TAPPING INTO A FAMILY TRADITION

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BUSINESSES COPING WITH COVID-19

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Serving Tavistock and area since 1895 VOLUME 124 • NUMBER 25

TAVISTOCK, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

FREE ONLINE EDITION!

CO VID

-19 Dawn Weszner, TCHI receptionist

A LETTER FROM EAST ZORRATAVISTOCK COUNCIL MEETING Council for the Township of East ZorraTavistock met at the Oxford County Administration Building, Woodstock, on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2020. Present were Mayor Don McKay, Deputy Mayor Don Edmiston and Councillors Matthew Gillespie, Phil Schaefer and Jeremy Smith. Absent were Margaret Lupton and Scott Rudy. Council reviewed the correspondence from the County of Oxford regarding Leading Oxford to 100% Housed Future. Staff was directed to advise the County regarding items for consideration from the Township. Council also reviewed the correspondence from the County of Oxford regarding the Council Composition Review. Council reviewed the February 24, 2020 Tavistock and District Recreation Facilities Board minutes. Council reviewed the 2019 Building Department Annual Report. Council accepted the Building Department Annual Report for 2019, as required to be prepared under Section 7(4) of the Ontario Building Code, as information, and further Council authorized the transfer of $124,288.73 to the building department reserve. Council reviewed the report from Public Works Manager Tom Lightfoot regarding the recent Maria Street Reconstruction Tender results. Council accepted the bid from Viewcon Construction, in the amount of $959,906.37, including HST, to complete the works defined in contract 2020-03. Council discussed matters related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including staffing, facility operation, financial considerations and upcoming Council meetings. Council cancelled its regular meeting of April 1, 2020. www.ezt.ca

TAVISTOCK COMMUNITY HEALTH To our valued patients and families, Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, your healthcare team at STAR Family Health Team wanted to reach out and offer support during this uncertain time. This is a VERY SERIOUS, and rapidly evolving situation and Public Health recommendations are changing daily, sometimes hourly, so we encourage you to access our federal and local Public Health websites for the most up-to-date information: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/ diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html https://www.hpph.ca/en/news/coronavirus-covid19 update.aspx At STAR Family Health Team, our goal is to minimize potential exposure to as many people as possible, while freeing up resources to attend to those who require urgent care. In order to do this, we will be making changes to the way we deliver your care. Starting immediately, we will attempt to avoid booking routine and non-urgent appointments (including routine physicals, pap tests, visits for insurance purposes, and visits for other non-urgent issues). If you are able to delay your elective appointments, we urge you to do so. If you have an appointment scheduled currently, you may be contacted to suggest deferring if deemed appropriate by your healthcare provider. We are reviewing our schedules and incoming appointments. Those that can be accomplished safely by telephone or a virtual visit will be booked as such. Those visits that are of a more urgent nature and require an in-person visit, will still be offered this option. If you are advised to visit our office, we ask that you come alone or with one support person only in order to limit the number of people in our waiting room. Family Health Team groups are cancelled until further notice. If you are enrolled in a group, you will be contacted by our team with this information. ** IN ORDER TO HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF THIS VIRUS - WE ASK FOR YOUR HELP ** Important signage is posted at each of our clinics. We ask everyone to be careful to read any posted signs and notices, and to follow them carefully. If you are feeling unwell with any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose or

diarrhea OR have travelled outside of Canada OR have had contact with someone who has travelled outside of Canada, we ask that you STAY HOME, and call your Family Physician’s Office, your local Public Health Unit or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) for further direction. ** PLEASE DO NOT VISIT OUR OFFICE WITHOUT INSTRUCTION ** We expect a high volume of phone calls to our office, so please have patience while waiting to speak with our staff. We ask that you do not attend the EMERGENCY ROOM unless you feel very unwell, are directed to by your healthcare provider, or it is a clear EMERGENCY. A new screening tool is available to review your symptoms and potential risks and get quick advice on whether to self-monitor, self-isolate or seek medical attention on the Government of Canada website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus covid-19-self-assessment Testing requirements/guidelines for COVID-19 are changing daily, and most people suspected of having the virus will not be tested. Our office does not have the appropriate protective equipment to test for the virus, so we are not offering testing. Most testing is being reserved for individuals sick enough to warrant being admitted to hospital, healthcare workers, and those in retirement or nursing home settings. In regards to your greater social obligations, even if you are feeling well, we urge you to: • STAY HOME as much as possible, • Avoid all non-essential travel, • WASH YOUR HANDS with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, • Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your arm, • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, • Clean highly used surfaces frequently with regular household cleaner. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this evolving situation. We are all working hard to keep you, your families, our staff and our community safe and healthy. Sincerely, Your Healthcare Team at STAR Family Health Team

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS Enjoy Fresh Ontario Maple Syrup

MAIN STREET A QUICK LOOK AT OUR TOWN!

