Ilderton VillagerMarch 2022

Ilderton VillagerMarch 2022

Ilderton Villager and area

March 2022 Issue 13

Celebrating International Women’s Day with Some Local Women Entrepreneurs

#BreakTheBias

Ilderton Villager Issue #13 March 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

Ilderton Villager and area

March 2022 Issue 13

Celebrating International Women’s Day with Some Local Women Entrepreneurs

#BreakTheBias

Celebrating International Women’s Day with some local women entrepreneurs.

Back in the Day Rolling Ridge Maple Syrup, 8 Mile Road and Hyde Park Road. The photo, taken around the early 1900s, was given to the family by the late Ross Kennedy. Celebrating Ilderton and AreaWomen Entrepreneurs by Rick Young March 8 is International Women’s Day in Canada. It’s a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. The day emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe in the nineteenth-century which reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society. The first International Women’s Day took place onMarch 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over a million women and men attended public events to show their support. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women’s Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. Today, International Women’s Day is a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action. It’s a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality and the work remaining to be done. This year’s theme is Break The Bias #breakthebias. In recognition of International Women’s Day 2022, we are devoting this issue to celebrating the women entrepreneurs who make up such an important component of the Ilderton and Area community.

By definition, an entrepreneur is “a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so” or “an individual who creates a new business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards.” We have profiled 22 Ilderton and area women (listed below) who own and operate their businesses. The businesses they operate run the gamut from fitness centres to real estate offices, and everything in between. Many of these businesses were start-ups.

Kathy Nixey Kara Muller Shauna Keene Kendra Bloomfield

Cheryl Pattyn Sherry Conrad Mary Lewis Cheryl Campbell Marilyn Moore Lisa Estrada Terryanne Daniel Shannon Burnham Jean Coles Sherry Marinis

Isa Webb Anza Arif

Lisa Engels Tarra Doyle Tonya Donaldson Bonnie Baker-Hodgins Deborah Hunter Andrea Stuart

#BreakTheBias SUPPORT LOCAL!

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17. Inquire with your LOCAL shops and restaurants about their St. Patrick’s Day Specials!

2 0 2 2 SUMMER THEATRE SEASON

Looking Forward It may be cold outside but we are to summer theatre

BOOK TICKETS NOW

GABS SINGS BABS MAY 31 - JUNE 4 WRITTEN, CO-ARRANGED & PERFORMED BY GABI EPSTEIN

THE CROONER SHOW JUNE 7 - JUNE 11 A LINK THEATRE CONCERT CREATED BY RICK KISH THE VIEW FROM HERE AUGUST 3 - AUGUST 20

MY HERO JUNE 15 - JULY 9 WORLD PREMIERE BY NORM FOSTER

OUR HOUSE JULY 13 - JULY 30 BY MURRAY FURROW WORLD PREMIERE

MEET MY SISTER AUGUST24 - SEPTEMBER 10 BY BONNIE GREEN

WORLD PREMIERE BY JAMIE WILLIAMS

PortStanleyFestivalTheatre 519-782-4353 www.psft.ca

Season Subscriptions Single Tickets Available

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 2 Ilderton and Area Villager • March 2022

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurship! by Todd Copeland

International Women’s Day (#BreakTheBias) is slated for March 8, and we have a lot to celebrate in Middlesex County as we move beyond the pandemic and focus on the new horizon. The Provincial government has announced it will be lifting restrictions, and it is now more important than ever to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Community Futures Middlesex is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners grow and succeed to strengthen our community. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the foundation of any rural community. When they succeed, the community thrives. More than 69% of our active loan portfolio is invested in support of businesses owned or co-owned by women, youth and/or newcomer entrepreneurs. Our loan clients are distributed across all seven of the lower-tier municipalities within Middlesex County, including Strathroy-Caradoc, Middlesex Centre, Southwest Middlesex, Lucan Biddulph, Thames Centre, North Middlesex and Adelaide Metcalfe. Approximately 63%of the$1.7million inCOVID-19business support that we distributed in RRRF Loans, CEBA-Like Loans and our Non-Repayable Support Program (NRSP) throughout the pandemic supported women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses. The resilience of these women and their businesses has been remarkable, and many have thrived based on the local support community members have provided to them. Peter Ginter said, “Often the greatest challenge facing an organization is recognizing and acting on opportunity rather than solving a problem.” The team at Community Futures Middlesex offers loans, planning and advisory services, workshops and more, to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Middlesex County. We understand our communities, our rural culture and our values. These insights allow us to view our clients through a different lens, and to make loan decisions right here at home. Reach out to us today if you are looking to act on the next great opportunity for your community!

SUPPORTING YOUR VISION

Business Consulting & Financing

Business Workshops & Training Community Economic Development

Visit us at cfmiddlesex.ca

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

• Page 3

Ilderton and Area Villager

March 2022

Kathy Nixey Floral Temptations [email protected]

Kara Muller Jezebel Apothecary [email protected]

Floral Temptations is a full-service flower shop providing quality flowers, plants and gifts for all occasions. We offer simple and sophisticated floral finery, including wedding related settings, bri- dal bouquets, floral cake decorations, centerpieces and more.

