Hometown Strathroy - Caradoc Sept 2024 Issue 46
September LOCAL EVENTS
Wednesday September 4 Chip Bingo Lion’s Hall 432 Albert St., Strathroy Doors open at 6 pm Games start at 7 pm Wednesday September 4 Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dog Draw Lion’s Hall 432 Albert St., Strathroy 8:30 pm Thursdays – September 5, 19 & 26 Free Lunch All Saint’s Church 124 Front St. E. 11:30 am Sataurday September 14 Caradoc Open Golf Tournament Wardsville Golf Course 1948 Longwoods Road, Wardsville 10 am $100 per player, incl golf cart & meal Register at Mt. Brydges Legion
Thursday September 19 Ladies Auxilliary - VON Lunch Mount Brydges Legion Noon – 2 pm $15 at the door Contact 519-245-3170 for more info Friday September 20 Marilyn’s Friday Nite Fish Fry Mount Brydges Legion 4:30 pm – 7 pm $20 advance tickets only Tickets at the Legion Saturday September 28 Euchre Championship Strathroy Library Saturday September 28 Mount Brydges Shopping Extravaganza Caradoc Community Centre 565 Lions Park Dr., Mt. Brydges 10 am – 2 pm Free 34 Frank St., Strathroy 11 am - must register Call 519-245-1290
WEEKLY EVENTS
Mt. Brydges Legion 2500 Veterans Dr., Mt. Brydges 519-264-1580 Mondays – Bingo 2nd & 4th Wednesdays – Cards Fridays – Darts, Euchre Saturdays – Meat Draw Fridays – Catch The Ace Saturdays – Meat Draw 4th Wednesday - Seniors Euchre Strathroy Legion 266 Metcalfe St., W., Strathroy 519-245-0683 Thursdays – Luncheon, Bingo
Watch for the kids as they head back to school!
Autumn is just around the corner!
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ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Rediscovering the Artist Within Dawn Siddall is a self-taught artist with an innate craftiness that she brings to her painting and pottery. Dawn’s journey in the world of art began in the late 1990s when she owned a ceramic store and took pottery and drawing classes at Fanshawe College.
As often happens, other hobbies and commitments took Dawn away from her art for several years. One of those hobbies happened to be motorcycles. A hand accident eight years ago forced Dawn to take a break from riding.
For Dawn, the journey to reclaiming the artist within has been one of seeking knowledge, experimenting with what interests her, and most of all, practice, practice, and more practice. Her advice for aspiring artists: “Don’t give up, and don’t let the details get you down if the piece isn’t going quite the way you want. Have fun!”
During this break, Dawn rediscovered her artistic world. She watched YouTube videos and took workshops in acrylics and alcohol ink to help hone her craft. She began with painting in acrylic, alcohol ink, and soft pastels, then fired up her kiln, and she’s been working with clay ever since. Dawn considers herself a clay artist and loves creating hand- built pottery using various tools, such as a slab roller, coils, and ceramic moulds. She often prints 3D moulds as forms for the slabs of clay. She also continues dabbling in acrylic and alcohol ink painting. Inspired by nature, Dawn has no shortage of ideas she wants to try. “Living in the rural area and walking around out-of-doors gives me ideas I want to try after my walk,” explains Dawn. “It’s also very relaxing and takes my mind off everyday stresses.” What gives Dawn great joy is making pieces for people’s homes. She typically starts with a sketch and then creates her vision in clay. Dawn’s goal is to continue developing her craft and to sell her pieces. She also plans to offer classes in pottery hand-building, workshops where everyone learns the same project, and possibly host paint parties using alcohol ink or painting on clay.
To see more of Dawn’s works, email her at DawnedOnMeCreations@gmail.com or go to dawnedonmecreations on Instagram or dawnedonmeartist on Facebook or visit DawnedOnMeCreations.ca.
