Woodstock Ingersoll Echo
Woodstock hockey coach arrested following game ejection
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woodstock Police have charged a 42-yearold city man after an ugly scene at a Woodstock arena.
On Saturday, March 1 at about 8:43 a.m., an incident during a youth hockey game led to the arrest of a 42-year-old coach from Woodstock. Police say the disturbance occurred during a 7-year-old's hockey game when the coach argued a call with the referee, challenging the referee’s decision. The confrontation escalated when the coach began shouting profanities at the official and the game was stopped.
The referee ejected the coach from the game and police said he continued to cause a scene by shouting and refusing to leave
the premises. An arena staff member, employed by the city, then called police for assistance to have the male removed from the facility.
Police arrived and escorted the coach to his dressing room to gather his personal belongings.
“However, the situation escalated further as the coach continued to be disruptive, yelling at spectators. Police began to escort the male out, when he became violent. In a violent outburst, he physically resisted officers and began swinging his arms, leading to a confrontation. Two officers were forced to physically restrain the coach after he assaulted them,” said a news release.
The coach was arrested for causing a disturbance, two counts of assaulting police and resisting arrest.
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Oxford County Council turned down a one-dollar hike in the cost of a bag of garbage at its last regular meeting, but it was back on this week’s agenda thanks to a motion by South-West Oxford Mayor, David Mayberry.
Council voted to up the cost of putting a bag of garbage on the curb to $3, representing a 50 per cent increase. The recorded vote wound up 7 to 3 and will come into effect Jan.1, 2026. The motion to hike the fee in May was defeated by a 5-5 vote
but two members of council changed their minds this time around.
Phil Schaefer, Bernia Martin, Katie Grigg, Brian Petrie, Mark Peterson, Mayberry and Jim Palmer voted in favour of the motion. Jerry Acchione, Connie Lauder and Chris Parker opposed it. Lauder replaced Deb Tait while Paker sat in for Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy. Grigg took the spot normally held by Warden Marcus Ryan. All three regular councillors were away for the March break.
Petrie, who also voted for the increase at the last meeting, said his decision comes down to the math involved.
GRIFFI’S GRIPES: Now that I live here, what I like and what I don’t like
LEE GRIFFI Editor
Well, Woodstock, you are officially stuck with me now.
I recently became a city resident after calling Stratford home for the first 25 years of my life, then Tavistock for the next 30 years. Wait, that isn’t true. I did live in one of the high-rise apartments on Chieftain about 20 years ago. I will save you the details of that story.
I am hopeful the people of the Friendly City will welcome me with open arms and I have gotten to know many of you over the last few years as I have spent half my time here with my incredible partner who puts up with me watching the news all day, seven days a week. You can throw some college basketball games in there, especially this time of year with NCAA March Madness
ready to begin! I guess we aren’t too far away from NHL playoffs either. To be honest, I rarely watch a regular season game because it just isn’t hockey until the postseason starts.
What I like
Woodstock truly is a friendly city. I didn’t have much of a reason to come here until about eight years ago, but I have been impressed by the customer service at pretty much every single restaurant, bar and store. I have gotten to know many small business owners. They are passionate about what they do and equally as loving of the city they have set up shop in. People are, generally speaking, very polite when interacting in public.
I love the downtown. Take that with a grain of salt as don’t forget, I grew up in Stratford, one of the most beautiful cores anywhere in the province. I see so much potential here in Woodstock and I honestly hope to see continued improvement. What worries me is all the development going up out Norwich Avenue near the 401. That will make it very difficult to attract consistent new business downtown.
I have been welcomed by the political establishment. This includes most members of Woodstock, Ingersoll and Oxford County councils. Mayor Jerry Acchione, Warden Marcus Ryan, Brian Petrie and many elected
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
HELP IS THERE WHEN NEEDED AT THE ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL IN INGERSOLL
Last Sunday at six am I discovered that I had some blood in my urine. We made our way over to Alexander Hospital to get some help. It took but a few minutes to be seen by Megan who very efficiently checked my vitals and collected a urine sample.
Waited for a few minutes till they called my number to be seen by Dr Chawia in the ER. Blood work, ECG and then an X ray followed. He ordered an ultra sound. Amazing. that Monday morning I was called that there was a cancellation if I could come to the hospital.
All of the tests have been done and I now have to wait to hear the results. The warm caring excellent care from all of the hospital staff was much appreciated.
If you are in need of medical help don’t be afraid and make your way down Hamilton Road to have the nice people take care of you at Alexandra Ingersoll Hospital. One of the nurses reminded me when we were leaving ; “Remember you are always welcome if you need help.”
Len Lesser is a resident of Dorchester, Ont.
officials return my emails and texts when I have questions and want to go on the record. The three largest municipalities have fantastic communication departments. There are always some outliers, but it is what it is. Some people can’t take fair yet hard questions.
Not everyone appreciates my style of journalism, which is to ask questions in the public interest. If anyone out there has seen the movie Grosse Pointe Blank, star John Cusack’s line rings true with me.
“If I show up at your door, chances are you have done something to bring me there.”
Cusack played a hitman and while that is a far cry from what I do for a living, if I am asking a politician serious questions, I don’t pick them out of thin air. I hear from members of the public, research, and then make an educated decision on whether a story is worth pursuing. Some are, and some aren’t. There could be more to come in this neck of the woods, so stay tuned.
What some politicians don’t understand is that I am doing my job. It is not personal, nor will it ever be. I will not attack any elected official online or otherwise. I have been on the receiving end a few times.
I also want to thank local MPP and MP Ernie Hardmen and Arpan Khanna, respectively, for giving me their time on issues important to Oxford County. In the interest of not coming across as biased, I also want to com-
mend Tim Louis, a Liberal MP in the Kitchener-Conestoga riding, for his cooperation. While not a part of the Echo’s readership area, he does his best to give me time for stories I write in the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette newspaper. My political stripes mean nothing when I sit behind my desk, and they all know that.
I have also fostered a solid working relationship with the Woodstock Police Service. There was very little interaction between the force and local media, and that was a gap I quickly noticed and worked hard to rectify. You will see many police stories in the Echo, and I do not apologize for that. Our men and women in uniform should be commended for doing their job. At the same time, if they don’t, I have no problem asking tough questions. They know that.
What I don’t like
I don’t like some aspects of the downtown. For as many positives I see, there are some things I can’t wrap my head around, and homelessness isn’t included specifically. A small number of people downtown are truly slobs who could care less about anything but their world. I spend double-digit hours weekly in the core – just ask any establishment owner as I do some of my best writing there – and the amount of garbage I see piled up in bins is gross. The number of untagged bags sitting on sidewalks for days at a time is ridiculous.
I don’t blame the city for this
totally, but something needs to change. Streetscape phases 1 and 2 are coming, but a beautiful downtown won’t be had when some residents have absolutely no pride in where they live. We need to do better.
When I said I don’t like homelessness I wasn’t being 100 per cent truthful. I have tremendous sympathy for the problem itself and some of the people living on the streets I have met personally. What I can’t stand is how all levels of government can’t get their heads together and come up with a master plan that will make a difference. I realize we have a HART Hub coming to Woodstock, but I remain a skeptic until I see more people off the streets, off the drugs and getting the mental health treatment they need.
I also think it is ridiculous some people who own a house or pay rent have their lives turned upside down by an encampment that negatively affects their way of life. Completely unacceptable. I don’t have all the answers but I have suggested to municipal, provincial and federal leaders that they schedule an official event to bring everyone to the table and figure it out. Until that happens, all we have is silos and it just isn’t working.
Other than some drivers here having no clue how to successfully navigate a four-way stop, I can’t think of many other things I don’t like. Keep it up, Woodstock, I just might like calling the Friendly City my new home.
Oxford Road 59 bridge construction delayed
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Those who were hoping work on the Highway 59 bridge in Woodstock to be done by now will have to wait a little longer for the southbound detour to be removed. And even when it is, it will be back soon.
Renovation work is expected to finish in April, about four months behind schedule with the southbound lane closure and detour to be reinstated for a shorter-term construction project at the Vansittart Ave. and Devonshire Ave. intersection in late spring.
“We were hoping initially when we awarded the contract it would be completed in 2024. When the contractor, Sierra Construction, got to work, they ran into a few headaches, which happens with most construction and the timeline was pushed,” said Director of Public Works, Melissa Abercrombie.
She added crews still need to waterproof the bridge and put down a base coat of asphalt and the delay comes down to winter weather. The remaining work is also temperature-dependent and requires warmer and drier conditions to complete. With the current long-range forecast, Abercrombie is confident.
The remaining work is temperature-dependent and requires warmer and drier conditions to complete. Due to a favourable long-range weather forecast, construction is now expected to finish in early April.
“We couldn’t do that when we had the cold and snowy weather in January and February. We just weren’t able to do it. With the weather getting a bit warmer and dryer, we should be able to start working on it,” explained Abercrombie.
“We just closed the tender for that project last week and will be going to council for approval in March. We are looking at doing some upgrades at the intersection and
Construction on the Highway 59 bridge in Woodstock is now expected to be completed in early April. It will open up to two-way traffic but not for long – another project in the area will have the detour back for a few additional months.
then working down Devonshire. The first phase is the intersection and we will have to limit the bridge to northbound traffic only. Once that is done, hopefully in July, the bridge will open up to two-way traffic and not shut down again,” she added.
This second lane closure is for the first part of a four-year reconstruction project to improve Oxford Road 35 (Devonshire Avenue) in Woodstock. Construction at the Vansittart Avenue and Devonshire Avenue intersection will be carried out over several weeks in the spring, after which bridge traffic will return to normal. Road closures will then be in place on Devonshire Avenue between Vansittart Avenue and Wellington Street for sanitary, storm and water main replacement and repairs; road replacement; new bike lanes and sidewalks; and new traffic signals and streetlights.
Oxford County will provide an update to the community once the contract has been awarded and the contractor’s construction schedule is determined. For updates on this project, visit www.oxfordcounty. ca/59bridge or follow Oxford County on social media.
Coach suspended indefinitely pending investigation
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woodstock police are asking anyone with a video of the incident to forward it to them.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and respect, especially in youth sports, where the conduct of coaches and spectators can set an example for young athletes,” added the release.
Woodstock Minor Hockey and its parent body, Alliance Hockey, issued a joint statement after being contacted by the Echo.
“The Woodstock Minor Hockey Association and Alliance Hockey are aware of a serious situation involving a coach that occurred this past weekend in Woodstock. The safety of our participants is a priority, and we thank those individuals on site along with the
City of Woodstock Arena Staff and the Woodstock Police Service for their assistance in managing the incident. The individual is indefinitely suspended from all sanctioned programming, and we are continuing to support the ongoing police investigation.”
An interim indefinite suspension has been imposed on the coach, and the incident has been referred to Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party (ITP) for review. The Third Party will decide whether to take jurisdiction over the matter or defer to the OHF/Member Partner.
“The outcome of the assault charge and court proceedings are pending. According to the OHF Screening Policy, if the coach is convicted of assault, they will be deemed ineligible for a period of three years, starting from the date the court imposes the penalty,” added Alliance Executive Director Tyler Tolton.
(OXFORD COUNTY PHOTO)
Two councillors flipped votes from previous motion
“It is going to have to be paid for one way or another…We still need the same amount of revenue, regardless. The big increase here is in our waste collection contracts. Not one person I talked to said they didn’t want their garbage picked up.”
The Ingersoll mayor alluded to a 9.2 per cent increase in Woodstock’s waste collection budget this year and added the cost of a bag tag hasn’t increased since 2014. “It’s certainly not something we take lightly…I think gar-
bage collection is a very valuable service that people just don’t think about because it happens so efficiently and effectively that sometimes you take it for granted. If you had to get rid of your own garbage, what would you do?”
Petrie added he is worried $3 per bag may not be enough of an increase to cover costs.
Coun. Lauder explained her no vote came as a result of several factors, including the threat of tariffs from the US president, which could add to the financial pressures people face today.
cle more, find ways to compost or divert that organic waste now.”
Martin added it isn’t feasible for everyone to make that happen, but behaviours could change going forward.
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“With the uncertainty we are facing at this time with possible job losses and increasing food costs, the threats of tariffs and just the cost of some people to keep a roof over their head. I don’t think this is the time to burden our citizens with an increase in the cost of bag tags.”