THIS ‘N’ THAT COVID-19 has thrown us all for a loop as each one of us learns to adjust to physical and social distancing and isolation from family and friends … many businesses have closed their doors to the public as the government puts new restrictions on gatherings and at workplaces to prevent the spread of the virus. Grocery stores and other essential services remain open with people encouraged to stay 2 metres away from each other at all times. Restaurants are only allowed to provide takeout and pickup from their menu … people are also remaining hopeful for better days to come … on the bright side the warm sunshine of spring has the trees budding and shoots of flowers popping up in the garden … remember to support and thank all those businesses and frontline workers who stay open to supply us with the essentials … Easter is going to be much different this year … the video chat technology of today though can provide us with face-to-face gettogethers with family and friends that we so desperately need.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES Today, March 25th, birthdays for Caleb Mohr, 10; Ronan Lamarche, 15; and Caleb Whetstone, 17 … Reese Weicker is 10 years old on March 26th and a birthday for Bob Gladding Jr. … March 27th marks a 6th birthday for Broden Cressman … a 4th birthday for Benjamin Hartfiel on March 28th and an 11th birthday for Emily Romano … Kyle Roth turns 18 on March 29th and on March 30th a 9th birthday for Ainsley Adams … March 31st brings birthdays for Samantha Roth, 14; Kathryn Rudy, 15; and Brooklyn Duguay, 17. Congratulations to all!

DUE TO COVID-19 TAVISTOCK GAZETTE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY

FREE

TO ALL!

TAPPING INTO A FAMILY TRADITION

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PHOTOS BY BILL GLADDING / TAVISTOCK GAZETTE

I really enjoy the process - Carman Wettlaufer

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The smell of the wood smoke and cords of firewood stacked outside the sugar shack are a sure sign that maple syrup season is here. Local syrup maker Carman Wettlaufer has been at his craft for the past two weeks, starting by tapping on Saturday, February 29th and boiling his first batch of maple syrup on March 6th. You never know what to expect for a leap year and many old tales point to a bad season; but “so far it’s been phenomenal,” Carman said. “I’ve never seen it run like this before.” He noted that this is the first year in a while that the snow has stuck around and the temperatures have been consistently near the freezing mark. Sunny days and cold nights are the big factor. And for some unknown reason, the sugar content is higher this year. For the past four years, Carman has been using new taps on his trees. The original taps that his great, great grandfather Yost Schaefer used were metal spigots that dripped the sap into pails. The pails were then carried through the snow to a small wooden shed for boiling into syrup. When

Carman installed sap lines throughout his 20-acre bush many years ago, a 7/16” plastic tap was incorporated. These last four years he has gone to a 1/4” tap and the results are great. He feels the tap holes heal much quicker each year, causing less damage to the trees. He has 900 trees on line with about 1,300 taps. The raw sap is gravity-fed to holding tanks before being pumped up to a 300-gallon tank in the shack. These contents are then gravity-fed into the evaporator through a float system where a corrugated pre-heating unit warms the product before being fed into the main tank. In one day last week his trees produced 2,000 gallons of sap. His storage facilities can hold a maximum of 3,500 gallons. “I’ve really seen a difference in sap flow,” Carman said, since he went to the new style of tap. It’s been four years since Carman retired from working at the cheese factory in Tavistock. “I don’t know how I did both,” he said about balancing the maple syrup production with his other job. “I guess I’m getting older, but I really enjoy the process of making maple syrup.” Working in the shack takes his lifetime of experience to manage. From stoking the firebox to making sure the temperature is just right in the evaporator, there is an art to syrup making that only a few people know. There’s another secret to the taste of Carman’s maple product. “It’s the land,” he said. For some reason his bush has

