Rod Wilkinson has been a member of the Woodstock Police Service for nearly 30 years and in the top chair for two years.
The Gazette sat down with Wilkinson recently and asked what has changed the most in the city over his time as chief, aside from the obvious homelessness, mental health and drug issues.
“That is the biggest change. The number of people on the streets and homelessness after COVID. Drug addiction, mental health and homelessness. Everyone was in lockdown and didn’t get a chance to go out and do anything. I think the pandemic played into that.”
When he first joined the force, Wilkinson said they didn’t have mental health calls to deal with but over time that has changed drastically.
“It is leaps and bounds from when I started 28 years ago. We didn’t deal with that. We always dealt with drugs and addiction but back then it was a lot of marijuana and crack cocaine and then meth came along. As a young officer, I didn’t deal with homelessness. Woodstock was smaller then, obviously, but there was one person homeless in the city we dealt with regularly.”
He added police would often provide the person with food and check in to make sure they were safe. In terms of drugs, Wilkinson explained police are still arresting people for simple possession.
“We have the backing of the crown that we can still do that, it’s just what happens in court and that we don’t control over. Whether it’s plea-bargained away or dismissed, I don’t follow everything but those are some of the things happening.
The battle over wind power has arrived in Zorra Township.
Prowind, a German-based company, is courting landowners in the township to sign on to a proposed development that would see roughly 20 turbines built in Zorra.
The procurement is a part of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the provincial government’s plea for more energy to meet what they say are the future needs of the electrical grid.
“We need to achieve a support resolution from the municipality in order to participate in the next procurement,” said Helmit Schneider, Vice President of Renewable Energy Development at Prowind.
“We are making presentations to four area townships
and we are looking to see what municipalities are willing to take a serious look at these projects to see where the benefit to the township and the community is,” he added.
Prowind has also pitched wind power to Blandford-Blenheim, South-West Oxford and East Zorra-Tavistock. EZT council unanimously passed a motion declaring itself an unwilling host.
One Zorra councillor has made it abundantly clear he is not in favour of allowing wind power in Zorra. Paul Mitchell said as of today, he is the only elected official prepared to draw a line in the sand.
“Right now, the only member of council supporting an unwilling host motion is myself. The mayor, Marcus Ryan, was very vocal in his support of the Prowind plan when they came to East Zorra-Tavistock and the other three (councillors), I honestly don’t know where they stand.”
Dan Smoke, Dr. of Law and Seneca Nation Elder, spoke of history and culture at a Sunrise Ceremony during this year's National Day
Sales pitch for wind power comes months after EZT declared themselves an unwilling host
He added the last time he spoke to his fellow elected officials they wanted more information before they decided. One of those elected officials is Councillor Katie Grigg.
“I wouldn’t say I am open to wind power in Zorra. I would say I am open to seeing the process through that allows for the exploration of wind farms in the township.”
She added wind farms are a permitted use and regulated by the provincial government and municipalities have a role to either provide an endorsement or not.
“I think for us at this stage, we haven’t been asked to approve a specific project. I know the community is feeling some urgency, but there is no urgency around making any kind of declaration at this time. What I and several of my colleagues at council have said they are interested in gathering more information so we can be as informed as possible if and when we have that question before us.”
She added because wind power is within the provincial framework, Zorra doesn’t have readily available expertise from staff members.
“It’s going to take some time for us if we would like to be properly informed on this matter.”
Mitchell added he is concerned about the issue of creating wedges in the community, similar to what happened in Norwich Township with the Gunn’s Hill development.
“The three (members of council) that are undecided, two live in Thamesford and one in Embro, so I don’t think they have the full understanding of what the impact is on the countryside if a development was approved. This has torn communities apart.”
Grigg added she isn’t willing to take a position that would impact the community to this extent unless she was confident in what led her to that place.
“We make a lot of difficult decisions and I think the important thing to remember is any decision before council can be voted for or against or also to defer. If I’m not comfortable on any matter, this one included, I would advocate for that option to defer so I have the ability to get the information I am looking for.”
Prowind has taken a different tactic when compared to its strategy in East Zorra-Tavistock when it released a map of the properties it was targetting, a graphic leaked to the Echo’s sister paper, the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette.
“They are being much less open about where they are going to go. I have talked to several people who have been approached but Prowind isn’t doing that here. They aren’t announcing publicly where they want to go. We know generally it's along that transmission corridor that runs through Zorra from London to Kitchener,” explained Mitchell.
UNIFOR LOCAL 636
When it comes to tabling a motion to declare Zorra an unwilling host, Mitchell said he’s waiting for the right time.
“I need to be fairly confident it will pass because if I bring it forward and it fails, I can’t bring it forward again and we can’t use that tool to prevent not only Prowind but any other company from coming in. I have to be careful about the timing of that.”
Joan Morris is an anti-wind power advocate who lives in the middle of the Prowind Gunn’s Hill wind power development. She reached out to the Echo to say she would be attending the meeting in Embro this week. She also had a warning for Zorra Township residents around the messaging from Prowind.
said they are not a community-based group.
“The corporation report shows the original board of directors was made up of two Prowind employees and executives from sustainable energy companies and a guy from an organization called Friends of Wind. These people live in the Ilderton area, Thunder Bay, Hamilton, Toronto, Mississauga and Stouffville. Helmut was the one token member from Oxford County.”
Unifor Local 636 @ 126 Beale St Woodstock
Monday October 14th, 2024
TIME: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Unifor Local 636 @ 126 Beale St Woodstock
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Local 636
“Their invitation for a meeting (Wednesday) night says they are a local wind company. Let’s face it. They are a subsidiary of a German company. They have come here and are laughing all the way to the bank at the expense of Ontario taxpayers because we are subsidizing wind production.”
Prowind is a partner with a group called Oxford Community Energy Cooperative. Its website says it is a renewable energy co-op based in Oxford County and partnered with Prowind for the Gunn’s Hill project. Morris
Prowind hosted a public information meeting on Wednesday night at the Embro Community Centre, the same day the Echo goes to print. A Facebook post from the group said “We have been following recent discussions in local forums regarding wind energy and its potential impact on the community. We value your questions and believe that open dialogue is crucial. Therefore, we would like to invite you to a Community Meeting…Members of the Prowind team will be hosting a panel to address both the benefits of wind energy and the concerns that have been raised. We welcome all community members to attend, ask questions, and engage in a thoughtful discussion.”
The Echo will have a full report on the meeting in the Oct. 25 edition.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14TH, 2024
Joan Morris lives in the Gunn’s Hill wind power development and sent this picture of what she sees as the sun goes down every night. She is warning Zorra residents to not sign up with Prowind. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Johnston’s longtime wish to direct My Old Lady granted
EMILY STEWART
Echo Correspondent
Sally Johnston, director of Theatre Woodstock’s My Old Lady, is thrilled to bring the drama to life after waiting for nine years.
My Old Lady will be Theatre Woodstock’s first production of the final quarter of 2024. The Israel Horowitz play centers on a New Yorker who uses all of his savings to fly out to Paris to live in the apartment he inherited from his estranged father – only to discover an elderly lady lived in the suite for several years and refuses to budge.
Johnston is always reading through hundreds of scripts to see if there are any that catch her eye.
“When I read My Old Lady, the characters were so strong,” Johnston said. “So colourful. So mysterious. I knew I had to explore them more and that’s what happens when you take on a play. The character development is the best part! It is a very rewarding experience.”
Johnston enjoys putting on productions with Theatre Woodstock because she likes the performance space and the people part of the cast and crew. She’s enjoying working with some familiar faces behind the scenes, including her daughter Samantha Muller, who is the stage manager.
“I thank my lucky stars every day that Samantha shares my passion for community theatre and that she is so organized and on top of things to be the best Stage Manager I could possible hope for,” Johnston said.
Her best friend, Janny Hughes, is My Old Lady’s producer and they enjoy each other’s company throughout the production process.
“This is Janny’s first time Produc -
ing a Community Theatre production, and she is nailing it,” Johnston said. “I have a large crew including props masters, ASM’s, builders and set movers and designers and operators. They are all part of the greater machine that makes amazing theatre and without all of them, there would be no theatre at all.”
She also is impressed with her cast Tanya Thompson (Mathilde), Eve Cohen (Chloé), and John Settle (Matthias). The actors went from rehearsing for two days a week in August to three days a week in September and are on track for their October 17 preview.
“My cast is seriously so talented that from the very first rehearsal, they have made my job as director easy,” she said. “I always say it takes a village to do a show and my cast and crew members are all bringing it.”
Johnston encourages everyone to check out the play and other theatre productions of all genres such as musicals, comedies, dramas, and everything else in between.
“You have to experience it all to know what you like and don’t like,” she said. “My Old Lady is a drama with some comical elements. There are some heart-warming moments and there are some difficult conversations too. There is some pretty colourful language used at times as well, but it is honest and real, and it is who these characters are.”
My Old Lady will run from October 17 to 27, with Sunday matinee shows at 2 p.m. and evening performances at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults, $20 for students, and $18 for youth 12-years-old and under – and all tickets are $20 on Thrifty Thursdays. To purchase tickets, either visit 22 Reeve Street, call 519-537-2582 or visit theatrewoodstock.com.
Hospital launches community engagement for new strategic plan
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Woodstock Hospital is inviting staff, patients, families, and community members to participate in shaping its new three-year strategic plan.
When completed, it will help guide the hospital’s priorities and address the changing healthcare landscape. As part of the engagement phase, the facility has launched the ‘Share Your Voice, Shape Your Care’ campaign to gather input.
"This plan builds on the strong foundation our dedicated staff has created through their unwavering commitment to exceptional people-centred care,” says Woodstock Hospital President and CEO Perry Lang. "By listening to the valuable insights of our community, we can ensure our future direction aligns with the evolving needs of Woodstock and Oxford County residents while enhancing the care and services we provide."
Director of Strategic Planning, Community Engagement, and Patient Experience Jennifer Lynch has been collaborating with the hospital’s Strategic Plan Steering Committee to host engagement sessions. “We’ve been visiting several organizations, events, and public spaces, such as the library, to hear what
matters most to our community. Healthcare is something we all value, and you never know when you or a loved one may need care at Woodstock Hospital. We encourage everyone to take a moment to complete the survey and help shape the future of care at your community hospital.”
The hospital has held a few in-person community engagement sessions and has more coming up including one this Saturday at the Woodstock Farmer’s Market from 7 a.m. to noon and another at Woodingford Lodge on the afternoon of Oct. 17.
“We are still in the early days of our engagement. We are hitting long-term care homes, Fanshawe College and a lot of high school students. We haven’t had time yet to analyze our data and responses yet.”
Lang explained the hospital formed an internal committee of about 20 staff members where the plan was launched.
“They represent a cross-section of the services provided at the hospital plus there are patient advisory committee members on it so it is a very diverse group,” said Lang. “They worked together on the questions we are asking those in the community. We will have a number of internal engagement
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sessions including the board, management group and frontline staff.”
Once the plan is completed it will be shared with the community and stakeholders involved in the process. Lang explained part of the strategic plan is also to develop a tactical plan.
“It is really the operational piece of executing the objectives and we will also have that available on our website once it is approved and we will start tracking and measuring against that tactical plan initiative.”
Many organizations hire an outside consultant to produce a strategic plan but Lynch feels her being at the hospital for as long as she has provided an advantage.
“I have been with the organization since 2008 and part of my role is community engagement and engaging with patients is a huge piece of being in this position.”
Lynch added she, the vice president and patient advisor regularly interviews patients as part of collecting real-time data.
“It is a little different than the data we will get for the strategic plan.”
Posters with QR codes linked to the survey will also be available throughout the hospital and in community spaces. To learn
The hospital will share the findings from the community
engagement phase and release the new strategic plan likely in the first quarter of 2025 with an implementation date in early April.
