Hometown Strathroy - Caradoc July/Aug 2025 Issue 55
STRATHROY-CARADOC LOCAL EVENTS – JULY/AUGUST
Saturday August 2 Downtown Strathroy Night Market Frank and Front Streets 4 pm – 10 pm
Wednesday July 9 Wednesday August 13 Strathroy-Caradoc Crusiers Car Club 23752 Adelaide Rd., Mt. Brydges Free to attend Food for purchase 4:30 pm to Dusk Friday August 8 Friday August 22 Legion Friday Night BBQ Mt. Brydges Legion 4:30 pm – 7 pm Pay when you order Thursday July 17 Thursday August 21 Ladies Auxilliary – VON Lunch Mt. Brydges Legion Noon – 2 pm $15, pay at the door Call 519-245-3170 to register Friday July 11 Friday July 25
Thursdays – July 3, 17, 24, 31 August 7, 21, 28 Free Lunch All Saint’s Church 124 Front St. E., Strathroy 11:30 am Friday July 4 – 6 Strathroy Rib Fest Fair Grounds Recreation Complex Check FB for details
Thursday August 14 Free Community Lunch St. John the Evangelist Church 34 Head Street, Strathroy 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday No-cost dinners First Baptist Church 20 Centre St., Strathroy 6:30 pm Saturday Mornings Downtown Strathroy Market Frank and Front Streets 9 am – 12 pm Movies In The Park Friday July 12 Fairgrounds Recreation Complex Strathroy Saturday August 16 Caradoc Community Centre Mt. Brydges FREE MOVIES BEGIN AT DUSK
Saturday July 5 Pride in the Park 11 am - Flag Raising Town Hall – Strathroy Festival in the Park 12 pm – 4 pm
Alexandra Park Sunday July 6
Children’s Book Launch Strathroy Lions Club Hall 432 Albert St., Strathroy 2 pm – 4 pm with local author Casey Lyall
WEEKLY EVENTS
Strathroy Legion 266 Metcalfe St., W., Strathroy 519-245-0683 Thursdays: Luncheon, Bingo Fridays: Catch The Ace Saturdays: Meat Draw 4th Wednesday: Seniors Euchre
Mt. Brydges Legion 2500 Veterans Dr., Mt. Brydges 519-264-1580 Mondays: Bingo 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: Cards
Fridays: Darts, Euchre Saturdays: Meat Draw
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This story, heartbreaking as it is, reminds us of something deeply human: we are not meant to grieve in silence or isolation. We are meant to gather. When we come together to say goodbye, it gives structure to the chaos of loss. It creates a space to honour life, acknowledge death, and share in sorrow. Ritual, whether simple or elaborate, helps us process what we cannot understand. A ceremony gives grief a beginning, and that is often the first step toward healing. In this family’s case, the delay in holding a farewell for the father did not lessen its importance. In fact, it made it all the more sa- cred. They waited through months of anguish, knowing that when the time came, they would gather not only to say goodbye, but to give his life the dignity it deserved. Farewell gatherings don’t change what has happened. But they change us. They remind us that we’re not alone. They allow us to honour courage, sacrifice, and love. And they give voice to the pain that is too heavy to carry alone. So when we ask ourselves, “Why do we gather?”—the answer is simple: because we need to. Because love, loss, and memory are too big to bear in silence. In a world that often rushes past sorrow, taking the time to come together—whether days, months, or even years later—is one of the most powerful things we can do. Denning's of Strathroy 32 Metcalf St. W. Strathroy www.strathroyfuneralhome.com 519-245-1023
Gathering to Heal: The Power of Farewell by Bill Denning
Last December, in the grip of the winter cold, in the beautiful northeast of Ontario, a trage- dy unfolded that would leave a family—and an entire community—holding its breath. A father and daughter were out for a walk along the river when the ice gave way be- neath them. The father, acting on every in- stinct of love and protection, tried desper- ately to save his daughter. In the chaos and cold, they lost their lives. Shortly thereafter,
she was found. In the days that followed, a farewell ceremony was held for the little girl—a deeply moving gathering that allowed friends, neighbours, and family to surround her memory with love. But for the father, there could be no ceremony yet. His body was not recovered until the river thawed the following spring. For months, his family endured what they later described as “the worst winter of their lives”—haunted by the uncertainty, waiting for a phone call, aching for a chance to bring him home. And when that day finally came—when he was found—it marked not only the end of their agonizing wait, but also the moment they could truly begin to grieve. His farewell ceremony took place shortly after. They needed to gather. They needed to speak his name. They needed to see the people who loved him and who understood the depth of the loss. Only then could they begin to breathe again.
