January 10 Issue, 2013

1- January 10, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News

Call: 519-872-3754 www.centum.ca/jon_minielly Jon MiniellyMortgage Agent

2.99% 5 Year Fixed Rate

FSCO#

10513Pre-Approvals, Refinances, Renewals, Commercial,

Purchases, 1st, 2nd, Private

Canadian Mortgage Expert Centres

Phil James

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm,Sat. 8am-3pm

www.new2youauto.ca

2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE AWD GL

ONLY 35,000KMS

3.5L V6, AWD, 17” Aluminum Wheels, Heated Multi-Adjustable Bucket Seats, AM/FM Satellite, Wireless Phone Connectivity, Rental and so much more!

*Based on 72 Months 5.99% Fixed and Open. O.A.C.Cash Price $24,759 Plus HST

$109 PER WEEKOAC*

St.Thomas/Elgin

Volume 8 No. 36 519-633-1640 • www.theweeklynews.ca

January 10, 2013

On the right track

The first of its kind in Can-ada, On Track’s ambitious el-evated park project will not only bring notoriety to the city, but is the perfect example of recycling. Using the old MCR Kettle Bridge as the park’s base, Serge Lavoie, On Track secretary and treasurer, says the group is “really excited” for this project.

Six months into the plan-ning and development stages, the community development group is in its final discus-sion to purchase the 1.6km parcel of land surrounding the bridge that stretches from King Street to Munro Ave. The first $250,000 piece in a multi-piece puzzle will eventually allow St. Thomas residents to witness something unique be-ing created right in their back-yard.

About two years ago On Track approached city council to suggest the defunct bridge needed to be saved because it had architectural and histori-cal value. The previous council agreed, it just didn’t have the money to help the idea along. That’s when the group devised a plan to purchase the bridge and surrounding lands.

To be modeled in a style similar to the Promenade Plan-tée in Paris and the High Line park in New York On Track de-cided on an elevated park af-ter the realization that the old bridge could accommodate the weight. “This bridge is so big we could do more than just a trail on here. We thought why take something that’s as wide as a road and simply make a little trail of it? It can literally be a place where there are trees and grass and structures. And look at the view. It’s an amaz-

ing view.” The bridge stands 90 feet tall.

The first phase of the proj-ect, acquiring the bridge, or as Serge calls it, “the cheap part,” is nearing completion. Phase two will be an international design competition. Once that winner is chosen a more fo-cused marketing and fundrais-ing campaign will commence.

The bridge has been stand-ing on the outskirts of St. Thomas since 1929. At its peak it carried more than 140 trains a day. Each span of the bridge has been rated strong enough to hold a dump truck and a cement truck at the same time and has enough structural integrity to hold wet soil as well as pedestrians. The

bridge was made to be strong enough to hold two trains go-ing in opposite directions at the same time.

On Track St. Thomas, origi-nally formed in 1994, consists of a nine-person board as well as 30 members.

The same group was behind the preservation of the CASO station.

On Track secretary and treasurer Serge Lavoie says the group hopes to turn the old MCR Kettle Bridge into Canada’s first elevated park.

Wanting a natural alterna-tive to the pet foods avail-able on the market has led one Aylmer woman into the world of pet food. Roxanne Esseltine, owner of Raw for Pets, was looking to feed her German Shepherds some-thing that would help with Hip Dysplasia, a common problem amongst this breed of dog that starts early and causes crippling lameness and pain. “I’ve raised German Shepherds for 28 years, and I was very con-cerned about what we put into them for food.” With all the recent pet food scares and the tainted pet foods she was looking for a healthier alternative for her dogs when she started feeding them a raw diet. The more she researched, the more she realized this was an area she wanted to pursue.

When an injury prevented her return to nursing, Rox-anne took that as an oppor-tunity to turn her hobby into a full time career. It started with a small retail store in Springfield that led her to

manufacturing. Currently a “mom and pop” manufac-turing operation running six days a week, Roxanne hopes that by this time next year they will have up to eight employees.

Nothing is used to pre-serve the products other than dehydration, and all the meats used are Cana-dian except for the Alaskan Pollock. The meats are pur-

chased from federal and provincial plants and in-clude chick-en, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, pork

and Cornish hen feet.With the help of the EBRC

in St. Thomas and Aylmer, Roxanne located a perma-nent manufacturing facility inside the old Imperial To-bacco plant in Aylmer.

Locally, the dehydrated dog food and treats are now sold at Pet Valu in St. Thomas under the True Raw Choice name. They can also be found at Talbot Tail Bak-ery and Boutique in Aylmer.

In February a line of cat food and treats will be launched.

Healthy alternative for pets

Mark Rusin, Melissa Robertson, Brett Willard, Roxanne Esseltine and Jeff Esseltine package all natural dehydrated dog treats under the True Raw Choice label.

I’ve raised German Shepherds for 28 years,

and I was very concerned about what we put into

them for food.

Janu

ary

10, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

2

THE TURKEY SHOPPE

10882 Sunset Rd. Just N. of Talbotville

519.633.0527www.turkeyshoppe.com

Mon-Fri 9-5:30, Sat. 9-4

Quick and easyTurkey Schnitzel

Store madeTurkey Pies

Turkey Vegetable Soup

Frozen Turkey Wings

Reg. $2.19$1.59lb.

FrozenTurkey DrumsReg. $2.19$1.79lb.

This rewarding position is aimed at working with the local municipalities and medical community in the recruitment of health

professionals for the St. Thomas-Elgin County area with particular focus on the recruitment of family physicians.

Self motivated individuals with knowledge of the local medical community and the ability to promote our medical resources to attract medical professionals are invited to submit a resume by January 31, 2013 to:

City of St. Thomas-County of ElginHealth Recruitment Partnership

c/o Mr. Wendell Graves, CAO/ClerkThe Corporation of the City of St. Thomas545 Talbot Street, City Hall, P.O. Box 520

St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7

City of St. Thomas – County of ElginHealth Recruitment Partnership

Health Partnership Recruiter (Part-Time)

Further details about the position are available on the following websites:

www.elgin-county.on.cawww.city.st-thomas.on.ca

9789 Sunset Rd., St. Thomas ON N5P 3T7

www.elginanimalhospital.comwww.facebook.com/elginanimalhospital

519-631-0430

Congratulations! These festive pets both won Christmas

gift baskets from the Elgin Animal Hospital.

Richard Parker Bentley HuntThanks to everyone who sent in their pets photos.

To see all the furry friends, please visit www.elginanimalhospital.com and look under Photo Gallery – Christmas Photo Contest 2012

Come and Cheer on

Your Stars!

Adults $9 • Seniors & Students $7.00Kids (6-12) $5.00 (Under 5: Free)

Ticket details: stthomasstars.pointstreaksites.com/view/stthomasstars

EXCITING JR. B HOCKEY AT ITS BEST!Sunday, January 13, 2013McDonald’s Night

LaSalle Vipers vs. Stars @7:00pm

Thursday, January 17, 2013 Force Iron & Metal Night

Chatham Maroons vs. Stars @7:00pm

By Diane DobsonAlthough the day was blus-

tery, with winds gusting at times to 60 km, the birders were out for the 113th Christ-mas Bird Count as usual. They scoured the area on foot and by car on the roads around St. Thomas, Port Stanley and Port Bruce looking for those birds brave enough to pop out of the bushes. With 61 enthusiastic volunteers, the 2012 Christ-mas Bird Count realized 85 different species and 21,934 birds in total. Thankfully the snow held off until later in the day.

The sighting of 82 Turkey Vultures took birders by sur-prise. There had been sight-ings, especially in Port Stanley, of Turkey Vultures all through the late fall and into the winter and some obviously stayed for the count. In 2011 there was only one sighted and in 2010 six. So this year’s count was significantly higher for that species.

Because of the high winds and no snow, birds were not found in the usual places such as feeders. They were smart and stayed under cover so it was more difficult than usual finding birds like cardinals, nuthatches, and woodpeck-ers; however, the gulls loved

the windy weather making their numbers fairly high in-land (3,322) and scarcer at the lake.

One birder reported that ducks were abundant in the early morning on the Aylmer Lagoons, but had gener-ally disappeared as the day progress. This is typical of the timing and luck needed to find any species during the count. Red-breasted Mergan-sers were present in large numbers out on Lake Erie’s open waters and the figure of 3,089 is very conservative.

The waves and distance made counting them extremely dif-ficult.

On December 27, which is in this area’s count week, Don Fowler saw five Sandhill Cranes at Hawk Cliff. It was a great addition to our count week totals.