Acchione said he would rather see the county move to a hybrid system to encourage people to use one bag, recycle more and utilize the upcoming green bin system.
“I think it is a burden on everyone. Those who abuse and use the system will ultimately pay for it. I would consider a $3 bag tag if we had one or two bags untagged. I don’t want to use the word free as I realize there is no free system.”
He added the cost to municipalities to deal with illegal dumping might take a jump once the fee increase takes effect.
“It is only going to get worse. I’d like to think that if people could put a bag out with no tag it would save staff a lot of time and save the taxpayer a lot of money. For those reasons, I won’t support any increase at this time.”
Coun. Martin, who voted against the hike at the last meeting, explained the garbage bill needs to be paid one way or another.
“We will be faced with increased costs regardless of whether it's on the bag tag or whether it’s through reserves or the levy. Costs have gone up and we need to find a way to accommodate them. I would encourage people to start planning, strategizing and organizing their garbage in a way that allows them to start decreasing their costs now. Recy-
“I am personally one of those households where there is no mechanism to divert organics, but I am willing to find a way to explore that ahead of the Jan. 1 implementation. I know the increase will encourage and incentivize more people to divert, which is the ultimate goal. If we don’t continue to divert the extreme cost of expanding or building a new landfill by far exceeds this one dollar (increase).”
Schaefer voted against the original motion that would have seen a $1 increase in May, but this time around, he backed it. “I’ll support the increase to $3 at the present time, but I think we may be exhausting the public’s eagerness to accept further increases. We can’t reward people’s efforts to cut down on the number of bags they put out by charging them an ever-increasing amount for the ones they must put out.”
Revenue through the bag tag program has only increased by 5.5 per cent over the last five years despite a 10 per cent rise of the number of households in Oxford County. Schaefer said it’s a sign that people are reducing the amount of garbage they send to the landfill.
“The argument has been made that when we start the organic collection, a resident…will have reduced bag tag usage and even with the higher price their costs may not increase at all. But if our bag tag revenue flattens or even goes down because of this, we end up in the same position we are now.”
The green bin program will start in the City of Woodstock and Township of South-West Oxford in early 2026, but not until May of 2027 in the other Oxford municipalities of Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and Zorra.
County staff presented a report at the previous council meeting that forecasted a continued deficit in the bag tag program if rates were not increased. The end result would have been an increase in the tax levy of close to two per cent.
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS
Woodstock Ingersoll Echo
Humane ways to address uninvited garden guests
A beautiful garden is a wonder to behold. After a homeowner toils in the yard amending the soil and planting, itÕs imperative that a garden be given the best chance to thrive. However, the natural wildlife that shares the space might see that newly cultivated land as the perfect place to enjoy an easy meal or gather nesting materials. Every gardener likely has a tale about chipmunks, squirrels, woodchucks, and rabbits making nuisances of themselves in the garden. Many of these animals seem to have a taste for bulbs and other plants, which can wreak havoc on what gardeners carefully plan and plant. Finding balance so everyone can get along may require patience and some well-crafted deterrents.
• Provide food elsewhere. Try luring the animals away to another area of the yard where the meal is even easier to come by. Squirrels and chipmunks love to dig and bury their caches, so a far-off corner with freshly tilled soil along with some berries, nuts and additional treats might attract them to that area instead of a newly established garden.
• Install fencing. While chipmunks and squirrels can scale fences easily, such acrobatics may be more challenging for lumbering groundhogs or rabbits. Make digging more difficult by laying chicken wire fencing on top of the soil and stake
it down in some areas.
• Use a scent deterrent. Some animals are put off by the smell of other animals or aromas they find unpleasant. The capsaicin in red pepper and cayenne can be off-putting to these animals, so sprinkling it around the garden may ward off pests but not harm the plants. Just reapply after each rain. Similarly, some people have had luck using peppermint. Plant mint around where you do not want the squirrels and chipmunks. Since mint can grow fast and become invasive, itÕs best to plant in containers and move accordingly.
• Use water or movement. Animals can be scared away if they are sprayed with water, so a well-aimed water gun can chase away the animals when a gardener is able to stand watch. It may be easier to set up pinwheels that blow in the wind, or hang aluminum pie plates or old compact discs from strings near the garden, which may deter animals from getting too close.
• Build a greenhouse. When dealing with tenacious squirrels and chipmunks, the only solution may be to block off all access. Utilize an enclosed greenhouse for the garden, which will keep animals out and even extend the growing season. Many animals can become nuisances in a yard, particularly in and around gardens. Some humane solutions could remedy the situation.
Police arrest fourth suspect after Woodstock assault and robbery
Arrest made in connection with robbery, outstanding warrant and drug-related offences
On Feb. 27, Woodstock Police investigated a robbery at a residence on Pavey Street in Woodstock. Three suspects were arrested shortly after the incident took place and a warrant was issued for the fourth.
On March 5, members of the Provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) squad located and arrested the individual at large in Burlington. Police say a search of the woman turned up a significant quantity of suspected Fentanyl and Methamphetamine with an estimated street value of over $9,400.
The 38-year-old female from Woodstock has been charged with aggravated assault, forcible confinement, armed robbery and two counts of possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking. She is being held in custody for a bail hearing. Police attended the home at 751 Pavey Street following reports of a male who had been assaulted and robbed of personal items. The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was initially transported to Woodstock Hospital but was transferred to London Hospital for further treatment. At this time, it is believed that the victim was targeted. As a precautionary measure, College Avenue Secondary School and Oliver Stephens Elementary schools were placed on a hold and secure status for the afternoon.
(LEE GRIFFI PHOTO)
Police say this house on Pavey Street in Woodstock was the scene of an assault and armed robbery on Feb. 27. All four suspects are now in custody.
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woodstock Police briefs
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Weapons Call in Woodstock leads to arrest and firearm seizure
Police were called to a Caen Avenue residence early Saturday evening following reports of an incident involving a firearm.
The Woodstock Emergency Response Unit (ERU) was immediately activated, and local roads surrounding the area were closed temporarily to ensure public safety while police worked to resolve the situation.
A 50-year-old city male surrendered peacefully to officers at the scene and was taken into custody without further incident. Police obtained a search warrant for the home and loaded 9mm handgun was discovered.
The man has been charged with three counts of uttering threats, careless storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm. The accused is being held in custody pending the outcome of a bail hearing.
Arrest for theft nets police weapon stash
A 43-year-old man from Woodstock has been arrested in connection with a break and enter and vehicle theft on March 2.
Police say a home on Arrow Place was broken into and key fobs for a black Mazda parked in the garage were stolen along with the vehicle.
On March 4, police located the stolen vehicle in a parking lot on Ferguson Drive. While investigating, officers encountered the suspect who was known to police and had outstanding warrants for a separate incident where he had a stolen vehicle. He was arrested, and during a search, police said he was in possession of stolen key fobs, as well as other stolen property, including multiple ID cards, bank cards and drug paraphernalia.
Police added a further examination revealed the vehicle contained several weapons, including a shotgun and crossbow. A locked box found in the vehicle contained approximately 100 sets of stolen car keys, passports, licence plates, jewelry, and break and enter tools.
The male has been charged with break and enter, theft and possession of stolen property. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are likely.
Child Pornography investigations lead to search warrants in Woodstock
On Feb. 24 and 25 the Woodstock Police Service Criminal Investigations Bureau/Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit executed search warrants
at residences in Woodstock related to Project Steel.
The Canada-wide operation involves police services from every province including the RCMP. The initiative focuses on the identification of child sexual exploitation offenders and victims, and the subsequent apprehension and safeguarding.
As result of the search warrants being executed, multiple electronic devices were seized and police say the investigation has just begun. Police say they also seized one illegally possessed firearm.
The Woodstock Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with numerous Ontario Police Services. This investigation has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public can report suspicious Internet activities relating to child exploitation to the Woodstock Police Service, or online at www.cybertip.ca.
City woman faces drug trafficking charges
A Woodstock police officer was conducting a patrol in the city’s downtown on the afternoon of Feb. 28 when a woman, wanted on an outstanding warrant was spotted.
The suspect was arrested on the strength of the warrant and brought to the police station. Police say during a search of the individual’s belongings, a quantity of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, stolen property (corporate fuel cards) and a sum of Canadian currency were found. The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $7,060.
The 40-year-old female from Woodstock has been charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Driver charged with impaired driving in stolen vehicle
An unresponsive male was found in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle early in the afternoon on March 1 at the intersection of Mill Street and Parkinson Road.
Officers arrived on scene and observed drug paraphernalia. Police say he required medical attention due to drug impairment and was transported to Woodstock hospital for further assessment.
Police say the was reported stolen and a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation confirmed the male was impaired by drugs. During a search, police found multiple car key fobs, break-in tools,
and a device commonly used to start vehicles without a key. The male was also found to be subject to multiple driving bans and conditions prohibiting him from operating a motor vehicle.
A 31-year-old Woodstock male has been charged with impaired driving, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of a device for the purpose of committing theft, possession of break-in instruments, seven counts of operating a vehicle while prohibited, as well as failing to comply with a release order, undertaking and probation order.
The accused was held for a bail hearing.
(WOODSTOCK POLICE PHOTO)
A loaded 9mm handgun was taken from a Woodstock residence Saturday afternoon. A 50-year-old man faces several charges.
(WOODSTOCK POLICE PHOTO)
Police seized stolen property along with weapons following an arrest in Woodstock in early March. A 43-year-old city man remains in custody.
Ontario Provincial Police briefs
LEE GRIFFI
All applicants must hold the following qualifications:
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience driving tractors
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently & in a team environment
• The work schedule includes weekends
If interested, please forward your resume to: Email: thebakers@happyhills.com Or call if you have any questions: 519-475-4471
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Police investigating two break and enters
Police are investigating after receiving two separate reports of possible break and enters in Oxford County.
Oxford OPP received a report from a Blandford Road address on March 3 to investigate a report of a break and enter that had occurred between Feb. 28 and March 3. Approximately $3,100 in various electronics and power tools were taken.
On March 4, police received a report of a break and enter at an address on Balsam Street in Innerkip. It was reported the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on March 4 and approximately $500 worth of personal items were taken from a vehicle in a driveway.
Oxford County kicks off reduced load campaign on area roadways
During the spring thaw, heavy loads can cause substantial damage to roadways. This damage can increase safety risks for all motorists due to washboarding - the formation of periodic, transverse ripples in surface gravel, as well as potholes and pavement deterioration.
When a vehicle encounters this type of damage, its handling can be unpredictable and can result in a collision.
The annual Reduced Load season is in effect between March 1 and April 30. Roadways throughout Oxford County that require reduced loads are marked with signage, and members of the Oxford OPP will be patrolling these roads for enforcement and education purposes.
Police want to remind drivers that traffic safety is everyone's responsibility. Please abide by the rules of the road and drive according to the weather and road conditions.
One person injured following collision
A collision on Plank Line in SouthWest Oxford Township on March 6 sent one person to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say two passenger vehicles collided and one of the drivers had to be extricated and was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The two occupants from the other vehicle were not injured.
Plank Line between Ebenezer Road and Mount Elgin Road was closed for several hours.
All applicants must hold the following qualifications:
• Current Certification of National Lifeguard Service (NLS)
• Current Certification in Standard First Aid and C.P.R.
• Experience working with children
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
If interested, please forward your resume to: Email: thebakers@happyhills.com Or call if you have any questions: 519-475-4471
(OXFORD OPP PHOTO)
Ingersoll asks the public for input on procedural by-law
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Town of Ingersoll is looking for some help as it looks to update a by-law that dictates how council does what it does, so to speak.
Every municipality in Ontario is required to have a Procedure By-Law that governs how council and committee members carry out the business of the municipality. Ingersoll’s current bylaw was created in 2018 and has been amended periodically to address housekeeping or legislative changes. The town is in the process of undertaking a comprehensive review of the by-law and has launched a survey to help.
“The by-law governs how the municipality and council members carry out the business of the municipality,” explained the town’s deputy clerk, Julie Ellis. “It is essentially a set structure that guides them through council and committee meetings. It outlines how members cast their votes, how late meetings can run, the conduct of council and how and when residents can speak at meetings and interact with staff and council.”
Ellis added the norm is to update the by-law every term or other term of council, but the main reason it is being done now is the town has the staff capacity to do so.