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Green Flashing Lights Reminder Have you seen a personal vehicle with green flashing lights driving toward you or behind you? The signs posted throughout our community remind us to watch for these green flashing lights on personal vehicles. Steve Beasley, Deputy Fire Chief at the Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Department, adds, “These lights indicate that a volunteer firefighter is en route to an emergency. While not an official emergency vehicle, drivers are encouraged to yield or pull over safely when they see these lights. Your co- operation helps reduce response times and supports the safety of our community.” For firefighters, the reward lies in knowing they have made a real difference in people's lives, keep - ing their community safe and providing help in times of need. Next time you see a local volunteer firefighter, take a moment to thank them for their service in keeping Strathroy-Caradoc safe. Consider becoming a volunteer firefighter, which comes with a sense of pride and duty, and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our communities. To learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter, contact Deputy Fire Chief Steve Beasley at: sbeasley@strathroy-caradoc.ca
Hometown Strathroy- Caradoc Issue #55 July/Aug 2025 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced Hometown Strathroy- Caradoc is published ten times a year with thousands delivered free to area residences, set out at local venues, and posted online at www.villagerpublications.com Publisher & Editor: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Barb@villagerpublications.com 519-282-7262 Content Manager: Lynne WIlliams All articles by Lynne Williams unless noted otherwise Graphic Artist: Jon Botten Advertising: Gloria Rae Gloria@villagerpublications.com 519-495-4564 Debbie Mindorff Debbie@villagerpublications.com 519-870-3203 Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. We’d love to hear from you. Contact Barb at Barb@villagerpublications.com Kevin Langs, Vice-President of Langs Bus Lines, in front of one of their new electric school buses. See story on pages 12/13.
Please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com or Gloria@villagerpublications.com for more information regarding any of our local community magazines. Visit our website at villagerpublications.com to read them all. YOUR JUNE 2025 VILLAGER PUBLICATIONS LINEUP
Proudly Canadian Villager Publications is a proudly Canadian-owned and operated compa- ny, deeply committed to supporting our local communities. We’re ALL and ONLY about your LOCAL artisans, entrepreneurs, events, service organi- zations, businesses, people and places. Creating jobs for fellow Canadians, we use all homegrown resources to write, design, publish, print and deliver your Villager magazines each month. With every issue, we celebrate the spirit of Canada.
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc July/Aug 2025
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which most citizens interact. We are fortunate to be led by Director of Legislative Affairs (Clerk) Jennifer Pereira and Deputy Clerk Melonie Car- son. We are looking for a second deputy clerk. As this is the last summer column, there are three things to remember. First, Rib Fest is be- ing held July 4, 5 and 6. Second, our ongoing Saturday markets are happening downtown Strathroy (including the night market on August 2), and third, continue to shop local. Lastly, I hope that you find time to relax, enjoy the summer weather and spend quality time with friends and family. Even though this col- umn is about Strathroy-Caradoc, I know that within a short drive, there are some amazing towns, beaches, and destinations. We are truly blessed to live in a region that has so much to offer. I encourage you to support all our local economies by visiting those places. Have a great summer.
Mayor’s Message Under the Municipal Act, the provincial legisla- tion to which all municipalities are required to adhere, there are three mandatory positions that we must have. Note that the Act reads “Shall have,” not may have. We must have a Treasurer, a Chief Building Official, and a Clerk. Let me explain a little more about what the Clerk does. This position is an integral part of town administration and, as mentioned, is re- quired by every municipality. According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Clerk is responsible for the following: “. . . the handling of all legislative matters, pre- paring Council agendas, recording decisions and the proceedings of Council. They facilitate Municipal elections and act as an information source for Council, staff and the Public. They can lead or be part of a larger department of legislative or corporate affairs.” On any given day, the Clerk’s office can issue Marriage licenses and act as a Commission- er for the taking of affidavits. Here in Strath - roy-Caradoc, they also handle Freedom of Information requests, lottery licenses, and cemetery requests. The Clerk’s Office (known in our municipality as Legal and Legislative Affairs) is the center of activity at Town Hall and the department with
Colin Grantham, Mayor 519.245.1105 x 251 cgrantham@strathroy-caradoc.ca www.strathroy-caradoc.ca
Colin
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Special Wishes from your Community Businesses, Clubs, Neighbours and Friends
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Building a Buzz: Bee Brick Brings Pollinator Power to Your Backyard
What started as a roadside resto- ration project is now buzzing its way into gardens across North America. Founded in 2017 by Rick Tusch, his son Billy, and friend Marty Welsh, Pollinative Pathways began as a nonprofit focused on reclaiming and rewilding land along Ontario’s bus - iest highways—including the 401, 402, and 403. By removing invasive species and planting native wild- flowers, the team has created vital habitat corridors for pollinators like bees, butterflies, birds, and bats.
