Ilderton Villager June 2022

Ilderton Villager June 2022

Ilderton Villager and area

June 2022 Issue 16

Ilderton Farmers Market – 10 years and counting! by Kara Muller Founded in 2012 by the Ilderton Area Business Association (IABA), the Ilderton Farmers Market is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this season. The Market is a not-for-profit venture hosted by the IABA and run entirely by volunteers. It supports the relationship between the community and local producers, enhances access to and raises awareness of local fresh food, and provides a social gathering place within the business district of the village. With the growing awareness of the benefits of locally grown food and its charm as a social venue where friends and neighbours can gather, the Market has grown in both size and popularity every year since its inception. In recognition of our 10th Anniversary, we are planning several special attractions throughout the summer beginning with a GIANT CELEBRATION on Opening Day, June 11th. There will be free cake, giveaways, face painting and balloon animals for the kids, and entertainment by The MacKinlays. Throughout the season, the Market will be hosting several information sessions with local experts giving talks on everything from recycling to nutrition, to composting, and to canning. Yoga and fitness classes will be offered later in the summer once the green space becomes available. We are also planning to have guest chefs prepare and share recipes with patrons. The Market will be adding attractions on special days such as a traveling art exhibit and a maker’s market. The Market remains true to its roots. It is a place where local farmers set up stalls on Saturday mornings to sell their fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, herbs, and preserves. Patrons chat over pastries and coffees while enjoying live music. Over twenty vendors offer locally grown fruits and vegetables, a wide assortment of baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, smoked meats, cheese and dairy products, French crepes, honey, maple syrup, pizza, craft beer, granola, perogies, woodworking, handmade soaps, herbal teas, locally roasted coffee, stained glass, jewelry, and more each week. See you at the Market! For more information about the Market and weekly specials, visit www.ildertonfarmersmarket.com and follow us on Face- book at Ilderton Farmers Market and on Instagram @ ildertonfarmersmarket.

2022 Opening Day Vendors Ataboy Garlic Farms Black Sombrero

Blazing Donkey Pepper Company (hot sauces) Crest Support Services (assorted baked goods) Earth + Honeybee (honey, beeswax candles, skincare products) G ‘n G Fresh Market (locally grown fruits and vegetables) Greystead Gardens (organically grown produce) Hobby Acres-Stained Glass House of Fortune (aromatherapy jewellery & athletic wear) I Love Crepes (French sweet crepes) J. Bogel Foods (perogies and sauces) London Brewing Cooperative Petals & Paws (dog treats and fresh cut flowers) Riddell Custom Woodshop (wood culinary items & home decor) Stonetown Cheese Sunshine Cake Studio (cakes, cupcakes, & cake pops) The Herb Filled Homestead (natural herbal products) The Dough Joe Bakery (gourmet cookies & locally roasted coffee) The Sweet Shop 31 (frozen cheesecakes in jars) True North Mushrooms Uncle Dad’s Pizza URLife Foods Inc (granola, trail mix, energy bites)

LOGO MOCKUP 1

Saturday Mornings 8am – noon Starting June 11 ildertonfarmersmarket.com

ILDERTON AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

FARMERS MARKET Est. 2012

ILD ARE ASS

The Best Little Market Around! www.iaba.ca

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Page 2 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2022

New Ilderton Youth Centre now open by Rick Young The new Ilderton Youth Centre is now open, thanks to a partnership between the Municipality of Middlesex Centre and the Boys and Girls Club of London (BGC London). Located in the Ilderton Arena building, the youth centre offers drop-in and specialized programming for ages 9 to 18. “Coming off the successful launch of our youth centre in Thorndale, we are excited to extend this type of programming to the Ilderton area,” says Chris Harvey, CEO of BGC London. “Our staff are ready to bring their programming knowledge and experience to youth in the community. It’s important for young people to live healthy active lives. Our programs will give young people opportunities to grow into strong leaders and have a positive impact on their peers and strengthen the community.” Surveys and discussions held with Ilderton parents and residents strongly suggested that more local programming for youth was needed. “The new Ilderton Youth Centre provides a safe place that youth can call their own and promotes a sense of ownership,” says Scott Mairs, Director of Community Services for Middlesex Centre. “The new Centre will offer a number of structured and unstructured programs such as recreation, arts, cultural and life skills.” “We are offering a diverse range of programs and activities this summer,” says Carly Moir, Rural Youth Programs Coordinator, BGC London. Programs and activities throughout the months of June to August include weekly Drop-in sessions, Theatre Improv classes, Gymnastics, a Summer Day Camp for children between the ages of 9 and 13, Youth Leadership Groups for high school and elementary school students, and various Sports Programs in locations in the community. “There is a fee for most of the Centre’s programs, but there are discounts for Members and free opportunities for Members including free access to our drop-in sessions,” says Carly. For more information about the Ilderton Youth Centre and its Summer programs, visit https://middlesexcentre.ca/ilderton- youth-centre. You can follow the Centre on Facebook at Hey Ilderton Youth and on Instagram at @HeyIldertonYouth. If you are interested in volunteering on the Middlesex Centre Youth Advisory Council, visit https://middlesexcentre.ca/yac.