ONTARIO MAPLE SYRUP

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

TAPPING INTO A FAMILY TRADITION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

a base of sandy soil, unlike other farms in the immediate area. This provides a significant difference in the flavour of his maple syrup. As a tree grows, it draws nutrients from the earth where it is planted and when the sap runs it can take on that flavour. With sandy soil, these larger sand particles can be screened from the boiled syrup, making it much more pure in flavour. The golden syrup has a lighter flavour and the dark syrup is richer flavoured. Sap contains about 3 per cent sugar in its natural state, but cooking it concentrates the sugar to 66 per cent. When the process is complete, tasting the warm maple syrup soon after it is filtered into pails is even better than imagined. “It’s like homemade bread,” Carman explains. “It’s better right out of the oven.” As members of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association, Carman and his wife, Debbie Wettlaufer sell their syrup in 35-gallon drums to wholesalers or bottlers. They also sell 4 litre, 1 litre and 250 mL jugs retail from their farm on Line 29, just west of Tavistock, in South Easthope Township. Watch for the Ontario Maple Syrup sign at the end of the lane or call 519-655-2627 to arrange pickup. With the cancellation of gatherings and events like the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is good to know that locally-made food products are available. Just make sure you follow the guidelines for staying protected in this time of uncertainty.

It’s like homemade bread ... it’s better right out of the oven!

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

COPING WITH COVID-19 A message from East Zorra-Tavistock

IMPORTANT MUNICIPAL UPDATES In an effort to help prevent or lessen the impacts of the community spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19), the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock has closed all municipal indoor recreational facilities. This includes the Tavistock Arena, Tavistock Memorial Hall and the Innerkip Community Centre. All playground areas are now off limits to the public, however the parks will remain open. If you are outside it is essential that everyone practice social distancing … walks are to exercise, not socialize. The Municipal office in Hickson will remain open but at reduced staffing levels. During this time of we strongly encourage all residents to go to our website at ezt.ca to access online services and contact information for each department. We are no longer accepting Police Record Check applications at the Township office, unless it is an emergency situation. Please call ahead to our office (519-462-2697) to verify the emergency criteria. We are not aware of any interruption in the Waste Management schedules at this time but should this situation change we will post updates through the Township social media. Accessing accurate and timely information will be very important over the next few weeks and so we advise all residents to regularly check for Public Health updates from SouthWestern Health at www.swpublichealth.ca Public Health is strong recommending that people stay at home and only go out for essential needs. If you have recently returned from travelling please adhere to the requirement to self isolate for 14 days. These next few weeks are very important in keeping our communities health and we all need to do our part.

206 ONTARIO ST., STRATFORD

519-273-4400 MLS Realtor website: www.coldwellbankerfc.com

Independently Owned and Operated.

PROPERTIES NEEDED! Inventory is low and properties in all price ranges are needed in Tavistock and surrounding areas. If you have been considering selling and would like to know what your house is worth in today’s active real estate market, or if you would like more information on any property listed “FOR SALE”, please call Sandra Eby, Sales Representative at either Bus: 519-273-4400 or Res: 519-655-2548 or email mseby@rogers.com. Let my experience work for you!

Trust Sandra for all your real estate needs!

SANDRA EBY Sales Representative

TIPS FOR BUSINESSES CLOSING DUE TO COVID-19 (OPP WRHQ) - The Province has ordered the two-week closure of businesses deemed “non-essential” or “at-risk” as of midnight tonight. OPP West Region has some tips for business owners impacted by the closures, in an effort to ensure your property is less attractive to thieves. • Remove all valuables from storefront displays and all cash from tills and leave open with the cash tray out and visibly empty • Ensure alarm systems are working and all contact lists are up-to-date • Post on doors/windows that the premises are monitored by an alarm company and that no money is kept on the premises. Include the 1-888-310-1122 number to call the OPP should anyone notice a break-in or damage • Clean all windows and floors prior to leaving and note when you've done so (have a log) as this will help investigators should there be a break-in • Consider a surveillance system which can be monitored remotely • Keep some lighting on inside to help with video surveillance and consider lighting on timers if possible • Ensure all doors and windows are locked and secure • Ensure all exterior lighting is functioning and on - consider motion sensor lights as another option • Remove anything on the exterior which could be used to gain entry to your premises (bricks, ladders, poles, construction materials) • Regularly check the building and keep track of when you check (have a log) but go at different times Like your home, if it looks cared for and looks like someone is home or around regularly, thieves will move on to other locations OPP West Region members want the public to do its part to help keep local homes and businesses safe during the outbreak. If you see suspicious activity around a business that you know is closed, or at homes where people aren’t around, call OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

FOR ADVERTISING & STORY IDEAS: CALL 519-655-2341 Established 1895 Published every Wednesday 119 Woodstock Street, South, P.O. Box 70, Tavistock, Ontario, Canada NOB 2RO Telephone 519-655-2341

Member of Ontario Community Newspapers Association

Publications Mail Registration No. 08949

Canadian Media Circulation Audit

We welcome your comments on any subject of concern to residents of Tavistock and area, and invite letters to the editor. To be published, letters must be signed, including your address and phone number for verification and authenticity.

