Archive for 2009
THURSDAY, DEC. 31/ 09
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AYLMER TODAY:
-New Years Eve Family Party at East Elgin Community Centre; games, skating etc., ; 6-9 pm; $10 per family.
-(No AylmerNews Friday)
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OBITS:
-Munroe, Barbara (Magyar); of St.Thomas; in her 62 nd year; on Dec. 24; sister of Joe Magyar, R.4 Aylmer; a private family funeral was held Dec. 26.
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“FORMER AYLMER AREA AMISHMAN OMAR EICHER INJURED IN CAR ACCIDENT RECENTLY”"
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POWASSAN- Former Chisholm Reeve Bob Gray was involved in a serious accident with an Amish horse and buggy on Tuesday afternoon.
The collision saw the buggy driver, 61 year-old Omar Eicher of Chiswick Line air-lifted to Sudbury hospital. Eicher’s horse was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the OPP report, Gray was eastbound on Memorial Park Drive when his 2008 Nissan Altima collided with the back of the horse and buggy at 3:45 p.m.
Gray’s vehicle “piled into the buggy which was instantly reduced to kindling wood,” said Powassan area resident Ed Hook, an eyewitness to the accident. “It was like watching an IMAX movie. Everything was happening right beside me and there wasn’t anything I could do. The buggy flew to pieces like it had a bomb go off underneath it. The horse was dead and (Eicher) was lying in the middle of the road.”
Hook said he had been traveling eastbound on Memorial Park Road when he came up behind the buggy. “I slowed down and put on my four-way flashers so that any cars coming up behind me would know there was a slow moving vehicle on the road ahead. Any car approaching from behind me should have been able to see my little red car with the flashing red lights.”
Hook was pulling out into the westbound lane to pass the horse-drawn vehicle when Gray’s car “passed me on the right hand side and hit the buggy,” he said. “I had my cell phone with me and called 911 as I was getting out of my car. I went over to (Eicher) as I was talking to the emergency operator and was able to tell her that he was unable to talk to me. I put my hand on his chest and told her he was still breathing. She told me help was already on the way and I kept repeating that to him. I didn’t know if he could hear me, but I know it’s important to keep talking (to accident victims) just in case. I kept saying over and over, ‘hang on, help is on the way, hang on. . .’ ”
As Hook waited for the ambulance, he covered Eicher with his sweater, “and carefully placed my coat under his head. I was concerned about back injuries, but I just couldn’t stand to see his head lying on the cold road,” he said. “Fortunately, the ambulance response was really fast. As I was telling him help was on the way, I looked up and saw the flashing lights coming toward us.” He said during this time, Eicher never moved.
OPP report visibility was clear at the time of the accident, though the roads were snow covered and icy, with very cold temperatures reported. Powassan public works superintendent Garry Keown says road crews had sanded Memorial Park Drive just 15 minutes before the accident occurred.
Hook says OPP officers brought Eicher’s wife to the scene just before her husband was taken by ambulance to North Bay hospital and later air-lifted to Sudbury in critical condition. There was no update on his condition at press time. “I called the hospital later that night,” said Hook, “but all they would tell me was that he was still alive.”
Keown said the OPP called in public works at 4:30 p.m. to close the section of Memorial Park Drive and reroute traffic. The road was closed for about five hours.
“Because of the critical nature of the injuries we had to treat the accident as if it had been a fatality,” said sergeant Tim Sheppard of the North Bay OPP Detachment. “That meant pulling out all the stops and bringing in the Technical Traffic Collision Investigations Unit and the Forensic Identification Team, resulting in the lengthy road closure.”
Speed limits on Memorial Park Drive were reduced from 80 to 70 km/hr by Powassan council three years ago. The road was upgraded and refinished last summer.
“I believe this is the first serious accident we have had in the Powassan/Chisholm area since the horses and buggies have been on the road,” said Sheppard, “and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.”
As of News deadline, no charges had been laid.