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Ilderton and Area Villager

June 2022 • Page 3

Optimist Club of Bryanston-Birr sponsors $1000.00 speaker by Michelle Ivanouski

The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. This year’s topic is, “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times”. First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. The Midwestern Ontario district provides a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000. The first- place winner of the district contest is invited to speak at the World Regional and World competition in St. Louis Missouri for scholarships of $15,000.

Jordan at the 2018 Ilderton Fair. Photo by Lisa Phillips. Ilderton and Area Villager Issue #16 June 2022 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced Ilderton and Area 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 [email protected] 519-282-7262 Managing Editor: Tami Martin [email protected] Advertising : Tami Martin [email protected] 519-851-0961 Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Writer: Rick Young 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. Cover photo and article sugggestions welcome! Contact Tami at [email protected] www.villagerpublications.com

The Bryanston-Birr Optimist club sponsored Odie Bartlett. He competed on Saturday May 14 with six other speakers from the Kitchener-Waterloo area, Sydenham, Mitchell and London- Oakridge. Odie compared caring for our mental health in these challenging times by visualizing our dental health. He gave the judges some clever ideas on how to stop negative thoughts. Odie placed third, receiving $1000 scholarship! Following the Optimist Motto, “Friend of Youth”, makes our club and community stronger. There is always room for anyone who would like to help our younger citizens develop new skills and realize their dreams. Check out our Facebook page and consider joining our club and becoming Bryanston-Birr’s newest “Friend of Youth”.

Larry Mercey inducted to London Music Hall of Fame Larry Mercey, Ilderton resident and member of the legendary country act, the Mercey Brothers, has been inducted into the Forest City London Music Awards Hall of Fame. Mercey kicked off his career on the CKNX Barn Dance show. By the mid ‘60s, Larry, along with siblings Ray and Lloyd had signed with Columbia Records. Aptly named the Mercey Brothers, the band would go on to release a slew of records and songs over the years, including such memorable hits as Hello Mom and Who Wrote the Words — tracks that catapulted the trio to international success. Over the years, Mercey recorded a total of 17 albums both as a solo act and with the band (one achieving Gold status), as well as some 50 singles; many of them reaching No. 1 on the country charts. He’s appeared at some of Canada’s most revered

Farmers’ Night Out by Katelyn O’Neil On April 30th, the Middlesex Junior Farmers hosted a Farmers’ Night Out in Ilderton. The goal was to promote positive well-being after over two years of social distancing and before heading into a busy planting season. The sold-out crowd was entertained by Exeter musician, Graham Bedard and enjoyed the chance to catch up with friends. Another goal for the evening was to raise money for mental health programs in Middlesex County with a silent and live auction. The auction was run by W.J. Auctions and included everything from baked goods, tools, farm toys, and gift baskets from some very generous local businesses. In all, $9000 was raised and will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services. The Middlesex Junior Farmers would like to thank all their community sponsors – Denfield Lifestock Exchange, Middlesex Cattlemen’s Association, DK Equipment, Thorndale Farm Supply and Parkway Garden Centre – as well the long list of auction donors and everyone who attended the event for making it an outstanding success! venues, and has even stepped into the spotlight at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry a time or two. A copy of his book Have Mercey: My First 60 Years of Making Music may be ordered by emailing the musician himself at [email protected].

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Page 4 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2022

Union School Picnic by Dave Zavitz, Middlesex Centre Archives Vice-Chair About 1888, the Poplar Hill community decided it needed its own school. Previously students had to walk the long distance to either SS #3 Coldstream South on the Coldstream Sideroad, or to SS #4 north of Greystead Drive on the Poplar Hill Sideroad. After looking at options, the decision to purchase a lot from Alec McLean at the corner of the Coldstream and Ilderton Roads was made. A brick one-room building, SS #10 Lobo, was completed in January 1889.

