Strathroy December 2021

Strathroy December 2021

December 2021 Issue 19 Hometown Strathroy - Caradoc

Back in the Day

Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc Issue #19 December 2021 www.villagerpublications.com Publisher and Editor Barb Botten Villager Publications P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 [email protected] 519-282-7262 Graphic Artist – Jon Botten Content Manager – Jeff Reed Advertising Gloria Rae [email protected] 519-495-4564 Debbie Mindorff [email protected] 519-870-3203

Santa David Smith and Lucy Ironside, granddaughter of Gene and Brenda Viaene, the owners of Strawberry and Christmas Tree Farm. 7753 Walkers Drive Strathroy - CUT YOUR OWN OR PREECUT TREES.

Advertisement for Dinner at Lamantia Hotel in Strathroy celebrating the Centennial

always open to new ideas and suggestions. How about sharing your favourite recipe, or a story about a neighbour who started a new business or has an art hobby – please send your ideas to me. As we head into a new year, take a moment to reflect on all of the good experiences you had in 2021. Although it was another difficult year for many as we lived during the pandemic, there are always good times during any situation. Please remember to support your local businesses every day – especially during this holiday season. We know first-hand how much they appreciate your support! My Christmas wishes for you were well expressed by John O’Donahue in his, For Equilibrium, a Blessing: Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore, may the relief of laughter rinse through your soul. As the wind loves to call things to dance, may your gravity be lighted by grace. As the water takes whatever shape it is in, so free may you be about who you become. As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said, may your sense of irony bring perspective.

Happy Holidays Hometown Strathroy- Caradoc readers! We hope you enjoyed the articles we have written for you, showcasing local artisans and entrepreneurs, service organizations and small businesses, as well as local history. We live in an amazing community, and all of us at Villager Publications want to sincerely thank everyone for their support – it is always appreciated!

We would love to hear from you with ideas for future articles, so please let me know who and what you’d like to see and read about in your Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc in 2022. We are

News from the Strathroy Chamber of Commerce

The Strathroy and District Chamber of Commerce has a new President, and will soon have a new CEO. Mike Jacques, a Chamber participant since 2016, formerly the group’s Treasurer and Vice-President, and currently Senior Relationship Manager of Commercial Banking with the Bank of Montreal, is the incoming President. And Kathy Manness leaves her Chamber post for a new external role as she assists in searching for a CEO replacement. “I am excited to get into the role and get back out into the community as things open up,” Jacques wrote to community partners and Chamber members. “This has no doubt been a challenging time for all, however, it is encouraging to see that business remains open with the appropriate safeguards in place.” He added, the Chamber looks forward to resuming its monthly Biz after Biz networking events.

“(Manness) has been a very integral part of building (the Chamber) to what it is today,” Jacques added, (and) we thank her for all that she has done and look forward to hearing about her accomplishments in her new endeavors.” The Chamber’s latest initiative is the Shop Local campaign, to be backed with online and marketing promotions, including a business directory map. Said Jacques, “This is an excellent project that will bring awareness to your businesses and with the hopes of driving clientele to your shops, just in time for the holidays! It's an exciting time with many things to look forward to in Strathroy-Caradoc and the surrounding community.”

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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

T H E M U N I C I P A L I T Y O F STRATHROY-CARADOC

Lisa Barfoot I’m passionate about all expressions of art. It is wonderful to see so many media and materials available to create a wide range and variety of art. I believe art is in my Italian heritage. After being widowed and moving away from the crowded city of Toronto, I began exploring my passion. My inspirations leans toward Abstract, Pop Art and Surrealism. I feel my art best reflects my unique and free-spirited personality. This year, for my 70th birthday, I treated myself to the best present ever: a motorcycle! As a rider, the feeling of wind on my face is art. It was also art for me to be the only senior at the motorcycle training course. It was truly a unique experience! To contact Lisa, email [email protected].