The Woodstock Hospital is holding community engagement events as part of its new strategic plan process. One was recently held at the Woodstock Public Library where Jennifer Lynch (left), Director of Strategic Planning, Community Engagement, and Patient Experience,
LEE GRIFFI
SWPH accepting Nurse-Family Partnership referrals to support first-time parents
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Southwestern Public Health is launching a new, free program this fall. It aims to support those experiencing financial or social hardships who are preparing to become first-time parents.
The Nurse-Family Partnership will pair clients with a public health nurse until their child reaches two years of age. The service aims to promote healthy practices during pregnancy, develop safe and nurturing parenting skills, provide guidance on accessing community resources, and teach essential life skills such as budgeting and stress management.
“Our goal is to empower young parents by providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to give their child a healthy start in life,” says Kayla Rooke, Public Health Nurse at Southwestern Public Health.
To be eligible, individuals must be 24 years or younger, pregnant with their first child, 28 weeks pregnant or less, experiencing social or financial hardship, and residing in Oxford County, Elgin County or the City of St. Thomas.
“It is completely cost-free. If someone was eligible and enrolled in the program, they would be connected with a public health nurse who would provide in-home visits. With that we can meet the family where they are at,” explained Rooke.
“It is unique because we can eliminate those transportation barriers,” she added.
The initiative supplies soon-to-be and new parents with health-teaching information and it adheres to a clinical model which guides its implementation.
“There are core competencies, however, we are able to take that program content and customize it to meet each client’s needs. Every family is going to have unique needs or different areas where they are looking for support. We really want to follow the client’s heart's desire. They are the experts of their own lives,” said Rooke.
She explained the new program, while different from the Healthy Babies Health Children program, does work hand in hand with it.
“The scope (of that program) is wider in terms of who is eligible to enroll. Parents can sign up even if they have
multiple children. Health Babies Health Children is for per-natal care, during the post-partum period and during early childhood development.”
Rooke explained the program has three main goals – improving pregnancy outcomes, enhancing child health and development and supporting parental life core skills.
“The nurse is going to work closely with the clients to identify personal as well as parenting goals and by the end, they can move forward independently. We aren’t necessarily providing financial support directly, however, we are able to connect them with different resources in the community that may be able to support them with that.”
Other goals include having new parents engage in healthy practices during pregnancy, learn how to build a strong network of support, gain access to other community resources that support the parent and baby and build life
skills such as budgeting and managing parenting-related stress
The Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based home-visiting program designed to enhance the health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of first-time parents and their babies. Originating in the United States over 40 years ago, it has expanded globally and is currently implemented in eight countries, including Canada, where it operates in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia.
The program is funded jointly by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and local municipalities. It will continue as long as the funding partners are on board.
For more information or to begin enrolling, visit https:// www.swpublichealth.ca/en/my-health/nurse-family-partnership.aspx or call 1-800-922-0096.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
STOP FIRES!
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Farmers urged to focus on fire prevention as part of winter prep
Every year, farm fires result in tens of millions of dollars in losses to buildings, businesses, and farm animals and the financial losses don’t consider the toll on farm families.
Fire is always a threat to Ontario farms, but the good news is that there are ways to reduce the risk they pose. Barn fires in particular are a serious
concern, especially during colder winter temperatures, because cold weather increases condensation on cold surfaces, and the corrosive mixture of barn gasses and moisture invades the electrical system. The increased use of heating equipment also poses risks of ignition with gas heaters, for example.
Regardless of the time of year, some of the biggest fire risks in farm buildings come from dust and cobwebs, extension cords and heaters, and electrical
plugs, receptacles and panels.
The increasing size and high-tech nature of modern farm facilities, including livestock barns, also mean losses are higher when disaster strikes. Ontario Fire Marshal statistics show those range between $20 and $30 million annually.
That’s why earlier this year the Ontario Federation of Agriculture began partnering with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs to share resources and promote fire safety and prevention on Ontario farms.
I’m a dairy farmer just north of Trenton, and I also represent farmers in Hastings, Lennox and Addington, Northumberland and Prince Edward counties as a director on the board of the OFA.
Fire prevention is a 365-day-a-year job, but as we are working to get our farms ready for winter, it’s a great time to put a little extra effort into protecting our businesses. It can be hard to know where to start, so a fire prevention inspection by a professional from the local fire department or your insurance provider can be a great help.
Nobody likes the idea of an inspection per se, but these individuals can offer a wealth of pointers and ideas about little things that can make a big difference in fire
prevention – and they are just as interested as you are in keeping your farm buildings, livestock and crops safe. Easy steps farmers can take to reduce the threat of fire include hardwiring or using waterproof plugs or outlets, keeping buildings clean of dust and cobwebs, replacing extension cords, and identifying potential hotspots with a thermal imaging camera.
A few dollars spent on electrical upgrades can make a big difference. For example, installing an arc fault breaker can prevent a heat-causing fault that could easily cause a fire. And general tidiness to keep on top of dust and cobwebs is always a good idea.
Despite our best efforts, fires do happen. This means it’s a good idea to be prepared. Have a few big fire extinguishers handy in the barn or workshop and know how to use them. As well, ensure that you, your family and your employees know where those extinguishers are and what your emergency response plan is.
If you’re interested in learning more, join OFA on Oct. 9 when we are partnering with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs to host a webinar focused on fire prevention and insurance on the farm. Registration is available at ofa. on.ca.
BRIAN CREWS Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Woodstock retailer receives support through My Main Street
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Cheesy Cow Company has been awarded a business grant from My Main Street Business Sustainability support. The money will allow Cheesy Cow Company to strengthen its existing capacity and support its continued growth to attract new customers to the business and the entire Downtown Woodstock community.
My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and is designed to encourage growth and economic prosperity on main streets by driving business and creating vibrancy in local communities. It is supported by an investment from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
“We are thrilled to receive this support from My Main Street, which will allow us to expand our local offerings and further contribute to the vibrancy of Downtown Woodstock,” said Wes Mazur, the selfnamed Head Cheesemonger at the store.
Cheesy Cow Company is a boutique cheese and meats shop in the heart of Woodstock. The support will enable the store to implement eCommerce online ordering, introduce new and expanded products and services, and contribute to its overall business sustainability through investments in technology improvements, equipment and creative marketing.
“The process included an online application about our business and how it would both benefit from the Grant as well as allow us to contribute to our downtown community, staff, and customers,” said Mazur.
He added the technology he will be implementing will not only help the business but also result in an improved customer experience.
“Some of the equipment and technology that this grant allows us to purchase will help to streamline our customer service experience with quicker checkout, and online ordering options.”
Some of the money can also be used for advertising purposes, something Mazur
said he plans on utilizing.
“This is one of the many potential uses for the grant. In our particular case, we are utilizing a fair amount of the grant towards marketing and advertising our business which we typically would not be able to do.”
Cheesy Cow had been open for just over 12 months and Mazur said the business continues to see more customers come through the door.
“It has been growing wonderfully. Every day at least half of our customers are brand-new to our shop which is always exciting. We also are getting more calls and orders for catering, as well as gift baskets and charcuterie boards or cheese trays. Our online media presence is continuously growing as well.”
Mazur explained the commitment to sourcing locally has always been a priority of his and his team at the store.
“Before opening, we sought locally made products for our store beginning with our local cheesemakers right here in Oxford County, as well as other food producers. We currently have well over 130 Ontario-made products which account for 80 to 90 per cent of our total products. We are always on the lookout for locally made goodies.”
Kerry Baird, Downtown Development Officer with the City of Woodstock sang the praises of My Main Street and their support of businesses that grow the community.
“The My Main Street support represents a fantastic opportunity for our local small businesses to focus on sustainability and growth in challenging economic times. Small businesses are the heart of our downtown and My Main Street Business Sustainability is a great support.”
Mary W. Rowe is the CEO and President of the CUI who explained the importance of investing in small businesses.
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
“A community's resilience is anchored in its main street businesses, and investing in them fosters economic prosperity and growth. This investment from My Main Street’s Business Sustainability stream is supporting Cheesy Cow Company to
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
expand their business and advance their growth.”
Filomena Tassi is the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency in Southern Ontario. She echoed Rowe’s comments on just how critical grassroots, downtown business is to the success of a community.
“Small businesses are the heart of our
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
communities and the backbone of our local economies. The Government of Canada is supporting CUI as they invest in businesses like Cheesy Cow Company through our My Main Street program. These investments help businesses enhance, expand and grow their services while attracting more visitors to southern Ontario’s main streets.”
Remember when Google provided free pizza to your
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?
Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?
Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
Wes Mazur is pictured with his wife and business partner, Sarah. The business has been awarded a My Main Street Business Sustainability grant. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Part I – Homelessness, mental health and drugs
The odds of a case being dropped are much higher since marijuana was legalized.”
The Echo published a story in our last paper regarding a homeless encampment on city property, a situation Wilkinson is familiar with. He said just like the city his hands are also tied as a result of a judge’s ruling in Waterloo.
“If they don’t have a place to go, we can’t move them along. If we get a call to attend that location, we will make an arrest with the appropriate charge or charges and process them through paperwork with a court date or, depending on their record, hold them for bail. Then it would be up to the courts to decide where that person, if they were on conditions, would reside or anything to do with release conditions.”
He added noise complaints are referred to the bylaw department during their regular hours but police are called to them otherwise.
“We are issuing a warning or giving a ticket to start with, but we aren’t removing that person or charging them with mischief at that point.”
Wilkinson also explained the law has changed when it comes to what the justice system can do with people who don’t have a fixed address.
“In the past, we wouldn’t be able to release someone because they didn’t have an address and the courts would tend to do the same. That doesn’t matter anymore.”
The City of Woodstock has added an additional $100,000 to its encampment cleanup fund after the one on CN Rail land ate up the entire budget of the same figure. There are approximately 50 encampments in the city that currently have residents or have been abandoned. Wilkinson said the police know where homeless people work and work closely with other community groups.
“We have a Community Response Unit and our members in it walk through those places to make sure everyone is ok. Our job is not to move them along. We might find someone who is wanted, which we have in the past, and we could find stolen property.”
The Woodstock Police Service also has an MHEART or Mental Health Engagement and Response Team. Mental health workers respond to related calls and respond with officers where needed.
“We do accompany EMS on some of their calls. Our job is to know where there might be problems so our officers know where to go.”
The department keeps statistics on the number of calls dealing with homelessness, drug addiction and mental health and moving peo -
ple along from public spaces such as banks and hotels. In 2023 there were over 700 such calls, something that costs money to deal with.
“We also had 94 drug overdoses and 10 deaths during that time. It was about $720 per call for one officer to attend but most of those calls require two officers and sometimes three where a supervisor would be needed based on policy. It adds up.”
Wilkinson explained statistics like that make up part of his yearly budget ask to the city.
“It was part of my ask for 2024 and I will be grabbing those numbers again for next year. I just looked at our numbers today and we have had 54 overdoses and seven deaths so far this year and we still have another quarter left. We will see where we end up but I suspect it will be similar to last year’s numbers.”
The chief said he doesn’t have a solution to the problem but added all police can do is try to get those in need some help.
“We have Operation Sharing for
a place to go during the day which has definitely helped with our downtown issues. Our beat patrol is able to say listen, you can go here. There’s food and shelter, we can get you clothing and offer resources with community partners who work out of there. We also have In Out of the Cold which is a permanent night space with 37 beds. It has helped get people off the streets at night.”
He admitted some homeless people choose not to utilize available resources but when the cold weather arrives a lot of the encampments slow down.
“We will see what happens this year. Our numbers have increased so we will see what comes out of this. We are in meetings as much as we can with the fire department because we have had several encampment fires lately.”
