FA L L 2 0 1 9
Hometown Proud
How Tillsonburg compares to other communities...
The Stubbe family celebrates 50 years in the furniture business
1
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 1
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
ONTARIO-MADE CANADIAN HARDWOOD FLOORING
BreezeWood Floors are made with sustainably harvested local hardwoods and are manufactured and finished in SouthWestern Ontario resulting in an extremely low carbon footprint. With a wide selection of colours and industry- leading finishes backed by strong warranties and excellent customer service, you can be sure that these truly Canadian floors will stand the test of time. SOLID AND ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORS
Visit a BreezeWood Showroom or a participating dealer near you today to see our collections!
BREEZEWOOD FLOORS FACTORY STORES:
BASS LAKE ORILLIA 4071 Digby Road Orillia, ON 705.326.3965
KITCHENER 1580 Huron Road Wilmot, ON 519.696.2424
TILLSONBURG 1300 Jackson Side Rd Courtland, ON 519.688.3553
breezewoodfloors.ca
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 2
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
IN THI S I SSUE . . .
2
Hometown Proud Why Tillsonburg is one of the best places to live
7 11
Fall Home Tour The builders are ready to meet you!
Fifty Years in Furniture The incredible story of Isaac Stubbe
16
The Guitar Guys Meet the duo bringing music to Tillsonburg A Leaf From Our Past Paul Allen explores our tobacco heritage Shop the Block Stores you won't want to miss downtown
18
21
24
By the Numbers Fun facts about Tillsonburg
Editorial & Design Colleen Pepper Advertising Shelley Imbeault
`
Discover Tillsonburg Magazine is published twice a year by the Town of Tillsonburg, in partnership with local builders and other community partners.
Call 519.688.3009
1
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 1
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
HOMETOWN Why Tillsonburg is one of the best places to live in Ontario PROUD
H ave you ever wondered if you’re living in the right place? The right neighborhood? The right province? Well, if you make your home in Tillsonburg, you can relax. According to a recent Maclean’s magazine study, Tillsonburg is officially one of the best places to live in Ontario in 2019, ranking
ahead of 114 other communities including London, Brantford, Kitchener and Mississauga. “Tillsonburg ranked 36th out of 150 communities in Ontario and 64th in Canada,” explains Mayor Stephen Molnar. “While many things that determine quality of life can’t be quantified and measured, the Maclean’s
rankings affirm what we locals have known for a long time— that Tillsonburg offers a great alternative to big-city living.” Maclean’s researchers compiled data in a number of categories to arrive at its rankings— including wealth and economy, affordability, population growth, taxes, commute, crime, weather,
2
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 2
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
access to health care, amenities and culture. The categories were then weighted to reflect the values of so-called average Canadians, with wealth and economy, affordability and health topping the list. In all, Maclean’s compared data from 415 communities in an effort to find “Canada’s Best Community”—an honour that ultimately went to Burlington, Ontario. “Tillsonburg performed well in a number of categories, including weather, access to health care and safety,” says Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner for the Town of Tillsonburg. “We also scored well on affordability— ranking 25th in the province.” While housing prices in and around Tillsonburg have risen in recent years, they still compare very favourably against other communities on the 401/403 corridor.
According to real estate data, the ten-year average price of a detached home in Tillsonburg is 20 per cent lower than London, and 33 per cent lower than in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The median price of a single detached home in Tillsonburg in July 2019 was $381,250. “Simply put, your real estate dollar goes further here,” says Panschow. “And lower than average property taxes make investing here even more attractive.”
But of course, there’s more to consider when choosing where to move—and where to stay—than just financial factors. For anyone averse to white stuff in the winter, Tillsonburg is known for its slightly more moderate climate—largely on account of its proximity to Lake Erie. “Tillsonburg is located in what is commonly called, ‘the banana belt,” says Molnar. “Believe it or not, we get 38 per cent less snow than London.” >>
Tillsonburg is ranked higher than 114 other communities in Ontario including London, Brantford, Kitchener and Mississaugua.
