Tillsonburg Post - October 31, 2024 by granthaven

Tillsonburg POST Tillsonburg

Patients scrambling after town down four family doctors

Team, said the situation will worsen with two more physicians expected to retire in 2026.

Many Tillsonburg residents were left scrambling for a family doctor after two retirements and two re-locations within the last year.

Dr. Johnson and Dr. Makone had previously left town when Dr. Brian Holowachuk retired in early September, and Dr. Wil Cheng was done at the end of September.

Dr. Shameena Tamachi, primary care physician lead for the Oxford Ontario Health

“That translates into 60 per cent of Tillsonburg residents being with a family doctor,” she said, or 11,000 people.

With doctor retirements, patients are sometimes moved to other doctors in the same town.

“They did discuss the possibility of some patients being transferred to another doctor, but the unfortunate part is everybody’s roster is full,” she said.

Council looking at new town hall sites

The town council is looking at new potential sites for a town hall and is also investigating available funds from potential asset sales as part of the process.

Last year, council approved a new town hall on the current customer service centre site at 10 Lisgar Ave. However, when a report came forward at the July meeting identifying additional costs associated with moving a sanitary sewer line and soil excavation/replace-

ment, the estimated “order of magnitude cost” jumped to $18 million. Although council decided to proceed in a split vote, a decision was made to seek information on alternative sites at the August meeting.

A report on the alternative sites was presented at the Oct. 21 meeting. In the report, several options were presented. Options that were not recommended were purchasing the current Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) building at 4 Elm Street,

POST

also go all-out for the trick-or-treaters, with more than 400 coming to their door last year.

JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

SCARY TIME

Bill and Kathy Whitfield of Denrich Ave go all out for Halloween with more than 25 animatronics in their front yard. They make many of the ‘creatures’ themselves, and sell some to fund more for their display. They

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Patients scrambling after town down four family doctors

Although the situation seems dire locally, it is similar across the province.

“Tillsonburg is not alone in this situation, but the unfortunate part of this is it’s happening right across the province,” Tamachi said, adding that 2.5 million Ontarians are without a family doctor.

She called for more government funding for doctors to keep pace with inflation as one possible solution to the problem.

In Ontario, there are various funding models available to physicians. The doctors in Tillsonburg are members of Family Health Organizations (FHO). This model helps to provide after-hours care for all patients who belong to the FHO, which the Ministry of Ontario helps to fund.

Recent graduates and most family physicians now prefer a team-based healthcare system. With this model, the doctors are similar to employees of the team. The Family Health Team (FHT) is an example of this, where FHO physicians are able to align themselves with a FHT which provides their patients with access to a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, pharmacist, respiratory technician, social worker, occupational therapist, and other health care professionals.

Adding to the health care issue is the fact people live longer and have multiple and more complex health care issues. Tamachi explained this results in longer appointments with the doctor.

The recent hiring of a nurse practitioner for Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital’s emergency department was intended to help alleviate the wait time for those without a family doctor who go to the hospital. Several other options are available, including the Tillsonburg Medical Centre Urgent Care Clinic on Saturday mornings and walk-in clinics in surrounding communities.

Tamachi believes the solution is emergency government funding to build a new clinic in Tillsonburg and funding for a team-based health care.

“If we can build that in Tillsonburg, it can draw physicians to Tillsonburg,”

Community Health Care Advisory Committee

The town formed a Community Health Care Advisory Committee in 2015. Since then, both the hospital and town have contributed funds to assist the existing practices to recruit family physicians. Both entities also contributed funds to hiring a physician recruiter for Tillsonburg, who was hired earlier this year. Unfortunately, that person left for another position.

The MPP’s viewpoint

Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman acknowledged that more

and more Ontario residents are going without a primary care provider. He said the problem is there aren’t enough primary care providers to meet demand, and although this situation is improving, he admitted it’s not improving fast enough.

“The problem we have in Tillsonburg is the doctors that become available are choosing not to come to Tillsonburg,” he said, noting there were recently two doctors who located in Woodstock. “The province doesn’t have the ability to tell people where to go to practice.”

Hardeman noted that the doctor number in Oxford County as a whole is not that low. The present problem is that there aren’t enough doctors to replace those retiring.

He echoed what Tamachi said, that doctors prefer to live where there is a team-based health care system, but he didn’t believe emergency funding was the solution.

“Emergency funding is not the answer when we have a lack of doctors,” he said. “Emergency is when we have the doctors but no way of paying them.”

Hardeman believes the FHO system for the existing clinics is part of the problem why doctors aren’t locating in Tillsonburg.

“One of the challenges we have had for a long time is Tillsonburg has had just family doctors (as opposed to a team-based setting), and doing a great job,” he said. “New doctors don’t want to be on call 24 hours.”

Hardeman has been pushing for a team-based nurse practitioner clinic in Tillsonburg, similar to the one in Ingersoll (see sidebar)

“That’s a small bit, it’s not enough, but it helps,” he said.

The MPP also disagreed more money for existing doctors was a solution to the problem.

“The challenge of giving more money to doctors we have won’t solve a problem. We need to find a way to get more doctors,” he explained.

While the province has a program providing incentives for doctors in rural and northern areas, Tillsonburg doesn’t meet the criteria for that program as it looks at Oxford County as a whole.

“On average, there is a good ratio of doctors to patients in Oxford. People in Oxford aren’t far from doctors,” he said.

Since Hardeman was interviewed, there have been recent developments in the provincial health care scene. The Ford government appointed Dr. Jane Philpott, a former federal health minister and doctor, to lead a new primary care action team. The provincial government will also introduce legislation requiring Ontario medical schools to reserve 95 percent of their spots for students from within the province.

Efforts to expand Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic to Tillsonburg continue

In June 2023, the Ingersoll Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic applied for funding to expand and open a second location in Tillsonburg, with the aim of providing primary care to 3,200 patients currently without primary care providers. However, the application was not successful.

The Ingersoll clinic, which already provides care for 3,200plus patients, is a team-based model of care that integrates various services. According to Stephanie Nevins, executive director of the clinic, it is not a walk-in clinic; each nurse practitioner manages a caseload of enrolled patients.

“Our mandate includes providing team-based primary care access to patients without a primary care provider,” Nevins explained.

Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman is continuing to push for an expansion of the clinic to Tillsonburg, and brings the topic up often with the health minister.

This application shouldn’t be confused with the nurse practitioner who recently started at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital in the emergency department, or the approval for one of the clinic’s community partners, the Oxford County Community Health Centre (CHC), which did receive funding for a nurse practitioner working from the Livingston Centre.Ox.

Looking Ahead: Collaborative Efforts

Nurse practitioners can provide primary care similar to that of family doctors, though they have some limitations, such as certain forms and nuclear medicine tests. Each nurse practitioner-led clinic may work with a consulting physician for this reason.

“Nurse practitioners are not meant to replace family physicians; instead, they offer a different model of care,” Nevins noted.

Despite the recent funding setback, the clinic remains committed to working closely with various community partners, the Oxford OHT and Ontario Health with an unsolicited approach for a Tillsonburg clinic. “We continue to work diligently to be a part of the local solution,” Nevins added, with hopes that the Tillsonburg expansion will eventually become a reality.

The main goal is to continue to foster partnerships with the local providers, and expanding the model increasing access to primary care and ultimately enhancing patient care collectively in the region. If the full application was approved, social workers and RPNs could work with doctors in existing clinics.

Rob Koppert Broker of Record/Owner

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I'm so delighted to read the first issue of the Tillsonburg Post. As a summer student, I worked at the Tillsonburg News between 1982 and 1986. It was such a privilege to work with and learn from Bill Pratt, Suzanne Hanson, Marlene Opdecam, Bill Tucker, Chuck McKnight, Cam McKnight, and many others. And such fun! Bill even let me write an editorial column during those years. My goodness, he was a brave man! Working at the News was also a bit of a family tradition — my dad worked for the paper when he was in school, as did my brother, and my grandmother was the long time New Road correspondent.

Though I no longer live in the Tillsonburg area, I still have many connections to it, and like to keep up with town and area happenings. The News under Postmedia management became an ever-more-disappointing and inadequate way of doing so. Knowing what is going on in your local community is not only essential to effective and responsive democratic government, but also enlightening and educational. I find it immensely reassuring that Grant Haven is bringing local journalism back to Tillsonburg and other communities across sourthwestern Ontario.

Best, David Stover

Observe a moment of silence

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the country will grind to a halt for two minutes to honour those who fought and gave their lives to maintain our freedoms.

When war broke out in 1914, Canada was a relatively young nation with a population of just over eight million people. By the end of the war, more than 650,000 Canadians had enlisted to serve their country. That’s nearly one in 25 people were part of the military. The conflict touched almost everyone, with every Canadian having a relative, friend or neighbour who served. Unfortunately, more than 66,000 Canadians paid the ultimate price, not returning home again, and another 170,000 were injured.

It's said that one battle in particular, Vimy Ridge, changed the country, and how the world viewed it. It’s the first time all four Canadian divisions – more than 100,000 soldiers – fought together. Their objective was one that other forces had tried to achieve and failed. Canadian soldiers captured the ridge, but it was at the price of 10,600 casualties, including 3,600 that were fatal.

A little more than 30 years later,

the Second World War broke out and Canada again stepped up. More than 66,000 Canadians joined the ranks of the army, air force and navy. Although a long way from the conflict, Southwestern Ontario had several sites that were part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Program. In the day, the sound of the Harvard trainers flying the skies was a constant.

Today, it’s a long way from the conflicts of the past. First World War vets have all passed on and surviving Second World War vets are in their 90s. With direct connections to vets fading, many people no longer have the same reverence for Remembrance

Day. They almost seem indifferent to the sacrifices that gave them the freedoms they enjoy today.

Yet, the world today is in an elevated state of conflict, one that hasn’t been seen in decades. Talk of global conflict is at a level not seen by many young Canadians. And, at the same time, the once-proud Canadian military is using decades-old equipment, planes and ships, and is short of a personnel. As individuals, there isn’t a lot we can do to solve national and international government issues, but we can stop, for only two minutes, to think of the sacrifices of the past and be appreciative of the freedoms we enjoy.

BEAUTIFUL WEATHER

From culture shock to home sweet home

Moving to a small town from a larger city involves a bit of culture shock. When Stephanie Chaplin moved to Tillsonburg in 2012, she had been living in Barrie for about six years, but she had grown up in Toronto.

"It was an exciting place to live in your late teens and early twenties," Stephanie says, "there was always something going on, everywhere you went you could bump into fun." She had an apartment on Keele Street, near Downsview Park, with its festivals, concerts and numerous community programs. During one of the largest outdoor events in Canadian history, SARSfest, Stephanie remembers "rocking out to AC/DC, I could hear them from my apartment."

Another memorable date was August 14, 2003, when the power went out across the city, during North America's largest blackout. Occurring only two years after 9/11, she

remembers that it was frightening at first because no one knew what was happening.

"It was eerie, worrisome. I was able to take the bus home from work, but it was a bit chaotic. It was spooky in my dark apartment, so I went out." She took a long walk in the darkness of a city that was usually twinkling with thousands of lights and made her way to Kensington Market. “All of the neighbors were outdoors, talking, laughing, barbecuing food that would otherwise spoil and sharing with one another. Some people had tubs of ice cream from their freezers, scooping and sharing with all the neighborhood kids. The bars didn't shut down, and people were still out having fun.” I

t's a memory that speaks to a common misconception about city life, Stephanie says: "There are pockets of communities where it's very tight knit, where everyone knows each other and will help each other out in a situation like that."

In Barrie, she attended a private hair academy, followed by a year-long apprenticeship. She wrote her license, and continued her education, entering competitions and appearing on local morning talk shows to give tips and discuss products. It was a trade that she could take anywhere. She worked at a Tillsonburg salon for four years before opening a hair studio in her home. She developed a regular clientele but the coronavirus years were tough. Stephanie says that things are better now, and every workday is enjoyable, like visiting with friends: “You need to have that connection with your clients.”

She recalls being excited about moving to a new place

but there were definitely some surprises, like the common sight of horse-drawn buggies. The cost of living was lower, and the young family was able to rent a two-bedroom apartment for $675 a month; within a year they had saved enough money to buy a house. There are things she still misses about city life: economical grocery stores, a diversity of restaurants, and having access to a variety of clothing and retail stores. With two young children, if she doesn't get out shopping early in the season, things run out quickly, like running shoes and rubber boots. Between parenting, running her own business, and regular visits to the gym, Stephanie doesn't have a lot of free time, but she appreciates how central Tillsonburg is to so many interesting places. She loves the beautiful beaches, patios and excellent restaurants in Port Burwell and Port Stanley. Her children love to visit Victoria Park in Ingersoll with its splash pad and large accessible playground. Stephanie plays the guitar and has been learning how to play the ukulele. She loves the uplifting power of music, from live bands at The Underground to costume dance parties. She’s gearing up for her first Guess Where Trip, featuring diverse attractions on a self-guided mystery road trip, but visiting family and quiet times are important too. She enjoys walks with friends or contemplating life in the beautiful green spaces in town. "Now I'm content with being here," Stephanie says, "I loved growing up in the city, but it was a different time. I wouldn't want to raise my kids in the city now." This is home, and enjoying her work, exploring the area and treasuring time with her children is satisfying and sweet.

ROBIN KRAFFT Tillsonburg Post Columnist

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

Warm weather last week provided great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors before temperatures start to plunge. Melissa Dulong and her daughter Amelia and Carol-lynn DePaepe and daughter Maeve used the warm weather and fall colours for a fall photo shoot.