Our conversation with Wilkinson will continue in the next edition of the Echo as he touches on other issues facing the force, such as recruiting new officers.
Rod Wilkinson, Woodstock Police Chief.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll’s second annual fashion show entertains sold-out crowd
tiful this year. I think everybody's enjoying themselves.”
pumpkin for each child attending the October 26 event.
A fun-filled fashion show fundraiser took up Carnegie Hall’s first Wednesday evening of the fall.
The Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll held the sold-out event on Sept. 25, featuring fashions from local businessesSew Stylish Wedding Works, Pantina’s, Hometown Style, Little Town Beauty Boutique, and Roberts and Co. Ladies Wear. The evening was filled with the audience admiring wedding attire, fall fashion, and holiday party outfits worn by the models.
“I feel fantastic. I think it's going over very well,” said Jane Cole, a director of the Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll. “We had a sell-out crowd. The fashions are beau -
“It's been the talk of the town for a few weeks,” said another director, Karen Costello. “Everybody's been talking it up and the stores have all been excited.”
After the models finished their time on the runway, the Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll held a draw for a variety of prizes from more Ingersoll businesses. Proceeds from admission and the raffle went towards supporting children in Ingersoll and area.
The Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll is a volunteer-run organization that runs fundraisers such as golf tournaments and trivia nights. The club also participates in events such as Pumpkin Fest at the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum, where volunteers provide a free
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
There are youth programs such as the long-standing Key Club of Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute and the new Builder’s Club at the Fusion Youth Centre for children between the ages of 10 and 14 years old.
Both Cole and Costello are long-time volunteers of the Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll and volunteered at other organizations throughout their lives. The two enjoy giving back to the community through the club.
“I like the part of going into the schools, helping out at barbeques for the kids,” Cole said. “I just love all of it. I just think it's the people in it and what we do things that we all have fun."
"The reason why I signed on with Ki-
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
wanis was it was all for kids. Every dime that we have goes to children,” explained Costello.
The Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll will host their Winter Gala at the Elmhurst Inn on Nov. 9 starting at 5 p.m. The gala will feature a three-course meal prepared by Kalos Restaurant and music by DJ Alpha. There will also be an art auction and a live auction, with prizes including an airplane ride around Long Point and week-long cottage rentals in Parry Sound and on Canada’s East Coast.
The Winter Gala will raise money for the Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll, Woodeden Easter Seals Camp, Fusion Youth Centre and the TVCC. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased by visiting www.childhealth.ca/events/kiwanis-ingersoll-winter-gala.
Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?
EMILY STEWART Echo Correspondent
The Kiwanis Club of Ingersoll's second annual Fashion Show sold out at Carnegie Hall and featured a variety of attire for weddings, fall outings, and winter holiday parties. All clothing can be found in clothing stores in Ingersoll.
(EMILY STEWART PHOTO)
Oxford Milkway celebrates 60 years transporting milk
Sixty years ago, a small group of dairy farmers in Oxford County took a chance and a leap of faith and set up their own milk-transport company. That company today is known as the Oxford Milkway Transport Co-Operative.
With recent 60th anniversary celebrations at their head office and depot on Longworth Lane in Woodstock, a large number of members and dignitaries were in attendance and congratulated the company for being a truly great, local milk-transporting company over the past six decades.
Members of the farmer-owned cooperative and its present directors have been more than pleased with the success of the company in transporting milk to processing plants in Ontario, including those in Toronto, Guelph, Mitchell, Tavistock and as far east as Peterborough, Belleville, Winchester and Ingleside.
Oxford Milkway’s current manager, Jeremy Turpin, in his address to those attending the 60th anniversary celebrations, said “it has been quite a journey that Oxford Milkway has had over the years.”
“What started as a small group of young,
forward-thinking milk producers working out of a house office has grown into a very successful and thriving milk-trucking business.”
The Oxford Milkway Co-Operative has acquired a number of smaller transporters over the years and worked very hard to maintain a healthy and rewarding relationship with all the neighbouring transporters and especially with the Dairy Farmers Of Ontario (DFO) board of directors.
He said they are currently operating as three independent companies under the umbrella of Oxford Milkway.
“The company now operates milk trucks out of seven locations with a total of 60 trucks and 58 trailers and over 100 full-time and part-time employees from the area,” Turpin said.
They are presently picking up milk from over 640 producers, moving over 20 per cent of the province’s milk, which equals about 1.9-million litres a day travelling almost 5-million kilometres a year.
Oxford Milkway picks up milk in Oxford, Perth, Huron, Wellington, Waterloo and Brant county areas.
They currently have over 130 milk routes between all three companies and it takes more than 50 drivers a day to keep the milk moving, as well as nine li-
censed mechanics and apprentices in their full-service maintenance shops, with five members on the administrative team.
The co-op should take pride as they have paid out a patronage dividend to their farmer members every year of service and continue to prioritize strong service to
members and continued debt repayment.
Interesting to note that Oxford Milkway’s first president in 1964 was Zorra Township’s J. Willard MacKay, who played an active role in getting the co-op started. His family is still active milk producers in Oxford County today and very much involved in the area’s dairy industry.
GARY WEST
Echo Contributor
A plaque received from the Ontario Milk Transporters Association on Oxford Milkway’s 60th anniversary servicing milk producers in southern and central Ontario. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Reserve your free ticket at: oxfordreads.ca
Oxford Milkway celebrates 60 years transporting milk
The Oxford Milkway Co-Operative has acquired a number of smaller transporters over the years and worked very hard to maintain a healthy and rewarding relationship with all the neighbouring transporters and especially with the Dairy Farmers Of Ontario (DFO) board of directors.
He said they are currently operating as three independent companies under the umbrella of Oxford Milkway.
“The company now operates milk trucks out of seven locations with a total of 60 trucks and 58 trailers and over 100 fulltime and part-time employees from the area,” Turpin said.
They are presently picking up milk from over 640 producers, moving over 20 per cent of the province’s milk, which equals about 1.9-million litres a day travelling almost 5-million kilometres a year.
Oxford Milkway picks up milk in Oxford, Perth, Huron, Wellington, Waterloo and Brant county areas.
They currently have over 130 milk routes between all three companies and it takes more than 50 drivers a day to keep the milk moving, as well as nine licensed mechanics and apprentices in their full-service maintenance shops, with five members on the administrative team.
The co-op should take pride as they have paid out a patronage dividend to their farmer members every year of service and
continue to prioritize strong service to members and continued debt repayment. Interesting to note that Oxford Milkway’s first president in 1964 was Zorra Township’s J. Willard MacKay, who played an active role in getting the co-op started. His family is still active milk producers in Oxford County today and very much involved in the area’s dairy industry.
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman was on hand presenting congratulations from the Province of Ontario to Oxford Milkway’s general manager, Jeremy Turpin (right) along with Milkway president Gerard Schryver (left). (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Fundraiser held to support German Sheppard pup
On Sept. 29, The Little White Piano Company in Ingersoll hosted a successful fundraiser to support 12-week-old Journey, a German Shepherd puppy in need of life-saving surgery. Journey is suffering from a serious condition known as Persistent Right Aortic Arch, which requires an urgent $10,000 procedure for her survival.
Foster parents Amada and Kate organized the event to help raise the necessary funds for Journey’s surgery. The
fundraiser featured a variety of activities, including pet photo sessions, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, and a bake sale, drawing a large crowd of community supporters.
Woodstock WWTP Proposed CHP location
Public Information Centre Woodstock Wastewater Treatment Plant biogas energy project
Oxford County is hosting a public meeting to share information about the planned biogas utilization upgrade at the Woodstock Wastewater Treatment Plant.
(RON YUZARK PHOTOS)
The event not only provided fun and entertainment but also showcased the community's commitment to helping Journey get the medical attention she desperately needs. With such strong turnout and support, the organizers hoped to reach their fundraising goal soon.
A new Combined Heat and Power system is proposed to generate heat and electricity from biogas produced at the treatment plant, lowering its dependence on the energy grid. This project aligns with Oxford County’s 100% Renewable Energy Plan.
Attend the public meeting in-person or online:
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Presentation: In-person and online at 6:30 p.m.
Oxford County Administration Building 21 Reeve Street, Woodstock
For log-in details to join online visit www.speakup.oxfordcounty.ca/woodstock-wwtp-biogas
Public Works engineering staff will be on hand to deliver a presentation and answer questions from the public. For more information visit Speak Up, Oxford! at www.oxfordcounty.ca/speakup.
Amanda and Kate, Journey's foster parents, had monogramed t-shirts for sale.
FALL BRIDAL GUIDE
Buying an engagement ring, and wedding bands, is an important decision and there are many aspects of the purchase to consider. What style would look best on your finger? Do you have a certain diamond cut you prefer? What thickness of band do you need?
Gordon Lesser at Lesser Jewellers in Ingersoll would happily sit down with you to discuss all aspects of your diamond ring and wedding band purchases. Starting with the four C’s, which are cut, colour, carat, and clarity, Gordon has 50 years experience in teaching couples about the quality and value of this important purchase. Working within your budget requirements, he will suggest the best options for your needs. It is recommended that you call the store ahead of your arrival (519-485-2190) so we can be certain Gordon will be available when you arrive.
While we have a wide variety of options in stock for you to choose from, we can also custom make your perfect ring. Gordon has considerable experience in creating custom orders. Also, have you thought about having your rings engraved? This can be arranged, and if your purchase is an instock item, engraving is typically free of charge. Gifts for your attendants is also something we would be happy to help you
with.
Gordon Lesser looks forward to helping you choose the perfect rings! Let’s make your memorable day the best it can be, with rings you will be proud to wear for years to come.
Lesser Jewellers is located in downtown Ingersoll, at 146 Thames Street South. The store offers fine jewellery and is a giftware store, with a great selection of watches and clocks. It has been operating since 1995, when Gordon purchased another jewellery store which had operated in this same location since 1951. We also offer jewellery repairs and provide clock and watch repairs, including grandfather clocks, which we can pick up from your home. Clock repairs are done on our premises. We offer in store engraving which is free of charge on items purchased in our store. Corporate watches and giftware are offered as well. Complimentary gift wrapping is available for all items purchased from us.
The business recently opened a new division, a store called Beyond Your Backdoor a short walk down the street at 136 Thames Street South. The new store is a nature-themed gift store which we are sure you will most certainly find just as delightful as Lesser Jewellers.
Tailored Elegance for Your Special Day
Experience Timeless Style with Our Expert Guidance
Looking for the perfect attire to complement your bride's stunning gown? Our vast experience allows us to assist in selecting the perfect style, colour and accessories to make you feel confident and sophisticated on your wedding day.
Why Choose Us:
· Over 80 Years of Combined Experience: Our family have honed their craft over decades, ensuring that each suit is a masterpiece of fit and style.
· Free Consultation: Let's discuss your vision and find the perfect ensemble together. Our complimentary consultation will help you select the ideal fabric, cut, and details.
· Stress-Free Shopping: We understand that planning a wedding can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team will guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. If it doesn't look great, we will not sell it to you.
· Custom Tailoring: Every suit is meticulously crafted to your exact measurements, guaranteeing a perfect fit that will make you feel like a million bucks.
· Live online measurements available:
From North Dakota to North Bay and as far away as Northern Island, wherever you and your party are, we can size you up.
· Competitive Pricing: We offer extremely competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
From classic tuxedos to modern suits, we have the expertise to create a look that reflects your personal style and complements your bride's gown. Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you make your wedding day unforgettable. Our competitors know us, you should too!
Tips For your Wedding Attire
The Groom should be unique from the groomsmen by selecting different colours for their suit-tuxedo, neck attire differentiation
There are 122 various shades of white. Groom and groomsmen should have exact same shirt otherwise colour variations will show in pictures.