“We haven’t had that for a while, and for the clerk and I, it is something important for both of us. I did one in my previous role, and we hope to have it in place before the next term of council (in the fall of 2026).”
The town will be receiving feedback through three different surveys – the online public survey, a lengthy one for members of council and another for staff members who frequently attend council meetings.
“That gives us a few different perspectives, but the one going out to the
public contains some direct questions about how they view our council meetings, how accessible they are, and we have left room for some open-ended responses. We have received quite a few responses and some great feedback,” added Ellis, who has been pleasantly surprised with the level of engagement from the public.
She added the goal is to eventually streamline how council runs meetings to better serve ratepayers.
“We are going to conduct some housekeeping changes, better organize a few things and make some changes to make the by-law a bit more accessible. We will look at meeting efficiencies which could result in shorter council meetings.”
Some areas of potential change revolves around delegations and presentations, rules of debate, and moving and amending motions.
“The meeting schedule is also up for debate along with how we use our consent agenda and how we frame correspondence.”
The window for Ingersoll residents to have their say closes on Monday. The next step for town staff is to compile the data and bring forward recommendations.
“We will be doing that through the end of March to April and at the April meeting of council we will be bringing forward a draft by-law back to council for input. It would then come to the following meeting for approval,” explained Ellis. “A procedure by-law isn’t something that interests everyone and we thought we would get feedback from a handful of people, but we have gotten a really significant return and there is still time to get more,” she added.
Any Ingersoll resident with questions regarding the survey is welcome to contact the clerk’s office. The survey is available at https://www.ingersoll.ca/ town-hall/procedure-by-law-review/.
Elaine and Norm Northmore present E-Male for second time at Thistle Theatre
EMILY STEWART Echo Correspondent
The directors of Thistle Theatre’s early spring production are familiar with the work, and were even part of the one-act play version.
Embro’s Thistle Theatre will present E-Male by Joan Veldman from March 28 to 30 and April 3 to 5 at Emrbo Town Hall. The comedy, directed by Elaine and Norm Northmore, will be set in a local diner during a blizzard and will introduce quirky characters, matchmaking, and mistaken identities.
Veldman passed away on June 20, 2023, but her sense of humour lives on through her works, including E-Male.
“In-person, she was always a great storyteller, and she brought that talent to the written work and you just spend so much time laughing,” said Elaine.
The Thistle Theatre production is the second time the Northmores engage with E-Male. Veldman wrote the play for the Western Ontario Drama League’s (WODL) Minifest, where six different theatre groups presented the same play to be critiqued. Norm directed it while Elaine acted.
"It was really interesting how six different groups would have six different takes on how to do a play,” she said. “It was a lot of fun."
When the Northmores worked on E-Male as part of WODL’s Minifest, it was a one-act play. Veldman re-wrote
it as a full-length play, which will be presented at Thistle Theatre.
“The characters have so much more depth to them than what you get in a half-hour play. It's fun to explore those characters and get to know them better," she explained.
She added that the rehearsals are a ton of fun with a mix of new-to-the-stage actors and seasoned theatre performers bringing the production together.
"As an actor, it's so much easier for you when the person you're working with is a very expressive actor and they give you a lot to work with so that you respond to that. Having these seasoned actors is bringing out probably things that these new actors never thought they could do and they're just amazing. They grow by leaps and bounds at every rehearsal."
The actors are also adding their own flair to the characters that goes beyond the script.
"They're getting comfortable with their character and they're adding things to their character that sometimes we don't see, so there's been a few things they've added and we’ll go okay, we'll keep that,” said Norm.
Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee performances start at 2 p.m., with doors opening half an hour prior. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased either by calling 226-785-3353 or online by visiting www.thistle-theatre.com.
1. Which country has the highest life expectancy?
2. What is the most common surname in Canada?
3. How many minutes are in a full week?
4. What is the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet?
5. How many dots appear on a pair of dice?
by Jake Grant
6. What is acrophobia a fear of?
7. December 26 is known by what name in Ireland?
8. Where would you be if you were standing on the Spanish Steps?
9. Which is the only continent with land in all four hemispheres?
10. What is the tallest type of tree?
us
Ingersoll Fishing Show
The event was held on March 1 at the Masonic Hall and was a great success, drawing fishing enthusiasts from across the region.
Attendees browsed a wide variety of fishing gear, including rods, reels, flies, pickerel rigs, spinners, crankbaits, and custom baits—ranging up to Musky baits. The event also featured a buy, sell, and trade opportunity, allowing guests to exchange fishing gear and gain
valuable insight into their hidden treasures.
A local charitable organization provided food, adding to the welcoming community atmosphere. With free admission, the event attracted a steady stream of visitors who came to explore, shop, and enjoy a bite to eat. Organizers expressed appreciation for the support and look forward to hosting another successful event in the future.
(RON YUZARK PHOTOS)
Jason Hughes, Liam and Grayson looked over the inventory by Deryck Thompson of Tri-City Bass Masters.
Hosting the event were Jack Peter Jamie Wingrove, Laurie Marson, Steve Shepard and John Needham of Mason King Hiram #37 Ingersoll.
Eric Hering demonstrates to Patricia and Brian Sinclair how big a fish they can expect to catch with his lures.
DASO’s SoupStock fundraiser returns for 2025
Soup lovers, you can enjoy lots of tasty recipes for a great cause this spring!
SoupStock, a fundraiser supporting Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO), will return on March 26 at Woodstock’s Goff Hall. The event will raise money for services supporting women and children fleeing violence. There will be two SoupStock sittings, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Sophie Foster, public education and fundraising coordinator for DASO, said the event will feature soups from a variety of participating businesses and organizations:
• Upper Thames Brewing
• Charles Dickens Pub
• DASO
• Whisk and Roll Bakery
• Ironworks Kitchen
• Boston Pizza
• Craigowan Golf and Country Club
• Chris Seafood
COBS Bread will also supply the buns and there will be a Golden Ladle Award for the winning soup selected by a panel of five local judges, including Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione, as well as the People’s Choice Award for the crowd favourite soup.
"We'll have some good music playing, and we'll have some speeches from DASO staff. It'll just be a really fun day,” Foster said. “Last year was super fun, and oh my gosh, the soups were amazing and we were able to raise some good money. We're hoping to essentially have a similar event as last year."
Foster added that co-workers can go to SoupStock on their lunch break, and friends and family can attend the event together to try out different soups, whether or not they are familiar with DASO’s programming.
SoupStock will be a chance to gather together, sip on soup, and raise money for services that assist women and children fleeing violence. SoupStock returns on March 26 at Goff Hall.
“It's also a cool way to check out restaurants, see the kind of food that they offer, and it's a fun way to see everyone you know in the community,” she said. “Honestly, it's a great networking event where you can see your friends or just come for lunch in the middle of your workday."
As funding for DASO has not changed since 1995, events like SoupStock are essential to keep the organization running.
"We rely on our community and on sponsorship and on fundraising events to continue doing our programming to meet the level of the population and just the rising levels of gender-based violence and just all of the issues that we're seeing in general in our communities so really these events are so important,” she said. “They really do create a bit of stability for us in the sense that, you know, every year when we host an event, there are so many people that we can count on to help us and lots of community support too."
Tickets for SoupStock are $20 in advance and can be purchased either at Whisk and Roll Bakery, Your Farm
2025 Large Item Collection
It is NOT a spring clean-up
Non-program material will be left behind, and the homeowner will be responsible for removing it.
Note: automotive parts, glass, mirrors and items piled on trailers/wagons or loose in boxes will not be collected.
*User fees apply for materials noted
Market or by sending an email to sophie@daso.ca. Tickets can also be Purchased for $25 at the door.
Note:
If you miss large item collection Visit the Waste Management Facility 384060 Salford Rd., Salford, ON Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
• Set out by 7 a.m. the Monday of your collection week. Late set outs will not be collected.
• Max weight for any item is 45 kg or 100 lbs.
• Bag tags are not required for large items.
• Place items no more than one metre from the curb.
• Items must be on your property, not across roads/ ditches, and easily visible (clear of tall grass).
• Do not place small items on top of larger items. Inaccessible material will be left behind.
DOES YOUR ITEM QUALIFY?
Does it weigh more than 45 kg (100 lbs)?
Can it be broken down into a garbage bag?
Is it eligible for a recycling program? (Refer to chart)
Is it small but you have a large quantity?
If you checked “yes” for any question, your item does NOT qualify.
EMILY STEWART Echo Correspondent
(SOPHIE FOSTER PHOTO)
DASO’s
Traci Kennedy: A Voice of Healing Through Heartbreak
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
It has been almost two decades since 58-year-old Traci Kennedy, a country singer currently living in Woodstock, stepped into the recording studio. Now, she is making her return with a powerful, emotional ballad, about to touch hearts everywhere.
‘You Never Said Goodbye’ is set to be released on all digital streaming platforms today (March 14), a song that carries the weight of profound loss and resilience. Kennedy explained writing the song wasn’t just a creative endeavor, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. In July 2022, life threw her a heart-wrenching curveball when she tragically lost her 30-year-old daughter K’Lee, to suicide.
"I completely wrote the song myself and came up with the melody," she said. "With the help of some wonderful friends in the music industry, I was put in touch with a producer out of Toronto named Matt Koebel. When we sat down together back in October, instantly, I knew I was in good hands when he took the melody that was in my head and brought it to
life! One month later, we were in the studio with a fantastic team of musicians, and the end result brought tears to my eyes. It was perfect!"
Kennedy said her friends were all very supportive after the tragedy and kept telling her when the time was right, she would write a beautiful song.
“I didn’t want to believe that because I was hurting, but I had a blank notebook one of K’Lee’s friends gave me as a gift. She intended that if I woke up in the middle of the night and wanted to get thoughts out of my head, I could write them down. If I didn’t like what I wrote, I could tear it up.”
The book sat on her nightstand for a while, and then, little lines started coming.
“I wrote them down and then put the book away. It ended up taking almost two years for me to finish it. When you look at the lyrics, you might think how could it have taken so long? It was just the way I had to go about writing it. It had to come from the heart.”
Kennedy said her main goal with the song is to bring awareness and comfort to those who have suffered through the suicide of a loved one.
“It’s not like I am an artist coming out with a new song and I am going out on tour. It is me getting a message out to anyone who needs it. There are a lot of people in my shoes and I say that because when this happened to me, I had a few friends go through the same thing around the same time.”
She added its baffling how suicide has become somewhat of an epidemic because people aren’t getting the mental health support they need.
“COVID certainly didn’t help and that’s when a lot of my daughter’s problems started. It was the isolation and not knowing how to function. At the same time, she acted like she was fine. When I finished writing the song, I stood back and looked at the lyrics and I thought it was going to be healing for a lot of people.”
Kennedy explained that when you lose someone to suicide, the survivors left behind grapple with an array of emotions that can be overwhelming.
"There are days filled with tears, moments when you want to scream, and waves of anger that catch you off guard. You might find yourself blaming your own heart for not recognizing the signs. It’s a journey that no one should have to take alone."
Kennedy describes the song as being on the softer and sweeter side.
“I wanted a song for those who have lost somebody and can relate to the pain, grief and confusion that goes through the brain. They need to know they aren’t alone in how they feel.”
The next step is to send the song to country and adult contemporary radio stations that, hopefully, will play the song.
Although she has taken a step back from touring life, her passion for music remains as vibrant as ever. Balancing her role at a local dental office in Woodstock with her love for singing, she currently brings joy to residents in retirement and long-term care homes across southwestern Ontario on her days off.
“I believe music has the power to heal and uplift, and I cherish the moments spent sharing my gift with those who need it most.”
More information can be found on Kennedy’s website at www.tracikennedy.com.
Country Mills Ltd., a well-established feed business in Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford & Brant counties is looking for a Store Manager - Ingersoll
Job Duties:
• Promote superior customer service at all times
• Responsible for budgeting hours needed for each year
• Meet with the retail coordinator to go over sales & labour budget for the year
• Follow up quarterly to update numbers
• Be responsible for donations to local charities with criteria & budget set by owner(s)
• Agriculture related (4-H clubs, ag societies, pet rescues, etc)
• Responsible for overseeing retail staff at the store location including counter staff, co-op students, student workers, as well as retail warehouse staff
• Hire any new staff with Retail Coordinator
• Delegate tasks to retail staff to minimize down time
• Keep up with expired and close-dated products, discounting them as needed before they expire
• Perform inventory spot counts with retail staff
• Update and refresh store shelving & end caps
• Be responsible to complete daily and weekly retail tasks including: waiting on customers, answer phones, receive store products, tidy shelves, restock store shelves, etc.