“We wanted to give something back to the land that gave so much to us,” says Rick. “That meant building spaces where pollinators could thrive—first along highways, and now right in people’s backyards.” “My story is really a journey, which is rooted in a love for the land and a commitment to sustainability,” says Rick. “Growing up in rural Ontario, I was inspired by the farming communi- ty that surrounded me, fostering my passion for eco-friendly practices and environmental stewardship.” Enter the Bee Brick—an eco-friendly nesting structure de- signed for solitary bees, including mason and leafcutter bees. Unlike honeybees, these quiet pollinators don’t form hives or produce honey. Instead, they prefer small cavities in wood, stone, or brick—and they happen to be responsible for polli- nating nearly 75% of our edible plants. “Encouraging solitary bees should be a priority for any gar- dener. These remarkable pollinators are responsible for polli- nating three-quarters of our edible plants,” says Rick. The Bee Brick, inspired by a UK concept and now patented and trademarked by Rick and Bill Tusch, gives these essen- tial pollinators a safe, weatherproof place to nest. They’re simple to install, beautiful in design, and incredibly impactful. With pollinator populations declining due to pesticides, mono- culture farming, and habitat loss, Rick and the team believe small actions can lead to big change. “Bee Bricks are a natu-
ral extension of what we started,” Rick explains. “They’re an invitation—for bees, and for people—to be part of the solu- tion.” Rick envisions Bee Bricks becoming a staple in gar- dens across North America. “With Pollinative Pathways, we laid the groundwork for pollinator pathways; now, with Bee Brick, we can extend those pathways right into your gardens and yards.” To learn more or to support the initiative, visit: www.pollinative.ca and www.beebrick.ca
Save Your Pop Tabs! Gordon Robbins, a long-time resident of Melbourne, has become the king of collecting can tabs to raise money for MRI accessories to accompany the new machine being installed at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH). He hopes to collect enough tabs to raise between $2,000 and $5,000 by fall 2025. He’s well on his way with 5.5 million tabs collected so far, making him 1.5 million tabs away from a Guinness World Record. Save your pop tabs! Gord will be collecting tabs until Fall 2025 and encourages everyone to help raise the funds. For more information on where to take your tabs, contact Gord at 226-378-5942 or email tiny- beachesboy@live.ca.
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• Some heart disease medication • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (analgesics) • Antihistamines • Acne medication Your Pharmacist is there for you
Your Pharmacists can help with Medication Questions Michael Gleiser Owner/Pharmacist Bosson’s Pharmacy & Home Health Care
Your pharmacist will tell you if your medication is likely to en- hance your sensitivity to sunlight. The risk of experiencing a pho- toallergic or phototoxic reaction is very low and, in most cases, they can be avoided by taking the appropriate sun protection measures, getting the right information and avoiding heatstroke. For at-risk persons, such as those with certain skin diseases, the pharmacist may suggest switching to a different medication. If you think you are experiencing a reaction to the sun, consult your healthcare professional. Before taking an over-the-counter medication or a natural health product, be sure to carefully read the warnings on the package or check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sun protection, consult your beauty advisors or pharmacist. They are there for you!
Medication and sun: What are the risks? If your pharmacist warns you to protect yourself against the sun during your treatment, you should take their warning seriously! Some medicines are said to be photosensitive - they can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight or even trigger an allergic reaction when you go out in the sun. Could this be a form of sun allergy or a sun allergic reaction? Let's find out. Phototoxicity: A rapid reaction When ultraviolet radiation from the sun penetrates the skin, it can interact with the medicine circulating through the blood vessels on the skin surface. When activated by UV rays, some medications can cause damage to skin cells, causing a reaction similar to sunburn. This phototoxic reaction occurs rapidly. Sun-exposed skin b comes red, hot, and painful. The result looks like a severe sun- burn, one that seems out of proportion compared to the time actually spent in the sun. In more serious cases, blisters can form on the skin. Photoallergy: A delayed reaction When UV rays from the sun interact with medication, they can trigger an immune system response. This is known as a pho- toallergic reaction. Photoallergic reactions are less common than phototoxic reactions, and are usually associated with a product that is applied on the skin, such as a medicated cream or a perfume. This kind of reaction generally occurs one to three days after exposure to sunlight, and resembles a bout of hives or eczema. In serious cases it can extend beyond the area that was exposed to sunlight. The most common photosensitive drugs A number of over-the-counter and prescription drugs have been linked to cases of phototoxic or photoallergic reactions: • Some antibiotics • Some antidepressants • Diuretics • Hormonal contraceptives
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Have a Safe and Happy Summer! Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc Magazine will be back in September!
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc July/Aug 2025
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skills in fun and engaging ways, such as making pop-up appearances at local events.