After the count, many of the birders enjoyed a potluck dinner at Knox Presbyterian Church where they discussed the bird count and shared sto-ries of their day out with the birds.

Bird count nets high numbers Trillium grant nets $160,000 for ICE

The Innovation Centre for En-trepreneurs (ICE) has received a $160,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which will be used to help youth achieve their business dreams and provide ad-ditional funding for business pro-gramming.

Since it’s opening in 2011, ICE has helped 9 businesses grow to create 25 jobs locally in the trades, electronics, culinary arts and more. Its goal is to help busi-nesses thrive over the long term.

“This two-year Ontario Trillium Foundation grant strengthens the capacity of the Innovation Centre for Entrepreneurs and will en-hance youth entrepreneurship through the business incubation program. We appreciate the Tril-lium Foundation’s support of ICE and its impact on our community - business growth and job cre-ation,” says Susan Gardner, Presi-dent, ICE.

ICE is located in the same build-ing as the Elgin Business Re-source Centre at 300 South Edge-ware Road.

Jeff Yurek, MPP for Elgin-Mid-dlesex-London, says “This grant will help ICE to continue its out-standing work helping to develop and grow businesses in our com-munity. The youth entrepreneurial initiative will also engage many of our young leaders. I’m pleased that OTF supports ICE’s efforts to stimulate job creation in Elgin County.”

Medical scholarshipsSt. Thomas residents Jessica

Jackson and Heather Sullivan have been awarded the first two medical scholarships from the St. Thomas-Elgin County Health Re-cruitment Partnership (HRP).

The HRP scholarship program is open to those who are enrolled in a Canadian medical school and provides $1,000 per year for up to five years for local individuals whose studies focus on a career in family medicine.

Established to attract and retain medical talent in the community, the program was launched July 16, 2012. Applications for the 2013 scholarships will be accept-ed until September 16, 2013 at 4:30pm and can be obtained from St. Thomas City Hall.

Jessica, who has worked previ-ously as a summer medical stu-dent at the St. Thomas Elgin Gen-eral Hopsital, is studying medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario. Heather, who has worked as a special needs coun-selor for the YWCA Day Camp, is studying medicine at Dalhousie University.

Representatives from the City of St. Thomas, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and the County of Elgin sit on the HRP committee.


eekly News

Compare & Save!Compare & Save!

Oats (quick and slow) 69¢ /lb

Flax seed (whole) 79¢ /lb

Chicken Soup Base

$1.59/lbSultanas (mid eastern) $1.99/lb

Peanuts (blanched) (salted and unsalted)

$2.29/lb

Chocolate Covered Raisins & Peanuts

$4.39/lbCashews (salted and unsalted) $7.99/lb

Holy Crap Cereal $10.99/bag

Sale runs: January 11th to 17th

While Supplies Last. We reserve the right to limit quantities

647 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-633-4421 www.scoopsandcakes.

Cake DeCORaTing ClaSSeS Basic – January 16th

Flowers and Cake Design – January 14thFondant and gumpaste – January 17th

advanced gumpaste Flowers – January 15th

BLEED

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY FOR NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION

Ministry of Transportation, Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) retained Dillon Consulting Limited to complete the Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the rehabilitation of four bridges on Highway 3 (St. Thomas Expressway) and the replacement of one culvert on Highway 4. By way of this notice, MTO intends to apply for a Noise By-Law Exemption Request from the City of St. Thomas and the Municipality of Central Elgin for construction noise including jack hammering, concrete cutting and general construction noise as outlined below. The applications are expected to be made to council on Monday, January 14, 2013 (Central Elgin) and Monday, January 21, 2013 (St. Thomas).

Application Information: Ministry of Transportation, Ontario 659 Exeter Road London, Ontario N6E 1L3

City of St. Thomas Noise By-Law, #67-2003 First Avenue Underpass at Highway 3

Under Section 6 (1) of the City of St. Thomas Noise By-Law, #67-2003, no person shall emit or cause or permit the emission of any sound from any item of construction equipment or worksite within 600 m of a residential area, between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. In order to minimize impacts to the traveling public, overnight work is planned for the First Avenue Underpass rehabilitation approximately five times during construction.

A request is being submitted to permit night time and weekend construction activities, between May 15, 2013 and November 15, 2013.

Anyone wishing to object to this application should provide concerns in writing or by e-mail by January 21, 2013 to:

City of St. ThomasAttention: Mr. Wade WoznukP.O. Box 520, City Hall, 545 Talbot StreetSt. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7e-mail: [email protected]

Municipality of Central Elgin Noise By-Law, #212 Kettle Creek Bridge at Highway 3

Under Table 3-1 of the Municipality of Central Elgin Noise By-Law, #212, the operation of any equipment in connection with construction is prohibited near open space zoning between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. In order to minimize impacts to the traveling public, overnight work is planned for the Kettle Creek Bridge rehabilitation approximately five times during construction.

A request is being submitted to permit night time and weekend construction activities, between May 15, 2013 and October 15, 2013.

Anyone wishing to object to this application for an exemption should provide their concerns in writing or by e-mail by January 14, 2013 to:

Municipality of Central ElginAttention: Mr. Shawn Parkins450 Sunset Drive,St. Thomas, ON N5R 5X7e-mail: [email protected]

Additional information regarding the project may be found at www.mega2.ca.

REGISTRATIONJanuary 18 - 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.January 19 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Timken Community Centre

(in the gym)For information visit

www.stthomasminorbaseball.com

In a world where technology rules, the ability to speak properly is in decline. This is something the Lions Club of St. Thomas is hoping to circumvent with the 2012-2013 Effective Speaking Contest. An important asset, effective speaking is a difficult skill that, when mastered, can increase your self-confidence, make you more comfortable around strangers and might give you the edge over other interviewees. The contest will also net the overall winner $1,000 or $500, depending on age.

The event will be broken into three categories for students in grades six through 12, and will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the St. Thomas Se-niors Centre on Chestnut Street. First round winners from St. Thomas will go to the district contest on April 13, 2013 and multiple district winners will go on to the May 4 Multiple District A round, where the grand prize is $1,000 for intermediates and seniors, and $500 for juniors.

Students can register for the event by calling the Lions at 519-207-1779.

Each entrant must prepare an original speech ranging from three to five minutes for juniors and five to seven minutes for intermediates and seniors, who will also have to give a two to three minute long impromptu speech on a subject that will be random-ly selected for them.

$1,000 up for grabs at speaking contest

New exhibition opensIf you find yourself easily distracted, then artist Ian

McLean’s opening might just be the thing to centre your concentration.

A recent recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Mid-Career Visual Artist Grant, Ian paints with oil. His series, Easily Distracted, explores the relationships between social and natural worlds.

The opening reception will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2013 rom 7-9pm at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Arts Centre on Talbot Street. Ian will be in attendance and the exhibition is set to run until March 23, 2013.

As well as painting, Ian teaches Art in Sarnia. He studied at the University of Guelph.

What do cats eat for breakfast? Mice Crispies!

Sock-cessful driveDr. Denise Colledge (back, left) and Anne

DeCock, of Health for Life, along with Cole and Lauren Evely show off some of the 1,178 pairs of socks that were donated

during the annual Sock Drive. These socks will be given to area schools in January.

This marks the most successful sock drive to date, with thanks going to the

community for their part in the donations.

A gushy reporter told Phil Mickelson, “You are spectacular, your name is synonymous with the

game of golf. You really know your way around the course. What’s your secret?”

Mickelson replied, “The holes are numbered.”

Janu

ary

10, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

4

If you’re thinking about starting a business, find out what free services are available to you at Elgin Business Resource Centre.

Our next Info Session takes place on Jan 22 at 9 am. Drop by 300 South Edgeware or call Kevin at:

The Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) program provides funds to qualified individuals while they start their own businesses! Talk to your Employment Services Elgin counsellor for a referral to the SEB program.

Newest SEB Business Start-ups for Elgin include:• Miranda Arbeau...Arbeau Paralegal• Kim Cooper...Cooper Paralegal• Caley McPhail...Cavegirl Custom Blasting

NEED A BUSINESS LOAN?Elgin Business Resource Centre provides loans up to $250,000 for businesses located in Elgin County and St Thomas.

Ask us how we can assist you to find loan financing for your business expansion or improvements. Loans available for purchasing an existing business or new business start-ups.

Call Glenn for information on our

loans programs:

The SEB program is an Employment Ontario Project, which is funded by the Ontario Government.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS!it’s time to

519-633-7597 ext 333

519-633-7597 ext 337

FREEBUY ONE,GET ONE

BUY ONE $1.89 VALUE MENU ITEM & GETANOTHER $1.89 VALUE MENU ITEM FREE.

