Hometown St.Thomas May 2025

Hometown St. Thomas May 2025 Issue 69

Letter from the Editor As adults, we develop hobbies that our childhood selves could never have predicted. A few years ago, I had precisely zero plants in my house. Then my mother-in-law bought me a little houseplant, and suddenly, I found myself inspired to get some of my own. I started with snake plants, which was ironic because I hate the idea of snakes, but I loved the idea of a plant that

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was very hard to kill. I have never had a green thumb. As a kid, my mother would make me weed her massive gardens as a Mother’s Day gift, and I hated it. I swore I would never have gardens of my own. But over the years, my snake plants were joined by a spider plant (seriously, what is with these names?) -- then a few others whose names I don’t even know. Now, I even have an orchid and some cactuses, including a Dragon Fruit plant. While I am still far from an expert, my ambitions are growing. I recently rearranged my living room, replacing the space where I once stored DVDs with tall plant stands flanking my TV. And I’m taking it even further! I’ve been watching indoor gardening videos and currently have avocado and lemon seeds sprouting roots in my cupboard. Hopefully, I’ll soon have those growing in my house as well. While I do have a small outdoor garden (I still hate weeding), I’m excited to see what I can grow inside and welcome even more greenery into my home. Do you know where I got most of the plants now filling my house? The Horton Market! And with its summer season kicking off soon, I couldn’t be more excited. I don’t just write the Meet Me at the Market piece to promote the fantastic vendors, I write it because I genuinely love the market and want to see each of you experience it for yourselves. From May through October, it’s a weekly tradition for me. It’s where I stock up on local products like croissants, muesli, jams, and fresh fruits and vegetables. But more than that, it’s where I connect with so many amazing people. So, this Mother’s Day weekend, I hope you’ll take some time on Saturday to visit the Horton Market. Who knows? It just might become one of your new weekly traditions, too. It’s hard to believe, but our next issue—our June issue—marks the 7th anniversary of Hometown St. Thomas magazine. Personally, I am so proud of what it has become. What started as a family business with Staci and me has grown into something so much more, and I am incredibly thankful for all those who have helped make it a success over the years. Most importantly, I am grateful for you, our readers. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue and continue to enjoy Hometown St. Thomas for years to come. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers out there!

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Railway City FC by Peri Hayes Co-Chairs, Abbi Lezizidis and Cam Vassallo, are proud to speak on the newly licensed League 1, Semi-Pro Soccer Team during their inaugural season: “We are thrilled and excited to bring pro-am Soccer to the City of St. Thomas. We began this process three years ago. We manage Whitecaps London, a Youth Soccer Club based in London. As our club continued to grow, we needed the next level of play for athletes to continue their journey. We believe in the beauty and in all that it can provide players from networking to maybe, just maybe, the next National Team Star.” Based in St. Thomas, Railway City FC has seven home games each for both the men and women’s teams, with the same amount of matches across Ontario. Abbi and Cam present their history, “Three years ago, we met with Mayor Preston. We shared with him our vision, and he has supported us from the moment we met. He chose the name Railway City FC.” Abbi and Cam offer the following: “Until last season, League 1 was the highest level of play in Canada for the women’s game. That all changed this April with the introduction of Canada’s Professional Women’s Soccer League, named the Northern Super League.” Their season began on April 13th, with their first home game at 1Password Park upcoming on May 10th at 7:30 pm for the men’s team and on May 11th at 4:00 pm for the women’s. Moreover, each team has 18 players each, with four new teams in total -- two additional men’s and women’s teams playing in the U20 division. Asked what personally excites the pair about this debuting season for Railway City FC, they candidly highlight, “I could spend all day on this, but ultimately it’s all about watching the game be played at unbelievable speed. The technical and tactical part of the game is the most intriguing for us. The other piece that is as important is bringing pro-am soccer to a community that has had incredible talent over the years; most notably Sadie Waite, a player from St. Thomas who has played for U20 Team Canada and is at NCAA Division 1 in Nebraska. The ‘best of the best’ in the city don’t need to leave and go to the GTA anymore; they can stay home and enjoy their community.” As Abbi and Cam graciously express, “We would love to take a moment to publicly thank Mayor Joe Preston, the complete City Council, and a huge shout out to Jeff Bray from the Parks and Recreation Department. We simply would not be here without

