Wortley Villager June 2022

Wortley Villager June 2022

Wortley Villager

June 2022 Issue 60

Bruce Street by Janice Howell. See more at https://shadyartists.com/gallery/janice_howell/

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]

Forest City Neurofeedback NEUROFEEDBACK • PSYCHOTHERAPY• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 190 Wortley Rd Suite 9 www.fcneurofeedback.com [email protected] Stressed? Irritated? Trouble focusing? We are here to help! Help with anxiety, trauma, loss, body image, LGBTQ2S+, kids and adults welcome

AMANDA AUSTIN Marketing Your Property to Get it SOLD!

Super

Senior Day 55 and older SAVE 20% on vitamins the first Wednesday of every month.

TURNER DRUG STORE Vitamin Centre Mon-Fri 9-6 SAT 10-3

Service is my priority. Community is my passion. “Amanda provided us with a great experience as first time home buyers. We are so glad we met her and reached out to have her as our agent. She is very knowledgeable and her guidance helped us get the perfect home. Amanda made home searching fun even in this busy and

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

competitive market.” Samantha O, buyer

Read our complete lineup of community magazines at villagerpublications.com

[email protected] Direct: 519-871-9807 • Office: 519-471-9200 Amanda (Patrick) Austin Sales Representative I ndependently Owned and Operated

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 2 Wortley Villager • June 2022

PRESENTED BY THE OLD SOUTH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (OSCO) PRESENTED BY THE OLD SOUTH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (OSCO) There will be an array of great silent auction items. Proceeds benefit the Old South Community Organization – so place your bids! Sidetrack: A Wortley Café has its own delicious plans for the occasion, and invites all attendees to their booth to celebrate community, coffee, and the Old South with a special surprise. For updates visit www.oscolondon.ca The Return of Gathering on the Green Over 100 craft vendors, a tea garden, an all-day BBQ, children’s play area, sillent auction, bike parade, dunk tank, pet show and so much more awaits attendees of 40th Gathering on the Green, June 4 at Wortley and Elmwood. Entertainers include Marque Smith, Paul Stock, Nick Gordon, Twin Fin, The Thinking Caps, Jazzabells and more.

Artisans of Gathering on the Green 2022

The Lost Bucket Woolly Wizard Beard Co / B sides Candles PlattersPlus The Workshop Micro Enterprise (My Sisters’ Place Maureen Harrison Aromatherapist Magdalena’s Minerals Solaire Sprout The Drifty Chicks Kelly’s Creative Sstudios Miscellaneous Mixed Media Kiravieshiaart Charlene Margo Fine Art Sun Creations

Wings & Wire The Craft Bee DDH Designs

DaBomb Canada Blended Clothing Janet’s Original Handmade Silk Art Kasché Design KPSK Garden Whimsies

The Collage Morgue Creations by Annie Multi Arts Feels Good London Key to my heart finds

Vivid Verre Golden Earth Design 100% from SCRATCH All My Little People Urban Homestead Bath Co. Rooted Muse Heat Wrap Love Artistic Works of Tina Rae Professor Millie Moon’s Fantastical Contraptions

K Cullaton Art Fabricated Art

Amanda’s Abstract Art Welcome to Mels Closet Gimpy Gecko Ear Candy Studio D Art Glass Dream Sound Meditations & Knockgrafton Dear Thelma, Love Louise Woodbit

Celebrating 40 years Celebrating 40 years

London's Largest and Oldest Community Festival on the Village Green, Wortley Rd at Elmwood Ave London's Largest and Oldest Community Festival on the Village Green, Wortley Rd at Elmwood Ave

All Day BBQ Kid’s Corner Dunk Tank Pet Show Bike Parade Valet Bike Parking All Day BBQ Kid’s Corner Dunk Tank Pet Show Bike Parade Valet Bike Parking

YMCA Live Entertainment Charlotte’s Tea Garden Over 100 Crafters Plants & Flowers too! Silent Auction 10am til 3pm YMCA Live Entertainment Charlotte’s Tea Garden Over 100 Crafters Plants & Flowers too! Silent Auction 10am til 3pm

ShineOn Gifts MAT Fine Arts The Soap Diva

Saturday, June 4 10am til 5pm Saturday, June 4 10am til 5pm Visit us at www.oscolondon.ca Visit us at www.oscolondon.ca

Kevin Andrew Heslop Lucas Tensen - Music Stella’s Finds Horsefeathers Sueboobadoos Olliviatuckco Smashdye Heavenly Beads JW Design Evergreen creations Pottery by bren Dog Pops Artful Designer Shark Bite Ink Jenna’s Crafting Studio Williams-Leigh Co. Glitter Bug Tattoos

