An open discussion with the mayor about tax increases
Most Tillsonburg residents were shocked when they opened their tax bills last month and saw a larger-than-expected increase.
The increases equate to $247.53 on a house assessed at $237,000. This is the median assessment for Tillsonburg, and do note it is assessed value through MPAC, not the value on the market today. Breaking the increase down on the median value, the increase is $96.25 for Tillsonburg and $151.28 for county taxes.
Renato Pullia, Tillsonburg Interim Director of Finance/Treasurer, said many municipalities had high preliminary budgets. She said increasing costs in health care, homelessness, infrastructure renewal and growth, inflationary pressures on goods such as sand and salt and construction are all contributing factors.
“Even for us, most of our tendered projects over the last few years have come in 30-40 per cent over budget,” he said.
Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy, the town’s representative on county council, discussed the changes with The Post via an e-mail question and answer.
TP Tillsonburg residents received a shock when they opened their tax bills and many were upset. Can you share their feelings?
DG To say I am upset would be a huge understatement as I was and still am devastated by the passing of this budget. I left the building in Woodstock that day with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes knowing the negative impact it would have on budgets for households, industry and commercial spaces. And this is why I could not support it.
FIREFIGHTERS STEAK BARBECUE
Legion celebrates 95 years
frequented the club room.
A bit of the past, along with the present, were part of the 95th anniversary celebrations for the Tillsonburg Legion on Sept. 28.
An open house was held with several guest speakers talking about the Legion.
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman spoke of the original purpose of the Legion.
“The purpose of the Legion when it was built was as a place for veterans that needed a place to get together and talk,” said Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman.
Tillsonburg Deputy Mayor Dave Beres, who is a Legion member, recalls when he first joined and the veterans who
“They had this camaraderie we didn’t understand,” he said. “Veterans only wanted to talk to other veterans about what they experienced.”
Beres also recalled the Tillsonburg Legion’s 50th anniversary, an event held in the former tobacco auction exchange, and the 3,000 people it drew.
Legion District B Commander Jack Gemmell also spoke of the original need for veterans needing a place to talk 95 years ago. With changes over the years, associate members who were a relative of a veteran were allowed to join as well as affiliate members who didn’t have a connection to the military.
“The only thing that didn’t change was the dedication of our members,” he said. “They took care of the veterans and the community.”
JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tillsonburg firefighters annual steak barbecue was an outstanding success, with about 450 people attending. Proceeds from the event are donated to various community causes, including the food bank, Sakura House, muscular dystrophy, a camp for burn victims, a high school bursary and the firefighters Christmas hamper program.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Legion celebrates 95 years
Legion president Dianne Hodges spoke of the generosity of the community in supporting the Legion. She pointed to the recent repaving of the parking lot, which was needed for aesthetics and safety, and how businesses pitched in for the $125,000 cost.
The day was also the ribbon cutting of the newly revamped clubroom, which was possible due to a New Horizons grant, which Hodges gave Hardeman credit for assisting with.
Tillsonburg Branch history
Legion Branch 153 was chartered in 1929, with Dr. R.E. Weston as the first president. In the early years, the Legion met in a variety of rented facilities. Then, after the Second
World War, member numbers jumped from 70 to 170 in a year. A home was purchased at 30 Lisgar Ave as the first permanent Legion building in town. It was named Varnavair, a composite of veterans, army, navy and air force, that was thought of by George Hollier Sr.
The Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed in 1952. Changes in the Royal Canadian Legion membership structure in the 1960s allowed social and affiliate memberships. With the increased membership numbers, planning started for a larger facility in the current location on Durham Street. Construction started in 1969 and the building was opened in 1970.
Council receives insight into hospital integration
Tillsonburg council members received a glimpse into what hospital health care will look like after integration of Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and Alexandra Hospital in Ingersoll (AHI).
Carrie Lewis, TDMH board chair, and Nadia Facca, integrated president/CEO of TDMH
and AHI made a presentation to council at the Sept. 23 meeting outlining the integration process, and what it will mean for patients and local health care.
“Integration means that our two hospitals are coming together as one organization,” Lewis said.
The journey to integration started more than a decade ago when the two hospitals started sharing a CEO/president. The final goal is to have one hospital with two sites. The final application for the change was approved by the board in May and the application was just sent in to the Ministry of Health.
The entire process has been voluntary. “We believe that working together has allowed us to have a stronger presence in the larger health care system and will continue to allow us to have a stronger presence in the future,” Lewis said. Throughout the process, several non-negotiables have been identified, including the fact that both hospitals will retain their own site and foundation.
A set of guiding principles has been followed by the boards during the intengration. These include:
• Keep patient care first and foremost
• Inform and engage staff and physicians through the process and ensure they understand
• Focus on the benefits of increasing capacity vs. closing hospitals
• Make decisions that sustain our hospitals in our communities
• Establish a clear communication plan and know our ‘why’ throughout this journey, anchored on transparency
Rob Koppert
Broker of Record/Owner
Legion President Dianne Hodges talked of the support of the community during an open house as Tillsonburg Legion Branch 153 celebrated its 95th anniversary on Saturday. When the branch was formed in 1929, there were 27 members. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Tillsonburg Legion President Dianne Hodges, left, and Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary president Betty Davies cut the cake for the branch’s 95th anniversary. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
JEFF HELSDON Local Journaism Initiative Reporter
Was the county tax increase jusitifiable
Many Tillsonburg residents were shocked when they opened their tax bills a couple of months ago to find substantial increases.
The increase equates to nearly $250 on the median home in Tillsonburg so it’s no wonder residents were shocked. Many expressed their frustration on local Facebook groups.
The largest driver of the increase is a 16.7 per cent hike in the Oxford County portion of the tax bill. Let that sink in – 16.7 per cent increase in taxes. When is that ever okay?
Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy, the town’s representative on county council, voted against the increase and believed more
could have been done to trim the increase. But, she is just one voice and the majority of county councillors didn’t agree. However, more shocking are the results of a survey on the county budget that ran in today’s Post. The majority, or 62 per cent, of the 1,136 people surveyed said the value they received for their county tax dollars is fair or good. The question was not if a 16 per cent increase was justified, but still if there are huge increases, it leads one to believe the “value received” is not good. Is the public really not paying attention?
The county budget pro -
cess is not a secretive one, but it could be called a little clunky. Budget talks are open to the public, but are more than a day long and are held months ahead of when the increase is actually seen. It’s hard to imagine a way to improve the process itself, but it’s apparent the public is not engaged except with the short-term rage that occurs when opening the first bill with the increase. Budget talks start soon for the county. Pay attention, stay tuned and express your opinion, not only to your local representative, but to those who are going to vote in a manner you disagree with.
A member of the Tillson family comes to town
THE
Thomas George Tillson, and wife Linda who live in Florida, visited Annandale National Historic Site, on Friday, Sept. 13 with friends from Detroit.
Tom is a three-times great-grandson of the town’s founders, George and Nancy Tillson. Any Tillson from any branch is welcomed with open arms.
Who is Thomas George Tillson? In 1825, George Tillson had been scouting the Otter Creek for lots, water privileges, and swamps for bog iron for the Bloomery Furnace he would build. His travel notes show his March 12 trek to his purchased land, that he set up camp, got the forge running and before wife Nancy Barker and the kids came, he built a log cabin.
Nancy arrived with five of her eight children, through the bush, walking from Normandale. Not with her that day was the eldest Harriet, who in January, at the age of 15 married to Benjamin VanNorman in Nor-
mandale and was pregnant. Although Ben had helped George find, buy and set up in Dereham Forge, they did not move with their family until the mid-1830s.
With Nancy was Hannah, 12 the first son, George Barker [G.B.], 8 and Tamsen Sophronia, 7. These children had been born in Maine. Mary Ann was born in Winfield NY. With them, Edwin Delevan, a baby in arms born March 26 in Normandale. Later, Catherine Marilla, Benjamin VanNorman Tillson and Nancy Jane were born in Dereham Forge.
G.B. had already moved from Maine to New York, where once again his dad worked in a forge and Nancy tended the house, children and farm. Once a child could walk, they would begin to help. The older girls cared for the younger. In 1823 they are off to Normandale where father worked in the furnace there but had not yet built a dwelling for them! Two years later they moved to a place on the Otter Creek in Dereham Township- the future site of Tillsonburg - for George’s own forge! After setting up the camp, and forge, hiring workers, most likely while living in shanties but George manage to build the first log cabin for his family and hire a girl for Nancy. The goal of pioneers was to survive. Clearing trees, some 200-plus feet tall which provided their shelter, warmth and flora and fauna for eating. The Otter Creek provided survival water, food; otters, fish, frogs, even bullrushes that could be eaten when new and could be used as insulation when poofy. The creek provided transportation and turned the
water wheel to run the forge. G.B. at eight, would not have been treated like a child today. He would have worked hard with his father, in the forge, perhaps collecting bog iron from the swampy areas, clearing land, and hunting.
A Jun 28, 1905, article found in the Tillson Scrapbook noted: “Eventually the back-breaking work of clearing the land would have lessened. The settlement grew and George along with it.”
G.B. would aspire to be his own man, stepping away from assisting his father to start his own business. In fact, his first enterprise was a chair factory and turning lathe, both spin offs from his father’s saws mill and certainly necessary in pioneer life.
At 34 yrs, in 1851 G.B. married Louisa E. Conat and started their seven-children family. By the 1860’s the village was growing quickly. Stores sprang up selling every luxury imaginable and by now George had enough money to purchase luxuries for his family, like a $2 mirror from W.S. Law’s store.
Founder George died in 1864 and G.B., continue his father’s road building efforts and finish connecting Tillsonburg to the surrounding area.
G.B. acquired and sold various lots around town over his lifetime, doing quite well. The 1881 census listed George as a ‘gentleman’ [retired] and Louisa as operating a boarding house. Besides their three children, there were 11 other people living with them. Alas the census shows him with an unsound mind.
Their eldest child was Stephen Tillson, born in 1852. At 19 years of age, the 1871 the Tillsonburg Observer noted Stephen lost his left hand when the saw pulled the wood and hand forward, which was cut off across the middle of the palm. Dr. Joy amputated the limb and ‘the lad is now doing well.’
Stephen married Tamsen Fannie Fry, having five children in including Ivan Gladstone Tillson who swerved in WW1 and the RAF. Ivan married Anne May Bruce, an Irish Catholic, which did separate the family for some time. He was also a very talent musician in Chicago and area was known as Jack [Boogie Woogie] Tillson. Ivan became a naturalized citizen in 1950 and was living in West Chicago on a five-acre turkey farm until he died in 1958. They had two children, the eldest John Bruce Tillson, whose son was Thomas George Tillson.
Tom was born disfigured and suffered a childhood of yearly surgeries and pain, to correct the problems. It was a very difficult time for the whole family [no OHIP] and one income. Not fitting in with society’s physical normals, can be emotionally and self-confidence destroying. But Thomas George Tillson is from good Tillson pioneer stalk, a pioneer of his times, to survive, overcoming effects of disfiguring disability, building his life working, marrying Linda and having 3 children. He came to Tillsonburg as an author of a book of his journey called “Facing Myself”. An inspiration to read and personally for me, to know I was not alone suffering as a child.
LAUREL A. BEECHEY Tillsonburg Post Columnist
STAGE IS THE WORLD
October is harvest time
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Spencer releases new book
JEFF HELSDON Editor
Tillsonburg resident Kelly Spencer wears many hats – business owner, councillor, author – and now is adding book publisher to her portfolio. She will be signing her latest book, and the first published under her new publishing house, this Saturday.
The book signing for her new book The Hole in My Soul, From Spiritual Bankruptcy to Spiritual Abundance, is this Oct. 5 at the Salvation Army Church on Concession Street West from 2:30 to 4 p.m. This is one of many book signings across Southwestern Ontario for the new book.
The book is centred around the story of Spencer’s aunt, Bev Thomson, who is 91, and lived in London most of her life. It evolved from conversations Spencer had with her aunt during the pandemic about how Thomson’s father went off to fight in the Second World War when she was eight years-old. Thomson was very close to her father.
“Her father was her hero, her primary source of parental love,” Spencer said. “When he was gone for five years, it created this vacancy in her.”
