Ilderton Villager May 2025

Ilderton Villager

and area

May 2025 Issue 45

We’re reviewing how we provide customer service to ensure we are meeting your needs. Let us know how we can serve you better by taking part in an upcoming focus group. • July 12, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Coldstream Fire Hall Building Permits & the Planning Process • July 12, 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Komoka Wellness Centre Booking Parks & Recreation Facilities • July 13, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Virtual/Online Building Permits & the Planning Process • July 13, 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Virtual/Online General Customer Service To register, visit middlesexcentre.ca/cs-review or call 519-666-0190. Touch a Truck! National Public Works Week Display Get up-close to loaders, excavators, fire trucks and other equipment used by Middlesex Centre staff. Join us at the Komoka Wellness Centre on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. It’s going to be a fun morning, as it is also the opening day of the Komoka Community Market! Spring Road Maintenance With the warmer weather, spring road maintenance is now getting underway, including road grading and dust control on gravel roads and street sweeping in settlement areas. For more details on our summer road maintenance plans, visit middlesexcentre.ca/roads. Emergency Preparedness Week – Is your family ready in case of an emergency? Natural disasters and other emergencies can happen at any time without warning. Emergency Preparedness Week, May 4 to 10, encourages Canadians to take steps to be ready: Know the risks • Make a plan • Build your emergency kit • Stay informed. You can find resources to help you prepare for an emergency by visiting middlesexcentre.ca/emergency-prep. Outdoor Fires & Yard Waste It’s that time of year when we all want to get outdoors and prepare our yards for spring. Remember that while controlled recreational fires are permitted in urban areas of Middlesex Centre, burning yard waste is not. In rural areas, some yard materials may be burned with specific rules in place.

Middlesex Centre – Municipal Minute

HAVE YOUR SAY Over the past 18 months, Middlesex Centre has been reno- vating the municipal office and refreshing the Coldstream Community Centre to better serve our growing municipality. We are excited to showcase this renovation, which represents a significant, long-term investment in our community’s future. Join us in celebrating this new civic space on Tuesday, May 20: Open House 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Mayor’s Town Hall at 6:00 pm. Ilderton Arena Renovations Underway Spring updates from Middlesex Centre Join Us! Municipal Office Open House and Mayor’s Town Hall Ilderton Arena is set to get some major upgrades this summer! Work will include refrigeration plant upgrades, new boards and glass, and updates to the lobby, dressing rooms, and washrooms to enhance accessibility for all visitors. Renovations are scheduled for summer to minimize disruptions to the skating season. Learn more about this project at middlesexcentre.ca/projects. New Playground Coming to Timberwalk Lions Park Last fall, work began on a new playground for Timberwalk Lions Park in Ilderton, including installing the playground base and landscaping. The new playground structure is being installed this spring and is expected to open in May. The playground includes a variety of inclusive features for children of all ages, such as climbers, slides, swings, spin cups, and a large cow climber! A big THANK YOU to the Ilderton & District Lions Club for their generous support in making this project possible!

Check the Open Air Burning By-law at middlesexcentre.ca/ openairburn or call Middlesex Centre Fire Services at 519-666-0190 ext. 5246 to ensure you’re staying safe and compliant.

E xciting recreation programs are happening this summer at locations across Middlesex Centre. Join us for pickleball, Pilates, yoga, youth archery and climbing, and more! Middlesex Centre Recreation Programs Find your Fun!

Whether you're looking to stay active or learn something new, there’s a program for everyone.

middlesexcentre.ca/rec-programs 519-601-8022 ext. 5110 Register Today!

Page 2 Ilderton and Area Villager • May 2025

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Your Ilderton and Area Villager – Looking Ahead It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly five years since the launch of The Ilderton and Area Villager . It has truly been a pleasure working with so many wonderful people and sharing stories from our incredible community, highlighting local businesses and the people behind them, the local

That said, I want to extend my sincerest apologies for not being able to deliver the special Mother’s Day cookbook as originally planned. Due to limited advertising revenue, it simply wasn’t feasible. However, some of the recipes that our neighbours submitted for it will appear in upcoming issues, and you’ll find a few in this edition. As always, if you have story ideas, cover photo suggestions, any questions, or would like to advertise, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me at Tami@VillagerPublications.com or 519-851-0961. Thank you for being such a valued part of this community—and this magazine. I look forward to what’s next, together. All the best,

artists, events, and the rich history of our area. Bringing this magazine to life each issue is something I truly love, but as with other print publications, we rely on advertising revenue to cover production and distribution costs. With rising expenses and ongoing economic challenges, we need greater support from local businesses to continue printing and delivering your local community magazine to you. Without it, we may face difficult decisions like reducing circulation or even discontinuing the magazine. That would be a real loss, as I know how much this publication means to many of you, and to me, too. If you enjoy reading The Ilderton and Area Villager, please support our great local advertisers. And if you’re a business owner, I encourage you to advertise. Our Canada Post delivery gets you IN THE DOOR of thousands of homes in your market area, is set out at local venues, and for further reach, posted online. Our readers value community and are likely to support businesses that do the same. And now, more than ever, we all need to support our local businesses and each other. I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed, participated and stayed engaged with The Ilderton and Area Villager, and me over the years. Let’s work together to keep it going for years to come.