Address correspondence to the above address or e-mail to: tavistockgazette@rogers.com website: www.tavistock.on.ca William J. Gladding Editor/Publisher

Annual print subscription: Canada: $47.00 ($44.76 + $2.24) Cash, cheque or e-transfer. Sorry, no debit or credit cards accepted. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

COPING WITH COVID-19 Our Businesses Respond

Sam Danford with Ed Tiemens and Alec MacBean.

BILL GLADDING / TAVISTOCK GAZETTE

SAM’S VALUMART MAKES ADJUSTMENTS Sam’s Valumart in Tavistock has been forced to adapt to the new reality of life in the days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a letter to customers ”To our valued shoppers, effective March 19, 2020, we will be reducing our store hours by closing one hour early every day. Our new store hours are 7:30-8:00 a.m. for seniors 65 years of age or older (Sunday-Saturday); 8am-8pm for everyone (Monday-Friday); 8am-6pm for everyone (Saturday-Sunday) We thank you for your continued support during this time and will keep you updated if any changes as they come along.“ Also, “only cash will be accepted at the courtesy desk. All other lanes will be debit or credit only. There will be no charge on plastic bags and we encourage customers to use them for now. We will ask that if you wish to use your own bags, you will pack your own groceries. Thank you for your consideration and helping to protect our employees so that they may remain open to serve you!” Then on Friday, March 20th, the following message was posted: “As per Health Canada’s recommendation, we will only be allowing about 15 people a time into our store. Please do your best to send only one person from your family in to do your shopping. That is all that will be allowed unless special circumstances are needed.”

END OF THE SEASON Morty the English Bulldog stands in the doorway to greet customers at Bickle’s Orchard Park Farms’ retail farm outlet on Highway 59 south of Tavistock last week. The family operation closed its doors early for the season on Saturday to do their part in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

OUR STORE IS NOW

CLOSED!

BILL GLADDING / TAVISTOCK GAZETTE

Thank you for a great season. See you next fall. ~ The Bickles

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

COPING WITH COVID-19 LETTERS TO THE COMMUNITY

A LETTER FROM MINISTER OF EDUCATION Dear Ontario parents, I am writing to you in unprecedented times. The foremost priority of the government is to keep all Ontarians safe, including our students and educators. Working with our partners and all levels of government, we will do whatever it takes to deliver on this imperative. Since we first learned of COVID-19, Ontario has been diligently monitoring the developing situation to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians. We have also taken decisive action to ensure the province is positioned to be ready for any scenario.

TAVISTOCK GAZETTE NOW ONLINE ONLY During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Tavistock Gazette will not be publishing a print edition. The necessary need for social and physical distancing and the cancellation of all events and gatherings has caused a significant decrease in local news as well as advertising revenue. This makes it impossible to meet the financial requirements for us to be able to pay both the printing and mailing costs. We hope that when we resume publishing, we will be able to provide our printed edition for you once again. All print subscribers who don’t have internet access will have their expiry date extended. In the meantime, we will publish a colourenhanced, online version of the Gazette at www.tavistock.on.ca, FREE to all. This digital version will also include our regular back page business directory for residents to access when they need essential services. Many businesses have been forced to close due to government restrictions, or simply because there is no business at all. Please, always call or email them for information. To our current business customers, if you require printed material, call or email us with your orders. Once again, during this time, our newspaper will be available online only. If you know of a subscriber who doesn’t have internet access, making a phone call to connect and share any of our news items would be greatly appreciated. Again, due to the mandate of physical distancing and the obligation to stay at home, if you have news, stories or photos to share, or have ideas for us to report, please contact us. The Editor and his wife