The story of Tillsonburg’s first female dentist

THE STAGE IS THE WORLD

October in Canada is dedicated to women’s history. In this column, you will meet one of Tillsonburg’s super stars, Sadie Holmes our first woman dentist!

Sarah ‘Sadie’ Osborne Holmes, was born Feb. 3,1874, in Belfast, Ireland, and was one of eight children. The family arrived in the US May 9, 1874, coming north to settle on a farm outside of London. Father Charles was the county engineer in 188, and died at the 42yrs, in 1882. Mother Mary was left with eight children, 6 to 19 years of age; the eldest keeping the farm going.

Mary remarried 5 years later to John Brodie, a Scotsman and merchant in London. By 1891, this blended family, with four of his and six of her’s lived in a little house all working and contributing to their welfare!

Sadie was a bookkeeper for her stepfather’s jewelry store, latter a milliner.

In 1900, John, with daughter Ann 19, and Mary with Sarah, 24, moved to Tillsonburg opening a jewelry store. Sadie however became employed as a dentist assistant working for Dr. Crooker, a popular dentist in town, with a beautiful home and separate office where Tillsonburg Tire is today.

Recognizing Sadie’s potential, Dr. Crooker taught her dental surgery, which was illegal without formal training.

“She was handsome and bright and possessed much personal magnetism and the business of the office in which she was employed did not grow less after her association with it,” her obituary said.

According to the book A Dentist and a Gentleman: Gender and the Rise of Dentistry in Ontario by Tracey L. Adams, in 1904, the dental profession investigated Dr. Crooker for allowing Miss Homes and other assistants to practise dentistry illegally. In 1905 her stepfather died and her dollar a day wage was not enough to cover household expenses. Without graduating a high school or the money to complete a fouryear dental programme, she needed to get her licence to practice another way!

Sadie was advised by some prominent Tillsonburg businessmen to petition Parliament for a private bill, to get the licence.

Leading Ontario dentists opposed this, but they could not stop Parliament, even though Sadie was an uneducated, working-class Irish immigrant woman!

With positive petitions and future educational stipulations, the licence was granted. Sadie opened her own practice as a dentist. Her 1907 newspaper advertisement offered complete satisfaction and the most modern equipment and methods. She was an amazing success.

A 1909 Canadian Dental Directory for Tillsonburg noted four male dentist and Sadie Homes, L.D.S. (licenced dental surgeon). Sadie did fulfill all the Parliamentary requirements and entered Canadian history books. Her practice was so successful she built her mother a brand-new beautiful residence, that is now Starbuck’s drivethrough.

Somehow, Sadie met John W. Mahon, a barrister who in 1906 practiced in Woodstock, and later in Cobalt during the silver rush! There is little more on them until May of 1911, when Sadie had an accident while riding her high-spirited, unruly horse. She required surgery at the emergency hospital. After June 1, Sadie went to Temagami to recuperate. John was only 47 km away by train, in Cobalt.

After returning to Tillsonburg she became worse and needed surgery in October.

The newspaper tells the story best: “When Miss Holmes health continued to fail and a second operation was decided upon, Mr. Mahon came to Tillsonburg. The operation took place on Sunday and on Tuesday it was seen that death was near. It was then the wish of both that the marriage which had been deferred twice should take place at once, and the ceremony was performed on Tuesday evening at 6 o’clock, with the two attending physicians, mother of the dying girl, a sister Mrs. Smith of Detroit and two nieces, Misses Kate and May Nicholson as witnesses. There was not a dry eye in the little group that gathered about the bedside. The words of the ceremony were made as brief as possible and were pronounced by the Rev. J.J. Brown of Avondale Presbyterian Church. The closing scene came later at 2 o’clock Wed morning when death took the wife of a few hours and closed the career of an exceptionally capable woman who will be remembered by many through the province as the only woman who directly asked for personal concession at the hands of Mr. Whitney’s Government and got them. She was a bright capable and courageous woman and made good in her profession. Her death is a sad blow to her husband and mother and is deeply regretted by many friends.”

John died seven years later.

Norwich council debates on DEI Inclusion Charter

JENNIFER WILD

Post Contributor

Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity, or DEI is a contentious subject in the council chambers of Norwich. During the Oct. 22 meeting, council members discussed at length the implementation of a DEI Inclusion Charter to keep the municipality in line with the Safe

Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!

Publisher

Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

Editor

Jeff Helsdon • jeff@granthaven.com

Graphic Design / Sales Inquiries

Stacie Eden • info@tillsonburgpost.com

Business Development

Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com

Administration

Jen Gaetan • jen@granthaven.com

Contributors

Jeff Tribe, Laurel Beechey, Debbie Kasman, Paul Knowles, Robin Krafft, Bill Pratt

36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@tillsonburgpost.com | 519.655.2341 | granthaven.com

and Well Oxford Safety and Well-being Plan. As of January 1, 2019, the Police Services Act was amended to require every municipality to prepare and adopt a Community Safety and Well-being Plan. This plan’s focus is on mental health, affordable housing, Substance abuse and equity, diversity and inclusion. Norwich passed the resolution in favour of the plan May 25, 2021.

Currently, councillors are debating on the wording of the township's proposed DEI inclusion charter, specifically the inclusion of the word “equity”. The purpose of a DEI charter is to “provide a guiding framework for promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity in our organization and community”.

Councillor Karl Toews believes the council needs to fix the charter before it is implemented.

“What I’m urging us to do tonight is to defer making a decision on this and put in a request to our staff to

prepare and inclusion charter that addresses the concerns that I’ve been raising,” he said.

The concerns Toews identified were on the use of the word equity, DEI hiring requirements involving hiring based on quotas rather than merit, anti-racism training, and requiring DEI training regarding gender and sexual diversity.

Councillor Lynne De Planke spoke of her appreciation of the work put into creating the report and voiced her support for the DEI Charter. De Planke referenced the data gathered by staff regarding residents who do not feel supported, included or safe in our community.

“As a municipality and leaders in the community it is important to ensure that all our residents feel safe and feel comfortable accessing out services,” she said.

She highlighted the value of DEI, pointing to those who struggle with physical or mental disabilities as beneficiates of a DEI policy.

LAUREL A. BEECHEY Tillsonburg Post Columnist

Tillsonburg author releases second book

HELSDON Editor

Tillsonburg author Norma Collis recently released her second book, “Return to Holly Cottage”, after the success of her first book.

Although many of the stories in the book “Welcome to Holly Cottage” were inspired by the period when Collis and her husband owned a country bed and breakfast between Owen Sound and Meaford, Collis’ early years in Tillsonburg set the foundation for her writing.

She grew up in Tillsonburg with her father Glen Taylor being the minister at St. Paul’s United Church.

Living within a block of the library, she spent a lot of time there. The librarian of the day asked Collis if she wanted to volunteer to help with story hour for younger children. Then, working at the library became a part-time job that she shared with Peg Hogarth. One of Collis’s responsibilities at the library was to choose which new books the library should order.

“That was my first introduction to libraries and the world of books,” she said. Fast-forward a few decades, and after retiring young as a teacher, she and

FROM PAGE 4

The books are light-hearted and humourous. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

her husband Dave decided to buy a bed and breakfast in 2001 as a partial retirement project. They settled on an 1878 stone farmhouse, which they later discovered was previously in her husband’s father’s family.

“So many things were serendipitous like that,” she said. “When I had a few minutes, I would jot things down.”

One of the other ‘serendipitous’ events was the rerouting of the Bruce Trail, putting it in close proximity to the bed and breakfast that became known as Holly Cottage. Collis remarked on how many guests from Tillsonburg and many people from England ended up

The staff report drafted requested in June of this year recommended that council pass a motion endorsing the Inclusion Charter for Oxford and integrating its principles and objectives into municipal affairs. This motion was voted down, with only De Planke voting in favour of the proposed

there.

“They thought that looks like home,” she said of her overseas guests. “A lot of guests said we thought you would know how to make a decent cup of tea.”

Collis developed a knack for verbal storytelling, and many of their guests would ask to hear the stories. During her storytelling sessions, many people remarked, “When are you going to write a book?”

After selling Holly Cottage after 15 years of operating the business, a move was made back to Tillsonburg for full retirement.

“It wasn’t until the lockdown I said I need to write that book,” she said. “I kept it light and humorous be -

Inclusion Charter. The report was then deferred for further discussion and consideration. This DEI Inclusion Charter has been deferred twice now.

BOOKS GALORE

The Tillsonburg Rotary Club book sale continued last week in the Tillsonburg Town Centre. The club’s largest fundraiser of the year, hundreds of books were for sale at a low cost during the week-long event. Paperbacks are $2 each and hard covers $4 each, with deals on multiple purchases. Rotarian Ken Patterson, who organizes the event, is seen organizing some of the paperbacks. The sale is a semi-annual event and will take place again in the third week of April.

cause we were in such dark times.

Many people told Collis that they liked the format, where each chapter was like a short story. She heard that the light-hearted stories helped people when they were going through a rough period in life.

“It’s something you can put up and put down,” Collis related.

The response was so positive, she made a decision to write another book when people asked her to put many of her stories in print.

Running the bed and breakfast for six years without a break, a decision was made that it was time for a vacation. And, Collis clarified it is that busy in rural Grey County yearround, from hikers on the trail up to the first snow fall, to skiers and hikers on snowshoes in the winter. This was the inspiration for the third book “Holly Cottages Goes on Vacation”, which Collis is currently working on.

She is still trying to keep it light, funny, and humor-

ous.

“The feedback I am getting from people with the first two books is it gave

them a chuckle,” she said. Locally, Collis's first two books are available at Sobey’s.

JEFF

Tillsonburg author Norma Collis had such success with her first book that she recently released a second book “Return to Holly College”.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

OPP investigating two more mischiefs and assault at Pride boardwalk in Tillsonburg

Two more mischiefs and an assault have been reported at a Pride boardwalk in the Town of Tillsonburg.

On Oct. 8, at approximately 10 p.m., two individuals riding motorcycles attended a Pride boardwalk at a business on Bridge Street in the Town of Tillsonburg and caused damage to the property.

On Oct.18, at approximately 10:30 p.m., what appears to be the same two individuals reattended the address and caused more damage to the property. A member of the public attempted to stop the mischief from continuing when they were assaulted by both individuals. The member of the public sustained minor injuries. The suspects are being described by

witnesses as male, wearing motorcycle helmets and dark coloured sweatshirts. The motorcycles are described as sport bikes.

The investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided when available.

Anyone with information about this investigation, including video surveillance is asked to please contact the Oxford OPP as soon as possible at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 via cell phone.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.oxfordcrimestoppers.com where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

OPP investigating a two-vehicle collision

The Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a two-vehicle collision, involving a transport truck and a passenger vehicle, in Norwich Township.

On Oct. 16, at approximately 12:45 p.m., members from the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to the intersection of Cornell Road and Oxford Road 13, in Oxford County, for the report of a collision.

A passenger vehicle and a transport

truck collided. The two occupants from the passenger vehicle were taken by ambulance to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the truck was uninjured.

Road closures were in effect on Oxford Road 13 between Ninth Road and New Road and on Cornell Road from Middletown Line to Oatman Line.

If you have any information that may help with the investigation including dash cam footage, please contact the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Drivers be aware of crosswalks

Recently in Tillsonburg there have been concerns about driver and pedestrian safety at crosswalks. The ones specifically mentioned are, at Annandale School on Tillson Ave, Concession St. and Tillson Ave and Fourth St and Tillson Ave.

Oxford OPP wants to remind the public that traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility. We encourage everyone to be vigilant and defensive when walking, riding a bike or driving near a crosswalk.

Drivers should always be looking for pedestrians near a crosswalk and ready to stop. They must stay stopped until

the pedestrian has fully crossed.

Pedestrians also have a responsibility to press the crossing button where applicable and pay attention to traffic for the duration of the crossing. Pedestrians should not be distracted with things such as music or cell phones, which can impact their ability to see or hear an approaching vehicle.

Oxford OPP encourages families to talk about crosswalk safety on a regular basis and make sure everyone understands and is following the rules of the road.

The web site www.ontario.ca is a great resource for drivers and pedestrians to review the rules of the road.

The crosswalk at Concession Street and Tillson Ave is one of three crosswalks in town that was mentioned for concerns about safety. Police remind both drivers and pedestrians to follow the rules at crosswalks and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

OPP Briefs

Oxford OPP Operation Impact traffic campaign results

Members of the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) participated in the Thanksgiving Holiday Long Weekend Traffic Campaign called "Operation Impact". The campaign ran from Friday, Oct. 11, to Monday, Oct. 14.

Operation Impact is an education and enforcement campaign implemented in an effort to increase public compliance with traffic laws, and targets the behaviours that place drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk, such as the "Big Four" which include distracted driving, alcohol/ drug- impaired driving, speeding/aggressive driving and lack of proper seatbelt use.

This year, Oxford OPP officers conducted approximately100 traffic stops and issued approximately 100 charges and warnings. Some of the charges included: 30 speeding charges, eight impaired driving charges, six Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act charges, four other Criminal Code charges, and 13 other provincial offence charges.

Oxford OPP encourages everyone to make a commitment to adopt safe driving behaviours and always drive within the law. Members of the public who do not drive can also assist with traffic safety by adopting an intolerance of poor driving behaviours. Engaging in conversations about safe driving with family and friends can help to keep our roads safer for everyone.

Traffic safety is everyone's responsibility. Please everyone, do your part.

