Wortley Villager December 2021

Wortley Villager December 2021

Wortley Villager

December 2021 Issue 55

andrew lewis 2021

Back in the Day: Christmas concert at the Normal School, 1954 [email protected] Direct: 519-871-9807 • Office: 519-471-9200 A intimidating…A great realtor can make it a terrific experience. A My focus is on excellent service, great customer satisfaction and getting you the best deal possible! Coldwell Banker Power Realty Brokerage I ndependently Owned and Operated www.amandaaustin.ca

Wortley Villager Issue #55 December 2021 www.villagerpublications.com Managing Editor: Cathy Wood [email protected] Advertising: Tami Martin [email protected] 519-851-0961 Publisher: Barb Botten Villager Publications P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 [email protected] 519-282-7262 Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood

2017-05-07 1:54 PM

Amanda Austin Sales Representative

andrew lewis 2021

The Andrew Lewis -2021 Children’s Health Foundation holiday season card. See page 9 for purchase details.

Do you have an Old South Neighbour of Note? Do you do cultural cooking? We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected]

FERNRICH HEATING & COOLING

Reconnect with life ...

imagine the possibilities.

Welcome to the Wortley Villager – your local community connector. The 100% locally owned and locally produced Wortley Villager is published ten times a year with thousands delivered free to area residences, set out at local venues, and posted online at www.villagerpublications.com. Cover photo sugggestions welcome! Send your (vertical to fit), high resolution photos taken recently in Old South to [email protected]. Call now f r SNOW REMOVAL $500 per lane/season [email protected] | TIDYMYSPACE.CA | 519-614-7011 www.turtlegarden.ca Indoor Plants • Plant Accessories • Indoor Decor and more CANADIAN TAI CHI ACADEMY Introduction to Tai Chi classes Coming in the New Year Contact us for details: 226-270-8502 www.londontaichi.ca Inspiring your Indoor Jungle Your local on-line directory ] [email protected] Facebook: Canadian Tai Chi Academy-London Branch sk about our introduction classes. Innovative technology for businesses to be found online 519:670:2280

e

For all your hearing needs:

1807 Wonderland Rd. N. Suite 102, London N6G 5C2 519.473.5850

460 Springbank Dr. Suite 108, London N6J 0A8 519.936. 5850

Free Patient Parking at both locations

I

www.bentleyhearing.com

2018 WINNER

®

H O P the people the product at SHOP LOCAL tools OCAL

AMANDA AUSTIN Wishing you a Happy Home for the Holidays! AmandaAust n

Wishing you aHappy Home for the Holidays!

J&A Arbory and Lawn Care

Coldwell Banker Power Realty Brokerage I ndependently Owned and Operated www.amandaaustin.ca Amand (Patrick) Austin Sales Representative

amandaaustin.ca Independently Owned and Operated Amanda (Patrick) Austin Sales Representative

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] [email protected] Direct: 519-871-9807 • Office: 519-471-9200

Sewing for Kids (8-14yrs)

Page 2 Wortley Villager • December 2021

blair ’ s repairs

Creativity • Community • Crafts • Chats Katie Lardner is a Fibre Artist who lives in Old South with her two boys (8 and 5), husband Tom, and Brittany Spaniel Molly. She is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and loves doing DIY projects to fix up her 100 year old home. She offers take home DIY Craft Kits and teaches creative workshops such as macrame, weaving and other crafts. After a long pandemic break, Katie recently held a workshop in weaving. To see some of her beautiful weavings, macrame plant holders and other crafts, and to join a workshop, follow The Craft Bee on Facebook or visit www.thecraftbee.com

Participants Needed

Digestive Clinical Trial for Adults 50+ Evaluating a multi-strain probiotic and its impact on nutrient absorption and symptoms of occasional or daily constipation Ideal participants will be: • Men & women ages 50 to 85 • Experiencing regular or occasional constipation • Seeking to improve their digestive health • Healthy with a BM I of 18.5 - 29.9 kg/m2 • Available for 4 visits to KGK Science over 100 days Qualified participants will earn up to $ 600 for their time

Know someone who could benefit from participation in this study? Refer someone to the Digestive Health Clinical Trial, and receive $100 if they are successfully enrolled in the study.

Visit kgkscience.com/digestion or call 1-833-JOIN-KGK to join now

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 3

Wortley Villager

December 2021 •

Ward 11 Update By Stephen Turner Councillor Ward 11 City of London 226-927-0765 Holiday Greetings!

