Wortley Villager
January-February 2025 Issue 86
YOUR 2024 WORTLEY VILLAGER PUBLICATIONS LINEUP We hope you enjoyed your 2024 Wortley Villager magazines. Contact us any time with local article suggestions or advertising inquiries for 2025! Happy New Year!
Follow the Wortley ortley Villager on Facebook! Villager on Facebook!
Two Great Concerts to Enjoy in February!
A NEW MOON CELEBRATION February 1, 2025 A beautiful mix of old and new, specially curated to celebrate Lunar New Year! Enjoy the sparkling artistry of Lina Cao on guzheng , the brilliance of violinist Scott St. John, the rising stars of London Youth Symphony and the extraordinary musicians of London Symphonia. THE LIFE AND TROUBLED TIMES OF SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR February 22, 2025 Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, regarded as a musical genius at the turn of the 20th century, has only recently emerged as one of Britain's best kept secrets. Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with poet and actor Roy Lewis and discover his triumphs, tragedies, ingenuity and brilliant music. If ever there was a tale to be told, this is it!
GREAT MUSIC AND ARTISTRY AWAIT YOU!
londonsymphonia.ca 226-270-0910 contact@londonsymphonia.ca
TICKETS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW ON SALE
Page 2 Wortley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
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To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com January and February are packed with important events. Family Literacy Day on January 27 promotes the joy of reading together as a family. February is Black History Month, a time to honour the contributions of Black Canadians and foster discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools. TVDSB (Ward 11) Update by Trustees Pizzolato and Polhill (Wards 1, 11, 12, 14) Hello, TVDSB families and community members! As we welcome the new year, here are some key updates for January and February. Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! Families are encouraged to register early to ensure a smooth start to their child’s education. A virtual Kindergarten Information Session will be held on January 27. Visit tvdsb.ca for more details. Secondary students are reminded to review their timetables as we prepare for the second semester. If adjustments are needed, please contact your school’s guidance department promptly to ensure schedules align with academic and personal goals. To all our secondary students, as exam season approaches, we want to wish you the very best of luck! Your hard work and dedication throughout the semester have prepared you for this moment, and we’re confident in your ability to succeed. 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, I hope you all enjoyed your holidays! With the start of the New Year, I’m focusing my attention on the next big items coming to Council this year. Your voice will be instrumental in helping Staff are doing community engagement on the draft Master Mobility Plan (essentially a plan for transportation from now until 2050, including roads, transit, cycling, walking and more). Check out the various maps and submit your comments before the end of March so staff can see if the plan aligns with your transportation needs at getinvolved.london.ca/mobility-master-plan. Urban Growth Boundary Review Staff completed the Land Needs Assessment in 2024, which is a review of all available land within the urban growth boundary to figure out if we need more land to develop, given the provincial requirement to have 25 years of developable land within our boundaries. Staff determined that 450 hectares were needed to expand in the urban growth boundary, however recent changes to provincial policy (requirement to use their projected population targets) pushed that number up to 1,100 hectares. Additional new policy offered the option to expand to a 30 year inventory, instead of 25 years, which pushed the number up to 1,476 hectares. And finally, a consultant report that predominantly engaged the developer industry suggested the random number of 2,000 hectares, which is about 42 to 45 years of developable land. I believe London needs to focus on growing inwards and upwards, and that significant expansion of the urban growth boundary will result in urban sprawl, leapfrog development and offer a significant benefit to property speculators who’s land will come into the urban growth boundary. I also worry about the long us make good decisions. Master Mobility Plan
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so we encourage families to stay informed about bus cancellations or school closures. Updates will be shared on the TVDSB website and local media outlets. Finally, we encourage parents and guardians to participate in school council meetings and board discussions. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our schools. Wishing everyone a happy and productive start to 2025! Let’s work together to make this year one of learning, growth, and success for all students. As always, please reach out to me if you have any concerns or questions I can help to address. Take care this winter season and wishing you the best for 2025! term plan for farmland in Southwestern Ontario, given there is no regional growth plan. Given the direction of Council in December, we will only be receiving urban growth boundary maps for the 1,476 and 2,000 hectare options. These are significant amounts of land (for reference, 450 hectares is all of Byron and Riverbend, so these amounts would be three to four times larger). Read more here and sign up to stay informed on this important decision: getinvolved.london.ca/london-plan-review. Green Development Guidelines I have been eagerly awaiting a report back from staff on the development of Green Development Guidelines, which allow municipalities to encourage energy efficiency, better landscaping, bird-friendly design and more in new buildings. These help reduce operating costs, make the buildings more enjoyable to live in and reduce emissions. Many other cities in Ontario already have these standards in effect. Stay tuned for more details!