#10 dressed in white shirts that the teacher pinned yellow and blue crepe paper streamers to the shoulders. It rained during the parade and the colour ran all over our shirts. My mother was NOT impressed. Once dismissed the students rushed to change so they could participate in the races and hopefully win prize money for treats. The Women’s Institute installed swings so one could play on them while waiting for a turn at the next event. One year, my younger brother ran in front of the swings. A quick trip to the doctor for stitches was needed. He rushed back to the picnic hoping he hadn’t missed anything important. Following the races there were ball games, horse-shoe pitching competitions, soap box derby, and a baby show. After a picnic supper, the grandstand filled with eager observers, in preparations for the pillow fights, followed by the entertainment show. By 1940, traffic on Highway #22 had increased. To avoid accidents, a new gate was built on the Poplar Hill Sideroad across from the Owen General Store. In the early 1960s, the one room schools began to close as school consolidation occurred. Students were sent to Valleyview in Coldstream or Parkview in Komoka. Quickly interest began to wane as there wasn’t the local incentive anymore. Attempts to have the two schools compete were unsuccessful. Attendance at the yearly picnic dropped dramatically. In 1979, the Poplar Hill Lions Club formed. In 1980, they took over running the picnic re-establishing some of the popular events from past years. They restarted the parades with floats that went from Coldstream to the Park. A dance at night replaced the evening entertainment after the pillow fights. The Poplar Hill Picnic is still a much-anticipated event that draws locals and visitors from long distances. Some traditions may change a bit over the years but the essence of them is never lost.

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] In preparation, school children practised marching around their playgrounds for weeks before the picnic. On the day of the event each school’s students formed in pairs, dressed in their school costumes marched around the parade ground. They then formed spokes of a wheel facing the flagpole for the official opening and the anthem. I remember the year SS Following the World War I, the numbers increased so much that a permanent site was needed. The site could be used for a variety of year-round functions with facilities that would not have to be constructed annually. A committee agreed upon 11 acres that Eli Barclay owned and abutted the SS # 10 school grounds. A municipal grant and personal donations funded the project. The Lobo Memorial Park opened in June 1920 with a volunteer- built grandstand, snack bar, baseball field and gates off #22 Highway (Egremont Road). In June, a celebratory official opening was held at Campbell Grove, north of the school and across from the Poplar Hill Cemetery. Each family contributed ten cents to cover costs. Volunteers erected wooden platforms and torches. The students marched from the school to Campbell Grove for the official opening ceremony followed by games, sports, picnics, and entertainment. The next year, SS #4 (Fernhill) joined the picnic and SS #3 (Coldstream) in 1892. By 1900, six schools were attending, and it became known as the Union School Picnic. By 1910, all eleven Lobo schools participated. Following the parade, opening ceremonies, and speeches, there were races and sports and an evening entertainment programme. People began coming from near and far to attend this function. The attendance rose into the low thousands. New activities such as a baby show (which my mother won in the early 1920s), a women’s driving competition, and a snack booth were added. 2015.0011-V.29-012 Opening of Poplar Hill Park 1920. The names of the men pictured are available at Middlesex Centre Archives.

MCA 2021.0002 Top of a poster for the 1920 Union School picnic Photos courtesy Middlesex Centre Archives. Learn more at www.middlesexcentrearchive.ca

Ilderton and Area Villager

June 2022 • Page 5

Poplar Hill Picnic – Part 2 by John Caverhill We would pass the afternoon rambling around the park and watching some of the ball game. Ilderton was always the opponent for the hometown Poplar Hill team. Most of the players on the two teams knew each other, so there was quite a rivalry. Ten years later, I was playing first base for Ilderton and I was really excited to be playing in the big game at the Poplar Hill Picnic. We won! Around 5:30 p.m., we would head over to the picnic table where our parents were waiting. The men would have finished the chores early and we would all sit down to a picnic supper. Aside from the licorice pipes, an ice cream cone, a bottle of pop and a chocolate bar was typical fare for the afternoon. The desire for goodies was eclipsed by a stronger desire to save money for something I wanted, such as a book or a toy tractor. On this day I could spend 40 cents and still come home nearly two dollars richer than when I started out. The last big event of the day was the concert. As much as we enjoyed the events throughout the day, the evening concert was something that everyone from youngest to oldest looked forward to, with anticipation that cannot be imagined in today’s world of television and multi-media entertainments. The grandstand – still used today – would have its capacity doubled with wings of plank benched added on each side and down directly against the front of the platform. A covered stage faced the audience. Around 6:30 p.m., the grandstand would start to fill, with gangs of wildly excited kids leading the way. The kids always made sure they weren’t sitting too near their parents. We didn’t plan to misbehave, but it was better to be away from the dampening effect of a parental glare, in case we got a little too caught up in each act and made noise (other than applause) when it ended. Before 7 p.m., we had a spot staked out in the grandstand. Each school stayed separate from the others. We didn’t know them, so O rChards esH Local b PUMPKINS b SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE yrup b Apple Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar Jams b Peanuts b JERRY RADER PIES & MORE The Bloomin Bog Water Gardens 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 APPLES MAPLE SYRUP preserves APPLE CIDER APPLE CIDER VINEGAR PEANUTS HONEY JAMS JERRY RADER PIES Gift Baskets & more C runiCan O rChards 23778 RICHMOND ST N (519) 666-0286 • crunicanorChards.com M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-5 Sunday 12-5 Just 10 minutes from Masonville C runiCan 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 runiCan O rChards H Local SQUASH b SEASONAL PRODUCE e Cider b APPLE CIDER Vinegar uts 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