Hallowe’en in the Village In appreciation of all the volunteers and participants! For more photos and info visit halloweeninthevillage.ca and on facebook. Christmas trees will once again be on sale through the Old South Community Organization at John’s Valu-mart starting December 3rd. Newly elected Member of Parliament Arielle Kayabaga for London West will be joining MPP Peggy Sattler and me for a shift to sell trees on Friday, December 10th. It’s a fun fundraiser for our community and I hope you’ll stop by. To all of you, from my family to yours, I wish you the happiest of the holidays in this season of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. May you find peace and love with those closest to you. December also brings the City’s budget update. We’re now in year 3 of the 4-year multi-year budget. This year’s update is on track to reduce the 2022 planned tax increase by a full percentage point, down from 3.8% to 2.8%. As part of ongoing efforts to ensure our services are operating efficiently, City staff were able to complete zero-based reviews and find approximately $3.7 M in opportunities to right-size departmental budgets accounting for the largest portion of the proposed budget reduction. Early next year will see the introduction of the long-awaited Climate Emergency Action Plan. This will include a suite of opportunities to reduce our municipal greenhouse gas emissions and improve resilience to the impacts of climate change. As for many Canadians, this continues to be a top issue for me and I will continue to push for meaningful measures to be adopted by our city. If this is a priority for you, I hope you’ll make your voices heard at all levels of government, as well. With the holiday season fast approaching, I’m looking forward to being able to reunite with friends and family. It was so wonderful to see our neighbourhood back together and on display in full colour and costume during Halloween in the Village. As I write, we will soon be enjoying all the offerings of Christmas in the Village, too. My thanks go out to everyone who works so hard to put these amazing community building activities together.

As 2021 winds down, we can look back at yet another eventful year that many of us will be happy to see over. The impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt, though to a much lesser degree since the arrival of vaccines in January. I’m thankful for the herculean effort put in by so many to protect our health and help us navigate these turbulent waters. The mere fact that we were able to get such a high percentage of our population fully vaccinated in such a relatively short time speaks volumes about the commitment of citizens to safeguarding our communities. The recent announcement of vaccine eligibility for children aged 5 to 11 will hopefully help us put the pandemic behind us in the months to come. At City Hall, there have been no shortage of challenges faced, either. Council has continued to invest heavily in our response to the housing crisis. It is now an expectation that new multi-unit buildings incorporateaffordablehousing intotheirdevelopments.Restructuring of the Housing Development Corporation and London Middlesex CommunityHousing alongwith increased fundingwill aim to improve existing public housing and add even more affordable housing to our city. Rejigging our city’s approach to homelessness and housing initiatives is underway and an essential part to addressing this growing threat to our most vulnerable residents. These programs aim to rapidly house those who are able to be housed and provide wrap-around supports for those who may not yet be ready.

Give the gift of reconnecting with friends and family this holiday season.

Gift CeRtifiCateS

Call OSP to cater your holiday gatherings at our place or yours.

149 Wortley Rd. London 519.601.0333

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 4 Wortley Villager • December 2021

now playing! through dec 24

title sponsor

a theatrical concert

tickets make a grand holiday gift!