WED., Dec. 30/09
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AYLMER TODAY/TOMORROW:
-Tim Hortons Free Skating 5-6 pm at East Elgin Community Centre
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OBITS:
-Wood, Robert; of St.Thomas; on Dec. 29; in his 82nd year; formerly owner of U and W Lumber, Aylmer; Visitation at Kebbel Funeral Home, Friday 2-4 pm; Funeral at Kebbels on Saturday at 11 am.
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LOOKING FOR WWI PHOTOS!
James McCallum, author of ‘East Elgin in World War I’, is looking for photos of local veterans who served in World War I as he plans a series of publications on each township’s participation – ie. Aylmer, Bayhm, Malahide, South Dorchester. You can contact him at the Elgin Genealogical website: www.elginogs.ca
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“JOHN PALMER’s FATHER WAS A VICTIM OF FLU EPIDEMIC OF 1918-19″
John Palmer of Aylmer, who died on the weekend in his 92nd year, was just an infant when his father, Aylmer Furniture Store owner William Palmer passed away. William Palmer was a victim of the last great flu epidemic, during the winter of 1918-19. Six Aylmerites, all between ages 25 and 37, succumbed to the outbreak.
TUESDAY, DEC. 29/ 09
***NEW*** The Amish of Aylmer Ontario - available in local stores - $5
“CHRISTMAS DAY MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION”
(Lyons) – Elgin County OPP was called to the scene of a two vehicle head on collision which occurred on Christmas Day around 10:34am on Imperial Rd. and Crossley Hunter Line, Malahide Township. A 1998 Chevrolet Astro van was traveling south bound on Imperial Rd. while a 2002 Chevrolet Envoy was traveling north bound when both vehicles lost control and collided head on. The 26 year old driver of the Envoy and a 26 year old female passenger, both of Aylmer, ON were transported to St.Thomas Elgin General Hospital. The 26 year male driver was later released from hospital while the female passenger of the Envoy was transferred to and remains in critical condition in London’s Victoria Hospital. The driver and three passengers in the 2002 Chevrolet Astro van were also transported to St.Thomas Elgin General Hospital. The driver of the Chevrolet Astro van, a 58 year old Niagara on the Lake man and a 56 year old St.Catherine’s man were treated and released while two female passengers were transferred to Victoria Hospital. A 53 year old female resident of St.Catherines is listed in good condition but remains in hospital while a 56 year old female from Niagara on the Lake is listed critical condition. At the time of the collision roadways were listed as icy due to freezing rain. The investigation is continuing.
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OBITS:
-White, Austin ‘Aussie’; of Aylmer; in his 88th year; on Dec. 27; husband of Marilyn; Visitation at Kebbel Funeral Home, Wed. 2-4 and 7-9; Funeral on Thursday, 11 am mass at Our Lady of Sorrows.
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-Van Loy, Kimberly (nee Mitchell); of Dorchester; in her 47th year; on Dec. 27; wife of Peter; daughter of Bill and Nancy Mitchell of Straffordville; Visitation at Kebbel Funeral Home Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 pm; Funeral Thursday at Kebbels at 2 pm.