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 Jan-Feb 2025 • Page 3
The Village Vibe
Luna and Lillian at local holiday display.
Natural Screech Owl Nest, located in Wortley Village. Photo by Ben Porchuck. See more on pages 8 and 9. Wortley Villager Issue #86 Jan-Feb 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. 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
Sha Choix pop-up at the Mylie Group.
Cute mittens at Featherfields.
Photo by Tami Martin.
The Studio at Landon London Public Library is excited to showcase their newest addition to Landon Branch Library: The Studio. The Studio is Landon’s teen makerspace which will host a variety of youth programs including Dungeons & Dragons, Makers Clubs, and more. Teens can check out the space every Friday from 3 to 5 pm starting February 7th to play games, make things, and get homework help. This space was made possible by
generous donations from the Old South Community Organization.
Thank you Christmas Market Volunteers! by Margaret Hopkins The Christmas Market chalets are folded and packed away for another year. Thank you, Vince DiLiello and the Cami Team! This event could not have occurred without you and the other selfless volunteers who made it happen. Our location, at the front of the YMCA (former Normal School), proved successful, though the snowy setup was a challenge! Thanks to a kind snow blower and several shovels! A charitable event, this year’s Christmas Market brought in over $7,000 for the various charities and worthy causes – amazing considering the weather! Our wonderful entertainers filled the air with sounds and songs: SOUP (Southern Ontario Ukulele Players), the St. Martin’s Childrens Choir, Sarah Hoy and members of the London Citadel Band. We could not have operated without the help of many community members who provided their time, their strength, and their generosity: the YMCA for the use of space, generators from DCAC and Don Phillips and the Old South Community Organization (OSCO) for the loan of tables and chairs. We rise by lifting others. Thank you. OSCO thanks Brandon and the staff of Your Independent Grocer for hosting their annual Christmas tree sale, and especially James for his help with set-up. Thanks go also to the many volunteers, who helped unload and sell the trees (and had fun doing it) and to those who bought trees. D. Flett
Page 4 Wortley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
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A co-production with the citadel theatre
A Co-Production with NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE INDIGENOUS THEATRE
by arun lakra directed by haysam kadri
A mother and daughter find their way to each other in a story steeped in humour, truth, and a cozy cup of tea.
. .
EXPLORE TICKETS TO HEIST, THE SECRET TO GOOD TEA, WAITRESS, AND PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!
Fire Recovery by Ian Leishman On November 30th, a devastating fire impacted the heart of Wortley Village, affecting cherished local businesses, Sha Choix and A Village Tail. The fire struck during the busiest season for retailers. In response, the Old South Business Association and Old South Community Organization hosted a town hall to discuss recovery efforts and ways the community can help. Both Sha Choix and A Village Tail shared that a community fundraiser would be really helpful and appreciated during this challenging time. A fundraiser has been posted at oldsouthba.com/firerecovery. All proceeds directly help recovery efforts, including restocking inventory and covering expenses related to reopening. Thank you to everyone who has supported these cherished members of our community so far. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. Together, we can help Sha Choix and A Village Tail get back on their feet.
