Hometown Strathroy - Caradoc Oct 2024 Issue 47
October LOCAL EVENTS Saturday October 12 Seniors Jamboree Caradoc Community Centre 565 Lions Park Dr, Mt. Brydges 1 pm – 4 pm Saturday October 19 Spooky Hollow Railroad Sleepy Hollow Railway & West Middlesex Memorial Centre 334 Metcalfe St W, Strathroy 4 pm – 8 pm Sunday October 20 Fall Craft & Vendor Show Mt. Brydges Legion 10 am – 3 pm Sunday October 20 Craft Show Melbourne Agri Hall 21886 Melbourne Rd. 9 am – 2 pm Saturday October 26 Halloween Party Mt. Brydges Legion 7:30 pm $10 Saturday October 26 Spooky Saturday Fair Grounds Rec.Complex 334 Metcalfe St W 4 pm – 7 pm
Thursdays – October 3, 17 24 & 26 Free Lunch All Saint’s Church 124 Front St. E. 11:30 am Wednesday October 2 Chip Bingo Lion’s Hall 432 Albert St., Strathroy Doors open at 6 pm Games start at 7 pm Saturday October 5 Melbourne Tractor Pull Melbourne Agri Hall 21886 Melbourne Rd. 6 pm start Thursday October 10 Free Community Lunch St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church Head Street North, Strathroy 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Friday October 11 Giant Games PA Day Strathroy Library 34 Frank Street, Strathroy 9 am – 4 pm FREE
WEEKLY EVENTS
Mt. Brydges Legion 2500 Veterans Dr., Mt. Brydges 519-264-1580 Mondays – Bingo 2nd & 4th Wednesdays – Cards Fridays – Darts, Euchre Saturdays – Meat Draw Fridays – Catch The Ace Saturdays – Meat Draw 4th Wednesday - Seniors Euchre Strathroy Legion 266 Metcalfe St., W., Strathroy 519-245-0683 Thursdays – Luncheon, Bingo NOVEMBER - SAVE THE DATE Friday November 1 Movies in the Park Caradoc Community Centre 7 pm - FREE Saturday November 2 Church Bazaar All Saints Parish Hall 124 Front St E, Strathroy Saturday November 16 Fall Into Christmas Bake Sale Strathroy United Church 131 Front St W, Strathroy 10 am – 1 pm
Happy Thanksgiving
BROKERAGE
519-495-2222 519-495-2222
Road construction is officially underway in Strathroy-Caradoc
Arthur Street, Strathroy, is currently closed as part of the Queen Street Phase 2 project. Arthur Street is closed to fa- cilitate the installation of a new water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, curb and gutters, and sidewalks. This project included the construction of a headwall at the Sydenham Riv- er, the installation of a storm sewer through 157 Front Street, and the above-mentioned works on Arthur Street. The work completed in 2024 represents Part 1 of the project, with the remaining work for the Queen Street project set to take place in 2025. The Saxton Road Reconstruction and Strathroy Cross- ings Drain project is progressing on schedule. The Strath- roy Crossings Drain is now installed south of Adelaide Road (Hwy 81) and Carroll Street West, with the connecting storm sewers installed up to Saxton Road. Saxton Road is current- ly closed to facilitate the upgrade of the road to urban stan- dards. Upgrades to Saxton include the addition of streetlights, an extension of the sidewalks to connect to the South Grove subdivision, and the installation of storm sewers. This closure spans from Carroll Street East to Collins Way. 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) Lastly, the Glen Oak Culvert Replacement project is cur- rently wrapping up. This project included the replacement of a pre-existing culvert located on Glen Oak Road between Melbourne Road and Calvert Drive. In addition to the culvert installation, this project included the reconstruction of the pre-existing sharp bend in Glen Oak Road at the culvert. 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! 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
(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
Stay up to date with Strathroy-Caradoc road construction proj- ects at www.strathroycaradoc.ca/construction. 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. Road Construction on Arthur Street, Strathroy Photo courtesy of Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc
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Page 14 Lambeth Villager • June 2024
Best Banana Bread Ingredients
8-10 frozen medium-to-large bananas 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 large eggs at room temperature 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt 1- 1 ½ cups (120-180 g) chopped pecans (optional) One bag (225 g) of Hershey’s dark chocolate chips (optional) Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). 2. Peel and thaw frozen bananas. Reserve all the juices and everything. 3. Prepare two 9×5-inch bread pans and grease using vegetable oil or butter. 4. In a large bowl, mash the thawed banan- as with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth. 5. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs and vanilla extract. Using a wooden spoon, mix every- thing until combined. 6. Then add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix to combine. 7. Optional, add chopped pecans and/or other add-ins, like chocolate chips, dried fruits.