On your next visit to Wendy’s receive a FREE $1.89 Value Menuitem when you purchase a $1.89 Value Menu item.Please present coupon before ordering. One coupon per person per visit. Not valid with any other discount or promotion. No cash value and no substitutions.

©2013 Wendy’s International, Inc.

Valid only at 1063 Talbot Street, St. Thomas until January 31, 2013.

EVERYDAYVALUE MENU

JBC

1063 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

CRISPY CHICKEN NUGGETS PIECES

SMALL FRIES WITH SEA SALT

SPICY CHICKENWRAP

CHEESYCHEDDARBURGER CHILI CHEESE

NACHOSJBCGRILLED CHICKEN

WRAP

PARFAIT OREO is a registered trademark of Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC.


SPICY CHICKENCAESER

APPLE PECANCHICKEN

BLT COBB

BAJA

1063 Talbot St, St. Thomas

TOTALLY REINVENTED

SALADSFOR YOUR NEW YEAR’S

RESOLUTION, TRY ONE OF OUR

On your next visit to Wendy’s receive $1.00 off any of our totally reinvented Entree Salads. Please present coupon before ordering. One coupon per person per visit. Not valid with any other discount or promotion. No cash value and no substitutions.


ANY ENTREE SALAD

Valid only at 1063 Talbot Street, St. Thomas until January 31, 2013.

$1.00 OFF

With a significant amount of illness in the community, and a large number of patients with respiratory illnesses being treated at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), the hospital is asking visitors to help reduce the risk of spread-

ing illness within the hospital by cleaning their hands, or staying home if they feel un-well.

At this time the Hospital is not in an outbreak situation, however they are stepping up precautions to help limit the

spread of illness.“It is essential we do every-

thing possible to prevent the spread of illness, and avoid an outbreak situation in our facil-ity,” says Karen Davies, STEGH Vice President. “And we are asking for our visitors to help us by being diligent in their hand hygiene and delaying their visit if they are unwell.”

To minimize the spread of infection, and for the safety of the patients, staff and other visitors in the Hospital, visitors are reminded to follow these steps:

· Delay your visit if you are feeling unwell

· Clean your hands as you enter and leave the patient’s bedside - each and every time.

· Put on a mask, gown and gloves if entering a room with isolation precautions posted

· If you become ill while here, put on a mask, end your visit, and go home and get better.

· If visiting a patient in iso-lation, please do not travel to other areas of the hospital.

· Use the liquid hand sani-tizer when entering and exit-ing the building. Careful hand hygiene is critical to manage the spread of infection.

Feeling sick? Please stay home

A neutron walks into a bar and orders a beer. The bar-tender sets the beer down

and says... “For you, no charge!”

Dave Gionet used a little creativity to help his daughters and friends climb a steep, slippery top of the slope at Waterworks Park. Here Hannah Howald, eight, takes advantage of the home made pulley. [photo by Brian Wilsdon]


eekly News

L. Brent SiftonThird Generation

118 Wellington Street, St. Thomas

519-631-1160

The Sifton Family Since 1926

Weekdays 9 am - 6 pm Sat. 9 am - 4 pm Sun.- ClosedFREE Local Delivery

20% Off Wednesdays for Seniors222 Colborne Street Port Stanley 519 782-3324

Highland Ad PDF_Layout 1 22/11/12 4:56 PM Page 1

Weekdays 9 am - 6 pm Sat. 9 am - 4 pm Sun.- ClosedFREE Local Delivery

20% Off Wednesdays for Seniors222 Colborne Street Port Stanley 519 782-3324

Highland Ad PDF_Layout 1 22/11/12 4:56 PM Page 1

222 Colborne Street, Port Stanley 519-782-3324Weekdays 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-4pm, Sun. Closed

For the person with dementia, a familiar environment can help them connect with the past and maintain a sense of who they are.

350 BURWELL RD., ST. THOMAS 519-631-1030

For an individual with Alzheimer’s disease, hospice care can fulfill end-of-life wishes, provide caregiver support and bereavement services for family members.

We are here to help.

750 Talbot Street, Unit 202, St.Thomas (CASO Station)Phone: 519-637-3034

or email: [email protected]

MARY GILLICK CFPExecutive Financial [email protected]/consult/mary.gillick

(519) 679-8993

My family has benefited from the services that the Alzheimer Society provides. Please support this fine organization - someone you know may need their help

™ Trademark is owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations

Dementia is a disease that will affect health care in Canada for

years to come. Get Involved!

545 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-631-1680

www. city.st-thomas.on.ca

Mayor Heather Jackson and City Council

The Next Best Place To Home

See me, not my disease

Imagine a close friend tells you she has dementia. Would you avoid her for fear of be-ing embarrassed by what she might say or do? If you an-swered yes, you’re not alone. According to a recent poll by Alzheimer’s Disease Interna-tional, 40 per cent of people with dementia reported they had been avoided or treated differently after diagnosis. It’s no surprise, then, that one in four respondents cited stig-ma as a reason to conceal their diagnosis.

That’s why, this January during Alzheimer Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society is launching a nation-wide campaign called “See me, not my disease. Let’s talk about dementia.” The goal is to address myths about the disease, shift attitudes and make it easier to talk about dementia. Canadians are also invited to test their at-titudes and perceptions in an online quiz at the Society’s website, www.alzheimer.ca.

Anne Harrison, 60, whose husband has Alzheimer’s disease, understands what is at stake. “If people knew more about dementia, they could be more supportive. People aren’t ashamed of cancer. So, why should we be ashamed of Alzheimer’s?”

Today, 747,000 Canadians have dementia. While de-mentia can affect people as young as 40 years of age, the risk doubles every five years after 65.

“Dementia really chal-lenges the values we hold as a society and what it means to be human,” says Mary Schulz, Director of Educa-tion at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “We need to stop avoiding this disease and re-think how we interact with

people with dementia. Only by understanding the dis-ease and talking more openly about it, can we face our own fears and support individuals and families living with de-mentia.”

Stereotypes and misin-formation are what prevent people with dementia from getting the help they need and stop others from taking the disease seriously. De-mentia is more than having the occasional ‘senior mo-ment’ or losing your keys. The truth is it’s a progressive degenerative brain disorder that affects each person dif-ferently. It’s fatal and there is no cure.

“A diagnosis of dementia doesn’t immediately render a

person incapable of work-ing or carrying on with their daily life,” says Mary. “Many people with this disease tell us they want to continue contributing to their com-munity and remain engaged for as long as possible.” In fact growing evidence shows that involving people with dementia in meaningful ac-tivities that speak to their strengths helps to slow the progression of the disease and will improve their well-being. “Inclusion benefits all of us,” Mary adds.

The number of Canadians with dementia is expected to double to 1.4 million in the next 20 years, and

To help change the con-versation, Canadians can do

their part if they• Learn the facts about de-

mentia. Help to dispel inac-curate information to change society’s attitudes and opin-ions towards people with the disease.

• Stop making jokes about Alzheimer’s which trivial-

ize the condition. We don’t tolerate racial jokes, yet dementia-related jokes are common.

• Maintain relationships with people with dementia at home, in the community or at work, especially as the disease progresses.

Walk for Memories this January

The Alzheimer Society of Elgin-St. Thomas’s Walk for Memories has an urgent message this year, that en-courages residents to “talk the talk while they walk the walk.”

The St. Thomas Walk is on Sat-urday, January 19, 2013 9:30am at Parkside Collegiate Institute at 241 Sunset Drive. Supporters can do-nate or register to walk and collect pledges at www.walkformemories.ca . The St. Thomas Walk is one of 58 walks being held around Ontario to fund programs and services for people living with Alzheimer’s dis-ease and other dementias.

Registration begins at 9:30am. Opening Announcements and warm-up at 10:00am. The walk begins at 10:30am. Closing cere-monies are at 11:30am. To join the walk, or for more information about the Walk for Memories, visit www.walkformemories.ca or call 519-633-4396.

Nearly 200,000 Ontarians over the age of 65 - one in 10 - are now liv-ing with this disease, an increase of 16 per cent over the past four years. By 2020, that number will increase to 250,000. In Elgin, 1, 290 people already live with the disease. The Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas helps people during the entire dis-ease process with a constant lifeline to support and information.

The goals of awareness month are backed up by a report released by Alzheimer’s disease International in September 2012. World Alzheim-er Report 2012: Overcoming the stigma of dementia showed that 50 per cent of people with the disease felt they had lost touch with friends and family after disclosing their diagnosis. Such stigma has other negative effects. It can make light of this serious medical condition and cause feeling of shame among people living with the disease.