” Best Communities in Canada 2019” — Maclean’s Magazine
3
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 3
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
As for weather the rest of the year, Tillsonburg had 121 days with temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius last year— providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. “Tillsonburg has always been an active community,” says Molnar. “As a municipality, we’ve made significant investments in our recreational amenities in recent years—including 15 km of walking/cycling trails.” “Tillsonburg also appeals to golfers,” adds Panschow. “Not only are there challenging courses locally, but eleven of the Top 100 courses in Canada are located within an hour’s drive of here.” Location is always a key part of Panschow’s marketing pitch, whether talking to business investors or potential residents. “Tillsonburg is located firmly in the heart of southwestern Ontario,” he explains. “We’re within an easy drive of multiple border crossings, international airports, and post-secondary institutions—everything, really.” Health care is undoubtedly one of the most important considerations at any age. “The Maclean’s research team looked at data points like the number of family doctors, specialists and doctor’s offices per 100,000 residents, as well as the proximity of a hospital,” says Pan- schow. “Tillsonburg scored better than 93 per cent of communities in southwestern Ontario.” Tillsonburg also scored well on the severity of crime index, with fewer serious crimes per capita than other communities in the region.
Overall, Tillsonburg can be considered yet another example of a Maclean’s calls “supercharged small towns.” “Contrary to the popular im- age of the struggling small town, communities like Tillsonburg are prospering because residents
don’t have to compromise—they offer access to the same amenities a suburb might offer, the natural splendour of a rural area and the opportunities of an urban centre,” says Panschow. “All in all, it’s good news for Tillsonburg.”
4
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 4
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
(Left Top) Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital offers 24-hr emergency care.
(Left Bottom) Downtown Tillsonburg is home to national retailers as well as unique specialty stores and boutiques. (Left) Tillsonburg is known for its spirit of volunteerism. The Rotary Clock Tower is just one example of a community project. (Below) The Turtlefest Block Party brings live music, games and interactive activites to the downtown each summer.
(Bottom) Tillsonburg has a 15km trail network.
You can review the full rankings at www.macleans.ca
5
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 5
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
Visit our Presentation Centres at 94 & 96 Dereham Drive Tuesday to Friday from 12 - 5 • Saturday from 12 - 4
Welcome Home to Hayhoe Homes
Janell Heyerman • 519.842.2435 janell.heyerman@hayhoehomes.com
6
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 6
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
G E T R E A D Y F O R T H E Tillsonburg’s builders can’t wait to meet you! HOME TOUR
C alling all house hunters, the Tillsonburg Fall Home Tour is back! Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home, a maintenance-free condominium or a cozy new place to retire, you’ll find plenty of options available for viewing on October 26. “The home tour is a bit like speed dating for anyone in the market for a new home,” says Colleen Pepper, Marketing and Communications Officer for the
Town of Tillsonburg. “You’re able to see a lot of homes in one day and get a sense of the local market. You can also see the latest in design trends and décor.” The year’s tour is expected to feature model homes from a variety of builders including Oxnard Developments, Hayhoe Homes and 360 Living. The tour will also include a selection of premier resale listings from local realtors.
(Above) The Fall Home Tour begins at the Station Arts Centre (41 Bridge Street West) where you’ll find an art gallery, artisan craft shop and visitor information.
7
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 7
2019-09-24 3:46 PM
The self-guided tour begins at the Station Arts Centre where participants will receive a passport, swag bag and map. “The tour is set up so that you can visit as many houses as you like,” says Pepper. “But if you visit all the sites, you’ll be entered to win some amazing prizes.” Prizes up for grabs include a Brentwood Classics Leather Ottoman (valued at $599), two tickets to an upcoming Maple Leafs Alumni game and the grand prize, a weekend stay in Tillsonburg. “It’s a package that includes overnight accommodations at the luxurious Seven Gables Bed and Breakfast, dinner for two at Mill Tales Inn, and two rounds of golf at The Bridges,” says Pepper. Members of the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will also be on site to welcome guests and help direct them to the next home. The tour will conclude at
Stubbe’s BrandSource, located on north Broadway, where participants will receive a free thank-you gift. “Stubbe’s is a new partner with us this year, and we’re thrilled to have them on board,” says Pepper. “Their showroom is incredible, with furniture at all price points and lots of unique accessories and home décor items.” “We’re really looking forward to showing buyers our product,” says Pedro Pour of Oxnard Developments. “There’s no better way to see the quality of our Potters Gate homes than to tour one and see for yourself.” While the tour typically draws participants from in and around the Tillsonburg area, this year organizers are hoping to welcome guests from the GTA as well. “We’re going to promote the tour at the Toronto Fall Home Show (October 4-6),” says Pepper. “We’ll be inviting people to come
for a drive and see how attractive small-town living can be.”