them and their incredibly awesome team members. It takes a village to pull all this off. We are thankful for the support, and we can’t wait to showcase Railway City FC.” View their railwaycityfc.com/home website to learn more, as well as access their 1Password Park game schedule and their promotional video, about which Abbi and Cam announce, “There is lots of good data from a historian of St. Thomas at youtube/tSSsEDPm40Y.” Abbi and Cam delightedly conclude, “The same year that St. Thomas became incorporated in 1881 was the same year that soccer, ‘Football’, became an official sport in England.” Those with inquiries and interest in sponsoring the team can connect with Abbi at

abbi@whitecapslondon.ca, or through their Railway City FC social media.

Written by Norm Foster Doris And Ivy In The Home

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Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025 • Page 3

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Meet Me at the Market Oh, happy May! The Horton Market summer session is back. Regular readers will know how much I enjoy the Horton Market — within steps of downtown St. Thomas, it gives you the ability to shop all over Elgin County. Starting May 10th from 8 am until noon, you can stop by every Saturday and get amazing produce, meats, cheese, hot food, artisan crafts, and so much more! I sure hope you’ll meet me at the market this year! Field of Greens Calvin and Kimber, owners of Field of Greens, are bringing their farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to the Horton Market for the first time this season. “We grow a wide range of produce — from tomatoes and lettuce to strawberries, melons, and salad turnips,” says Calvin. “Our elevated strawberry system is something we’re especially proud of — it’s from Holland and makes our berries extra sweet and easy to harvest.” The couple operates a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, which lets people enjoy a weekly box filled with in- season produce and a few surprises. “We love growing food because it keeps us connected to the land,” Kimber adds. “And it’s even better when we get to share that food with the community and help other local producers too.” While the couple will be offering their CSA boxes from their farm, they’ll be selling their fresh fruits and veggies individually at the market. While everything they grow is tasty, they both agree on one thing: “You absolutely have to try our strawberries.”

Field and Root Microgreens Stephen and Neta Bodrug of Field and Root Microgreens are excited to be part of the Horton Market community. They specialize in growing nutrient-packed microgreens — tiny versions of vegetables and herbs harvested at their peak for maximum flavour and health benefits. “Microgreens can contain up to 40 times the nutrients of their mature counterparts,” says Stephen. “They’re an easy, vibrant way to make meals more nutritious.” Field and Root offers a mix of single-variety greens like broccoli, sunflower, and pea shoots, as well as four signature blends. “We’ve got something for everyone — from our mild Fresh Blend to the zesty Spicy Blend,” says Neta. They grow everything in small batches using organic seeds and sustainable practices. Their passion for greens was sparked by a local business, Lil Greens. “When Randy and Roxanne moved away, I felt a pull to keep the microgreen movement alive in St. Thomas,” says Stephen. “The Horton Market gives us a chance to connect with the community, share what we do, and help people discover how simple and delicious healthy eating can be.” Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious, Stephen and Neta are ready to help you add a fresh crunch to your plate.

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Rob Flack: Back in the Saddle for Elgin-Middlesex-London

Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, and newly minted Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has secured a decisive victory for his second term, a testament to the confidence his constituents have in him. Rob, as he prefers to be called, is eager to build on the foundation he has laid in his first term. Reflecting on his re-election and the work ahead, he emphasizes his commitment to serving the people of his riding. “The biggest highlight, for sure, is getting to know the riding better,” Rob shares. “This office is a living and breathing thing — you’re solving people’s problems, helping them find solutions. It’s a customer service business, and I’m happy to do that.” During his first term, Rob has been particularly proud of the economic investments he has helped secure. The PowerCo announcement was a significant win, but it comes with the challenge of ensuring the necessary infrastructure — schools, hos- pitals, transportation, policing, firefighting, water, and waste- water — keeps up with the region’s rapid growth. “We’ve secured over $60 million in housing-enabling water funds, six new schools in London and the region, and $150 million for our hospitals, including over $40 million for St. Thomas. Supporting the MRI project was also a priority,” he says. Rob is deeply invested in advocating for his riding at Queen’s Park. “In caucus, we’re all Progressive Conservative MPPs, but everyone is looking after their own ridings. With ten municipalities in this riding, I learned early on how the system works and how to ensure we get our fair share of investment. And there’s much more to come.”

The population growth in London, St. Thomas, and surrounding areas is among the fastest in Canada, and Rob sees it as his job to ensure the region receives the investment it needs. “We need a strong economy to support that growth. That’s part of why the Premier wanted me in this role, but my first priority is always the people of this riding.” His decision to run for a second term was an easy one. “There’s still so much more to do. Public life isn’t forever — I don’t believe in a 40-year political career. But when there’s still heavy lifting to be done, and I know how to get things done, I feel it’s my responsibility to continue.” Rob’s rise to Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and now Minster of Municipal Affairs and Housing has been swift, but

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he credits his experience and the trust of the Premier. “Hopefully, I’ve earned that trust. Leadership experience, common sense, and a little bit of wisdom never hurt. I’ve built a business throughout my career, and while government isn’t a business, using business principles and good governance is important.” Despite the successes, challenges remain. “These tariff threats have not been fun because there’s no logic to them. Canada and the U.S. trade $45 billion a year in agri-food alone, and we actually have a slight trade deficit with them. If we retaliate, it’s going to hurt their farmers and our farmers alike. As Premier Ford says, why pick a fight with your best friend? The only predictable thing about Donald Trump is his unpredictability. That’s what keeps me up at night — how these tariffs could impact our jobs, our farmers, our businesses, and our communities.” Automotive and agribusiness, including agri-food, are two of the most vulnerable industries in this region. Rob views the current trade tensions as a precursor to negotiations surrounding the Canada-U.S.- Mexico Agreement. “We’re not without leverage in Ontario. We’re an economic powerhouse in automotive and agri-food, which is a $51 billion industry in GDP. Agri-food alone employs more people than the auto sector, from farm gate to consumer’s plate. There’s reason for concern, but at the same time, this trade relationship benefits both sides. I’m hopeful cooler heads will prevail and that we won’t see the catastrophic economic damage that could be a risk. The biggest threat is jobs — that’s the real concern. As a government, we are going to protect those jobs come hell or high water.” Even with these concerns, Rob remains optimistic. “We have a massive investment to make in our communities to support our growth. You can’t look at it all at once — you break it down, tackle each challenge, and find solutions.”

Rob also sees a major opportunity in expanding Ontario’s agri-food processing sector. “Especially in light of these tariffs, we need to create an environment where more agri-food processing takes place here. This region is perfectly suited for it — we have the farms, the productivity, and the population both to work in the industry and consume the products. Our transportation connections to the U.S., airports, and Great Lakes make us an agri-food powerhouse. We produce over 200 commodities in Ontario, and we need to add more value to them, process more of our food here, and find new export markets beyond the United States. Right now, 81 to 82 percent of our agri-food exports go to the U.S. We’ll always trade with them, but if we want to grow, we need to diversify.” Change is something Rob is keenly aware of. “London has changed drastically in a short time, and St. Thomas is seeing rapid growth, too. Not everyone is comfortable with change, but the reality is Ontario’s population has more than doubled since I was in high school. The federal government controls immigration, and it’s our job to invest and prepare for that growth.” Ensuring home ownership remains attainable and improving access to healthcare are key priorities for Rob. “We’ve brought in more doctors than ever before, but with more people, we need more primary care. We’re investing $1.8 billion to ensure that happens over the next four years.” With another four years ahead, Rob is ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that come with the job. “I woke up the day after the election, and it was game on. There’s a lot to do, and I’m ready to get it done.”