Lisa Verbakel Art Unleashed Ldn Done Absurdly

Grace In London House of Fortune Artist Christine Gagné Pawtastic Healthy Treats ReForest London London Horticultural Society Northern Star Kwe Creations Youth Opportunities

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

June 2022 • Page 3

Wortley Villager

D A Y DAY

I N D I G E N O U S INDIGENOUS S O L I D A R I T Y SOLIDARITY D A Y DAY I N D I G E N O U S INDIGENOUS S O L I D A R I T Y SOLIDARITY D A Y DAY

Join us for the 26th annual Indigenous Solidarity Day in celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The event features Sunrise Ceremony, Singers, Dancers, Food, Vendors, Community Service Providers, and more! Join us for the 26th annual Indigenous Solidarity Day in celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The event features Sunrise Ceremony, Singers, Dancers, Food, Vendors, Community Service Providers, and more! Join us for the 26th annual Indigenous Solidarity Day in celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The event features Sunrise Ceremony,Singers, Dancers, Food, Vendors, Community Service Providers, and more! Join us for the 26th annual Indigenous Solidarity Day in celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. The event features Sunrise Ceremony, Singers, Dancers, Food, Vendors, Community Service Providers, and more! June 21, 2022 Thursday, 12pm - 5pm EVENT DETAILS Get updates at https://www.facebook.com/events/513568743744002

Darlene Davis, Wortley Flower Farm. See more on page 8. Wortley Villager Issue #60 June 2022 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and 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 Publisher: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 [email protected] 519-282-7262 Managing Editor: Cathy Wood [email protected] Advertising : Tami Martin [email protected] 519-851-0961 Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Do you have an Old South Neighbour of Note? Do you do cultural cooking? We’d love to hear from you. Contact Cathy at [email protected] Cover photo and article sugggestions welcome! www.villagerpublications.com

June 21, 2022 Thursday, 12pm - 5pm The Green (Wortley Village) London, Ontario 206-226 Wortley Rd, London, ON The Green (Wortley Village) London, Ontario 206-226 Wortley Rd, London, ON June 21, 2022 Thursday, 12pm - 5pm

EVENT DETAILS

EVENT DETAILS

The Green (Wortley Village) London, Ontario 206-226 Wortley Rd, London, ON

Nominated Neighbour – Sponsored by Sidetrack: A Wortley Café

“Community has always been everything to me,” says Jeremy McCall, co-founder and President of Dad’s Club London. Now in it’s ninth year, the club has organized almost 500 events, and raised and donated over $165,000 to local causes such as the purchase of defibrillators for schools, Coats for Kids, KidsSport London, Anova, Childreach, Men’s Mission, Rotholme and many more. Additionally Jeremy serves as an Oakridge Optimist, London Public Library Board Member and member of the Home and Scool Association. He was named to the Mayor’s Honour List in the field of Humanitarianism. Learn more at www.dadsclublondon.com

To nominate your neighbour, email [email protected] To thank Jeremy for his community service, and Ruth Hatch for nominating him, Sidetrack: A Wortley Café has invited them each in to enjoy a beverage of their choice, on the house. 136 Wortley Road • www.sidetrack.cafe

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 4 Wortley Villager • June 2022

Ward 11 Update By Stephen Turner Councillor Ward 11

We travel these rivers independently but in mutual support of each other. It is meant as a reminder that we are two cultures living on the same land while maintaining respect for each other’s traditions and a commitment to helping one another. Reconciliation is a long and tough journey but it is one to which our City is dedicated. Council has committed to working through not only the specific Calls to Action which require the involvement of municipalities, but also to the spirit and intent of all 94 recommendations. On June 21st, I hope you will find some time to make your way to The Green to help celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, learn about Indigenous cultures and traditions and reflect on how we, as settlers, can take action to continue to build a relationship built on respect, understanding and allyship. I’d especially like to thank the organizers for sharing this important event with the community and welcoming us to observe and celebrate with them. It’s Patio Season – We Support Local! Old South food and beverage venues with outdoor patios are invited to submit their favourite outdoor patio photo for complimentary inclusion in the July-August Wortley Villager. The community magazine is distributed, complimentary via Canada Post to thousands of addresses in Old South, set out at local venues and posted online at villagerpublications. com, where it gets thousands more views each month – a great way to get ‘in the door’ and into the thoughts of new and loyal customers in your area. Email photo selections, venue name and address to [email protected] by June 10.