Hometown Strathroy- Caradoc Issue #47 October 2024 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced Hometown Strathroy- Caradoc 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 & Editor: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Barb@villagerpublications.com 519-282-7262 Content Manager: Lynne WIlliams All articles by Lynne Williams unless noted otherwise Graphic Artist: Jon Botten Advertising: Gloria Rae Gloria@villagerpublications.com 519-495-4564 Debbie Mindorff Debbie@villagerpublications.com 519-870-3203 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. We’d love to hear from you. Contact Barb at Barb@villagerpublications.com Lily, daughter of Jessie Brant of Strathroy, poses in her pumpkin for Halloween!
8. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. 9. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before serving. 10. Keep the banana bread in the bread pan, covered tightly, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days. Notes · Freeze over-ripe bananas by putting them into the freezer directly. Peeling bananas pri- or to freezing minimizes the strong banana smell while thawing. · Keep all the juice as bananas thaw. · This recipe can be used to make banana muffins.
Please contact Debbie@villagerpublications.com for more information regarding any of our local community magazines. Visit our website at villagerpublications.com to read them all. YOUR SEPTEMBER 2024 VILLAGER PUBLICATIONS LINEUP
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
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Mayor’s Message In the September issue, I wrote about water, specifically about flooding that was the result of two “100-year” rains that we experienced in July. It’s timely then that I let you know about a report that the St. Clair Conservation Authority presented to Council on September 3. The Head Street Dam was built in the early 1970s with the stated purpose of flood control and the creation of a water recreation area: the Mill Pond. Living in that area of Strathroy, I do see, from time to time, folks in kayaks and canoes on the pond. And it does attract its share of waterfowl, geese, and ducks. It also makes for a pleasant view when walking on that part of our trail system. Unfortunately, over 50 years later, the pond has become increasingly shallow due to sediment buildup. It can be seen by the island that has formed in the middle of the pond. It’s also be - coming increasingly detrimental to the diverse ecology of the river: fish, mussels, and other aquatic life. The Sydenham River is an important waterway, and it runs through the heart of our community. In fact, it has been designated as one of 13 freshwater Key Biodiversity Areas in Canada. A 2018 study identified significant impacts on the river ecology from the dam. The study presented to Council at our September 3 meeting gave us five options. The “do nothing option” is always presented but, to me, seems the least viable. All the other options call for the removal of the dam. The issue will be the sediment and the harmful impacts it would have on the ecology of the river as it enters downstream. The decision will be made first on whether to remove the dam and what methods to do so while handling the sediment. Then, as always, there is a financial decision to consider. It seems that questions of water have dominated our conversations over the past few months. The future of the Head Street Dam is an important part of that conversation.
Colin Grantham, Mayor 519.245.1105 x 251 cgrantham@strathroy-caradoc.ca www.strathroy-caradoc.ca
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October 2024 Page 5
Treating Lice If live lice are detected, begin treatment right away. A special lice treatment, available as a shampoo, rinse, or spray, can be ob- tained from your pharmacist. The treatment is safe for most peo- ple, but those with sensitivities (e.g., pregnant women, young children, or individuals with allergies) should consult a health- care provider before use. Steps for effective treatment: Apply Treatment Follow the product's instructions carefully. Notify your child’s school and keep them home until the first treatment is applied. After treatment, use a fine-toothed lice comb to remove nits. Dip the comb in hot water after each stroke. Check and Treat Others Inspect all family members for lice, treating only those infested. Preventive treatments are not necessary and can lead to resistance. Follow-Up Remove nits on days 2, 11, and 17 after treatment. Continue checking family members regularly and apply treatment immedi- If lice are still present 24 to 48 hours after treatment, switch to another product type. Repeat the treatment 7-9 days after the initial application, regardless of whether you see live lice. If the lice persist after treatment, consult your pharmacist for fur- ther advice. Cleaning Personal Items Personal items that come into contact with hair, like combs, hats, pillowcases, and toys, should be cleaned thoroughly. Options in- clude soaking items in lice shampoo or hot water (at least 65°C), drying clothes on high heat for 20 minutes, or storing non-wash- able items in a sealed bag for 10 days. Vacuum furniture, carpets, and stuffed animals, but avoid using insecticide sprays, as they are ineffective against lice and may be harmful to people and pets. For detailed advice on treating lice and cleaning household items, consult your pharmacist. ately if lice are found. Reapply if Necessary
Your Pharmacists can help with Medication Questions Michael Gleiser Owner/Pharmacist Bosson’s Pharmacy & Home Health Care
Lice Transmission and Treatment Head lice can be a frustrating issue for parents, but under- standing how to treat and prevent them is key to resolving the problem effectively. What Are Lice? Lice are tiny, greyish-white or reddish-brown insects that live near the scalp and feed on human blood. About one to three mm long, lice lay up to 5 eggs (nits) daily, which hatch after 10 days. Nits, resembling tiny grey sesame seeds, stick to the hair close to the scalp, making them difficult to remove. Lice bites can cause itching and red sores, primarily near the ears and neck, with symptoms appearing 4 to 6 weeks after infestation. Myths About Lice Lice can affect both clean and dirty hair. They don't spread diseases. They are different from fleas found on animals. Lice do not jump or fly. How Lice Spread Lice primarily spread through direct head-to-head contact. Children are especially prone due to their close interactions in schools and daycares. Lice can survive off the scalp for only 2-3 days, and their transmission via personal items (combs, hats) is less common. When notified of a lice outbreak at your child's school or day - care, it's important to check your child’s hair promptly to prevent further spread. Preventing Lice Infestation While regular shampoos cannot prevent lice, there are ways to reduce the risk of infestation: Tie back long hair. Encourage children to avoid direct head contact with others. Store hats and scarves separately in lockers. Avoid sharing hairbrushes, hats, and other personal items. Checking for Lice Routine inspections can help catch lice early. Use a fine-toothed comb and check your child's hair weekly, especially at the start of the school year or if they show signs of itching. Wet hair and conditioner can ease the combing process and make nits more visible. Pay particular attention to areas behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Lice and nits can be mistaken for dandruff or dust, but nits stick to hair shafts and are difficult to remove. If live lice or nits are found, immediate treatment is necessary.