room jan 1 1 to 29 written and adapted for the stage by Emma Donoghue

$50 PER TICKET*

Music & Lyrics by Cora Bissett and Kathryn Joseph

A co-production with Covent Garden Productions and Mirvish Productions

FOR ALL SHOWS ON THE SPRI ET STAGE *plus c i f and hst

title sponsor

GRAND THEATRE GRANDTHEATRE.COM BOX OFFICE: 519.672.8800

season sponsor

Historical Old South In the face of tragedy, Mrs. Ann Beattie was Bright and Happy by Paul Prince Miss Ann Murray was born in 1815 in Scotland. She came to Canada with her family in 1830 to settle near Commissioners and Wharncliffe. She married John Beattie in 1842 and they settled in Westminster on their farm, clearing it, building on it, raising crops and animals. They had four children by 1847 when her husband died. She farmed alone until at age 70 in 1885 when all her farm buildings including her home were destroyed by fire for a second time. In 1886 she moved into her newly built house at 50 Alma Street when this area was called St. James Park. Alma is now Byron Ave. Ann’s cousin Jeannette Robson lived next next door at 46 Byron Ave. with her daughter also named Jeannette, a spinster. Mrs. Robson’s husband died in 1871. Mrs. Jeannette senior was a Beattie who married a Robson. Ann lived to be 103 and passed away in 1918 having lived in her home on Byron Ave. for 32 years. When she died in 1918 she was London’s oldest resident and one of the first. There are several things that fascinate me about Ann. First, she and her family were the original European settlers to the area. They cleared the forests and made a farm. Second, her husband passed away in 1847 – so young and leaving her with four toddler children. He died early mainly because of health complications caused by his political activities (he had been imprisoned without charge). That must have been incredibly difficult in a time with no hydro and transportation only by horse or ox. All four of her children were dead by 1875 and she lived another 43 years after that. She was an early settler in Old South coming to Alma Street in 1886 when few houses existed in the area. The area was still Westminster and not a part of London. She must have been made of very strong stuff. I admire her.

To continue my story is the fact Jeannette Robson, her cousin, was the mother-in-law of Henry Schram. Henry built and lived at 28 Maple (now Euclid). Jeannette’s maiden name was Beattie. Henry’s mother was also a Beattie, Margaret Beattie who married Peter Schram. Henry was Middlesex County’s High Constable and Crier from about 1890 until he died in 1897. Henry built 28 Euclid in the early 1880s. Euclid is the street behind Byron Ave. Mrs. Ann outlived all of them. This close family connection fascinates me. As well as their individual stories. Mrs. Margaret Robson was from the Denfield area. The Robson’s are still in the Ilderton/Denfield area, as are the Beatties and Murrays in the south London/Westminster area. The central character was an amazing women. Strong, a pioneer who outlived all of her family and lived on Byron Ave with at least two relatives right next to her and one behind her. She went from coming to the area by oxen to seeing the formation of London, the formation of Canada as a country, the start and end of Victoria’s realm, the height of the British empire to the end of British empire, to railroads, telephones, the car, airplanes and World War I. She saw it all and all the hardships to go with it.

My wife and I are the current caretaker of Mrs. Beattie home at 50 Byron Ave. shown at left 135 years after she moved in. Paul Prince is the owner of Collector Vehicle Appraisals, and old car hobbyist residing in Wortley Village.

Learn more at https://prince-cva.ca

LFD - Fire Preventative Series 3.875”w x 4.75”d

Protect the ones you love

Your LIVES Depend on it! Test Your Alarms.

london.ca/fire

First half of an article in the London Advertiser on Mrs. Beattie’s 98th birthday

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 6 Wortley Villager • December 2021

Thinking about Holiday Drinking by Dean Anderson For many, the past couple of years has led to excess stress, too much idle time, and boredomwhich has contributed to an increase in alcohol consumption. With the holidays fast approaching some of you may feel the need to practice abstinence or take a healthy break from drinking. So why not learn a few tricks and tips on how to refrain from drinking while at your holiday event. Just saying “no” often isn’t as easy aswemay think in themoment. Like a fire drill, it is a great idea to practice the plan in advance so when you’re faced with a real emergency you feel calm, cool, and collected. Write down a few of the following suggestions, create your own fire drill, and have a safe and Happy Holiday. 1. Have an escape plan. Drive yourself so you can leave whenever you want. 2. Plan who you go with. Don’t go with friends that are “drinkers” or you associate with drinking. 3. Do self-care before you go out so you’re at your best. Low moods often lead to drinking. 4. Mingle around the food rather than the bar/fridge/cooler. 5. Full hands don’t need a drink. Keep a glass in your hand that looks like it may contain alcohol but doesn’t. Then fewer people are likely to offer you a drink. 6. Stay busy and help with things around the party. 7. Is it mandatory? If not, maybe not going at all is an option. 8. Seek out other people that are also not drinking. 9. Practice saying “no” beforehand. Rehearse your lines. “No thanks, I’m driving.” 10.Have FUN! Engage in the atmosphere, play games, and participate. Time goes by much faster when we are enjoying ourselves. If you do decide to consume alcohol this holiday season, remember to pace yourself, avoid drinking with the intention to get drunk, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones, keep a full stomach to slow the absorption of alcohol, and never ever drink and drive. Have a safe and happy holiday.