Skills and Qualifications:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and POS software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Critical thinker and problem-solving skills
• Good time-management skills
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
OPENING MARCH 18TH
Smile with Confidence
Accepting CDCP Patients
Accepting CDCP Patients
We are accepting patients with the Canadian Dental Care Program.
Keeping your smile looking great and feeling happy is the number one priority of the team at the Woodstock Denture Clinic. We specialize in complete, partial, metal-free dentures and implant retained dentures.
We are accepting patients with the Canadian Dental Care Program. Keeping your smile looking great and feeling happy is the number one priority of the team at the Woodstock Denture Clinic. We specialize in complete, partial, metal-free dentures and implant retained dentures.
Complete Denture Services
• Digital Impressions
• Exams and Free Consultations
• Implant-Supported Dentures
• Standard and Immediate Dentures
• Partial Dentures
• Relines, Rebases and Repairs
• Referrals to Other Specialists Call 519-320-7080
Complete Denture Services
79 Montclair Drive, Woodstock Plenty of parking available!
• Digital Impressions
• Exams and Free Consultations
King Charles III Coronation Medals handed out in Oxford
30 well-deserving Oxford County residents were on the receiving end of the King Charles III Coronation Medals last week.
The medal program was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to a particular province, territory, region, or community in Canada or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to our country.
Those recognized came from all walks of life, including first responders, military veterans, volunteers and business owners. Each recipient had a brief biography read aloud, including Mike Crabbe, the general manager at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.
“Michael Crabbe is a dedicated advocate for youth involvement in the arts. He actively supports organizations such as Theatre Woodstock, the United Way, and the Chamber of Commerce. His unwavering dedication to nurturing artistic talent, especially among youth, has profoundly transformed lives and created lasting memories. Michael's commitment to encouraging a love of the arts in Oxford's young people has inspired countless individuals, and the rural arts community is undoubtedly stronger thanks to his contributions.”
“What an absolute honour. Tonight, I was awarded a King's Coronation Medal for my volunteerism and support of the arts. I am so grateful for the recognition. Thank you to whomever nominated me. I am spoiled by this great community we have here in Oxford. Congratulations to my fellow recipients. There is so much amazing work happening around us, every day,” he exclaimed.
Another recipient was Const. Randi Crawford, the Oxford OPP’s Community Safety and Media Relations officer and Woodstock resident. She was chosen for her dedication to making the county a better place to live.
“Police Constable Randi Crawford has dedicated more than a decade to the Ontario Provincial Police, combining front-line service, community engagement, and public safety to foster trust, strengthen connections, and make a lasting, positive impact in Oxford County,” read Crawford’s biography.
She explained receiving the award was humbling and gratifying and was quick to share it with others.
“This means the world to me, I can’t even find the words to describe how grateful I am. It’s a sign I am going in the right direction. My commitment to the community is making people feel safe and special, happy and healthy. I share this award with everybody I represent – my peers, the volunteers, my family and friends who support me so I can go out and do these wonderful things in the community.”
Oxford Member of Parliament Arpan Khanna handed out the medals and coins and explained it was an honour for him to be able to say thank you in such a special way.
“It’s beautiful. Today, we recognized 30 people from Oxford County who have gone above and beyond and sacrificed so much to help neighbours, friends and the community. They’ve done the hard work so we can enjoy our communities.”
Along with the medals, recipients were also given the new Oxford Service Coin. Khanna added recognizing people for doing good deeds doesn’t happen often enough.
“It’s just one day we thank them for their service. We get so busy in our lives and we stop showing gratitude. If you look around us, there are superheroes around us every single day. As a public servant, I hear their stories and we heard 30 amazing stories today. It inspires me to keep going and fight for my constituents.”
Khanna pointed to the amount of division currently happening in the world
“There is a lot of hate and division in our country right now. We’ve brought people together from all over Oxford County. We had different demographics, different walks of life. Everyone’s story is unique and that’s what makes Oxford strong. It’s the people who roll up their sleeves, put the BS aside and get things done for our great community.”
Other recipients included Kelly Byers, well-known for her efforts to battle food insecurity, Sharon Docherty, a driving force behind the Woodstock FC soccer club, and Frank Moore who was recognized for his dedication to honouring veterans through various initiatives, including memorializing fallen soldiers and organizing community engagement.
Also honoured was well-known former radio personality Brad Janssen.
“Brad Janssen has committed his career to promoting community unity and positivity in Oxford County through broadcasting, event planning and fundraising,” read his bio.
The King's Coronation Medal Ceremony, held at the Market Centre Theatre in Woodstock, was attended by over 200 residents of Oxford.
30 Oxford County residents were honoured with King Charles III Coronation medals at a recent ceremony in Woodstock. Recipients included, left to right, OPP Const. Randi Crawford, Woodstock Chamber of Commerce GM Mike Crabbe and REMAX Sales Representative Kelly Byers.
(LEE GRIFFI PHOTOS)
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Maggie’s Wake ready to sing and dance for early St. Patrick’s Day celebration
Southwestern Ontario Celtic band
Maggie’s Wake will return to Woodstock just ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.
They will perform at Theatre Woodstock on March 14 starting at 7:30 p.m. for an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The contemporary folk group’s music blends multiple genres, including country, Americana, and jazz.
“We’re really excited about coming back to Woodstock as we continue to celebrate St Patrick’s Month. Being of Irish heritage, I am legally obligated to celebrate St Patrick’s for the whole month, not just one day,” said Tara Dunphy, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
“So, we’ll be warmed up and raring to go for the 14th, and we know it’ll be the same awesome crowd we’ve come to expect in Woodstock.”
Dunphy said a Maggie’s Wake concert will make people laugh, cry, and dance.
“Celtic music has a way of evoking emotion that is unlike any other genre,
and our show is full of original and traditional Celtic folk songs that get you in the spirit of St Patrick’s Day,” she said.
Maggie’s Wake enjoys performing in Woodstock and the band is looking forward to holding its St. Patrick’s Day show again.
“We have the most lovely friends and fans who join us at these shows, singing along, clapping, even dancing in the aisles,” Dunphy said. “It just feels like such a wonderful community experience. And the icing on the cake is heading over to the Dickens pub for a pint afterward and running into everyone from the show.”
Maggie’s Wake is one of the New/ Emerging Artists of the Year finalists for the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
The week-long celebration will run from April 3 to 6 at Ottawa’s National Art Centre and the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que.
“We love what we do so much, and in particular, we love being able to do it together, which you can tell at our shows because of the smiles on our faces throughout the whole performance,”
Dunphy said. “To be recognized as one of the top emerging artists in Canada is just incredible and we’re looking forward to meeting all of our fellow nominees up in Ottawa this April.”
Later in the year, Maggie’s Wake will be recording a new album and a Christmas EP, as well as performing throughout Canada and the United States. Visit www.maggieswake.com online for the latest updates.
Tickets for the Maggie’s Wake show in Woodstock are $40 each and can be purchased at the box office on 22 Reeve St. or by calling 519-537-2582, and online at www.theatrewoodstock.com.
Southwestern Ontario Celtic band Maggie’s Wake is ready to sing and dance with their ‘most lovely friends and fans’ at Theatre Woodstock on March 14.
(TARA DUNPHY PHOTO)
Woodstock Ingersoll Echo SPORTS
WCI Red Devils celebrate ‘historical’ OFSAA A silver
JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent
The Woodstock CI (WCI) Red Devils senior boys’ basketball team would have preferred gold.
But that doesn’t diminish an Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations A silver-medal finish believed to represent the highest level of team achievement in the school’s sports history.
“I’m still going to wear that medal proud,” said WCI’s Jack Carnegie following a 55-45 defeat to the Windsor ESC E.J. Lajeunesse Royals on March 5 at Woodstock St. Mary’s. “We’re here, faced a great team,” Carnegie continued. “Unfortunately, we lost, but it doesn’t downplay our season or what we achieved.”
The 4-0 third-seeded Red Devils faced number one in the championship final. Also undefeated, the Royals received top billing for a record featuring a win over the top-seeded AAA team in Ontario.
Will Halward, a ball-handling guard with a sweet three-point stroke, the ability to post up offensively and ‘board it’ at both ends of the court, put the Red Devils on his back through the opening quarter. Halward fuelled a 16-8 lead by knocking down a quartet of three-point field goals, backing up coach Eric Molinaro’s assessment as the tournament’s best all-around player.
“We knew already, but he proved it.”
The Royals battled back, closing the deficit to four in the final two minutes of the second quarter with full-court pressure, defensive intensity and by finding their outside shooting touch. Lucas Kwapisz hit a three-point field goal in the final minute, captain Jack Zhang’s runner with
The OFSAA A senior boys’ basketball silver medalist Woodstock CI Red Devils. In the front row, left to right are Zack Molinaro, Ben Hutchins, Tyler Smith, Diangelo Sanfilippo and Kael Wettlaufer. In the back, are Coach Eric Molinaro, Community Coach Andrew Heggie, Jack Carnegie, Colton Thomson, Angus Jacques, Oscar Berkeley, Will Halward, Derek Gravel, Nicolas Hagen-Johnson, Preston Hilderley, Team Manager Graeme Arthur, Assistant Coach Chris Coyle and Assistant Coach Jason Poole.
3.4 seconds remaining giving E.J. Lajeunesse a 25-24 lead at the half.
The Royals opened up a fivepoint (36-31) lead on a Zhang corner three with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter, but Halward knocked down his sixth trey just past the midway point. Neither team scored for a back-and-forth, defensively intense two-and-ahalf minutes, with Zhang skying to pull down an offensive rebound. However, WCI’s Kael Wettlaufer executed a forceful steal as he came down with the ball, outletting for a rush upcourt. Known as much for quality defence, rebounding and screen-setting as his offence, Wettlaufer completed a nifty series by knocking down a three from the top of the key, giving WCI its final lead at 37-36.
The Royals responded, David Yengo Kabuya and Zhang knocking down threes to regain momentum, establishing a fivepoint (42-37) lead heading into the final quarter.
The Red Devils battled back, with Halward and Derek Gravel on strong takes to the basket, the latter scoring his third tough two-pointer against high-quality defence. However, back-toback threes and ongoing pressure re-established the Royals advantage, opening to nine with 4:55 remaining. WCI cut it to six, but with time running out, had to extend defensively after an E.J. Lajeunesse squad content to work the clock, ultimately contributing to a ten-point victory.
“They hit some threes in the fourth, pulled away a little bit and we had to get a little desperate,” said Molinaro.
Halward finished with a gamehigh 24 points, Gravel added nine, Wettlaufer five, Preston Hilderley four and Zack Molinaro three. Zhang had 16 for the Royals and Kwapisz added 12.
“Will led, kept us positive, kept us in it,” credited Hilderley, also giving the Royals ‘props’ as a great team. “Should have won, we were there, we were competitive. Right there through the whole game.”
Hilderley appreciated the support from WCI fans and alumni filling the stands through an exciting back-and-forth final more than living up to OFSAA championship expectations.
“It wasn’t the result they wanted, but I hope we put on a good show.”
“Just fell short,” said Wettlaufer. “A heck of a run but it is what it is.”
Entering as Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletics Association (WOSSAA) A champions with a 64-51 victory over London Monsignor Bruyere in
Coyle. “It’s just cool to see it carry on.”
“We earned our way here and we competed,” Molinaro summed up. “It’s the evolution of the legacy of the program to host OFSAA and be ready to play in this moment, at this level.”
Physically exhausted from dual responsibilities of coach and convenor, but still exhilarated from its execution, an at-times emotional Molinaro reflected on an event significant in WCI sporting history and also arguably Woodstock’s.
that final, the Red Devils opened their OFSAA A run with a hardfought win over 17th seed Aurora ESC Renaissance at WCI.
“We just kept rolling from there,” said Halward of subsequent double-digit victories over 14th-seed Toronto Crawford Adventist Academy, sixth-seeded Timmins O’Gorman, and the eventual bronze medalist seventh-seed Breslau Woodland Christian Cavaliers. The Hamilton ESAC Jaguars (15th seed) defeated the Oshawa Monsignor John Pereyma Patriots (9th) in the consolation final.