Happy New Year Oceania Cruise Line , the New, the Exciting, find it in the 2026 Collection of Voyages where the focus is on Marquee (must see) and Boutique Ports, waiting to be discovered through a variety of captivating itineraries in Europe and Alaska. The glamour of the French and Italian Rivieras, Northern Europe’s fairytale villages, Alaska’s rugged landscapes, or the
cobblestone walkways and forest trails are calling you. Be in the midst of centuries of history, from the ancient iconic monuments of Turkey to the tales of the Vikings across Scandinavia. The unspoiled beauty of Alaska, Iceland and Greenland takes you to a world away with their natural beauty and charming communities. Perhaps experience little-seen destinations in the Canary Islands, northern reaches of the Baltic Sea or the far North Atlantic Ocean where vibrant cultures and scenic wonders of off-the-beaten-path locales await you. So much to experience in our world, let Oceania show you the way. Regent Seven Seas cruises the world and has for over 30 years. Their focus is on the guest, where connections and relationships instill the excitement of exploring the world in luxury. Regent travels all continents and hundreds of ports allowing guests to be discoverers of what was, is and what the future holds around the world. As well as the classic port tours, there are a variety of experiences such as Epicurean Explorer Tour, treat your palate and expand your culinary knowledge under the guidance of Master Chefs; Eco Tours demonstrating climate saving techniques; Behind the Design tour exploring just how some of the world’s great architectural designs came to be. Regent offers Legendary Journeys, a Voyage Collection Debut and Immersive Overnights, truly offering something for everyone. Join Barb on the new Seven Seas Grandeur April 16 – 28, 2025, from Istanbul to Venice (Fusina)
Photo courtesy Ben Porchuk
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Page 6 Wortley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
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Wortley Villager Jan-Feb 2025 • Page 7
Owls in the Village by Ben Porchuk With their large, round eyes piercing the night, nearly full head rotation, and the uncanny ability to fly in utter silence, owls are nature’s enigmatic aerial predators of the dark. Their haunting, breathtaking calls seem to echo wisdom itself, leaving us awestruck by their presence. Here in Wortley Village, nestled between the Thames River and the Coves, at least five species of owls have been spotted by local residents. Late last fall, I was repeatedly drawn outside by the iconic “Who-who, who-who-who” of a Great Horned Owl calling from the backyard trees east of Brighton Street and south of Bruce Street. This majestic predator, immortalized in my memory – and in my kitchen – alongside a photo of it clutching a mouse (a story for another day), reminded me of how intertwined these beings are with our daily lives. A few winters ago, a friend stood in awe at the Coves, transfixed by the rare visit of a Snowy Owl from the Arctic, its pristine white and black spotted feathers gleaming against the winter landscape. Other visitors to the area include the diminutive Northern Saw-whet Owl, the secretive Long-eared Owl, and the Barred Owl, with a few other species making rare appearances.
One afternoon, we witnessed something extraordinary. An owlet crash-landed on our lawn in broad daylight. Concerned, I grabbed binoculars to observe more closely. To my astonishment, this wasn’t an accident – it was a lesson. One of the parents had swooped down to assist, demonstrating how to hunt for food in the middle of the day. The yard, teeming with tiny toads freshly metamorphosed from tadpoles, became a training ground for the young owl’s survival skills. It was a rare glimpse into their world, a moment of nature’s intricate design playing out before us.
Among them, one owl stands out as Wortley’s most consistent resident: the Eastern Screech Owl. These small yet abundant creatures remain here year-round, and each winter and spring, a handful of fortunate households witness pairs nesting in their backyards – a testament to the charm of life in the village. One memorable year, we were among the lucky ones on Elmwood Avenue East. A battered, non-native Weeping Willow in our yard, broken by a windstorm, was on the verge of being cut down. Chainsaw in hand, I prepared to act when my wife called from the window, “You can’t cut that tree down! I love willows!” I hesitated and stepped back to assess the tree’s condition – and there it was: a tuft of feathers poking from a hole about 15 feet up. “My gosh, that’s a Screech Owl!” I shouted, overwhelmed with excitement. My wife shook her head knowingly and closed the window, content in the shared understanding that this tree, battered as it was, had become a lifeline. For the next few months, our backyard transformed into a front- row theatre of nature. The owls raised their young before our eyes, seemingly unfazed by our presence. We watched them hunt, drink from our pond, and sit motionless, their camouflage blending seamlessly into the daylight. Sometimes, while sipping coffee on our second-floor deck, the young owlets would perch on the railing, finding safety with the towering White Cedar at their backs.
Page 8 Wortley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
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Locally-designed drivers stop stripping screws
Years of wrenching, riding and racing motorcycles and doing repair and maintenance on his own bikes led Paul Jones of Wortley Village to start Gofast Innovations. “It started out as a dream,” he recalls. “It was 2013 and as an amateur mechanic, I was unable to find the tools I wanted at the quality I insisted on having.” “Many products these days are manufactured in factories located offshore,” he continued. “These factories often do things differently. One thing unique to their manufacturing is the screws that hold many of the products (computers, cameras, automobiles, motorcycles, and more together). The slightly different grooves in the head cause common Phillips screwdrivers to slip out, damaging the head. The solution? Use a screwdriver that is designed for these foreign screws. There were no manufacturers that could supply them though at the price point and quality we required and so we set about to design a quality screwdriver at a competitive price.” Paul first designed a set of three screwdrivers. “I chose the shape, colour and material of the handle as well as the steel for the shaft. Then began the task of finding a manufacturer. I shopped domestic and foreign businesses before choosing an offshore manufacturer. To date, we have sold over 7000 sets.”