Sometimes a groom may want a second shirt for the special day, especially in hotter days or those that tend to sweat more. Colour of groomsmen neck accessories should be the same as bridesmaids’ dresses Colour of shirts should not comprise colour of wedding dress. If the gown is off white or a darker shade of white, DO NOT wear white shirts - otherwise dress will look dirty and be exaggerated in pictures We are open 7 Days a week and late on Thursdays and Fridays and also available by appointment.
Parents and grandparents should be the second-best dressed people at the wedding
FALL BRIDAL GUIDE
Planning your wedding involves countless details, one of the most crucial aspects is ensuring you have the right rentals to create the perfect atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting an intimate backyard ceremony or a grand ballroom reception, wedding rentals can transform your vision into reality. Here are some key things to know about wedding rentals to make your big day unforgettable. When you are ready to get started visit www.allcelebrations.ca to create your wishlist.
1. Venue Essentials
Tents and Canopies: If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, tents and canopies are a must. They provide shelter from unpredictable weather and create a cozy, intimate space. All Celebrations provides 34' hexagons tents, as well as 20x40 and 20x20 tents. We can combine these to accommodate 150 guests or more. Generally, we setup your tent 2 - 5 days before your wedding allowing time to perfect your decor and setup. In Ontario, tents are subject to the Ontario building code. All Celebrations is happy to provide you with contact information for your local building inspector as well as the documentation required to complete your building permit application.
Tables and Chairs: From rustic harvest tables to cruiser tables and vineyard chairs to garden chairs, the right tables and chairs set the tone for your reception. Don’t forget about specialty seating like lounge furniture for a relaxed vibe or Chiavari chairs for a touch of elegance.
2. Decorative Elements
Linens and Drapery: All Celebrations provides majestic linens, backdrop and drapery that can elevate the look of your venue. Choose from a variety of colors, textures, and patterns to match your wedding theme. Our team can also create stunning backdrops to highlight your head table or to section off different areas of your venue.
Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Consider options like string lights, chandeliers, and uplighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For a more dramatic effect, use spotlights to highlight key areas like the dance floor or cake table.
Centrepieces: Candles and Lanterns: Perfect for creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Options include votive candles, pillar candles, and lanterns in various styles and sizes. Vases and Glassware: From simple glass vases, to chimneys to elaborate candelabras, these can be filled with flowers, stones, or even floating can -
dles to create a stunning centerpiece. Themed Decor: For themed events, you can find centerpieces that match your specific theme, such as vintage, books, or holiday-themed items.
3. Dining and Catering
Dinnerware and Glassware: Elegant dinnerware and glassware are essential for a sophisticated dining experience. Choose pieces that complement your overall theme, whether it’s elegant wine glasses for a classic look or sleek, gold silverware for a posh feel. All Celebrations has many glassware, flatware and dinnerware options!
Serving Equipment: Ensure your wedding servers have everything they need with the right serving equipment. This may includes chafing dishes, beverage dispensers, and serving trays. Don’t forget about barware if you’re planning to have a cocktail hour or open bar.
4. Entertainment and Extras
Dance Floors: A dance floor is a must for any wedding reception. Our classic wooden floor supported by our fast deck base makes for a beautiful area underneath the starts or in your tent. We can also create a monogram or wedding logo for the centre of your dancefloor!
Concession Machines: Up the fun at your wedding, rent our slushie machine or add cotton candy for your guests! All Celebrationscan also assist with late night snacks including popcorn.
5. Practical Considerations
Restrooms: If your venue doesn’t have adequate restroom facilities, consider renting luxury portable restrooms. These come equipped with all the amenities your guests will need and can be a lifesaver for outdoor weddings. All Celebrations is happy to put you in touch with our recommended vendors.
Generators: Ensure you have a reliable power source for all your lighting, sound, and catering needs. Renting a generator can prevent any unexpected power outages from disrupting your celebration.
Mobile Bar: Farm or tent weddings may benefit from a themed or luxury mobile bar service, or refrigerated trailers.
All Celebrations is here to help you select the right wedding rentals, you can create a beautiful and memorable event that reflects your personal style. We will work with you to ensure all your needs are met and to make your wedding day as stress-free as possible.
Welcome to All Celebrations event and party rentals in Oxford County. Allow us to share your joy every day! Build your Wishlist or browse our rental inventory and services. You can make your backyard party, your elegant venue wedding or expansive celebration a memorable success for all your guests. All Celebrations provides reliable and affordable rentals, event design and event support services. For example, in addition to providing you vineyard chairs, we can assist you with creating a budget and schedule for the day of your event. We also provide bartending, coordinating and decorating to your specifications. You choose, we will help bring your vision to life and reduce your stress.
FALL BRIDAL GUIDE
SEW STYLISH
Sew Stylish is Oxford County’s number 1 destination for wedding gown shopping for the last 20 plus years. The store has had new ownership since 2019 where it has now become a more vibrant and fun environment to shop.(check out our instagram) We offer an environment where you can come in and relax and be yourself you will have a stylist with you every step of the way.
The small community mentality translates into personal service, the brides are our number one priority. We work with them from beginning to end to choose the right dress, order the perfect size and make any careful alterations. We are here to help you and offer our expertise through your appointment where we will make recommendations based on how different styles and fabrics suit your body type, and what tones and shades of white would look best with your skin. We also know our inventory inside and out, and can find just what you’re looking for. Did we mention we have the largest inventory around, our selection of gowns in sizes 6-32. With our inhouse seamstress, you'll always get the perfect fit and won't have the stress to
find a trusted and skilled artist yourself. When you shop at Sew Stylish, it's all part of the experience, and the service. You will not need to pay in advance to book an appointment. Your dress bag and hanger are provided when you order your gown at no charge. Dress steaming is also included. And all brides will receive a goodie bag. At Sew Stylish, all free and part of the experience.
Annelies & Jess
Specializing in Cheese & Charcuterie grazing boards, charcuterie cups and cheese wedding cakes for your cocktail hour.
Come and see us to craft your favourite varietal of red, white or fruit wine to serve at your wedding dinner and reception! We are happy to offer cheese tastings, pairing suggestions for your dinner and consult with you to make your vision come to life.
The Wine Cellar & Cheese Shop in Ingersoll is celebrating 8 years in business this November. Owner, Annelies Pike, says the time has flown by quickly. This charming, boutique style shop is on Thames Street in the downtown core of Ingersoll. The shop offers ferment-on-premise winemaking with over 80 varieties of wines to choose from. Customers love the cost savings, as they stock up their cellar. They offer wine-making packages for events, such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. The shop also offers a large variety of artisanal local and international cheeses, charcuterie, condiments, local preserves, and some giftware. “We love what we do, and we hope our passion shows!” says Annelies. Annelies operates the store along with Jess Nadalin. The store is open Tuesdays to Saturdays. Along with retailing the products, the shop keeps quite busy creat-
ing take-out cheese and charcuterie boxes and boards. Customers can place their orders and have a tray or board created for them. If someone hasn’t placed an order and needs something in a hurry, they also have pre-made vacuum-sealed platters that are ready to go. The shop also caters large grazing boards for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and more. Annelies and Jess are already gearing up for Christmas. “It’s the best time of year for all of the specialty items to come in. This is great news if you’re a foodie like myself!” says Jess. Orders are currently being taken for their curated “Twelve Days of Christmas” cheese boxes as well as gift boxes and baskets. Wine-making is also in full swing, as customers stock up for the holiday season. Take a further look on their socials, or at www.winecellaringersoll.com.
(TRACEY SCHUTT- BLACKMORE MEDIAPHOTO)
FALL BRIDAL GUIDE
Create your unique gown memories with our VIP experiences. At Tansy’s Bridal we celebrate the moments that bring someone’s dream to life through beautifully crafted wedding attire that hold precious memories that last forever.
555 Dundas St Woodstock | 519-290-3455 www.tansysbridal.ca
TANSY'S BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR: YOUR BRIDAL SANCTUARY IN WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO
Nestled in the heart of Woodstock, Ontario, Tansy's Bridal & Formal Wear is more than a salon; it's a haven where dreams unfold. Offering an extensive selection of bridal gowns, prom dresses, and formal wear, we bring the latest trends from our chosen designers to the "Friendly City."
Our expert consultants guide brides through personalized consultations in an inclusive and warm environment, welcoming everyone, regardless of background or size. Experience luxury with our curated packages, featuring Champagne Service, charcuterie
snacks, desserts, and exclusive discounts for brides.
As a one-stop-shop, Tansy's extends offerings to grooms with tuxedo and suit rentals through Collins Formal Wear. While we prefer appointments on our website, walk-ins are always welcome!
Explore our website's "in-store" feature at www.tansysbridal.com and follow us on social media for updates on new arrivals, promotions, contests, and exclusive events.
At Tansy's Bridal & Formal Wear, we go beyond attire, crafting lasting memories. Your journey to forever begins in the heart of Woodstock, where enchanting elegance meets the promise of a perfect wedding day.
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Canadian newspapers are powered by journalists, not AI. They check the facts so you can trust what you’re reading.
Visit nationalnewspaperweek.ca to learn more.
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.
Bridal Mothers Prom Guests
Woodstock Ingersoll Echo SPORTS
Knights Under the Lights makes a return to Woodstock College Avenue
The Woodstock College Avenue Secondary School (CASS) senior football Knights could have used a little more time at the end of the second quarter, and a little bit less in the fourth.
“That’s about it,” agreed coach Jaimen Allison following a 30-0 TVRA Senior Football loss to the visiting St. Thomas St. Joe’s Rams on Thursday, Sept. 26.
The homefield Knights played the Rams close through the opening half, trailing 9-0 as time wound down. CASS came its closest to scoring on a third-and-10 draw play to Jevaugn Roberts, who broke both outside and a pair of tackles before being tackled at the Rams’ seven-yard-line with seconds remaining on the clock.
“I thought I was going to score,” Roberts admitted. “I didn’t think he was going to come out of nowhere.”
Knights quarterback Brady Pepper dropped back to pass on what would be the final play of the half, but was sacked by St. Joe’s Shawn Okorhi, ending the threat.
The Rams wore a short-staffed Knights unit down during the second half, adding a third-quarter Kenyen Aphayvong touchdown pass to Mason Glover, converted by Curtis Correia which brought the lead to 16-0. Running back Owen Lawrence recorded his second and third rushing touchdowns in the fourth, extending the visitors advantage to the
30-point final victory.
“I think everyone just got tired,” Roberts summed up, a sentiment echoed by his coach.
“In the end, our guys were gassed,” said Allison, giving full credit to the Rams as a deep, talented roster, able to put athletes on the field at each position.
“This is a very tough team. We feel they’re the class of the league.”
CASS had opened its TVRA season with a 16-7 road win over the Ingersoll DCI Blue Bombers. In that game, Teshaine Peach and Jackson Chonko were credited with touchdowns and place-kicker Kaleb Krupp a field goal and an extra point.
Despite the St. Joe’s loss, Allison was satisfied with achieving his primary pregame goals.
“We wanted to keep the score down and stay healthy,” said Allison, who coming into the contest down three key players including a ‘game-changing’ middle linebacker/fullback, elected to limit his roster to ‘one-way’ play (either defence or offence, not both) except in the case of emergency substitutions.
“We achieved both our intended goals,” he concluded, willing to consider a rematch, should that opportunity arise.
“We hope to see them again - at full strength.”