You can learn more about Tillsonburg’s new home builders at www.discovertillsonburg.ca
Saturday, October 26 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM F ll HOME TOUR THE NEW
8
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 8
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
Phase 2 Coming Soon! Reserve Your Lot Today
Welcome Home to Hayhoe Homes
9 21
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 9
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
Stubbe's BrandSource founder Isaac Stubbe (centre) with sons Gerrard (left) and Dave (right)
10
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 10
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
FURNITURE The incredible story of entrepreneur Isaac Stubbe F I F T Y Y E A R S I N
I t’s 9:00 a.m. and the ‘open’ sign at Stubbe’s BrandSource has just been turned on for the day. Inside, store patriarch Isaac Stubbe pours himself a fresh cup of coffee and sits down at a dining room table. Soon, sales and office staff pull up a chair and join him, including his sons Gerrard and Dave. For the next 15 minutes, the conversation meanders through a variety of topics before turning to the day ahead. “Morning coffee isn’t an official meeting,” explains Gerrard. “It’s just how we start the day. It gives everyone a chance to talk and connect at a personal level before the store gets busy. It’s a small thing, but it makes a difference.”
Fifty years ago, when Isaac started in the furniture business, coffee time was considerably less crowded. “Back then, I was the only employee,” he laughs. “I had a business partner, but he kept his day job so it was up to me to run the store.” And run it he did. “I learned as I went,” Isaac says modestly, describing how the business grew from a single storefront on Main Street in Norwich, to three stores, and finally a 28,000 square foot showroom in Tillsonburg. Although Isaac officially ‘retired’ in 2007, he still comes into work each day to see how
things are going and help out wherever he can. “Dad is chairman of the board and I’m general manager,” explains Gerrard. “My brother Dave is senior buyer and lead merchandiser, and my brother Martin manages the flooring division.” All seven of Isaac’s children have worked in the family business at some point, with many going on to have businesses of their own. “I was 14 when I started here,” says Gerrard with a smile. “Basically, as soon as I was old enough to lift furniture, Dad was sending me out on deliveries.” While Gerrard and his siblings
11
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 11
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
“I always wanted to run my own business,” he says. “I didn’t know doing what exactly, but I was always looking.” When Nelson’s Furniture in Norwich became available, Isaac saw his opportunity. “John Honcoop and I bought the business together and named it H&S Furniture,” he explains. “We opened September 1, 1969.” In 1976, Isaac and John bought a second store, Davidson Hi- Way Furniture in Tillsonburg. Popularly known as ‘the big brown barn’, the new store meant each partner now had a store to run. Isaac kept the Norwich location
and John came to Tillsonburg. In 1984, however, John passed away, bringing the partnership to an abrupt end. “It was difficult after John died, but I decided to keep both stores and change the name to Stubbe’s Furniture,” Isaac explains. A few years later, he purchased an existing furniture store in Woodstock giving Stubbe’s Furniture three locations in Oxford County. By the early 1990s, however, large-format chain stores were presenting unprecedented challenges to mom and pop stores like Stubbes. “No one called it ‘big box retail’
learned the value of hard work early in life, their childhood woes didn’t begin to compare to their father’s experiences as a new Canadian. Immigrating to Canada “My family immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1952,” says Isaac. “I was nine years old. We had paid an agent to take care of all the details for our arrival, but when we got here, no one came to meet us. There we were—my father, my mother and seven children—with no place to go.” The family had no choice but to split up and find lodging with whomever would take them in. “It took a few weeks for my father to find a job,” Isaac recalls. “Eventually, he got hired on at a beef farm. We moved into an old abandoned house without electricity or running water. My mother had to cook our meals outside on an old wood stove and most of our baths were in the nearby creek. We moved a few months later, but that’s how we began.” At the age of 14, Isaac got a job to help put bread on the table. A few years later, he started making concrete beams for a company in Woodstock, but his career didn’t last long. “I broke my back in ’62 and wasn’t able to do physical work anymore, so I went back to school and took commercial studies,” says Isaac. “I completed grades 9 to 12 in one year, and then got a job doing cost accounting.” While the new job was a good one, Isaac dreamed of doing more.