These screwdrivers and other Gofast Innovations tools are available through gofastinnovations.com or on Amazon.
These moments are what make Wortley Village truly special – a place where humans and wildlife share space, their lives interwoven with ours in remarkable and unexpected ways. To Woo a Pair of Screech Owls: These adaptable birds love old, hollow trees for nesting but readily settle into human-made nest boxes—especially if installed by early February. They prefer to nest near water, within one to two km of rivers or ponds like the Thames or Coves, and favour yards with some coniferous trees (pine, cedar, or spruce). Native plants are another big draw, providing the insects and berries that attract small prey, which sustain a thriving ecosystem of songbirds and rodents, the owls’ primary food source. Photos: Page 8 left side – Snowy Owl by Tony Baggett. All other photos were taken locally by Ben Porchuk. Page 8 right side: Great Horned Owl and young Screech Owls. Above: adult Screech Owl.
DID YOU KNOW that thanks to dedicated volunteers and generous donors, Animalert recently celebrated their 48th anniversary of providing the veterinary care, love and compassion, and second chances that changed so many lives—both furry and human—for the better? To learn more, follow them on Facebook or visit animalert.ca. The direct link to their donation page is at animalert.ca/help/donate
Ben Porchuk is an ecologist and wildlife biologist living in Wortley Village. Among other projects, Ben now consults for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE, University of Toronto) at the JICS Lab School, instructing teachers and creating ‘Nature Sense Grounds’. Ben.Porchuk@gmail.com
And now a good news story. AMBER was rescued from a puppy mill. After receiving considerable vet care and training, AMBER found her forever home where there is another dog who has become her BFF. This girl now knows complete happiness and she shows her appreciation by returning unconditional love. Animalert often rescues dogs from puppy mills. They often need vet
care and a structured, patient approach from their new family. If you want to help Animalert continue this important program, go to www.animalert.ca and hit the DONATE button. You can then print your tax receipt online once you have donated.
Serving London and Area since 1977. Registered Charity # 86912 5294 RR0001
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Wortley Villager Jan-Feb 2025 • Page 9
Neighbour of Note: Jason Rip by J. Bruce Parker
Old South playwright Jason Rip is very much aware that his name will also be his epitaph. Mention this to him and his eyes narrow slightly, accompanied by a nefarious smile. This is understandable, as the poet, author, actor, director, comedian, and cartoonist has incorporated a sense of the macabre into much of his work. With all these titles before his name, I ask, “Who is Jason Rip”? He diffuses it down to “I’m a storyteller”. I recently met up with him at one of his favourite haunts, the Landon Library. He was deep into Charles Dicken’s heavy- handed tome Bleak House . Jason’s ‘stories’, many evolving into plays, exactly 100 of them with 74 being produced, also tell the story of Jason Rip in some way or another. With the finality of his theatrical work ending at 100, he adds, “I stopped writing plays after my 100th as I felt no one needs to write more than 100 plays”. His notion of practicality certainly hasn’t diminished his restless creative spirit. Jason Rip was born in Guelph, migrated to Indiana by way of his father’s work as a biochemist, and ended up in London when he was six. He was formally educated at the University of Western Ontario and as a teacher, taught in Tillsonburg as well as at South Secondary School. At six foot six, Jason Rip is an imposing figure. His love of theatre inspired him to seek out roles but in his own words, “If you are the dimensions that I am, there are limits on roles that you will get”. In a 2019 documentary appropriately entitled A Tombstone Epitaph, Jason Rip is defined as a “big man with strong opinions”. As an aspiring actor, Jason began writing plays to create parts for himself. “The playwriting came as I wasn’t satisfied with the parts I was getting.” Reflecting on his own life, he took to writing plays on the downcast, the vulnerable, the destitute and marginalized; those who are swept aside or misunderstood by society. This is best defined in his most recently performed work entitled, Man Up, a definitive and somewhat uncomfortable look at male suicide. All five shows were sold out at Manor Park Memorial Hall. Previous theatrical works explored the lives of artist Andy Warhol, poets Arthur Rimbaud and Edgar Allen Poe, jazz musician Chet Baker and London poet and philosopher, Roy MacDonald; all highly creative but troubled souls. Jason tells me, “I started out my life feeling like an outcast, and in some ways, I still feel like one, with what separates me from others quite extreme, but it is also a source of strength. I write about the poor and destitute because I can’t stand the problems of the rich. I work with people who don’t have anything and that is where my sympathy lies”. And Jason would know. For the last nine years he has worked the night shift at Unity, a homeless shelter which Jason proudly states, “has no religious affiliation”. He defines himself as ‘nocturnal’ and in spite of working the night shift, which he admits “makes me a little crazy”, he continues to write. “I can knock off a short story in one fevered session or a page in a day”, he says, adding, “I write obliquely about every day stuff, always turning a bit of a twist to the story. I like my little niche”.