Mine is an artisan studio where I make soaps, perfumes, aromatherapy products, and skincare products using only natural botanical ingredients. It began as a home business in 2013 making my products in my garage. I moved production to my current location at 13229 Ilderton Road in 2016.

I was born into the floral business and worked my entire career in the industry. Floral Temptations was established in 1994, and when the previous owner needed some help, I started working here a couple of days a week. In 2006, when I was ready to move on from working in the city, I took over the business. It seemed like a perfect fit when the opportunity arose to own this little shop. Growing up and raising my family here made it an easy decision. It has been so rewarding having a small business. Every single day is different. It challenges, it humbles, it gives great joy and some heartaches as well. And there is nothing better than being part of this great community. My advice for women considering opening their own business would be to follow your passion, be prepared for the challenges, and ask for help when needed. Find a work/life balance, but most importantly love what you do, and it won’t really feel like work at all!

I sell my products at my Ilderton studio, online, at festivals and exhibits, and through other retailers, even as far away as South Carolina. I also produce products for other companies and have had one of my soaps featured in Chatelaine Magazine’s Holiday Shopping List, although it was sold under a different label. My business is a wonderfully creative outlet for me. It is a com- bination of all my passions – a love of nature, herbalism, gardening, and perfumes and a deep concern for the well-being of our ecosystems. I wanted to offer an alternative to chemical- laden cosmetics by producing beautifully scented products using old-fashioned methods and with simple, wholesome ingredients. The rewards of operating my own business are plentiful! I get to do what I love and make a profit while doing it. I’ve had to overcome many fears and challenges, which has helped me grow as a person. And I’ve met so many wonderful people and formed lasting friendships. When you enjoy what you do, it really does not feel like work at all.

Flowers, Plants and Gifts

C runiCan 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 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 13229 Ilderton Rd • 519-709-8717 www.jezebelsoaps.com Soaps . Perfumes . Toiletries . Aromatherapy

13236 Ilderton Road, P.O. Box 168 Ilderton floraltemptations.com • (519) 666-2032 Order now for Easter!

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

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

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] 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 23778 RICHMOND ST N (519) 666-0286 • crunicanorChards.com M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-5 Sunday 12-5 Just 10 minutes from Masonville 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

Page 4 Ilderton and Area Villager • March 2022

Council Communications

Hello everyone, March 8th is International Women’s Day and when I learned this month’s Ilderton and Area Villager was going to highlight “Women in Business”, I immediately thought of all of the Middlesex Centre (MXC) women I’ve crossed paths with who ‘run their own show’. In MXC we’re fortunate to have many entrepreneurial families, and given the agricultural roots of this municipality, we know women have been actively involved in local business for quite some time! Our communities are home to many enterprising women involved in businesses that range from various advisory services to landscaping. They also run thriving spas, salons and restaurants, and increasingly we see women-led businesses offering a variety of fresh farm products and locally produced preserves and baked goods. With all the goodies available, it’s good to know we can find local health related services, as well as fitness and yoga classes! These businesses create a virtuous cycle for our local economy. Besides providing convenient access to quality goods and services, they attract customers and visitors from other areas, offer jobs to residents and support other local businesses when purchasing supplies. Many owners also support local events that build community spirit! So, congratulations to all of the women in

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

Middlesex Centre who’ve identified opportunities and taken a chance to start their own business. Now let’s do our part and #ShopLocal!! Stay well everyone, Aina

