Tillsonburg
Colin Campbell inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
When Tillsonburg native Colin Campbell visited the Hockey Hall of Fame decades ago, little did he ever imagine his future connection to it or that he would one day be inducted into it as a builder.
Campbell was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a builder on Monday night in a ceremony surrounded by his peers and family. This followed a press ceremony on Nov. 8 televised on TSN, during which inductees were presented with their rings.
Builders are recognized for their contributions to hockey. As a builder, Campbell joins such distinguished hockey names as Senator Hartland Molson, Foster Hewitt, Conn Smythe, Straffordville native Harley Hotchkiss (part owner of the Calgary Flames), and even Lord Stanley.
Campbell’s first exposure to the Hockey Hall of Fame was as a young baseball player when he attended a tournament at the CNE. At the time, the Hall of Fame was on the exhibition grounds.
“I remember going there, walking through the hall of fame,” he recounted in a recent interview.
“Never did I think I’d be elected to that hall of fame,” he said on Friday. “Like so many kids, I just wanted to play for the Peterborough Petes.”
In a career that spanned more than 50 years, and is still going, he played in the NHL, won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach, worked as Senior Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operations, and saw his son Gregory win both the Memorial and Stanley Cups.
Campbell’s first exposure to hockey was in Tillsonburg, both on Lake Lisgar playing pond hockey, and in what is now the Memorial Arena, next to the community arena that was later built and named in his honour.
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
Town’s industrial building on track for record year
JEFF HELSDON Editor
If the current trend continues, Tillsonburg is set for a record year as far as industrial building permits are concerned.
As of the end of September (the last quarter where complete data is available), industrial building permits issued were worth a value of $35.6 million. This number has been trending upwards since 2020, and hit a recent high of $15 million in 2022.
Servicing was completed for Phase 1 of the town’s new VanNorman Innovation Park, on the south side of Highway 3, in September 2021 and was sold out within nine months,
according to Tillsonburg Economic Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow. The largest of the industrial buildings in the park is the new Schepp’s Bakery building. The 190,000 square-foot building is the second location for the Norwich-based business that manufactures waffle cookies, and recently added an ice cream cookie to its line. It will employ up to 100 employees initially, and more could be added in the future. The plant is expected to open in 2025.
Northern Specialties and Supplies facility in the park is also completed. This company produces the wraps that go around stacks of bills at the bank, and other banking supplies. The company was started by Dave Carpani, and is now operated by his sons Wes and Aaron.
A large crowd gathered for Tillsonburg’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in front of the Tillsonburg Town Centre on Monday morning. Legion Branch 153 Sergeant-at-Arms, right, Matt Brinn, left, escorted Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman up the stairs to lay a wreath for the Province of Ontario. See Page 24 for more photos from the ceremony.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
JEFF HELSDON Editor
Terry Willaert Broker of Record Marcel Van de Hoef Sales Rep.
Kassandra Way Sales Rep.
Robert Abbott Broker Tom Sage Sales Rep.
Katherine Podlesky Sales Rep.
Dave Chromczak Sales Rep. Marketing Clarissa Vanpelt
Town’s industrial building on track for record year
There are four other companies going in the industrial park, including one other food processor. Panschow couldn’t divulge who the other industrial park companies were yet. Town council recently approved the second phase of the VanNorman Innovation Park to the east of the present site. Phase 2 will be 140 acres, more than three times the size of the 37-acre first phase.
The first part of the VanNorman Industrial Park, on the north side of Highway 3, opened in the late 1980s. It nearly three decades to fill it, and Panschow said the town’s industrial growth has historically been “slow and steady”, but many factors have lined up over the past five years that have resulted in increased demand.
“You have global forces pushing development back to North America, and a shortage of industrial land,” he said, adding this started before COVID-19, and then accelerated since.
Panschow elaborated further, saying the demand for industrial land is unprecedented across the province and country.
“Tillsonburg still offers lower costs for industrial development and then other communities, so there’s a lot of demand,” he added.
Outside of the industrial park, Armtec Inc.– a company that manufactures corrugated metal pipe and Big O drainage pipe – opened its $27 million plant on Rokeby Side Road, earlier this year. The plant will create up to 100 new jobs, and was supported by Ontario’s Regional Development Program.
Modhani opened its facility in a renovated space on Spruce Street that was formerly TRW’s second plant.
Another major development is under construction on Vienna Road, south of Highway 3. Panschow couldn’t disclose the ownership of this plant yet, but said it will be 240,000 square-feet in size and, similar to the Schep’s Bakeries investment, one of the largest manufacturing investments in Tillsonburg’s history
The new People Care long-term care facility at 25 Maple Lane is another new development in town.
Residential builds up
The only recent high rises in town were the ones built on Concession Street West and Tillson Ave. There are several on the books, including the controversial ones on North Street West and the Station View Developments on Bridge Street. In addition, there are four high-rises being constructed by Harvest Ave Inc. and two proposed affordable housing developments, one on Dereham Drive and one on Earle Street. The Harvest Ave Inc. development also has affordable units in it.
Tillsonburg is the third-fastest growing community in the country for the 10,000 to 100,000 population range, according to the census data. There are currently 3,000 approved housing units approved in town.
“It is important to note that the rapid development we had seen over the Covid years is no longer prevalent as new development is being tied to water and sewer capacity,” Mayor Deb Gilvesy said. “It’s basically a first-come first-served basis and will cause the growth to be at a much slower pace.”
The mayor is pushing that health care needs to be tied to growth. She heard concerns about education, but said one Tillsonburg school is currently underutilized. Thames Valley District School Board is undertaking a boundary review to look at the problem.
While many residents are critical of the increase in residential construction, the town does have to meet mandates from the province.
“I continue to maintain that rapid residential growth drains tax systems and places a lot of pressure on infrastructure, however, industrial growth is a net gain,” Gilvesy said. “There needs to be a balance of job growth and housing.”
One of the many complaints has been the increase in traffic in the town. Panschow said the town’s first-ever Transportation Master Plan is currently under way and it will hopefully address that.
The big retail questions
Panschow said the retail sector is a challenging one that has been significantly
Schepp’s Baker, lower left, is the largest building in Phase 1 of the VanNorman Innovation Park. Although Schepp’s and Northern Specialties and Supply are the only buildings constructed, the 37-acre first phase sold out in 2022, just nine months after opening. Tillsonburg council recently approved a second phase, in the mid-right portion of the photo below Highway 3, that will encompass 140 acres.
impacted by a number of global forces including lingering pandemic impacts and competition from online retailers. While recruiting retailers to town is not a primary responsibility, the town does believe that having a strong and growing retail sector is important for the community and works to support efforts in this regard where possible.
“A positive for Tillsonburg is its population growth, which makes the town more attractive to retailers,” he said.
The plaza at 671 Broadway is a first step in adding a large amount of retail space for the town. And there is the large property on the east side of Highway 19, adjacent to Sobey’s, which is zoned Service Commercial. Panschow understands it recently changed hands, but he did say it wasn’t Wal-Mart, as was proposed many years ago.
“As the economic development department, we want to see the downtown mall
full, and similarly we want to see the new 671 Broadway plaza fully tenanted as well,” he said. “We’ll definitely consider doing anything possible to assist with these vacant properties.”
Tillsonburg’s retail vacancy rate is sitting at five per cent, which is below seven per cent, which is considered a healthy number.
And, of course, there is the big question for many Tillsonburg shoppers: Giant Tiger and Winners.
“Winners and Giant Tiger have been approached many times by private owners, and occasionally the town/Business Improvement Association over the years, but they haven’t been able to find the right combination of space requirements, acceptable lease rate, location, etc.,” Panschow said. “Hopefully that will change in the future as our market is prime for these two retailers, but so far, there hasn’t been a winning combination for them in town yet.”
(PHOTO BY JEFF HELSDON, FLIGHT COURTESY OF TILLSONBURG FLYING CLUB)
Realty Team
Rob Koppert
Broker of Record/Owner
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
It was with much pleasure that I read your Paul Knowles recent article in the Tillsonburg Post. I was born in Dorset in the UK and as a child it was an annual pilgrimage to Stonehenge and Salisbury. In 1969 I emigrated to Canada with my husband. Years later, my husband’s parents moved to the small village of Amesbury, one mile from Stonehenge. In 1988 they visited us in Canada and gave me the book Sarum. The book caught my imagination and I have re-read it several times. Thus each time we visited my in-laws after that, we visited all the places you mentioned.
Another book by Edward Rutherford “The Forest” about life in the New Forest in Dorset, invoked even more memories of my youth, and soon became another favourite. Since then, I have read all the author’s other books, but none bring out the emotions that “Sarum” and “The Forest” do!
Looking forward to more of your articles. Christine Burr
Input Wanted!
JEFF HELSDON Editor
The first Christmas edition of the Tillsonburg Post is fast approaching, with a publication date set for Dec. 12. The Post team would like this edition to be reflective of the community. Since launching in September, the support the paper has received has been phoenoemnal. The hope is the Christmas edition will be reflective of the community, not generic copy from a news wire service. An undertaking this large – we aren’t sure how large yet but expect it will surpass the six pages for Remembrance Day – will need community support. Have a unique Christmas story? We would love to hear it and will write a story about it, or for the creative who want to write their own story, please contact us for some guidance. Or, if you have a special Christmas recipe you would like to share, please share. We want to know about the Christmas concerts taking place in schools and communities to take photos – especially those before Dec. 12. If you are a teacher and have a class working on interesting Christmas projects, again, please let us know.
Contact Editor Jeff Helsdon at jeff@granthaven. com with your ideas.
Giving praise where it’s due
Residents of Tillsonburg are quick to raise objections and criticize the elected members of Tillsonburg council over a variety of matters. While this is sometimes warranted and sometimes not, citizens aren’t as quick to heap praise on a good job when it’s due. Today, kudos should be given to council members, the Economic Development Advisory Committee, and the Economic Development & Marketing Department for a job well done regarding industrial development in town. The first phase of the VanNorman Innovation Park, under the last council’s watch, quickly sold out. This council grabbed the bull by the horns, purchased a second farm to add to the previous land, and made investments in servicing the lots in the second phase to bring it to fruition.
The movement for Canadian industry expansion is much larger than Tillsonburg, but it takes foresight to have the land in place for industry to locate in Tillsonburg. The
alternative would be to be left in the proverbial dust. Not long ago, Tillsonburg’s industry was centred almost exclusively around the automotive industry. Not that this is a bad thing, but any slowdown in automotive sales would hit the community hard. The new industries
coming to town in the last few years cross various sectors.
Many residents are frustrated by Tillsonburg's rapid population growth. While residential growth doesn’t assist the town's tax base in the long term, industrial development does provide
stable funding without the soft costs associated with residential development, like street clearing, recreation, and social services. The two are not the same.
Council members worked together on this, and each deserve congratulations.
Emotional investment and quiet perseverance pays off
EVERYONE HAS A STORY TO TELL
For some people, moving to Tillsonburg represents a homecoming after years of living elsewhere. Others discover it is a jewel nestled in a rural setting; a happy medium between country living and urban conveniences. Both reasons apply to Kyle Deschamps and his wife Patricia Moore. A remote farmhouse in northern Ontario felt too isolated, yet Kyle's hometown of Belleville felt too built up and had become quite costly. Patricia, originally from Tillsonburg, liked the idea of being closer to family members and the couple settled here three years ago. The early days of their relationship included plenty of travel, with Kyle living in Whitby and Patricia in Woodstock. They
met online in 2018, but it wasn't exactly love at first sight. They chatted a bit and it seemed to go well, but when they exchanged pictures, she didn't particularly want to pursue the situation. She wasn't looking for a competitive bodybuilder. It was the same year that Kyle won in his weight category as well as the overall Fouad Abiad Championship, qualifying for the nationals.
He started out at with a cheap pair of weights in his dad's basement at 13, competing in his first show at the age of 19.
"I didn't know what to expect," Kyle said, "I'm a quiet, introverted person, but once I was on stage, I felt quite comfortable, like I was where I belonged."
Over the next six years, Kyle gained 30 pounds of additional muscle. "I was more driven," he explained, "my stepfather had passed away and I told him that I was going to do it. I dedicated it to him, so I was more emotionally invested."
The preparation was intense, including 5,000 calories a day during training and a very structured cardio and weight regimen everyday. He was working as a personal trainer at the time, so it was an ideal environment. He was bench pressing 405 pounds, and his best deadlift was 675 lb. It was a time of great gains and high energy. Four to six weeks before a show, however, calories are reduced in order to remove body fat while keeping the muscle. It's a big change, often resulting in a lack of energy and a sense of constant hunger, but it paid off.
ROBIN KRAFFT
Tillsonburg Post Columnist
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Books give an insight into local history
THE STAGE IS THE WORLD
One of the pleasures of volunteering for decades with the museum and writing in the local newspapers, has been meeting new people also interest in Tillsonburg’s history. Because of DIY publishing more people are writing stories, biographies, family histories etc. It seems when they are about Tillsons or Tillsonburg and area, I often get to answer some of their historical questions or set them on the right path to find answers. I like to read those books!
The first by Tom Tillson, whom I previous wrote about being a directed descendent of George Tillson, our founder. Tom’s book, “Facing Myself”, is his personal history, which began when the doctors delivering him in the early 1950s, could
not declare: ‘you have a healthy beautiful son’. One quarter of his face was prominently missing/deformed. The baby had Golden Har Syndrome, a rare genic deviant. Immediate surgeries kept him alive, plus every summer over his growing years, amounted to 65 surgeries. More would be needed. Looks of horror and/or pity every time occurred someone saw his face. There was a cost and strain on the family. You can’t image what his journey was like and even today people stare, but Tom was loved by God, who stopped him from suicide, and blessed him with marriage, children, friends and a good life. His book can change lives, in both small and profound ways. www.amazon.com $14.99 US. [lives in Florida]
Rebecca Beausaert was hired as a Research Assistant, at Annandale N.H.S. from 2003-2006, a placement which cemented her love of history and began a journey which achieved her doctorate. She is now a professor at University of Guelph and has written her second book, “Pursuing Play, Women’s Leisure in Small-Town Ontario 1870-1914”. This quote from the book says it better than I can: “Broadly, this study addresses the activities, available to women (and to a lesser extent, girls) and explores the importance of leisure when creating so -
cial networks, strengthening long-standing ties of kinship and friendship, and creating more opportunities for community involvement. One of the primary objectives of this work is to move away from the conventional practice of examining leisure’s appeal through the lenses of urbanization, industrialization and masculinity.” In doing so, this book challenges some late nineteenth and early twentieth-century assumptions (and those of many historians thereafter) that rural and small-town Ontario generally, and women especially, lacked or had limited access to popular forms of cultural enlightenment and systems through which to spend leisure time.”
