Tillsonburg Post - February 19, 2026

Tillsonburg

Tillsonburg

WINTER CLEARANCE BLOWOUT

New bus provider coming to Tillsonburg

ELECTRIC FIREPLACE BLOWOUT DEALS

Tillsonburg will have a new bus provider, starting April

Council approved a bid from OnexBus of Brampton through an RFP process that will save more than $800,000 over the five-year term of the contract.

OnexBus of Brampton and the current provider Voyago were the only companies to submit bids in the RFP process. The submissions were evaluated on a variety of weighted criteria, including cost, qualifications, experience, and vehicle specifications. Onex scored 88.67, compared to Voyago’s 86.86.

The total cost of OnexBus over five years is $1.31 million, compared to Voyago’s $2.20 million.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy said she wanted to reach out ot another municipality for a reference, but didn’t find any that used OnexBus.

“I couldn’t find any municipality where they did daily bus service,” she said to Director of Operations Carlos Reyes. “Is Tillsonburg going to be a test pilot for this company and this service?”

Reyes answered that it was a new company started in 2018 that had been providing transit from London to Toronto and from Toronto to Ottawa. The company had been providing extra buses to Brampton and Brantford.

“This will be the first five-day-a-week operation,” he said. The operation will be supervised by the town’s transit coordinator, who will ensure the service is being provided. Answering a further question from the mayor about whether there was a clause the town could opt out of if it was not happy with the service, Reyes said there was.

Reptilia

LEAPIN’ LIZARDS

Council defers recommendation on boundary expansion committee

HELSDON Editor

Tillsonburg council took a wait-and-see approach to a suggestion from its Economic Development Advisory Committee to establish a separate committee to look at boundary adjustments.

The committee earlier commented last fall on an Oxford County land needs study which recommended the long-term planning goal for Tillsonburg’s institutional/commercial lands be set at 15 per cent. Its recommendation was there was a short-

age of institutional/commercial lands, this number should be bumped to 30 per cent and a town boundary expansion would be needed to facilitate it as most remaining developable land is already slotted for residential.

At the Feb. 9 meeting, a resolution from the committee suggested a committee be struck solely to look at the boundary adjustment issue. The town had a separate boundary adjustment committee until 2023, when its responsibilities were folded into the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) as it was largely inactive.

New bus provider to start on April 1

Coun. Chris Parker asked why the contract is for five years, instead of two or three. Reyes explained that the company will have to purchase equipment, and it can be better amortized over five years.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres pointed out the OnexBus vehicles don’t have the exact accessibility lift as specified in the contract.

Saying the vehicle is compliant with regulations, Reyes said, “The only difference we will see between this contractor and the last contractor is minor changes in the equipment.”

Expanding on that point, Coun. Pete Luciani said the past specification was a low deck for accessibility, but the OnexBus vehicle will have a lift. He asked if this

would create a problem.

Ryes said the RFP specified a low deck, but the lift can be used.

Gilvesy sought assurances that there was a plan to inform the town’s residents about the change, and asked where residents would go if they had questions. Reyes said the town is still the first point of contact, and the company’s contact information

will be shared if there is follow-up. Coun. Chris Rosehart asked how the cost would be covered. Gilvesy said it would be covered by gas tax revenue and the levy, but it was significantly less than the budgeted amount.

Council passed the motion to contract OnexBus from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031, at a cost of $1,305,240.

Councillors address concerns raised by resident

JEFF HELSDON Editor

Wide-ranging concerns raised by a long-time Tillsonburg resident were addressed by council following a presentation at the Feb. 9 meeting.

Kevan Rouse spoke to council as a delegation, raising multiple concerns. He presented council what he termed his ‘wish list’ of items he wanted council to look into.

“I spoke to a lot of people in Tillsonburg and they would like you to freeze your spending,” he started, explaining residents want to see a zero per cent tax increase.

He mentioned the pickleball courts cost too much money.

“There’s got to be somebody out there that does this work cheaper,” he said. “My wife plays pickleball, and most of the time when I pick her up or drop her off, there’s room there.”

He mentioned the elevator at Annandale House, which is on this year’s list of capital projects, as one possible area of

savings.

“Everybody I spoke to, says there’s nothing wrong with it,” he said, and later suggested selling the facility as it costs too much.

He also mentioned hydro poles in the Annandale subdivision, the cost of the town’s works trucks, the loss of obstetrics in Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and, having worked there, that the Customer Service Centre wouldn’t work for a town hall. He also shot down the possibility of another arena, which is a few years out in the capital plan.

“People don’t want to hear about another facility, more taxes,” he said. Rouse said he has no debt, but if his wife were to pass away, he wouldn’t have enough money to pay the bills.

“I’ll have two choices, pay my taxes or eat,” he said.

Rouse said Lake Lisgar was drained when he was 14, and he claimed it has never came back.

“They wanted it drained because they thought a big snapping turtle would bite a kid,” he said.

Rouse understands someone bought the turtles that were removed.

“That lake never rebounded,” he said.

“If you hear 2,000 carp and turtles thrashing around in the back of a truck, it was awful. I still cry thinking about it.

To do that to that many animals, it was horrendous.”

Coun. Chris Parker asked Rouse what certifications he has to inspect elevators.

Rouse said he used to work part-time for a guy, adding, “Why fix it, if it’s not broken. You’re spending money that doesn’t need to be spent.”

Andrea Greenway, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks, answered the Annandale House elevator was installed in 1988, has been creating problems and actually quit earlier that day.

When Rouse suggested people could take the stairs, Greenway answered that wouldn’t meeting accessibility standards.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy explained it’s a provincial law to have public facilities meet accessibility regulations. She also explained the company who will be completing the additional pickleball courts

was the cheapest by far the last time, and that the pickleball court construction does not come from the taxes, but from development fees generated from new construction.

The mayor turned to Coun. Kelly Spencer to answer questions about babies being born in Tillsonburg, as her training is as a registered nurse. She explained if a natural birth is to take place, there has to be an anesthesiologists on call, and there is only one in town. She said there also are protocols that must be met in case there are problems in the birthing process.

“I’m just saying that if a woman’s water breaks in the middle of the night,” Rouse said, saying it is better if the mother didn’t have to be taken to Woodstock.

Gilvesy also clarified that the area where work is being done on Lake Lisgar is not turtle habitat, and it’s being completed under the oversight of the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Council voted to accept the presentation as information.

Tillsonburg paralegal is offering consultations for tenants at Canterbury Court apartment building

ciety. A normal lease period is one year."

Licenced paralegal Devon Glowka has offered free consultations to the residents of Canterbury Court at 70 Devonshire Avenue.

Documents that tenants received from their landlord indicate that they need to vacate their apartments by May 31, for a period of eight months, due to necessary renovations. Glowka has met with several panicked tenants since they received the documents in January. He said that the N-13 form contains important information.

"The N-13 is technically correct as it's filled out," Glowka said. "The landlords and tenants are properly named and addressed. They have given the proper amount of time, and it is signed and dated by the property manager. A payment for compensation equal to three months rent before the termination date is also a mandatory requirement of the N13 notice."

Glowka’s consultations for affected tenants are intended to help them understand the paperwork they received, their rights, and how the process works.

"The legal intention of the N-13 was to protect the tenant and allow for (more extensive) maintenance," Glowka explained, "but many of the tenants are on ODSP or pension and temporary relocation is detrimental for them. The eight-month period isn't reasonable in our so -

Tenants are also unlikely to find a temporary rental at the rates they currently pay. Glowka advised tenants to write a letter informing their landlord that they want to return to their unit when the work is completed. The letter must clearly include their unit number and their name, and should be given to the property manager and mailed to the corporation.

"The letter should state that the tenant would like to exercise their Right of First Refusal and that they intend to move back into the unit as soon as it's available when the work is finished," Glowka said. "After that, they keep paying their rent on time. I'm telling people that they need to lock in their rights now."

The N-13 is a notice of intent, not an eviction. Douglas Kwan, director of advocacy and legal services for the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, spoke to CTV London about a similar situation at a Sarnia townhouse complex.