City of London 226-927-0765

June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day

Every year, at dawn on the summer solstice, The Green in Wortley Village is the setting for the Sunrise Ceremony marking the start of National Indigenous Peoples Day. June 21st provides an opportunity to observe and celebrate the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada. Throughout the day, The Green serves as the setting for a powerful series of events showcasing solidarity and community building. Our relationship with Indigenous peoples has a checkered past. It’s been seven years since the Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission published its 94 Calls to Action. Over the past couple of years, there has been increased awareness of the atrocities within the residential school system which has renewed the conversation about our relationship and history with the Indigenous peoples. On April 1st this year, Pope Francis made an historic apology for the harm done by the Catholic church at the residential schools and has committed to visit Canada in the near future to repeat that apology here. Locally, the City of London has taken meaningful steps to improve the relationship between our local government and neighbouring Indigenous communities including Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames and the Munsee-Delaware Nation, as well as urban Indigenous community members living here in London. Agencies, boards and commissions have also strengthened collaborations with Indigenous organizations to deliver services and supports throughout the community. During the last term of council, Mayor Matt Brown was presented with the Two Row Wampum by the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation to recognize this work and to signify the importance and nature of the relationship between our peoples. The Two Row Wampum is a beaded belt with two purple stripes representing parallel rivers traveled by First Nations peoples and European settlers and is one of the oldest treaties between the two parties.

Mobility & Elevating Equipment Expert

Call your Wortley

Mobility without barriers ™

Village Neighbour: Keith Doyle

555 Wellington Road London, ON N6C 4R3 519-631-3003

226-378-7619

Authorized ADP, VAC, NIHB, MVA Insurance and WSIB billing provider

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

June 2022 • Page 5

Wortley Villager

In this house: A look at Old South homes and the people that live in them by Louise Daw A home of note in Old South has recently sold, and for those who may not follow the real estate world, you might be interested to know more about the history. 14 Franklin Avenue is full of rich history for both the home and the area. Franklin Avenue is a relatively short tree-lined street, relative to many of the long streets we find in Old South, that run between Wortley and Ridout, with many distinctive homes. John Franklin Fleckser and his wife Christeena (Smith) immigrated from Bavaria in roughly the 1870s. They had originally settled in Hamilton, Ontario. As a Master Machinist, John was soon brought to London by the McClary Manufacturing Company which produced stoves, boilers and furnaces, as a Head Supervisor. The Flecksers, along with their four children, acquired a section of land just south of the city limits in Westminster Township, bordering West Street, now called Emery Street, between Ridout Street and Wortley Road. After the First World War, the Old South area saw huge development with country estates giving way to streets, avenues and homes, allowing for a growing community. By 1921, plans were prepared to subdivide the Fleckser property. It became known as Franklin Park, with Franklin Avenue running down the middle of the section, with building lots lined on both sides. Franklin Park, which was the first subdivision in London in the early 1920s. While Frank and Christeena continued to live in the original yellow brick farmhouse closer to Ridout St., their son, Harold along with his new wife, Jean Imlay, built their home at 14 Franklin Avenue. This was the first home to be built on the new street by the renowned Roy James, who had been commissioned by Harold and his brother in-law, Byron Matthews and his wife Ruth Fleckser. Frank and Christeena moved to 321 Ridout Street shortly after. The Burberry bushes outside the leaded glass windows at 14 Franklin was part of the bush fence with the willows and maples that was used back in the day to keep the cows in place. Slowly, many more homes on the street followed and most were built by Roy James. James’ signature design was a small window beside the front entrance. A look in the neighbourhood shows there are many scattered throughout Old South, on Windsor Ave, Windsor Cres, Wortley Road and Baker Street to name a few.

His Tudor style remains timeless, in tact; and the definition of a “Roy James” model home. This gem still has the original chestnut doors and woodwork (an unavailable exotic species), original hardware, red oak floors, leaded glass windows, bathroom tiling, etched French doors and James’ specific decorative glazed red brickwork. The late Don Fleckser, a legend in the Arts, Theatre, Education and patriarch of the neighbourhood lived in and loved this home and community for 85 years. The walls were filled memorabilia of past theatre productions, films and personalized gifts of many famous artists, actors and celebrities – a war home of Art, History, London and Family. After four generations of the Fleckser family living on Franklin Ave, Martin Fleckser, son of Don, and grandson of ‘Frank’ decided the time was right after more than 100 years of history embedded in the land, to move. Martin is an artist in his own right as a professional heritage painter who has been part of several heritage awards for his meticulous work throughout the London area, specifically in Old South and Old North. Right below: photo the of the original signed exchange from Franklin Fleckser to the City of London for the plan of Franklin Park in 1921

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 6 Wortley Villager • June 2022

A More Inclusive Canada: Pride Month Reflections by Arielle Kayabaga I am excited to celebrate Pride Month this year with our London community. The LGBTQ2SAI+ community has historically faced a lot of adversity in this country. I am happy to be part of a government that recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion. We continue to rectify the injustices faced by LGBTQ2SAI+ Canadians. Just this past year, we have made two remarkable steps forward in making Canada a more inclusive and safer place. On December 15, 2021, the House of Commons unanimously passed Bill C-4 banning conversion therapy, a practice that has harmed the health of many LGBTQ2SAI+ individuals. In April of this year, Health Canada approved a Canadian Blood Services request to end the blood donation ban for men who engage in intimate relationships with other men. This is a change that not only benefits these men, but anyone in need of life saving medical transfusions. Everyone deserves the right to love whomever they choose. I am looking forward to our continued celebrations in London and beyond as we mark this exciting celebration of LGBTQ2AI+ lives. It is a privilege to advocate for this community as we continue to work together toward a more inclusive and

Franklin and his wife Christeena

welcoming Canada. Happy Pride Month!