Impaired driving charge

On Friday, Oct. 11,, at approximately 6 a.m., members of the Oxford OPP were called to a location on Highway 59 in Norwich Township, for the report of a single-vehicle collision. As a result, a 61 years-of-age resident of Tillsonburg was charged with:

• Operation While Impaired

• Operation While Impaired -Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

Driver deceased following collision

On Tuesday October 22, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., members from the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Oxford County Fire Services and Oxford County Paramedic

Services were called to the intersection of Base Line and New Road, in Oxford County, for the report of a collision.

A pickup truck and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) collided. The driver of the SUV, a 28- years-of-age resident of Port Colborne was pronounced deceased on scene. The three other occupants were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The sole occupant of the pickup truck was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Road closures were in effect at Base Line and Wendys Road, Base Line and Ninth Road, New Road and Swimming Pool Road and New Road and Highway 59. Roads have since reopened.

If you have any information that may help with the investigation including dash cam footage, please contact the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

OPP investigating collision on Mall Road

The Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a single-vehicle collision in Norwich Township, that sent the lone occupant to hospital with serious injuries.

On Friday October 25,, at approximately 5:30 a.m., members from the Oxford detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Oxford County Fire Services and Oxford County Paramedic Services were called to Mall Road in Oxford County for the report of a collision.

A passenger vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The lone occupant was transported to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Road closures were in effect on Mall Road between Byerlay Side Road and Middletown Line, but have since reopened.

Two residential fires in town in two days

Tillsonburg firefighters were busy earlier this week, fighting two residential fires in two days.

The first call, on Sunday, Oct. 27, was at 54 Lark St. Firefighters observed heavy smoke on arrival and found no one was at home. Fire crews quickly contained the fire with assistance from South West Oxford Fire Department.

Two dogs were revived by firefighters and EMS on scene using oxygen. Two adults and five children were displaced by the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On Monday, firefighters were called at 11:18 a.m. for a blaze at 48 Kara Lane.

They found thick black smoke throughout the interior of the structure. The fire was controlled quickly by fire crews. No one was at home at the time of the fire.

One firefighter was checked by paramedics for heat exhaustion.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire chief Shane Caskanette reminds residents to test, maintain and replace smoke alarms as required.

• Long lasting rechargeable battery.

• Improved sound clarity.

• Seamlessly connect to phone, TV & other devices.

• Discreet and comfortable wear.

Council looking at new town hall sites

Harvey Street on the site of the current municipal parking lot (behind Avondale United Church) and in a renovated space in the Tillsonburg Town Centre. Staff did recommend further investigation into a site that is currently a parking lot on Harvey Street between Avondale United Church and Brock Street (northeast corner of Brock and Harvey Streets) and unoccupied lands south of the LPRCA fronting on Lincoln Street (but still officially 4 Elm Street).

The original motion suggested in the report was to either continue with the design discussed at the July meeting for 10 Lisgar Ave or to investigate “any necessary preliminary negotiation options through to the appropriate due diligence and feasibility” of the northeast corner of Brock and Harvey Streets and the unoccupied lands at 4 Elm Street.

Coun. Pete Luciani and Coun. Bob Parsons initially put forward a motion to look at the alternative sites.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres compared it to buying a house and knowing your down payment. He said he wants to know what

available property the town has it can sell to put towards the town hall.

“I believe the report should include what capital should be put towards this project,” he said, later adding, “A key element is what sort of capital this town has to put towards a new project as large as this, and the rationale of how we can afford the capital and how much we have to take out in long-term debt.”

After discussion with the clerk that this is not included in the current motion, Luciani and Parsons withdrew their motion.

“We’re still looking at an $18 million town hall, regardless of what funding we get or what property sales we get, it’s still an $18 million town hall,” Coun. Chris Parker said. “I think we need to direct staff of an upside limit, be it $9 million, $10 million. $18 million is not acceptable in my books.”

He mentioned that the town has many big infrastructure projects in the next ten years and can’t afford to spend millions in interest on a town hall.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy agreed, saying a report could be prepared on this.

Beres said he somewhat concurred, again emphasizing the need to know the down payment.

“Doing quick math today, with the number we are talking about, we would have to knock on every door and ask for a couple of thousand dollars per family. I don’t think people can handle that and it would be a ridiculous ask,” he said.

CAO Kyle Pratt clarified that Economic Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow is already working on information on what assets the town has available to sell towards this town hall. Director of Public Works Jonathan Graham said he would ask the architect to break pricing down more so the council can consider adding or eliminating items. Pratt said that once the available capital is known, a spending limit would help. He also directed Graham to request the architects provide a more accurate number than order of magnitude pricing.

“I think there has to be a big reality check for this room that we can’t afford a new town hall. That is reality, that is factual,” Gilvesy said. “We need to collectively think we are

Boil water advisory due to false positive

Officials have determined a boil-water advisory issued for the Town of Tillsonburg on Oct. 16 was due to a false positive test.

Southwestern Public Health issued the boil-water advisory for an area in the Town of Tillsonburg, bounded by east of Broadway to Tillson Ave, and south of North Street East to Oxford Street after a routine test at the Tillsonburg Community Centre detected the presence of total coliform and E. Coli. Other tests conducted at the same time were clear.

“The test was a false positive since there was ade -

quate chlorination and no other sample tested positive,” said Don Ford, manager of Water and Wastewater Services for Oxford County. “This can happen due to contamination of the sample bottle from the tap or accidently while sampling or improperly maintained private plumbing.”

The boundaries of the boil-water zone were set by Southwestern Public Health.

The advisory was communicated through a variety of methods:

• Signage was immediately installed at the Tillsonburg Community Centre

• 300 notices were hand delivered by Town of Tillsonburg Water Distribution staff and posted to high

the gatekeepers of the taxpayer’s money, and moving forward, we need to make responsible decisions in this regard. We have other pressures on the budget, some of them are going to be out of our control. We need to think about this between now and the time we will get this information back.”

Luciani asked if 10 Lisgar Ave was an option with reining in prices or if other staff would only be looking at other locations.

“We’re asking them to come back with stuff, but based on what,” he said. “Are we going to go through this whole exercise again? This costs money and time.”

Pratt said the next step is to look at what money is available and, dependent on that, make a decision on building a new town hall or renovating 10 Lisgar Ave.

Gilvesy asked council to think about what the town could afford before the report came back.

In the end council passed two motions, to investigate potential funding sources and to continue research on the potential sites on the northeastern corner of Brock and Harvey and on the unoccupied lands at 4 Elm St.

traffic locations in the affected area

• Media releases were posted to the town, county and SWPH websites and distributed to local media

• Radio ads and targeted Google ads were coordinated by Oxford County Communications team

• Incident messaging was added to the Town’s phone system

• Pop up notifications and information banners were placed on the Town website

• Notifications were posted to social media Facebook and X by SWPH, Town of Tillsonburg and Oxford County

• A push notification was sent to approximately 4500 users of the Town of Tillsonburg app

• Phone calls/emails were directed to the Business Improvement Area, Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders

• SWPH directly contacted their contact list

The advisory was lifted on Friday. Advisories aren’t lifted until two consecutive water samples are found to be clear.

There was some criticism that some people within the affected area. Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy explained the responsibilities in cases like this.

“During a boil water advisory, the Town of Tillsonburg's role is to amplify and spread information,” she said. “The county tests the water, the results are shared with SWPH, and the town takes its direction from both these partners as to required next steps. With multiple stakeholders involved, sometimes communication is not as efficient as we would like. Please be assured that our Emergency Management Team will be reconvening to debrief this incident and make improvements wherever possible.”

The mayor also said if residents download the Tillsonburg app it will ensure notification is received.

JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Skill Shot brings pinball back to Tillsonburg

Imagine a place where adults can feel like teenagers again, where they can mingle with today’s youth, and speak their language. Skill Shot is such a place.

Stepping into Skill Shot’s location at 102 Tillson Ave is like taking a step back in time. It’s reminiscent of an arcade in the days before video games, a time when pinball machines were the only thing in an arcade. The music playing is classic rock – you might even hear the Who’s Pinball Wizard playing.

Skill Shot differs from some arcades of decades ago in that it is a bright,

clean facility. And it’s up to the latest accessibility standards.

Owners Dan and Deanna Tosto opened the business in July. There are currently 10 pinball machines in the location. Prices vary from 25 cents for a game on an older machine to $1 or 3/$2 on a newer one. There’s also an antique pinball game patrons can play for free.

Tosto grew up in Toronto, playing pinball downtown in an arcade next to the Sam the Record Man’s anchor store. He grew away from it, but recently decided to buy a machine

in September 2023.

“I’m going to get a pinball machine to play at home,” he recounted. “I did that and one became three.”

As he got back into pinball, and saw to play with other people he would have to travel, he started thinking about opening a business.

“I wanted pinball in this town,” he said. “You have to go to London or Hamilton for pinball.”

Tosto is going beyond having accessibility compliant doors and washroom in trying to appeal to those who have a disability. He has special controllers that are easier to use for people with a disability.

“I’m trying to expand pinball to people who gave up on it,” he said.

Calling his facility “pinabled”, Tosto added, ”I had an amputee and he played one-handed pinball – nowhere else in Canada ex-

cept here.”

Tosto is planning on having pinball tournaments in Skill Shot some point, and already had one. He also promotes parties and events where the only charge is the rental fee, coins not needed for the games. Just in time for the holidays, Skill Shot gift cards will be available in denominations of $5, $10, $15 and $20.

“I wanted to provide cheap family-friendly entertainment,” he said.

The largest portion of the clientele has been adults who used to play pinball when they were younger, but he also gets families who come in and teenagers. Business has been at the level he had hoped for.

“Three thousand plays in Tillsonburg, I’m calling that a win,” he said.

Skill Shot is open noon to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

‘Every

In a few short days, we will pause for a moment to remember those who fought for our freedom and gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars. For me, the moment of silence holds a special place.

My grandfather, Clarence, fought in the First World War and was wounded in battle, taking a bullet through his right arm. He didn’t talk much about the war – in fact, not at all. I recall the sizeable scar on his upper arm from the bullet.

When I was born, my grandfather was 71. He didn’t seem like the adventurous type from the start of my childhood memories, but he must have been.

Early in the 1900s, free land was to be had in Saskatchewan for those who “homesteaded”, which meant clearing the land and building a home. He and his brothers Fred and Lou were excited by the prospect and headed west from their home outside Tillsonburg. Then, when war broke out, Clarence and Fred enlisted in Saskatchewan in 1916. My grandfather never talked about what attracted him, but it’s easy to imagine patriotism, and the adventure must have been part of it.

As a child, I remember going into my

grandparents’ attic and being fascinated by the space, but the big attraction was the gigantic trunk he used to bring his possessions home from overseas after the war.

His bayonet was in there, along with the uniform he was discharged with. Somewhere along the line, he gave me the pack all the soldiers were given to store their possessions in, along with some metal badges and buttons off his uniform. There was a badge from the 96th regiment based in Saskatoon. How he ended up with it, I will never know.

I thought of my grandfather during the moment of silence observed annually on Remembrance Day when I was younger. Still, it never hit home until I saw the letter he wrote home from the hospital while recovering in England.

The letter said: Oct. 6, 2018

St. Luke’s Hospital, Bradford, Eng. Dear Dad and Mother and all:

As this is Sunday morning and just got through with a shave and had dressed for the day.

The sun is not showing out today, so it looks on the dull side.

Well, I am going to try and tell you where I was wounded. I was near the Arras Cambrai road, about two miles from Camb -

rai. Cambrai was our objective. It was a beautiful Sunday morning. Just before we jumped off at eight o’clock, zero hour, I passed the remark that we should be going to Sunday school on such a fine morning, instead of getting ready for murder. Well the poor old CMR didn’t know we were running against a snag like we did. The Hun said would stop or knock the Canadian Corps out, he did stop us for a time, but not long.

We had gone but a hundred yards when I got mine. Being the scout for the company, I was near the centre. There was five or six got knocked out in one place. Well, the stretcher bearer went over to see what he could do and was hit himself. Someone called to me and said Pete Lockie’s hit. He was the stretcher bearer and was a good pal of mine. I just got to him and asked him where he was hit.

“Oh Pete, give me my helmet,” he said, as his steel helmet had fallen when he fell forward. He was on his hands and knees as I was going to put his helmet on. He tried to turn his head to look at me. Just then a bullet hit him in the head. His brains were blown right in my face.

The next second, I got it in the shoulder with an explosive bullet. I had one knee on the ground. In a twinkle of an eye I was

turned right on my back and laid there until one of the boys got me out, I was there for about an hour.

Every one of the lads were killed. There were four or five bullets went through my haversack and clothes while I lay there. I was mighty glad to get out of that hole, but I have been in far worse. And when a fellow looks back he has got a lot to be thankful for.

I hear an awful lot of influenza is around. The hospital is full of it. The sisters and patients are getting it. I have got it slightly. But don’t let that worry you.

A funny thing happened the other night. I dreamed that I had been out somewhere and brought a black cat back to the hospital. Just then the sister came in with a black cat behind her, and it is the only cat I’ve seen since I’ve been here. That must mean luck. They say every time you see a black cat it is a sure sign of good luck.

Well hope you are all well and happy. Dad, say we go deer hunting next fall. Get the old gun in good trim.

Bye, bye.

Love to all.

Clarence

When I first read the letter, I worked for various newspapers and attended the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies. Every

JEFF HELSDON Editor

year, I found a lump forming in my throat and myself fighting back tears during the ceremony, imagining what my grandfather went through, the suffering he endured. In the ensuing years, I learned small pieces about his military service.

