Hometown St. Thomas November 2025 Issue 74
Letter from the Editor A few months ago, I wrote about how proud I was to live in this community. We had just wrapped up our very own Hospice of Elgin, and I talked about how incredible it was to see people from all walks of life come together to support a cause that will touch us all in some way. From small individual donations to the generous contributions of the Barrie family, our community proved what can
If everyone chips in, through small fundraisers, big fundraisers, private donations, donations of time, corporate sponsorships, or maybe even a few government contributions, we can get Project Tiny Hope across the finish line. What an incredible accomplishment it would be to see our community once again come together and finish something that truly changes lives. I’ve been a proud supporter of the YWCA for many years, and I’ve seen firsthand how much good they do for our community. We are blessed here with so many organizations that genuinely care, from the hospital to hospice, from local shelters to food banks. But right now, Project Tiny Hope deserves to be at the top of our community’s to-do list. So whether you’re helping assemble furniture, donating, or simply spreading the word, let’s rally once again. Let’s show that the same spirit that brought us an MRI, or our very own hospice, can also help build hope -- tiny, perhaps, but mighty in impact. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: when this community decides to get something done… it gets done. Finally, I want to thank everyone for their patience during the Canada Post Strike. I appreciate the businesses who hosted copies of the magazines; our continued support from advertisers, and of course, you, our readers, who went out to pick up copies. Thank you all!
happen when we all pull in the same direction. Well, now that hospice is complete and the ribbon has been cut, it’s time for us to turn our collective gaze to another worthy cause that’s been patiently waiting its turn, Project Tiny Hope. Over the past few months, there’s been real progress with Project Tiny Hope. In fact, the first few families have already moved in! Recently, five local groups from Cole Munro, Royal Lepage Triland Realty, The Elgin St. Thomas London South Liberal Association, Masco and Enbridge came together to assemble furniture for the new residents, a small but meaningful gesture that perfectly captures the heart of this community. But here’s the thing, it’s not finished yet. Like that IKEA bookshelf we all swear will only take an hour (famous last words), this project still needs a few more pieces before it’s complete. This is where we come in.
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‘Sock Hop with a Twist’ Returns to Support the Community The St. Thomas Seniors Centre will be rocking and rolling on Saturday, November 30th, from 1 pm to 5 pm, as the annual Sock Hop with a Twist returns for another afternoon of music, dancing, and community spirit. The event, held at 225 Chestnut Street, is organized by Rose Gibson, whose family sponsors the event with the help of a dedicated team of friends. “The Sock Hop is all about fun, friendship, and giving back,” says Rose. “It’s an afternoon filled with dancing to live band entertainment and a DJ, with lots of fun games and dance prizes. There’s even a cash bar and kitchen.” The first Sock Hop was held in 2016, born out of a simple yet pressing need in the community, a lack of socks. “There was a great need for socks at the time,” Rose explains. “We realized how fortunate we were and wanted to help meet that need. When we saw how successful the first event was, we knew we had to keep it going.”
Since that first year, the Sock Hop has grown into a beloved local tradition, collecting thousands of donations for com- munity organizations. Over the past nine years, the event has gathered an astounding 16,000 new pairs of socks, along with 600 gently worn pairs, 121 winter coats, 60 pairs of boots, 52 pyjama sets, 1,100 scarves, 600 toques, and much more. All donations are distributed to organizations across St. Thomas and Elgin County, including the Inn, YWCA, Smiles for Seniors, Fresh Start, Grace Café, the Port Stanley & Area Community Cupboard and Christmas Care. “Last year we even helped with four family emergency requests,” Rose recalls. This year’s entertainment includes WrifWraf, fronted by Randy Dawdy, performing classic rock hits from the 60s through the 80s, with Guppy DJ Service spinning favourite dance tunes and taking requests. Admission is a new package of socks, which also earns attendees a free door prize ticket. Guests can bring additional items such as winter wear, food, personal hygiene products, or toys to receive more prize draw entries. For Rose, the most rewarding part of the event is seeing the impact firsthand. “The biggest smiles come from the charity organizers and the individuals receiving the donations,” she says. “It fills my heart knowing our community comes together year after year to care for others.”
Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025 • Page 3
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The Seasonal Celebration of Light Up Talbot by Peri Hayes Sarah Lynch, Downtown Development and Engagement Officer with the St. Thomas and Economic Development Board, returns to discuss the upcoming Light Up Talbot: “I work alongside a wonderful committee which is very active in bringing this event to life and brightening it every year.”
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The third annual Light Up Talbot will be presented from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Friday, November 14th. While showcasing the downtown core, Sarah voices, “What excites me is another accessible opportunity for our community to shine, celebrate together and benefit alongside these local businesses.” Returning this year will be their horse and carriage rides throughout the evening, greetings with Santa and Mrs. Claus at City Hall, their Christmas Tree Lighting outside of City Hall at precisely 6:00 pm and more. There will be a selection of warming stations dispersed throughout the event, including the Chamber of Commerce hosting at Hepburn Parkette, Railway City Tourism at the Tourism Station, City Hall on- site, Myrtle and Streamliners at the Flora and Ross Street Parkette and Crock A Doodle in front of their establishment. There will be festive beverages, food and entertainment at each of these locations. The event branches from East to Horton Street, with road closure scheduled along Talbot between East and Horton from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Asked what these festivities represent for Sarah, she opines, “We like to think it’s a holiday kickoff in St. Thomas, starting on Friday with Light Up Talbot. The following day is the Horton Christmas Market, featuring downtown merchants and spreading holiday cheer; the season blossoms from there.” Also returning this year is the Goose Chase Scavenger Hunt, which will be ongoing from November 14th until the following Saturday, when Santa Claus visits for the local Santa Claus Parade. This immersive event is aimed to attract people to the downtown storefronts and growing vibrancy, with participants of this activity registering as a team and the involved businesses engaging in various ways. Recognizing the hardship which this time of year may bring, Sarah offers, “This is an opportunity to bring people together and give them something to enjoy. It does not matter if you celebrate Christmas to hear the sounds of laughter, see the bright lights, share joy and feel included in this community.” For further information about Light Up Talbot, refer to the lightuptalbot.ca website.
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Arthur Voaden Secondary School, 100 Years! by Peri Hayes Ken Kokko, alongside Evelyn Spiering, is co-chairperson for facilitating the 100th anniversary of Arthur Voaden Secondary School (AVSS). Ken was involved with the executive group who organized the 90th Reunion, voicing, “We knew that we had to have a 100th celebration -- a Centenary.” Located at 41 Flora Street, AVSS will be the venue for the main attractions. There will be activities available on each respective day during the weekend of September 25th to 27th, 2026. “We are the umbrella celebration of 100 years,” Ken enthuses. Meanwhile, he shares the ways in which they are encouraging former AVSS clubs, sports teams and extracurriculars to congregate for their own reunions. Ken offers that he and his team will gladly support the promotion of these gatherings by posting the scheduled details online. As Ken describes, “By having these smaller reunion groups at designated times, we can encourage more people to attend the main event.” While the particulars for the Centenary are subject to change before 2026, this event entails the following to date: Registration and a School Tour will occur Friday afternoon, with their Wine and Cheese Social in the evening; retired teachers will prepare a BBQ on the Saturday before their evening Dance; the Sunday will include their brunch and closing ceremonies. “This school is very beautiful,” Ken exclaims. “I went there in the 80s, and was involved with school activities. I want to see the school celebrated the way it should be after 100 years.” Richard Haddow, AVSS alumnus from the 60s, shares that he was heavily involved in a previous Arthur Voaden anniversary and was
drawn back to this symbolic space: “I’m on a committee with four other people that are involved with getting sponsorships and special events. Through the committee, we decided to have a Trivia Night one year before the actual Centenary, which took place this past September 27th at The Back Alley. It was a great success. We find that everyone wants to get involved. When we talk to St. Thomas folks, either they went to Voaden or their grandkids and friends did. The committee has had great response for sponsorships from our corporate community in St. Thomas, and local and surrounding area businesses have been very supportive.” This November, the AVSS float will be in the St. Thomas Santa Claus Parade. Ken attests, “The float is looking great, and we have a wonderful bunch of volunteers working on this.” Visit the voaden100.com website for updates about their anticipated Centenary, and direct inquiries through this platform. Moreover, the ‘Arthur Voaden Centenary Group’ Facebook page is another resource. With the planning of these exciting events in progress, tickets will become available for purchase in 2026.