Your first two issues: December 2020 and January-February 2021.

519-666-2115 • 13235 Ilderton Rd. PIZZA SLICES MON-FRI 11–3 Wings, Mozzarella Sticks Battered Mushrooms and more! Uber Eats • Gift Certificates

Flowers, Plants and Gifts for all occasions.

April Showers Bring May Flowers. Order yours for Mother’s Day!

May Pizza of the Month: Hot Honey Canadian: Pepperoni, Mushroom, and Bacon drizzled with a hot homemade Denfield Honey.

519-857-2385 • 13229 Ilderton Road Mon to Thur 11 - 8 • Friday 11 - 9 • Sat 2 - 9 • Sun 4 - 8

(519) 666-2032 • floraltemptations.com 13236 Ilderton Road

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Ilderton and Area Villager May 2025 • Page 3

Message from the Mayor Hello everyone,

I’m hoping we have more normal weather patterns ahead so your regular clean-ups, yard work and gardening plans can get underway. We’ve certainly had quite the spring this year with rain, flooding, washouts and power outages! Speaking of water – you may have heard about or read news items about the Auditor General’s report titled “Ontario’s Non-municipal Drinking-Water Systems: A Special Report ,” which was published on March 31st. A key finding of this report was that less than a third of Ontario residents who rely on private wells test their drinking water. Even more disconcerting was the fact that, of those residents who do test their water, more than a third (35%) of the samples were positive for indicators of bacterial contamination! While residents in the larger settlement areas in Middlesex Centre are connected to the municipal water distribution system, which gets water

Aina DeViet, Mayor 519.666.0190 x 5234 deviet@middlesexcentre.ca www.middlesexcentre.ca

Spring Flowers at Fernhill Floral & Design Co. Photo courtesy of Rachel from Golden Lining Imager y. Ilderton and Area Villager Issue #45 May 2025 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced Ilderton and Area Villager 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: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Barb@villagerpublications.com 519-282-7262 Managing Editor & Advertising: Tami Martin Tami@villagerpublications.com 519-851-0961 All articles written by Tami Martin unless otherwise noted. Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood 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.

from the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System (LHPWSS), those of us in the rural areas rely on private wells and need to regularly test our water to ensure we are not exposed to waterborne illnesses. The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) tests water all year round for residents at no cost. Check the MLHU website (www.healthunit.com/private-well-water) for more information and answers to your questions about why it is important to test your water, how to get your water tested, how to get the results, and how to understand what they mean. The website has details about how and where to pick up a water testing kit and drop off your sample, as well as an option to sign up for email reminders to test your water! Lots of good spring and summer activities are getting underway. Mark your calendars for the opening days of our local Farmer Markets (Komoka on May 17 and Ilderton on June 7) and save the date for the Poplar Hill Picnic (June 14). I would also like to make you all aware of and invite you to the Open House (4 to 7 pm) and Mayor’s Town Hall (6 to 6:30 pm) scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, at the newly reopened Municipal Office building. More information and details will be available on the Municipal website, but please pencil this in on your calendar! Enjoy the longer days,

Please contact Tami@VillagerPublications.com for more information regarding any of our community magazines. Visit VillagerPublications.com to read them all. YOUR APRIL 2025 VILLAGER PUBLICATIONS LINEUP

We’d love to hear from you. Cover photo and article suggestions welcome! Contact Tami at Tami@VillagerPublications.com

Villager Publications is a proudly Canadian-owned and operated company, deeply committed to supporting our local communities. We’re ALL and ONLY about your LOCAL artisans, entrepreneurs, events, service organizations, businesses, people and places. With every issue, we celebrate the spirit of Canada. Your April 2025 Villager Publications Lineup

Page 4 Ilderton and Area Villager • May 2025

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Pet of the Month – Rocko We all love our pets, big or small. Send in their photo to make them known to all.

Email your photo and a brief description of your family pet to tami@villagerpublications.com. Below are some handy tips from your local vet. Meet Rocko the Mutt Hound, rescued from Texas back in 2020. Rocko has been in Ilderton for five years as of this past April. He loves playing outside in the winter but prefers spring weather, especially with the squirrels coming out from hibernation. You can see him out and about, walking all over town on a squirrel patrol. He loves Ilderton wing nights, Donna at Ruff Trax, meeting other dogs, and his new baby brother – especially the food being flung from the highchair.