My father remembered as a child my grandfather waking up with nightmares about the war. That would have been 25 years or more later. He also talked about grandpa’s annual visits to Parkwood Hospital in London. I can’t imagine that many years later, the hospital visits were to deal with his arm. No doubt this was to deal with what we today call PTSD.

The only memory I have of my grandpa talking about the war is when he once told me while he was in the hospital, the nurse told him his fever was so high from the infection in his wound that he should have been dead. I always figured that was from infection in his wound, but seeing the letter I realized it could also be from the influenza, or a combination of both. My father later told me the doctors wanted to amputate my grandfather’s arm because the wound was so serious, but he refused, saying he would die first.

As a reporter in Tillsonburg, I became acquainted with former Glendale history teacher and war historian Robin Barker-James. I shared a copy of the letter with him, and he told me how unique it was as the army scanned all outgoing mail and

didn’t let things like that out. This left me wondering how grandpa got this letter in the mail beyond the military censors? Added to the perplexity is I also have a copy of a newspaper clipping showing a small town in France, with his writing saying he was there days earlier.

The government’s release of records of the Canadian Expeditionary Force shed more light on his hospital stay. Wounded on Sept. 29, 1918, he was in various hospitals in England and Ontario until the following July. The records don’t have any battle details, only medical information. Yet, a letter that somehow made it back home, paints the picture of a moment in time for one soldier.

During the speeches for Legion Branch 153’s anniversary last month another piece of the puzzle fell into place when it was said the Legion provided a place for veterans to meet and discuss the war. Apparently, they felt comfortable discussing their service with other veterans, but no one else. While attending a wedding reception there, I was surprised to see Clarence Helsdon listed as one of the founders of the Norwich Legion. I am still trying to piece together pieces of his military history. Who was Pete Leckie? There are no records of that name among the war dead. I imagine I will never find answers to many of these questions, but my appreciation for my grandfather’s sacrifice grows with each bit I learn.

We Remember

November 11, 2024

The sacrifices our families made for the war effort

Remembrance Day has meant more to me since learning what my family gave to protect the future of their children, Canada, Britian and the World. Since learning about their sacrifices, I can’t forget them.

My two grandfathers served in WW1. Mom’s father, James Henry Theophilus Lamb, enlisted in Windsor Ontario in 1916, at 17 years-old as a Bugle Boy, playing basic messages for the troops. He was also trained to fight ,and ended up tending the horses in an artillery division. He said the screams of the injured horses were horrific, but horses were so vital to the war, they were not allowed to put them down until a high-ranking officer received a medical report. He fought at Vimy Ridge and lived to come home to his family.

My father’s father, Archibald, Sidney Philpott Turner,was born in England and was a sailor with the British navy, and deserted. He was in Windsor, Ontario sailing the great lakes when WW1 began. He joined the Canadian Army to get home to Britain where he would receive amnesty for his desertion from the British Navy, and re-join. But instead, he decided to remain with his chums in the Canadian Regiment assigned to the 7th Battalion.

His wage of $10/month was assigned to his mother. He was eventually trained as a wiring sapper. He dug tunnels to undermine the enemy’s position, laying the wire to charges to blow them up. He was terrified of being buried alive. Six months later, Archie was ‘buried’ for three days with shrapnel wounds, unable to

move but could breathe and drink pooled water beside him, which had mustard gas in it. He was sent to London, England, hospitals, for multiple surgeries, after being rescued. He met Lily Hodgson who visited the troops. They married and immigrated to Windsor, Ontario to raise their family of three sons. The gas eventually later ruined his stomach, caused all his teeth to fall out, and killed him years later.

In WW2 their eldest son, Bruce, joined the Royal Canadian Navy and lived. My father Ron, was turned down by the Royal Canadian Air Force, after he was sent to the sanitorium with tuberculosis. Brother Sidney joined the RCAF in 1940.

Sid and Ron wrote prodigiously, Sid always begging for news of friends and Ron reply back about girlfriends, parties, and friends they knew who were also serving. Most of the letters would have made their sailor brother sailor blush. After training in Canada, the airmen sailed across the Atlantic, settling in at Bournemouth Poole, England and by Sept 6th, 1941, Sgt./Pilot Sid Turner was on active duty. Later letters arrived saying he was in Palestine and various exotic places. By Jul 22, 1942, Sid was with the #37 Squadron in Egypt.

The Mission: “Monday/Tuesday Sep. 8, 1942: PilotWarrant Officer 1 [W/O.1.] Sidney Allan George Turner, 21yrs; took off from R.A.F. Abu Sueir, Egypt [just outside Ismailia] between 19.15 hrs. and 19.36 hrs, in a Vickers Wellington, bomber, Serial # ES989, Code: LF-A. to bomb the harbour and shipping at Tobruk, Libya, N.W. Africa. The crew included: Pilot 2: W/O.2. Archibald Boyd Cameron, 22 years; Obs:

W/O.2. Roger Bentley Clements, 25; W/Op/Air/Gnr: Fl/Sgt. Roderick Daniel Macdonald, 33; Air/Gnr: Sgt. Geoffrey Donald Rawbone, ? years. and Air/Gnr: Sgt. Peter McIntyr, 26.

Missing: Sept 9,1942. The aircraft and crew failed to return. It takes months of searching trying to locate a missing plane that had been flying over the Mediterranean Sea or desert. Both were just as deadly if you crashed, and were as hard to recover the plane or survivors. The family was notified that Sid was missing. He was finally declared dead; and the bodies were never recovered.

Another 37 Squadron Wellington was also lost on the same operation, Sgt. Shepherd on DV457 LF-W flew into a hill at Gebel Abu Shama. Two crew were killed but the other 4 survived. Sid’s plane was never found.

All these men were part of 10,600 Canadians, killed while serving with RAF Bomber Command.

Forty-eight years later, I discovered Uncle Sid’s name on the El Ammanin Memorial in Egypt, and the information on his final flight. Grandpa and grandma had passed years before but both Uncle Bruce and my father found some peace, knowing his sacrifice had not been forgotten.

No matter what country your family immigrated from, learn about the lives and service given by them, as it helped shape the world today. Share the information with your family, and save it in an appropriate museum. Get out the family photos, learn of their sacrifices during and after the wars, and you will remember them.

LAUREL A. BEECHEY Post Columnist

Honouring Our Heroes

Honouring Our Heroe

Remembrance Day in Downtown Ti

Remembrance Day in Downtown Tillsonburg

As Remembrance Day approaches, the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA invites all residents of Tillsonburg to join us in honouring the brave men and women who have served our country. As usual on November 11, starting at 10:30 AM., the Remembrance Day ceremony will depart from Veteran’s Memorial Walkway and Rolph Street and head to the downtown core for the cenotaph ceremony.

Join Us

As we gather to remember a also commit to supporting t served our country. Togethe strong community spirit tha past and embraces our futu

As we gather to remember and reflect, let us also commit to supporting those who have served our country. Together, we can foster a strong community spirit that honours our past and embraces our future.

We look forward to seeing you in Downtown Tillsonburg on Nov. 11 as we come together to remember, reflect, and support our veterans. Let’s make this Remembrance Day a meaningful tribute to those who have fought for our freedoms.

Moment of Silence

At 11:00 AM on Remembrance D community-wide moment of sile businesses, schools, and resident stopping what they are doing for quiet reflection. Let’s come toge to pay our respects and remembe given so much.

Join Us

At 11:00 AM on Remembrance Day, we will observe a community-wide moment of silence We encourage businesses, schools, and residents to take part by stopping what they are doing for two minutes of quiet reflection Let’s come together as a community to pay our respects and remember those who have given so much.

For more information on the Remembrance Day ceremony or ways to support local veterans, please contact the Tillsonburg Legion, Branch 153 at 519.842.5281

Support for Our Veterans

For more information on the Remembrance Day ceremony or ways to support local veterans, please contact the Tillsonburg Legion, Branch 153 at 519.842.5281

Moment of Silence

In addition to honouring our veterans, it is vital that we support them in our community. Several local organizations provide resources and assistance to veterans and their families. Here are a few you can reach out to:

In addition to honouring our vete we support them in our commun organizations provide resources a veterans and their families Here reach out to:

At 11:00 AM on Remembrance Day, we will observe a community-wide moment of silence. We encourage businesses, schools, and residents to take part by stopping what they are doing for two minutes of quiet reflection. Let’s come together as a community to pay our respects and remember those who have given so much.

Tillsonburg Legion: The Legion's mission is to serve Veterans, including serving military and RCMP, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities. Contact them at 519.842.5281

For more information on the Remembrance Day ceremony or ways to support local veterans, please contact the Tillsonburg Legion, Branch 153 at 519.842.5281

Support for Our Veterans

Salvation Army: The Veterans programs helps veterans by giving them the resources needed to thrive in the long term. Visit 155 Broadway or call 519.842.9491 for more information.

Tillsonburg Legion: The Legion' Veterans, including serving mili promote Remembrance, and to communities. Contact them at 5 Salvation Army: The Veterans pr veterans by giving them the res thrive in the long term. Visit 15 519.842.9491 for more inform

Tillsonburg Legion: The Legion’s mission is to serve Veterans, including serving military and RCMP, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities. Contact them at 519.842.5281

Salvation Army: The Veterans programs helps veterans by giving them the resources needed to thrive in the long term. Visit 155 Broadway or call 519.842.9491 for more information.

(RAYMOND VANDEVYVERE LANGTON PHOTO)

Canadian War Cemetery Beny-Sur-Mer in France.

Chad Cornish’s annual Remembrance Day presentation to mark D-Day’s 80th anniversary

On a clear, sunny day in 2014, Chad Cornish found the beach in front of St. Aubin-sur-Mer a deceptively beautiful place for a reflective stroll, a wide strip of sand decorated with pockets of seaweed, backed by rolling dunes and a picturesque village.

When 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed there in a crucial first step toward the liberation of Europe June 6, 1944, it was littered with the dead and dying, massed artillery and small arms fire spoiling any appreciation for the scenery. In total, 1,074 Canadian casualties were suffered on the day, including 369 who paid the ultimate price.

It’s impossible to comprehend that level of carnage, however the military historian in Cornish has come to terms with some small understanding.

“How anybody survived coming across that much sand, wide open, under fire… unbelievable,” he said. “Just kids,” he continued of soldiers, many 19, 20 or 21 years old or younger, whose 24-hour journey from ship to landing craft to the beach in heavy seas left many exhausted and violently seasick.

“And then you get out and run for your life.”

Cornish does not glorify war. But a child who deeply respected and honoured those who served grew into an adult whose lifelong dream of a Canadian battlefield tour was realized in 2014. A plumber by trade rather than communicator, Cornish hesitantly accepted a customer’s suggestion to put together a presentation based on his travels. Gratified by the hugely positive response and both supported and encouraged by his wife Kim, Cornish’s passion for sharing the stories of Canadian soldiers grew into subsequent pilgrimages and highly-respected and anticipated annual presentations.

“I’ve taken up the mantle, I guess.”

Cornish leaves the grand sweep of history to historians, preferring to focus instead on individual service personnel, as local as possible, the ‘everymen’ and ‘everywomen’, ordinary people who did extraordinary things for their nation.

“I talk about where they came from, what they liked to do, their families, what they wanted to do after the war… and what happened to them.

“Break it down to the human experience of what a single person had to go through.”

Cornish takes his inspiration from self-directed tours of sites of Canadian military importance, Dieppe, a 14-kilometre hike along the entire length of Juno Beach, the routes of march troops took from there through France, Holland, Belgium and Germany, and the cemeteries which marked the cost of their passage to liberation. The sheer number and scope of the graves is always an

JEFF TRIBE

Post Corespondant

emotional and overwhelming experience that frequently brings him to tears.

“It hits you like a wall.”

At times, Cornish will have a predetermined route, at others, he’ll meander through the rows of graves, drawn if as by fate to individual stones, amazed at the remarkable stories behind each and every one.

“I can’t explain it,” he said. “Some just speak to me somehow.”

Taking the bare bones information inscribed upon them, Cornish reconstructs individual soldiers through ‘detail work’ study of war diaries, previously-classified official records which with time, have been opened, maps, letters home, the list of personal items carried upon their death, every little speck of information he can find.

“They couldn’t tell their stories, they never got a chance,” says Cornish. “I try to bring them back home the best way I know how.”

Cornish shares his presentations at the Norwich & District Historical Society Museum, churches and community groups. He is also working on a related book,

tentatively titled ‘Far From Home, Canadian Valour and Sacrifice in WWII.’

Cornish has also taken on the responsibility of Remembrance Day MC for both Otterville and Norwich, accompanying the colour party across Oxford Road 59 at the latter’s conclusion for a popular and well-attended annual presentation at his home community’s Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 190.

Last year, Cornish spoke on and shared photos and details of Canadian Air Force personnel buried in English cemeteries, due to wounds suffered over Europe or in accidents, as well as the pioneering nurses who first provided in-flight medical support during the transportation of wounded soldiers.

This year, he will mark D-Day’s 80th anniversary, focusing on the Canadian sailors who cleared the minefields to the beaches, the airmen who prepared for invasion for months and provided close support on the day, the paratroopers who were first in, and soldiers who landed on the beaches under fire, and those who followed them toward ultimate victory.

“Basically, a little bit of everything,” Cornish summed

up.

His passion is self-funded, Cornish does not request or accept any fees for what he considers an honour, the ability to respectfully recognize those who volunteered, served and sacrificed for the freedom Canadians continue to enjoy.

“It’s the least I can do for what they did,” Cornish concluded.