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From There to Here: Elle Crevits For many, moving to a new city can be a leap of faith. For Elle Crevits, owner of The Atrium in downtown St. Thomas, that leap has led to a sense of purpose, connection, and a thriving community. “I grew up in Delhi, on a tobacco farm,” Elle recalls. “Then I spent years living in Ottawa and Kitchener before making my way back to St. Thomas.” While in Ottawa, Elle worked with food banks and non-profits, running social enterprises before joining the City of St. Thomas as a business advisor for the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) during the pandemic. “At the time, still living in Ottawa,” Elle says, “I was looking for something more challenging. When the opportunity came up with SBEC, I thought it would be a great fit. As COVID shifted how and where people worked, she was able to take on the role remotely. Family also played a big part in Elle’s decision to move closer to home: “My sister was expecting her first baby, and I wanted to be near family again, but honestly, St. Thomas just stuck me in. I fell in love. I got to know so many small business owners and helped them start their dream projects. You can make such a bigger impact here than in a big city.” Before officially moving to St. Thomas, Elle had moved from Ottawa to Kitchener and had planned to stay in Kitchener, but fate intervened: “Someone local texted me out of the blue about an apartment. It was perfect and affordable, so I just thought, okay, I surrender. I’m coming to St. Thomas.” Elle acknowledges that it was ‘just meant to be’. As a young, single professional, Elle admits the move came with challenges: “It’s scary. There’s so much opportunity for my career here, but on the personal side, it can be hard to find other singles. Still, everything has its season, and I couldn’t resist the career opportunities.” That drive eventually led her to The Atrium, a co-working and creative community space downtown. “Most of our members
aren’t originally from here,” she points out. “They’re transplants, people looking for connection. I really relate to that. The Atrium is like a subculture of St. Thomas, and I think that’s what makes it special.” Now, after two and a half years, Elle feels firmly rooted. “I still see so much opportunity here,” she says. “Our downtown is growing, and the community support is incredible.” When she’s not at The Atrium, Elle enjoys local favourites like Plaza Sushi, Caps Off, and the Clay Oven. “But I’m a regular customer of Urban Jars,” she laughs. “Healthy lunches made easy -- it’s been a game-changer.” For Elle, St. Thomas has become more than just a place to live. “It’s easy to have a big impact here,” she declares. “I walk everywhere -- everyone knows me, or at least knows my dog, Stevie. It feels like home.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025 • Page 7
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Illuminate – A Community Christmas Event by Peri Hayes
Organizer of Illuminate, Lisa Siemens, oversees the coor- dination, partnerships, planning and execution of this upcoming holiday event: “It’s about creating a space where families can connect, children can experience joy and wonder, and our community can share in the warmth of the season.” With Illuminate being celebrated for the third year, Lisa announces, “We’re filling both the inside and outside of Faith Church with festive fun for the whole family.” The event will entail cozy campfires with marshmallows to roast and hot chocolate to savour, an interactive photo booth, a life-size inflatable snow globe, Petting Zoo, Kids’ Activity Zone and Christmas Craft Station. As Lisa highlights, “You’ll also find plenty of food trucks, hot coffee, desserts and a handful of our favourite local vendors with items available for purchase.” “Families can enjoy the festive winter wonderland outside, and then warm up inside with even more fun,” Lisa encourages. “All activities are completely free, with one exception; Crock A Doodle will be on-site, offering Christmas ornaments to paint at a special discounted price of just $8.50 each -- a wonderful keepsake for families who want to take home a personalized memory from the event.” As Lisa continues, “We are thrilled to partner with Forest Cliff Camps and I-Fast Parties, who are bringing the exciting games and activities to make Illuminate even more memorable for kids and families alike.” Expressing her fulfillment, Lisa voices, “Faith Church has become like family to me, especially over the past two years as I’ve had the privilege of serving on staff as the Kids’
Ministry Director. That’s why Illuminate feels personal -- it’s my opportunity to invite the entire community of St. Thomas to experience the same sense of belonging and purpose that has been so meaningful in my own life.” The support from local businesses, community members and dedicated volunteers has Lisa filled with gratitude: “Watching it come together is a powerful reminder of how many hands and hearts it takes to make Illuminate possible.” Lisa concludes, “We are especially grateful for Railway City Family Dental, who has faithfully supported the event as our presenting sponsor for the past three years. Along with many other generous businesses, they make it possible for our community to gather and celebrate the joy of the season together.” This November 30th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Illuminate will be held at Faith Church, 345 Fairview Ave. This is a free event, about which Lisa encourages those interested in attending to visit their ‘Illuminate – A Community Christmas Event’ Facebook page and RSVP for their preparation. Follow ‘illuminate_faith_st.thomas’ on Instagram for further details, and direct inquiries to Lisa at lisa@faithstthomas.com.