"Understand that these letters are just merely letters without any power to actually end your tendency," Kwan said in the CTV interview. "In order to end their tendency, they need to prove their case at the Landlord and Tenant Board."

Glowka agreed and explained that an eviction will not be ordered until a landlord applies to the LTB and justifies his reasons.

Tenants also received N-11 forms which have been described as a cash-for-keys deal, enticing them to move out by the end of March in return for a $5,000 payout, which ends their tenancy.

Tenants who have already signed an N-11 and are now having concerns can contact Glowka to talk about how they can fight an eviction.

"There might be reasonable grounds for cancelling it," he said.

In a recent public letter, Kayla Andrade, founder of Ontario Landlords Watch, explained that there are protections for tenants.

"The Residential Tenancies Act already provides strong protections, including: 120 days notice for N-13s, a full LTB hearing, mandatory compensation or alternate accommodation, a high evidentiary burden on landlords, the right to return at the same rent, and the right to file a bad faith application for up to two years,” Andrade said. “There are also serious penalties for abuse - up to 100,000 for individuals and 500,000 for corporations."

Meanwhile, work has already begun and five units have been renovated and are vacant, leaving tenants to wonder why they are being asked to vacate. It is up to each individual tenant to learn what their rights are and how to ensure that they have the best possible outcome. Glowka is willing to consult with tenants in person or by phone and can be reached at 519-854-2463.

While many are quick to criticize the town and local businesses, credit should be given where it’s due.

The town’s Family Day activities at the Tillsonburg Community Centre and Annandale National Historic Site are a case where organizers should be congratulated for a job well done.

The success of the event was seen through the sheer numbers who attended the events. It’s difficult to track people who attended different parts of the events, but cumulative numbers easily pass 1,500 peo -

ple. That’s impressive for a one-day event in the middle of winter.

Kudos need to go beyond the organizers though. Without the sponsorship of local businesses, this event wouldn’t be able to sustain its quality while maintaining its free-of-charge status. Local businesses who support events, sports teams, and sponsor in a multitude of ways are often not recognized. Before heading out of town to shop, remember without local business, many events would not be possible. Again, kudos for a successful event.

A winter wear dilemma and a flowery solution

NORMA COLLIS

Tillsonburg Post Columnist WRITER'S CORNER

On the constant and very snowy mornings we have been experiencing this winter, I often stop and think with great sympathy about primary teachers everywhere.

I well remember the amount of work and possible chaos that can impact a primary classroom every time the need arises to “suit up” and “boot up” a class full of tiny, and often impatient, students.

There are only so many styles of boots available to buy at stores aimed at modest to medium income families. Therefore, a style of boot found in class coat rooms can

be repeated many times over.

This fact is obvious as one casts an eye over a long line of classroom winter footwear. If a teacher is lucky, the boots will be standing upright, side by side in neat rows of matched pairs. If the school day has started with a bit of chaos (such as a student meltdown), all the boots may have been kicked off with wild abandon and are now mixing and fraternizing with other random boots that are no longer part of a cozy matching twosome.

I once had an irate mother call me to tell me that her son had come home wearing the wrong pair of boots and she was not happy about it.

“I run a tight ship” she told me. “This should not have happened.”

I politely inquired if her sons’ boots had his name inside each boot, as the school had requested earlier in the winter.

“That is neither here nor there” she told me. “I am going to come to that school, and I will show you how it should be done.”

I politely replied, “That all help was most welcome” and I told her the exact time of day when her sons’ Kindergarten

class would begin the ritual of dressing for the great outdoors.

The woman arrived at the advised time and stopped short as she gazed at the thirty pairs of tiny boots lined up, side by side.

“They all look the same!” she exclaimed. I agreed that yes, they certainly did resemble each other.

What followed was a very quiet “Going home time” as the lady in question helped one little child after another try to sort out which boots were their’s. We worked side by side in total silence.

The children, sensing that all was not well, did not offer up their usual exuberant “home time” banter. Nor did I hear any of the usual “witty” kindergarten jokes that only other tiny listeners saw the humour in.

The following day, the child in question, arrived at school, wearing the same boots that he had worn the day before. The only difference was that now each boot sported a large neon pink flower decal on the outside of the boot. Nary a comment was made by anyone, although I was prepared for it.

I even caught a glimpse of some of the other small students, casting an envious eye at the newly decorated footwear. I speculated that this might be the start of a new and colourful trend.

Sadly, it never seemed to catch on.

This might have been because the only flower decals in the same neon shades that I could find in our local stores, were situated in the bathroom accessory department of the dollar store. The fact that the flowers were also scented in rather dubious fragrances might have had something to do with the rapid demise of the perfect answer to the mis-matched boot problem.

Imagine how much fun “Home Time “could be if the teacher had to now ask each chid, “Do your boots smell like a rose, like lilacs or like a tropical breeze?”

The coatroom itself could offer an explosion of riotous aromas, a very unwelcome feature in a world where “fragrance free” surroundings are now strongly encouraged.

Norma Collis is a Tillsonburg author of several books, including “Tales from Holly Cottage”.

Respect our environment on World Wildlife Day, and all year

THE STAGE IS THE WORLD

March 3 is the United Nations, World Wildlife Day and the theme is: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” This day has become the global annual event dedicated to wild animals and plants.

All over the earth, plants, animals, the weather, and ecosystems, all contribute to the healthy support of their own unique needs and environment, as well what we humans require. According to the World Health Organization [WHO] around the world, there multitudes of medicinal and aromatic plants [MAP] which are necessary for our health and well-being.

Seventy to ninety-five percent of the population in developing countries, rely on traditional medicine for their healthcare. These plants form the foundation of many

healthcare systems and remain vital to modern drugs or treatments, as numerous active drug compounds are derived directly or indirectly from natural sources, despite advancements in synthetic chemistry. They are used in cosmetics, food, and luxury goods.

Being in the Carolinian Zone, Southwestern Ontario has a plethora of plants that you can cultivate and use from your own backyards, some of which are considered weeds.

Dandelions: Young leaves are great in salads, roots can be roasted for coffee or tea, and flowers make a lovely jelly, or like my grandma, great wine!

Plantain: Leaves can be used in salves and teas for minor skin issues.

Chickweed: Mild and edible, great in spring salads.

Clover: Clover flowers can be steeped into tea, and the plant itself enriches your soil, it also attracts, butterflies, bees, and squirrels.

Sumac: can make a nice drink/tea full of Vitamin C.

There are so many more plants in the bush, sides of the roads, parks etc. To learn how to make use of weeds and plants that live all around you, check out the UN World Wildlife Day online to learn some more what you could use, how to harvest it, etc.

Thousands upon thousands of medicinal and aromatic plants are harvested around the world and are vital to human health and welfare and critical to the earth’s biodiversity and healthy habitats for all living beings. Too many are at risk of extinction due to the continual habitat loss, over harvesting, illegal trade, climate change and more. Too many animals and plants are on the threatened

and endangered wildlife list! Go on the MNR website and check the lists.

Now that many scientists believe we have passed the point of no return with climate change, we must learn to live with what has changed, is changing now and the new changes coming. Today many people are suffering with the extreme temperature fluctuations and bad air days! [Me too!] Well, if you think humans are confused by the weather, imagine how the animals are doing? How can plant and trees know when to bud? How do they all cope with the extreme heat domes and droughts?

On Wildlife Day, March 3, check out the Species at Risk list for just Ontario.[1] This list starts with wildlife that are just a ‘concern’ but that is how they all start, and it is up to us to change things, before they go extinct.

We humans have done this! We caused climate change with habitat destruction and human activities, but also insufficient funding and enforcement of conservation laws also contribute to the problem.

National Wildlife Week in Canada is observed annually during the week where April 10 falls. It was established by Parliament in 1947 to honor conservationist Jack Miner. It focuses on raising awareness about the conservation of Canadian flora and fauna, encouraging public participation in protecting natural habitats. Then on Sept. 4, which is National Wildlife Day, childcare providers, teachers, parents, or grandparents could talk about our wildlife to their children. I use ‘our’ purposely as everyone, including you and I, need to realize humans are the guardians of wildlife, whether it’s a plant, tree, mammal, bird, insect, reptile, amphibians or fungus.

