The Lincoln Local

Municipal elections have a direct impact on the roads you drive, the parks you enjoy, the services you rely on, and the future of our community. In this episode of The Lincoln Local, hosts Sara Wilde and Stephanie Hicks sit down with Town Clerk Julie Kirkelos and Deputy Clerk Linsey Comley to break down everything residents need to know about the 2026 Town of Lincoln Municipal Election.
Whether you're planning to vote, interested in working the election, or considering running for office, this episode covers key dates, voting options, candidate information, and how you can play a role in shaping Lincoln's future.
In this episode:
 Why municipal elections matter 
 How and where to vote 
 Online and advance voting options 
 Working the election as a paid election official 
 What it takes to run for Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee 
 Important deadlines you don't want to miss 
Key Election Dates
📍 August 12 – Last day to register or update your information through Register to Vote Ontario
📍 August 21 (2:00 p.m.) – Candidate nomination deadline
📍 August 24 – Official list of certified candidates released
📍 Late September – Voter Information Letters mailed
📍 October 7–21 – Secure online voting available
📍 October 14, 17 & 21 – Advance in-person voting at Town Hall (10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.)
📍 October 26 – Election Day (10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.)
Looking for more information?
🗳️ Town of Lincoln Municipal Election information:
lincoln.ca/Election2026
👥 Interested in becoming an Election Worker?
 Applications are open until August 30.
📧 Questions?
 Email: elections@lincoln.ca
Send us a message
Have a topic you want us to cover?
Know a local business or organization we should feature?
Visit SpeakUp Lincoln at
SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Podcast
Thanks & Credits
With support from:
Niagara Region Economic Development
The Watering Can
Second Chance Decor
Verhoef Electric

Fresh strawberries are only the beginning.
In this episode of The Lincoln Local, hosts Sara Wilde and Stephanie Hicks sit down with Jeff Tigchelaar of Tigchelaar Berry Farms and Julia Boekestyn of The Red Barn Farm Market & Bakery to explore the journey from field to farm market—and eventually to pies, pastries and frozen yogurt.
Jeff shares how generations of farming experience, innovative growing methods and Lincoln's unique microclimate produce some of Ontario's sweetest strawberries. Julia gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at running one of Lincoln's favourite farm markets, creating seasonal baked goods and turning local harvests into unforgettable experiences.
From strawberry fields and beneficial insects to fresh pies, froyo and community connections, this conversation celebrates the people, passion and partnerships that make Lincoln's agricultural community thrive.
Whether you're planning a summer road trip, looking for fresh local produce or simply love hearing the stories behind the food on your table, this episode is packed with local flavour.
Learn More
🍓 Tigchelaar Berry Farms
https://tigchelaarberries.com
🥧 Red Barn Farm Market & Bakery
https://www.theredbarnfarmmarket.com/
📸 Follow them on Instagram
@tigchelaarberryfarm
@theredbarnfarmmarket
Send us a message
Have a topic you want us to cover?
Know a local business or organization we should feature?
Visit SpeakUp Lincoln at
SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Podcast
Thanks & Credits
With support from:
Niagara Region Economic Development
The Watering Can
Second Chance Decor
Verhoef Electric

What does philanthropy really mean—and is it only for the wealthy?
In this episode of The Lincoln Local, we sit down with Bryan Rose, Executive Director of the Niagara Community Foundation, to explore how generosity is transforming communities across Niagara.
From surpassing $100 million in assets to supporting more than 250 local charities each year, Bryan shares how the Foundation helps fund everything from food banks and affordable housing to libraries, museums, parks, youth programs and community spaces—including projects right here in Lincoln.
We also dive into the myths surrounding philanthropy, why anyone can make a difference, and Bryan's simple but powerful philosophy of the Three T's: Time, Talent and Treasure.
Whether you're looking to volunteer, give back, or simply learn more about the incredible organizations strengthening our communities, this episode is full of inspiring stories and practical ways to get involved.
Learn more about Niagara Community Foundation
Website: https://niagaracommunityfoundation.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiagaraCF
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niagaracommunityfoundation/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/niagara-community-foundation/

💙 Remember: Everyone can make a difference through their Time, Talent or Treasure. No act of generosity is too small.
Send us a message
Have a topic you want us to cover?
Know a local business or organization we should feature?
Visit SpeakUp Lincoln at
SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Podcast
Thanks & Credits
With support from:
Niagara Region Economic Development
The Watering Can
Second Chance Decor
Verhoef Electric

