Local artists – squared Oakridge-area artists Sam Axford and Sandi McCabe will participate in Westland Gallery’s popular Square Foot Show, held this year November 27 to December 30. The Square Foot Show includes hundreds of artworks in every medium and style, created by artists from all over the country but many from London. Every piece of art is 12” x 12”. The result is a floor-to-ceiling array of colour and creativity that captures the attention of every visitor. Old South Community Organization AGM and OSCOR Awards The Old South Community Organization (OSCO) AGM was held in November. President Margaret Hopkins advised that the organization had invested over $33,000 into the community over the year. A large sum to the Landon Library afforded them the opportunity to provide Music for the Virtual Gathering and a Seed Library at the back door as well as some excellent programing. “We have worked with community partners to address the issues of housing and food insecurity,” said Margaret. “Even during a pandemic we worked with the City to install two more bike racks, replace two trees on the green and plant Hope Gardens on the ‘Green’ with thanks to the City of London, Friends of the Civic Garden Complex, Baseline Nurseries, Parkway Gardens, Van Luyk’s, Sue Baker, Sherry Masse, Rikie Schieven, Ben Porchuk and Veronika Bauer and to Jessica Robertson for the design and her the entire family with planting. We thank Jay of Studio 73 for freshening the OSCO Web Page” (https://oscolondon.ca). “The OSCO Team did an awesome job on Virtual Gathering: Mario the Music Production work, Eric did a fabulous job on MCing, Amanda Silent Auction, Sam coordinating our Virtual Vendors, Nicole on vinettes, Deb and Dave for their support and Gordon for sorting out the finances. Shayne and Monica provided the Village Ride, ReForest London gave away trees and Growing Chefs provided a wonderful Tea for Two Takeaway. Also this year we encouraged the community to unplug with two scavenger hunts and purchased gift cards from our business community to provide support”. At right is Sandi’s Harvest Bouquet and Autumn’s Floral Embrace . Sandi, who paints in acrylics, is a member of The Shady Artists, Gallery Painting Group and Lambeth Art and Brush Pallet Club. You’ll find her work at shows by those art clubs and also at www. sandimcabe.com. Sandi has lived on Riverside Drive for the past ten years and claims that she will never move! On page 9 is Sam Axford’s The Reflecting Garden and Seren- dipity. A photographer as well as artist, Sam gets a lot of his inspiration from the Sifton Bog, that his property backs on to. His work has been shown at local arts shows and internationally. See samples of hisphotography and artwork on his Facebook page. Funding was provided to Community Projects, Herb Boxes, Tecumseh Cookbook, South Collegiate Awards, YOU In addition to Bring Your MPP to School events in May of each year, trustees meet with MPPs at the board office each fall to review challenges and shared opportunities for advocacy and action. On November 8th, we were thrilled to meet with local MPPs. We appreciate the chance to collaborate with our Community Update from Thames Valley District School Board Trustees As the days grow shorter and the holiday break approaches, we reflect on a busy, productive fall. Thames Valley Education Foundation Have you heard of the Thames Valley Education Foundation (TVEF)? Founded in 2001, the TVEF is an independent charitable foundation affiliated with the Thames Valley District School Board. TVEF is dedicated to building community partnerships that enhance opportunities in our schools and enrich public education. TVEF hosts a number of fundraising events every year, which have a tremendous impact on students across the valley. Best First Day provides backpacks and school supplies to students in need. On Toonie Tuesdays, schools and families raise funds to support TVDSB students’ needs. An ongoing initiative, Employee Giving raises a huge component of TVEF’s funds every year as TVDSB staff donate much-needed dollars through automatic payroll deductions. There is also an annual fundraiser for the Caring Fund. This February, TVEF will raise funds with “A Journey Beneath the Waves” - an underwater-themed night of live music, a dance party, gaming trucks, sweet treats, and a Thames Valley student-inspired silent auction. The rest of TVEF’s funding comes from private donors and community grants. We are grateful for TVEF’s Caring Fund, which provides emergency funds to students and their families when they need it most. The Caring Fund helps students stay engaged with their school and provides opportunities for those who may face financial barriers to participate in school activities and events. It’s a vital resource that removes obstacles, helping students to thrive and succeed. TVEF also supports hundreds of awards and scholarships that can make a huge difference in the lives of our students. For more information about TVEF, charitable giving, or scholarship opportunities, please visit the website: www.tvdsb.ca/en/our- board/thames-valley-education-foundation.aspx MPPs and Trustees
Breakfast, Women’s Breakfast, Halloween in the Village and the Community Breakfast Program. The organization is keeping tabs on the Victoria bridge reconstruction on Ridout, currently out to tender, and noted that the redevelopment of Wharncliffe and Horton will have substantial impacts on the community in near future. Expansion of the Heritage Conservation District is also something that will be studied. Keep watch on the OSCO Facebook page for updates on the Chili Cook-Off planned (pandemic permitting) for February, Gathering on the Green in June, Jazz & Blues in August and Halloween in October. “Be sure to get your Christmas Tree December 4th. Enjoy Christmas in the Village and the Christmas Market back this year!” said Margaret. provincial partners who support our goal of providing an excellent education for all TVDSB students. Holiday Cheer Pictured with trustees: Terence Kernahan (London North Centre), Rob Flack (Elgin-Middlesex-London), Ernie Hardeman (Oxford County), Teresa Armstrong (London-Fanshawe), and Peggy Sattler (London West). In November and December, Thames Valley families of diverse cultures, religions and creeds will observe many important holidays and days of recognition. For a complete list, please visit calendar.tvdsb.ca. We had a fantastic time at Diwali Dhamaka 2024 on November 10th as guests of the Srishti Foundation, celebrating the Festival of Lights with a vibrant Lakshmi Puja and an enthusiastic crowd at Centennial Hall. We enjoyed performances by the Bollywood Dance School Canada and many other groups who absolutely sparkled on stage. The rain held off long enough for the grand finale — a special and stunning fireworks display — to light up the night. This event was a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy and cultural richness of our London community. Whatever you celebrate, we hope you wind up the year with joy and look forward to connecting with you in 2025.
OSCOR Award to Gemmell Neilson OSCO recognized volun- teer Gemmell Neilson for her coordination of volunteers for the Christmas Trees sales for a number of years. Gemmell also welcomes Vendors to the Gathering on the Green each year. She is also a volunteer for Museum London. A lover of rescue dogs and you will frequently see her walking dogs for neighbours. Thank you, Gemmell! Sherri Moore sherri.moore@tvdsb.ca 519-452-2000 ext. 22409
Beth Mai b.mai@tvdsb.ca 548-388-8137
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