2022

ACURA WEST 759WONDERLAND RD N. LONDON 519-657-1557 acurawest.ca

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

March 2022 • Page 5

Ilderton and Area Villager

It’s Maple Syrup Time Again! by John Caverhill

It was usually mid-March when we tapped the 200 trees that supplied maple syrup to three families. The Baileys owned the south half of the bush and tapped over 500 trees. The north half was divided between our farm (Ernest Caverhill’s farm) and Campbell Caverhill’s farm. Elliott Shipley, who farmed across the road from our farm, was the third member of our group. The sugar shanty was sited a short distance into Campbell’s bush and was an example of recycling at its best. The old frame house that stood on our farm was replaced when William A. Caverhill built his new brick house in 1882. Part of the old frame house became the blacksmith shop attached to William A’s Carpenter Shop. By 1940, both shops were little-used, and the blacksmith shop was rebuilt in the bush as a sugar shanty. After completing the morning chores, we would ride back to the bush in our stoneboat pulled by our horse, Sally. A bag of newspapers to start the fire, a cream can to hold the day’s production and our lunches rode with us. Arriving at the shanty, yesterday’s ashes would be cleaned out and a new fire was started in the evaporator. Once the fire of limbs and cordwood was established, the steam would soon be rolling up from the pans and out the vent in the roof. If the sap was running well, we would gather it in the morning and again late in the afternoon. Our gathering tank consisted of a large oak barrel lying on its side and strapped to a sleigh that was pulled by Sally. In the early 1950s, Sally was replaced by our new tractor. Dad or Campbell tended the evaporator while the rest of us gathered the sap. Early-season gathering often meant carrying pails of sap while wading through slushy snow. Rubber boots were essential. While the gathered sap was draining into the storage tank, we would warm up and dry out by the evaporator fire box. Typical of March, a few days of fine weather were often followed by a stormy spell that started as rain and changed to snow. There was a rush to gather the sap before it was diluted by rainwater. Pure maple sap is clear and colourless (and pleasant to drink with a mildly maple flavour). Rainwater gives the sap a yellow tint – the more water, the deeper the yellow. The sap is usable if only slight yellowing shows; otherwise, it must be dumped as it would require too much boiling and the flavour might be altered. Also, a quick, hard freeze can solidify the contents and the expanding ice can split the buckets. Slogging through the bush in cold rain and icy, slushy snow soaking you from top to bottom was only tolerable because of thoughts of standing close to the evaporator and sipping some hot coffee while your clothes dried in the heat. An evaporator has a ravenous appetite for fuel. Boiling at full capacity required feeding the fire and pumping sap into the barrel that supplied the boiling pans every 15 to 20 minutes. A woodpile over 20 feet long, four to five feet wide and eight feet high could be consumed in a season. Working in the fresh March weather gave us a ravenous appetite as well. Two sandwiches, constructed of two slices of bread enclosing thick slices of beef or pork, a couple of hard-boiled eggs, several cookies and two or three apples along with a large wedge of pie all packed into a six-quart fruit basket was typical fare for each of us. A large thermos of coffee fortified with sugar and cream fresh from the morning’s milking rounded off these little snacks. I particularly remember one occasion when Elliott – or “Ship” as he was regularly called – spiced our lunches with a bit of

home cooking. He produced a long-handled frying pan and a large pack of sausages. With a ready-made blaze, why light a campfire? Dumping all the sausages into the pan and donning his work gloves, Ship opened one of the double doors of the evaporator and stuck the pan into the solid mass of flames. In less than a minute, he yanked the pan, its contents blazing merrily out of the fire, and set it on the ground (shanties in those days had no flooring). Ship grabbed a nearby sack containing some newspapers, dumped the papers out and smothered the flames with the sack. A few more brief but fiery repetitions and he pronounced the sausages were “done.” Looking at the finished product one had to agree that, although somewhat lacking in visual appeal, the sausages were certainly indeed “done.” Between two slices of bread with a liberal application of mustard as a lubricant, the sausages actually tasted pretty good. Certainly, they weren’t greasy! Ship and his son, Jim, showed up one fine spring morning bearing a sign the size of those found at road intersections. It was bright red and proclaimed in bold, white letters, Visit Queen’s Park . Ship proceeded to nail the sign onto the end of shanty wall. Its function, he explained, was to cover an unsightly knothole. The shanty siding, being over 100 years old, had many unsightly knotholes on its sides, but Ship’s sign happened to be right beside the front door. We often had visitors who would follow the main trail through the bush to the shanty. When they entered the shanty clearing, even the most indifferent were startled to find themselves confronted with the sign, Visit Queen’s Park , in the middle of a Southwestern Ontario bush. We always referred all questions (and there were many) to Ship, yet he never revealed the sign’s origin nor how he

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 6 Ilderton and Area Villager • March 2022

acquired it. Politicians could have taken lessons from the way he fielded all queries without disclosing actual information. We always got a great deal of entertainment from these sessions. And to this day, I have no idea how he came by this sign. There were four indicators that signified the ending of syrup season. The earliest sign was hearing the ‘Spring Peeps.’ It would be a mild, sunny day in late-March when the first gentle chorus of the tiny frogs could be heard. They seemed to sing a common rhythm. So, like a massed choir, their song fell on the ear in tiny waves. Folklore says cold weather must silence the Peepers three times before spring comes to stay. A second indicator was when the tiny moths we called Brown Millers first appeared each spring. We would find one or two floating in an occasional bucket as we gathered the sap. The final two indicators were the swelling buds on the trees coupled with sap changing from clear to cloudy. The syrup from the final couple of boilings would be darker coloured and stronger flavoured. Old-timers claimed this was the best syrup of the season, but it was too strong for most palates brought up on the mildly flavoured table syrup variety. For some years, Dad had a regular customer – and old farmer – who had a standing order for the last gallon of syrup production each season.

All photos by John Caverhill

The boiling pans from our evaporator are now on display at the Rolling Ridge Maple Syrup complex on Ilderton Road. They are dwarfed by the modern, stainless steel monsters that can produce more syrup in an hour than we made in a whole season. Those small pans, however, loom large in my memory as a link to pleasant times and good people now long passed.

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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Put Some Rolling Ridge in your Fridge!