Meet your Old South Neighbour – Rosemary Lane Rosemary Lane has been an RMT for over 36 years. “In the early 80s, I took a lot of courses on holistic lifestyle and natural healing tech- niques, and zeroed in on massage therapy as a profession,” she says. “I do general relaxation massage {Swedish}, and reflexology, now

only for a few long-term customers. They feel like it’s a mini vacation or an oasis from daily life. It is very relaxing and therapeutic for me too, as well and stress free!!” Rosemary has lived in her “little purple house” in Wortley Village since 1987. “The village has everything I need and I love the short and sweet connections with fellow villagers. I love walking in the woods and on the beach at Port Stanley to collect natural treasures [rocks, driftwood], tomakemagical creations formy clients and my garden. I love my garden. It’s like a walk in the woods. I also dabble in guitar and piano and binge watch some TV series.”

Dean Anderson offers Addiction and Recovery Support, Counselling, Relapse Prevention Services and Family Counselling online or from his Wortley Road office. Learn more at deananderson.ca

Rosemary’s colourful backyard and some of her driftwood and rock creations.

Have you had changes in memory? Are you feeling forgetful?

4 A re you 60 years or older? 4 Do you have trouble remembering things? 4 Do not have Alzheimer’s Disease? Dr. Montero-Odasso invites you to take part in a physical exercise study that may help to improve your memory and mobility. For more information, contact (519) 685 4292 ext. 42179 When you call in, you will be asked questions about your memory and general health. If eligible, you will be invited to visit the Gait & Brain Lab at Parkwood Institute, 550 Wellington Road South, London, Ontario.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Montero-Odasso, Geriatric Medicine GaitAndBrain.com

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 7

Wortley Villager December 2021 •

Ryan Boris Hamilton first started playing music on the trumpet at about age ten. “Piano is my favourite instrument,” says the musician who is also proficient in trumpet, drums and guitar. “I first started recording hip hop and have released several albums of that but have started on to what might fall under the blanket of Canadian independent pop.” Neighbour of Note – Ryan Boris Hamilton

Multi-talented, Boris is also a fine artist. “I have been drawing ever since I can remember, I was encouraged to go to art school and attended Beal Art for about four years. I enjoy acrylic painting and drawing in pen and ink most but do not limit myself. My style is very eclectic but is also recognizable, usually bright colours and bold contrasts.” Boris has participated in many art shows all across Canada and released a book of illustrated poetry in 2012 entitled ‘The Lark, the Trees, the Stars and Me’ . Asked to describe his typical day, Boris said he likes to delve into creativity as soon as he gets up. “Most every day is a creative day for me. There are always more projects in my head than I’ll ever be able to make so I just try to keep up with my imagination.” Boris’ art is available through his (soon to launch) new website: https://ryanborishamilton.wixsite.com/mysite and his new album, Expect Me at Your Funeral will be available on all major platforms beginning December 31st, 2021.

His book is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Lark- Trees-Stars-Me-Illustrated/ dp/1436370469 Boris and his son have lived in Wortley area for over five years. “We enjoy it’s proximity to the river, parks and it’s people,” he says.

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • EXTENSIVE WINE LIST Give the gift of great dining with a Katana Kafé Gift Certificate

2530 BLAIR BLVD. (Diamond Flight Centre) Reservations: (519) 455-9005 • www.katanakafe.ca

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

J.S. Ryan & Co. Barbershop and Salon London’s Only Gender Neutral Barbershop A Modern Barbershop for All Walks of Life, Everyone and Every Gender NowOffering Salon and Colour Services

WorkerswithPride!

350 Ridout South (at Chester) (519) 204-2055 or book online at jsryanco.com @jsryanco

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

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 8 Wortley Villager • December 2021

Page 8: Barn picture is ‘Farmscape I’, acrylic on wood, 36” x 48”. Above: ‘Heron’ is 24” x 48”, acrylic on wood. You can listen to and purchase Boris’ first two albums at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCNbCnCRBMW19zvooxZ4RqQQ. Watch for details on the release of ‘Expect Me at Your Funeral’, his third.

Dedicated to helping you and your family save time and money through your mortgage, so you can focus on what's really important! Reach out today for a free mortgage analysis: We will see if you can save money taking advantage of today's current low interest rates. Dedicated to helping you and your family save time and money through your mortgage, so you can focus on what's really important! Reach out t day for a free mortgage analysis: We will see if you can save mone taking dvantage of t day's current low inter t r tes.

