, WITHOUT MOVING ANYTHING BUT 

YOUR HEART.” – PHYLLIS GRISSIM THEROUX 

BY APRIL TAYLOR

y April Taylor 

When is the last time you received a letter? Not a 

bill or advertisement, but a handwritten letter 

from a friend. Wasn’t it great to find your old pal’s 

familiar handwriting in amongst the pile of fliers and 

bills? 

I have always had a fondness for an old-fashioned 

letter and snail mail. Sure, I use email, text and social 

media, but there’s still space in my life for sitting 

down and writing a letter to someone I have been 

thinking of. My life is richer for it. 

We can thank Queen Atossa of Persia for starting the 

letter-writing trend back in 500 BC. Unfortunately, 

there’s no documentation of what she wrote about 

(my guess is a love letter but then again, I am a 

hopeless romantic), but it is considered to have 

been the first letter ever sent. Persia also has the first 

claim on developing a real postal system, followed 

by Rome. In 1516, it was the United Kingdom that 

came up with the ingenious plan of the postman. 

It’s a human need to connect and communicate with 

others from our species. We talk about the weather, 

hang out around the water cooler in hopes of a 

quick catch-up with our colleagues, go to bars and 

coffee shops and chit chat at the hairdressers just for 

the love of connecting. For centuries, we have used 

writing as a means of communicating, announcing 

special events and staying in touch with loved ones 

far away. 

My love for letters began as a teen, when both 

my sister and my best friend moved away. I was 

heartbroken to lose them. My friend Chris moved to 

another city close by, but when you are 14 years old 

it might as well have been Mars. However, we both 

were dedicated to remaining friends, so we wrote 

letters, lots of them. We would use cute stationary 

with bunnies printed in the corner and a jaunty 

quote like, “Hopping by just to say hi.” We would 

embellish the envelopes with stickers and doodles. 

OPINION 

She then moved to the west coast, and we continued 

to write. Eventually, she moved back to Ontario, 

and we still write. We were friends only for a year 

while living in the same city, but 46 years later we are 

still good friends all because we write letters. There 

isn’t a nicer way of saying you matter to me than a 

handwritten note. 

Ruthie, my sister, moved to B.C., and she has been 

more of a challenge to stay in touch with because 

she isn’t as much a willing participant in the backand-forth 

letter writing project. It’s OK. I continue 

to write, and I know she appreciates it and likes to 

know what is going on with the family, but she never 

lets me down on my birthday and Christmas with 

a card sent by snail mail. I know instantly from her 

writing. Studies have actually proven there’s energy 

in handwriting, and I can hear her voice and feel her 

energy as I read. 

“A friendship can weather most things and 

thrive in thin soil; but it needs a little mulch of 

letters and phone calls and small, silly presents 

every so often – just to save it from drying out 

completely.” – Pam Brown 

A relic of the past 

Letters, letters, letters! Love letters, letters to the 

editor, a note to Ann Landers asking for advice, 

letters to Santa, Poison Pen Letters (we could do 

without this one), letters from a secret admirer – we 

have a lot to say and what better way than writing? 

Do you know there’s a club in Verona, Italy, where 

you can write for advice in love? The tradition of 

sending letters to Juliet goes back centuries. People 

started by leaving notes on the local landmark, said 

to be Juliet’s tomb. Later, many started sending 

mail directly to the city. By the 1990s, Verona was 

receiving so many letters, it created an office called 


OPINION 

by April Taylor 

The Juliet Club. Tell your woes to Juliet, and she 

replies with words of wisdom in a letter especially for 

you. For those interested in writing, send your letter 

to Club di Giulietta, via Galilei 3 - 37133 Verona, 

Italy. In this sometimes isolated and lonely world, 

know the secretaries are always there and keep every 

letter sent to them. 

Of course, there’s magic in every letter to Santa too! 

Remember writing your letter with your wishlist of 

all the special things you saw in the Sears catalog, 

and then doing the same with your kids? Walking 

to the mailbox and popping your letter with only, 

“Santa - North Pole HOH OHO” written on the 

envelope, but you had no doubt the big guy would 

receive it. He must have because I got those super 

slider snow skates. 

Fan mail, now that’s a fun one. We pour our heart out 

to the heartthrob that we will probably never meet, 

but if we are lucky some publicist somewhere might 

send us an autographed picture of our beloved. Can’t 

you just see Brad Pitt lounging on a chaise eating bon 

bons reading words from his adoring fans? 

Never underestimate the power of the infamous 

chain letter! Send a dollar to 10 friends, or worse, 

send this letter to others or terrible things will come 

to you. I think the chain letter is another we could let 

die a natural death, but they were kind of fun. 

Let’s not forget the penpal letters. I remember some 

teachers would set up a penpal program where you 

would be assigned a pal somewhere in the world 

and you’d tell each other about your home and 

customs. I sadly never had that teacher, but isn’t 

this a terrific way to bridge the cultural gaps and 

misunderstandings that exist? It also teaches the 

kids basic writing and reading skills in a fun way. 