Sugar Bush Open March 1 – April 10 Mon-Sat 10-5 • Sun Noon-4 Syrup • Candy • Maple Butter and more. 22681 Vanneck Road 3km west of Ilderton

www.rollingridgemapleproducts.ca • (519) 666-3257

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Ilderton and Area Villager

March 2022 • Page 7

Shauna Keene Lace Boutique [email protected]

Kendra Bloomfield Bloomers Family Farm [email protected]

Lace Boutique Fashions began in March of 2017. We kicked off our business launch with a fashion show in our living room. We rented 44 chairs and the space was filled with family and friends... Oh what a night! This was the beginning of

We opened the on-farm retail store in 2012 selling our farm raised beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and other locally made products. We wanted to offer the true farm to table experience so our customers could learn where the

many fashion shows and events to come! I was inspired to start this business so that I could do something that set my soul on fire. I love helping women feel good in their clothes, and seeing customers’ faces light up when they try on something that is meant for them makes my heart happy. The rewards of this business lie in my relationships with my customers. It was these amazing customers that kept our business alive during Covid, and we felt incredible support during all of the tough decisions. Closing our Ilderton location and moving online was very difficult. However, the silver lining of Covid was the creation of our website and seeing how our customers transitioned to online shopping with us. I had always fought going online. I believe so strongly in the customer service aspect of in-person shopping, but it really helped keep the business alive. Fast forward to 2022. Come visit Lace in our adorable yellow siding house in Lucan. It feels amazing to be open again! We are excited to get back to hosting in person fashion shows and events in the future. Stay tuned!

food comes from and all the in between. We have plans for expansion and looking forward to growing our business with more options in the very near future! The opportunity to stay at home and raise my children while still helping to create income for the farm and family is what inspired me to open the store. Being my own boss, working alongside my husband, and creating something we are proud of, and passionate about is very rewarding. I really enjoy meeting and interacting with so many amazing customers, sharing our passion and our story, while educating them about the highs and lows of getting it from the farm to their table. The store is open Fridays 10-5pm and Saturdays 9-3pm. My advice to anyone thinking of starting their own business is to just do it! Don’t wait for the perfect time. You will never find it. There are lots of good resources, and businesses within your community to help make your dream a reality. You need passion, drive and willpower. It isn’t easy, but it is SO worth it!

• 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

Stylish Comfort and Amazing Service, Ampersand Ave Hoodies, Bamboo Tanks, Tops & Leggings, Loungewear, Denim, Dresses, Six N Stone Jewelry and more! Visit us at laceboutiquefashions.ca or at 213 Main Street, Lucan Wednesday to Saturday 10:30am – 3pm

Follow us on facebook and instagram for new arrivals! [email protected]

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 8 Ilderton and Area Villager • March 2022

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] At home, Roswell’s marriage to Elizabeth was suffering from their separation. She began seeing Colonel Simeon Bullen of Delaware. Roswell died suddenly on January 19, 1834, while in York. Archdeacon John Strachan conducted the funeral in St. James’ Church, York. In his will, Roswell gave a scathing rebuke of his wife and left her his forgiveness only. In December 1834, Elizabeth and Bullen were married. He was about twenty-five years her senior. They had six children and both are buried in Christ Church Pioneer Cemetery in Delaware. Bibliography http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/mount_roswell_6E.html http://mooremuseum.ca/virtual-exhibit/moore-township-history Finlayson, Isabella C: A Brief History of Moore Township, 1934 https://brendadougallmerriman.blogspot.com/2014/08/ Roswell Mount – Prominent Delaware Citizen, Surveyor, Politician, Militia Officer, JP, Office Holder By Sid Prior, Middlesex Centre Archives Member Roswell Mount, born in 1797 in Delaware, Ontario, was the only child of Moses Mount and Jane Burtch. He was only two when his father died. In 1801, his mother married Swain Passel Corliss. In 1820, Roswell married Elizabeth, daughter of Gideon and Hannah Tiffany of Delaware. They had two children, Charles, born in 1825 and Amelia Eliza, born in 1827. Roswell trained as a surveyor under Public Land Surveyor (P.L.S.) Mahlon Burwell and received his license in early 1820. Together they surveyed Caradoc Township. In 1821, Roswell purchased Lot 24 Range 1 South Longwoods Rd. from George Lutz, who had arrived before Caradoc was surveyed. This property was just across the river from Delaware Village. Roswell became a “Deputy Surveyor”, made surveys and laid out roads in several townships of the province’s western districts. In 1829, he surveyed the District of St. Clair in Lambton County into the townships of Sombra, Moore and Walpole Island. He also acquired land, both as a surveyor and by purchase. Roswell and Mahlon were the two members for the Middlesex riding in the 1830 general election. During this period, Roswell rose from Captain to Colonel in the Middlesex Militia, became a justice of the peace, a road commissioner, and in 1832, a crown-land agent for the Western District. With the “Petworth Project” in 1832, over 51,000 immigrants arrived in Quebec from Petworh, West Sussex, England. Many brought cholera with them. Agents, with only vague instructions, acted for the most part on their own authority, and hurried the immigrants to their places of settlement. Commissioner of Lands, Peter Robinson, sent several hundred to Kettle Creek (Port Stanley) and then on to Mount at Caradoc for location in Adelaide and Warwick, two completely uninhabited townships. In July 1832, Roswell assisted 400 immigrants. In August, another 800–1,000 newcomers arrived all at once. Still others came to him week after week. That fall, and before he left for the parliamentary session at York, Roswell delegated his authority to his surveyor assistants, Bela Brewster Brigham of Delaware and Captain Marvel White of Lobo. From his home in Delaware West (Caradoc Twp.), Roswell had Bela Brewster Brigham survey a road named Adelaide Road (Hwy 81), through Caradoc Township to his depot on Bear Creek in Adelaide Twp. (Strathroy). Fear of cholera inhibited many local residents from providing assistance or shelter, but some was found at the Woodhull Family Mills at Kilworth. Roswell became the only source for rations, wages, medical aid, and shelter.