Overnight Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect until March 31. Vehicles parked on municipal roads between 2 am and 7 ammay be ticketed. Your co-operation will help keep our streets clear of snow this winter! Winter Hours at Transfer Stations 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Strathroy Site - 27786 Pike Rd • December 11 • January 8 • February 12 Mount Brydges Site - 22416 Mill Rd • December 18 (in lieu of Dec. 25) NEW! Seniors’ Programs Flex registration is available for seniors’ programs like BINGO, euchre, pickleball, and skating. Register for all sessions or any one week you wish to play. Call 519-245-1070 for more information or to register. Upcoming Council Meetings • Monday, December 6 @ 6 pm • Monday, December 20 @ 6 pm Watch live or archived meetings at www.strathroy-caradoc.ca/ meetings. Holiday Hours The Strathroy-Caradoc Municipal Office will be closed from December 24, 2021 to January 2, 2022. The Municipal Office will re-open on Monday, January 3, 2022. We look forward to serving you in the new year! • January 22 • February 26 • March 26

Your virtual City Hall is open 24/7 at www.strathroy-caradoc.ca

Issue 19 - December 2021 Page 3

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station in Komoka. When purchased as a museum in 1978, the building was moved to its present site north of the CNR tracks and adjacent to the Komoka Community Centre. The All Aboard exhibit “delves into the extensive rail history of the local area, including the multiple lines that ran through, and the multiple stations that were located throughout Strathroy-Caradoc,” Kernohan explained. “It looks at how the coming of the railway had a large impact on industry, tourism and war.

All Aboard At Museum Strathroy-Caradoc With Museum Strathroy-Caradoc finally re-opening its doors at 34 Frank Street in Strathroy, it’s all aboard for local history lovers – literally. The museum’s All Aboard exhibit, focusing on the area’s deep railway heritage, will run at least until the end of 2021 as additional exhibits for 2022 are currently in the planning stages.

“We are thrilled,” said Museum Strathroy- Caradoc curator Lindsay Kernohan. “We’re so excited. We were closed for a long period of time, between the pandemic, and there were some ongoing building renovations … but we have officially reopened and we’re so excited to welcome the public back.”

“A major section in the exhibit looks at Sleepy Hollow Miniature Railroad and its history. Plus, scattered throughout the exhibit we also look at some of the mishaps that have happened in local railway history – there was the big fire at the train station, and we have a section that looks at wrecks and accidents, and of course, derailments that have happened here. There were many,” she said. While the pandemic has erased the opportunity for interactive touch stations at the museum, there is an exhibit portion offering a take- home activity for children. Museum Strathroy-Caradoc is owned and operated by the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, under the umbrella of the Community Services Department. The Museum first opened to the public in 1972 in a heritage home at 84 Oxford Street known as the Murray House. After 35 years, the Museum outgrew its facilities, and in 2004 its new home was identified in Strathroy’s downtown core. General admission to Museum Strathroy-Caradoc is free. Credit to Museum Strathroy Caradoc

Kernohan said museum hours have changed – visit strathroymuseum.ca for updates – but the public is welcome to drop in during business hours to view the All Aboard exhibit. She said if visitors “require anything needing extra staff assistance, for example using microfiche, then we ask them to make an appointment first.” The All Aboard exhibit, developed in partnership with the Komoka Railway Museum, speaks volumes about how rail has played an important part in local history, and about how rail has affected the area. Kernohan said many of the artifacts that are on display were loaned from the Komoka museum. That museum (est. 1980) sees a portion of its headquarters housed in the former Canadian National Railway

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and glove used during my round of 8-under 62 at Caradoc Sands Golf Club. Yet my favourite Christmas memories stemming from sports are those I’ve shared with family and friends – playing pond hockey at Fanshawe Lake, and watching a 16-year-old Gretzky on TV as he dominated at the World Junior Hockey Tournament. This year, I’ve set up a hockey net in the work shed, complete with puck bag and sticks ready for road hockey. They say that Christmas is for kids – and that includes the kid in all of us. Happy Holidays. Award-winning journalist and author Jeffrey Reed of Strathroy has covered sports in Southwestern Ontario since 1980. He is publisher and editor of LondonOntarioSports.com.

Reed’s Sports Corner Christmas Memories Make Us Young At Heart

What’s on your Christmas gift list for the sports fans in your family? As a sports fanatic since birth – my mother tells me my first spoken word was, ball – my wish list has always had an athletic flavour. From an NHL table top hockey game to golf history books, sports- related presents have always made gift purchasing for me an easy task. When Tim Hortons recently announced the return of its NHL trading cards, memories of my childhood during the Christmas

