Stefanie Heide

Newcomer Settlement Services continue to be available by phone 519-765-3020 or e-mail [email protected].

In-person services are now available again, by appointment only. Please call 519-765-3020 to make your appointment. Appointments are available between 10am-12:30pm & 1pm-4pm, Tuesday- Friday.

COVID-19 safety measures, including public health unit guidelines on sanitizing, social distancing, masks, and screening continue to be followed.

What are Newcomer Settlement Services?

The MCS Aylmer Resource Centre settlement services connects newcomers with existing services in the community by providing information and referrals.

We help newcomers access government programs and help them navigate systems. While many of our clients are Low German speakers, we serve newcomers of any background. All are welcome!

Abe Harms sent the following Letter to the Editor of the Aylmer Express. It was published in the November 4, 2020 edition of the Aylmer Express:

“When I first heard about the “Freedom Rally” in Aylmer on October 24, I was curious what it was about. I was saddened to learn that it was a protest against rules intended to keep us safe in a global pandemic. Rules that might presumably be a slight infringement on “our rights”. I was further saddened that Mennonite and Low German-speaking populations in our community are branded as rule-flaunting people that would force others to shop outside of town.

That is not the theology or philosophy that we grew up with or what Mennonite Community Services espouses. MCS adheres to Southwestern Public Health rules and is committed to the laws of Canada and Ontario. We have high regard for authorities and agree with St. Paul (Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value other above yourself, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.)

I believe that the assumption that the church is in danger of disappearing for the lack of one gathering a week shows a lack of understanding of the Scripture or history. The Meserete Kristos Church (an Ethiopian Mennonite church) in 1982 counted 5,000 members when the government closed all churches. When in 1991 they were able to meet again they had grown to 32,000.

There has never been a better time in history for this pandemic than now. We have such a good medical system and the best communications system ever. We might be by ourselves but we don’t need to be alone.”

Abe Harms

E.D. of MCS

Are you looking for a way to contribute more in our community? Come join the Aylmer Thrift Store team of volunteers and staff.

You will be warmly welcomed by a group of dedicated people volunteering their time and expertise to help out the community. There are many tasks to choose from: stocking shelves in the store, sorting clothing, dishes, toys, linens, pricing items, receiving donations, sorting books and DVDs and so much more. We appreciate any amount of time you are able to contribute.

Come alone or bring a friend! You will form many new friendships while helping out at the same time.

Speak to our friendly staff about how to apply! Email [email protected] or call 519-765-1356.

Click here for a poster to print off for your church or office.

Please note the photos below were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aylmer Thrift Store complies with SW Public Health safety measures.

A long-held dream became a reality one year ago. The Aylmer Thrift Store was able to move into an expanded space!

This Saturday, November 28, 2020, join us in celebrating this milestone with our Customer Appreciation Sale. 10am-4pm. We will be offering special deals to show our appreciation to the community for your support:

Get $5 off your purchase when you spend $20 or more!

All Christmas stock 50% off!

Since 1981, the Aylmer Thrift Store (formerly known as the Aylmer Mennonite Community Store) has served the Aylmer community. Our thrift store provides a good affordable option for people in our community to obtain good clothing, shoes, books and household items. Donated items come from the public, and are sold often upcycled or repurposed. We are a locally owned thrift shop who support programs in our community and global programs through MCC.

Over 100 volunteers help make the Thrift Store happen, and we are always looking for more! Contact Marie Dyck, phone: 519-765-1356, e-mail: [email protected], if you are interested in joining our fun and supportive environment as a volunteer!

Thank you for your continued support and God bless you!

*Social Distance still in effect! Please be mindful of those around you*

Its cleanup time again! Gather all your old, unused or unwanted electronics and drop them off! All electronics accepted, Computers, Laptops, TV’s, Phones, Game Consoles, etc… **No appliances please**

When?

Saturday, October 17, 10am-2pm

Where?

300 Talbot St. W, Aylmer, ON (Aylmer Thrift Store Parking Lot)

Thank you to Reboot Reuse Recycle for hosting this event!

Find the event on Facebook.

Buy Local Buy Fresh

The Buy Local Buy Fresh map is here for everyone to take advantage of our producers great local food!  

A printed map with short descriptions of each vendor is a great asset to keep in the vehicle and head out for fresh food.     www.buylocalbuyfresh.ca  also shows the county wide map and is interactive with ‘trails’ of recipes whether salsa, turkey dinner or fruit dessert is on your mind.  

The printed maps are at all map participants sites as well as our sponsors:  County of Elgin, SouthWest Public Health Unit, Elgin Federation of Agriculture and Harvest Bowl sites.  

Keep it on hand and spring into 2021 for the maple syrup, asparagus seasons!

Included is the jpg of the cover.

For more information contact:

Donna Lunn,   [email protected], 519.859.6988

Or

Erna Coffin, (EC Design) [email protected], 519.860.1893

Give us a call today! 226-210-6800

MCS Employment Services is the place in our community where we can address all your employment needs.

Whether you are a job seeker or an employer looking for workers, we are here to assist you.

We offer access to funded programs, career assessments, resume and cover letter writing, retraining and upgrading referrals and supported job search. In addition, we support employers by providing job posting assistance, training incentives and basic recruitment guidance.

All of these services are free, open to anyone in the community and can be provided in Low German. MCS Employment is an Employment Ontario Service Provider.

MCS invites Aylmer seniors 55+ to a colouring contest! This contest is possible because of funding from United Way’s Local Love in a Global Crisis grant.

Submit by June 11, 2020.

Prizes for the best pages in each category! Age 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, etc. Prizes have been donated by local businesses.

Winning pages will be featured in the Aylmer Express on June 17.

Here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose one or more colouring pages of your liking.
2. Colour your page with crayons, pencil crayon, or markers.
3. Write your age in bold numbers on the right, upper corner of your completed page.
4. Write your name, address and phone number on the back of your page for us to contact you if you are a winner.
5. Bring coloured page(s) to Trillium Park (24 Sydenham St. West, Aylmer) entrance drop box on Wednesday, June 10 or Thursday, June 11 by 5pm.
6. You can also mail your entry to our MCS location at 16 Talbot St. East, Aylmer, ON, N5H 1H4.
7. Colouring pages from seniors’ residences will be picked up Thursday, June 11 by 5pm.

Good luck! We look forward to seeing your creativity! Who says colouring contests are just for kids?!