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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025 • Page 9
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New Veterans Plaque Brings History to Life at St. Thomas Memorial Garden Since its dedication, in 2017, the Veterans Memorial Garden in downtown St. Thomas has become a cornerstone of remembrance. Located at the southeast corner of Moore and Talbot Streets, the garden honours the more than 10,000 men and women from Elgin County who served Canada in times of war, of whom over 1,000 never returned home. This November, the garden will add a new feature, a plaque with a QR code, designed to bring to life the stories behind the monuments and local veterans. The idea began earlier this year when Allan Weatherall saw a news segment from the Netherlands highlighting Canadian war graves: “I saw they had a QR code on the gravestones that connect to photos and details of the soldier,” Allan explains. “It was quite moving. I thought, is this something we could do here on a smaller scale? That’s where this project really started.” The QR code, mounted on a stand built from Second World War bridge components, will connect visitors to a website filled with history, context, and local stories. Herb Warren emphasizes the importance of this addition: “You can go up to the Veterans Memorial Garden and see the monuments, but the plaques don’t tell you much about the backgrounds. This gives people the chance to dig deeper and learn the stories behind the names.” The website will continue to grow over time, offering sections on the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, Korea, Afghanistan, and peacekeeping missions, and will include a page devoted to ‘Local Heroes’. Worth Chisholm notes, “We’re trying to recognize individuals from Elgin County who gave their
lives in these conflicts. It makes the history personal, and people can see how it connects directly to our community.” The project was supported from the beginning by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 41. “The Legion was very supportive right from the start,” Worth says. Shelly Haycock of the Legion played an especially important role, helping guide the project and ensuring it tied in with ongoing remembrance efforts. For the Veterans Memorial Garden Improvement Committee, which grew out of the original group who created the garden, this is just the beginning. “This can be expanded on,” Herb says. “We want to keep improving the garden over the years, adding to it and making sure the stories of veterans are remembered.” As Remembrance Day approaches, the new plaque ensures that the sacrifices of the past will continue to resonate with future generations, not just in stone, but through the living history of the community.
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From Trench Foot to Toothbrushes: Remembering the Realities of War
To check out the QR mentioned on Page 10, scan this! This will connect visitors to a website filled with history, context and local stories.
On Remembrance Day, we rightly pause to honour those Canadians who sacrificed everything in the world wars. Yet beyond the valour and the battles, there lies a quieter, grittier story that often goes without thought -- the story of our men fighting disease, grime and filth just as much as the enemy. What we now take for granted -- warm showers, soap, and a clean change of clothes, were often unimaginable for soldiers on the front.
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In the muddy, waterlogged trenches of France during the First World War, Canadian troops endured rat-infested, lice-ridden quarters, constant dampness and narrow spaces with poor drainage. Lice were more than just a nuisance; they were also carriers of trench fever, a debilitating illness marked by high fever, headaches and muscle pain, which spread rapidly among troops. The soggy, cold conditions also led to trench foot, a severe circulatory degeneration of the toes and feet that occurs when they are soaked and constricted for long periods. Frequent scrubbing, airing of boots, and changing socks, when possible, were essential to prevent gangrene and loss of toes or feet.