Isaac Stubbe
12
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 12
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
then, but you could see it coming,” says Isaac. “I knew we’d have to expand and offer more choices in one place to stay competitive.” In 1995, after careful consideration, Isaac made the bold decision to consolidate the Tillsonburg and Norwich stores into a new destination store at 616 Broadway. “We modeled it after Stoney Creek Furniture in Hamilton and updated our name to Stubbe’s Countrywide--which was the name of our buying group at the time,” says Gerrard. The new store was a hit. The large, open concept showroom
Gerrard, Isaac, Dave and team open the new Stubbe's BrandSource Appliance Centre
13
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 13
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
was a shopper’s paradise, with more styles, colours and choices than ever. The store even featured a ramp, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The iconic ‘brown barn’ meanwhile, became a clearance centre, with Stubbe’s flooring division (currently Floors Now) eventually taking over the ground floor. “We’ve always tried to keep the customer front of mind and anticipate where the market is going,” says Gerrard. “It’s a challenge, but so far we’ve been quite successful.” In 2012, Stubbe’s went through another re-branding process. “We were the first store to launch under the BrandSource banner,” says Gerrard. “The name is more inclusive and lets people know we aren’t limited to just country-inspired pieces.”
Walk into Stubbe’s today, and you’ll find furnishings in every style—from traditional to modern. “People are surprised that our prices are similar to the city stores, yet we carry better quality products including a lot of made- in-Canada lines," says Gerrard. Staying on top of consumer trends keeps the team at Stubbe's hopping. “In 2016, we expanded our mattress and appliance departments and have just added in-store kiosks that give shoppers the ability to compare products and even custom design pieces for their home,” says Gerrard. For those who need a little more help, Stubbe’s also offers no-obligation, in-home design consultations. “We have a designer who will
come to your home and work with you on a customized plan for your space,” says Gerrard. “It’s perfect for people who aren’t sure what they want, or need to see how various pieces can work together in a room.” Stubbe’s is also working toward offering more services online, including the ability for customers to track their orders. But no matter what the future brings, Gerrard considers it an honour to have spent so many years working alongside his father. “My father taught me to work hard, be honest and always treat customers with respect,” says Gerrard admiringly. Isaac sums up his philosophy this way: “Treat people right and you’ll have a customer for life.” After 50 years in the business, it’s trustworthy advice.
Featuring
Life in Miniature Art Show II October 2 - October 30, 2019
From Candy Canes to Snow Covered Lanes November 22, 2019 - January 5, 2020
Christmas Open House Weekend November 22-24, 2019
Poinsetta Social Tea December 20, 2019 - 2:00 PM
Christmas Floral Workshop December 5, 2019
30 Tillson Avenue • 519.842.2294 • www.tillsonburg.ca/Annandale
14
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 14
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
Funeral Home Limited Your loved ones deserve the best Ostrander’s 43 BIDWELL STREET, TILLSONBURG, ON N4G 3T6 519-842-5221 info@ostrandersfuneralhome.com
Committed to providing our Community with Quality, Professional Funeral and Cremation Services
Proud of our reputation for service excellence. Visit our reviews at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com
KenButcher Owner/Manager Class1 FuneralDirector
JodiButcher Owner FuneralPre-planner
Collin Johnson AssistantManager Class1 FuneralDirector
David Johnson Class1 FuneralDirector
JohnTretow FuneralPre-planner
15
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 15
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
What’s a day out without a little shopping? Here are a few places to start...
