November 29, 2012 Issue

1- N

ovember 2

9, 2

01

2 - S

t. Thom

as - Elg

in W

eekly New

s

Pre-Approvals, Refinances, Renewals, Commercial,

Purchases, 1st, 2nd, Private

Canadian Mortgage Expert Centres

Jeff KohlerMortgage Agent

FSCO# 10513

Call: 519-631-6401 www.centum.ca/jeff_kohler

2.69%3 Year Fixed Rate

New 2 You Auto is Now Accepting Christmas Donations of Bathroom items

for Families in Need.Toothbrushes & Toothpaste, Hair Brushes and Combs.

Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant and so much more!

Drop your items off today! Items will be distributed to Charities

175 South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas519-631-6420

175 South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas519-631-6420

All vehicles fullyreconditioned and certified

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

www.new2youauto.caPREFERRED BANK RATE FINANCING (OAC) • ALL MAKES & MODELS! • NO COMMISSIONED SALESPEOPLE! PREFERRED BANK RATE FINANCING (OAC) • ALL MAKES & MODELS! • NO COMMISSIONED SALESPEOPLE!

St.Thomas/Elgin

St. Thomas’ Christmas Care operations are gearing up for the upcoming holiday season. With more than 3,000 residents served by the organization in St. Thomas, Elgin and Oneida, the goal of the group is to make sure each family receives enough food to put a Christmas meal on the table and a toy under the tree for each child in the household.

Residents in Port Stanley and Aylmer have their own Christmas Care programs and the Daffodil Society serves West Elgin.

Adreana Collins, one of two Christmas Care coordinators and long time volunteer, says the organization, run by volunteers, helps people in low income, temporar-ily unemployed and needy families in the area. “Volunteers run Christmas Care. We have a core set of 20 volunteers every day and another 15 on a weekly basis. That combined with the Optimist and Kiwanis club members, there are so many peo-

ple involved it’s unbelievable. This place couldn’t run without volunteers.” Al Mintz coordinates the food line and all of the de-liveries and pick-ups.

Program registration started November 12 and ends December 14. Anyone looking to register can visit Christmas Care at 35 Silver Street in St. Thomas. Doors are open Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm. Ap-plicants are required to bring identification in the form of a health card, birth certificate, driver’s license and proof of their current address.

Everything donated goes back into the community. Unused food will go to the Car-ing Cupboard and excess toys are stored for the following year. Students ages 12-18 that are still living at home will receive a gift

card through the program. The group is always looking for more do-

nations of food, money and toys for 10-11 year-old boys and girls because, Adreana says, that age group tends to get missed as they’re difficult to buy for. She also asks that people be careful and keep an eye on expiry dates on food as any food they re-ceive that’s expired cannot be handed out. The money is used to purchase hams and turkeys to complete the Christmas dinners. A good amount of donations have already come in from this year’s St. Thomas Santa Claus parade and a variety of churches and service clubs.

The program has been running in this area since the 1980s.

Christmas Care opens

Volunteers at Christmas Care, from left, Trish Bond, Susan O’Brien, Liz Casey, Lois Hamilton, Barb Baxter, Janet Wilcox and Sue Mills unpack a shipment of toys delivered from St. Anne’s Church.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), the largest general farm organization in Ontario, has once again vot-ed Mark Wales as president. Mark, an Aylmer-area vege-table producer and long-time board member, was elected by more than 250 voting OFA delegates who gathered at the OFA’s 77th annual meet-ing and convention in Toronto from November 19-20, 2012.

“It feels good to get re-elected. We’re very busy. We had our first board meeting on Tuesday afternoon and now we’re right back to busi-ness. There’s lots of work to do on behalf of Ontario farm-ers and it’s reassuring that people are satisfied,” says Mark.

OFA’s board of directors is made up of 18 positions representing regions across Ontario. Each position is held for a three-year term with annual executive elections.