Harold and wife Jean

Now 14 Franklin is ready for its new owner to carry on the stewardship of this distinctive 1930s home. A charming home on a charming street. Louise Daw is a local Realtor. Visit www.louisedaw.com Instagram: louisetherealtor Twitter: louiseadaw Facebook: facebook.com/ louisedawrealtor

/ArielleKayabaga

@KayabagaArielle

@iamaykay

2 0 2 2

WORLD PREMIERE A brand new play by Canada’s king of comedy, Norm Foster. A story about change, love and new beginnings. My Hero

June 15 to July 9

Don’t miss great shows this summer!

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

PortStanley FestivalTheatre

Show Sponsor

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Wortley Villager June 2022 • Page 7

Micro farm – macro joy Farm-fresh flowers from Wortley Flower Farm Darlene Davis and Natalie Bradshaw are spunky business partners who spent the last seven years building Filthy Rebena Vintage, a vintage clothing store located at 144 Wortley Road.

“The property had a large un-loved back- yard that was not being used at all,” said Natalie. “Darlene, a London Middlesex Master Gardener, realized the magic and potential of this barren space and needing some quality time with my hands in the dirt, I jumped on board!”

Wortley Flower Farm is an urban working micro farm. Every morning fresh, seasonal flowers are cut and made into bouquets. “We insulated the mud-room of the shop and have converted it into our floral studio where people can talk to us real time and shop for natural fertilizer, seeds, vintage vases, sap buckets and terracotta pots and sustainably sourced garden goods,” said Darlene. “We have a passion for the environment and do not use any chemicals or pesticides in our growing process,” she continues. “We hope to do our part with regenerative farming, focusing on topsoil regeneration, increasing our backyard’s biodiversity and reducing carbon dioxide emissions with our chemical free, holistic growing practices.” “As the Slow Clothing movement continues to gain momentum, the concept of Slow Flowers is similarly deepening our regard and appreciation for floriculture. This vision, along with creating a sustainable community gathering space is the inspiration we have been pursuing,” said Natalie. “We love the process of growing plants for a purpose – getting our hands in the dirt, planting a seed, nurturing a plant and producing magnificent flowers that bring so much joy to people. Handing over a bouquet filled with blooms that we have grown – knowing they haven’t been flown in some 4,500 kilometres or sprayed with chemicals through their production. We are very lucky to be able to just stop in the middle of our work day to watch the butterflies fluttering by in the field.” In addition to flowers, Wortley Flower Farm grows many medicinal herbs for use in their bouquets. “We love fragrant basil, bee balm and mint because they add perfume to our arrangements. We also use fruits and foliage because their

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 8 Wortley Villager • June 2022

texture and beautiful colorings can help make any floral design shine. Our current favorite medicinal fruit to use is Raspberry Foliage! It looks great in a bouquet. And Raspberry plants are wildly productive and provide foliage all Summer long,” says Darlene. “The leaves are easily dried in the shade, rubbed and sifted to remove the stem material or prickles. Raspberry leaf is a pregnancy herb in modern herbal medicine. Herbalists recommend raspberry leaf preparations to strengthen, tone and relax smooth muscles of the uterus and pelvis, shorten labor, and ease delivery. Raspberry Tea may also help regulate the menstrual cycle and decrease heavy menstrual flow.” “The flower farm also functions as a multi-use public space, inviting and evoking all sorts of garden discussions, providing a date location for a quiet coffee or a spot to zen out with a yoga mat. In Summer, Yoga classes are held every week.” Petals to Paper are one of the popular workshops offered.” It’s a way for creatives to slow down and connect with nature through botanical illustration,” explains Darlene. “For 90 minutes we create botanical compositions and lush illustrations using the flowers as subjects. It’s hosted by two local artists: Siobhan Watters and Aysha Birani. They ask that you bring your own paper and supplies. However, they provide jars of water for painters and extra supplies such as pencils and pastels. It’s a nice opportunity to develop your creativity and relax with some wonderful people. It is a free event. The hosts do ask for a small donation to support organizations working on long-term relief. The contributions have been donated to the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre and Atlohsa. RASPBERRY BLISS TEA Pour 4 cups of boiling water over 6 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves and 2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain. Add 1/2 cup fruit juice – apple, grape or raspberry. The tea will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Photos compliments Wortley Flower Farm: Darlene develops a dream! Natalie in the mud-room. A back yard of beauty! Natalie and Darlene and the mural painted by Natalie’s sister Jackie Bradshaw. A variety of medicinal plants, and raspberry foliage. A monarch enjoying a field of Cosmos. To learn more about Wortley Flower Farm and to keep updated on upcoming workshops and other events, visit wortleyflowerfarm.com , on Instagram and on Facebook.

