The Lincoln Local

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...

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 t...

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...

What happens when two wine-loving friends turn their passion for Niagara Benchlands into a business? 🍷 In this episode of The Lincoln Local , hosts Sara Wilde and Stephanie Hicks sit down with Jennifer Pratt and Graham Cocking — the husband-and-wife duo behind Crush on Niagara Wine Tours. From hidden gem wineries and private curated tours to the realities of building a tourism business together a...

When was the last time you actually went to a museum… not on a school trip, not because you had to—but because you wanted to? With May being Museum Month across Ontario , we’re taking you inside one of Lincoln’s most meaningful (and surprisingly fun) spaces—the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre. And trust us… it’s not what you think. In this episode of The Lincoln Local , we sit down with: • Oliv...

As winter fades and the “Big Melt” reveals what’s been hidden beneath the snow, this episode of Lincoln Local explores how one community is turning an annual problem into a powerful opportunity. Featuring Jennifer Blackledge, Executive Director of the Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA, the conversation dives into the Downtown Tidy , an Earth Day initiative that brings together students, local business...

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 opportu...

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...

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...

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-flavoure...

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 th...