OFA’s two vice presidents, grain farmer Don McCabe and dairy farmer Debra Pret-ty-Straathof were also re-elected. Keith Currie, a hay and sweet corn farmer, was elected by the board as the

fourth executive member. New to the board this

year are Bruce Buttar, Re-jean Pommainville and Brent Royce. Louis Roesch was also elected to a one-year term to fill a vacant director-at-large position.

“We had some excellent discussion about issues clos-est to the hearts and minds of OFA’s grassroots members across the province, and the board is eager to begin work-ing through the ideas that were presented over the two-day convention,” Mark says. “The next several months are critical to the OFA’s lobby ef-forts as we develop an elec-tion plan for spring. Commu-nication with our grassroots members will be key.”

The OFA represents 37,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farm-er-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government rela-tions, farm policy recom-mendations, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more.

Wales re-elected as OFA president

Mark Wales, newly re-elected OFA president.

Volume 8 No. 30 519-633-1640 • www.theweeklynews.ca November 29, 2012

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

2

Happiness is Yelling Bingo!Happiness is Yelling Bingo!

Customer Appreciation DayThursday Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. – Noon

Pancakes/Sausage Breakfast served 10:30 –

noon with the purchase of your books for the 12:30

p.m. sessions. Lots of Prizes, Draws at All Sessions

Boxing Day – Dec. 26 – Special Double Down

– at all sessions we will draw 5 names. You

will win a Double Down Voucher for the

2013 Year!!!

New Years Eve – Free Buffet with the

Purchase of your Books for the

10:30 pm Sessions.

All SessionsMon. Dec. 3, 10, 17, 31

Tues. Dec. 4, 11, 18, Thurs. Dec. 27

Dec. 3 at 12:30 pm, Dec. 5 at 7 pm, Dec. 11 at 4 pm, Dec. 14 at 10:30 pm,

Dec. 17 at 4 pm, Dec. 19 at 12:30 pm,

Dec. 21 at 7 pm, Dec. 27 at 10:30 pm.

DOUBLE THE WINDec. 1 at 4pm, Dec. 8 at 12:30 pm,

Dec. 15 at 7 pm, Dec. 22 at 12:30 pm, Dec. 29 at 10:30 pm.

All Day Dec. 2, 6, 9, 16, 20, 23, 30

Does not include Value Packs

4 Strip for1/2 PRICE!

Join us for our Super Saver events happening every Saturday this month with 5 strips for only $30.

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

ST.THOMAS BINGO COUNTRY 140 Edward St., St. Thomas ON N5P 1Z3 | Phone (519) 633-1984 | www.bingo-country.ca

Sunday, December 2nd

2012 at 3:00 pm

Emcee: Mr. Steve Peters

Speaker: Rev. Diane

Macpherson

The Old St.Thomas Church

55 Walnut Street, St. Thomas

Christmas Carol Sing

Dress Warmly

Freewill Offering to the Salvation Army

Aylmer, Sparta featured in new TV series

Chris Cooper knows to the average person ar-chitecture can be boring, that’s why he’s tack-ling the subject in a fun and enlightening way in his new original Canadian TV show Heritage Places.

Thirteen episodes of Heritage Places will be

produced, each featuring a different Canadian town. Aylmer and Sparta will both get an epi-sode, as well as Greater Napanee, Woolwich, Brampton and a few towns in Nova Scotia. St. Thomas is on his radar, Chris says, and there are still two spaces available in the series. Towns were not only chosen for history, but mainly for unique architecture, something Chris has been passionate about for more than 30 years. He has a degree in architectural history. “The show is designed to get Canadians involved in beau-tiful architecture. We’re hoping that these sites we’ve featured will get visited by more Canadi-ans, that they look at the beautiful architecture

and help preserve these sites for years to come.”