I thought this ‘study’ might be a bit too text-bookish, but I really enjoy the research on Dresden, Tillsonburg and Elora, and all the avenues that Becky found to illustrate the changes, especially in how women in the various levels of society and how society was changing so quickly in the Industrial Age. It was the time that women tasted freedom, and the beginnings of the women’s suffrage movement. A fascinating study, that was a pleasure to read. The book is available at Annandale House.
The third author some readers may know is Steve Curtis, who wrote “The Delmer Curtis Farm”, to preserve the memories
and stories of Delmer. Who hasn’t driven through sleepy Delmer and wondered what the village was like in its heyday? Why and how settlers came here, is told through his family’s and other villagers’ lore, even how Delmer influenced Tillsonburg’s growth. The old photos, maps, family trees, and Steve’s own paintings and poetry are wonderful. If you have information you wish to share or would like a free email copy of this book, contact Steve at sircurtis1@ shaw.ca. Let your friends in Delmer know about this.
That book expanded and grew into “Tales of Willow Grove”. This is a historical fiction about settlers in the Delmer area, including Tillsonburg. Steve researched the facts in local and wider global events and eras to insert and generalize pioneer life that may have changed Delmer and surrounding area. Add a few logical assumptions, wrapped in a fictional story of real people living in a past which is mostly lost and forgotten. At the end of each chapter, Steve notes the facts in the story. I learned a lot about how our pioneers purchased their land, and details I never have thad ime to delve into. www.amazon.ca $19.99. My qualifications to review? None, but enjoying what I read, which I did. They are worthy of being read.
Online quilt auction helps non-profit support group
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
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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
An online auction Wednesday, Nov. 13 to Sunday, Nov. 17 is supporting Victoria Quilts Canada Woodstock/ Oxford branch’s (VQCWO) ongoing mission to provide warm, flannel-wrapped ‘hugs’ to cancer patients at a time they need it most.
“We make quilts for people living through cancer,” explained VQCWO Co-ordinator Mary Moore of a non-profit group which combines craft with compassion.
The VQCWO online auction features 83 items, handmade and donated by VQCWO members, including placemats, Christmas stockings, baby
items and 39 signature quilts. The listing includes one king, two queens, two doubles and a remainder of twins and lap quilts. Interested persons can view the items through creating an account on the website: 32auctions.com/ vqc2024 .
Online bidding will open on the 13th at 9 a.m. and close on the 17th at 8:30 p.m. Available payment methods include e-transfer, cash or cheque.
Providing quilts for those living with cancer is a concept which originated in the United States, named in honour of Victoria Ann Morrison. Her best friend Deborah Rogers founded Vic-
toria’s quilts in part due to Victoria’s comment she got cold while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. It has since migrated through Ottawa-based Victoria Quilts Canada (VQC) founder Betty Giffin to 24 communities across Canada. The concept is simple, providing both physical and emotional comfort through handmade quilts hand-delivered or mailed to recipients, free of charge.
‘Lap quilts’ measure 50 inches by 70 inches, designed to provide individual creature comfort to individuals following chemotherapy in the hospital, and at home.
LAUREL A. BEECHEY Tillsonburg Post Columnist
Parade to start Christmas events in Tillsonburg
The annual Santa Claus parade, this year on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m., will start Christmas events in Tillsonburg.
Organized by the Optimist Club, the parade switched to a night format last year from the long-standing tradition of having it in the afternoon.
Parade co-chair and Optimist secretary Lindsay Munroe said there was a lot of enthusiasm from town residents with the change. She said it was the longest parade in recent history, with close to 70 floats.
“They were all decorated out with lights and Christmas spirit. It was great,” she said.
One change to the route last year was to pass by both Maple Manor and the hospital, which received positive feedback.
“This year we have already communicated with them the parade will go by their locations,” Munroe said. “It sounds like they are gearing for their residents and their families to watch once more with us.”
Due to the size of the parade and traffic considerations, the route will be slightly altered this year. It will start behind Avondale Avondale United Church, go down Harvey to Oxford Street, then down Baldwin Street to Bridge Street. From Bridge, it will turn on Rolph Street to go by the hospital, then up Bear Street to Broadway, and from Broadway to Brock and back to the church parking lot.
Munroe understands that several businesses and churches on the route will provide hot chocolate for parade watchers.
Many favourites are returning to the parade with the stilt walker and musical bands. After receiving feedback from parade patrons, some new musical entertainers were added this year.
“If they become new fan favourites, we will look at rebooking those,” Munroe said.
She noted that the MP and MPP will not be in the parade this year due to a scheduling conflict with Woodstock’s parade. Munroe understands they will alternate in the future.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade can
find more information on the Tillsonburg and Area Optimist Club Facebook page or e-mail tillsonburgoptimistclub@gmail.com. The club is also looking for sponsorship from local businesses. These funds are used to help offset the cost of the bands in the parade, which Munroe noted increases annually.
Holiday Tour of Homes returns
This year's exciting festive season news is the return of the Holiday Tour of Homes.
Taking place Nov. 23 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., this event will feature six different locations in Tillsonburg decked out in their Christmas finest.
“All of the homes on the tour are absolutely stunning homes that are incredibly excited about being part of the tour again,” said Tabitha Verbuyst, executive director of the Station Arts Centre.
The Holiday Tour of Homes was a long-standing seasonal event in Tillsonburg, but was cancelled in 2019 due to the pandemic.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 the day of the event. They are available at the Station Arts Centre, Purplemartin Boutique in Delhi, and Tillsonburg Garden Gate.
“It’s a great way for people to get into the inspirational vibe for the holidays, seeing what other people do with their homes and getting into the Christmas festive spirit,” Verbuyst said.
The Station Arts Centre is again hosting its Holiday Arts Market. More than 20 vendors will have tables set up with holiday décor and gifts. The market will run from Dec. 2 to 19 during the centre’s normal hours, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also new this year, Thompson Goosens Accountants will sponsor a children’s card-making workshop at the Station Arts Centre on Dec. 7 and 14.
Downtown
The Tillsonburg BIA and Tillsonburg Library will be hosting Family Festive Flicks at the library. A variety of Christmas movies will be played on Fridays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 13. The library will also have a teens craft program on Nov. 19. The BIA has promotional events planned for downtown.
“We will also be launching our Hometown Cata -
TILLSONBURG DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
WOODINGFORD LODGE
logue in November which is reminiscent of the old Sears catalogue. This will feature many of the small businesses within Downtown Tillsonburg, highlighting holiday offerings, sales, discounts and more,” said Vanessa Fortner, Events and Marketing Coordinator, Downtown Tillsonburg BIA. The group will also be running its downtown gift care program.
Annandale House events
Several events are planned for Annandale National Historic Site, the highlight of which is the Christmas at Annandale NHS open house, during which volunteers decorate every floor.
“We are always excited to see what our amazingly-talented decorators will come up with year after year,” said Kathleen Watkin, culture and heritage program coordinator.
The official grand opening of Christmas At Annandale NHS is at the tree lighting ceremony on the lawn on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. The public is invited inside for light refreshments following the ceremony and to view the Christmas exhibit “Faux Christmas Tree.” Admission throughout the weekend is by donation. Special Christmas open house hours are Friday, November 22nd, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, November 23rd, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, November 24th, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. After that, the public can view the
Christmas exhibit during regular Christmas hours.
Several other festive events are planned for An -
nandale NHS. These include a Christmas ornament workshop on Nov. 13, school programs and a Faux Christmas
STAGING AREA
Tree Tea on Dec. 20. Annandale House will host the mayor’s levee on Jan. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Food bank collection by Fire Fighters
• Participants gather behind the Avondale United Church by 5 pm and MUST BE decorated in the Christmas Spirit.
For safety reasons, please hand out ALL candy, etc. Scan to register floats and see map
Correction Notice: An advertisement for the Tillsonburg & Area Optimist Club Santa Claus Parade, printed on Oct. 31, 2024 on page 32, was incorrect as it featured a previous version before edits. The correct ad, with the correct dates, appears above.
JEFF HELSDON Editor
POST Tillsonburg POST Tillsonburg
(We
CHILLS AND THRILLS AND FILLS
The Tillsonburg BIA’s Chills and Thrills Halloween haunted house helped fill the stocks and coffers of the Tillsonburg Salvation Army Food Bank. More than 300 pounds of food was collected as admission donations, as well as $1,905 in paid admission that was also donated to the Salvation Army. Left to right are: Jenny
Employee), Mark
nett(Coffinman
Rural library program coming to Springford, other communities
Oxford County Library is adding regular stops to its Ox on the Run program this fall, improving access to library services in several of Oxford’s rural communities. From now until Dec. 20, the mobile library unit, Ox on the Run, will make
Do
or call 519-688-0448
bi-weekly stops in Beachville, Drumbo, Springford, Kintore, and Hickson.
Launched as a seasonal summer outreach program in 2019, Ox on the Run aims to connect residents with library materials and resources in local community
spaces. In 2023, the summer outreach program was expanded to a year-round pilot project with a new mobile library unit thanks to a decommissioned ambulance from Oxford County Paramedic Services and the addition of two outreach
PREPARE AHEAD
Ensure stocks are ready for emergencies
Although part of Oxford County’s Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks campaign is past, local residents should still assess their emergency supplies before disaster strikes.
The coming months can
bring unpredictable emergencies, including ice storms and power outages.
Dianne Marshall, Oxford County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, advises to think beyond the traditional 72-hour rule
when preparing an emergency preparedness kit for you and your loved ones. While 72 hours is a good starting point, consider it a minimum requirement. She suggested to assess the special needs of your family, including medications and food allergies, your location's remoteness, and the vulnerability of those around as first responders may need to assist others before you.
With food and water being most important, Marshall suggested to ensure your kit has enough food, water, and supplies for at least three days. Regularly check for missing essentials, toss out expired items and update your first aid supplies. Also,
staff members. This expansion allows Ox on the Run to offer mobile library service throughout the year. Stops in Springford will be every other Tuesday, Nov. 12 to Dec. 10, from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Springford Hall.
account for any new family members or pets and keep important documents like identification and emergency contacts up to date. For those who haven’t already, use the time change as a reminder to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. As a reminder, old batteries should not go in your curbside garbage: recycle old or leaky batteries for free at Oxford County Waste Management Facility or at various locations in town.
If you haven’t created an emergency kit, now is the time to create one. Find the emergency supplies checklist by visiting www.oxford72hours.ca.
Folland (Salvation Army
Palmer (BIA), Mark Renaud (BIA), Chip Barkhouse (Barkhouse Productions), Naomi Dube (BIA), Bruce Ben-
Inc.), Mike Bolt (Volunteer), Phill Kirby (BIA), Scott Foster (Coffinman Inc.)
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Hardeman’s motion aimed at protecting grieving families receives support in the Legislature
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman’s motion to study the practices of the bereavement sector received support in the Legislature.
The motion seeks to ensure that grieving families in Ontario have freedom of choice in access to third-party sellers and are not stifled from choosing the products and services they believe best honours their loved one. The motion reads: “That, in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario should conduct a comprehensive review of the practices in the funeral, burial, and cremation services sector to ensure they prioritize protecting vulnerable families in their time of bereavement, promote freedom of choice in access to third- party sellers, and
determine if the current rules and framework under the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 are fair and achieve the highest level of consumer protection.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to all the members who supported my motion because it’s clear that the current framework is not adequately protecting Ontarians,” said Ernie Hardeman. “Unfair practices, such as the tied selling of monuments, continue to artificially increase prices and prevent people from comparison shopping for the products and services that they think are best for their loved one. It is taking advantage of people at a very difficult time, and it has to stop.”
Hardeman introduced the motion after
Tillsonburg updating zoning bylaw
Another change will make it easier to meet parking requirements for off-street parking.
meeting with constituents and members of the Ontario Monument Builders Association and hearing of examples where cemeteries artificially inflate their prices by refusing to accept third-party products and services. As a motion, it is not a bill, but provides direction without being law.
“The Ontario Monument Builders Association is thankful to MPP Hardeman and those who supported his motion to review the causes of tied selling and aggressive sales practices in the bereavement sector,” said Gary Foster, Executive Director of the Ontario Monument Builders Association. “We believe that the most effective way to promote consumer protections and their rights is
through competition and choice. The current Act and its regulations have allowed for the concentration of services, leaving grieving families vulnerable to aggressive sales tactics due to their loss of choice.”
“With the passing of my motion, I urge the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery to quickly and thoroughly conduct this review because Ontarians expect the highest level of consumer protection and freedom of choice in the bereavement sector,” said Hardeman. “When grieving families need to make decisions about honouring their loved one, they are at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives and shouldn’t be taken advantage of.
Emotional investment and quiet perseverance pays off
Kyle still works out regularly, and in addition to his position at Zehrs, he is still a personal trainer and online health fitness coach. He works with some bodybuilders, but the majority of his clients are seeking support for mitigating or managing chronic or acute health conditions. As a diabetic himself, Kyle has a lot of personal experience as well as expertise to offer.
Healthy food choices and fitness are part of his lifestyle. He explains that "muscle is longevity," and a great way to maintain youthfulness. His favorite place to walk is the Carroll Trail. He has always enjoyed the outdoors and wildlife. Watching snakes slithering through the grass or fish swimming upstream in the spring remind him of his childhood adventures. He loved to catch turtles, frogs and snakes. His mother allowed him to bring them home and keep them in a tank, but after a couple of days they would mysteriously disappear, and she would explain that "they must have escaped!"
Patricia loves animals too. The former PSW
works at Pet Valu, which includes kittens and lots of customers with canine companions, but it also means that she and Kyle can spend their lunch breaks together. At home, their motley crew includes a fish, two cats, a toy yorkie weighing in at four pounds, (Eliot) and a German shepherd husky lab pup weighing in at 95 pounds (Angus). Eliot is cozy with the cats, but he knows how to put Angus in his place, with a firm grip on his lip.
Unfortunately, the pandemic spoiled Kyle's opportunity to compete at the national level. His qualification applied for only two years, and by the time competitions were reinstated, his life had changed and his goals had shifted. His perseverance had paid off with Patricia, too. Kyle observed that the right partner is important: "You need someone in your life to soften you up a bit."
Correction Notice:
A column by Robin Krafft published in the Oct. 17 issue on page 3, entitled "An idyllic place to call home," incorrectly identified Dr. Ogi Ressler. The correct surname is Ressel.
Tillsonburg is currently in the process of updating it comprehensive zoning bylaw, and that could be good news for residents.
The main goals of the update is to review the zoning bylaws and make it simpler to reflect local trends, and also reflect any changes in the Provincial Policy Statement. The changes won’t have an impact on the majority of residents, but those who apply for a building permit or a minor variance may see a difference.