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] The winners would be paired off until the champion was declared. The final bouts were really exciting as the contenders knew how to balance while delivering or receiving a buffet – you could hear we didn’t mix. It was a dilemma each year whether to sit high up on top at the back of the stands, down in front or in between. We had fun regardless of where we sat. It would be a beautiful evening typical of mid-June with the sun starting to drop behind the tall trees surrounding the park. Grownups would be trying to carry on conversations amid the high-pitched, excited kids waiting for the concert to start. A little before 7 p.m. a couple of important-looking men (to us kids, anyone who was up on that stage for any reason was important) would check the stage lighting, plug in the microphone and do the usual, “Testing one-two-three.” This always got a big hand from the crowd. Next, three or four fellows would bring out a smooth pine log 12-feet long and 10 inches in diameter from under the stage. Two heavy, well-braced tripods were set about 10 feet apart at the front of the stage. The log was hoisted into place, each end supported by a tripod. The whole contraption resembled a huge sawhorse about four and a half feet high. Now the action was ready to start. The chairperson, in those days always a man, would call the crowd to order and everyone would stand for, O Canada . Following some opening remarks, he would announce the first event which was always anticipated and always highly entertaining: the pillow fights. Then came the call for participants: “Come on you young fellas, you wanna’ impress your girlfriend?” Usually around a dozen young bucks in their late teens or early 20s would make their way up and grinning, bashfully, give their names to the chairman who would make a few appropriate comments about each of them. Of course, they were all locals, known to everyone, and being ‘sons of the soil’ they would be in shirt sleeves that revealed some pretty brawny arms. The gladiators were paired off and the fun began. The first pair of contenders would swing themselves up and straddle the log, facing each other. They would space themselves by reaching out arm’s length and touching each other’s shoulders. Each was handed a large pillow, which they grasped in their strong hand. At the command “Go!” they started swinging at each other. Contestants could use the free hand as a guard only to deflect buffets. Even just touching the log with either hand meant disqualification. Most of the fights were fast and furious. Just swinging the pillow while balancing on that smooth log meant disaster for some. When a contestant felt himself going over, he just grabbed the log with both hands and swung down and dropped feet first to the floor. 2015.0011-V.48-030 S. S. 10 Lobo Float in Poplar Hill Picnic Parade Centennial Year

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Page 6 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2022

the thuds over the cheering of the crowd. After the winner was declared, there would be a call for an extra hand for “all the fellas” and it was given with enthusiasm. We boys would talk about how great it would be in a few years when we could get up there and see how we would make out. Somehow, being a skinny little kid, a picture would creep into the back of my mind. I could see myself in front of all those cheering people balancing gracefully on the log, and then some broad-shouldered behemoth would deliver a sideswipe that would send me spinning around and around like a wheel with one spoke. To this day, whenever I picture myself in that situation, the result is always the same, variated perhaps by me flying out into the crowd like a projectile slung from a catapult. So much for being a local hero. As I recall, the more successful gladiators were not the slender, willowy, esthetic types like me. On the contrary, they tended to combine the structural characteristics of a fire hydrant with the tenacious approach to battle of a bulldog. I have never seen the pillow fights as held at Poplar Hill anywhere else. They were a real crowd pleaser and would be just as entertaining today at a venue such as a country fall fair. Now the concert proper, was about to begin. Angela Armitt, who was affiliated with the University of Western Ontario, had a large stable of aspiring performers and they supplied the talent for the many summer concerts garden parties that were a feature of rural life in those days. An MC would introduce the various acts and supply some humour along the way. There were dancers, singers, instrumentalists, comedians and combinations of talents. As well, there would be some balancing and juggling acts which we kids especially loved. Halfway through the program, there would be a break so people could make a quick trip to one of the food booths. There would

2015.0011-V.48-029 Marchers in Poplar Hill Picnic Parade Centennial Year. Photos page 4 and 5 courtesy of Middlesex Centre Archives Heritage of Lobo Collection. be a second presentation by each performer and the show would close with God Save the King. We kids would make our way through the crowd to meet our parents at our picnic table under the trees. The picnic was over for another year, but any feelings of regret were tempered by the knowledge that less than two weeks of school remained before summer holidays. In addition, there would be our own school picnic on the last day of school.