Please say hi if you see him around town. Fur parents Adam & Abbey Guenther

Parasites – A Closer Look (Part 1) by Dr. Christina Douthwaite DVM, Ilderton Pet Hospital Regular parasite prevention is essential to protect your pet and reduce the risk of transmitting diseases to both you and your pet. Parasites can live outside your pet (fleas, ticks, mites and lice) or inside your pet (worms and protozoa). This month, we will focus on external parasites, and next month, internal parasites will be highlighted. Fleas are reddish-brown, jumping insects that are 1-4 mm in length. Flea bites can cause itching, skin infections and allergic reactions and if ingested, can lead to intestinal tapeworm infections. While outdoor fleas die off in winter, they can survive year-round in homes or on animals. Given that they can produce 50 eggs per day, it doesn’t take long to end up with an infestation. Flea prevention should begin April 1, when adults start to hatch. Ticks are members of the spider family and can range in size from a poppy seed to 5 to 10 mm when fully fed. In Ontario, ticks are active when the temperature is above 0*C. The primary tick-transmitted diseases in Ontario are Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis.

Since ticks take time to transmit diseases, prompt and careful removal is crucial. It’s recommended to keep any ticks removed from your pet and contact your veterinarian for further steps. Start monthly tick prevention when the temperature is above 0*C. Choose rapid-acting products that reduce the risk of transmission to humans and other pets. It is important to only use veterinary-approved products for cats, as many tick products are toxic to this species. A Lyme disease vaccine is also available for at-risk dogs. For more information about the safe removal of ticks and tick diseases, visit www.ticktalkcanada.com and www.ontario.ca/page/tick- borne-diseases. Lice and mites tend to be host-specific and rarely cross over from a cat or dog to a human. Many monthly preventative products include protection against these parasites. A comprehensive parasite prevention plan and maintaining a clean environment reduces the risk of parasites for all family members. Join us next month for a closer look at internal parasites.

IldertonPetHospital.com 125 King Street, Ilderton (519) 666-2288

Your Perfect Match awaits you at The London Animal Care Centre and The Catty Shack!

Bringing people and pets together www.accpets.ca

C atty S hack THE London Animal Care Centre – Licensing, Bylaw Enforcement, Adoption and Lost/Found Services: 121 Pine Valley Blvd., (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack: 756 Windermere Rd., (519) 432-4572

Group & Private Workshops – In-house or any location Birthday Parties • Bridal Parties • Fundraisers • Special Events

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Ilderton and Area Villager May 2025 • Page 5

Valleyview Male Chorus Hits a High Note in 28th Year by Pamma Hubbert When the Valleyview Male Chorus was formed in early 1997, no one expected it would still be going strong nearly three decades later. “We were just a small group of 15 guys, originally brought together to sing for a church service,” Ken Drudge of Komoka recalls. “But there was real enthusiasm to keep it going, and by that spring, we held our first concert.”

Fernhill Floral & Design – Annual Market and Open House

Located in the Countryside of Middlesex County at 10810 Fernhill Drive, Fernhill Floral & Design offers flowers for your everyday needs. Along with a hand-picked selection of timeless home décor, you will also find a mixture of antiques and vintage items. In the intricate tapestry of Fernhill Floral & Design Co., Katlin is the visionary thread that weaves passion, dedication, and creativity into every petal and decor piece. Katlin is hosting the third annual, twice-a-year Market and Open House on Saturday, May 24th, offering home decor, fresh flowers, antiques and unique finds, while also hosting 15 local vendors who are set up outside. It’s a beautiful day out in the country, and there will be a local food truck to grab lunch or a snack. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for more information.

That concert became an annual tradition—paused during the COVID years—and the group has continued to perform across London and surrounding communities in Middlesex County ever since. From retirement homes to fundraising events and church anniversaries, their music has become a meaningful part of local life. Though the chorus maintains strong ties to Valleyview Mennonite Church, it has evolved into a true community choir. “We welcome anyone who loves to sing,” says Ken. “Our members range in age, experience, and background. Some attend church, some don’t; it doesn’t matter. It’s about the music and the fellowship.” Ron McRae joined in 2004 after a friend from church encouraged him to try it out. “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the choir,” Ron shares. “Over the years, there’ve been at least half a dozen of us from the Ilderton area. We’ve sung at a variety of different events.” Ron is also part of a quartet formed within the group. “That’s taken us to towns all over southern Ontario,” he says. “It’s been incredibly rewarding.” This year’s concert takes place Saturday, May 31, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 568 Richmond Street in London. Expect a range of inspiring music—from spirituals to folk and contemporary songs. Tickets are $20 at the door. “We just want to bring hope and joy,” says Ken. “And we always welcome new voices.”