To advertise here please contact [email protected] Today, sports memorabilia and collectables are as easy to find as, well, driving through for a coffee and a donut. In fact, this past year I accepted a 90-day challenge and purchased – on eBay – one authentic Major League Baseball jersey for each of the 30 teams, using only money I earned selling unused items stored in boxes around our home. My quest drew the attention of former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman of the New York Mets – his Jays jersey is amongst my collection, and he offered a shout-out on social media. As a long-time sports journalist, I’ve never been an autograph seeker. In fact, most of my jerseys will end up in the hands of family and friends. But my sports den does include a handful of meaningful pieces, including an autographed, framed photo of Wayne Gretzky, given to me my The Great One himself. Another framed, signed photo recognizes Mike Weir’s win at the 2003 Masters Tournament. My own pieces include my London Majors jersey worn during my last year pitching and coaching with the club in 2001, and my scorecard, golf ball holidays returned as fast as a Bobby Hull slapshot. Growing up in northeast London, my quest to complete hockey sticker sets was two-fold. Loblaws offered free sleeves of NHL Action Players stickers with every purchase. My friends and I would camp outside for hours – even during the coldest nights – at the local grocery store as we begged shoppers to hand over their stickers. We did the same at the local Esso gas station, pleading with motorists to give us their NHL Power Player stickers. Until the early-1980s, it was nearly impossible to find a local retailer selling NHL jerseys. My father – like me, a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan – searched the entire city for a Leafs jersey in the late-1960s, but came away empty and instead had to settle for a New York Rangers jersey for his son. Nevertheless, I cherished that jersey, just as I did the pair of hockey skates I found under the tree. Years later, it brought me much joy to give my little brother – 11 years my junior – an authentic-stitched Tony Dorsett Dallas Cowboys jersey. His smile was as wide as mine was on Christmas Day more than 10 years earlier.

Issue 19 - December 2021 Page 5

We

Thank you for your support this year. See you in the Spring!

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University of Guelph, in recognition of his lifetime achievements relating to rural-urban relationships. It is supported by the Western Fair Association in recognition of the organization’s ongoing commitment to the local community.

Mount Brydges 4-H Standout FarquharsonWins Scholarship

University of Guelph student Kyle Farquharson of Mount Brydges has been named the recipient of the 2021 Hugh Mitchell – Western Fair 4-H Endowment Fund Scholarship. Farquharson, from a cash crop and meat rabbit farm background, is pursuing an Honours Bachelor in Agricultural Science. He is a long-serving 4-H member with many clubs to his credit, and aspires to run his own farm and cash crop operation in the future – and possibly enter the poultry industry. The $2,500 scholarship was established by the Western Fair Association to award existing or former 4-Hmembers between 17 and 21 years of age from Middlesex County who are exemplary in their demonstration of the 4-H pledge: I Pledge my Head to clear thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, my Health to better living, for my community, my country and my world. Farquharson said his involvement with 4-H “has taught me a great deal about being a leader.” He has invested a great deal of time to the community of South Caradoc, and to his campus communities through a number of executive roles with the Student Federation of the Ontario Agriculture College (SFOAC), assisting with event planning and fundraising efforts. He currently serves as SFOAC President, and points to the Tractor Tug for Tots as a favourite event which he supports each year. The Scholarship is named in honour of former Western Fair Association CEO Hugh Mitchell, himself a graduate of the

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clan. They are thrilled to now welcome the entire Strathroy- Caradoc community to their new café, housed at the front of their building which also includes the JEDAS Portuguese Market (opened May 15) at the rear. The Café has already become a local hot spot for good company and conversation, and a cornucopia of bakery items and accompanying beverages like Galão, a signature Portuguese-style coffee similar to a latte or cappuccino. Served in a tall glass, it is rich, milky and sweet – no wonder it’s one of the most popular and typical drinks seen at a Portuguese café or pastry shop. “Already, we have seen so many happy faces since we’ve opened,” said Eduarda. “This community really saw a need for a café of this type. We’ve seen customers from all different cultures visit us, and that’s what we aimed for: a café for everyone.” The JEDAS Portuguese Market & Café offers fresh fish right from the ocean surrounding Portugal, a variety of cheeses and meats, delicious bakery items and a full complement of grocery items, making it a one-stop venue for food and beverages. While much of the food and drinks are sourced from Portugal, many items come from the GTA where producers follow the same concepts and food items which are authentic to Portugal. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also on the menu, which will feature in-season produce from local farmers. “This is an ideal place to come in and relax, and enjoy some time to sample great goods and sweets,” Eduarda said. In a short time, the Silva family have provided a template in terms of how local entrepreneurs can find success in meeting

