Hometown Strathroy - Caradoc April 2025 Issue 52
"This year was our best Coldest Night of the Year event yet,” says Dave Berdan Director of YFC Strathroy 37 Frank Youth Centre and Crash Bed. “Our theme was ‘Changing the tune’ and Strathroy-Caradoc, you did that in a big way. You showed the youth that you care, and you gave the light of hope to all the youth we serve. Thank you!" This year’s Coldest Night event also had more sponsors that helped them exceed the centre’s fundraising goal of $83,000. David adds that they are looking forward to creating more in- house services like a health and cooking programs. For more information on YFC Strathroy 37 Frank Youth Centre
Strathroy-Caradoc Warms Up the Coldest Night of the Year This year’s Coldest Night of the Year event certainly demon - strated the warmest hearts in the Strathroy-Caradoc area. The awareness and fundraising event raised almost $90,000 – a re - cord for YFC Strathroy 37 Frank Youth Centre and Crash Bed, who organizes the event every year. On a chilly February 22, 174 walkers from 34 teams hit the streets of Strathroy to raise awareness and funds in support of youth who may be in crisis, at risk, facing homelessness, food insecurity or who simply need a safe place to hang out. The top team raised over $9,000 and the top individual walker raised over $10,000. The money will go towards operational costs for the youth center and crash bed site located at 37 Frank Street.
and Crash Bed, visit www.yfcstrathroy.com. Photos courtesy of Colleen Wiendels Photography
Your one stop auto and truck DETAIL SHOP
28412 Centre Rd., Strathroy (Located next to Home Hardware) Mon-Fri 8am-5pm | Sat & Sun: Closed Closed: Easter & Good Friday 519-520-0800 primeshineautospa1@gmail.com
Page 2
To advertise here please contact Gloria@villagerpublications.com
Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
London so that pathologists could try to figure out what caused this beautiful little girl to stop breathing. The second job was to somehow assure the devastated parents that Danielle wasn’t leaving with a stranger. When I asked the dad if there was a special song that he liked to sing to her, he immediately responded, “Yes, Wildflowers by Tom Petty.” He continued, “I have sung it to her since the day she was born.” I pulled out my phone and found the song on iTunes. The whole way into the city, Danielle and I listened to that meaningful song. My heart was hurting on that drive. It was May and the wildflowers were in bloom along the side of the road. I felt com - pelled to pull over and pick some. I placed the wildflowers with my travelling companion, took a picture, sent it to her mom and dad and continued on my way. I met with Danielle’s family again at the ceremony we held for her. Her dad told me that the picture of the wildflowers surround - ing his daughter was the only good thing on the worst day of his life. Danielle reminded me that little things can have a big impact and that you are never too old to pick wildflowers.
Wildflowers by Bill Denning A few months ago, I had one of my most challenging moments as a funeral director and as a human being.
It began with an early morning trip into London to transfer a dearly departed person from the hospice back to the funer - al home. On my way into the city, I received a call from the police that we were needed for a “house call”. The answering service message stated it was for a child. I hightailed it back down the highway so that I could drop off the gent I had just picked up and retrieve an empty stretcher.
As I pulled up to the home of the next call, I knew it wasn’t going to be good. Three police officers including the forensics team greeted me. It was indeed a child. I was told by Victim Services that her name was Danielle, and she was 4 ½ months old. I entered the house and found a kitchen full of people that in - cluded victim services volunteers, friends, grandparents and the most broken-hearted yet courageous and loving mom and dad I have ever met. The way I saw it, I had two jobs to ac - complish. The first was to take Danielle from her home into
Denning's of Strathroy 32 Metcalf St. W. Strathroy www.strathroyfuneralhome.com 519-245-1023
To advertise here please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com
April 2025 Page 3
New Local First Campaign at a Store Near You You have probably already seen the decals in shop windows proudly pro - claiming the store, products, and services are local and Canadian. The wave of “buy Canadian” that has swept the country in recent weeks has reached Strathroy-Caradoc with the launch of the Local First campaign last month.