Military historian Chad Cornish brings the stories of individual Canadian soldiers to life as part of his respectful homage to those who paid the ultimate price to earn the freedom we enjoy. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

Chad Cornish during his 2023 presentation at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 190 in Norwich. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

A TEAM EFFORT

With the last two veteran banners set to go up, organizers got together to thank Tillsonburg Hydro crews for their part in installing the banners on light posts on Quarter Town Line. Left to right are: (bottom row) Sara Jackson, Tillsonburg Military History Club Treasurer Frank Moore, Tim Crandall, Legion President Dianne Hodges, Anthony Tomlin, Derek Schonewille, (top row) Gregg Lawrence, Kurt Hussey, Kyle Jacob, Greg DeVos, Grant Yarmie and Ryan Fitch. There were 89 banners installed as part of the program.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

CAMPAIGN STARTS

Legion Branch 153 poppy chairman Don Burton started the 2024 poppy campaign at the Oct. 21 council meeting by presenting a poppy to Mayor Deb Gilvesy. This year’s campaign runs from Oct. 25 to Nov. 10, with tables at Sobeys, Metro, Zehr's and the Tillsonburg Town Centre, with poppies for sale from 11 -4 p.m.. The 2023 campaign raised $22,000 and allowed the local branch to support veterans at Parkwood Institute and fund branch programs. Remembrance Day services begin at 10:30 a.m. with the silent walk and the cenotaph service at 10:45. Anyone wanting more information, or wanting to help with poppy sales can phone the Legion at 519-842-5281.

(JEFF

REMEMBRANCE DAY

HELSDON PHOTO)

POPPY

The Tillsonburg Gemini senior boys’ volleyball team is heading into the final week of the regular season with three victories and post-season aspirations in hand.

“Close to .500,” said middle hitter Michael Barbon following a 25-16, 25-14, 25-14 loss to the homecourt Ingersoll DCI Blue Bombers Thursday, October 17th. “Still can be.”

“Hopefully make playoffs,” added setter Rylan Homick, Gemini ‘player of the game’ who has thoroughly enjoyed his transition from left-side hitter to quarterbacking the offence. “Love it - love playing setter.”

Despite losing to the - still - undefeated Bombers, co-coach Melissa Jacko was pleased with her youthful squad’s outing.

“The guys held their own, had some good rallies.”

Speaking specifically to Homick and Barbon’s efforts, Jacko pointed out they are in Grade 11, gaining valuable experience while proving competitive.

“They’ll be taking on leadership positions next year.”

The squad has gotten along well all season, and for the most part, worked together well added co-coach Jordan Kuhar.

“We’ve been competitive.”

Following a 25-14, 25-14, 25-22 loss to St. Thomas St. Joe’s Tuesday, October 22nd, the 3-5 Gemini were scheduled to host a playoff preliminary round match at home to 1-7 Woodstock College Avenue, Tuesday, October 29th.

“And ready to leave it all on the court,” Jacko concluded.

Junior Volleyball

The Tillsonburg Gemini junior boys’ volleyball team took one game and something of a moral victory during a 25-18, 24-26, 25-19, 25-9 loss to the homecourt In -

gersoll DCI Blue Bombers Thursday, October 17th. In the second game, the Gemini led early, and despite a furious Bombers comeback, regrouped to earn a hardfought two-point victory.

On strength of earlier 3-2 match wins over Woodstock Huron Park, St. Thomas Central Elgin and Aylmer East Elgin, and a more comfortable 25-21, 21-25, 25-18, 2511 victory over St. Thomas Arthur Voaden, Tillsonburg is currently at 4-4 on the regular season, qualifying for a quarter-final playoff matchup Thursday, October 31st on the road in Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS.

Football

Ingersoll DCI Blue Bombers 27, Tillsonburg Gemini 17

An exciting back-and-forth all-Oxford contest at IDCI Thursday, October 10th had a little bit of everything in it including an ‘immaculate reception.’

Tillsonburg quarterback Cohen Schott’s pass was intended for receiver Dorian Park-Thomas, but defended well on the play by Blue Bombers defensive back Trey Dawns, who knocked the ball back toward the line of scrimmage.

“I look right and OK, there’s a ball,” said Tillsonburg receiver Brandon Wall, who instinctively dove. “And right in my hands.”

“That was quite the play,” said Gemini coach Jordan Fitzpatrick, who is aware of the original ‘immaculate reception’ play between Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw and running back Franco Harris. “Just heads up, that’s all that is.”

Schott had answered an opening Blue Bombers touchdown with a 14-yard TD pass to Wall, converted by Reid Cameron for a 7-6 Tillsonburg lead. Bombers QB Robbie Allen linked up with Ryan Wolfe, converted by Ethan Butt for a 13-7 advantage. A 13-yard Park-Thomas field goal ended first-half scoring, the Gemini trailing 13-10.

Woodstock St. Mary’s Warriors Leyah Anthony (left), Oriana Belmonte (rear) and Aliyah Anthony (right) close in on Tillsonburg Glendale Gemini point guard Sophia Silliker (centre). (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

Allen took the ball across on his team’s first drive of a second half, pushing the Bombers’ lead to 20-10. Park-Thomas took a Schott swing pass home with a lengthy run after the catch down the left sideline, Cameron’s second PAT bringing the Gemini back within three.

Allen’s second keeper TD on the ensuing possession from Ingersoll’s 25, a one-yard plunge behind the left side of his line, rounded the 27-17 final.

“It was all right,” said Gemini receiver Nolan Prefontaine. “Just some missed opportunities here and there.”

“Right to the end, entertaining,” added Fitzpatrick. “We were right in the game,” he added. “We’re getting better every week, just gotta finetune some things and eventually it will come together for us.”

Friday, October 18th

Woodstock College Avenue 42, Tillsonburg Gemini 7 Park-Thomas scored Tillsonburg’s touchdown, converted by Cameron.

Thursday, October 24th

TVRA Senior Senior Quarter-Final

St. Thomas St. Joe’s 47, Tillsonburg Gemini Seniors 12

Quarterback Cohen

Schott threw touchdown passes to Brandon Wall and Nolan Prefontaine in a season-ending effort against the powerhouse Rams.

Thursday, October 24th

TVRA Junior Quarter-Final

Tillsonburg Gemini 35, Clarke Road Trojans 8

The Gemini earned their way into a TVRA Williamson Division semi-final rematch against the St. Thomas St. Joe’s Rams with a comfortable victory over their London-based opponent, Thursday, October 24th at 1Password Park in St. Thomas.

Tillsonburg running back Gavin Balazs had three touchdowns to lead the offence, a two-point convert and two point-after tries, Gavin Wernham, Caleb McMaster and Matteo Barnabi had one TD each and quarterback Landon Dodsley one twopoint convert.

The Gemini will face St. Joe’s Halloween afternoon in the semi-final beginning with a 2:15 p.m. kickoff at 1Passwood Park.

TVRA Regular Season, Friday, October 18

Tillsonburg Gemini 35, Woodstock College Avenue 0

Wernham scored two touchdowns, Balazs one TD and five point-after

kicks, Dodsley one major and a two-point convert, and McMaster and Hezakiah Cato one major each.

Thursday, October 10th

Ingersoll DCI 14, Tillsonburg Gemini 7

The Gemini opened scoring on a Balazs touchdown, going up 7-0 on a one-point rouge near the end of the half. Ingersoll answered on a Logan Janzen touchdown, converted from the one following a penalty, for an 8-7 Blue Bombers lead. Janzen’s second TD made it 14-7 with eight minutes to play in a fourth quarter. Tillsonburg drove the ball to the Ingersoll ten yardline with 15 seconds remaining before coming up just short.

Senior Girls’ Basketball Tuesday, October 15th

Woodstock St. Mary’s 38, Tillsonburg Gemini 24

A slow start hampered the Gemini, who trailed 19-0 before rallying to tie the game at 19.

“Thanksgiving weekend, that’s what we’re blaming it on,” smiled Tillsonburg’s Lucy Panschow, who finished with four points. “We know how to keep going,” she added of Tillsonburg’s resurgence. “We don’t slow down, we get more aggressive.”

A game of runs continued with a ten-point St. Mary’s response, which

ultimately decided the issue. Taylor Sache led the Gemini with seven points, Jiera Dodsley and Vivian Suderman added four each and Sophia Silliker a three-point field goal.

The resilience Tillsonburg showed paid off two days later, the Gemini breaking into the win column with a 41-30 homecourt win over In -

gersoll DCI. Following a subsequent 33-13 loss to St. Thomas St. Joe’s, the Gemini are scheduled to travel Tuesday, October 29th to Woodstock Huron Park for an AA playoff qualifier game.

Junior Girls Monday, October 28th

St. Thomas Central Elgin at Tillsonburg Gemini,

AA playoff preliminary round.

Wednesday, October 23 Woodstock St. Mary’s CHS 20, Tillsonburg Gemini 19

Tuesday, October 22

St. Thomas St. Joe’s 38, Tillsonburg 18

Wednesday, October 16th

Woodstock CI 29, Tillsonburg 9

Tillsonburg Gemini Nolan Prefontaine tries to gather in a Cohen Schott pass near the Ingersoll DCI Blue Bomber ten yardline with Bombers defensive back Caron Berry in pursuit. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

Tillsonburg Gemini Nolan Prefontaine makes the reception on a Cohen Schott pass in front of Ingersoll DCI Blue Bomber Carson Berry. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

Thunder on three-game winning streak

The Thunder are back!!!

This is the cry heard from the Thunder players during and after the current threegame winning streak.

It started on Oct. 19 versus the team’s Highway 3 rival, the Delhi Flames. Delhi held the lead 3 - 2 after the first period but the Thunder exploded for three goals in both the second and third period to win the

contest 8 - 3. Josh Pietrantonio and Brandon Couto both netted two goals each. Matt Sagrott had a solid performance in net, as he stopped 33 of 36 shots as he shut the door after the first period.

The game of the week was on Saturday, Oct. 26 against last year's finalist, the Alvinston Killer Bees. The Bees had a huge chip on their shoulder to avenge the loss in game 7 of the finals last year. The Thun-

der were in penalty problems early on, but scored two short-handed goals on the same Thunder penalty. The Thunder opened up a four-goal lead after one. Credit the Bees for not giving up in the second, and it was 5 - 3 Thunder after two. Final score was 64 Thunder after the Bees outshot Tillsonburg 50 to 30. Matt Sagrott stopped 47 and earned the win. An incredible performance by Brandon Couto netting four

November will be busy at the curling club

PETERS Tillsonburg Post Columnist

ON THE BROOM

The TCC had a great start with their introductory/ registration nights, Mother Nature caused a small delay but all leagues are up and curling.

The club is hosting a progressive euchre night this Saturday Nov. 2 at 7 pm. There have been several of these events over the last couple of years which have been lots of fun. With more than 25 tables, it’s fun to play and socialize with so many different people. All are welcome but register on-line so we know how many people to plan for. New members can still be accommodated in most leagues, so if you missed our introductory sign-ups check out the website or come in to the club and get your questions answered.

November will be a busy month for the club as it brings the first bonspiels of this 70th anniversary year. Our Mixed Open Bonspiel, which has been running since 2017, starts the season on Saturday, Nov 23. We have two wonderful sponsors for this event – Zeplyn Enterprises Ltd and E.E. McLaughlin Inc. – with two trophies up for grabs. The two eight-team draws are filling up slowly with both intown and out-of -own teams -deadline for entry is November 16th. We encourage our curlers to join us in this year’s Fall Classic Spiel.

Speaking of local sponsors, our local Tim Hortons (Simcoe Street/ Oxford) sponsored an introductory curling night for local youth who might be interested in curling. They also generously sponsored four youth memberships for the 2024-25 season. Congrats to the kids that benefited from this wonderful donation.

This weekend, the Canadian National Mixed Curling Championships will start on Sunday in St Catharines at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club. Our club’s own Jayden King, and his team, Grace, Daniel, and Jill, will be the Ontario representative playing under our club banner. Play for Team Ontario (King), begins Nov. 3 at 12:30 with opening ceremonies following the game. You can find the complete schedule at CurlTillsonburg.com. There will be seating to view the games at the venue but at this time we don’t know of any streaming or TV coverage for the event.

I will finish with a historical note in honour of our 70th anniversary. Did you know that the first curling in Tillsonburg in 1954 was done on arena ice? The founding members of the club curled a short season on hockey ice for two years. In 1956, the members moved into the current building and the Tillsonburg and District Curling Club became a permanent fixture in the community. The board of directors adopted a tobacco leaf symbol as the club pin and club logo – a nod to the many tobacco industries and companies who were the economic backbone of the town and who supported the club.

The MacDonald Tobacco Company was the major sponsor of the Canadian Men’s Curling Championship, known from 1927-1977, as the MacDonald Brier. If you were to look under the OCA logo on our scoreboards you would find the MacDonald Lassie. The first major men’s bonspiel was a three-day event known as the Tobacco Belt and was sponsored by the MacDonald Tobacco Company- I can remember doing kitchen duty for one of the Tobacco Belt spiels and there were containers of free cigarettes on all the tables for the curlers to help themselves to. The club at that time was still a smoking facility. You can see the names of the Tobacco Belt winners mounted on the east wall of the rink. The last Tobacco Belt bonspiel took place over five years ago. The Imperial Tobacco Company also sponsored a bonspiel for many years. Next column I will feature another long running club bonspiel.

Curling Rocks!

goals.