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“AYLMER CHRISTMAS CARE PACKED 350 BOXES LAST WEDNESDAY:”
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(Info on the Christmas Care program was supplied by Carolyn Buis, Aylmer Christmas Care Co-ordinator in response to an AylmerNews inquiry)
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“In 1990 we moved to Immanuel Christian School and packed 209 boxes. This year we packed 353 food hampers. They were packed in just under one hour. The setting up of the assembly line of grocerries, bagging of the apples, oranges, cookies, sweet potatoes and packing of baby food takes all the prep time before. The arrival of the fresh produces, turkeys and hams and the donated goods that have been collected by schools, business and parades etc needs all to be co-ordinated to their designated spots. We had approximately 75 volunteers ranging in age from 7 yrs to 80years. The wrapping of the boxes occurs on the evening before we pack. It is very impressive in the morning to see the rows of wrapped boxes.The deliveries start as soon as the packing is completed. For Straffordville, Vienna and Port Burwell the boxes and the toys from the Optimists are picked up by members of the Lions Clubs and the Legion and then are distributed or picked up at the respective places. The length of time of delivery depends on the number of communty members who show to do this part of the project. The basic grocery list varies little from year to year. Joanne Mantel and I order the groceries in early December. We follow Canada’s Food Guide to provide and encourage balanced and healthy eating. Cereal, butter, cheese, canned milk, canned fruit and veggies, fresh lettuce, carrots, apples, oranges, canned meat, fresh turkey or ham depending on family size. Special treats of a package of cookies, candies and hot chocolate, jello and dessert topping are added. The donated/collected goods are added to the boxes also. These will vary in quantity and variety from year to year, but usually consist of dry and canned pasta and sauces (lots of kraft dinner and mr. noodle), dry and canned soups, tuna, canned fruit and veggies and stove to stuffing and cranberry sauces etc. John and Joanne Mantel have been with this project from its beginning approximately 40 years ago. My husband Ron and I have been with this project approx. 25 years. We have many individuals and families who return each year to lend a helping hand. That is very likely why everything moves so smoothly and quickly. We stand amazed every year at the number of volunteers.”
MONDAY, Dec. 28/09
OBITS:
-Damman, Michael, 60, on Dec. 25. , of Pt. Stanley, husband of Rosemary, formerly History/Geography teacher at EESS, Visitation at Williams Funeral Home, St.Thomas, Monday 7-9 and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9, Funeral at Trinity Anglican Church , St.Thomas, 1 pm Wed.
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-Palmer, John, in his 92nd year, on Dec. 25, of Aylmer, husband of Dorothy, Visitation Thurs. 10-11 am at Williams Funeral Home, St.Thomas; Funeral- Thursday 11 am at Williams Funeral Home.
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-Keszler, John, in his 80th year, on Dec. 24, 0f Calton, husband of Elizabeth, Visitation at Kebbel Funeral Home, Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9, Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Wednesday at 11 am.
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SUNDAY SPITS HOCKEY = “Paris 4 Aylmer 2″
Paris – SOG, Paris by 43-34; Paris led 4-1 after two periods; Aylmer goals = Bean (North, Hunter), Brisson (Pfohl)
-Next Games: Host New Hamburg Sat. at 7:30; Sunday in Simcoe
“The John Wiebe family was busy preparing a turkey dinner on Thursday morning at Immanuel Christian School. The Wiebes fed about 90 people at their Free Community Christmas Dinner.”
LATER THURS., Dec. 24/09
“CHRISTMAS IN AYLMER 100 YEARS AGO” = “DECEMBER , 1909″
-The Brown House hotel at the southeast corner of Talbot/John was just painted a bright red.
-The board of Canadian Canners met in Aylmer under the leadership of David Marshall to finalize the takeover of the Aylmer Condensed Milk Company (later sold to Carnation).
-The main ads in the Aylmer Express were from the stores of Youell and Wrong, Three Farthings, and Christie and Caron.
-The town has decided to invest in a new power plant to replace the one destroyed by the October explosion. Thomas Wooster is the builder and the 100-foot chimney for the plant is up by Christmas.
-The Brandon Shoe Factory, also destroyed by the explosion, is moving to Brantford but another shoe company is negotiating to build in Aylmer.
THURSDAY, Dec. 24/09
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AYLMER TODAY/WEEKEND:
-Wiebe Family Free Christmas Dinner, 11:30am-1 pm, Immanuel School gym
-(Boxing Day – AMHA Reunion Game, 7:30 pm)
-(Garbage Pickup Scheduled for Dec. 25 will be on Monday, Dec. 28)
-No AylmerNews again until Monday.