The Local First campaign represents a partnership between the Municipality of Strathroy-Cara - doc, the Strathroy Downtown BIA, the Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce, and the Mount Brydges Business Association that champions and supports local businesses in response to re - cent tariff threats from the United States (US). The campaign encourages consumers to shop local first. Shopping at local businesses strength - ens the economy by keeping money in the community, supports neighbourhood services, and creates employment. When local businesses thrive, the community thrives. “In these challenging times, it is important for the community to support local business,” stated Mayor Colin Grantham. “We are asking residents to consider local business first when it comes to purchases.” Consumers and businesses can spread the word by displaying the Local First logo on their so - cial media. Businesses can also help by placing a Local First decal in their store window. The logo will be available through social media templates on the new Local First website at www. localfirstmovement.ca. Decals will be distributed through the partner groups and available at Town Hall. You can also request a decal on the Local First website. The window decal and social media templates are important tools for demonstrating your sup - port of the campaign and to spread the word about the importance of shopping locally. The Local First website also provides resources, information on upcoming events, and available programs and services to help businesses better understand the tariff situation and how to nav - igate it. Visit www.localfirstmovement.ca. Whether you're a local business or a consumer in the Strathroy-Caradoc area, visit www.localfirstmovement.ca to access valuable information, download the campaign’s social
Hometown Strathroy- Caradoc Issue #52 April 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 Parents Jen McKenzie and Ryan Douglas enjoy a spring day at Centennial Park with kids, Kingsley and Xavier.
media templates, share photos online, and submit testimonials for your favourite local businesses. As Aimee Bloemendal, (MBBA) Rep, says: “To - gether, we can build a thriving local economy. When we shop local, we all succeed!” Window de - cals are also available at Bert's Repair Service in Mount Brydges, 22463 Adelaide Road.
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 MARCH 2025 VILLAGER PUBLICATIONS LINEUP
To advertise here please contact Gloria@villagerpublications.com
Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
Page 4
miniums, and walk-up apartments. I, like most of Council, have received questions regarding the change from single-family homes to multi-res - ident units (townhomes, etc.). This is what the market is asking for right now, and developers are reacting. Homeownership has become un - affordable and out of reach, not just for first-time buyers but for many. The solution is multi-unit housing mixed in with single-family homes. Finally, as I write this, the threat of tariffs from south of the border looms over us, and there is a great deal of uncertainty. Tariffs will no doubt hurt, especially our manufacturing sector and our agriculture industry, which is still our num - ber one economic driver. To help counter this and send a positive state- ment of support to our local businesses, a “Lo - cal First” campaign was announced on March 13 at Town Hall. This is a collaboration be - tween the Municipality, the Strathroy Chamber of Commerce, the Strathroy BIA and the Mount Brydges Business Association. Aside from the threats coming from the US, it is always a good idea to support local businesses.
Mayor’s Message I want to write about these three topics this month: a new CAO, construction updates, and tariffs. First, in February, we announced Trisha McKib - bin's departure and the hiring of Rob Browning on an interim basis. Rob comes to us with a wealth of experience. He's been a Firefighter and a Fire Chief, and he's taken on progres - sively more responsible positions in several municipalities. This includes a three-and-a-half- year interim role in Chatham-Kent. The CAO position is integral to the success of our com - munity and is the linchpin between Council and Staff. The CAO is Council’s only employee. Part of Rob’s mandate is to lead us through implementing the Service Delivery Review and to move the Strategic Plan forward. Second, we are seeing movement finally on the long-awaited, long-planned developments in both Strathroy and Mount Brydges. Having gained approval from the County and Coun - cil, the Westdell subdivision in Mount Brydg - es is progressing. In Strathroy, shovels are in the ground at the corner of Head and Second Street. As well, a public open house, the first public step in the planning approval process, was held for a development on Darcy Street. The common theme for these developments is the introduction of more townhomes, condo -
Colin Grantham, Mayor 519.245.1105 x 251 cgrantham@strathroy-caradoc.ca www.strathroy-caradoc.ca
Colin
REBATES ARE BACK! Call or Click today to learn more!
519-237-HEAT (4328) jaydensmechanical.com
To advertise here please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com
April 2025 Page 5
To advertise here please contact Gloria@villagerpublications.com
Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
Page 6
the plight of all wildlife from human expansion, secondary rodenticide, and climate change. “There is no comparison to seeing an owl or snake live,” says Brian. “It makes a much deeper impres - sion than watching a video.” Salthaven’s presentations include topics relating to species at risk, the role the environment plays in the lives of animals, and human encounters with wildlife, to name a few. Salthaven can also tailor their presentations to support any school curriculum.