Thomson didn’t understand that she was missing something, that was a hole in her soul, until she eventually filled it with alcohol much later in life. She beat alcohol addition, and was one of the founders of the Western Treatment Centre in Thamesville. Thomson won many awards for her work, including the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteers.
“It really speaks to anybody who has a void to fill in life through external sources,” Spencer said of the book, mentioning addictions such as alcohol, overeating, and over-shopping. “Her message is that ease or peace we are looking for comes from within.”
tillsonburgpost.com
This is not a religious book, but speaks more to spirituality. .
“She’s not talking about religion, but about those deeper feelings we get in life like love, hope, compassion, acceptance, and that kind of thing.”
This is Spencer’s fifth book, and is a self-help book like the others.
“It will be helpful to anybody,” she said. “We all have stress in life and have a back story. If we seek to solve life’s challenges from external sources than the external source is always variable and can be a temporary relief.”
Red Door Publishing House
Spencer’s first four books were self-published through other publishing houses. The model varied, but typically was self-financed.
“People were calling me and saying how do you publish a book,” she recounted. “Somebody suggested since I’ve done a few of them, I could assist others, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Hole in My Soul is published by Red Door.
The model for authors with Red Door is what Spencer called a hybrid model where she helps the author publish the books. The author must make an investment but Red Door provides editing, graphic design help, printing, and marketing assistance. There are already three other authors she is working with.
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
Publisher
Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com
Editor
Jeff Helsdon • jeff@granthaven.com
Graphic Design / Sales Inquiries
Stacie Eden • info@tillsonburgpost.com
Business Development
Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com
Administration
Jen Gaetan • jen@granthaven.com
Contributors
Jeff Tribe, Laurel Beechey, Debbie Kasman, Paul Knowles, Robin Krafft, Bill Pratt
Kelly Spencer will be hosting a book signing for her new book The Hole in My Soul, From Spiritual Bankruptcy to Spiritual Abundance (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Former Tillsonburg News editor and co-owner Bill Pratt, left, was one of the first to see a copy of the Tillsonburg Post as it hit the streets on Sept. 19. The paper will be available in local locations throughout town every two weeks. Tillsonburg Post publisher Stewart Grant, right, had an opportunity to meet Pratt and show him the first edition. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
An open discussion with the mayor about tax increases
I am also a taxpayer and my taxes increased significantly as well. The economy is tough right now as we have gone through a period of increased interest rates as well as skyrocketing inflation rates coming out of the pandemic. Hopefully this will start to level out, however, I don't see costs for essentials easing anywhere at this point in time. Increased fuel costs, supplies, labour costs and new regulations are all factors that affect municipalities and their budgets. That being said, governments at all levels still have to be responsible and efficient.
TP What is the breakdown of the tax increase?
DG The Town of Tillsonburg and the County of Oxford have different mill rates. It should be indicated separately on your tax bill the amount owing to the town, the county and to education. The mill is set once the budget levy rate has been determined and passed by council. The mill rate is then multiplied by your assessment to determine the amount owing. It should be noted that assessments are done by MPAC and not the town or county. MPAC is a third-party independent company. These three items are then added together to determine the total of your tax bill. Also, budget increases are not the same as levy increases. Budget increases capture user fees, grants, new growth assessments and other sources of revenue. Once those are all factored in the amount that remains “unfunded” determines the “general levy”. The general levy is the taxation revenue. The general levy at the county level increased by 16.7 per cent and the general levy by the town increased by 4.91 per cent. Education taxes saw no increase over last year. Education taxes are set by the Province of Ontario and the municipality is required to collect and remit them to the province.
TP The county increase at 16 per cent is a huge number. Can you provide a breakdown of what drove the increase?
DG With the county,
• the library levy increased $5.2 million or a 21.8 per cent increase over last year.
• Court Security and Prisoner Transportation Grant Levy
was a $72,000 increase over last year
• Southwestern Public Health Levy was a $4.3 million or a 56 per cent increase over last year
• Conservation Authorities 2024 levy was a 15.4 per cent increase over last year
New Initiatives by the County
• Conservation Authorities 2024 levy was a 15.4 per cent increase over last year
• $4 million to close funding gap for the required asset management plan
• $2.25 million increase in funding for affordable projects
• $0.5 million increase to those experiencing or at risk for homelessness
• Support 24/7 emergency shelter services in Woodstock and winter shelter in Tillsonburg
• $1.7 million increase to fund additional paramedics and emergency management services
• $0.9 million to meet new requirements under Ontario's Fixing Long Term Care Act
• $0.5 million in additional traffic calming measures
• 41 new full-time equivalent employees to maintain current service level
The biggest budget pressures for the county are: new provincial regulatory requirements; affordable housing; homelessness response; paramedic services; long term care home; public works infrastructure; inflation; growth impacting infrastructure, increased call volumes for emergency services and planning demands.
TP Do you think a huge increase like this is justifiable?
DG No, I do not and thus why I didn’t support. I believe there were new FTEs that could have been trimmed and some programs as well. I also believe the green fleet conversion, which was an item that pre-dated my time on county but does come with a significant price tag, could have been at the very least delayed and possibly reconsidered.
TP What improvements will Tillsonburg residents see for the increase in county taxes?
DG As stated above there is commitment for more affordable housing. I will be upfront
though when I say there are not enough dollars to solve this problem as the affordability crisis is a broader problem than the two lower tiers of government. Tillsonburg will see maintenance and repairs of county assets such as roads to maintain service levels. Two-and-a half wells in Tillsonburg are being repaired to bring back online. Funding for the asset management plan is critical as Tillsonburg will be seeing upgrades for both water and sewer in the years to come which has been identified in the new County of Oxford Water and Wastewater Master Plan. A new crosswalk was installed on North Street and planning is underway for a crosswalk on Tillson Avenue by Annandale School. Things you won’t see are planning for road reconstruction and sewer and water upgrades that will be taking place in the future.
TP The Tillsonburg increase at five per cent is also larger than normal. What drove this increase?
The larger-than-normal 4.91 per cent tax increase in Tillsonburg for 2024 is driven primarily by several factors:
• Infrastructure Needs: A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to addressing the town's aging infrastructure. The town is investing in essential projects like road reconstruction and culvert replacements to maintain and improve the local infrastructure, which requires considerable funding.
• Rising costs: The town is facing increased costs in supplies, labour, and interest
rates. These factors are affecting municipalities across the region, leading to higher budgets to cover these escalating expenses.
• Capital Projects: The 2024 budget includes $23 million for capital projects, a significant increase from the previous year’s allocation. This increase is necessary to fund multiple critical infrastructure and community facility upgrades that are essential for the town's growth and development.
These factors combined have led to the necessity of a higher-than-usual tax increase to ensure that Tillsonburg can continue to meet the needs of residents and maintain its infrastructure effectively.
Town staff did bring forth a fairly responsible budget with no frills but council deliberations did reduce it by almost 3 percent.
TP What improvements will Tillsonburg residents see for the increase in town taxes?
DG Tillsonburg residents will see several improvements as a result of the town's 2024 budget, which includes a 4.91 per cent increase in property taxes. The additional revenue will support a variety of capital projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and community amenities.
Key projects include:
• Road Improvements: Reconstruction projects are planned for Charlotte Avenue, Clarence Street, and Townline Road, which are expected to improve traffic flow and road safety.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: The budget allocates funds for replacing a culvert on Devonshire Avenue, an essential infrastructure upgrade to manage water flow and prevent flooding.
• Community Facility Enhancements: Upgrades are planned for the bathhouse at Lake Lisgar Water Park, and there will be rehabilitation work at the Tillsonburg Community Centre, particularly focused on its aquatic facilities. These projects aim to enhance recreational amenities for residents.
• Tillsonburg saw the addition of three brand new pickleball
courts however 90 per cent was funded through development charges and the remaining 10 per cent was funded through taxation. Development charges are fees that our collected upon the issuance of a building permit.
These investments are part of a broader effort to maintain and improve the town's infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability and quality of life for the community. All in part in mainlining levels of service which is a top priority for council.
TP As mayor you were one of the county councillors who voted against the tax increase but were outvoted. What can residents do to register their dissatisfaction with this increase?
DG Fill out the survey and get engaged by paying attention. The county is just that one step removed and most people really are not in tune with that level of government. Ask questions and reach out to county councillors including myself. Budget deliberations start in November.
TP One of the drivers of the county increase was social housing. Will this result in an increase in affordable housing in Tillsonburg?
DG Yes, the county is currently working with a local developer and also the town to bring more attainable (less-than-market rent) units to the Town of Tillsonburg. The county will also be supporting another project by Westfield Public School.
TP The town’s budget meetings are open to the public. They are also a lengthy process. What do you suggest residents do to provide input through the process?
DG Fill out the survey and reach out to myself or council with your concerns. The budget process is actually not all that lengthy but I find many citizens are not engaged in the process and especially at the county level. The process is transparent and open to the public. I know that budget deliberations is not the most exciting of council deliberations but actually the most important as a budget and business plan set out the course for an entire year. With new 10-year capital planning, the time line is even longer.
Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
A best-selling author will be speaking at Tillsonburg Legion on October 18
JEFF HELSDON Editor
Canadian author Ted Barris’ book Battle of Britain was number five on the Canadian non-fiction best seller list for The Toronto Star and Globe and Mail in mid-September. It was only released at the beginning of the month.
He is coming to Tillsonburg as part of a tour promoting his book. The Tillsonburg stop follows capacity crowds at two events in Alberta. The evening is at the Royal Canadian Legion and is hosted by the Tillsonburg Military History Club. It starts at 7 p.m. and costs $25.
Prior to beginning writing books, Barris did music reviews at the Globe and Mail. Entertainment was his specialty initially, and his work was published in Rolling Stone and RPM, amongst others. He worked for the University of Saskatchewan before starting as a fulltime freelancer. Although his first book wasn’t on military history, most of his 22 titles are.
Battle of Britain evolved from a conversation with friend and amateur air
force historian Mike Parry, who had travelled the country in the 80s and 90s listening to the stories of Royal Canadian Air Force veterans. With the 100th anniversary of the RCAF approaching, Barris asked if there was one story that was untold. When Parry said it was Canadians in the Battle of Britain, Barris sought to remedy this.
Battle of Britain tells the story of two groups of Canadians involved in the conflict. The first was attracted by a British Royal Air Force program that started in the 1930s. Recognizing the potential of war, the British Air Force reached out to private pilots in Commonwealth countries, offering them short service commissions.
“That’s a fancy war of saying come to England and see if you make the grade on leading edge aircraft, and automatically become an officer in the RAF,” Barris said, explaining they had to sign up for six years in return.
There were 118 Canadians who answered this call.
“This is a story about young men who fell in love with flying,” Barris said.
“They then find themselves in the front line of the Battle of Britain in July of 1940. If they hadn’t won, if they hadn’t defended Britain, it might have been a different story. The Luftwaffe was going to erase the existence of the RAF in the
air over Britain and launch an invasion of Britain, but the Luftwaffe failed because the RAF beat them eventually.”
Barris traveled across the country to talk to the families of veterans and hear their stories. He estimated that in the past 50 years, he has interviewed 6,000 veterans for his books.
The talk will relate some of the book's stories and photographs of the veterans. The book and the presentation include some funny stories.
Barris pointed to one particular incident at RAF Northolt base, where three squadrons of 12 planes each were stationed. One was RCAF, one was British, and one was Polish. The commanding officer had just finished working out the protocol to get all the planes in the air at once if there was an attack when the “Scramble” call came.
“There were planes everywhere,” one of the pilots related in the book. “Some over top. Others under each other. Somebody went over top of me. It was such a big conglomeration of aircraft.”
To learn more about Barris before Oct. 18, visit his website tedbarris.com
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Members of the Stationhouse Quilters and Fibre Artists were quilting on Sept. 21 in preparation for the upcoming exhibit Creativity Explodes. Corrie Hooghiem, left, and Wanda Lowry in the foreground were amongst the quilters working away during the quilting retreat. The exhibit runs until October. 24 at the Station Arts Centre, and also features crocheting and weaving pieces.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Highlights from the Sept. 25 Oxford County council meeting
Automated speed enforcement
County Council will consider on Sept. 25 the next steps in bringing a camera-based speed enforcement program to Oxford. An Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program uses a camera and speed measuring device to identify speeding vehicles in school zones and community safety zones, and then allows a municipality to collect an administrative monetary penalty (fee) from vehicle owners for speeding. County staff will begin developing the program in 2025, including gathering traffic data and negotiating service agreements, with 2026 targeted for the program’s start subject to council’s future approval. 2025 budget survey re sults
Overall, services provided by Oxford County should be maintained at current levels into 2025, according to the results of the 2025 Budget Survey. Areas most often selected for increased service levels were social housing, children’s services, and long-term care (selected by a quarter of respondents for each).
