b'Tom Soomre(continued from page 3)Grade 1. In 1951, his family immigrated to Ontario. We came across on a boat, Tom said. During this journey, the first words he learned in the English language were, shut up.The Soomres had to adapt to different cultures, find food and shelter, and learn new languages in each of the three countries they moved to.Plus, his parents needed to find work to support the family. There were no government handouts back then, Tom noted. He reported that food and shelter were often dif- Original photo of old farmhouse from Toms sisters book, and his painting of the original. Judy and Tom taken last July.ficult to find.The Soomres shared a small house in Toronto with another family and pooled their money, Tom said.Canada today receive a warm welcome and assistanceof a Different World tells the story of their family fleeing TheSoomrechildrenattendedEnglish-speakingfrom the government and the community. their homeland for a safe new life in Canada. Vilme had schools. Eventually an Estonian school and church wasWhen he was a student at Port Perry High School, Tomcopies printed for all of her relatives to pre-built in Toronto. This made the refugees feel a bit moremet the love of his life, Judy. They were married on Julyserve the story of their ancestors history.at home. 17, 1965. They have two children Todd and Tina and in- Its a wonderful book, Tom commented.His parents found jobs in the city. His mother workedterestingly, three of their seven grandchildren were bornBy Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugogat Wrigleys gum factory and was also an accomplishedon July 17! Judy had a career as a dental assistant and Tom seamstress. Juri was a steamfitter. They saved up andworked at General Motors as a quality consultant, a jobTomSoomresbeautifulartcards purchased a farm near Epsom. that took him to China in 2000 and 2001. Then he workedare available at Focus on Scugog. Please We had cows, pigs, ducks and chickens, and every- for the Chrysler factory in 2004 when the Chrysler 300, acall first to ensure that someone is in one came up from Toronto to help with the big vegetableluxury sedan, came out. the office: 905-985-8585. The cards are garden, Tom remembers. Tom has had a good life in Canada, despite the hard- $5 each or three for $12. Please bring They kept in touch with other Estonian refugees overships of his early beginning, which have been documentedexact cash for your purchases. the years.in a book written by his sister Vilme Peve, age 90. BecauseThank you in advance for helping Tom holding his book on birds, which inspired so many ofIts important to have a support group in your newshe is 11 years older than Tom, Vilme has a clearer recollec-his paintings. country, he pointed out. He is pleased that refugees totion of their familys experiences. Fragments of MemoriesTom help Ukrainian refugees!MARKET FLUCTUATIONS GOT YOU WORRIED?The real estate market is changing. Are you struggling to navigate the uncertainty of selling and buying your home? Our team of experienced agents have navigated various shifts in the market over the last 45+ years. Were ready to guide you through this process and reduce the worry. Live. Play. Invest.Looking to sell?LET US HELP!EXPERIENCE TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE UNCERTAINTYBrett Puckrin 30+ Keith Puckrin 47+ Guy Latreille 46+ Lynda Sauder 18+ Dianne Hooker 33+ Tanya Latreille 22+YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARS YEARSSales Representative, AACI, P,App Broker Broker Sales Representative Sales Representative BrokerD: 905.985.7300 - O: 905.985.4427FOCUS - JULY 20225'