When Animals Do the Talking When you attend a Salthaven pre- sentation, the presenter will share stories and details about the in- terconnectedness of humans, the environment, and the wildlife that calls it home. However, it will be the wildlife ambassador working with them that will leave a lasting impression. Brian Salt, Salthav - en’s founder, knows that his wild - life ambassadors speak louder than words, and he’s excited to introduce the newest member of the Salthaven education team.
Astra as a hatchling
Astra, the Great Horned Owl and Salthaven’s newest Wild - life Ambassador
Astra is a one-year-old Great Horned Owl who came to Salthaven as a hatchling from the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, a research, education, and captive raptor breeding organization near Simcoe, Ontario. “We knew having a Great Horned Owl would make a fantastic am - bassador, so we approached the Conservancy as soon as we heard of Astra’s hatching,” ex - plains Brian. “It’s important the owlet imprints at a very young age to develop the confidence and trust in its trainer.”
Besides Astra, Salthaven’s other wildlife ambassadors include Chaukar, a Laggar Falcon who has lived at Salthaven for 21 years; Spirit, a Bald Eagle; fan favourites Shikoba, a Red-tailed Hawk, and Gusselda, a 6-foot Black Rat Snake, and lastly, Kogi the Ground Hog, another ambassador-in-training. It’s important to note that everyone at Salthaven sees Astra and the other wildlife ambassadors as family and respects their feel - ings, giving each animal agency over their day. Trainers tune into each animal’s body language, just as we tune into the moods of our family and friends. “They have their own language, and we must learn it,” explains Brian. “When we enter their mews, we can tell by subtle cues what kind of day they’re having. If it’s a bad day, the animals are left alone. If a scheduled ambassador is not up for a presenta - tion that day, we take a different one.” Salthaven’s mission is more than rehabilitating injured wildlife. You could say they also try to rehabilitate human understanding through education. Their wildlife ambassadors inspire a lasting passion for improving the environment and demonstrate what we can do to help wildlife populations in Ontario. To learn more about Salthaven, visit www.salthaven.org. To book a presentation, email presentations@salthaven.org. Photos courtesy of Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Services
Chaukar, Laggar Falcon
Astra has proven to be an eager student. She can fly from perch to perch and is comfortable in front of people. She responds well to hand signals and is ready to fly free with telemetry. Brian expects Astra to make her debut public appearance by June. Salthaven’s education programs connect people with animals and nature to teach them that their actions can make a difference. As - tra’s role, and that of her fellow five ambassadors, is to “speak” on behalf of their wildlife counterparts to help audiences understand
Shikoba, Red-tailed Hawk
Spirit, Bald Eagle
To advertise here please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com
April 2025 Page 7
Wear well-fitting shoes Poor-fitting shoes can increase the risk of a fall. When buying new shoes, opt for a specialty footwear store rather than a de - partment store, especially if your parents have special needs or have trouble putting their shoes on their own. These shops of - ten have a better selection of shoes to meet a range of needs, and their sales staff is better trained to help you. Use walking aids If your parents are reluctant to use a cane or walker, even if they need one, ask them why. If there is a problem with the de - vice, you may be able to fix it. If they feel self-conscious about using a walking aid, try explaining to them that the consequenc - es of a fall are far more serious than other peoples’ perceptions of them. Adapt the home To reduce the risk of falls at home, your parents should be able to get from one room to another as directly as possible, with - out having to negotiate any obstacles in the way. If need be, rethink the layout of the rooms and remove any unnecessary furniture or knick-knacks. Remove any rugs or carpets your parents could trip on, or at least make sure they have non- slip backing. Good lighting is also very important, especially if your parents have vision problems. Install night lights in the hallways and bathroom so they can see properly when they get up at night. If there are stairs in the home, make sure they are well lit, that the handrail is firmly attached, and that there are no objects on the landing or stairs. Remember to check that outdoor walkways and entrances are free of clutter and well lit. If necessary, consider hiring someone to keep them clear of snow in the winter months. Falls often occur when seniors try to get something that’s just out of their reach. Check that ev - eryday objects are easy to reach, for example pots and pans in the kitchen, and towels in the bathroom. Your pharmacy team can help you choose the right equipment to prevent falls and can order specific equipment if it isn’t in stock at the pharmacy. In many cases, you can rent the equipment if it is for temporary uses or simply to try out before a purchase. Your pharmacist can review your medication therapy to identify potential medications that may increase your risk of falls and recommend alternatives. Don’t hesitate to talk about your fall prevention needs to your pharmacist! https://www.guardian-ida-remedysrx.ca/en/article/tips-to-pre- vent-falls-at-home#