Georgia Kortas, lawyer at Thomson Mahoney Delorey LLP welcomes your inquires for legal services in estate planning, estate administration, real estate (residential / commercial) and business law. Georgia can be reached at: Thomson Mahoney Delorey LLP 145 Wharncliffe Road South, London, Ontario N6J 2K4 T: 519-673-1151 ext 251 E: [email protected]

Pack of 10 cards and envelopes only $24 (tax included) The Children’s Health Foundation holiday greeting cards now on sale at Tuckey Hardware in theWortleyVillage!

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 9

Wortley Villager • December 2021 •

An Annual Tradition Westland Gallery’s Square Foot Show contributed by Danielle Hoevenaars

On November 24th, the doors opened on the 10th Annual Square Foot Show at Wortley Village’s Westland Gallery. The Square Foot Show includes work in every medium and with a wide variety of subject matter, created by artists from all over the province. One quality unites the collection; every piece of art is exactly 12 x 12 inches. The result is a floor-to-ceiling array that captures the attention of every gallery-goer and passerby. “The Square Foot Show began before Westland Gallery existed, as it does today,” says Danielle Hoevenaars, Director. “The first year had the show hung at both 156 Wortley Rd, the future home of Westland Gallery, and at The Art Exchange, our framing and gallery location three blocks away.” “It was a beautiful July evening in 2011, and everyone was very excited,” remembers gallery owner Karen Stewart. “People walked from The Art Exchange to Westland Gallery and back, filling the village with energy. It was a wonderful site to see!” No show was held in 2012 due to Gene Lamont’s death. Lamont owned the Westland building previously and it was his vision for a gallery that brought Westland Gallery into existence. Current owners Karen and Al Stewart completed renovations on the building in June 2013 and, shortly after opening, mounted the second annual Square Foot Show. Since then, this anticipated exhibition has been an annual tradition in Wortley Village. “To say the show has grown since that first year would be an understatement,” says Hoevenaars. “In 2011 we exhibited approximately 200 pieces, and this year there are approximately 800 by about 290 artists!” View online at westlandgallery.ca and book your appointment to visit the show in person. Create joy with original artwork “This fun and diverse show helps collectors to purchase a piece of original art that will fit on any wall. We know many people who add a few pieces each year to their collection and now have impressive displays of square foot pieces,” says gallery co-owner Al Stewart. Westland Gallery encourages building a collection that speaks to you, inspires you and reflects your personality and aesthetic. The Square Foot Show is a great place to start.

Danielle Hoevenaars

Proudly Printed By:

233 Edward Street, St. Thomas, ON

phone: 519-633-1580

fax: 519-633-8531

impressions-printing.com

HOHOHOHealthy Holidays! Turner Drug Store for all you holiday health and gift needs!

TURNER DRUG STORE Vitamin Centre Mon-Fri 10-6 SAT 10-3

Call to book a flu shot

Turners has a wide variety of herbal supplements, vitamins and natural remedies.

London’s Corner Drug Store since 1938 52 Grand at Carfrae • (519) 672-3340

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 10 Wortley Villager • December 2021

The Making of Christmas in the Village by Megan Telfer The first Christmas in the village was created about 16 years ago as the brain child of Curiosities Gift Shop. It was intended to be a way for Old South Businesses to say ‘Thank You’ to the community members who supported the local businesses all year round. At it’s inception, it was primarily funded by the Old South Business Association (OBSA) and the Old South Community Organization with member volunteers. The OBSA has since disbanded, and the event has continued thanks to the hard work and dedication of our supportive Old South businesses and community members. There are plenty of reasons that the event has continued to grow. The organizers love the idea that we can bring people together every December. It’s a celebration created by the community for the community. What could be better than that? Creating a successful event requires hundreds of volunteer hours. Time is needed to complete the tedious tasks, such as obtaining