Visit Filthy Rebena at https://filthyrebena.com

Haley Geddes, award winning Real Estate Representative, strives to help her clients with any real estate endeavor and prides herself on knowing the city like the back of her hand! Are you ready to buy, sell or lease? Call Haley Geddes today! Haley can be reached at: Century 21 First Cdn Corp 420 York Street, London, Ontario N6B 1R1 Complimentary Home Evaluations! T: 519-868-0316 E: [email protected]

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Wortley Villager June 2022 • Page 9

When Skylar Franke was growing up, her parents would take her and her brother out for hikes to explore nature. “This is what started me on a lifelong love with the outdoors, learning hands- on about the world around us,” said Skylar. “I participated in Brownies and a Young Naturalist group when I was little which also sparked my interest in the environment.” As Environmental Commissioner while at Western University, Skylar started a community garden on campus and volunteered for a variety of environmental groups including Food Not Lawns, Growing Chefs, the Agricultural Advisory Committee and ReForest London. Now Executive Director of the London Environmental Network and President of the Urban League of London Board, and member of Bird Friendly London, Skylar can most often be found in conversations and initiatives concerning the environment, the community and politics in London. She assists Bird Friendly London with communications, events, fund development and community engagement. The organization partnered with Nature London and the London Public Library to present London’s first-ever Spring Migration Festival in May 2022 that included presentations, guided hikes and a Bird Friendly Window Retrofit Workshop at Museum of Ontario Archaeology. “I love working on tangible projects with outcomes that address some of our biggest local environmental challenges. Through the Bird Team, we’ve been able to retrofit windows, take people on guided hikes, run educational events and support local cleanups. Seeing people take action and make change inspires me to keep working in the environmental sector,” said Skylar. Why birds? “I live in the Coves neighbourhood and anyone from the area can tell you it’s a magnet for birds. I love watching the bald eagles, blue herons, ducks, turkey vultures, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, mourning doves and so many other birds enjoy the Coves. They’re such an important part of our local ecosystem, and I want cities to remain habitable for our feather friends.” Studies indicate that we have lost three billion birds in North America over the last 50 years due to habitat loss and degradation, urban sprawl and development, declines in insect populations, predation by outdoor pets, light pollution, window collision, and disturbance of their nesting or roosting sites. Ways that people can assist birds that live in and migrate through London include keeping cats indoors or leashing them, reducing Neighbour of Note: Skylar Franke

Above: Skylar at a window treated to reduce reflection, bird-friendly coffee, playing cards from Wingspan – one of fun and educational bird games, available at Featherfields. reflection on windows, planting native species and pollinator gardens, providing nesting materials, reducing use of artificial light at night, reducing use of insecticides and harmful rodent control practices, use of bird feeders and bird baths and more. For a detailed list and to learn more about Bird Friendly London, visit www.birdfriendlylondon.ca

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 10 Wortley Villager • June 2022

Visit Featherfields (173 Wortley Road) for an assortment of educational bird books and games! A lot of things made this concert work. First, the music was authentic. It was all music of the people, songs about lives and love of land, of longings and hopes for the future. Second, every song called for a different sound, sometimes sublime, sometimes pointed, sometimes something in between. The choir did it all and did it well. Third, so much of the music was just plain fun. It really was, as Karen promised, “Smiles all around.” The concert also featured the Heartaches String Band, the labour of love of Amanda Lynn Stubley, a professional Appalachian folklorist who plays guitar and banjo, and her husband Martin Horak, the “fiddlin’ professor” who teaches political science at Western University. Joining them for this concert, mandolin master James Cummins, and bassist Jedd House. Heartaches’ numbers included Log Driver’s Waltz familiar to many Don Messer fans, Martin Horak’s special arrangement of I Heard the Preachin’ of the Elders , and Niagara Moon . In several of the songs, the choir provided backup, and of course, band and choir all came together for the concert’s rousing closer: Bile Them Cabbage Down . KSS Raises the Roof! by Harry MacLean “Smiles all around!” That’s what Karen Schuessler promised before the Karen Schuessler Singers’ Raisin’ the Roof concert at Wesley-Knox United Church in Old South London on April 30, and that’s what the choir delivered. This concert was originally scheduled for 2019 but had to be postponed twice because of the Covid-19 pandemic. But the nearly 300 concertgoers who came to enjoy it agreed it was worth the wait. Choral numbers included arrangements of Gordon Lightfoot’s Pussy Willows Cat-tails , John Denver’s Country Roads , Shenandoah and the Newfoundland folk song, Feller from Fortune . There was also a traditional spiritual and an English riddle song that has a second home in Appalachia.