A double-header weekend had the Thunder travel to the new Richmond Hill Coyotes on Sunday night. A short turn around had the Thunder travel with only 13 skaters. Not deterred, the Thunder fired 65 shots at the famous Zamboni driver David Ayres who took the net for the Coyotes. Unlike the Leafs, who could not score on Ayres, the Thunder fired nine goals past him. Veteran tender Jesse Raymond turned away 43 of 45 shots to earn the 92 victory. Stellar performances by Andrew Whalen with a hat trick, Brandon Couto also with a hat trick and two assists, and Sheldon Thompson with two goals and three assists led the way to the Thunder victory.

The Thunder are on the road on Friday, Nov. 1 ver-

sus the Orangeville Blitz with an 8 p.m. start. The Thunder's next home game is Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. versus the Stratford Fighting Irish. This is the Thunder Remberance day game. As the Thunder have done from its conception, a Legion honor guard will be

present for the traditional moment of silence. All veterans will be honored on the red carpet. All Legion and Ladies Auxilary members will be admitted free to the game. Just present your Legion card. Let's keep the winning streak going.

NORA

The South Oxford Storm U15B team opened its season on Oct. 16 with a home game against Twin Centre Stars. Although the Storm were first on the scoreboard with a goal within the first minute, the Stars pulled out a 6-2 win with four goals in the third period.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

MICHAEL HOLLY Post Contributor

Tillsonburg Thunder’s Andrew Harris recorded one assist in an 8-3 WOSHL win in Delhi on Oct. 19. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Cornhole gaining In popularity

points also cancel each other out in a manner similar to curling. The first team to 21 wins.

3rd

Saturday Nov 2, 2024 Doors open 10 am sharp

Some love the old, some love the new. Loads and loads of vintage to now Christmas decorations and decor for you!

Cornhole may look like just tossing bean bags, but it’s a serious competition with local, provincial, and national championships.

However, the main emphasis of the regular Wednesday night league in Tillsonburg is fun.

Jeremy and Jennifer Bakker run the league. The couple started playing at their summer trailer, fell in love with the game, and decided to continue to play through the winter. They discovered there was no cornhole league in town, and they had to travel to Six Nations or Delhi. Then, they made a decision to start a league in town.

The local league played at the Legion the first year and moved to the Lion’s Auditorium in the community centre last year.

When asked why the game is so popular, Jennifer answered, “Anybody can do it. We have children as young as 10 and seniors playing.”

Typically, turnout is between 50 to 70 people per week. This is divided between recreational games where players can bring their own partner and singles, where partners are matched for advanced competitive players.

All interested participants need to do to play is show up on Wednesday nights at 6:30 to register for a 7 p.m. start. Everything is provided, but players will need to sign up for an American Cornhole League account, as this is used for scoring. This also provides a rating of players – and the Bakkers are in the top 100 in the province.

The boards are set up 27 feet apart, and a thrower needs to stand with their toes behind the line. One point is given for a bag on the board and three for a bag that goes through the hole. Each player on the team takes a turn throwing. Competitor’s

The cost to play is $10 per night, and there is a guarantee of five games. The first and second place finishers may win a prize.

Getting back to the serious side of cornhole, the Bakkers have competed at the regionals, provincials and nationals. Jennifer took first place in the top division in Wallaceburg last weekend. A top Ontario teenage cornhole player earned a university scholarship in the United States.

Anyone wanting more details on local cornhole play can contact the Bakkers through the Tillsonburg Cornhole Club’s Facebook page.

JEFF HELSDON Editor

One of the big draws for cornhole is people of any age group can play it. It’s also low cost, with it only costing $10 per night. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

Kalem Legg is one of the younger competitors in the Tillsonburg Cornhole Club.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

It was pumpkins galore in front of the Tillsonburg Town Centre as the Optimist Club organized the pumpkin carving as part of the BIA’s Downtown Spookytown. Cooper Feairs took his turn at carving a pumpkin during Saturday afternoon.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

Scott Foster, one of the masterminds behind the BIA’s haunted house in the mall, was part of the action, controlling the ghosts for the event. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

Hidden by the fog in the haunted house, the ringmaster scared Karen, left, and Aliyah after standing still and suddenly coming to life. A kid-friendly version of the haunted house ran on Saturday afternoon. The event attracted hundreds of people to Tilllsonburg’s downtown.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

Halloween is when library staff become the characters of some of the books they lend. It was also an opportunity for trick or treaters to visit the library for some sweets.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

Lily Wegg, left, gets some help with her bat creation at the library from Holly Brown, literacy program specialist. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

The witches were out in full force dancing up a storm at Witches Night Out on Friday night at the Station Arts Centre. There was also tarot card reading, food and some special potions.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

Southwestern Public Health urges caution with cannabis edibles that may resemble Halloween treats

With Halloween approaching, Southwestern Public Health is reminding the community to keep edible cannabis products out of reach of children – especially if they are packaged or shaped to resemble Halloween treats.

“Edible cannabis products often look like regular food items, making it difficult for children to distinguish between the two,” says Kelly Vanderhoeven, a Public Health Nurse at Southwestern Public Health. “The consumption of cannabis by children can lead to serious health issues, including cannabis poisoning. Children are particularly vulnerable as even small amounts of THC can result in adverse effects.”

Cannabis edibles contain tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis which can be harmful to children if consumed. Symptoms of cannabis poisoning in children may not appear immediately and can be dangerous, including sudden drowsiness or unresponsiveness, loss of muscle control and coordination, dilated pupils, an irregular or fast heartbeat, and slow breathing.

Parents, caregivers, and anyone who visits with children should take extra care to store cannabis edibles securely. Ensure that all cannabis products are kept in clearly labeled, child-resistant packaging, locked away, and out of sight of children. It is also important to dispose of any unused or leftover edibles safely to prevent children from accessing them.

To prevent any risks, educate yourself and your

family on the dangers of cannabis edibles and take steps to protect children at Halloween and throughout the year.

“We encourage parents and caregivers to engage in open, honest conversations with their children and teens about the risks of cannabis use,” says Vanderhoeven. “When talking to your kids, start with age-appropriate facts, encourage open questions, ex plain the risks and peer pressure, set clear boundar ies, and model responsible behaviour.”

Seek medical attention right away if you suspect a child has accidentally ingested cannabis edibles. You can also contact the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800268-9017 to report a poisoning.

ADVERTORIAL

Exciting News for Our Valued Customers!

We’ve got some big news on the horizon that we’re thrilled to share with you! Starting October 1, 2024, we’re merging our five independent stores into one unified brand: Country Mills Feed & Farm Store

This means Elgin Feeds in Aylmer, Thorndale Farm Supplies, Oxford Feed Supply in Ingersoll, and Norwich Feeds in both Norwich and Burford will all come together under one roof. While our name and branding will be changing, what matters most to us remains the same. As a family-owned and locally operated business, our commitment to delivering top-notch products and services for all your animal care needs is as strong as ever. Our community has always been our foundation, and

we’re excited to take this next step together with you.

This transition brings together our years of experience and dedication, allowing us to serve you more efficiently. With our strong milling capabilities in Thorndale and Aylmer, we’ll continue offering a wide range of premium feed products, including Shur-Gain’s trusted, research-backed formulas. You’ll find our Country Mills branded products alongside other leading offerings in the agricultural world—all in one convenient spot!

One thing that won’t change: Our fantastic team! Many of the friendly faces you know and trust will still be here, ready to lend a hand. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a loving pet owner, our

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

Tillsonburg council briefs

Town backing request for clinic space advertising

Tillsonburg council endorsed a request from Roulston’s Pharmacy, which will be located in the new plaza on north Broadway, to promote the availability of a clinical space in the store.

The town’s Community Health Care Committee forwarded the request to council after the owners of the pharmacy approached staff about the possibility. Although the town doesn’t typically promote individual businesses, after discussion at the committee, it was felt the need to recruit physicians was a special exception where the town could promote the availability of the space to help with recruiting a doctor.

Founder’s Day event

Tillsonburg will be in celebration mode next year with the 200th anniversary of the founding of the town.

A Founder’s Day event is being planned by the town’s Museum, Culture, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Tillson discovering the site for the town. Tentative date for the celebration is Oct. 18.

Some of the possible activities include: a pancake breakfast, a play by Theatre Tillsonburg, blacksmiths and woodworkers, a log-cutting competition and pioneer games.

Fees increasing

A variety of fees charged by the Town of Tillsonburg will be increasing in 2025.

The increases are generally in line with the Consumer Price Index and include everything from a business license to burial permits and various bylaw enforcement fees.

Coordinator needed for Parkinson Society

Information provided to Tillsonburg council from Stephen Owen of the Parkinson Society included the need for a volunteer coordinator in the town for the society.

Owen’s presentation outlined facts about the disease, its symptoms and the support and programs available through the society. He also explained the group needs a volunteer coordinator in Tillsonburg to assist with its programs.

Council received the report for information.

Council split on payroll review, concerns raised over reserves

JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Investigative Reporter

(Editor’s note: The incorrect story ran under this headline in the Oct. 17 edition)

Tillsonburg council approved a review of its payroll compliance, but not before concerns were raised about funding the procedure through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.

Joanna Kurowski, human resources manager, and Renato Pullia, interim director of finance/treasurer, submitted the request to council, asking that a payroll compliance review be completed. It was to be funded from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve to a maximum cost of $45,000. Such a review would ensure the town is following all relevant legislation when paying its employees.

Explaining the concept to council at the Oct. 7 meeting, Pullia explained the Town of Tillsonburg has never had a third-party review of its payroll systems.

“It’s risk aversion to ensure our procedures are keeping with the over 200 pieces of legislation,” he added.

Coun. Chris Parker questioned the risk of putting off the review until 2025 budget discussions since earlier in the meeting Pullia stated the balance in the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve should be higher than it currently sits.

“The reason for the timing is to just enter the process, and if there are any adjustments, we would make those for 2024 year-end,” Pullia answered, adding the risk of waiting a few months isn’t too high.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy asked what the risk is to the town if the review is not completed.

Pullia said the town has never been audited by the CRA and if any issues were found there could be interest charges and fines.

Gilvesy said she was getting nervous about the amount in the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve, a point she made earlier in the same meeting as well.

In its second split decision of the meeting, council passed funding the payroll review from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.

Tillsonburg council wrestles with new film industry policy

Tillsonburg council hit the brakes on a proposed film industry policy presented at the Oct. 21 meeting.

Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow presented council with a proposed policy to attract film companies to town as part of direction provided at the Oct. 10, 2023, meeting.

According to the report, over 80 municipal film offices have been set up to take advantage of opportunities in this $4.5-million industry. Not only would film production promote the town, but it would provide business for local restaurants, caterers, tradespeople and hotels.

As part of the process, Panschow researched what other municipalities are doing in this regard and has created a list of possible sites where filming could take place, both on municipal and private property.

The policy included a proposed motion that it be approved in principle and a three-year pilot commencing Jan. 1,

2025, with part-time staff support be considered in the 2025 budget, that film application fees be waived but companies still need to offset any direct municipal staffing costs and that a bylaw be brought forward authorizing the policy after public consultation.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres asked if Panschow had consulted with other communities where filming is taking place, as the municipality is incurring some costs and may have to close streets.

Panschow explained that film companies would be responsible for any costs such as road closures and that the waiver of fees was only for the $100 application fee. He explained that part of the motion was to start public consultation to see if there is support for making private sites available for filming, and the other part was to discuss a part-time staff member during budget deliberations.

“If we don’t achieve those two items we wouldn’t be proceeding with this project,” he said.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy questioned why

the fee should be waived. She said this shouldn’t cost taxpayers money and pointed out that if a road was closed, there could be thousands of upset residents.

Panschow answered that the fee waiver was because Tillsonburg was competing against other municipalities that were more advanced in film promotion. He emphasized companies would be charged for direct costs incurred by the town.

“I would suggest an amendment to include public consultations,” said Coun. Bob Parsons.

Coun. Kelly Spencer suggested only the first year have no fees.

Saying he agreed with Parsons and Gilvesy, Coun. Chris Parker said, “Let’s be honest if it’s a $100 fee, the movie should be able to take care of it.”

Gilvesy said she didn’t think the policy was ready for approval yet, as public consultation needed to take place. The council passed an amended motion, referring the policy back to staff to complete public consultation.

A place where the animals really are job one

PAUL KNOWLES

Tillsonburg Post Columnist

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO!

Once upon a time, we all visited zoos and attractions featuring marine animals without asking any questions about animal welfare, health, or exploitation. Those days, thank goodness, are mostly behind us. Today, attractions like Ontario’s own Marineland are being investigated and criticized; zoos are being held to much higher standards than before; and visitors to these kinds of attractions are asking much harder questions than we once did. All of which will explain why, when I as a travel journalist am invited to visit an attraction that features animals in “captivity”, it’s my challenging responsibility to determine if this is a legitimate enterprise, or if it’s another example of exploitation or even cruelty.

So I am delighted to report that in my opinion, the Dolphin Research Center passes any ethics test with high, high marks. This is a place that is doing really good stuff, treating its marine charges with respect and utmost care, and educating thousands of people about our relationship with some of the amazing creatures that share this planet with us.

The Dolphin Research Center is located on Grassy Key in the Florida Keys, about halfway down that stunning Overseas Highway drive from Key Largo to Key West. We were guided around the facility by Allie Proskovec, the Center’s dedicated and enthusiastic Director of Media & Marketing.

She’s especially enthusiastic because the not for profit Center is in the midst of a significant expansion. Now, in many cases, that might mean that the visitor centre

is being enlarged, or a restaurant is being added. Not at the Dolphin Research Center, when the focus is on the animals. This expansion means that the area available to the dolphins is being enlarged by three times, and the sea lion habitat is also being enlarged.