Heritage Places will debut on January 14, 2013, on ibroadcast Public Internet Television (IBITV) with new episodes launching every Mon-day at 6pm. “We don’t do Heritage Places lightly. We spent a massive amount of money to develop the show, test audiences and run a pilot. We ran three pilots last year and got 500,000 viewers for each show.”

The cost to produce each episode is of Heritage Place is $75,000. Each episode will be available for one week for free online at www.ibitv.org. After that the shows will go into syndication. Other shows Chris pro-duces through his company Edifice Media include Old Home TV and Re-discovering Canada.

Chris fell into TV by what he calls dumb luck. His father was a famous

producer/director, but it was his English ac-tor friend Tony Robinson who asked if he’d be willing to work on a show. That’s how Cooper’s London was born. More than 100 episodes were developed. “It became wildly popular because it was fun and goofy. After that finished I decided to come back to Canada to save Canada.”

Through his monthly magazine publication Edifice Old Home Maga-zine, which has been going for 10 years, Chris realized the natural pro-gression was to turn his magazine into a TV show.

Through IBITV, he was the first network in North America to produce original programming,

specifically for a broadband audience. “We beat Michael Eisner, former Disney CEO. He created Vuguru and they’re still spinning their wheels, yet here we are, this company out of Brantford and we’re the first to do this out of Canada.”

Becky Waite, Marketing Coordinator and Eco-nomic Development Assistant for Aylmer, was the person responsible for pointing Chris’ lens at the small town. She got in touch with Chris and let him know what the town had to offer. “I think that this series is put together very intelligently. The videography and sound are professionally done and it makes Aylmer look like a big deal, which it is. It’s going to do great things for this area, not just for Aylmer.”

Currently Chris has four shows in develop-ment, including a children’s show.

Muscat Jewellers721 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

631-3692Mon.-Fri 9-5:30, Sat. 9-4

[email protected] w

ww

.thew

eekl

ynew

s.ca

Chris Cooper

3- N

ovember 2

9, 2

01

2 - S

t. Thom

as - Elg

in W

eekly New

s

Did you know?

Employment

Services Elgin400 Talbot St., St. Thomas

P: 519.631.5470

Mon-Thurs8:30am-6pm • Fri 8:30am-4pm

Aylmer Community Services25 Centre Street, Aylmer

P: 519.765.2082

Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm

Tues 9am-6pm

West Elgin Support Services160 Main Street,

West Lorne

P: 519.768.0020

Mon-Fri 9am-5 pm

This Employment Ontario program is

funded by the Ontario Government

www.jobselgin.ca

13+

16,699 Clients

walked through our doors in 2011/12

Client SatisfactionEmployment Counsellors to help you in your job search.

99%

All of our services are FREEOur facilitators provide interesting workshops to learn the skills you need to find the job you want.

Targeted Initiative for the Older Worker (TIOW), Second Career and Job Creation Partnership are some of the

funded programs offered.

Stop into Employment Services Elgin today! Put Us To Work For You!

295 Wellington St., St. ThomasCorner of First Ave. & Wellington

519-631-8346

Geerlinks

SOFAS! LOVESEATS! CHAIRS!SAVE NOW!

UP TO50%

OFF Reg. price

2 only Paino Sofa & Loveseats Reg. $1,958.00 NOW $9991 only R&T Sofa & Loveseat Reg. $1,749.00 NOW $8991 only Ashley Sofa & Loveseat Reg. $1,299.00 NOW $9991 only Brentwood Sofa & Loveseat Reg. $2,098.00 NOW $1399

1 only Campio Leather Sofa & Loveseat Reg. $2,898.00 NOW $15991 only Campio Leather Sofa & Chair Reg. $1,958.00 NOW $12991 only Campio Leather Sofa Reg. $2,439.00 NOW $11991 only Paino Sofa & Loveseat Reg. $2,048.00 NOW $1199

5 only Lane Recliners Reg. $499.00 NOW $2496 only Leather Recliners Reg. $869.00 NOW $5696 only Swivel Rockers Reg. $599.00 NOW $3995 only Best Recliners Reg. $699.00 NOW $399

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!