When asked to rate priorities for their communities, affordable housing was ranked number one across all municipalities. Among services delivered by Oxford County, municipal infrastructure (roads, bridges and stormwater) was rated fourth, long-term care fifth,
and waste management (curbside garbage and recycling collection) seventh.
A total of 1,136 people responded to the budget survey this year, with 62 per cent indicating the value they receive for county tax dollars is fair or good, and 24% indicating they receive poor value. More than 650 comments were received through the survey, spanning housing, children’s services, long-term care, paramedic services and roads.
Public engagement on the budget process is intended to offer community input to county council and staff as they prepare the 2025 business plans and budget. It also presents an opportunity for the county and area municipalities to work together to more efficiently manage the survey process and outreach to residents.
Ambulance
response times
Oxford County Paramedic Services brings forward its annual response time performance plan next council meeting. While Paramedic Services is currently meeting its ambulance response time targets, with high population growth in Oxford’s communities, provincial targets for acute emergency calls could be impacted in future years. The addition of ambulance hours in Woodstock, supported through the 2024 budget, has had a positive impact on response times
this year.
Oxford County paramedics responded to 21,265 emergency calls in 2023, a 10 per cent increase over 2022. Since 2020, emergency call volume has increased by 43.5 per cent. AAA credit rating for Oxford County Oxford County maintained its AAA rating in 2024 year based on its strong financial management practices and exceptional liquidity as an organization. The report for the Standard & Poor's Rating cited the county’s disciplined financial management practices, good long-term capital planning, strong budgeting process, and detailed annual operating and capital budgets as factors in maintaining its high credit rating.
County Council meetings are broadcast live at www.oxfordcounty.ca/livestream. To download the full agenda or view past recordings of council meetings, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/council.
Simcoe St., Tillsonburg
Mr. Autowash hosted a fundraising car wash and barbecue for Community Living Tillsonburg on Sept. 21. Funds raised will assist individuals with disabilities in the community, helping to support their needs and improve their quality of life. (Top photo) Volunteer Shannon Schooley holds a sign promoting the event. (Bottom photo) The event raised $3,100 to assist individuals with disabilities.
Left to right are: Cathy Hudson, chief executive officer Community Living Tillsonburg; Penny Clarke, operations manager Mr. Autowash; and Cheryl Conick, director of operations Community Living Tillsonburg.
Tillsonburg Salvation Army celebrates 140th anniversary
JEFF HELSDON Editor
The Salvation Army celebrated its 140th anniversary in Tillsonburg on Sept. 21.
A lot has changed since the days when The Salvation Army was first established on the lower end of Broadway, across from the former bowling alley and the Royal Hotel. In those, days, the dirt main street would have seen horses and wagons travelling it. The Royal Hotel, which may not have been built yet, would serve not only as a bar but also as a hotel for travelers via stage coach and rails.
The Salvation Army was only in existence 19
years when the Tillsonburg church started at 52 Broadway.
“The Salvation Army began in London England, in 1865, in the dark forgotten streets of London’s East Side,” said Lt. Drew Young. “Our co-founders William and Catherine Booth began to meet in open areas, markets, street corners, and wherever they would be heard or seen. From these humble beginnings we as The Salvation Army started our open air meetings where that infamous big bass drum could be heard reverberating from the walls of the homes as we passed by.”
Not a lot of details about the start of The Salvation Army in Tillsonburg are
Do you know a senior who might benefit from the convenience and warmth of our vibrant community? We offer $2,000 in appreciation for any person who becomes a resident following your referral. Email Cody.Lyons@aspiralife.ca or call 519-688-0448
known outside of two single lieutenant women were the founders.
“By that point the Salvation Army would have had the social reach and the church as their expression,” Young said. “They would have had open airs. What that means is the ministers would go to the street corner or park, wherever there was open space, and host their message accompanied by our brass band.”
He imagined the brass band marching down Broadway on Sunday mornings would have been a common sight. Another common thing would have been Salvation Army pastors going into local bars to sell their magazines. Young said the sale of the publications helped pay the pastor’s salary.
The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, otherwise known as the Christmas kettles, started in San Francisco in 1891. Young said it would have found its way to Canada and Tillsonburg shortly after that.
“It was pretty quickly adopted across the Salvation Army world,” he said.
While a lot of people know of the Salvation Army for helping people as a social agency, it is also a church. It offers “Soup, Soap and Salvation.” Since day one, there has been a focus on helping people within the Salvation Army. Young said this used to be in a drop-in format and has now been more formalized through family services.
The Salvation Army moved its church to the present location on Concession Street in 1992. The thrift store and family services are operated out of locations on Broadway,
across from the Bank of Montreal.
“What an amazing testimony of the enduring faithfulness towards the Salvation Army here,” Young said. “Together Tillsonburg and the Army has seen both World Wars, some members of our historical congregation have even served in these conflicts, we have seen confederation, we saw the constitution established allowing for our own autonomy.”
Today, there is no Salvation Army brass band in Tillsonburg, as the local
corps is short on musicians. The Salvation Army has made its mark in other ways. Through the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 155 Broadway, 26,241 pounds of recycling has been reused and diverted from landfill in 2024 (until the end of August). About 60 people per day come in for assistance due to food insecurity, housing support, programs to assist with utility bill cost and birth certificate support.
“This doesn’t even touch the work we do at Christmas time where last year
we served 835 people out of 263 households – over 300 were children, and over 100 were teens,” Young said. “We had over 2,256 volunteer hours through kettle workers, counters, envelope stuffers, toy packers, food hamper packers, and the list can go on and on.”
The open house featured a display of historical memorabilia associated with the Salvation Army. Amongst these was a trumpet which was part of the brass band that used to play and other historical pieces that date back to the late 1800s.
Lt. Drew Young looks over some of the items on display during the Salvation Army’s 140th anniversary celebrations on Sept. 21. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Human trafficking can hit close to home
• 93 per cent of sex traffic victims were born in Canada
• 97 per cent of victims were women and girls
method, the trafficker pours love all over the intended victim, telling them what they want to hear.
“They think this is a normal relationship until a switch is flipped and they say ‘You think this was all for free’,” she said, adding the trafficker will then threaten to send photos, get the person addicted or threaten their family to get what they want.
“It starts as a romance and turns into a nightmare for them,” she said.
Simpson pointed to a couple of local examples, where there was trafficking going on in hotels across Southwestern Ontario and labour trafficking in London.
ship
• Unexplained whereabouts
• Change in attitude about school
• Missing school
• Exhaustion
• Multiple cell phones
• Signs of physical abuse
Labour trafficking
• Unable to change their work or circumstance
• Receiving little or no pay for work
• Lives and work are in the same place
• Signs of physical abuse
• Paying a debt back through work
• Fear for personal or family or family health
• Unreasonable work hours
Many view sex trafficking as the stuff of big cities, but this is not so.
Major Carolyn Simpson, the Salvation Army Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking response advocate, talked about the overall problem, and in particular in Southwestern Ontario, during a presentation to the Tillsonburg Rotary Club on Sept. 16. She pointed to recent cases involving both modern slavery and human trafficking in the area.
“These aren’t people who were kidnapped in another country and brought here,” she said. “That’s what they show in the movies but 93 per cent of the time it’s people who were born in Canada. It’s our sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews.”
She provided a little more insight on sex trafficking through statistics:
• It’s estimated up to 50 per cent of those involved in trafficking are Indigenous
• 12 to 14 years of age is the average age targeted.
Simpson also discussed traffickers, saying they can be from any age, any gender, any socio-economic status, any race, and any culture.
“They’re not typically what we would imagine a trafficker to be,” she said. Traffickers are excellent at picking up vulnerable people. These can be lonely people, those who lack family support, have addiction issues or disabilities, or are part of the LGBTQ2+ community. Trafficking can take place online, of which the Romeo method is the most common method of human trafficking after labour trafficking.
Simpson explained with the Romeo
Young driver faces multiple charges
An employee called police from a business in the Town of Tillsonburg when they suspected an impaired driver.
On Tuesday Sept. 17, at approximately 11:50 p.m., members of the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to a business on Broadway. An employee believed there was an impaired driver on their property and promptly called police.
After officers arrived and spoke with the driver, it became apparent they had consumed alcohol. An Approved Screening Device was administered, registering a FAIL.
After conducting further testing at the detachment, a 17 year-old resident of Elgin County, was charged with
the following Highway Traffic Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act and Criminal Code charges:
The accused has been released and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice, Woodstock, at a later date.
The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or *677.
During the later question period, Tillsonburg Deputy Mayor Dave Beres, who was at the meeting, told of a story he heard while working his part-time job as a shuttle driver. One of his passengers was almost abducted along the 401 and was given a few safety tips by the OPP after she reported it. Police suggested that a single female shouldn’t stop at a 401 rest stop, but instead take an exit and go to a gas station or restaurant. If stopping at a 401 location, police suggested either talking on the cell phone while walking out to the car, or pretending to.
Suggesting this list should be shared as a way to combat modern slavery and human trafficking, Simpson elaborated that even if a teenager isn’t roped into one of these situations, they become more aware and can see it in others. It indicates an issue when two or more of these signs are present and should be reported to the hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
Signs of sex trafficking
• Change in personality
• New material possessions that seem out of place
• Being secretive about a new friend
• Switching friend groups
• Evidence of a controlling relation -
• ID is withheld.
Simpson said knowledge is key in preventing these issues. To prevent modern slavery and sex trafficking, she said speaking out when you see something is essential. She suggested that being a wise consumer, looking at the source of your purchases of food and other items through apps that rate items for modern slavery, is a way not to contribute to it. On the sex trafficking side, Simpson suggested parents monitor their children’s digital media use and create parameters of who children can talk to online.
The Rotary connection
In a later interview, Tillsonburg Rotary Club president Rick Cox explained that this meeting was open to the public because the Club is interested in preventing modern slavery and sex trafficking. For many years, polio prevention was Rotary International’s main charity. With polio now almost eradicated, the service club is considering making human trafficking prevention its main focus.
“We want to encourage the conversation in Tillsonburg,” he said. “We want to empower people and to inform people.”
Theft investigation results in multiple charges
Police were called to an address in the Town of Tillsonburg for a theft investigation that resulted in multiple charges.
On Thursday Sept. 26, at approximately 5 p.m., members from the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to an address on John Pound Road in the Town of Tillsonburg for a theft investigation.
Jordan Helmer-Taylor, , a 23 yearsof-age resident of Tillsonburg, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (three counts)
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order (two counts)
The accused has been held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.
JEFF HELSDON Editor
Major Carolyn Simpson, the Salvation Army Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking response advocate, spoke at the September Tillsonburg Rotary Club meeting about prevention of human trafficking.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Acts of kindness echo throughout the community
EVERYONE HAS A STORY TO TELL
There are so many caring and compassionate people in our community. Donna Acre is one of those admirable individuals. Over the years, she’s dealt with more than her fair share of adversity.
At a time in her life when she needed some support and assistance, she went to The Salvation Army, and there she found her calling. In 1995 she moved to Tillsonburg and started to work for the organization, and by 2004 she had become the Community Ministry Coordinator, liaising with the town and other community services to help people in need.
“In those days there was only one program, which was focused on feeding the hungry, but the need wasn't nearly as great as it is now," Donna said. Over her 28-year career, she was instrumental in initiating 24 additional programs and continues to volunteer regularly since her retirement.
In the beginning, she had an entire wall of sticky
notes, each one indicating specific services, so that she would have the ability to connect people to the appropriate agency. She dreamed of a safe space where vulnerable people could get out of the heat or the cold, have a cup of coffee and nourishing food, socialize and have their needs addressed by caring staff. It took some time, but The Hub (at 147 Broadway) was eventually realized.
