The Lincoln Local

Leading Local: The Women Making It Work

• TownofLincoln • Season 1 • Episode 3

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0:00 | 30:14

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:

Opening, Hosts, And Theme

Stephanie Hicks

An English woman and a Scottish woman walk into a podcast studio.

Julie K.

And there's no tea.

Stephanie Hicks

Welcome to the Lincoln Local, a brand new podcast from the town of Lincoln. I'm Stephanie Hicks, the town's economic development officer and co-host. I focus on growth, opportunity, and community, helping people stay connected to what's happening and what's next.

Women In Civil Service Focus

Sara Wilde

And I'm Sara Wilde, the town's creative design and digital media advisor. Behind the camera, behind the design, and now behind the mic as your podcast co-host. Today's episode is a special one. In honor of International Women's Day, we're talking about women in civil service, the leadership, the impact, and what it really looks like behind the scenes at Town Hall.

Stephanie Hicks

We're joined by two incredible women who help keep this municipality running. Andrea Chambers, executive assistant to the mayor and CAO, and Julie Kirkelos, Director of Legislative, Enterprise, and Information Services and Town Clerk. Wow, that is a long title. I didn't think anybody could beat Paul Di Ianni's title, but here we are.

Sara Wilde

We'll talk career paths, breaking barriers, municipal elections, and how women can support each other in the workplace. So whether you've ever thought about running for office, working in government, or you're just curious about how it all works, this one's for you.

Stephanie Hicks

So Julie, if we rewind the clock, what was young Julie convinced she was going to be when she grew up? And how did that turn into director of legislative enterprise and information services and town clerk?

Julie K.

Well, there is a method, but I mean, young Julie was absolutely convinced she was going to be a police officer. I always knew I wanted to serve the community in a meaningful way, especially protecting vulnerable people and supporting those in need. And that drive has taken many forms over the years, to be honest, from working in municipal government to serving as a board member for Gillian's Place, where I help support women and children experiencing domestic violence. So I fill my cup in various ways, giving back in multiple capacities has always been central to who I am. What I didn't realize at the time was that public service comes in many forms. And over time I discovered that municipal government, I quickly saw that clerks often sit at the heart of democracy. You know, we support elections, ensure transparency, hold legislation, help council make informed decisions. So it may look different than wearing a badge, but really the purpose is the same: protecting the public interest and serving the community. So in many ways, I'm doing what I always wanted to do. It's just through governance instead of policing.

Stephanie Hicks

That's amazing. I think that if we could say you made the right choice, I would say that you you did make the right choice. I'm speaking twofold, my father was a police officer, and I as well at one point in life wanted to be a police officer and the daughter of a police officer. It was not advised. However, I you are fantastic at what you do in phenomenal, and I don't think we could all the things that you do for the town of Lincoln really adds up. So thank you.

Julie K.

That means a lot.

Stephanie Hicks

Yeah, we're happy you're here.

Julie K.

Yes, me too.

Sara Wilde

You work at the center of it all in the mayor's and CAO's office. What made you choose public service?

Andrea’s Route Into Public Service

Andrea C.

Well, it's a funny story. Put simply, I did not. It chose me. I'd been downsized in 2008 after returning from maternity leave and was working with some business contacts and suggested that I register with an employment agency. So I did, and eventually they had a six-week medical leave that they needed filled at the city of Hamilton, and I thought, why not? Could be interesting. And I ended up staying for five years, and during that time I met Mike, became his EA, moved with him to Lincoln when he became the CAO here, and I've just celebrated my 10th anniversary working at the town.

Stephanie Hicks

Congratulations.

Julie K.

Congratulations.

The Invisible Workload Women Carry

Stephanie Hicks

So, Julie, it's 2026. We've come a long way, but what's something women in the workplace are still navigating that maybe doesn't get talked about enough?

Julie K.

