ILderton Villager April 2022

ILderton Villager April 2022

Ilderton Villager and area

April 2022 Issue 14

Ilderton Villager Issue #14 April 2022 www.villagerpublications.com Publisher: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 [email protected] 519-282-7262 Managing Editor and Advertising: Tami Martin: 519-851-0961 or [email protected] Contributors Cathy Wood: Graphic Artist Rick Young: Writer

A barn quilt by Cheryl Gardiner on the Gardiner property on Ilderton Road. See more on page 13.

Back in the Day Scarborough family – MCA Collections – 2018.0039

The Optimist Club of Ilderton Come on out for a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt BBQ ($) Pictures with the Easter Bunny! Saturday April 16th 10:00am Heritage Park!

Follow the Optimist Club of Ilderton on Facebook for updates.

2 0 2 2 SUMMER THEATRE SEASON

May 31 to June 4

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BARBRA STREISAND - REIMAGINED! Cabaret star and Dora award winning actress, Gabi Epstein brings her energy-filled performance to the Port Stanley stage. Part life story, and part musical tribute, “Gabs Sings Babs” uses the iconic music of Barbra Streisand to tell the story of her own show biz journey.

PortStanleyFestivalTheatre 519-782-4353 www.psft.ca

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 2 Ilderton and Area Villager • April 2022

LivyBean Marketplace continues to growand expand by Rick Young A lot has happened since long-time Ilderton resident Ashlie McIntosh set up a retail side hustle in her home in 2012 to help her and her husband explore alternative therapies for their daughter, Olivia, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Delay at age two. Since then, Ashlie’s business, LivyBean Marketplace, has moved twice, survived pandemic lockdowns, increased its product offerings dramatically, and opened up a second retail shop in Dresden, Ontario. One thing has remained constant, however. “Everything I do is in my daughter’s name. LivyBean is her nickname,” says Ashlie. “If I wouldn’t put it on my own two children, it’s not going out the door.” Best described as a specialized Gift Shop Boutique offering gifts and decor, LivyBean Marketplace has something for everyone. “We specialize in everything custom from clothing to mugs, to wood products, and just about anything you can think of that you want customized and special and one-of-a-kind,” says Ashlie. “If you are looking for personalized products, we’re your people.” In addition to its personalized offerings, LivyBean also has a clothing company wing, and a corporate client wing where it can provide uniforms for companies. Ashlie is proud to say that one- hundred-percent of the products she sells are made onsite. Ashlie says that her custom embroidered stuffed animals are the company’s most popular item. “We literally ship them all over the world,” she says. “Our custom clothing has really taken off, too.” Some recent new offerings include customized Balloon Bouquets, and Ice Cream Cakes and Pies. Custom Easter Baskets are also available. Although it was touch and go at times for LivyBean Marketplace during the Covid-19 lockdowns of the last two years, thanks to porch pickups and mail-order shipping, the company survived. “We came out of it with two retail locations, so we’re pretty lucky,” says Ashlie. “We’ll continue to do porch pickups for those people who request it.” Ashlie says that LivyBean’s recent seamless move across the street from its old location to 13257 Ilderton Road has enabled her to include all of the company’s production machines and stock in the much larger space. She is settling in to her new digs quite nicely. “I love it! It’s like we were always meant to be here,” Ashlie says. “It’s a great

street spot and has the perfect outside esthetic and it has access to the downtown core. It’s also fully accessible. This is very important to our clients who use wheelchairs and walkers. I’m looking forward to setting up some tables on the store’s porch so people can enjoy our treats there.” Ashlie has already had positive feedback from customers about her new location. “They love it. They’re so happy to have a full retail location back again. They can walk in and get something custom made while they wait. They love that we offer the cards, ice cream cakes and balloons.”

Ashlie attributes her company’s success to the strong support she has received from the Ilderton business community and the people in town. “We’ve been very lucky to have such strong support, and in return we give back by offering them unique stuff, so they don’t have to leave our amazing community and go into larger centres like London.”