Because here, it’s all about the dolphins and the other creatures that are in the care of these very caring people. All of the animals – 27 dolphins, three sea lions, five birds and two African spurred tortoises –are rescue animals or born at the Center – they cannot be safely released into the wild. However, the Center does also rescue, rehabilitate and release animals. The Center is the only licensed marine mammal rescue operation in the Keys, and the team includes a veterinarian. In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating dolphins, the staff also includes a manatee rescue team that rescues injured manatees, and then hands them off to medical facilities that treat these amazing mammals and return them to their natural habitat. There is no permanent manatee habitat at the Dolphin Research Centre.

The Center offers many programs that allow human visitors to interact with the dolphins, including swimming with the animals. But Allie stresses the fact that the dolphins are always the decision-makers about what they choose to do or not to do. Fundamental to the mandate of the Center is the goal of demonstrating the remarkable intelligence of the marine creatures, while imposing no demands or causing any anxiety for the dolphins.

Dolphins live a long time – in the wild, typically until their late teens to mid-twenties, but at the Research Center, iy can be much longer. Allie introduced us to one of their residents who was 44 years old, and a second, who had now reached 50 years of age. Any dolphin which is born at the Center or rescued and brought there is guaranteed a life-long home. “We will never sell or trade an animal.”

Marine mammal rescue organizations often bring animals they save to the Center, especially young dolphins which have lost their mothers. We met a dolphin named Ranger who was rescued in the

Gulf of Mexico off Texas, whose mother had died. Ranger was about a year old at that time; now is about four years old.

The marine mammal trainers, education team and other staff members clearly have a warm, personal relationship with the dolphins. They understand each animal’s personality, and love to tell their stories. We met a dolphin named Jax who had suffered an attack by a shark. Jax survived, but lost part of his dorsal fin.

The work at the Center goes beyond care for their charges, and education of the public. There is much research carried out, as well, and the Center has working relationships with a number of educational and research organizations.

The entire team at the Dolphin Research Center is clearly over the moon about the expansion that is currently underway. And who can blame them – the last few years have not held that kind of promise for the Center. First, in 2017, Hurricane Irma dev-

astated the Middle Keys area; staff at the Center were working at reduced pay just so there were enough funds to feed and care for the animals. Then came Covid, visitors stopped coming, and again, there was a financial crunch.

But the team never lost hope, never gave up, and never lost sight of their first priority – to provide a home, and optimal care, for their aquatic charges. That perseverance has paid off, as the Center now grows its facilities, its programs, and its visitor numbers.

And those visitors can enjoy watching, meeting, even swimming with the dolphins, knowing that this is a place where ethics and integrity are built into every decision.

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.

Marine mammal trainers working with their aquatic friends.

Do dolphins smile? Well, they certainly have reason to at their home in the Keys.

Dolphins seem to have a whale of a time, entertaining their guests at the Dolphin Research Center.

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

Begonias can be brought indoors to dispel winter gloom

The cold reality of November usually hits me in the garden. Most often, it’s late in the day and raining and I am struggling to find space in the already packed beds for that last bulb or plant or bush that I so blithely bought in the spring. There, with wet shoulders and numb hands, I realize it’s November and there was snow last night. The growing year is over. Whatever plans I had for the garden will now have to wait until spring. And while I love the austere beauty of winter, the loss of light and colour is always keenly felt. It’s this time of year that I appreciate my potted plants most. While outside is bare and black, the indoor garden is alive and growing. My collection of indoor plants has just come in from their summer outdoors and most are at their finest. None more so, than the begonias. This large and diverse family of plants, with colourful leaves and outlandish shapes, is an excellent way to dispel some of the gloom November can bring. Their care, a healthy distraction from the shortening days

and worsening weather.

While I grow a paltry few begonia, there are thousands of varieties to be had. One could easily fall down the rabbit hole of collection. There are three main categories: 1) fibrous rooted, examples include angel wing and wax, 2) tuberous, container plants featuring prominent flowers and 3) rhizomatous, grown for fabulous foliage. Over the decades I have grown all three types and found outstanding examples of each.

For outdoor hanging baskets or mixed containers, tuberous begonias with their Day-Glo blossoms offer a wide selection of both colour and form. With blooms in white to fuchsia and every shade in between, this variety is best with some sun during the early part of the day and consistent moisture. The leaves can be large and jagged, sometime suffused with colour, depending on the variety. But they are mostly overshadowed by the exquisite, double blossoms reminiscent of piped icing flowers. A well grown blooming begonia is a showstopper as a specimen. Plants can be overwintered from year to year by storing tubers in peat or sawdust in shallow trays and replanting in spring. More often, they are treated as annuals.

Fibrous begonias include both the bedding type, often referred to as wax begonias and the angel wing begonias. Wax begonias have been used for decades in outdoor public gardens and make good filler, taking more sun than most in their family. Angel or dragon wing type offer outstanding foliage with leaves held in pairs, often with jagged

edges and silver markings. Frost tender and usually grown as a houseplant, the canes can be pruned to maintain a bushier, shorter profile. In late winter, small bunches of pink or red blossoms dangle among the leaf bracts. Bright, indirect light and consistent moisture will keep these begonias going for years.

For spectacular foliage, the rhizomatous begonia reigns supreme. No other plant can rival the range of leaf colour and form that this category encompasses. The Rex series includes some of the most dramatic plants available to the average gardener. Extensive breeding and hybridizing have resulted in otherworldly combinations. Some boast huge leaves, glinting like metallic shields, veins etched in contrasting red or purple. “Escargot” is a fine and popular example, it’s leaves made of impossible swirls of silver and green. The large leaved Rex varieties are at their best grown outdoors where summer light and humidity are ample. They are less amiable to overwinter but worthy of the effort. Smaller divisions and a cool, bright room with good air circulation is the best starting point. Easier to grow and keep, if less flashy, is beefsteak begonia (Begonia erythrophylla). This stalwart old favourite was introduced in 1845 and it’s glossy, plate sized leaves have been gracing our windowsills ever since. Tough and resilient, I use it as a houseplant in dim rooms, the deep green leaves getting larger (but fewer) the farther away the light is. In bountiful light, the leaves will pleat and ruffle in their rush to expand. In outdoor containers, it makes

a good foil for showier begonias, ferns or primrose. Easily propagated but hard to find in shops, your best bet is a gardening friend or neighbourhood plant sale. Mine came as gift, wrapped in a wet paper towel one cold December day, 20 years ago. It has been nick-named Maida’s begonia ever since. Smaller rhizomatous versions come in hot pink, silver, or lime green. My favourite drapes over it’s pot with leaves like eyelids streaked with neon and edged in winking lashes. Begonia bowerae forms small, neat mounds on long winding stems. It is a hardy plant, easily adaptable to any but the darkest environments. But given a cool spot where it can stretch towards bright light, moist but not damp soil, this begonia will bloom in late winter. Thin, foot long stems shoot out over it’s mounding leaves, dangling ballerina-pink blossoms for a month or more. There is a daily shower of papery husks, it’s cleanup gladly done, a small price for the gift of beauty on early winter days.

Lift the November blues with the gift of sharing and society. Your local Horticultural Society holds regular meetings, fundraisers and workshops - a great way to spend an evening, meet some interesting people and learn something new.

November’s featured speaker is Sharon Bowler, author, historian, teacher and gardener. Sharon will present “Four Seasons of Winter Hardy Cactus”

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Tillsonburg Seniors Centre, 7:30 pm

$20/year $4/meeting

Come as guest, stay as a member.

SUE HEALEY Tillsonburg Post Columnist

St. John’s Anglican program supports migrant workers

Every Friday night from the beginning of May to the end of October, a group of volunteers gathers at St. John’s Anglican Church to offer a meal to the temporary foreign workers who are vital to local agriculture.

Father Enraique Martinez, who organizes the program, was the rector serving several Norfolk Anglican churches five years ago.

“It started when we saw the need of the workers, especially in the pandemic time when they couldn’t make connections to anyone,” he said.

Martinez’s parish at the

time was Port Ryerse, Vittoria, Port Rowan, Woodhouse, and Simcoe. He is now based in London and oversees the Huron Farmworkers Ministry. He saw the need and talked to the bishop about starting the program. It has expanded and now has four centres, each with a volunteer coordinator. Till-

sonburg feeds 50 to 70 people per week and also provides clothing to the workers. Simcoe is a larger program, running Tuesdays and Fridays for 500 to 600 people per week. Leamington and Chatham are both one-day programs.

Meals are provided to the workers at no charge. This is made possible through support from the Anglican Church’s Huron Diocese, The Neighbourhood Organization, and donations.

Local resident Lisa Hernandez is the Tillsonburg coordinator and was involved with a previous program organized by Doug Dawson, pastor at Open Arms Free Methodist Church. That program ended with COVID restrictions, and she became involved when the Anglican program started.

Hernandez said the program provides more than a weekly meal, though. It tries to connect the workers to members of the communities hosting the program.

“Many people don’t know we have migrant workers here, especially in the city,” she said. “We want to show people the migrant workers are essential here.”

Martinez added the goal is to provide mental and spiritual support for the workers while they are away from home. Originally from Columbia, he speaks Spanish, which is a first step to connecting to those from the Caribbean.

“Speaking the language isn’t all the need sometimes, it’s the culture,” he explained. “Me being Latino helps with that.”

Hernandez also speaks

Spanish, and her husband is Mexican. She explained that the culture is different and that greeting each person who comes in with a handshake and making eye contact with them is vital.

“It just validates us with them,” she said. “It’s very important to have eye contact.”

Chard Gray, from Trinidad and Tobago, has been coming to Ontario to work for 11 years and currently works on a Langton vegetable farm. He calls the weekly program a “lifesaver.”

“We can come here and interact,” he said. “The people here are all lovely. They give us almost anything we want.”

Guadalupe from Mexico has been working in Ontario for seven seasons and is employed on an Otterville vegetable farm. He said the program makes him feel he isn’t alone, and the Canadian people are concerned about his welfare.

“It’s very good,” he said. “We feel supported here.” With workers heading back south shortly, one of the significant needs is suitcases. In the spring, Hernandez appreciates donations of clothes for the workers. Information on the program or how to make donations is available on the Huron Farmworkers Ministry website at https://hfwm.org

Joe

JEFF HELSDON Editor

Father Enraique Martinez, standing, talks to workers during the Friday night meals the Huron Farmworkers Ministry organizes at St. John’s Anglican Church in Tillsonburg. About 50 to 70 people attend each week. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

The volunteers that provide a free meal for temporary foreign workers who work on local farms are committed to cooking and serving every Friday from May to October. Chef Rudy Bangaru, kneeling, is an important part of the effort. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Women’s Institute meeting draws nearly 80 members

Although Women’s Institutes are known for many things associated with history, the group still significantly contributes to the community today.

Ontarians can see the results of the group’s work over more than the last 120 years. Pasteurization of milk, painted lines on highways, sex education in schools and flashing lights on a school bus are a few of the many policy items Women’s Institute can take credit for. History buffs will also know of the Women’s Institute role in creating the Tweedsmuir history of many rural areas.

The Women’s Institute movement was started by Adelaide Hoodless and Erland Lee in 1897 in Stoney Creek.

“It was started as an education and social thing for rural women,” said Nancy West, a member of Brown’s Women’s Institute in northwest Oxford County and one of the organizers of the Oxford district meeting in Mt. Elgin on Oct. 19.

Money raised by the group helps local charities such as the Canadian Cancers Society and MS. After a rural house fire, the Women’s Institute provides financial assistance.

“There’s a huge component that helps children’s hospital,” West added.

Other initiatives the Women’s Institute

assists with are raising awareness of human trafficking, awareness of Lyme disease and ticks, and lobbying for affordable homes. The Oxford group recently made a $1,000 donation to Welkin, a mental health organization in Woodstock.

Members participate in sewing bees for hospitals to make bags for ice packs and receiving blankets. They also prepare kits for those admitted to the hospital who have nothing with them.

At the Oct. 19 meeting, Bryan Smith of the Food Rescue Federation of Oxford spoke to the 79 ladies in attendance about reducing kitchen waste and using green cone food digesters in the backyard. He suggested that individuals audit their home garbage and make one improvement at a time. He also runs a pumpkin rescue Facebook page, organizing pick up to provide waste jack-o-lanterns for animal feed.

Smith also presented some food statistics West found startling: 40 to 60 percent of food produced in Canada is wasted, and 19 percent of people in Oxford don’t have food security.

Scholarships are another local effort, often done in conjunction with 4-H. At the meeting, local student Pieter Sutherland was presented with the Maryn Pardy scholarship. He is studying electricity at Fanshawe.

Recommending policies for improving rural life is still an initiative of the Wom -

en’s Institute. West said recommendations are made locally and then move up to the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario and Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada. There is also an international blanket organization that is tied in when necessary. And the groups still record their local history.

Sadly, like many service clubs, Women’s Institutes are suffering from the aging of

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers

JEFF HELSDON Editor

Meals on Wheels needs more volunteers to assist with delivering meals as part of its program.

The program, which delivers low-cost meals to seniors, dates back to the 1980s. The program currently serves 251 residents, who receive a fresh meal daily from Monday to Friday or frozen meals once weekly.

Funding for the program is two-fold, a contract with the provincial government to provide for 125 residents and a small cost paid by those who receive the meals.

Kathryn Leatherland, executive director of the Multi-Service Centre, said the key to keeping costs down for the meals

is the volunteers who deliver the meals.