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AYLMER POLICE MISSING PERSONS ALERT:
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Megan Dennahower is 14 years old, 5’5”, 117lb, back hair (dyed), blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink coat, jeans & runners. She ran away from Aylmer on 15 Dec 2009. If located contact local Police.
AYLMER NEWS PHOTOS
"Cameron Charlton, of Paris, son of Tom and Linda Charlton, Springfield, was a Torch Runner in LaSalle, Ontario yesterday."
"'O Little Town of.......Harrietsville.' This is the traditional display on the east side of Highway 73 in the village this year."
"There are only a couple Christmas Motion Store Displays to be seen this year from a supply purchased by the town a few years ago. This is one from Desjardin Credit Union."
This is Hole #1 and the cement tee for hole #2 in the northeast corner of Steen Park for the new Aylmer Disc Golf course (see yesterdays story)."
WED., Dec. 23/09
THE AMISH OF AYLMER ONTARIO: “New!, $5!, Written by Kirk Barons. Available at: Campbells, Springfield Variety, Heritage Line Herbs, Mt. Salem Variety, Aylmer Library, Mary Janes Hair Styling and others.”
“LOTS OF ‘BIRDIES’ SHOULD BE SEEN ON NEW AYLMER DISC GOLF COURSE!”
Aylmer – (The Disc Golf Course which winds along Catfish Creek in town was recently completed. There is a tourney scheduled for Boxing Day. Parks Manager Thom Polland provided this overview in response to an AylmerNews inquiry)
“The Disc golf course has been on the books since 2005. Dan Smith of St.Thomas and I drew up plans then and filed them. In the fall of 2009, Dan and I walked Steen Park several times and modified the course to fit into the natural surroundings, we also were careful not to interfere with the soccer, baseball facilities and pedestrian traffic. The course plays Steen North and South (it starts and finishes in the northeast corner) and follows the path of the creek and the walking trail. Dan Smith has designed courses in Canada and the U.S. We were very fortunate to have his expertise and councils approval for the design and construction.
The Boxing Day tourney starts @ 10:00 a.m. Admission is a canned good that will be donated to the local corner cupboard.
The course was started in November and finished in early December, the work was done by the operations department and some outside contractors. To play a round takes approximately an hour and a half depending on the skill level. It is an all ages sport and great exercise, there is minimal cost to purchase a disc. Aylmer’s is an 18-hole Par 54 as each hole is a par 3. ”
“AYLMER TODAY:”
-Tim Hortons Free Skating: 9-11 am
-Christmas Care Grocery Delivery
“OLYMPIC TORCH RUN UPDATE:” (see picts on yesterday’s post)
-Of the 6 runners in Aylmer yesterday, Doug Lee and Rick Plaquet were from the Aylmer area, 1 was from St.Thomas and apparently the rest were from Toronto and Sarnia.
-Jasmine Buckingham who sang ‘ O Canada’ is an EESS music teacher
-The torch was ‘driven’ to Aylmer yesterday, they only do torch runs within municipalities
-Councillor Judi Wright who helped organize yesterday’s event thought Aylmer kept the Run ‘on time’ and was very pleased with the turnout.
-Cameron Charlton, son of Tom and Linda Charlton of Springfield, who lives in Paris, Ontario is carrying the torch tonight in LaSalle, south of Windsor.
OPTIMIST TOY DRIVE UPDATE:
Toy Drive chairman Dr. Don Robinson reports that this year’s effort was a “great success” . The Aylmer Optimists will be delivering their toys today.