“We had to beat four great teams just to get here,” said Hilderley.
“It’s hard in the moment,” Carnegie added, “but it’s a great achievement for our school.”
It would have been even more special to win OFSAA as host, said Halward, who played all 160 minutes of five provincial final games, but the Red Devils had certainly left their game on the court.
“We gave it everything we had.”
Obviously, coach Molinaro would have preferred gold medals, but in giving credit to a juggernaut of a Royals team, he also praised his Red Devils squad for their historical achievement.
“We’re the second-best team in OFSAA A,” he said, looking back on a program trailblazed by coaches including Peter Ewing, Lance Elliott and Dave Alexander, a torch picked up by Chris Coyle, who mentored Molinaro for 20 years and is still assisting he and Jason Poole.
“A lot of good coaches, kids, parents and hence, teams,” said
OFSAA A came together as the result of four host sites, including Notre Dame, along with many contributions, beginning with the OFSAA committee. Molinaro also cited Pat Sloan at St. Mary’s, Scott Awde and Jerry Kleiner from College Avenue, and a cadre of community and in particular student volunteers. Students embraced responsibility for everything from school liaison roles, scorekeeping and updating scores on the website and shuttling food, largely without direction.
“They took on a huge role.”
The conclusion was a 600-plus fan, standing-room-only event featuring a multigenerational ‘Sea of Red’, but also representation from The Oxford Attack, across Oxford County and beyond.
“The basketball community was strong,” Molinaro concluded. “What an event for Woodstock, so cool, just so cool.”
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
WCI Red Devil Derek Gravel (centre) drives baseline to the hoop against Lajeunesse’s Connor Lacoursiere (left) and Daniel Ngendabanga (right).
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
A partisan WCI crowd celebrates one of Will Halward’s six three-point field goals.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
WOSSAA A/AA bronze medals welcome part of ‘new experiences’ for WCI girls hockey
JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent
A set of ‘new experiences’ Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletics Association A/AA bronze medals still shone brightly for the Woodstock CI (WCI) Red Devils girls’ hockey team.
“We definitely were hoping for a bit better, but we’re all satisfied,” said Red Devil Dakota Thomson following a 3-2 victory over the London Clarke Road Trojans Tuesday, March 4th inside Tillsonburg’s Colin Campbell Arena.
“From the beginning, we never expected to get so far,” said WCI’s Annika Beaton.
Thomson broke a 2-2 tie with 7:07 left in the second period, scoring what would stand as the game-winner, shorthanded.
Teammate Sierra Irwin set up the goal on a pass back to the blueline, Thomson accepting it near the middle of the ice and getting a shot off slightly ahead of an onrushing Trojans’ defender.
“I just tried to avoid her shin pads and it happened to go in, I guess,” smiled Thomson, whose view of the play was blocked.
The Red Devils would carry the balance of play through the balance of the period and through the third, however, Clarke Road had illustrated its ability to come back, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to square accounts at two.
“They kept us on our toes, we had to be sharp all game,” said WCI coach Anakin McMahon. “Another close game. It could have been anyone’s game, really.”
Ultimate responsibility for holding the fort fell to Red Devils goalie Nicole Whetren, a centre with her Woodstock Wildcats U18 team and throughout her hockey career who volunteered to try goalie this year for a high school squad in need of one.
“She took one for the team,” smiled
Beaton.
Whetren’s brother plays goalie and it’s a thing she always wanted to try. Apart from stopping pucks, her learning curve has included staying positive and keeping her head up even when a goal gets behind her.
“And try and save the next one,” said Whetren, who found a certain but not universal level of comfort - particularly in a one-goal bronze medal game, although she had perfect faith in her teammates’ support. “Sometimes when I’m out there, I’m like oh my gosh,” she laughed.
Woodstock CI opened WOSSAA A/AA play that morning with a 3-2 loss to the Lord Dorchester Beavers. Hallie Turpin, assisted by Eden Fraser and Emma Holm, with help from Jillian Trepanier, scored for the Red Devils. Stratford St. Mikes, which downed Clarke Road 5-0 in their semi-final, captured the gold with a similar 5-0 win over Dorchester.
Beaton opened scoring in the bronze final with 5:36 remaining in the first period, assisted by Holm. Irwin upped the lead to 2-0 3:23 later with help from Paige Kilgour.
Holding onto a one-goal lead through the entire final period was a little stressful, admitted Thomson. Clarke Road had its chances, and one particularly dangerous rushing defender in particular, but WCI kept skating hard, a strong offence leading quality defence.
“The team definitely kept us in and dominated,” credited Whetren.
“Very good communication on the ice,” agreed Thomson. “A fast-paced game.”
The Red Devils finished their Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) South East regular season with a 5-2 won/lost record, opening playoffs against the 6-1 St. Thomas St. Joe’s Rams.
The Red Devils opened with a 4-2
win over the Rams, dropping game two 3-2 before clinching the best-of-three series with a 3-2 road victory Monday, February 24. The Red Devils then took the TVRA South East title with a 5-0 shutout win over Dorchester Wednesday, February 26. The Beavers qualified for the final by eliminating St. Thomas Parkside Stampeders 1-0, 3-4 and 4-3.
The WOSSAA medal was a new experience for the Red Devils girls hockey team, in recent memory, if not histori-
cally.
“We don’t know the last time we made it to WOSSAA,” said Beaton.
“If we did,” added Thomson.
Coach McMahon was pleased at how a variety of players from a variety of teams had both played and gotten along so well together.
“It’s easy to coach a team like this,” she summed up, calling a WOSSAA A/ AA bronze medal the cherry on top to a great season. “It was a blast.”
The Woodstock CI Red Devils girls’ hockey team captured what is unofficially their first WOSSAA A/AA medal Tuesday in Tillsonburg, skating to a 3-2 win over London Clarke Road in the bronze final.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
WCI’s Adelaide Post (right) deftly keeps the puck in the London Clarke Road Trojans zone.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Woodstock CI Red Devil Lucy Waite (left) is closely checked as she cruises toward the London Clarke Road Trojans net.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
WCI Red Devils senior girls’ volleyball team plays its best at OFSAA A
JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent
In a game where momentum can play a huge role, a timely dig, block or kill can turn a game around.
But sometimes, you also need someone willing to break the tension with an impromptu worm.
The sixth-seeded Woodstock CI Red Devils senior girls’ volleyball team responded to the Ontario Federation of School Athletics Associations A championship competition with some of its best volleyball of the season.
“The goal was to play well in quarterfinals,” said coach Pauline Schubert, a goal achieved if not exceeded following a 25-18, 25-15, 25-22 quarter-final loss to host Toronto UTS. “Overall, we are really proud of ourselves and what we did.
“The sadness was being over playing with each other not because we lost, because we played our best.”
UTS had one dominant player on its roster, a member of Team Canada committed to an NCAA Division 1 university scholarship, combining athleticism, height and power.
“All of the above,” said Schubert, noting the Red Devils did have a strategy, confounded by an athlete who could jump over an attempted block and put the ball to a spot. Her impact was illustrated by the closeness of the third set, during which she was subbed off, WCI closing the gap as a result.
“They had to put her back on to beat us,” said Red Devils setter Charlotte Piscione.
“We definitely played up to their level,” added left-side power Ava Bickell. “I was happy with how we played.”
WCI opened pool play against Ottawa Notre Dame Monday, March 3 in Toronto, getting the job done with back-toback 25-17 set wins. The previous evening’s banquet had been a fun experience but also a little intimidating given the presence of 19 other teams, a majority of which were physically larger.
“And then there’s our little team - we’re all pretty small,” said Piscione. “We started playing and you could tell we were all really nervous.”
Their first set was definitely not their best volleyball. Bickell agreed, but getting through it along with Schubert’s ad -
vice to ‘take a breath, we’ve got this,’ successfully gave the Red Devils a welcome boost.
“We had won our first set at OFSAA.”
In their second match against 11th seed St. Michael CHS, the Red Devils took the first set by a reasonably comfortable 25-18 margin and were leading in the second when a five-serve St. Mike’s run caused Schubert to call time out.
Bickell helped the momentum-breaking tactic along, hit-
ting the floor to relieve the growing tension with her own rendition of a dance move reputedly originating in the 1970s.
“She helped reset us with some comedy,” smiled Schubert. “We have our own special way of doing that.
“Expect the unexpected,” she added, “and good things will come.”
The unorthodox manoeuvre worked, with WCI closing out the set and match via a tight 25-23 victory.
“I feel like that was one of our best,” said Bickell. “We played up to our level.”
There had been some pre-game jitters, added Piscione, how taller opponents were pounding the ball in warm-up. However, once the Red Devils got into their game, she felt they had played as well as they did at Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (WOSSAA) A championships.
“We were working really well together and had lots of energy.”
WCI faced top-seeded Toronto De La Salle College in its third and final day-one match. De La Salle would ultimately back up that seeding with a gold medal victory. With realistic expectations and the Red Devils’ typically strong service game a little off, Schubert was still pleased with 2515, 25-14 losses.
“I feel no one was disappointed with our performance. That was really good to carry over into day two.”
Technically, the ESC Renaissance Royals WCI closed out pool play against the following morning were seeded 20th, although performed far above that expectation through a 25-20, 25-17 Red Devils victory.
“This team was not seeded correctly; they were very good,” said Schubert. “We had a great game because they made us work really hard.”
In closing, she looked back on a regular Thames Valley Regional Athletics regular season in which WCI lost but one set and earned a hard-fought WOSSAA A championship.
“I was so privileged to be able to coach. They worked hard, they were motivated, and they were just really nice people.”
The Woodstock CI Red Devils captured the WOSSAA A senior girls’ volleyball title with a three-set homecourt win over the West Elgin Wildcats, simultaneously qualifying for the OFSAA A tournament in Toronto. Team members are (front row, left to right) Kaiden Martin, Ava Bickell, Chloe Melanson, Rachel Gibson, Sammi Grevers, Charlotte Piscione and Robyn Wilson. In the back, are coach Pauline Schubert, Chloe Knoll, Claire Harmer, Mikaela Runstedler, Aurora House, Kate Hooker, Mallory Hagen-Johnson, Lila Oliveria and coach Blair Windsor.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Woodstock CI curlers run into ‘bearish’ market results at WOSSAA
JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent
The Woodstock CI Red Devils girls’ curling team invested in silver medals after running into ‘bearish’ market conditions at the Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (WOSSAA) curling championships on March 4 at the London Curling Club.
“They play together all the time and it shows,” said WCI coach Scott MacIntosh following an 11-2 loss to the Stratford District Secondary School Golden Bears in the girls’ final. “They were the better team on the ice that day. We could beat them, that game, they were just better. We were off and they were on.”
The Red Devils opened the WOSSAA draw with a comfortable 9-5 win over London South, leading from wire to wire. WCI scored one in the first
end, stole two in the second and singlets in the third, fourth and fifth, before taking a commanding lead with a steal of three in the sixth end. London South narrowed the gap to four points with a two-point seventh end and steal of three in the eighth.
“We controlled it the whole game,” said MacIntosh.
The trend reversed in the final, with the Golden Bears notching two big ends, three and four scoring stones respectively.
“One of those games where we were hoping they’d make a mistake and we could capitalize on it,” said MacIntosh. “They did that to us.”
The Golden Bears are an accomplished rink which plays together in a competitive league credited MacIntosh. With the win, they added their second consecutive Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) berth to the WOSSAA title.
WCI also had a strong season, rolling through its Thames Valley Regional Athletics South East regular season and playoffs with an undefeated record, a significant improvement
over the 3-6 mark during MacIntosh’s first year of coaching with them.
“A lot of that has to do with the girls playing at night,” he explained. “That’s where the improvement comes.”
Ingersoll Lanes YBC junior bowlers hoping to strike gold at 5-pin nationals
TRIBE Echo Correspondent
Two Ingersoll Lanes Youth Bowling Canada (YBC) junior (aged 11-14) bowlers are hoping to strike gold at national 5-pin doubles championships May 5, 6 and 7 in Edmonton.
“That’s it, right?” laughed coach Brandon Morris, whose son Mason and compatriot Kayson Stewart will be representing Southern Ontario at the eightteam competition. “Trying to strike gold is a good one.”