That is why on March 12, 2020, based on the advice of Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, I issued a Ministerial Order to close all publiclyfunded schools in the province until April 6, 2020. Our government took decisive action — one of the first jurisdictions in the industrialized world to have closed schools — with the aim of preventing the spread of COVID-19. We are also the first province in Canada to declare a state of emergency. This declaration under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act enhances the province’s ability to support our heroic frontline workers as they continue to confront this challenge fully. While this period is marked by uncertainty, I hope that this letter can, in some part, provide answers to some of the questions I know many parents have. Although this virus has been characterized and spoken about largely in terms of physical impacts, I believe we need to acknowledge and respond to the sense of fear and concern that your children may be feeling, especially for our younger learners. We have heard from many of them and their parents directly that these reactions come from a place of uncertainty and heightened media exposure that leads to more questions than answers. During this time, I encourage you to continue to have open conversations with your children about COVID-19 and acknowledge that their reactions to this period — however emotional — are understandable and normal. There are many resources available to you and your children, notably Kids Help Phone, which is Canada’s only 24/7 national support service. They offer professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. Please visit their website: www.kidshelpphone.ca, call: 1-800-668-6868, or text CONNECT to 686868. While the health and safety of your children is my priority, I also know many of you are wondering how we will ensure students continue their journey of learning while out of the classroom. As a first step to ensure the continued learning of your children, our government has launched an online portal dedicated to curating and providing access to a wide variety of educational resources, for all students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. This online portal, which is available at Ontario.ca/ learnathome, enables students at every grade level to continue learning while away from school. These resources are developed by Ontario educators, and resources for all grades are informed by leading instructional guidance. For those students who are in secondary school, we are providing access to online courses directly based on Ontario curricula.

Although publicly funded schools are ordered closed until April 6, the fluidity of developments around COVID-19 means we are preparing in the event the closure period is further extended. Specifically, we are working to ensure that students will be able to continue their coursework and credit accumulation, even when we aren’t able to be in a classroom setting. Ontario is a leading jurisdiction in the availability and richness of online courses, so we will be continuing to leverage these tools and other resources to promote students’ learning and development. We are working with school boards to ensure students that currently do not have access to computers gain the technology needed to participate. We know for those with children in a graduating year, there may be uncertainty about whether these students will be able to graduate. We want to make this clear: no graduating student will have their ability to graduate impacted by the two-week closure and the COVID- 19 developments. For example, I have cancelled EQAO assessments for this school year. I have also approved a change in graduation requirements so the completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is not a barrier for students on track to graduate. We are also working with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to ensure students can apply to post-secondary education (including Apprenticeship, College and University), regardless of the situation this semester. In this time, it is more important than ever that we take every precaution to ensure that, when students return to class, they return to a safe and healthy learning environment. The Ministry of Education is providing all school boards with access to funding for the deep cleaning of school facilities, childcare centres, and school buses. Following the closure period, we will minimize any risks to students, learners and our educators. And for those of you who are returning from travel outside of Canada, it is critical that you follow the strong recommendations of Dr. Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and self-isolate for 14 days when you and your family return. This means staying at home and avoiding contact with other people to help prevent the spread of disease to members of your family who may not have travelled with you or to your community. If you think you or a family member have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, in addition to self-isolation, please take the self- assessment test on ontario.ca/ coronavirus to help determine how to seek further care. This site will also provide you with all the information you need to keep you and your family healthy and safe. The Government of Ontario is committed to ensuring all Ontarians remain safe and secure during the challenging time. As the Minister of Education, I assure you I will make decisions based on scientific facts, the best advice of public health professionals, and always with the health and safety of your child at the top of mind. While our work continues, we will continue to keep you informed along the way. Stay safe. The Honourable Stephen Lecce Minister of Education

It is always a good idea for students to practice their skills and what they've learned. To help with this, the Ministry of Education launched the first phase of its Learn at Home online portal.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

PLACES OF WORSHIP GRACE UNITED CHURCH

Office: 519-655-2151 - Rev. Mary Boland www.graceunitedtavistock.ca graceunitedchurch@rogers.com Hearing Assistance / Air-conditioning Services available online at the church YouTube channel.

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

SEBASTOPOL-TAVISTOCK Rev. Richard P. Brown / 519-655-2372

TAVISTOCK MENNONITE

Pastor Jim Brown 131 Wettlaufer St., Tavistock 655-2581 Services available online at: www.tavistockmennonitechurch.ca

TAVISTOCK BIBLE CHAPEL (corner William & Oxford Streets) www.tavistockbc.org

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN LCC

Church Phone 519-276-0701 Wellington Street, Tavistock stpaulstavistock@gmail.com Pastors Andy Schroth & Richard Orlowski No services until further notice!

EAST ZORRA MENNONITE 

677044 16th Line Road, East Zorra Pastors Ray Martin & Tanya Dyck Steinmann / www.ezmennonite.ca Service audio recordings available at: https://ezmennonite.ca/worship/

TAVISTOCK MISSIONARY

77 Mogk St., Box 220, Tavistock N0B 2R0 Pastor Hugh Rutledge 655-3611 Email: office@tavistock.church www.tavistock.church

THE DEPARTED HELEN BAGG Helen Bagg, age 98, formerly of Tavistock, passed away peacefully at the Stratford General Hospital on March 23, 2020.