Tillsonburg Post a finalist in two categories in newspaper awards

The Tillsonburg Post is a finalist in two categories in the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s Better Newspapers Contest, it was announced Friday.

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

Publisher

Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

Editor

Jeff Helsdon • jeff@granthaven.com

Graphic Design / Sales Inquiries

Stacie Eden • info@tillsonburgpost.com

Business Development

Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com Administration

Jen Gaetan • jen@granthaven.com

Contributors

Jeff Tribe, Laurel Beechey, Debbie Kasman, Paul Knowles

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The annual awards program recognizes community newspapers from across the province in several categories, such as heritage, environment, arts and culture, and others, for a total of 46 different categories. The organization announced the top three finalists in each category on Friday, and the final placings will be named on April 24.

Tillsonburg Post editor Jeff Helsdon is nominated as Reporter of the Year. This category required submitting three different stories “showing true reporter initiative”. The Post stories that were in the entry were Colin Camp -

bell’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, a flight experience in a Harvard, and the story on Shaw’s Ice Cream.

Helsdon was also nominated for Best Business and Finance Story for the Shaw’s Ice Cream story. Jeff Tribe was also a finalist in the same category for a story in The Simcoe Advocate, one of the Post’s sister papers. He was in the top three for best guest/freelancer column for a piece in The Advocate.

Advocate editor Chris Abbott is a finalist for Best Sports Section.

Grant Haven Media publications received 13 nominations and five honourable mentions in the Better Newspapers Contest.

Decision on boundary expansion committee deferred by council

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“The committee is suggesting more expertise is needed, and there are four options in the report,” said Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow, who wrote a report based on the recommendations.

The committee also suggested members of a potential boundary review committee be: “ respected, even-tempered individuals with strong relation-building skills, a long-term perspective on growth and municipal finance, and the ability to engage constructively with neighboring municipalities. Members must be credible advocates for the town while remaining collaborative, discreet, and focused on mutually beneficial regional outcomes.

The options were: establish a new boundary review committee, maintain the current structure and assign boundary-related issues to EDAC, defer the request until a broader review of all the town’s committees is complete, or create a group with representation from staff, council, and county staff.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres favoured waiting until the review of the town’s committees is complete.

“They’ve been doing great work helping council make decisions,” he added.

Beres explained these are advisory committees, not committees council must take direction from. He wanted to see the review and let staff come back with recommendations on what is best for Tillsonburg.

Coun. Bob Parsons also favoured three, but would have preferred to see the first option move the process along quicker.

“I only became aware today the County of Oxford did not approve the Land Needs Analysis Study, which is a little troubling,” he said, adding another concern is Tillsonburg only has one representative on county council.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy, Tillsonburg’s representative on Oxford County council, explained the vote on the study was 5-5, meaning the study, which did see Tillsonburg’s institutional/commercial percentage increased, was defeated.

“It’s not done yet; it will be coming back,” she said, explaining she is also in support of deferring the request. “Currently, without county support, it’s difficult.”

Coun. Kelly Spencer was also in favour of the third option, but would have liked to see the issue move forward quicker.

The motion to wait and see was approved by council.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes offered at fitness academy

North Broadway Martial Fitness Academy focuses on the intersection of body, mind and spirit. Their doors are open for anyone interested in attending Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.

Pastor Benjamin Emery, who moved to Tillsonburg in July 2025, would like to extend a welcome to the community to attend the classes.

“My family has quickly come to love North Broadway Church and the Tillsonburg community,” Pastor Emery said. “The church has people from all generations and many different nationalities who live their faith in unity. Tillsonburg has a small-town feel and a rich diversity of people. We are proud to call Tillsonburg our home.”

He is eager to get the word out. He said that both men and women are welcome, adding that he has a particular passion for ministering

to men. Growing up without a positive male role model led to some trouble in his teen years, dropping out of high school, and joining the Canadian Armed Forces at 20. During his 11 years of service, he found his calling, but he also noticed a trend among the men he served with.

“Without a healthy vision for manhood, camaraderie, and purpose, men often struggle with addictions, depression, and isolation,” Pastor Emery said. “While in the military, I had camaraderie and purpose, but like many soldiers, when I left, I no longer had those. I found faith through Jesus Christ, and I gained not only friends and purpose but also a clear vision of what it means to be a healthy man. That is why I have a passion for seeing men transformed into men of integrity and honour, who protect others and live with purpose. At North Broadway Fitness Academy, men and women can find friendship and fitness and learn to defend themselves and others.”

The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) involves practical self-defence strategies, with academy classes overseen by Calvin Smith. Smith holds a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As the founder of the academy, he teaches most of the adult classes. Distinguished and well-known instructor Professor Dave Dominy holds a fourth degree black belt in BJJ. Dominy oversees the belt grading of all students and conducts yearly seminars.

Along with physical fitness and improved dexterity, there are many other benefits to attending the classes, such as increased mental acuity and critical thinking skills, confidence, and the social benefits of fellowship and spirituality.

“Response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 87 people registering already in our first three months,” Smith said. “Impact on the students have ranged from new-found fellowship among attendees, the obvious health benefits of adding a weekly physical fitness routine, and the opportunity for students to emulate God’s attributes (as explained in 1 Corinthians 13) while training.”

Classes are for anyone over 15 years of age, and they are hoping to offer classes for younger children within the next six months. Instruction includes grappling techniques on the ground and how to neutralize a larger opponent.

“With the general public’s awareness and concern of the risk and dangers of concussions in sports of all kinds, BJJs emphasis on self-defence through grappling and submissions rather than striking makes it a popular choice,” Smith explained. “It is also widely recognized as one of the most practical and effective self-defence arts worldwide, allowing people smaller and weaker than their op-

ponents to defend themselves effectively under stress.”

Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the North Broadway Baptist Church located at 6 North Street East.

Online registration is available. No previous experience is required, but you do need to have medical approval. You do not need to be a member of the church to attend the classes. Anyone interested can try a class with no cost or obligation. There is a suggested honorarium of $20 a month to help cover costs for those who join.

Assistant coach Riley Wall and his wife Natalie attend the classes together. He eagerly enumerated the benefits of BJJ that he has personally experienced.

“Physically it’s a good workout,” Wall said. “Mentally, techniques are shared that stretch the brain and the memory. You have to remember what’s taught and put it into practice physically because the techniques are situational. I’ve noticed an improvement in hand-eye coordination, flexibility and self-awareness. I’ve made a lot of good friends and it’s something that me and my wife get to do together, we get to work out together.”

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Hilda’s Yard opens at Theatre Tillsonburg this weekend

JENNIFER ANGER-JULL

Post Contributor

Theatre Tillsonburg returns to the stage this February with Hilda’s Yard, a comedy by celebrated Canadian playwright Norm Foster. Set in 1956, the play follows Hilda and Sam Fluck as their long-awaited empty nest is suddenly disrupted by the surprising return of their adult children.

What begins as a quiet season of well-earned independence quickly turns into backyard chaos when unexpected arrivals begin climbing fences instead of knocking on doors. As secrets surface and plans unravel, the Flucks find themselves navigating shifting family dynamics, second chances, and the delicate balance between holding on and letting go. It's all delivered with Foster’s signature humour and heart.

Guiding this production are familiar Theatre Tillsonburg faces, father-and-daughter directing duo Pete Matthews and Tabatha Buckle. Their collaboration reflects the very spirit of community theatre, where family and storytelling often go hand in hand. The production is led by producers Joe Sheik and Kelly Verhoeve, whose work behind the scenes brings together the many moving pieces that make a Tillsonburg show feel like home.

On stage, Judy Cormier takes on the role of Hilda Fluck

opposite Mark "the other" Smith as Sam Fluck. Nikki Wiltac appears as Janey Fluck, Brent VanHoren as Gary Fluck, Brandon Buckle as Beverly Woytowich, and Rachel Hanson as Bobbi Jakes. Together they are a dedicated cast that blends familiar faces with a couple new faces who bring energy and nuance to Foster’s characters.

For Wiltac, the role of Janey carries a personal connection.