"It has become a great community," Donna explained. "They are some of the nicest people you've ever met. I come out of there with a smile on my face every time. They've become like family to me.” She adds that “people need to feel seen, safe, cared for and not judged.”
Always ready to listen and counsel, she's heard too many heart-rending stories of abuse and trauma, financial ruin, and other extremely stressful situations.
“You just never know what someone has been through,” she said.
Struggling with physical or mental illness, with their ability to maintain standard living conditions compromised, despair and depression are common. With a deep need for any kind of relief, alcohol and substance use disorders can easily develop. Once a pattern becomes established, the brain is changed in fundamental ways that reinforce this behavioral pattern and the situation soon spirals out of control. The effect is devastating and frequently leads to homelessness, a precarious existence.
Driven to help, Donna arranged a meeting with various community agencies and individuals to alleviate some of the risks and suffering that sleeping rough involves, like dealing with the elements or having your meagre belongings stolen, leaving you with only the
clothes on your back. Operation Sharing stepped up to facilitate an overnight shelter from November to April. The Avondale Church offered a space for 12 to 14 beds for people to get out of the cold and sleep with some sense of security for a few months out of the year, but it's not enough.
While it's terrible to see very young people suffering from debilitating mental health challenges and knowing that they are all alone, Donna also described incredible moments when familiar faces reappear with the amazing news that they are in recovery, “but they have to be ready,” she says, and not every story is going to have a happy ending.
Often the most empathetic people are at risk for compassion fatigue. Donna uses creative outlets to decompress: gardening, drawing, sculpting, writing poetry and working on her memoir. An avid cook, she prepares decadent cheesecakes for fundraisers around town. She and her husband Joe enjoy geocaching or going for long drives in the country, listening to the radio and chatting, stopping now and then to explore local family history sites.
When she goes out into the community, Donna always makes it her mission to give someone a compliment, to be a warm and friendly presence.
"This is what life should be like," she said simply. Reflecting on her work experiences, Donna said "I've learned so much being there. You learn how to be human."
Her acts of generosity and kindness continue to have a profound impact that ripple outward into the community in ways that she may never know; an example to us all.
Police offer advice to avoid door-to-door sales fraud
Police are warning the public to be vigilant after arrests in a case connected to door-to-door sales fraud. Two individuals were arrested and Canada-wide arrest warrants have been issued for three others by Ontario's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) following a criminal investigation linked to a door-to-door sales fraud which victimized over 200 people across Ontario. In summer 2021, Collingwood OPP began an investigation, which was later referred to the OPP Serious Fraud Office in February 2022 and became Project Nettle. During this investigation, it was discovered salespeople were directed to attend the homes of older
adults and vulnerable people to initiate frauds where victims unknowingly entered into home service and/or renovation agreements at exorbitant prices. Many victims believed they were getting services/installations and renovations for free through government grants or rebates.
Organizers of this fraud then used the fake agreements to register Notice of Security Interest's (NOSIs) which are similar to liens against victims' homes without their knowledge. Later, these NOSIs were paid off to the benefit of the fraud organizers using fraudulent, high-interest mortgages against the victims' homes. In many cases, this fraud left the victims in financial peril; and in some cases, forced the victims to sell their homes.
“Although this particular scam has not been reported in Oxford County there are many ways to safeguard yourself against any type of door-to-door scam,” said Const. Randi Crawford of Oxford OPP. “Providing a deterrent such as a doorbell camera or video surveillance capturing the front door may prevent a scammer from even attempting a door knock. Never let a stranger into your house. Communicate through a door or window asking the person to leave their information for you to review and call them back if interested. If the person will not leave your property after you have asked them to do so, call the police.”.
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information regarding this fraud to call the dedicated tip line at 1 (833) 941-5865 or email OPP.Nettle@opp.ca.
JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Although the Tillsonburg Cruisers regular Tuesday night car meets are done for the season, the group set up in its regular spot on Simcoe Street as a stop on the South Coast Dream Drive. The Sept. 21 event was an opportunity for people with classic vehicles to take part in a drive along Highway 3 from St. Thomas to Ft. Erie. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
ROBIN KRAFFT Tillsonburg Post Columnist
Council receives insight into hospital integration
• Identify what has been working well and build on our strengths, emphasizing the integration that has already happened
Facca explained that integration will benefit patients, efficiency, team members, and the health care system.
“We are stronger together and we all firmly believe this,” she said. “We think this will make us stronger players in the larger, complex health system.”
Facca also provided an update on plans to expand TDMH, which has been discussed for many years. She said this is a long process that involves capital planning, preparation of a plan, and submission to the Ministry of Health. This process is just starting.
“I’m excited about this but it’s a long journey,” she said. “I have to remind myself this is a walking pace not a sprinting pace.”
Mayor Deb Gilvesy questioned that plans for hospital expansion started
previously.
Facca said that was almost 10 years ago. She found records of plans for submitting to the Ministry of Health on the expansion but could not find a response or even proof it was submitted.
“Essentially, that means we will be starting from scratch,” she added.
Gilvesy asked about Tillsonburg’s emergency department, asking for assurance that it would continue to operate 24/7 after the integration versus having either Tillsonburg or Ingersoll only open late at night and if an expansion was needed if that would be identified through the expansion process.
Facca said the need for an emergency room expansion would be identified through the expansion planning but explained that Tillsonburg’s emergency department currently depends on Heath Force Ontario locums to keep it open 24/7.
“We are committed to having both
THEATRE TILLSONBURG AV UPGRADES
emergency departments, but the issue is staffing,” Facca said. “We are trying to preserve as much as we can but it’s difficult with staff. It depends on our ability to recruit and retain health care professionals in both hospitals.”
Deputy Mayor Dave Beres commented that the integration London Health Sciences Centres did several years ago was a win-win but asked if things like diabetic education, which is done at both hospitals, will be cut to only one.
Facca said this service is based in Ingersoll but is also offered in Tillsonburg. She said it will likely continue that way in the future.
Coun. Kelly Spencer asked if there would be one board or two and raised concerns about specialties offered at both hospitals.
Lewis answered that currently there are two boards, but there are joint meetings. The eventual goal is to have one board.
Facca said which specialties are of-
fered at which site will come through the planning process with the ministry.
“It’s more advantageous to ask when you are in partnership with two hospitals rather than just one,” she said.
Council received the presentation for information.
Hospitals by the numbers
TDMH
380 team members, 133 physicians, 89 volunteers
20,660 ER visits
1,435 admissions
Surgeries 1,226
$3.25 investment in recent upgrades, including a generator, elevators, and electrical
AHI
220 team members, 113 physicians, 42 volunteers, 15,533 ER visits
607 admissions
3 million in upgrades, including a generator, elevators, and chillers
New LED lights, control panel and communication hub were installed in Theatre Tillsonburg recently, and will be first used in the upcoming production of Steel Magnolias. (Top photo) Peter Beechey of the theatre lighting committee, right, hands one of the new LED lights to student volunteer Camden Jull to install. The new lights will offer more colour effects, and aren’t as hot for the audience and performers. (Bottom photo) Lighting committee member Jeff Tripp, left, shows volunteer Harmony Jill how to use the new control panel. Replacing the entire lighting system is a $80,000 ongoing project. It has been paid by 50/50 tickets and from general theatre funds.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTOS)
The advent of Canadian conservation fundraising
JEFF HELSDON Editor
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO OUTDOORS
A significant milestone in conservation fundraising was marked on Sept. 20 in Port Rowan when the Port Rowan Ducks Unlimited Chapter marked its 50th anniversary.
This was not just any anniversary, as it signified 50 years of the start of local chapters and the conservation fundraising dinner concept in Canada.
Ducks Unlimited Canada was formed in 1938, just a year after the organization was started in the U.S. With the majority of the ducks breeding on the Canadian Prairies, early visionaries knew they had to improve habitat where the ducks raise their young. The first project was on the ground in 1938 in Manitoba.
Although the organization had members and donors in the early days, it didn’t have local chapters and fundraising dinners as are known today. That started in the mid1960s in the U.S.
In 1974, Hazard Campbell, who was a Buffalo, N.Y. resident and a member of the Turkey Point Company on Long Point Bay, convinced fellow members of the storied duck-hunting club Jack Rice and Dr. Duncan Sinclair of Aylmer to attend a DU dinner in his hometown. Rice and Sinclair were so impressed with the Buffalo DU dinner they questioned why they couldn’t do the same in Canada.
On Oct. 23, 1974, the first dinner of the Ducks Unlimited Long Point Bay Chapter was held in the Tillsonburg Community Centre. The committee members, who became known as DU Canada’s Magnificent Seven, were: William Red Anderson, Tillsonburg; Walter Burton, Tillsonburg; Harvey Ferris, Port Rowan; Lloyd Leask, Simcoe; Dr. Elmer Quintyn, Tillsonburg, Rice and Sinclair.
The next dinner, and every one since, has been held in the Port Rowan Community Centre.
The importance of this milestone can’t be understated. Prior to this, DU Canada had members, but fundraising was not of the scale that quickly took off after the first dinner. Millions upon millions of dollars was raised for wetland conservation through the conservation dinner program.
Sinclair went on to become the national president of DU Canada. He also lent a hand in starting the organization in Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
The mark was not only made on wetland conservation, but spread to forests as well. In the United States, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) led the drive to re-establish the wild turkey across the country. When a
reintroduction program was started in Canada, Southwestern Ontario residents led the way. Dr. Dave Ankney, a zoology professor at the University of Western Ontario, and Joel Hopkins of London pushed bringing wild turkeys back to Ontario after a hunting trip to Virginia with their spouses. Both had cottages at Long Point.
When the turkey reintroduction started, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters led the way, and worked with the NWTF. The first release in the program to bring back wild turkeys was in Norfolk County, and a fundraising dinner to help with costs of the program was held in Port Rowan.
The conservation dinner concept is part of hunters paying for conservation. Hunter dollars have assisted with preserving hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands, bringing back the wild turkey, the elk and enhancing habitat for waterfowl, turkeys, deer, ruffed grouse and many non-game species.
Today, conservation dinners are held in many communities across the country. Rural communities with smaller populations often contribute more than cities. One lesser known fact is Norfolk County chapters of DU, Delta Waterfowl, the National Wild Turkey Federation (which since pulled out of Canada), the Canadian Wild Turkey Federation and the Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada have all at one time been the top fundraisers for their organizations in the entire country.
Jeff Helsdon is an award-winning outdoor writer, a columnist for Ontario Out of Doors and writes for several other outdoor publications.
Oxford Reads Gala to welcome author Emily Austin
After selecting Emily Austin’s Everyone in this Room will Someday be Dead as the 2024 Oxford Reads Book based on patron demand, the Oxford County Library and Woodstock Public Library will host a panel discussion with the author herself.
A Sept. 15 press release announced the Oxford Reads Gala will be held at Market Centre Theatre on 22 Reeve Street on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. Host Sarah Acchione will talk to Austin about her books and the inspiration behind the stories and characters. Attendees will also have a chance to ask Austin questions.
“We're really excited to have Emily come and talk to us about her book and also about her other books,” said Ellen Rabie, community librarian of the Oxford County Library Ingersoll branch.
Austin is from St. Thomas and holds her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Religious Studies from King’s University College and her master’s degree in library and information science from Western University. Her 2021 novel Everyone in this Room will Someday be Dead, is a comedic novel exploring 20-year-old Gilda’s obsession with death and her new and unexpected role as a church secretary.
Oxford Reads is an initiative run by Woodstock Public Library and Oxford County Library to encourage readers across the area to connect over Canadian literature. Rabie said the libraries gave patrons across Oxford County a chance to pick books for the Oxford Reads shortlist. Austin’s novel was overwhelmingly the top voted. It’s the first year the Oxford Reads book has one recommended by library patrons.
“We're really excited that the book that
POST
came directly out of our community is going to be our Oxford Reads this year,” she said.
Leading up to the Oxford Reads Gala, Oxford County Library will host additional activities and events that explore the novel’s themes, such as a paint night, a sold-out murder mystery night, book club meetings, a “Living Well, Dying Prepared” talk run by a death doula, and crafty nights. The first of three craft nights across the county was held at the Evergreen Coffee Lounge in Ingersoll on Sept. 17, where participants made a terrarium inspired by the book.