Posted on March 15, 2020 Written by Jenny Albers Used with permission. ABeautifullyBurdenedLife.com https://www.facebook.com/ abeautifullyburdenedlife/

Beloved wife of the late James T. Bagg who predeceased her in 1981. Loving mother of Betty Anne Jones of Stratford and Brenda Soshea (Dan) of Anna, Texas. Grandmother of Kimm Mathieson (Frank), Sheryl McCallum (John), Pati Fader (Terry), Christine Merasty (Raymond), James Soshea (Dayna), Bradley Soshea (Anna) and Cindy Bagg. She will be missed by her 23 great grandchildren and 15 great great grandchildren. Helen was also known as special nana to Michelle and Carolyn Paratt and grandma to many children she was caregiver for over the years. Predeceased by her mother Lillian Coombs, son Barry Bagg, son-in-law Ken Jones and sisters Vera Hardman (Frank) and Betty Rodgers (Howard). Helen and her husband James owned and operated Tavis-Brook Farms in South Easthope Township for many years. Helen was an avid hockey fan and followed the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Stratford Warriors every year.

Helen Bagg

Special thanks to George and Ann Murray for always taking such good care of Helen in her later years. A celebration of Helen's life will be held in the future and will be announced. Interment at McTavish Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the VON Adult Day Program through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com

CASSEL MENNONITE

696556 17th Line Road, East Zorra Pastor Wanda Roth Amstutz 519-462-2251 • casselmc@netflash.net www.casselmc.com

ST. MATTHEWS LUTHERAN  RR 1, Tavistock, Ont. N0B 2R0 (Maplewood Sideroad and the 16th Line) Interim Pastor Dale Finch www.stmatthewsezt.com

WHAT GOD SAYS WHEN SOCIETY IS SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL

MINISTERIAL LETTER My husband Brian and I were scheduled to go on a tour of the Heart of Europe this coming summer. The main reason for choosing this particular trip was to experience the Passion Play at Oberammergau, a small town in Germany, something that I have wanted to do since I learned about it 20 years ago. I wanted to share that with you at this time because the history of that event may resonate with us today with what we are experiencing because of the COVID19 virus. In the 17th century between the years 1618-1648, the thirty years’ war took place in central Europe and was one of history’s most devastating wars. As a result of the war, poverty and disease was widespread and thousands died as a result of the Bubonic plague. In the small village of Oberammergau alone there were 80 deaths. During this time of suffering the citizens of Oberammergau made a sacred pledge that every 10 years they would perform a “Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” if God would protect them from the plague. Legend has it that after the vow was made, there was not even one further case of the plague in the village – and - those town members that already were afflicted recovered. The promise was first fulfilled during Pentecost in 1634 and every 10 years since, the villagers of Oberammergau have continued to implement their pledge except for 1940 when the play was cancelled due to World War 2. This tradition has continued over four centuries with only residents of Oberammergau permitted to actually take part. The participants devote a year of their lives to re-enact the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. All of the people taking part in the Passion Play or as it is known in German “Passionsspiele” are ordinary people who carry on pursuing their normal everyday lives such as doctors, teachers, housewives etc. All the main speaking parts have always been filled by actors who were born in Oberammergau or have lived there for at least 20 years. This custom has remained throughout the 386 years since this world-famous Passion Play was first performed. This past week we have been advised that the Passion Play of 2020 has been postponed until year 2022. Life is certainly different and we are all adjusting to the many changes that COVID19 has imposed upon us. We may be feeling like our life is in limbo. But the Good News for us is that Easter has not been postponed. We are in the fourth week of Lent and Easter is coming. We cannot predict how we will celebrate Easter this year – but celebrate it we will. We will celebrate Easter and God’s saving grace when we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus. ~ Rev. Mary Boland, Grace United Church, Tavistock