“Playing Janey hits close to home for me as a 30-year-old myself. Janey has reminded me that a girl can want more — more adventure, more purpose, and far less scrubbing. Both of us are learning to choose ourselves, flirt with possibility, and let the rest sort itself out. As Doris Day says, ‘Que Sera, Sera.’”

That spirit of discovery and humour has carried through the rehearsal hall.

“From the first rehearsal to opening night, performing Hilda’s Yard has been a lot of fun,” says Rachel Hanson. “The show is joyful, cheeky, and always entertaining. Audiences are in for a real treat!”

Behind the scenes, the production’s deeper themes have resonated just as strongly.

“Hilda’s Yard is about the hopes and dreams and ups and downs of an average family in the 50’s,” shares Greg Weiler of the sound crew. “It’s full of humour and warmth with a dose of reality underneath delivered with feeling.”

Lighting crew member Jarret Nelson says the dedication behind the scenes is what continues to stand out.

“I am a volunteer at Theatre Tillsonburg and I remember my first day I was amazed at how dedicated everyone is with the shows they perform. It was nice how they pay attention to every little detail, from the set to the characters and even the ads, to make the show an experience rather than just a show.”

That attention to detail is something directors Matthews and Buckle say has defined the entire process.

“We are extremely proud of the amazing skills displayed by the very talented cast and crew of this production. We have had so many great belly laughs during every rehearsal we know that you, our incredible audience, will surely have your share when you experience this relatable heartfelt comedy by Norm Foster. I’m so confident that you will enjoy it so much you will want to see it twice. Looking forward to seeing you all there.”

As opening night approaches, Hilda’s Yard stands as another example of what makes Theatre Tillsonburg special. Neighbours telling stories for neighbours, volunteers building more than a set, and audiences gathering to share laughter together. Performances run Feb. 19–22 and 26–March 1, 2026. Tickets are available online at www.theatretillsonburg.com or by calling the box office at 519.688.3026.

New museum exhibit highlights the role of wool in history

JEFF HELSDON Editor

Wool has been an important material from the time of early settlers to modern day. The latest display at Annandale National Historic Site looks at the material’s story with a local slant.

Called Threads of the Past: Wool Artifacts from Our Collection, the exhibit has a wide variety of pieces, ranging from tapestries owned by the Tillson family, to a wide diversity of wool clothing, to a barn loom that dominates the Pratt Gallery.

“What I love about this exhibit is it’s more than just a wall, it’s the industry, it’s domestic sheep, it’s war, it’s local businesses,” said Kate Bakos, Cultural Heritage Manager/Curator.

The barn loom is a larger version of a loom that would be in a house, much larger. Held together by pegs and wedges, Bakos said it would have been used to make larger fabric pieces. The origin of the barn loom isn’t known except that it was donated when the museum was by Lake Lisgar.

“It was a three-week-long group project putting it together,” Bakos said. “It was the most complicated Lego set I’ve ever done, and the heaviest.”

The last time the loom was on display was 1996, when Bill Pratt and former curator Patricia Phelps assembled it.

This exhibit is the first that follows the theme of the year, Culture and Agriculture, which goes along with the 145th anniversary of Annandale Farm.

“It’s farm to fabric in an interesting way,” Bakos said.

The exhibit includes war uniforms and wool blankets. Bakos pointed to its ability to retain warmth even when wet as the reason it was favoured for war uniforms in the past.

“The wonderful thing about wool is it was used by all stations from poor to rich,” Bakos said.

The pieces in the exhibit are up to 150 years old, and include sheep shears, carding paddles, quilts, rugs, a wedding dress, buffalo robe, wool art, sports uniforms, and even a bathing suit.

“There’s nothing quite like a wet wool bathing suit,” Bakos

joked.

Along with the loom is a spinning wheel, wool winder, and bobbins.

The exhibit also includes information on John Waterhouse, a member of the first town council and the owner of the first woolen mill. The mill was located in Participark near Baldwin Street.

This exhibition shows wool isn’t just something people wore, it was part of the economic foundation of the town,” Bakos said.

An interpretative guide provides information on the 82 pieces on display, so there is more room for display pieces without interpretative signage.

The exhibit opened Feb. 8 and runs until April 26.

Tillsonburg library offers a community for selfexpression and creativity through art therapy

ROBIN KRAFFT

Correspondent

The Tillsonburg branch of the Oxford County Library hosted their first Art Therapy Open Studio Group for adults on Feb. 5 and will continue to meet every Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the month of February.

The sessions are facilitated by professional art therapist Nadine Nash-O'Neil B.Sc., DCIIAT.

“My overall goal for the group was to foster a calm, non-judgemental and inclusive environment that encouraged self-expression and connection in a community-based setting,” Nash-O’Neil said. “The feedback from the participants reflected genuine appreciation for having access to this kind of creative space.”

The sessions are not art classes, and no previous art experience is required - curiosity and an open mind are all you need. There will be new prompts and instructions for participants to explore every week.

“Art therapy is like traditional talk therapy, but we use art in addition to that," Nash-O'Neil explained in her introduction. "Some people have difficulty talking about their feelings, but they can express their emotions visually instead of verbally."

In these open sessions, however, sharing is optional and the activities are gentle invitations. A variety of media is arrayed in the centre of the table, from pastels and paint sticks to coloured pencils and markers. Participants are encouraged to choose intuitively, according to their preferences.

"There is no right or wrong way to create," Nash-O'Neil said. "It's about the process, not the product. While you're working, notice how the media moves on the paper, the sounds, and sensations."

Three activities were presented, beginning with a warmup that involved making random marks or scribbles to fill a page. Participants then looked for shapes, pictures or numbers and added shading or more marks to emphasize what they saw. People made interesting observations during the optional sharing; some leaned into a child-like experience and others noticed self-consciousness that needed to be set aside.

Another activity involved tracing of hands and using one hand to write or draw things to let go of and the other for things to keep and bring forward into the new year. The room

was noticeably quiet, and many participants later commented that it was a good question to ask yourself.

“This has been delightful,” said Lesley Blake. “It's about living well; what we can look at expanding and what to leave behind. All the colours and the media, you can't do that at home!”

The third activity involved cutting or tearing paper to create a gratitude tree, with leaves for writing down things to be grateful for. Throughout the evening, there was plenty of laughter, but more serious thoughts were also offered. Many participants commented about how interesting it was to see the unique way that each person interpreted the prompt or put their thoughts on paper.

"They were good questions, and the order that we did things

made sense," Margaret Yakubovich said. "And you don't have to be artistic to do it!"

“I’m extremely grateful that the group was met with such positive feedback,” Nash-O’Neil said. “Art therapy is a wonderful therapeutic modality. The therapeutic value lies in both the creative process and the relational containment provided by the therapist, rather than the aesthetic outcome of the artwork.”

“We are always looking at opportunities to host new programs and events that will appeal to the broader community,” Branch Services Librarian Heather Mathers said. “Art and craft programs for adults have always been popular, but the art therapy aspect is something different that I felt would engage participants in a unique and meaningful way.”

We have hired Shelley Klassen as Senior Accountant at David Simmonds CPA Professional Corporation in Tillsonburg. Shelley has over 20 years of experience in the accounting industry. Her areas of focus include agriculture, businesses, corporations, income tax, estates, bookkeeping and payroll.

Shelley comes to us after 8 years with Larry Hemeryck CPA of Simcoe and later Dely & Associates also of Simcoe. Our practice is welcoming new clients this tax season. Please reach out to Shelley for all your income tax and accounting needs.

TILLSONBURG COUNCIL BRIEFS

Frequency of citizen recognition program changed

The frequency of Tillsonburg’s volunteer awards will be cut from four times per year to three.

The change, which council endorsed, came from a suggestion from the town’s Museum, Culture, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee from its January meeting. Committee members passed a resolution to cut the frequency of the awards program due to the volume of its uptake.

Keeping up with accessibility requirements

Tillsonburg council directed staff to follow up one recommendation from its Accessibility Advisory Committee in 2026, and consider the potential for others in coming budget years.

The issue arose when the committee suggested several changes for accessibility in a report that was presented following a tour of the Tillsonburg Community Centre last summer. Council passed a resolution at the time to look at the items identified, and if they were in excess of the regulations under the provincial act.