insurance, and creating safely plans. Permits and paperwork. But there are also plenty of great memories being made as well. Decorating trees, late night meetings that are full of laughter and fun. There is the magic of watching Santa join us for breakfast. Listening to Bethany sing at breakfast with Santa. Watching the horse and carriage through the YMCA ballroom on a snowy Saturday morning is really magical. The tree lighting, with the pre-school children and our wonderful emcees. The (now retired) Christmas bus with Heykel the singing elf is definitely a rewarding memory to anyone who witnessed it. Through the years we have had to evolve. The OBSA has disbanded. We have gained volunteers, and some have retired. Our Small Business community is always changing. In 2020, we had to cancel due to covid restrictions. In 2021, we had to plan an entire outdoor event to ensure that the event could continue, regardless of changing Covid protocol. The one consistency is our core group of organizers. Jane ‘the elf’ Walker from Wesley Knox church. Jocelyn King and Leah Montoux from Curiosities. Danielle Hoevenaars from Westland Gallery. Megan Telfer from Scotia Global Wealth. Stacey DeGraw from TD. Mallory Brennan. Jennifer Quinton and the Landon Library team. Norm Schmidt from Akkcue Contracting. Heather Turnbull with Pre-School of the Arts. Alicia Wells. These volunteers have been the people behind the curtains for almost as long as this event has existed. It takes a village to raise a child. It takes volunteers to run an event. To close – You can’t have an event without sponsorship. Thank you to our event sponsors. Some of you give money. Some give food. Some give gifts. Some give their space for use. Some give time. We could not do this without you. You are so appreciated. Thank you so much for your past, and continued support.

2015

2016

174 Wortley Road • (519) 518-0252 www.mackinlaymercantile.com

2017

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Wortley Villager December 2021 • Page 11

Books by local authors

What’s Happening at Landon Library The Village Vibe Submitted by Jennifer Quinton Christmas in the Village – Make a Mini Wreath (3+) Saturday December 4 Pick up a take away children’s craft kit with all the supplies included to make a mini-wreath. Winter Break Programs for Children – December 18-30 Join our virtual programs over the winter break. Program information can be found at: lpl.ca/winter2021. Some programs require registration. Registration begins December 4th. Winter Discovery Bags (Ages 3+) Make, discovery, and learn with our winter themed Discovery Bags. Pick up a bag at any branch starting December 18th for a take home winter activity.

"Ron and I have stumbled upon a variety of strange people in the backcountry of Central and Northern Ontario over the course of 20 or so years of camping. Most are just fleeting remembrances of faces and unusual or unsavory moments with individuals which we would never see again. Throughout our canoe and backpacking trips, one recurring sentinel forest figure stands out: 'Cramps' MacGongile". And so begins Old South's author Just in time for holiday season gifting, Andrew Glen ’s latest children’s book, The Great Timber Mystery is available on his Amazon website at amazon.com/ author/andrewglen and at Tuckey’s Home Hardware. Do beavers really say timber when they chop down trees? Eli and Sebastian and their mum and dad go on a wood- land adventure to find out! Andrew Glen is a children and adult book author who resides in Wortley Village with his family.

Wondering how to occupy the kids this winter and interest them in nature? Featherfields (Wortley Road) has an expanded kids section featuring a large selection of educational books about nature – from

bugs and birds to gardening, and new colouring and sticker books from Moulin Roty, and nature inspired puzzles and games. Bird houses, seed, suet and bird baths too. Visit www.featherfields.com

J. Bruce Parker in his campfire short story. The illustrated book makes a great Christmas gift for the camping enthusiast and is available at Tuckey Hardware, Brown & Dickson booksellers, or directly from the author at [email protected]. “The book cost $15 with proceeds going to ‘The Secret Handshake’, a peer to peer support group for those dealing with schizophrenia”. Infinity School Walks for Wenjack Infinity School raised $1300 for the Downie Wenjack Fund with a Walk for Wenjack. “We invite you to continue to support this initiative by following Downie Wenjack Fund at https:// downiewenjack.ca for information and opportunities to support Gord Downie’s legacy and commitment to reconciliation,” said Andrea Loewen, the school’s co-founder. To learn more about Infinity School, visit www.infinityschool.ca

Seasons Greetings

Suite 1440, One London Place 255 Queens Avenue London, ON Canada N6A 5R8

Santa Pots from A Turtle’s Garden . Inspire your indoor jungle at www.turtlegarden.ca (and on facebook and instagram)

Clinical Research Studies Participants Needed for a Variety of Studies Compensation and Referral Programs Available

kgkscience.com 1-833-JOIN-KGK

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 12 Wortley Villager • December 2021

For the pets and pet parents on your list, unique gifts they will love! Gift certificates available!