Thirty years of writing have evolved into Jason’s most recent work, a volume of unsettling and scary stories. My Gehenna will be formally released at Landon Library on January 9th. Eight theatrical friends will be reading eight of the stories. This is what Jason Rip does best; dipping his written work into theatre. The stuff of Jason Rip comes from both the likes of Edgar Allen Poe and William Shakespeare, whose entire theatrical work, Jason has read. And there is American author Norman Mailer, who Jason decrees is, ‘America’s Tolstoy’. Musical in his writing, there is an inspiration from both the likes of musicians Tom Waits and Warren Zevon, who documented his terminal diagnosis of cancer over three albums. It is this dark and unexploited channel of human life which seems to propel his desire to continue writing. His life’s work, which he decrees, “One of the happiest things of my life is that I feel that I have written everything that I need to write” has been also recognized by our community. Jason was awarded the 2018 Chris Doty Lifetime Achievement award as well as being recognized as a ‘Distinguished Londoner’. He is grateful for both accolades. But there is more to come, as Jason Rip is now delving into the history of the Boer War, a major conflict of Britain and South Africa which has been eclipsed by both the First and Second World Wars. Most likely, something dark, sinister, but highly-compelling will come out of his research, and you may still find him seeking solitude at Landon Library, but I suggest you approach with caution.
My Gehenna may be purchased through Amazon.
Page 10 Wortley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
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Skating on the Green by J. Bruce Parker Since 2017, Wortley Village has been graced with the capability to skate on the Green. Each year a rink with dimensions of approximately 50 feet by 100 feet has been created by a dedicated group of volunteers.
What’s with the Walnut? by J. Bruce Parker Wortley Village was devastated with the destruction of the beloved Black Walnut Bakery Cafe due to arson in April of 2023. Twenty employees were affected by the loss. Local residents were pleased to see the encouraging ‘We Will Rebuild’ sign immediately placed on the property. By August of 2023, a new design for the building, very similar to the original structure, was released by the local media.
For many years prior, there had been an aspiration to create a skating rink on the grounds. A connection was made with city hall to see what was permissible and a partnering with the YMCA was created to provide storage of the rink frame. There is a huge cast of characters involved, but I was able to speak with one of the core group, Mike Kadour, who is a dedicated recreational hockey player and who also coaches minor league hockey. Mike tells me, “The main reason we are so committed to building the rink each year is that the rink continues to draw new community members together. We get young families, people who have never skated before, old-time hockey players, and people just learning to skate and hold sticks, which is just fantastic. We get guys who volunteer but can’t skate; they just want to help out”. Initially, the flooding of the surface was done by garden hoses which took several days. With recent help from the London Fire Department accessing a local fire hydrant, initial surfacing takes just a few hours. Nightly resurfacing is done with a primitive but functional homemade device, duplicating the abilities of a Zamboni. Village Auto Care has been the leading sponsor since the beginning. For the 2024-25 season, added sponsors are Aron Gangbar, London Living, Graham Brown, and Tuckey Home Hardware. Here’s hoping for a grand Canadian winter to support our rink on the Green. From left to right: Greg Veitch, Craig Naus, Mike Kadour, Andrew Cammaret, Dale Irwin and Steve Bushell. Photo courtesy Greg Veitch.
The 145-year-old property, once a general store, had been purchased by siblings, Mandy and Ed Etheridge in 2011, with their father occupying the apartment on the second floor. Progress has been slow in the rebuilding of this popular gathering place in Wortley Village. In early December the all-too-familiar gaping hole at the Northeast corner of Wortley Road and Craig Street was occupied by an excavator. Shortly after, steel l-beams were anchored in the ground, supporting timber to shore up the ground facing Craig Street. In late December, I had the opportunity to talk with co-owner of the Black Walnut, Mandy Etheridge. She tells me that now that the footings are being poured, the foundations for the new building will begin early in the New Year. Mandy hopes for a completion of construction and a reopening in October of 2025.