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

June 2022 • Page 7

Brent and Helen have a Bin for You Bear Creek Bin Rentals provides local bin rental option by Cathy Wood “When planning some home renovation projects of our own, we noticed there were very limited options for bin rentals in our area,” said Helen Farmer of Bear Creek Bind Rentals. “Companies we contacted were all charging additional service fees to come to our area or were just too busy to even respond to our requests! This led to the creation of Bear Creek Bin Rentals.” As proud members of the Coldstream / Ilderton area where they are raising their four school-aged children, Brent and Helen strive to deliver old-fashioned friendly service with modern conveniences like on-line booking, and social media outreach. “All of our bins have walk-in barn-style doors for easy access with a dolly or wheelbarrow,” explained Brent. “Our bins are narrower than most which make them ideal for residential use, and our compact truck has the maneuverability to fit in tight spaces.” Available in four, seven, or fourteen yard sizes, Bear Creek Bind Rentals has a bin to accommodate a variety of projects from renovations and demolition, to spring cleaning, or even removing dirt or gravel from your yard or garden. All rentals are for a seven day period. “This gives renters time to complete their project, and maybe also take the opportunity of having a bin in their driveway to clean up other home, basement, garage and yard items,” says Brent. “You order – we deliver – you fill the bin – we take it away!” To learn more visit bearcreekbins.ca, call (519) 859-8799, or visit Bear Creek Bin Rentals on Facebook.

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Page 8 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2022

Council Communications

Hello everyone, Recently, a resident said he’d noticed ‘Grassroutes’ signage along one of the local roads and asked what it was for. The Middlesex Grassroutes Trail connects food, accommodations, historical, recreational and point of interest locations in every municipality across all of Middlesex County. You can go to the Visit Middlesex webpage (www.visitmiddlesex.ca ) to find the Grassroutes guide – as well as all the other guidebooks and information about destinations not only in Middlesex Centre but our neighbouring municipalities as well. Two of my favorite booklets are the Trails and the Culinary guides. The Trails Guide includes information (level of difficulty, distances) about the walking and hiking trails at conservation areas, provincial parks, county forests and municipal properties like Weldon Park and the Ilderton Rail Trail. This booklet also highlights the Thames Valley Trail and includes information about parks which have canoe access to the Thames River. Keeping the Culinary Guide handy means that after your walk, you know where to go to have a meal, quench your thirst or enjoy a sweet treat! You’ll also find information in this guide about where to shop for ‘Farm to Fork’ local foods. Whether these producers operate seasonally or are year round producers – there’s nothing better than farm fresh food! As the days get longer and warmer some of you may be thinking about things to do this summer. I would like to encourage you to plan a few daytrips in MXC and the county to explore our local natural areas, agri-tourism experiences and retail farm stores. It’s easy to plan a route that’s perfect for you, so go to the webpage and get ready to have fun and #shoplocal at the same time! As always, reach out if you’d like to speak with me. It’s great to hear your ideas, thoughts and concerns! Best,

Aina DeViet, Mayor 519.666.0190 x 5234 [email protected] www.middlesexcentre.ca

Aina

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June 2022 • Page 9

Ilderton and Area Villager

Koala T Care Daycare opens two locations in Ilderton by Rick Young “I’m very passionate about raising the quality of childcare within the community,” says Cherie Donato, CEO and founder of Koala T Care Daycare in Hagersville, Ontario. Cherie will be bringing her passion and over twenty years of experience in childcare to Ilderton this month with the opening of two new locations. Cherie created the name Koala T Care Daycare while brainstorming in a college program. She loves koalas and Koala T is synonymous with quality. What drew Koala T Care Daycare to Ilderton? “In speaking with local developers, town councillors, and local businesses, we learned that there is a lot of growth coming to Ilderton and surrounding areas, and that childcare options are very limited. It seemed that bringing a childcare centre here was important, especially to welcome new families to the area. I also have family here,” says Cherie. Koala T Care Daycare has opened two locations. The full daycare site is located at 13271 Ilderton Road, while the second site at 13301 Ilderton Road, located just down the street, offers before and afterschool care as well as full day summer camp programs operated by qualified early childhood educators.

Leighanna Clennan

Cherie Donato

“Our programs are play-based. We invite children to explore and play within the engaging environments in our classrooms and outdoor environments,” says Cherie. “We are responsive to and supportive of children’s unique and individual needs. We pride ourselves in being an extension of children’s families.” “Anyone who brings their child to our centre will feel as if they are extended members of our family. As I often say, ‘your babies are my babies,’ and they will be treated as if they were our own by kind, caring, and compassionate caregivers,” says Cherie. “We go above and beyond and host engaging events such as barbeques, talent shows, and outdoor play activity days for our families to maintain that close relationship.”

