Once Upon A Letter Brings Storytelling Back to the Mailbox In today’s world of instant messages, endless emails, and screen fatigue, one local entrepreneur is offering a refreshingly old-fashioned way to enjoy stories. Chris Heil, founder of Once Upon A Letter, has created a subscription service that delivers immersive, narrative-driven letters straight to your mailbox. “There’s something timeless about holding a letter in your hands,” Chris explains. “In an age dominated by screens, letters offer a slower, more intentional way to experience a story. A physical letter feels personal, tangible, and memorable -- it’s something you can keep, revisit, or even display.” Subscribers receive two letters each month, with each subscription running as a 24-letter series that gradually unfolds like chapters in a novel. The anticipation of waiting for the next envelope, Chris says, is part of the experience. “That sense of anticipation simply can’t be replicated by email or blogs.” The stories themselves span a variety of genres, from historical adventures to mysteries and romances. “For example, one subscription takes you into the heart of WWII through the letters of Edward and Maggie, while another transports you to 1920s Egypt with archaeologist Arthur Finch,” Chris shares. “Each series immerses readers in vivid characters, suspenseful twists, and heartfelt moments.” Attention to detail is central to the experience. While the letters aren’t handwritten, they are styled to look
authentic and often arrive on premium stationery with era-appropriate designs. Some even include extras like telegrams, postcards, or maps that deepen the storytelling. “Each letter is crafted to feel immersive,” Chris says. “We want it to be more than just reading, it’s an experience.” The appeal of Once Upon A Letter is broad. Seniors often enjoy the nostalgic charm of traditional mail, while younger readers appreciate the escape into a different time or place. Families sometimes subscribe together, treating the letters as shared stories to read aloud. “It’s really for story lovers of all ages,” Chris notes. Beyond entertainment, Chris hopes the letters provide something even more valuable in today’s fast-paced world: a pause. “We hope it feels like a pause button in the rush of daily life,” he says. “The letters encourage readers to slow down, savour a story, and look forward to the next chapter.” Subscriptions are available at OnceUponALetter.ca, where readers can explore
different storylines and choose a plan. The first letter ships within three business days, with new installments arriving twice a month, delivering a little mystery, history, or romance right to your door.
2025 Fall Leaf and Yard Waste Collection October 21 – November 28, 2025 Residents will have an opportunity to place organic material out in paper bags or bundles every week on their waste collection day during this period. Only material set out in paper bags will be collected. Material placed out in plastic bags will not be collected and will remain the responsibility of the property owner. Residents are still encouraged to utilize their green cart to their fullest ability. Acceptable Material Includes: Grass, leaves, weeds, plants and brush (no longer than 3 feet and no thicker than 2 inches in diameter) Acceptable Set Outs Incude: • Material set out in paper yard waste bags weighing no more than 45 lbs. • Bundles of brush weighing no more than 45 lbs. The Community Recycling Centre at 330 South Edgeware Road accepts leaf and yard waste from St. Thomas residents free of charge (5 Bag Maximum) for those who do not wish to utilize the curbside program.
For more information call 519-631-1680 ext. 4258 or go to www.stthomas.ca Please have all material out by 7am on your collection day.
To advertise here contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2025 Page 15
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