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September 2024 Page 3
Strathroy & District Historical Society (SDHS) The Strathroy & District Historical Society (SDHS) was formed in 2008 and primarily focuses on the local history in Strathroy-Caradoc and surrounding areas, including Adelaide-Metcalfe. Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly meetings on the third Monday except for July, Au- gust and December. They meet at 7 pm at the Wescast Room at the Gemini Sportsplex, 667 Adair Blvd, Strathroy. The presentations reflect our rich heritage of long-established businesses, local historical events and people, and a show and tell night. Recent talks have included Moore’s Blacksmith shop, researching your family home, drive-in movie theatres and our fun June outing to interesting places. New and longtime residents enjoy the passion of sharing history. SDHS will publish and sell their latest Tales of Our Town – Even More Strathroy and Area Stories this November 2024. The book contains a compilation of sixty stories and tales that have been published in the local newspaper with additional information and images. These books have been very popular and make an excellent Christmas stocking stuffer. Further information is available at sdhsociety.weebly.com, Facebook page, YouTube channel or by emailing sdhsociety@gmail.com. Mace Cookies Submitted by the Strathroy & District Historical Society (SDHS) Ingredients Directions 1. Cream together egg, brown sugar and shortening. 2. Dissolve baking soda in warm water. 3. Add mace to water mixture and combine with cream mixture. 4. Add flour and mix well. 5. Drop on baking sheet by tsp and press with flour covered fork. 6. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 or 11minutes (9 minutes for undercooked cookies). Makes 32 cookies. Recipe is from Lottie Buttery (1901 – 1982) a long time Metcalfe resident. Mace cookies are still eaten by her great-great-grandchildren. The Buttery family were early 1832 Adelaide Township settlers. 1 egg 1 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup shortening 1/4 warm water 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp mace 2 1/2 cups cake and pastry flour
Timbuktu Alpaca & Agri-Tourism farm Photo credit to Bonnie's Photography
Hometown Strathroy- Caradoc Issue #46 September 2024 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
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Mayor’s Message Welcome back! When you read this, it will be September, and the kids will be back in school. Hopefully, we'll be back to our normal routines. As I write this, though, it’s early August, and we, the Municipality, are dealing with the effects of at least three torrential rain events. In fact, on my computer is a report updating the Council on the damages that happened to four parks in Strathroy because of the major rain the week of July 7 – 13. Call it what you will – climate change, global warming or just “weather” – the fact is that we experienced more rain than normal. Apart from problems in our parks, the more profound effects are felt by homeowners experiencing flooded basements, street flooding, and the impacts on agriculture, our number one economic driver. Strathroy-Caradoc is not alone in facing these challenges. Almost every Municipality is facing issues with rain and the resulting stormwater. Look at the flooding in Toronto and the closure of the Don Valley Parkway. Closer to home, the village of Glencoe has had challenges of its own when there is a torrential downpour. Strathroy is unique in that four of our parks lie in a flood plain and naturally feel the brunt of a rain event. What was unusual this summer was that the rain occurred in the middle of the season.
The issue isn’t just rain, although the excessive rains are compounding them. Aging infrastruc- ture and, in some areas, lack of stormwater sewers contribute to street flooding and pond - ing. Rapid urbanization, both with residential and commercial buildings, contributes to in- creased run-off. The more we pave, the more water runs off onto roads and already overbur- dened storm sewers. So, what are we doing about it? We have be- gun the process of a Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Master Plan. We know that there is an issue, but we also know that we will con- tinue to grow over the next twenty years. This plan will guide us in capital planning and timing of infrastructure upgrades, all of which will be done in a cost-effective and environmentally sensitive manner. Let’s hope for a drier Autumn. 190 Wortley Rd. Martial Arts and Wellness Programs in the Heart of Wortley Village
Colin Grantham, Mayor 519.245.1105 x 251 cgrantham@strathroy-caradoc.ca www.strathroy-caradoc.ca Come learn the benefits of cursive writing and try your hand at some pangrams with Dez, a local archivist. PA Day Creativity Break (Teen) February 2, 2024 3:00 – 4:30 pm (Drop-In) What’s Happening at Landon Library Submitted by Ashleigh Hickey Cursive Writing (Ages 8+) January 20, 2024 10:30 am – noon (Registered) It’s time to be creative! Drop by your local library to take a break and create. Craft supplies may vary, chill vibes only. STEAM, Saturdays (Family) February 3, 2024 10:00 – 11:00 am (Drop-In) Drop-in to explore a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math related activities! AlvegoRoot Theatre Trivia Night Manor Park Memorial Hall, 11 Briscoe Street For ticket information and to learn more about AlvegoRoot’s 2024 season, visit www.alvegoroottheatre.com