STARK & CO. Painting and Trim Specializing in residential interior and exterior painting and the removal and replacement of baseboard trim. To be diagnosed with dementia, the symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person’s independence and their ability to perform everyday activities. Symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the cause. For example, people with Lewy body dementia often have long-lasting visual hallu- cinations. Some forms of dementia also tend to affect people younger than others and progress faster. Treatment and Prevention ere are some basic rules: Cover up whenever possible. A longer cotton skirt, for example, might feel cooler on a hot day than a pair of shorts, and will help guard you from the sun. Kaedon J. Stark (519) 872-0347 StarkPaintingAndTrim@Gmail.com CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL FOR A FREE QUOTE & CONSULTATION Stark.PaintingTrim StarkPaintingTrim Treatment of dementia may depend on the specific cause. Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease usually involves treating the declining memory and gradually worsening behavioural symptoms with a range of medications (which may also be used in other forms of dementia), including: cognitive enhancing agents Wear a hat. Hats keep the sun’s rays off the scalp, face, and back of the neck, prime areas for skin cancer. A good hat will also shelter and protect your eyes from the sun’s powerful rays. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go out, even if the sun doesn’t seem particularly strong, or it is cloudy. Damaging ultraviolet rays can still penetrate clouds, so don’t take a chance. Always apply sunscreen that has a minimum To advertise here please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com Workers with Pride! Dementia can be caused by many diseases that affect the brain. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Others in- clude vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal and mixed dementia. Types of dementia differ based on underlying causes and can affect specific symptoms and how it progresses. Symptoms and Complications Many of us often experience forgetfulness. We may forget where we put the car keys or repeat the same story to a friend or family member. These behaviours are usually caused by the information overload of our busy, stressful lives – it doesn’t mean that we’re developing dementia. As people age, they may experience memory changes such as slowing of information processing. This type of change is normal and doesn’t interfere with day-to-day functioning. By contrast, dementia is disabling and not a normal part of aging. Although dementia often presents itself differently from person to per- son, common symptoms include: gradual loss of memory of recent events and lack of ability to learn new things increasing tendency to repeat oneself, misplacing objects, becoming confused and lost in familiar places slow disintegration of judgment and reasoning abilities increasing irritability, anxiety, depression, confusion, and restlessness increasing communication and language difficulties (forgetting words or substituting incorrect words) changes in personality, behaviour, or mood decreasing ability to focus and pay attention inability to plan and carry out tasks that require multiple steps (e.g. pay - ing bills). 1 lime zested and juiced 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 cups chicken breast cooked and shredded 3 zucchinis spiral sliced 2 large carrots spiral sliced (or 2 cups of matchstick carrots) Kung Fu & Tai Chi School EXPERIENCE MARTIAL ARTS AND WELLNESS BOOK A TRIAL CLASS AT https://kungfu-taichi.ca Dedicated classes for children • Day Camps Classes for teens, adults and seniors. Dementia is not a specific disease, but a general term that describes a gradual decline of mental ability that affects your intellectual and social skills to the point where daily life becomes difficult. Dementia can affect your memory, language skills and decision-making ability; impair your judgment and make you feel disoriented; and it may also affect your personality. s with most good things, moderation and good sense are the eys. The goal is to have fun outside but to stay safe at the ame time. Healthy Thai Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles by Sabrina Snyder HEALTH & WELLNESS by Peter Semchism No Such Thing as a Healthy Tan here is a common myth that if a person tans well, they’re otected from these harmful rays. Not true! While it is true that ir-haired, blue-eyed people are most prone to burning, and erefore are more susceptible to the sun’s rays, even tans are ally just damage control – they’re your body’s way of trying to otect itself from the sun. But the damage is already done and an’t be reversed. Years of sun worshipping, be it outside or in a nning salon, will eventually show up later on in life as wrinkles, oor skin elasticity, and possibly skin cancer. (226) 998-8703 Enhance Physical Health, Confidence and Self Esteem with Sifu Carlos Ferraz Dementia Could Happen to Anyone… Because Everyone Ages. The Facts 190 Wortley Rd. Martial Arts and Wellness Programs in the Heart of Wortley Village Peter Semchism “The biggest benefit of Strathroy Toastmasters is that you will find your voice in a safe space where people listen and support you,” explains Heather Cabral, Vice President of Membership. “It’s a great way to connect with others and gain skills that truly ripple into your life.” The club is also about more than practicing formal speeches. They strive to find creative ways to practice their communication Finding Your Voice Toastmasters clubs help people develop communication skills that