GREAT DEALS

ON FLOOR MODELS

Home Owners helping homeowners www.homehardware.ca

Open: Mon-Fri.9-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5

Joe Preston MPElgin - Middlesex - London

24 First Ave Unit 2, St. Thomas,

ON N5R 4M5

(519) 637-2255 www.joeprestonmp.ca

Here to assist you with your

Federal Government

Issues

Yes We CanDeadline for photo submission approaches

Friday is the deadline for submitting your pictures for the “Yes We Can” Christmas food drive.

This food drive is open to every business, service club, school and not-for-profit orga-nizations in St. Thomas, Dutton/Dunwich, Southwold, Central Elgin, Malahide and Aylmer. Each local business that wants to participate is encouraged to collect as much canned food as possible and use those cans to build something. When you’re done build-

ing submit your untouched jpeg photograph to [email protected]. All the cans you collect can then be taken to your closest food bank and donated in time for Christ-

mas. Prizes will be awarded for first, second

and third place and winning entries as well as all other entries received will be pub-lished in the Thursday, December 6, 2012 edition of our paper. The three winners will also be featured on our Facebook page.

Each organization has until Friday, No-vember 30, 2012 at 5pm to collect cans, build a sculpture and submit a photo.

Tony Milles, AMP

Mortgage Broker

direct 519-207-8669

fax 519-488-4734

[email protected]

http://tonymilles.com

Sneak peekJeannie Sisco, board member for Pets/Friends for Life gives a sneak preview of the design that will be part of the group’s display during this year’s Holiday Fantasy of Lights in Pinafore Park. The festival kicks off Saturday, December 1, 2012. Nina Mitreska, the artist who painted the display, has also painted murals for Storybook Gardens in London.

Weekly News gets bigger

You may have noticed the paper you’re hold-ing in your hands is larger than your usual copy of The St. Thomas/Elgin Weekly News. This has to do with our move to the Metroland Family. Like our sister publication, The London Community News, we will now be a regular tabloid size paper. This means that the paper will have more space for photos and edito-rial. It also means we will need your patience as we grow and work out the kinks. This No-vember 29, 2012 paper is the first edition with our new size. Enjoy the extra reading material that comes with a larger paper. Look for more changes in the New Year as we work on mak-ing our paper the best source for all of your local news.

Brown’s law of

physical appearance -

If the clothes fit,

they’re ugly.

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

4

��

��

�

�

Fender Guitars and Amps

$119$119From aslow as

New with Warranty

Maestro Music323 Talbot St.

519-631-1530The Complete Music Store

Get in Tune ChristmasChristmasfor

Supporting charitable projects

Win $500 in FREE Groceries

at the grocery store of your choice!

Find the

Visit www.ywcapathways.com to complete a survey by

December 15th 2012 for your chance to win.

We want to hear from you! What do you need to support a stable standard of living? How can we work together to support economic security and prosperity?

Have your voice heard! Contact the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin at 519-631-9800 for more information or to join the effort.

16 Mary St. St. Thomas ON N5P 2S3

Volunteer Linda Martin and Brian Burley, Caring Cup-board manager, show some of the gift cards received, from Terry Campbell, Chair of the Forever Legacy Foundation.

The second year donating to the Caring Cupboard Food Bank in St. Thomas, the Forever Legacy Foun-dation has provided $17,750 to be used by people in need. The money comes to the agency by way of gift cards that manager Brian Burley will be handing out throughout the year to patrons who use the food bank. The Loblaws group gift cards will be used to purchase food and clothing.

The Forever Legacy Foundation has given out more than $225,000 in 2012 to help various agencies in St. Thomas, El-gin and London. The group is comprised solely of volunteers, so that all money collected goes straight to the organiza-tions the group supports.