Art courtesy of Designs by Jenica Goertz

Page 6 Ilderton and Area Villager • May 2025

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Councillor’s Corner by Jean Coles Ward 1 Councillor, Municipality of Middlesex Centre Coles@middlesexcentre.ca

• Lucan-Ilderton Baseball • Ilderton Soccer

• Ilderton Minor Hockey Association Supporting Community Events

Attending local events like the Farmers Market, the Optimist Easter Egg Hunt, Lions Club Wing Nights and the Legion’s Breakfasts strengthens our community spirit. Your presence encourages organizers and ensures these events thrive. Small Actions, Big Impact Getting involved doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Consider: • Volunteering with the municipality as a water tester to help monitor for lead in the drinking water. • Joining Oxbow Public School’s Home and School Association – just one hour a month helps with their hot lunch program. • Finding an organization that matches your passions: • Healthcare? VON • Kids? 4-H Club, our Library, BGC London • Animals? Salthaven Stay Connected Follow me on Facebook so that together we can build a thriving community. Every contribution – big or small – creates a stron- ger, more connected Ilderton. Let’s keep building – one act of involvement at a time! Until next time, stay engaged and stay connected. I hope to see you out on the Ilderton Rail Trail or at the Ilderton Farmers Market.

Hello Everyone, A strong community isn’t built overnight— it grows through the dedication and connection of its residents. In Ilderton and across Middlesex Centre, our sense of belonging deepens when we come together to support local initiatives, businesses and each other. The Power of Volunteering Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to strengthen our community. Whether it’s coaching a youth sports team, helping at the Ilderton Fair run by the Ilderton Agricultural Society, leading a Girl Guide group, or assisting at our Ailsa Craig Food Bank—every act of service fosters connection. Volunteering builds friendships, develops skills and strengthens our ties to home. As a Girl Guide leader, I had the privilege of meeting families who became lifelong friends. I also contributed to the municipality’s Community Services Advisory Committee, helping to shape recreation programs and services in Middlesex Centre. If you’re passionate about community involvement like I am or supporting local youth and sports, consider joining one of these organizations: • Ilderton Curling • Ilderton Skating Club

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Ilderton and Area Villager May 2025 • Page 7

Mother’s Day Recipes – From Your Ilderton and Area Neighbours Here are a few of the lovely recipes sent in for the Ilderton and Area Villager / Ilderton Ladies Social Mother’s Day cookbook that was regrettably cancelled. More to come next month! Wishing all mothers and grandmothers a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Insta Pot Crack Chicken and Rice submitted by Stasia Kosar Ingredients: 4-5 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless) 1 tsp – seasonings - Onion powder, Garlic powder, Dill,

Chives, and Paprika 1 brick cream cheese 10 oz chicken stock 2 cups of rice 2 cans of French-style green beans Coconut oil

Apple Torte submitted by Ruth Dickie Ingredients: Crust 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 tsp vanilla 1 cup flour 1/2 cup of raspberry jam Filling 250 g spreadable cream cheese 1/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tsp of vanilla 3 cups sliced apples, thinly 1/3 cup of sugar 1 tsp of cinnamon Have a cup of almond slivers

Bacon bits (optional) Jalapeños (optional) Mushrooms (optional)

Instructions: In a large measuring cup, soften the cream cheese, then add seasonings – onion powder, garlic powder, dill, and chives then mix it all together. Turn Insta Pot on “sauté” and add a bit of coconut oil on the bottom. Sprinkle paprika on both sides of the chicken breast, and sear the chicken in the Insta Pot for approximately 90 seconds on each side.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 450° F Crust: Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla. Blend in the flour and make a soft dough. Press the dough into a ten-inch springform pan coming up the sides about one inch and spread the jam over the crust. Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla with an Electric beater and add to the crust. Toss the apples, sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl to

Then pour in chicken stock, and top with cream cheese mix. In this spot you can add mushrooms (sliced or full) or jalapeños for some kick! Close the Insta Pot and “pressure cook” for 12 minutes! Sides: Rice – mix 2 cups of rice and a 1/4 cup coconut oil for a flavourful side. My favourite side for this meal is French-style green beans fried with butter. Once they are almost cooked, melting Parmesan cheese makes tasty beans! Plate with all the above and sprinkle with bacon bits! TIP: Top everything with cooked bacon bits for added flavour.

coat them, and spoon them over the cream cheese mixture in the crust. Sprinkle with almonds and bake for ten minutes at 450° F, and then reduce the heat to 400° F for 35 minutes. TIP: Serve warm or cool.

Visit The Crump Family Farm for fresh local farm-to-table Meats, Eggs, Garlic, Sunflower Oil and more! We don’t just talk local, we are local.

SPRING OPEN HOUSE & FAMILY FUN DAY

Join us for BBQ, Live Music, Pop Up Market, Tent Sale, Kids Zone, and Product Demonstrations.

MAY 31, 2025 9 am - 4 pm

Thursday to Sunday 10-5 5372 Egremont Dr, Ilderton Call (519) 200-3431 thecrumpfamilyfarm.ca

To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com 24265 Richmond Street North • 519-227-4700 www.greatescapervcanada.com

Gift Baskets & Gift Certificates Available!