H1N1 Elgin Health Unit Update: (Laura McLachlin, Director Health Protection)
“I am sure that, like me, many of you appreciate that Wave 2 of the H1N1 pandemic now appears to be behind us. Whether we see a Wave 3 sometime in 2010 remains to be seen. Like other areas in Canada, the peak of H1N1 influenza illness in Elgin County was seen in late October. At the peak we saw high rates of absenteeism at schools, high demand on the Emergency Department and hospital admissions, large numbers of people going to their health care practitioner with symptoms of influenza illness, and extensive requests for information about H1N1 influenza. Throughout November the number of cases of H1N1 illness steadily declined and over the last few weeks our surveillance indicates that rate of influenza illness in our community is now consistent with the influenza rate we would expect to see at this time of year. We cannot predict with any certainty if seasonal strains of influenza will surface now that the circulation of H1N1 stain has declined. Community based immunization clinics were held in St.Thomas, Aylmer and Rodney over an eight week period. Clinic attendance ranged from a high of 1057 people to a low of 156 people, with an average of 570 attending each clinic. The need to schedule additional influenza immunization clinics will be assessed in the New Year.
| Number of Community Based Clinics Held | 39 |
| Number of people who came to clinics | 19,461 |
| Number of people that received H1N1 vaccine | 17,897 |
| Number of people that received seasonal flu vaccine | 2,951 |
| Amount of H1N1 vaccine distributed to other providers (e.g. physicians, hospital, long term care, etc.) | 9,000 |
| Estimated number of people receiving H1N1 vaccine | Over 26,000 |
AYLMER TODAY PHOTOS:
The new Springfield Community Centre is taking shape (behind the present Lions Hall).
Volunteers were sorting out Christmas Care boxes at Immanuel Christian School this morning in preparation for this afternoon's deliveries.
TUESDAY, DEC. 22/09
IMAGES FROM THE OLYMPIC TORCH RUN THROUGH AYLMER
Paul Lovelock of St.Thomas is pictured with his supporters at the corner of Elk/Talbot as he prepared to carry the torch into Aylmer’s east entrance today just after 12 o’clock.
The Olympic Torch Run caravan assembled at the east end of Aylmer as runners were dropped off for the trek through town.
Doug Lee of Aylmer carries the torch along Talbot St East (by Victoria) in cool but sunny conditions.
Ric Plaquet of Aylmer carries the torch at the main corner of town before a large crowd that assembled all along Talbot St.
Torch runner Ric Plaquet of Aylmer is greeted by Aylmer Mayor Bob Habkirk at the Town Hall. ‘O Canada’ was sung and then the torch continued toward St.Thomas.
AYLMER TODAY, TOMORROW:
-Olympic Torch Run, approx. 12:10 pm
-Tim Hortons Free Skate – 1:30-3:30 pm
-(Wed. – Free Skate 9-11 am)
OBITS:
-Margaretha Miller; of Aylmer; on Dec. 20; in her 96th year; wife of the late Wilhelm Miller; Visitation Tuesday at Kebbel Funeral Home 2-4 and 7-9 pm; Funeral at Kebbels 2 pm Wed.
“AYLMER’S BILL BERRY DID CALGARY OLYMPIC TORCH RUN IN 1988″
(This info was supplied by Bill Berry in response to an Aylmer News inquiry)
“As I recall, the Torch passed through Aylmer between Christmas and New Years in 1987. We all carried the torch approximately one kilometre. At the start of each day,the torch bearers were ferried out to the starting point and away we went. Our day was to start east of Aylmer, near the White Villa. The previous day I had gone out and roughly measured the distances to determine where I would receive the torch and where I would hand off the torch. My parents had finally tracked down a video tape machine to record the event for posterity (no digital technology yet). We all thought we were ready. When the day finally arrived, it was very cold and windy, but clear. Of course my measurements were all wrong and my parents never actually did capture the moment on tape, although we did get a lot of snapshots. I ran the stretch along Hwy #3, near the bend in the road, east of Summers Corners. I handed the torch to Dr Beveridge’s daughter Moira and climbed back into the rather large vehicle that had carried us to our starting location. After all the waiting, the event seemed to pass by in an instant. We were all taken back to the Town Hall for the official ceremony. I believe Stephanie Dakins had the honour of carrying the torch to the Town Hall. Other locals (that I know) who carried the Torch were Bill Deane, Darren Whaley, Diana Telfer and Pete Afman. We all got a toque, a jacket and matching pants and a whole lot of wonderful memories. I have a lot of pictures buried somewhere in the basement. ” (His daughter Veronica plans to wear the jacket today at the Torch run.)