JEDAS Portuguese Market & Café Pleasing Local Palates

For generations, Strathroy- Caradoc has welcomed its Portuguese community, and in turn they have embraced their home. Now, the entire community welcomes the new JEDAS Portuguese Market & Café at 65 Maitland Terrace – already a big hit amongst lovers of great food, beverages and sweets. With its grand opening November 12-14, JEDAS Portuguese Market & Café is the latest offering from Joe and Eduarda Silva of Strathroy. Originally from the Açores region of

The Silva Family Joe, Eduarda, Daniel, Alex and Samantha

Portugal, Eduarda moved to Strathroy in 1990, and Joe in 1996. JEDA Concrete has operated for 16 years ago. They’ve recently sold JEDAS Equipment Rental, but still operate JEDAS Event & Party Rental which supplies items including linens, furniture and décor often used at functions including weddings. The Silva family includes sons, Daniel and Alex, and daughter, Samantha, hence the name, JEDAS, an acronym for the entire

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the demands of area consumers. With their latest effort, they’re winning even more fans amongst the Strathroy-Caradoc community. “We’re happy that they’re happy about the opening of our new café,” Eduarda said, “and we’ll continue to please them with our great hospitality, great food and great atmosphere.”

JEDAS Portuguese Market & Café hours are Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact JEDAS Portuguese Market Café at 519-245-3001, and visit them online at jedasstrathroyrental.com.

Strathroy BIA Lighting Up Downtown Decorations Downtown Strathroy

beautification is receiving a holiday flavour with the addition of Christmas lights along the new planters on Caradoc Street, between James and Front streets. Strathroy Business Improvement Area (BIA) is using grant money totalling $2,500 received from Middlesex County’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism to help fund the project.

Tiller said the new planters “need a bit of sprucing up – (we’ll) give them some festive colours.” The added touches will be a welcomed addition to Strathroy’s downtown, which anticipates the return of its annual Christmas celebration, this year called, A Small Town Christmas. Events planned include Christmas tree sales from the Strathroy Rotary Club, horse and carriage rides, a scavenger hunt, a window decoration contest, weekly prize draws, a food drive plus downtown carolers – see our Upcoming Events section for more details. There’s even a strong rumour that the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus, may make an appearance.

The vegetation, plants and trees at the new Caradoc Street planters are downtown beautification efforts which are outlined as part of the Strathroy-Caradoc strategic plan. “The Strathroy BIA have worked very hard to help our local business,” said theBIA’s board chair RobinTiller. “Beautification is part of our mandate, and financial help with this project is appreciated and celebrated. The merchants are excited to welcome shoppers and day trippers to downtown Strathroy, and we hope to provide everyone with a bit of holiday cheer this year.”

Issue 19 - December 2021 Page 9

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Christmas At Bear Creek School by John Caverhill

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Preparations for our school concert began in the latter half of November when parts for plays and recitations were assigned to each pupil. The older pupils tried to act nonchalant, but the whole school was bubbling with excitement. During the first week of December, an event almost as exciting as the concert itself occurred when the stage platform was installed. It consisted of five large, inverted plank boxes placed side-by-side on top of the low permanent platform that extended across the front of the classroom. This made a concert stage about four meters deep and about half a meter high. A couple of steps on the front led from the classroom floor to the giddy heights of theatrical fame. Each year, when this stage was first installed, our poor teacher endured – with great patience – a constant parade of pupils wanting (I won’t say needing) to sharpen pencils. Accessing the pencil sharpener necessitated mounting the steps crossing the platform and kneeling to sharpen your pencil, as the wall- mounted sharpener was now only knee high. As long as one didn’t make too many trips out, the teacher said nothing, but she might point out that a fourth trip was a little too much, especially it is was not even noon yet. Being basically an empty box, the stage, if stepped upon smartly with heels, produced a hollow resonant clomp that was particularly satisfying to us. Our teacher wisely pressed the issue no more than necessary, and the novelty had worn off by the second day. Now practices began in earnest, with the early hours taken up with minor things: spelling, arithmetic and Christmas exams. But by early afternoon these irritating trivialities were swept Inn | Bistro | Pub | Catering "Wishing you holidays filled with the festive spirit, all it's amazing bounty and happiness. Then embrace our very best wishes for a prosperous, healthy N w Year." 71 Fr nk St., Str throy • 519-205-1500 C lock T ower Platinum Key Realty Inc. Brokerage 22469 Adelaide Road, Mount Brydges, ON Merry Christmas from our home to yours. 519-264-1999 platinumkey.ca