Page 8 Ilderton and Area Villager • May 2025

Irish Whiskey Sauce: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Add cream and bring to simmer stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in whiskey. While still in pan and using skewer or toothpick, poke holes all over cake and pour 1/3 cup warm sauce evenly over top. Let cool. TIP: To serve pudding with sauce, heat until warm. Enjoy.

Grandma’s Trailer Potato Salad submitted by Ashley Davidson Ingredients: 2 ½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 6 large eggs 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp yellow mustard 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 cup green onions, sliced 1/2 cup sweet pickles, chopped 1 tsp pickle juice (optional) Instructions:

Sticky Date Pudding with Irish Whisky Toffee Sauce submitted by Lisa Spicer – Sunshine Cake Studio Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups water 1 1/3 cups chopped pitted dates 2 tsp baking soda 1 cup butter 1/2 cup granulated sugar 4 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup 35% cream 1/4 cup Irish Whisky Instructions: Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 10-cup Bundt pan or three loaf pans. Set aside. In saucepan bring water, dates and baking soda to boil. Stir until dates soften and most of liquids are absorbed. Let cool. In large bowl beat butter with sugar until light, beat in eggs, stir in vanilla. Sift flour and baking powder over mixture. Add date mixture. Stir until combined. Pour into pans and bake for 45 minutes. 2 tsp baking powder Irish Whiskey Sauce: 1 1/4 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup butter

Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are fork- tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely. In a separate saucepan, place the eggs in cold water and bring them to a boil. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to an ice bath, peel and chop. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and pickle juice (if using). Add the cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, green onions, parsley, and sweet pickles to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until well coated with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let the flavours meld. Six to eight servings. Prep Time: 20 minutes. Cook Time: 20 minutes. TIP: Garnish with chopped up cooked bacon, extra egg slices to serve on top.

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Ilderton and Area Villager

May 2025 • Page 9

35 Years of Tradition: Poplar Hill Gears Up for Annual Picnic by Pamma Hubbert On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Poplar Hill community will proudly host the 135th Lobo Union School Picnic, a cherished tradition that began in 1889. What started as a simple gathering of local families to celebrate elementary school students has grown into a full-day celebration of heritage, fun, and community spirit. The festivities will kick off at 12:00 noon with a flag-raising ceremony, welcoming remarks from local dignitaries, and a children’s draw. Held at Lobo Memorial Park—land purchased in 1919 by community trustees—the event has long been a cornerstone of local life. Originally involving ten school districts, including Komoka, Goldcreek, Coldstream, Jury, and Poplar Hill, the picnic once featured tennis matches, football games, and basket lunches. Over time, additions like student parades, torchlit programs, and baby contests helped define the event’s character.

Pie Booth, inflatable jumpers, storytime, and an evening Lip Synch show. A Lions’ Chicken BBQ dinner will cap off the day. “The heart of this picnic has always been about connection— honouring where we came from while creating new memories together,” says Heather, one of the picnic’s longtime volunteers. With something for every age, including new programming aimed at teens, the 135th Lobo Union School Picnic promises to be another unforgettable chapter in a much-loved legacy.

Although centralization in the 1960s led to declining attendance, the Poplar Hill Lions Club and later community volunteers revived interest with new attractions. Today’s picnic blends the old with the new—races, baby showing, the ever-popular Ladies

• Cottage, Beef & Chicken Pot Pies • Soups • Pizzas • Fresh Bread • Black Sombrero Chirozo • Speciality meat boxes • Gift Baskets • and more!

• Farm-raised beef • Chicken • Pork products • Fresh eggs • Local honey • Maple syrup • Baked goods • Dips • Seasonings • Cheeses • Lasagnas

Farm fresh and local – from our farm to your table

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Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • May 2025

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Little Off the Top Celebrates Decades of Style in Ilderton by Pamma Hubbert There’s something special about a business that not only stands the test of time but also becomes part of the community’s story. For over 30 years, Little Off the Top has done exactly that—serving generations of clients and growing alongside the town of Ilderton. Originally owned by Lisa Little, the salon got its cheeky name when she purchased it from longtime stylist Doris Hodgins. Back then, it operated out of a cozy home with a salon attached located at the corner of Ilderton Road and Mill Street—where Active Chiropractic now stands. Mandy Armitage joined the team 25 years ago and eventually purchased the business. Together, she and Lisa moved Little Off the Top to its current location beside Floral Temptations at 13236 Ilderton Road in 2004. The salon has continued to evolve while holding on to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s made it a local favourite. In 2014, ownership passed to Tanya Egan, with Mandy staying on as a key part of the team. Today, the salon is home to three stylists—Tanya, Mandy, and Chad—who bring creativity, camaraderie, and plenty of laughs to the chair. “We all get along really well,” Mandy says. “We bounce ideas off each other constantly to keep things fresh and current.” That energy, paired with Ilderton’s strong sense of community, is what keeps the salon thriving. “We’re so grateful for word-of- mouth support – it’s kept us busy through the years,” Mandy adds. “Some clients have been coming to me for 25 years.”