“We’re trying to streamline it,” said Eric Gilbert, manager of development planning for Oxford County.
He provided an example, saying if eight people asked for the same thing and council granted all eight, then changes could be made to reflect that. For instance, one possible change is covered decks will be able to be built larger without the need for a minor variance.
There have been 14 changes to the Provincial Policy Statement, the document that sets the rules for land use planning in the province, in the last 14 years. The zoning update needs to reflect the latest of these.
While some municipalities are dealing with mandated targets for growth set by the province, that is not the case in Tillsonburg. Tillsonburg is growing fast enough that no targets will be needed.
As part of the process, a public consultation was held in the Lion’s Den on Oct. 29. This is one step in the process to bring in the new zoning bylaw. There will be input from stakeholders, an online survey and another public meeting which will occur at the same time as council is updated on the results of the input sessions. The goal is to have it passed in early 2025.
More information is available on the town’s web page at Tillsonburg.ca
Southwestern Public Health invites community input to help shape its fiveyear strategic plan
Southwestern Public Health has launched a community feedback campaign to help shape its five-year strategic plan.
Throughout November, the health unit will host staff town halls and interviews with community service providers to gather perspectives from health and social service partners. The public are encouraged to participate through an online survey.
“It is important for us to hear from a range of people across the region to better understand how we are meeting the community’s needs, and where we can dig deeper into what matters most over the next five years,” says
Cynthia St. John, Chief Executive Officer at Southwestern Public Health.
Public health is one pillar in the larger health care system in Ontario. While hospitals, primary care, and emergency services provide healthcare to individuals, public health focuses on health at the population level. Public health has three core functions: health protection, health promotion, and illness prevention. A strategic plan outlines where the health unit will prioritize its work and funding allocation within these functions. This new plan will replace the current five-year plan which expires at the end of 2024.
JEFF HELSDON
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As part of the process to update its comprehensive zoning bylaw, the town held an open house in the Lion’s Den recently. On the left, Marc Davidson, senior development planner for Tillsonburg with Oxford County, and Eric Gilbert, manager of development and planning with Oxford County, outlined the proposed changes.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Gilvesy retires as chair of farm group
JEFF HELSDON Editor
A Tillsonburg man is hanging up his hat after nearly two decades with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG).
George Gilvesy’s last day as the chair of the OGVG was Oct. 31. He served as chair of the board from 2015 to 2024 and was the general manager of the organization from 2009 to 2015. Prior to that, he was on the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board for 18 years, of which he was chair for four years and vice-chair for six years. Gilvesy was a third-generation tobacco grower, who started growing on his own farm in 1978.
After Gilvesy was done his tenure with the tobacco board, the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission asked if he would assist OGVG on a limited basis. He found the skills he used as the head of the tobacco board could be used for other agriculture commodities.
OGVG represents the greenhouse tomato, cucumber and pepper growers of the province. There are 170 grower members. Gilvesy helped on an interim basis in 2004 and 2005 and then became the general manager in 2009. The position of chair of the board was an appointment from the Farm Products Marketing Commission until 2023. In 2024 the growers were allowed to appoint their own chair, which Gilvesy undertook for a year before deciding he would like to retire.
“I said I’m comfortable to go one more year and it would be in the board’s best
interest to look for a new chair for the transition,” he said.
Gilvesy explained the difference between the two positions is the general manager oversees operations and implements the policies outlined by the board while the chair leads the board through the decision-making process, and guides board members through policies and regulation. The chair also advocates for OGVG with government. This meant Gilvesy spent a fair amount of time in Toronto, Ottawa and Washington talking to politicians and bureaucrats.
An OGVG press release announcing his retirement heralded Gilvesy for the work he had done on sustainability, food security, trade, market development and environmentally-friendly growing practices that benefitted OGVG members and agriculture in general.
“I have had the pleasure of serving
with George, who has inspired me and given me so many new perspectives on how agriculture and government can work together to achieve common goals,” said Rick Mastronardi, District 1 Vice Chair. “He will be sadly missed by many across the agricultural sector.”
One of the hurdles that Gilvesy tackled in his early days with OGVG was the Netherlands dumping peppers into the Canadian market. OGVG hired legal counsel and took the issue to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal and won.
“It was a significant step forward for the organization,” Gilvesy said.
COVID was another huge challenge for OGVG members to keep operating and growing food for the marketplace. Gilvesy said one of the big hurdles was the offshore labour. The Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-Essex, where
many of the greenhouse operations are located, said foreign workers were not allowed.
“In 35 years, I’ve never seen such a machine going into resolving that,” Gilvesy recounted. “The Premier, Doug Ford, was instrumental in getting that turned around, getting local, provincial and federal officials working together.”
The whole issue was resolved within 72 hours.
In 2009, OGVG members had 1,575 acres of greenhouses. This has grown to 4,100 acres today in Ontario, with over 80 percent of the product exported to the United States. Gilvesy gave credit to the growers for the huge expansion, saying they had both the technology, knowledge and the aggressiveness.
“This is all on them,” he said. “It’s not necessarily what OGVG did but we tried to facilitate their growth as much as we could.”
Gilvesy reflected back on his time with OGVG, saying, “It’s been extremely rewarding to represent a group like this. It’s been an outstanding opportunity. They are some of the most enterprising farmers in the world.”
With more time on his hands, Gilvesy hopes to enjoy more time golfing, flying his plane and working on farm projects.
“There’s going to be no shortage of things to keep me occupied, but first I’m going to catch my breath,” he said.
OGVG announced that former Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP, Minister of Agriculture and St. Thomas mayor Steve Peters will be replacing Gilvesy as chair.
Simmonds purchases Hodi accounting firm
JEFF HELSDON Editor
A retirement and business expansion will create another accounting option for Tillsonburg residents.
Frank Hodi, who has been a chartered professional accountant operating in town since 1980, decided to retire. He sold the business to chartered professional accountant David Simmonds.
“I’m going to be 72,” Hodi said. “It’s time. I know I’ll miss a lot of my clients,” He is going to assist with the transition for the next year. The bulk of the business is corporate tax returns, personal tax returns, bookkeeping for smaller businesses and business advising.
Simmonds plans on continuing all these lines of business. He grew up in Tillsonburg, has had two accounting businesses in town, managed a large firm for another organization and has
a mortgage business. He will continue to operate the mortgage business, and operate Dave Simmonds Chartered Professional Accountant from the Ridout Street East building where Hodi is located.
“I’m very excited to take over this book of business,” he said. “There’s lots of good people.”
Simmonds three favourite areas are personal taxes, incorporated businesses and real estate investors. He has experience in a wide variety of accounting, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction and technology.
Simmonds is going to keep Hodi’s staff and will add Aydin Gocer, a senior accountant who he has worked with in the past.
There will be some changes at the firm, with more technology being brought on board. Simmonds will stress top-notch customer service and is accepting new clients, and is happy to accept both small and large clients.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
George Gilvesy.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Dave Simmonds recently purchased Frank Hodi’s accounting business on Ridout Street.
Left to right are: Simmonds, Hodi, and Aydin Gocer, who will work with Simmonds in the Tillsonburg office
Lancaster bomber was essential part of WW II victory in Europe
JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Imagine if the outcome of the Second World War battle in Europe was different and Germany had invaded England by land. John Bullen of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum asserts the launch of the Lancaster heavy bomber in 1942 was one of the factors that kept the land battle off British soil.
Prior to the launch of the Lancaster in 1942, existing bombers lacked the range and couldn’t carry the heavy payloads necessary to incapacitate German military assets deep in the country. The hope was that the Lancaster would change that.
“Delivering this knockout blow, it was hoped would avoid a land offense,” he said while making a presentation for the Tillsonburg Military History Club recently. The talk, “An Extraordinary Act of Bravery” was about the bomber and a Canadian airman from Winnipeg who received the Victoria Cross attempting to rescue a fellow crewman and friend from a crashing Lancaster.
The Lancaster could fly further and higher than previous bombers. It was designed to fly without a fighter escort, with a tail-gunner turret, mid-upper gunner turret, and belly-gunner turret. The planes had a crew of seven. The Lancaster had a range of 4,000 kilometers and could carry six tons of bombs and 14,000 rounds of ammunition. The average mission was five to six hours and was typically at night. The planes were designed
to carry a heavy payload with the powerful bombs essential to take out vital German military targets.
The Lancaster wasn’t built for comfort. Gunner turrets were unheated, and temperatures could reach -40˚˚ F. The interior wasn’t always warm either, and the planes were known to leak water in certain places when it rained. Getting into the gun turrets was an exercise in agility, but even getting the cockpit was not easy.
“It was a constant challenge for the crew to stay dry and warm and vigilant,” Bullen said.
Each mission was different, but often, hundreds of planes flew in a formation five miles wide and 100 miles deep.
Although the Lancaster could fly higher, the Nazis developed ways to fight back. Giant spotlights, along with anti-aircraft guns, probed the sky. Fighters, known as night fighters, were modified to shoot their guns vertically out of the top of the plane when the fighter approached the Lancaster from below. While the Germans were shooting .50 calibre and larger bullets at the Lancasters, the Allied gunners had machine guns shooting .303 British.
“Night fighters used stealth to attack,” Bullen said. “They pounced out of the darkness with cannons and guns blazing.”
While history tells us the Lancasters were effective, it came at a huge cost. Between 1941 and 1943, Allied forces lost 143 bombers and almost 1,000 air crew. Only 24 per cent of the 25,000 men who joined bomber
survived the war unscathed. Anti-aircraft guns accounted for 37 per cent of the losses, while the remainder were from night fighters.
Bullen also spoke about Andrew Mynarski, a mid-gunner, who tried to rescue tail gunner Pat Brophy after their bomber was shot and on fire. Brophy was wedged in his turret by fighter damage to the Lancaster.
SWOX council spends $975,000 to buy land for new municipal office/daycare
DEBBIE KASMAN
Post Correspondent
At its regular council meeting on Nov. 5, South West Oxford Township (SWOX) council approved the purchase of land for the possible construction of a new 88-space child care facility and municipal office at 324058 Mount Elgin Road, the former Elgin Hall property.
According to the township, this will provide a more efficient and accessible space to deliver municipal services and support local families. This is the same property that former MP, Minister of National Revenue and journalist Garth Turner offered to purchase from the developer as a community hub at no cost to taxpayers.
The developer rejected Turner’s offer, choosing to demolish the historic home instead.
“While the current municipal office has served the community for 75 years, council recognizes that it is not meeting our needs very well now and that delaying action will only
create further challenges in future,” said Township of South-West Oxford Mayor David Mayberry. “The new municipal office will provide a new, accessible central hub within our growing communities, address some of the space deficiencies that are impacting service delivery, and simultaneously offer a cost-effective opportunity to significantly improve child care availability for families.”
The township has agreed to pay $975,000.00 for all the land related to this project in the first quarter of 2025. Mayor David Mayberry confirmed via email that the $975,000 is for the former Elgin Hall property and for six additional lots (two to the south and four across the street to the west), which may be required for parking and outside activities for the child care facility.
When asked how SWOX is planning on funding childcare spaces for the potential 88-space childcare facility, Mayberry replied via email, “funding for the spaces…is agreed between the county and the contracted provider,” but the county “may
have access to some funding to support furnishing/equipment within the facility. The building itself would be a SWOX responsibility and would be rented/leased to the contracted provider.”
SWOX was looking for “maximum flexibility for SWOX at the most reasonable price,” Mayberry said.
Mayberry also said SWOX did not reject any offer from Turner “as no offer was ever formally extended to the township.”
Contacted after the decision was made to purchase the property, Turner was angry at the news and called it “a massive waste of public funds”.
“After all, I initially suggested buying the place for $1 million-plus and donating it for the community's use and preservation,” he said. “Yes, that could have made a wonderful child care centre, or a remarkable, memorable and appropriate municipal office. I was keen to hand it over for such uses on the understanding the historic and important structure would be held safe for generations to come for their utility and enjoyment.”
Mynarski couldn’t get Brophy out despite trying while his flight suit started to burn. He ended up parachuting out of the plane on fire and later died from the burns. Brophy didn’t get out of the plane but somehow miraculously survived the plane’s crash. He could then escape and eventually made his way back to England. His tale of Mynarski’s bravery earned his friend the Victoria Cross.
and
market research, self-employment training and developing business plans. Andrew
speaker and talked about the new GROW Accelerator Program for businesses.
command
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
John Bullen of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum spoke at the Tillsonburg Military History Club about the Lancaster bomber and the story of one bomber, its crew, and how
Andrew Mynarski received the Victoria Cross for trying to rescue a fellow crewman
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
The Tillsonburg Economic Development and Marketing Department hosted an entrepreneurial services pop-up event at the Tillsonburg Town Centre recently. The event provided information on business funding
grants,
Leest was the guest
Tillsonburg resident was part of WW II secretive commando unit
JEFF HELSDON Editor
Imagine having a mission so secretive that those involved don’t know what they are up to until records are declassified decades later.
Sound like the stuff spy novels or movies are made from? Perhaps it seems like the fictional spy James Bond would be involved in?
This was actually Tillsonburg resident Tom Boneham’s experience during the Second World War. And there was a definite James Bond connection as the author of the famed spy novels was the commanding officer of his unit.
Boneham served in the Home Guard when he was
16 and 17 and joined the regular forces on his 18th birthday in March 1941. His father was in the Royal Marines in the First World War.
“I wanted to be in the Royal Marines, the same as dad,” Boneham, now 101, said from his Tillsonburg home. “In World War II, they were renamed the commandos. They were the original commandos.”
The concept for the formation of the commandos came from Commander Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond series. The unit aimed to capture documents and ciphers from behind enemy lines. The unit and its operations were one of the sources of inspiration for the Bond books.
Boneham volunteered for the special intelligence unit. He was assigned to 30 Commando.
“It was so secret every time we went out, we didn’t know if we were going out for an exercise or active duty,” he said.
Although it took place before Boneham was assigned to 30 Commando, the group took part in the Dieppe raid, with an assignment to capture the Enigma code book to allow the British to decode the German communications.
“The first thing they knew they were in action was when the guns in Dieppe were turned on them,” Boneham said.
The group didn’t succeed in that mission but went on to others.
Training was vigorous for 30 Commando members. Boneham said they trained with live ammunition. He recounted one exercise where they had to scale the exterior of a bombed building in London, go through the window, and then be ready for an ambush from training officers. In another exercise, they had to go down the cliffs at the Isle of Wight, where they were training, with only a loop in a rope to suspend them. In other instances, they had to cross a beach with tracer fire in front and behind them.
Although he didn’t have details, Boneham knew that in his unit, there was an expert in safe blowing, another who was a photographer, and a third who was good with sledgehammers. In -
stead of the barracks typical for military personnel, 30 Commando members had private lodgings, so they did not talk to each other.