Brian says the Caring Cupboard is particularly pleased to be chosen for the grant. “It’s an endorse-ment of our efforts to assist the needy in Elgin/St. Thomas.”

The Forever Legacy Foundation gives 99 per cent of what it receives to charitable projects in local com-munities. Other grants include: Salvation Army for London, St. Thomas/Elgin, Port Stanley Gardeners, Port Stanley food bank, Violence Against Women Ser-vices Elgin County, and the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 410 Port Stanley.

Share the futureLibro Financial Group wants to hear

your inspiring story. Southwestern Ontario’s full-service credit union aims to support economic success across southwestern Ontario and in-spire community building by collabo-rating with residents who are asked to share their success stories. This will foster inspiration and encourage opportunities.

Libro is sharing inspiring stories of local businesses and organizations throughout the year at libro.ca/share.

“Since 2008 we’ve heard a great deal about what our region is lack-ing, as well as the hardships many are facing, so we need to focus on what’s great in our communities and celebrate success,” says Stephen Bolton, President and CEO, Libro Fi-nancial Group. “By sharing prosperity, we inspire growth and foster a future where our youth can find opportuni-ties right here.”

Share the Future also aims to help build stronger communities through Libro’s Get $50 to Give program. Whenever a new account is opened, Libro donates $50 to a youth-related charity or cause of the customer-owner’s choice.

“I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.”

Abraham Lincoln

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;

and I’m not sure about the universe.”

Albert Einstein

“I cannot live without books.” Thomas Jefferson

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

Mark Twain

Quotable Quotes

5- N

ovember 2

9, 2

01

2 - S

t. Thom

as - Elg

in W

eekly New

s

Jack Ferriman, St.Thomas

Protecting your Family’s Health ...

Our Community ... Our Hospital www.steghfoundation.caRedevelopment Project Updates: www.stegh.on.ca

“As I reflect on the work performed by staff, volunteers, nurses and doctors, how fortunate we are to have such dedicatedpeople. My family has had many hospital visits over the years and staff have been friendly, compassionate and verycompetent. Keep up the good work!

I believe in the Hospital’s redevelopment plan and what it will accomplish. I believe this is an insurance program that willguarantee us the very best care over time.

Please join me in making a committment to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital for the health of our families and ourcommunity, now and for the future.”

MULTIPLE AWARD-WINNING

24/7/365SERVICE

With Shaw Direct you get access to advanced technology including an interactive On-Screen Guide with 14 day look ahead, dynamic search, and enhanced parental controls. Plus, our HDPVR receiver let’s you record, pause and rewind all your favourite shows. All our HD receivers are 3D, MPEG-4, 1080p compatible and ready for the future.

Net Price

ENJOY THE ULTIMATE HD EXPERIENCE.

$149.99*Purchase Price $199.99PPV or VOD Credit -$50Installation FREE

Net Price $149.99

Advanced HDPVR

See in-store for details.

GET UP TO 225 channels w i th D IGITA L FAVOURITES at

$29.99for 3 months!*

*Available to new residential customers until November 30th, 2012. The $149.99 Advanced HDPVR is based on a $199.99 purchase price, less Pay Per View (PPV) or Video On Demand (VOD) credits. The $50 PPV or VOD credit excludes applicable taxes and will appear on the customer’s account in the form of a credit, applied upon activation. Conditions apply. Taxes extra. Offer subject to change without notice. Shaw Direct services are subject to our terms of use as occasionally amended. Regular price of Digital Favourites is $62.61 after three month promotional period. Channel count varies by market.

930 Talbot Street, St. Thomas (519) 633-5404Mon.-Thurs: 9am-6pm, Fri. 9am-7pm, Sat. 9am-5pm

*Available to new residential customers. The $149.99 Advanced HDPVR is based on a $199.99 purchase price, less Pay Per View (PPV) or Video On Demand (VOD) credits. The $50 PPV or VOD credit excludes applicable taxes and will appear

on the customer’s account in the form of a credit, applied upon activation. Conditions apply. Taxes extra. Offer subject to change without notice. Shaw Direct services are subject to our terms of use as occasionally amended. Regular price of

Digital Favourites is $62.61 after three month promotional period. Channel count varies by market.