Learn more about LivyBean Marketplace and its offerings at https://www.livybean.online/ You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Ilderton and Area Villager

April 2022 • Page 3

A Gal Named LIzzie by John Caverhill

If one was to list 10 of the most lifestyle-changing inventions of the 20th Century, then the Model T Ford would be a strong contender to make that list. Durable, versatile and simple in design which made it easy to maintain, the Model T sold at a price that made it the first motor car readily available to the general public. Somehow along the way this particular model came to be known collectively as the Tin Lizzie. Tin in those days was like plastic today, and many low-cost items such as toys, kitchen utensils and containers of all kinds that are now plastic were made of tin and common to all households. Perhaps because the Model T was also low-cost, common to many families and was made of metal rather than wood (as was used in buggies and carriages), it therefore earned the nickname, Tin Lizzie, or just, Lizzie. One episode involving a Tin Lizzie took place on Ilderton Drive, just west of the Denfield Road intersection. It occurred in the mid-1940s in mid spring after an especially hard winter. Roads in those days, after a winter of heavy snow, varied from poor to impassable. Most roads, unless paved, had only a thin layer of gravel and were not built up with a solid base as they are today. As a result, even a heavy rain made them soft, and in the spring, melting snow mixed with the thawing clay under gravel created a thick soup that in low areas might be well over the knees of anyone unfortunate enough to be forced to step out of a mired vehicle. Even heavy trucks would groan to a halt and require rescuing from a team – or teams – of horses. One of the local young bucks had acquired a Model T during the previous fall. The automobile’s high clearance, along with its narrow-tired wheels, had given this auto a well-earned reputation for its amazing ability to go through deep snow. The young motorist was confident of his Lizzie’s ability to handle any road conditions

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] On at least one occasion, however, the remedy led to a com- pletely unexpected and surprising result. On a bitterly cold winter day, a Model T with radiator hissing and steaming pulled over to One of the most unlikely materials used was oatmeal. A sticky, thick, glutinous quality of cooked oatmeal made it ideal to plug small leaks. Many farms had sugar bushes and farmers made their own maple syrup each spring. Only a few gallons were needed for a year’s supply, so it wasn’t feasible dollar-wise to invest in an evaporator. Some used a kettle for boiling sap, but many had a local blacksmith make a sheet-iron pan with straight sides. They were riveted and soldered along the joints, but they often leaked. The oft-used solution was to boil some water mixed with oatmeal. Using this gummy residue would stop the leaking. Tin Lizzies sometimes developed radiator leaks. Somewhere along the line someone thought of the oatmeal treatment as a fix – even if only temporary – and it worked! More than one automobile around the neighbourhood received a dose of oatmeal, and many farmers swore by the remedy. encountered. Now, vehicle after vehicle had met disaster on this particular stretch of road, and travellers were taking the concession road on either side to avoid this section altogether. The young man considered this a challenge, so he headed over in Lizzie to show what he and his mount could do. Using the same tactic so successful in cutting through snowdrifts, he picked up speed and plunged straight ahead. A weltering spray of muck accompanied by a harsh sound of rending metal was followed by silence. Peering through the mud-splattered windshield revealed the fact that progress had been stopped about half way through the slough. Also, the auto body was tipped forward as if trying to burrow even deeper into the muck. Opening the door disclosed the interesting fact that both front and rear wheels were some distance behind their usual location under the car body. Amazingly, with help from grinning neighbours, the car was extricated from the mud, loaded onto a farm wagon and taken to the service garage in Ilderton. A few hours of fishing in the mud resulted in recovering of bearings, clutch plates and transmission gears. Almost unbelievably, the auto and the driver eventually took to the road once again – such was the rugged design of the Model T. My Mother told me of another Tin Lizzie adventure that took place back in the early 1930s. Lizzies had a reputation for various quirks and maladies that would mysteriously appear. As previously mentioned, they were easy to maintain and very forgiving to various devices and materials used to keep them running. Some very astonishing remedies were applied to Lizzies when they needed attention because of various ailments. Middlesex Centre Archives 2015.0011-V.53-024 Unidentified car

Attention Middlesex Centre and Area Girls! Ages 4 – 18 Come Try Hockey! Free, fun, on ice and off ice intro to hockey

Saturday April 23, 1 pm • Ilderton Arena RSVP required • See www.ildertonjets.com

GO JETS GO!

Page 4 Ilderton and Area Villager • April 2022

the side of a downtown London street. Before antifreeze became widely used, radiator freeze-ups were a regular problem. The water would start to freeze and stop circulating, which in turn caused the engine to overheat. This would cause pressure to build up in the radiator. The only remedy was to stop the engine, loosen that radiator cap carefully to avoid being hit in the face with a jet of scalding steam, then let everything cool down and hope the frozen parts would have melted. Warm water would then be added slowly until the radiator was replenished. A common ploy was to tie a buggy robe or an old blanket over the radiator to cut down on the flow of icy air through the radiator fins. It was still common in the 1940s to see cars with a blanket over their fronts because antifreeze was still scarce and expensive. When finished with the weekly drive to town, motorists would drain the radiator and not refill it until just before the next trip. It was important to not drive very fast under these conditions, as one wanted to avoid a fast flow of cold air through the radiator. On this particular occasion, our neighbour pulled Lizzie over to the curb when she started to overheat. The neighbour got out and used his mittened hand to remove the radiator cap. The instant the cap was removed, theexpected jet of steamshot into theair.What wasn’t expected was a second eruption of steam and oatmeal porridge, which shot high into the air and then rained down on the farmer and startled bystanders. The glutinous geyser caught the eye of a large police officer who was directing traffic at an intersection. He strolled over to the automobile and the oatmeal-soaked onlookers, and asked, grinning, “What’s the matter – is Lizzie sick?” The Model T was a remarkable car with a colourful history, and any old-timers, most of them now long gone, who owned one always had stories to tell about their adventures with their Tin Lizzie.