After a short stint in Algiers for training, Boneham and the 30 Commando were sent to Sicily to get intelligence from the Italian and German headquarters. His first job was to get the ID off his own troops who were wounded. Boneham didn’t make it to shore as part of the intelligence gathering portion of the mission because he was wounded, receiving a bullet through the shoulder.
“All of a sudden, something hit me from behind. My arm was paralyzed,” he said of what occurred. The next thing he knew he woke up in a Jeep being taken to a field hospital.
Years later he would learn he was wounded by one of his own accidentally through the 30 Commando museum.
After a lengthy hospital stay, Boneham went to the University of South Hampton to train in electronics. Unsatisfied with the wages, economy, and politics in England, he and a friend were going to move to Australia, but when they found obstacles to that plan, they settled on Canada. When Boneham arrived in Canada in 1952, he had $25 in his pocket. He settled in Toronto, married, and worked for R.H. Nichols Co., which manufactured instruments for planes and the space program. He didn’t have children, and after his second wife passed away, he
became friends with Christine Grim, who owned the attached house next door and helped him. When Grim decided to move to Tillsonburg in 2013, Boneham was getting up in years and would have had to go to a retirement home. She presented him with an alternative: move to Tillsonburg and have his own space in her house.
Books written about the 30 Commando after most, but not all, of their information was declassified 60 years later provided Boneham with more insight into what the unit was doing than he was told when living it.
Boneham knew Fleming was the unit's commanding
Trillium Retirement Home closes doors, residents left scrambling
JENNIFER WILD
Post Contributor
Residents of Trillium Retirement Home found themselves with two-weeks notice to find a new home after being notified the Norwich facility was closing.
The retirement home first made news in August of this year, after family members reported staff to police for financial abuse and fraud. Several residents reported over $50,000 unaccounted for as rent was paid to an email account unassociated with the retirement home. Residents were then hit with a large rent
increase, taking effect in the new year.
On Oct. 26, family and residents received an email announcing that the home would be closing its doors on Nov. 11, citing a lack of financial resources to keep daily operations going. As the news sank in, outrage grew.
According to the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA), homes are required to give 120-days notice of closing to allow residents time to find accommodations. In a statement, an official with the RHRA revealed the home had given a false statement to the authorities regarding its maintenance program,
with an elevator in a state of disrepair for a number of months.
Norwich is a tight-knit community, rallying together when residents suffer hardship. The care for staff and residents of Trillium Retirement Home was fully on display on Nov. 5th. Community members joined staff members outside the home to raise awareness and provide much needed support to those impacted by the closure. Staff reported they had not received their expected pay Oct. 31. When management was questioned by staff members, they were told there was no money to pay them. They were then
officer and was positive he had met him. The issue was that when the commanding officers visited, it was under a shroud of secrecy. The men in the unit never knew the names of those who were visiting them.
“I know I met him by remarks in this book, putting myself back to what was said at the time,” Boneham said.
He suspects he met Fleming in Sicily, where he was in charge of food for members of the 30 Commando who were staying in a farmhouse. Boneham provided an officer with food, and with Fleming being upper society, he suspects it was him from remarks made.
asked to volunteer their time to continue providing care for the remaining residents.
A former employee and neighbour started a GoFundMe was started to raise money for staff members who are giving their time to care for residents. The fundraiser raised almost $2,000 before closing, as staff members began to receive pay late last week.
As doors closed on Nov. 11, it’s a reminder that seniors are increasingly targeted for financial abuse. If you suspect a loved one is the victim of a crime, reach out to authorities.
Tom Boneham, left, has military author Ted Barris sign his book on the Battle of Britain when the author visited Tillsonburg recently. Boneham was in the British military when the Battle of Britain was raging. (BILL PRATT PHOTO)
When Tom Boneham turned 100, he received a surprise visit from present-day members of Britain’s 30 Commando. They brought him a statue commemorating the unit, showing unit members in their Second World War uniforms and carrying the appropriate battle gear. Boneham’s friend Christine Grim arranged the visit. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
167 Simcoe St., Tillsonburg
Hickson
Township of East Zorra-Tavistock Administration Building
� Every other Thursday from Nov. 14 – Dec. 12
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Drumbo
Blandford-Blenheim Township Office
� Every other Friday from Nov. 22 – Dec. 20
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Kintore
Chalmers United Church
Beachville
Beachville District Museum
� Every other Wednesday from Nov. 20 – Dec. 18 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Springford
Springford Hall � Every other Tuesday from Nov. 26 – Dec. 10
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
� Every other Wednesday from Nov. 27 – Dec. 11
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Finding Time to Read
It can be hard to find time to enjoy a book when you are juggling work, family and other responsibilities. Oftentimes I hear people say, “I like to read, but I just can’t find the time.” Given the countless benefits of reading, including stress reduction and improvements in brain health, I firmly believe that reading is worth making time for. Here are some tips to help make it happen:
1) Add reading to your bedtime routine. Doing so can help signal to your body that it is time to go to sleep. We’ve all heard that too much screen time is bad, especially before bed, so why not switch over to a book? Doing so can help calm your mind and even improve the quality of your sleep!
2) Read during your commute. Whether you’re driving or walking to work, you can add reading into
your daily commute with an audiobook or book on CD. The library has more than a thousand books on CD available, plus thousands more audiobooks that can be accessed by downloading the Libby and Hoopla apps for free with your Library Card.
3) Read on your lunch break. This is a great way to recharge your brain mid-way through the workday. Taking a quiet moment to yourself is never a bad thing!
4) Read while doing your daily chores. If you are putting together dinner or folding laundry why not listen to an audiobook? Download audiobooks from Libby or Hoopla to your phone or tablet to make chore time more enjoyable.
5) Turn reading into social time! Consider joining a traditional book club or pop online and join a reading platform like Goodreads or StoryGraph. The library carries a variety of book club sets that include eight books plus discussion questions to help you start a book club of your own. You can’t go wrong by making reading a regularly habit. And now, it’s easier than ever to discover books to fit your personal interests. Pop into your local library or bookstore or borrow a book from a friend and get started. Happy reading!
HEATHER MATHERS
Community Librarian, Oxford County Library
Wide variety of food available at The Country Table
In the 10 years since The Country Table started, the business has grown and carries a wider variety of products.
Located on Vance Drive, off North Street East, The Country Table was started by Kari Lamers. Her husband Ed owns Tillsonburg Custom Foods, which initially had an outlet store in the factory. As that business grew and the store near Tillsonburg Custom Foods became available, Kari saw an opportunity to start her own business.
Besides carrying the frozen products from Tillsonburg Custom Foods, The Country Table retails frozen meat products from Nor-Pac and Norfolk Packers.
“We’re direct so we get a
little better price as well,” Lamers said. “The outlet piece is sometimes we can get seconds or overruns, not just TCF.”
The Country Table offers a lot more than just frozen meat products. Tillsonburg Custom Foods has a fruit and vegetable facility in Ingersoll, and product is brought in from there. In addition, there are cheese, deli meat, charcuterie supplies and dessert items from other local businesses. Today, there are more than 20 other suppliers whose products are sold at the store, and Lamers is always interested in adding more.
One new addition is Rachel’s Tarts, a company from Trenton. Well known in Prince Edward County,
the owner of the company behind these delectable tarts was looking to retire. Lamers is now co-owner of the company and believes it’s a quality product that is not well known outside of Prince Edward County. The tarts are sold in the store, and any tart lovers who haven’t tried them are missing out. There are eight different flavours available, including plain, pecan, raisin, pumpkin and salted caramel.
The tarts opened the door to fundraising opportunities for local sports teams, schools and churches. These groups now sell the tarts as a way of raising money.
The business has grown to employ four people. Since the beginning there has been an emphasis on supporting local companies and the community.
“In the 10 years, we’ve grown from just frozen food to a fresh section with deli and cheese,” Lamers said. “People might be surprised, expecting with a small place the prices are higher, but we’re very competitive with the grocery store or sometimes less.”
With Christmas around the corner, store manager Erin Tupper is promoting custom gift baskets for the holidays, featuring a variety of deli meats, cheeses and preserves sold in the store.
The Country Table offers weekly specials and the availability to sign up for flyers through e-mail. A complete price list and flyer sign-up is available at countrytable.ca. The business is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-4.
Rachel’s Tarts is a newer addition at The Country Table. These scrumptious tarts are well known in Prince Edward County in eastern Ontario. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
The Country Table owner Kari Lamers, left, and manager Erin Tupper stand in front of the vast array of frozen fruits and vegetable available in the store. Besides products from Tillsonburg Custom Foods, the store also sells fresh products from more than 20 local retailers. (JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Lessif Family Fund at OCF donates $2,000 for new St. Joseph’s School playground equipment
In 2023, a large section of the playground equipment at St. Joseph’s School in Tillsonburg was removed after it was deemed unsafe. The remaining equipment is no longer sufficient for the number of students attending the school and will also be slated for removal in the not-too-distant future. With the school board covering only the cost of removing the old equipment, the St. Joseph’s School Parents’ Council subcommittee aims to raise between $40,000 to $60,000 for new playground equipment.
On Nov. 5, John Lessif and Louise Wardrop of the Oxford Community Foundation (OCF) presented the St. Joseph’s School Parents’ Council subcommittee with $2,000 from the Lessif Family Fund. Lessif pledged an additional grant of $2000 in 2025 and stated, “The purpose of the fund which Liz and I established in 2007 at OCF is to give back to the youth in our community”.
OCF helps people, like the Lessifs, leave a legacy in Oxford County, to make it a better place. OCF provides donors with the opportunity to target grants to the entire community or to their areas of interest. Established in 2003, OCF has granted more than $2 million to 115 charitable organiza -
tions. More information about OCF can be found at www.oxfordcommmunityfoundation.org
Other local services clubs have also generously contributed to the fundraiser, with the St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League and St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus (Council 3212) donating a combined $5,000 in 2024. These donations are appreciated by the committee.
The playground fundraising subcommittee, led by Jenn Schaar and Missy Thorburn, has organized a successful “Parent to Parent” sale, which raised over $3,000 and organized a partnership with Bre’s Fresh Market to offer a 50 per cent kickback on pumpkin sales for Oct. 19, which brought in over $700.
“Community-focused contributions like these play a vital role in revitalizing our neighborhood, ensuring that all children—not just those who attend the school—have a safe and welcoming place to play,” said committee member Robert Verhoeve. “The new playground equipment will be fully accessible and thoughtfully designed to support the play needs of future generations.”
Everyone is invited to support this fundraising effort. For questions, contributions, or ideas for fundraising activities, please reach out by email at stjoesfundraising1@gmail.com
John Lessif and Louise Wardrop of the Oxford Community Foundation (OCF) presented the St. Joseph’s School Parents’ Council subcommittee with $2,000 from the Lessif Family Fund. Left to right are: Missy Thorburn, Jenn Schaar, John Lessif, Louise Wardrop, and Robert Verhoeve.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
GRAHAM PERFORMING IN TILLSONBURG
Local singer hits new career highs, opening for top names in country
JEFF HELSDON Editor
Local up and coming singer Olivia Mae Graham hit new career highs, opening for country star Terri Clark at Burning Kiln Winery and the James Barker Band at Norfolk Fair, and then watching her new song rocket to 100,000 views in a month.
Graham’s new song Boots was released in August. Since that time, it went quickly to more than 100,000 views on all social media, and 86,000 on YouTube alone. Calling it “pretty spectacular”, Graham said this was great performance for an independent artist in that time frame.
“It normally takes a longer time to build that,” she said. “When we released Red Rose, it took three months to reach that.”
Since the release of Boots, Graham has been doing radio interviews with independent stations in Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
“It’s cool being based in Ontario, my song is being played across the country,” she said.
With local country stations owned by Bell, Rogers or Corus, getting air play is a tougher challenge, but Graham is working on that.
Tillsonburg performance on Dec. 1
Graham will be performing at the Carriage Hall in Tillsonburg on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. She will be performing her own music, including her new holiday tune “Alone Tonight”, along with seasonal classics.
“This song is all about the little things that make the holidays special— watching the snow fall, singing along to favourite carols," she said. "No matter where life takes me, Christmas is about being with those I love, and it’s my hope that this season, no one feels
‘alone tonight’.”
Tickets are $20 each and are available on her web site at olivemaegraham.com
Opening for Terri Clark
“It was a dream come true,” Graham said when interviewed a few days after the July 18 show. “I woke up the next day and it was like a wild dream I had, but there were pictures on Instagram.”
Calling Clark an inspiration in her career, Graham said Clark paved the way for females in Canadian country music. The Frogmore resident was doing a photo shoot for her next song early in the week of the concert when she received a message asking her to be the opening act. Her mother was with her.
“I just screamed and said ,”Mom I just got asked to open for Terri Clark,’” Graham recounted. “She slammed on the brakes and we were both screaming.”
Graham had contacted Burning Kiln months earlier in hopes of being able to perform. She has been practicing the last six months, with hopes of being able to take the stage before her idol.
“I look at it as stepping stones,” she said. “For this one, I looked at it that if I don’t open for Terri Clark, I am still making music.
“It’s really cool to put in a lot of work the last couple of years and having the Burning Kiln team and Terri’s team recognize I was ready.”
Then with only one day to practice, Graham started to get nervous. “I always get nervous but everything was on in my nervous system,” she said.
Asked if that continued onto the stage, Graham answered, “I still had the jitters but I walked on the stage and all the nerves were gone.”
She was overwhelmed when people came up
after the show and wanted their picture with her. Many said they were proud a Norfolk girl opened for Clark.
The crowd at Burning Kiln was the largest Graham has performed before, with the exception of singing the national anthem at a Blue Jays game.
After the Terri Clark performance, Graham opened for the James Barker Band at Norfolk Fair.
Growing up in Frogmore and attending Valley Heights Secondary School, Graham considers Tillsonburg the “town” closest to home. She told her mother at four years old that she wanted to be a singer.
“She asked why and I said I have a lot of songs to sing,” Graham recounted.
She started taking music lessons from Tillsonburg/ Glen Meyer music teachers Alison and Darren Schott. The latter toured with the Good Brothers years ago. Graham studied music in university and built up a network on the recording side.
To Graham, each song is a story and building block. Her songs “Red Rose”, “Mean Girls”, “I Can’t Move” all have more than 40,000 views each on YouTube. The latter song “changed the needle” for Graham. She was balancing a full-time job and a music career, but the success of “I Can’t Move” led to a big decision.
“I left the job I was working and now’s it’s full tilt,” she said. “It’s gone crazy but it’s the crazy I asked for.”
Outside of YouTube, she has had incredible support on Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music.
Last summer Graham was playing all over Southwestern Ontario. This included performances at the Back Stage Capital in Delhi and in
Tillsonburg.