Mason and Kayson qualified for the 12-team provincial championship on March 2 at Fairmont Lanes, London, as top seeds for their region, which encompasses a geographical range from Windsor to Sarnia to Brantford. Each team bowled five games, positioning based on the combined totals from both bowlers.
“It’s a best-of-the-best scenario,” said coach Morris.
Mason and Kayson came out of the gate with solid game one and two scores of 425 and 462 respectively, surging into the lead on strength of a tournament-high 549 in their third outing. This gave them an apparently comfortable 240-pin lead with two games to go, however it began to dwindle with scores of 338 and 299 in their final two outings. The second-place team from Chatham Bowlerama made a late charge with a 502, however when the final ball had been bowled, the final pins dropped, the Ingersoll Lanes duo’s 2,073 was good for a 16-point victory.
“We kind of sat on that lead and they started to catch us,” said coach Morris, alluding to a sense of almost feeling ill following the victory. “I don’t know if it
was from the stress or what,” he laughed.
“It was a big win for these boys and the whole of the YBC program from Ingersoll. “It was emotion, happiness, excitement,” Mason summed up of his reaction.
“I was really happy,” added Kayson, admitting to being ‘very nervous’ as the scoring gap tightened uncomfortably.
The provincial banner is the fifth
earned by Ingersoll Lanes bowlers, a ‘good showing’ says Brandon for a small alley. Kayson won a bantam provincial singles title in 2022, finishing fourth at nationals, the highest local finish to date. Mason and Kayson have bowled since they were young, coming up through the sport together.
“We’ve played together so long I just think we have chemistry,” said Mason.
They have put in the work credited their coach, both during Tuesday evening league play and on Saturday mornings, as well as maturing as both players and individuals. Mason’s average is around 200 per game, Kayson roughly 15 points higher, both extremely credible numbers for bowlers of their age.
“They were dedicated as a team to make this happen,” said Brandon.
YBC Nationals are scheduled for May 5, 6 and 7 in Edmonton. The YBC provides partial financial support says coach Morris, but local fund-raising activities are also in play. Following opening ceremonies at the University of Alberta’s Saville Community Centre, eight teams representing provinces or territories from across Canada will face each other three times, a total of 21 games across three days. Combined-score winners from each game will receive one point ultimately deciding positioning, with, if necessary, tie-breaking criteria for gold, silver and bronze medals on down.
“I’m just excited for the experience,” said Mason.
Kayson is ‘both nervous and excited’, looking forward to representing Ontario again, building on previous experience.
“Never give up, every pin counts,” he stated of lessons learned. “And even if you bowl badly one game, it’s only one game. You can do better and get it back.”
Coach Morris is looking forward to a lifetime experience for the bowlers to remember. “We’re going to soak it all in while they’re there, and if we could win a medal, that would be amazing.”
“That’s my goal,” agreed his son, Mason.
“Hopefully gold,” Kayson concluded.
The Woodstock CI Red Devils girls’ curling team, photographed following their TVRA South East championship victory at the Woodstock Curling Centre. The Red Devils finished out their season with WOSSAA silver medals earned Tuesday, March 4th at the London Curling Club.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
JEFF
From left to right, Ingersoll Lanes-based bowlers Mason Morris, coach Brandon Morris and Kayson Stewart will compete in the junior division at the YBC Nationals in Edmonton on May 5, 6 and 7. The boys qualified with a 16-pin victory at provincials on March 2 in London.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
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March 1925 World Events
The month of March has been home to many historical events over the years. HereÕs a look at some that helped to shape the world in March 1925.
• A military committee in France concludes that Germany committed gross violations of the Treaty of Versailles on March 1. The committee, led by Marshal Ferdinand Foch, accuses Germany of violating provisions related to the disarmament of its military.
• Huff Daland Dusters Inc., is founded in Macon, Georgia, on March 2. The company, which began as a drop dusting firm formed to combat a boll weevil infestation of cotton crops, would be sold near the end of 1928, at which time it is renamed Delta Air Service.
• Alan Rowe opens the chamber of the tomb of Hetepheres I on March 8 in Egypt. Rowe, who was serving as deputy director of the Harvard-Boston Expedition, is the first person in 4,500 years to open the chamber.
• The state of Bavaria in Germany bans Adolf Hitler from speaking in public for two years on March 9. The ban
limits Hitler to speaking only in private, closed meetings.
• Greek football club Olympiacos F.C. is founded in Piraeus on March 10. Olympiacos is now the most successful club in Greek football history, with 47 league titles to its credit.
• An estimated 5,000 people are killed when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake strikes the Chinese province of Yunnan on March 16.
• The Tokyo Broadcasting Station transmits the first radio broadcast in Japan on March 22. The first broadcast includes a recording of the Beethoven opera ÒFidelio.Ó
• Scottish inventor John Logie Baird publicly demonstrates the transmission of moving silhouette pictures at a London department store on March 25. A contemporary report in Nature magazine characterizes BairdÕs design as Òtelevision.Ó
• Fascists and Communists engage in a fistfight within the Italian Chamber of Deputies on March 26. The fisticuffs break out on the day Benito Mussolini returns to the Chamber for the first time in more than a month.
Route to the Past – Influential Women of Oxford
SCOTT GILLIES Contributor
In honour of International Women’s Day, I humbly submit the following story of some of the influential women of Oxford County from our past. They all accomplished so many remarkable achievements and set the example for others to follow.
One of the leading female figures in Oxford County history was witness to or instigator of a number of “Firsts” so it’s only appropriate that we begin with Emily Stowe.
In 1837, young Emily Jennings was present at an event that positively affected her for the remainder of her days. Born in South Norwich Township, Emily Jennings was the granddaughter of Peter Lossing, the leader of the Quaker settlement in and around Norwich in 1810.
On that day in early December of 1837, six-year-old Emily saw her peaceful relatives take up arms against the flawed provincial administration. Their willingness to stand up for a just cause was a hallmark of the Quakers. The child learned the valuable lesson that persistence in the face of intimidation pays off, and that moral was continually exemplified throughout her life.
By the age of 15 she was teaching in the one room Summerville school. In 1853 she applied to the medical school in Coburg but was turned down because of her gender. Undeterred, she applied for and was accepted into the new Provincial Normal School in Toronto. Within six months she completed the prescribed training and was hired as head of the Brantford Public School. She was not just a teacher; Emily Jennings was the first woman in the province to ever be appointed Principal.
In 1856 she met and married a young carriage-maker from
Yorkshire named John Stowe. Emily quit teaching to raise their three children, until John was stricken with tuberculosis. At that point, in 1863, she decided that she would once again apply to the medical school. Once again, the answer was the same. “NO! The doors of this university are not open to women and we trust they never will be”, wrote the School Senate. Emily is alleged to have retorted that “I will make it the business of my life to see that they will be opened, that women may have the same opportunities as men”.
Inspired by this rejection, Emily applied elsewhere and was accepted into the New York Medical College for Women. By the year of Confederation she was back in Canada as a graduate. She gathered up her family and moved to Toronto where she hung up her shingle. At the age of 36 Dr. Emily Stowe became the first woman in Canada to openly practice medicine.
John Stowe recovered from TB and Emily put him through dental school. They eventually ran a joint practice. While she had an American graduate certificate and a growing clientele, Emily still did not have a licence to legally practice medicine in the province. She was required to attend at least one session of lectures at an Ontario medical school, plus take an examination.
Things hadn’t changed much in the ensuing years, but finally the Toronto Medical School relented and allowed Emily and her young protégé Jennie Trout to attend, on the condition that they make no trouble, no matter what happened.
You can guess that lots did happen! Her fellow male students and lecturers were less than gentlemen, hurling insults and off-colour stories. Nevertheless, the women persevered and received their licences in 1880.
Within 3 years, Emily had
opened the Ontario Medical College of Women – the forerunner to the Women’s College Hospital. At the same time, she campaigned for women’s rights. In 1877 she had organized the Toronto Women’s Literacy Club which was in essence a suffragette movement for women’s rights.
The plaque in front of the Norwich Archives states she was the first president of the Dominion Women’s Enfranchisement Association from 1899 until her death in 1903.
Elsewhere in Norwich Township there were two other women who would impact the world.
Mabel Stoakley was born in 1884 on a farm near Holbrook. She walked to Burgessville to board the train into Woodstock for high school and to attend the Woodstock Business College.
At the age of 16, she went to work as a secretary for an executive with the Globe Printing Company in Toronto. In the ensuing years, she became one of Toronto’s best-known businesswomen and community activists.
Recognizing the advantages of belonging to different clubs, Mabel Stoakley sat on the boards of 30 different community organizations and helped found the Zonta Club, the Women’s Advertising Club, and the Business &
Professional Women’s Club. She rose to become vice president of the Canadian Federation of Businesses and served as Secretary of the Board of Governors of Women’s College Hospital. She passed away in 1967 and was buried in the family plot in Burgessville.
May Crabbe was born on a farm near Norwich in 1886 and grew up to be instrumental in provincial education and municipal politics. At an early age she moved to Toronto and became actively involved in the women’s suffrage movement and became a close friend to Emily Stowe’s daughter Dr. Augusta Stowe-Gullen.
In 1911 she married Ingersoll native George Robinson whose business career had led him to Toronto. He supported her efforts, and it wasn’t until the birth of their second child that May Robinson stayed at home as a Mom.
As the children grew, May once again became involved in community work, taking on roles with the National Council of Women, the first woman Elder in the newly formed United Church of Canada, and on boards of numerous other organizations.
In 1938 she was elected to the Toronto Board of Education; she would stay on the Board for another 11 years during which time she promoted counselling for student dropouts, guidance programs, Special Ed students, preschool classes for deaf children, classes for English as a Second Language, as well as music, art and drama classes, improved school cafeterias, the creation of student councils and Junior Kindergarten.
Recognizing that there were issues within society itself, May Robinson ran for and was elected an Alderman on Toronto City Council and was the first woman elected to sit on Metro Toronto City Council when it was formed in 1954. Her concern for social
welfare never wavered and she enjoyed a distinguished career in municipal politics.
Speaking of women in politics, did you know the first woman to be elected mayor of an Ontario city was Bernadette Smith, Mayor of Woodstock from 1952 to 1956 and again in 1960?
Always interested in politics she had worked for years as private secretary to Prime Minister R.B. Bennett. She returned to Woodstock in the 1940s and convinced local voters to elect her to City council in 1948. She repeated that electoral win in 1950 and then in 1951 she campaigned to become the first woman mayor of a city in Canada – beating the incumbent by more than 500 votes.
She remained in office from 1952 until a stormy December night in 1956 when low voter turnout lost her the election. Undaunted, three years later she was back in the chair as mayor of the city. She served the people of Woodstock as mayor or as alderman until 1970.
Another local woman to enter politics was Miss Winnifred L. Williams. Born in Brownsville to James and Laura Williams, Winnifred was educated in Ingersoll and at the University of Toronto. She taught at Ingersoll Collegiate during the First World War and later in Toronto until her retirement in 1953 when she moved back to Ingersoll and entered local politics like her Woodstock counterpart.
Winn was elected to Ingersoll town council in 1954, ‘55, and 1956, and then she too was elected mayor for the years 195758. When she passed away on December 31st, 1968, we lost a past president of the Oxford Historical Society and the University Women’s Club as well as the chair of the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery Board, where she was laid to rest.
Route2thepast@gmail.com
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Large turnout for Ingersoll health fair
The Seniors Active Living Fair was held March 1 at Ingersoll Services for Seniors. It brought together older adults, local organizations, and community leaders for a day of engagement, learning, and wellness.
The event featured more than 20 vendors, including both non-profit and for-profit organizations, showcasing services and activities designed to support the well-being of older adults. Attendees were able to explore local resources, participate in interactive wellness presentations, and engage in fitness demonstrations tailored for seniors.
Deputy Mayor Lindsay Wilson provided residents with insights into town events and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for seniors in the community. Participants appreciated the opportunity to connect with local
leaders and discuss topics important to them.
“We were thrilled with the turnout and the enthusiasm from both attendees and vendors,” said a representative from Ingersoll Services for Seniors. “It was inspiring to see so many members of our community actively engaging in learning about their health and the services available to them.”