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Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025 • Page 7

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Where History Meets Happily Ever After There’s something magical about the CASO Station in St. Thomas, a place where history, architecture, and celebration come together under one grand roof. As one of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Canada Southern Railway Station has stood for over 150 years, and today, it offers couples the chance to become part of its legacy. “Having your wedding here means you’re joining a long, proud story,” says Lindsey Massecar, Events and Hospitality Coordinator. “This building helped put St. Thomas on the map. When you celebrate here, you’re not just making memories — you’re adding to the history.” The beautifully restored station is situated in the heart of downtown, making it a convenient and stunning backdrop for weddings of all styles. Its two magnificent halls, Anderson Hall and the Farley Waiting Room, offer flexibility for both ceremonies and receptions, while photo opportunities abound both inside and out. From sweeping staircases and hardwood floors to the brick facade and old train tracks out back, every corner of the building tells a story. Ashley Mason, Events and Hospitality Manager, says couples are often surprised by just how grand the interiors feel. “Anderson Hall has these incredible 16-foot ceilings, massive archways, and those faux-style gas lamps that add this warm, romantic glow,” she says. “At night, it’s absolutely breathtaking.” Inside, historic detailing like original woodwork and ornate trim speaks to the station’s 19th-century roots, adding old- world charm to even the most modern wedding. The classical

symmetry of the architecture creates a natural elegance that doesn’t require a lot of decorating to feel special.

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“Photographers love working here,” says Lindsey. “Anderson Hall is full of natural light during the day, and at golden hour, the old platform out back is perfect for cinematic shots. Even the stairwells and corridors have this moody, intimate vibe that works beautifully for wedding portraits.” The CASO Station offers multiple spaces for events of various sizes. Anderson Hall can seat 200 guests for a ceremony or 160 for a reception with dining and dancing. The Farley Waiting Room is ideal for more intimate gatherings, with ceremony seating for 116, while the Alma Meeting Room can host up to 90 guests for a ceremony.

Flexibility is one of the key advantages for couples booking the station. Clients are welcome to bring in their own vendors, and CASO provides floor planning support and a venue rep on-site throughout the event. “We want people to feel like they can really make the space their own,” says Lindsey. “We’ve seen couples do everything from vintage lounge areas with antique furniture to sleek, minimalist setups that let the architecture shine.” What makes weddings at CASO truly stand out, though, is the atmosphere. It’s not just a hall—it’s a space with soul. “There’s just something about this building,” says Ashley. “You feel the history when you walk in. It’s grand, it’s elegant, and yet it still feels welcoming. No matter what kind of celebration you’re planning, CASO Station gives it weight — it makes it feel like a moment that matters.” Whether couples are drawn to its historic charm, stunning architecture, or the chance to be part of a continuing legacy, the CASO Station remains one of St. Thomas’s most unique and unforgettable wedding venues.

Despite its historic setting, the venue is well-equipped with modern amenities. “We include tables, chairs, bar service, and access to our servery,” says Ashley. “There’s free parking for guests, power outlets and Wi-Fi for vendors, and we’re here every step of the way to help with planning.”

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Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025 • Page 9