“Misconceptions about demen-tia prevent people from getting the early treatment they need,” says society executive director, Shelley McCorkell. “Before we can accept and include people with demen-tia, we need to get past our fear. This January, as part of Alzheimer Awareness month, we are urging people to combat the stigma around dementia and talk about the disease and its impact.”

Janu

ary

10, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

6

Call Me, MaybeI hear that Justin Bieber

has been looking at Lon-don real estate in hopes of finding a good place to live in privacy and seclusion. Personally, I would wel-come him with open arms

after I told him I had a lovely grand daughter with a heart of gold. In his pursuit of fame and fortune, he has made all the right moves and has amassed a small fortune that might fit very well into London’s tax base. He needs the sanity of a smaller community with solid family values, and London fits the bill quite well.

Last month, a member of the paparazzi was fatally hit by a car while trying to shoot pictures of Justin’s white Ferrari. Wherever he goes, the paparazzi follows and I certainly hope that when he makes the move, I will not hit a paparazzo with my humble Chevy. I don’t mean to be critical, but this would not have happened if he had bought a simple black Fer-

rari. He might even, as I have, acquire a dark blue Cobalt, since I have not been pursued by paparazzi in my Chevy. I say this with an open heart and no intention to hurt sales by Chevy dealers. Still, even with my minor celebrity status, I am not being hit on by hot women. When it happens, I try to let them down gently and insist that I am in a very happy marriage. If he comes over to my place, I can give him advice on how to keep women at a safe dis-tance.

More important than any of this is the advice I would give him once his career as a child star cools off. I would say “Justin invest your mon-ey and try to get an education. I am sure that Western or Fanshawe would give you the start towards a meaningful job and a secure future. You should also get a good haircut, something short and military to give you a forceful ap-pearance. You generosity and good intentions are well-known. You are already well on your way and if you need to call my grand daughter, I can give you her number, so Call Her, Maybe.”

St.Thomas/Elgin

In late December, Chris-tians who feel regularly under attack received a Christmas gift of sorts. In Saskatoon, the City autho-

rized a Merry Christmas message on the front of buses. A gentleman (who appar-ently makes a name for himself for protests along this line) let city councillors know that he would be launching a human rights com-plaint. This hit the news, and those Christians who feel constantly threatened by these kinds of things had the satisfaction of meta-phorically going to the barricades one more time in defence of their right to wish people Merry Christmas.

Around the same time, I received a mes-sage in an email blast that tied in with this. Here’s my take on what the author of that email was suggesting. Don’t worry what hu-man rights bodies and the politically correct are arguing. If you can’t say “Merry Christ-mas” at work, say it in your home or in a store or on the street. Better yet, volunteer for Christmas Care or the Christmas Shoppe.

If someone won’t allow a manger scene on municipal property, put one on your front lawn, or that of your church.

Speaking of mangers, First United Church in St. Thomas again this year mounted an outdoor display of a hatless Santa worship-ping a baby in a manger. I wondered if this was a comment on commercialism at Christ-mas or part of the United Church reinventing itself. I called Rev. Roger Landell from First United.

He sees it as a playful version of the origi-nal Santa, Saint Nicholas, in obedience to Christ, and it recaptures the idea of giving to the poor.

The first time the display went up, a person from another church told Roger how disgust-ing the display was.

This year, when the Santa and manger dis-play were displayed, congregation members emerged from First United to find their wind-shields peppered with hell fire and brimstone literature. The letters in Santa rearrange nice-ly to Satan, don’t you know.

When your child is born, I’m sure you give a lot of thought as to what you’re going to name them. And so you should, as names play a

vital role in each child’s life. This is why I was astonished to learn that in a country such as Iceland, baby names must come from a pre-approved list.

Can’t find a name on the list? That doesn’t mean you can craft your own. It only means you’re in for a fight with the special naming panel that will determine whether or not your child can carry the name of your choice.

In Iceland, there are 1,712 male and 1,853 female names to choose from. Perhaps those short lists help each child avoid potential future embarrassment at the hands of their parents who might bestow upon them the name Pilot Inspektor (laugh if you want, but it is a real name).

It seems surreal that such an archaic prac-tice can still exist in this day and age. If your name doesn’t suit the government, on all of-ficial paperwork you will simply be referred to

as either “boy” or “girl.” Maybe the strict naming rules have to do

more with Iceland’s 32-letter alphabet than with any potential embarrassment. I suppose you can’t name a child anything you desire if your country doesn’t recognize certain con-sonants, after all.

In other (equally important) news . . . The much debated Bill 115, or the Put-

ting Students First Act, is something that has been featured quite a lot in the news lately. As some would say, it’s a hot-button issue. On one side, you have the beleaguered teachers, who are desperate for job security in an age where people just aren’t having as many children. On the other side there are some in the working world who think the teachers are making off much better than they deserve.

And poor Education Minister Laurel Broten, who bore the brunt of the outrage over this issue. Anyone in her shoes would have done the same thing. What other choice did she have, after she was left holding the bag? En-force the bill, then repeal it. Issue resolved? I highly doubt it.

Ric Wellwood

A Save!B.V. Dye stops the puck on a scoring attempt by Dale Willand on a makeshift rink on the edge of Dalewood Lake on Friday. [photo by Brian Wilsdon]

“I think that our teachers go to school, and they work hard. I think they should have their sick days.”

What Happened: Ontario Education Minister Laurel Broten

enforced Bill 115, the Putting Students First Act. This contract includes making strikes illegal, a two-year wage freeze, prevents banking of sick days and reduces sick days per year from 20 to 10. What do you think about the government imposing a contract on the teacher?

“I think that’s a good idea.” “It is beyond disturbing to me, when not only big business is taking advantage of workers’ rights; our government has be-come part of the attack as well.”

“Totally unfair. Teachers offer-ing to have their wages frozen wasn’t sufficient for the govern-ment, they want to make them scapegoats.”

Jayne Sutherland, St Thomas

Ashley Hanley, St. Thomas

Dawn Furey, Sparta

Ed Monteith, St. Thomas

St.Thomas/Elgin

A Community Newspaper, published by Metroland Media.15 St. Catharine St., (Lower) St. Thomas, N5P 2V7519-633-1640 Fax: 519-633-0558

Terry Carroll - General Manager: [email protected] ......... [Ext. 25]Nelson Parreira - Advtg. Manager: [email protected] ...... [Ext. 24]Melissa Schneider - Reporter: [email protected] ...... [Ext. 26]Linda Axelson - Sales: [email protected] ....... [Ext. 27]

Chris Heil - Sales: [email protected] ........ [Ext. 23]Circulation - Starmail: 519-451-1500Laura Bart - Office Administrator: [email protected] [Ext. 21]Jim McHarg - Creative Dept: [email protected]

Member of St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, St.Thomas Executives Association, Ontario Community Newspapers Association, Canadian Media Circulation Audit

CMCAAUDITED

Member:

The Weekly News welcomes letters to the editor. Senders must include their full name, and a contact phone number. Phone numbers will not be published. We reserve the right to edit letters for space and content. To submit a letter to the editor, please email to [email protected] fax to 519-633-0558 or mail to The Weekly News, 15 St. Catharine Street, St. Thomas ON, N5P 2V7.

Terry Carroll

Melissa Schneider

Christmas controversy

What’s in a name


eekly News

We invite you to discuss Funeral Preplanning at any time

with any one of our qualified Funeral Directors

45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519) 631-0850

Since 1892Owned &Managed byAllan D. Hughsonand Gary M. Hughson

45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519) 631-0850 Fax: (519) 633-6595


45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519) 631-0850 Fax: (519) 633-6595


45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519) 631-0850 Fax: (519) 633-6595Allan HughsonOwner/Funeral Director

Owen BoughnerLicensed Funeral

Director

Gary HughsonOwner/Funeral Director

Craig Harwood Licensed Funeral

Director

David Gifford Licensed Funeral

Director

Williams Funeral Home has proudly served

the families of St. Thomas & Area with care

and professionalism for over 116 years. From

the very beginning, the Hughson family

and the staff of Williams Funeral Home has

continued to meet the needs of the families

we have had the honor to serve. We unite

the time honored traditions that have served

our families over the years with the willing-

ness and ability to grow toward meeting the

needs of those we serve.

If you have any questions concerning preplanning or prepaying funeral arrangements, please take a moment to discuss them with any one of our licensed Funeral Directors.

PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR

Your Local Comfort Experts Since 1981

43993 Talbot Line (Hwy. 3) St. Thomas519-633-4256

www.coadheating.com

Here’s what we are offering:

Whether it’s plumbing, heating, air conditioning or indoor air quality related, we will accept submis-sions, look at the situation and

decide what we are going to do to help out. It could range from a plumbing repair or replace-

ment, ease of access retrofit in a bathroom, repair or replacement

of a heating system, air condition-ing system, duct repair/cleaning

or something to address an indoor air quality issue. It might even be

a combination of some of these or something completely different. Help out a neighbor or a friend whose house needs help. Or

submit your own name.Submit the name to

[email protected] or deliver in person or by mail to

our showroom.Recipient will be announced at the Random Acts of Kindness luncheon on February 6.

Hope to see you there.

Nominate yourself or someone

you know to receive up to $5000

worth of our services. Just in

time for “Random Acts of

Kindness Day” we will be helping

a local person update their house

to achieve a better quality of life

and comfort in their home.

Does Your House Need Help?

Or maybe you have a Friend who needs some help with their Plumbing, Heating or Air....

Don’t miss this special chance to help a friend or update your own house.

TUESDAY:1 Large

Deluxe Pizza

$11.95+tax

WEDNESDAY:2 Medium

Pizzas4 toppings

$22.95+tax

FAMILY SPECIAL: 1 Large Pizza &

1 Loaf ofGarlic Bread Plain

$16.95+tax

519-631-0845Open for lunch: Mon – Fri 11:30 - 1:30 Take-out & home delivery

with coupon only

$

PASTA DISHES• Spaghetti• Lasagna• Ravioli• Manicotti• Panzerotti

Welcome to 2013

This is the first time round for most of us. I’m an-ticipating a

number of new things in 2013 and a number of ‘been there, done that’ kind of stuff. The things that will be eventful will tend to be the new stuff.

But let’s think briefly about the ‘been there, done that’ kind of stuff. That is the mun-dane, repetitive, same face, same car, same house, same kids kind of stuff.

I remember hearing a speech about five years ago when the speaker said some-thing that jarred me. He said, “Most of us are called to te-dious mediocrity.” He was giv-ing a leadership development speech, and I recall thinking “Like really man? You couldn’t give us something a little more challenging and visionary than that?” However, as he kept on speaking, and as I thought the statement through , I decided he was right.

It’s true, frankly. Most of us have that calling. You buy a house and get a mortgage. You have the tedious medi-

ocrity of making the same payment, every month for 15 years! You drive to the same place of employment, using the same route, driving the same car--doing generally the same thing at work — over and over.

The challenge before us is to take the mediocrity and look beyond it, to a crossing line — a paid off house, a certifi-cate of graduation, a raise in salary, a job promotion. Don’t fall off the track just because of mediocrity in 2013. Most successes have their roots in mediocrity — and that, is something to think about.

SomethingtoThinkAbout by Pastor Cusick

Great day for snow boardingDecked out in his Angry Bird toque, 7 year-old Ashton Earhart heads up the slopes in Waterworks Park with his snow board.

[photo by Brian Wilsdon]

The bride was escorted down the aisle and when she reached the altar, the groom was standing there with his golf bag and clubs at his side. She said: “What are your golf clubs doing here?” He looked her right in the eye and said, “This isn’t going to take all day, is it?”

Janu

ary

10, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

8

Canada Southern Railway Station750 Talbot Street, Suite 211 St. Thomas, Ontario

t 519-633-8838 • f 519-633-9361

www.fergusondimeolaw.com

DON FERGUSON• Real Estate• Corporate Law• Commercial Law• Wills and Estates

SANDRA DIMEO• Motor Vehicle Accidents• Slip and Falls• Wrongful Dismissal• Contract Disputes

DAILY SPECIALSSunday – Roast Beef Dinner with Yorkshire Pud-ding, includes soup, your choice of potato and vegetable.Monday – Grilled porkchop dinner with creamy mushroom sauce. Comes with your choice of soup, tea or coffee and Pudding for Dessert.Tuesday – Beef of Chicken Pot Pie with Salad. Comes with your choice of soup, tea or coffee and Pudding for Dessert.

Wednesday – All You Can East Pasta. Your choice of Spaghetti, Fusilli or Penne noodles with Meat sauce, Marinara or Mushroom Sauce. Includes a Side Salad (Garden or Caesar) and a Slice of Garlic Toast.Thursday – Half Roasted Chicken Dinner. Comes with your choice of soup, tea or coffee and Pudding for Dessert.Friday – Fish & Chips. Comes with your choice of soup, tea or coffee and Pudding for Dessert.

Exit 195, Highway 74 & 401 Home of the Big Canada Flag 519-644-0200

The Chambers are calling on the federal government to play a more productive role in improving Ontario’s economic competitiveness.

A new report from the On-tario Chamber of Commerce and the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce makes the case that federal policies are a barrier to Ontario’s eco-nomic growth.

The report, A Federal Agenda for Ontario, shows that federal approaches to areas such as training, immigration, infra-structure, and economic de-velopment are hurting Ontario

and its businesses. The report also notes that Ontarians con-tribute $12.3 billion more into the federation than what they get back, and in many key ar-eas, federal government policy is not aligned with provincial priorities.

“The federal government has done much to help Ontario during the downturn, including supporting the HST and helping bailout the auto sector,” says Allan O’Dette, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “But Ontario’s economy is still recovering, and we need the federal govern-

ment to continue to seek ways to drive economic growth in the province.”

The report makes 14 recom-mendations on how to reform policies relating to immigra-tion, training, employment in-surance, manufacturing, infra-structure, Aboriginal education, local economic development, and the way that the federal government distributes wealth across the country.

“The issue is compounded with our local unemployment rate being higher than the na-tional and provincial average,” notes Bob Hammersley, Presi-

dent and CEO of the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Com-merce.

With the exception of re-forms to Aboriginal education, these recommendations do not require the federal government to spend more money.

“Ontario businesses are op-timistic that the province will emerge from this period of economic uncertainty stronger and more competitive than ever,” says Allan. “This is best achieved when we work col-lectively to create the right conditions.”

Employment Services Elgin

400 Talbot St., St. ThomasP: 519.631.5470

Mon-Thurs8:30am-6pm • Fri 8:30am-4pm

Aylmer Community Services25 Centre Street, Aylmer

P: 519.765.2082Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm

Tues 9am-6pm

West Elgin Support Services160 Main Street,

West LorneP: 519.768.0020

Mon-Fri 9am-5 pm

This Employment Ontario program is funded by the On-tario Government

www.jobselgin.ca

Provincial economy needs federal vision

Ontario businesses are optimistic

Draw WinnersHoliday Fantasy of Lights Chairman Ross Whalls (right) distributes $50 gift cards to draw winners, from left: George Webb (youth), the parents of Kiuria Speets (girls six-12) and Deb LaChance (adult). Absent are Owen Bell (boys six-12) and Logan Quipp (toddlers). The draw was held Saturday, December 22, 2012.

Law of bio-mechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.


eekly News

NOTHING COMPARES TO CUB CADET SINGLE-STAGE AND TWO-STAGE SNOW THROWERS. Cub Cadet snow throwers are packed with a range of innovations as deep as the heaviest snowfall. Like Zero-Turn Posi-Steer™ power steering that puts control right at your fingertips. The high-impact, clog-resistant polymer chute resists rust as it throws the heaviest snow and ice. Experience a Cub Cadet today to understand why it’s a better choice.

Visit cubcadet.ca to find your closest dealer and unbeatable factory financing.

cubcadet.ca

Tell Old Man Winter to bring it.



cubcadet.ca




cubcadet.ca


7655 Union Rd.Fingal, Ontario

N0L 1K0(519) 769-2101

www.advantage-equip.com

Visit cubcadet.ca to find your closest dealer and unbeatable factory

financing.

wishes to express our sincere appreciation to all individuals,

groups & organizations as well as professional, industrial & financial organizations who have helped to

make the 2012 Christmas Shoppe a success again this year.

