Petawawa

Theresa Sabourin

Let’s welcome our neighbour, Theresa Sabourin.

Hi, Theresa! Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have been a resident of the community of Petawawa for more than 45 years, and I can’t imagine living in a more beautiful and vibrant place.

My career was in social services, where I spent more than 20 years serving military families. I have been a municipal Councillor since 2004, and in 2022 I became the Deputy Mayor. Through these roles, I have met so many wonderful residents. I have enjoyed hearing their stories, their hopes for Petawawa, and listening to their concerns. And I have been proud to be their voice in shaping the community they want to live, work, and plan in.

Not having raised a family of my own, I have been a lifelong active volunteer and currently serve as a board member with the Petawawa Housing Corporation and Phoenix Centre for Children and Families. I am active within my church as a reader, eucharistic minister, and fundraiser, and I enjoy bartending with the Petawawa Civic Centre Fundraising Committee. I am proud to volunteer with the Petawawa Pantry, Petawawa Rotary Club, and Christmas Angels.

What sound do you hate?

It’s weird, but I hate the sound of the doorbell ringing in my house. To clarify, I compare the sound of a doorbell ringing to someone yelling. When someone comes to my house, I prefer that they knock on the door first, as that is more like “Hello, are you home?” whereas ringing the doorbell first sounds more like “HEY, WHERE ARE YOU?”

Do you have any phobias? What are they?

I am terrified of spiders, June bugs, and heights. A few years ago, we had an expectant spider lay her eggs in our lanai. It looked like a patch of moss, and when I went to clean it, there must have been 500 baby spiders that ran from it (I kid you not). I have been hypervigilant outdoors ever since.

If I hear a Junebug (and they make a very distinctive sound) or if I see one flying, that’s it for me outdoors. They freak me out because they stick to things, and that disgusts me.

As for heights, once I am 10 feet off the ground, I can’t look down because I get so dizzy I fear I may pass out, or I freeze in place and someone has to physically guide me back to the ground.

What three adjectives do you think your family and friends would use to describe you?

Honourable, fun, and caring.

What strange food combination do you most enjoy?

I love a Cheez Whiz sandwich on white bread with mayonnaise with maraschino cherries mixed in. This sandwich was my mother’s favourite, and I have loved it since I was a kid.

Who is the best-known celebrity you have ever seen in person?

I met Bryan Adams when he was signing autographs in Edmonton, Alberta, in the 1980s. He was quite a popular Canadian musician back then, and I remember being so surprised that this “rock star” was so friendly and down to earth.

What was the worst style choice you ever made?

When I was in my 20s, I had spiked hair and then grew the back longer, so it became a mullet. Looking back at photographs, it was simply horrible on me.

Are you a cat or a dog person? Why?

I am a dog person. I grew up with dogs as pets, and I have always had a dog as a pet. I love that they are so excited to see us return from somewhere and just love being close to us. Dogs are loyal and smart and definitely “human’s best friend.” They make me smile and laugh every day.

What would be your trademark karaoke song?

My song would be “I am Woman” by Helen Reddy (1972). It says a lot about resilience and determination.

You’ve just won the lottery. What will you do with your windfall?

The first thing I would do would be to build a community centre in Petawawa that would be a safe haven for and support anyone experiencing poverty to enable them to live their best lives through food security, housing, health supports, employment, and contribution opportunities to this community (all under one roof). Next, I would donate to our church and finally take a trip around the world — there is so much to see and experience beyond our wonderful community!

What do you miss the most about being a kid?

The simple things like playing outdoors all day and going camping as a major holiday experience.

Thank you so much for spending time with us, Theresa.

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Next week, we welcome Mike Gulliver.