apply to every aspect of life, including expressing them- selves clearly, thinking on their feet, leading conversations, and learning to speak from the heart without hesitation. The Strathroy Toastmasters Club is a vibrant, down-to-earth community of entrepreneurs, tradespeople, professionals, and retirees that welcomes everyone who wants to learn to be a bet- ter communicator, regardless of their current skill level. Healthy Thai Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles with a fresh peanut lime sauce mixed with veggie noodles makes a perfect light meal and lunch the next day! Adapted from: www.dinnerthendessert.com/healthy-thai-pea- nut-chicken-zucchini-noodles/#wprm-recipe-container-8130 Yield 6 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Ingredients 1 clove garlic minced 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced 4 tablespoons peanut butter
Offer expires September 30, 2020 The Strathroy Toastmasters Club meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 pm, alternating between virtual via Zoom and in-person meet- ings at the Gemini Sportsplex. If you’re interested in joining or would like to visit as a guest, contact Heather at strathroytoastmasters@gmail.com. Still going across town for prescription refills? We can make life simpler. Ask us about easy prescription transfers. Members must be 18 or older. There is a membership fee that works out to approximately $5 a week, which provides access to the meetings, mentorship, and Toastmasters Inter- national’s learning platform and resources. Guests are always welcome to try a meeting for free before deciding to join. • Avoid the sun when it’s at its peak. It’s strongest between 11 am and 4 pm, so use that time to do activities indoors if possible. • If you are applying other products to the skin, double check with your pharmacist about which product to use first. For example, insect repellants should be applied at least 15 minutes after applying sunscreen. Always keep in mind that we are here for you and your needs. Please feel free to give us a call. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health or medications. You can reach us at 519-652-9066 Peter Semchism is a Pharmacist at Greenhills Pharmacy in Lambeth. 1. Add the garlic, ginger, peanut butter, lime juice and zest, soy sauce and red pepper flakes to a small bowl and mix together. 2. Add your canola oil to a large frying pan on high heat. 3. Add the zucchini, carrots and bell peppers to the pan and cook until just wilted, 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Add in the chicken, sauce, cilantro and green onions and toss together until all warmed through. 5. Garnish with peanuts and wedges of lime if desired. 1 red pepper spiral sliced 1/3 cup fresh cilantro chopped 1/4 cup green onions diced chopped unsalted roasted peanuts and lime wedges (optional) Instructions There is no treatment that can “cure” Alzheimer’s disease, nor are there medication that can halt or reverse the brain damage caused by it. How- ever, there are medications that can relieve symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Medications such as donepezil*, riv- astigmine, and galantamine may be used to slow down memory loss. Prevention of stroke is important for vascular dementia. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or have had a stroke, you should seek continued treatment for these conditions to prevent future strokes. The key to caring for and helping people with dementia is to focus on the many activities the person can still do safely. Encourage a person with dementia to continue daily routines and maintain social relationships as much as possible. Help them maintain a healthy lifestyle through exer- cise, proper nutrition, and fluid intake. Special diets and supplements are generally unnecessary. If you are caring for someone with dementia, the following may be help- ful: reminders: Provide written lists of things to do including times, places, and phone numbers to help the person complete the task. structure and stability: Minimize undue noise and disturbances to re- duce anxiety. establish routines: Daily and bedtime routines can reduce disorientation and anxiety. speaking slowly and calmly: Present one thought or instruction at a time. information card: Reduce the risk of wandering and getting lost by pro- viding a pocket card with the person’s name, address, and phone num- ber. safety: Make your home environment as safe as possible by keeping furniture in the same place, removing clutter, installing locks on medi- cine cabinets, and setting the water heater at a low temperature to avoid scalding. driving: Don’t allow someone with dementia to drive a vehicle. Drive them or arrange for rides wherever they need to go. Caring for someone with dementia can be difficult. It requires under - standing, patience, and compassion. Joining an Alzheimer’s disease caregiver’s support group in your community may be helpful. Be prepared for the eventuality that your loved one’s condition will dete- riorate over time and additional full-time personal care may be needed. In some situations, placement in a nursing home is in the best interests of the individual and their family. Peter Semchism is a Pharmacist at Greenhills Pharmacy in Lambeth. Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd. Let us make the Custom Made, Locally Built Shed Your Back Yard Deserves! Hand Crafted – Custom Built Mini Barns • Work Sheds • Play Houses Pool Change Rooms Looking for a New Shed this Summer?
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ARTIST OF THE MONTH
ple, makes excellent dragon wings. Streaked glass in the background creates the illusion of flight for a bird.