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aside, and the day’s real business began. Plays, recitations, songs and marching drills were all rehearsed. Musical numbers were concentrated upon when the music teacher made her weekly visit. Props and costumes were prepared. Farmhouse closets and attics were an amazing source of old-style clothing and even furniture if required. While a number was being practised, those who were not included would carry on with science or social studies notes. One barely had time to shoot a spit ball at the girl two rows over because she had stuck out her tongue at you. Besides, the minute one number was finished, your play was next. With a total school population of only two dozen, a concert lasting well over an hour meant you were either on stage or hurrying to be ready for your next number. With red and green tissue streamers, wreaths, bells and children’s Christmas artwork everywhere, the schoolroom assumed a festive atmosphere that was enhanced when the green stage curtains were hung. The crowning glory, a tall spruce Christmas tree, would be brought in one week before the concert so it could be decorated by two dozen pairs of eager and willing hands. The concert, an evening affair held during the last week before holidays, would finally arrive. We would be jittering with nerves and happy excitement. When I was 11 years old, I started taking piano lessons. Because of more pressing issues such as maple syrup season, baseball, etc., the lessons lasted only a year and a half – just long enough for me to perform at one Christmas concert. I was so nervous I could hardly think of anything else. I just wanted to get it over and done with! When my number was announced, I tore between the curtains, launched myself from the top step and in three strides I was seated at the piano, striking the first notes and giving the audience time for only a brief chuckle at my flying entrance. I performed my two numbers without any glitches, although my interpretation regarding phrasing and dynamics may have been questionable. After the final note, I gave the expected bow and Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc • December 2020 • Page 5 519-245-2730 • [email protected] www.marbolt.com We ould like to send a special and heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the essential workers for all they have done throughout this pandemic! We would also like to thank all of our customers for your continued loyalty and faith in us, especially during these crazy covid times! Lastly, we would like to wish each and every one of you a JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON, filled with family, friends nd happ memories! Marabolt The Loft House of Fashion 519-245-9908 [email protected] 61 Front St. W., Strathroy, ON N7G 1X6 "This Holiday Season we wish you love, health, happiness and bounty, because we care. Pass this joy on to someone who needs it in your community." 274 Head St N., Strathroy 519-245-3170

Hometown Strathroy - Caradoc Magazine All the best of the holiday season to all of you from all of us at

Seasons Greetings! Thank you Ilderton for all your support in 2021.

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Page 10 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc Page 4 Ilderton and Area Villager • December 2021

retired at a more sedate pace, but I certainly wasn’t hanging around for an encore. Afterward, I received quite a ribbing from both family and friends about my version of the Minute Waltz, but I didn’t mind. I had survived the experience without getting my fingers tangled up in the keys. A couple of weeks before the concert, the teacher and all of the pupils would draw names for a gift exchange. It was an exciting time, spiced with tantalizing hints as to whose name you drew or who had drawn yours. The evening’s performance concluded with everyone singing the National Anthem (God Save the King at the time). Now came the event that had had by far the biggest impact on all of the younger children: Santa Claus made his grand entrance! A loud stamping of feet accompanied by “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and Santa himself would be standing in the doorway! The older kids who were ‘in the know’ always tried to guess the identity of the current Santa. The younger kids simply stared in awe at this wonderful mystical being. This was still during an era when Santa Claus was a magical figure who avoided the spotlight. Indeed, young children knew they had to be in bed fast asleep or Santa wouldn’t stop at their house. Television, with its endless hawking of Christmas that lasted from Halloween to the New Year, was still to come in the future. Back then, Santa Claus was a mystical figure who appeared only at Christmas and promptly vanished to that remote storybook place called the North Pole until the following December. Our present Santa would distribute all the gifts, including a little bag of candy and an orange, to each youngster, including preschoolers. He would turn to the door and announced that his reindeer were ready for the big night. Then, with a final, “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas everyone!” he was gone. PURELY 1/8 GAME OVER BABY