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In honour of the 120th anniversary of Moore’s Blacksmith Shop this October, we are thrilled to share this timely Tale of Our Town to honour this momentous milestone. Five generations of Moore blacksmiths by Larry Peters
On October 7, 2024, Moore’s Blacksmith Shop will celebrate 120 years in the same location at 78 Caradoc Street. I recently met with Jim and Vivian Moore to learn how this family busi- ness has lasted so long. It’s quite a story! It began in 1904 when Ryerson “Rye” Moore purchased the busi- ness and building from Thomas Bogue. Like blacksmiths at the time, Rye made his own tools
Through the 1960s and 1970s, local sawmill owners brought their repair work to Moore’s. These included J. M. Hawkins, Norm Odorizzi, Bill Early, Bill Sills, Don Keay and the Kenney brothers. The Sills and Keay logging trucks were too big to bring into the shop. Jim remembers lying on his back under them in the street, using a welding torch in cold, slush, and snow. By 1980, the sawmills were gone, and the emerging larger farms had their own welders and repair shops. An old part of the busi- ness - trailer hitches - helped to fill the gap. With people buying and trading cars more often, and using them to pull boat and travel trailers, there was a whole new market. Moore’s reputation for high-quality work brought both new and repeat customers and supplemented the repair side of the business. When George Moore died suddenly of a heart attack in 1984, Jim became the 4th generation owner. With his creativity and skill, he designed and fabricated two metal-working machines that improved on commercially produced models. Both are still in the shop. Jim and Vivian’s son, Russ, worked part-time before starting full-time in 1986. With Jim’s retirement in 2005, Russ took over as the 5th generation to follow the family trade. He has added new lines of work that are reminiscent of Rye’s production of carriages and carts. He manufactures the chassis for hot rods and replacement panels for the restoration of vintage vehicles, as well as specialized industrial equipment. The story of this family business is one of adapting to major changes over time. Each generation has introduced innovations to maintain the vital repair side of the business and has shown the imagination and technical skills to constantly meet new chal- lenges. It is no accident that Moore’s Blacksmith Shop has sur - vived for well over a century. Photos courtesy of Larry Peters This Tale will be included in the Strathroy Historical Society’s new book, Even More Strathroy and Area Stories, to be pub- lished in November.
and had the talent and experience to do precision fire welding with a forge and anvil. His skills enabled him to expand into building carriages and carts. Later, as automobiles grew in pop- ularity and carriage-making declined, repairs to farm equipment and carriages became a larger part of the business, along with shoeing horses. The Depression of the 1930s was a difficult time. Blacksmiths were kept busy, as area sawmills and farmers found that ma- chinery and tools were cheaper to repair than to replace. Since horses were important in both sectors, the regular replacing of horseshoes also helped Moore’s survive. The economy im - proved with World War II, but the need for metal in war industries meant that new farm and industrial equipment was not available, so repair was the only option. There was still a reliance on hors- es, and those horses still needed shoes. Moore’s continued to be a busy shop. In 1947, Russell Moore, who had run his own blacksmith shop on the north side of Front Street just west of Head Street, purchased the business from his Uncle Rye’s estate. Some years earlier, Russ had begun making trailer hitches for the early automobiles, a product line he continued. He acquired an acetylene welder and cutting torch, which were mastered by his son, George, who was now working in the shop. An arc welder purchased in 1951 is still in use. The welders helped to meet the changing needs of their customers which led to an increase in workload. The physically demanding work of shoeing horses was phased out. During this period, Jim started working part-time with his father, George, and grandfather, Russ, becoming a full-time employee in 1961. In 1965, George inherited the business.