Middlesex Centre Archives 2015.0011-V.33-016 Unidentified male in convertible old car, possibly the Leng family .

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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Ilderton and Area Villager

April 2022 • Page 5

Ailsa Craig Arts Centre by Janis Slywchuk

we have been grateful to have Ye Old Town Hall help by offering us a bigger space when necessary to allow distancing. Most importantly we are a totally volunteer driven organization so we are always looking for people willing to help when and how they can. We are open every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 1 – 3 pm for exhibits & studio time and have quite a few people helping with this. We are planning classes all the time so help with ideas and organization is always a challenge. Exhibits are something we are organizing for a year at a time, so artists and visitors know what is up next. Our website and social media require time and are essential in helping people connect.

The Ailsa Craig Arts Centre is a membership based, inter- generational learning centre, that welcomes friends and neighbours from North Middlesex and beyond. We provide a place and opportunities for everyone to explore their creative side and have fun doing it. The ACAC is a living legacy made possible by the Ailsa Craig Quilt & Fibre Arts Festival volunteers. Throughout our history, people have gathered to visit and quilt, cook, build… create. At the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre, we honour this tradition and host drop ins and gatherings for a variety of special interest art groups. We are hosting monthly exhibits with local artists. It is important for artists to have a place for their work to be seen & experienced. This is also an opportunity to sell pieces to the community. There are groups that meet monthly to share and learn. We have a Book Club, a Writing Group, a Hook In, a Watercolour Group and a Card Making Group. We want the Arts Centre to be a place where groups can come together. We have classes & workshops throughout most of the year. There are many talented people in our community who want to share their knowledge & skills and help others to develop theirs. We are developing a studio space for people to come and work on their own projects. We have a variety of resources that are available for use that have been donated and we are always looking to expand what we can offer. All of this has been challenging during the pandemic, but like everyone else, we are moving back into life and making things work however we can. Keeping everyone safe is paramount and

Look Beyond – by Fran Roelands (exhibitor March 26-April 23)

AILSA CRAIGARTS CENTRE – UPCOMING EXHIBITS 160D Main Street, Ailsa Craig • Open 1–3pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

March 26 – April 23 Fran Roelands (Art Exhibit) May 7 – June 04 Jennifer Dobinson (Art Exhibit) Marilyn Barbe (Pottery Exhibit) June 18 – July 16 Fabric Art and Sale

July 30 – August 27 Beth Turnbull Mornish (Pottery Exhibit) Darryl Slywchuk (Photography) September 10 – October 08 Micaela Fitzsimmons (Fabric Art) Diny Warren (For the Love of Indigo Exhibit)

CARD MAKING GROUP Every Fourth TUESDAY

October 22 – November 19: Patti Colen (Rug Hooking) Wilma Kirsma (Textile Art Exhibit)

Presented by Pioneer Treadlers of Strathroy

ailsacraigartscentre.wildapricot.org

• Farm-raised beef • Chicken • Pork products Farm fresh and local – from our farm to your table • Fresh eggs • Local honey • Maple syrup • Baked goods • Dips • Seasonings • Cheeses • Candles • and more!

11554 Ivan Drive, Ilderton 519-666-1255 • bloomersfarm.com Fridays 10am-5pm • Saturdays 9am-3pm

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Page 6 Ilderton and Area Villager • April 2022

Council Communications

Hello everyone, I was delighted to hear this month’s Villager theme celebrates volunteers in our communities. I’ve often noted that almost everything that happens across our municipality is supported by volunteers – the dedicated residents with experience and expertise in a very broad range of endeavours who eagerly share their time and skills for the benefit of all! During the pandemic residents supported charities and held fundraisers for families and those who experienced hardships or had special needs. Others helped raise the spirits of those who looked forward to milestone events which were often cancelled or postponed because of restrictions. These and other random acts of kindness that were often posted on social media gave everyone who read them a smile. Most recently, the plight of Ukraine’s refugees has become a focus of residents in Middlesex Centre (MXC) who have donated funds through the Canadian-Ukraine Foundation, UNICEF or the Canadian Red Cross or are investigating how refugees could be welcomed here. We are very blessed to live in a compassionate and caring community – thanks to all of you who share your time and gifts selflessly! With the clocks already moved forward I know we are all thinking about getting gardens and flower beds going as well as doing Spring clean-ups! Please make sure that regular waste, recycling and “other” items (appliances, yard and e-waste, tires etc.) are disposed of in the proper way in your grey bins, blue boxes or at an EnviroDepot.