The Karen Schuessler Singers perform the much-loved Shenandoah. – Brian Dalton photos.

A word about the upcoming season in which the Karen Schuessler Singers will celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Concerts will include Choral Music’s Greatest Hits (both past and present), Dan Forrest’s energetic and uplifting Jubilate Deo with soloists and orchestra, and Harmony! featuring the World Premiere of a new work commissioned by KSS especially for this celebration. More soon at www.kssingers.com. The Heartaches Stringband and choir in their rousing closer, Bile Them Cabbage Down. — Brian Dalton photos

Proudly Printed By:

233 Edward Street, St. Thomas, ON phone: 519-633-1580 fax: 519-633-8531 impressions-printing.com

Spring has sprung on Edward Street

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Wortley Villager June 2022 • Page 11

‘Tis the season for cars and convertibles Matt Smith at Wortley Auto Service reports that the shop has been busy getting classic cars that had been in hibernation, ready for the summer cruising season, including even making from scratch parts no longer available for some of them! There will be cars and convertibles on the ‘GREEN’ (Wortley and Elmwood) Saturday June 7 (rain date of June 14) 5pm – 9pm, when the East London Lions Club presents their Car Show & BBQ. Entry is by donation to enjoy vintage cars, 50-50 draws, live entertainment and BBQ.

Gardner Galleries Auctions – Keeping a Pulse on Every Community in London by Gloria Rae Gardner Galleries is celebrating 100 years in business! James and Mark Gardner (left) agree that thanks to their great grandfather George Gardner, their lives are never boring working in the family business. After WWI, George Gardner started doing live auctions on site all around the London area, and the business just took off from there. The Gardner name has maintained the reputation of being one of the best in the business since they have always upheld the scruples that the founder based his business on. Anyone who knows the Gardners know that they are hardworking and scrupulously honest people who do their best for each client. While they no longer conduct the live Tuesday night auctions, the auctions now done online, they still manage to come up with major surprises for their buyers and clientele. Recently, they received a painting by local artist Brian Jones, who passed away in 2008. His paintings are generally found in private collections and museums. Only two have ever come for auction. The painting was from his Neighbour Series and sold last November for $38,000. In early May they had their Spring Fine Art Auction, which had numerous highlights including an A.Y. Jackson (Group of Seven) painting that sold for $25,500. The Gardners’ greatest find however was an old book found in the back of a closet in a home just outside London. It turned out to be the original book of engravings and watercolours of Captain James Wallace – the same Captain Wallace who originated the first penal colony in Australia. The book was known to be in the possession of his wife in the 1860s, after which a nephew inherited it, and then it was considered lost for over 100 years only to turn up outside London. It eventually sold at auction for $1.8 million to an Australian Museum that wanted it so immediately, they had a representative fly in pick up the book, then fly straight back to Australia with it. This is the exciting world of auctions. You never know what is going to turn up or what Aunt Mary really left you in her will. And that’s why you need to be able to contact honest, upstanding people like the Gardners who will always tell you the true value of an item...whether you like what they’re saying or not. THAT’s why they’ve been in business for 100 years. The community of London trusts them. Go online to Gardner Galleries at gardnergalleries.com and check out their weekly auctions or visit them at 407 Hamilton Road. You’ll be amazed at what you can find there.

Historic local company publishes book

To celebrate their 100th year in busi- ness, Gardner Galleries has published A Retrospective of Auctioning in London, Ontario 1922-2022 . The 52 pages of past auction highlights, newspaper clippings and auction

stories is available for $15 with proceeds benefiting the Make-A- Wish Foundation of Canada. Contact Gardner Galleries for a copy.