If the Glass Fits When long-time Strathroy resident Pamela King Black consid- ered retiring, she knew she had to find something artistic to do. She loves exploring various creative outlets, like felting and sew- ing, but after taking a stained-glass class with Rachel Hayes at Beveled Edge Glass Studio in Strathroy, Pam knew she had found the perfect fit. Ten years later, Pam has honed her ability to create unique stained-glass pictures of landscapes, animals, and interesting objects, like the Hylian Shield from the video game Zelda. “I love the versatility of glass,” explains Pam. “It comes in several colours and textures and can be fired, blown, fused, and cut into different shapes and forms.” To create a piece of stained glass, Pam starts with an idea for a subject, then researches the images she needs using the in- ternet, pattern books, photos, and her imagination. She works with the pictures she finds to create her design, choosing the shapes, colours and textures of glass she needs to achieve the desired effect. Pam explains that some glass pieces should be vibrant to show- case the subject, while others should be more subdued. The right texture can highlight specific elements. Crackle glass, for exam -
Pam finds inspiration for her work in anything that piques her interest, from sights she sees on her travels to memories from family events or el- ements invoked by hobbies of friends and family. The shield from Zelda, for example, was a piece Pam made for her son. What Pam loves most, however, is the design process and the satisfaction she feels as she sees the pieces come together. It’s a delicate and detailed process that can be challenging and lends itself to making mistakes. Pam is okay with that because it's how she continues developing as an artist. “You learn with each piece. Drawing the pattern, cutting glass – recutting it when it breaks – fitting it together,” adds Pam. “These projects can be challenging, and I feel very proud of each one.” Next, Pam wants to learn glass fusion, a process of melting and fusing layers of glass in a kiln to make glass-on-glass designs. Pam hopes aspiring artists find the courage to try whatever art form they find interesting. “If it makes you happy, it’s likely a good fit.”
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc July/Aug 2025
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Strathroy Market Makes Shopping Local Fun
Shopping local has taken on more importance than ever this year. That’s why the Downtown Strathroy Market is a fantastic opportunity to support merchants and artisans from the Strath- roy-Caradoc area and beyond. You will find over 40 vendors at the downtown market located on Front and Frank Streets, which is open to pedestrian traffic only every Saturday morning from May 24 to August 30. The market opens at 9 am and closes at 12 pm. The Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc has operated the Down- town Strathroy Market since 2021. However, the market, in one it- eration or another, has been part of Strathroy’s history since 1861. While the market today may look very different than it did over 160 years ago, it is still a place for local vendors with a wide variety of goods for sale to showcase their wares. From bakeries to cre- ations made by 3-D printers, florists, and a host of artisans and BIA businesses, visitors are sure to find whatever they are looking for. “The goal is to fill the market with products that are grown or made locally as much as possible,” explains Kait Topham, Events and Booking Coordinator for the Municipality, “we want to be a place where local businesses can come, share, sell and connect with the community.” Besides organizing vendors, the team at the Municipality has been busy creating other engaging activities for young and old alike. This year, Strathroy-Caradoc’s Camp Team will be on hand each Saturday morning with either a bounce castle or an-
other activity for kids. Kait and her team are also planning some new activities for this year’s night markets. Night markets are a fun opportunity for people to visit the ven- dors and enjoy a licensed beverage with live music and a variety of activities. This year, a night market takes place on, Saturday, August 2 from 4 pm to 10 pm in downtown Strathroy. The Mu- nicipality is adding an additional night market on September 20. Every summer, the Downtown Strathroy Market welcomes be- tween 300 and 600 visitors at the morning market and up to 4,500 at the night market. The Downtown Strathroy Market plays a critical role in support- ing local businesses. The Municipality has an agreement with the BIA to ensure space is available at the market for downtown businesses that want to participate. “We are really focusing on ‘local first’,” adds Kait. “While we are not considered a farmers market, we still want to be a place where local businesses can come, share, sell and connect with the community. The market engages the community, showcas- es the Downtown’s vibrancy and community spirit and the de - sire to shop local.” For more information about becoming a vendor, volunteering, or general market information, email market@strathroy-caradoc.ca.
JULY 5, 2025 Alexandra Park Vendors, live entertainment food vendors, family fun, FREE!
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Langs Bus Lines: All Charged Up and Ready to Roll
In 1968, Doug Langs founded his school bus company, oper- ating out of his hometown of Strathroy. Following its inception, four buses began transporting students to Strathroy District Collegiate Institute (SDCI). As school boards expanded to encompass larger regional areas and rural administrations, Langs grew in tandem with them. By the mid-70s, Langs was supplying safe transportation for kids across several counties and townships, including Lon- don. Today, Langs Bus Lines safely transports students across much of Southwestern Ontario and operates out of 6 main branches. Within this network of branches, Langs houses over 700 vehicles and services approx. 630 routes. In terms of their home-to-school transportation, Langs operates bus- es, vans, and accessible vehicles for passengers with spe- cial needs. They also offer bus rentals for community groups across Southwestern Ontario. To this day, Langs Bus Lines proudly remains a family-owned and operated business, with Vice-President Kevin Langs heading the organization. He is the second generation to lead the company, alongside family member Jim Fergusson, who manages Langs’ Sarnia Branch. Kevin recalls spending his summers, years ago, cleaning buses and hand-painting the tire rims. After graduating from university and pursuing oth- er professional interests, Kevin rejoined the family business in 1992 as a school bus driver and then worked in dispatch, bringing his experience in the company full circle.