TVRA JUNIOR FOOTBALL
St. Thomas St. Joe’s 44, Woodstock College Avenue 0
JEFF TRIBE Echo Contributor
Woodstock College Avenue Knights senior defender Jujaar Randhawa (#8) leads a charge including Ethan Davy (left) and Isaiah Ramos (right) against St. Joe’s running back Shawn Okorhi. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Woodstock College Avenue Knights junior football quarterback Carter Rennie struggles to find running room against St. Thomas St. Joe’s Rams including Hudson Glover (#4). (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Woodstock College Avenue Knights senior running back Jevaugn Roberts (#34) breaks free of a tackle en route to St. Joe’s seven-yard-line late in the second quarter, with St. Joe’s Adam Abouzeenni between him and the goal line. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Faiad Alezzi was simply hoping to work on his strength and legs to improve his play as a soccer left winger/striker.
The CASS junior Knights Grade 9 rookie is doing all of that.
But he’s also found a new sport in the process.
“I love hitting people,” Alezzi said Thursday, Sept. 26, one of the Knights’ bright spots under the lights at home, enjoying not only the game’s physicality but also the camaraderie, the team atmosphere football brings. “I’ve been doing this sport for two weeks and already love it.”
The final score could have been considered discouraging, but not entirely unexpected for a Grade 9 Knights team going up against an experienced league powerhouse.
“Just keep pushing,” Alezzi summed up. CASS opened its season with a 42-7 loss
to the Ingersoll DCI Blue Bombers the previous Thursday. The squad features just four returning Grade 10 players says coach Derek Belore.
“The rest are Grade 9s,” he said, looking forward to a ‘learning year’ and stronger return next year as team leaders.
“Keep their heads up and look towards the future.”
Belore was looking forward to a close future including regular season games scheduled against London Clarke Road, Aylmer East Elgin and Tillsonburg Glendale.
“Not saying the rest is going to be easy, but we’re hoping for a little more even games.”
Belore also appreciated both junior and senior teams’ return to CASS, following a 2023 season spent on the road due to renovations to the surrounding track. Fans lined the fence to the sports field’s east,
national anthems, live announcing, ’shout outs’ to individual players, fund-raising opportunities, and the College Avenue band adding to a festive atmosphere undaunted by the final score of either game. Knights Under the Lights 2024 will return with a junior/senior doubleheader against the visiting Aylmer East Elgin Eagles, on Thursday, Oct. 10 kicking off at 6 p.m.
It’s great to be back on our home field, playing in front of our fans under the lights,” Belore concluded.
TVRA Senior Football
Thursday, October 3
Ingersoll DCI at Aylmer East Elgin
Wednesday, October 2
Woodstock College Avenue 24, London Clarke Road 7
Scoring summary: CASS - Roberts and Peach, a touchdown each, Krupp three
field goals plus an extra point. Clarke Road - Scott touchdown, Herrera extra point.
Wednesday, September 25
Ingersoll DCI 40, London Montcalm SS 10
Junior
Thursday, October 3
Ingersoll DCI 35, Aylmer East Elgin 0
Wednesday, October 2
London Clarke Road 34, Woodstock College Avenue 14
Scoring summary: CASS - Ryan Austin kick return for a touchdown, Carter Ronnie second major score. Clarke Road - Jaxson Griffith and Geovani Thompson-Atkins two touchdowns each, Aiden Murdoch one, Dawood Gulab four extra points.
Wednesday, September 25
Ingersoll DCI 35, London Montcalm SS 0
Homecourt Huron Park Huskies battle for full 32 minutes
Woodstock CI Red Devils junior point guard Natalie Sutherland may be new to the TVRA South East.
But the Grade 9 Oxford Attack alumni clearly knows her way around a basketball court. Thursday, Sept. 26 at Woodstock Huron Park, Sutherland opened her high school career and the Red Devils regular season by contributing a team-high 12 points to a 47-19 victory over the homecourt Huskies.
“I just let it flow, I guess,” said Sutherland, unofficially adding the prefix shooting alongside point with a pair of three-point field goals.
The visitors got off to a strong start, finishing the opening eight minutes with a 13-0 advantage they pushed to 28-6 by the half. Sutherland added her second three and five points in total through a 19-8 third-quarter run, effectively locking up the win.
Brooke Halward added eight points for the Red Devils, Emma Holm, Avery Molinaro and Brooklyn Donas four apiece, Arianna Zehar, Maekna Barron, Hallie Turpin and Layla Graham a field goal each, and Addy Weicker one free throw.
“I think we’ve got a pretty solid team,” Sutherland summed up. “A good start to the season.”
The Huskies pushed through the full 32-minute
duration, despite facing a deficit the duration of the contest. Violet Caskanette contributed to an 11-point Huron Park fourth quarter, picking off a pass near half and driving strongly to the basket, and adding a second basket along with a nifty assist off a baseline drive.
“We tried not to give up and in the last few minutes, we kept pushing,” said Caskanette, crediting WCI for being ‘A really good team.’
“It was good competition to play against.”
The Huskies had opened their regular TVRA season two days earlier, coming home from Tillsonburg Glendale with a 26-14 victory. Grade 10 captain EmaLeigh Hamilton (absent against the Red Devils) had led her team with 12 points, Abby Bailey adding six, Reagan White, Kathryn Baan and Feyikemi Soyinka two each, and Bella Sitko one free throw.
Soyinka had five points at home against WCI, Caskanette and Sitko four apiece and White one field goal.
“They gave it every single them we had during the game,” said Huron Park coach Tyler Anderson, pleased with his squad’s effort. His pre-game message had focussed on playing for 32 minutes.
“And they brought it.”
Anderson cited his team’s solid defence as a positive, along with several things they would be working on together in practice.
Woodstock College Avenue Knights defenders Zachary Walker (left) and Teshaine Peach (top) combine to tackle a St. Joe’s runner believed to be Owen Lawrence. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
St. Joe’s quarterback Kenyen Aphayvong covers up the ball after a high snap, covered well by a College Avenue Knights defender believed to be Jujaar Randhawa. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
JEFF TRIBE
Echo Contributor
Woodstock CI’s Makena Barron (left) and Alison Van DenWyugen (right) provide the defensive pressure against Woodstock Huron Park’s Taryn Eltervood (centre). (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Junior girls' Red Devils down Huskies
“But that’s what junior basketball’s about,” he concluded. “Just getting better.”
“We played good,” Caskanette agreed in conclusion, “and we’re going to get better through the season.”
TVRA South East Junior Girls
Thursday, October 3
College Avenue 32, Lord Dorchester 12
Wednesday, October 2
Woodstock CI 30, Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS 10
Tuesday, October 1
Woodstock Huron Park 27, St. Thomas Central Elgin 12; St. Thomas St. Joe’s 31, Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS 11;
Aylmer East Elgin 30, Woodstock CI 25.
Thursday, September 26
Woodstock CI 47, Woodstock Huron Park 19; Woodstock College Avenue 26, Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS 6.
Tuesday, September 24th
Woodstock Huron Park 25, Tillsonburg Glendale 17; St. Thomas St. Joe’s 35, Woodstock College Avenue 15; Aylmer East Elgin 27, Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS 7.
TVRAA East Senior Girls
Thursday, October 3
Woodstock College Avenue 54, Lord Dorchester 37; Woodstock Huron Park at Ingersoll DCI
Tuesday, October 1
Woodstock CI 24, Aylmer East Elgin 23; St. Thomas St. Joe’s 37, Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS 17; St. Thomas Central Elgin 51, Woodstock Huron Park 33.
Thursday, September 26
Woodstock CI 43, Woodstock Huron Park 23.
Wednesday, September 25
Woodstock College Avenue 55, Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS 35; Lord Dorchester SS 38, Ingersoll DCI 18.
Tuesday, September 24
Woodstock Huron Park 44, Tillsonburg Glendale 28; Aylmer East Elgin 41, Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS 21; St. Thomas Central Elgin 41, Ingersoll DCI 21.
Woodstock Huron Park Pups Anahi Hehar (right) ’D’s up’ on Woodstock CI’s Ariana Zehar. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Woodstock CI’s Bella Perkins (left) and Woodstock Huron Park’s Bella Sitko get tied up during a battle for possession of the ball. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
The Woodstock Navy Vets moved two games above .500 after a pair of victories last weekend.
On Friday they downed Paris 5-2 at Southwood Arena on Emergency Responders Appreciation Night. The Vets got goals from 5 different players, Brodie Kearns, Connor Stanley, Logan Pace-Roth, Charley Barnes, and Davin Gray while Nolan Brett added a pair of assists. Tyler Bouck made 25 saves for his third win of the season.
PJHL Roundup
Tracey Clayton and Kim Moore from Oxford County Paramedics Services, Scott Roode of Woodstock Police Services, Chad Paton of the Woodstock Fire Department, and Dr. Nicholas Bennett from Woodstock Hospital ER Department were part of a pre-game ceremony honouring our local Emergency Responders.
Roode is currently the Vets' Prevention Officer, Paton is in his first season as an assistant coach, and Dr. Bennett has been the team's physician for over 20 years.
On Sunday Woodstock travelled to Hespeler and earned a 7-5 win over the Shamrocks. Nolan Brett had
a big afternoon recording a hat trick and adding three assists for a six-point game. Davin Gray had four assists to reach 150 career points. Logan Pace-Roth with two, Connor Stanley and Charley Barnes scored the other Vets goals. Scott Rodrigue made 35 saves in the victory.
The Nay Vets host the Wellesley Applejacks Friday evening for Breast Cancer Awareness Night, the only game of the weekend for them. The Vets currently sit in third place with a record of five wins and three losses but are just two points back of first-place Norwich in a tight Doherty Division race.
Several first responders were at Southwood Arena last Friday for Emergency Responders Appreciation Night. From left to right are Brady McLaren, Tracey Clayton, Chad Paton, Dr. Nicholas Bennett, Scott Roode, Kim Moore and Jordan Thomson. (BILL POLZIN PHOTO)
LEE GRIFFI, Editor WITH NOTES FROM JIM TAYLOR
Nolan Brett had two assists on Friday night and six points (three goals and three assists) on Sunday afternoon’s 7-5 victory in Hespeler. Brett is a 19-year-old forward from Beachville in his fourth season with the team. His career totals are 79 goals and 88 assists in 138 career regular season and playoff games with Vets.
(BILL POLZIN PHOTO)
City recruiting youth for advisory committee
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The City of Woodstock is looking for people 13 years and older to join the Youth Advisory Committee.
Committee members provide advice and recommendations to council on a variety of topics and issues to help shape the future of Woodstock.
“When I talk with students during my visits to our local high schools, it’s clear they have a lot to offer our community,” said Mayor Jerry Acchione. “The Youth Advisory Committee gives young people the opportunity to voice their concerns, share their ideas and provide input on decisions that affect our city.”
Councillor Liz Wismer-Van Meer, who works at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County, is also a committee member and said there are a lot of young people out there with great ideas to share to support the youth of the community.
“They are the ones living it, they are the ones with the lived experience. Adults, sure we can try our best to try and comprehend and try to meet the needs of young people, but there is no better voice than theirs.”
She added having a committee like this one is important for any community because youth share what they want, what
CALLING ALL YOUTH!
Woodstock’s Youth Advisory committee is recruiting young people 13+ interested in offering their perspective on a wide range of municipal services and help make Woodstock a more inclusive, welcoming place for youth.
You can
• help shape our community by providing advice and recommendations to Council
• gain new skills and experience for your resume or post secondary application
• earn volunteer hours
• meet new people
they need and how we can support them.
“They are the future of our community.”
Wismer-Van Meer said the city has done an excellent job in the last five or 10 years in providing recreation for youth but she admitted there is much work still to be done.
“We need to address the needs of young people who aren’t into sports and recreation. The art gallery offers some great programs as does our local theatre. There are a lot of youth who need a safe space to go where they can be themselves and feel welcomed. It’s something we don’t have in our community that we could benefit from.”