Your Pharmacists can help with Medication Questions Pharmacist Meagan McGill
Tips to Prevent Falls at Home
According to Statistics Canada, be - tween 20% and 30% of older Cana - dians experience one or more falls each year, and many of them require hospitalization as a result. Over one third of those older adults are unable to go home after falling, and are ad -
mitted to a long-term care centre. Fall prevention should there - fore be a priority for your parents or grandparents who still live in their homes. The risk of falling can be reduced by taking a few simple measures: Staying active Keeping active helps keep muscles strong and reflexes sharp. Elderly people can attend exercise classes that are designed specifically for them. Use medication wisely Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can increase the risk of falls by causing drowsiness, dizziness, or a drop in blood pressure. If your parents are prescribed a medication, take the time to discuss it with their pharmacist to be sure you fully understand its effects. Likewise, always ask the pharmacist first if your parents are thinking of taking an OTC medication or natural product. Never assume a product is right for them just because it works for you. Watch for dehydration Dehydration can cause confusion and dizziness, which in turn can result in a fall. Older adults are more likely to get dehydrat - ed as they may lose the reflex to drink as they age. To reduce the risk of dehydration, seniors should be encouraged to drink, especially during heatwaves, for example by placing a pitcher of water where they can reach it easily. You should also ask their pharmacist or doctor for advice if they experience a bout of vomiting or diarrhea. Don’t be rushed Older adults, especially, should be careful not to change posi - tions too suddenly, for example, getting out of bed in the morning or getting up from a chair, as it can cause dizziness. Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom or beside the bed, to make it easier to change positions. Other situations that can lead to falls include rushing to answer the phone or to get the door, espe - cially if it involves negotiating stairs. It is best to let the phone or doorbell ring rather than risk a fall trying to answer it. Have eyesight checked regularly It’s important to be able to see obstacles clearly in order to avoid them. Regular eye exams are an opportunity to have vision checked and to adjust prescription glasses as needed. If your parents suffer from an eye disease like glaucoma or macular degeneration, make sure they go for their regular fol - low-up appointments.
Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm
To advertise here please contact Gloria@villagerpublications.com
Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
Page 8
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Amie worked as a recreation therapist for years, helping peo - ple use art for healing. When the pandemic hit, she struggled with depression and needed something to help ground her. Fiber arts became that anchor. “I taught myself to spin yarn. The process was meditative, and I loved how hands-on it was.” Amie artistic skill is mostly self- taught, learning through hands- on experience, online tutorials, experimenting, and mentor - ship. Currently, she is complet - ing a spinning yarn certification with the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. “Looking back, I realize now that I’ve always been an artist. But my art is about process, trans - formation, and intuition. Creativ - ity for me isn’t about mastering one thing. It’s about exploring.”
It’s All About the Process Amie Latta is a local artist whose eclectic range of work defies being categorized by any label or placed in any traditional artistic box. How - ever, there is no denying that her creations are works of art that cap - ture the essence of playfulness and transformation using rich colours and textures found in natural fiber and repurposed textiles. Amie’s primary artistic focus is spin - ning raw sheep fleece into yarn, making natural dyes from plants, and repurposing old clothes into new creations. What those cre- ations become is part of the trans - formative process she embraces with each idea and project. Amie may crochet a beautiful wrap or weave a wall hanging with yarn she’s spun. She may just as easily dye a piece of fabric and morph it into anything from a Christmas or - nament to a scarf. Amie’s work has a handmade, or - ganic feel that showcases wobbly (226) 998-8703 Enhance Physical Health, Confidence and Self Esteem with Sifu Carlos Ferraz
190 Wortley Rd. Martial Arts and Wellness Programs in the Heart of Wortley Village
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.
