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continued from p.1 of the community and a person who simply brightens your day. "He's a real unifying character down here. Everyone loves him. There's no question about it -- from store owners to residents," she said. In recognition of what he means to the community, the Downtown Oakville BIA put up posters in storefronts and lined the streets with balloons to wish Vandermeulen a Happy 90th Birthday Wednesday (June 1). Goettler admitted as she put up the decorations, a number of residents asked what they were for and when she told them it was for John, they knew exactly who she was referring to without her having to explain further. Taking his usual route from the Granary condos residence to the downtown stretch, the Oakville Beaver scrambled to catch up with Vandermeulen, who told the Beaver he noticed the Happy Birthday balloons lining the sidewalks, but didn't clue in that the gesture was for him. "I didn't know what was going on, I didn't catch on right away until I saw the posters," said Vandermeulen, whose actual birthdate is May 31. He said he was surprised and impressed with the kindness that has been bestowed on him. Downtown Oakville has been a big part of his life ever since he moved here 22 years ago and lived on Robinson Street, said Vandermeulen as a number of residents passing by stopped to wish him a Happy Birthday as he stood chatting with the Beaver at Towne Square. While his wife Denise Vandermeulen comes with him on his daily walks from time to time, he joked he usually does it on his own because he stops at too many places so that he can socialize with the sales people. John always has a treat for Dexter and a smile for all ton, who met Vandermeulen three years ago when she first started working at the store. She said he can also be seen picking up litter along the streets. "I think that's why all the merchants really love him so much -- because he's really about the betterment of downtown and the beautification of downtown. He's such a social, likeable guy ," she said. Ashton added she's also heard a number of Vandermeulen stories and is impressed with his memory and how quick-witted he continues to be. "It's inspiring to see someone who is 90 and is that mobile," she said. "He's out there every day." The employees at Chatsworth & Hall say he has great tenacity. "He comes rain or shine," said Ann Whitely. "Some days he comes in here and it's been pouring rain out and the rain is coming off his hat." "He's just a nice, good soul," Ellie Lewis added, noting Vandermeulen's wife Denise makes them chocolates almost every Christmas. Stefan Parkinson, who owns The Bee Hive Hair Studio with Sabrina Parkinson, shared with the Beaver how excited his dog Dexter gets when Vandermeulen visits. "He came in this morning and Dexter was waiting for him by the window and jumped up," said Parkinson, who has known Vandermeulen for 20 years. "Every day he comes in with a treat for Dexter." Dexter, a Jack Russell terrier, holds a special place in Vandermeulen's heart because he used to own the same type of dog. His name was Bogie. Black Forest Pastry Shop coowner Marzena Ziemba, who was at Bee Hive to get a haircut, chimed in that Vandermeulen simply spreads cheers through the community . "He's what communities should be," said Parkinson, while Ziemba added he embodies community spirit. 3 | Friday, June 3, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville resident John Vandermeulen received a nice birthday surprise in downtown Oakville Wednesday as he found balloons lining the sidewalks and posters in storefronts wishing him a Happy 90th Birthday. He is pictured, above, in Towne Square. At right, one of the signs wishing him a Happy Birthday. | photos by Julia Le ­ Oakville Beaver Vandermeulen's usual stops include Tommy Bahama, Chatsworth & Hall, The Bee Hive Hair Studio, Blueboho and Tocca Finita. He also goes to the waterfront with binoculars to do bird watching. I keep an eye on water levels, in case a tsunami is approaching," joked the father-of-two children and grandfather of five. He said he also enjoys painting, but hasn't been doing as much of it as of late. When asked the secret to his longevity, Vandermeulen was quick to respond, "Get past 89." Tommy Bahama Store Manager Lisa Ashton said she looks forward to seeing his friendly face because of his sense of humour. He usually brings the employees a copy of the newspaper and chats about the weather and current news. 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