SHOP THE BLOCK
For more places to shop, check out http://businessdirectory.tillsonburg.ca
16 0
Visi
Visitor Guide FINAL TO PRINT.indd 10 DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 16
2019-03-15 12:30 PM 2019-09-24 3:47
Quilters from all around Ontario love to shop at Cherished Pieces. Whether you’re new to quilting or an old pro, you’ll find amazing cottons, quality notions, AccuQuilt cutting tools, and tons of creative project ideas. Cherished Pieces
You’ll find a little bit of everything you love at Trinkets, from bath and body products, to jewellery, purses, home decor and even cruisewear. Featured product lines include Jacqueline Kent, Lug and Rapz. Trinkets Gift Shoppe
This unique furniture and home decor store is a shopper’s delight. You’ll find new, renewed and previously loved furniture, cast iron hooks, furniture knobs, lamps, mugs, lanterns, pillows, and nautical decor—plus Fusion Mineral Paint. The Anchor Shoppe 87 Broadway
133 Broadway www.cherishedpieces.com
79 Broadway
Indulge your love for nostalgia at Tillsonburg Antiques Plus. Whether you’re a serious collector or just love strolling memory lane, you’ll find lots here to pique your interest, from vinyl records and advertising, to vintage toys and militaria. Antiques Plus 6 Old Vienna Road
Known as the place where sophistication and inspiration meet, Pedlar’s Quay offers a beautiful array of products— for yourself or someone else. Find unique items for the table, kitchen, bath and patio all in a delightful heritage home. Pedlar’s Quay 20 Ridout Street West www.pedlarsquay.com
Located just northof Tillsonburg, Coyles offers 25,000 square feet of fresh-roasted nuts, local artisan cheeses, fudge and quality baking ingredients. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of giftware, kitchenware, home and seasonal decor items. A must see! Coyles 244282 Airport Road www.coylescountrystore.com
17
1
Visitor Guide FINAL TO PRINT.indd 11 DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 17
2019-03-15 12:30 PM 2019-09-24 :47 PM
:30 PM
A L E A F F R O M Author Paul Allen remembers a time when tobacco was the king of crops OUR PAST
P eople in Tillsonburg generally know a thing or two about tobacco. After all, it was the town’s leading agricultural crop for the better part of the last century. Not only were dozens of area farms devoted to growing it, but countless residents were employed in its harvest—whether priming wet, sticky sand leaves at dawn or sweating mightily to make the last kiln. Still, even the most knowledgeable tobacco farmer will likely find something new in Paul E. Allen’s book, When Tobacco Was King . Equal parts biography and history, the book
highlights the rise and fall of the controversial tobacco industry in Canada by following the adventures of Allen’s father, Edward Dupree Allen. “This is the story of the evolution of the tobacco business that started in the southern United States and moved into Canada,” says Allen. “It’s also the story a young man from North Carolina who worked his way up from a tobacco field-hand to eventually become president of Canadian Leaf Tobacco Company, the second-largest tobacco purchaser and processor of tobacco in the country.”
Drawing previously unpublished records, personal correspondence and extensive historical research, Allen highlights the impact tobacco had not only on his family, but entire communities. As Allen points out, the arrival of the tobacco industry in southwestern Ontario was a game-changer. It created employment during the Depression, stimulated the local economy for decades afterward and taught generations of young people the value of a hard-day’s work. These benefits came at a cost to public health, of course, on
18
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 18
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
he valued the ‘personal touch.’” Edward Dupree Allen left Canadian Leaf in 1970. In all, he spent nearly fifty years working in one of Canada’s most controversial industries before retiring to a farm in Delmer. He passed away from lung cancer on April 27, 1988. Author Paul Allen is a retired high school teacher who makes his home in the Ottawa area.
but in the early days, ignorance was bliss. “My father grew one of the first flue-cured tobacco crops in the Tillsonburg area in 1927,” says Allen. “He became a buyer for Canadian Leaf in 1930, and was named president when the new Norfolk Leaf ‘super’ plant subsidiary opened in Tillsonburg in 1962." With its modern processing equipment and large receiving bays, it was probably the finest leaf packing and processing plant in the country. It even had a rail spur that allowed easy connection to Macdonald Leaf in Montreal, their biggest customer. The story of how the plant came into existence, and how Tillsonburg displaced Chatham to become Ontario’s tobacco centre are just some of the interesting tidbits you’ll find in Allen’s book. You’ll even find a nostalgic reference to Tillsonburg’s Arlington Hotel where in 1943, the Shrine Club charged $2.00 for a roast beef dinner on ladies’ night. “A lot of the content in the book was drawn from cassette tape interviews my father gave to a professor in Virginia prior to his
death,” says Allen. “I was able to listen to my dad’s voice and put together a timeline of his life.” Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the elder Allen’s experience—from his dealings with industry colleagues to his unpretentious approach to management. “My father made it part of his daily routine to walk the processing line in the factories in Chatham and Tillsonburg,” writes Allen. “Often he would sit and eat among the seasonal workers in the cafeteria instead of eating in the small executive lunch room. He’d say, ‘Let’s get out of the Kremlin and go where the real people are.’” In particular, Allen remembers his father’s extensive Christmas card list and the practices he developed to remember his employee’s names and family members. “He refused to have his Christmas cards professionally printed, preferring instead to hand write the addresses, sign and include small personal greetings,” says Allen. “It would take him two weeks, working three to four hours a night, five to six days a week to get the cards ready. But
When Tobacco Was King is available locally at Annandale National Historic Site and Coyles Country Store.