Aina DeViet, Mayor 519.666.0190 x 234 [email protected] www.middlesexcentre.on.ca

The EnviroDepots on Longwoods Rd. and Denfield Rd. resume operations on April 9th, running Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00pm. I’ll have more news about projects and work underway at MXC next month! Until then – stay well, Aina Thank You Volunteers!

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Ilderton and Area Villager

April 2022 • Page 7

Neighbour of Note: Joel Kennedy by Rick Young When he decided to convert his family’s ageing video tapes into a digital format, long-time Ilderton resident and computer programmer, Joel Kennedy, was disappointed to learn that few companies did media conversion. And those that did, required the tapes to be shipped away with extra costs on top of the already expensive process, not to mention the fact that they could be damaged in transit. “My family had a video camera with tapes from the 1990s that we used to love rewatching. In the past 10 years or so, that camera started to break down and was pretty touch and go. We didn’t want to lose the memories or break the tapes trying to watch them,” says Joel. “Over the years we talked about having them converted. As a relatively ‘techie’ person with a degree in Computer Science, I decided this was a task I could potentially learn to master myself. I started with my family’s tapes and have been collecting other old media players along the way to offer the conversion of other media types as well.” Since then, Joel’s part-time side hustle, JK Conversion Services , has taken off. For the uninitiated, media conversion is essentially taking various older forms of analog media like VHS tapes, video camera tapes, slides and negatives, audio cassettes, and DVDs, and converting them to a digital format. Common digital formats include mp4, or jpeg files that you can open and view on any computer or digital device.

not meant to last forever. Media conversion started when VHS tapes were transferred to DVDs, but today, even DVDs are becoming obsolete and harder to watch.” Joel continues to operate from home, saying it is not an everyday 9 to 5 job and his hours vary. Over the holiday season, he got as high as 20 to 30 hours during the really busy times. At other times he may go a week with no orders. “By far my most popular services are VHS and small video camera tapes. Many people have precious home movies or family videos they wish to watch again. Next in line would probably be slide and/or 8mm/Super 8 video reels,” Joel says. Because he started his business during the pandemic, Joel says he cannot really speak to what demand for his services would have been like beforehand. “The lockdowns, however, have given people good opportunities to clean out their basements and cabinets where they often find old analog media,” says Joel. Local Facebook groups, CBC coverage, and word of mouth from happy customers have kept Joel busy. “If you have any media that needs converting, please don’t hesitate to reach out,” says Joel. “I’m happy to give quotes and answer any questions you may have.”

Analog formats have a limited shelf life and over time their quality deteriorates. It’s important to convert your media because you may otherwise lose it, Joel warns. “Technology moves quickly, and the days of working video cameras and VHS players are gone. We now record and take pictures with our phone and all those old memories are still trapped in the old media,” says Joel. “Tapes and slides were

For more information about JK Conversion Services, visit conversions.jkennedy.ca

Flowers, Plants and Gifts for all occasions

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Fresh Flowers for a Happy Easter!