She alluded to the fact Woodstock is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities which makes it even more important to listen to what the youth in the city have to say. Wismer-Van Meer, a rookie councillor, said this is the first time she has seen a recruitment drive for the committee
“We have taken our time and have had a few meetings leading up to this to look at best practices and get ideas of what we think will work, and what won’t work. We are hoping with some of our connections in the schools and my network of people working in social services that we can recruit some people.”
Weekend Quiz
The Suitcase Project makes Woodstock stop
EMILY STEWART Echo Correspondent
A travelling exhibition taking a look at what happened to Japanese Canadians and Americans during the Second World War will be at the Woodstock Museum and National Historic Site until early in the New Year.
The Suitcase Project from the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre in British
Columbia is a series of photographs and films by Kayla Isomura, who asks fourth and fifthgeneration Japanese Canadians what they would pack in their suitcases if they were forcibly removed from their homes. The Suitcase Project has travelled all over the United States and Canada since its 2018 opening.
In 1942, about 23,000 Japanese Canadians and over 100,000 Japanese Americans on the West Coast were forced to leave their homes behind and were either incarcerated or placed in concentration camps.
The Japanese Canadians had a weight restriction for items they could carry, and the Japanese Americans were limited to items they were able to carry. Anything additional was thrown out.
Isomura, a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian herself, gave the subjects between 24 to
48 hours notice to collect their belongings, similar to what happened in WWII.
“This is really looking at what's left behind,” Karen Houston, manager of culture and museum curator, said. “I think that's a great question in general. What is left behind for us? All these generations later after this is how things happened for this portion of our population."
The Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre’s brief on their ‘Beta Vulgaris: The SugarBeets Project’ said that families were only allowed to stay together if they agreed to move to Ontario or the Prairies to harvest sugar beets, a labour-intensive task.
“We weren't able to import sugar from overseas during WWII, so we had to grow our own,” Houston said. She added that the reception has been positive from Woodstock patrons, with many learning more about WWII.
“For people who are saying, a generation closer to it than me,” she said. “They're looking at the map realizing they didn't realize this was happening in Ontario, they didn't realize this was happening in Southern Ontario. And it's like yes, even today, sugar beets are only grown in two places in Canada - Alberta and Ontario, so this directly ties to us right here."
The Suitcase Project will be on display at the Woodstock Museum until Jan. 11, 2025.
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: A part of England that inspired a fascinating book
In September, we spent a few days at a cottage with some family members. One of them spotted me holding a book and asked, “Are you actually going to read that entire thing?”
It was a fair question because the hardcover I was reading runs to well over 900 pages.
“Yes, I am going to read it all,” I answered.
Then I made the confession that elevated her casual curiosity to genuine concern about my mental state. I said, “Actually, I have read it before.” She shook her head, sadly.
The book? Sarum: The Novel of England, written by Edward Rutherfurd and published in 1987. When I first read it, I enjoyed it and then I got my first opportunity to visit the part of England featured in the historical novel – Stonehenge, Old Sarum and Salisbury. It’s only 16 kilometres from the ancient monument, Stonehenge, to the soaring
majesty of Salisbury Cathedral, but so much of English history is encapsulated in this small region.
I’ve been back to Salisbury several times and each time I have thought, “I would really like to read Sarum again.”
But I didn’t and on cursory explorations of bookstores, I never found the volume until we visited Florenceville, N.B., in August, where the local library had a booksales table and there was Sarum available by donation.
The book instantly took me back to my visits to Stonehenge, Old Sarum and Salisbury, each a fine historic and cultural site in its own right and, combined, an amazing destination worthy of a multi-day visit.
The first time I saw Stonehenge was on my very first visit to the U.K. in the early 1990s. I was driving west on the A303 and was surprised to discover, there in the distance, a cute little model of Stonehenge. It took a few minutes to realize that it was no model. As we drew closer, the impressive, prehistoric structure became more and more awe-inspiring.
That day, Stonehenge was closed to visitors but you could park on a sideroad and walk to a fence that was just yards from the standing stones, which you can no longer do.
Since then, much work has been done to limit such access to Stonehenge. It’s now more distant from modern roadways and visitors get a slightly more authentic experience of the ancient site.
About 10 minutes south of Stonehenge is the ruin of Old Sarum.
Nearby fields and woodlots hold dozens of the burial barrows and other prehistoric ruins that surround Stonehenge for kilometres –some of them still not explored by archaeologists. Sarum itself shows evidence of its evolution as fortification, castle, aristocratic residence and bishop’s palace. There were people living here as early as 3000 BC, but the first structure bigger than a hut was probably a hill fort built in 400 BC. Visitors can explore the site, climb down the hill to the foundation stones that mark the former cathedral and imagine the lives of the people who lived here for 4,500 years.
Oddly, although Sarum was essentially moved to become what is now Salisbury around 1220, Old Sarum continued to send two members to Parliament until 1832 as one of the “rotten boroughs” that were owned by rich landlords who guarded their “right” to hold places in government, though they represented exactly no one.
In the 13th century, the bishop at the time became frustrated with sharing power with military overlords of Sarum, so he abandoned the Sarum Cathedral and had a new cathedral constructed about four kilometres away in Salisbury. That was the beginning of the end for Sarum.
A thriving market town grew up around the new cathedral and today you can still see many buildings and monuments from that era.
Personally, it is my favourite cathedral, anywhere – and after about 30 years as a travel writer, I have visited more than my share of cathedrals.
I love it because it is both majestic and simple. It is consistent in design, unlike many ancient churches which have bits built across the centuries in a plethora of forms. It sits magnificently in the midst of a still peaceful and protected “close.” Its décor – including the amazing carvings in the Chapter House – are continually maintained in their original state. That Chapter House contains one of the original, handwritten copies of the Magna Carta of 1215. But there is one more cause for my crush on the cathedral. On my first of many visits to Salisbury Cathedral, I was accompanied by my wife, Mary, who passed away in 1996. We learned that the ceiling of the church was being repaired. New tin sheets were replacing the
original materials that lined the ceiling from above. For a pound or two, we could etch our names on one of these tin sheets, which would then be installed high above the nave, hidden forever except in our memories.
In the book, Sarum, a stone carver named Osmund is portrayed as taking great pride in his work for the cathedral, even those hidden details that would never be seen by human eye.
As I read Sarum, in small part, I understood.
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.
PAUL KNOWLES Echo Contributor
Salisbury Cathedral at dusk.
The ruins of Old Sarum hold many centuries of history.
The mysterious and compelling structure we call Stonehenge.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
Zorra Township News
New Zorra Municipal Centre ties the old with the new
CONNOR LUCZKA
Echo Correspondent
As members of the public walk into the new Zorra Municipal Centre at 163 Brock Street in Thamesford, one of the first things they will see is a brick wall with a picture on it.
The picture is of the old Thamesford Mill, courtesy of local photographer Doris Weir, and its impact on the municipality cannot be understated, at least according to the mayor.
“That mill is the reason that there’s a town here,” Mayor Marcus Ryan said during the Doors Open Zorra event on Sept. 28, when a township-wide open house was hosted at all municipal facilities, including the newly completed municipal building. “The village, Thamesford, the name literally means a ford, a crossing of the Thames, and that was because of that mill.”
The mill was demolished a decade ago, but a number of its bricks were salvaged by a local resident and given to the municipality when building the new facility.
“When we were building a new office, we were trying to think about ‘What are the things we could do in building, a brand new office, that made it also feel like it was from here?’” Ryan went on to say. “And this was one of the ideas. What if we took some of the bricks from that old mill and used them in there as a feature … It's a new building and a new site, but it's also from this community.”
When it was time to cut the ribbon on
the newly built municipal centre that Saturday, it was done in front of the picture and brick wall, tying together the old and new as the mayor put it.
The new building has been operational for several months with the first council meeting in the new chambers on June 19. Ryan said that the Doors Open Zorra event was the perfect opportunity to in -
vite the taxpayers in and cut the ribbon as on regular days there is controlled access to the majority of the building, where staff work.
At the Saturday event, staff hosted multiple tours of the $6.5 million facility throughout the day including outgoing chief administrative officer Don MacLeod.
“The whole building, including childcare, is 19,000 square feet,” MacLeod told the Echo during a tour, pointing out offices, design principles, and how the spaces will function. “A little bit smaller than East Zorra-Tavistock. They just built a new office. Our space is a little smaller.”
MacLeod highlighted that each office is the same size to not have unfair differences between staff. There is a quiet room for anyone needing a break that could function as a prayer room should the municipality hire someone needing a separate space for their faith. Council chambers have been outfitted with audio-visual equipment that staff have been trained on, to make livestreaming council meetings seamless, among other features.
The need for a new building is hard to put on a timeline. Ryan said one could say it has been due for 50 years, ever since Zorra was created by amalgamation in 1975. At that time, the only municipal office of the smaller municipalities was the North Oxford office, which Zorra Township used until this new facility.
”I think we extracted maximum value out of the asset,” Ryan joked. “But
frankly, we’d outgrown it. It wasn’t accessible. There was one employee who was literally working in a closet. So, depending on your perspective it’s been 50 years coming or about three years coming.”
The facility took 14 months to build. Although paying homage to Zorra’s past was important, Ryan said that the emphasis when designing it was functionality for staff and residents, as well as future-proofing it for future generations. To that end, solar panels will be going on the roof next year. Originally, they would have been installed during construction, but staff wanted to wait a year and monitor the building’s actual energy usage to install exactly the right number of panels.
The municipal centre was not the only building on display that Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day many facilities opened their doors to the public, including the Thamesford District Recreation Centre, the Embro-Zorra Community Centre, the newly built Zorra Maintenance Facility, the Thamesford Fire Hall, the Embro Fire Hall and the Uniondale Fire Hall.
The new municipal centre also has an 88-space child care facility at the back, operated by the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. Although the facility opened in September, it was not open during Doors Open Zorra.
According to a post on the township’s Facebook page after the event, nearly 300 people toured the new municipal centre, and a lot of people also visited the other facilities.
Representatives of Zorra Township staff and council gather around Mayor Marcus Ryan as he cuts the ribbon for the newly completed Zorra Municipal Centre during Doors Open Zorra on Saturday 28. (CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)
The 19,000 square feet, $6.5 million facility at 163 Brock Street opened its doors that Saturday, but it has been operating for many months now. It hosted its first council meeting on June 19. (CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)
CONNOR LUCZKA
Echo Correspondent
Zorra Township Council briefs
Residents can now book ice time online
Zorra Township residents can now book ice time and facility spaces online, thanks to a new portal on the township’s website.
Ally Thompson, recreation programs and services coordinator gave a quick overview of the municipality’s new online booking capability at the township council meeting on Oct. 2, showing how residents can navigate and book rink time.
Residents can check availability, make reservations, and pay for rentals without needing to contact municipal staff directly now. For staff, the online booking system reduces administrative tasks and provides a centralized platform for managing availability, cancellations, and payments.
Residents are required to have insurance for booking, with specifications listed on the website for each space.
After Coun. Kevin Stewart inquired about the insurance, Thompson clarified that a provider is listed on the website as an option for residents, with a certificate available in three to five minutes.
To book a room, ice time, or see what is available, visit https://app.amilia.com/store/en/zorra/shop/facilitybookings.
Township seeking $1.2 million in provincial funding for recreation projects
According to Mayor Marcus Ryan, the township’s recent application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is a perfect example of why a strategic plan is so important.
“So often with these grants, what the province or federal government is looking for is ‘shovel-ready’ projects,” Ryan said. “And that’s what they mean by shovel-ready, you’ve already decided, it's in your capital budget, you’re ready to go … that enables our staff to go and pursue these grants.”
Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to submit a grant application for both streams of the recently created provincial fund. Through that fund, $200 million is available to help communities upgrade and build new sport and recreation facilities, with the first
stream focusing on repairing or upgrading existing facilities with the second stream focusing on new builds. Eligible projects would be completed by March 2027 and municipalities can request up to 50 per cent of the total costs.