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and thousands more are diagnosed with a tobacco-related illness. Some of the risks associated with smoking include: • Nicotine addiction • Reduced life expectancy and quality of life • Increased risk of developing lung cancer, and at least 15 other cancers • Increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases • Dental problems, such as tooth loss and bad breath WHICH IS BETTER? Nicotine is addictive no matter how you consume it, so you can still get hooked on vaping just as quickly as you can get hooked on smoking. And since nicotine is a stimulant, it can also cause side effects like increased heart rate and anxiety. Health Canada recognizes vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. In fact, when used to quit smoking, vaping is associ - ated with short-term general health improvements. That being said, vaping shouldn’t be a long-term solution. The best way to improve your health is to quit all forms of nicotine. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO PERMANENTLY QUIT? Anyone who’s ever tried to quit knows it’s not easy. If you’re looking to quit smoking, your pharmacist can be a valuable ally in your journey to becoming nicotine-free. Not only can they provide you with information and resources about quit - ting, but they can also help you develop a quit plan tailored to your needs. They can also offer guidance on choosing the right nicotine replacement product, such as patches, gum, or lozenges. Depending on where you live, they may be able to prescribe medication that may be covered by your insurance. Your pharmacist might ask you about your smoking habits, how long you’ve been smoking, and whether you’ve tried to quit before. They will also want to know if you have any medi - cal conditions that could make quitting more difficult. With this information, your pharmacist can help you choose the best method of quitting, whether it’s gradually reducing your intake, using medication to ease withdrawal symptoms or quitting cold turkey. Source: www.guardian-ida-remedysrx.ca/en/article/vaping-vs-smoking#
Vaping vs. smoking: what are the differences? Smoking and vaping nicotine both have negative health effects, but vaping is often seen as a safer al- ternative, especially when you want to kick the cigarette habit. While the long-term effects of vaping are not well known, it’s becoming clearer that there are potential risks involved. Your Pharmacists can help with Medication Questions Pharmacist Meagan McGill
Let’s find out the differences between vaping and smoking, how they affect your health and the solutions that exist to per- manently quit. WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH VAPING? The vapor created when vaping contains fewer and different chemicals than those produced by burning tobacco. This may seem gentler on the lungs, but it is not completely safe. There are health risks linked to other chemicals found in vaping products, which means that using nicotine-free liquids may not be risk-free. For example, some chemicals in vape liquids, like vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol, are safe for inges- tion (eating). However, when they’re heated, they create new chemicals that may not be safe for the lungs. When heated, poorly manufactured devices can also let go of contaminants, such as nickel, tin and aluminum, that can cause additional lung irritation. Here are some of the documented risks associated with vaping: • Some vaping liquids contain large amounts of nicotine. High nicotine levels can form addiction and impact brain development in fetuses, children, and teens. • The liquid in vapes can be irritating to the eyes and skin. • Certain chemical flavourings contain diacetyl. Inhaling di - acetyl causes inflammation and may lead to permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways, a phe- nomenon called popcorn lungs. There is no lasting treat- ment to it. • Device malfunctions may cause injury from fires and explosions. • When heated, certain chemicals found in vape liquids can form formaldehyde, which is dangerous to one’s health. High levels of exposure may cause certain types of cancer. • The long-term effects of vaping are still not well known. Other health risks may be uncovered over time, as was the case with cigarettes. WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING? Cigarettes have been around much longer than vaping, and there have been decades of research showing that smoking is detrimental to one’s health. According to the Government of Canada, every 11 minutes, a Canadian dies from tobacco use,
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Strathroy Students Hit the Big Stage This September, four students from the Needham School of Dance (NSD) will be involved with London’s Grand Theatre in their High School Project production of Matilda The Musical . Ava Alcaidinho, Jasmine Melo, Erica Mota, and Quentin Vieira have been training at Needham School of Dance and Youth Perform- ing Arts (YPA) since they were young and have demonstrated a passion for musical theatre. “They are thrilled to be cast in the High School Project Produc - tion,” says Angela Mota, owner of NSD and YPA and a cast mem- ber of the Grand’s first High School Project, West Side Story . The four students, ranging in age from 14 to 16, have participat- ed in several YPA productions over the years. Ava, Jasmine and Erica will be part of the ensemble for Matilda The Musical and Quentin will be stage managing the production. “They know what it means to be a part of a musical theatre pro- duction,” adds Angela. “Quentin aspires to become a stage man- ager one day, so he’s especially keen to learn the backstage aspects of the theatre.” The 26th annual Grand Theatre High School Project offers high school students the opportunity to experience the working en- vironment of a professional theatre. “The students work under the mentorship of theatre professionals to prepare and mount a full-scale, professionally produced musical on the Grand The- atre’s renowned Spriet Stage,” explains Lia Karidas, Director of Marketing at the Grand Theatre. In addition to forming the entire cast of the production, the high school students selected are involved in all production areas, in-