On performing live
A show for Graham includes mostly her own music but also a few covers of other musician’s songs.
“I want them to have the time of their lives,” she said of the people in the audience. “I want it to be a bit different every time.”
A new YouTube video series called “The Music in Between” has also kept Graham busy this summer. In this series, she shares her journey of life, her daily routine of writing sons, practicing, the ride to the Terri Clark Show. She also started her own fan club called the Mae Flowers.
Watch Graham’s web site, https://www.oliviamaegraham.com, for updates or follow her on social media.
Olivia Mae Graham opened for Canadian country star Terri Clark at Burning Kiln Winery earlier this summer. She recently released a new song “Boots” which has climbed quickly in the number of views on social media.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Stockmans
regular basis would have been helpful, as well as personally enjoyable.
One game or eight… one season or eight, the Tillsonburg Gemini senior girls’ basketball team still appreciated getting onto the court with teammates and friends.
“End of the season,” summed up Grade 12 Gemini Rena Stockmans.
Stockmans was injured for the majority of the campaign, her athleticism in a season-ending 40-29
TVRA South East playoff play-in loss to Woodstock Huron Park an indication her presence on a more
Tillsonburg trailed 9-4 after the opening quarter, 18-15 at the half and 33-27 heading home, before the homecourt Huskies locked up the win with a 7-2 advantage.
“A close game,” summed up Stockmans, who contributed six points in a losing cause. “We almost pulled through, but can’t win everything.”
Huron Park’s Olivia Elias led all scorers with 21 points and Payton Cowan added 10. Sophie Silliker paced Tillsonburg’s attack
with 12 points including a three-point field goal, Taylor Sache and Jiera Dodsley added four apiece and Nicole Lopez three.
Stockmans played with the latter two teammates for years, Lopez since Grade 5. And while only getting to play for the season’s last game was in a sense bittersweet, Stockmans appreciated the opportunity.
“It was nice to have my last game with my girls.”
Sache was on the other end of the experience spectrum with the Gemini, a first-year transfer from North Bay’s West Ferris
Tigers.
“I loved playing with them, they’re really good,” she summed up. “It was fun,” Sache added, “win or lose, we just kept going, put our effort out.
“I’m glad we had a chance to play.”
Gemini coach Terry Coulthard was instrumental in that aspect, combining her experience with support from a range of Glendale staff members to get both junior and senior teams on the court.
Coulthard was pleased the senior girls did record a victory over Ingersoll during their 2024 season,
and to be ‘right in this one.’
“As long as they’re having fun and improving,” she summed up.
The Gemini junior girls extended their season with their second TVRA South East win, a 25-22 AA qualifier victory over the visiting St. Thomas Central Elgin Titans, Monday, October 28th. The win qualified Tillsonburg for
an opening-round playoff matchup against the undefeated St. Thomas St. Joe’s Rams, who prevailed by a 33-13 margin on All Hallow’s Eve.
TVRA South East Junior Football Gemini running back Gavin Balazs had a touchdown and kicked a point after try, and quarterback Landon Dodsley and Gavin
JEFF TRIBE Post Contributor
Tillsonburg Gemini Vivian Suderman knocks the ball loose from Huron Park’s Payton Cowan as teammate Nicole Lopez (right) looks on. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Tillsonburg Gemini Jiera Dodsley (right) protects the ball from Huron Park’s Payton Cowan. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Gemini Taylor Sache (left) pivots to protect the ball against the defensive attentions of Huron Park’s Payton Cowan. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Club Oxford Men’s Hockey League
too late
October 27
ReMax 4, Agrospray 1
ReMax has started to find a way to cash in on their chances. A strong rush game in this one. Agrospray seems to be a step off. They have the speed and the power, but have had a hard sustaining pressure and chances. Jordan Kobayashi had 2 goals and an assist for ReMax. Joe VanQuaethem had a goal for Agrospray.
Distinct 4, Fody's 2
Distinct were fired up in this one. They fought hard for the puck all night and took advantage of their chances. Fody's seemed to get Distinct riled a bit, which made them play harder. Fody's got their chances, but couldn't get those rebounds that they usually get.
Kyle Smith, Evan DeRouck, Andrew VanWyk and Brian Velthove had goals for Distinct. Brandon Sawatzky had 2 assists for Fody's.
Carquest 8, Airmount 1
Carquest had everyone going tonight. It seemed like every rush was dangerous and they had chances all night. They kept Airmount from being in the offensive zone most of the night. Airmount is having trouble getting things going. They have the tools to do it, but they just aren't connecting early in this season.
Ryan Crandall had 2 goals and 2 assists, Jacob Bauman had 4 assists for Carquest. Zach Alton had the goal for Airmount.
Glass 3, Royal LePage 3
Glass ran into a tough team tonight, but they were able get the lead in the second and hold off pressure. A solid defensive effort in this one. Royal LePage has a lot of fight in them, they are still getting things sorted out with a bunch of new faces, but they know how to keep the pressure on until the end of the game.
Brendan Soares had 2 goals for Glass. Chris Koteles had a goal and assist for Royal LePage.
Precison 2, Source 1
Precision is finding their groove. They aren't a fancy team, but their basics are fine tuned. They get their chances, regroup and try again. A solid game at both ends. Source had a few spares out in this one, but couldn't get the flow of the game to go their way. They did get some chances, but Precision kept them from too many second chances.
Chris VanKasteren had a goal and assist for Precison. Nate Bisschop had a goal for Source.
RND 4, B-Line 1
RND finally broke through on the scoresheet after a couple tough games. They seemed to have a game plan of going hard to the net, but also taking chances on just getting the puck on net. B-Line had a bit of trouble with RND breakouts in this one and it threw them off a bit offensively. They rebounded in the second, but it was a bit
Justin Rowles, Cody Kraushaar, Peter Burgon and Dan Irvine had goals for RND. Jake Steenson had the goal for B-Line.
October 30
ReMax 3, Fody's 1
ReMax seemed to have the upper hand possession wise in this one. They had a bunch of breakouts and odd man rushes that led to some great chances. Fody's had their short passes going in this one, but couldn't get close to the net or get the rebounds to bounce their way.
Dan Andersson, Johnathan Bouck and Dylan MacRiner had goals for ReMax. Nate Peacock had the goal for Fody's.
Distinct 3, Agrospray 1
Distinct took over in the second period. They were able to open up some space in front which led to quality chances and in close rebounds, which they took advantage of. Agrospray looked good to turn things around, but lost momentum as the game went on. They have speed and rushing chances, but cannot get any puck luck. Dave VanWyk and Kyle Smith had a goal and assist for Distinct. Travis Whiteside had the goal for Agrospray.
Carquest 4, B-Line 2
Carquest started a bit slow, but picked up steam as the game went on. They fell back on their simple play making and it worked. Shots on net and quick short passes helped a bunch. B-Line came out strong in this one, but just ended up losing a step in the second. They did bounce back late with pressure, but they ran out of time in this one. Evan Prouse had 2 goals for Carquest. Ben Addley and Tyler Sergeant had goals for B-Line.
November 3
ReMax 7, Distinct 3
ReMax came out flying. They set the tone early when they scored two in the first 40 seconds. They were able to keep Distinct from mounting much in the way of pressure and that helped them focus on offence. Distinct was stunned by the quick ReMax start. They did well to have a competitive second period, but just couldn't rebound from the start. They struggled all game to get any sustained pressure, though they are sure to bounce back.
Matt Wight had 2 goals and an assist for ReMax. Andrew VanWyk and Spencer Meron had a goal and assist for Distinct.
Agrospray 3, Fody's 3
Fody's scored first, but almost let things get away. They bounced back in th second with their top guys making changes happen. A hard fought tie for sure. Agrospray came out hungry for their first win. They set the pace in the first and looked to be in control. They had to buckle down defensively as Fody's put on pressure in the second. They held on for the point but are still looking for the first win.
Jesse Dunn had a goal and assist for Agrospray. Shane Balcomb and Chris Sanders had a goal and asssist for Fody's.
Source 4, B-Line 3
A tale of two periods. Source came out strong in this one as they had some speed over B-Line to start. They kept pressure on throughout the first. They let B-Line get back into it, but were able to secure the win late. B-Line was a step off to start, but rebounded in the second. They controlled most of the period but couldn't hold off Source at the end.
Jamie Haines and Chris VanKasteren had a goal and assist for Source. John Sergeant and Ryan Van Stemp had a goal and assist for B-Line.
Glass 5, Airmount 1
After a slow start for them, Glass was able to rebound and use their speed to get many opportunities. They were able to get some quick breakouts and and odd man rushes. A tidy defensive effort kept things calm in their own zone. Airmount started off strong, but were caught off guard by the speed of Glass. Airmount did have some chances on outlet passes, but couldn't get the rebounds to bounce their way.
Brendan Soares had 2 goals for Glass. Denis Lenane had a goal for Airmount.
Carquest 2, RND 2
Carquest seemed to get thrown off their game just a little in this one. They had some penalty trouble, but were able to avoid giving up any goals. They gutted out the tie as they fought hard against a speedy RND. RND has started to find speed and chances on their lines. They were quick to exit on turnovers and had some chances off rushes. A solid effort to earn a point against a tough defense.
Andrew Behrens, Brad Henderson had a goal for Carquest. Cody Kraushaar, Jason Beard had a goal and assist for RND.
Royal LePage 3. Precision 3
Royal LePage has found their groove a bit. They worked well together to get pressure down low and create some solid chances often in this one. Precision continues to be a pesky bunch. They worked hard in this one and were able to shut down Royal in
the second. They took advantage of their chances and pressure until the end to secure a point.
Abe Friesen had 2 assists for Royal LePage. Christian Devlin had 2 asssists for Precsion.
November 6
Royal LePage 2, B-Line 1
A very back and forth game. Royal LePage had some good opportunities and some nice rebound chances. They were able to keep B-Line from getting many rushes in this one. B-Line worked hard defensively to keep Royal from getting sustained pressure. They were able to get some chances in close in the second which helped them keep it a one goal game.
Abe Friesen had a goal and assist for Royal LePage. Chris VanKasteren had a goal for B-Line.
Glass 7, Carquest 5
Glass has gone 7-0 to start the season, beating every B team, which is quite the feat. Their speed and ability to keep pressure down low makes them a tough team to beat. They held off a late Carquest push to secure victory. Carquest adapted their game in this one. They used their outlet passes and got shots on net to create chances. A solid effort to have a run and gun game against the top team.
Parker Terryberry had a hat trick, Jeff Prouse had 4 assists for Glass. Brad Henderson and Adam Matthews had 3 points each for Carquest.
RND 5, Source 3
RND has bounced back after a couple off games. They were able to get shots on net and make passes in close to cash in tonight. They kept Source from sustaining pressure for very long all night. Source couldn't get a lot of flow going in this one, but did take advantage of their opportunities in close. They had a hard time stopping RND from getting shots through in this one.
Wade Kirby had a goal and assist for RND. John Morrison had a goal and assist for Source.
JEFF GWYN Post Contributor
Community bonspiel supports local groups
ON THE BROOM
I mentioned last column that there are two major bonspiels hosted by the Tillsonburg Curling Club in November. The Mixed Fall Classic takes place on Nov. 23, and I will look forward to sharing info about that event in my next write-up.
The other major bonspiel is the Community Service Bonspiel, which has a great
history with the club as it is the longest running bonspiel (67 years) for the club and has had the same sponsor awarding the trophy for those 67 years. The original sponsor firm was Judd & Co,. which over the years with retirements and new partners has today become Good Redden Klosler. While the names have changed, their commitment to the bonspiel has continued uninterrupted, except for the Covid years.
The trophy is a fur-lined chamber pot, atop several stacked pedestals with many layers of winners on it. In the early years, the winning team’s logo was hand painted on the highly contested trophy. Original entries were community service clubs like the Lions, Rotary, Kinsmen and Kiwanis but as times have changed, other service groups have joined including the food bank, churches, Tillsonburg Memorial Hospital Foundation, minor ball, Knights
of Columbus etc.
Fourteen years ago, one of the sponsors, Steve Good, and bonspiel chairperson Les Peter talked during the spiel and devised a plan to change the prize structure of the bonspiel. They chose to change from prizes for each team member to instead be more community friendly and more in keeping with the ‘service to community’ aspect of the spiel. Teams continued to play for points to win the right to have their name put on the coveted trophy, but the sponsor and the curling club joined together to award $2.000 in prize money, $1,000 on each draw to teams who are drawn from the bowl of the chamber pot. That amount of money has now increased to $3,000 so $1,500 per draw is divvied out $500 down to $75 as teams come out of the pot. Each team in the bonspiel designates a charity or project to donate to, and if their team is drawn, the
cheque is written to that charity. Over the years, since the change was made the bonspiel has given out $30,000 to the community. Examples of some of the charities that have benefitted from the draw are Meals on Wheels, Chamber of Commerce Junior Achievement Program, TDMH Foundation and Lions Seeing Eye Dogs. The participants in the spiel include curlers and non-curlers, both men and women and a variety of organizations from the community. The partnership formed 67 years ago continues as strong today as the year it started. This year’s spiel happens on Nov. 27.
An update for Team Ontario/King Mixed- the team did not qualify for playoffs with a record of 2-5. Team King Men’s finished second at the Stu Sells Port Elgin Tournament which helps to build their points to qualify for the Ontario Tankard. Curling rocks! See you on the ice!
Hockey 4 Everyone brings cost of hockey down
JEFF HELSDON, Editor
The Hockey 4 Everyone program is now open for registration.
“It provides an opportunity for families that can’t afford it to put all their kids in minor hockey,” said Kim Alexander, Club
With files from CHRIS ABBOTT WinterLights
play. There is no fee for participants. Funding for the program is provided by the Club Oxford Hockey League, VanQuathem Farms and other private donors.
To register, parents need to fill out a Permission to Skate form at the
Grades 3 to 8 to be able to participate before going to school. The program continues until the end of March. Parents are responsible for getting their children to the on-ice sessions, and then to school after. Equipment is available
Rayburn Lansdell and Dave Shields from Upper Deck Youth Centre, will lead the practices. They cover a variety of basic hockey skills, including teaching participants to skate if necessary.
“From January to the end of March, we’re see -
Holiday Craft Show (Nov 16)
Merchants’ Open House (Nov 23 - 24)
Holiday night markets (Dec 6 - 7)
Free horse and wagon rides (Dec 6, 7, 14, 21, 24)
NORA PETERS
Tillsonburg Post Columnist
Stockmans happy to close out season with ‘her girls’
Wernham added majors as Tillsonburg dropped a season-ending 42-19 semi-final playoff decision to St. Thomas St. Joe’s, Halloween afternoon at 1Password Park in St. Thomas.