Like most businesses in Ontario, COVID-19 impacted Koala T Care Daycare’s operations. “It definitely slowed down our renovations be- cause of illness and absences in the trades, as well as a low supply in materials and waiting for them to arrive,” Cherie says. “I think the positive thing that came out of COVID for the childcare industry is how we are now seen as an essential service, and that without childcare, parents would not be able to work, impacting our society, our economy and directly impacting the lives of children and families.” For more information about Koala T Care Daycare, including its program offerings and bios of Cherie and other team members, visit https://koalatcaredaycare. com. You can also follow the centre on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

3301 Ilderton Road

13271 Ilderton Road

“The two locations allow for close pick-up destinations should families have children with siblings at both centres,” says Cherie. “Our programs operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. We have two toddler programs for children ages 18 months to 2 ½ years old, two preschool programs for children 2 ½ to 5 years of age, and our before and afterschool programs operate throughout the school year for children 4 to 12 years old.” Leighanna Clennan, a Registered Early Childhood Educator from London, is the site supervisor. At press time, Cherie was in the midst of hiring the rest of the Ilderton site’s staff. All staff at both locations will be First Aid CPR trained, have a clean vulnerability police check, and be registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

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Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2022

ARTISTS ALLEY Miriam Trahar by Cathy Wood Always having defined creativity as the ability to draw, Miriam Trahar hadn’t recognized herself as a creative person. “But looking back, I see that creativity has always been woven into my life – into my gardens, decorating, designing – you name it, and most recently, the house we designed and built in Birr,” she says. “Then four years ago, I started painting in secret, devouring books and videos online and taking courses.” “My work is about life, the energy, the emotions, and the joy of being here in the moment. I use line, shape and colour as my language to bring some of that outside inside to share in other’s lives,” she says. While Miriam is inspired by memories of the natural beauty around Haliburton, where she grew up, her creativity is also sparked by her morning walk locally. “This area is stunning, and nothing beats a field of winter wheat in August right before harvest or the purity of a white expanse after a big snow dump,” says Miriam, who works in mixed media including graphite, pencil, crayons, oil pastels and paint. “My work tends to be very textured, layering paper and paint to create a rich visual history, and I can be found most days in my studio, busily painting away.”

Also a gardener, Miriam says “I love getting my hands in the soil, pickling and canning tomatoes and herbs that I have grown, or picking flowers.” Through her art, she has developed friendships world-wide, but looks forward to getting out more post-pandemic to enjoy the friendships that she and her family have built locally. “I love this community. It has given my children an excellent foundation that has helped shape them in so many positive ways.” Miriam invites local artists and art-lovers to drop her a line!

She can be reached by email at [email protected]. See more on Instagram (@miriamtraher_abstract_artist) and Facebook (@miriamtraher), or visit her website at: www.miriamtraher.com

EXHIBITS June 18 – July 16 September 10 – October 08 Michaela Fitzsimmons (Fabric Art) Dini Warren (For the Love of Indigo) CLASSES Exciting Classes Coming this Fall: Water Colour, Photography, Wood Carving, Wild Willow Bark Basketry, Paint with Wool 160D Main Street, Ailsa Craig • Open 1–4pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Fibre Art Exhibit & Sale Presented by Strathroy Pioneer Treadlers Spinners and Weavers July 30 – August 27 Beth Turnbull Mornish (Pottery) Darryl Slywchuk (Photography) ONGOING Card Making Group

Every 3rd Tuesday, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Simply Hooked Rug Hooking Group Every 2nd Thursday 1:00 – 4:00 PM Book Club Every 4th Monday 7:00 – 9:00 PM Creative Writing Group Every 3rd Wednesday 7:00 – 9:00 PM For a full schedule of exhibits and classes go to ailsacraigartscentre.wildapricote.org

Lee Donely

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• Page 11

Ilderton and Area Villager

June 2022

The Ilderton Agricultural Society by Emily Tschirhart Ilderton Agricultural Society (IAS) has been a mainstay in our community since 1851. The IAS mission is to celebrate our community, our achievements in agriculture, creative arts, and our rural lifestyle. While the highlight of the year is certainly the Ilderton Fair (September 30 – October 2, 2022), the members of the IAS are vital contributors to other community events and the fairgrounds – serving as a host for numerous events. This year, the IAS is proud to host an in-person beef barbeque June 9 (tickets available at Floral Temptations or online), as well as an upcoming decorating contest to celebrate Canada Day. As an organization, the IAS recognizes the value of the contributions of all the volunteers that enable the association to offer such valuable activities to our community. From committee members that create the categories for entries at the fair, to the people collecting gate fees or directing traffic, there are many ways to get involved with the IAS. There are many opportunities for high school students to earn their volunteer hours too. If you are interested in getting more involved in your community, visit the ildertonfair.ca website. Check out our Facebook page “Ilderton Fair presented by the Ilderton Agricultural Society” to learn about future events!