G ardner G alleries ESTATE, JEWELLERY & FINE ART Appraisals • Auctions 407 Hamilton Road, London (519) 439-3333 [email protected] www.gardnergalleries.com Mon-Fri 8:30am – 5pm • Saturday 10am – noon “My wish is that ... these things of art which have ben the joy of my life, shall not be consigned to the cold tomb of a museum and subjected to the stupid glances of the careless passerby; I desire that they shall be dispersed under the auctioneer’s hammer, so that the pleasure of which the acquisition of each one has given me, shall be given again, in each case, to some inheritor of my own tastes.” From the will of Edmond De Concourt, 1723

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 1 2 Wortley Villager • June 2022

Mrs. Beattie’s Neighbours by Paul Prince

heating was replaced by an oil furnace, perhaps in the 1920s. I removed the old oil tank from the basement last year and found remnants of an even earlier oil tank. Annie’s house had a Vulcan gas stove in the 1910s. The house was rewired about 1950, and then again in the 1980s. Mary severed and sold off the back half of the property in 1919 as two lots. Old South has so much history, with all the wonderful people who have lived here the last 170 years. Let’s continue learning this history and preserving these wonderful old buildings. Paul lives in Old South, has a passion for our history, and is the treasurer for the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario London Region (ACO). Comments or suggestions are welcome at paul@ prince-cva.ca

After having lived by herself for many decades the London, city directories show Mrs. Annie Beattie had a roommate living with her in 1907. Perhaps it was to help her finances. Perhaps it was for company. Perhaps it was to help make her life a bit easier. Perhaps it was for all these reasons. In 1911, Annie broke her hip, which would have certainly slowed this industrious lady down. Having a roommate must have been a godsend for her. Mrs. Annie passed away at her home on Byron Ave on July 22, 1918, at the wonderful age of 103 1/2 years old. Annie’s roommate was Mary Smith. In 1907, Mary would have been 46 years old. Mary was born a Stewart in 1861 in Nairn, Ontario, outside of London. Mary’s parents were Scottish. Mary married David Smith in 1889, and had two children while they lived in Lobo. They are shown to be living at 90 Stanley Street (pictured above today) by 1901. The next part of this story is confusing. Mary and David are shown together until sometime around 1906, when David moved to Calgary with their children. It is a mystery why Mary stayed in London. David is known to have lived in Calgary until he died in 1949. Both children also lived and passed away in Calgary. What happened to their marriage? And why did the children live with their father? Mary was listed as a housekeeper, which might have been a primary reason for Annie taking her in as a roommate. Mary continued to work as a housekeeper until she retired from her profession in 1937, when she was 76. Mary lived with Annie for 11 years until Annie’s passing. In the fall of 1918, Annie’s close relatives auctioned off Annie’s home. Mary won the auction and purchased Annie’s cottage. Mary continued living in her home until she passed away in 1941, after having a heart attack at the age of 80. The first two owners of Annie’s cottage lived there for a combined 55 years from1886 to 1941 – Annie for 32 years and Mary for 34 years, with 11 years overlapping. Annie’s cottage has had 12 owners since 1941. Since 1886, when Annie moved in, her cottage has seen electricity added in the form of knob and tube, and indoor plumbing appears to have been added in the early 1900s. The coal-fired pot belly

Living together? Make it legal! License your pet. All cats and dogs must be licensed by law. Licensing helps save animals’ lives. • Lost pets are returned home • Helps to fund animal services programs • Homeless pets get adopted Please do you part! Contact us to license your pet

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

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

Workers with Pride!

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

The study consists of 6 months of 1-hour exercise 2x a week, strength and cognitive testing, blood analysis & brain imaging (MRI) . YOU WILL BE COMPENSATED FOR YOUR TIME. YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE IF YOU: 4 Are 60 – 80 years old. 4 Have not had a stroke. 4 Have not participated in regular excercise for the past 6 months. 4 Have not been diagnosed with neurodegenerative or musculoskeletal disorders. Participants needed! Western invites you to participate in an exercise and brain study!

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE CONTACT: OLIVIA GHOSH-SWABY (Graduate Student) [email protected] or DR. LINDSAY NAGAMATSU (Principal Investigator) 647-460-6516 EXERCISE MOBILITY AND BRAIN HEALTH LAB – WESTERN UNIVERSITY

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Wortley Villager June 2022 • Page 13

Books

What’s Happening at Landon Library The Village Vibe Submitted by Jennifer Quinton Celebrate Kids First Day by making a mandala that is meaningful to you using words, patterns or symbols. Use our special materials and writing prompts to enhance your creation! During Library hours, while supplies last. Find more information about Kids First Day at https:// Kids First Day - Meaningful Mandalas Library hours, Friday, June 3 Come share stories, songs, rhymes and more! Children will learn sounds, letters and new words while developing a lifelong love of learning. Stay afterwards to play and meet other families. Drop In. Books for Babies (from birth with a caregiver) 11-noon, Wednesdays, June 1-15 Learn and enjoy rhymes, stories and songs with your baby! A 30 min. program followed by informal socializing for babies and caregivers. Drop In. investinginchildren.on.ca/kids-first-day Storytime! (Ages 1+ with caregiver) 9:30-10:30 am, Wednesdays, June 1- 15