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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025 • Page 11
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Rare were the occasions for a real wash. Soldiers might be able to use a ‘blast bath’ or field shower when they rotated to rest zones, but these were limited and often cold. Many cleaned with makeshift methods, sponges, canvas tubs, water jugs, and improvised basins, just trying to scrub off mud, sweat, lice, and worse. While the Army Medical Corps and quartermasters struggled to maintain hygiene standards in camps, necessity and terrain often overwhelmed them. By the Second World War, some improvements had been made. The Canadian Army’s medical services had organized field sanitation, latrine systems, and water purification, and the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC) worked with field ambulance units and casualty clearing stations to manage health in-theatre. But conditions remained harsh in the fields of battle. Long marches, dirt, limited supply, and exposure meant that minor infections, skin sores, dysentery, and other diseases thrived when hygiene lapsed. When we think of the sacrifices our soldiers made when fighting for our freedoms, we often think of battling the enemy, not battling poor hygiene. We can step into a hot shower, change into clean
Scaffolding Tough Jobs Made Easier Tough Jobs Made Easier clothing, or brush our teeth daily, which now seems trivial, yet for soldiers of the world wars, each clean wash, scrub and rinse was a small victory over illness. On Remembrance Day, let us remember not only the grand acts of courage, but also the silent, stubborn fight they waged against disease and filth. May we never forget how precious even simple acts of cleanliness were, and how much we owe those who endured so much.
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Briwood Holiday Cookbook Returns for Third Edition The wait is over: Briwood Farm Market’s beloved Holiday Cookbook is back for its third edition, available beginning November 3rd at Briwood Farm Market, 1030 Talbot Street in St. Thomas. The Briwood Farm Market Holiday Cookbook has quickly become a community favourite. Launched in 2023, it was warmly embraced by customers, and last year’s edition disappeared from shelves in just two weeks. Free to pick up, the cookbook is more than a simple collection of recipes; it’s a tradition in the making, celebrating the tastes, stories, and people of St. Thomas and Elgin County. Created in collaboration with Hometown St. Thomas Magazine , the cookbook features a diverse range of recipes suitable for every occasion. Whether you’re planning to entertain friends and family during the holidays or just need easy, comforting dishes for a busy weeknight, this year’s edition is filled with inspiration. What makes the Briwood cookbook unique is the spirit behind it. The recipes aren’t simply pulled from a test kitchen; they’re contributed by Briwood staff and customers alike, each dish reflecting a piece of local culinary heritage. Every page represents traditions, flavours, and family favourites passed down through generations, lovingly shared with the wider community. For Briwood Farm Market, the cookbook is another way to connect with customers beyond the store’s aisles. For over 30 years, Briwood has been dedicated to supporting local farmers and producers, offering fresh, high-quality food while strengthening ties within the community. The cookbook is a natural extension of that mission, highlighting not only great food but also the products that make St. Thomas and Elgin County special. The third edition arrives just in time for the holiday season, when kitchens are bustling and families are gathering. From weekend breakfasts, decadent desserts, holiday spirits, hearty mains and simple weeknight meals, the recipes promise to inspire both seasoned cooks and kitchen beginners. Just as importantly, the cookbook captures the warmth and togetherness of the season, reminding us that food has always been at the heart of community and celebration.
Copies of the Briwood Farm Market Holiday Cookbook are free, but with growing demand each year, they won’t last long. If past editions are any indication, this third edition is bound to fly off the shelves just as quickly. Pick up your copy starting November 3rd, exclusively at Briwood Farm Market and bring a taste of St. Thomas and Elgin County to your holiday table.