Page 8 Ilderton and Area Villager • April 2022

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] To grasp how epidemics and/or pandemics devastated society in the past, walk through a cemetery in our municipality. Look at the headstones to see how many deaths occurred in a short timespan when an epidemic swept through the community. People who survived from any one of these diseases were often weakened and “consumption” set in. So was the case when a thirteen-year-old girl survived measles but died from consumption in 1864. In her father’s letter to his brother, one can almost see the tear stains on the page. During this recent pandemic, references are made to the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919. The hardships faced during World War I (1914-1918) were prolonged as the Spanish Flu swept the world, causing death in many families who had already been devastated from losses in the Great War. The aged, young adults and children died – this Flu showed no mercy. Epidemics and Pandemics by Carol Small, Chair, Middlesex Centre Archives We, hopefully, are nearing the end of Covid-19 and changes it brought to our lives. However, if we look back in history, we find that we are not the only generation who has lived through pandemics and epidemics. Modern medicine has eliminated many of the scourges of the past. But let’s go back in time to see what our ancestors faced. Cholera, typhoid, measles, smallpox, diphtheria, tuberculosis (consumption), whooping cough, polio etc. all ravaged pioneer and Indigenous populations. Two of the most devastating occurrences of typhoid and cholera happened in 1832-33 and 1855-56. Goodspeed, in The History of Middlesex County, recorded that one of London’s few doctors, Dr. Donnelly, died while fighting the disease in 1832. In 1852, Henry Groves was the only person remaining in London to look after the stricken. Grosse Ile, an island in the St. Lawrence River with a quarantine depot, was the final resting place for many who contacted cholera aboard ships coming from Europe. Some, with no cholera symptoms, took the disease to their new destinations and outbreaks occurred. In the 1850s a dysentery epidemic or cholera affected the whole area. In the Lamont Cemetery the headstones tell the tragic story of the Peter Lamont (1813-1884) and Catherine McLean (1816-1884) family. The Heritage of Lobo 1820-1990 recounts that in August 1854, the Lamont children became ill. The grandmothers were called to help with the sick children. On August 8, the two Lamont daughters died – Isabella was 10 years old and Mary was just 5. On August 10th, their one-year-old son, Peter died. These were their only surviving children, as four others had died in infancy. If losing their children was not hard enough, both grandmothers also succumbed to the disease. Mary McLean, Catherine’s mother, died August 8th, the same day as her two daughters. Catherine Lamont, Peter’s mother, died on August 20th. In 1870, a polio epidemic, or spinal fever as it was known, caused several deaths and disabled others in the Komoka community. That disease saw entire school populations infected. Those afflicted, whether adults or children, faced death or paralysis. The Salk vaccine of the 1950s, and the later variants, irradicated the disease in the Americas. In both 1870 and 1872, smallpox epidemics occurred. Smallpox is now eliminated in the world.

Look at how many children died in infancy. Look to see how many women died in childbirth. Look to see how many horrible accidents caused deaths. Life, in days gone by, was precarious. About every 100 years, a new virus/disease surfaces to test humanity. However, the tools of modern medicine, and in particular vaccines, have eliminated many of the diseases of the past. As new epidemics and/or pandemics arise, the tools of modern medicine, including vaccines, will continue to evolve to irradicate or diminish their effects. Today’s society can fully understand the intense focus on personal and family health in days gone by. It was the prime topic of all conversations. Maybe that is why the habitual greeting, “How are you today?” is still used. It had real meaning in years gone by. Maybe it does again. To learnmore about epidemics and pandemics inMiddlesex Centre, visit the Middlesex Centre Archives. Check out the family history section, scrapbooks, reference books and the cemetery records. John Lamont Cemetery Gates. Photo Middlesex Centre Archives.

Heritage of Lobo 1820-1990 Page 233 MCA Collections 2015-011-V106-001 and 2015-011-v106-002

April 2022 • Page 9

Ilderton and Area Villager

Get Growing – and support Oxbow Public School This gardening season, you can get healthy, hardy fruit and vegetable plants delivered to your door – and support the Oxbow Public School at the same time! The Oxbow Home and School Committee is excited to launch the 2022 Plantables Fundraising Program . Plantables is an exciting new startup (est. 1998) based in Forest, Ontario offering more than 30 varieties of organically-grown plants. A portion of the proceeds from every purchase supports the Oxbow Public School, while encouraging families to enjoy an outdoor, educational activity growing healthy, fruits and vegetables. Pre-book your garden today! Simply go to plantables.ca/for/oxbowstars , choose the plants you want to grow, when you want them delivered (between April to June), and wait for your box of garden-ready plants to arrive on your doorstep. If you can... ‘grow a row’ for your local foodbank!

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS!? OUR SCHOOL IS RUNNING A

FUNDRAISER

EACH BEAUTIFUL BOX IS FILLED WITH HIGH QUALITY HAND CRAFTED CARDS

BIG BOX FUNDRAISER Inquire with the Oxbow Public School Home and School Association about ordering your BIG BOX of greeting cards. Choose from a big box of All Occasion cards, or a big box of All Birthday cards. See the Oxbow Public School Home and School Association facebook page for details.

$35.00 each

$35.00 each

ALL OCCASION BOX ALL BIRTHDAY BOX Ordering information, video and product photo links have been sent out to you via email from your school.

Easter weekend is April 15 – 18. Shop local for your Easter brunch, lunch, dinner, flowers and treats! HAPPY SELLING!