19
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 19
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
• First time home buyers • Resale and new home purchases • Financing your renovations • Investment properties Expert mortgage advice for:
Sheryl Williams Mobile Mortgage Advisor 519 688-1072 sheryl.williams@cibc.com
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT DAILY SPECIALS YELLOW PERCH DINNERS LATE NIGHT MENU BUZZTIME INTERACTIVE TRIVIA 1/2 PRICE WINGS TUES & THURS 519.842.6227 LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1995 79 BROADWAY, TILLSONBURG, ON
All mortgages are subject to credit approval. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply.
.
.
www.morganrealty.ca lt . .
519.842.5000
20
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 20
2019-09-24 3:47 PM
T I L L S O N B U R G ’ S The musical vision of Dan Dube and Shawn Winters GUITAR GUYS
S mall towns aren’t typically known for their vibrant music scene, but don’t tell that to Dan Dube and Shawn Winters. Dan, an elementary school teacher at Westfield P.S., and Shawn, co-owner of Verne’s Carpet One, are the visionaries behind Tillsonburg Amateur Guitarists andMusicians (AGM)—a group of local musicians who play gigs at local restaurants. “AGM kind of started by accident,” says Dan. “A few years ago, I was scheduled to play a show at the Copper Mug with anothermusician in town. When an unexpected death occurred in his family, I put a call out to see if anyone wanted to play a few songs with me so I wouldn’t have to cancel the show.” When four people said yes, Dan realized just how much musical talent was hiding in Tillsonburg.
“We're on a mission to network musicians in our area and get them out of their basements and playing publicly,” says Shawn. Dan and Shawn now have over 40 musicians in their talent pool, from retirees who’ve played
Pictured below are Shawn Winters and Dan Dube — the founders of Tillsonburg Amateur Guitarists and Musicans (AGM).
for years to high school students. As founders of the group, Dan and Shawn oversee bookings,
21
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 21
2019-09-24 3:48 PM
audio and marketing for the group as well as ensuring that all the artists are compensated for their time. “We coordinate the group as volunteers, but the artists are always paid,” says Dan. “That's important. There’s nothing better than seeing someone who’s never performed before get up there and go for it.” “It’s also fun to see the different ensembles that form,” adds Shawn. “Dan and I perform as Run for Cover , for instance, but we play with other musicians in the group as well." "That’s part of the fun—the more you play with different people, the better you get,” says Dan. Each AGM event typically features three to four different acts to help ensure the performance
burden isn’t too great on any one group. “We never ask people to play an entire show by themselves,” says Dan. “We keep the sets short and let people grow into the experience of playing live.” Dan started playing guitar at the age of 10, and played his first show at 16. Shawn, meanwhile, discovered his love of guitar in college. “My mom handed me a guitar and the rest is history,” he laughs. “A lot of our artists play cover songs, but we also strongly encourage original compositions,” says Dan. “That’s actually one of our goals—to make a compilation recording of original songs in the future.”
The sound of TillsonburgAGM shows is definitely acoustic. “When you’re playing in a restaurant, people want to be able to talk and visit with each other,” says Shawn. “So if someone wants to do a Whitesnake song, they’re going to do it on two acoustic guitars.” The Anti-Delicates , an all-female trio comprised of Madison Durie, Amanda Underhill and Sarah Wade, is one of the few AGM ensembles to use light percussion in the form of an egg shaker and djembe drum. “It’s interesting the way people find out about our group,” says Dan. “We do have a facebook page, but a lot of our musicians come to us through word of mouth referrals.” And yes, Shawn admits a few have been recruited to join as a result of purchasing new flooring for their home. “Whenever I’m in someone’s home doing a measure for a job and notice a guitar sitting in a corner, I’ll ask about it,” says Shawn. “It’s amazing how many really talented musicians we have who are just waiting for someone to ask them to play.” If you’re interested in learning more about Tillsonburg AGM, or booking one of their artists to perform at your next gathering, send an email to tillsonburgagm@gmail.com. Find out more about Tillsonburg AGM’s upcoming shows at facebook.com/ groups/TillsonburgAGM
22
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 22
2019-09-24 3:48 PM
41 Bridge Street W Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 5P2 519.842.6151 www.stationarts.ca
Classes & Programming Visitor Information Artisan Gift Shop Farmers’ Market Art Galleries
A shopping destination for over 30 years 20 Ridout St. West in Downtown Tillsonburg 519.842.6993 www.pedlarsquay.com Gifts Tabletop Home
Helping Buyers and Sellers Realize Their Dreams!