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October 2024 Page 7
Kristyn’s quilts have been in international juried shows, dis - played in gallery exhibitions. and published in Modern Quilts: Designs of the New Century. To see more of her work, visit www.melonpatchquilts.com or find Kristyn on Instagram @melonpatch.quilts or Facebook @ Melon Patch Quilts.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Creating Art One Stitch at a Time Kristyn Box-McCoy is a textile artist who delights in playing with colour, shape, and everyday inspiration to create quilts – both functional and as art pieces – from cotton and linen fab- ric. For Kristyn, sewing has been a lifelong passion that began after she sewed a simple doll as a child. She continued with hand stitching, knitting, and embroidery, and then, when she had the confidence, used a sewing machine to make clothes and home décor items. “I don’t think any of it was very good,” says Kristyn, “But it helped me understand the construction process and gain sewing skills.” Kristyn continued exploring the world of textiles throughout her high school years at Beal in London, where she took art, sewing and design classes. Kristyn then attended the Retail Merchandising program at Fanshawe, which gave her the foundation to launch a longarm quilting business in 2001. Longarm quilting uses an industrial machine with an extended throat to create more concise quilting stitches. When longarm quilting her clients’ quilts, Kristyn prefers using original freehand patterns and intricate custom designs that allow her to experiment. Her own quilts lean toward a mini- malist aesthetic for construction and colour, and she prefers simple lines in her designs. However, colour is at the heart of Kristyn’s quilting. “Colour ex - cites me, and finding new combinations for a quilt is sometimes more fun than creating the actual quilt blocks,” she explains. “I go to my fabric bins and pull out different coloured pieces to arrange and rearrange before I start the design process.” Besides her love of colour and the fun of experimenting with different fabric combinations, Kristyn also finds quilting has a healing element. “Some of the quilts I am the proudest of are ones where I felt strongly about a subject and then worked through my feelings using fabric.” Kristyn also finds inspiration in everyday things like wine bot - tle labels and book covers. A shape or colour will pique her curiosity about how she might use that to design a quilt. “I designed the quilt I'm working on now from photos of the side- walk, road and bricks,” she adds.
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Opening Doors for Youth In the middle of the block between Caradoc Street and Frank Street, there is a door that can lead youth onto a path of con- fidence and independence. Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) Strathroy, located at 32 Front Street West, opened that door in 2006. For 18 years, they have guided Middlesex Coun- ty youth in reaching their potential through finding employment and safe, reliable housing. “We see around 250 clients yearly,” says Tyler Paget, Employ- ment Services Manager. "That includes helping young people with employment services, housing needs, or both. The aver- age age of our clients is between 20 and 25.” YOU Strathroy employment support provides basic job search information such as resume writing and interview skills to any- one 16 to 30. Youth over 18, or youth 16 to 18 who are legally excused from high school, can access a more in-depth em- ployment services program that assesses their skills, challeng- es, and career goals. Through this program’s intake process, an employment coun - sellor helps determine an action plan based on the youth’s needs. Together, they work through the plan which can be as simple as helping prepare a resume or role-playing an inter- view, or as complex as learning how to network, create a de- tailed job development strategy, or determine a career path through career counselling. Students aged 16 to 18 and in high school can still access the broad spectrum of job search resources and information at YOU Strathroy, which can help when looking for part-time work to build experience. “It’s great seeing these young people find their path,” Tyler adds. “Recently, we had one client get two job offers within a month of working with us.” On the housing side, staff work with young people to connect them to safe and reliable housing. What that looks like de- pends on each client’s situation and may include finding af - fordable housing, accessing shelters, or possibly reintegration with their family. YOU Strathroy offers a transitional housing program for youth aged 16-25 as well. This one-year program builds capacity towards independence and transitions participants to a long- term housing solution.
YOU Strathroy supports youth in the community in other ways as well. A recent partnership with Youth Wellness Hub Ontario (YWHO) expanded the organizations capacity by giving youth aged 12 to 25 access to additional health supports such as counselling and a nurse practitioner. YWHO also runs programs where youth can meet and socialize with other young people. Located at 32 Front Street West, YOU Strathroy’s door remains open to any Middlesex County youth, Monday to Friday, from 9 to 4:30 pm. For more information, www.you.ca or call 519-432-1112. The team at YOU Strathroy ready to help youth open doors
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The Melbourne firefighters handle a wide range of emergencies, often being the first responders on the scene. Their calls cover medical emergencies, auto accidents, smoke and carbon mon- oxide alarms, and fires. Melbourne's unique location straddles the Strathroy-Caradoc and Southwest Middlesex townships, so they work under a fire service agreement with the Glencoe Fire Station to respond quickly to Southwest Middlesex calls, which they can respond to until Glencoe arrives. The department also has an augmented fire response agreement with the First Na - tions of Chippewa and Oneida. Currently, the Melbourne Station has 15 volunteer firefighters, including three women. "Ideally, we'd like 22 volunteers, so we're The park will be upgraded with a new spray pad and washrooms, a full-size soccer field with lights, two additional pickleball courts, and rubber surfacing for the playground. Update on Foxfield District Park As reported by the City of London in early September, the Foxfield District Park at 2384 Buroakr Drive is in the final stages of completion. To allow time for grass growth, it it not ready for public use, with the exception of the tennis courts. The hard surfaces – the courts, parking lot and playgrounds will be open this fall. The soccer fields and the spray pad will open in 2025.