The report presented to council on Feb. 9 said all requirements were met when the building permit was issued in 2023. Staff recommended a phased-in approach to the recommendations.

An extension of the pool entrance ramp railing will be completed during the maintenance shutdown this summer at a cost of $1,500.

Although the universal washroom has an automatic

door opener, the washroom and family changeroom do not. Staff recommended this be considered in 2027. There was some debate about updating the carpet in the pool viewing area, with Coun. Chris Parker asking why this was being pushed out to 2030 when it’s only $3,500.

Adam Kannawin, Tillsonburg’s manager of parks and recreation, explained the useful life of the carpet is five years and it would be replaced after that. He said low pile carpet does meet the standards.

Coun. Chris Rosehart asked if there were any complaints, which she was told there wasn’t.

Renovictions letter

A letter from a Tillsonburg resident about the renovations and evictions, or renovictions, at 70 Devonshire Ave. was accepted by council as information. The letter provided background on the situation and asked council to look at a bylaw to address bad faith evictions by landlords.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres brought up the unsigned letter, which was part of the correspondence package for the Feb. 9 meeting. He pointed out the Landlord and Tenant Act that oversees evictions is actually provincial legislation and asked what the municipality can do.

Carlos Reyes, Tillsonburg’s Director of Operations, said the municipality’s only role is to issue a building permit for the renovations.

BIA appointments

Town council passed a bylaw to recognize changes in the board of management for the Downtown Tillsonburg Business Improvement Association.

Board members Joost Van Campen, Allison Biggar and Holly Vallee resigned, and were removed. Deanna Tosto and Katherine Englander were added to the board. The motion also recognized the executive of the board as Michael Bossy, chair; Bob Parsons, vicechair; Jennifer Young, secretary; and Emily Odorjan, treasurer.

Durham Street parking to be examined

Tillsonburg council passed a notice of motion to examine parking on Durham Street after approval of an application to allow a multi-residential development at 48 Durham Street earlier in the meeting.

Two residents spoke against the development during a public meeting for a minor variance on the property, raising concerns about parking, traffic and loss of view. Council members also had concerns about the five parking spaces allotted to the four units to be built.

Later in the meeting, Coun. Kelly Spencer presented a notice of motion to direct the traffic committee to review the feasibility of one-sided parking on Durham Street when the development commences, with consideration to traffic flow and roadway safety, emergency vehicle access, impacts on nearly residents and businesses, existing parking demand and any required signage, pavement markings or bylaw amendments.

The motion passed.

at the theatre. This week’s flashback “Rock and Roll Part 1 - Teen Culture”

Our play Hilda’s Yard, opening this Thursday, Feb 19th at Theatre Tillsonburg, is set in the 1950’s, a time when the tight patriarchal social rules were changing and previous conventions were under fire, challenged by youth. Nothing changed the face of society like the rise of the Teenager and the cultural demands they would make.

DID YOU KNOW?

Much of what we take for granted today about Teen Culture began in the postwar boom period of the 1950’s. Increased mandatory high school attendance across North America meant more adolescents were gathered together for longer periods of time. This meant the ability of teens to influence one another directly and personally was more powerful than ever - and they did it without a cellphone! Teen culture was born.

HERE COMES THE TEENAGER:

- Marketers went after teen culture with radios, records, affordable cars, movies, magazines and more.

- From specific fashion items, to leisure items, to the rise of fast food places (all outlined in earlier flashbacks) meant teenagers, separate identity from adults, now had their own products and places and their own rebellion too.

- Smoking and wearing heavy makeup, endangering their lives in drag races, making out in back seats of cars at the local drive-in all fed that sense of freedom and independence.

- Leather Jackets and greased hair were symbols of the rebellion highlighted by Marlon Brando in The Wild One (1953)

- James Dean’s movie literally had the word in the title, Rebel Without A Cause (1955)

- But Dean’s movie wasn’t alone, Girl Gang

and BlackBoard Jungle (1955) highlighted youth violence and tensions while High School Confidential brought drugs into youth culture.

- Popular media catered to this rising culture. Seventeen Magazine aimed at teen girls discussing fashion, advice and stories, “16” a gossip magazine and of course Teen magazine 1957 all drivers of and fueling teen culture.

- Speaking of fuelling, cars a central focus of popular culture were featured in youth music.

- The Oldsmobile Rocket 88, the first muscle car, inspired the 1951 song “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats (actually Ike Turner’s band), which is frequently cited as the first rock and roll record.

- Rock and Roll, the KING of youth cultural identity is our next and final installment of This Week in the 1950’s.

ANNANDALE ENJOYS FUN IN

Gemini teams enter their ‘second’ TVRA Southeast season

JEFF TRIBE Post Correspondent

The Tillsonburg Gemini boys’ hockey loss to the visiting St. Thomas Parkside Stampeders revealed goalie Will Court’s enthusiasm and ability to handle two-on-one rushes, ob -

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 QUARTER-FINAL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2 P.M.

JUNIOR BOYS QUARTER-FINAL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 ST. THOMAS PARKSIDE 59 GEMINI 39

PRELIMINARY 7 VERSUS 10

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

GEMINI 51 HURON PARK 31

SENIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

PARKSIDE 25, 25, 25

GEMINI 10, 5, 18

PRELIMINARY 9 VERSUS 8 PLAY-IN TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

GEMINI 23, 25, 25, 25

WOODSTOCK ST. MARY’S 25, 13, 12, 20

served assistant coach Henry Van Asseldonk wryly.

“But that’s not something we want to know,” Van Asseldonk clarified of the ill-advised nature of giving opponents odd-man breakouts.

“I like two-on-ones, you can get some big saves there,” explained the Gemini keeper following a 4-1 Thames Valley Regional Athletics loss Monday, Feb. 9 inside Tillsonburg’s Memorial Arena.

“Quite a few (this game),” added Gemini defenceman Richard Heleniak. “Chip it out and it’s me and Will on the back end.”

Monday’s result aside, the Gemini have been on the front end of their TVRA season, heading undefeated into a campaign-closing battle with the Stampeders for first place.

It began on script, Tillsonburg’s Keegan Diering opening scoring from Lucas Thompson at the 4:53 mark of the first (15-minute) period. However, Dezzy Fulton would square accounts 1:31 prior to its conclusion. Fulton scored what would stand as the game-winner in the second frame, assisted by Creed Green. The Gemini pushed unsuccessfully for the equalizer in the third, Cutler Jones extending the visitors’ lead to two goals with 6:46 remaining in regulation time. Parkside would add a statistically-unusual power-play empty-netter in the game’s latter stages to round the 4-1 final, Tillsonburg continuing to push to the final buzzer.

“Hockey is a hard game,” said Gemini coach Derek Partlo. “We haven’t been tested as much

JUNIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

QUARTER-FINAL PARKSIDE AT GEMINI

GIRLS CURLING

TVRA SEMI-FINALS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

GEMINI VERSUS WOODSTOCK ST. MARY’

INGERSOLL CURLING CLUB, 2 P.M.

through the regular season.

“This was like playoff hockey.”

Both teams finished with a 7-1 regular season record, the Stampeders awarded first place on strength of their head-to-head result.

The Gemini will await the winner of the third versus six playoff-opening series said Partlo, adding a loss on the verge of post-season may be productive in the long run.

“We didn’t try to lose a game but a little adversity before we hit the playoffs is not a bad thing.”

The game hadn’t come out the way the Gemini wanted admitted captain Liam Nunn, one of three Grade 12 veterans on the roster. However, last year, Tillsonburg’s undefeated regular season record did not translate into playoff success.

“Hopefully it changes this year.”

Nunn looks forward to the elevated physicality and intensity the post-season will bring, both nervous and excited due to this being his final season of high school hockey.

Heleniak’s Grade 10 perspective looks to ‘focus’, staying locked in shift to shift and playing more as a unit in Tillsonburg’s defensive zone as keys.

“Our goalie’s been keeping us in,” Heleniak said. “(But) I think if we play like we’ve been playing in the regular season, we can close it out in the playoffs.”