Are you sure you don’t have a criminal record?

These days a grow-ing number of applicants seeking certain types of paid employment, volun-teering, adoption, foster care and foreign travel are required to provide a criminal records check. For some of those per-sons, the issue of what information is routinely in-cluded has become more

than a little controversial. Contrary to what you may think, any contact

with police can get thrown into the mix. Indeed it is now commonplace for police to list not only convictions, but also pending charges, with-drawals, acquittals, peace bonds, occurrence reports, and even mental health concerns. Re-cently a Windsor area woman discovered that her investment of time and money to become a personal support worker could all be for naught when her “vulnerable sector check” included reference to a complaint from her daughter of a harassing telephone call.

“Presumption of guilt” is a report released in September by the Canadian Civil Liberties As-sociation, expressing serious concern about this issue. The report correctly points out that, “Em-ployers presumably place a high degree of trust in the information that they receive from the po-

lice,” and blames the current state of affairs on what it calls a “legal and policy vacuum.” Unlike the past, there are now several means to collect, store and share data.

So far those who have sought redress from the courts have come up empty. One person’s initial success requiring the Durham Police to remove reference to a withdrawn assault charge that was hampering her efforts to obtain employment with a local school board, turned out to be short lived. Earlier this year an ap-peal court reversed the decision on procedural grounds, leaving her with nothing but a hefty le-gal bill. Previously in 2009, an unsuccessful ap-plicant was told that, “…the potential employee has the right to explain the circumstances to the proposed employer.” That’s cold comfort for a job candidate competing against someone with a pristine record.

It is also common knowledge that the Canadi-an Police Information System (CPIC) is accessed by U.S. law enforcement and border personnel, but not so well known is the fact that updates or corrections are not routinely recorded on the American side.

In its report, the Canadian Civil Liberties Asso-ciation calls for an end to most “non-conviction records” being included in police background checks and the “significant risk that innocent people will face unfair stigmatization.” One can only hope that restoring meaning to the presumption of innocence will happen sooner rather than later.

Justice Corner By Bob Upsdell

Campaign highlights gap

The Ontario Oral Health Al-liance estimates one in five Ontarians cannot afford to get regular dental treatment. This issue has been brought to light with a postcard depicting how oral care for some Ontario adults is far from picture-per-fect.

The postcard is part of a province-wide advocacy cam-paign bring launched by the health alliance and features five photos of real Ontarians with severe dental problems smiling through gritted teeth. A caption below the picture reads ‘Why am I living with pain and

infection?’ The back of the postcard notes that thousands of adults in Ontario suffer with pain and infection from poor oral health because they can-not afford to get regular dental treatment.

People were urged to sign the postcards to lobby the Province to expand financial support programs to include adults who cannot afford basic dental treatment.

Elgin St. Thomas Public Health and Central Community Health Centre have circulated the dental postcards.

“Some steps have been take to help children get better ac-cess to dental care, but there is still a gap for adults who re-quire dental care,” says Heath-

er Moller, Central Community Health Care. “We want to bring attention to the problem and encourage people in St. Thom-as/Elgin to sign a dental post-card so we can close this gap.”

Doctors’ law - If you don’t feel well, make an

appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get

there you’ll feel better… But, don’t make an appointment, and

you’ll stay sick.

St. Thomas Police are investigating the theft of a bicycle. On Friday, October 12th the victim visited a friend on East Street at 7:40pm. He locked the bike with an aircraft combo lock to the railing. At 8 pm he returned and found his bike and lock gone. The bike is described as a ‘Specialized’ Rock Hopper mountain bike, 21 speed, red and white in colour, it had fat tubing, a white seat and disc brakes. A witness saw a white man kick the rail breaking it and freeing the bike fleeing southbound on East Street. Value of the bike is $1,800.