Photo by J. Bruce Parker
Love is a five letter word– Adopt! Bringing people and pets together
Photo courtesy Mike Kadour
London Animal Care Centre 121 Pine Valley Blvd. www.accpets.ca • (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack 756 Windermere Rd. • (519) 432-4572
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Wortley Villager Jan-Feb 2025 • Page 11
In With the New: We asked a few (of our many) Old South music luminaires about their 2024 Chris Murphy counts last year’s Wortley Jazz and Blues- Festival as a 2024 highlight. He spearheads the crowd- drawing event along with Marty Verweel, Brian Ball and Marga- ret Hopkins, and also performs. He looks forward to the 2025 Festival, planned for August 17, to feature seven ensembles on three stages.
Steven Hardy says that “ One highlight for me in 2024 was hearing my choral piece, How Hard Can It Be, performed by Denise Pelley and the Karen Schuessler Singers at their Se- crets of Old South concert. It’s always a treat whenever I get to hear one of my choral pieces perf- ormed, especially by a group of talented local musicians. Another highlight was collabora-
The Chris Murphy Band per- forms at festivals and special events and one Sunday after- noon a month at the Wortley Roadhouse, and on Wednes- day afternoons at Koozy’s Pub.
ting with Allison Brown on a recording of a new song, Roses in the Morning . I was preparing to record this song when the pandemic happened. Now, four years later, it’s available for listening on all streaming sites. Allison and I had a lot of fun recording it. We have plans to record another song or two in the new year. The London music community lost a dear friend last year in Jake Levesque. I’ve been collaborating with our mutual friend, Laurraine Sigouin, to complete some songs she and Jake had been working on together. I’m looking forward to bringing them to completion and recording them in 2025.” Steven is an internationally-renowned songwriter, composer, and music producer who has composed music for choir, theatre, dance, and television. Photo by Elle Neill. Learn more at StevenHardy.ca and Facebook/stevenhardymusic.
Chris has released three recordings and his music is often featured on CBC and college radio. He has been nominated for the Maple Blues Award – a national award – 12 times. Chris is also a member of the Great Lakes Blues Society that presents blues events at the German Canadian Club and brings
blues music into local schools. Learn more at chrismurphysax.ca
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
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Page 12 Wortley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
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career highlights and what they look forward to 2025
Marque Smith said that his 2024 highlights including music direct- ing Sondheim Tribute Review in March and Kinky Boots in May at The Palace Theatre. Both of these productions were under the umbrella of London Commmunity Players. Marque is the accompanist and band leader for London Gospel Collec- tive and has been since the group started in 2022. In 2024, they per-
Oliver Whitehead said that “2024 has been a busy year. My Mass for All Creatures , a sacred work with an environmental theme, was revived after many years on Earth Day at St. James Westminster Church, per- formed by the London Pro Musica Choir. Also, my world-music group, the Antler River Project, re-formed for a fantastic concert at St. Aidan’s Church. It was also a year for making
(519) 432-1162 • LevanteLiving.com Super Oliver is a guitarist and composer (jazz, rock and orchestral) who has composed for and played with many individuals and groups. Learn more at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Whitehead. new music, with singers Hilary Welch and Nicole Tan, and my jazz trio, featuring the amazing Jonathan de Souza on violin and Larry Ernewein, a great bassist. I also had a wonderful time with a Latin band called Suyai, playing traditional Chilean-jazz fusion. I’m very excited to keep this momentum going in the coming year. Already the Mass is scheduled for another performance on October 4 at St. James, so please note the date. Meanwhile, the Antler River Project is scheduled to play the Jazz Room in Waterloo on March 21. We are also planning to take the De Souza Trio to many new audiences in and around London. Like all jazz musicians, we are grateful to the people who support and promote jazz in London, such as Jazz for the People (free on Wednesdays at the Wolf Hall), the London Jazz Festival and Sunday Jazz in Market Lane. There’s a lot of very fine music at all these events, so everyone should do themselves a favour and discover our incredibly talented local musicians, if you have not heard them already!”
formed at Talbot Street Church, Western University, The Grand Theatre, the Covent Garden Market, at the Aeolian Hall and more. “All of these events have been an excellent experience, to say the least,” Marque exclaims. Marque is also the collaborative pianist at the Lester B. Pearson School for The Arts. He loves playing for all of the grade four to eight vocal classes and the concerts. Throughout the year, Marque also performed at a number of events in the private and public sector. He has also been collaborative pianist at various voice studio recitals and performed with a number of different vocalists and instrumentalists in London, Sarnia, Grand Bend, Goderich, Port Stanley and elsewhere. By following Marque on Facebook, you can keep updated on all the new, fresh and exciting projects he has lined up for 2025. Stay tuned!