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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025 • Page 13
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St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp Recognized with National Honour
He added that while the award is humbling, it is also a reminder of responsibility. “Professionally, it reaffirms the importance of integrity, leadership, and service in policing. It’s also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with this recognition -- to continue upholding the highest standards and to support and inspire the next generation of police leaders.” Looking back, Chief Roskamp sees several key moments and accomplishments that helped shape his career and ultimately contributed to receiving this honour. “One of the most significant contributions has been my commitment to community-focused policing,” he explains. “Building strong relationships with community members and working collaboratively to address complex social issues has always been a priority for me.” From youth engagement programs to partnerships with local organizations, and from equity-focused initiatives to supporting vulnerable populations, his approach has centred on trust, collaboration, and compassion. He has also made mentorship a cornerstone of his leadership, ensuring that younger officers receive the same kind of guidance that shaped his own path: “I’ve always tried to foster an environment where people feel empowered and supported to grow. Leadership, to me, is about lifting others up.” “In a community like St. Thomas, where connections run deep and people genuinely care about one another, effective policing has always meant more than just enforcing laws -- it’s about being visible, approachable, and engaged with the people we serve,” Chief Roskamp says. This philosophy has shaped the way he leads the service, emphasizing empathy, accountability, and a partnership
St. Thomas Police Chief, Marc Roskamp, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Merit of the Po- lice Forces, one of the highest honours in Cana- dian policing. The award, which falls under the 2024/ 2025 year of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, recognizes excep- tional service, leadership, and contributions to the profession. For Chief Roskamp, the recognition represents far more than personal achievement: “Being re-
cognized with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces is deeply meaningful to me on both a personal and professional level. It’s an incredible honour that goes beyond individual recognition. It represents the collective efforts of the individuals, teams, and communities which, throughout my career, I’ve worked alongside. Personally, it’s a moment of reflection and gratitude, for the mentors who guided me, the colleagues who supported me, and the communities who trusted me.”
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Page 14 Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025
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mindset. Initiatives in youth programming, mental health supports, and outreach to marginalized groups have not only built trust but also made St. Thomas more resilient. “As a leader, I’ve seen firsthand how these relationships create a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community. They also build morale and purpose within the service, because officers see the real difference their work makes.” While his recognition is a national honour, Chief Roskamp hopes it will also draw attention to the vital role of policing in smaller communities. “Smaller communities face the same complex challenges as larger urban centres,” he points out, “Whether it’s mental health crises, addiction, homelessness, youth engagement, or increases in violent crime. The difference is, we approach these issues with fewer resources and a deeper reliance on close community relationships. What we may lack in size, we make up for in adaptability, creativity, and heart.” Modern policing brings new challenges, and Chief Roskamp believes the key to meeting them lies in collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. “One of the key ways we’ve adapted is by focusing on collaborative, multi-sectoral approaches to issues like mental health, addiction, and homelessness. We recognize that police alone cannot solve these problems, so we’ve built strong partnerships with health care providers, social services, and community organizations to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response.” Training has also been a priority, ensuring officers are equipped with trauma-informed practices, cultural awareness, and de- escalation techniques. Technology and data-driven decision- making have been integrated into daily operations, supporting transparency and efficiency. “Above all, we listen,” Chief
Roskamp emphasizes. “Community engagement isn’t just a strategy, it’s a mindset. Leadership today means being open to change, committed to progress, and willing to lead with both courage and compassion.” As much as the Order of Merit celebrates a career of service, Chief Roskamp is focused on the future and the next generation of police officers. His advice for younger members of the profession is simple: “Policing is, at its core, about service. It’s about showing up every day with a commitment to protect, support, and connect with your community in ways that truly matter. Whether you’re on your first day or in your twenty- eighth year, how you treat people, how you handle pressure, and how willing you are to learn and grow will shape the kind of officer and leader you become.” For him, integrity and trust are the foundation of the profession. “The most effective officers are the ones who take the time to listen, to understand the challenges people are facing, and who act with fairness and respect, even in the most difficult situations. My message is to lead with purpose, stay grounded in your values, and never lose sight of the people behind the badge and in front of it.” As Chief Roskamp reflects on his journey, his words circle back to service, community, and responsibility, the values that have guided his career. The Order of Merit is a fitting recognition, but for him, it is also a challenge to continue leading with compassion and integrity. “This profession offers a chance to make a real difference, not just in moments of crisis, but in the everyday connections that build safer, stronger communities,” he says. “It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply meaningful work, and the impact you can have is lasting.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025 • Page 15