Caedmon Plant had four touchdowns for the Rams and Tanatswa Mavoma and Hudson Glover added one apiece.
TVRA South East Volleyball
The Tillsonburg Gemini boys’ volleyball seasons both came to an end Thursday, October 31st at Woodstock St. Mary’s, via three-game sweeps courtesy of the homecourt Warriors.
The senior Gemini were upended 25-8, 25-11, 25-14 while the juniors were defeated 25-15, 25-8, 25-19.
Hughes Tillsonburg Twisters competed in their first Tournament this season
Dressed in pink uniforms to play in London’s annual Breast Cancer Fundraising and Awareness Ringette tournament, the Tillsonburg U12A Hughes Twisters had a respectable showing against teams from much larger centres. Here the
in pink defend their net against Barrie Blizzards forwards.
LINDSAY MUNROE
Post Contributor
The U12A Twisters’ determination and style during London’s annual Breast Cancer Fundraising and Awareness Ringette tournament Nov 1-3 2024 did not go unnoticed.
The team was outfitted in pink custom Twisters jerseys sponsored for the occasion by Spekdout.
The girls started the tournament Friday morning facing off against London Lynx resulting in an 8-0 victory for the Twisters! Twisters player of the game was awarded to Lexi Harris. There was no rest for the Twisters on
(LINDSAY
MUNROE PHOTO)
Friday as they played their second game against the Barrie Blizzard. The girls were down by three before battling back and forth until the game reached 6-6. Unfortunately after pushing hard, they could not hold Barrie back from scoring two more goals concluding the game with a loss of 6-8. Twisters player of the game was awarded to Brynn Wilson. Saturday evening the Twisters were back on the ice for game 3 vs. Nepean Ravens. The Twisters battled hard against a well skilled team, matching and pushing to the very end! The game finished with a 3-5 loss marking the end to the Twisters time in the tournament. Twisters player of the game was awarded to Kyla Preiss.
girls
Thunder 2-2 in weekend play
The Thunder are relieved they are only playing one game a weekend through the end of the season. It has been a difficult start for the WOSHL reigning champions coming out of many road games at 500.
November again saw the Thunder on the road to face the Orangeville Blitz. The Blitz are an improved team with three former NHL players highlighting the lineup. Not deterred, the Thunder came out flying and led 1 - 0 after one with Brandon Couto scoring. The Thunder were tied up after two with Sheldon Thomson and Avery Antone. This was Antone's first goal with the Thunder. Overtime lasted only 9 seconds as Jayme Forslund blew a slap shot past Blitz tender Andrew Masters for the win.
The game on November 9 versus the Thunder nemisis Stratford Fighting Irish was not impressive. This was 'one of those games' where nothing was working. Let's just say the Stratford beat the
Thunder 7 - 1. The Remembrance Day ceremony was the only highlight. Thank you to the Tillsonburg Legion.
There are two big games coming up. The Orangeville Blitz are coming to Tillsonburg looking for a bit of revenge on Sunday, November 17 with a 1:30 p.m. start. This is student night, or afternoon if you will, so it is hoped that the early start will allow many of the younger Thunder fans to enjoy the entire game.
Saturday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m. the Elora Rocks come to town. This is the
annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night. The Thunder will be wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned off in the Marwood Lounge after the game. All proceeds will be given to cancer research. This is the fourth time the Thunder have run this event and are looking to top the nearly $4,000 raised last year. Thank you to Tim Hortons for sponsoring the event. As a special incentive, Tim Hortons is raffling off 'Coffee for a year'!!! A free draw will be made and one lucky Thunder fan will get a free coffee from Tims every day for a year!!
OUTSTANDING UNRESERVED ONLINE CONSIGNMENT AUCTION
Unreserved online only auction for CLAUSSEN FARMS of Brucefield, DEY’S EQUIPMENT CENTRE, DARREN D’HONDT of Simcoe, ESTATE OF THE LATE JOHN PATHY, BICZ FARMS of Brantford, CONESTOGA COLLEGE, RICK DEWATCHER, SUNRISE EQUIPMENT, OTHER FRANCHISED DEALERS, AND MANY FARMER CONSIGNMENTS. Consisting of over 100 late model tractors, construction equipment, hundreds of pieces of farm equipment, irrigation & more. All equipment located at (EXCEPT 40’ office Containers & Bins) SUNRISE EQUIPMENT AUCTIONS at 593249 Oxford Road 13, Norwich, ON. Viewing Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26TH @ 9:00 AM ONLINE BIDDING OPENS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22ND @ 8:00AM
CLAUSSEN FARMS CUSTOM FARMING INC. (selling excess equipment): 2012 Claas Xerion 3800 Trac VC, 4wd, loaded; Rauch/Kuhn AGT 6036, 120’ pull type air boom spreader, 6000l tank, ISOBUS ran, comes w/ controller to run off JD 2630 display, nice; Blake 30’ hydraulic fold drum roller; Kongskilde 2900 vibrotrill, 52’ “S” tyne cultivator; Vaderstad 20’ packer; JD 200, 38’ crumbler; Kuhn TB211 side chopper; Kongskilde 8’, 8 shank chisel blade combo; Uniblade 1296, 12’ all way hydraulic, grader blade; Smythe HDD132, triple auger HD snow blower, 132” wide, as new; Horst 10’ silage bucket, Alo hookup. For more info call Sonke - 519-525-8329.
DARREN D’HONDT EQUIPMENT (retiring): JD 8450, 4wd articulating tractor, duals, rebuilt; JD 2623 disc, 29’3”, as new; Brent CBC, 7 shank, hyd. fold disc ripper. For more info call Darren- 519-410-7179.
ESTATE OF JOHN PATHY: MF 1085; MF 165; Case 430 & ldr (all purchased new); Yale forklift; IH lime spreader; quantity of 4” of 5” irrigation 30’ pipe; and miscellaneous equipment.
CONESTOGA COLLEGE: Kubota F3080 w/ cab, blade, blower, mower & sweeper; Kubota F2690 w/ cab, blade, blower, mower & sweeper; 2001 Ford pickup, 4wd, w/ Hiniker hydraulic 8’ snow blade.
BICZ FARMS: Hesston 4610, large square baler; Hesston 4570 inline baler & thrower; Kuhns AF10 bale accumulator; Kuhns 510F bale grapple; NH 570 square baler; NH 1049 automatic bale collector; hay elevators; Agrotek 81” skid steer mount forestry drum roller mulcher; JD 2020 & ldr; cattle equipment; Ingersoll Rand Doosan 6290 generator, 3 phase, Cummins 345hp diesel, 600 volt/ 296 kW; ratchet straps; New & used headache racks; tool boxes; tarps & trucking accessories.
RICK DEWATCHER: AC Gleaner L2 combine, w/ Deutz Allis 18’ flex head, 2200 engine hours & 1518 separator hours, super clean, wont fine a nicer one; Case IH 770, 11’ offset diss, as new; Case IH 5300, 21 run seed drill & press wheels; Several gravity boxes & wagons.
TRACTORS, COMPACTS & CONSTRUCTION (PARTIAL LISTING): White 6195, 4wd, duals; 5 (five) JD 5045E’s, 2wd & 4wd; JD 5075E, 2wd, ldr; JD 7410, 6420, 2750, 2755, 1830, 3010; Kubota M105S; Kubota M8540, 4wd; NH T6020 Plus; CIH Maxxum 125; Ford 7710, 6600, 5000, 4630 4wd & Ldr; MF 6150 & ldr, 4610 & ldr, 3070, 2 (two) MF 1085, 2 (two) MF 165, 1745; JD 4650, 4wd, duals; Ford TW35, 4wd; Ford 7710, 4wd & ldr; White 2-105 & 2-85; MF 285, square headlight; JD 6400, open, 4wd, ldr; IH 884; Kubota M7060, open, ldr; McCormick X4.30 open, ldr; JD 5425 & ldr; MF 255 & ldr; JD 1830 & ldr; Case 730; JD 7800, 4wd; Ford 5200; Ford 545 & ldr; JD 2020 & ldr; AC 7000 & cab; MF 3635, 4wd, ldr. Collectable Items: Vineland Estate: AC “G” w/ cult, fully restored; 1948 W4, fully restored; 1949 W4, fully restored; Farmall 400 diesel, fast hitch, ps; 2 (two) Farmall Super “C”; Case 210B; MF 35 Deluxe; MF 35 diesel, multi-power (works); MF 33; Cockshutt steel wheeled manure spreader; MH steel wheel drill & rake, great shape. Compacts: Kubota B3030 cab & ldr; JD 1025R w/ ldr & mower; Kubota B2320 TLB & mower; LS R3039H w/ ldr; JD 110 TLB; JD 724 lawnmower, 4-wheel steer, gas; 2 (two) Honda 350 Fourtrax four wheelers (2000, 2001); JD 930 front mount mower. Construction: Cat 420E IT TLB; JD 350B, 6way; 2 (two) Kubota R530 wheel loaders, 1 ROPS, 1 Cab; JD 27D, 27C ZTS mini exs; JD 320D skid steer; NH LX655 skid steer; Nissan 60 forklift; Toro Dingo TX525; Deutz vibratory roller; Case 1840 skid steer; JCB 541-70 Agri-Super telehandler; ASV RT-40 track skid steer. Combine: Agco Gleaner R62, 4wd, combine; Agco 6 row narrow, corn head.
SPECIAL ATTRACTION: 2019 Agrifac Condon Endurance II self-propelled sprayer, 420hrs, demo model, ALL OPTIONS. Selling on last high bid confirmation. For info on sprayer only call: 519-421-4376
EQUIPMENT (PARTIAL LISTING): JD 2623 disc, 29’3”; JD 2623VT, 30’8”; Bednar DO 4000HD disc ripper, only done 50 acres, Demo model; Case IH 770 offset disc; Gregoire Besson SPW29 4 furrow, roll over plow; NH 195 tandem manure spreader; Case IH L755 loader off Puma 185; Case IH 3800, 18.5’ hydraulic fold disc; JD 800 swather; Large quantity of Marweld sheep equipment; 2 (two) JD 750 no-till drills; JD 2810, 6 furrow adjustable plows; Kongskilde 2900, 52’ vibro-till cult; Blake 30’ drum roller; UNUSED JD 450M baler; MF Hesston 2170 large square; NH 7450 discbine; 2 (two) Krone V150XC balers; 2 (two) Kvernland 6516 balers; JD 960, 854, 558, 457, 335 round balers; Kubota RA2069 rake; CIH DC132 discbine; NH 316 baler & kicker; NH rakes; TubeLine bale accumulator; Unused Fehr ZV0600 feed mixer; JD 7200 MaxEmerge, 12 row, 30” planter; Kewanee 28’ cult; BlueJet applicator; Supreme 700T feed mixer w/ scales; MC 20’ stalk chopper; JD 230 disc, 24’; Brillion 24’ hydraulic fold packer; Several gravity box & wagons; Bauer & Cadman irrigation reels; WadeRain & DF 4”x5” pipe, large quantities; pto pumps; Agrotrend 500 gallon tandem sprayer; Glencoe 11 shank soil saver; Bodco 4800 gallon tandem liquid manure tank; Kuhn 2160 round baler/ wrapper combo (selling on last high bid confirmation); Kuhn W1614 bale wrapper; JD 450 tandem hitch seed drills; JD 975, 4 furrow reversable 3pth plow; JD 3710, 10 furrow, flex trail plow; Wil-Rich soil saver; 1999 JD 4700 self-propelled sprayer; Glencoe UM43, 24’ flat fold culti-mulcher; Miller Pro 9016 dump wagon; Woodmizer LT12 sawmill, only 6hrs.
TRUCKS & TRAILERS: 2006 Ford tri-axle dump truck w/ steering axle; 2006 Sterling tri-axle cab & chassis; 2014 IH DuraStar, 20’ flat, fold down sides; 2012 Dodge 2500, gas, 4wd; 1998 Homemade 27’, tandem dual trailer on air; 2005, 2003 & 1999 Great Dane van trailers; 2005 IH 560 tandem feed truck, 3 compartment (selling on last high bid confirmation); several aluminum dump & pump trailers; Several tag-a-long floats; KW single axle dump truck. Recreational Trailer: 2008 Cyclone 4012 fifth wheel camper/toy hauler trailer, 3 slide outs, purchased new, selling as is, unused for a couple years, selling for The Estate of the late Deb Irwin.
MISCELLANEOUS (PARTIAL LISTING): 4 (four) 40’ Seacan offices (sold off site); ALL SIZES of duals (some new) & tires and rims; JD take off tires; snow blowers; blades; headache racks; buckets; attachments; bale feeders; log splitters; elevators; hitches; chains; weights; post hole augers & so much more!
PLEASE NOTE: This is one of our larger sales of the year! A fantastic variety. Thanks to all of our consignors! Everything sells UNRESERVED except for a few items listed which are selling on last high bid confirmation. This is a partial listing ONLY! Many, many other items not listed! Viewing Monday to Friday 9-4 now until Sale date.
TERMS: A 5% Fee applies to all items to a maximum $2,000 (Buyer’s Premium & Internet Fees) per item. Payments will be received by cash, cheque, debit, credit, certified cheque or bank draft, E-Transfer & Wire Transfer (a three percent charge will apply to all credit card payments $2000 and above). Payments are due by 3:30pm on November 28th. Invoices will be emailed out after the auction closes! If needed, financing MUST be prearranged prior to bidding. Items to be removed by Friday December 6th, with paid invoices only. Auctioneer has described all items to the best of their ability with information provided by consigners. Owners and Auctioneers are not responsible for accidents during viewings or loading. Auctioneers are not responsible for items not picked up after final loading day. A storage fee may be applied to items if not picked up by December 6th.
519-535-0202
519-424-1562
For the past 26 years, Canadian Celtic rock band Mudmen have been build-
ing a legion of fans across the globe with extensive touring, paired with their inviting and inclusive concerts that are reminiscent of family reunions.
"It's a homecoming. You cannot forget where you came from," explains founding member and bagpiper Robby Campbell. "We are seeing the pass-down effect. Grandpa brought his son and now he has brought his son. We now have three generations at a show."
Mudmen also features founding member and bagpiper Sandy Campbell, lead vocalist and guitarist Col-
UPCOMING SHOWS
NOV. 16 - THE SADIES
Paddy's Underground;
20 John Pound Rd, Tillsonburg
$45.25 - 7:30pm - all ages/licensed
NOV. 21 - OPEN MIC WITH BILLY GIBBONS
Paddy's Underground;
20 John Pound Rd, Tillsonburg Free - 7:30pm - all ages/licensed
NOV. 22 - DAMN GOOD COMEDY SHOW
The Copper Mug;
79 Broadway, Tillsonburg
$20 - 7:00pm - 19+
in Amey, drummer Andy Gingerich, bassist Emmett Glancie and guitarist Alex Showdra. Even with twoand-a-half decades of filling seats and notable live gigs, including performing for the Queen of England on Canada Day and dozens of televised events, the members of the Mudmen always find their way back to Tillsonburg.