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Wortley Villager Jan-Feb 2025 • Page 13
Plumbing that won’t drain your wallet Rob Dunn came from a plumbing family. “My father was a plumber/pipe-fitter in Toronto for many years. He worked hard for his customers and taught me the value of hard work ethics. I’ve always liked plumbing,” he explains. “The work presents exciting and unique challenges. From getting to meet all the players and coaches when I helped with a large renovation at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1990, to helping Londoners with their plumbing needs, I never get bored. Also, it’s amazing what you find in a clogged drain. Not long ago, I cleared a kitchen drain and pulled out a set of six butter knives!” Rob obtained his plumbing license more than 30 years ago. “I’ve been servicing the Wortley community for more than five years now,” says Rob who is a member of the Old South Community Organization and Old South Business Association and a regular supporter of local shops. “My business services residential, commercial and multi-family units.”
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Rob Dunn (right) with his plumbing helper, Grace Willison. Rob is a huge advocate for getting women involved in the trades. common causes of dripping faucets are worn washers or worn cartridges, which are an easy fix,” he says. “No job is too small, so give us a call!” “I remind people what NOT to put down their drains. F.O.G. – Fat, Oil, Grease – is a common no-no. There are also a number of paper products that shouldn’t be flushed, even if the packaging says you can. The mature trees in Old South mean that homeowners should schedule a regular drain-snaking. Drain snaking, or drain augering, is used to clear clogs and obstructions like tree roots.” In addition to repairs and routine maintenance, Rob is aligned with a few contractors for when a customer inquires about a renovation. “I focus on the plumbing aspects of the work and I also work with the customer to help them choose the right faucets, tubs, etc. for the space they have.” Rob enjoys the strong sense of community in Old South. “The people are friendly and welcoming and there are always local events and activities. I also appreciate the number of small businesses such as the quaint shops and cafes, and pubs with outdoor patios.” Learn more at dundee-services.ca and by following Dundee Services on Facebook.
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Dundee Services provides free quotes, market-fair pricing, and does not add surcharges for emergency weekend work. The most common service calls are for leaks and clogs. “A pinhole leak or broken pipe can start unexpectedly and is often hard to locate. It can also cause a lot of damage if it isn’t repaired quickly,” says Rob, who generously shares tips and advice on his website and Facebook page. His number one tip for conserving energy is to fix leaks as soon as possible. “A slow leak of ten drips per minute will waste almost 5.5 litres of water. In a month, this adds up to 163.5 litres! The most
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Page 14 Wortley Villager • Jan-Feb 2025
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com
Dew Drop In for Coffee Hour All welcome at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 Elmwood Ave., E. (west door) Every Wednesday from 10 am until noon September 11, 2024 until June 25, 2025. OSCO CHILI COOK-OFF Saturday, February 22 • 6 – 9 pm Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street Tickets $10 adults and $5 for children 12 and under available at Tuckeys Home Hardware. ($12 & $7 at the door). Peggy Sattler’s 2025 New Year’s Levee and Community Recognition Awards January 29, 2025 • 7 pm – 9 pm Please pre-register at peggysattler.ca/levee Byron-Springbank Legion Branch 533 1276 Commissioners Road West
What’s Happening at Landon Library Submitted by Ashleigh Hickey STEAM Lab (4+) February 1, 10:00 – 11:30 am. Drop-in to explore different Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math-related activities! Chess for Kids (6+) Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Come play and learn chess from experienced chess players. All abilities welcome. Our Coves Story (All Ages) February 22, 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Bring your stories, pictures and mementos of The Coves for this all-ages event, lead by Reilly Knowles of the Coves Collective. Participants will have the chance to add to The Coves Community Album by bringing photos to be scanned and included in the publication of a zine that will be shared with all participants after the event. If you’d like to be contacted to share your stories of The Coves, you can drop off a contact form at Landon Library. Note from the Managing Editor As a community magazine, the Wortley Villager invites your participation and welcomes your local article suggestions and photos. Do you have a neighbour who goes above and beyond with a local charity or is an accomplished musician, artist, gardener, athlete, author or inventor? Do you do cultural cooking? Would your business benefit by presenting your information to our thousands of readers each month? I look forward to hearing from you. Email Cathy@villagerpublications.com. Meet Mansi by J. Bruce Parker Curiosities has a new owner! The venerable destination for quality home goods, fashion, jewellery and pottery was purchased by Mansi Patel mid-summer. Mansi is the 4th owner of the business after previous owner Joselyn King retired earlier in the 2024 after nine years of managing the business. Mansi, who was previously involved in international sales and marketing found her lifelong dream in purchasing this mainstay of Wortley Village. For over 35 years, Curiosities has promoted Canadian artisans and ethical and fair trade as their mandate. Mansi has continued in this endeavour by adding more artists to their roster of fine and original products. 90% of the inventory remains Canadian, but Mansi goes beyond borders to find quality goods. She tells me of dedicated shoppers who have been friends of the business for many years and with three decades of service and loyalty behind her, Mansi and Curiosities will continue to serve Wortley Village.