Build your Outdoor Oasis

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Shed Packages

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519.666.2631 CONTACT CHERYL FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR LIFE INSURANCE MORTGAGES INVESTMENTS FINANCIAL PLANNING

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Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • April 2022

Council Communications

Despite the latest world events, Mother Nature never ceases to amaze – “redecorating” with each season! Let’s all help her and do our part for the environment! At the municipal office, things are ticking along with various plans and change of season work. Please contact me or our staff if you have any questions. Happy Easter! Stay safe, stay healthy and shop local!

Spring is here, once again! I look forward to all the spring flowers sprouting up, birds returning, and the trees greening. It’s been a stressful two years with COVID: ZOOM “meetings”, working

from home, on-line schooling, restaurants and stores closed, transportation and supply issues, vacations cancelled. It feels like we’ve been forced to hibernate! On the other hand, being at home pushed us to bake more, prepare better meals, purge, and redecorate, and of course, use technology more (which I’m glad we have, but not sure it’s great for our eyes and our brains!) With the change of seasons, and COVID assumed to be under control somewhat, let’s get out and about and re-connect! Outdoor sports – baseball, soccer, golf, pickle ball, tennis, splash pads – are ramping up for kids and adults alike. Our municipal staff are hard at work getting our parks and fields in shape. With the increased cost of fuel, maybe more of us will take up walking, hiking, riding bicycles. Just be sure you’re on public property. And with the increased costs of food and food supplies, perhaps more residents will take up gardening. With spring, comes farm machinery out and about on our roads as fields are plowed and crops planted. Please be mindful. They can’t stop or turn on a dime! Farmers’ Markets and farmgate produce will soon be springing up. I especially look forward to fresh and local fruits and vegetables.

Debbie Heffernan, Councillor Ward 1, Middlesex Centre 519.666.0491 • [email protected] www.middlesexcentre.on.ca

Municipality of Middlesex Centre 10227 Ilderton Road, lderton ON N0M 2A0 For staff directory, visit middlesexcentre.on.ca/contactus-0 HELP WANTED: Parks Attendant to perform general parks maintenance duties, assisting with construction projects, cleaning the park grounds and buildings, operating small grass cutting equipment, and assisting with special functions. Full time contract running from May to September, 2022. http://ow.ly/Eez950I6WHj

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To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

• Page 11

Ilderton and Area Villager

April 2022

Hyde Park Business Improvement Association News from the

Dear Readers,

With over 400 members, the HPBIA works to beautify and promote this pocket of northwest London to foster a sense of community for residents, businesses and visitors while attracting local customers from across London and neighbouring counties. Hyde Park in Uptown London has its own distinctive essence. A hamlet within the city, Hyde Park is filled with a variety of shopping experiences, diverse products, and friendly services. Come out and “Shop, Eat, Work and Play” while you enjoy all Hyde Park in Uptown London has to offer! The Hyde Park Business Improvement Association (HPBIA) was founded in 1979 and designated as a Business Improvement Area in 2017, and joins together with BIA business members along with the support of the municipality to invest in economic development within its boundaries in Hyde Park.

Donna Szpakowski

Tom Delaney

General Manager/CEO

HPBIA Board Chair

Hyde Park Easter Scavenger Hunt

Win an Easter Goodie Basket with over $300 of goodies from Hyde Park businesses!

Pick-up a passport sheet at any of our participating retailers or on our website! 1 2 Snap a pic of your completed sheet, post it on social media, tag us @HydeParkBIA and that’s it! You’re entered to win an egg-citing Easter basket from our businesses! 3 Visit each business to pick-up a sticker for your passport sheet!

AD 2 For more info visit www.hydeparkbia.ca

March 28th - April 8th

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 12 Ilderton and Area Villager • April 2022

ARTISTS ALLEY Gardiner’s Gate Barn Quilts by Cathy Wood Previously a sign maker with Neil Nutt Signs in St. Marys, Cheryl Gardiner ‘somewhat modernized’ since establishing Cheryl’s Signs, purchasing a vinyl cutter and sign program, but always kept up the hand painting side of sign-making. Then in 2012, Heeman’s Strawberry Farm commissioned her to paint an 8x8 strawberry quilt block for their driveshed. “That was my first. I had never heard of these painted quilts before then,” explains Cheryl. Now Gardiner’s Gate Custom Handcrafted Barn Quilts brighten the surrounding countryside. Two were donated to the Donnelly Museum. “I love the local history of that whole story and I hoped that getting the Museum onto the provincial barn quilt trail would bring in more interest to Middlesex County and the Museum.” Cheryl has also donated quilts to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and a Direction to Peace Compass quilt for the barn at Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary. “I’m a softy for animal sanctuaries,” she concedes.