Staff will apply to the first stream for the energy-efficient ice rink refrigeration and LED lighting upgrade, which would see the replacement and upgrading of:
• The plate chiller at the Embro Zorra Community Centre (EZCC), $130,000
• The condenser at the Thamesford District Recreation Centre (TDRC), $145,000
• Waste Desuperheaters at the EZCC and the TDRC, $70,000
• The electrical panel and soft start at the EZCC, $50,000
• The LED lighting at the EZCC parking lot and sports field and at the TDRC parking lot, $65,000
The total cost is budgeted as $460,000. The township is asking for $230,000.
Staff will apply for the second stream for the municipally funded community gymnasium and sports field, a co-build project between the township and the Thames Valley District School Board.
The total cost is budgeted at $2 million.The township is asking for $1 million.
All the items included in the application are included in the 10-year capital plan. The reason for applying now, as stated by Thompson, is to save municipal money in the future.
2025 budget survey results are in
Throughout this summer a county-wide 2025 bud get survey only saw 131 responses, down from the 132 responses received last year.
When asked about services provided by the municipality (general government, parks and recreation, fire services, police services, roads and bridges, bylaw enforcement, and health services), the largest response to all was to have services maintained.
“I think the results from this are very similar to what we've seen in the past,” Mitchell said. “I think we're hitting the happy medium. As far as the comments … there were several people that said that we should reduce taxes or freeze taxes, and the only way we do
that is to either eliminate services or reduce capital projects, and in the long run neither one of those is the responsible thing to do. On the other end of the scale, I don’t think we can put up another 10 per cent increase.”
While many comments wanted better road maintenance or more green space, for example, Stewart pointed out that some comments suggested that the amount of staff at the municipality was too high and would be an area to cut.
“We just talked about some grant applications,” Stewart said, referring to the previously discussed Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund and the work staff do to make those applications feasible. “We talked about other things that we're doing as a municipality with the staff we do have that is saving taxpayer money. I think that's a lot stronger money spent in the staff that we have here, as opposed to looking for budget cuts.”
Coun. Katie Grigg highlighted how difficult it is to get participation year after year and thanked those who took the time to be engaged.
Roads under budget, for now
With the major road projects for the year nearing completion, the department is currently under budget, for now.
Council received its monthly roads division report, which detailed the projects the department is currently working on, and the budgeted costs compared to the amount tendered.
The summer-long work on 35th Line, Road 78, and Perth Oxford Boundary Road is complete. There is still more work to be done for the Lakeside and Middleton sidewalk projects, but that work is expected to be finished by the first week of October.
“We're at just under $466,000 under budget,” said Coun. Paul Mitchell, when adding up the difference between the budgeted line and the tendered line for each of the projects. “Almost half a million dollars under budget is a good news story.”
Steve Oliver, director of public services for the township, clarified that they are still waiting for a few more invoices to come which affect the final bottom line. For example, there are no actual costs listed yet for any of the projects.
Reuseapaloozaha makes return to Embro Community Centre
CONNOR LUCZKA
Echo Correspondent
A little rain never hurt anyone and certainly didn’t stop Zorra residents from being thrifty.
Reuseapaloozaha made its return to the Embro Community Centre as rain clouds circled overhead on Sept. 28. Bryan Smith, organizer for the event, told the Echo it was a great showing.
“It's going really well,” Smith said at the event, as he directed volunteers and attendees to where they needed to be. “We've had a steady flow of guests coming with things and bringing things, and we've had people discovering things they even want, and that's great.”
The Oxford County-based swap meet is a regular event where residents can donate books, clothing, furniture, kitchenware, decorations, and everything in between. Then, residents can filter through the tables and displays and pick up anything
they want.
Reuseapaloozaha migrates in the county, making sure that residents from every nook of the region have the opportunity to experience the event.
Each venue is a little different, Smith said, and by and large, each showing is relatively similar, with some deviations. That being said, the items coming in and out are always a surprise. That morning, he had met one woman who refinished picture frames at the event, looking for frames to take home.
“And I talked to somebody else who said that they'd recently bought a cottage, and it was unfurnished,” Smith said. “And they thought, ‘What are we gonna do? Well, I see furniture.’ So, they furnished it, and they're in good shape because of that.”
With Halloween approaching, Smith said he also saw a lot of decorations and costumes.
Smith said that the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of the “awesome”
volunteers assisting. That Saturday there were some who had never assisted before and some who were experienced hands.
All of whom worked together to help.
“This is a community effort,” Smith summed up.
The next Reuseapaloozaha is scheduled for April 26 in Sweaburg, according to its website. Smith said that they are always looking for volunteers.
Reuseapaloozaha, the regular Oxford County-based swap meet, made its return to the Embro Community Centre as rain clouds circled overhead on Sept. 28. (CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)
Route to the Past – Memorial Park Considered Consecrated Ground
SCOTT GILLIES Contributor
Call it Dr. Carroll’s Park, Soldiers’ Carroll Memorial Park, Yvonne Holmes Mott Memorial Park, or simply Memorial Park. Any of these names mark the property which was created to be a war memorial to those who had paid the ultimate price during the First World War.
Work on creating the park was commenced in 1919, following the Great War, and after Town Council had been given provincial approval to use the proceeds from Dr. Carroll’s estate for public purposes.
Dr. David Wellcome Carroll had passed away in 1912 and bequeathed a large parcel of land to the community for the purpose of a public park. This was in the northeast portion of the municipality -- roughly North Town Line south to King Solomon Street and from Kensington east to Pemberton. The land would become available for public use upon the demise of his widow. She passed in 1915.
While appreciating the donation, Town Council did not see the value in creating a new park so far away from the centre of town. Instead, they pursued various actions including appealing to the provincial government to contest the will. This was granted and the property was put up for sale. The proceeds were used to create a new park in the
downtown core, with the stipulation that it be named in honour of Dr. D.W. Carroll.
The site selected was the former mill pond known at the time as Partlo’s Pond. For decades this small body of water had been a stagnant cesspool. Various Medical Officers had tried to get it drained since the 1870s – all to no avail. With the advent of fire hydrants and municipal water, the use of ponds like Partlo’s, Smith’s and Carroll’s were no longer relevant for fighting fires. In 1919, the Town acquired the property and commenced the process of draining, cleaning and preparing the grounds for public access.
A further impetus for this work were local discussions around a suitable and lasting memorial to the fallen victims of the First World War. Stone monuments were considered but, in the end, it was the future which won public support.
As reporter George Janes wrote, “Memorial Park…should be a lasting memorial to those who made the supreme sacrifice… whose memories should ever be revered but at the same time be a factor for the furtherance of the spirit of freedom from which they gave their lives….The park was planned to become a place of beauty, for pleasurable recreation by children… mothers and others…”
“In the ceremonies that were held at the time and since, it has
been stressed that the ground constituting Memorial Park should be generally regarded as consecrated; that anything to the contrary is a violation of the solemn spirit with which the park was created.…”
“An elaborate stone … with a suitable inscription, might have been chosen…to serve as a memorial to World War 1 heroes, but … the decision to create Memorial Park, in which the ringing voices of children at play…the enthusiastic shouts of others in times of contests and merry making…and other major events…was considered the practical way to pay respect, although through saddened memories of those who died for King and Country and the freedom they loved.”
In 1919, public donations began to stream in. Community groups led the fundraising campaign. With the monies raised, the pond was drained, the bed was cleared of all residual muck and rotting plant life. The stream was rerouted to the east side of the property, and the grounds were landscaped. This included the planting of trees and the construction of a rustic bridge by Andrew Mitchell over the creek at the King Street entrance, and of a “temporary bandstand”.
The official opening of Soldiers’ Carroll Memorial Park took place on May 24, 1921 “in memory of those who fought and died in the greatest struggle of all times”.
In 1922, the newly formed Ingersoll Kiwanis Club established a swimming pool for children in the park. The following year, the Lady Dufferin Chapter of the Imperial Order of The Daughters of the Empire (the IODE) arranged for the erection of the flagstaff. The stones for this cenotaph were donated by Byron Jenvey. We believe that it was built by local stonemason Alexander Kirk who also constructed the Sons of England monument in the cemetery. This flagpole became the Town’s cenotaph for the next 76 years.
Then in 1924, the Kiwanians donated playground equipment – swings, slides and other piec-
es for Memorial Park. In August of that year, the Town hosted a huge reunion during which numerous former residents reacted positively to the ‘new park’. The August 12, 1924, issue of the local newspaper reported that “a splendid bandstand is being erected by the Town’s Victory Loan Commission”.
More than $1 million had been raised by the people of Ingersoll at the end of the Great War to pay down the national debt. This was more than any other community of its size in the country.
The sales commission earned by the local Victory Loan committee, was earmarked for the construction of the bandstand.
The work of constructing it was carried out by Alex Kirk or possibly William and Robert Crellin. William Crellin is known to have built stone houses in Zorra and the dam in Smith’s Pond. Council minutes reflect that he did other cement work for the Town in the 1920s.
On the other hand, Alex Kirk lived on Canterbury Street and is known to have constructed homes in town. As noted above, he built the SOE cairn in 1927.
Both features are made with the same materials and same extruded mortar technique.
One hundred years ago this week, the Ingersoll Daily Sentinel Review reported that on the afternoon of Wednesday October 8, 1924, a large crowd gathered in Memorial Park to participate in the presentation of the bandstand and playground to the people of Ingersoll.
At 3:30 a parade from Vic-
tory Memorial School of more than 800 children and others marched to the park. President George Sutherland from the Kiwanis Club presented the playground equipment to the Town and was warmly thanked by Mayor William English.
Verne Buchanan then took to the podium on the bandstand and formally presented the structure to the Town of Ingersoll on behalf of the Victory Loan Committee, stating that it “was erected to commemorate the bravery of Ingersoll’s best young men, who fought our battles at the front. It is a great pleasure to present to you this bandstand and I hope it will always stand in Ingersoll as a fitting memorial to those who did their bit at the front for Canada’s might.”
October 8, 2024, marks the centennial of this unique structure. 2024 marks the 110th anniversary of the start of the Great War, a time when hundreds of young men and women from Ingersoll served their country, and thousands more devoted their time, resources, energies and monies to support those same local heroes with efforts on the Home Front.
Over the ensuing years, the significance of the bandstand, and the park, as a war memorial has faded. The Memorial Park Bandstand has been and should be a constant reminder of that public selflessness, that spirit of generosity which is instilled in and demonstrated by the community still to this day.
Route2thepast@gmail.com
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
(SCOTT GILLIES PHOTO)
Pittock hosts Sunrise Ceremony
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Sept. 30 marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honoring the survivors of residential schools and the ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. A Sunrise Ceremony took place at the Pittock Conservation Area that morning, drawing community members together in reflection and unity. Participants formed a circle as part of the ceremo
ny, where smudging with sage was offered for those wishing to cleanse their spirits with the sacred smoke. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the importance of truth and reconciliation, encouraging attendees to engage in meaningful discussions about the legacy of residential schools and the path forward toward healing.
(RON
staff is passionate about helping you find the right products to meet your needs.
We’re so grateful for your support over the years, and we can’t wait to serve our community with even more enthusiasm and efficiency. On behalf of the Saarloos family and all of our team, thank you for your continued trust and loyalty.
As we embark on this exciting journey with Country Mills, we look forward to growing together with you for many years to come. Stop by or give us a call soon to discover the enhanced offerings and personalized service that await you at your local feed and farm store!
Warm regards, The Country Mills Team
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YUZARK PHOTOS)
Russel Howe was in charge of the Ceremonial Fire.