Photos: Grave marker of Simeon Bullen and Elizabeth. Photos by Sid Prior. Christ Church Pioneer Cemetery sign. Photo by Tami Martin. Christ Church, Delaware, 1838. Photo from FindAGrave.com

March 2022 • Page 9

Ilderton and Area Villager

Anza Arif Suni’s Convenience [email protected]

Isa Webb The Bloomin Bog [email protected]

I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so my family has had a big influence on me. My childhood was spent observing my father start his own business, and with his dedication and hard work, he turned it into a successful venture. As a young family, my husband Mike

The Bloomin Bog is an award winning retail water garden center founded in West Lorne in 1981. It is owned and operated by Nick and Isa Webb. It all began with one orchid and one papyrus plant gifted to Nick’s mother. Nick built a small greenhouse for the plants, and

just after completion, a flood spread papyrus seeds everywhere. After potting up about 100 papyrus seedlings, and buying a dozen new orchid varieties, he built an even bigger greenhouse. Passers-by saw bright orchid flowers in the new greenhouse and wanted to buy them. After making his first dollar (which he still owns!), Nick knew he was going into business. The focus of the business from 1981 to 1993 was orchids however water plants were gaining in popularity. In 1994 the business moved to Ilderton, transitioned to aquatic plants, and over the years has become a full-service water garden center. In 1996, I married into The Bloomin Bog family, and brought an administrative and customer service background to the business, together with a passion for plants and fish. We enjoy the opportunity of making a positive difference in people’s lives, and as business owners welcome the benefits of independence, flexibility, and freedom in decision making. By hiring and operating locally, we bring tax dollars into Ilderton, and by giving back we involve ourselves in our community.

and I wanted to locate in a small town, to have a sense of community and belonging. Ilderton is just that and has tremendous community spirit. We wanted to create a place that our amazing community would be proud to call theirs. We represent a total of 24 local businesses and that list is growing. We offer locally sourced products such as fresh bread, farm eggs, Shaw’s Ice Cream, fresh produce, and local meats. We also stock many exclusive unique exotic snacks that our customers won’t find anywhere else. We love to see the joy on their faces when they find that unique trending product. We have been in business for the past eight years now, and pride ourselves on giving customers that old fashioned corner store experience. It has been such a pleasure working with small local businesses and, at Suni’s Convenience, we love promoting and selling items handcrafted by our community members.

Lisa Engels Sunshine Cake Studio [email protected]

Tarra Doyle & Tonya Donaldson Rodan & Fields Skincare [email protected] and [email protected] We started our virtual skin care business in 2018 to help men and women feel beautiful, and to help them gain confidence. We also help others start up their own virtual skincare business that was created by the doctors of Proactiv, world-renowned dermatologists in skincare. We both had very young children at the time. We looked tired and drained. We had lost our glow, and lines and wrinkles were starting to form. We wanted to feel confident in our own skin again, and not hide behind makeup anymore, so we started using these dermatologist grade skincare products and others started commenting on our skin. We

I opened my business in March 2020 creating custom celebration birthday and wedding cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and other sweet treats. I opened right before COVID hit, and luckily had my kitchen certified just in time. I pushed through during the pandemic offering porch pickup in Bryanston as well as delivery and the business took off! I chose to get my basement cake bakery food health certified because working from home is the most comfortable environment for me. I make my own hours and take a break or day off if I need to, and it eliminates expense of renting or leasing a building. I added the cake trailer in 2021 to be able to bring cake slices, cake pops, cupcakes, cheesecakes, squares, cookies and sweet treats to the Ilderton Farmer’s Market and other outdoor events. It’s a great way to get out and be part of the local community with other local businesses. Ilderton has welcomed Sunshine Cake Studio with open arms. I’m very grateful for the support of the surrounding businesses and people I’ve met in this community. To those of you considering becoming entrepreneurs, I recommend starting small from home, niche in on what your passionate about and see what works, and always make sure to charge appropriately for your time and talents.

thought “why not share it with our friends and family at the same time as having a second stream of income?” We have such a wide customer base now, and it has been so incredibly rewarding helping so many love their skin again. What a gift! With a virtual skincare business, we are literally able to work from anywhere. We consider ourselves blessed that we have found this opportunity that requires no previous knowledge of skincare or sales. We will be forever grateful for the confidence we have gained! For more information about skincare and access to free samples, just send us an email. To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 10 Ilderton and Area Villager • March 2022

Bonnie Baker-Hodgins Sutton Group – Select Realty [email protected]

Deborah Hunter The King Edward Restaurant and Pub [email protected] I’ve been making meals since I was ten years old. My parents worked a lot, so I ordered Betty Crocker recipe cards through the mail. Once a month the cards came in and I made the recipes.