That's a great question. One that I also really have to think about, you know, just as a woman and a senior leader, I think one of the biggest things women are still navigating is the invisible workload. So the emotional labor that comes along with it. We're often the steady presence in the room. We manage projects, but you also have to manage those relationships and really the morale and sometimes even conflict. And so, you know, how do we navigate all of that professionally? The work rarely appears in a job description, and yet it profoundly shapes organizational culture, which I am a huge proponent of a healthy workplace. So beyond that, women face life stage challenges, often invisible at work, everything from mental health pressures, caregiving responsibilities, to milestones like menopause, which I have been really an advocate for, and really kind of having those conversations and being open about it. So those moments affect our energy, availability, and how we show up professionally, yet they're rarely acknowledged in traditional workplace structures. So there's also the experience of being the only woman in the room, especially at senior tables. When that happens, you're carrying not just your own perspective, but also the awareness that you may be representing many others that are not there at that table. So I've made it a priority to advocate for women in the workplace, recognizing these different challenges, offer support, whether that's open door to staff, colleagues, mentorship, or simply just being there to listen to others. We've made real progress, but progress doesn't mean work is done. And so I would say that supporting women means recognizing all the layers that they bring to the workplace, creating an environment where these layers are understood, respected, and especially valued.

Stephanie Hicks

That was beautiful as I sit here having a hot flash currently.

Sara Wilde

I was just gonna say, and look at those powerhouses of women sitting at this table. Yeah.

Stephanie Hicks

Is anyone else flashing? Because I'm definitely having a hot flash here. But no, as you were actually speaking, I got tears in my eyes because there is a huge invisible workload that I do feel women carry more than men, not only in the workplace, but also at home. Yeah. Right. So it's kind of double double duty for us in maybe not being recognized for everything that adds up to the endpoint for sure.

Julie K.

And especially, you know, all the while navigating all of those duties, but feeling the way that we're feeling, and we have no control over it. Right. And so I really think that it's so important that we need to support each other wherever we can.

Redesigning Culture And Mentorship

Sara Wilde

Speaking of support, Andrea, if you had a magic wand and could redesign workplace culture for women tomorrow, what would you change first?

Andrea C.

Uh well, I love the idea of a magic wand, but I don't think that's ever going to appear. I think the first thing would be the expectation that women have to prove themselves over and over before being seen and trusted as a leader and as someone who adds value in the workplace. Women shouldn't have to choose between ambition and family. We need workplaces where different seasons in life are respected and where stepping back temporarily doesn't mean stepping out permanently. Mentorship for me personally has played a huge part in shaping my municipal career. And when I was in Hamilton, I had some very strong female role models and advocates that exposed me to different positions and projects. In terms of professional association, this was an area that's been missing for admin professionals for the longest time. But now we have CAMEA, the Canadian Association of Municipal Executive Assistants, a national community for support, reference, and mentorship. And CAMEA is creating a space where women can see others who look like them leading successfully. It's a community for camaraderie across the country, where everybody's dealing with the same issues no matter what the size of their municipality is. And for the first time in my career, particularly in the municipal sector, I feel like our profession is being seen, validated, energized, and CAMEA is long overdue. And so as somebody who looks to other people for mentorship, somebody gave me this to bring back to this table, and that is we don't compete for a seat at the table, we just build bigger tables.

Policy Shift: Real Flexibility

Stephanie Hicks

I love that. Julie, from a policy lens, what's one shift governments could realistically make that would create meaningful change for women?

Julie K.

In one word, I would say flexibility, but real flexibility, not flexibility that quietly penalizes you for using it. I think governments can lead, by example, by embedding flexible work models into policy, performance metrics, and leadership culture. I think that means evaluating people based on outcomes, not optics. It also means recognizing different life stages, which I talked about earlier, and whether that's maternity leave, caregiving, continuing education, or personal well-being. So without derailing long-term advancement. Women can serve effectively in leadership and high responsibility roles while still balancing these life stages, but only if the system truly, truly supports them. So municipalities often talk about inclusion externally, but I think we have a great opportunity to model it internally. And luckily at the town of Lincoln, I would say that flexibility is often something that we look to and that is supported if needed. So I think that we're really lucky that way here at Lincoln. And that speaks to really our CAO that I think really kind of embodies that culture.

Stephanie Hicks

I would agree. Yeah. I would agree with that statement for sure.

Sara Wilde

Helps that he's a father of uh, you know, girls.

Julie K.

Because I think that really does lend the the to the fact of who he is and that he, you know, yes, he's a man, but I think he also he's a very involved father, right? Yeah. So I think that, you know, that's why he supports that. Because he knows what it takes to raise a family, right? Yeah.

Sara Wilde

I found that working here in the last year and a bit. I don't feel the guilt of taking I need a day to do some things at home.

Julie K.

Oh, I know.

Sara Wilde

Or whatever. I've never had that sense of guilt of taking time for myself.

