Elora Fergus Podcast

Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce
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Welcome to the Elora Fergus Podcast! Want to feel more connected to the place you call home? This is our essential source for on-demand community information in Fergus, Elora, and the surrounding areas. Each short episode is packed with local stories, things to do, behind-the-scenes insights, and need-to-know news. We're here to keep you connected to the people and events that make our towns special, from the biggest festivals to the hidden gems only a local would know.

  1. May 12

    Summer in the Elora & Fergus: Hidden Gems & High-Sun Adventures

    Summer in Elora and Fergus is about more than just the Gorge—it's about the hidden treasures right under our feet (and sometimes in the mud!). In this special roundtable episode, hosts Barbara Evoy and Ryan Joyce are joined by Gracie Klutz and Peter Mohr for a deep dive into making the most of the sunniest months in Centre Wellington. Whether you're looking to keep the kids engaged without the "school" label or seeking a quiet morning by the river, this episode is packed with low-cost, high-joy local inspiration. In this episode, we explore: Summer "Un-Schooling": How to foster curiosity and entrepreneurship through nature and local community programs. The Art of the Hunt: From photography "colour hunts" to the fascinating world of Mudlarking along our historic riverbanks. Local Landmarks: Why the Pierpoint trail and the "new roller coaster" on Highway 6 are on our radar. The Pool Dilemma: Peter Mohr shares the cold, hard (56°F!) truth about pool maintenance in Canada. Creative Vision: What kind of public art would the team create if there were no limits? (Think giant glass, tiny watercolours, and termite-proof pipers). Listen in for a reminder that the best summer memories don't have to cost a cent—they just require a little bit of curiosity.

    16 min
  2. Is Ontario Finally Done With Daylight Saving Time?

    Mar 17

    Is Ontario Finally Done With Daylight Saving Time?

    As British Columbia officially pulls the plug on the twice-yearly clock change, we're asking: why is Ontario still stuck in the past? This week, Ryan joins us from Aruba (where they've already figured it out) to debate why we're still "springing forward" and "falling back" in Centre Wellington. We dig into the health impacts, the historical "farming" myths, and why your sleep schedule is still at the mercy of New York and Quebec. Plus, we talk tropical travel, the ultimate HBO binge-watch list, and a quick update on the future look of the show.

    10 min

  3. Mar 2

    Snow-mageddon and the March Break Survival Guide

    With a record-breaking amount of snow in Ontario, Centre Wellington is officially a winter wonderland—whether we like it or not ! This week, Ryan Joyce and Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy talk about keeping sane during the deep freeze and look ahead to an action-packed March . In this episode: The Big Snow: Barb explains why she's a "snow chaser" and how this is the most snow Fergus has seen in 15 years . Winter Binge-Watching: How we're staying warm indoors, from Barb's movie picks (Steele, The Trap, and The Rip) to Ryan's deep dive into The Gilded Age and Game of Thrones . The Groundhog Verdict: We break down the conflicting predictions from Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawney Phil—and why Ryan is feeling a bit pessimistic about an early spring . Community Leadership: Meet the new board presidents for the Fergus Scottish Festival (Christine Denbeck) and the Fergus Agricultural Society (Denise Cancadan) . March Break for the Kids: * Fergus Grand Theatre: A specialized theater program for ages 10+ . Elora Centre for the Arts: The "Wild Canada" March Break Camp (hurry, only 14 tickets left!) . Wellington County Museum: The "Nature Detectives" daily drop-in programs . Big Night Out: Grab your tickets for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Retro Prom on March 28th at the Arris Valley Golf and Country Club . Volunteer Alert: Our local festivals are looking for help! If you want to meet new people and give back, now is the time to get involved .

    9 min

  4. Feb 10

    Valentine Episode: Stolen Kisses and Roller Coaster Wishes

    Love is in the air (along with a bit of "Love Boat" nostalgia) as Ryan Joyce and Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy celebrate Valentine's Day on the Elora Fergus Podcast . Whether you're celebrating a 76-year marriage or just trying to survive a first date, Valentine's Day is almost here! In this episode: Sweet Memories: We talk about the "worst candies on the planet"—those chalky conversation hearts—and the childhood thrill of handing out Care Bears cards in the classroom . The Cinnamon Heart Tradition: Barb shares a heartwarming memory of the plastic hearts her mother filled with tiny cinnamon treats every single year . Memorable Dating Disasters: * Barb recounts a date with a Porsche salesman that ended with both of them "feeling sick" only to run into each other at the bar an hour later . Ryan shares a "romantic" (and slightly startling) story involving a Spanish accent and a broken glass. Join the Fun: What is your most memorable date story? Tell us on Facebook or Instagram! Barb might even dig out some 30-year-old cinnamon hearts for the best story (don't worry, they never change form!) .