Coming up on the 30th anniversary of the band, Campbell reflects rather humbly, "As long as they are still coming to the show, that is what counts."
When asked about the re-
NOV. 23 - BILLIE ZIZI W/ WADLEY STATION
Paddy's Underground; 20 John Pound Rd, Tillsonburg $10 - 7:30pm - all ages/licensed
NOV. 23 - KARAOKE
The Copper Mug; 79 Broadway, Tillsonburg Free - 8:30pm - all ages/licensed
NOV. 24 - PAM BROOKS W/ CINDY MCMASTER
The Copper Mug; 79 Broadway, Tillsonburg Free - 5:00pm - all ages/licensed
surgence of vinyl and if we would ever see Mudmen songs on a record, Campbell answered, "We rerecorded and remixed our album Farmer's Tan and we will have that soon."
Music industry data from November 2024 shows that vinyl sales have increased 27.6 per cent in Canada from a year ago, according to entertainment industry data, analytics, and insights company Luminate.
"However, our fans want new. We are writing a new album while working on a book," Campbell said. The band has also been story-
NOV. 27 - DEVARROW W/ ELI WELLS
Paddy's Underground; 20 John Pound Rd, Tillsonburg $10 - 7:30pm - all ages/licensed
NOV. 28 - OPEN MIC WITH BILLY GIBBONS
Paddy's Underground; 20 John Pound Rd, Tillsonburg Free - 7:30pm - all ages/licensed
NOV. 29 - MUDMEN
Tillsonburg Legion Branch #153; 16 Durham St, Tillsonburg $25 - 7:00pm - 19+
boarding ideas for a documentary movie.”
Now an independent band, the members of Mudmen are no strangers to the music industry with years of working with different labels, management and booking agents while having their songs featured worldwide in hit TV shows like Showtime's Shameless and popular video games like EA Games' Burnout 3: Takedown.
When asked about the current climate of the music industry, and if there was any advice he would give to new artists starting out, Campbell answered, "It's better to stay smaller instead of hanging around people who can end your career....your life."
You can be a part of the family and celebrate an evening of songs and stories with Mudmen on Friday, Nov. 29th at the Tillsonburg Legion Branch 153 located at 16 Durham Street in Tillsonburg. Doors open at 7 p.m., with an 8 p.m. showtime. Tickets are available in advance for $25 by calling the Legion at 519-842-5281 or by visiting online outlet Ticket Scene. Tickets will also be available the night of the show at the door for $28, subject to availability. This is a licensed 19+ event. Wear your plaid shirt to show your Mudmen support and bring cash for the Mudmen merch booth. More details can be found by visiting mudmen. ca or Tillsonburg Legion #153's Facebook page.
Colin Campbell inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
Lake Lisgar pond hockey would also play an influential role in changing NHL and international hockey.
He played his minor hockey in Tillsonburg, graduating with the Tillsonburg Kinsmen Juveniles. Campbell played with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL from 1970 to 1973. The Pittsburgh Penguins drafted him in the second round of the 1973 draft. He also played for the Colorado Rockies, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Detroit Red Wings during a professional playing career that spanned 12 seasons. During his NHL playing time, he earned 128 points and 1,295 penalty minutes in 636 games.
After he retired from playing, Campbell spent three years as assistant coach in Detroit, before moving to New York Rangers as associate coach, and then head coach. He earned a Stanley Cup ring during that time and was the only person to play with and coach Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky. But it was in his time working for the league where he would make a difference that earned him hockey’s highest honour.
Campbell started as the NHL’s Senior Vice-President and Director of Hockey Operations shortly after he was done as the Rangers’ coach in July 1998. This position includes overseeing the operations centre that ensures every goal scored is legitimate, and working with the owners, coaches and managers.
The position initially included being the league’s chief disciplinarian, but that role was removed from his responsibilities in a reorganization.
“That’s a thankless job,” Campbell said of doling out discipline. “After 11 years, I told him (NHL President Gary Bettman) that’s enough.”
His position was renamed Senior Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operations, and Campbell oversees officials, NHL central scouting, and the league’s situation room. He also deals with team owners and general managers. Located in Toronto, the situation room has 15 cameras in every arena in the league and staff watching each game.
“Every goal goes in the net; we make sure it’s a good goal,” he said. When referees go to the side in a game and are in discussion, they are talking to Campbell and his team.
Part of the oversight of the league is done by Campbell from his home in Tillsonburg. His office has five screens, and he is in direct contact with the situation room in Toronto through two cameras in that facility.
“We just talk all night long. They can put the camera on one screen live, or two screens live,” he said of contentious situations.
Still, he is in Toronto three or four nights per week, and also on the road to NHL headquarters in New York City or to another centre.
Initially, Campbell thought he would stay with the league for a couple of years. He had coaching offers from four teams and later two general manager offers. He spoke of a positive working relationship with Bettman as one thing that kept him with the league. The other was family. Campbell gave credit to Bettman for prioritizing that Campbell be there for important family events.
“The reason I didn’t go back to a team as a coach or general manager is it’s a different busy (with the league). I missed a lot of Halloweens as a player,” he said. “In this job, I can be there. I
“It’s an arduous process and a thorough process,” he said. He was on a flight returning from watching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals in Florida last June, when the announcement was made.
“I was in the air from 12:30 to 3:30,” he recalled. “I got the call as I was landing in Hamilton.”
Mike Gartner, chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, and Lanny McDonald from the hall’s board called him after he landed.
“I joked, are you sure you’re not putting me in as a player,” he said. “It’s easier to get in as a player than a builder.”
There are currently 299 players in the Hall of Fame and 115 builders.
just have a phone attached to my ear all the time. Gary Bettman is a great boss. He’s loyal and a big-time family man.”
Saying he is fortunate his family is nearby, Campbell said he can watch the big events in his grandchildren’s lives. His daughter Courtney lives in Burlington and is a lawyer. Lauren is a teacher and head of nutrition for NHL officials. Gregory, who had a career in the NHL, now lives in Kitchener and is the assistant general manager for Florida Panthers.
“It’s flexible enough I could watch my son’s career through junior and then watch him play in the NHL,” Campbell recounted.
Campbell credited his wife, Heather, for support throughout his career.
“I don’t think I could have done this job without the support of Heather,” he said. “At the same time, you have to raise a family and deal with family issues.”
Staying with the league meant good times and bad. One of the more challenging times was during the lockout in 20042005. Campbell saw the break as an opportunity to fix the game of hockey.
“If it’s not right on Lake Lisgar, it’s not right in Maple Leaf Gardens or Madison Square Gardens,” Campbell said. “You can’t hook a guy.”
He wanted to return hockey to its purest form, so he introduced several rules to limit hooking and interference and allow more offense in the game.
“We need to get back to the purest form of hockey, playing hockey on Lake Lisgar,” Campbell said.
The changes made changed the game in the NHL and reverberated through hockey play around the world.
When Campbell started with the league, a goal or penalty challenge meant a VHS tape had to be driven or flown to Toronto for his review. As technology developed, he oversaw the building of the situation room. The NBA, MLB, and NFL have all checked out the situation room when creating something for their leagues.
“They wanted to know what we were doing, wanted to look at it,” Campbell said.
Building the situation room, leading the league on rule changes, and dedication to hockey were cited as reasons for Campbell’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
In his role with the NHL, Campbell was on the selection committee for the Hockey Hall of Fame inductees for 15 years. He knows how tough it is to be selected. The selection committee comprises 18 members, and 14 votes are needed to be inducted.
Locally, Campbell has influenced many young hockey players through the Colin Campbell Hockey School, held during the summer. Campbell recalled Chris Legein attending one of his early hockey schools.
“I’m up there,” he said, noting he no longer actively helps at the school and his daughter Heather has taken it over. “Chris was there at one of my first schools in ’72, and now he’s there watching his grandchildren.”
As for what’s next, at 71, Campbell said he’s not ready to retire yet, noting that Bettman is older than he is.
“I’m going 100 miles per hour; I don’t know if I can stop and go zero,” he said. “I need to first go halfway. It’s invigorating, I enjoy it.”
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Tillsonburg native Colin Campbell shows off the Hockey Hall of Fame ring he was presented after a presentation on Nov. 9. He was inducted into the hall as a builder for his commitment to the sport, his role in reshaping the rules of the sport and building a situation room for the league.
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
Colin Campbell, centre, was presented his ring after induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame by Lanny McDonald, left, and Mike Gartner.
(JOHN DANBROOK PHOTO)
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman congratulated Tillsonburg native Colin Campbell on his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame during a ceremony Monday night.
REMEMBRANCE DAY RECAP
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTOS)
The Silent Walk from Veterans Memorial Walkway to the Cenotaph was led by Gord Omerod carrying the Canadian flag, followed by Mayor Deb Gilvesy and Travis Beecroft with the Silent Walk flag.
Members of the Varnavair 153 Royal Canadian Air Cadets took part in an overnight vigil at the cenotaph, standing guard from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and enduring rain, thunder and lightning. Flight corporal Addie Wall, right, and Warrant Officer Second Class Brian Ferris took their turns. Cadets completed half-hour shifts, with 18 taking part through the 12 hours.
At the conclusion of Monday’s Remembrance Day ceremony, members of the public were invited to place their poppies on the cross.
Legion members, from the left Randy Boughner, John Allard, Tom Brown and Joe Brown, salute as the Oxford Reformed Christian School choir sang God Save the King at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Legion Comrade Don Showers accepted the wreaths and placed them adjacent to the cenotaph.
The front of the cenotaph was adorned by wreaths as members of the 153 Varnavair Air Cadets stood watch. Here, Comrade Jason Pankratz sets a wreath in place.
STUDIO TOUR:
Welcome Back to Otterville is unique
saying,” smiled Plaid Shirt’s Patricia Van Diepen.
Mae Leonard’s art reflects its creator: unique, with more than a little character.
“They’re out of my head,” said the retired educator, whose design of distinctive wire sculptures sources internal inspiration, rather than the parameters of a pattern.
Leonard is one of eight artists sharing their unique creative visions on the Welcome Back to Otterville Studio Tour, Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
A tour map, descriptions of each participant and contact information are available on the website: https://www.welcomebacktootterville.ca. Tour sites will also be marked with yellow flags during the twoday tour. For more information, interested persons can call 519-879-6352.
It’s a cozy, concise collection says founder Sue Goossens, harkening back to when a variety of artists, specialty shopkeepers and antique emporiums agreed to co-ordinate Christmas open houses.
“We just kind of thought, does everyone want to do it on the same weekend?” she recalled.
That collaborative foundation spawned an intimate 29-year year village institution with an evolving list of artists and vendors. This year’s group features the art of Goossens, Leonard, Liane Todd, Linda DeJonghe (Sunday only), Shirley Hokke, Joan McQuiggin, art cards and more by Trudy Verberne, pottery from Susan DeRoo, and Plaid Shirt Farms Ltd.’s berry products.
Located just east of the village along Otterville road across Oxford Road 59, Plaid Shirt was established in 2017 as a black currant producer. Haskap berries were added the following year, expanding a range of fruit-forward jams, pure juices and sparkling black currant and haskap drinks.
“They’re great on their own, or with a touch of whatever… gin… vodka - just
An operation focussed on natural, chemical and preservative-free produce and sustainable farming practices supplies juice for brewers, distillers and wineries and also offers frozen berries for sale.
“Things are finally coming along,” said Van Diepen, of a passion project which is beginning to, well, bear fruit.
The paths to Leonard’s ‘barn’ are a contemplative labyrinth of lovingly-tended trees and plants, living art if you will, part of the natural world where she finds inspiration. They lead to a structure hosting not only her and a gathering of friends’ artistic pursuits, but also a local wood carvers group. Her world is one of original creations: acrylic paintings - often complete with mystery ‘guests’, stained-glass windows and afghans, punctuated by distinctive coloured wire sculptures.
Leonard introduced the concept to her ‘art girls’, and while no one else connected with the medium, she appreciates its inherent challenge.
“And I like a challenge.”
Leonard lays down a base framework of heavier wire, starting with the legs.
“From there on the body part is whatever comes to mind.”
Fine chicken wire and screening build out her creations’ structural frame, with the detail work a combination of pliable coloured aluminum and other wires.
“Copper wire has become so costly I might have to melt pennies,” she joked.
Leonard repurposes a variety of items for eyes, for example, craft shop offerings, marbles or even covered golf balls.
The process is free-flowing, and while Leonard is never entirely sure where the creative path is taking her, it’s a given it won’t be finished quickly. The wing of a smaller bird might take her an evening, the entire sculpture the equivalent of a standard work week. And the two-and-a-halffoot owl in her dining room a labour of love
taking an estimated 400-500 hours.
“It was a long time because every one of those loops is done by hand.”
Her family members tend to be either musical or artistic says Leonard, the latter prevalent on her father’s side of male woodworkers. During her teaching career, she focussed on topic and skills rather than specific projects, a creative journey fol-
lowed in her own creations.
“It’s whatever turns up,” Leonard smiled. Goossens is hoping good weather ‘turns up’ for the tour weekend, encouraging people to spend a morning, afternoon or day ‘welcomed back’ to a long-standing tradition.
“Come and enjoy it,” she smiled in conclusion.
JEFF TRIBE Post Contributor
Original watercolour artist Sue Goossens is welcoming guests back to Otterville for the village’s annual art and specialty shop tour, Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. More information can be found on the website: https://www.welcomebacktootterville.ca. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Otterville artist Mae Leonard shows off one of her unique wire sculptures in preparation for the upcoming Welcome Back to Otterville studio tour Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Warren Strong (left) and Patricia Van Diepen are welcoming guests to Plaid Shirt Farms Ltd. as part of this year’s Welcome Back to Otterville studio tour Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. (JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Weekend Quiz
1) What are November's two birthstones?
2) In what year did Sportsnet cut ties with Don Cherry?
3) What day is Remembrance Day?
4) Who wears orange in Scooby Doo?
5) Who plays Dexter in Dexter?
6) In what country is the Taj Mahal located?
7) The "Venus de Milo" is a statue of what goddess?
8) Psychology is the study of what?
9) Which Beatle had dyslexia?
10) In what ocean do typhoons occur?
This week’s answers are found on pg. 30
MUSEUM CORNER
Place Name Origins
Have you ever wondered where Tillsonburg got its street, views and place names?
When Tillsonburg was incorporated in 1872, the streets of Tillsonburg were names with “good and sufficient reason.” (Ellen Eff, 1963).