She explained the volunteers play another role.

“It’s more than a meal, it’s a safety check for a senior who many not see anyone else that day,”

Leatherland said, adding it is also a social visit.

With Tillsonburg growing, Leatherland said there is a need to have more volunteers for delivering meals. Many of the volunteers are retirees and may be traveling or have their own health issues, sometimes limiting their availability.

About 12 to 15 more volunteers are needed, said Jen Olcsvary, fundraising and community engagement coordinator for the Multi-Service Centre.

“We’re looking to add

to our list of volunteers, in case people become ill or there are last-minute cancellations, to ensure our seniors are getting their meals that day,” she said.

Diane Kleer, who volunteers with her husband Walt, talked about the ease and joys of volunteering. She said the pickup process is smooth, meals are clearly marked, and people often wait at the door for their delivery.

“It’s nice to see their faces and the little conversations we have,” she said.

The town is divided into four different routes, with a volunteer delivering 12 to 15 meals, which takes about an hour. There is total flexibility, and volunteers can help one day

per week or once every two weeks.

Two local businesses –Good Redden and Klosler and RBC – have signed on to have their staff deliver meals. There are routes that are shorter so employees can get deliveries done on their lunch.

“This is ideal for businesses that want to get involved in the community,” Leatherland said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find

their members and not enough new mem

bers joining. Many branches have closed in Oxford but are still present in Tavistock, Plattsville, Cornell, Mt. Elgin, Brown’s and Lakeside. The St. Mary’s branch, which was responsible for starting the local museum, has closed.

West encouraged those who want to make a difference to join the Women’s Institute. Information is available at www.fwio.on.ca

more information on the multi-service centre’s website, www.multiser-

vicecentre.com, or contact Olcsvary at 519-842900, ext. 150.

1) What was the cause of Marilyn Monroe’s death?

2) The thyroid gland is in which body part?

3) Muchacho is Spanish for what?

4) Who is the creator of the show Hot Ones?

5) What is the capital of Bulgaria?

6) What temperature does water boil at?

7) Dionaea muscipula is usually referred to as what?

8) Which birds can learn to mimic human speech?

9) What was the name of John F. Kennedy’s wife?

10) What does Mario jump on after completing a level?

JEFF HELSDON Editor

A silent auction at the Oxford District meeting of the Women’s Institute is one of the fundraising tools for the group. Nearly 80 women turned out for the event, but the group is in need of new members.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Tillsonburg’s Meals on Wheels program is in need of more volunteers. Left to right are: Jen Olcsvary, Fundraising & Community Engagement Coordinator; Meals on Wheels clients Don & Gwenda Martin, and Diane Kleer, Meals on Wheels Volunteer. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

PARACHUTE PRACTICE

Steel Magnolias coming to Tillsonburg stage

"Steel Magnolias" is set to open at Theatre Tillsonburg, bringing to life the vibrant and charming world of a smalltown beauty salon in Louisiana. This cozy setting serves as the backdrop for an unforgettable story that highlights the strength and resilience of a close-knit group of women. As they gather for hair appointments and share their lives, the salon becomes a sanctuary filled with laughter, love, and the occasional tear, capturing the essence of friendship in the face of life's challenges.

Director Julie Buffett said, “This is essentially a play about relationships. However, unlike so many stories, it isn't a love story or a breakup or betrayal story or even a story of self-discovery. Steel Magnolias is a story about community - friends, neighbours, coworkers, and family. “ Art truly imitates life in "Steel Magnolias," where the

theatre itself becomes a community much like the salon at the heart of the story. Just as the characters in the play gather in the beauty salon to share their joys and sorrows, the theatre brings together a diverse group of individuals who collaborate to create something beautiful. Each rehearsal, like a salon appointment, fosters connections and builds relationships, allowing actors and crew to support one another through the ups and downs of the creative process. Both spaces serve as havens where laughter and tears are shared, highlighting the power of community in both life and art.

“A word to describe my time with the cast and crew for Steel Magnolia's would be 'memorable'. I appreciate that Theatre Tillsonburg encourages the actors to participate in the set building, gathering props and other behind the scenes ways to help prepare for the production. It gives a real sense of pride and autonomy of the show we are putting on. We are a team: soup to nuts.” said Nikki Wiltac,

who is playing Annelle.

Whether you're revisiting this classic favorite or experiencing the tale of "Steel Magnolias" for the first time, it's sure to please! The heartfelt story, filled with humor and poignant moments, resonates with audiences of all ages. With its unforgettable characters and relatable themes of friendship and resilience, this play captures the essence of life’s challenges and triumphs.

Tickets are still available to immerse yourself in a world where love and laughter intertwine, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone.

Show dates are Nov. 7-10 and 14-17.

Shows times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm.

Tickets are $27 each, or for a limited time, get tickets to the full season with a season subscription, available until Nov. 7 for only $70. Tickets are available at www.theatretillsonburg.com or by calling the box office at 519.688.3026

Tillsonburg airport was a hub of activity on Oct. 16 with the Canadian Armed Forces' Hercules from Canadian Forces Base Trenton using the facility for parachuting and air drop practice. A number of people gathered as the plane landed, re-fuelled, the crew had lunch and then the parachuters did their jumps.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

JENNIFER ANGER JULL

Post Contributor

NORWICH FALL FEST

The Norwich Business Improvement Association held its second annual fall festival on October 19th. Vendors sold handmade soaps, hand-carved toys for children and freshly baked goods along with Tupperware and Epicure products. Emily Stowe Public School Gr.8 students were fundraising for their end-of-year trip to Camp Celtic, selling mint smoothies. Their booth included a display of mini pumpkins spelling our Celtic, and homemade signs advertising other fundraisers for the coming year

(JENNIFER WILD PHOTO)

TURKEY FOR ALL

Monsignor O’Neil’ Catholic School students enjoyed a turkey dinner with all the fixings prior to Thanksgiving. Prior school fundraising and donation of the turkeys by Mandy and Aad VanLeeuwen of Poultry Specialties helped keep the cost down per student. In the afternoon, the students played turkey bingo.

MUSEUM CORNER Buildings of Tillsonburg

ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

is located at 46 Ridout St. at the corner of Bidwell Street. The first St. John’s (located on Harvey Street) was built in 1868 and destroyed by fire in 1870. A new church (located on Rolph Street) was consecrated in 1873, where it served for 27 years. The cornerstone for the third church was laid on August 18, 1899, and the building completed in 1900. The parish hall, a separate structure, was opened shortly afterwards, and in 1945 a third building was added, uniting the two. A time capsule was placed in the cornerstone of the church in 1899. The capsule was opened in 1999 and a new time capsule containing some of the original documents has been placed in the same location.

(PHOTO: ANNANDALE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE’S ARCHIVAL COLLECTIONS. Thank you to Laurel Beechey and Kathleen Watkin for delving into the archives to researching these images.)

GIRL GUIDE

COOKIES

FOR SALE

Members of the 1st Tillsonburg Girl Guides and 2nd Tillsonburg Pathfinders and Rangers were in the Tillsonburg Town Centre last weekend to sell Girl Guide cookie. Money from the sale will be put towards the cost of sending the girls to the week-long camp next summer at Doe Lake. The group will also be in the Tillsonburg Town Centre selling cookies again on Nov. 16 and 23 and Dec. 7 and 16. They are also working through Tilly-Burg Leaf Rakers to raise money.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

Tillsonburg Santa Claus Parade

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tillsonburg Lions, several members of the club gathered at the Tillsonburg cemetery for the planting of a tulip tree, which was the 100th tree the club has planted in the area. Left to right are: Bill Locker, Ben Vandevyvere, Paul DeCloet, Kelly Oatman, club president Jim Crocker, club secretary Christine Urquhart, Josiane DeCloet, Terry Fleming, Blair Oatman, Tom McLarty, Pat Cook, Bob Cook, and Glen Harrop.

(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)

As part of the club’s 100th anniversary celebration, the Tillsonburg Lions presented a cheque for $20,000 to the Tillsonburg Hospital at the celebration on Oct. 19 in the Lion’s Auditorium. Gerry Dearing, third from left, executive director of the Tillsonburg Memorial Hospital Foundation, accepted the cheque.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

What do you call a snail with no shell?

Homeless.

Why did the rope go to the doctor? It had a knot in its stomach.

What kind of witch lives at the beach?

A sandwich.

How did Burger King propose to his girlfriend?

With an onion ring.

What do you call a rabbit with the sniffles?

A runny bunny.

Why did Peter Pan always fly and never stop?

Because he could never never land.

What word of only three syllables contains 26 letters? Alphabet.

What did the bee say when he returned to the hive?

"Honey, I'm home"

How do you keep someone in suspense?

I'll tell you tomorrow.

SADIE

Sadie

COMING EVENTS

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

hosted by ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Saturday, November 23rd; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00

p.m.

Corner of Ridout and Bidwell

Featuring Bake Table, St. John’s Famous Mincemeat, Granny’s Attic, Knitting & Crafts, Guess The Weight of the Cake and Coffee Break Café

'MISTLETOE MAGIC'

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Saturday November 9; 10am until 2pm

St. Mary's Catholic Womens League, Tillsonburg

Please join us for our annual bazaar. At the Parish centre you will find the Penny Table, Handmade for You, Greenery for all your outdoor Christmas decorating needs, homemade baked goods, fresh produce and preserves. In the church hall we offer indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations, tables laden with quality jewelry, some fine clothing, as well as kitchen and miscellaneous items. As well, please join us in the church hall for a coffee. We are fully accessible and

with free admission. Please bring a bag or two to carry home your purchases.

Located on Rolph St. in Tillsonburg. We thank you for your continued support.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Saturday, November 23rd, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

St. John’s Anglican Church, 46 Ridout St. West, Tillsonburg

Bake Table, Granny’s Attic, Knitting & Crafts, Famous Mincemeat, Coffee Break Cafe, Guess The Weight, of the Cake. Free Admission.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Saturday, November 16th

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Baldwin Place Recreation Centre, 142 Weston Drive, Tillsonburg

Featuring crafts, collectables, holiday decor and homemade baking, canning etc.

OTTERVILLE UNITED CHURCH PRESENTS PROCLAMATION QUARTTET

November 17; 2:00 p.m. 231 Main St. E., Otterville Music to bless your heart!

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE GNOME

November 2nd

St.Paul's United Church, 88 Bidwell St.Tillsonburg

A non denominational Messy Church event with crafts, music, games, story and lunch. This is a family oriented event and is offered at no cost.

THIRD ANNUAL

QUILT AND CRAFT ONLINE AUCTION

November 13 - 17

www.32auctions.com/ vqc2024

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 VQC - victoriasquiltscanada.com

TILLSONBURG MILITARY HISTORY CLUB WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE DISPLAY

November 4 - 8

Station Arts Centre

Ornament Making Workshop

Date: November 13th, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $24.00 (taxes included). Join Program Coordinator, Kathleen Watkin in making your own Christmas Ornament. All supplies and instruction included. All materials and supplies are provided. Preregistration is required.

TILLSONBURG AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Monday, November 18th; 7 pm

Annandale House NHS November General Meeting. We are happy to welcome Dr. Jason Pankratz who will be giving a presentation on the History

of Varnavair, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153. All are welcome.

TILLSONBURG AND DISTRICT

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Monday, December 9th; 5:30 pm

Annandale House NHS December General Meeting. The meeting will our annual Christmas Dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Bring your favorite main course or dessert as well as eating utensils and dishes. All are welcome!

TILLSONBURG AND DISTRICT HISTORI AL SOCIETY

Saturday, December 7th; 10:00 pm

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 153, 16 Durham Street, Tillsonburg Annual Christmas Dance with the popular "Back to the 50’s" Band. Advance Tickets are available for $20 at Annandale NHS, The Royal Canadian Legion, Station Arts Centre and Sharon Brinn (519 842 6301). Tickets are $25 at the door. There will be a

cash bar and snacks provided. This is a fund raiser for the Society so invite your friends and family and be prepared to have a great evening of entertainment and socializing.

CARILLON BELLES CHORUS TRIVIA NIGHT

Friday, November 22, 7:30pm

Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 95 Oak Street, Simcoe, accessible entrance to Hall The Carillon Belles are hosting a Trivia Night! Come join the Chorus for a fun evening of trivia and musical entertainment. $15.00 per person admission. Tickets may be obtained by contacting Janet Lala at 519-583-0514 llaandgal@gmail.com or Sharon Jeffries at 519-4285298 sbjeffries96@yahoo. com.

DANCE FEATURING KEN LIGHTHEART & BAND

2 STEP – LINE – 50-60'S Nov. 8 & 22, Dec. 13 & 27; 1-4 pm Tillsonburg Legion $6.00 adm.

charge. Event listings can include your event name, date, time and location as well as a phone number, email address or website. If your event is not free admission or you would like to include more details than stated above, you have the following options: Coming Events Word Ad (50

Have you considered how you want to be remembered? Will your funeral or memorial be a profession of your faith, or will it be focused on your legacy? Will your family and friends celebrate your life openly or will an additional celebration be held later for members of the public to attend? What is your preference- burial or cremation? Even if you don’t have a preference, can you honestly say that if you were to pass away today, your loved ones would feel reassured by your advanced planning? OR would they feel overwhelmed with decision making, second guess themselves and stumble through the estate settling process?

“Your

Did you know? When funeral expenses are

“We will price match

We take great pride in everything

Our online reviews and the testimonials on our website from families that we have served will undoubtedly help you see why you should trust the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes to care for