Society: What about my plans?! God: My plans for you are always better than your own. Don’t worry. I’m going to work this all out for your good. Society: We’re not going to get anything done! God: That’s the point. You know how you keep spinning your wheels—always working, moving, doing—but never feeling satisfied? I’ve given you permission to stop. I’ve cleared your calendars for you! Your worth isn’t tied to busyness or accomplishment. All you have to do is take care of each other. Society: What does this all mean? God: It means I’m in control. It means you are human and I am God. It means I’ve given you a wonderful opportunity to be the light in a dark world. It means you are going to learn to rely on me. Society: What are we supposed to do when we can’t leave our homes? God: Rest. You are always so busy and overwhelmed, crying out to me weary and exhausted. Can’t you use a break from your fast-paced and over-scheduled lives? Go ahead and rest. Pray. Love your families. Be still and spend time with me. Society: You mean we’re supposed to stay home with our kids all day, every day? God: Yes. And you’re going to be just fine. This time together is a rare gift. The rush of daily life has come to a halt. Play games. Bake cookies. Work on projects you’ve never had the time for. Teach them kindness and grace. Show them how to endure difficult circumstances and steer them toward me. Society: We better start hoarding anything we can get our hands on! God: Prevention, yes. Precaution, yes. Preparedness, yes. But after that, it’s time to put the needs of others before your own. When you see someone in need, help them. Offer up what you have. Do not worry about tomorrow! Haven’t I always taken care of you? Now, go take care of someone else. Society: Why is this happening? God: To remind you that I’m in control. To bring your attention back to me. I’m bringing you together as families and neighbors. I’m showing you patience and perseverance. I’m reminding you of your purpose and priorities. Now is the time to learn and teach your children what this life is really about. Society: We don’t know who to believe. God: Believe in me. Trust me. Ask me for wisdom and I will surely give it. Society: We’re scared! God: I’ve got this and I’m with you.

BIRTH: Gilroy Adelaide (Addie) Nora Gilroy Born February 7th, 2020. Daughter to Mike and Andrea Gilroy (Green) of Brights Grove. Proud Grandparents, Bill and Elaine Green of Tavistock; Glenna Gilroy of Petrolia and Ken and Margo Gilroy of Sarnia.

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

COPING WITH COVID-19 Physical Distancing creates a new lifestyle

HOME WORK We are home, self-isolating after our business trip to Vegas last week. It might be a long 14 days; as it is for everyone right now. These are different times for sure. We did put a shamrock out for St. Patty's day. Board games and homemade jolly rancher lollipops for Trevor, Owen and Kyra while listening to our favourite radio station, The Message. We also have time for some extra organization and cleaning. So far we are all feeling well so hopefully it stays that way. Trying to stay positive during this time. ~ Bethany Kropf

STICKING TOGETHER Below, Paisley Cunning, 3; Oliver Van Wyk, 5; and Adelaide Murray, 3, doing crafts at the kitchen table. At right, Paisley, Oliver and Madi Roes had a blast looking for Shamrocks on March 17th. ~ Jody Cunning

A BIRTHDAY GREETING Today (Friday, March 20th) my mother Dorothy Bender (a long time resident of New Hamburg), celebrated her 94th birthday. She lives in Assisted Living at Nithview and because of Covid-19 she is not allowed to have visitors. Our granddaughters decided to make a huge Happy Birthday poster and hold it up outside her window. Dorothy’s great granddaughters are Kaylee, Mackenzie and Rylee Kaufman (and of course Seger!) ~ Carol Roth, New Hamburg

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

ON THE STREET Around Our Community

G-Tel contract employee Tom McNeish surveys for underground services on Elizabeth Street in Tavistock. Workers are prparing for fibre-optic services to be installed for the new subdivision project being developed at the end of Jacob Street East.

It was a beautiful day on Sunday, March 22nd as residents around the village participated in a “Chalk the Walk” activity. Above, the work of Emilie Borghese on Jacob Street East reinforced the message in a time of COVID-19.

Sylvia Sparling dog sits two of her friends’ daschunds, Finnigan, 7, at left, and Benjamin, 8, while taking them for their daily walk around the village last week.

A GAME CALLED FIGMILL Figmill. It’s a totally unfamiliar game to many. Yet many others, especially in our community, have fond childhood memories of playing it with their siblings or friends or older relatives. Some still play it today. Figmill is a game for two people. Like so many games from years past you don’t need a board or special equipment. You most certainly don’t need a connection to the internet. To play you need 24 disks, 12 in one colour and 12 in another. Crokinole or checkers game pieces work just fine. So do pieces of coloured paper or almost anything else your imagination suggests. Let’s call the pieces “buttons.” Next, you simply draw a Figmill outline on a sheet of paper. In the olden days mothers would draw outlines on the backs of calendars or cereal boxes or paper wrappers or whatever happened to be handy. The object of Figmill is to make mills (three buttons in a row) and capture your opponent’s pieces or to put him in a spot where he cannot move. Like so many games there are rules and variations of rules. You may already have your own “Tavistock Rules” or “Roth Family Rules” or some other name to describe how you play this game. If you are brand new to Figmill, give this set of instructions a go. The first phase of the game is the set-up phase. Each player takes turns putting a button on a corner (where the lines meet on the board). It can be any corner. If, at any point in the game, you can line up three of your buttons in a row (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) you have made a “mill” and your reward is the opportunity to remove one of your opponent’s buttons. You can remove any button except when the button is part of a mill. When all the buttons have been placed on the board (and at this point some will likely have already been removed) the move phase of the game begins. When it is your turn you must move one of your buttons to an adjacent free place (i.e. along a line ... forward, backward or sideways). It must an adjacent place. If you form a mill, you remove your opponent’s button (any one of his buttons except where they form a mill). The third and final phase starts when one player has only 5 buttons left on the board. That player can then jump. Jumping means you can move your button to any free place on the board. There are no restrictions on jumping. Buttons can jump anywhere. When your opponent has only 5 buttons he can jump as well. As before, when you make a mill you take one of your opponent’s buttons. The game is finished when a player is reduced to two buttons or cannot make a move. Like so many games, Figmill takes a few minutes to learn and a lifetime to master. While Figmill sounds simple, playing well requires you to think two or three moves ahead. So some strategy, some tactics and lots of fun. Enjoy! Submitted by Sherrill Calder, Tavistock and District Historical Society For more information on Tavistock’s early days go to: www.tavistockhistory.ca