While Langs has played an important part in school bus trans- portation for over 50 years, Kevin began charting a new course for the company’s future in 2017 when he successfully applied to the Ontario Electric Bus Pilot Program. As part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan, the pilot program was designed to collect performance data, including range, charging times, and maintenance requirements, across various operational contexts. Kevin later applied for the Zero Emission Transit Fund (ZETF), a Canadian federal program designed to help communities transition their public transit and school bus fleets to cleaner, zero-emission vehicles. Launched in 2021, the ZETF provides $2.75 billion over five years to support the purchase of ze -
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc July/Aug 2025
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Main Branches:
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ro-emission buses and the construction of related infrastructure, such as charging stations. The ZETF helps communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, which accounts for about 25% of Canada’s total emissions. By encouraging the shift to zero-emis - sion transit, the ZETF helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Canada’s goal of net-zero emis - sions by 2050. It also promotes healthier communities and can lead to long-term operational cost savings for transit operators. With the help of the ZETF grant, Langs began transitioning their fleet of diesel school buses to electric ones in 2023. Langs bus - es come from Lion Electric, a Canadian company specializing in building electric buses and other commercial vehicles designed to produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable environment. Their buses include wide aisles, composite bodies, and modular skirt designs for improved safety and comfort. By 2024, Langs had 70 electric school buses in operation. They will continue transitioning to electric school buses as their diesel buses age out after a 12-year life span. “Our goal is to transition many more buses to electric by 2027,” adds Kevin. Transitioning a bus fleet from diesel to electric is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and execution. For example, electric buses require specific infrastructure for charging, which includes installing charging stations at various depots.
Currently, Langs Bus Lines has five charging locations. The shift to electric buses also requires special training for drivers to under- stand the operational differences of the vehicles and for mainte- nance staff to learn about electric propulsion systems and battery management. Electric school buses produce zero tailpipe emis- sions, significantly reducing students’ exposure to harmful pollut - ants. The absence of engine noise in electric buses creates a quieter environment, allowing students to converse, read, or relax without the typical rumble of diesel engines. While the buses may sound and run differently, they are the same standardized colour of yellow, which is synonymous with school transportation safety and is now a legal requirement for school buses in Canada. “The shift to electric vehicles is coming, and we’re committed to leading that transformation,” says Kevin. “By embracing this change now, we aim to be at the forefront of sus- tainable transportation.” Langs Bus Lines is living up to its exceptional standard of safe- ty and not just for the valuable lives they transport every day. “We’re proud of what we have accomplished so far,” Kevin shares. “We now have buses that are electric and environmen- tally friendly. We’re doing what we can to protect our community and our planet.”
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Nick Homorodean: fondly remembered by Libby McLachlan For those of us growing up after the War, the ‘throwaway so - ciety’ had not yet arrived. Worn-out shoes were restored and re-soled, purses and bags re-stitched. Visits to Nick’s Shoe Re - pair on Frank Street were part of our life, especially for growing families on limited budgets. No job was too much effort and you were greeted with a smile when you entered the shop. And in the end, you were handed shoes that looked almost like new, because Nick had polished them on his special rollers before putting them in a re-cycled paper bag. When he retired in 2002 at age 75 the town missed not only his shop but that smile. Nick’s father, Nicolae Homorodean, his wife Mary and baby daughter Mary immigrated to Canada from Romania in 1925. They settled in Windsor, close to Nicolae’s brother, and added Nick and his brother Cornell to their family. Nicolae had been a shoemaker in Romania. In Windsor he learned English while working at various jobs, including one in a shoe repair shop. His goal: to eventually have his own shop. When Nick was seven the family moved to Strathroy, where his father worked for (Hen- ry) Rivers Shoes, repairing footwear in the store basement. Lat- er he opened a shop on Front St W. When that building burned down (the current Libro site), he rented space at the back of Charlie Gill’s grocery store on Centre Street across from the old post office. Most of Nick’s growing-up years were spent in the family home at the top of the hill on the southeast corner of Kittridge and Cara- doc Streets. There were chickens, dairy cows and pigs. Along with school, Nick did the farm chores, while Cornell worked for a fuel business near the railway tracks. When Nick’s father died in 1958 at age 60, he had just sold the Kittridge property to Cam- eron Sommerville, in order to buy J.C. Down’s building on Frank St., where he planned to open a new shop with Nick. Nicolae had taught his shoe repair skills to his son. So Nick opened the repair shop and built an addition, complete with an apartment at the back for his mother. And, doing most of the work himself, he made two rental apartments above the shop. Nick and Lillie McDonald had been married in 1950. When I visited them in 2016 they were still living in “The Homorode- an’s Earthly Home”, the house at 80 Thomas Street they bought when they were married 66 years earlier. Over time they had built additions to each side of their small white house and dug a basement to put a large room downstairs. Nick did most of the interior work, rearranging the space as their family grew. Their house was full of the memories and mementos of a lifetime, and their love and respect for each other and their Christian faith were plainly visible.