AME OVER BABY

After exchanging lots of best wishes for the Season with all our neighbours, and after offering compliments to our teacher for another good concert, we would make our way home. We had all – young and old – enjoyed the concert. And, Christmas Day was just a few sleeps away. Life couldn’t have been any better. Photos (MCA 2021.00312): Christmas Concert at S.S. 8 London Township, also known as Hughes’ 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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Issue 19 - December 2021 Page 11 December 2021 • Page 5 To advertise here, pleas conta t Geoff@villagerpublica Ilderton and Area Villager

Always a

Hometown Recipe This month’s delicious recipe – pumpkin cheesecake with caramel sauce – comes to us from the Strathroy Rotary Club, established in 1988 and always welcoming new members. Did you know that the club was first Rotary Club in Canada to have female members? It’s a service group consisting of a diverse group of people working together for the betterment of both our local community, and also the global community. Working with a motto, “Service Above Self,” the Strathroy Rotary Club continues to strongly support Strathroy- Caradoc. Dedicated members have partnered with numerous local groups

within our community in order to assist in completing a variety of projects, including: the Palliative Care Suite at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital; the Rotary Splash Pad at Alexandra Park; and the Rotary Memorial Trail. Currently, Strathroy Rotary Club is partnering with the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc in the club’s newest project: the All Wheels Park project, located at the Fairground Recreation Complex. The club has committed $200,000 towards the project, with work expected to start next summer and completion slated for late-2022. For more information on the Strathroy Rotary Club, visit strathroyrotary.ca.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2. Wrap springform pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. 3. Spray with cooking spray 4. Mix ground gingersnaps, sugar and melted butter and press into bottom of pan. Bake until fragrant, 15 minutes. Cool. 5. In saucepan, stir together pumpkin, sugar, and spices. Bring to sputter stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 5 minutes on medium low. Scrape mixture into large mixing bowl. Mix for 1 minute using electric mixer. Add cold cream and cubed cream cheese. Mix until smooth. Add eggs and mix until just incorporated. 6. Place springform into large roasting pan. Pour batter into crust. Pour boiling water into roasting pan to half way up to side of cake pan for a water bath. Bake 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours until cake is just set. Centre will jiggle a bit. Cool 45 minutes and remove cake from water bath. Remove springform pan and foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. 7. Stir sugar, corn syrup, water, and lemon juice together in glass bowl. Microwave until caramel in pale yellow 4-8 minutes. Check often so it doesn’t burn. Let sit for 5 minutes. Heat cream in microwave until hot. Add to corn syrup mixture slowly. Add butter. Let cool and store in fridge. Serve cheese cake with warmed caramel sauce drizzled over top.

Crust 1 ½ cups finely ground gingersnaps ¼ cup white sugar 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted Filling 1 15-oz can pure pumpkin 1 ⅓ cup white sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. ground ginger ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. salt 1 cup heavy cream, cold 3 8-oz packages cream cheese 5 large eggs, room temperature Caramel Sauce 1 cup white sugar 2 tbsp. light corn syrup 2 tbsp. water ⅛ tsp. lemon juice ½ cup heavy cream 1 tbsp. unsalted butter

• Ceramic Tile • Natural Stone • Laminate • Engineered Hardwood • Vinyl Plank

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

• Golf Simulators • Synthetic Ice Pads • Shooting classes • Learn to Skate classes

• Movies & Gaming on the big screen

• Birthday Parties • Meeting Space

Seasons greetings!

Mon,Wed,Fri 9am-5pm | Thur 9am-7pm | Sat 9am-2pm

20 Front St., Strathroy 519-205-GOLF www.excelhockeygolf.com

22474 Adelaide Rd | Mount Brydges |519-264-9474 www.merosmith.ca

Page 12 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc

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The Town Vibe – Events in Strathroy-Caradoc

Strathroy-Caradoc Winter Festival Saturday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fair Grounds Recreation Complex

Mount Brydges Business Association 3rd Annual Town-Wide Christmas Decorating Contest Open to residents and businesses with Mount Brydges addresses Nov. 15 to Dec. 12 Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Food Trucks, including The Donut Diva, The Grilled Cheezery, Rosies Streetery, Tikka Tomato, New Leaf Santa Booth, Blow-Up Mini Stick Rink, Holiday Train, Coffee/Hot Chocolate Stand Performers, including Monteith, Sarah Hall,

Holiday Toy & Food Drive Nov. 1 – Dec. 1, in support of Women’s Rural Resource Centre and The Mount Brydges Caring Cupboard Visit the Mount Brydges Business Association Facebook page for more information. Downtown Strathroy BIA – A Small Town Christmas