Tanya, Mandy and Chad

She especially loves the connection to the community: “It’s amazing to hear the stories from longtime residents and the reasons why new faces choose Ilderton.” With deep roots and a loyal following, Little Off the Top remains a welcoming, family-friendly spot that continues to grow with Ilderton—one haircut at a time. Visit littleoffthetopsalon.com to learn more.

The Best Quality Products at the Lowest Prices

Jim Deacon, Owner 519-870-RUGS (7847) • 519-472-2992 1900 Hyde Park Road, London N6H 5L9 jim.deacon@deaconflooring.com

Residential • Renovations • Commercial EXCLUSIVE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE www.deaconflooring.com

Ilderton and Area Villager May 2025 • Page 11 23778 RICHMOND ST NORTH (519) 666-0286 • crunicanorChardS.COM

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Good Times Along the Creek by John Caverhill

was then tamped in all the spaces, and then another layer of sawdust was spread on top, and the second layer of ice was started. Each layer was completed the same way. Usually, around 200 blocks were stored because the ice box wasn’t needed during the cold winter months. Ice skating was also popular. Just across from Bear Creek School the creek widened out just before the bridge crossing. It was sheltered from the wind, and many enjoyable noon hours were spent skating when conditions were right. One year in the late 1940s, a mid-March thaw accompanied by heavy rain left all the creek lowlands flooded. A sudden extreme cold snap without the usual wind and snow left the whole flooded areas covered with sheets of glassy-smooth clear ice. We were able to skate from west of our farm all the way to present-day Vanneck Drive, a good half mile. It was an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience which lasted for only one day because the water receded quickly, and the ice sagged and collapsed the following day. Around mid-April, with the ground frost-free and the earthworms active once again and available for bait, Dad, brother Ron and I would head over to the creek for the season’s first fishing. Our gear was not sophisticated. Fish hooks and line were the only purchased items. A six-foot length of trunk cut from an Ironwood sapling made a good pole, flat metal washers were used as weights, and corks became bobbers or floats. The thrill and anticipation of casting was topped only by the electrifying twitch and then the tug of a fish on your line. You heaved on the pole to swing the line over your head to land the fish on the bank behind you. Sunfish, a silvery fish we called “shiners”, and chub made up the catch of the day. We kept only those six inches or longer (chub could easily reach nine or ten inches and were our favourite), but all had fine-flavoured white

Bear Creek, which flowed through the fields across the road from our farm, played a surprisingly large part in our lives when I was growing up. I can just remember the ice box that stood in our pantry until 1946, when it was replaced by our first refrigerator. Each winter, usually around the end of January, next year’s ice supply would be cut from the creek. The main tool was the ice saw, which resembles a crosscut wood saw, except that it has a handle on one end only (guess why only one end), and this handle is crossways rather than vertical, like those on a wood saw. A snow shovel, ice tongs and an axe, along with a box sleigh and a team of horses, completed the ice-cutting inventory. Ideally, the ice should be at least a foot thick, so pools three or four feet deep made the best ice blocks. Any accumulated snow was shovelled off, then the axe was used to chop starting holes, and then the sawing commenced. Once the first row of blocks was cut, no more chopping of entrance holes was needed. The tongs were used to haul the twelve-inch square blocks out of the water. Ice was cut only on extremely cold days. The moment the blocks came out of the water, the wet surfaces froze and then the dry blocks would not freeze together when stacked on the sleigh. Our icehouse was a ten-foot wide by fifteen-foot long and high wooden shed that stood in our orchard, so it was shaded by the trees in the summertime. Sawdust hauled by sleigh from a local sawmill was the insulation. A layer was spread over the floor, then a layer of ice blocks was placed, spaced an inch apart and two inches away from the outside wall. Sawdust

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Page 12 Ilderton and Area Villager • May 2025

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C runiCan O rChards Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE C runiCan O rChards FresH Local Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE OPEN ALL WINTER 7 DAYS A WEEK! Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5 RICHMOND STREET NORTH Just 10 Minutes from Masonville at 15 Mile Road 519-666-0286 M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-5 Sunday 12-5 Just 10 minutes from Masonville

flesh. Suckers were always present but if caught were thrown back, being far too boney to eat.