To Amie, art is all about the process – letting yourself play, be messy, and have fun transforming the materials, and yourself, along the way. To see more of Amie’s work, visit www.cxnstudio.com or email info@cxnstudio.ca. Also find Amie on Instagram @cxnstudio. Photos courtesy of CXN Studios
lines, uneven stitches, and raw materials. “I’m drawn to uncon - ventional techniques, sustainability, and repurposing materials,” Amie explains. “My work isn’t about making perfect pieces—it’s about learning, discovering, and letting creativity flow naturally.” Amie didn’t set out to be an artist, and it took her a long time to embrace the idea that she was one. Her original plan was to be - come a nurse. However, in her final university year, she took an art class to boost her GPA, and that changed everything. “I was reminded how much I loved creating, how it quieted my mind and helped me feel present,” adds Amie. “I switched to ther - apeutic recreation, blending creativity with mental health work.”
Looking for a New Shed this Spring?
STARK & CO. Painting and Trim Specializing in residential interior and exterior painting and the removal and replacement of baseboard trim.
We fix what your husband repairs & so much more! Ask about our Plumbing Service Plans!
Kaedon J. Stark (519) 872-0347 StarkPaintingAndTrim@Gmail.com CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL FOR A FREE QUOTE & CONSULTATION Stark.PaintingTrim StarkPaintingTrim 519.207.0621 elgincountyplumbing.ca Workers with Pride! Residential / Commercial 24 hr Emergency Services Visit our showroom at 16 Barrie Blvd., St. Thomas
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
Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd.
Space Needed for Small Sailboard Near Beach: Port Stanley
To advertise here please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com
April 2025 Page 9
Bark Loud to Bolster the Boys The Mount Brydges Bulldogs hit round 1 of the PJHL Schmalz Cup Playoff season running with a 3-game winning streak against the North Middlesex Stars.
The Stars snatched any chance of the Bulldogs sweeping the series by capturing the next two games, forc - ing the series to a sixth game. The Bulldogs showed their teeth and
came up with a 9-4 win on March 6 to wrap up the series. Noah Cameron led the Bulldogs in points during the series, with 6 goals and 5 assists for a first-round series total of 13. Aiden Berry had the Bulldogs back with a solid performance netminding. He took 225 shots against, only letting in 13 over the 6-game rally. This gives Aiden a 2.8 goals against average (GAV) and a 0.942% saves percentage (SV). However, it takes the whole pack to push through, which they intend to do in round 2 where they meet the much-improved Petrolia Flyers. The Bulldogs won against the Flyers during regular season play, winning the last 4 of their 6 games. They will be looking to stay top dogs in this match-up, which promises to be a high-en - ergy series. At the time of this writing, the Bulldogs are down one game behind Petrolia in this nail-biting Round 2 series. It’s been an exciting series so far and a real dog fight to the finish. Keep Barking Loud to cheer your favourite dogs at the Tri-Town Arena. Any Mt. Brydges Cougars players wearing their jersey or team jacket get into the game for free as do children 13 and under who are accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the door. While hockey season is almost over, the Bulldogs could still use volunteers. If you're interested in volunteering on game days or as a board member, contact General Manager Brian Griffiths at bgriffiths9494@gmail.com. Photos courtesy of KPH Photography
for low-income seniors who live in London or Middlesex County dental care FREE Strathroy and London Clinics
• Foot Care Freedom Clinic
Call 548-866-0243 11 Metcalfe Street W., Strathroy Bookings are by appointment. No referral is necessary. Visits are covered by most health insurance plans. Sonya Such BScN, D.Pod.M., Registered Chiropodist
Dental Health Matters Get the care you need today!
For more information call 519-663-5317 today!
