Meeting and mingling at the Mayor's Levee at Annandale House
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It's not all hard work and tough decisions for Tillsonburg Town Council.
Mayor Stephen Molnar, the Tillsonburg District Historical Society, and the rest of Council extended an open invitation to the community to attend last Sunday afternoon's annual Mayor's Levee at Annandale National Historic Site, home of the first mayor, Edwin D. Tillson (1825-1902) after the town's incorporation.
"It's a casual occasion," said Mayor Molnar, thanking the Historical Society and all the volunteers at Annandale House for organizing it and encouraging people to attend.
"It's been fun – a good day. It's a day to celebrate the season, ring in the New Year, and enjoy one final walk through the (seasonally) decorated house."
It was a time to meet new people and old friends as well, said Molnar.
"And some people from out of town, too, who were here to see Annandale House and share their Oxford experiences with others here today. It's been busy.
"Some people wanted to meet the Councillors. And I also think it's a continuation of 'listening.' This isn't an occasion where decisions are being made or serious debate is going on, but it's a chance to meet, mingle, share ideas."
Listening and encouraging dialogue, he said, are important goals for the formal Council as a whole, ensuring cooperation and accessibility.
The new Council – Mayor Stephen Molnar, Deputy Mayor Dave Beres, and Councillors Maxwell Adam, Penny Esseltine, Jim Hayes, Chris Rosehart, and Brian Stephenson – was sworn in during their only meeting in December following the Oct. 27th municipal election.
"January is going to be a very concentrated month," said Molnar, looking forward to the New Year and the new term.
An estimated 100-plus people attended the two-hour levee, including Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman.
"We were at 85 and that was over an hour ago," said Patricia Phelps, Culture & Heritage Manager/Curator, pleased Sunday's mild winter weather did not deter visitors. "More people have come in since then."
Sunday's event was hosted by the Historical Society in partnership with Annandale National Historic Site.
"Their event," said Phelps.
"The museum did all the work," smiled Historical Society's Marion Pratt.