Nick and Lillie Homorodean’s home at 80 Thomas Street where they lived for almost 67 years
Nick at work in his Frank Street shoe repair shop, 1986
Back to the shop on Frank Street, where Nick was busy mend- ing shoes, purses, belts and tents, replacing zippers and sharp- ening skates. Tobacco farmers brought in worn canvas satch- els and bibs, and hockey and baseball players needed leather gloves repaired. Nick had his Dad’s heavy sewing machine, and added a new one. Almost every night he would go back to the shop to keep up with the work. He closed on Mondays in or- der to catch up and, like the whole town, the shop closed on Wednesday afternoons. Once a month a representative from his supplier in Windsor dropped in to take orders for leather, soles, heels etc. Two settees along the wall encouraged peo- ple to come in and visit, especially Dutch and Portuguese folks who were learning English. Nick always remembered who had brought in which items for repair, and exactly where they were amidst all those on the shelves – although he did use a ‘dupli - cate ticket’ system with numbers, never names. So he knew his customers by sight, if not by name, and they all felt welcome in his shop. For many years, Nick closed his business for three weeks each summer. He and Lillie took their five children camping at the Pinery. (While growing up Peter, Holly, Sandra, Andy and Donna all helped in the shop.) He had sewed a big addition to their tent, to cover a picnic table in case of inclement weather. Later, Nick and Lillie had a trailer, which they used until age 80. In 1992 they spent a month visiting Nick’s sister, Mary, who was married to a Presbyterian minister in Hong Kong, and brought home lots of souvenirs. Sadly, Nick died earlier this year, on March 25. For the past several years complications following knee surgery had left him unable to walk. But when I visited a year ago he greeted me with the same smile I remembered from his shop. He had a well- thumbed large print Bible beside his chair, which he had read from cover to cover in each of the past three years, and which gave him great comfort. Editors note: Originally published in the Age Dispatch, November 2, 2017. Nick Homorodean died on March 25. Photos courtesy of Homorodean family
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc July/Aug 2025
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hear some amazing music, and be part of a local tradition that proves just how powerful community can be,” says Ken. For updates, readers can follow Rockin’ Wheel on Facebook. If You Go: What – Rockin Wheel’s 20th Anniversary Festival, a 19+ event. When – Saturday, July 26 from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Where – Lions Park, Lions Park Drive, Mt. Brydges, ON Who – David Wilcox, Bobnoxious, The Joel Dupuis Band, and All Star Band featuring Brad Gibb. Tickets – www.ticketscene.ca/events/52382
Rockin’ Wheel: Small Town, Big Heart Celebrating 20 Years of Music, Awareness, and Community Spirit in Mount Brydges What started as a heartfelt idea from one man has grown into one of Mount Brydges’ most anticipated annual events. Rock - in’ Wheel, founded in 2005 by local resident Ken Allore, is far more than just a summer concert. It’s a powerful communi - ty-driven fundraiser dedicated to raising awareness of neu- rotraumatic injuries and mental health. “This year’s twentieth anniversary festival takes place Saturday, July 26 at Lions Park in Mount Brydges and features a stellar lineup of Canadian artists, including headliner David Wilcox, Bob- noxious, The Joel Dupuis Band, and an All-Star Band fronted by Brad Gibb,” says Ken. “It is a true slice of Canadian Rockin Roll.” Ken’s story is one of resilience and purpose. In 1986, he was checked from behind while playing hockey—an incident that left him a quadriplegic. But rather than letting the injury define him, Ken turned his personal tragedy into a lifelong mission. Over the years, he’s reached more than 30,000 students across Southwest - ern Ontario, spreading awareness about the dangers of checking from behind and promoting injury prevention. Rockin’ Wheel was born from Ken’s love for music and his passion to educate and inspire. What began as a one-time fundraiser has grown into a full-blown annual outdoor concert, featuring an im- pressive lineup of all-Canadian talent. Over the past two decades, the stage has been rocked by the likes of Sam Roberts Band, Fin- ger Eleven, The Trews, Headstones, David Wilcox, Chad Brown- lee, Econoline Crush, and many more – including fan-favourites like No Exceptions and Bobnoxious. “This isn’t just a music festival – it’s a celebration of community spirit, driven by a small town with a big heart. Each year, a tight- knit group of friends, family, and volunteers rally together to de- liver an unforgettable experience in the name of a good cause,” says Ken. As Rockin’ Wheel marks over twenty years of impact, the event continues to grow while staying true to its roots: raising funds, raising awareness, and rocking out for a reason. “So, this summer, bring your friends, grab your lawn chair, and join the celebration in Mount Brydges. Support a cause,
633 Lions Park Dr., Unit 2 Mt. Brydges, ON N0L 1W0
Mike Beattie mike.beattie@mbins.ca
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