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Skip the Strip: Classy and Creative Wedding Toss Replacements Let’s face it — the traditional garter toss isn’t for everyone. Whether it feels outdated, awkward, or just doesn’t fit the couple’s vibe, more and more newlyweds are opting to leave it out of their celebration. But skipping the garter toss doesn’t mean skipping the fun. There are numerous memorable, meaningful, and crowd-pleasing alternatives that keep guests entertained and maintain high energy. 1. Anniversary Dance This sweet and sentimental option gets couples of all ages onto the dance floor. The DJ gradually asks couples to leave the floor based on the length of their marriage. The last couple standing — often celebrating decades of marriage — gets a round of applause and can even be gifted the bride’s bouquet. It’s a touching tribute to lasting love and a great way to involve more guests. 2. Couple’s Trivia or Shoe Game Add a dose of humour by playing the ‘Shoe Game’ or a trivia round about the couple. Guests can submit questions ahead of time, and the newlyweds take turns answering. It’s a crowd favourite for a reason — everyone learns a little more about the couple and gets a good laugh in the process. 3. Dance-Off or Lip Sync Battle If your guests are the fun-loving type, a mini dance-off or lip sync battle is a great way to replace the garter toss with something high-energy. Invite volunteers or pre-select friends to go head-to-head for a prize. Bonus points if the wedding party gets involved! Full-Size Buses – Seat up to 46 passengers (two per seat) Mini Buses – Seat 14–18 comfortably, ideal for bridal parties Professional Drivers – Punctual, courteous, and experienced Custom Itineraries – We’ll tailor the schedule to your big day Save Big – More affordable than limos or coaches Peace of Mind – No worries about drinking and driving Sample Wedding Day Itinerary: •Bridal party pickup for hair and makeup •Groomsmen pickup •Hotel guest transportation to ceremony •Shuttle service to reception venue •Safe return of guests to hotel

4. Pass the Bouquet This musical chairs-inspired game has guests passing a bouquet around the dance floor while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the bouquet is out. The last guest standing keeps the bouquet — and maybe even takes home a small prize. 5. Wish Jar or Advice Cards For a quieter but heartfelt alternative, have guests fill out advice or well-wishes to be read later. It’s a meaningful way to involve everyone, and the couple ends up with a keepsake they’ll treasure. 6. Charitable Toss Want to keep the ‘toss’ but give it a twist? Instead of tossing a garter, toss a stuffed animal or soft bouquet — with the winner getting to choose a charity that the couple will donate to in their honour.

Ultimately, weddings are about celebrating love in a manner that feels authentic to the couple. So, whether you skip the garter toss or replace it with something new, the most important thing is to have fun and make it your own.

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Page 10 Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025

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Picture Perfect: Let Your Guests Help Capture the Day Creating a shared photo site for a wedding using QR codes is a modern and meaningful way to capture the celebration from every angle. While professional photographers are excellent at capturing key moments, they can’t be everywhere at once. Your guests, on the other hand, are already snapping candid shots throughout the day — why not make it easy for them to share those photos with you?

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Setting up a photo-sharing site is simple and doesn’t require advanced tech skills. There are many free or affordable platforms, such as Google Photos, Dropbox, or wedding- specific apps like WedUploader or Guestpix. Once you’ve chosen your platform, create a dedicated album or folder just for your wedding photos. Be sure to adjust the settings to allow guests to upload photos without needing a password or account. The next step is creating a QR code that links directly to the photo album. Free online QR code generators make this quick and easy. You paste the URL of your album into the

generator, and it produces a scannable code. Save the image of the QR code and use it across various touchpoints at your wedding. Printing the QR code and displaying it at your venue ensures that guests can access the album immediately. Consider placing small framed signs with the QR code on tables, near the bar, at the guestbook table, or even as part of the wedding program. You can add a short message encouraging guests to scan the code and share their favourite moments from the day. Some couples choose to include a hashtag too, in case guests also want to share their photos on social media. Encourage participation by making it fun. Let guests know their photos will help fill out your wedding album or slideshow. Some couples choose to use the photos later for thank-you cards or as part of a digital scrapbook. The more guests know their photos are valued, the more likely they are to contribute. After the big day, the shared album becomes a treasure trove of memories filled with unexpected angles, funny faces, and moments you may have missed. It’s also a lovely way for guests who couldn’t attend to experience the day second- hand through the lens of those who were there. Incorporating QR codes into your wedding isn’t just convenient, it’s a thoughtful, collaborative way to preserve memories and include your guests in the storytelling of your day.