I became a realtor in 2008. A sweet woman named Sonja Neilsen was my realtor when I bought my first condo in Toronto in 1999. She encouraged me to get into real estate. I was working in sales in the Architecture and Design world at the time. It took me a while to do it, but when I did it, it was because of her. She has since passed away, but I think of her often. Running my own business has given me the opportunities to give back to the community. I sponsor the Ilderton U6 Soccer division, after several years sponsoring U4. I also proudly sponsor some local athletes, in hockey and curling. I support the Sunshine Foundation of London, LifeSpin, and The London Food Bank. They all have a special spot in my heart, and I do what I can to help them. Personally, being self-employed has also allowed me to attend hockey tournaments, gymnastics competitions, and other family events… although I sometimes must sneak away to do paperwork or call a client. My advice to those considering self-employment is to be ready to work hard, make sure you surround yourself with people that you admire, have a great support system in place and be confident in yourself, no matter the scenario.

Fast forward to 2000, we were living in Mississauga, and I was working for IATSE in Toronto’s Film industry doing scenic paint and plastering on movie sets, as well as working in a restaurant. My husband Rich and I entertained a lot, and people really loved our food and often said we should open our own restaurant. The film industry slowed down in 2004 and we decided to look for a restaurant in a small town. We looked at over 80 restaurants from Nova Scotia and all over Ontario. We choose Ilderton because of the beautiful heritage building and home on the main street, as well as the quaint feel of the village. We opened the restaurant in June 2005, and we are going into our 17th year. It was a humbling experience for me in 2021 to find out that I had been voted Ilderton businessperson of the year. I had no idea that I had even been nominated. On top of that The King Edward won Gold for best British Pub in London in 2019 and 2020. We are not even in London! A good work ethic and perseverance clearly is a winning combination – as well as having an amazing and talented business partner in Rich!

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March 2022 • Page 11

Ilderton and Area Villager

Cheryl Pattyn Positive Image Fitness [email protected]

Andrea Stuart Campfire Ninja [email protected]

I started my business in June 2001, with group classes or one-on-one training. The team of coaches and I help people wake up each day feeling empowered, stronger and more confident in what their mind and body can do both in and out of the gym.

Campfire Ninja was established in May 2020. Located at 21951 Vanneck Road near Ilderton, it’s open seven days a week for self-serve. We sell specialty woods in small, medium and large bags for campfires, fireplaces, smoking and cooking. We also sell kindling, fire

starters and smoking chunks for Kamado Joe and Big Green Egg grills. We hope to have cooking accessories and gear available this year. The biggest rewards of having my own business have been hearing the stories of people celebrating special occasions by campfire due to pandemic restrictions. I had customers who had never experienced a campfire, buy their first campfire grill, learn to start a fire and cook meals over the fire. It was so nice to see people having fun and learning new cooking skills. Ministers came to get firewood for outdoor church services and there were campfire book clubs, birthday parties and virtual girl guide backyard camping events. I love when customers send me pictures of their campfires and meals they cooked. It is inspiring and heartwarming to see people having fun no matter the circumstance. I was glad to be a part of their celebrations by providing the firewood. It allowed people to get together outside during the trying times of covid. Customers often thank me for providing firewood so they can get together with friends and family.

Like most new trainers, I started my personal training career in a big box gym. Then a friend asked if I would provide training to her in her home. It just snowballed and grew from there over the next 20 years. It allowed me more scheduling flexibility when my kids were younger, and time to create the business I dreamed of when working at the big box gym. Training clients one-on-one or in group classes and seeing them reach personal goals is amazing. Nothing gets me and the other coaches more excited than seeing clients crush goals, do their first full push-up, have less chronic pain, sleep better, have more energy, rediscover clothes in their closets, and gain an internal confidence that comes with taking back control of your health and life. If you are looking for a new fitness home then try us out free for one week to see if we are the right fit for you and your fitness goals. We cannot wait to meet you and see you start crushing your goals! www.positiveimagefitness.ca • (519) 859-3860 Visit our website for the full class schedule and sign up online for your free week! FREE WEEK at Ilderton’s small group and private training studio. Last draw of the season: Wednesday March 30, 2022 50% goes to the winner, 20% to the individual player selected and the balance to IMHA for player development.

TM Campfire Ninja TM Campfire Ninja Ca pfire Ninja TM

Firewood by the bag for Campfires | Fireplaces | Pizza Ovens | Cooking & Smoking Everything for a great campfire experience Firewood by the bag for Campfires | Fireplaces | Pizza Ovens | Cooking & Smoking Everything for a great campfire experience Firewood by the bag for Campfires | Fireplaces | Pizza Ovens | Cooking & Smoking Everything for a great campfire experience [email protected] facebook.com/CampfireNinja [email protected] facebook.com/CampfireNinja 21951 Vanneck Road 21951 Vanneck Road Everything for a great campfire experience Self-Serve No Appointment Needed 21951 Vanneck Rd Ilderton ON

[email protected] facebook.com/CampfireNinja

21951 Vanneck Road

Get your tickets: 20 for $50 7 for $20 or 3 for $10 rafflebox.ca/raffle/imha

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Page 1 2 Ilderton and Area Villager • March 2022