Julie K.

Because that means that, you know, from the top down, that's kind of the support is getting to where it needs to be, right?

Sara Wilde

Exactly. And that yeah, it's almost like that still lingering effect too, though. Like, no, I don't feel guilt, but it's almost like, oh gosh, I'm taking this time for myself. Should I be able to do that?

Julie K.

Well, that's women's on. I think we're gonna like literally I think it's like a gene that we have, right? Yeah. Yeah.

Stephanie Hicks

The moment we like relax at home, we feel like I could have done something different with yeah, I could have put a load of laundry in. What am I doing? Like in a panic mode. It's ridiculous.

Sara Wilde

Yeah, yeah. So, Andrea, what does real support between women at work look like? Not just the LinkedIn version, the real version.

Why IWD Events Matter

Andrea C.

I think women have an instinct to know when someone needs support. I think it's that maternal nurturing that we have. Um, it often happens quietly, sending a quick note, picking up a phone, just to remind people of who they are and what they do really matters. Encouraging people to speak up and not be afraid to ask for help is the other important thing. And today I mentor other admins at the town of Lincoln and more broadly belong a group of admins across Niagara region who come together and that helps with that nurturing, mentoring, development, and growth. We're going to be hosting an annual event for International Women's Day, which brings together women from across the organization. It's an important day to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity. So sometimes what changes a career isn't necessarily a promotion, it's just someone saying, You belong here.

Stephanie Hicks

Julie, I know you've been involved with the International Women's Day staff event. How does something like that actually help or support?

Julie K.

I think events like these, International Women's Day especially, it's integral and to the organization to support our staff. And they matter because they create intentional space to celebrate each other and show up for one another. Municipal workplaces are busy, operational, deadline-driven, and service-focused. And so I think really we don't always get to pause to connect with one another. And an event like this brings women from across departments together and people who may not otherwise cross paths. So I think really it builds visibility, creates mentorship opportunities, has an ability to have an organic conversation, reminds everyone that they're not navigating any of these challenges alone, that we're in this together. And especially lifting each other up and acknowledging each other's contributions. We actively support a healthy work culture, which again I'm a huge proponent of because the culture shifts don't just happen through policy, they happen through all of these great connections and the celebrations and how we show up for one another. So you know, I'm I'm really big on lifting one another up and um having those safe spaces to discuss the issues that we're all navigating.

Stephanie Hicks

Yeah. You want to know guys? I know. You want to know the problem with this won't make the cut, but the problem with this particular podcast is everything in the we don't know what you guys are gonna say. So everything you're saying, I'm like, I've never felt so seen. But like I'm literally...

Sara Wilde

...the follow-up flow.

Stephanie Hicks

Like normally we're like, oh, that's so cool, that product, that thing. But I'm like, tell me more.

Theme, Culture, And Wider Context

Andrea C.

I love the theme every year as well as well because it makes it so much easier to build a program around whatever the international theme is. I mean, this is global, so it's not like it's just something we're doing. Everybody's doing it and everybody's talking about it. So it helps when we're planning, you know, what what are we gonna do? Who are we bringing in? Um, love the colours. Like purple seems to be the theme that everybody loves. Like same thing, CAMEA is purple, and it's like it's just I think women navigate to purple for whatever reason that might be. Bu t yeah, it's been really good to be. It's a royal colour.

Julie K.

And so it should be.

Sara Wilde

And so it should be. We should mention what the theme is for this year's International Women's Day.

Andrea C.

The theme this year is gift to gain.

Stephanie Hicks

I feel like the timing of International Women's Day with what we just saw, and I don't really want to bring politics into this, but I'm going to what we just saw with the U.S. women's hockey team. And like that was worldwide the the

Sara Wilde

...invite. Is that what you're talking about?

Stephanie Hicks

The invite to the non-invite.

Julie K.

The non-invite. Yeah.

Stephanie Hicks

The non-invite. The non-invite to the table.

Julie K.

Um and then not only that, but then to say that he would be impeached if he if he didn't. Didn't. Right. And so, you know, it's just, you know, we see so many things that are happening uh south of us that it's truly disappointing in this day and age. And that's why I'm so proud to be Canadian. But there's it just shows you, Stephanie, just how much more work there is to do. We haven't, and when you think about how long, you know, women have had the right to vote and women have, you know, come so far, and yet we're still faced with these challenges that do not affect the other gender. So, you know, I really do I really do see it. And as a as a woman who is raising a young daughter, I think we all have daughters, actually. No, except you have boys, but even more importantly,

Sara Wilde

respectful boys.