Your generous gifts of time, money, goods and services enabled 285 families in Elgin County & St. Thomas to have a Merrier Christmas season. Together, with your help, we were able to make the holidays happier for 48% more families this

year than last.From our hearts and theirs, we extend our

warmest appreciation for helping to “SPREAD THE LOVE OF CHRISTMAS”

once again.We are already looking ahead to our 23rd

season. If you would like to volunteer, find out how you can help or would just like more

information, call 519-631-2652. From the bottom of our hearts,

THANK YOU for your continued support.D. Scott - Chairperson

Joe Preston MPElgin - Middlesex - London24 First Ave Unit 2, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4M5(519) 637-2255 www.joeprestonmp.ca

Here to assist you with your

Federal Government

Issues

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man

knows himself to be a fool.” William Shakespeare, As You Like It

“The last refuge of the insomniac is a sense of superiority to the

sleeping world.” Leonard Cohen

“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do

the day after tomorrow.” Mark Twain

Blood Donor ClinicCanadian Blood Services

will hold a Blood Donor Clinic on Thursday, January 10 from 2:30 to 7:30 pm at the East El-gin Community Complex.

Aylmer’s used Christmas trees

Rod Tapp, Aylmer’s Director of Operations, informs that the town will continue to provide a Drop-off Depot for residents to dispose of their Christmas Trees at the Parks and Recre-ation Parking Lot at 8 Parkview Heights.Trees may be dropped off between December 26 and January 11. Trees left at the curb will not be picked up.

Christmas Care deliveries

About 350 Christmas Care boxes – the same total as last year - were packed and delivered Friday, Decem-ber 21 for needy East Elgin families. About 75 volunteers helped complete the task in the gymnasium at Immanuel Christian School. Carolyn Buis, Christmas Care Co-ordinator, outlined the procedure: The boxes are wrapped the eve-ning before. The assembly line is set up in the morning along with the bagging of the apples, oranges, cookies, sweet pota-toes and packing of baby food. The line is supplemented by the arrival of the fresh produc-es, turkeys and hams and the donated goods that have been collected by schools, business and parades etc. Most boxes contain cereal, butter, cheese, canned milk, canned fruit and veggies, fresh lettuce, carrots, apples, oranges, canned meat, and a fresh turkey or ham de-pending on family size. Special treats of a package of cookies, candies and hot chocolate, jello and dessert topping are added. The donated goods usually consist of dry and canned pasta and sauces (lots of kraft dinner and mr. noodle),

dry and canned soups, tuna, canned fruit and veggies etc. The deliveries commence as soon as the boxes are packed which usually takes an hour.

ESS Aspire programThe EESS ASPIRE program

– providing instruction to stu-dents in non-traditional set-tings –has increased its num-bers significantly in its second year. EESS Vice Principal Abe Wall provided the following information on the program that is based at Summers Corners Public School. ASPIRE currently has approximately 230 full time students. It is an EESS program so they are EESS students. While the ‘hub’ is Summers Corners Public School, teachers meet with students at Summers Corners, EESS, libraries, coffee shops, work places or in their homes. Teachers also communicate with students in person and through digital media. Enrol-ment has increased as staff continues to deliver program-ming to students for whom, due to a variety of reasons, a more traditional day school model at main campus is not a viable option.

Odd accident downtown

In an unusual vehicle ac-cident downtown in Aylmer, a driver, who was not the owner, of a pickup truck hit the Royal Bank and fled the scene and the truck passenger, who was the owner, was charged with

assaulting Police when they arrived. Police are still looking for the driver involved in this incident on Friday, December 21 around 8pm. The truck had apparently been travel-ling west on Talbot Street and struck a car in the intersection of John and Talbot Street, then jumped the curb and hit the east wall of the bank, causing some minor damage. The driv-er fled – although Police know his identity. There were minor injuries to the female driver of the car. A 48 year old Aylmer man, who was the owner of the truck, and a passenger (who did not identify the driv-er) interfered with the investi-gation and were charged with assaulting police.

Old Aylmer Library turns 100

Now that Aylmer’s 125th celebration as a town last year is complete, the Aylmer Library is making plans to cel-ebrate the 100th anniversary of its first permanent build-ing – the old Carnegie Library at the corner of Centre and Sydenham Streets – this year. This edifice, built in the win-ter of l912-13 and opened on March 1, l913, housed the li-brary until l981 when it moved into its present quarters (the former Town Hall). It is now an insurance office.

Aylmerite starting for U. of Guelph

EESS grad Stefan Cornelis-

sen has started six of eight league games for the Univer-sity of Guelph Gryphons in his rookie season in OUA men’s basketball. His 52 points are fifth best on the 3-5 Gryphons.

AylmerPoliceNews

A 47-year old London man who was charged after he drove through a stop sign on December 12 at 8pm at Pine and John Streets (with a po-lice officer nearby) also had his van impounded for 45 days after it was discovered he was a disqualified driver.

AylmerCouncilNotes

At Council on December 17:A motion was passed to

freeze the approval of any new full time staff positions until further notice. In favour were: Mayor Couckuyt, Deputy May-or Richer, and Coun. Barbour, Oslach, and Wright.

The following motion was also passed: With respect to insurance requirements and following the recommendation of the Town’s Insurance Pro-vider, the Aylmer Community Theatre group and any similar user groups are required to obtain and carry additional li-ability insurance in a form sat-isfactory to the town.

AylmerandEastElginThisWeek

You’ve been online too long if...1. You have an identity crisis if someone is using a screen name close to your own. 2. You type messages to people while you are on the phone with them at the same time.

3. You smile sideways. 4. You chat with an annoying person in real life and wish you had your ignore button handy. 5. You bring a bag lunch and a cooler to the computer. 6. You have withdrawals if you are away from the computer for more than a few hours. 7. You take a speed-reading course to keep up with the scrolling. 8. You get up at 2 am to go to the bathroom but turn on the computer instead. 9. You stop typing whole words and use things like ppl, dunno and lemme. 10. You spend at least 30 minutes making sure you say goodbye to everyone online before you log off.

QuotableQuotes

Janu

ary

10, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

10

Has your life been affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, AL-ANON is for you! We will help. Call 519-434-2613 or 1-888-4al-ANON.

Troubled by someone else’s drinking? We will help! Alateen - Mondays at 6:30pm, St. Thomas Christian Church, 451 Wel-lington Street, St. Thomas. Phone 519-

434-2613.

Tuesday Euchre Club, St. John’s Church on Flora St. We play ev-ery Tuesday, 2-4pm. Playing cards at St. John’s is a whole lot of fun! Freewill of-fering. Please join us. 519-631-7368.

Family Open Gym – No Cost. Play sports in our gym with your family and friends. Tuesdays 6-7:30pm. Call YWCA 519-631-9800.

Golden Rescue Wish-bone Lottery, Dinner for two anywhere in the world, includes all expenses, VIA Rail to Quebec City for 2. Tickets $40 or 3/$100. Draw Jan. 10. 519-633-2419.

Thursday, January 10, Kickers 6pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, mid week group ages

5-13, games, mu-sic, craft. Everyone welcome, for more info 519-631-4558.

St. Thomas Stamp Club Meeting, Janu-ary 10, 7pm, Com-munity Of Christ Church,105 Fair-view Ave. Info Rick Badgley 519-637-8432. Everyone Welcome To Attend.

Jan. 11, Beef Supper, Odd Fellows & Re-bekahs Hall, 54 Moore St. Doors open 4pm, serving 5-7pm. Adult $10, child 6-12 $5, under 5 free. Tickets at door, eat in/take out. 519-631-3494.

St. Thomas Spikes Volleyball registra-tions for Friday night winter session be-ginning Jan. 11. Grades 1-3 from 6-7pm, grades 4-6 from 7-8pm. $50

for 8 weeks Den-nis 519-495-9179.

Grab & Go Roast Pork Dinner, Friday January 11, St Mark’s United Church, 38 Aldborough Ave. Pick-up 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Pay at door $12.

Grab & Go Roast Pork Dinner, St. Mark’s United Church, 38 Al-dborough Ave. Friday, January 11. Pick-up 4:30-6:30pm. Pay at door $12.

Sunday, January 13, 9am-1pm in the Lions Den, behind Dutton Dunwich Community Cen-tre, Dutton Lions full breakfast for only $6.

Ham & Turkey Bingo, Sunday, January 13.

Doors open 12:30pm. St. Thomas Legion, Br. 41. 24 John St. Everyone welcome.

VON Public Foot Care Clinics, Milton Towers Apartments, Janu-ary 14, 9am-12pm, 5 Milton St. Call 519-874-4901 for an appt.

VON Public Foot Care Clinics, Belmont United Church, Janu-ary 15 9am-12pm, College St. Call 519-644-9037 for an appt.

Tuesday, January 15, Creating into a Mys-tery/Prayer Shawl Group, 10:30am, St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. For info 519-631-4558. Every-one is Welcome.

Thursday, January 17, Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Every-one Welcome, for info 519-631-4558.