Bonnie Mudge Sales Representative 519.983.6939 bonnie@tillsonburghomes.com
Tri-County Realty Inc. Brokerage
23
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 23
2019-09-24 3:48 PM
NUMBERS B Y T H E Digits that will make you do a double take
441 is how many homes were occupied in Tillsonburg in 1881. Today, there are 7,297 households.
Coyles Country Store roasts 50,000 pounds of peanuts each year!
321 species of birds have been spotted in Oxford County
There are 22 colleges and universities within a 2-hour drive of Tillsonburg
Swimmer Tyson McDonald earned THREE medals at the Parapan American Games in Lima, Peru. He won gold in the 100m backstroke, silver in the 200m individual medley and bronze in the 200m freestyle.
130,000+
aircrew were trained on Harvard aircraft during WWII in Canada. You can see eight of these amazing planes at the Tillsonburg Regional Airport--and even have an opportunity to take a backseat ride in one!
24
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 24
2019-09-24 3:48 PM
Annandale House: You can thank Oscar Wilde, the Tillsons and the passionate Tillsonburg residents who preserved Annandale House. Explore one of Canada’s best examples of the Aesthetic Arts Movement. Tree to Table, Ottercreek Woodworks: Deepen your reverence for the forest while creating a live-edge charcuterie board. Winner of the 2018 Ontario’s Southwest Innovation Award. Makkinks Flower Farm: Wander through the flower field and pick your own flowers then learn how to craft the perfect bouquet. Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association: Hear stories from passionate volunteers that lovingly restore and fly the museum’s Harvard Aircraft. Tour or book a flight experience. Coyle’s County Store: Stop by and taste their house made fudge and fresh roasted nuts that have had families visiting for generations. Downtown: Experience small town Ontario with boutiques, cafés and restaurants in downtown Tillsonburg. The Great Trail: Explore Canada’s national trail as it weaves its way through Oxford County and Tillsonburg. Indigo Lounge: A diverse wellness studio and organic café offering yoga, workshops, and unique experiences like Dining with the Dead. Station Arts Centre: Meet the artists, visit the baggage room gift shop and get creative with classes in the historical setting of two train stations. Theatre Tillsonburg: The 2019-2020 season will get you laughing and singing with Bare Bear Bones, The Birds and the Bees and Mamma Mia! Tillsonburg Farmer’s Market: 8-12 Saturdays fromMay-October you can discover farm fresh goods under the eaves of the Station Arts Centre. Discover more farm fresh goods like YU Ranch and Bre’s Market on OxfordFresh.ca. Urban Wheel: Love local here. An artisan market, Dutch specialties and locally sourced items foodies will love. While in Till onburg
For all of the details, upcoming events and trip ideas visit TourismOxford.ca
519-539-9800 1-866-801-7368 x3355 tourism@oxfordcounty.ca www.tourismoxford.ca Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Norwich, Tavistock, Drumbo, Embro
Get inspired and find details at TourismOxford.ca
25
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 25
2019-09-24 3:48 PM
De t ox We l l nes s Spa & Cl i n i c
• Shirodhara Oil Treatment & Massage • Abhyanga Hot Oil Relaxation Massage • Medicated Hot Oil Pain Massage • Podikizhi Dry Herbal Arthritis Massage • Indian Head and Face Massage • Nasyam Sinus Clearing Treatment • All Natural Facial Beauty Treatments
• Himalayan Salt Cave/Halotherapy • Medical Grade Infrared Sauna • Colon Hydrotherapy/Angel of Water • Ionic Detoxing Foot Bath • Infrared SOQI Bed and Chi Machine • Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy • Detoxing and Rejuvenating Baths
• Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies • Food Sensitivity Testing • Parasite and Candida Screening • Hormonal Balance Testing • Organ and /or Gland Screening • Heavy Metal/Environmental Testing • Supplements/Products Balancing Test
26 H e a l t h i e r L i v i n g S t a r t s H e r e 34 Harvey Street, Tillsonburg • (519) 409-0904 • www.horizonnaturalhealth.com
DTMag Fall 2019 FINAL 2.indd 26
2019-09-24 3:48 PM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online