This episode of The Lincoln Local, hosts Sara Wilde and Stephanie Hicks sit down with Jacquelene Del Col, owner of Tintern Road & Jack Style Collective and Zooma Caters, to celebrate 30 years of entrepreneurship, creativity, and community in Lincoln.
From her beginnings as a photographer for the Toronto Sun to designing clothing sold across Canada, Jacquelene shares the unexpected journey that led to opening one of Jordan Village's most beloved destinations.
The conversation explores:
 • The story behind Tintern Road and Jack Style Collective
 • How a fashion business inspired a culinary one
 • Building and evolving businesses over three decades
 • Why shopping local matters more than ever
 • Entrepreneurship, resilience, and adapting through change
 • The role of style in confidence and self-expression
 • The magic of Jordan Village and the Niagara Benchlands
Along the way, Jacquelene shares lessons learned from 30 years in business, stories from the pandemic, insights into customer service, and why she has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Whether you're passionate about fashion, food, entrepreneurship, or simply love supporting local businesses, this episode is packed with inspiration and community pride.
Tintern Road & Jack Style Collective
📍 3845 Main Street, Jordan Village, Ontario
🌐 Website: tinternroad.ca
📸 Instagram:
@tinternroadandjack
📘 Facebook:
Tintern Road & Jack Style Collective
Zooma Caters
🌐 Website: zoomacaters.ca
📸 Instagram:
@zoomacaters
📘 Facebook:
Zooma Caters 
Mentioned in this Episode
Jordan Village
Located in the heart of the Niagara Benchlands, Jordan Village offers boutique shopping, dining, wineries, craft beverages, heritage attractions, and scenic experiences.
Niagara Benchlands
Explore vineyards, orchards, culinary experiences, cycling routes, hiking trails, heritage sites, and charming villages throughout Lincoln.
🌐 https://www.niagarabenchlands.ca
Upcoming Dates & Celebrations
🎉 Tintern Road & Jack Style Collective celebrates 30 years in 2026
👗 50th Fashion Show
Featuring special guests and community models.
(Sold out at the time of recording.)
🛍️ New arrivals arrive weekly at Tintern Road & Jack Style Collective.
🍽️ Zooma Caters offers private dining experiences and seasonal barn dinners throughout the year.
Send us a message
Have a topic you want us to cover?
Know a local business or organization we should feature?
Visit SpeakUp Lincoln at
SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Podcast
Thanks & Credits
With support from:
Niagara Region Economic Development
The Watering Can
Second Chance Decor
Verhoef Electric

Summer is here, and Lincoln is packed with opportunities to get outside, stay active, and connect with your community.
In this episode of The Lincoln Local, Sara Wilde and Stephanie Hicks chat with Shannon McKay, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Services, about everything happening across Lincoln this summer. From parks, recreation programs, summer camps, splash pads, and swimming lessons to Seniors Month activities and Canada Day celebrations, Shannon shares how these programs help create healthy, connected communities.
You'll also hear why parks and recreation are about much more than fun, plus get the latest summer updates during Talk of the Town Tea and a lightning round featuring summer favourites, savoury s'mores, and an unexpectedly passionate conversation about oysters.
Episode Highlights
 Seniors Month and the Senior Showcase 
 Lincoln Seniors Club programs and memberships 
 Recreation and Parks Month 
 Summer camps and swimming lessons 
 Splash pads and pool openings 
 Canada Day at Charles Daley Park 
 How parks and recreation support community wellness 
 Talk of the Town Tea 
 Lightning Round: Summer Edition 
Important Dates
Senior Showcase
📅 June 3 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 Fleming Centre & Lincoln Community Centre
Senior Flag Raising
📅 June 8 | 10:30 a.m.
📍 Town Hall
AFG Pool Opens
📅 June 6
📍 4361 Central Ave., Beamsville
Jordan Lions Pool Opens
📅 Late June
📍 793 Fourth Ave., Jordan
Canada Day Celebration
📅 July 1 | 1:30–10 p.m.
📍 Charles Daley Park, Jordan
Send us a message
Have a topic you want us to cover?
Know a local business or organization we should feature?
Visit SpeakUp Lincoln at
SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Podcast
Thanks & Credits
With support from:
Niagara Region Economic Development
The Watering Can
Second Chance Decor
Verhoef Electric