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Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025 • Page 11

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Hospice of Elgin’s Medical Director, Dr. Kyra Harris-Schulz by Peri Hayes Dr. Kyra Harris-Schulz, Hospice of Elgin’s Medical Director, introduces: “I completed a degree in Medicine from McGill University in Montréal, Québec. I then went on to complete a residency in Family Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Palliative Care at Western University.” Kyra proceeds to share, “Despite varied interests, what ultimately drew me to medicine was the beautiful marriage of science and the care for human beings that the profession affords. After starting Medical School, I wasn’t sure I had made the right decision. Hours spent in the anatomy lab and studying slides under a microscope made the patient-centred aspect of medicine that drew me to the field feel so far away, but things changed for me when our class was invited to tour a Palliative Care Unit. I vividly remember the experience of meeting with a patient who was generous enough to spend time sharing their personal experience with palliative care. The patient spoke of the way that the palliative care team expertly relieved their symptoms, improved their quality of life and helped them to live out their final days with connection, dignity, respect and support. That day, I came to learn of palliative care as a healing art that centres the person and their family as unique human beings deserving of care and comfort, often in the most vulnerable moments of their lives. From then on, I knew where my place in Medicine was and started my journey toward becoming a Palliative Medicine Specialist.” As the Medical Director of Hospice of Elgin, Kyra’s role is to collaborate with their leadership team, guiding clinical care and overseeing the esteemed physicians who will provide

Page 12 Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025

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“exceptional care” to residents: “My desire to join the Hospice team was really inspired by the opportunity to co-create a brand new place for exemplary palliative and end-of-life care in Elgin. When I read about the design for Hospice, the ways that nature has been incorporated and all the work that has been done to make it feel less like a medical facility and more like a home, I got excited thinking about how I could use my skills to help complement that work as a Medical Director and member of our physician team!” The devoted Kyra expresses how privileged she feels to be a member on the Hospice team, as she describes her excitement, “Hospice is just one new part of the palliative care landscape in Elgin. There are already so many passionate nurse practitioners, physicians, nurses and interdisciplinary healthcare providers -- who do an incredible job supporting people with serious illness to both live and die well. I have been welcomed with such warmth and open arms by the healthcare community here, and the community as a whole. I want to express my gratitude for all their contributions and support for Hospice of Elgin.” Seizing the opportunity to highlight Hospice of Elgin’s Executive Director, Kyra voices, “Brenda is such an incredible leader. Her passion and drive to give back to her own community as the Executive Director is inspiring.” To conclude, Kyra presents this thoughtful message: “There is so much fear and misconception surrounding palliative care. Many times after hearing that I work in palliative care, people say, ‘That must be so sad,’ and some days my work is sad, but sometimes it’s happy -- or funny, or joyful. Some days, it’s all of those things at once. Regardless, caring for people with serious illness is always meaningful and that is what is important. My work is to relieve people of suffering, whenever possible, and

to support people through suffering when relief is not possible. It is about non-abandonment. Are people, regardless of their diagnosis, prognosis or who they are, worthy of being cared for and supported up until their final breath? Without a doubt. That to me is not sad, that to me is hope-giving.” Those with inquiries about the developing Elgin of Hospice are encouraged to phone their office at 519-631-7495, and connect with a member of this dedicated team. Hometown St. Thomas May 2025 cover

A proud Easter Egg Hunter at the St. Thomas Kinsmen Easter Egg Hunt at Pinafore Park April 19th. Photo by Grayden Laing of Establish Media. Establish Media and Jayden’s Mechanical were the photo sponsors for the event.

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Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025 • Page 13