cluding props, wardrobe, lighting, sound, scenic art, stage man- agement, orchestra, and marketing, Lia adds. A record number of over 270 students answered the Grand’s call for registration for the various roles in this year’s production, which has 20 students involved in production roles, in addition to the 38 students performing onstage and in the orchestra pit. “The High School Project provides leadership, creative, and com - munication skills that serve the students in every area of their lives, on and off the stage,” says Lia. “We’re happy to provide this opportunity at no cost to the participants, with thanks to the spon- sors, donors, audiences, and partners, who make it possible.” The show runs for 12 performances from September 17 to 28. Purchase tickets or support the High School Project with a dona - tion by going online at www.grandtheatre.com or by phoning the box office at 519-672-8800. Photo courtesy of Needham School of Dance L to R: Jasmine Melo, Ava Alcaidinho, Erica Mota, and Quentin Vieira
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September 2024 Page 7 08/08/2024 3:13:44 PM
John Kolstein: Strathroy’s Artist by Aileen Cnockaert
I grew up in a home where pictures by John Kolstein hung on our walls. My parents taught me to appreciate these works of art, and I was fascinated by the intricate detail in John’s por - trayal of Strathroy’s important buildings. As someone who can barely draw a stick figure, I was in awe of his talent. John was born in 1918, grew up in Holland and, in 1957, came to Canada with his wife Froukje and their seven chil - dren. Sponsored by the Ferwerda family, they took up resi- dence in Strathroy. As they arrived in Canada; Froukje was pregnant with their eighth child; two more children were born later, making a family of 12. In the early years they took in foster children as well. After settling into their new home, John took a “Famous Artists Course” by correspondence to perfect his craft. He found employment with Herb Mann, doing home decorating. After a few years he started a custom sign-painting business which he operated until the mid-1970s. By then his wife had passed away and their ten children had grown up, so he devoted himself to his art full-time. Early in his career John was commissioned to draw a number of businesses and homes in the community. His first medium was water colour. Over the years he perfected his technique, learning different styles and experimenting with various medi- ums, often working in pen and watercolour. He believed that “every technique and individual approach has its own person - ality; consequently, you can learn a great deal from the work of other artists - in addition to what you learn from your own mistakes, of course.” Regularly travelling with his 110 cam- era and a sketch pad, when something of interest caught his eye he would photograph the subject and begin a preliminary sketch. An 8 x 10 inch sketch would take about two weeks to finish, and he completed about 25 to 30 paintings annually. John preferred creating his art in his living room with the tele- vision on for company. He used a board on his lap and always drew with a Bic pen. He enjoyed drives into the countryside to look for inspiration. Barns were his favourite subject, the more dilapidated the better. Part of John’s morning routine was going to Nywening’s Cof - fee Shop on Front Street, where he and Dick enjoyed coffee and a chat. Another source of pleasure was watching Saturday morning wrestling on TV. This passion, shared with his family, is amusing to me, as John was a pacifist. Although he had complied with conscription, as required of all men in Holland over the age of 18, he hated the army and the idea of war. His real joy was helping others, and he was willing to assist anyone who asked. Local artist Claude Peyaut is among those who apprenticed with him.
John is probably best known for a series of pen and ink draw- ings of Strathroy landmarks which he undertook as a Centen- nial project. The set includes sketches of the post office, the town hall, the train station and other iconic buildings in town. He was the first artist to showcase his work in the new art gallery at Strathroy Library and continued to display his work there each December, bringing along a box of chocolates for the library staff. He travelled to many art and craft shows in the area, including communities like Bayfield. As a supporter of the Strathroy Art Group, the library and museum John was actively involved in the community and left a significant legacy of paintings and drawings. Museum Strathroy-Caradoc has a number of these works in its collection. In 1990, Strathroy Li- brary presented a retrospective exhibit of John’s work in the Gallery, bringing together both public and commissioned work over the years - not a moment too soon, as he died September 22, 1991 at 73. In John’s words, “The technique I use appeals to people and brings me great pleasure. I just hope that when I’m gone peo - ple will remember me.” They will definitely remember him, as he recorded the changes in the town over time. Today his paintings must be sought out, as they are located in public buildings and private homes and their value is what they tell us about our community’s history. My thanks to John Kolstein’s son and daughter-in-law, Max and Karin, for sharing their memories.