• 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 12 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2022

Council Communications After two years and two months, and working through COVID slowdowns, finally the Official Plan Review, including amendments, has now been adopted by council, and on its way to Middlesex County for approval! This review is required every five years to consider whether there should be any changes to land designations in the

Elsewhere in Middlesex Centre, Komoka added a few acres to it’s allotment for residential growth. Delaware added the most acres to include both residential and industrial uses, due to it’s proximity to the 401/402. However, to move forward sanitary sewers will be needed to expand the Delaware community- again environment assessments and studies will be needed. Ultimately, we may see changes within the next 5 years, or just the beginnings of change, but at least landowners know where they stand! June is a busy month! Ilderton Fair BBQ is scheduled for June 9th, Poplar Hill Picnic is June 11th, Ilderton Market debuts June 11th for the season and of course Fathers’ Day is on June 19. And congratulations to all our grads! It’s been a long grind

municipality and to pre-plan for future growth – i.e. do we need more residential, more industrial, more commercial lands? At the same time, we must be cognizant of any new regulations enacted by the Province and County. Councillors were kept busy reading and re-reading, asking questions, and making amendments. Thank you to all staff and our consultants for your patience! But at last – the finished product! Essentially, all hamlets as well as Arva, will remain without boundary expansions or re-designations of land use. In Ilderton, lands to the south were previously designated as settlement employment. This area will now be considered a Special Policy Area which means consideration can be given for residential growth, without expanding the current boundaries of the settlement area. This designation allows for mixed uses, including light industrial, offices or other types of commercial. All these lands remain zoned for agriculture use until such time as an application comes forth for development. As well, an environmental assessment and other studies will be needed before actually proceeding with any development on these lands.

through COVID setbacks, but you made it! Stay safe, stay healthy and shop local!

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

Living together? Make it legal! License your pet. All cats and dogs must be licensed by law. Licensing helps save animals’ lives. • Lost pets are returned home • Helps to fund animal services programs • Homeless pets get adopted Please do you part! Contact us to license your pet and have it identified at etick.ca. Learn how to protect yourself and your pets from tick bites at healthunit.com/ticks. Don’t be ticked off Ticks are now active in the Middlesex- London region. If you find one, you can participate in a citizen science project

Suni ’ Sunis s

CONVENIENCE • KINDNESS • COMMUNITY

Fresh Bakery • Produce • Local Meats • Farm Eggs • Exclusive Snacks Now serving scoop ice cream! Choose from 18 flavours of Shaw’s, Legendary and Chapmans! 13278 Ilderton Road 519-666-0161 WORLD PREMIERE A brand new play by Canada’s king of comedy, Norm Foster. A story about change, love and new beginnings. My Hero

London Animal Care Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London • www.accpets.ca 519-685-1330 • Facebook.com/LondonAnimalCare

2 0 2 2

June 15 to July 9

Don’t miss great shows this summer!

519-782-4353 www.psft.ca RESERVE TICKETS

PortStanley FestivalTheatre

Show Sponsor

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June 2022 • Page 13

Ilderton and Area Villager

Ilderton and Area Villager Puzzle Page How to Play Sudoku: Sudoku is played on a grid of nine squares. Within the rows and columns are nine squares made up of three by three spaces. Each row, column and square (nine spaces each) need to be filled out with the numbers 1 – 9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square. 5 7 3 2 1 8 4 9 3 2 6 3 5 2 8 9 3 8 6 5 3 4 7 2 6 1 5 8 5 3 Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.42) 2 8 1 7 2 5 3 1 9 4 6 2 3 8 1 5 6 7 3 8 9 1 6 4 1 9 6 3 7 3 Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.62) 8 4 6 5 2 1 9 6 7 1 6 5 8 8 4 5 3 2 7 1 4 9 4 5 7 3 2 7 6 9 Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.47)

Easy

Medium

Hard

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Apr 12 21:01:15 2022 GMT. Enjoy!

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Apr 12 21:01:42 2022 GMT. Enjoy!

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Apr 12 21:00:47 2022 GMT. Enjoy!

Solve the puzzle with names of the advertisers from the May 2022 Ilderton and Area Villager listed below.

