Wortley Villager May 2025

Wortley Villager

May 2025 Issue 89

Shop Local for Mother’s Day

Page 2 Wortley Villager • May 2025

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To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com If your child will begin school in September 2025, please reach out to your school and register at www.tvdsb.ca/register. Early registration helps reduce classroom shifts and ensures a smooth transition. Feel free to phone the school office for a school tour. Thames Valley currently has 10 new schools in various stages of planning and construction. Seven are expected to open in the 2025-2026 or 2026-2027 school years. Thames Valley will announce opening dates for the three most-recently announced schools later this year. EQAO assessments for Grades 3 and 6 will take place throughout May and June. Please check with your child’s school for specific testing dates and ensure your child is rested and ready. TVDSB (Ward 11) Spring Updates from Trustees Pizzolato and Polhill (Wards 1, 11, 12, 14) Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes an exciting and busy season for the Thames Valley District School Board. A major highlight is the 25th annual Award of Distinction ceremony, taking place on May 8. The Award of Distinction, presented annually by the Thames Valley District School Board of Trustees, honors students, staff, volunteers, and parents for their remarkable contributions at both the school and system levels. Nominees are selected based on how well they embody the Board’s Vision, Mission, and Values. Ward 11 Update from City Hall by Skylar Franke, Ward 11 London City Council 519-661-2489, extension 4011 • sfranke@london.ca Hello Wortley Villagers! As spring returns to Old South, so does the activity around our neighbourhood and the city with several exciting infrastructure improvements and opportunities for community input. Here’s what you need to know this month: Have Your Say: Thames Park Public Session – May 8 Mark your calendars! The City of London is hosting a public engagement session on May 8th, 6 to 8 pm at Mountsfield Public School to discuss options for upgrades to Thames Park. This is your chance to weigh in on the future of one of our most beloved green spaces. Whether you’re a dog walker, tennis player, or just love a good picnic under the trees, your voice matters. More here: getinvolved.london.ca/thamespark Craig Street Reconstruction on the Horizon Craig Street is scheduled for a full reconstruction that will include new underground infrastructure, resurfacing, and streetscape improvements. While construction may bring some temporary disruption, the long-term benefits include separating combined sewers (which contribute to raw sewage overflows during extreme weather events) and a coat of fresh pavement – no more Craig St potholes! Learn more here: getinvolved.london.ca/craig Tecumseh School Intersection Upgrades The pedestrian crossing near Tecumseh Public School at Tecumseh Ave. and Langley St. is getting a much-

In leadership news, Bill Tucker will continue as Director for the remainder of the school year. We assure families that classroom learning is our top priority. We also anticipate receiving Core Education funding from the province in May. Once announced, we’ll begin our budget process including public input to support a financial recovery plan for the Board. As always please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Your child’s classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school’s principal, the school superintendent, and your Trustee! For more information, visit www.tvdsb.ca and click on Contact Us. needed safety boost. Construction is set to begin soon on upgraded intersection features including improved signage, pavement markings, and removing the curb at the crosswalk. These enhancements aim to create a safer route for students and families walking to and from school and thanks to Asha & the Tecumseh School Council for your leadership on these improvements. New Crosswalks Recently Opened Residents will notice the addition of two new crosswalks in key locations across Old South (Grand/Gerrard and High/Tecumseh). These new crossings will make it safer for pedestrians of all ages to navigate busy streets, especially near parks, schools, and community hubs. Basement Flooding Grant Program With spring come showers and I’ve been hearing from some residents about basement flooding issues. The Basement Flooding Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to property owners who experience basement flooding in their home. The program helps mitigate and pre- vent basement flooding incidents by offering funding for eligi- ble flood protection measures such as weeping tile discon- nection with redirection to a new sump pump and backwater valves. Find out more here: london.ca/living-london/water- environment/flooding/basement-flooding-grant-program. As always, your community input is crucial in shaping the future of our neighbourhood. Thank you for reaching out to me to share your ideas and concerns. Stay in touch, Skylar

www.tvdsb.ca

Trustee Polhill

Trustee Pizzolato Lori-Ann Pizzolato l.pizzolato@tvdsb.ca 519-452-2000

Sheri Polhill s.polhill@tvdsb.ca 519-452-2000

Wortley Villager May 2025 • Page 3

The Village Vibe

Spring blossoms and blooms. Wortley Villager Issue #89 May 2025 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced Wortley 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: Cathy Wood Cathy@villagerpublications.com All articles by Cathy Wood unless noted otherwise. Advertising : Tami Martin Tami@villagerpublications.com 519-851-0961 Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Old South Delivery Ambassador: Nippy Watson 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.

Volunteers with the Old South Community Organization’s April 2025 Thames River Clean Up. They also covered the ‘Green’ and some of Wortley Road. Old South Village Pub thanked the volunteers with pancakes.

Sidetrack: A Wortley Café, reports that their walk-up window is now open for the season!

Peggy Sattler London West Community Recognition Awards

Do you have an Old South Neighbour of Note? Do you do cultural cooking? Cover photo and article suggestions welcome! Contact Cathy at Cathy@villagerpublications.com

“Each year I am proud to honour outstanding London West volunteers, who contribute so much to strengthening our community,” said Peggy Sattler, MPP London West. “Many thanks to all who joined me at the Byron Legion for another inspiring London West Community Recognition Awards celebration on March 27.”

Page 4 Wortley Villager • May 2025

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80 Years of Accord In March of 1945, sixty men from the Windsor chapter of a barbershop chorus took the train to London to meet with 103 fellows from the London area and the London chapter of the Men of Accord was born. In 1963, the chapter purchased its own hall, Harmony Manor. It became the focus of chorus and quartet rehearsals, and social events for the next 57 years, sold recently during the covid pandemic. The group now regularly rehearses Wednesday evenings, 7:30 pm, at the German-Canadian Club on Cove Road.

Stead, VP Communication, of the male chorus that performs 4-part a capella harmony. We Sing That They Shall Speak “We have helped to contribute more than $5.5 million to Harmonize for Speech, an organization that provides funding for speech-related treatment and equipment at hospitals, clinics and treatment centres throughout Ontario, including Western University,” continued Bruce. “The barbershop style is versatile, embracing tender ballads, lively jazz numbers, and everything in between,” said Music VP Dwight Baer. “But beyond the music, quartetting connects me to a sense of nostalgia and community. When I join voices with three (or more) friends, the harmonies aren’t just musical; they’re a reminder of the joy found in shared experiences and genuine connection.” To celebrate their 80th anniversary, the group has contracted one of the top ten quartets from the international competition to appear at their annual show – their 80th – to be held November 1, 2025. Visit www.menofaccord.com and follow them on Facebook for updates, and for links to some video! Like to sing? Contact Rick Madzia at 226-985-1423 for mem- bership information. “No experience? No problem,” says David. “We’ll provide music and learning tracks to help get you started!” Fun for Hire To inquire about rates and booking a quartet or chorus for your corporate party, anniversary or birthday, convention or community event, contact Ken Dodge at 519-870-5620. (Note: some events may be performed at no cost).

London Men of Accord in London’s Centennial Parade, 1955. “We provide service to others through our music by performing at London-area festivals, events and concerts as well as at schools, hospitals and seniors’ residences,” explained Bruce

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All Natural at Purdy Natural “We’ve been whipping up handmade, all-natural products for over ten years, and we’re still loving every messy, magical minute of it! The core values in our shop are health and wellness,” enthuses Rokhsana (Roks) Purdy, founder of the expansive, yet quaint shop located at the corner of Wharncliffe Road and Mount Pleasant. The shop held a 10th anniversary open house in March – enthusiastically attended – where guests enjoyed samples, goodie bags, refreshments and special pricing. “What really sparked my interest in natural skincare was learning how many conventional products are filled with synthetic ingredients that can be harsh or even harmful in the long term,” explains Roks. “I started researching more about clean beauty and was amazed by how powerful and effective natural ingredients can be. The idea of nourishing my skin with ingredients that are gentle, sustainable, and toxin-free really resonated with me. It just made sense—I’m careful about what I eat, why wouldn’t I be just as careful about what I use on my skin? Once I made the connection, I had to do something about it...so I started Purdy Natural! We offer options in not only natural skincare, but Canadian and local at the same time.” Some of the shop’s most popular items—from a wide selection that includes candles, jewelry, mugs, teas, and more—are their Purdy Natural soaps, the entire Lunah Life skincare line, and their haircare and soap refills. Roks especially loves the Lunah Life Citrine Body Oil. “I use our soaps every day, and I love the Mint Cleaning products,” she says. But what she finds most rewarding about Purdy Natural, she adds, “are the forever friendships this shop has created over the years. The community we have built is a beautiful thing.” Visit PurdyNatural.ca and find them on Facebook to learn more.

NEW SEASON. NEW STORIES. Your Guide to Summer Theatre!

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Wortley Villager May 2025 • Page 7

Grand Theatre Ladies of Old South Three Old South Londoners with London’s Grand Theatre share their thoughts about working with the historic theatre and living in Wortley Village: RACHEL PEAKE (Artistic Director, Grand Theatre) What first interested you in theatre? I’ve always loved storytelling, starting from making puppet shows as a child. The Globe Theatre in Regina sent school tours to my small Saskatchewan town and they were my favourite day of the year – it felt like magic. What is your role at the Grand and what is most rewarding about your work? I have been Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre for a year and a half now, which means I lead the artistic side of the company. The most rewarding part of my work is collaborating – whether that is collaborating with actors and designers in rehearsal, or with a playwright developing a new script, or with my team at the Grand creating new programs to engage with our audiences. Do you have a favourite memory or anecdote or career highlight? Coming from a small town I didn’t believe that working in theatre was a real possibility so I thought I would work in tv and film. Then one day I was in Vancouver and went to see West Side Story at the Arts Club at a matinee. I sat in that theatre with all those people around me and the lights went down, and the orchestra started to play the overture, and I started to weep. I

knew from that moment that I would spend the rest of my life in the theatre. What do you like about living in Old South London? Our neighbours! The community has been so welcoming and so generous to me and to my family since moving here – I honestly didn’t know that places like this still exist. We feel like we hit the lottery moving here. LYNDEE HANSEN (Executive Director, Grand Theatre) What first interested you in theatre? I have had a life long love of theatre that came from my parents. Their record collection included a lot of musicals, so I was exposed to theatre and song at a young age. I saw my first show at the Grand Theatre, my mom and dad took me for my birthday. We saw Godspell and got to sit in the box seats. I loved it. I have been a theatre lover ever since. It is wonderful to be back where my love for theatre began. What is your role at the Grand and what is most rewarding about your work? I am the Executive Director at the Grand Theatre. The most rewarding part of the work is to talk with people about their experience at the theatre and to hear how the work of our team has such an impact in our community. I also really love giving tours to people who have never been as we have one of the best (if not the best) theatre spaces in the country. It is always a magical when people come into the space and see our jewel box theatre. It is truly like being transported back in time.

Page 8 Wortley Villager • May 2025

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Do you have a favourite memory or anecdote or career highlight? A career highlight was being at the opening night for Room by Emma Donahue at the Princess of Wales, which was a co-production between the Grand Theatre and Mirvish Productions. It had been the last production on our stage before we had to close our doors because of the pandemic. To have the opportunity to see such a beautiful show that I had worked so hard on reopen in one of the countries largest theatres was incredible. The opening happened on my Mom’s birthday, so I brought her with me as my date. It was touching to bring her with me for this special night as she is the person who instilled in me my love of theatre. What do you like about living in Old South London? I love the feeling of community in Old South. It really is like living in a village in the city. We know our neighbours and our kids play on the street, which feels like my own childhood. I love that I can walk to groceries, the library or an art gallery. LIA KARIDAS (Director of Marketing, Grand Theatre) What first interested you in theatre? As a young person there was no activity more thrilling to me than sitting in an audience ready to be entertained. That is, until I had opportunities to appear on stage (or work back stage) on a school play or dance show. Once I caught the bug, there was no influencing me out of the amazing world of live theatre.

What is your role at the Grand and what is most rewarding about your work? I am the Director of Marketing at the Grand, and I love working with brilliant people to shout loudly about the amazing things happening in this place. No two days are the same, and the work fully enraptures my creativity. Do you have a favourite memory or anecdote or career highlight? I love putting out season announcements and watching them create buzz, not just in London, but across the entire country. The Canadian Theatre scene is widespread and also incredibly interconnected, like a nation-wide community. Any interaction that reminds me how much of a national impact the Grand Theatre has is a highlight. What do you like about living in Old South London? I grew up in Old South, and this neighbourhood is a dream. I love looking at the architecture, dilly dallying in the Village, and saying hello to all of the dogs! The Grand Theatre is known for world-class theatre created and presented here in London at 471 Richmond Street. As a vibrant cultural hub and not-for-profit professional theatre, the Grand serves to gather, inspire, and entertain audiences on two stages – the Spriet Stage (839 seats) and the Auburn Developments Stage (144 seats). Learn more at www.grandtheatre.com Photos courtesy Grand Theatre: pages 8 to 9, left to right: Rachel Peake, Lyndee Hanson and Lia Karidas.

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Wortley Villager May 2025 • Page 9

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Page 10 Wortley Villager • May 2025

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Betta see Betamaxx Betamaxx entertains with the best 80s New Wave/Post Punk/New Romantics hits! They were “super pumped” to be nominated for the 2025 Forest City London Music Awards in the Cover Band category. The awards take place the week of June 1 to 8. Featuring Simon Goodwin (lead vocals, keyboard), Jaq Inglis (drums), Sookie Mei (bass guitar, backing vocals), Mark Ordas (guitar, backing vocals), and Kathy Quayle (lead and backing vocals, keyboard), Betamaxx performs “your fave songs from Flock of Seagulls, Duran Duran, The Go-Gos, David Bowie, The Smiths, Kate Bush, and many more! It’s all the songs you love to dance to, and John Hughes loved to put in his movies,” said Old South Londoner Sookie Mei.

To date Betamaxx has performed at the Eastside Bar & Grill, Halloween in the Village, London Brewing Co-op, The London Club, Palasad Socialbowl, Ribfest, The Richmond Tavern, Storm Stayed, Wortley Roadhouse and private parties. Learn more about the Forest City London Music Awards at fclma.ca. Follow Betamaxx on Facebook for upates.

“A Betamaxx show is the high school reunion you didn’t know you needed.” Bob Klanac, author of Promo Man and Shooting Stars, Telling Tales

Lining up at the Wort on a cold January night to see Betamaxx. They’ll be there again August 1.

Wortley Road Fire Recovery by Ian Leishman

The fire on Wortley Road, which impacted Wortley Village’s cherished businesses A Village Tail and Sha Choix during the crucial Christmas shopping season, posed significant challenges for both. The good news is that A Village Tail has reopened in that location. Unfortunately, Sha Choix is not as lucky, as the damage to that side of the building was more severe, making it unsafe to move back into. While insurance does help, it certainly does not cover all expenses, so the Old South Business Association launched an online fundraising campaign. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, many people donating small amounts added up to an impressive $5,130, which was split between the two businesses.

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To further support Sha Choix’s recovery, you can buy their beautiful custom jewelry and gifts through pop-up sales held throughout Wortley Village,

including at owner Sharinne’s home. You can stay updated through their Facebook page at facebook.com/ShaChoix.

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Wortley Villager May 2025 • Page 11

Community “Gathers” for 37 years Advised that if the green space at Elmwood and Wortley, then known as the Education Center Park, had a community purpose, it was less likely to be sold to developers and would better qualify for funding for repair and upkeep, a group of community-minded south Londoners gathered 37 years ago and dreamed up “Gathering on the Green”. The area would then after be known as “The Green”. With a focus on children’s events – bubble-gum blowing contests, decorated bicycle parades (in at least one year, led by John Crozman wearing tuxedo-tails and playing his fiddle), a children’s pet look-a-like contest, kite flying contests, horse shoe pitching, tug-of-war and a bed race, the event also offered entertainment by various singing groups, bands and dance troupes, food booths, arts and craft booths, tea-leaf reading and more. Organizers were resourceful. “We contacted Westminster Hospital to inquire if they had any beds to spare for our bed race,” reminisces Eleanor Huber. “They had a storage room full. We quickly learned why the beds had been in storage when wheels hilariously started falling off and frames broke up during the race. One bed dismantled so completely that the participants completed the race holding up the mattress by just its four corners!” The hospital also provided an old sheet to which green paint was applied to create the first Gathering on the Green banner. “One year we contacted Wosley Barracks to ask if they would lend us some tents,” said Eleanor. “Imagine the surprise when a cavalcade of military vehicles advanced along Wortley Road then proceeded to set up tents. The Green looked just like an army camp!” Originally for the Old South community, Gathering on the Green now draws thousands of people from throughout London and beyond. Proceeds benefit the many community initiatives that the Old South Community Organization supports.

Charlotte Moore

Tea Garden volunteer Margaret Hopkins – the kettles are on!

As a founding member of Gath- ering on the Green, Charlotte Moore (1917-2000) had suggested a tea garden. Charlotte would have none of disposable cups – tea would be served in china tea cups along with her home- baked currant scones. Now named Char-lotte’s Memorial Tea Garden, the tradition continues 37 years later under the same shady Maple tree, and is one of the event’s most popular attractions. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and delicious scones this year at Gathering on the Green! Below: enjoying Charlotte’s Tea Garden in 1983 (left) and 1985.

Guests enjoy fresh flowers, tea cups and saucers and home- baked goods at Charlotte’s Memorial Tea Garden, 2018.

John Crozman

‘ Small town’ group’s aim ( Neighbourhood News - London Free Press, 1982 ) South London likes to think it’s more than a neighbourhood. On the Green, a fair sponsored by the South London Community Organization, tried to show that South London “is a small town within a big city,” said organization president Bernie Koenig. The “country fair in the city” attracted 1,000 more residents than last year and made $600, also more than last year. Koenig said the “trash bash – the community garage sale – was the big money maker. Held at the education centre at Elmwood Avenue and Wortley Road, On the Green’s outdoor entertainment ranged from a folk singer and jazz band to the Sweet Adelines chorus and a magician. The evening wound up with a square dance.

Page 12 Wortley Villager • May 2025

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A familiar face in a far away place Wortley Village resident Bruce Parker had toured Ireland by bicycle 33 years ago. Just recently, he and his partner Jinny visited together, enjoying many of the same sites from Bruce’s original journey. They were pleased to note fellow Wortley Village resident, Emma Donoghue, recognized there in the country of her birth: “I visited the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin and was very pleased to see that novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and Wortley Village resident Emma Donoghue was well represented in a video presentation. Then, while visiting Galway, I noticed a bookstore display of her most recent work,” remarked Bruce.

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Wortley Villager May 2025 • Page 13

What’s Happening at Landon Library Submitted by Ashleigh Hickey Cursive Writing (Ages 8+) January 20, 2024 10:30 am – noon (Registered) 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) 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! Morrisey appointed inaugural Artist in Residence at the St. Paul’s Cathedral Old South artist Catherine Morrisey has been appointed as the inaugural Artist in Resident for 2025 – 2026 at the St. Pauls Cathedral. “This residency offers Catherine the opportunity to create works showcasing the beauty of London, its surroundings, and the cathedral’s community, reimagining the church through her artistic vision,” read the church announcement. “Catherine will undoubtedly utilize this residency to inspire, encourage, and teach others, fostering an appreciation for art-making.” St. Paul’s is located at 474 Richmond Street. Learn more about Catherine at CatherineMorriseyFineArt.ca 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

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. Black Walnut Update by J. Bruce Parker With Spring upon us and its promise of re-birth and new growth, a fine example in the village is the beginnings of the framing of the Black Walnut Bakery Café which was destroyed by fire in April of 2023. (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 Mandy Etheridge, who co-owns the business with her brother Ed, expressed hope for a reopening in October of this year. And things seem to be on track. I can almost smell the coffee brewing.

The Black Walnut Bakery Cafe has locations at 134 Wortley Road (under reconstruction) and 724 Richmond Street. They offer breakfast and lunch (quiche, frittatas, sandwiches, etc.) baked goods, coffee, tea and and cold drinks. Learn more at blackwalnutbakerycafe.com and by finding them on Facebook.