“One of the locations in the book is a church with a graveyard,” Rabie said. “We're doing a fun Oxford Craft of the little terrarium that's a cemetery. A cemeterarium if you will. That ties in really well."
Rabie wants as many people as possible to read Everyone in this Room will
Someday be Dead and attend the subsequent Oxford Read events to connect with their community.
“This is really community driven,” she said. “It's a great way for our community members to get to meet each other, get to attend a free event that brings in someone really interesting and it really helps create community conversation and connection."
Anyone who registers for a free ticket before September 29 at midnight will have a chance to win one of five copies of Austin’s next novel, We Could Be Rats, to be released in January 2025. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ocl-events to find out more about related programming at Oxford County Library, and https://tinyurl. com/woodstocklibraryevents for Woodstock Public Library events. More information about Oxford Reads can be found by visiting https://www.oxfordreads.ca.
Tillsonburg POST Tillsonburg Pick Up Locations
Copper Mug is more than an eatery
JEFF HELSDON Editor
Although the food is great, the Copper Mug is more than a restaurant. The iconic Broadway eatery is the oldest surviving restaurant/pub in town.
Walking into the Copper Mug is like taking a walk back in time. It has the ambience of a classic bar, but the food of a fine restaurant where everything is made from scratch. The brick walls are likely original Tillson bricks and the bar is original from when the location opened as Carey’s in the 1980s.
Kim Sage and Daryl D’Hondt purchased the restaurant from former owner Doris Weiler on Aug. 15, 2023. Weiler and late husband Tim purchased the restaurant in June 1995, and renamed it the Copper Mug in January 1996.
Sage and D’Hondt both worked at there. D’Hondt, a graduate of Niagara College’s culinary management course, worked in the kitchen for years. Sage, who has years of previous experience as a waitress and was owner of Matteo’s, started about three years ago. Somewhere in the ensuing time, they became a couple.
“I was here a year-and-a-half then Doris approached me to talk to him,” Kim said of the first talk of the couple buying the restaurant.
Neither imagined they would end up owning the establishment, and it started with Weiler joking about it.
“Even when we started talking about it, we were a little hesitant,” Sage recalled.
One thing led to another and the couple ended up owning the restaurant four months later.
The largest change with the new ownership was rewriting the menu.
“It’s fresher, a lot of it’s more inhouse and homemade,” D’Hondt said. He smokes pork for the pulled pork sandwiches, makes his own bacon,
cuts his own fresh fries, makes chicken fingers from fresh chicken, makes his own lasagna noodles and grinds roasts into hamburger for the burgers.
The couple kept all the same staff, including Martha Cook, who has been a waitress/bartender for 52 years in Tillsonburg. She works one day per week.
“We have the iconic bar and the iconic bartender,” Sage said.
“I call it the Cheers of Tillsonburg,”
D’Hondt added, saying the good food, friendly staff, cold beer, and ambience create a sense of nostalgia.
When D’Hondt and Sage bought The Mug, as regulars fondly call it, the posters that were the décor on the wall were from Seinfeld and Molson Canadian promos more than two decades old. These have all been switched out, save for the poster of Seinfeld’s Kramer, which Sage said she will hold on to. In place of the older art work, posters from more recent concerts, signed photographs of entertainers who have appeared, programs from Theatre Tillsonburg and sports memorabilia are now hanging on the walls.
With the modernization in the décor, there is an emphasis on trying to attract younger patrons. Music is a
part of this and there are bands playing regularly. D’Hondt said the emphasis is on local bands where people know the performers and come to listen.
“Not a lot of bars will give people a chance,” he said.
Other events include karaoke for teenagers and bus trips to sporting games in surrounding cities. The Copper Mug has hosted numerous fundraisers for local causes ranging from special Olympians to those needing assistance with medical issues and people who lost their home in a fire. In November and December, the Copper Mug has a program where patrons can purchase a stocking for $5 to assist the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.
One area the Copper Mug is looking at expanding in the future is providing food on location. This has included at Gopher Dunes, charity golf tournaments and more will come in the future.
Although there have been changes, there are regulars that stop into The Mug several times per week, on certain nights or for special occasions. These people come for the food and because, as is said in Cheers theme song, “you wanna go where everyone knows your name.”
Best Tillsonburg Gemini senior football lies ahead believes coaches, players
The Tillsonburg Gemini senior team’s best football lies ahead of them, believe the players and coaches.
Which is another way of saying they’re putting Thursday, September 26th’s 37-14 TVRA Williamson Division homefield loss to the Aylmer East Elgin Eagles behind them and moving forward.
“We’ve got to go to practice and work harder,” summed up Tillsonburg’s Dorian Park-Thomas.
The Gemini slot receiver scored 22 touchdowns as a junior last year, making the Grade 11 transition to senior’s larger, faster game this season.
“Hits harder,” he added.
Park-Thomas is still an effective contributor however, recording his second and third touchdowns of the campaign Thursday, along with a two-point convert to account for his team’s scoring. He also pulled in an interception with around seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, that represented the Gemini’s best, last chance to alter the outcome.
“It was wobbly and slow,” said Park-Thomas. “I was like, OK.”
Trailing 30-14 at the time, a touchdown would have brought Tillsonburg back into contention. However, the Eagles’ defence responded, knocking down a pass near the goalline, before taking over possession on downs.
It had been a tough game against a perennial rival, said Gemini quarter-
back Cohen Schott.
“We’ve got to give it our all, 110 per cent every drive.”
The Gemini opened scoring on a Schott pass to Park-Thomas with 2:36 remaining in the opening quarter. East Elgin responded with 26 seconds left in the period, taking a 14-8 lead with 5:05 left in the half. Park-Thomas’ second TD reception squared accounts at 14 with 7:08 left in the third quarter, but the Eagles added two touchdowns in the period, the second with zero seconds left on the clock, to push their advantage out to 28-14. East Elgin rounded scoring on a defensive safety with 8:08 left to play and a late touchdown, 1:55 prior to the final whistle.`
Schott had thrown a pair of touchdown passes in Tillsonburg’s sea -
son-opening loss to Strathroy DCI, also at home the previous week, in what Park-Thomas called ‘A better game.”
He, Nolan Janzen and Luke Mullen each scored one major, with Park-Thomas also adding a pair of two-point converts.
The Gemini season was not expected to get any easier the following week during a Thursday, October 3rd road trip to the undefeated St. Thomas St. Joe’s Rams.
“Just got to go out there, play hard and come back better than we did this week,” said Schott.
Tillsonburg coaches Jordan Fitzpatrick and Scott Hamilton understand the challenge before them, but are confident the Gemini’s talent will show as the season progresses. Tillsonburg is scheduled to close out its regular campaign on the road against Oxford County rivals Ingersoll DCI and Woodstock College Avenue, Thursday, October 10th at 2:15 p.m. and Friday, October 18th at 11 a.m. respectively.
“We’ve got size, we’ve got speed,” Fitzpatrick concluded. “We just need them to know it.”
TVRA JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Tillsonburg Gemini 34, East Elgin Ea gles 12
Having a quarterback whose last name is Dodsley is a great place for a Tillsonburg football team to start, says coach Sean Van Beers.
“You’ve got a dad like that, what do you think?” he smiled Thursday, of Gemini junior pivot Landon Dodsley. His father Derek is a Gemini alumni who also played for Team Ontario and at the post-secondary level for the Mount Allison Mounties in Sackville, New Brunswick.
Derek Dodsley was quarterbacking the senior Gemini in his OAC season, when Van Beers entered the sport in Grade 9. The fact he remains in the game as a coach, with the son of a former Tillsonburg player, underlines a strong legacy component to the program.
“It’s nice to keep football in Tillsonburg and in the families,” said Van Beers, happy to celebrate those long-standing connections.
JEFF TRIBE Post Contributor
Tillsonburg Gemini senior quarterback Cohen Schott (left) gets a pass off under pressure against Aylmer East Elgin. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Van Beers was also happy to see his squad get on the field for live action following extended practice and a 1-0 season-opening forfeit victory over London Beal.
Thursday, Landon Dodsley accounted for two rushing touchdowns, running back Gavin Balasz had three, adding two point-after try (PAT) kicks. Gavin Wernham recorded a two-point safety, tackling an East Elgin ballcarrier in his own endzone.
Tillsonburg led 26-0 at halftime, adding a fourth-quarter TD after East Elgin majors in the third and fourth quarters had pulled the Eagles with -
in 14 points. Wernham’s safety closed out scoring with 1:29 left on the clock.
The Gemini offensive line played exceptionally well added Van Beers, led by ‘bookend’ tackles Carter McKay on the left side of centre, and Dante Bortolussi on the right.
“They made it really easy for our guys to run the ball.”
The Junior Gemini were also looking forward to a challenge at St. Thomas St. Joe’s, before hitting the road for games at Ingersoll DCI (Thursday, October 10th at 11 a.m.) and Woodstock College Avenue (Friday, October 18th at 2:15 p.m.)
PICKLEBALL TOURNEY
TILLSONBURG GEMINI
The Tillsonburg Gemini football team opened its season against the Strathroy Saints with a heartbreaking 28-22 loss. The Gemini were ahead 22-21 in the last quarter when Strathroy scored a touchdown to take the win.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTOS)
John Verbakel, left, and Dale Prouse were amongst the participants in the second annual Tillsonburg pickleball tournament. The tournament drew 11 teams. Kent Wheeler and Stacey Nichols were winners of the tournament. With cooler weather here, indoor pickleball is also available. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTOS)
Tillsonburg Gemini senior receiver Brandon Wall (left) attempts to gather in a pass against tight Aylmer East Elgin Eagles coverage. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTOS)
Tillsonburg Gemini senior slot receiver Dorian Park-Thomas (#1) shrugs off a would-be tackler against the Aylmer East Elgin Eagles. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTOS)
Glendale alumni group formed
JEFF HELSDON Editor
An alumni group started by a retired Glendale High School teacher aims to assist with the cost of athletic and activities at the school.
Scott Gooding, who was a teacher, guidance counsellor and a hockey, soccer and ringette coach during his 34 years at Glendale, had the concept for Friends of Glendale when he saw decreasing funding available for extra-curricular activities.
“The last number of years there has been a lack of resources for athletics and activities,” he said. “There used to be budgets for house activities but it’s severely limited now.”
Gooding had seen alumni groups in other schools, such as Friends of East Elgin at East Elgin Secondary School in Aylmer. He also noted that the number of scholarships that are available has declined in recent years, adding some long-time companies are no longer in business and COVID’s impact on business didn’t help.
“It’s basically a group that will assist students of Glendale with the cost of athletics, activities and maybe a future scholarship,” he said.
Fall soccer program a success
JEFF HELSDON Editor
Tillsonburg Soccer Club’s new fall soccer program is already a success.
Club president Jennifer Bakker launched the program this summer, buoyed by the great response to house league soccer this year.
“Kids need more to do,” she said. “There isn’t a lot for them to do and there is a pause between summer and winter sports. It’s a reasonably-priced sport that keeps kids active while the weather is still nice.”
The club offered fall soccer about 15 years ago, but it didn’t take off. This time it’s a different story though.
“We had expected 100 kids but I had to expand it,” Bakker said, adding she had 150 sign up for the program.
Held on Saturday mornings so it doesn’t interfere with school or other sports, there are 12 teams in three different age groups: 5-6, 7-10 and 11-13. The program started on Aug. 19 and runs until Oct. 19.
Bakker is hoping going forward that fall soccer will be a regular program for the Tillsonburg Soccer Club.
Teacher Emily Feeney assisted Gooding with getting Friends of Glendale off the ground last year. Rebecca Haley and Miranda Davis, who are parents of Glendale students, also jumped on board. Sidney Lauszus, who was a student last year when the group started, and is now a graduate attending university, rounds out the committee.
The group started with a golf tournament last year at Oxford Hills golf course in Mt. Elgin. A second golf tournament followed this year. Community businesses were quick to jump on to support the tournament with donations and to sponsor holes. The golf tournaments alone have raised $5,000.
The group hasn’t been going very long, but has already made an impact. They have already assisted with the purchase of pucks for girls’ hockey, football pants, racquets for the badminton team, rugby balls, singlets for the wrestling team, swim caps, practice pinnies for the girls’ soccer team and brooms and sliders for the curling team.