CRUNICAN ORCHARD FLORAL TEMPTATIONS FOREST CITY FOOT CARE HPBIA IABA ILDERTON GARDENERS IMHA IMPRESSIONS JEZEBEL APOTHECARY KOMOKA HOME HARDWARE MIDDLESEX MUTUAL INS OXFORD LEASEWAY PORT STANLEY FESTIVAL THEATRE POSITIVE IMAGE FITNESS RUFF TRAX SYNERGY AESTHETIC WELLNESS SOLUTIONS

AILSA CRAIG ARTS CENTRE ANIMAL CARE CENTRE BEAR CREEK BINS BLOOMERS FAMILY FARM

BLOOMIN BOG BONNIE BAKER HODGINS

Please support our advertisers. It’s their participation that enables us to deliver the Ilderton and Area Villager to you.

Here to help you cover your farm equipment!

Tara McKenzie, FCIP, CRM Insurance Agent "Prefer Local? So Do We!" Supporting our local communities since 1876

[email protected] (519) 619-2447

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Middlesex Mutual Insurance Co.

Home Auto Business Farm

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Page 14 Ilderton and Area Villager • June 2022

SummerFest 2022 by Lisa DeBoer SummerFest 2022 By Lisa DeBoer

Everyone knows summer is all about the outdoors and festivals! Lucan Biddulph SummerFest is the biggest little community festival of the season featuring two concert events on Friday, July 22nd for Rock Night, while Saturday, July 23rd is all about country music. BUT it’s not just about the music! The Lucan Biddulph SummerFest FREE daytime event, located at the Market Street Park on July 23rd from 9am to 7pm, will have you following your nose and enjoying delicious treats and eats from one of the many food vendors, and quenching your thirst at the Lucan Legion while watching live bands at their outdoor patio. Visitors can shop at the many merchandise vendors, watch the live dog stunt shows by the Ultimutts, enjoy buskers, play at the family friendly inflatables and games and participate in nerf wars. This year, Lucan Biddulph SummerFest has partnered with Great Escape RV to add the Rock Night Concert to the weekend festival and we are excited to announce that Sloan and I Mother Earth will be performing at the Lucan Biddulph Community Memorial Centre ball diamonds on Friday, July 22nd. This year, Lucan Summerfest has partnered with Great Escape RV to add Rock Night Concert to the weekend festival and are excited to announce that Sloan and I Mother Earth will be performing at the Lucan Biddulph Community Memorial Centre Ball Diamonds on Friday, July 22nd. On Saturday, July 23rd our Country Concert will feature Canadian Superstar Country star, Tebey with special guests River Town Saints, David Boyd Janes and Brian John Harwood. Make sure to get your Lucan Summerfest concert tickets now at Ticketwindow.ca before they sell out. Both concert events are +19 admission. Lucan Summerfest would like to thank the following sponsors for being a part of this year’s event. On Saturday, July 23rd, our country concert will feature Canadian country superstar, Tebey with special guests River Town Saints, David Boyd Janes and Brian John Harwood. Make sure to get your Lucan Biddulph SummerFest concert tickets now at Ticketwindow.ca before they sell out. Both concert events are +19 admission. Lucan Biddulph SummerFest would like to thank the following sponsors for being a part of this year’s event: Gold: Great Escape RV, Langford Lumber Home Building Centre, Pro Mechanical Truck Repairs, Visit Middlesex, Quadro Communications, Tim Hortons Silver: Lucan Optimists, Lucan Legion, Radcliffe Real Estate Team, Glavin Coating & Refinishing Gold – Great Escape RV, Langford Lumber Home Building Centre, Promechanical Truck Repairs, Visit Middlesex, Quadro Communications, Tim Hortons, Silver – Lucan Optimists, Lucan Legion, Radcliffe Real Estate Team, Glavin Coating & Refinishing, Bronze – CarStar, MacEwan Gas, Murals In Metal Everyone knows summer is all about the outdoors and festivals! Lucan Summerfest is the biggest little community festival of the Night and Saturday, July 23rd is all about Country music. BUT it’s not just about the music, the Lucan Summerfest FREE daytime event located at the Market Street Park on July 23rd will have you following your nose and enjoying delicious treats and eats from one of the many food vendors and quenching your thirst at the Lucan Legion while watching live bands at their outdoor patio. Visitors can shop at the many merchandise vendors, watch the live dog stunt shows by the Ultimutts, enjoy buskers, play at the family friendly inflatables and games and can participate in nerf wars.

Bronze: CarStar, MacEwan Gas, Murals In Metal See you at Lucan Biddulph SummerFest! Past Summerfest Photos See you at Lucan Summerfest! Past Summerfest Photos

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June 2022 • Page 15 Page 7

Ilderton and Area Villager

LUCAN BIDDULPH VILLAGER

Issue 1 - June 2022

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