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Family Skate Night Farquharson Arena • Friday, February 7th • 6:30 – 7:45 pm Free Hot Chocolate,Cookies and Activities Brought to you by Tecumseh Community School and OSCO.
2025 KSS SINGATHON Saturday, February 1, 2025 12:30-3:30 pm, Cherryhill Mall kssingers.com
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com
Wortley Villager Jan-Feb 2025 • Page 15
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OSCO CHILI COOK-OFF • SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22
Matt’s Car Care Tip
BE WINTER ROAD TRIP READY With the rst snow covered or icy road drive this fall, drivers are quickly reminded of the dangers of winter driving. All Season tires and Summer tires become rigid in cold temperatures whereas winter tires are made from a different rubber compound that stays pliable in the cold. Winter tires, when installed in a set of 4, improve braking and maneuverability on cold and icy road surfaces. Laws that require winter tires in Germany and Quebec quickly proved well founded; winter collision rates dropped noticeably in those areas. Winter tires are an additional upfront expense you may wish to avoid, but, the cost savings of driving on all season tires (especially older, worn ones) may be quickly offset by sliding into a curb (and damaging your car) or having a small "fender bender" accident on a slippery road surface. The most valuable facet of winter tires is that they keep you, your family, and other motorists safer in the winter. If you are in the market for winter tires stop in and see us, we have many different options for different budgets and will help you choose the right tires for your vehicle. Make sure that you have good tires (preferably snow tires) properly inflated with lots of tread. Check your wiper blades and fill up your washer fluid (sometimes the low-level warning light only comes on when you are virtually out of fluid). Use a good quality washer fluid with a -40 or lower freeze rating. Check your oil and other engine compartment fluid levels. Make sure that your battery is strong enough to start your car in the cold. If you notice hesitation or slow starting in the cooler weather this could mean your battery is ready for replacement. Driver fatigue is a large cause of accidents, driving in low visibility and inclement weather is very stressful and demands extra attention. Take lots of breaks, stay alert and leave extra time to travel in case you run into slowdowns. An emergency kit with a blanket, a first aid kit and some granola bars are always great things to keep in the car. One of the most important things you can do is to clear all the snow off your car completely; large chunks of snow and ice are hazardous when flying off the roof of your car at highway speeds posing safety risks to everyone around you. Did you know that we will also install your existing winter, give us a call or hop onto our website to make an appointment today! Safe Driving As always, if you are heading out on a winter trip and want to make sure your car is ready for the road, give us a call and we can check your fluid levels, tires and battery for you! Safe travels! Going on a road trip out of town this winter? Make sure your car is up to the challenge! Winter driving presents certain challenges to both our cars and to us, as drivers. Before you pack up the car for a trip to Mont Tremblant or a weekend in Blue Mountain, ensure you and your vehicle are ready.
“Matt and his team are friendly, professional, ef fi cient and honest. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my vehicles.” DM “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.”
BE WINTER ROAD READY Oil Changes • Tire Sales & Installation Alignments • Factory Scheduled Maintenance Brakes • Mechanical Repairs Visit www.wortleyautoservice.com to book your appointment online. shop@wortleyautoservice.com • www.wortleyautoservice.com
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