Even in the driest years, there were swimming holes along the creek. Our favourite was a shoulder- depth pool with a fine sandy bottom across from Bear Creek School. After a hot day in the hayfield, it was the perfect place to clean up and cool off. As well as the fish, Bear Creek added extra flavour to meals. Wild mint and watercress both grew in pockets along the creek and, picked fresh were welcome because of their extra tang. One last note about the Bear Creek–Sydenham River system. Those of you with long memories may recall a TV commercial featuring a “little old lady” glaring at a hamburger and demanding indignantly, “Where’s the beef?” Poplar Hill residents would be justified in asking in like fashion, “Where’s the hill?” Approaching Poplar Hill on both Egremont and Ilderton Roads you descend a slope, cross Bear Creek (or Sydenham River), then climb a slope to enter Poplar Hill. Around 11,000 years ago (not being present then, I can’t give you an exact number), the last Ice Age started to relax its grip, and the massive ice sheet covering much of Canada started to melt. Vast quantities of water were released and, over thousands of years, drained into the oceans through huge rivers called glacial spillways. The rushing waters in these spillways cut wide, deep banks. As the climate warmed and the ice retreated, the rivers shrank and are continuing to shrink to their present-day size, leaving the original banks still in place. Southwestern Ontario especially is home to many shrunken rivers and creeks flowing between outsize banks. These waterways have been given the term “misfit streams”. When you ascend the roads into Poplar Hill, you are climbing not a hill, but the original banks cut by the Sydenham River system when it was young and “full of beans and buck”.

OPEN ALL WINTER 7 DAYS A WEEK! Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5 RICHMOND STREET NORTH Just 10 Minutes from Masonville at 15 Mile Road 519-666-0286 MORE THAN JUST APPLES We have a wide SELECTION OF LOCAL FOOD products INCLUDING: Apples, Honey, Jams, Maple Syrup, Generations Hard Apple Cider, Regular Apple Cider, Apple Cider Vinegar, Peanuts, Jerry Rader Frozen Pies, Locally Sourced Gluten Free Products and Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables, Gift Baskets and MORE! Celebrating 75 Years of Local Apples OPEN ALL WINTER 7 DAYS A WEEK! Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5 RICHMOND STREET NORTH Just 10 Minutes from Masonville at 15 Mile Road 519-666-0286

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John Caverhill is the younger son of the late Ernest Caverhill and Susie Boyd of Lobo Township. John’s writings often reflect his experiences and observations of growing up on the family farm, attending the one room school, S. S. No. 7 Lobo (Bear Creek School), and Vanneck United Church. John’s sense of humour and story-telling skills are legendary. His keen observation skills have augmented his repertoire .

23778 RICHMOND ST NORTH (519) 666-0286 crunicanorChardS.COM – OPEN ALL YEAR – Happy Mother’s Day

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Ilderton and Area Villager May 2025 • Page 13

The Jury Family – How They Saved History (Part 1) by Carol Small – Middlesex Centre Archives Middlesex Centre is home to many who have contributed much to our community, province and country. This is the story of one family. There is a short road stretching from the Nairn Road to Glendon Drive that bears the name “Jury Road”. Jury Road was named for pioneer residents, Amos Jury and his family, which happened to include his son, Wilfrid. Why are the Jury family members significant in history? It is hard to recount the work of Amos and Wilfrid separately as they were a father-son team who worked together. Thus, this article intertwines both.

The Jury family emigrated from Ireland to Adelaide Township. A son, William (1822-1887) married Elizabeth Fletcher (1839-1943) and in 1858 settled on Lot 12 Concession 2 Lobo Township. Here they had eight children, were members of First Lobo Baptist Church and donated land for S. S. #9 Lobo (Jury School), pictured at left

Wilfrid joined the Navy in 1914 and was posted to Halifax, where he became a Special Messenger to Commander Wyat of British Military Intelligence. With his duties, he travelled across Canada, England and Bermuda. On December 6, 1917, Wilfrid experienced the Halifax Explosion, the largest blast of its time. He was in a small liberty boat in the harbour. The blast produced a huge wave that smashed the liberty boat and washed Wilfrid up on the Dartmouth side of the harbour. Found on the beach, Wilfrid remained in a house, unconscious with chest injuries and unidentified, for several weeks. His parents received notice that Wilfrid was missing and presumed dead. His mother was sent a medal that Wilfrid was to have received for “never having failed on a mission”. Wilfrid’s injuries caused him to lose the use of one lung. He recovered in Halifax, Byron’s Beck Memorial Sanitorium and at home. With regular check- ups required, Wilfrid quipped that he was the only patient they had been trying to cure for sixty years. Wilfrid and Marie Jury

Their son Amos (1861-1964) inherited his parents’ farm in 1887. Amos married Julia Alder (1862-1950). Julia’s family were weavers from England and carried on their craft along with farming near Melrose. The Alder Weaving Shop is now located at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Amos Jury was an artist who gave painting lessons in his home. He studied art at Woodstock College and had taken classes in London, Ontario and in England. Amos’s education in England happened by luck. He left home by train to visit galleries and paint in Toronto. On the train, he met a man who was on his way to England to tour galleries there. Both admired William Turner, a British artist. Amos went with him. The Jurys received a postcard several weeks later postmarked from England. On the Jury farm, along the banks of the Oxbow Creek, was the site of a major prehistoric Indigenous village. Amos collected artifacts from that site and others in the area. His son, Wilfrid (Wilf) (1890-1981), took a keen interest and accompanied his father on his expeditions. Visitors to the Jury home, such as Chief Alec Elijah of the Oneida Nation, fascinated Wilfrid with their tales. The Oneida people adopted Wilfrid and gave him an Indigenous name that meant “Heap of Stones”. Wilfrid learned lacrosse and played with an Indigenous team. While in close contact with the Onieda community, Wilfrid learned their customs.