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

TAVISTOCK YOUTH CURLERS

Tavistock Curling Club Youth Curling wrapped up their season with a fun day on Saturday, March 14th. After another great season they finished with a fun day of curling, an awards presentation and everyone enjoyed eating pizza.

PHOTO / CONTRIBUTED

Youth curlers, in front, from the left are Ryan Carey, Keegan Schallhorn, Jacob Bergsma, Ethan Bender, Regan Oesch, Simon Ruby; back row Coach Bill Green, Andrew Weitzel, Evan Carey, Jayden Ruby, Matthew Brenneman, Matthew Romano and Coach Sharyn Campbell. Absent from the photo were Connor Murray and John Danen.

PHOTO / CONTRIBUTED

Youth curlers season winners were 1st - Evan Carey, 2nd - Andrew Weitzel, 3rd - Matthew Brenneman, and 4th - Jacob Bergsma.

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

JUNIOR FARMERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Oxford Junior Farmers’ members Carson Wagner, Elizabeth Bruce, and Virginia Janssen present a cheque worth $2,400.00 to Tanya Bender of the Alzheimer Society of Oxford.

By Laura Green Oxford Junior Farmers, a group of 39 members who are 15 – 29 years old, has been a not-for-profit organization in Oxford County for 106 years. Each year, the organization raises funds through the Embro Truck and Tractor Pull and other fundraisers, which they provide to a variety of local groups and organizations. Their commitment to improving lives in Oxford County has recently been demonstrated through a donation of $2,400.00 to the Alzheimer Society of Oxford. A dance held as a part of the Provincial Winter Games was the source of the revenue donated to the Alzheimer Society of Oxford. The provincial Junior Farmers Association has chosen the Alzheimer Society as their provincial charity for 2019, with all clubs aligning. “The Alzheimer Society does great work advocating for and assisting people with dementia in our region. This makes the organization a worthy cause for us to assist,

but it is even more meaningful since we have members of the club who have loved ones that experience dementia and have used the great services that the Alzheimer Society provides,” said Karen De Bruyn President of the Oxford Junior Farmers. Some of the other organizations and groups who have benefited from Oxford Junior Farmer’s fundraising and community focused efforts are: hospitals in Oxford County; minor sports; food banks; United Way; Operation Sharing; AgScape; 4H and Fair Boards. Shelley Green, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society of Oxford is thrilled with the Oxford Junior Farmers donation. “We are absolutely thrilled, inspired by and appreciative of the hard work of the youth members of this organization. Youth caring for people affected by dementia is so heartwarming and something I think all residents of Oxford County can be proud of.”

PERSONALS

LAURA GREEN / CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

IN MEMORIAM - Bob & Betty Stere

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In loving memory of our Mom and Grandma who passed away April 9, 2018 and Dad and Papa who passed away March 9, 2016. “Imagine that, how sweet it’d be To have you here again with me Oh Lord, I wish I had you back But all I can do is imagine that” ~ Don Williams lyrics, Imagine That We know you are both happy … singing and playing your guitars with smiles on your faces, looking over all of us.

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In loving memory of our dear Brother Don, passed away March 25, 2015 Mom Frances, passed away May 2, 1995 Dad Gordon, passed away November 17, 1965 The special years will not return, When we were all together. But with the love within our hearts You will walk with us forever. Sadly missed and warmly remembered by Connie & Walter Scholz & family Mary & Jim Ross & family

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TAVISTOCK GAZETTE v WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

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