Ellen Eff continues in her document
“How Streets Got There Names.” (1963)
“First, three sets of the older streets, Venison, Bear and Wolf have animal names, given by George Tillson due to his fondness of hunting.” First principle street, Bloomer St, got it name from the bloomer forge George Tillson operated
there. First main street, Van St., no doubt was named in honour of the man associated with the founding of Tillsonburg, Benjamin Van Norman. Potter’s Road got its name in conjunction with the pottery works said to be in operation there. Tillson Ave, likely names in honor of the Tillson Family.”
While some streets were named in 1872, others have been added as the community grew. Let’s explore the origins of other street names in Tillsonburg. Thank you to Laurel Beechey and Kathleen Watkin for delving into the archives to discover these street name origins.
Lisgar Ave was named after the lake it runs along. The road and lakes name sake is Lord Lisgar, Canada’s second Governor General. He was in office from 1869 to 1872. He was well regarded by Sir. John A. Macdonald and the country for how he dealt with the Red River Rebellion (1869-1870 ) and the Fenian Raids (1870-1871).
Highlights from the November 13 County Council agenda
2025 Budget, water and wastewater rates, updated growth forecasts and more County Council meetings are broadcast live at www.oxfordcounty.ca/livestream. To download the full agenda or view past recordings of council meetings, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/council.
Draft budget would increase taxes
$137 annually on average household Oxford County Council receives the Draft 2025 Business Plan and Budget at the November 13 council meeting. This is the first step in Council's review and discussion of next year's budget. The final 2025 Budget, including any changes resulting from the special budget meetings, is before County Council for final approval on December 11, 2024.
Through a total proposed budget of $422.0 million, the draft budget includes:
• a $291.0 million operating budget to deliver County programs and services, including those that provide affordable housing, support for vulnerable and unhoused people, safe drinking water, traffic calming and road safety, paramedic services, long-term care at Woodingford Lodge, reliable municipal infrastructure, community planning and development, provincial offences administration, County library services, and more
• a $131.0 million capital plan for municipal infrastructure and $79.2 million in capital reserve transfers for future funding for roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure, facilities, information technology and more under Oxford County's Asset Management Plan
The county share of municipal taxes, collected from each of Oxford's eight area municipalities through the tax levy, is proposed at $98.8 million for 2025. This would result in an average municipal tax increase, on an average residential household, of $137 for the year, or just under $12 a month. This number is an estimate only and subject to change through the budget process and the final MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) assessment roll released at year-end.
Municipal property taxes fund just under a quarter of the county budget (23.4 per cent). Other funding sources include provincial and federal funding, reserves (funds earmarked for future expenses), user fees and charges (e.g., water and wastewater rates collected by utilities),
and other charges and debentures. Municipal tax increases in recent years have also been offset by growth in the County's municipal tax base as a result of population growth.
For more information and updates visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/2025budget
CS 2024-40 – 2025 Business Plans and Budget | Draft 2025 Business Plan and Budget
2025 Oxford County library budget
The Oxford County Library 2025 Budget also comes forward on November 13. The Library’s share of the County’s proposed tax levy is $5.7 million, representing 2% of Oxford County’s 2025 Budget, a 10% increase over 2024. If approved, the proposed budget includes continued support for the Ox on the Run mobile library unit, the youth summer reading program, communication and community engagement activities, a review of e-commerce options, an organizational review and other projects.
CS 2024-41 - 2025 Oxford County Library Business Plan and Budget
2025 Water and wastewater rates
County council receives the preliminary 2025 water and wastewater rates next council meeting. The proposed rates, which go into effect January 1 if approved, would result in an increase for the average residential household of between $36 and $128 for the year depending on the municipal water or wastewater system.
Last year, council approved policy changes that incorporated rate changes into the annual business plan and budget process. Water and wastewater services and infrastructure in each system are fully funded through the utility charges paid by the residents connected to that system.
CS 2024-39 - 2025 Water and Wastewater Rates
Updated growth forecasts
Oxford County and all eight area municipalities will continue to experience substantial population, household and employment growth to 2061, according to the latest proposed updates to the County’s 40-year growth forecast. Oxford County’s population is forecast to grow from 126,700 in 2021 to 223,600 in 2061, with the number of jobs expected to grow by 43,600 in the same time period. The number of households is forecast to grow by approximately 42,000, based on an average yearly increase of 1,050 new housing units. The next phases of the study will assess land supply to determine if any additional land is required to meet forecasted growth.
The quest for the holy puffin
PAUL KNOWLES
Tillsonburg Post Columnist
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO!
I will admit, it’s not up there with Indiana Jones’ quest for the Holy Grail – of even Monty Python’s hilarious attempt at the same feat. But it was truly a quest, nonetheless, and it did take years, and I finally realized my goal. Which King Arthur never actually managed to do.
The object of my search was not a sacred vessel – it was a small, multi-coloured bird. To be specific, a puffin.
I have long wanted to see a puffin, in its natural setting. It became something of an obsession. Over the years, I have visited a number of places that promised puffin sightings. I visited my sister who lives in St. Anthony, on the northern tip of Newfoundland. I saw whales, and icebergs, and guillemots. I even patted a beluga whale that had come into a small outport and was hanging around the docks (until a whale scientist told us to leave the whale alone). But… no puffins.
I travelled to Ireland – three times – and hung out on the Atlantic coast at astonishing places like the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher. I saw plenty of posters advertising the availability of puffins. But… no puffins.
I visited Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores region of Nova Scotia, and fell madly in love with the whole area. It quickly became one of my favourite destinations in the world. Except… no puffins.
I have spent a lot of time in much-loved Cornwall, England, exploring the coastal towns like Fowey, Marazion and Mousehole (pronounced Mawzel), travelling by boat along the shore, enjoying amazing destinations like Saint Michael’s Mount and Tintagel. But… no puffins.
So, when I started to plan my trip to St. John’s, Newfoundland, earlier this year, I was determined not to get my hopes up. After all, every one of those places I have visited boast about their population of puffins. Every one of them post pictures of these cute little birds. Every one offered nothing but disappointment to me.
So I was not optimistic.
What took me to St. John’s was the annual conference of the Travel Media Association of Canada. At these events, we work hard – really! – but our hosts also treat us like royalty. One of the features of the conference was an afternoon whale-watching trip with O’Brien’s Boat Tours.
I was pleased about this, because, first, who doesn’t want to see whales and second, one of the O’Briens who own the boats is Con O’Brien, also lead singer of the Irish Descendants, a wonderful Newfoundland band that I brought to this area, twice, when I was executive director of a local arts festival.
So, it would be fun. But I did not get my puffin-oriented hopes up.
We headed out on the sea, bound for Witless Bay – an interesting name for a destination for writers, bloggers and public relations professionals.
Perhaps an hour into the voyage, I spotted a couple of small birds floating on the waves. Could they be? Yes! I was actually seeing my first two puffins. I was very excited. And then I realized I was actually seeing my first 200,000 puffins or so. The air was filled with oddly-shaped, brightly-coloured little birds. They were fishing, they were flying, they were floating, they
were pooping on or near us, they were making an aged and jaded travel writer very, very happy.
The O’Brien trip was terrific. In addition to literally thousands of puffins, we saw lots of other sea birds – guillemots (old hat to me, of course), terns, kittiwakes, murres. They were interesting, of course, but they meant little to me because I was watching puffins.
On the trip back, we also saw whales. I enjoyed that, too, but I have to confess I was still savouring the puffin sightings. After all, I had been years on the quest!
A few days later, I was part of a small group of travel journalists who got to tour the Irish Loop – the part of Newfoundland nearest St. John’s. We stayed in terrific accommodations at Cliff’s Edge Retreat, overlooking Witless Bay.
As I stood on my balcony, taking in the amazing view, I realized I was yet again spotting puffins, swimming near the shore
and darting through the air. This time, it felt, they had come to me. Clearly, the puffins understood how hard I had worked to establish “first contact”, and they were now feeling a bond with me.
Or maybe, the attraction was the fish they were feeding on in Witless Bay. Witless Bay, by the way, is a well-protected ecological preserve, so it is guaranteed that if you go there at the right time (I was there in June), there will be all manner of seabirds, as well as whales, and perhaps icebergs.
I have found that Newfoundland and Labrador is high on many travellers’ bucket list. And Canada’s newest province deserves to be. So, do go, and if you go, be sure to say Hi to the puffins for me. 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.
O'Brien's Boat Tours: a great way to encounter the elusive puffin (or thousands of them)
Cliff's Edge Retreat owner Craig March.
A quartet of quirky, charming puffins.
(DESTINATION ST. JOHN'S PHOTO)
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)
Koebel, Audiologist & Senior Manager, Audiology
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.
PET OF THE WEEK
SULLY
589 Broadway, Tillsonburg
Monday-Tuesday: 9am-7pm
Wednesday-Friday: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-5pm
COMING EVENTS
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
PORT ROWAN HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW
Saturday, December 7th, 9am-5pm & Sunday
December 8th, 10am -4pm
PORT ROWAN COMMUNITY CENTER, 14 COLLEGE AVENUE
Over 40 vendors, NonPerishable Food Drop Off
TALK
TILLSONBURG’S 9TH CHILDREN SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS
Saturday December 7th, 2024; 9am to 1pm Upper Deck Youth Centre
OTTERVILLE UNITED CHURCH PRESENTS PROCLAMATION QUARTTET
November 17; 2:00 p.m. 231 Main St. E., Otterville Music to bless your heart!
DANCE FEATURING KEN LIGHTHEART & BAND
2 STEP – LINE – 50-60'S Nov. 22, Dec. 13 & 27; 1-4 pm
Tillsonburg Legion $6.00 adm.
THE LANGTON CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE PIE & EUROPEAN BAKE SALE
December 14th; 9am-1pm Pie pickup at the Langton Community Centre during
the Santa Claus parade, location European Bake sale booth. Choice of apple, blueberry, cherry. Preorder by cut-off date December 6th. To order contact Jeannette Major at 519-875-4952 or jmamajor@hotmail.com
THE SOUNDING JOY
Saturday, December 7th; 2 pm
88 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg
Under the direction of Shelley Vermeersch, St. Paul's United Church choir and friends will perform a cantata "The Sounding Joy". Please use the ramp doors.
THE FRIENDSHIP TABLE - FREE FRIENDSHIP DINNERS
Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, Monday, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 12, June 9, 2025; Doors open at 4:30. Dinner Served 5:00-6:30
St. Mary’s Church Basement, Corner of Rolph St & Venison St, Tillsonburg SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL HELPING THOSE IN NEED. GOOD NEWS!! FREE FRIENDSHIP DINNERS ARE BACK! Everyone Welcome
GREATER THAN THE SUM II
Norwich United Church Tuesday December 10th at 7:30pm.
The Norwich Musical Society Band will host a Christmas concert in combination with the Mitchell Legion Band. Admission is by donation.
ST. JOHN’S TILLSONBURG - DRIVE THRU DINNER FUNDRAISER Nov. 14th
Pickup: 4:30pm-6:00pm Pork Tenderloin, [Red Wine Sauce], Roast Potatoes, Veg-
Discover New Hope Baptist Church
etables, Salad, Bun, Strawberry-Shortcake. Order deadline Friday, November 8th, call 519-842-5573 or get tickets at the office; Tues. to Fri., 9a–1p, 46 Ridout St. W., Tillsonburg or after service on Sunday
THE WAGNER MEMORIAL TEETERVILLE LEGION BRANCH 526 EVENTS: 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario 519-443-5588 or teetervillelegionbranch526. ca
Christmas Craft & Vendor Show
Sunday, November 17th,2024 11:00 am- 3:00 pm Free Admission.
OPEN JAM
Saturday, November 30th; starting at 1:00 pm Last Saturday of every month. Free event.
Join us for a friendly game of DARTS
Friday, November 15th Registration at 6:45 Starting at 7:00 pm
ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH EVENTS: 88 Bidwell Street
ST. PAUL’S MESSY CHURCH PRESENTS: “LET’S DECORATE DECEMBER” CRAFTS & GAMES
December 7th 10-12 noon 88 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg A family oriented event with snacks, crafts (for kids & adults), music, games, story and lunch.
COMMUNITY KITCHEN LUNCHEON
Every Saturday Doors open at 10:30 am
TILLSONBURG AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS:
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.
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!
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.
CHRISTMAS BAZAARS:
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.
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.
UCW FROSTY FAIR BAZAAR
Saturday, November 23, 9-1:30 p.m.
St. Paul’s United Church, 88 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg Craft Sale.
Western Pacific Ocean
WAYNE
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Mahoney, after a brief illness, at the age of 77. Loving husband of 14 years to Laura. Wonderful father to Kimberly Herreman (Darryl); Laura Mesz (Joe); Stepfather to Julia Avery (Keith); Rick Mahoney (Catrinel) and Pam Belding (Aaron). Fun loving and generous grandfather to Rachel, Cooper, Gavin, Dawson, Jeremy, Greg, Ruxandra, Addison, Audrey, Aiden and Mackenna. Brother to Lorne Mahoney (Anne Marie); sisters-in-law Susan Mahoney and Joni MacArthur as well as several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Matthew and Ann Marie Mahoney, brothers Gerry Mahoney and Ed MacArthur and Wayne’s first wife, Shaena Mahoney.
Wayne was employed by Ontario Hydro from 1968-1992 followed by many years of work with construction companies, until his full retirement in 2012. Wayne was an advocate for the welfare of others, working as a safety officer throughout his career.
Wayne dedicated many years to coaching his daughters’ softball teams, instilling in them not just the skills of the game but also the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. His love for the sport was matched only by his passion for golf, a pastime he pursued with the same enthusiasm and joy he brought to his life. Wayne’s fondness for photography allowed him to capture the beauty of the world around him, creating lasting memories of Laura and Wayne’s many travels together. He was a generous man, leaving behind a legacy of quiet contributions and selfless support to those in need. He never sought recognition for his efforts, preferring to make his impact felt through his actions rather than his words. Above all, Wayne was a family man. His unwavering commitment to his loved ones was the cornerstone of his life. He was a constant source of strength and support. His absence will be deeply felt by all.
The family would like to thank Dr. B. Roth, Dr. T. Hainer, Dr. C. Yao, Dr. M. Abdul and Dr. A. Regis, as well as Kristen from Care Partners for their care and compassion throughout Wayne’s final days. In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life to honour their wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Esco Pazzo, 101 John Pound Rd, Tillsonburg, ON from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to St. Paul’s United Church (cheque memo Community Kitchen) and can be mailed to St. Paul’s United Church, 88 Bidwell St. Tillsonburg, ON N4G 3V2 or given at the celebration of life. Etransfers to stpaulsunited@execulink.com (please note Community Kitchen). Personal condolences and special memories may be shared at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com
