The Lincoln Local

What do trees, climate change, and your daily life in Lincoln all have in common? 
In this episode of The Lincoln Local, we’re joined by Adam Kelly (Town of Lincoln) and Dr. Alicia Powell (Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority) to break down how local action is shaping a greener, more resilient future.
From tree canopy protection and climate planning to community programs and volunteer opportunities, we explore what’s happening behind the scenes—and how you can be part of it.
🌿 What We Talk About
What climate change actually means (locally)
Why tree canopy matters more than you think
Lincoln’s new Private Property Tree Bylaw
Climate mitigation vs. adaptation (made simple)
How environmental work impacts your daily life
Easy ways to get involved in your community
🍵 Talk of the Town (Events & Updates)
Earth Week (April):
Community cleanups across Lincoln
EcoFest – April 25 at the Fleming Centre including a tree giveaway (pay-what-you-can)
Upcoming Events:
Candidate Information Night – April 16, 6 PM (Town of Lincoln)
Ball’s Falls Heritage Days – July 19 & August 9
Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival – October 9–12
🌱 Get Involved
Volunteer, plant, or learn more:
NPCA: https://npca.ca/volunteer
NPCA Foundation: https://npcf.ca
Follow NPCA: @npca_ontario
🌿 Community Highlight: First Beamsville Scouting
Pasta Fundraiser – April 11 (5–7 PM)
Environmental projects + trail cleanups this spring
Learn more:
https://scouts.ca
[email protected]
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 celebrates International Women’s Day with two women entrepreneurs who are helping shape Lincoln — through food, wellness, and community.
First, we sit down with Sharon, owner of Butcher and Banker, who shares the remarkable story behind one of Lincoln’s favourite local restaurants. Along the way, she shares the philosophy behind her menu — comfort food made with intention. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek at the St. Patrick’s Day lineup that will have your heart (and appetite) ready to celebrate.
Then we slow things down.
Jillian, owner of The Yoga Vine Integrated Health Studio and Chair of the Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA, guides us through a simple box breathing exercise that can calm the mind in just four counts. Her story is one of courage, clarity and intention — building a women-led wellness studio rooted in collaboration and community.
If you love stories of grit, generosity, and the everyday moments that build community, pull up a chair and join the conversation.
Businesses Featured in This Episode
Butcher and Banker
4520 Ontario St, Beamsville
butcherandbanker.ca
The Yoga Vine Integrated Health Studio
4973 King St, Beamsville
Instagram: @theyogavine_niagara
theyogavine.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

This International Women’s Day, we’re pulling back the curtain on local government and the women who quietly keep democracy moving.
 Julie Kirkelos, Director of Legislative, Enterprise and Information Services and Town Clerk, and Andrea Chambers, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and CAO, take us inside Town Hall to talk about the kind of leadership that shapes your everyday life.
We get real about the invisible load women carry: emotional labour, caregiving, menopause, and sometimes being the only woman at the senior table, while delivering excellence. We say the quiet parts out loud. And we talk solutions.
This isn’t just a conversation – it’s a roadmap...
If you care about your community, or you’re ready to lead in it, this episode will give you the language, clarity, and confidence to engage or step up.
Episode Links & Resources
If today’s conversation inspired you to get involved, run for office, or attend an upcoming event, here are the dates and links mentioned in this episode:
Municipal Election Day – October 26, 2026
Learn more about running, voting, and important deadlines.

Ministry Candidate Information Session – April 29, 2026 (Welland)
Hosted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Lincoln Candidate Information Night (Spring 2026)
Details coming soon - keep an eye on the Town's social media accounts for the announcement.
Mayor’s State of the Town – April 29, 2026
Hosted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Administrative Professionals Day – April 22, 2026
Mayor’s Golf Tournament – June 10, 2026
Registration now open
Civil Wedding Ceremonies in Lincoln
Planning your big day? Learn more here

Organizations Mentioned
International Women’s Day
This year’s theme: Gift to Gain
CAMEA – Canadian Association of Municipal Executive Assistants
Gillian’s Place
Providing safe refuge and support in North and West Niagara for over 45 years. 24/7 Support Line: 905-684-8331