The fair served as a platform to promote active living and community engagement among older adults, reinforcing the importance of staying informed and connected. Attendees expressed gratitude for the valuable information and interactive opportunities provided throughout the day. With such a positive response, organizers are optimistic about future events and look forward to continuing to support and empower seniors in the Ingersoll area.
(RON YUZARK PHOTOS)
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of the SOUTH EASTHOPE MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
Notice is hereby given that the 153rd Annual and Special General Meeting of South Easthope Mutual Insurance Company will be held at Grace United Church, 116 Woodstock Street South, Tavistock, Ontario, on Friday March 21, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
The meeting will commence with an informative presentation on Fire Safety in the home and Lithium-ion Battery Safety, put on by guest speakers from the Perth East and West Perth Fire Departments.
The business portion will follow the presentation for the purposes of:
1. Receiving and approving the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Corporation held March 8, 2024.
2. Receiving the Auditor’s Report and Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2024.
3. Appointing Auditors for the 2025 fiscal year.
4. Electing three directors, each for a term of three years. Any member wishing to seek election or re-election as a director must have filed their intention to stand for election in writing with the Secretary of the Corporation at least thirty days in advance of the Annual Meeting.
5. To consider and if thought fit, to approve By-law 1 – 2024 being a General By-law of the Corporation passed by the Board of Directors at their meeting in December 2024, which repeals and replaces the previous General By-laws. The By-Law is available for review by all members of the Corporation at the head office of the Corporation during regular business hours or will be provided upon request.
A complete version of the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 are available for viewing on the company website at www.southeasthope.com. A member may also request a copy by written request at least 14 days before the Annual Meeting.
Rachel N. Stewart
Corporate Secretary
For the Board of Directors
Carol Bosenberry with Christine Smith (Numerologist and Reiki Practitioner) at the Fair.
Anita Lovby and Sara Sweeney (Alzheimer's Society Southwest Partners) answered questions from attendees.
Participating in the Fair were Rondalyn Burden, Lindsay Wilson, Mary Pinney and Edith Leuverink.
Work begins soon on Downtown Streetscape
Township council meeting unavailable on YouTube
CONNOR LUCZKA Echo Correspondent
Anyone who missed last week’s Zorra Township Council meeting in-person will be hard pressed to catch up with a video.
Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was not livestreamed on YouTube as meetings usually are. In a statement on its Facebook page, the township apologized for the inconvenience and stated the meeting would be recorded and up -
loaded at a later date.
However, representatives from the township later told the Echo that further technical difficulties meant that would not be possible and no recording would be available.
Anyone who missed the live feed will be able to review the minutes once approved at the March 19 meeting.
Minutes from council meetings, and other meetings hosted by the township, can be found at https://zorra.civicweb. net/filepro/documents/3627/.
Construction on Phase 1 of the project is set to begin on March 24 and residents will notice advanced notification signs.
Dundas Street will be closed to vehicles between Victoria Street and Museum Square, however pedestrian access will be maintained and businesses remain open.
“This project has been a long time coming and we’re excited to finally be getting underway,” said Kerry Baird, Downtown Development Officer. “We know construction is never easy, but we are confident the improvements will create a more flexible, comfortable downtown for everyone.”
The project will address maintenance
and accessibility concerns by removing the existing surface materials (asphalt, concrete, paving stones and lighting) and replacing with new asphalt, including textured asphalt sidewalks, rolled curbs, new lighting and new street furniture.
Phase 1 includes the section of Dundas Street from Wellington Street to Riddell Street. The work is expected to take approximately 13 weeks and detours will be in effect. A number of transit routes are also affected and temporary stops will be in place around the construction zone. Drivers are asked to respect posted detours and closures to keep everyone safe.
Residents can find project updates, detour routes and where to park when you go downtown at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/streetscape.
Want to learn more?
A sign on Dundas Street in Woodstock advises residents about the upcoming construction project.
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: Bunnies, stallions and a sweet, secret recipe
When I thought about Vienna, Austria, the first things that came to mind were Mozart, waltzing, heavy baroque architecture and a strange obsession with coffee and pastries.
What I didn’t think about were bunnies and horses. Bunnies were the first residents of Austria’s capital city we encountered after disembarking from our river-cruise home away from home, the Viking Var.
There is a berm between the Danube docks and the city streets, and that berm is highly populated with extremely cute, small rabbits. To be honest, I think we smiled more as we strolled the paths along the berm than at any other time in the city – although we did, indeed, enjoy our visit to Vienna.
And horses? You may remember Vienna is home to the Spanish Riding School and its white, Lipizanner stallions. A walking tour through the heart of Vienna included a visit to the stables, but before that, we
were delighted when several of the majestic horses with uniformed riders cantered by within an arm’s length of us on a busy Vienna street.
So, between the bunnies and the stallions, we’d already had a pretty good day before we even started to soak in the majesty, the music and the obsession with cake that is Vienna.
Many visitors come to Vienna just for the music. After all, this city was home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn, and was also a frequent host to Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss and many more classical composers.
The city’s claim to musical fame is never subtle; as you walk around Vienna, you will inevitably encounter dozens – literally – of Mozart lookalikes, all selling tickets to one of the innumerable concerts performed on a daily basis. Some are great, some perhaps not so much. It’s helpful to get some local guidance on this. If you happen to be on a river cruise, like our great Viking experience, an excellent concert will be one of the special excursions offered to its guests.
A side note: you may not even have to leave the ship. On our cruise, one of the onboard evening features was an excellent performance of classical and operatic music by a talented quartet of local musicians. That became a unique experience when I was recruited to act as the love interest of one of the female singers. I was required to be silent but react appropriately to her declarations of love and eventual abandonment of me. I am not sure I have yet
recovered from the emotional trauma.
While great musicians definitely made their mark on Vienna, there is no doubt the city, today, owes almost everything to a European dynasty – the Hapsburgs. The Hapsburgs ruled over a central and eastern European empire for 650 years, from the 13th century to the end of World War I.
A fun fact: Danube expert Isis-Sybille Frisch told us the family carried the aristocratic designation “Von Hapsburg” but was forced to drop it when bearing an aristocratic name was made illegal at the conclusion of World War I. Hapsburg descendants continue to have influence throughout Europe, including in the United Kingdom, where King Charles is a direct descendant.
Frisch underlined the importance of the Hapsburg legacy when she said, “In Vienna, there’s no escaping them!”
That’s especially evident when it comes to the architecture of the city – the imposing baroque buildings come from an era in the Hapsburgs’ history beginning around 1699, when the Hapsburgs defeated the Ottoman empire. Frisch told us the end of that war freed up financial resources, which were immediately put to use creating landmarks like the Hofburg palace in Vienna’s inner city and the sprawling Schönbrunn Palace, enlarged to its present enormity by the famed Empress Maria Theresa in 1750.
The building didn’t stop with baroque; there are remarkable examples of neo-Renaissance
and Gothic-Romanesque creations as well – none of them small or delicate. This is a city whose masters intended to make a statement and make it big.
But there is a more relaxed side to Vienna and that brings us back to the coffee and cakes. Vienna’s café society has flourished for more than 300 years.
The cafés serve a selection of coffees that even Starbucks might envy, but the real stars of the show are the pastries – apfelstrudel, Linzer Torte and especially that amazing Viennese culinary creation, Sachertorte, invented by Franz Sacher in 1832.
The Sachertorte recipe is still a carefully guarded secret. If you search for the recipe online, the official Sacher website will
only supply an “approximate recipe,” which includes chocolate, vanilla, eggs, butter, sugar and apricot jam. You might produce something approximating Sachertorte, but it won’t be the real thing – Franz Sacher’s heirs make sure of that. For the real deal, you’ll just have to go to Vienna and relax in a café where locals read newspapers, sip coffee and perhaps enjoy a string quartet before heading out to walk the imposing streets of one of Europe’s architectural masterpieces.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.
PAUL KNOWLES Echo Contributor
An impromptu encounter with Lipizanner stallions as they cantered down busy Vienna streets.
(PHOTOS BY PAUL KNOWLES)
Viennese architecture was clearly designed to be imposing, and it is.
The Hofburg Palace in the city centre.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of the passing of Development Charge By-Law
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the County of Oxford passed by-law No. 6709-2025, which amends certain sections of development charge by-law No. 6639-2024, on the 26th day of February, 2025, under section 2 (1) of the Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O., 1997 c. 27, as amended;
AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or organization may appeal to the Local Planning Tribunal under section 14 of the Act, in respect of the development charge by-law amendment, by filing with the Clerk on or before the 7th of April, 2025, a notice of appeal setting out the objection to the by-law and the reasons supporting the objection.
The charges in the aforementioned by-law will apply to all new residential and non-residential development, subject to certain terms, conditions and limited exemptions as identified therein.
County-wide development charges are levied against new development to pay for the increased capital costs related to the provision of such municipal services as library, ambulance services, growth-related studies, waste diversion and services related to a highway. Schedule 1 sets out the development charge rates applicable throughout the County.
Area-specific development charges related to the provision of water and wastewater servicing apply to the specified areas of Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Plattsville, Drumbo, Tavistock, Innerkip, Norwich, Thamesford, Embro and Mt. Elgin. All area-specific charges are in Schedule 2.
Key maps are not set out in this notice as the details and scale of such maps would be difficult to reproduce in an accurate and legible form. Map schedules for each applicable service area are attached to the by-law on the County’s website.
The development charges imposed under the by-law, which came into effect on February 26, 2025, are calculated and payable on the date of building permit issuance.
Copies of the complete development charge by-laws are available for examination during regular business hours (weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) in the offices of the County located at 21 Reeve Street, Woodstock, and on the website at www.oxfordcounty.ca
For further information, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 519-539-0015, ext. 3017.
Lindsey Mansbridge, Clerk, Oxford County clerksoffice@oxfordcounty.ca 21 Reeve Street, PO Box 1614
Woodstock, ON N4S 7Y3
Schedule 1 – County-wide Development Charge Rates
Schedule 2 – Area-Specific Development Charge Rates
Activities that promote cognitive health
Maintaining physical health as a body ages is an important consideration, and often one of the first things that comes to mind when people think about being healthy. Yet physical health is only one component of a healthy lifestyle; individuals also must pay attention to what they do to promote cognitive health.
A 2023 study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes of Health indicated that some decline in cognitive abilities is a natural part of the aging process. Attention, memory, executive cognitive function, language, and visuospatial abilities all exhibit measurable declines with age, according to the study.
Just because some measure of cognitive impairment occurs as the years march on doesnÕt mean that seniors are powerless against Father Time. Certain behaviors and activities can help improve cognition.
Physical activity
It is important to stay physically active, not only for the body, but also for the brain. Harvard Health says research shows when animals exercise regularly, the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain increase. More oxygen can reach an area of the brain that is responsible for thought and help improve brain function.
Exercise also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar, all of which can be beneficial to the brain.
Engage in relaxing activities
People who are depressed, sleep-deprived or anxious tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. While this may not be an indicator of cognitive decline, it is important to engage in behaviors that promote happiness and restfulnesss for mental health. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and activities that help a person smile and laugh can be good for the brain.
Participate in stimulating activities
Stimulating activities, like word games, gardening, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, can help maintain cognitive function and enhance memory, says Healthline. Doing things that require mental effort can help stimulate and maintain cognitive function and
also may improve emotional well-being.
Read more often
Various studies indicate that reading can promote strong mental health. In addition to keeping a person entertained or informed, reading exercises the brain. There are new words to learn, new scenarios to imagine and locations to envision. Sharing a summary of what was read with others also helps work the brain in different ways, all of which are good for cognitive health. Make new recipes
Browsing through a recipe, shopping for the ingredients, putting the ingredients together, and producing the finished product all can work the brain. A person is reading, engaging in math, predicting the results, and utilizing the senses during the process of cooking. Various activities can promote strong cognitive health and may help to reduce or delay cognitive decline through the years.
The more you feed me, the smaller I get. What am I?
Candle
I have no wings, but I can fly. I have no eyes, but I can cry. What am I?
Cloud
I can be cracked, made, told, and played. What am I?
Joke
I have keys but open no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can't go outside. What am I?
Keyboard
You see me in the sky but never on land. I disappear in the morning but return at night. What am I?
Stars
I have teeth but can’t bite. What am I?
Comb
I go around the world while staying in the same place. What am I?
Stamp
I get sharper the more you use me. What am I?