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

6

Misplaced recognition

Last week, during one of those days that begot Murphy’s Laws, the strap-per broke in our distribution

area. This strapper uses a heat-seal mechanism to seal newspaper bundles with plastic strap. After a preliminary investigation, Brad, who’s in the building but doesn’t work for us, stopped by to give us a hand. He noticed that a chain was broken, and he sent me out for a replacement link. This, I found, and Fixed Right Automotive performed some emergency grinding so we could reassemble the chain.

When we started to put the machine back to-gether, Brad reappeared. There didn’t seem to be an adjustment to allow enough slack for the chain to be reassembled. Brad then asked out loud whether the clutch might engage (or dis-engage) at a certain point to make this happen.

There are people like Brad who ask questions like that. They understand how things work in the mechanical world. They can barely restrain themselves from trying to help you fix anything that is broken. And they tend not to swear while they are doing this. Or at least, not for a good long time.

There are also people like the rest of us. We

see what Brad is doing when he turns the belt to do something with the clutch. We hear the word “clutch,” but instead of understanding what the Brads of this world are trying to tell us, our minds go to several meanings for the word clutch.

There’s the verb; for example, a woman will clutch a baby.

There’s a suspenseful situation, helping someone out in a clutch.

Somebody can be caught in the clutches of alcoholism.

There are various clutches in various ma-chines – the clutch in a manual transmission and the clutch in a strapper. And what are the connections between these various meanings?

The people whose minds zoom to the assorted senses of the word “clutch,” rather than know-ing how to fix something that has a clutch, are sometimes celebrated. They may write poems or novels or screenplays or biographies or they may scribble newspaper columns. At the top of the pyramid, they may leave a stage clutching an Academy Award, an Arthur Ellis Award, a Governor General’s Award and so on.

But are they really more worthy of recogni-tion than the Brads of the world? Of course not. When the strapper is broken and the work is backing up, we know who to call. Machine Busters.

And the Christmas tree

I had a really good week-end. It started with bartend-ing a DJ Eugene Burge dance at the German Canadian Club in Aylmer and ended with my

very first (fake) Christmas tree. Let me explain. This is the first Christmas my boyfriend and

I are living together. With Christmas so close at hand, this brought up our first Christmas debate — what type of tree to get. There were cries for a real tree (me) and cries for a fake tree (him). Guess you want what you grew up with. My par-ent’s house always had a real tree. In the early years, we’d take a tree right off our own lot. In later years, my dad and brother bought our tree from Aylmer. Mike’s family has pretty much al-ways had a fake tree. I begged and pleaded to get a real tree. He wanted a fake tree with lights already attached.

So we compromised.

We ended up with a fake tree and a detached string of lights. I’d say that makes one for each of us — he got his fake tree, and I got my do-it-yourself lights. Perfect. Now my only worry about the tree is whether the cats can withstand the temptation of pulling it down while we’re sleeping. You might laugh, but my mom has lost a lot of good ornaments that way. . .

Going back to Saturday, Mike and I took a Dragonfly Tours and Entertainment bus trip to Birch Run on the Saturday after the American Black Friday. Thankfully the lines weren’t quite as long as I’m sure they were the day before. No, we didn’t get any Christmas shopping done (we’re going to do that locally) but we did get some good deals in preparation for winter — hats, mitts, scarves and winter coats. We were also the only people on our 42-person bus that had to pay duty. Oh well. I’m pretty sure the bor-der guards cut us a deal. Guess it pays to be honest about what you spend across the border. All in all, it was a great weekend. We shopped, put up Christmas lights outside and got our tree set up. Couldn’t ask for anything better than that.