To advertise here please contact Gloria@villagerpublications.com
Page 10 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
Get Ready to Rumble Mark your calendars! Saturday, April 12, a battle is coming to the Caradoc Community Centre in Mount Brydges. Five local bands will perform one after the other, putting all they have into being crowned the “Ultimate Retro Rockers.” The Caradoc Home & School Association (CHSA) is organiz - ing this iconic event to raise money to upgrade Caradoc Public School’s sound system. CHSA is a volunteer organization com - prised of parents and school staff that supports extracurricular activities for students by coordinating events and fundraising. When the school performed its first live theatre production last year, it realized the need to upgrade the sound system, including several new microphones, amps, and other technology to help improve the sound. “What better way to raise money for theatre than with some fan - tastic musical talent,” explains Sheri Faccenda, Executive Fund - raising Chair for CHSA. “We wanted to do something big and different from the usual galas and golf tournaments.” Things came together quickly in October 2024 when Sheri be - gan organizing the event. “Before I knew it, I had five bands committed to performing and collaborating on the planning. The home and school community of volunteers are so excited to help with this event. It couldn’t happen without them!” Sheri adds that CHSA has secured several sponsors for the event, including the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc through their Com - munity Events Program, Orchard Clothing Co., Strathroy Forest of Flowers and Burd-Kroft Propagation Inc. “We’d like to thank all our sponsors. Your support helps our idea come to life!” Funds for the new sound system will come primarily through tick - et sales. There will be a cash bar and pizza by the slice, chips, and pop for sale. The event is for those 19 and older. “Theatre opens up an alternative way of learning, from audition - ing, backstage production work, to audio video assisting and much more,” adds Sheri. “When the community supports such a worthy cause, we all benefit. It’s a great way to get people out and together, sharing a fun experience.” The show promises high energy from the first note to the last, with music spanning the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. If you’re 19 or older, get ready to rumble on the dance floor at the Caradoc Community Centre, 565 Lions Park Drive, Mount Brydges, Sat - urday April 12. The show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $30 plus tax on Eventbrite www.CHSA-BOTB.eventbrite.ca. Check out the five bands answering the battle cry: Mirror Moves
Stay Off The Grass This group of close friends play a sound that’s characterized by a mix of energetic rhythms and catchy melodies. Wait until you hear sounds of CCR, Neil Young and Pearl Jam come from this group! Band Members: Kasey McNaughton, Andrew Hopgood, Geoff
Craig, Amer Djulbic, Derek Carter Photo courtesy of Stay off the Grass Insomniax This trio of old friends with a shared love of music is all about fun and en - ergy. If you love Green Day and the Beach Boys, wait until you hear these guys! Band Members: Kris Gear, Jody Pin - This four-piece punk rock band will belt out the songs you know but with their own twist. With the sounds of The Clash, Van Morrison and The Chicks, they are sure to get your body moving! Band Members: Jay Rutherford, Steve Kent, Cal Hill, Bruce Locke Photo courtesy of The Strands Loaded Dice This exciting Rock 'n’ Roll cover band is a mash-up of a business owner, stay-at-home dad, contractor and a radio personality: four guys who will have you grooving to Guns N' Roses, Billy Joel, and many others. combe, Patrick McLaughlin Photo courtesy of Insomniax The Strands Band Members: Chris Soares, Motley Moner, Alper Tabakcilar, Ivan Catojo Photo courtesy of Loaded Dice
This band will play your popular clas- sic rock, dance, and even some not- so-common but recognizable tunes. Get ready for the sounds of R.E.M., Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker and more! Band Members: Brad McClelland, Jordan Isaac, Mark Kropka, Eddie Fernandes, Grant Peel Photo courtesy of Warren Stinson
To advertise here please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com
April 2025 Page 11
dens around. When Elwyn passed after a short but fierce battle with cancer, Katie channeled her grief into tending her own garden. “It was my way of keeping my Gramps alive in my heart,” says Katie. Katie’s hobby quickly became a passion, and in 2021, Katie turned that passion into a job working for a local florist. Katie learned a lot from that job, including how much she loved creat - ing floral arrangements. However, as a single mom raising three boys, Katie found going to the floral company took too much time away from her kids. “The solution was Elwyn’s Garden,” Katie explains. “We started by creating bouquets in our basement in the fall of 2021, and by
A Blooming Business Katie Watson loves watching a flower changing from bud to full bloom, and she shares that love with Strathroy and the surrounding community as owner of Elwyn’s Garden, a florist shop that started as a labour of love in a basement studio but has swiftly grown into a full-service store at 10 Metcalfe Street West. “We created Elwyn’s Garden to provide fresh flowers at an afford - able price for everyone,” says Ka - tie. “We believe everyone should always have beautiful blooms brightening their space.” At Elwyn’s Garden, Katie and her team create everything from everyday bouquets to custom ar - rangements for life’s milestones, including celebration of life, wed - ding florals, gift baskets, and sub - scription packages that ensure a steady stream of fresh flowers to your home or work.