Christmas Market December 3rd 4-8pm • December 4th 12-5pm 165 Elmwood

Follow us on social media for holiday updates & specials 160 Wortley • avillagetail.ca

OSCO Christmas Trees! Outside Value Mart Wortley Road December 4 – 15 while quantities last Run by Volunteers: Mon–Fri 4pm–7pm • Sat–Sun 9am–5pm Balsam and Fraser Firs from Sloans (Bothwell) 5’ ($35) • 8’ ($90) Proceeds benefit Old South Community Organization and Landon Library Cash only. Exact cash greatly appreciated.

Saturday December 4

Susan the Piano Teacher (519) 439-3239 The gift of music! Lessons for all styles, ages and levels. www.fischermusicstudio.com

OnlineLessons

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 13

Wortley Villager December 2021

•

Old South Community Organization AGM and OSCOR Awards The Old South Community Organization (OSCO) AGM was held in November. President Margaret Hopkins advised that the organization had invested over $33,000 into the community over the year. A large sum to the Landon Library afforded them the opportunity to provide Music for the Virtual Gathering and a Seed Library at the back door as well as some excellent programing. “We have worked with community partners to address the issues of housing and food insecurity,” said Margaret. “Even during a pandemic we worked with the City to install two more bike racks, replace two trees on the green and plant Hope Gardens on the ‘Green’ with thanks to the City of London, Friends of the Civic Garden Complex, Baseline Nurseries, Parkway Gardens, Van Luyk’s, Sue Baker, Sherry Masse, Rikie Schieven, Ben Porchuk and Veronika Bauer and to Jessica Robertson for the design and her the entire family with planting. We thank Jay of Studio 73 for freshening the OSCO Web Page” (https://oscolondon.ca). “The OSCO Team did an awesome job on Virtual Gathering: Mario the Music Production work, Eric did a fabulous job on MCing, Amanda Silent Auction, Sam coordinating our Virtual Vendors, Nicole on vinettes, Deb and Dave for their support and Gordon for sorting out the finances. Shayne and Monica provided the Village Ride, ReForest London gave away trees and Growing Chefs provided a wonderful Tea for Two Takeaway. Also this year we encouraged the community to unplug with two scavenger hunts and purchased gift cards from our business community to provide support”. Funding was provided to Community Projects, Herb Boxes, Tecumseh Cookbook, South Collegiate Awards, YOU

Breakfast, Women’s Breakfast, Halloween in the Village and the Community Breakfast Program. The organization is keeping tabs on the Victoria bridge reconstruction on Ridout, currently out to tender, and noted that the redevelopment of Wharncliffe and Horton will have substantial impacts on the community in near future. Expansion of theHeritage Conservation District is also something that will be studied. Keep watch on the OSCO Facebook page for updates on the Chili Cook-Off planned (pandemic permitting) for February, Gathering on the Green in June, Jazz & Blues in August and Halloween in October. “ Be sure to get your Christmas Tree December 4th. Enjoy Christmas in the Village and the Christmas Market back this year!” said Margaret.

OSCOR Award to Gemmell Neilson OSCO recognized volun- teer Gemmell Neilson for her coordination of volunteers for the Christmas Trees sales for a number of years. Gemmell also welcomes Vendors to the Gathering on the Green each year. She is also a volunteer for Museum London. A lover of rescue dogs and you will frequently see her walking dogs for neighbours. Thank you, Gemmell!

“All they want for Christmas is You”

760 Hyde Park Road, London www.gordonsgold.ca 519-473-3988 760 Hyde Park Road, London www.gordonsgold.ca 519-473-3988 760 Hyde Park Road, London www.gordonsgold.ca 519-473-3988 760 Hyde Park Road, London www.gordonsgol .ca 519-473-3988 760 Hyde Park Road, London www.gordonsg ld.ca 519-473-3988 760 Hyde Park Road, London www.gordonsg ld.ca 519-473-3988

Page 14 Wortley Villager • December 2021 CamillaDER.indd 1 CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS IN YOUR LIFE CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS IN YOUR LIFE 760 Hyde Park Road, London | www.gordonsgold.ca | 519-473-3988 CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS IN YOUR LIFE CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS IN YOUR LIFE 760 Hyde Park Road, London | www.gordonsgold.ca | 519-473-3988 CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS IN YOUR LIFE CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS IN YOUR LIFE 760 Hyde Park Road, London | www.gordonsgold.ca | 519-473-3988