The Gemini are scheduled to open best-ofthree TVRA Southeast semi-finals Monday, February 23 inside the Memorial Arena, beginning with a 12 noon faceoff. Game three, if necessary, would be back in Tillsonburg that Thursday again with a 12 noon face-off.

“We’re going to have to work for it,” Partlo concluded, speaking to ‘how hard’ the Gemini want to play. “But there is some potential there.”

Many races for playoff positions in Club Oxford hockey

JEFF GWYN Post Contributor

A double shutout in Club Oxford’s B Division tightened the race, with Jeff Prouse Mortgages, Royal LePage Realty and Tillsonburg Glass all tied for second with 28 points, and Carquest Auto Parts only one point behind in third.

Feb 11

B Division

Royal LePage 0, Carquest 0 While both teams had chances in this one, the goalies made the saves look easy. Only a

couple close calls at either end. Royal LePage did well to keep Carquest's top line off the board. Carquest did well not to give up the odd man rushes that Royal LePage can get.

Cam Cluett had the shutout for Carquest. Lawson Cumming had the shutout for Royal LePage.

Airmount 3, Glass 2

Airmount had some speed in the lineup tonight and it helped them get some rushes and chances. A solid night defensively, let the offence shine. Glass had some chances in close and capitalized, but they couldn't get sustained pressure and it limited their other

opportunities.

Andy VanStemp had two goals for Airmount. Chase Corbeil had two points for Glass.

B-Line 3, RND 3

B-Line came out strong with a very heavy net front presence. They showed that they

can get secondary scoring and that may help in the playoffs. RND played strong all game and pressured until the end. They had trouble pouncing on their rebounds or it may have been a different score.

Hunter Luscombe had two points for B-Line. John Bouck had three points for RND.

A busy time for curling on the local and world stage

ON THE BROOM

All leagues of the Tillsonburg Curling Club have been busy, with most sections declaring the winners of their January draw. Escapes Salon and Spa owner, Laura, took time from her busy day to present the Escapes trophy and prizes to the top curlers Cathy Kovacs, Diane Burgess, Dale Wright and Linda Durston of the ladies’ section.

Curling has however taken up a good amount of my tv time these days. After attending the opening weekend of the Tournament of Hearts (and surviving the big storm in TO), I continued to follow the games for the rest of the week. My prediction for the final two teams was only 50 per cent correct with Team Lawes (my pick) facing off with current Team Canada Einarson, who ended up winning the Hearts and the right to wear the Canadian colours at the Women’s World Championships in Calgary beginning March 14.

Just days after the Hearts ended, the Olympics began with Mixed Doubles Curling, one of the first events on the schedule. Team Canada, Brett Gallant and wife Jocelyn Peterman, got off to a three-win start, but then the wheels fell off as they dropped three games in a row. They finished with a win, but their record put them out of the playoffs. It seems when the ice techs adjusted the curl of the rocks, the Canadians never really managed to

adjust their game to the new curl and weight of the ice.

As I write this column, the men are into their third game against Sweden. Their record is 2-0, having defeated Team Germany and Team USA in their previous games. Men’s skip Brad Jacobs had nothing but praise for the ice conditions after his first game.

Interesting to note- the stones being used for the 4-team event are a different set than those used for the Mixed Doubles. Remember that the Canadian Curling Association has purchased a set of rocks to be used at their championship events which were used at our Olympic Trials to give our teams the experience with rocks that have a different profile, striking band etc. than rocks used in most Canadian events. We will wait to see if that bit of preparation pays off for our teams.

The women’s team has a record of 1-1, starting with a win over Denmark but losing to USA in their second game. For Team Canada with skip Rachel Homan, currently ranked number one in the world, that was the first loss they have experienced in a long time! Team Canada always seems to bring out the best from other teams and it’s never an “easy” win! Only the top four teams will move on to the playoffs with 1 playing 4 and 2 playing 3 with the winners moving on to the gold medal game and the losers to the bronze medal game. It has been tough to watch all the games with the time difference and the multiple channels carrying the Olympics, but Team Canada games are televised.

The Olympic closing ceremonies will be on Feb. 22, and the Men’s Canadian Brier Championship will start on Feb. 27th in St. John’s NFLD. Our Team Ontario, skipped by local curler Jayden King, will begin their play on that Friday night against Team Nova Scotia. The team finds themselves in Pool A which includes Team Jacobs/Canada (who could be sporting Olympic medals) and hometown favorite Team Gushue (former Gold medal-

ist)- so team Ontario will have to play well to reach playoffs. More info next column. A reminder that Saturday, Feb. 21, the club

is hosting a send-off for Team King at the club open to all well-wishers beginning at 1 p.m. Go Team Canada!! Curling Rocks!

MINOR SPORTS SCRAPBOOK

Thunder facing elimination in first round of playoffs

JEFF HELSDON Editor

The Tillsonburg Thunder may be down, but they are not out.

‘Out’ is what the Thunder are trying to avoid as they are down 3-1 in a best-of-seven series for the first round of playoffs.

“We rallied from three down against Tilbury in a reverse sweep a couple of years ago on route to a championship,” said owner Michael Holly. “We already have one in the book so it will be easier this time.”

Finishing regular season play in sixth, the Thunder were pitted against first-place Petrolia Squires. During the regular season, the two teams met once, with Petrolia taking both games, but by a slim 6-5 margin in each case.

After an opening 4-1 loss in a road game on Feb. 6, the two teams faced off in a home game

for the Thunder on Feb. 10, where home ice was an advantage.

Tillsonburg opened scoring in the first when Luke Sinclair took the feed from Justin Abraham and Andrew Oosterveld at 11:12. The Squires answered in the dying seconds of the period to even the score at the end of the first.

The second period was all Thunder with Abraham hitting the mesh on a power play, from Danny Attridge and Oosterveld.

Hunter Monkhouse provided some insurance with a goal at 2:38 of a scrappy, penalty-filled second with assistance from Abraham and Robert MacLean.

Braden Roberts, from Jaden VanSevenant, notched another for the Thunder in a third period that continued to see the penalty minutes racked up. After the Squires managed a short-handed goal at 11:12,

Nicolas D’Agostino netted the final goal at 5:51. Roberts and Tye Johnson assisted.

With the series tied, Friday the 13th was unlucky for the Thunder in a road trip to Petrolia. The Squires scored one in the first, then added two more in the second before Hunter Monkhouse put the Thunder on the board in the third with a powerplay goal fed by Kurtis Heggie. Petrolia hit the empty net to take a 4-1 victory and a 2-1 series lead.

The Thunder were home on Valentine’s Day, but ended up coming away with team heartbreak as the Squires went up 3-1.

The game started with the Squire taking a 2-0 lead before the halfway point of the first. But, Attridge converted a powerplay feed from Oosterveld and Sebastian Guastadigsegni to keep the game within reach with a 2-1 deficit at the first buzzer.

However, a second-period scoring fest ended in the favour of the visitors. Again, the Squires added two before the half-way point. Mike Findlay and Nigel Abbott set up Nicolas D’Agostino just at 9:45, but this goal was to be the Thunder’s last as Petrolia deposited two more for the 6-2 win.

The two teams meet again in a do-or-die match for the Thunder on Friday, Feb. 20 in Petrolia.

•

•

• Compassionate,

• Seniors & Aging in Place

• Respite Care

• Personal Support Services (PSW)

MUSIC CORNER

The Filthy Radicals return to Tillsonburg

Tillsonburg Post Columnist

By the time The Filthy Radicals roll back into Tillsonburg, it will not just be another stop on the map, but more so a checkpoint with a band that has steadily sharpened its sound, stories and stage presence since forming in 2008.

Blending ska-punk urgency with working-class storytelling The Filthy Radicals have built a rep -

utation across Ontario and beyond for shows that feel less like performances and more like communal release. As always, audiences can expect the same sweat-soaked energy that has defined the band since their earliest days, but with a tighter edge shaped by years on the road and time spent refining new material.

“In my opinion The Filthy Radicals have definitely honed in on our newer material since our last visit to Tillsonburg. Playing the newer songs live has helped us find the right energy not only musically, but physically in our live shows,” explains vocalist and guitarist Kyle Jewitt. “I would say if you have seen us before then you know what you are in for, and if it is your first time, we hope you leave with a smile and sore feet from dancing.”

