Ever since the incredibly devastating downturn of the economy in the early 2000s and the subsequent loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs, I’ve become aware of a significant influx of people moving here, as our community has become a lure to retirees.

This week I’d like to introduce readers to a wonderful addition to our community, and as this is an arts column, a significant addition to the depth of the arts and culture of Wallaceburg.

Of Estonian parents, Tiiu Haamer was born in London, England where she spent the first nine years of her life.

Having a piano in her home, she looked upon it as big “toy” and by the age of five, was composing her own music and begging her mother to allow her to take piano lessons.

In speaking with Tiiu, I commented on how backward that story is to most that I have heard over the years where parents “forced” their child to take piano lessons against their will.

Tiiu began her formal journey and love affair with the piano at the tender age of six, taking lessons from a very well-known concert pianist in London whom she simply loved working with.

Her father passed away very early in her life, and she moved to Canada with her mother, living in a variety of communities including London, Toronto and Hamilton.

After arriving in Canada, Tiiu continued with her piano studies, and her prodigious talent combined with an incredible work ethic qualified her to take her ARCT exams before she finished high school, a feat very few could ever hope to accomplish, let alone at such a young age.

However, she decided not to take the ARCT exams........

© Sarnia Observer