St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre, Chicken and Ribs dinner. Friday

January 18. Din-ner 5pm. Tickets $15 Advance. Sign up early this one always sells out.

Friday, January 18, Chili Cook-off, 5-6:30pm, movie to follow. St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Every-one Welcome, info 519-631-4558.

PD Day Program at the Union Com-munity Centre, Jan. 18, 9-4pm. $25 per child, lunch and snacks included, ex-tra before and after available. Call to reg-ister by Jan. 15. Vicki

at 519-631-3840.

PA Day Camp, Janu-ary 18, Elgin Court P.S. from 7:30am-5:30pm. Ages 4 to 12. Games, crafts, recreation, theme days. Call YWCA 519-631-9800.

Burn’s Dinner and Entertainment, Janu-ary 19, 6pm, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Port Stan-ley. Tickets and info 519-782-3971.

Field Naturalist Walk, Sunday, Jan 20, 1:30pm at Springwa-ter Conservation Area, main parking lot. Info 519-631-5279.

VON Hospice Vol-unteers needed! If you are interested in joining our team call 519-637-6408. Training will be held in St Thomas start-ing January 21.

2013 Walk for Memo-ries, Saturday, Janu-ary 21, 9:30-noon, Parkside Collegiate, inside. Contact the Alzheimer Society El-

St.Thomas/Elgin Advertise your community event here...FREE OF CHARGE!

Please email your non-profit event (25 words or less) to:

[email protected]

No web or email addesses or attach-ments please. Limit of one listing per organization per day, space permiting.

Community Bulletin Board

Knox Presbyterian ChurchHincks Street at Wellington Street

519-631-2414Minister: Rev. Mavis Currie

Organist and Choir Director: Dr. W. D. CarrollJanuary 13, 2013 - 10:30am

Sermon: Why not just sleep in? Part 1

Won’t you please join us! We’re celebrating 175 years!COME AND WORSHIP WITH US,

EVERYONE WELCOME

Wednesday Morning Eucharist 10am9:00am (BCP) Holy Communion

10:30am Holy Eucharist and Sunday School

Father Jawn Kolohon OfficiatingLiz Rae Minister of Music

519-631-7000

Trinity Anglican ChurchThe Church with the Purple Steeple

24 First Ave., St.Thomas 519-633-0040

Baked Goods Like No Other!Baked Goods Like No Other!Bakery Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-6pmSaturdays 9am-4pm, Sundays 10am-3pm

Fresh at Its Best!Fresh at Its Best!

Now offering voip business systemsrmbcommunications.com

• Voice / Voice Mail• Data Communications• CCTV Video Surveillance• Security• Sound/PA Systems• Business Phone Systems

“Our customers are not just satisfied...they’re impressed!”

P.0. Box 20155, St. Thomas (519) 633.0080 • [email protected]

Rob Blaxall: President

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

In the Cravings Plaza, 9 Princess Avenue, Unit 2St. Thomas 519-631-4622 1-800-836-0910

www.gamble-ins.com

Chris HoganCOMMERCIAL INSURANCE

160 Burwell Road, St.Thomas 519-631-5502

FREE • FREE • FREE • FREE

Use Vacuum

FREE for 5 minutes

after purchase of car wash

Natural Gas and DishwasherHookups

4th Generation BusinessSince 1962

7 Hydro Road, St. Thomas ONwww.mudgesappliances.com

519-633-0107

SERVICE TOALL MAKES

St.Thomas/Elgin

Make sure you don’t miss this valuable advertising opportunity!

Call us today at

519-633-1640

From Professionalsyou can Trust!Contact us today

for a free estimate:

637-3542(519)

[email protected]

Call us today!

226-234-6229www.elginrepair.com

PRE-SEASON SPECIAL!$76Only

Grease, oil change, new plug, tire presure, lube all cables,

check belt tension.

Is Your

Ready?Snowblower

Most models

7 First Avenue, St.Thomas519-633-7300

FURNITURE,CLOTHING,

SHOES, HARDWARES,APPLIANCES,

ETC.Donations gratefully

accepted

M-F 9-5, Sat. 9-3

THRIFTSTORES

• Siding, Soffit & Fascia• Seamless Eavestrough•Vinyl Windows & Doors 519.631.1012

Since 1963

kielstra.caFREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY

D & M MOVING & DELIVERIES

25 Years ExperienceComplete clean outs

including removal to auction---------

AYLMER FURNITURE & APLIANCES

Large Selection of New & Used Furniture

and AppliancesOpen Mon. – Sat. 8-6

429 John St. N. Aylmer519-773-3991

$15 OFF1 Hr. Massage

Treatment(Mention this ad when booking)

RMTs - Wendy Baker & Hayley HiggsReiki Master - Laura Dunn

519-207-251718 East St., St. Thomas

www.westendwellness.net

St. Andrew’s United Church

60 West Ave. Rev. Joan Golden

Worship Service 10:30am

Jesus’ Baptism

Everyone Welcome519-631-4558

Continued on next page


eekly News Computers

WILSDON COMPUTER SERVICES - Basic setup, operating system install/upgrade, internet setup/repair, Tune-Up, recommended safety suite, rescue disc, data transfer, data backup. In-Home service available. Call Sara or Ian Wilsdon 519-633-9638.

Homes for SaleBANK FORECLOSURE PROPER-TIES & DISTRESS SALE HOMES. Free listings sent to you BE-FORE they are on the public system. FreeStThomasInfo.com

Items for SaleSNOW TIRES, Set of 4 on rim, 20565R15. Almost new BF Goodrich Winter Slalom tires. From 97 Ford Taurus. $200. Call 519-317-9414.

PhotographyGET YOUR CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY PHOTOS IN TAKEN YOUR HOME. Now also booking Weddings for 2013. Call Tim Harvey at White Pine Photography, 519-775-2591, or [email protected]

Services OfferedALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – Drinking is your business. Helping you to stop is ours. Call 519-633-0430 or Write P.O. Box 220001, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4P5.

TravelTRAIN TOURS - BRANSON – By Train. Spring in the Ozarks, April 20 – 26, 2013. Oakridge Boys, Mickey Gilley, The Pres-leys, The Acrobats of China, The Heygood Family. Most Meals Included. For more information and itinerary, call Carol Richard-son 519-268-8007 Dorchester.

AUSTIN, ALFRED “ALF” EDWARD of St. Thomas, passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in his 74th year. A public memorial service was held December 29, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

BELL, ROBERT EARL of Aylmer, passed away Wednes-day, January 2, 2013 in his 87th year. A funeral service was held January 5, 2013. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

BENNETT, DONALD LEROY of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2013 in his 90th year. A pri-vate family service. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

BOEHM, META JEAN of Aylmer, passed away Thursday, De-cember 27, 2012 in her 77th year. A funeral service was held December 29, 2102. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

CAMPBELL, EARL “JIGGS” of Aylmer, passed away Fri-day, December 21, 2012 in his 91st year. A funeral service was held December 24, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

CLUNAS, LENARD ROSS of Aylmer, passed away Tues-day, January 1, 2013 in his 64th year. A funeral service was held January 4, 2013. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

COLLARD, MRS. LOUISE (nee SILCOX) formerly of Frome, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2012 in her 85th year. A service of remembrance to celebrate her life will be held in May of 2013 (Place, date and time to be announced later). Sifton Funeral Home.

DeMOOR, ASHLEY LAURA ANN of Aylmer, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 in her 28th year. A funeral ser-vice was held January 5, 2013. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

DOAN, KATHLEEN (MISHIK) of Valleyview Home, St. Thomas, passed away Friday, December 21, 2012 in her 86th year. A private memorial service was held. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

DODSON, RICK GLEN of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2013 in his 59th year. A public memo-rial service will be announced later. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

DYCK, MARIA of Port Dover, passed away on Saturday, De-cember 22, 2012 in her 93rd year. A funeral service was held December 27, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

GIESBRECHT, JACOB P. of Chateau Gardens, Aylmer, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012 in his 86th year. A funeral ser-vice was held December 28, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

GRECH-WILKINS, Newborn Baby Noah, son of Kristy Grech and Jeff Wilkins of St. Thomas, passed away Tues-day, December 25, 2012. A private family service was held December 28, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

HART, JAMES ARCHIBALD of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2013 in his 79th year. A funeral ser-vice was held January 9, 2013. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

HEWITT, HELEN MAY (HOWELL) of St. Thomas, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2013 in her 87th year. A funeral ser-vice was held January 5, 2013. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

HUTCHINSON, LOTTIE MAY (ZAVITZ) of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2012 in her 91st year. A pri-vate family service will be held. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

JENSEN, ROBERT of St. Thomas, passed away on Friday, De-cember 28, 2012 at the age of 34. A funeral service was held January 2, 2013. Shawn Jackson Funeral Home.