“It’s quite a bit of stuff really for such a short amount of time,” Gooding said. For more information on Friends of Glendale, Gooding can be reached at 519-688-4907.
Curling season begins! Sticks and stones at the ready!
Now in its 70th year, the Tillsonburg Curling Club’s 2024 season is set to begin with league play for new and experienced players of all ages and abilities.
Or, try your hand at the Friendly Game, during Curling Week, October 15-18, at the club at 128 Concession St. E. in Tillsonburg. Check the schedule for times on our website at curl.tillsonburg.com. Attend, ask questions, and join to enjoy this fun, low impact sport and social activity. For more information about membership, leagues and club rentals, visit our website or phone 519-842-4134.
They were rolling in to go rocking at Tillsonburg Curling Club’s ‘House’ Warming night. Shown around the registration table are Jayden King, Dave Ireland, Tracy Beattie, Curtis Chambers, Meg Sebok and Linda Durston. The club’s 70th year of curling
The winning team in the recent Friends of Glendale golf tournament was, left to right, Kyle Nesplic, Robert Zalewski, Mark Locker, and Colin Nesplic. Kevin Listar had the longest drive male and closest to pin and Morgan Bozso ladies’ longest drive. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Tillsonburg Soccer Club’s fall soccer program has been a huge hit, with Saturday morning full of games that cover three different age groups. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Thunder win exhibition game to start season
The 2023/2024 WOSHL Champion Tillsonburg Thunder hockey team played its 17th annual exhibition game against the Richmond Hill Coyotes on Sept. 21. A crowd of almost 300 was in attendance.
All proceeds from the game went to the Helping Hands Food Bank. A total of 390 pounds of food and $535.70 was collected!!
Although the Thunder started slow giving up the first three goals, the Tillsonburg team exploded in the second and third period and took the contest 13-6. New Thunder player Trevor Lord
scored four goals, veteran Brandon Couto added a hat trick, new player Tucker Firth added one goal and five assists, veteran Andrew Whalen had one goal and two assists, and four-time Grey Cup winning running back Andrew Harris scored his first goal in his semi-professional career debut.
The Thunder season began on the road against the Elora Rocks at Jefferson Elora Community Centre Rocks on Sept. 27 at 8:30 p.m. The Thunder’s first home game is on October 12 at 7:30 in the Tillsonburg Community Center.
A solution to fall leaves
The Tillybug Leaf Rakers are presenting a solution to getting rid of fall leaves
This incorporated not-for-profit helps local kids from sports teams and extracurricular groups raise funds for their groups by raking and disposing leaves for people across Tillsonburg and area. To date, Girl Guides and minor hockey have signed on. Teenagers who aren’t part of a team and are looking for community service hours can also pitch in. This is the fourth year for the group
Theatre Tillsonburg's surprise 2024/2025 season unveiled!
JENNIFER ANGER JULL Post Contributor
The wait is over. The secret is out! It's time to shout it from the rooftops, or maybe just enthusiastically share it with all your friends and family. Either way, it's time to spread the news that Theatre Tillsonburg's highly anticipated 2024/2025 theatre season is here!
From the heart-warming "Steel Magnolias" by Robert Harling, to the laughter and surprises of Norm Foster's "Opening Night" and the gripping mystery of "Habit of Murder" by Joanne Miller, there's something for everyone this season.
Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience this November with a familiar favourite, Steel Magnolias. Set in Truvy's hair salon in the heart of Chinquapin, Louisiana, this timeless classic takes you on a heartfelt journey exploring the bonds of friendship. This strong female cast of characters create a blend of heart and humour that lasts long after the curtain call. Don't miss out on the wit and wisdom as they share their lives, loves and losses here on stage this fall. Steel Magnolias is directed by Julie Buffett. Show Dates: November 7-10 & 14-17, 2024
Chase away the February blues with Norm Foster's comedy "Opening Night". The stage is set, and the curtain is ready to rise on this play within a play. Get ready to be transported into the world of theatre magic, backstage drama and a few surprises as a theatre company navigates the ups and downs of preparing for their big opening night. Entertaining from start to finish "Opening Night" keeps you laughing with a quirky cast of
characters and hilarious mishaps. Opening Night is directed by Mark Smith. Show Dates: February 13-16 & 20-23, 2025
Get ready for a little suspense this spring with "Habit of Murder" by Joanne Miller. This Canadian comedic mystery will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing until the very end. Small town secrets get unraveled by a sleuthing nun after a skeleton is discovered in the local church. An absolute must see for any suspense and mystery fanatics out there. Habit of Murder is directed by Joe Shiek. Show Dates: May 29 - June 1 & June 5-8, 2025
All shows times are Thursday, Friday & Saturday curtain time is 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm.
Tickets go on sale September 21, 2024. Tickets are $27 each or for a limited time get tickets to the full season with a season subscription, available September 21st - November 7th for only $70. Tickets will be available at www.theatretillsonburg.com or by calling the box office at 519.688.3026
Are you looking to get involved in your community theatre? We're always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us to help create magic and memories. Come be part of the excitement. Theatre Tillsonburg is a not-for profit organization that relies exclusively on volunteers and the support of our generous sponsors and donations. For more information on volunteering or becoming a member of Theatre Tillsonburg, check out Theatre Tillsonburg's website. For the most up to date information, sneak peeks, audition notices and all things Theatre Tillsonburg related follow us on social media, Facebook and Instagram.
and it keeps expanding each year.
“We are also getting lots of support and sponsorship from local businesses who really like the fact that the kids have to earn their funds by raking leaves, which provides a service that lots of people want,” said Chris Jackson, present of the Tillyburg Leaf Rakers.
Anyone interested in the services of the Tillyburg Leaf Rakers can contact the group at contact@tillyburg-leaf-rakers.com or 519-983-2925.
More than 390 pounds of food was collected at the annual exhibition game of the Tillsonburg Thunder. Left to right are: Joan Wilson, Veronica Holly, Doug Cooper, Vince Malloy, and Dave Baird. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Worship With Us
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?
Getting back to our roots in nature
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO!
Benoit Paquette unlocked the door and welcomed us into the “tiny house” that was to be our home for the next two days. Benoit and his partner, Paule Rochette, are the deeply dedicated and passionate owners and operators of Hébergement aux Cinq Sens near the quaint village of Piopolis in Québec’s Eastern Townships.
The tiny house was charming… with a couple of possible quibbles. The bed was in a low-ceilinged loft, which demanded care when rising; and the indoor bathroom would not accommodate anything but urination. Any other “function” was to be carried out in an outhouse, located a short walk away through the forest.
“What had we gotten ourselves into?” I wondered.
Turned out, we had gotten ourselves into something wonderful, a unique experience in which the minor inconveniences were vastly outweighed by the delights, discoveries and warm hospitality offered by Paule and Benoit.
Hébergement aux Cinq Sens (literally translated, “Accommodations at the Five Senses”) is a member of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, and its provincial equivalent in Québec. Paule is from of the Huron-Wendat First Nation; Benoit also has Indigenous ancestry.
Benoit is also a trained biologist, and a terrific story-teller. So guests at Hébergement have the opportunity to walk with Benoit through the forest on this 20-acre site, where you discover the intricate interconnections of woodland life, and also
learn Native Canadian wisdom arising from an intimate connection nature.
As Benoit says, “What you love, it’s easy to protect.” The love Benoit and Paule have for nature, for their Indigenous culture, and for their unique project, is evident in everything they do at their Hébergement.
Let’s be clear – this is not luxury living. Hébergement aux Cinq Sens is deliberately designed to encourage guests to think about the increasingly pressing need to care for our natural world.
For example – the tiny houses have kitchens, but they don’t have running water. There is a supply of drinking water, and water for washing, but when you recognize that the small container on the counter is what is available, you instantly become aware of conservation and sustainability. The same message is clear when you walk the forest path to use the environmentally friendly hot outdoor shower.
Benoit and Paule certainly walk their talk; Benoit has built a completely sustainable greenhouse that functions year round – they can harvest fresh greens, for instance, in the dead of winter. And in the warmer months, they can enjoy the “abundance” of produce from the greenhouse and from their gardens, where they grow the “three sisters” of Indigenous lore –corn, beans and squash.
The couple have been operating Hébergement aux Cinq Sens for 16 years, and continue to enhance the property. The tiny house we occupied is brand new, one of four in total, along with a cottage, four yurts and four campsites.
The limited number of accommodations means that every guest can participate in small and one to one experiences like forest walks, tepee talks and star-gazing.
Our stay coincided with the first nights of the Perseids meteor shower. Benoit invited his guests to bring lawn chairs and sweaters, and sit in the meadow by the main house to watch the wonders in the sky. Hébergement aux Cinq Sens is in the midst of the Mont-Megantic Dark Sky Reserve; there is very little light pollution, so the star-filled sky is an astonishing reve-
lation to anyone used to seeing just a few faint points of light above some urban area.
As we scanned the stars and watched dozens of meteors streak across the sky, Benoit offered a seminar on astronomy, weaving in Indigenous stories about the constellations. It was a fascinating evening. Benoit and Paule are completely bilingual, so Benoit will do his talks in French, English or a combination of both, depending on the audience.
A key message in Benoit’s stories is that we are far too accustomed to consider nature as something separate from ourselves. Not so, he insists. “Nature and us, we are one. We are part of the ‘threading’.”
He adds, “We have to tend to health, and health is nature. We have to get back into balance.”
He discounts the popular “survival of the fittest” concept. Instead, as we sit in the midst of the forest, he tells story after story about how the plants of the forest support and even learn from each other. “It’s more about survival of the most cooperative,” he says. “Cooperation is the way of going through change.”
He lovingly strokes the bark of the oldest tree in their forest. “This grandfather tree is 100 years old. It’s a library of information” about survival and cooperation. And he draws an immediate parallel with Native Canadian culture – “That’s why the elders in the native community are so important. They're the library of information.”
Benoit and Paule are committed to offering a unique experience to their guests – a highly entertaining and inspiring visit, a bit challenging at times, but which can be life-changing in terms of your personal understanding of our role in the environment. They have set themselves a daunting task… and they are succeeding, smiling all the way.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.
Visitors to Hébergement aux Cinq Sens are likely to experience a lot of insight into our interconnection with nature.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
PAUL KNOWLES Tillsonburg Post Columnist
Benoit Paquette playing a unique flute during a fireside event in the tepee.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
Benoit Paquette weaving together stories based in the science of biology, and Native Canadian knowledge.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
Paule Rochette and the part of the garden where the "three sisters" grow.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
A second tiny house.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
Our tiny house at Hébergement aux Cinq Sens. (PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
SWOX Council approves street names for Mount Elgin subdivision Phase 6
Tillsonburg Post Contributor
At its regular council meeting on Sept. 3, South West Oxford Township (SWOX) council approved street names for Phase 6 of the Mount Elgin subdivision expansion.
The township does not have a formal street-naming process and there was no community consultation in choosing the names. Traditionally, the developer brings forward a proposal with preferred names and this was the case for Phases 1 through 5 of the expansion.
For Phase 6, council opted to change some of the names suggested by the developer. Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue were approved as suggested by the developer.
Council chose Elgin Drive, Fewster Crescent, Bodwell Avenue, Woodland Avenue, Highland Avenue and Forrester Avenue, rather than South-West Oxford Drive, Dereham Avenue, West Avenue, Park Avenue and North Avenue as suggested by the developer.
Council may consider a formal street naming policy at a future date.
Other news
The total cost to install a charging station for electric vehicles at the Mount Elgin Community Centre was $25,122.02. A Natural Resources Canada grant of $10,000 reduced the final bill
to $15,122.02.
******************
The Mount Elgin tennis courts have been resurfaced. Lines and basketball nets will be added shortly.
******************
Council is looking at a possible purchase, sale or exchange of title or ownership of the Mount Elgin Park located at the community centre. According to Mayor David Mayberry, council has given direction to township staff to proceed with negotiating an agreement for purchase, sale or exchange of title for the new proposed park on Mount Elgin Road west of Highway 19. Mayberry said via email that process is moving along slowly and there are a number of moving parts which are part of this potential agreement but are not public yet.