MONDAY, Dec. 21/09
THE AMISH OF AYLMER ONTARIO: “New!, $5!, Available at: Campbells, Springfield Variety, Heritage Line Herbs, Mt. Salem Variety, Aylmer Library, even Mary Janes Hair Styling and others.”
SATURDAY SPITS HOCKEY = Simcoe 5 (20-3-2), Aylmer 4 (9-14-3)
-SOG, Simcoe by 47-24…..Aylmer led 4-3 after two periods…..Next game: Sunday at Paris
-Aylmer Scoring: – Betzold; Mullin (Vandepoele, Bornais); Mugford (North); Roloson (Pfohl, Vandepoele).
AYLMER TODAY, TOMORROW:
-”Words and Music of Christmas” - Anglican Church, 7 pm
-Tim Hortons Free Skating: 9-11 am and 1-3 pm; Tues. 1:30 to 3:30 pm
-(Tuesday) Olympic Torch Run through Aylmer, noon approx.
“WIEBE FAMILY SPONSORING CHRISTMAS DINNER THURSDAY!”
Aylmer - “We were sitting around as a family and we couldn’t decide what everyone wanted for Christmas so we thought we’d forego gifts this year and do this instead.” What John Wiebe, owner of North Vent Sales and Service (vehicle repairs, sales), south of Springfield, and his family decided to do was sponsor a free Christmas dinner for those in need. The traditional turkey dinner – they are prepared for 25o people – will be held in the gym at Immanuel Christian School on Thursday Dec. 24 from 11.30 am to 1 pm. The event is also sponsored by Words of Life bookstore in Aylmer and The Bentley House and TeaRoom in Guelph – both businesses owned by John’s daughters.
AYLMER POLICE UPDATE:
- There have been no further developments in the cases involving the Shoppers Drug Mart robbery, the attempted robbery at Hills Pharmacy and last week’s abduction/release of an Aylmer man.
“OLYMPIC TORCH RUN IN AYLMER TUESDAY”
(The following info about plans in Aylmer tomorrow was supplied by Councillor Judi Wright)
“RBC is passing out hot chocolate and spirit items (from their parking lot); Club 7 and the Aylmer Baptist Youth are collecting non-perishable food for the Corner Cupboard;The EESS GABAA and ELP classes are handing out flags to on lookers; Jasmine Buckingham is singing O Canada at the Town Hall; Carols will be played throughout the morning.”
SATURDAY, DEC. 19/09
“AYLMER-AREA ATHLETE GLAD WOMENS’ BOXING IN 2012 OLYMPICS”
(Aylmer – Jennifer Smith Ogg, who has lived in the Aylmer area for almost 10 years, is a former World Womens’ Lightweight Boxing champion and provided this summary of her career for Aylmer News)
-Attended Lord Dorchester SS
-2005 Recipient of the London Y Women of Excellence Award (Sport, Fitness and Recreation)
-2005 Canadian National Lightweight Champion.
-2004 Taiwan International Tournament Champion, Poland VS Canada Dual Match Champion, Award Recipient for Contributions to Amateur Boxing and the City of London, Silver Medalist – Torneo Italia International Tournament,
Cascia, Italy, Winner – National Team Selection, Tough Enough Champion, Main Event II, Chicago, Illinois, Canadian National Lightweight Champion.
-2003 Canadian Female Boxer of the Year, Boxing Ontario Female Athlete of the Year, 2003 Arnie Boehm Memorial Lightweight Champion, Ringside National Champion – USA.
-2002 Finalist – Ontario Female Athlete of the Year, Finalist – Canadian Female Athlete of the Year, Canadian Female Boxer of the Year, WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION, Canadian National Welterweight Champion.