Singing of the Traditional Water Song. In many Indigenous cultures, water is seen as a living entity with its own spirit, and it is believed that human have a responsibility to protect and care for it.
Woodstock YMCA Woodstock Moose Lodge Canada Post - 1074 Parkinson
Woodingford Lodge
Cedarview Retirement
Woodstock Watershop
Woodstock Home Bldg Centre
Prime Barbershop
Ocean Spa
Street Denture
Goodwill Community Store
Peavey Mart
Haight's Garden Centre 236 Norwich Ave, Unit 2 Holiday Inn Express
Inn by Wyndham Quality Hotel & Suites
Best Western Plus
Pharmasave - 310 Juliana
Woodstock General Hospital -
310 Juliana
Pittock Conservation Area INNERKIP
Innerkip Kommunity Food Market
Innerkip Family Pharmacy
Innerkip Seniors Apartments
Innerkip Wing House
Tim Hortons BEACHVILLE
Beachville Museum INGERSOLL
Riverside Minimarket
Canadian Tire
GOJU RYU / Ingersoll Karate
Circle K
First Choice Hair
Shoppers Drug Mart
Island Breeze Laundromat
Louie's Pizza & Pasta
McDonald's
Miss Ingersoll
Subway (174 Culloden Rd
Pita Pit (174 Culloden Rd)
Elm Hurst Inn
Tim Hortons (75 Thames St S)
Tim Hortons (10 Samnah Crescent)
Evergreen Coffee Lounge
The Olde Bakery Café Post Office
Cooperators
McFarland Rowlands
Foodland
Tremblett's Independent
Grocer
Salvation Army Thrift Store
Kraft Korner
Hometown Style
Frank's Convenience
King's Variety
Ingersoll Variety
Ingersoll Barber Shop
Benjamin Moore / Rietta's
Décor
Ingersoll Public Library
City Hall
Oxford Manor Retirement
Residence
Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre
Alexandra Hospital
Ingersoll 50+ Centre
Woodingford Lodge
Gardens of Ingersoll
Home Building Centre
Comfort Inn
Ingersoll Cheese & Ag Museum
THAMESFORD
Circle K
Thamesford Variety
Thamesford Arena / Hall
Shell Gas Station
Pioneer Gas Station
Thamesford Pizza
Tim Hortons
JC Graphics
EMBRO
Embro Food Market
Kintore Coffee Co.
Highland Restaurant
Embro Hub - Fuel & Coffee
Cambrocourt Manor
Embro Pharmacy
TAVISTOCK
Sam's Independent Grocer
Shell Gas Station
Quehl's
D&D Homestyle Café
Tim Hortons
Renaissance HICKSON
Hickson Post Office
HUNTINGFORD
Esso on Hghway 59 ST. MARYS
St. Marys Independent
City recruiting youth for advisory committee
She added some young people have expressed interest in becoming involved and she is confident they can have a full committee.
“Hopefully we can get them engaged quickly and hit the ground running.”
The Echo asked Wismer-Van Meer if she thought some potential committee members may be scared away because of a perceived political connection. She wanted to assure people that is not the case.
“This is them having an opportunity to voice their thoughts, their concerns, their ideas and what they would like to see. We want them to be the voice of young people to bring ideas forward to council. We don’t look at it from the political side.”
She added while it may be a municipal group coming together some youth may be interested in politics and others won’t be. Either way, she had a message for the youth of Woodstock.
“You can make this what you want it to be. It could be getting your feet wet
in the political landscape or just having the opportunity to be involved in what the future looks like.”
The Youth Advisory Committee, pre-COVID, met in council chambers in downtown Woodstock. Wismer-Van Meer said that may change going forward.
“We have been discussing having meetings in public places throughout the community in places that might be more suitable for young people to gather.
Advisory committees typically meet once a month and meetings for the youth committee will be scheduled around members’ availability. Staff and members of council will support participants in identifying priorities they want to address and developing a workplan to achieve the committee’s goals.
Information about the committee and how to apply can be found at www. cityofwoodstock.ca/youthcommittee. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31, 2024.
Open House every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 am - 4 pm
Open House every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 am – 4 pm
The Governor’s House Court House Square 82 Light Street, Woodstock
The Governor ’s House Court House Square 82 Light Street, Woodstock
Pick up a family history starter kit Volunteers
Pick up a family history starter kit. Volunteers are available to help you get started or fill in the branches of your family tree
to help you get started or fill in the branches ofyour family tree
Victoria's Quilts Canada (VQC) is a Canada-wide nonprofit organization that provides handmade quilts to people living with cancer in Canada. The Woodstock/Oxford Branch has volunteers all over Oxford County. Volunteers gather monthly in Woodstock and Tillsonburg to create beautiful quilts that we provide free of charge to people dealing with cancer. Our branch has been delivering quilts in Oxford County since 2015. To date, we have delivered over 1700 quilts to recipients in our area. Funds raised in the online auction will be entirely allocated to the purchase of materials used to make our quilts. For more information regarding VQCvictoriasquiltscanada.com
THE OLD ST PAUL’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS ONLINE SILENT AUCTION IS BACK!
Old St Paul’s Church, 723 Dundas St. Woodstock.
With 300 quality items to select from, you are sure to find a great deal for Christmas giving and decorating. It's easy! Visit our website www. oldstpauls.com from November 5 to 11 and click the Auction link. Two convenient pick-up times at Old St Paul’s Church, 723 Dundas St. Woodstock.
WCI 70S CELEBRATION
Sunday, October 20; 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Woodstock Navy Club, 959 James St, Woodstock, ON
Celebrate the 1970s with us! (all invited- 70s school attendees, friends etc). Come out, see old friends, music, dancing, snacks, cash bar. Tickets available at https://wci1970s.eventbrite.com/$25 a person. Put on your red and white, revive the “Kinniney” and come to dance and reminisce with all of us! We are looking forward to this event and we want to see YOU there!
OLDE FASHIONED BAZAAR
Saturday, October 19; 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Chalmers United Church, Kintore Local Vendors, Bake Table, Home-made Crafts, Tea Room and More. We are Accessible
SIR FREDERICK BANTING: THE MAN YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW Virtual Meeting -
Monday, November 18; 7:00 p.m.
Oxford County Branch of Ontario Ancestors
Historians and scientists have deemed the discovery of insulin to be “the most significant event in the history of Canadian medical science”. Historians and authors have well documented the difference Sir Frederick Banting made with his involvement in the discovery of insulin. What has not been as effectively communicated are his many other contributions throughout the course of his lifetime. There was far more to this distinguished Canadian’s career than the often-simplified events of the insulin period. Banting’s interest in art, his military service in both world wars, and support for medical research in Canada will be discussed. Visit our website at https://oxford.ogs.on.ca to register for this free presentation on Zoom.
THE OPTIMIST CLUB OF OXFORD COUNTY
The Optimists bring out the best in Youth, Community, and Themselves.
COMING EVENTS
If anyone is interested in coming out to meet us and learn more about us please email brenda7621@outlook.com
LIVING WITH LOSS:
A SIX-WEEK GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Caring Hearts Support Network: St. David's United Church, 190 Springbank Ave., Woodstock ON
A safe and supportive space to explore your grief, with the guidance of trained facilitators. Please contact for upcoming dates. No cost to attend. To register or for more information call or text 519536-3370.
www.caringheartssupportnetwork.com.
One-on-one grief support is also available.
REPAIR CAFÉ
4th Saturday of each month; 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Hosted by East Oxford 403 Anglican Churches
St. John’s Church, 685860 Oxford Rd. 2, Woodstock
Repairs to clothing, textiles and minor nonelectrical household items by donation. Also offered: learn how to make your own repairs.
GRIEF SUPPORT FOR MAID RELATED LOSS
4th Wednesday of the month; 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Thamesford Library, 165 Dundas St., Thamesford
A monthly in-person adult grief support group for loss related to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is being offered starting this fall, offering a compassionate, safe space to explore this unique loss with other individuals who have had a similar experience. The group is free of charge and preregistration is requested. The next group meeting will be Wednesday, October 23rd. To register or inquire about an evening group, contact Faye Brekelmans at 519-866-3016 or email faye@ compassionategriefsupport.ca.
ARE YOU IN A JAM?
Ingersoll's Country Music Jamboree Club is celebrating 40 years. New members wanted. Qualifications - love 50-70's country music. Listen, dance, enjoy! 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.
PCMH is a peer support program providing support to parents and caregivers across Ontario with lived experience raising children and youth with mental health challenges. For more information, please visit family.cmho. org or oxfordcounty@pcmh.ca. We are also on Facebook: Parents for Children's Mental Health ~ Oxford County
SHOP LOCAL. SAVE LOCAL
Support the local businesses that keep your community and its newspapers thriving.
“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 Woodstock Ingersoll Echo 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
Riddles
If athletes get athletes foot then what do astronauts get?
Missle-toe
Why was the clock in the cafeteria always slow?
Because every lunch it went back four seconds
What is the hardest thing to hold that even the strongest person in the world has difficulty with?
Your breath
What did the duck say to the waiter? "Put it on my bill"
Where does a 600 pound gorilla sit? Anywhere he wants
What did the doctor say to the rocket ship?
"Time to get your booster shot"
What did the Nerds Candy want to be when it grew up?
A Smartie
What did the bread say to the man? Nothing, bread can't talk
What did the bee say to the naughty bee?
"Bee-hive yourself"
If Mr & Mrs Bigger had a baby, who would be the biggest?
The baby would be a little Bigger
Nominate
Featured Pet SAMMY
Sammy is a little over a year old and he has a full time job at Dual Temp Aluminum in Woodstock. He lives in Ingersoll and gets up every morning at 6:30 Monday to Friday to go to work for 8 am until 5 pm. He loves to help everyone at work and he loves to play in the big yard out back. He also loves to play with his sister Punky and meet his friends Ozzy & Mavis once in awhile for a play date on the trails. His favorite thing to do is go for walks and explore new things, meet new people and other pets.
info@theecho.ca
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THANKSGIVING
CUSTOM CABINETS
Specializing in Custom Kitchens, Baths, Mantels, Bars, Entertainment Centers
Mike Foster • 519-655-2874
www.selectivecustomcabinets.com
e-mail: selective@sympatico.ca
380 Woodstock St. S. Unit 8, Tavistock
Century 21 First
519-670-6780
TREES
Shade trees, Fruit trees, Apple, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet and Sour Cherries, Apricot, Nectarines, Blueberry, Haskopp, Black Chokeberry, Grapes etc. Lots of Spruce, Pine, Cedars for windbreaks and privacy hedges, Sizes 1 to 6+. Flowering shrubs and much more. Come check us out Mon-Sat 7:00am6:00pm Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Road, Wroxeter (1 concession north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line)
SERVICES
Have you been affected by someone else's drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups could help YOU! Call for time and place. 1-800-706-9833 or App Available
Office desk, Bullet top table desk, 60 inches long 30 inches wide, Natural Cherry on Cherry veneer solid cherry headers, three metal legs one black two silver colour. Newly finished, some flaws in the veneer. $75.00. CASH ONLY. St. Marys area. Call 519-272-5951 and leave a message.
Office Desk top, 60 inches long and 30 inches wide, Medium cherry colour on Maple veneer, solid Maple headers, newly finished. No legs or base supplied, you can obtain legs from Richleau, Amazon, Wayfair. Can be made into a table desk with legs. $50.00. CASH ONLY. St. Marys area. Call 519-272-5951 and leave a message.
Office desk, Bullet top table desk, 72 inches long 36 inches wide, Black Ebony on Oak veneer, solid oak headers, three legs, one leg is solid Oak, two legs are metal, black. Newly finished. $150.00. CASH ONLY. St. Marys area. Call 519-272-5951 and leave a message.