St. Thomas Express Volleyball Club, Joining the Board and Beyond by Peri Hayes Bobby Longmuir is a current Coach of St. Thomas Express Volleyball, alongside Milan Ivanisevic. As Bobby shares, “Although this is the only volleyball club team I’ve coached, the Board of Directors cares about everyone -- most importantly, the players and their ability to learn the game and find the passion in the sport: Joy and Technique.” Ongoing Coach and retired President and Founder, Dennis Dlouhy, enthusiastically describes, “We started in 2017 with two teams and 24 athletes. We currently have over 300 -- which is very small by provincial standards, but our Grassroots and House League programs of Gr. 1-8 keep producing competitive players that have earned respect wherever they go. Most of our coaches join us as parents where we train them, support them financially -- and some come back after their children have graduated, because they have loved the experience of working with youth athletes. In the case of Milan, he is a very good coach who had lots of options and chose Express, for which his players are thankful.” Board Member, Margaret de Jong, presents, “Express is about Joy and Technique on the court. The ‘joy’ to me is two-fold; the relationships that our athletes and parents build belonging to Express, and the joy of playing and watching volleyball. The ‘technique’ is the building of volleyball skills. It takes time, determination and patience.”

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THE TURKEY SHOPPE We have Mother’s Day Breakfast Covered Meanwhile, Brooke Preszcator provides reasoning for joining Express: “It is a very welcoming environment, where everyone is valued and great skills are taught -- not only on the court, but also off.” Moreover, Dana Sloan speaks fondly about the team’s bond, “Since it’s a smaller town, it feels more like a family and community.” Regarding how this esteemed club prepared Emilie Dlouhy for her future, she delightedly voices, “I am currently playing for Niagara College in the OCAA. Express helped me reach As Dennis proceeds to detail, “Our Board of Directors are volunteers; the group is small — usually five to six members — and always looking for new members. That said, we run our club like a fortune 500 business. We like to think we have a strong moral compass, and we attempt to offer everything bigger clubs offer so that our athletes find the best value, right here at home.” The following words are the gracious contributions from former athletes on this beloved team: Alexa McGahan shares, “I started playing for Express Volleyball in Grade 8 after my elementary school coach, Dennis Dlouhy, saw potential in me and encouraged me to try out. He believed Express was the best place for me to grow, and he was right. The club’s high-level coaching, competitive atmosphere and incredible team culture pushed me to become a stronger athlete and fueled my passion for the game.” Ainsley Preszcator proceeds, “There are always events where younger players are being mentored or in the same gym as older players, and coaches are there to make you not only a better player, but a better person.”

my goal of playing postsecondary by providing me with great coaching, strong skill development and lots of opportunities.” As Dennis thoughtfully concludes, “Going forward, we are building our clinic series which we call GAP Training: Goals, Achievement, Performance. Now that we have a crop of players who have made it to ‘the next level’, we want the cycle of Joy and Technique to continue as current coaches and former players collaborate and share their passion to help the next generation achieve their dreams through volleyball.” Those with inquiries about St. Thomas Express Volleyball Club, as well as interest in participating on their Board of Directors are invited to explore the www.expressvc.ca website.

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A New Chapter in an Historic Neighbourhood

Nestled in one of the oldest and most picturesque areas of St. Thomas, a new apartment building is bringing together heritage, comfort, and thoughtful design. Walnut Park, the latest residential project by Domus Developments, offers more than just a place to live — it invites residents to become part of a rich and storied neighbourhood. The land on which Walnut Park sits holds deep roots. “This site has a lot of history going back to the founding of the area,” says Michael Mescia, President of Domus Developments. “Next door is the Old St. Thomas Church which is believed to be the oldest building in St. Thomas, built around 1822.” At the heart of the development lies the original VA Barrie estate house, a structure that has stood in some form on the site for a century. Preserving it was a priority for Domus. “Starting with history in mind, we always strived to keep the original VA Barrie estate house,” Michael continues. “Having this historical house as the centrepiece for the development was crucial to have city and community support, and the collaborative approach helped guide the current site plan.” Once complete, the site will feature three thoughtfully spaced buildings arranged around the estate house. The first to open is a 28-unit building, followed by a five-storey building overlooking the ravine and a three-storey sister building to the west. Each is designed with a focus on blending into the existing environment. Walnut Park stands out for its peaceful setting and attention to detail. “With Walnut Park, residents can move into a location

that has already been established,” says Michael. “From the tall trees to the stately mansion at the centre of the site to the unique houses in the Courthouse district, it does not feel like you are in a commercial or busy area.” The goal, he says, was to make residents feel at home in a space that honours both its history and its surroundings. Residents will enjoy a range of modern amenities that support an active and comfortable lifestyle. “The goal was to blend residents’ comfort with being inside and outside,” Michael explains. Every unit has an outdoor balcony, and main-floor units feature private fenced yards. Other features include in- unit laundry with full-sized appliances, quartz countertops, energy-efficient HVAC systems, 9-foot ceilings, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. The building also includes an elevator, self- contained garbage facilities, and on-site management.