Healthy Democracy Initiative & Elect With Respect
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

A quick heads-up: we recorded this episode with a bit of real-life chaos—thanks to some technical gremlins, we were down one microphone. The conversation (and laughs) were too good not to share anyway, and we hope you’ll forgive the occasional audio quirk in favour of keeping it honest and human. 💛

Love isn’t a checklist—it’s a vibe. And in Lincoln, it’s handcrafted.
For this Valentine’s-flavoured episode, we dive into The Perfect Pairings that make February feel thoughtful, indulgent, and unmistakably local. From the sugar-warm air and blink-and-they’re-gone strawberry cream donuts at Beamsville Bakery, to modern, anything-but-boring bouquets from The Watering Can, we explore how small businesses turn classic Valentine’s staples into something personal. Ben dishes on the bakery rush, the prep chaos, and why fan-favourite donuts vanish in hours. Sue breaks down why mixed bouquets, dusty pinks, peaches, and soft reds are stealing hearts—and how even last-minute shoppers leave with something that feels intentional, not panic-bought.
Then we uncork the romance. At Fielding Estate Winery, Heidi shares why sparkling wine is celebration in a glass, while the team at Upper Canada Cheese helps us build boards that actually work—creamy comfort cheeses with bright bubbles, salty aged cheddars with luscious icewine, and why cider deserves more love at the table. Along the way, Margaret demystifies artisan cheese, from Guernsey milk richness to cave aging and the patience it takes to turn milk into magic.
And because no Valentine’s episode is complete without a love story, we end with one rooted right here in Lincoln. Heidi and Curtis Fielding share how a gala tasting turned into a life together, why the best date nights are often the simplest, and how local food, wine, and places turn ordinary moments into memories.
The thread through it all? Connection, craft, and community. That’s The Perfect Pairings—and how Lincoln turns February into something warm, delicious, and real.
If you loved this episode, follow the show, share it with someone who loves local, and tell us: what’s your perfect pairing this year? 💕🍷🍩
🌸 Featured Lincoln Local Businesses
🌿 The Watering Can Pastry Market
📍 3725 King St, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewateringcan
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewateringcan

🥐 Beamsville Bakery
📍 4966 King St E, Beamsville, ON L3J 0R5
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beamsvillebakery

🧀 Upper Canada Cheese Company
📍 4159 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uppercanadacheese
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uppercanadacheese

🍷 Fielding Estate Winery
📍 4020 Locust Ln, Lincoln, ON L3J 2B5
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldingwinery
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

Pull up a chair and meet the people behind town hall. We’re kicking off Lincoln Local with a candid, energetic conversation that strips away jargon and brings you inside the decisions, services, and stories shaping the Town of Lincoln.

We introduce the vision for Lincoln Local with our CAO, Michael Kirkopoulos, and Director of Economic Development, Paul Di Ianni. The goal is simple: build trust through plain talk and substance. You’ll hear why transparency matters, how we plan to share both good news and tough trade-offs, and what “demystifying government” looks like when we unpack costs, timelines, and the real constraints behind council decisions. We also map out our release rhythm—two episodes a month—balancing deep dives into municipal services with spotlights on the businesses that power local jobs and pride.

Economic development takes centre stage as we explore the diverse engine of Lincoln’s economy—from tourism and craft beverage to accommodation, health, and wellness. Paul shares why employer stories matter, how new investment takes shape, and what makes a small town resilient. Michael offers an update on the future Lincoln Community Hub at the former Beamsville District Secondary School, including early programming and what’s coming as we align plans with community input. Along the way, we keep it human with some light quick-fire questions, a little friendly rivalry, and a reminder that public service is done by neighbours who care.

Most importantly, this show is a two-way conversation. We want your ideas, your questions, and your guest suggestions to guide what we cover next. Tell us what you’re curious about and which local businesses deserve the mic at SpeakUpLincoln.ca/podcast. If you enjoyed this launch, follow the show, share it with a neighbour, and leave a review so more people in Lincoln can find it and join the conversation. New episodes drop twice a month. Don't miss the next talk of the town!
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