Julie K.

But respectful boys. But you know, I think that um we all have this opportunity to really kind of empower the next generation to A, be respectful, but otherwise have you have a voice, use it. And and you have these opportunities given to you. And I look at us, and there's four strong women sitting at this table, and I think that, you know, we need to really speak out more.

Sara Wilde

We're gonna need a bigger table.

Julie K.

We're gonna need a bigger table.

Encouraging Women To Run For Office

Stephanie Hicks

And a bigger mic. Julie, we're in an election year. If a woman is listening and thinking, maybe I could run, what would you say to her?

Julie K.

Oh, I get asked this quite often. And, you know, at the end of the day, I would say if you care about your community, you're already qualified to consider running or stepping into leadership. Women's voices are essential in government. And I will say that again. Women's voices are essential in government, not just as elected politicians, but in leadership decision making at every level. And, you know, I truly do believe our communities are stronger when women bring their perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table. You don't need to have all the answers before you start. What matters is a willingness to listen, learn, and serve. No one ever feels 100% ready, and that's okay. Courage often comes after you say yes. By stepping up, you're not only helping shape the community, you're opening the door for other future generations of women, showing that leadership is inclusive, achievable, and transformative. And, you know, I always say I'm here for anyone who has questions, and it's truly a pleasure to share insights and experiences that might help others on this path.

Stephanie Hicks

What's something you wish someone had told you before you started in municipal government?

Lessons From Municipal Government

Julie K.

I would say what I wish someone had told me before starting in municipal government is that it's more complex and more impactful. Decisions made at council tables shape our daily lives. And so what I wish someone had told me was that relationships matter just as much as the technical expertise. Legislation and policy, you know, that's all critical. But the trust, credibility, and collaboration are what makes the system function effectively. Sometimes you find yourself maybe in a difficult position, caught between the public, administration, or elected officials. And so those are the moments where your integrity matters the most. At the same time, you're you will encounter challenges from incivility to sharp criticism, and all of that can be pretty tough. It's part of the role, but it underscores just how important a healthy, functioning democracy is and why protecting public trust matters. Your integrity is your currency in public service, and uh that's to be guarded carefully.

Sara Wilde

I love that. Your integrity is to... say that again.

Julie K.

Your integrity is your currency in public service.

Sara Wilde

I really like that. That sits well with me. A similar question, Andrea. If you could sit across from your 22-year-old self and a cup of tea, but that's not here on the table right now. I apologize. What would you tell her?

Advice To A Younger Self

Andrea C.

My biggest disappointment being British coming to a podcast and being told to spill the tea and there's no tea being spilled here.

Julie K.

As a Scottish woman I support that thought.

Andrea C.

Wow, okay. Being someone who's always been extremely organized, I think I would say that life is a journey. You don't need to have it all figured out, and there's going to be many detours along the way. But you need to be open to where that detour might lead you. Just like my motto about travel, the best experience and learning is not from the book. It's when you see it, hear it, touch it, smell it, and taste it.

Spring Updates And Elections

Stephanie Hicks

I love that we are getting so many things to remember. Your integrity is your currency. Yes. We build bigger tables. I keep not going to have all of those, but I'm glad this is being recorded so that we can take it. That's for sure.

Sara Wilde

Okay, so there's no tea on the table, but we're gonna spill the tea.

Julie K.

Proverbial tea.

Sara Wilde

So spilling the tea, this is the part where we turn it over to you to let us in on anything upcoming at the town. Any secret you want to share? Anything fun and exciting happening this spring in Lincoln? So this is we want you to spill that tea.

Weddings, State Of The Town, And Admin Day

Julie K.