Sharon Field of Old South has just finished her first myster /thriller and has made it available free to read at: www.wattpad.com/user/ SharonFieldBrennan

In need of seed Share your extra flower or vegetable seeds by placing them into small envelopes or bags, clearly labeled with the seed type and some growing tips, into the Seed Library at the back entrance of the Landon Library. Rummage Sale Saturday June 4, 2022 • 8:00 –11:00am Elmwood Ave Presbyterian Church 111 Elmwood Ave East Books / Music, Clothes, Toys & Games, Footwear, Household & Yard Items, Sporting Equipment, Small Furniture, Holiday Decor, BBQ Hotdogs, Coffee and Muffins

KEEP US ON OUR FEET – BUY A SEAT at the historic Hyland Cinema. Engraved name plaques for

chair arms: $150. Ask about on-screen and marquee advertising opportunities. HylandCinema.com

Wortley Pride is a volunteer run, family focused celebration for LGBT2QIA+ communities and their allies in the heart of Wortley Village! SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 16th, 2022 (Raindate: July 17th) Kick off party Thursday June 9, 9pm Wortley Roadhouse. Visit www.wortleypride.com for further information.

Kiwanis Seniors Luncheon featuring The Rick Kish & Friends Combo Friday, June 17th 1:30 - 2:30 78 Riverside Drive https://london.ca/senior-recreation Sunday June 26, 10am - 4pm Tickets available at: https://bit.ly/BloominTou r

Don’t be ticked off Ticks are now active in the Middlesex- London region. If you find one, you can participate in a citizen science project and have it identified at etick.ca. Learn how to protect yourself and your pets from tick bites at healthunit.com/ticks.

WHILE QUANTITIES LAST: The Wortley Villager is delivered to thousands of addresses in Old South London with extras set out at local venues. Miss out? You can read the complete lineup of Villager community magazines at villagerpublications.com

Brassroots! Cocktails featuring Jeff Christmas’ Cocktail Suite September 24. St. James Westminster. Tickets at: https://brassroots.ca

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 14 Wortley Villager • June 2022

Cultural Cooking Strawberry Rhubarb Pie by Marcella Bauman

As a tribute to her mother, and the love she expressed for her family through cooking, Marcella (Marcy) Bauman pub- lished Katie’s Kitchen to pre- serve and share the family’s favourite recipes. “In the Amish tradition of simple and hearty food, the recipes reflect the rural community where we lived,” reflects Marcy. Included are recipes for mains, sides, preserves, pastries, sweets,

Katie’s KITCHEN

Marcella Bauman

snacks and more. This beautifully photographed, self-published cookbook can be purchased at Wortley Village Pharmasave, or directly from the author ([email protected]). Here Marcy shares the recipe for her Strawberry Rhubarb Ppie. STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE ( Makes 1 pie) 2 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb (about 5 stalks) 1 1/2 cups strawberries hulled and quartered 1/2 cup granulated sugar 4 tbsp cornstarch 2 unbaked 9 inch pie shells 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Cut the rhubarb into 1/2 inch slices and place in a large bowl. Add the strawberries. 3. Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a separate bowl, then gently mix with the rhubarb and strawberries. Let sit for 5 minutes then stir again. 4. Line pie plate with one pie crust. Leave edges untrimmed. 5. Spoon the strawberry rhubarb mixture into a pie plate lined with the unbaked crust. Top with the second pie crust or make a lattice pattern to cover the pie. Ensure cover has holes for steam release. 6. Trim pie dough to match edge of plate and seal edges with tines of fork pressed perpendicular to the edge of the crust. 7. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F. Bake at 350 for an additional 30 minutes. 8. Cool for 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set. TIP: A fluted edge created with your fingers is an alternative to the fork tine edge for the pie crust.

Back in the Day

Harry Thar’s Garage, 335 Wharncliffe, 1940

To advertise here, please contact [email protected]

Page 15

Wortley Villager

June 2022 •

LOUISE DAW REALTOR ® Your Old South Specialist

Tuckey

It’s BBQ Season!

Father’s Day Gifts for Dad • BBQs • Lawnmowers • Lawn Chairs • Tools • Garden Planters and more!

Contact me today for a free market home evaluation.

And don’t forget to check out our huge selection in the Garden Centre!

Get Dad what he really wants! Gift Cards Available!

*not intended to solicit those under contract

519.601.1160 (office) • 519.495.8820 (direct) www.louisedaw.com

136 Wortley Road • (519) 432-7683 M-F 9-6 • Saturday 9-5 • Sunday 10-5

GATHERING ON THE GREEN • SATURDAY JUNE 4!!! Follow the Old South Community Organization on Facebook for updates!

“Matt and his team are friendly, professional, efficient and honest. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my vehicles.” DM