ARTISTS ALLEY Ailsa Craig Village Pottery by Cathy Wood When Marilyn Barbe was 12 or 13, her mother sent her to ceramics classes at Marg’s Ceramics in Windsor. “I was lucky because Marg taught us a lot about handbuilding along with pieces made from molds. After Gerry and I were married, I thought I would try some more ceramics which led to pottery lessons. I wanted to know the difference between slip cast work and working at the potters wheel. In 1978, I tried my hand at the wheel and was hooked. It is such a challenge. There is never a boring moment with clay. You cannot become smug and say you conquered one aspect of working with clay because it always leads to another adventure”. Marilyn enjoys making a good mug – and watching people pick through the mugs at the showroom to find their ‘perfect fit’. “Also, it took me a long time to master bowl making – now that is a challenge. Mugs and bowls are functional ware for daily use and it’s rewarding to know that someone appreciates what I made and will use it to serve a family meal, or just enjoy a nice cuppa to relax and start the day.” Every item at Ailsa Craig Village Pottery is made in Marilyn’s studio, starting from the raw clay to the final fired piece. The shop will be offering three week-long Play With Clay summer camps in 2022. “Children need art in their lives,” says Marilyn. “Our summer camps give them a chance to find out how satisfying working with clay can be. Usually you can hear a pin drop when they are making their creations.” “Normally, I use clay from a pottery supplier,” says Marilyn. “Lately I have been using wild clay – clay from the surrounding area. Some of these pieces will be exhibited at the Ailsa Craig Arts Centre in May.

Built in 1996, the studio was designed to complement similar outbuildings in Ailsa Craig, sur- rounded by the Barbe’s collection of Carolinian trees. It has a complete working studio, big enough for six potters to work or study, located on the main floor. Ailsa Craig Village Pottery’s retail outlet near Stratford will open in April or May when the Festival opens. Meanwhile, Marilyn and Gerry welcome visitors looking for their perfect mug or bowl or unique hand-made gift at the 115 Ness Street studio by appointment. Learn more at www.ailsacraigpottery.com

AILSA CRAIG ARTS CENTRE – UPCOMING EVENTS 160D Main Street, Ailsa Craig • Open 1–3pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday February 12 – March 12 Al Sarachman (Photography)

July 30 – August 27 Beth Turnbull Mornish (Pottery) Catherine Weber (Art) September 10 – October 08: Micaela Fitzsimmons (Fabric Art) Diny Warren (Spinning and Weaving)

March 26 – April 23 Fran Roelands (Art) May 7 – June 04

Jennifer Dobinson (Art) Marilyn Barbe (Pottery) June 18 – July 16: Colleen Pavlec (Fabric) Darryl Slywchuk (Photography)

CARD MAKING GROUP Every Third TUESDAY

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

ailsacraigartscentre.ca

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March 2022 • Page 13

Ilderton and Area Villager

Sherry Conrad Laser Hair Removal [email protected]

Mary Lewis Wellness Solutions with Mary [email protected] Suffering with pain for years, I wanted to find a way to help myself, my husband, and others to feel better and to get well. I studied Reflexology and Integrated Energy Therapy – natural therapies that heal on every level – physically, mentally,

I have been working at London Health Sciences Centre for many years, and I am now also offering Laser Hair Re- moval, for both men and women at the Little Off The Top location on Ilderton Road, next door to Floral Temptations.

emotionally, and spiritually. I later studied The Emotion Code and Reiki. These therapies also work wonderfully for pets and farm animals. Once I started to feel better, I was inspired to help as many other people as possible and opened my Wellness Solutions with Mary. It feels really good to help someone who is hurting, and I am ever so grateful to have been led on this path. I am hoping to be able to offer a natural hot wax hand and foot treatment this year, as a new service. In addition to other benefits, this works to improve circulation and to reduce pain and inflammation. I am also learning a new therapy called Core Talk which I am excited to share with my clients, friends, family, and many others very soon. As a Wellness Practitioner I have compassion for anyone who is suffering with pain and health issues. I want to do whatever I can to help them get back to better health. It is my purpose and my calling.

Little Off The Top is a long-standing hair salon business, and it is an absolute honour for me to be a part of this dedicated team. I started my laser hair removal business in 2020, and it is such a pleasure to offer a new service to the residents that live in Ilderton and surrounding areas. I love meeting new and interesting clients! If you are thinking of starting your own business, my advice to you is to be confident with your business plan and push your idea forward to a place of action. Seek out like-minded business owners to lean into for advice and resources to learn new things and to create opportunities for success. Create a network of determined and successful people, including family and friends. Get the word out by using local publications like this great Ilderton Villager magazine, and absolutely use social media as well. Investing your time and energy into your on-line presence pays off as does word-of-mouth advertising. Patience and determination are key.

Byron - 6 mins, Delaware - 7 mins Ilderton - 14 mins , Mt Brydges - 9 mins

Sherry Conrad Laser Hair Removal

Sign up for EMAIL FROM HOME • Design Gallery - vanities, cabinets, closets • Paint & Stains - expert advice, earn FREE paint • Building Supplies - from foundation to roofing • Garden Centre - soils, mulch, fertilizer, decor • Seasonal - BBQ's, fire pits, decor, bird supplies • Housewares - gifts, everything for the kitchen • Hardware - tools, plumbing, electrical, & more • PRO contractor division Don't miss out...