Charlie Hall, Needham School of Dance, Astoria Chalmers, Ava Alcaidinho Special Guests Santa & The Grinch, Strathroy Rockets & Jets Hockey Clubs, Strathroy-Caradoc Fire & Police. Emergency services’ Cram the Cruiser Fundraiser will collect non-perishable food and toys for Salvation Army. Strathroy Model Railway Engineers will run Holiday Train. Santa Cruise Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & Dec. 11 S t r a t h r o y - C a r a d o c Police and Strathroy Fire Department, along with Caradoc Sands Golf Club, Air Design Services, Pure Water Solutions and 105.7 myFM announce return of Santa Cruise in Strathroy. Food and toy donations will be gathered along Santa’s route. Dec. 4 Depart Caradoc Sands at 11 a.m. Dec. 11 Depart Fire Hall at 11 a.m. Visit the myFM Facebook page for routes. Royal Canadian Legion Caradoc Branch 251, Mount Brydges Turkey Dinner – Take-Out (Drive- Through) Only Dec. 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dec. 4 Carolers, plus Strathroy Rotary Club selling fresh cut trees (all three days) at Cool Cucumber from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 11 Carolers, horse & wagon rides, fresh cut trees for sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Santa at The Shops on Sydenham Dec. 18 Horse & wagon rides, fresh cut trees for sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Santa at The Shops on Sydenham, plus Soup-Off 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Downtown scavenger hunt, weekly draws – win $50 gift certificates Also, donate hats & mittens at Focus Tattoo, 80 Frank Street & help donate downtown trees for those in need of something warm this Holiday season. Visit downtownstrathroy.ca or the Downtown Strathroy BIA Facebook page for more details.

Christmas At The Shops Saturday, Dec. 11 & Saturday, Dec. 18 Visit Santa Claus at The Shops on Sydenham, 51 Front St. E., take a free selfie with Santa! 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Chances to win gift baskets Visit the Christmas Market – 20+ vendors, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days 7th Annual Jeffrey Reed Courage Award Presented by LondonOntarioSports. com Nominations close Jan. 31, 2022 Strathroy & Mt. Brydges athletes of all ages, inspire others with your story of courage. Win $1,000, plaque, award ceremony. Nomination details at home page LondonOntarioSports.com.

Cut-off date for tickets: November 29. Tickets available at CDS Pharmacy in Mount Brydges and at the Legion

Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, carrots, cranberry sauce, dinner roll, dessert Breakfast with Santa at Portuguese Canadian Club of Strathroy, 375 York Street Sunday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by movie Colouring pages, candy canes, goodie bags for the kids

Buffet menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, toast & variety of jams, fresh fruit, chilled juices, coffee, tea and water

Advance tickets, adults $15, children ages 2-12 $8 At the door, adults $20, children ages 2-12 $12 Don’t forget to reserve your spot!

Issue 19 - December 2021 Page 13

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Licensed since 1968 Looking for a New Shed this Winter?

Makes a great gift!

Gift Certificates Available!

Pamper Yourself!

Let us make the CustomMade, Locally Built Shed Your Back Yard Deserves! Hand Crafted – Custom Built Mini Barns • Work Sheds • Play Houses Pool Change Rooms

Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd.

    

Page 34 Hometown St. Thomas • December 2021

To adver

BOSSONS PHARMACY + & HOME HEALTH CARE 35 Front St W, Strathroy (519) 245-3810 www.bossonspharmacy.com Strathroy's local rehabilitation and home health care specialists @bossonspharmacy

blair ’ s repairs ( handy man ) renovations - repairs property maintenance 519-281-8704

BRODIES LTD. Lawn Care, Pest Control and Creative Decorating 519-245-6122 -- [email protected]

Nicole Alexandra Photography

TheArt Group Strathroy-Caradoc

Meets Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 12 noon Masks must be worn and full proof of vaccination is required to attend indoor meetings, classes, or workshops

www.theartgroupstrathroy.com www.facebook.com/strathroyartgroup 189 York Street, Strathroy

519-615-7492 [email protected]

Fabric 30% OFF Dec. 9 - 10

Check out our lunch specials and now open on Tuesday for Lunch!