Melbourne Fire Station Welcomes New Truck and Looks to Expand Volunteer Team Steve Beasley serves as the Deputy Fire Chief at the Strath- roy-Caradoc Fire Department, of which the Melbourne Fire Station is a part and is staffed by a dedicated team of fire - fighters. Fire Chief Brent Smith leads the department along- side Fire Prevention Officer and firefighter Jayson Chabot, with Maddy Alcaidinho, the Fire Administrator, ensuring everything runs smoothly. The rest of the department consists of skilled, committed volunteer firefighters from the communi - ty who are ready to respond when duty calls. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), firetrucks should be replaced every 20 years to ensure they meet safety standards. While the lifespan of each apparatus varies across departments, pumpers should be replaced every 20 years and aerial devices every 25 years. Last month, the Melbourne Fire Station added a new pumper to its fleet, which already includes a tanker and service unit. “ScarWork ® therapy is a manual treatment that helps to reduce swelling, tightness and numbness, improve overall tissue function, and restore the natural appearance of the affected area,” says Maria. “It is gentle and effective method renowned for its ability to soften, flatten, and realign scar tissue without causing pain or trauma.” Scarwork ® therapy focuses on improving the appearance, flexi- bility, and function of scar tissue. It can help enhance your overall well-being and aid in recovery from past injuries or surgeries. Say So long to Scars! Synergy Centre is excited to wel- come Registered Massage Thera- pist Maria Beletskaya to the team! Maria brings a wealth of expertise and is now offering a specialized service for scars from accidents, burns, or surgeries: Sharon Wheel- er’s ScarWork ® therapy. Maria has a long-standing interest in the impact of scars on the human body. In 2019, she received her certification as a ScarWork ® practitioner in London, UK. She believes in a holistic approach to healing, understanding that every scar tells a story and requires personalized care. To learn more or book an appointment, call Synergy Centre at 519-266-3600. Synergy Centre is located at 1635 Hyde Park Road. Steve Beasley
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Page 10 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc Page 8 Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2024
asking more community members to join us," Steve says. On average, the department's volunteers have six to nine years of experience. These volunteer firefighters undergo extensive training, responding to emergency calls 24/7, often under stressful circumstances, providing an invaluable service to the community. Volunteer firefighters train to respond to emergency calls from the citizens in your communities. To become a volunteer fire - fighter, you must be 18 or older, pass a fitness test, and have a clean criminal record. New recruits receive a year of training and mentoring in policy and procedure as well as hands-on training at the Mount Brydges fire training grounds before certifying as
first-class firefighters. Ongoing training is held twice a month to ensure the team is ready for any emergency. Steve, a firefighter for 43 years, praises the dedication of the Strathroy-Caradoc firefighters, which include the Melbourne crew. "This is the most committed team I've ever worked with. The men and women here are community-driven and genuinely want to make a difference." He is quick to give all the credit to his crew and emphasizes the quality of teamwork and their shared commitment to helping others. Volunteering in a small community like Melbourne often means knowing the person on the other end of the call, which reinforc- es the volunteers' commitment to giving back. Education is also an important part of their role, with the Melbourne firefighters regularly conducting public safety talks at schools and senior centers. Recently, they completed their annual smoke alarm blitz to ensure residents have proper safety measures in place. For firefighters, the reward lies in knowing they have made a real difference in people's lives, keeping their community safe and providing help in times of need. Next time you see a local volunteer firefighter, take a moment to thank them for their ser - vice in keeping Melbourne safe. Consider being a volunteer firefighter which comes with a sense of pride and duty and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our communities. When you see a vehicle with flashing green lights, it means a volunteer firefighter is rushing to an emergency. If you see the flashing green light, please pull over to let them pass if it is safe to do so.