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Filling the Gap One Step at a Time Essential Youth Support is a new grassroots organization help- ing local youth in need throughout the Strathroy-Caradoc area. Their goal is as simple as their approach. Ask, “What can we do?” Then do it. That’s what a group of local people did in December 2023 after they learned of the lack of holiday cheer for young patients be- ing treated for mental health issues at an Ontario hospital. The group began collecting items to make Christmas stockings for them. As word spread, more people offered to help. “We wanted to help these kids feel supported over the holidays,” explains Stacey Landstra, current spokesperson for Essential Youth Support. “So many people see the gap in support for local youth. They want to help but don’t know how.” The group’s effort snowballed as people asked how they could do more. The core group of six – Carol Koepke, Rick Robinson, Lisa McPhee, Tyler Bowie, Lauren Brodie, and Stacey Lands- tra – coalesced into Essential Youth Support. Others have since joined in as sponsors and supporters to continue finding ways to step into the gaps and help. True to their core approach, the group talked to youth in the area, existing support organizations like 37 Frank St., and other com- munity members and asked what they could do. They heard the repetitive theme that youth need better access to mental health services, such as counselling, which can be cost-prohibitive and inaccessible due to long wait times. Essential Youth Support ran a spring and summer campaign to raise funds for subsidizing counselling services for youth in crisis. They are now working with 37 Frank St. to connect youth with counsellors willing to do sessions for free or at a much-reduced rate.
All money raised at Essential Youth Support events goes directly to the youth through the group’s campaigns, which are planned and coordinated entirely by volunteers. They hope more volun- teers will come forward. The commitment needed is small. “One or two hours at an event or doing one administrative task makes a difference,” adds Stacey. Essential Youth Support is also looking for someone to help them file for registered charity status so they can offer tax re - ceipts for donations. For now, they offer $100 sponsorships that businesses can use as a tax credit for advertising. For more information on Essential Youth Support, email helplocalyouth@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook. Photos courtesy of Essential Youth Support Join us in spreading some Christmas cheer! We are collecting items to fill stockings again this Christmas for local youth struggling with mental health challenges from November 15-December 15. Items can be dropped of to local supporters including Strathroy and Mt. Brydges RBC branches, Strathroy Sports or Nicole Miller at 95 Frank St. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Essential Youth Support - Strathroy Email/E-transfer: helplocalyouth@gmail.com
Essential Youth Support members at 2023 Coldest Night of the Year
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September 2024 Page 9
Getting Back to Nature with Alpacas Walking through the barn and pastures at Timbuktu Alpaca & Agri-Tourism farm, you can’t help but feel the pressures of life slide away as you sink into the space around you. Thandi Van Wulven purchased her farm in 2022 with the vision of creating a holistic retreat with wellness practices to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Two years and 22 alpacas later, Thandi’s vision is a reality and growing in popularity. Located at 2211 Egremont Drive, just outside of Strathroy, Than - di opened her doors to the public in 2023, offering a variety of immersive experiences that help her guests slow down, unplug, connect with nature and breathe. “We offer all a chance to connect with the land through engaging and educational experiences” explains Thandi. “Animals are so therapeutic as is being in nature, in the present moment.” One of the ways Thandi does this is by hosting yoga experi- ences while the alpacas roam freely around participants. “The alpacas are curious animals and love being around people. They know to stay off the mats” Thandi laughs. “They love music too.” She also offers “Adopt an Alpaca” a six-month program where you adopt one and care for it through weekly visits on a predetermined
schedule. Participants experience first-hand what’s involved with farm life, such as helping with chores, understanding alpacas, calling them in from the pasture and going hands on with training. Thandi offers many other ways to slow down and connect with nature, including a rustic farm stay, immersive farm visits that are private and are customized to your groups goal, Sunday So- cials where guest facilitators share their skills with participants, and alpaca walks. Raw fiber, alpaca wool, winter hats and winter scarves are available for purchase on site. We also encourage FREE ZOOM WHITENING With purchase of new patient exam. FREE MOUTH GUARD
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Page 10 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
After much research, Thandi decided farming was the answer. She landed on rescuing and raising alpacas because they mir- rored her values. “They’re very eco-friendly animals, and their wool is so versatile” she explains. “They align with the calm, grounded nature of the yogic principles by which I live, and they adapt to my daily routine easily.”
