Spring is a time of hope, rebirth and new beginnings.

It’s a time when most of us are focused on the future — the warmer weather that’s sure to come, time in the garden and on the beach, or sipping iced tea on a patio.

As we plan for tomorrow, many of our friends and family cope with pain from emotional wounds that never really goes away. That’s the case for Ross Werth of Wingham, who was just 11 years old when several of his hockey teammates, including his best friend Jackie Rheubottom, were killed in the Listowel arena collapsed of 1959. It was a horrible tragedy that speaks to the resilience of everyone who survived. We’re honoured to bring you the story of Ross’s perseverance through poetry in
this issue of Huron-Perth Boomers (Page 16).

Many of us have also been affected by the pain associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and research into those conditions is promising. We bring you an in-depth look at life with dementia on Page 23. Of course, spring is also about enjoying life as completely as we can. Several stories in this edition of the magazine evoke this theme as well. Louise Bell brings us a wonderful memoir about her travels in Southeast Asia (Page 4). We also connected with Stratford singer-songwriter Ali Matthews, who holds the record for the most Gospel Music Association Covenant awards in history, and continues to write as she enjoys life as a grandmother (Page 27).

Finally, we’re pleased to bring you the story of the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy, an ambitious and community-minded group that works with local landowners to preserve our national heritage. Their impressive efforts are inspiring.
Find its story on Page 10.

No matter what spring means to you, please find hope in the possibility of renewal and rebirth. There is plenty of rain this time of year, but there are sunny skies ahead.