Katie's grandfather Elwyn Eby planted a love of flowers and gar - dening in her. According to Katie, Elwyn had the most pristine gar -
*2 item minimum
ORDER ONLINE AT dominos.ca
425 Caradoc Street S. (519) 246-8000
Su-Th 11:00am-12:00am Fr-Sa 11:00am-2:00am
To advertise here please contact Gloria@villagerpublications.com
Page 12 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
June 2024, we had storefront space where customers can enjoy the flowers and browse our gift items, many of which come from local small businesses and artisans.” Katie’s older boys created the business name, Elwyn’s Garden. “It honours his memory. It's like he’s with us every day,” Katie adds. Elwyn’s Garden is a family business in more than name. Katie’s three boys work in the day-to-day operation. Her mom, dad, and sisters also help with various aspects, such as running the store - front, attending the Strathroy Farmers Market, making deliver - ies, creating promotions, helping with event set ups, and even providing the space for the storefront. Elwyn’s Garden is operat -
ed out of a renovated space in Katie’s older sister’s store, “Once Upon A Time Weddings”. Katie feels blessed to have her family helping her dream unfold, and she’s grateful for the incredible support that the community has given her. She works hard to ensure she returns that sup - port by partnering with other small businesses and supporting various sports teams. Katie is excited to see Elwyn’s Garden continue to grow and hopes to offer more workshops and continue spreading joy as her flowers light up ordinary moments and special milestones. For more information, visit www.elwynsgarden.ca or find Elwyn’s Garden on Instagram and Facebook. Photos courtesy of Elwyn’s Garden
To advertise here please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com
April 2025 Page 13
STRATHROY-CARADOC LOCAL EVENTS – APRIL
Sunday April 27 Ladies Auxilliary Breakfast Buffet Mt. Brydges Legion 9:00 am – Noon Adults $10, Kids $5 Call 519-264-1580 Saturday May 3 Strathroy-Caradoc Home, Garden and Leisure Show Gemini Sportsplex, Strathroy 9 am – 5 pm Free DATES TO REMEMBER April 18 Good Firday April 20 Easter Sunday April 21
Thursday April 10 Free Community Lunch St. John the Evangelist Church 34 Head St., Strathroy 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Thursday April 17 Ladies Auxilliary – VON Lunch Mt. Brdyges Legion Noon – 2 pm $15, pay at the door Call 519-245-3170 to register Thursday April 17 Window Sill Gardening Strathroy Library 34 Frank St. 5:30 pm Free All ages welcome Friday April 25 Veteran Family Presentation ‘Getting Started: Your Family Journey’ Strathroy Legion
Thursdays – April 3, 17, 24 Free Lunch All Saint’s Church 124 Front St. E., Strathroy 11:30 am Wednesday April 2 Chip Bingo Lions Hall 432 Albert St., Strathroy Doors open at 6 pm Game starts at 7 pm Wednesday April 2 Lion’s Foundation of Canada Guide Dog Draw 432 Albert St., Strathroy 8:30 pm April 7 – May 17 Seed Library Free vegetable, herb and flower seeds Drop-In Strathroy Library 34 Frank St. (while supplies last)
Easter Monday Sunday May 11 Mother’s Day
7 pm Free
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
SPRING INTO A NEW HOLME!
Call Ken to buy or sell your holme!
BROKER OF RECORD
519-495-2222
Join the Local First Movement! Local businesses are the heart of our community. Creating jobs, driving innovation, and keeping our economy strong. With the new tariffs and economic challenges, it’s more important than ever to choose local first. Whether you’re a consumer looking to support Canadian businesses or a business owner seeking resources to navigate these challenges, we’re here to help.
A joint initiative by the the Municipalty of Strathroy-Caradoc, Strathroy BIA, Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce, and Mount Brdyges Business Association to support local businesses impacted by tariffs.
www.localfirstmovement.ca Supporting local businesses is easy and makes a big impact. Whether you choose to shop local first, leave a review, or engage with businesses on social media, every action helps strengthen our community. Show your support by spreading the word—download our social media toolkit and use the Local First frame to highlight your commitment to Strathroy-Caradoc area businesses!
22469 ADELAIDE ROAD, MOUNT BRYDGES, ON
THESTILLBAR.CA 519-264-0880 @THESTILLBAR
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs