Hyde Park- Oakridge Villager October 2025 ISSUE 94
Country Cruizin’ 2025 If you appreciate classic and unique cars – or even just an evening out at a beautiful park-like estate, along with BBQ, live music and ice cream, then Country Cruizin’ is for you. The Hyde Park and District Lions report another great year for the event held at the Plunkett Estate on Thursday evenings all summer, and look forward to staging it again next year. Proceeds benefit Lions Club projects. Visit www.countrycruizin.com or follow them on Facebook for updates.
Above: 1964 Porsche 356C, owned by Bill and Laura Cummings. At right: 1964.5 Ford Mustang Hardtop, owned by Rachel Giammarco, and a 1986 Land Rover One Ten, Ex-British Army, owned by Ken Fear-Firman.
Are you ready for winter? There are several services we can provide while winterizing your vehicles. Always ensure you have a healthy battery before the winter months, as colder temperatures are hard on batteries. Being broken
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down on the side of the road is not only frustrating but also puts your safety at risk! Upon request, we can check your brakes, battery, suspension, engine oil, fluid levels, tire pressures, tire life, lights, cabin filters, air filters, belts, and windshield wipers. These are all crucial components in safe winter driving. Winter tires are crucial for safety and performance during cold, icy, and snowy conditions. Look for the peaked mountain with a snowflake symbol when shopping for winter tires. Tires marked with this symbol meet specific snow traction performance requirements and have been designed specifically for use in severe snow conditions. At temperatures below 7°C, all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity, leading to less traction. Winter tires keep their elasticity and grip at much lower temperatures. Investing in winter tires is an investment in safety. They can make the difference between a safe winter journey and a potentially dangerous one. While they may seem like an additional expense, the peace of mind and improved control they offer on winter roads are priceless, making winter tires an essential purchase for anyone facing cold and snowy conditions. Call or email us today at Neighbourhood Auto Plus so we can do our part in keeping you and your family safe!
Page 2 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025
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Message from the Mayor by Mayor Josh Morgan mayor@london.ca 519-661-4920 Hello HydePark/Oakridge,
Ontario won’t have to make up for those waived revenues from their own funds. London Police Service (LPS) will be reducing its operating budget by $1.5 million, as announced recently. After a record investment in policing here in London, this latest move helps ease the burden on the tax levy without compromising the amazing progress the LPS has made in our City. I have committed to keeping the overall property tax increase under 5%. With those backfill savings, efficiencies in public bodies like LPS, and careful planning of services, that target is well within reach. What does this mean for you here in Hyde Park-Oakridge? It means more predictability. It means fewer surprise costs, more fiscal responsibility, and less strain on household budgets. Whether you own your home or rent, these budget changes are designed to make living in our neighbourhood more affordable and sustainable. As always, Hyde Park-Oakridge continues to show what makes London such a great city — thriving local businesses, welcoming community groups, and families who care deeply about their neighbourhood. This fall, I encourage you to get out and enjoy the colours in our parks, support our local shops, and take part in the community events that bring us together. Thank you for your continued engagement and for making Hyde Park-Oakridge such a vibrant and connected part of London.
Autumn in Hyde Park-Oakridge brings that familiar and comforting shift — cooler air, colourful trees along Southdale and Wonderland, mornings and evenings that invite you to slow down a little. There’s something about fall here: the glow in the windows of local shops, the sound of leaves underfoot, and community coming alive again indoors, at cafés, libraries, and community centres. With the 2026 budget announcement coming up, I want to share some news from City Hall that will directly affect what you see in your property tax bill this coming year — and what it means for Hyde Park-Oakridge families, retirees, renters, and homeowners: After several months of discussions with the provincial govern- ment, we confirmed the City is no longer required to backfill development charge exemptions. This change means significant savings for taxpayers because London and municipalities across
Ward 8 Update from City Hall
by Steve Lehman, Ward 8 London City Councillor, slehman@london.ca
Unsafe Traffic In The West End Is A Top-Of-Mind Concern After my discussions with the Chief of Police, the London Police Service (LPS) recently conducted a one-
Town Hall You’re invited to join me and Councillor Rahmin at our upcoming Town Hall Meeting this Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Gateway Church, 890 Sarnia Road. This is a valuable
month-long blitz in the Hyde Park Road area. The first couple of weeks resulted in 40 tickets laid, three vehicles seized for stunt driving and one impaired driver, along Hyde Park Road alone. I recently participated in a ride-along with the LPS Traffic Unit along Hyde Park Road and Riverside Drive. During this, the officer handed tickets out for distracted drivers on cell phones and various speeding tickets, including one car speeding almost 100 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone with the explanation that the children in the car were late to school. The car was impounded and the drivers license suspended as per the Provincial Traffic Act. While we were not able to find cars with loud, modified mufflers, the officer told me of many instances where he and other traffic police have been getting those cars off the street with hefty fines. One of the Chief of Police's main pillars in his Strategic Plan is to enhance road safety. He is halfway on this plan, which includes an increase of 96 officers overall. With proper staf- fing, resources can continue to be allocated to traffic en- forcement not only in Hyde Park but throughout the city.
opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay informed about the projects and initiatives shaping our neighbourhoods. We’ll be discussing: budget updates, public safety and community concerns. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to listen to them, your presence makes a difference. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more vibrant London. Bring your ideas, bring your neighbours—your voice matters.
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 • Page 3
The Village Vibe
Left: Sterling Marking Products, originally known as Sterling Stamp and Stencil, celebrate their 80th anniversary. The company moved into the building on Gainsborough Road in 2016. Below Warren Schram and his wife Della in 1945 show some of their early products. Learn more at sterling.ca
Tranquil Passage by Sandi McCabe (Medway Creek) Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager (Special Ilderton Edition) Issue #93 October 2025 The 100% locally owned and produced Hyde Park-Oakridge 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: Cathy Wood Cathy@villagerpublications.com All articles by Cathy Wood unless otherwise noted. Advertising: Gloria Rae Gloria@VillagerPublications.com Debbie Mindorff Debbie@VillagerPublications.com Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Distribution 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.
A couple enjoys a picnic at Prince of Wales Gate Park. Photo by Debbie Mindorff.
Amigo’s Latin Store & Bakery celebrated Mexican Independence Day with a Mexican Party on September 13. Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet, festive drinks, and a show filled with music and culture. Amigos is located at 1634 Hyde Park Road and serves up pupusas, tacos, some interesting breakfast choices like Chicharron Con Yuca (two eggs, fried beans, sweet plantains, sour cream and cheese, served with two freshly made tortillas), baked goods and more. Learn more at amigoslatinbakeryon.com Hola!
Article suggestions welcome! We’d love to hear from you. Contact Cathy at Cathy@villagerpublications.com
Cover photo and article suggestions welcome!
Page 4 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025
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Sherwood Library Grand Opening Sherwood Library, located in Sherwood Forest Mall at 1225 Wonderland Road North, invites all to come explore their stunning new space and celebrate with them at their Grand Opening event, Saturday, October 4, from 11 am to 2 pm! Visitors can enjoy fun activities for all ages – including a photo- booth, face painters, and more surprises – while touring the newly renovated facility. Library staff extend a huge THANK YOU to the community for their patience during the renovation, and to our generous supporters – especially the Friends of the London Public Library and Rudy Sparkuhl – for helping bring this beautiful transformation to life.
Fresh Food and More Since 1984
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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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 • Page 5
ARTISTS ALLEY Sandra Nicolucci by Lyn Tremblay
A year before Sandra Nicolucci and her husband Blake had even graduated, they purchased their first home in the Oakridge community. “We lived in our first house for five years,” recalls Sandra. “When lots on Clearview became available, we built our current home and have lived here 46 years. When our house was 25, I had a party for her. I plan to do the same when she turns 50!” Over the years, the couple raised three children in the Clearview home, and they are now enjoying seven grandchildren, three of whom, with their parents, live on the same street as their grandparents and are growing up in the community. While raising their family, Sandra and Blake enjoyed careers in dentistry, in fact, all three of their children became dentists, and they married dentists! Six years ago, when it came time to retire and leave the family business in the hands of the next generation, Sandra found what she describes as one of her “greatest joys”. She decided to paint. “I thought I would write,” she says, “but painting came much easier and was fun.” After taking various classes exploring different mediums, even travelling to Italy for lessons in oil, she settled mainly on acrylics as her favourite. Many of her paintings are on large bold canvases and feature bright, colourful florals or the rugged beauty of rocks, perhaps inspired by those surrounding the family cottage in Georgian Bay. “I think I have always loved the different colours and shapes in rocks. I also love flowers,” she adds, “the bold colours and shapes. I always find it amazing how in nature different strong colours look so good together, and yet if we decorated that way it might look garish and cheap.”
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The couple loves to travel, and Sandra says she will take many photos of certain views and then paint them when she is back home in her studio. “I love painting different subjects,” she notes, “anything that brings joy and beauty to a canvas intrigues and challenges me.” In recent years, Sandra has found a way to share that “joy and beauty” by exhibiting and selling her work through shows and sales at local venues. She became a member of ArtwithPanache, a gallery located at 465 Richmond Street in the Talbot Centre, which represents the works of local artists. She will join other gallery artists in the upcoming show entitled ‘OH! Canada’, September 20 to October 10, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Are your finances on track? Are your finances on track? Your finances change as your life changes, be it marriage, a new job or a baby. I’m here to help navigate life’s changes. Are your finances Your finances change as your life changes, be it marriage, a new job or a baby. I’m here to help navigate life’s changes. Your finances change as your life changes, be it marriage, a new job or a baby. I’m here to help navigate life’s changes. Your finances change as your life changes, be it marriage, a new job or a baby. I’m here to help navigate life’s changes. Your finances change as your life changes, be it marriage, a new job or a baby. I’m here to help navigate life’s changes.
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Page 6 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sarah Judd*, CHS™, CFP® Financial Planner, Sun Life Tel: (519) 438-5433 sarah.judd@sunlife.com *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sarah Judd*, CHS™, CFP® Financial Planner, Sun Life Tel: (519) 438-5433 sarah.judd@sunlife.com Sarah Judd*, CHS™, CFP® Financial Planner, Sun Life Tel: (519) 438-5433 sarah.judd@sunlife.com Sarah Judd*, CHS™, CFP® Financial Planner, Sun Life Tel: (519) 438-5433 sarah.judd@sunlife.com CHS™, CFP® Financial Planner, Sun Life Tel: (519) 438-5433 sarah.judd@sunlife.com Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. ssurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. e Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. s and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors ) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment (Canada) Inc. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sarah Judd*, CHS™, CFP® Financial Planner, Sun Life Tel: (519) 438-5433 sarah.judd@sunlife.com
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SARI Therapeutic Riding thanks donors and volunteers with ribbon- cutting ceremony Sari Therapeutic Riding has expanded with four new stalls so that they now have a home for each of their 20 horses. They held a ribbon cutting ceremony mid-September to unveil the upgrades and to thank donors including Wastell Homes who donated construction staff, Strik-Baldinelli-Moniz Ltd. for providing architectural plans, Arva Spring Farms for donating the interior stalls, Hyde Park Equipment for donating a new Kubota RTV, four donors who each sponsored a stall in memory of loved ones, and volunteers who spent weeks working through the summer heat to put it all together. SARI Therapeutic Riding is a registered nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of children with disabilities through a range of adaptive equine programs. Located at 12659 Medway Road, SARI was founded in 1978 by Syd and Jeanne Greenberg in memory of their daughter Sarah (Sari), who was born with Down Syndrome. Learn more at www.sari.ca Sari Therapeurtic Artisan Auction 5 – 9 pm, October 18, 2025 12659 Medway Road, London, ON
Tickets $70, includes entry, drink ticket, light refreshments, live music and entertainment! Dozens of unique artisanal pieces will be available for auction. Pieces include paintings, woodwork, photography, self-care packages and more. Visit www.sari.ca for more information and tickets.
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 • Page 7
London Urban Farmers Bees and butterflies abound in the Oakridge Acres gardens of Dennis and Jenni Kuntz, along with paw-paws, apples, several different kinds of berries, tomatoes (various kinds), rhubarb, zucchini (of course), potatoes, purple grapes that Jenni says make for a healthy, refreshing drink when pureed and added to sparkling water, lots of herbs, edible flowers and much more. “I came from a farming background,” says Dennis, “and saw some negative effects of chemical use and monoculture. Dennis is an advocate for good soil management, and Jenni can tell you a lot about the health benefits of herbs.
The couple have been developing their urban ‘farm’ for some 18 years, inspired by the concept of food being medicine and medicine being food, and of “eating totally organic food grown in biodynamic regenerative soil. It reduces the burden of consuming food containing toxic pesticides, which include insecticides and herbicides,” says Dennis. Conservation is always a consideration: rainwater is collected from downspouts, the water stored in a large container, and a compost bin is used to collect garden waste for producing soil.
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@VillagerPublications.com Left column: Dennis and Jenni, Jenni’s front yard flower garden, and squashes spreading in a row. Above: a tangled garden of many vegetables, fruit and herbs; paw-paws, apples, edible flowers and berries. Page 9: Dennis gathers herbs.
Page 8 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FARM STORE
WE SELL OVER 100 LOCAL PRODUCTS Apples • Apple Butter • Jams Honey • Maple Syrup • Cheese Apple Cider Vinegar • Peanuts Generations Hard Apple Cider Frozen Meat and Fruit Pies Gluten Free Products Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables Gift Baskets and More! www.crunicanorchards.com | 519-666-0286 23778 Richmond St., London, ON @crunicanapples Crunican Orchards
To advertise here, please contact Debbie@VillagerPublications.com The couple are members of London Urban Farmers, a new group for city food farmers to share experiences and tips on gardening, harvesting, storing, canning, thwarting critters in environmentally safe manners, and recipes. Several members, including Dennis and Jenni, recently staged a tour to welcome interested locals to view their gardens. Learn more about urban farming on the London Urban Farmers Facebook page.
Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 • Page 9
Music on the Village Green On Saturdays, September 14 and 21, the Hyde Park Business Improvement Association sponsored the London Music Showcase Series at the Hyde Park Village Green Park, featuring local musicians. Above are (left to right): Emily Garber, Chop Suey Band, and Colin Gray. Photos courtesy Sarah Devon Perry Facebook. Do you have a favourite local artist, author, musician, crafter or community volunteer from Hyde Park or Oakridge who you would like to see featured in the Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager? Give us a shout at Cathy@VillagerPublications.com!
YOUR SEPTEMBER 2025 VILLAGER MAGAZINES Contact us any time with article suggestions or advertising inquiries.
Miss getting a copy of your Hyde Park-Oakridge / Ilderton Villager? Visit www.villagerpublications.com for a list of select locations where copies are available (while quantities last) and to read the complete lineup online.
Plan ahead for holiday season business Contact Villager Publications to promote your Holiday Season Specials! Book by October 7 to get into the November Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager, or by November 7 for the December Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager, which will include the special Ilderton and Area section – and a bonus distribution to an additional 3000+ homes in Ilderton.
Page 10 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025
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Historic Hyde Park William Edwin Saunders (August 1861 – June 1943) was a London-born pharmacist, naturalist and horticulturalist. President of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, he also founded the Mcllwraith Ornithological Club in London in 1890, championing the study of and protection of birds. The club sponsored the Audubon films, awarded scholarships, purchased books and films for the W. E. Saunders Memorial Library, con- ducted field trips and bird counts, erected bird nesting boxes and advocated for the protection of Saunders Pond, the Byron Bog (now Sifton Bog) and other local natural areas. In the spring of 1963, club members witnessed the shooting of a young Bald Eagle at Wonnacott’s Farm (Komoka), and aided in the prosecution of the case. The shooter was fined $50.
Juvenile eagle and W.E. Saunders, May 1941. Photo by H.M. Halliday, courtesy of Nature London. The club changed its name in 1965 to the McIlwraith Field Naturalists and in 2009, changed its public name to Nature London. Learn more at NatureLondon.ca
Frances Jacobs, Mel Dale and Keith Reynolds at the “old farm” of W.E. Saunders, overlooking the Thames River, in 1937. In 2014, this location became occupied by the London Hunt and Country Club. Saunders owned this property from 1903 to 1909, but naturalists continued to visit it long after he sold it. Photo courtesy Nature London.
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 • Page 11
Contact me today to register To help jump-start your day, join us for a cup of coffee and conversation at our next Coffee Club. Event Details Financial Checklist When Growing Your Family sure you understand how much leave is available, how much you’ll be paid, and whether your job is protected. If you have a shortfall or questions about the costs associated with growing your family, a financial advisor can help you prepare financially through budgeting and other scenario planning. Protect your growing family Review your insurance and adjust where needed. We hope you and a guest will join us. Please call Rachel or Linda at 519-474-9356 or email rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com or linda.skally@edwardjones.com by the Tuesday p to Coffee Club. Contact me today to register! November 26th, 20 9:30am - 11:00am The Coffee Club is an informal gathering to discuss current events, the economy and investing, in a relaxed, informal setting, and is a great way to get to know one another. Event Details October 29th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am November 26th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am Estimate any medical/adoption costs associated with gaining a child. Take some time to understand what costs your provincial/ territorial healthcare and employer benefits will cover, then estimate if you’ll have to pay out of pocket for gaining a child. Estimate any one-time expenses associated with making space for a growing family. Consider whether you need to move or make upgrades to your home, buy a vehicle with more space, get furniture such as a crib/bassinet or changing table, or purchase equipment like a car seat and stroller. Disability insurance: Having disability coverage may become more important if you have a larger family to support. Make sure you have strategies in place to protect your income against both a short-term and a long-term disability. Create or review your estate plan. An estate plan helps ensure your children have the care you would want them to receive if anything were to happen to you. You can do this anytime, but because time becomes scarcer after a new child joins the family, it’s helpful to at least start this before your new addition arrives. An estate-planning lawyer can help with this. Work with your lawyer to create or update a Will, naming a guard- ian for your child. Review/add beneficiaries to RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance, annu- The Coffee Club is an informal gathering to discuss current events, the economy and investing, in a relaxed, informal setting, and is a great way to get to know one another. Coffee Club To help jump-start your day, join us for a cup of coffee and conversation at our next Coffee Club. October 29th, 202 9:30am - 11:00am December 10th, 20 9:30am - 11:00am Edward Jones 1637 Hyde Par (SW corner of London, ON N Join us “Child proofing your home is one thing – but child proofing your finances is another,” said Rachel McCauley of Edward Jones in Hyde Park. “Becoming a parent or bringing new kids into your family brings big financial changes, from monthly expenses to new savings goals – like post-secondary education. Let’s make a plan that covers today’s needs and the changes ahead with a tailored financial strategy.” Prepare for the birth/adoption Life insurance: You may need more life insurance to cover a larger family. Your financial advisor can help determine an amount and type of life insurance specific to your needs. Examples of types of insurance include term insurance (which can potentially be more affordable)and permanent insurance.
EdwardJones ® EdwardJones ® Many families stagger the leave of dual-income partners. What’s available and how the options coordinate vary by employer. Make Plan to take time off work (recover from birth, support your partner, bond with your child). Common options to help you take time off work include: • Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits • Paid family leave • Paid time off (such as sick and vacation time) • Short-term disability insurance • Unpaid leave
December 10th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am Edward Jones 1637 Hyde Park Rd. Unit 7 (SW corner of plaza near construction London, ON N6H SL7
We hope you and a guest will join us. Please call Rachel or Linda at 519-474-9356 or email rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com or linda.skally@edwardjones.com by the Tuesday prior to Coffee Club. Contact me today to register! We hope you and a guest will join us. Please call Rachel or Linda at 519-474-9356 or email rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com or linda.skally@edwardjones.com by the Tuesday prior to Coffee Club. ities and other accounts. Update your budget
Coffee & Snacks are on us. Determine how you’ll address child care. While some aspects of your budget may be hard to predict until your newest addition arrives, child care is an area you should start figuring out immediately. Start by talking about the kind of care you want. If relying on family or friends, you’ll want to understand their availability and whether you’ll need to supplement with other kinds of care. If someone is reducing paid work, start thinking about adjusting for the loss of income. A financial advisor can run the numbers to illustrate the financial impact. If you plan to use paid caregiving, start looking into options well before you need it. Many areas have a shortage of child-care options, resulting in long waitlists and high prices. Starting early can expand your available choices and help you factor the cost into your budget. Incorporate other ongoing costs and look for opportunities to cut spending. Children come with ongoing expenses that change over time. As one expense rolls off, another tends to start or increase. Make sure you have room in your budget for these expenses. Because your child-related expenses will rise, you may want to look for opportunities to reduce your spending elsewhere. You may find savings naturally as your day-to-day financial priorities shift. Adjust your emergency fund based on your new family size and budget needs. We generally recommend saving three to six months’ worth of total expenses in your emergency fund. It will likely need to grow for two reasons: Your monthly expenses will likely increase with a growing family. When your expenses increase, your emergency fund will need to keep pace. With a growing family, you may want to err on the higher side of that range. More people in your family means a higher likelihood of unexpected expenses.
Coffee & Snac
> edwardjones.ca Rachel B McCauley Financial Advisor 1634 Hyde Park Rd. Rachel B McCauley Financial Advisor 1634 Hyde Park Rd. London, ON N6H 5L7 519-474-9356 London, ON N6H 5L7 519-474-9356 rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com - Unit 7 - Unit 7 - Unit 7 Rachel B McCauley Financial Advisor 1634 Hyde Park Rd.
Join us rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.ca/rachel-mccauley EXP 31 DEC 2023 © 2020 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. London, ON N6H 5L7 519-474-9356 Event Details Coffee Club Join us for coffee, snacks and conversation at our next Coffee Club! EXP 31 DEC 2023 © 2020 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. > edwardjones.ca
Jones ®
Coffee Club To help jump-start your day, join us for a cup of coffee and conversation at our next Coffee Club. The Coffee Club is an informal gathering to discuss current events, the economy and investing, in a relaxed, informal setting, and is a great way to get to know one another.
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Contact me today to register! rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.ca/rachel-mccauley EXP 31 DEC 2023 © 2020 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGH We hope you and a guest will join us. Please call Rachel or Linda at 519-474-9356 or email rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com or linda.skally@edwardjones.com by the Tuesday prior to Coffee Club. Please call 519-474-9356 or email rachel.mccauley@edwardjones.com by the Tuesday prior to Coffee Club. October 29th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am November 26th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am October 25 • November 29 9:30–11:00am at the Byron Legion, 1276 Commissioners Rd. W. December 10th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am Edward Jones 1637 Hyde Park Rd. Unit 7 (SW corner of plaza near construction) London, ON N6H SL7 Coffee & Snacks are on us. Event Details October 29th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am November 26th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am December 10th, 2022 9:30am - 11:00am Edward Jones 1637 Hyde Park Rd. Unit 7 (SW corner of plaza near construction) London, ON N6H SL7 Page 12 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 To advertise here, please contact Debbie@VillagerPublications.com
your day, join us for a cup ersation at our next Coffee
an informal gathering to ents, the economy and ed, informal setting, and et to know one another.
today to register!
est will join us. Please call 474-9356 or email ardjones.com or ones.com by the Tuesday prior
Rachel B McCauley Financial Advisor 1634 Hyde Park Rd.
Coffee & Snacks are on us.
Enrol in provincial/territorial healthcare and adjust your employer benefits Enrol your child in health insurance. Enrolment varies by province/ territory. Check your provincial/territorial governement’s website to understand whether you can enrol online or if the hospital staff or a registered midwife will provide you with the enrolment form. Update the number of dependents information with your employer as well. Obtain a Social Insurance Number for your child as soon as possible. Many hospitals provide new parents with the form after birth. Consider adjusting your group life insurance coverage . A life event, such as gaining a child, typically allows you to increase your group life insurance through your employer. Your employer may also allow you to insure your spouse/partner and child. Plan for your future Determine whether you should update your Personal Tax Credits Return (TD1 form). You may want to update your TD1 to add dependents, which can impact your take-home pay. You may want to consult with a tax professional. Determine whether you qualify for tax credits/deductions. Work with your tax professional to determine whether you qualify for any credits or deductions related to your growing family. Ask about the Canada Child Benefit, the federal child tax credit and adoption-related credits (if you adopted). Revisit your financial goals. There’s nothing quite like having a child to change your priorities. A financial advisor can work with you to revisit your financial goals to make sure your spending and saving are aligned with your family’s values. And if you have a partner, open and frequent communication is key to staying on the same page, so you’re working together toward your goals. Start thinking about education costs. Post-secondary may seem far away, but time is your friend when it comes to saving. Your financial advisor can help estimate costs, explore your options for education savings including RESPs, TFSAs, personal savings, etc. and determine the best way to balance education savings with your other priorities, including saving for your own retirement. Considerations for a special-needs child Research the Disability Tax Credit, the Child Disability Benefit, Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and other federal government programs and services. Research provincial programs and benefits. Research community programs or grants for special education. Evaluate ways to ensure ongoing care if something were to happen to you. Talk with your lawyer to determine whether a special needs trust (e.g. a Henson Trust) may be appropriate for you. How we can help At Edward Jones, we care as much about why you’re investing as what you’re investing in. Reach out to a financial advisor to learn more about our services for your family’s future. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Residential and Commercial: • Siding • Fences • Decks
• Framing • Roofing • Trellises and more (226) 927-0601 • smdcarpentryontario@gmail.com www.smdcarpentry.ca
FREE ADMISSION. 300+ original paintings. Meet the artists.
Do you have a local historic photo to share? Send it in to Cathy@villagerpublications.com.
Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 • Page 13 50% off all maintenance calls this month 50% OFF all maintenance calls this month *some conditions apply
To advertise here, please contact Gloria@VillagerPublications.com
Turtles for the Thames In June, a staff member at the Ontario Museum of Archaeology noticed a turtle looking for a place to lay her eggs. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) came to excavate the eggs and incubate them over the summer. The hatched turtles were returned to the museum for release into the Medway Valley river system. According to the UTRCA’s website at www.thamesriver.on.ca/ turtles, turtles have lived in the Thames River watershed for thousands of years, but their populations are now declining at an alarming rate. All six native turtle species found in the Upper Thames River watershed are now listed as at risk in Canada, and five of them are also at risk in Ontario. Turtles grow very slowly and do not begin laying eggs until they are 8 to 20 years old. They are threatened with habitat loss, roads, pollution, poachers and predators. You can help by slowing down and watching out for turtles on roads. When safe to do so, help turtles cross the road in the direction they were heading, unless that area is unsafe or there’s a road median or other barrier. Protect wetlands and natural areas on your property and in your community. Never take turtles from the wild or keep them as pets (it’s illegal), and don’t release non-native turtles into the wild. Don’t disturb nesting turtles or dig up their eggs, and don’t share turtle nest locations publicly. Visit the museum at archaeologymuseum.ca and follow them on Facebook to learn more. Visit thamesriver.on.ca and follow the UTRCA on Facebook to learn more about their conservation efforts, programs and events.
HOUSE OF VICTOR HAIR SALON Ladies Cuts and Men’s Barbering Style Cuts • Perms • Colour • Foils Same day appointments! CHERRYHILL VILLAGE MALL • 301 OXFORD ST., UNIT 40 MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM – 8PM • SATURDAY 9AM – 6PM • SUNDAY 11AM – 5PM 519-471-4980 Stylist? Chair Rentals Available! Great location Lots of Free Parking FREE Conditioning Treatment 10% off Perms & Colours Mon & Thurs after 5pm 3 3 3 3
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
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@VillagerPublications.com LONDONʼS PREMIER MOTOWN & SOUL BAND Call today to elevate your celebration 519-694-4537 | themotones.ca
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
Page 14 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025
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What’s Happening in Hyde Park St. Aidan’s Anglican Church Presents JAZZ BY THE BOG 2025-2026 Featuring: JazzTen Friday, October 24, 2025, 8:00 pm Rachelle Courtney & Nevin Campbell Friday, January 30, 2026, 8:00 pm Take 3 & Company Remembering Burt Bacharach Friday, April 24, 2026, 8:00 pm Visit www.staidans.net for ticket info and updates. COCKTAILS & CLASSICS GALA FUNDRAISER Feturing Big Bandemic & Denise Pelley November 1, 2025 Rotary Club of London Hyde Park with Aeolian Hall A fundraiser supporting Aeolian El Sistema Childrens Music Program and the charitable work of the Rotary Club of London Hyde Park Cabaret Seating (Tables of 8 and 4): $120pp includes two cocktails and charcuterie. Balcony seating: $40pp includes concert and dancing only. Tickets and Inquiries: (519) 672-7950 or rotarylondonhydepark@gmail.com
FALL INTO NOURISHMENT A FREE Drop-In Wellness Event with Intuition Nutrition Thursday, October 16th, 2025 • 12pm to 4pm
T MC on Hyde Park: 990 Gainsborough Rd, 2nd Floor Boardroom Free fall-inspired snacks, cozy drinks, recipes, and take-home resources. A low-pressure, come-and-go event designed
to nourish body & mind. www.intuitionnutrition.ca
Hyde Park Christmas Market Saturday November 29, 2 pm – 9 pm Sunday November 30, 11 am – 3 pm Currently calling for Vendors (226) 636-0622
JAZZTEN St Aidan’s Church Presents Jazz by the Bog St Aidan’s Church Presents Jazz by the Bog JAZZTEN St Aidan’s Church Presents Jazz by the Bog Phillip’s Family Farm: 1092 Sarnia Road Support Our Local Farms!
Follow the Hyde Park Business Association on Facebook for an opportunity to ‘WIN IT WEDNESDAY’ – a chance to win $50 Hyde Park Dollars.
WHY PRINT? In a world dominated by screens, magazines provide a slower, more intentional way to enjoy a story. Like a handwritten letter, they feel personal, tangible and memorable— something you can keep and revisit. That’s the experience Villager Publica- tions brings to communities each month. For readers, Villager magazines are a trusted source of local stories, history and events. For advertisers, they offer
something digital can’t—lasting visibility in the heart of the home, reaching thousands of engaged residents who value their community and the businesses that support it.
OCTOBER 24, 2025 8PM St Aidan’s Church OCTOBER 24, 2025 8PM St Aidan’s Church
Tickets ($30) Long & McQuade (Fanshawe Park Rd W) Tuckey Home Hardware (Wortley Village) Church Office (519-471-1430) At the Door Tickets ($30) Long & McQuade (Fanshawe Park Rd W) Tuckey Home Hardware (Wortley Village) Church Office (519-471-1430) At the Door Proceeds to benefit the work of St. Aidan’s Church Long & McQuade (Fanshawe Park Rd W) Tuckey Home Hardware (Wortley Village) Church Office (519-471-1430) At the Door Proceeds to benefit the work of St. Aidan’s Church
Proudly Printed By: Villager Publications are proudly printed by:
Narthex Lounge open at 7:00pm (cash bar) Narthex Lounge open at 7:00pm (cash bar) St Aidan’s Church Narthex Lounge open at 7:00pm (cash bar)
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Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 • Page 15 Proceeds to benefit the work of St. Aidan’s Church
To advertise here, please contact Debbie@VillagerPublications.com
Dr. Hassan Mostafa, Dr. Laura Mirzai and Dr. William Xie and their dedicated team offer exceptional dental care for all ages, in a modern, safe space. Canada Dental Care Plan and New Patients Welcome!
640 Hyde Park Road (at Oxford) www.ariadentalcentre.com • (519) 471-3683 • info@ariadentalcentre.com
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