Pencil
The more you stretch me, the thinner I become. What am I?
Rubber band
LEO
This is Leo. He is a 4 year old Yorkie mix. He loves his stuffy and coming to work with mom everyday!!! Everybody that visits the office, leaves with a smile thanks to Leo!!
CLASSIFIEDS
DANIEL “DAN” H. MCLEOD (NOVEMBER 26, 1942 - MARCH 28, 2024)
When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long, And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me - but let me go, For this is a journey we all must take, And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to Home, When you are lonely & sick of heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds. Miss me - but let me go.
Author Unknown
Your Legacy and kindness endures
Forever Remembered, Forever Loved
Beloved Husband of Gail (Moulton)
Father of Heather (Peter McPherson)
Chris McLeod
Grandfather of Declan & Hamish McPherson
OBITUARY
O’BRIGHT, DOUGLAS
Douglas Gordon O’Bright, born in June of 1935 to Harold and Gertrude O’Bright, passed away on Thursday February 27, 2025. Doug had a full 89-year life with countless memories shared with many people. Father to Michael, Jim, and Mark O’Bright. Loving grandpa of seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents and his siblings Harold, Jack, Pat, Bill, Bob, Jean, Donna, Margaret and Sandra.
A lifetime Woodstock resident, Doug worked for over 40 years at Standard Tube. He was a proud union member. He enjoyed camping and took his family to Florida, Atlantic Canada and Ontario Provincial Parks for years in a tent-trailer he built himself. He had a great retirement. He was a snowbird in Florida for his first 20 years of retirement. He loved spring training. In the summer he would take trips by train to visit family, friends and sitesee in Western Canada and California. A keen observer of politics, Doug called himself a “news junkie”. He toured many historic sites, Parliament, Presidential Libraries and the White House. He was a handy-man who was always working on projects. For years you could see Doug, with the Canadian flag proudly flying from the back of his scooter, roving around Woodstock attending to his daily chores.
With respect to his wishes, there will be no memorial service. The family kindly requests that you take a moment to remember Doug in your own way and to cherish the memories shared. Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock was entrusted with Final Arrangements. Your messages of condolence, memories and photographs may be shared at wareingcremation.ca
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
DOUGLAS MURRAY DOLSON OBITUARY
Born March 30, 1934 passed peacefully on March 3, 2025days shy of his 91st birthday - in the loving presence of his wife Opal, daughters Jude (Brian), Nancy (Errol), son Darcy (Brenda).
Doug’s compassionate nature continues with his grandchildren Naomi and Chris, great grandchildren Andrew, Philip, Hannah, Kate, and Tyler and even grandpuppy Clyde.
Doug will be laid to rest with a private service and graveside gathering, joining in heaven with his granddaughter Serenna, son Wayne, brothers - Morris, Raymond (Margaret), Gordon (Monica), Delmer, Ronnie, twin Doreen (Alex), as well as his mom and dad Alvin and Lulu Dolson.
He will also be missed by his sister Grace (George) and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Doug worked in maintenance at Fisher Controls for 39 years before retiring, was a longtime member of the Faith Community Church, and in his younger years was well known in the Woodstock area for offering his help with anything that required farming, automobile, lawn care, tools, snow-blowing or other general handyman expertise. He was most happy to share his love of dancing, camping, cars and anything that runs on a motor with any and all who would join him.
Doug’s family would like to thank the wonderful health care professionals and volunteers who assisted him over the past several years including those at Care Partners, Bayshore, South West Alzheimer Association, Oxford Community Paramedics and especially the staff at Lakewood, Woodingford Lodge.
Donations to the South West Alzheimers Association or Faith Community Church are appreciated. Personal condolences can be posted to
www.brockandvisser.com/obituaries/douglas-dolson
TREES
Shade trees, Fruit trees, Apple, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet and Sour Cherries, Apricot, Nectarines, Blueberry, Haskopp, Black Chokeberry, Grapes etc. Lots of Spruce, Pine, Cedars for windbreaks and privacy hedges, Sizes 1 to 6+. Flowering shrubs and much more. Come check us out Mon-Sat 7:00am - 6:00pm Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Road, Wroxeter (1 concession north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line)
COMING EVENTS
OLD ST PAUL’S CHURCH PRESENTS MUSIC OF THE 50S AND 60S with Rob and the Rydells Saturday April 5 at 723 Dundas St., Woodstock. The show begins at 1:30pm. Tickets only $25.00 and kids under 12 are free. Please go to www.oldstpauls.com or call 519-537-3912. Complimentary refreshments follow the concert.
LOOKING FOR FUN, FITNESS, AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION? JOIN US FOR PICKLEBALL!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there's a spot for you at Huron Park Baptist Church, 199 Berwick Street held the first Saturday of the every month from 9-11 a.m. Cost is FREE! Bring a friend, bring your energy, and let's play! For more information or to sign up, call 519-421-4722
EXPERIENCE FANSHAWE COLLEGE’S AT OPEN HOUSE
ALL LOCATIONS ARE OPEN FROM 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. ON MARCH 29
Meet faculty and current students from all areas of Fanshawe Drop-in and ask about your program interests, career options and becoming a Fanshawe student. Hear from college experts on student life, admissions, financial aid, and more! Explore our campuses at London, Woodstock, Simcoe, St. Thomas, Clinton and Tiverton
OXFORD COUNTY BRANCH OF ONTARIO ANCESTORS VIRTUAL MEETING
Monday, April 14, 2025 at 7 pm
“Preachers, Teachers, Entrepreneurs and Rebels” Deward Yates will take us on a virtual field trip of historical plaques, following rural and urban pathways, celebrating Oxford County’s History from Embro to Wolverton and multiple places in between. Register for free by visiting our website https://oxford.ogs.on.ca.
A PALLIATIVE APPROACH TO CARE
Join us on Tuesday, April 1st, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at St. David's United Church, located at 190 Springbank Ave, Woodstock, ON.
The Caring Hearts Support Network is pleased to present Diane Murray, RN, CHPCN (C), a clinical coach with the Oxford Ontario Health Team. She will discuss how our community can support individuals living with serious illnesses, such as COPD, cancer, heart failure, frailty, dementia, and other conditions. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
www.caringheartssupportnetwork.com
info@caringheartssupportnetwork.com
THE LIONS CLUB OF WOODSTOCK
The Lions Club of Woodstock has been serving the community and
Oxford County with kindness and generosity since 1931. The Lions always place the needs of neighbours and communities first. Through the dedication and hard work of our volunteer members, we are serving those in need together. If you are interested in becoming a member or simply wish to learn more by attending one of our monthly meetings, please email Steve Iorio at steveiorio4@gmail.com for more information.
ARE YOU IN A JAM?
March 21, April 4 &11, May 2 & 23, June 6 & 20 from 1-4p.m.
Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St S, Ingersoll.
Ingersoll's Country Music Jamboree Club is celebrating 40 years. New members wanted. Qualifications - love 50-70's country music. Listen, dance, enjoy! The club welcomes walk-ins at the door.
SACRED HEART PARISH EUCHRE
Tuesday March 25, starts at 1:00 pm
We invite everyone to join us for a euchre afternoon in Henderson Hall 133 John Street Ingersoll. Refreshments provided. For more info call or text Martha at 519-320-0785
UNITED WAY OXFORD’S COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
March 26 at 5pm at Sally Creek Community Centre, Woodstock. Register: [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1207466718459?aff=oddtdtcre ator]
OPEN HOUSE
April 30th 2-3pm
Edward on the harp. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the food bank. Call Cedarview at 519-602-0282, RSVP with Lisa
TILLSONBURG DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB
Interested in Bridge? Join us every Friday at the Tillsonburg Duplicate Bridge Club at 1 p.m. at The Senior Centre. Don’t have a partner? Come anyway and we will match you up with someone. For more information, visit their Facebook page: TburgBridge.
THE OPTIMIST CLUB OF OXFORD COUNTY
The Optimists bring out the best in Youth, Community, and Themselves. If anyone is interested in coming out to meet us and learn more about us please email brenda7621@outlook.com
REPAIR CAFÉ
4th Saturday of each month; 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Hosted by East Oxford 403 Anglican Churches
St. John’s Church, 685860 Oxford Rd. 2, Woodstock Repairs to clothing, textiles, minor non-electrical household items, and stringed musical instruments, by donation. Also offered: learn how to make your own repairs.
PEER SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS Third Wednesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
21 Wellington St., Woodstock (Virtual options available)
PCMH is a peer support program providing support to parents and caregivers across Ontario with lived experience raising children and youth with mental health challenges. For more information, please visit family.cmho.org or oxfordcounty@pcmh.ca. We are also on Facebook: Parents for Children's Mental Health ~ Oxford County
LIVING WITH LOSS:
A SIX-WEEK GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Caring Hearts Support Network: St. David's United Church, 190 Springbank Ave., Woodstock ON
A safe and supportive space to explore your grief, with the guidance of trained facilitators. Please contact for upcoming dates. No cost to attend. To register or for more information call or text 519-536-3370. www.caringheartssupportnetwork.com. One-on-one grief support is also available.
GRIEF SUPPORT FOR MAID RELATED LOSS
4th Wednesday of the month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Thamesford Library, 165 Dundas St., Thamesford
This monthly in-person grief support group for loss related to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) offers a compassionate, safe space to explore this unique loss. The group will meet the 4th Wednesday of the month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Thamesford Library, 165 Dundas St., Thamesford. The group is free of charge and pre-registration is requested. The next meeting is Wednesday, February 26th. To register or inquire about an evening group, contact Deb McKay at 519-8663016 or email faye@compassionategriefsupport.ca.
VON OXFORD GRIEF CARE:
FREE MONTHLY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Register at: oxford.griefsupport@von.ca or 519-539-1231 Ext 6299 or 6296
TILLSONBURG
WHEN: 2nd Tuesday of every month
WHERE: VON Oxford Office 24 Brock St. W., Tillsonburg TIME: 6:30PM-8:00PM
INGERSOLL
WHEN: 4th Tuesday of every month
WHERE: Ingersoll Public Library 130 Oxford St., Ingersoll TIME: 10:30AM –12:00Noon
WOODSTOCK
WHEN: 3rd Saturday of every month
WHERE: Sakura House Hospice 715180 Oxford Rd.4, Woodstock TIME: 10:30AM-12:00Noon
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION EVENTS: 642 Dundas Street, Woodstock
CORN BEEF & CABBAGE WITH POTATOES VEGGIES & COLESLAW MEAL
March 21st from 5-6pm
For more information, please call 519-537-3112 or 519-539-3401.
SATURDAY EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
March 15th - Linda Lee
March 22nd - 2 for the Road
March 29th - Steve Beach & Larry Fuedo.
SPRING EASTER BAKE SALE-VENDOR MARKET/ CRAFT SALE
April 12th 9am-1pm
HURON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH EVENTS: 199 Berwick St, Woodstock
SUMMER BASKET BALL CAMP
August 8 – 11
More details to follow.
LADIES EVENT
Friday, March 21, 7:00 PM
Decluttering Tips with Hannah from Everyday Organized – Get practical tips and encouragement to bring peace and order to your home. Please register in advance by calling the church office 519-4214722.
SENIORS LUNCH - 65+
Thursday, March 27 – noon
Presentation – to be determined. Please call the church office to register. 519-421-4722.
BEACHVILLE LEGION EVENTS: 434852 Zorra Line, Beachville
LINE DANCING
Thursdays March 6-April 3 7-8 pm
WINGS AND FRIES
Friday March 14 5:30 pm
THAMES VALLEY BLUE GRASS AND OLD TIME COUNTRY PICKERS
Saturday March 15, 1-4 pm Come enjoy the music.
KARAOKE
Saturday March 22 7-11 pm
EUCHRE Thursdays 7 pm
DARTS Fridays 8 pm FREE POOL
OXFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS: oxhs.ca info@oxhs.ca or 226-242-4772
THE HISTORY OF THE EMBRO HIGHLAND GAMES
Wednesday March 26, 2025 @ 6:30 PM Zorra Caledonian Society – Steve MacDonald Vice President and local historian.
SAVING THE TITANIC
Wednesday April 30, 2025 @ 6:30 PM
Thomas Ryerson, Author and grandson of William Edwy Ryerson. A true story about William Edwy Ryerson who survived the sinking of the Titanic.