For more information, visit Timbuktu’s website at www.timbuktufarm.com or contact Thandi directly at info@timbuktufarm.com to book a visit. Photos courtesy of Bonnie’s Photography
gardeners to book an appointment to come out and scoop their own “magic beans” (alpaca droppings). Thandi came to farming and raising alpacas out of the need to slow down her own life. After 17 years as a rehabilitation facilita- tor working in London and suffering a personal loss, Thandi felt she was getting lost in her grief and exhaustion. “I needed to find my way back to my joy. So, I returned to my yogic values that focus on grounding and being more present, and I started envisioning a new life for myself.”
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September 2024 Page 11
Strathroy’s Jeff Reed Receives Award Strathroy resident Jeffrey Reed, a 45-year veteran of the South- western Ontario sports media, re- ceived a milestone award on June 7 at the LondonOntarioSports. com awards luncheon at River- bend Golf Community.
Strathroy Back in the Day These old photos of Strathroy show moments of community togeth- erness and remind us of the connections that shaped our neigh- bourhood. They tell the story of simpler times and shared traditions. Looking back at these memories helps us connect with our roots and appreciate the community spirit that still brings us together.
Chris Kubinksi, City of London Coordinator of Sponsorships, Advertising and Sales present- ed Reed with his award "in rec- ognition of continued dedication to London and area sports, and support of the Southwestern On- tario golf community." A print and broadcast sports journalist since 1980, Reed has dedicated much of his life to writing and speaking about local athletes and coach- es, most notably the London Ma- jors of the Intercounty Baseball League, and local golf. He was a pitcher and coach with the Majors for two seasons, 2000 and '01
Annual Strathroy Fall Fair, 1942
Strathroy and Mt Brydges Junior Potato Club annual achievement day, 1943
Strathroy Annual Dominion Day celebrations, 1941
and founded the IBL media relations office before filling the role of Staff Advisory Member with Wilson Golf for 14 years.
Photo credit: University of Western Archives
before
after
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Page 12 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
grade to the X-ray suite and led a gift-matching appeal for the hospital’s COVID emer - gency fund in 2020. Marilyn has always believed in giving back to the commu- nity, as did her friend Lynne Lawrence. This gift was a way to honour Lynne, who passed away in 2021.
MRI Fundraising Campaign Well on its Way
This past July, the Strathroy Mid- dlesex General Hospital (SMGH) Foundation launched its Advance & Renew Fundraising campaign to raise $8.6 million for a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite at SMGH. It’s the largest fundraising effort in the Foundation’s 35-year history. This ambitious goal was set in motion 18 months ago when On- tario Health approved SMGH’s application for an MRI machine. The hospital then approached the Foundation for support, and the process of assessing what was
“We continue to be over- whelmed with gratitude by the generosity of Marilyn Buttery’s ongoing support of SMGH and the way she leads by example giving back to her community,” Sue shares. To recognize Marilyn’s dedication to SMGH, the new MRI suite will be named The Marilyn Buttery & Lynne Lawrence CommonWealth Financial MRI Suite. Lastly, Sue confirmed that a third donor will make a significant contribution that completes the Foundation's initial $5 million pledge. The details had not been announced at press time. While over half the project’s funding is secured, the Founda - tion will now focus on raising the remaining $3.6 million need- ed to complete it. They are considering several strategies and welcome the efforts of the community to rally support. Gord Robbins, for example, set up ice cream buckets at several businesses throughout the county to collect beer and pop can tabs to do his part. The new MRI suite at SMGH will provide more options for ear- ly detection, staging and treatment for patients, reduce wait lists, and improve the quality of patient-centred care for the Strathroy-Caradoc community. It also creates opportunities for sharing resources with London’s hospitals. Construction at SMGH began in April 2024 with a projected completion date of March 2025. For more information or to donate to the Advance & Renew Campaign, visit www.smghfoundation.com. Source: SMGH Foundation press releases dated 07/11/2024, 07/26/2024, 08/02/2024, www.smghfoundation.com/news/ Photos courtesy of the SMGH Foundation Bill & Lynne Gray
Marilyn Buttery