KHA-SOKKHENG of St. Thomas, passed away Wednes-day, December 26, 2012 at the age of 86. A funeral service was held December 30, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

KELLY, DONALD CHARLES of Talbotville, passed away on Sunday De-cember 23, 2012 in his 62nd year. A memorial service was held De-cember 29, 2012. Rodney Chapel of Denning Funeral Directors Ltd.

KNOTT, JEAN (nee COATES) of Caressant Care on Bonnie Place, St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2012 in her 85th year. A funeral service was held December 27, 2012. Sifton Funeral Home.

KNOWLES, MRS. ELAINE R. (nee CLATWORTHY) of St. Thomas, passed away on Monday, December 24, 2012 in her 88th year. A private family funeral service was held December 29, 2012. Sifton Funeral Home.

LUNN, JAMES W. “JIM” of Shedden, passed away Fri-day, December 28, 2012 in his 83rd year. A funeral service was held December 31, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

MAILES, MRS. VERNA (nee PICH) of St. Thomas, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2013 in her 90th year. Cremation. No public visitation or public funeral service. Sifton Funeral Home.

MARONTATE, ROBERT JAMES of St. Thomas, passed away Friday, December 28, 2012 in his 66th year. A funeral ser-vice was held January 3, 2013. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

McAULEY, LINDA IRENE of St. Thomas, passed away Monday, De-cember 31, 2012 in her 67th year. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

McINTYRE, RETA MAE (nee KITSON) passed away Thursday, January 3, 2013 at the age of 84. A private family service was held Monday, January 7, 2013. Shawn Jackson Funeral Home.

NEUFELD, JACOB F. of Aylmer, passed away Wednes-day, December 26, 2012 in his 74th year. A funeral service was held December 30, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

POWERS, JAMES “JIM” R. of RR #5, St. Thomas, passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in his 75th year. A funeral ser-vice was held December 22, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

PREVOST, WILLIAM JOSEPH of RR #3, West Lorne, passed away Mon-day, December 31, 2012 in his 92nd year. A funeral service was held January 3, 2013. Rodney Chapel of Denning Funeral Directors Ltd.

ROBBINS, NANCY M. (ABEL) of St. Thomas, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012 in her 69th year. A funeral ser-vice was held December 31, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

SHERIDAN, SUSAN JENNIFER of St. Thomas, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at the age of 47. A public memorial service was held December 24, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

TITCHNER, CAROL ANITA of St. Thomas, passed away Tuesday, Janu-ary 1, 2013 in her 76th year. No Visitation. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

TOWERS, MARSHALL HAMILTON of Calgary, formerly of St. Thomas, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2012 in his 79th year. A private family memorial service was held De-cember 21, 2012. A full celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2013. Shawn Jackson Funeral Home.

VEROUGSTRAETE, FIRMIN of Putnam, passed away on Sun-day, December 23, 2012 in his 84th year. A funeral mass was held December 27, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

VO, MINH HIEN of St. Thomas, passed away Wednes-day, January 2, 2013 at the age of 60. A service was held January 7, 2013. Shawn Jackson Funeral Home.

WEST, WILLIAM JAMES “BILL” of St. Thomas, passed away Friday, December 28, 2012 at the age of 81. A pri-vate ceremony was held. Shawn Jackson Funeral Home.

WYONCH, LYNDA MAY of St. Thomas, passed away Friday, December 21, 2012 at the age of 63. Private service. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

SIFTONFUNERALH O M E

Sifton Family Owned Since 1926We offer a full range of funeral planning options

519-631-1160118 Wellington Street, St. Thomas

St.Thomas/Elgin

Classified Word Ads: $8For 25 Words (35¢/word after 25 words)

15 St. Catharine Street, Lower, St. ThomasNext Deadline: Monday by Noon

email: [email protected]: 519-640-2600 Fax: 519-649-2608

Prepayment Required

Reach over 30,000

addresses with your word ad!

Call 519-633-1640

Today!

gin-St. Thomas for pledge sheets, 519-633-4396.

Drum Circle, St. John’s Church on Flora St. Tues-day, January 22, 7pm. All ages welcome. Fam-ily friendly. Instruments available. Absolutely no experience neces-

sary. 519-631-7368.

Wednesday, Janu-ary 23, Bible Ques-tions, 10:30am, St. An-drew’s United Church, everyone is welcome. For info 519-631-4558.

Thursday, January 24,

Kickers, 6pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, mid week group ages 5-13, games, music, craft. Everyone welcome, for more info 519-631-4558.

St. Thomas Stamp Club Meeting, January 24, 7pm. Community Of Christ Church, 105 Fairview Ave. Info: Rick Badgley

519-637-8432. Every-one Welcome To Attend.

Roast Beef Supper, St. John’s Church on Flora St. Friday, January 25, from 5-7pm. Be sure to leave room for dessert! Cost $12 Info 519-631-7368.

SMART for Girls, girls ages 8-12. No Cost.

Yoga, Dance, Creative Expressions, Fitness. Jan 29 to Mar 19. Call YWCA 519-631-9800.

Thursday, January 31, Euchre Games & Des-sert, 2pm, St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Everyone Welcome, for info 519-631-4558.

Community Bulletin BoardContinued from page 10

Continued on next page

St.Thomas/Elgin

flexible flyer delivery with fabulous

reachCall 519-633-1640

Today for full details on delivery options and areas

OVER 30,000 ADDRESSES

Janu

ary

10, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

12

Mon-Fri 9:30am-9pm • Sat 9:30am-6pm • Sun 12pm-5pm • elginmall.com

ALZHEIMER SOCIETYAre you caring for someone with De-

mentia? Join us the 4th Wednesday of every month from 1:30-3:00pm in the

Community Room. The first part of the session features a guest speaker or topic. The second part offers an op-

portunity to discuss the caregiver role with others who understand. For more information please call 519-633-4396 or

visitwww.alzheimerelgin.ca

ONTARIO EARLY YEARSParticipate in a FREE playgroup every Thursday from 9:30-11:30am. Parents/caregivers and children from birth to

six years of age are welcome.

CREATIVE WRITING GROUPEver wanted to write something but

never found the time? WriteAdvantage Creative

Writer’s Workshop meets the first Monday of every month at the Elgin Mall Community room 7-9PM. IT’S

FREE!!! For further info please contact Dave Ferguson 519.765.1486

STORE dIRECTORYBentley ...................................................... 637-8021Charm Diamond Centre .......................... 637-8020Dairy Queen / Orange Julius .................637-2542Elgin Mall Dental Office ..........................637-1811Elgin Travel & Cruises .............................633-6300Experts Tailoring & Alterations ..............852-1035Flair Jeans & Alterations ........................633-4794GNC ............................................................637-0023Galaxy Cinemas ........................................631-2261GoodLife Fitness .................. 633-8475 & 631-1501Groovie Smoothie.....................................207-5500Hairmasters...............................................633-2440

Hallmark.....................................................633-7675K&K Locksmith .........................................631-4110Knockout Fashions...................................633-0530LifeLabs...........................................1-877-849-3637Magic Nails ...............................................631-3413Mags, Smokes & More ...........................633-9773Metro..........................................................633-8780Northern Reflections ...............................633-4853OMAC Mortgage ......................................637-1850Payless Shoe Source ..............................637-7796Pharmasave ..............................................631-5551Rayna .........................................................633-4944Rogers Wireless .......................................637-0384

Smithbooks................................................633-4717Speaking Phones ............................. 519-637-2275Sport Mart .................................................631-4006St Thomas Town & Country Realty ........207-3000Stitches ......................................................631-4600Subway ......................................................631-0331Suzy Shier..................................................633-1336TD Canada Trust .......................................633-4640Tan Jay .......................................................633-5524The Perk.....................................................631-3242Wok Express .............................................637-6426Zellers ........................................................633-4645

Visit elginmall.com

for more exciting offers!

SPORT MARTClose-Down Sale

entire store 30% off

STITCHESHoliday Clearance Saleup to 80% off on select

items, see in store for details

CHARM dIAMONd CENTRE

All In-Stock Roots watches 50% off, all

other watches (except Guess) 25% off, Christmas pins 40% off, Sterling Created Blue & White Sapphire Rings

was $99.99 now $39.99 - limited quantities, Jewellery boxes

50% off

Clearance Sales

on nowthroughout

the Mall*selected retailers only

Documents

January 10 Issue, 2013