******************
Councillor Pete Ypma of Ward 2 said the expansion of the wastewater cells for Phase 6 has not happened yet and the work is pending additional environmental studies that Oxford County is completing at the request of the province. According to Ypma, Oxford County gave approval for the entirety of the Phase 6 development believing the current wastewater system is large enough to handle the whole development and any further developments are on hold until expansion to the wastewater system occurs.
POST Tillsonburg POST Tillsonburg
“I know the paper is free, but can I get a subscription anyways?”
Yes. We understand that some people might like the convenience of the Tillsonburg Post arriving at their home (located near or far) through Canada Post, so we do have subscriptions available for this purpose.
The price for a subscription is $52 plus GST = $54.60.
To subscribe, please e-transfer granthavenmedia@gmail.com and include your full mailing address in the comments, or send a cheque with mailing address to Grant Haven Media, PO Box 2310, St. Marys, ON N4X1A2
Tillsonburg council briefs
Van Norman Innovation Park expanding
Tillsonburg council adopted several recommendations from its Economic Development Advisory Committee in regards to expansion of the VanNorman Innovation Park.
At its Sept. 23 meeting, council was presented with the recommendations:
• The cost/benefits of an access from Phase 2 of the VanNorman Innovation Park to Highway 3 at John Pound Road be investigated;
• Consideration for more general industrial zoned and some commercially zoned lots; •
• Ensuring rail-serviced sites are made available within Phase 2;
• The immediate marketing and consideration of sale opportunities for proposed lot 1.
Surplus assigned to reserves
A $1.68-million surplus from 2023 will be assigned to various reserves and previously-committed initiatives.
Council received and approved a report from Renato Pullia, interim director of finance/treasurer, about the funds. His report outlined that council had previously committed $305,325 for IT programs, $290,325 for Tillsonburg Community Centre renovations and putting funds in the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.
The report suggested transferring $331,050 to the fire equipment reserve,
$171,825 to the fleet and equipment reserve, $155,843 to the tax rate reserve, and several smaller allocations.
Town to look at expanding community centre facelift
Council directed staff to look further at façade updates for the Tillsonburg Community Centre.
Mayor Deb Gilvesy brought forward a notice of motion asking staff to investigate the cost of updating the entrance at the Lion’s Den. She said it “looks sad” and that wood is warped. Saying it was a small project that could improve the visual impact of that side of the community centre, Gilvesy asked an estimate be prepared for consideration in the 2025 budget.
Coun. Pete Luciani said he noticed the same thing.
“At some point in time it would be relevant to take a look at the whole building envelope on the older side so it’s going to match up with the pristine side when it’s done,” he said.
Coun. Kelly Spencer asked Andrea Greenway, manager of recreation programs and services, if there had been investigation into this previously. Greenway answered some of the work was included in future capital budgets and it may require some shifting if it was done in conjunction with the renovation.
An amended motion to look at updating the entire exterior was passed by council.
tillsonburgpost.com
Laurel Beechey, centre, told the story of town founder George Tillson’s wife Nancy at the September meeting of the Tillsonburg and District Historical Society. Nancy came with her children in a two-wheeled cart from Normandale, pulled by oxen, to join her husband at the new town site in 1825. Beechey is shown with Dorothy Dahm and Dave Morris, society president. Special events are being planned for next year to mark the town’s 200th anniversary. (BILL PRATT PHOTO)
DEBBIE KASMAN
The 49th New York, a civil war reenactment group from Ontario, brought the battle between the North and South alive in Otterville over the weekend. Although the war was in the United States, the group wants to recreate the battles to keep history alive, and as a tribute to the 50,000 Canadians who fought in the American civil war.
OTTERVILLE CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT
This ‘wounded’ Union soldier leaves the battlefield after being shot during the battle recreation on Saturday. While the weekend event was a recreation, there are Civil War veterans who returned home after the war buried in Otterville’s
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTOS)
Reenactors representative of the North leave the battlefield after the recreation. Canadians fought for both sides in the Civil War, in units that included the 4th Michigan, 49th New York, 10th Louisiana and 21st Mississippi.
These members of the Union forces take a break after the battle. Left to right are: Raiffe Sculthorp, Stephen Bourne and Alan MacDonald.
cemeteries.
These members of the Union forces take a break after the battle. Left to right are: Raiffe Sculthorp, Stephen Bourne and Alan MacDonald.
No battle is complete without artillery and the Civil War reenactment kept true to this. Southern soldiers are seen here pulling their recreation cannon off the battlefield after the skirmish.
Camping with period equipment is a part of renacting battles. This includes sleeping in cotton tents and having period props to go along with the encampment. Mason Patriquin of Hamilton is seen here in the overhang in front of his tent.
PRESS TO TEST.
OCTOBER 6 - 12 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
FRIDAY, OCT. 4: Family movie night at the Tillsonburg Library. Pre-registration is required. Meet a firefighter, watch a movie and have snacks!
SATURDAY, OCT. 5: “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you”. Discussion about smoke alarms, placement and technology at Rona from 1-3 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 10: Open house at the Fire Hall from 6-8 p.m. Fire trucks on display, face painting, equipment demos, mobile library, and more!
FIRE PREVENTION
Smoke alarms focus of fire prevention week
Smoke alarms are regarded as an important life-saving tool, but many homeowners don’t realize maintenance is needed to keep the units effective.
Smoke alarms are the focus of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, from Oct. 6 to 12. The week is promoted provincially by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, and continentally by the National Fire Prevention Association. Fire Prevention Week was declared nearly 100 years ago in 1925 by former US president Calvin Coolidge, and has been around since 1927. Prior to that, it had informal roots dating back to the Great Chicago fire of 1871.
“It is one of the oldest public prevention weeks,” said Geoff Hayman, Tillsonburg’s fire prevention officer.
Every year the Tillsonburg Fire Department hosts a variety of activities in association with the week. This includes an open house at the fire hall this year and an event at Rona.
More specifically this year’s theme is “Making Smoke Alarms Work For You”.
“A lot of the people just assume they will function without keeping in mind they need regular maintenance,” Hayman said. “Like other electronics, they have a lifespan, usually seven to 10 years.”
He has seen 20-year-old smoke alarms that still make noise if the test button is pushed. However, he said what is working is the circuit from the test button to the buzzer, and the smoke detection sensor may not respond to smoke or carbon monoxide. Most smoke alarms today have a manufacture date stamped on them and information about the lifespan. Non-plug-in style alarms require regular replacement of the batteries. The recommendation is twice a year when people change the time on the clocks. Although most new units have a warning when the buzzer gets low, if that occurs when the homeowner is away, they won’t know the smoke detector is not working. Regular testing will ensure the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector work. Annually, the Fire Service in Ontario has been promoting Sept. 28 as a “test your smoke alarm” event.
Fire prevention week full of activities
JEFF HELSDON
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Fire prevention week in Tillsonburg is packed full of activities.
Although Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 6 to 12, events will start on Friday, Oct. 4 with family movie night at the Tillsonburg Library. Pre-registration is required for this event, where families can meet a firefighter, watch a movie and have snacks.
Sarah Barclay, Tillsonburg fire and life public educator, said this event is already full and there is a wait list.
The next day, Tillsonburg Fire Department, in conjunction with Rona and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, will be promoting fire prevention at Rona from 1-3 p.m. Discussion will be along the theme of Smoke alarms: Make them work for you.
Barclay provided more detail, saying they will talk about smoke alarms, placement and technology.
“A lot of people aren’t aware of the new technology out there,” she said.
The big event will be on Thursday, Oct. 10 with the open house at the fire hall.
“Every year our open house just get bigger and bigger,” Barclay said. “Last year we had over 200 people.”
After firefighters spent a lot of time polishing trucks, all of the department’s wheeled assets will be on display from the ladder truck to tankers. This is just the beginning of fun for the night, though. There will be an opportunity to try on bunker gear, face painting, equipment demos, face painting, and even Tim Hortons. The special operations may do a rope demonstration, and there may be an auto excavation.
The fire extinguisher prop is always popular. Although the name doesn’t reveal a lot, this display has a flame and the opportunity for the public to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.
“It simulates putting out a fire. A lot of people haven’t had the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher,” Barclay said, adding pull, aim, squeeze and sweep is the basics of it.
Ox on the Run mobile library will also be on site to provide loan of books on fire safety and other topics.
Of course, there will also be an emphasis on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Smoke alarms focus of fire prevention week
“We’ve seen a drop in the number of residential fire deaths over the past 25 years, but alarms have to work to alert occupants of danger,” Hayman said.
Going into further technical details, Hayman explained that most smoke alarms utilize ionization detection methods. This means there is a minute amount of radioactive material – which he emphasized is safe – and it generates a flow of positive and negative ions that react with smoke. Due to the design of the sensor, there is no health risk, but the material degrades over time, making replacement necessary. With carbon monoxide detectors, a sensor is used to detect the deadly gas. Older types can become contaminated over time, reducing their effectiveness. Best before dates are printed on the alarms.
The number, and type, of smoke alarms required varies dependent on the fire and building code at the time
the home was constructed. Older homes are not required to have hard-wired smoke detectors, but newer homes must according to the building cwode (usually built since the early 1990s). Hard-wired units must be replaced by equivalent hard-wired alarms, not battery-powered units. At minimum, there must be a smoke alarm outside every sleeping area and on each floor. A carbon monoxide alarm must also be adjacent to each sleeping area. And again, newer homes have more code requirements.
Locally, a false alarm notification results in members of the volunteer fire department responding, often leaving their jobs, to answer the call. The fire department responds to numerous calls that are false or unnecessary alarms, and some of these calls incidents are preventable through maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Maintenance of the alarms can be as simple as using the soft brush attachment on the vacuum. Hayman advised to review the manufacturer’s instructions for how often cleaning is needed, but he said failing that, once a month is a good standard. He realizes smoke alarms are expensive, some up to $185 each, and said cleaning can help ensure they last until the expiry date.
“The idea is to get those dust particles out,” he said.
Part of Hayman’s job is to reduce the number of unnecessary responses. If,
and he emphasized if, the homeowner is positive the alarm is chirping on an intermittent basis, and there is no apparent danger, he asked that homeowners contact him to come and look at the unit. If the resident is unsure, then do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. Hayman can be reached at 519-688-3009 ext. 4903. Although not officially part of this year’s theme, Hayman advised homeowners to make a home escape plan and practice it with the family and to check the charge status of their fire extinguishers.
Firefighters Greg Walton, left, and fire prevention officer Geoff Hayman want to get the message out about ensuring smoke detectors work during fire prevention week. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
LANGTON FAIR
Royal Canadian Legion Varnavair Branch 153 Tillsonburg would like to thank the following Sponsors that helped make our 2024 Legion Golf Tournament a success:
APC Auto Indigo Lounge Trinkets
Absolute Respiratory JHL Computing The Mill
Beres Butchery & Catering Kelsey’s Road House Tillsonburg Dental Centre
Bank of Montreal Lubricare Tillosnburg Hobby Central
Boston Pizza M & M Food Market The Country Table
Bre’s Fresh Market Metro TD Canada
Car Quest Auto Parts John & Suzy Murphy Tillsonburg Retirement Centre
Century 21-David LaPointe NAPA Auto Tuan the Barber
Canadian Tire Nu Decor VLG Insurance
Coyle’s Country Store Oxford Hills Golf Verhoeve Funeral Home Coward PharmaChoice Orkin Canada Vernes Carpet One
Detailz Plus Pizza Hut Ward’s Auto Centre
Degroote Hill 3E Power Servics Zehr’s Tillsonburg
Dominos Pizza Poultry Specialties
Dr. Arnel Optometrist Queen’s Cafe
East Elgin Concrete Ren’s Pets
Eichenberg Motors Royal Le Page
Edward Jones Financial Royal Glass & Mirror
First Ontario Credit Union RONA Tillsonburg
Flooring Canada Shoppers Drug Mart
Family Pet Store Sobeys
Hogarth Insurance Schweyer Property
Home Hardware Tillsonview Fairways
Horvath Auto Parts TKO Karate
Thank you for your continued support!
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Barb Hall entered 23 exhibits in the Langton Fair, including these three quilts.
Sacred Heart's Mason Townsend, on the far right, was a nail-driving winner at the Langton Fair.