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October 2024 Page 11
Local Golfers Shine On Tyson Tour by Jeffrey Reed, LondonOntarioGolf.com The Junior Tyson Tour (est. 1968) – Canada’s oldest junior golf tour – ended its 2024 season in late August with the Sunning- dale Golf and Country Club-hosted Tour Invitational, and it didn’t disappoint with some familiar faces topping the leaderboard. Taking top honours as overall champion and Junior Boys champ was Strathroy’s Logan Woodiwiss, also the winner at this sea - son’s Thames Valley, Sarnia and West Haven tourneys. Woodiwiss, 17, and another Tyson Tour standout, Ben Hudson, 17, of Ailsa Craig both work with golf coach Mitch Sutton, who captured back-to-back Canadian Junior Boys golf champion- ships in 2008 and ’09. Both are all-around athletes and class - mates at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute, and both have set goals of playing professional golf. “I set my expectations high,” Woodiwiss explained, “and I work hard to achieve them. Competing against Ben and pushing each other definitely makes both of us better golfers. We always want to beat each other, and it’s fun having friendly competition.” Hudson, who won this year’s two-day Les Thomas Memorial Tournament and Highland tourney, said he loves golf because “my score is a complete representation of my work. I know there are no other factors other than how I am playing. I’ve done well so because of my work ethic. I know that if I want to get to a spe- cific level, I have to put in more work than anyone else.” Two Mooretown brothers – Juvenile Boys division winner Ben Grant, and Bantam Boys winner Cole Grant – collected their
hardware together at Sunningdale. Both brothers play hockey and, like Hudson, took up golf just a few years ago. Rookie Ty- son Tour competitors, both said they like the “competitiveness” and “intensity” of tournament golf. Girls division champ Avyanna Lai, 10, of St. Thomas Golf and Country Club claimed her impressive sixth tournament of the season at Sunningdale. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Reed/LondonOntarioGolf.com
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Page 12 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc CHCA25_Villager Publications_8x5_Aug 7.indd 1
Bell Tower Wellness Breathes New Life into Old Church
St. Jude’s Anglican Church sits nestled among mature trees on the quiet residential block of Bowan Street in Mount Brydges. The sign board on the front lawn no longer announces church ser- vices, instead, it signals that the doors are once again open but now offering a different kind of comfort to the community. Cecilia Arnett and Tara Thom- as created Bell Tower Wellness & Community Space in the 148-year-old church and offer several wellness services, in-
Tara Thomas and Cecilia Arnett Photo courtesy of Photographer Crystal Michelle
cluding registered massage therapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy, among others. They also run "Babies at Play" groups, yoga and Pilates classes, and monthly workshops. Cecilia and Tara are registered massage therapists who have had their own practices since 2014. They met 12 years ago at the D'Arcy Lane Institute, a London-based massage therapy school. Both women love helping people relax, feel better, and alleviate pain, and they enjoy the business aspect of running a clinic.
Future ideas for the space at Bell Tower Wellness are endless according to Cecilia who adds that she and Tara love brain- storming what to offer next. They’re looking to find more ways to engage the community more and get involved in supporting local nonprofits. In the meantime, Tara and Cecilia welcome any suggestions for specific workshops and classes that you’d like to see offered at the Bell Tower. To see a full list of services, workshops, and classes currently available at Bell Tower Wellness or to book the space for an event, visit www.belltowerwellness.com or call (226)564-5574 or email belltowerwellness@gmail.com.
“For years we’ve talked about opening a clinic together and have looked at a few spaces but nothing fit,” explains Cecilia. “When we saw this space, we knew immediately that this was it, even though it would be a huge project to convert into a wellness center.” Bell Tower Wellness & Community Space opened in June 2024 after a whirlwind of major renovations that the two business partners coordinated themselves. “My dad, Mark Arnett, and his friend Pete Hofer helped us make our dream a reality,” adds Cecilia. “It was stressful at times but worth it when we saw how it came together.” Besides the unique aspect of a wellness centre inside a church, the duo also created a large open community space where they host workshops and exercise classes. The public can rent this space for events like showers and birthday parties.
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October 2024 Page 13
Mt. Brydges Bulldogs Primed and Ready The Bulldogs have experienced highs and lows over the past two seasons, accumulating 162 points and securing a Regu- lation Season Championship and a regular season runner-up finish last season. However, back-to-back playoff losses to Thamesford in the Yeck finals last season have prompted signif - icant changes on and off the ice. Off the ice, the most notable change is the return of games to Saturday nights at 7:30. "We've struggled to attract kids to games, even on Minor Hockey Night,” explains Team Presi- dent Andy Friyia. “Starting one hour earlier with free admission for Cougars, every night should feel like Minor Hockey Night. Besides, Saturday nights have always been synonymous with heading to the Tri-Township Arena to watch the Dogs." Andy also announced an exciting partnership with the Lions Club that will let fans enjoy a beer or a cooler while watching games in Mt. Brydges during the season. "We're dedicated to creating a vibrant night out in Mt. Brydges," he enthused. "None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of the arena board and town council." On the ice, as with every year, tough decisions had to be made. The Bulldogs bid farewell to Ian Babenko, Pryce Vafiadis, An - drew Henderson, and Ty Fletcher who have aged out of Junior. The team is grateful for their contributions. Tasked with improv- ing team performance and with only four open spots, GM Bri- an Griffiths made the difficult decision to trade team favourites Diego Sabino (via Lucan) and Captain Lucas Balanca to the Woodstock Navy Vets.
Nolan Griffiths, PJHL Defenseman of the Year.
New acquisition Jack Uniac while playing for the Dorchester Dolphins.
The Bulldogs also acquired 6'5" Jack Uniac from the former Komoka Kings and Dorchester Dolphins. Jack joins a robust defensive lineup, including Nolan Griffiths, who led all PJHL defensemen in scoring and was named PJHL Defenseman of the Year. Aiden Berry also joins the Bulldogs as the PJHL's newly permitted fifth special player. Aiden brings valuable ex - perience from Junior B, Junior A, and a stint with the OHL's London Knights. With these changes and up to 15 returning players, the Bull- dogs are primed to mount another challenge for the 24/25 Championship. Photos courtesy of KPH Photography
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Page 14 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc
Aunts, Uncles and Cousins by John Caverhill Uncle Harold and Aunt Georgina (Georgie) and cousins Connor, Bruce and Barbara from Toronto visited us each summer. Uncle Harold was a pleasant, quiet-spoken man who took great interest in the farm where he grew up. Aunt Georgie was bubbly and loquacious. A city girl all her life, her ideal environment would have contained only those elements that could be cleaned, polished or pruned. We always enjoyed each other’s company but while Uncle Harold and my cousins ranged over the whole farm, Aunt Georgie stayed close to the house. The barns obviously hadn’t been dusted for years and the pigs behaved like – pigs! A few days’ visit to the farm was sufficient for her for the whole year. There is an old adage, “Blood is thicker than water”. Meaning fam- ily ties are stronger than the stresses of daily life. A revised version expresses the opposite sentiment, “Blood is thicker than water – and relatives are always punching each other in the nose to prove it!”. Thankfully the original version applied to our relatives because family get-togethers were a large and enjoyable part of our life. Uncle Harold and Aunt Georgina (Georgie) and cousins Connor, Bruce and Barbara from Toronto visited us each summer. Uncle Harold was a pleasant, quiet-spoken man who took great interest in the farm where he grew up. Aunt Georgie was bubbly and lo- quacious. A city girl all her life, her ideal environment would have contained only those elements that could be cleaned, polished or pruned. We always enjoyed each other’s company but while Uncle Harold and my cousins ranged over the whole farm, Aunt Georgie stayed close to the house. The barns obviously hadn’t been dusted for years and the pigs behaved like – pigs! A few days’ visit to the farm was sufficient for her for the whole year. One particular event involving my brother Ron and cousin Bruce solidified Aunt Georgie’s opinion about the farm. At that time, we had horses; two, Pat and Nell made up our working team and our third horse was semi-retired, Old Maude as she was always called, was gentle and patient and we used to ride her bareback. It was a hot summer morning. Ron and Bruce decided to ride Old Maude back through our bush and out to a pond just outside the bush on our cousin Campbell’s farm next to ours. At five years old, and the youngest of all the family cousins, I was considered too young to take part in most activities. As usual, I trailed along behind Old Maude and her riders, arriving eventually at the pond. The pond which sat in one corner of a cow pasture was at its usual midsummer low level with the water surrounded by a wide ring of mud flats. To get a drink, the cattle had to cross the flats to reach the water, and their hooves kept the mud, a heavy, sticky grey clay churned to the consistency of wet cement. Just as pigs are pigs, so cows are and their excretions both liquid and solid combined to give the mud a little extra “bouquet”. The boys rode Old Maude across the flats to the water so she could have a drink. She finished her drink, and they were turning to head back to dry land when a bullfrog exploded from the mud behind them. Startled, both boys whirled to see the cause of the eruption, and losing their balance toppled sideways, sprawling full length in the mud with (to me) a most satisfying splash. They had just sucked themselves upright dripping with mud when Old Maude swung a heavy hind foot up to dislodge a horsefly from her belly; then let it drop again. The big, flat-bottomed Perche - ron hoof hit the mud with a wallop and the resulting eruption of sludge engulfed the boys covering any spots that might have been missed the first time. What might have seemed a disaster to adults was a lark to the boys and the laughing and joking never stopped as they rode back home. I followed behind, not wanting to miss what I hoped would be an interesting reaction, especially from Aunt Georgie. The trek home gave their coating time to dry to a blotchy light grey, somewhat reptilian in appearance. Their hair had dried in spiky tufts which heightened the resemblance to some sort of weird reptile. The boys’ impact was not only visual but olfac - tory because the mud and cow effluent combined to create a Page 8 Ilderton and Area Villager • October 2024 It was a great weekend of events! to our relatives because family get-togethers were a large and enjoyable part of our life. One particular event involving my brother Ron and cousin Bruce solidified Aunt Georgie’s opinion about the farm. At that time, we had horses; two, Pat and Nell made up our working team and our third horse was semi-retired, Old Maude as she was always called, was gentle and patient and we used to ride her bareback. It was a hot summer morning. Ron and Bruce decided to ride Old Maude back through our bush and out to a pond just outside the bush on our cousin Campbell’s farm next 23778 RICHMOND ST NORTH (519) 666-0286 • crunicanorChardS.COM 11554 Ivan Drive, Ilderton 519-666-1255 • bloomersfarm.com Fridays 10am-5pm Saturdays 9am-3pm Sweet Pea
pigs are pigs, so cows are and their excretions both liquid and solid combined to give the mud a little extra “bouquet”.