UPCOMING SHOWS

FEB. 19 - JAY RAWK

FEB. 20 - SAVING AGNES

The Copper Mug No Cover Charge – 8 p.m.

FEB. 21 - ERIC JOHNSTON COMEDY SHOW W/ JORDAN ARMENISE

Paddy's Underground

$25 – 7 p.m. - All Ages/Licensed

The band’s evolution became especially clear with the release of their 2021 EP, titled ‘The Fine Line Between Real And Insane’ which was released through Canadian record label Stomp Records. The songs on that release captured the band at a crossroads while balancing chaos and control, melody and punk ethos, while staying true to the mindset that has always driven their songwriting.

“When it comes to inspiration for lyrics and sound, I find us best categorized as more storytellers than anything else. Especially when it comes to blue collar workers, substance abuse, recovery, self-medication as a coping mechanism due to the state of the world and unfair treatment and wages for the overworked,” Jewitt analyzes. “Our newer stuff I find is still taking inspiration from bands such as

Mischief Brew, Streetlight Manifesto and The Flatliners just to name a few.”

That sense of brutal honesty has carried The Filthy Radicals through countless tours from packed festival stages, big venues opening for their heroes and all the way to sweat-boxed basements.

“I have to say that being on stage with The Filthy Radicals is my number one favorite part of being in a band. That is all I ever wanted to do was to be up on stage since I was a little kid,” Jewitt says with a smile. “The adrenaline and nervous mixture is followed by the hit of the snare drum. The energy coming at us from the crowd and us back to them. It is the best feeling in the world. I like to think that we bring the same energy, whether it be a festival stage or a tiny stage in a basement. To quote Dennis Casey of

FEB. 21 - RIGHT TURN CLYDE

The Copper Mug No Cover Charge – 9 p.m.

FEB. 26 - *SOLD OUT* THE FLATLINERS W/ CHUCK COLES

Paddy's Underground

$50 – 8 p.m. - All Ages/Licensed

FEB. 27 - SHAYLYN KICKIN' IT COUNTRY

The Copper Mug No Cover Charge – 8 p.m.

Weekend Quiz

1. Which fruit is known as the "King of Fruits"

2. A "prickle" is the collective noun for what groups of animals?

3. Which singer was known as the "The Empress of the Blues"?

4. Which company’s original name was "Cadabra," as in "Abracadabra"?

5. What is the fastest-growing plant in the world?

the band Flogging Molly, I say ‘Play every show like it is your last.’ I feel that The Filthy Radicals is a great example of this no matter where we play.”

That energy is driven by a stacked lineup consisting of Oxford County local Jackson Cronmiller on drums, Andrew Denure on lead guitar and trombone, Cody Deveaux on bass and vocals, Kyle Jewitt on vocals and rhythm guitar, Miz Molly on trumpet and vocals and Dave D. Boxenbaum on keyboards and organ. With band members spread across Southern Ontario they create a sound that is brassy, bruising and impossible to stand still to once they get together.

“We are playing a few select shows in 2026. Mainly we are focusing our energy into putting out a fulllength record with Stomp Records,” Jewitt says. “We have been holding onto a

lot of songs and ideas that we are very excited to put out into the world for everyone to hear.”

For long-time fans and first-timers alike, The Filthy Radicals return to town promises the same thing they have always delivered which is honest songs, relentless energy and a reminder that sometimes the line between real and insane is exactly where the best music lives.

You can catch The Filthy Radicals with Ian BW and The Lexington Cure live at The Copper Mug located at 79 Broadway Street in Tillsonburg on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tickets are $20 and available at the venue or online via Eventbrite with doors opening at 8 p.m.. You can follow the band online for new music and tour dates at www.facebook.com/filthyradicals and www.stomprecords. com

FEB. 28 - IAN BW, THE LEXINGTON CURE AND THE FILTHY RADICALS

The Copper Mug

$20 – 8 p.m.

MARCH 14 - THE DEEPER CUTS AND ACE OF SWORDS

Paddy's Underground

$10 – 8 p.m. - All Ages/Licensed

by Jake Grant

6. What is the unit used to measure electrical resistance?

7. Which actor played the character of Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise?

8. At what degrees Fahrenheit does ice melt?

9. Which is the only sea in the world that has no coastlines?

10. How many distinct phases make up the lunar cycle?

FAMILY DAY FUN!

Packed with numerous bouncy castles, the Lion’s Auditorium was wall to wall people as young bouncers took advantage of the free opportunity to enjoy some Family Day fun. By noon, more than 1,000 people had come through the doors. Besides the activities, there was also free popcorn, cotton candy and hot chocolate.

Which cruise is the cruise for you?

PAUL KNOWLES Tillsonburg Post Columnist

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO!

It’s a question I get asked a lot: “Which is better, a river cruise or an ocean cruise?” The answer, of course, is “It depends”. I am writing this article because a significant number of the people who approach me have never done a river cruise, but they are considering it. First off, there are not simply two categories of cruising. Ocean cruises now include a wide spectrum of options, from gigantic floating cities holding 5,000 or more passengers, to more elite vessels that carry only five or six hundred passengers and offer more personal service.

As well, ocean ship itineraries now range from the multi-port cruises of the Caribbean to voyages to Antarctica, through the North-West Passage, or, almost literally, cruises to everywhere, with months-long round-the-world itineraries.

That being said, ocean-going cruise ships tend to include a few things that many passengers love: casinos, Vegas-style entertainment, good bars, and a variety of dining choices. We all know cruise veterans who no longer bother to get off the boat – they are there for all of the above, and happy to avoid the hassle of disembarking into a cookie-cutter port or a crowded tender to carry them land-ward.

And if that is to your taste, go for it. I will mention that a few of my acquaintances have tried smaller, ocean-going ships, and have come away with a lot of praise for the increased level of personal service and high quality of dining

options.

And what’s different about river cruises? Well, actually, almost everything. Most of the big-ship amenities are missing. And so are most of the passengers. For example, Viking longships on most European river cruises carry a maximum of 190 passengers, and that assumes every one of the 95 cabins has two occupants, which virtually never happens. Those figures apply to most of the river cruise companies. Some of the rivers (like the Seine) require slightly smaller boats, so they never top 170 passengers.

There will also be 50-plus crew on board, most of whom are there as cleaning staff or restaurant servers, so excellent personal service is not just the norm, it is inevitable.

Some things will seem very different for first-timers used to ocean ships. The entertainment is confined to the multi-purpose lounge (also the location of the bar, educational seminars, and the daily briefing sessions). Usually, the format is rather piano-bar-like, but there will also be special entertainment (I have enjoyed light opera, flamenco, pop music, and concerts reflecting local culture). There is a small area for dancing.

In my experience, dining on river cruises has always been top-notch, but there is not a wide choice of restaurants – the ships have one dining room (with no tables for just two, by the way, so you inevitably meet other travellers), and another spot, on the upper deck, with a few tables and a chance to dine al fresco in nice weather. I have always found that there is a wide and generous choice of menu options. And although river cruise ships offer relatively inexpensive beverage packages, if you like wine or beer, the already-included pourings at mealtime are generous.

Apart from the lack of crowds and consistently superb service, the best thing about river cruises is your proximity to the destinations you are visiting on the cruise. There is a marked difference, in comparison to many ocean cruises.

Here, there is no stereotypical port with gold shops, souvenir stands and the like. The ship ties up at the dock, and you are almost always immediately moments from the heart of the town or city.

While river cruise itineraries tend to include a daily excursion at no upcharge, and also offer frequent add-ons (some pricey, some very worthwhile, such as our recent visit to the wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape), you can also easily explore historic towns on your own, a mere stroll away from your stateroom.

Of course, both ocean and river cruises can include unanticipated problems. On the river, you are unlikely to encounter the rough seas than can happen in the ocean-going vessels, but high or low water levels in the rivers can disrupt schedules. The last stage of our cruise to Budapest saw us taking a bus from Vienna, because the water level in the Danube was dangerously high.