Personally, I think this would be a valuable teaching 

tool still today. I wonder if there are any teachers still 

doing this. 

Myself, I do have penpals whom I have met while 

travelling. This is one small thing that makes my 

life better. In addition to my everyday relationships, 

these friendships add meaning to my life. My English 

friend Anna and I write regularly and have sent each 

other small treats for almost 20 years now. Who 

would have guessed sitting beside someone in Rome 

that long ago would lead to a lasting friendship! An 

American lady I met while in Spain rewarded me 

with her friendship for many years until her death, 

and her husband still took the time to write me to 

share the sad news. 

I received a letter recently from a friend from 

Germany whom I met in a language school in Italy. 

We only write hand-written letters and only in Italian. 

That is a challenge with my limited knowledge of the 

“lingua” but it’s always good practice for me. There 


y April Taylor 

OPINION 

are a few others who I have met and love to hear 

from. It’s the little things that make for a happy life. 

“A letter is never ill-timed; it never interrupts. 

Instead, it waits for us to find the opportune 

minute, the quiet moment to savor the message. 

There is an element of timelessness about letter 

writing.” – Lois Wyse 

As the quote above says, a letter is never ill-timed. I do 

favour this means of correspondence for this reason. 

Often, when I know someone is going through a 

challenging time, I send a little note, because I don’t 

want to intrude but I want them to know I care. 

When I receive a letter, I like to wait until I have 

time to enjoy it with my coffee – it’s like that person 

is sitting there with me. 

Is there someone that you have been thinking of or 

lost track of ? Here’s an idea, write them an snail mail 

letter. Trust me, it will make their day. Better yet, pass 

this dying tradition on to young people, and imagine 

the delight a kid would get hearing from you in a 

letter, since most have likely never received one. 

Sure, email and social media are quick and handy, 

but we might find adding this old fashioned art form 

a lovely addition to our lives. 

April Taylor is a hairstylist and freelance writer in Stratford. 

GRANDPARENTS RAISING 

GRANDCHILDREN 

Peer support group for 

grandparent caregivers 

education • community • support 

Learn more here: 

www.rrhc.on.ca/grandparentsraisinggrandchildren 


FOOD & DRINK 

Nippy apple 

cheddar soup 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes 

Cooking Time: 20 minutes 

Servings: 4 

INGREDIENTS 

2 tbsp butter 

4 apples, peeled and chopped, (about 4 cups) 

2 carrots, chopped 

1 onion, chopped 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

1 tsp finely minced ginger 

1 tsp each of curry and dry mustard powder 

2 cups each of chicken broth and apple cider 

Salt and cayenne pepper to taste 

1 cup old cheddar, grated 

Instructions 

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add 

apples, carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, curry and mustard 

powder. Sauté five to seven minutes, until onion begins to 

soften. 

Add broth and apple cider, bring to a boil, then reduce 

heat and simmer partially covered for 15 to 20 minutes 

until vegetables are very tender. Using a food processor or 

blender, puree until smooth. Add salt and cayenne pepper 

to taste. 

Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle each serving with ¼ cup 

cheddar cheese. 

*Recipe courtesy of Foodland Ontario 


Join us! 

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and reach 4 counties 

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It's Harvest Season on 

Ontario's West Coast! 

SEPTEMBER 8 -10 | Blyth Steam Show and Threshers Reunion, Blyth 

The Blyth Steam Show and Threshers Reunion celebrates our agricultural heritage 

through displays of antique tractors and equipment, tractor pulls, music and 

dance competitions, and children's activities. 

SEPTEMBER 15-17 | Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival, Goderich 

This family-friendly event features boat and bus tours to explore the town's salt 

heritage, a petting zoo, a car show, delicious salty food and drink, live music, and 

other exciting activities. 

SEPTEMBER 16 | Harvest Fest, Clinton 

A lively event in downtown Clinton featuring a children's festival, classic car show, 

vendor market, and numerous other activities that promise fun for all ages. 

SEPTEMBER 24 | Ciderfest, Seaforth 

An annual fall celebration offering craft demonstrations, commercial vendors, 

tours of Van Egmond House Museum, and a delectable array of apple fritters, 

cider, and other delicious items. 

OCTOBER 6-8 | Oktoberfest on Ontario’s West Coast, Countywide 

Immerse yourself in the gemütlich atmosphere of Oktoberfest exploring our local 

breweries and wineries with shuttle service, and delicious local food and live 

music. 

OCTOBER 15 | Feast on the Farm, Bluewater 

Indulge in creations by three of the best chefs on Ontario’s West Coast. Prepared 

with locally sourced ingredients and held on a local farm. Event is in partnership 

with Culinary Tourism Alliance. 

Discover more on our Events Calendar at 

ontarioswestcoast.ca

Huron-Perth Boomers Fall 2023

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