pungent aroma of Eau de Barnyard. You could almost see the odoriferous waves emanating from the boys when they moved. Now Mother was not accustomed to having her men folks present themselves covered from head to foot with mud at the door, but she was used to coping with muddy overalls and coats, especially in late fall and early spring. She would do whatever was necessary to clean the clothes, leaving the wearers to clean themselves. Her offspring however would have to pass rigorous inspection before being allowed to mingle once again in public. This was done with minimum fuss, being an accepted part of life on the farm. When she saw the boys, she was surprised enough to exclaim and ask whatever happened, but at this point, Aunt Georgie took over and her performance was even better than I had hoped for. Calling loudly on the Saints to preserve as she grabbed a broom and herded the giggling twosome out to the pump in the yard. There, as instructed, the boys doused each other with pails of cold well water until they were relatively mud-free. At this point, Dad and Uncle Harold intervened and took to the boys back to the barn where they each had a hands-on lesson in using curry comb and brush to restore Old Maude to her former mud-free condition. The whole episode concluded in the woodshed. Here a laundry tub of water, perfumed soap (Aunt Georgie’s), a tow - el and clean clothes awaited each boy. When they presented themselves post-bath, pink and glowing, a rigorous sniff test was applied, (Aunt Georgie was the sniffer; the boys the sniffees), and a passing grade was given, but not without additional mean- ingful sniffs by Aunt Georgie, who implied that only because it was lunchtime was a passing grade given. As for me, I had found the morning’s adventures immensely entertaining. It was tiresome being constantly told, “You're too young!” when wanting to join the gang in their fun. While I would have happily taken part in the initial mud bath, the follow-up was much more enjoyable as a spectator than a participant. I espe- cially enjoyed the boys’ reaction when they were confronted with the perfumed soap. To me, it was a sort of just retribution for being considered, “Too young”. Aty McNair operated a daily route delivering milk from local farms to Silverwoods Dairy in London. On picnic day, he would pick up the ice cream which came in two and a half gallon pails. These pails were put in cylindrical, insulated containers that could hold up to three stacked on top of each other. The ice cream would still be firm when opened that evening. The perfect dessert was a large piece of dark chocolate cake nestling beside two large scoops of icy-cold, silky-smooth vanilla ice cream. Finishing off the picnic supper with this queen of desserts – and tomorrow was the beginning of the Summer Holidays! Things couldn’t get any better than that! Some games and races for the kids while the adults visited together concluded the event by nine o’clock. Families made their way to their cars, the kids calling good-byes to each other. In many cases, we wouldn’t see each other until September and for grade eight graduates, it was off to high school and a whole new adventure. Graduation ceremonies for public school students were still in the future when consolidated schools came into being. Nobody thought of any special treatment because you were simply doing what was expected of you. Summer Holidays started tomorrow and that was enough. frozen treats in addition to ice cream, it’s hard to comprehend what a rare treat ice cream used to be. Not until well after the war ended in 1945 did home appliances start to become available at affordable prices. The ice cream had to be bought and eaten on the spot or wrapped in a blanket, rushed home and consumed quickly before it melted. As a result, it was a treat enjoyed only a few times a year. Manicures • Pedicures • Waxing • Nail Art Design The boys rode Old Maude across the flats to the water so she could have a drink. She finished her drink, and they were turning to head back to dry land when a bullfrog exploded from the To advertise here, please contact Tami@villagerpublications.com 13196 Ilderton Road 519-666-1888 h2beautynails.salon@gmail.com Monday – Friday 9:30-6:30 Saturday 10-6 • Sunday 11-5 • Farm-raised beef • Chicken • Pork products • Fresh eggs • Local honey • Maple syrup • Baked goods • Dips • Seasonings • Cheeses • Lasagnas • Cottage, Beef & Chicken Pot Pies • Soups • Pizzas • Fresh Bread • Black Sombrero Chirozo • Speciality meat boxes • Gift Baskets • and more!
P W T w d
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Farm fresh and local – from our farm to your table
John Caverhill is the younger son of the late Ernest Caverhill and Susie Boyd of Lobo Township. John’s writings often reflect his experiences and observations of growing up on the family farm, attending the one room school, S. S. No. 7 Lobo (Bear Creek School), and Vanneck United Church. John’s sense of humour and story-telling skills are legendary. His keen observation skills have augmented his repertoire .
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October 2024 Page 15
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