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London Animal Care Centre: 121 Pine Valley Blvd., (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack: 756 Windermere Rd., (519) 432-4572 JEWELLERY HOME DECOR CLOTHING AND MUCH MORE IN STORE.... JEWELLERY HOME DECOR CLOTHING AND MUCH MORE IN STORE.... 174 1/2 WORTLEY RD. SHOP LOCAL

Save Time – Ride More with Vélofix Mobile Bike Repair SHOP CANADIAN AND SUPPORT LOCAL 174 ½ WORTLEY RD, LONDON ON SHOP CANADIAN AND SUPPORT LOCAL 174 ½ WORTLEY RD, LONDON ON

Georgia Kortas, lawyer at Thomson Mahoney Delorey LLP welcomes your inquires for legal services in estate planning, estate administration, real estate (residential / commercial) and business law. Georgia can be reached at: Thomson Mahoney Delorey LLP 145 Wharncliffe Road South, London, Ontario N6J 2K4 T: 519-673-1151 ext 251 E: gkortas@londonlawyers.com

JEWELLERY

HOME DECOR

CLOTHING

AND MUCH MORE IN STORE....

Need Bike Repair or Maintenance? NOW YOU KNOW A GUY! Tom Panabaker

SHOP CANADIAN AND SUPPORT LOCAL 174 ½ WORTLEY RD, LONDON ON

To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com Book your appointment now at www.velofix.com

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Wortley Villager Jan-Feb 2024 •

Page 14 Wortley Villager • May 2025

To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com

OF THE

80th Annivesary of the Battle of the Atlantic GALA – Saturday, May 3, 2025 ATLANTIC 80TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

What’s Happening at Landon Library Submitted by Ashleigh Hickey STEAM Lab (Ages 4+), Saturday May 3, 10:00 –11:30 Drop-in to explore different Science, Technology, Eng- ineering, Art and Math related activities! Kid’s First Day (Family), Friday May 30, 10:00 – 6:00 Join us as we take part in Investing in Children’s Kids 1st Day! Drop in to the library for Character Quest. Can you find all the characters hiding in the library? During Library hours, while supplies last. For more information, please visit: investinginchildren.on.ca/kids-first-day. Spring Plant Exchange, Saturday May 24th, 10:00 – 12:00 Calling all gardeners to our annual plant exchange! Bring in your extra cuttings, bulbs and plants to exchange with other gardeners. Please label plants and remember not to share plants that are considered invasive to Ontario. Check the provided link for a list of invasive plants. Note: a Master Gardener may be on site to answer your gardening questions. In partnership with London Middlesex Master Gardeners. Blythe Festival presents Old South Londoner Emma Donoghue’s new musical in the world premiere of The Wind Coming Over the Sea June 26 – August 12 blythfestival.com/the-wind-coming-over-the-sea

Hellenic Community Centre.

Gala tickets $165 at QR code.

BATTLE OF ATLANTIC WALL OF HONOUR UNVEILING AND CEREMONY Sunday May 4, 2025, HMCS PREVOST Becher Street. All welcome. Follow Facebook.com/BattleOfTheAtlanticMemorial for updates. 03 MAY 2025 - 1800 COCKTAILS FOR 1900 DINNER Hellenic Center 133 Southdale Rd W, London, ON N6J 2J2 Tickets: $165 Payment Through the QR CodE Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Parade and Wall of Honour unveiling HMCS Prevost, 19 Becher St. 04 May 2025 - 1330 HOURS Wortley Pride • Saturday June 14, 10 am Gathering on the Green • June 7 Wortley Jazz and Bluesfest • August 18 London Irish Canadian Club: 1 Cove Road Golf Tournament (May 24), Bingo (June 14), Pub Nights (September 20 and October 18), Irish Folk Club Céilí (November 15) and an Irish Christmas Party (December 20). All are welcome. londonirish.ca Luncheon and Card Party Hosted by the Daughters of the Nile, London Sewing Circle Wednesday, May 28 Doors open 12 Noon, Lunch 12:30, Cards 1 – 3:30 pm. 8 Weston Street, London, (Moose Lodge) $25.00. Bring your friends for an afternoon of food, fun, cards, raffle and prizes! CONTACT: Sandra at 519-473-4282

boamemorial

www.hylandcinema.com

BRASSROOTS – AMERICANA Saturday June 7, 7:30 St. James Westminster • 115 Askin Street Tickets: brassroots.ca Thames Park Community Meeting May 8, 2025, from 6 – 8 pm Mountsfield Public School