So… the choice is yours. There are advantages to either option, ocean or

river. I have done both. My favourite ocean cruise was a voyage in the eastern Mediterranean that took me places I would be unlikely to see any other way – Ephesus, Santorini, Dubrovnik and Malta, among them. I loved it.

But more recently, my cruising has been on the rivers of Europe – the Danube, the Rhone, the Bordeaux regjon, the Rhine – and I can honestly report that I have enjoyed every moment. I have always travelled with Viking River Cruises, although I hear positive reports of other cruise companies, as well.

What is clear is, with many Canadians looking for alternate travel options these days, cruising has become an option that is attracting a lot of interest. So, wherever and however you choose to go – bon voyage!

Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and Past-President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.

Our plan to protect Ontario is diversifying our trade

As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario.

Diversifying our trade will connect our province to new markets.

That’s how we protect Ontario.

I have keys, but open no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter but not go inside. What am I? A keyboard.

What has to be broken before you can use it? An egg.

What has a head and a tail but no body? A coin.

What begins with T, ends with T, and has T in it?

A teapot.

What has a heart that doesn’t beat? An artichoke.

I’m full of keys but can’t open any door. What am I?

A piano.

I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have nobody, but I come alive with the wind. What am I? An echo.

I come from a mine and am always surrounded by wood. Everyone uses me. What am I?

Pencil lead (graphite).

Riddle: What has four legs and a back but can't walk?

A chair.

I’m a mammal with a long trunk. What am I? An elephant.

What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper!

JOIN US FOR A BLACK HISTORY MONTH HERITAGE CELEBRATION

29 Brock St. W., Tillsonburg, ON Live music, spoken word poetry, cultural food, fashion show & prizes.

FLAG RAISINGS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2026

Join us this February to celebrate Black History Month in Oxford County. Commemorate the history of our Black communities and learn how diverse the community has grown. Pan-African Flag raisings and receptions including local historical displays by the Oxford County Archives and various museums and spoken word presentation by Duane Kumala-Thomas will be held in the following communities throughout the month:

FEBRUARY 24 | 10 AM TILLSONBURG

South Broadway Parkette at Oxford St. Reception to follow at Tillsonburg Public Library (2 Library Lane).

Everyone is welcome. For more information visit instagram: @oxfordroots or http:// revelateddotme.wixstudio.com/oxfordroots

FEBRUARY 25 | 1:30 - 3 PM FREE SENIOR DIGITAL LITERACY CLASSES

Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre, 96 Tillson Ave, Tillsonburg, ON Encompassing Cybersecurity, Facebook, Zoom, Google Maps, YouTube, and Microsoft Suite.

FEBRUARY 21 | 2 PM A VELOCIPEDE - A WHAT??

The Edison, Vienna & Area Museum, 6209 Plank Rd. Vienna

Join Mr. David Harding as he takes us on a journey from Eden to Port Burwell on an unusual, antiquated piece of railroad equipment. Railroads covered great distances & in the time before motorized vehicles, walking the line for maintenance was a long walk! For further information email: bayhamhistoricalsociety@hotmail.com

KIDS EASTER BINGO

16 Durham St, Tillsonburg, ON Free event sponsored by the Tillsonburg Legion. Doors open at noon and games start at 1:00 pm. Bingo prizes and door prizes. Ages 5-14 and must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call 519-842-5281.

MARCH 24 | 7 PM LIFE WORTH LIVING

Woodstock Polish Hall, 878 Dufferin Street, Woodstock

The one-hour film was produced by Woodstock native, Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and will be followed by a Q & A session with Alex. Admission is free. For more information, please email info@ oxfordcountyrighttolife.com

APRIL

APRIL 11 | 6:30 PM - MIDNIGHT

IN THE MOOD WITH BIG BANDEMIC

South Gate Centre, 191 Old Wellington St S, Woodstock, ON Big Bandemic will have you toe-tapping and dancing, maybe evening singing along at South Gate Centre's In the Mood concert. Come see this 17 piece big band, with a an additional 10 piece strings section and 2 terrific crooners! BUY TICKETS at the Front Desk in advance or online at www.southgatectr.com/events

ONGOING CLASSES, CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

OXFORD COUNTY DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM

Appointments are available at Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll and Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and by phone

Are you looking for support with your Diabetes? Our Team of Registered Nurses, Registered Dietitians and a Social Worker is here to support YOUR goals. We can help with medication adjustments, lifestyle and diet changes, stress management, weight reduction strategies and more. SELF REFERRALS ARE WELCOME. Please call 519-485-9611 to book an appointment. Let’s work together!

MONDAYS | 9 - 11:30 AM

anyone over the age of 12 is welcome (children from 12-15 with an adult, please). The 2025-2026 season has started at the Ingersoll Pipe Band Hall, 108 Wonham St. S. Ingersoll. The first night is free, and after that the cost is $7.50 per person each Monday, paid monthly at the start of the month. For more information, contact Julie at 519-535-3314.

2ND TUES. OF MONTH (SEPT. TO MAY) | 2 - 4

PM 4TH TUES. OF MONTH (SEPT. TO MAY) | 7 - 9 PM

OXFORD PHILATELIC SOCIETY

Church of the Epiphany, 560 Dundas Street, Woodstock Ontario N4S 1C7

If you have never belonged to a stamp club, now's the time. Meet new friends, grow your knowledge and collection. Contact: Don Eaton dhfe@silomail. com. Website: http://www.rpsc.org/chapters/oxford

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS | 7 - 9 PM

SATURDAYS | 10 AM - 12 PM

LEARN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU (BJJ)

North Broadway Baptist Church

Thanks to donor support, we’ve been able to purchase mats and uniforms, and our instructors generously volunteer their time. This isn’t a business—any donations go straight back into the program to help buy more uniforms, mats, and equipment. If it’s within your means, a $20 monthly donation helps support the program, but if not, classes are completely free. Classes are open to anyone 14 and older. If you’d like to try a class, please arrive about 15 minutes early to sign waivers and get fitted for a uniform. Information can be found at: https://www.northbroadwaychurch. ca/nbmfa, https://www.facebook.com/ northbroadwaymfa, https://www.instagram.com/ northbroadwaymfa/ Inquires can be made at: nbmfa@northbroadwaychurch.ca

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY | 1 - 4 PM

IN 2026 IT’S YOUR FIX! INGERSOLL COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE

Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St. S., Ingersoll Join us, walk ins welcome. Qualifications - love 5070's country music. Perform, listen, dance & enjoy! February 13 & 27, March 6 & 20, April 10 & 17, May 1, 15 & 29, June 5 & 19.

FRIDAYS | 1 PM

The Wagner Memorial Teeterville Legion Branch 526 - 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, ON

Not a member? Contact us to join. For More Information Call, the Legion 519-443-5588. www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT ONE OF OUR EVENTS? WE WELCOME YOU!

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526 - 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, ON

You do not need to be a member to Volunteer, Just contact the legion and leave your name and number and purpose of your call. Someone will get back to you as to where you might be needed. Students and Adults welcome. Open hours. Wed.-Fri. 3 pm-10 pm, Sat.1 pm-10 pm, Sun.1 pm-6 pm. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or teetervillelegionbranch526.ca

VON OXFORD GRIEF CARE: FREE MONTHLY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Register at: oxford.griefsupport@von.ca or 519539-1231 Ext 6299 or 6296

TILLSONBURG

WHEN: 2nd Tuesday of every month

WHERE: VON Oxford Office 24 Brock St. W., Tillsonburg

TIME: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

INGERSOLL

WHEN: 4th Tuesday of every month

WHERE: Ingersoll Public Library 130 Oxford St., Ingersoll

TIME: 10:30 a.m. –12 Noon

WOODSTOCK

WHEN: 3rd Saturday of every month

WHERE: Sakura House Hospice 715180 Oxford Rd.4, Woodstock

TIME: 10:30 a.m. –12 Noon

TILLSONBURG SENIOR CENTRE WEEKLY PROGRAMS FOR 50+ Games such as euchre, cribbage, whomp'em, bingo, and more played weekly. Fitness classes include drum fit and line dancing weekly. We run over 35 programs weekly! Call 688-2520 for details

Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. Mon-Sat 7:00am to 6:00pm. Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)