Ron Evens brought his Corvette to the 2024 Langton Fair parade and car show.
Students from Langton Public School, Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School, and Norfolk Little People's Daycare participated in the Langton Fair parade on Sept. 18.
What has hands but cannot write or clap?
A clock.
What has stripes and goes through the air?
A basketball.
What gets wetter the more it dries? A towel.
What has a neck but no head and arms but no hands? A shirt.
I'm taller when I'm young, and shorter when I'm old. What am I? A candle.
What is always right in front of you, yet you cannot see it? The future.
What has a tongue but cannot talk? A shoe.
What has legs but cannot walk? A chair.
What word begins and ends with the E but only has one letter? Envelope.
What's full of holes but still holds water? A sponge.
What breaks as soon as you say its name? Silence.
SUDOKU
PET OF THE WEEK
RINGO
Meet ringo, he would have been 9 years old on September 29th. Ringo loved a good snuggle, he always had a kiss for any of his six kids, and he never failed to get excited when he heard the word grandma. Ringo loved a new stuffed toy but he thought it was his baby, and his favourite thing was snuggling with his mom. Ringo will always be missed by everyone who knew him.
WORD SEARCH
AUTUMN
COMING EVENTS
TILLSONBURG LEGION DANCE FEATURING
MUSICIAN LYNN CAYEN
Saturday, October 5th; 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Dance to country, soft rock, and the oldies! Only $10 at the door. Cash only. All welcome. Food available at noon. For more information call 519-842-5281.
TILLSONBURG LEGION LUNCH
Wednesday, October 9; 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (while quantities last)
$12 cash at door. Includes freshly made soups, sandwiches, desserts, coffee and tea.
TIM HORTON’S YOUTH TRY CURLING
Tuesday, October 15th; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Tim Horton's and the Tillsonburg Curling Club are getting kids out on the ice to experience the fun challenge of throwing their first rock! tillsonburgcurlingclub.com for more information
TRY CURLING
Tuesday, October 15th; 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday October 17; 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
If you ever wanted to try a new winter pastime – HERE is your chance. Attend one of these FREE curling skills introduction to learn more about this fun, low impact and social sport. tillsonburgcurlingclub.com for more information.
TED BARRIS
October 18th; 7:00 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion, 16 Durham St. Tillsonburg
An evening with Ted Barris a Canadian writer, journalist and Military Historian will be giving a talk on his most recent book "Canadians in the Battle of Britain" at the Royal Canadian Legion 16 Durham St. Tillsonburg on Friday October 18th, 2024 at 7:00PM. Tickets will be sold in
advance and cost $25.00 and will be available at the Légion and Annandale National Historic Site in Tillsonburg.
OKTOBERFEST CAR RALLY/SCAVENGER HUNT
Saturday October 19; starting 2:30 p.m.
Celebrating 70 years curling with this season opener. Starting with a fun, entertaining car rally/scavenger hunt followed by an Oktoberfest dinner at the club. Everyone is welcome – Members and Non-Members. tillsonburgcurlingclub.com for more information.
ST. PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH PRESENTS AN AFTERNOON OF 50'S MUSIC
October 19; 2:00-3:30 p.m.
St. Paul's is located at 88 Bidwell Street in Tillsonburg where there are ramp doors.
"Back to the Fifties" has the audience toe-tapping, hand clapping, singing along and dancing (in their seats or up on their feet). Tickets are $25 and are available from Dianne Parnell (519-871-3454).
OTTERVILLE UNITED CHURCH
HAM SUPPER
October 21; 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Adults - $20, Children 6-12 - $8, Under 6 - FREE. For tickets, contact Helen 519-879-6883
KIBBLES & GLITZ
FALL FASHION SHOW
IN SUPPORT OF THE LONDON HUMANE SOCIETY
October 24th; 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Located in beautiful downtown Tillsonburg at 149 Broadway.
Held at the Tillsonburg Senior Centre located at 45 Hardy Street Tillsonburg. Special Guest Stylist Carly Jones from
Canadian Fashion House Rapz Lifestyle Clothing. Light refreshments. Silent Auction. Draw Prizes. Tickets are $25 each and available at Trinkets Gift Shoppe.
OTTERVILLE UNITED CHURCH PRESENTS PROCLAMATION QUARTTET
November 17; 2:00 p.m.
231 Main St. E., Otterville Music to bless your heart!
ARE YOU IN A JAM?
October 4th, October 18th, then every other Friday afternoon; 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St S, Ingersoll Ingersoll's Country Music Jamboree Club is celebrating 40 years. New members wanted. Qualifications - love 50-70's country music. Listen, dance, enjoy! September 20th, October 4th, October 18th, then every other Friday afternoon from 1-4p.m. Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St S, Ingersoll. The club welcomes walk-ins at the door.
CWL RUMMAGE SALE
Saturday October 19; 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
St. Mary's Church in TILLSONBURG, corner of Venison and Rolph Streets.
You will find clothing and footwear for the entire family. Housewares, glassware, linens, home decor, paintings, toys and trinkets. Christmas decor, jewelry, books and much more. Find us in the fully accessible church hall. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. Please bring a bag (or two) to bring home your treasures. Thank you for your continued support.
Canadian newspapers are powered by journalists, not AI. They check the facts so you can trust what you’re reading. That’s why 4 in 5 people in Canada come back each week for more. Thanks for keeping it real with us.
Canadian newspapers are powered by journalists, not AI. They check the facts so you can trust what you’re reading. That’s why 4 in 5 people in Canada come back each week for more. Thanks for keeping it real with us. Visit nationalnewspaperweek.ca to learn more.
Visit nationalnewspaperweek.ca to learn more.
Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes - Burial and Cremation Services Inc.
TILLSONBURG and LANGTON
Director
A family tradition that started with Hector Verhoeve, an active licensed funeral director for 57 years at Verhoeve Funeral Homes Limited (Tillsonburg and Langton), is being carried on by his son Maurice Verhoeve and grandson Robert Verhoeve.
The three generations worked together for a time.
Robert, representing the third generation, had plans to become a lawyer, completing two Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of Guelph for criminal justice and public policy (sociology) over five years.
He had worked in the family business, respected the business, and had great respect for the people they served, but he was focused on law.
“I had complete intention of becoming a lawyer until about three years into university, then I started thinking about it.
Hector died Dec. 3, 2015 at the age of 76, and it triggered a change in Robert’s career plans.
“What changed things for me is when my grandfather (Hector) passed away and I really saw how important this job was, and
how positive it can be, being good at this job. You can leave a very positive impression, you can make it a lot easier for people... This is the reason that pushed me to become a funeral director.”
Robert was accepted into a two-and-half-year funeral directors college program this fall, but decided to postpone entry, allowing more time with his now seven-month old son.
“Next September I plan on going to Humber College to become a full licensed funeral director... I’d like to think that he (Hector) would be very happy.”
In the meantime, Robert continues to work at the renamed Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes - Burial and Cremation Services Inc., located at 262 Broadway in Tillsonburg, and 40 Queen Street, Langton.
“My father and I do work very well together and I’m told we are a very good team,” Robert added. “I knew my father needed my help right now, especially with this transition period between his ownership of the business and my grandfather’s. For the last while, he’s more or less run the business on the day-to-day basis, and he’s been a director for many years now, but being owner has added more responsibility on to his plate.
“There’s been some changes in that sense, but we’re trying to continue to serve the families that we’ve served, as well as create a new identity for ourselves. Onward and upward. I feel like I’ve injected a lot of new ideas into improving technology -
our website’s about to be completely reformatted to reflect the needs of our families. Simple things.”
Robert’s father, Maurice, remembers wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps from a young age.
“I always wanted to be a funeral director, even when I was little,” said Maurice, “because I worked along side my father since I was about 10 or 11 years old in lesser capacities, and in ever-growing capacities as time went on. I started off simple, answering phones, making out donations, answering the front door, learning people’s names, and learning how to talk with people. I’d watch my father and learn the important soft skills - how he talked with people and how he listened and how he partnered with people throughout the whole process.
“Those were all important learning concepts,” Maurice added. “When I went to high school, the late Arnold Stover had an impact. He taught me very strongly how important it was to remember people’s names, and to be able to talk to people effectively.”
Maurice said his father was always his mentor, and his example had a great impact.
“This profession is a very unique one,” said Maurice. “It has many, many wide ranging dynamics. It’s a case where you are always learning... always learning better ways of doing things. You’re always open to that possibility. Sometimes, if you gain their trust and they feel comfortable with you, they can describe things that they’ve seen or heard that were very helpful to them and others, that they saw at other funerals or other celebration of life events.”
Three generations working together, said Maurice, was very unique.
“But in another way, it’s a compliment to each generation, that another generation would in fact find value in what they do. In this case, all three found value in what we do, and see the positive impact it has on the people we serve.”
Recently celebrating his 24th birthday, Robert is comfortable dealing with any generation.
“It’s more about an individual’s life story. I have great respect for learning what the family members, the individual that we’re celebrating the life of, what they’ve been through and their life experiences. You meet all kinds of people from all walks of life.”
“It’s a privilege and honour, considering what they’ve all been through,” Maurice nodded.
“At first, I was more of an observer,” said Robert. “I stood back, did what I was told. I didn’t engage with people very much because I wanted to learn before I started to make my own impact. Now, I’ve been doing this since August 2010, so I’ve got over six years under my belt. Not as much as my father and grandfather obviously, but I’m experienced dealing with people now.
“I get great satisfaction knowing that we’ve done the very best that we can, that we’re a positive influence in a very difficult time for them.”
Celebration of Life
Robert reflected on the importance of the celebration of life; the importance of taking the time to grieve.
“When a loved one passes on, it is important to take the time needed to reflect on this loss and grieve,” said Robert. “It is also important to remember that although they are gone from this life, their spirit lives on: through our memories, by the stories
they’ve told, and through each person in which they’ve positively influenced with their presence, friendship and wisdom.
“A funeral helps to reflect on these impacts, both the good times and the bad, and think about how our lives have been formed by lived experiences with this person, and to help us feel surrounded by their presence at least once more time before saying goodbye. Furthermore, a funeral may allow friends and family an avenue to appreciate the persistence of personality, strength of character, endurance of spirit and the importance of faith and hope.
“In today’s day and age, life is fast-paced, career-centred and all too often involves less consideration for oneself, one’s mental wellness and the devotion of enough time (if that is even possible) to our families and friends. It is important for everyone to allocate himself or herself time to grieve, process and reflect because the process of grieving is different for everyone.
“We all experience tragedy and loss at some point in our lives and for our own wellbeing it should be acknowledged rather than evaded. It is beneficial that this reflection takes place in an environment that is amicable with reflection, such as at a funeral home.
“Denying yourself the ability to grieve is... it’s not healthy, it’s not the way it was meant to be.
Variety of services
“Based on individual preference and in respect to the expressed wishes of the deceased, a funeral home can provide customized services that fit your wishes, such as... a simple (but positive and memorable) private graveside burial with a group of close peers and/or family; or the funeral home can coordinate a public funeral service, where all that wish to pay their respects are welcomed to do so; or the funeral home could arrange for a simple cremation, in which the remains are sealed into an urn and buried; or the cremated remains could be placed into a scattering urn, taken to a place of significance and spread (where lawful to do so).”
What they want people to know is that they are also willing and able to provide customized services that are not simply traditional funerals.
“We are very happy to assist with customized services - basically as long as it’s ethical and legal. That’s really the guidelines we follow.
“There are certainly many more possible customizations and options,” he added. “The point is that the key to a successful, positive funeral experience lies within our own willingness to slow down our lives, to acknowledge and reflect on our loss, to celebrate a life well lived in an environment that is comfortable, while remaining steadfast that the services provided by funeral homes are a valuable avenue to do so.
“When I was younger, my father astutely told me that funeral services are for the loved ones of the deceased and that it is important to celebrate a life well lived. This is something that has continually resonated with me and it is what I believe sowed the seed of my interest in the bereavement industry.
“Much of this reflection has encompassed my experiences with the recent loss of my special grandfather. I can truly attest to the advantages, after suffering a tragic loss, of decelerating the pace of my life to reflect, grieve and be mindful of the many friends and family that care enough to be there for you.”