    8 min

  5. Feb 3

    Saving the Tooth of Time: The Wild True Story Behind Elora's Most Iconic Landmark

    What if one of Elora's most famous natural landmarks almost disappeared forever—and was saved by an Italian explosives expert who refused to blow it up? In this episode, Pat Mestern returns to unveil the dramatic, little-known history behind the Tooth of Time. What You'll Learn The surprising tale of TWO "Teeth of Time"—one in Fergus and one in Elora (and what happened to each). Why the Elora Tooth of Time was nearly destroyed in 1903, and the unlikely hero who stepped in to save it. The dangerous, high-stakes repair job completed in just two weeks using ropes, aging trees, and daring crews. How First Nations peoples used the area as a traditional meeting place long before settlers arrived. The Tooth's ongoing legacy, from early repairs through major reinforcements in 1927 and 1980. Rare stories of people climbing and standing on the Tooth when water levels were low. Why this landmark remains one of the most photographed and beloved symbols of Elora today. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave your feedback at eloraferguspodcast.com. Your support helps us keep celebrating the stories that shape our community!

    9 min

  6. Jan 20

    Medicine, Mystery & Local Lore: The Life of Dr. Groves

    What if one of Fergus' most respected doctors also had one of its most shocking secrets? In this episode of the Elora Fergus Podcast, Ryan and Barb sit down with beloved local historian Pat Mestern, who brings to life the remarkable — and sometimes unbelievable — story of Dr. Abraham Groves, one of Canada's early medical pioneers and one of Fergus' most unforgettable characters. Join us as Pat shares rich memories, family stories, and firsthand historical details you won't hear anywhere else. Biggest Takeaways Who is Pat Mestern? How Fergus' most celebrated historian was destined for this work since childhood — and the mentor who set her on the path. What Fergus looked like decades ago - Pat paints a vivid picture of the town before restaurants, developments, and even paved roads. The extraordinary career of Dr. Groves - Including his role in one of the first appendectomies in North America, his innovations in hygiene, and his surprising approach to transportation. Fergus' own medical pioneer - His mill, his private hospital, and his early experiments with electricity. The controversial side of history - The truth about body snatching, autopsies at the poor house, and the local story many still whisper about. Personal stories from Pat's family - How her grandmother's friendship with Dr. Groves offers rare insight into his personality, compassion, and tragedies. Unexpected quirks - From a pet alligator to his unforgettable wagon — the details that make Dr. Groves larger than life. 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts at eloraferguspodcast.com.

    13 min

  7. Jan 8

    Addie's Legacy: Love, Loss, and the Fight for a Sarcoma Cure

    What does it look like to turn unimaginable loss into lasting impact? In this deeply moving episode of the Elora Fergus Podcast, Ryan and Barb sit down with Jessica Hill — mother, community advocate, and founder of Team Addy — to honour the life of her daughter Addison (Addie) and share the powerful journey that followed her diagnosis with a rare childhood cancer. This conversation is filled with love, grief, resilience, and hope — and it's one you won't soon forget. In this episode, you'll hear about:  • Addie's incredible spirit, compassion, and strength during her nine-month battle with angiosarcoma • How a missed diagnosis led Jessica to become a fierce advocate for biopsies and early detection • What sarcoma is — and why awareness and funding are still urgently needed • How Team Addy has raised over $800,000 in just three years to support childhood cancer research • The community events, concerts, and grassroots efforts powering real change • Why "no one fights alone" is more than a saying — it's a movement This episode is a tribute to a remarkable young person and a reminder of what's possible when love fuels action.   💛 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share, and leave your feedback at eloraferguspodcast.com — your support helps us continue telling the stories that matter most in our community.

    12 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    The Lost Mammoth of Fergus: Pat Mestern Unearths a Local Mystery

    What if a nearly complete mammoth skeleton was discovered in Fergus… and then deliberately reburied — its location still unknown today? Local historian Pat Mestern joins Ryan and Barb for a jaw-dropping journey into one of the region's most mysterious and fascinating historical tales. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The unbelievable story of the mammoth (or mastodon!) skeleton discovered on the Allerdice farm Why the bones were secretly reburied — and why no one can find them today How a bottomless bog, vanishing deer, and an ancient gorge tie into the mystery Why crucial family journals and letters holding the story disappeared What Pat uncovered while researching James Webster, Thomas Young, and early Fergus history The strange connections between kettle lakes, shifting soil, and prehistoric creatures If you love local lore, historical puzzles, or tales that make you say "Wait… WHAT?" — this episode is for you.   Enjoying the show? Subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts at eloraferguspodcast.com — your feedback helps us uncover even more local stories!

    10 min
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About

Welcome to the Elora Fergus Podcast! Want to feel more connected to the place you call home? This is our essential source for on-demand community information in Fergus, Elora, and the surrounding areas. Each short episode is packed with local stories, things to do, behind-the-scenes insights, and need-to-know news. We're here to keep you connected to the people and events that make our towns special, from the biggest festivals to the hidden gems only a local would know.

Information

  • Creator
    Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Theatrix International Inc.
  • Show Website
    Elora Fergus Podcast