The Jury home at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, and Wilfrid in the Navy.

EXHIBITS: March 29 – May 8 “This Big Wide World” featuring artist Aveleen Schinkel. May 10 – June 19 “Ancient Roots: Beauty in the Broken” with artist Jane Wright. MONTHLY GROUPS: Writing Group, Book Club, Water Colour Group (Monday mornings), Card Making (2nd Tuesday of the month), Knit and Knatter (1st Tuesday of the month), YACAC – youth programming. Check the calendar on our website! UPCOMING CLASSES : Contemporary Landscape Painting, Learn to Weave, Learn to Draw, and more to come.

Come and check us out!

For a full schedule of classes go to ailsacraigartscentre. wildapricot.org

Pottery by Jane Wright

Visit our gift shop featuring handmade cards, and work from local artisans.

160D Main Street, Ailsa Craig. Open 1 – 4 pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Page 14 Ilderton and Area Villager • May 2025

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Puzzle #1

Ilderton and Area Villager Puzzle Page How to Play Sudoku: Sudoku is played on a grid of nine squares. Within the rows and columns are nine squares made up of three by three spaces. Each row, column and square (nine spaces each) need to be filled out with the numbers 1 – 9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

4 8

3 5 7

4 2

9 1

5 2 4

3 2

5 6

4 6

8 7

1 9 6 3

8 7 1

6 7

5 1

9 8

7 9

5 4 3

5 3 4 6

7 1

8 9

3 9

5 8

Easy Hard Solve the puzzle with names of the advertisers from the April 2025 Ilderton and Area Villager listed below . Medium Create Word Search Puzzle Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 9 by 9 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Please support our advertisers. It’s their participation that enables us to deliver the Ilderton and Area Villager to you. Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 9 by 9 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 9 by 9 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

4/7/25, 6:20 PM

ILDV - May 2025 F B P O R T S T A N L E Y F E S T I V A L T H E A T R E F V E R T N E C E R A C L A M I N A K E S P G F N V K O T A G T M C V A F L O R A L T E M P T A T I O N S G O U S O Q S N Q R J T I W H U A W R Y D F F G H D K E N X P E N B X F U Q A U M Y B P N D B B Q L E G W T D R U A H N L I F N A R B E S J R M E Y B F Y C P R C G B T S I R S K W G G K T J M S Y N E R G Y C E N T R E H E A L T H I G L A D B W L X I R X Y A G U O E P E H E G K L U R Y I T U D I O U N G E R S M A R K E T H R T L S X M A R G D X I U S L H H B R E A K W A T E R A C C O U N T I N G K X V S P T S R F L E F W T P J X D E M O Q H F T B P Q O M B A A S I A E C Q C J N K X B M C F P F U E W Q T D Y K T E I E L B C K P V K R O W N R U S T F C B R K D W U D N Y B W J R F R A L B N B P O G L S W S X B W H M P I W O R K A Y L J U A B L I A A I R J K S Y R P J L B O T I D Y R R L C Y M Q I E W Q L D M L P D G D F G K K F I M H X A U P V G V V Y G I X P H K I I I M J L B W H G M C L D P C H U I I X X P A N Y U A W T Q T P E O V H S W U W S E A B X D L F A L N R N K D O A P O R J U J N H P O U H D H C Q Q T S F L X P T O H Y T D S T O J J M E P N Y D Y W W N G O D L D V D C S B I U S R W C C A H S P Q Q S H S F F H C R O R M V U R C F I L V U W A P K T P R O B N N R K H G V N V W G V T L E N Q H W V F W S N L W S Q A I X P N R A E A A C O O U Q N M N P Y C N B T M M I D D L E S E X C E N T R E R U J D T T A G N N O V D R A H C R O N A C I N U R C F X H R D S R H M Q F I H K F G Y V F O U R P I Z Z A S A K E W P C Y E N L W R I V J A T N A Y Y L B L O O M E R S F A M I L Y F A R M N Copyright © 2025 printablecreative.com | For personal use only

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1010 Gainsborough Road 519-472-8126 • info@ungers.ca WWW.UNGERS.CA Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm Saturday 8 am to 6 pm

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