needed and developing a budget and fundraising plan began. “With the approval comes a commitment from the provincial gov- ernment to fund operating costs,” explains Sue McLean, SMGH Foundation's CEO, “but not the equipment or the renovations required to house it.” Besides purchasing the MRI machine, a 3,300 square foot space had to be found within the hospital and renovated to ac- commodate the equipment. The new MRI suite will include the scanning room, patient and prep waiting rooms, offices, and re - ception space. The SMGH Foundation pledged an initial $5.5 million upfront to help get the project started. Only two months into the cam - paign, Sue confirms they've met this goal thanks to three sig - nificant contributions. The first gift announced was $2.2 million donated by Bill and Lynne Gray, owners of Gray Ridge Egg Farms and L.H. Gray & Son Limited. Their gift will fully fund the new MRI machine. The Grays are a family well-known to the Strathroy community and throughout southwestern Ontario. They've been instrumental in the egg production and distribution business for 90 years and employ many people from Strathroy and the surrounding area. In the past, Bill and Lynne have supported SMGH by funding a CT scanner, and mammography and ultrasound equipment. The department encompassing X-ray, CT scanning, Ultrasound and the new MRI suite will be named The Bill & Lynne Gray, L.H. Gray & Son Limited Diagnostic Imaging Department to acknowl- edge the Grays’ commitment to their community and SMGH. “The Grays believe in supporting their farm and worker families,” adds Sue. “They saw the addition of MRI services in Strathroy as a way of doing that.” Marilyn Buttery was the next donor to make a leadership gift toward constructing the MRI suite. Marilyn is a longtime Strath- roy resident and former owner of CommonWealth Financial Ser- vices, where she served clients from Strathroy and the surround- ing area for over 45 years. Having worked at SMGH as a young woman, Marilyn maintains a strong personal connection to the hospital. She funded the up-
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September 2024 Page 13
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Page 14 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
Needham School of Dance: Thirty Years and Still Dancing
Wanda Needham-Dack grew up dancing at the Strathroy Dance Club, the first and only option in town. She worked her way up and became a cer- tified instructor. After teaching at various clubs throughout the area, Wanda was ready to start her own school. That was 30 years ago. In the years that followed, Wanda nurtured her dream studio, Needham School of Dance (NSD) as it evolved to offer different styles of dance taught by talented instruc- tors, many of whom were for- mer students. One such former student is Angela Mota, who founded
Wanda Needham-Dack, former owner of Needham School of Dance
Watching dancers grow from toddlers into young adults has been among the most rewarding aspects of NSD for Wanda and Angela. “Most students stay 10 to 15 years. We see them grow up,” Angela explains. “Watching confident young people doing something they love is magical. Knowing we played a hand in helping them find a creative outlet and a place where they feel involved is rewarding.” NSD will host an anniversary production on December 7 at Centennial Hall to celebrate their 30-year milestone. According to Angela, the show will encompass approximately 300 NSD and YPA students. An original script was written and will be per- formed by dancers and theatre students ages 3 to 18. An NSD Alumni dance will also be incorporated into the show. Today, Needham employs several instructors and choreogra- phers and continues offering classes in various disciplines for students as young as two to adults over 55. Wanda remains passionately involved as an instructor and mentor for the many students coming through their doors each year. Looking to the future, Angela is committed to NSD’s legacy of instilling confidence through art and creativity. “The goal is al - ways to help students achieve their full potential and to make sure that every dancer who walks through that door feels wel- come, involved, and enjoys their time in the studio.” For more information on NSD or their anniversary production, visit www.needhamdance.weebly.com.
Angela Mota, Owner of Needham School of Dance
the Youth Performing Arts (YPA) Company under the NSD um- brella in 2005. Angela has followed in Wanda’s footsteps by not only moving from student to instructor, but she took over as owner of NSD in 2017 when Wanda was ready to step back from running the school. “It was a great honour to be approached by Wanda as the per- son she wanted to continue her legacy,” says Angela. “I've al- ways been a part of Needham School of Dance. It was import- ant to me to keep the spirit and name of this well-established and respected business going. It’s played an integral role in so many lives." Angela began her own dancing career at the age of four, with Wanda as her instructor. Angela began teaching at 15 and is now fully certified in various disciplines with the British Asso - ciation of Teachers of Dancing. She is also working towards becoming an examiner with the Association. For Angela, NSD is more than a job or a business; it’s family. She works hard to keep that feeling of family alive at NSD and to find staff with the same core values she and Wanda instilled over the years.
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September 2024 Page 15
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