A large 8x8 quilt may take up to two weeks to complete. “Sometimes the design process can take a bit of time working with the customer to get it just right before I can put paint to metal. I always have more than one barn quilt on the go. I can work from home and work around my grandkids between grandparenting duties. They love coming to see what ‘Ma’ is working on.” “It’s been a pleasure to serve this community as the Ilderton area has been my home since 1968,” continues Cheryl. She and her husband Reg reside on Ilderton Road. Her parents, Jack and Arnette Gardiner, are still on a farm on 10 Mile Road. Not just for barns, the quilts grace homes, fences, garages, cottages and more. “Ultimately the first barn quilts were for barns,” smiles Cheryl. “And who wouldn’t want to help decorate our rural landscape with these colourful pieces of art? Barns that still exist today are so precious and deserve a personalized piece of rural eye candy to announce they are still here standing.”

One of Cheryl’s most famous compasses sits on the Four Winds Wedding Barn in Brussels, Ontario (left below). “The compass is my most popular pattern and by using different colour combinations each one differs from any other. As for my favourite custom barn quilt, I’d have to say it’s the Inca Star at Sylvan Alpacas, just outside of Parkhill (right below),” Cheryl says.

See more of Gardiner’s Gate hand-painted barn quilts at gardinersgate.wixsite.com or www.facebook.com/gardinersgate O rChards FresH Local Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE C runiCan C runiCan O rChards FresH Loc l Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE

“Being a sign painter originally sure has had its benefits when designing some of these blocks as I can personalize the patterns with farm names, images, and logos,” explains Cheryl.

Ilderton and Area Villager OPEN ALL WINTER 7 DAYS A WEEK! Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5 RICHMOND STREET NORTH APPLES MAPLE SYRUP preserves APPLE CIDER APPLE CIDER VINEGAR PEANUTS HONEY JAMS JERRY RADER PIES Gift Baskets & more C runiCan O rChards April 2022 • Page 13 23778 RICHMOND ST N (519) 666-0286 • crunicanorChards.com M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-5 Sunday 12-5 Just 10 minutes from Masonville FresH Local Apples b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE Maple Syrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Honey b Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE OPEN ALL WINTER 7 DAYS A WEEK! Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5 RICHMOND STREET NORTH Just 10 Minutes from Masonville at 15 Mile Road 519-666-0286 OPEN ALL WINTER 7 DAYS A WEEK! Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5 RICHMOND STREET NORTH Just 10 Minutes from Masonville at 15 Mile Road 519-666-0286

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Cultural Cooking lt r l i

Hot Cross Buns – by the Crump Family Farm Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! One ha’ penny, two ha’ penny, Hot cross buns! If you have no daughters, Give them to your sons. One ha’ penny, two ha’ penny, Hot cross Buns! Whilst this ancient bun is associated with Christianity both the pagans and the ancient Greeks also made fruited buns marked into quarters. Legend has it in 1361 Father Rocliffe of St Albans Abbey baked fruited buns marked with the cross and distributed them to the poor. Whatever you believe I hope you enjoy your hot cross buns. Ingredients 350 g The Crump Family Farm stone milled sifted Hard Red Wheat Flour 100 g The Crump Family Farm st e milled ifted Soft White Wheat Flour 50 g Granular Sugar 1 tsp Salt 2 tsp Mixed Spice (¼ tsp clove, cinnamon, ginger, cloves) ¼ tsp Nutmeg 7 g Yeast 50 g Butter 150 g Raisins – soaked over night 200 ml Warm Milk 2 Beaten farm Fresh Eggs For the Cross: 75 g The Crump Family Farm stone milled Barley Flour 5-6 Tbsp Water Sticky Glaze: 4 Tbsp Milk 2 Tbsp Sugar Makes 12 buns Directions 1. Soak the raisins the night before in boiling water. The next day put both flours, sugar, mixed spices, nutmeg, and yeast into a large bowl and mix well. Add butter and rub into the mix until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. 2. Drain raisins and discard the water and stir into the flour mix. Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm milk and eggs, gradually draw the flour into the liquid to make a very soft dough. If you need more warm milk to get it to a soft dough, add a small amount at a time to reach a soft dough.

Garlic Recipe from: http://ataboyfarms.com (St. Marys - half hour to Ilderton)? Harvest Moon Farm (just outside Ilderton) https://www.facebook.com/harvestmoon.farmlife?