Sewing Machines & Repairs To All Models Gorgeous Fabrics ~ Sewing Supplies

Mon closed | Tuesday Lunch | Wednesday-Thursday 11-9 Friday-Saturday 11-10 | Sunday 4-9 162 Metcalfe St. East Strathroy 519-245-5959

Mon - Fri, 10am - 4 pm ~ 77 Thomas St. Strathroy, ON 519-205-0523 ~ online: shop.amongbrendasquilts.com

Page 14 Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc

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to the treated area, as this increases the risk of skin irritation and burns. When in doubt, your pharmacist can help you choose the product that best suits your needs. Source: https://www. guardian-ida-remedysrx. ca/en/article/topical-pain- re l i ever s - c reams -and- ointments#sectionStart

A TOPICAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG FOR LOCALIZED ACTION One of two anti-inflammatory drugs may be found in topical pain relievers Your Pharmacists can help with Medication Questions Pharmacist Meagan McGill

FROM THE VAULT

available without a prescription: a nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory (diclofenac) or a salicylate (trolamine salicylate, an aspirin derivative). Applying these products to the skin allows the medication to act only on the site of the pain and avoid certain adverse side effects, such as stomach irritation, that may arise when this type of medication is taken orally. A COUNTERIRRITANT TO CREATE A DIVERSION

Pharmacy Assistant Shayna McFadden

Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm

From the Vault is available from local from From the Vault: A Photo-History of London 1950-1975. Photo and caption compliments Jennifer Grainger

A row of new houses on the eastern outskirts of Lambeth, May 1950. Ranging from $8,000 or $10,000, the homes were intended for owners who worked in London but wanted to live in the “country”. In 1950, Lambeth boasted 700 residents. Products containing counterirritants such as camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, methyl salicylate, and capsaicin cause mild skin irritation or inflammation accompanied by a feeling of heat or cold. This means you do not feel the pain as much, as your brain is momentarily occupied by this new sensation. TOPICAL DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN SAFE

bookstores including Attic Books (240 Dundas St., London) and online from Chapters Indigo, Biblioasis, Amazon and Attic Books (www.atticbooks.ca)

It is a common misconception that topical pain relievers will not affect your body like oral medications do. Parts of topical pain reliever ingredients will be absorbed through your skin and enter into your blood circulation. For this reason, people who are advised to avoid taking nonsteroidal anti- inflammatories (NSAID) or salicylates orally because of an allergy or other reasons should also stay away from topical products that contain them. Always validate with the pharmacist before using a topical analgesic in conjunction with another type of pain medication, some products may not be compatible or there may be a risk of an accidental overdose. Regardless of the product you use, it is important to apply it to skin that is clean, and dry. Do not apply on open wounds or irritated skin. Help the medication work better by slowly rubbing it in (except for patches). Wash hands thoroughly after applying, to avoid getting the product in your eyes or mouth. Do not apply bandages or heat, like heating pads,

Original Marshmallow Bars By David Ferguson and staff of The Gingerbread House Bakery 22426 Jefferies Road Komoka Ontario 519-641-6623 Put 1/2 cup Peanut Butter and 1/4 cup Margarine in microwave Stir occasionally, until mixture melts and bubbles Remove from microwave and stir in

1 cup Chocolate OR Butterscotch Chips until melted Mix in: 250 grams colored Miniature Marshmallows Press into a 9 x 9” pan. Chill, cut, enjoy!

STARK&CO. PaintingandTrim “Specializing in interior and exterior residential painting as well as the removal and installation of trim and moulding.”

WorkerswithPride!

Kaedon J. Stark , Proprietor Business Line: (519)-872 0347 E-Mail: [email protected]

To advertise here please contact [email protected] Page 4 Lambeth Villager • March 2021

Issue 19 - December 2021 Page 15 To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Cafe

Speciality Coffees Lattes, Cappuccinos, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Espresso, Varieties of Tea Toppings - Many Syrups Peppermint Drizzles, Chocolate, Candy Cane

Pastries Danishes, Cakes, Raspberry Swiss Roll, Brownies, Carrot Squares, Tarts, Croissants, Donuts, Chocolate, Coconut Macaroons, Bola de Berlim, Cod Fish Cakes

Sandwiches • Tosta Mista • BiFana

Portuguese Market EVENT RENTALS For all your events! Tables, Tablecloths, Chair Covers, Balloons & More! • Fresh Fish (twice a month) • Cheese • Dairy • Groceries • Fresh Produce • Meats • Bakery

65 Maitland Terrace, Strathroy 519-245-3001