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Extra! Extra! Westmount Gardens resident launches a newsletter
John Tapley is drawing on 30-plus years of journalism experience to help residents share their stories
10/21/2026
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Deron Hamel
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Westmount Gardens resident John Tapley and team member Li Boone hold up copies of the first edition of the Westmount Express.
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For more than 30 years, John Tapley made a career out of telling people's stories.
Now a resident at Westmount Gardens, the retired newspaper reporter is putting those skills back to work with the launch of the Westmount Express, a bimonthly newsletter that chronicles happenings at the London, Ont., long-term care community.
John handles all aspects of the newsletter's content, including interviewing residents and staff, taking photos and even including a crossword puzzle.
John says storytelling has always been important to him, and he sees the newsletter as an opportunity to preserve the stories and experiences of the people who live and work at Westmount Gardens.
“Every one of us has a story and it's important that we share those stories whenever possible because they are of tremendous value,” John tells S&R Today. “Writing and editing the Westmount Express is allowing me the privilege of preserving stories for today and tomorrow.”
Life enrichment team member Li Boone provided technical assistance to John as he put the first edition together, helping turn his ideas into a finished publication.
Li says the newsletter is an opportunity to showcase the experiences and personalities of the people who live at Westmount Gardens.
“We are inspired by the residents that come in and love hearing other people's stories,” Li says. “We love hearing the unique experiences everyone has had and, if they want to, we would love to display that.”
The first edition of the Westmount Express features stories and photos from around Westmount Gardens, along with contributions designed to give residents a chance to learn more about one another.
John is already gathering material for future issues. He recently interviewed a fellow resident and took photos during a Red Hat Club program for a story that will appear in the next edition.
Adnan Resh, Westmount Gardens' life enrichment manager, says John's approach to the project has been remarkable.
“John really did everything, and Li assisted on the technical IT side, which is really, really impressive to me because I have not ever come across this in my 15 years working in long-term care,” he says.
After a long break from telling other people's stories in a regular capacity, John says returning to journalism has reminded him how important writing has been in his life.
“Taking up a notepad and pen again feels natural,” he says. “It's a pleasure to get behind the keyboard to do something I love so much. It's an honour to have this opportunity with the residents and staff of Westmount Gardens.”
If you have a story you would like to share with S&R Today, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
If you have feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
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