-2001 Canadian National Champion, Ontario Provincial Champion.
-2000 USA National Golden Gloves Champion, Brampton Cup Champion.
-1999 Ontario Novice Champion. -Ties today – Retired. Still have close connections but not coaching etc.
-I had 76 bouts, retired in 2005 -For Olympics- Katie Taylor, Ireland, is favourite at 60kgs. I fought her one time in Italy and lost a 3 round decision. (My only loss in the last several years). The favourite, in my opinion, at the heavier weight is Mary Spencer from Canada. -Only 3 weights being allowed for 2012 Olympics. -I have no involvement now. I retired last year as the National teams athletes rep.
FRIDAY SPITS HOCKEY = New Hamburg (10-15-1) 4, Aylmer (9-13-3) 3.
-SOG, NH by 38-34; Teams were tied 3-3 going into period 3;
-Aylmer Scoring: Pfohl (North, Maracle), Bornais (Vandepoele, Roloson); Bornais.
-Next games: Tonite host Simcoe at 7:30.
EESS SPORTS THURSDAY:
-Jr. Boys Basketball = EESS 54, Glencoe 17 (Passmore, Bisschop, Roloson were leaders)
-Boys’ Hockey = St.Joes 3 EESS 1 (Laurindo for EESS)
AYLMER TODAY:
-St.Pauls United Church ‘Free Community Supper’ – 6 pm
-(Tuesday) = Olympic Torch Run through Aylmer (approx. Noon)
ELGIN OPP WARNING = “ Email Scam Targeting Grandparents”
(Elgin County) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in cooperation with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), is warning people about a variation of the widespread “Emergency Scam” or “Grandparent Scam.” Traditionally operating as a telemarketing scam throughout North America, fraudsters contact potential victims while posing as a family member or friend in urgent need of cash. Often the scenario involves an accident or arrest, with a request that cash be sent through a money transfer company, such as Western Union or Money Gram. In a recent variation of this scam, compromised contact lists from hijacked email accounts are used to send the potential victim an “urgent” email request for money from a friend or relative with whom they have a correspondence. Common themes continue to be hospitalization or imprisonment. The friend or relative is unaware that their account has been used to send out these requests to everyone on their contact list. The OPP strongly suggests that anyone, receiving a request for money, takes measures to verify the requestor’s identity and the veracity of their story. Anyone who suspects an attempt at victimization is urged to call the CAFC at: 888-495-8501 or 888-495-8501.
LOCAL HISTORY= “THE SATURDAY (S)CEREAL”-“Stilwell Murder At Eden, l885″
(Part I of the story of Lewis Napoleon Stilwell, son of Israel Stilwell who built the first hotel and store in Eden in east Bayham, who was murdered on New Years Day in l885, shot through the head.)
“Shot Down In The Prime Of Life” was the headline in the Tillsonburg Observer. The funeral of Stilwell, father of two, had just been held in the Eden Baptist Church with his fellow Eden Lodge members acting as an honour guard when the Observer printed this story. Stilwell had been out hunting on his farm after lunch with his hired hand Albert Thomas and neighbour Ransom Forbes. The other two said that Stilwell tired of hunting after an hour and said he was going to his father’s farm nearby so they kept hunting and then went home. Stilwell was not located for two days and then he was found in the woods, shot. An autopsy was conducted by Dr. McClay of Aylmer and a coroner’s jury used this evidence and that given by other witnesses to conclude that Stilwell was murdered and suggested that Forbes and Thomas be detained and examined in trial. Stilwell’s wife Sarah Jane would also be charged shortly with ‘procuring murder’ as it was revealed by witnesses that she wanted her husband dead. She had offered a gold watch to a girl to poison her husband’s tea, she had offered Randon’s brother Edwin a team of horses to do the same and she had offered Forbes and Thomas $100 each to dispose of her husband. She had been carrying on a relationship with Forbes for some time!” (To be continued).