Lots of exciting things happening. So this spring, it's an exciting time, especially in an election year, as we all know. October 26, 2026 is election day. Just in case we all need that reminder. Uh so behind the scenes, the clerk's office is working hard to ensure uh an accessible, transparent, and fair election. From ballots to candidates to compliance, a dedicated team that uh works at the town of Lincoln will make it all happen. Healthy democracy initiative helps build trust, encourage participation, promote electing with respect, fostering civility and collaboration in our community. We're hearing a lot of those key words: healthy democracy as well as elect with respect. So those are two strong initiatives that are out right now that have really taken hold. And as a council, they've all really kind of endorsed that as well. And so for anyone thinking about running, there's plenty of support. As I've mentioned before, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is going to host a candidate information session in Welland on April 29th. And locally, uh, for the first time, I'll be looking to host a Lincoln candidate information night this spring. We'll cover ward boundary changes, council procedures, compliance, practical insights while highlighting respectful campaigning and leadership responsibilities. So I'm really looking forward to doing that and really making it a local initiative. Looking forward to bringing more voters out than ever before, and I encourage Participation because that is really integral. And so I really do encourage people to attend meetings, you know, to please cast your vote because every action it really does build a healthier democracy. And on a lighter note, spring is wedding season. I don't know if everybody knows, but the town of Lincoln, we do conduct civil ceremonies, celebrating couples starting their new chapters in our community. You know, I've been doing this since 2019, and we recently held a very, very successful Valentine's Day promo, and we're really hoping to highlight that, you know, we are able to conduct a wedding anywhere in the town of Lincoln. And so if you're interested in doing that, please visit our webpage for more details. Thank you.

Andrea C.

So from the mayor's office, obviously supporting another strong women in our organization. The mayor is going to be having her state of the town address on April the 29th. It's been hosted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, so I believe that tickets will be available shortly. Also, April 22nd is also an important date in the calendar. It's admin professionals day, and it's a time to say a special thank you to those quiet, thoughtful, strategic individuals that sit behind the scenes but who just do such fantastic work in making sure that you know this municipal office, this municipal town stays functioning. So I want to shout out to all of my admin professional colleagues, no matter where they are.

Sara Wilde

And yourself.

Andrea C.

Oh, thanks.

Sara Wilde

Little pat on the back there.

Julie K.

We can't do it without you.

Sara Wilde

That's so true. Thank you.

Mayor’s Golf Tournament And Community

Stephanie Hicks

No, definitely not. Also, isn't there the mayor's golf tournament?

Andrea C.

Yeah, that's coming up in the summer. So that'll be happening on June the 10th. We just opened up registration uh this week, so you can find out more information on the Mayor's Golf Tournament through the town website. So yeah, we hope to see everybody come out. We've raised a lot of money over the last few years, and it's always great to be able to give back to uh people that work and support our community of residents.

Stephanie Hicks

Perfect. I love talking about warmer weather things. Me too.

Sara Wilde

Since there's no tea on the table to warm you up.

Stephanie Hicks

Yes. There's no tea. We're never gonna live this down. Just so everybody's aware. The next time you guys come on the podcast, we're just gonna have so many varieties of tea.

Sara Wilde

Which flavor would you like? So just small.

Lightning Round

Stephanie Hicks

This is the lightning round where we kind of ask you this or that questions, or even just a question that you give a kind of quick whatever comes to your mind, answer.

Julie K.

I live for this game.

Stephanie Hicks

You live for it. Okay, I love this. Okay. Julie, policy writing or public speaking?

Julie K.

Public speaking.

Sara Wilde

Andrea, strategic plan or quick win.

Andrea C.

Quick win.

Sara Wilde

Especially lately with all your quick wins. Yeah, I knew you're gonna answer that.

Stephanie Hicks

Uh big picture vision or detailed implementation.

Julie K.

Man.

Stephanie Hicks

I struggled saying it.

Julie K.

So I'm going to say because I have slight OCD, it's going to be the detailed implementation.

Sara Wilde

Okay. Andrea, who's the best proofreader in the universe, red pen edits or track changes in Word.

Andrea C.

Red pen edits. Ooh. You know my theory about proofing?

Sara Wilde

It's from back to front. You taught me that.

Andrea C.

Yeah, because everybody reads a document like they're reading a book. And by the time you get halfway through, you miss everything on the back end. And so many, many years ago, when I was starting out doing some proofreading, one of the things that I did was I literally flipped over the book and started at the back cover. And sure enough, that's where all of the mistakes are still there. And I still do that today. Every time you give me something to prove, it's the first thing I do is flip it over.

Sara Wilde

Yeah, and I can vouch for this because we have given Andrea stuff that 10 people have looked over, let's just say, and she will find stuff. It works, it really does.

Stephanie Hicks

Okay. It's a hot tip. I like that. Julie, start early or work late.

Julie K.

Work late.

Sara Wilde

Desk snacks or lunch out?

Andrea C.