49th Annual Geranium Heritage House Tour Browsing Blackfriars • June 1, 12:00 – 5:00 pm Starts at Jeanne Sauve Public School, 215 Wharncliffe Rd. N. Hosted by Architectural Conservancy Ontario, London Branch Stroll through the historic Blackfriars neighbourhood. This self-guided walking tour includes a descriptive booklet, map, and guided visits to the interiors of several heritage homes. Refreshments are included. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 on tour day. Advance tickets can be purchased at Tuckey Home Hardware, Jill's Table, or online at www.acolondon.ca

Saturday, May 3 Wesley-Knox United Church Your Song: Hits of the 70s, 80s & 90s

featuring the songs of Elton John, Billy Joel, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, and others. With Jeans ‘n Classics vocalist, Jean Meilleur, pianist, Steve Holowitz, and band. Info: kssingers.com/#/kss/1

London Animal Care Centre 121 Pine Valley Blvd. www.accpets.ca • (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack 756 Windermere Rd. • (519) 432-4572 Dreaming of a Forever Home Adopt Today!

LONDONʼS PREMIER MOTOWN & SOUL BAND Call today to elevate your celebration 519-694-4537 | themotones.ca

To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com

Wortley Villager May 2025 • Page 15

KJ and the Motones_FinalAd-3.indd 1

2024-02-05 9:14 AM

Tuckey

Service is my priority. Community is my passion. AMANDA AUSTIN Marketing Your Property to Get it SOLD!

Come say ‘HI’ at the silent auction tent at Gathering on the Green June 7!

We have everything you need to Spring Forward into Summer! BBQs • Lawn Mowers & Garden Tools • Lots more

To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com 136 Wortley Road • (519) 432-7683 M-F 9-6 • Saturday 9-5 • Sunday 10-5 Gift Cards Available! Mother’s Day Gifts for Mom! Plants & Flowers • Garden Decor • Patio Furniture Planters • Baskets and more! Plants & Flowers • Garden Decor Planters • Baskets and more!

Amanda (Patrick) Austin Sales Representative

I ndependently Owned and Operated

amanda@amandaaustin.ca Direct: 519-871-9807 • Office: 519-471-9200

Gathering on the Green • June 7

SPRING DRIVING SEASON Finally, Spring has sprung and the cold, snow filled days of the winter are behind us. Do you use snow or winter tires on your car? If so, now is the time to change them out for your summer or "all season" tires. The Technicians at Wortley Auto Service can install your loose (non mounted) tires as well as fully your mounted sets on your vehicle. Now that spring weather is nally here we all want to get out of our houses and do some exploration. If you are like most of us, you likely haven't been using your car very much these last few months. It is a good idea to keep up with the routine maintenance of your vehicle before hitting the open road for your rst adventure of the spring. If you use one set of all season or all weather tires year round, it may be time to have them rotated and the pressures adjusted. We can take care of that for you too! Need a new set of summer tires for your vehicle? Did you know that we also sell all major brands of new tires, including Michelin, Uniroyal and BF Goodrich to name a few. Feel free to drop us a line if you're looking for more information about tires for your vehicle. You can easily book an appointment to install your tires on www.wortleyautoservice.com Safe Driving, Matt & The Team Your car may not be due for an oil change based on the elapsed mileage (distance since last oil change), but, if it has been sitting for some time it may be due for it's next service. Make sure to check the condition of all of your tires before your next road trip as well. If you aren't sure if your car requires service give us a call or drop us a line at www.wortleyautoservice.com. Safe Driving, Matt Smith

“Friendly and communicative staff, fair pricing and close to home. It’s nice when the local team is as exceptional as this one. Thank you! Kate.”

shop@wortleyautoservice.com • www.wortleyautoservice.com

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