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Page 14 Ilderton and Area Villager • March 2022

Council Communications

community without you! You are all truly appreciated and we are so lucky that you decided to set up shop and follow your dreams! Tomany more successes ! Stay safe, stay healthy!

International Women’s Day began in 1911 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In a nod to the 2022 Inter- national Women’s Day on March 8th, this issue of the Ilderton and Area

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

Villager showcases several local women entrepreneurs in celebration of these, and their achievements. So, what would prompt a woman to start her own business rather than collect a regular paycheque? It could result from an layoff or retirement, a realization that “I don’t want to do this anymore”, or maybe just to be her own boss and work at something she truly enjoys. Some see a need in the community. Some simply have a desire to share their passion with others. It’s not easy though. Entrepreneurs need to wear many hats to have a successful business – that of an accountant, innovator, purchaser, marketer, labourer – the list is endless! I am awed by their tenacity! But while there are many positives to self-employment, there are also negatives: slow sales, long hours, marketing, unforeseen setbacks such as Covid, deadlines, supply problems, no sick time, missing family time, and a whole host of regulations, just to name a few! At the end of the day, these local women enhance our community with their economic diversity. So, thank you to you all and your supportive families and/or business partners! I can’t imagine this

The Powerslide 1oz Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey 1/2 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream 1/2 oz Kahlua Shake briefly in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, strain into a glass of fresh ice. Enjoy and repeat. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the King Edward!

22LSSPR

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• Page 15

Ilderton and Area Villager

March 2022

Cheryl Campbell & Associates Financial Services Inc. [email protected] We offer everything from financial, in- surance, investments, mortgages, bud- geting, and financial planning. I started in the financial service industry in 2005, first with my mortgage licence and then later my life licence, mutual funds licence and then I became a Certified Financial

Marilyn Moore This Oak House [email protected]

This Oak House is a source for hand- crafted, solid hardwood Amish furniture that I and my son and partner Dan, established on April 15, 1998. We offer a large selection of solid wood furniture for the kitchen, dining room, living room, office, bedroom, even kids’ rooms and more!

Planner. My goal was to help people get rid of their debt and live a stress-free life. With that in mind, I began to study the psychology behind people and their money behaviors. Money habits are never “just about money.” I started my own business so I could manage my time, and work around my family’s schedule. I also really wanted to inspire other women to do the same, take control of their own lives and be the best that they could be. Having your own business isn’t easy and it does have its downfalls, but it can also be very rewarding. With your own business, you have choices and the ability to try new things, you are in charge of your own destiny. You decide your own success and where you end up on the ladder is a matter of how hard you work. I didn’t really “choose” this location. It chose me. I took over Penny Crossan’s business when she retired. Penny was an amazing businesswoman who had a big dream of building her business in Ilderton. She kept pushing me to see her vision and to grow roots in Ilderton. I really want to help fulfill Penny’s dream and vision and so that is why I am here. Women empowering women!

Our customers can choose from a large variety of items showcased in our 3,500 sq ft showroom, or have a custom piece made to order. They can choose from oak, cherry, maple, quarter sawn white oak, elm, walnut, and they are all finished using the best stain and catalysed finish, which withstands moisture that will continue to protect the surface for many years. Solid wood furniture is more of an investment, and our quality of Amish made pieces will last forever. We find our location on Hwy 4 is perfect, nestled in the hamlet of Birr, it is a beautiful rural setting that suits the personality of our handcrafted furniture and our Amish builders. Of course, being on a busy highway has been very important for our success. And our online inquires come from all over Canada, even as far away as British Columbia. The most important thing to consider is to have a product or service that you truly believe in. Create a brand that you can be proud of. Once you figure that out, the long hours and hard work will be easy!

Lisa Estrada Black Sombrero [email protected]

A food business, registered in March 2019, we produce fresh frozen chorizo, cured Mexican chorizo summer sau- sage and mini chorizo in pork and turkey. Chorizo is a staple for my husband Alberto, who grew up in Mexico, but we could not find it locally. We took his family recipes to

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] I really enjoyed creating our own logo, packaging and mer- chandising and learning all about production, marketing, govern- ment food regulations and everything else involved in operating a food business. I love being in control over the decisions in putting a top quality product on the market The best part of a family business though is doing something of lasting value together with the people that you love. I can’t wait to look back in twenty years at the old start-up pictures and saying ‘wow, this is where it all began!’ a local mennonite-owned meat production facility to produce top- quality, high-protein, dairy and gluten-free products manufactured from farm co-op meats with no fillers. In addition to themany retail locations across Ontario that carry our products, we attend events, trade shows and summer markets get recognition for them. Our website at blacksombrero.ca features recipes that use our products. We hope to continue to grow, and to expand outside of Ontario with online sales.

CHERYL CAMPBELL [email protected]

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

Page 16 Ilderton and Area Villager • March 2022