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

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

6/7/18 12:03 PM

6/7/18 12:03 PM

Cultural Cooking: Gumdrop Cake by CarolineWideman

Cultural Cooking: Apple Pancakes by BarbaraCzyz

It was always my dream to open a restaurant. Today, I am living that dream as I’ve carved a niche in London’s culinary landscape in Old East Village with Unique Food Attitudes at 697 Dundas Street. My inspiration for all of the fabulous dishes comes from my mom and my upbringing in Poland. The food is based on traditions that have been passed down through my family over many generations. Of course my time in Canada has provided me with many opportunities to adapt my cooking and create new dishes as well. As much as possible I try to replicate my family recipes as they have been handed down but I sometimes modify ingredients in order to use items found in Canada. For example, as it is impossible for me to use fresh mushrooms from Poland, I revise my recipes to use our locally grown mushrooms. How the ingredients play off of each other depends on the simplicity or complexity of each dish. Whether bold or subtle, sweet or savory I find home cooking from scratch creates the best flavour. Apple Pancakes are very popular in Poland. This recipe makes 10 large pancakes: • 1 litre of Kefir • 3 eggs • 2 packages of vanilla sugar • 3 cups flour Mix the Kefir (a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains which are a culture of yeasts and bacteria), eggs and vanilla sugar together. Add the flour. Fold in the apples. Pan fry in vegetable oil until golden and crispy. Flip once. Garnish with icing sugar, whipped cream and a variety of sliced berries. Visit unique-food-attitudes.com to see more! • 2 peeled and sliced apples • Vegetable oil for cooking

The Gumdrop Cake became popular in Canada in the 1940s, as a novel alternative to – and one that children might enjoy more than – a traditional Christmas Cake. Fred and Caroline’s sons still like it though as much as they did when they were little! 2 lbs small size gumdrops 1 cup white sugar 1 cup butter (softened) 2 eggs (beaten) 1 1/2 cups applesauce 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ground cloves 4 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda (dissolve it in 1 tsp of hot water) OPTIONAL 1 lb white raisins (we skip these) 2 cups nuts (we use pecans) Heat oven to 325ºF. Cream sugar and butter together Add beaten eggs Sift dry ingredients together Coat gumdrops, raisins and nuts with some of the dry mix Alternate adding the dry mix and the applesauce gradually to the butter mixture. Mix in the gumdrops, nuts and raisins Add dissolved baking soda last. Bake for 2 hours. Use Bundt pan with a water bath underneath. Dust with powdered icing sugar Fred and Caroline Wideman offer eco-friendly mats, rugs and runners from Mad Matters. Visit matmatters.ca to see more!

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 15

Wortley Villager December 2021

•

Louise Daw Your Old South Specialist

Providing life’s little luxuries daily.

Holiday Greetings

Louise Daw Sales Representative The Realty Firm Inc. 519.601.1160 (office) 519.495.8820 (direct) www.louisedaw.com

@EspressoLdnont Locomotive Espresso South

2020Circle of Excellence Award TopTen Individuals 2020 #8 in The Realty Firm Inc.

Local baked goods and sandwiches. Gifts galore of home brewing equipment and specialty beans. (519) 601-0067 • 350 Ridout Street S. at Chester

*not intended to solicit those under contract

Please support our great local advertisers. It’s their participation that allow us to bring the Wortley Villager to you.

With the �rst snow covered or icy road drive this fall, drivers are quickly reminded of the dangers of winter driving. All Season tires and Summer tires become rigid in cold temperatures whereas winter tires are made from a different rubber compound that stays pliable in the cold. Winter tires, when installed in a set of 4, improve braking and maneuverability on cold and icy road surfaces. Laws that require winter tires in Germany and Quebec quickly proved well founded; winter collision rates dropped noticeably in those areas. Winter tires are an additional upfront expense you may wish to avoid, but, the cost savings of driving on all season tires (especially older, worn ones) may be quickly offset by sliding into a curb (and damaging your car) or having a small "fender bender" accident on a slippery road surface. The most valuable facet of winter tires is that they keep you, your family, and other motorists safer in the winter. If you are in the market for winter tires stop in and see us, we have many different options for different budgets and will help you choose the right tires for your vehicle. Did you know that we will also install your existing winter tires? Give us a call, hop onto our website to make an appointment or send us an email for more info!

Safe Driving.