Desk snacks.

Sara Wilde

Julie. Oh ... She's like taking a lunch is what you're doing.

Julie K.

If you I really do enjoy when we go for lunch.

Andrea C.

Yes, but we don't go every day. And so we survive these desk snacks.

Stephanie Hicks

Let me let me rephrase the question. Desk snacks or lunch with Julie?

Andrea C.

Lunch with Julie.

Julie K.

It's always gonna be an adventure.

Julie K.

And if you're not my direction on Waze, for sure we're gonna get lost.

Andrea C.

And we wouldn't get there on time if Julie wasn't driving.

Julie K.

Yeah.

Stephanie Hicks

Okay. Julie. Calendar reminders or mental notes?

Julie K.

Oh, calendar reminders. I'm in menopause. My mental capacity has it's left the building.

Sara Wilde

Andrea, quiet office or background chatter? I think it depends on the situation.

Andrea C.

Uh background chatter.

Julie K.

Yeah, I don't think you've ever had a quiet office where you are.

Sara Wilde

Yeah, that's so true.

Andrea C.

I don't actually know what I would do with a quiet office. And I have to say, when people are not there, I actually turn the radio on because I think I need that background noise. And I think it comes from growing up. I could never study for an exam without listening to some music. So yeah, definitely quiet is not gonna roll with me. Okay.

Stephanie Hicks

What's your favorite chocolate bar?

Andrea C.

Galaxy.

Stephanie Hicks

Galaxy?

Sara Wilde

It's a British thing.

Stephanie Hicks

Cadbury?

Andrea C.

No.

Stephanie Hicks

What is Galaxy?

Andrea C.

Cadbury is dairy milk. Galaxy is something so much smoother and better.

Stephanie Hicks

Is it solid? Like is it a milk chocolate?

Andrea C.

Yeah, yeah. It's milk chocolate. It's creamy.

Stephanie Hicks

Is it out of this world?

Julie K.

I love that.

Stephanie Hicks

Everyone knows me as being the cheesiest podcast person. I'm so punny.

Julie K.

I'm gonna tell you neither. So...

Sara Wilde

...you're not a chocolate person? No. I'm literally a chip.

Stephanie Hicks

Okay, or give me a salty. What's your favorite?

Julie K.

Yeah. Uh Dill Pickle.

Sara Wilde

Her my last email or just circling back.

Andrea C.

Just circling back. Yeah.

Julie K.

Circling back. Even though I can't stand either. Yeah. Either one of those.

Sara Wilde

It would actually be just following up. Yeah, just following up. Yeah. Friendly reminder.

Stephanie Hicks

Or top of your inbox.

Julie K.

Top of your inbox.

Stephanie Hicks

It's just like a drinking game. How many we can go around?

Julie K.

I just feel like per my last email is so, you know,

Sara Wilde

it's jabby.

Julie K.

Yeah. Or like a hand slap. You know what I mean?

Sara Wilde

How dare you not pay attention to me.

Andrea C.

Just like in the English dictionary, per shouldn't be there.

Closing, Resources, And Sponsors

Stephanie Hicks

So that brings us to the end of this episode. A huge thank you to Andrea and Julie for joining us in everything you do for the town of Lincoln. And a thank you to all women working behind the scenes in municipal government and beyond helping our communities thrive.

Sara Wilde

And if you're curious about running in this year's municipal election or getting involved in your community, check out the links in our show notes.

Amanda - Gillian's Place

For over 45 years, Gillian's Place has been providing safe refuge and support programs in an effort to end gender-based violence in North and West Niagara. We are more than safe shelter. Our team provides confidential services such as outreach counseling, legal advice, and transitional housing support for women, children, and gender and sexually diverse individuals. If you need to speak with someone safe, please call or text our 24-7 support line at 905-684-8331. To learn more about Gillian's Place and our work, please visit GilliansPlace.com.

Stephanie Hicks

That's all for today's episode of the Lincoln Local. Thank you to our sponsors Niagara Region Economic Development, the Watering Can, Second Chance Decor, and Verhoof Electric.

Sara Wilde

New episodes drop twice a month and will be shared through the town's social media channels.

Stephanie Hicks

And if there's a topic or local business you'd like us to feature, visit speakuplincoln.ca backslash podcast. Don't miss the next Talk of the Town.

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Sara Wilde

Co-host
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Stephanie Hicks

Co-host