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City Councillor, Rose Gibson by Peri Hayes Rose Gibson has been involved in politics since 2000, initially running for City Council that year. She was elected in 2022, voicing, “I wanted to do more for my community and felt the municipal level would best suit my interest, with greater and faster results.” Asked what continues to inspire Rose’s political pursuit, she offers, “The support from the community, the progress of work, continuing to move forward with new projects coming and meeting the needs for a great community.” With such enthusiasm, Rose describes her passion for the City of St. Thomas: “Where do I start? We have the most vibrant community, with so much to be thankful for -- caring for others, bringing new jobs, supporting and volunteering at community events, along with having to make tough, final decisions -- my heart is all-in for our community.” “I just love working in the community,” Rose proceeds to express. “I always have. I have a real, keen interest in what’s happening locally and have been drawn to be part of the turn- around, ensuring that what is best for this community is what will happen. There have been instances where I have been thinking one way and, upon learning more, I lean the other way. Even when your heart is saying one thing, it is important to look at the whole -- as final decisions are for the community.” The Boards on which Rose presently sits include the following: Board of Management - Valleyview Home, Board of Management - St. Thomas Area Secondary Water Supply System (Alternate), St. Thomas Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (Alternate), St. Thomas Public Library Board and the
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Page 16 Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025
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Police Service Board. Moreover, Rose enjoys immersing herself in local volunteer service. “My husband’s family are all military, and when he retired, we both decided to join the Legion.” Rose is on the St. Thomas Legion Lord Elgin Br. #41 Royal Canadian Legion Executive, in addition to being a member of the St. Thomas Seniors’ Recreation Centre Executive. Detailing what she considers to be a fulfilling milestone from her political career thus far, Rose highlights, “Seeing the housing needed with the wrap-around services provided in our community. There have been great strides to hopefully keep people in their own homes, or to find a place before living on the street.” Rose’s current ambitions and goals include moving forward with the Council and staff work, which is underway: exploring discourse with community leaders and organizations for essential housing and the availability of wrap-around services; ensuring the amenities of childcare, family and senior recreation; and securing doctors for the area. Rose exclaims, “All will meet the new growth coming to St. Thomas.” Those with inquiries are welcome to contact Rose via email at rgibson@stthomas.ca, though directing concerns and questions through the Customer Service link on the City of St. Thomas website will secure the swiftest response: customerservice@stthomas.ca.
Hometown St. Thomas November Cover
The Grand Slam of Curling Tier 2 at the St. Thomas Curling Club. Photo by Candice Van Diepen of CVD Photography.
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Print Ad Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com Registration Tuesday November 4 to Tuesday December 9 We respectfully request that donations be made by November 28 if at all possible. Memorial Arena, 80 Wilson Ave, 519-637-0710 If you need our services, register at the arena. Bring all ID and register early. We are especially in need of: peanut butter / jam, cereal (no sugar please), fruit / pudding cups, canned meat/fish, hearty soups / stews, canned vegetables, pasta / sauce, jello, dried soups, stuffing mix, kraft dinner, Lego, science kits, craft kits, baby toys and novels. Donations of food and new, unused toys can be dropped off at the auditorium or at drop boxes around town including Elgin Centre. Please consider donations of club packs or cases of food as this requires less sorting than individual packages. Please also consider monetary donations as with bulk Visit us at: www.christmascarestthomas.com. Registration Nov. 9 to Dec. 10 Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elgin Centre Mall 519-637-0710 We are especially in need of: Peanut butter/jam cereal (no sugar please) Fruit/pudding cups Hearty soups/stews canned meat/fish canned vegetables Pasta/sauce jello Soups purchasing we can stretch our grocery dollars (buying a skid of dressing is cheaper than individuals donating a box each). stuffing mix KD If you need our services, you can register at the mall. Bring all ID and register early. Donations of non-perishable food, new toys and money will be accepted at the Elgin Centre Mall or at drop boxes around town. Also watch for our food drives happening this month. See us at the Santa Claus parade where donations will be gratefully accepted. Watch for us at the Santa Claus Parade! Interested in volunteering? Contact us at info@christmascarestthomas.com if you are willing. Scan me to donate now! SCAN ME TO DONATE NOW
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Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025 • Page 17
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Page 18 Hometown St. Thomas • November 2025
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