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Page 16 Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025

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Looking ahead, residents of the full Walnut Park complex will have access to a gym, guest suite, and a private park that runs along Walnut Street, preserving the site’s natural beauty. The architecture is another source of pride. “The building was designed to blend in with the surrounding area,” says Michael. Its pitched mansard roof, natural-toned siding, and large stone accents echo the original estate house and the mature landscape. “The height is below the towering pine trees that line the site, shielding the building from the street.” With its combination of historical respect, architectural charm, and modern comfort, Walnut Park is poised to be more than a new address in St. Thomas — it’s a new chapter in one of the city’s oldest stories.

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Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025 • Page 17

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The Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition by Peri Hayes Involved for five years and counting, Briar McCaw is Co-Chair of the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition (ECDPC) alongside Mary-Kate Townsend. Meanwhile, Nathan MacIntyre is the Coalition Executive, about which he passionately shares, “The Elgin County Drowning Prevention could represent the framework for other communities to follow.” Briar dedicated her university degree to drowning prevention research, and is committed to directing her efforts where the needs in the community are. With five people on their team, Briar and Nathan express their gratitude for the upward of 30 members who have donated, sponsored, or been stakeholders for the ECDPC.

Guided by the Lifesaving Society Ontario and the Canadian Drowning Prevention Coalition, this pending not-for-profit organization is incredibly motivated to address the increasing number of drownings — and water-related injuries — occurring in Elgin County. As a means to protect community members and tourists visiting the Lake Erie shore, this initiative intentionally directs community attention toward drowning prevention education. Nathan is the Chair of their Rip Current Project, as he informatively voices, “We experience rip currents, not a riptide or undertow on the Great Lakes.” The Rip Current Information Project is its own non-profit corporation, with Nathan as Founder and CEO. The ECDPC is supporting the Rip Current Project within Elgin County, and Nathan is Chair of the Committee along with representing a position on the Board. “Misinformation has been spread for far too long, and this could be such a cohesive drowning prevention machine to spread a standard message,” Nathan declares. National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) is ongoing from July 20th until the 26th; an opportunity for the Coalition to integrate perspectives, and welcome the community to learn more about water safety awareness. They will be finalizing the official dates of their events, which will be posted to their social media platforms. NDPW will also entail two free community swims, along with their Life Jacket Fit Clinic -- with tip cards provided by the Lifesaving Society Ontario. The ECDPC is graciously accepting sponsors and volunteers in any capacity of respective interests. As Briar highlights, “The Coalition has come alive through appreciated partnerships. The beauty is that this is grounded in a community effort.” Through diligent advocacy work, the Coalition’s message is to prevent both fatal and non-fatal incidents of drowning. In addition to lakes and pools, it is important to recognize that drowning prevention involves bathtubs, creeks, irrigation ponds, rivers and more. Eager to prepare individuals and families for the various elements, Nathan will be offering his free ‘Understanding Rip Currents’ presentation on the following dates at Springwater Conservation Schoolhouse: May 1st at 6:00 pm, and May 4th at 1:00 pm. Moving forward, Briar and Nathan reveal their interest in facilitating a life jacket wear swap, as well as launching a PDF Loan Program: “Advocacy and ensuring accessible resources are the core pillar of our mission,” Briar emphasizes. Kindly email ecdrowningprevention@gmail.com with inquiries, or visit ecdrowningprevention.com to access their ‘Contact Us’ form and discover further information about this life saving initiative.

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