3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead thoroughly for 10 minutes. If the dough is very sticky, knead in a little extra soft white flour until it is no longer sticky. Return the dough to the bowl and cover with a damp cloth and leave in a warm place until double about an hour. 4. Knock back the risen dough on a lightly floured work surface and divide into 12 pieces and shape into balls. Place balls of dough on a greased cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until double 45 minutes to one hour. 5. Preheat oven to 400° F 6. Make cross mixture. Mix flour and water together until it makes a smooth thick paste that can be piped. 7. When the buns have risen, uncover them and make the cross on each one by piping on the cross. Place the baking tray of buns in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. 8. Meanwhile while the buns are cooking make the sticky glaze by heating the milk and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Boil for one minute and then brush over the buns as soon as you take them out of the oven 9. Transfer to a cooling wire rack. To serve: cut in half and toast, then smother in butter, and maybe some homemade jam.

www.thecrumpfamilyfarm.com 5372 Egremont Dr, Ilderton Call (519) 200-3431 for an appointment

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Page 14 Ilderton and Area Villager • April 2022 Page 14 Ilderton and rea illager • April 2022

Ilderton and Area Villager Puzzle #13 Solve the puzzle with names of the advertisers from the March 2022 Ilderton and Area Villager listed below. Missed getting a printed copy? You can read it online at villagerpublications.com. Watch for the solution of the this puzzle in the April edition of the Ilderton and Area Villager. Please support our advertisers. It’s their participation that enables us to deliver the Ilderton and Area Villager to you.

A F L L E B P M A C L Y R E H C E J R T P M M I F L A C E B O U T I Q U E L K O B E Y E V M L E L O C A C U R A W E S T O X F R E Z A D O P B N O R U M R S T I O N M C A T E R C E W M O L L O R A Q P U Y S N I G D O H R E K A B E I N N O B A L U F T E T P X R F D J E R O N E S D O L O I S T R I S G A S O D H M B O J R I L A D I S M A S E I R W S N S X R W B W Z B W M A E L T H E I S M B E O Y L I F X T N N E X N A P L E A E R L E P O N N N E S D O R S E J W U L O D S T R S S N T U I K E Y S G U R G C B E T C T R E R R F A T A T N R R F E S R E Y M L R I A H O X O Y A C I T I J O P E T B G Y J F E I M R E F H P C M R F I Q A N M S R N U S I V K Y P E C X E S O I A E O U K O R T P D H K L D L T R S A O L N N L I G N O L W L I M P R E S S I O N S R G P A R Y G A S B E O B V J K E D R J M D S S Y N C R A F A M Q O B E H A P P Y E A S T E R G E G E T D A R I I T E Z E L E J E L E B E Z E X E J N S L R T E C I T E H T S E A Y G R E N Y S Y L T R A M S V U H O M E H A R D W A R E B J E Z F R O S J C I W E L L N E S S S O L U T I O N S O E I E D E T E R H O M A B L O O A K R T M H D X O N R F N I S A W R E T U A L I G N S W E X O F O E H D T S L W A R C R U N I C A N O R C H A R D S A A R O M I D D L E S E X M U T U A L I N S O S I R E P U R Y S E L P A M E G D I R G N I L L O R T S

March Puzzle Solution

S N O

G N I T L U S N O C E K C O L

D R A H C R O N A C I N U R C

W

M I D D L E S E X M U T U A L

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O T N N X U J E Z E B E L A P O T H E C A R Y I F L O R A L T E M P T A T I O N S U G O O C A M P F I R E N I N J A L S D C R S C U S T O M R O C K C R E A T I O N S I D S L T H C H T L S I A P A E R E E E M A B E H A N I P D O K T S L N R D U A S E L A E Y T B E W E X S S I E A A W A S D Q I Y Y R I A U N G T O Y E N R F N O E M R A F Y L I M A F S R E M O O L B N U Y M I D D L E S E X C E N T R E A R C H I V E S

Puzzle words:

SENIORS TRANSPORTATION SHERRY CONRAD LASER HAIR SPORTS CLIPS SYNERGY AESTHETIC WELLNESS SOLUTIONS HAPPY EASTER

LACE BOUTIQUE MIDDLESEX HELP CENTRE MIDDLESEX MUTUAL INS OXFORD LEASEWAY PORT STANLEY FESTIVAL THEATRE POSITIVE IMAGE FITNESS ROLLING RIDGE MAPLE SYRUP

CRUNICAN ORCHARD FLORAL TEMPTATIONS HOME HARDWARE IMHA IMPRESSIONS JEZEBEL APOTHECARY KROWN RUST

ACURA WEST AILSA CRAIG ARTS CENTRE ANIMAL CARE BLOOMERS FAMILY FARM BONNIE BAKER HODGINS CAMPFIRE NINJA CHERYL CAMPBELL

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D

Middlesex Mutual Insurance Co.

Home Auto Business Farm

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April 2022 • Page 15

Ilderton and Area Villager

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