The long, and lengthy, road

One of the truly painful jobs for any journalist is the city hall beat. The af-fairs of the city are, for the most part, pretty boring and

it takes a road map to track where each of the councillors is headed. Recently, the hint of cor-ruption has hit several city halls, in Montreal, Laval, Toronto and maybe even London. All of these mayors who have either stepped down or hung in there are innocent until proven guilty.

This week, a Toronto judge found Mayor Rob Ford guilty of conflict of interest and ordered him removed from office. Ford has two weeks to appeal the ruling and very likely will. His one disadvantage is that he has the bearing of a thug, even though he may have a heart of gold. He even coaches a high school football team that he loves and prefers to the conducting of city business. How can we possibly argue with that, particularly when we don’t have to live in Toronto?

The future of Joe Fontana is still uncertain,

though he has proclaimed his innocence and resists stepping aside because it may give the impression that he actually used government money to fund the wedding reception of his son. Even though I voted for Anne Marie DiCicco, I have always liked Joe and I admire his lovely wife. I imagine the current situation is an em-barrassment to the entire family. The quicker this matter is settled, the better off everyone will be.

This particular event is making national news and will soon fade from the public conscious-ness when more interesting stories break. Lon-don is still London and remains one of the great cities of the Western Hemisphere. We will still continue getting the government we deserve, even if we think we deserve better.

As Linda Loman said to her sons in Death of a Salesman, “Attention must be paid!” At this time of the year, or frankly at any time of the year, we have to stay in touch with city events, even if we don’t go to council meetings or watch them on cable. The important things always rise to the surface. We just have to pay atten-tion and make sure that council gets feedback from the voters.

St.Thomas/Elgin

editorialpageTerry Carroll

Melissa Schneider

Ric Wellwood

St.Thomas/Elgin

A Community Newspaper, published by Metroland Media.15 St. Catharine St., (Lower) St. Thomas, N5P 2V7

519-633-1640 Fax: 519-633-0558

Terry Carroll - General Manager: [email protected] [Ext. 25]

Heather Morgan - Circulation: [email protected] [Ext. 33]

Melissa Schneider - Reporter: [email protected] [Ext. 26]

Linda Axelson - Sales: [email protected] [Ext. 27]

Chris Heil - Sales: [email protected] [Ext. 23]

Laura Bart - Office Manager: [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:

Movember splendourSales team members at Elgin Chrysler Ltd. grew their mustaches during the month of November to raise awareness about men’s health. Pictured, from left, are: Rob Branton, Mike Vecchio, Brent Kidder, Paul McClenaghan and Kory Kuipers. The men have been growing their ‘mos since November 1, 2012.

Community Snapshot

Christmas Wish ListEditor’s note: More Wish Lists will be

published next week as space permits.I wish we could all end the bullying and rac-

ism in the entire world. Work together to end it in schools, workplaces, and communities. We are all equals. We should be treated as such. We as people need to live together as one society and support each other.

I also wish that someone would find a

cure for cancer soon. The pain, suffering and heartache that this disease causes is tremen-dous. Every one of us is touched by this in some way or another.

My third wish would be if we could end the stigma that society has with mental illness. It’s difficult as a healthcare provider to help people with mental illness when you have the outside fears, anxiety, disapprovals about people suffering from mental illness. We as a

society need to have better education, aware-ness and understanding around this issue to be able to treat and support people with mental illness. We all know a mother, father, grandma, grandpa, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or friend affected by mental illness in some form or another.

Tina McIntee

Elgin This MonthKeep your eyes peeled for our Christmas edition

of Elgin This Month. To give you a sneak peak, De-cember’s magazine will feature the 50th anniver-sary of McGregor Auto parts, the truth about net-working, giving the gift of technology, and a cure for the business owner’s blues.

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes new member Jeff Sheridan, and an up-date on Toronto Mayor Rob Ford going to court. . . again.

7- N

ovember 2

9, 2

01

2 - S

t. Thom

as - Elg

in W

eekly New

s

LADIES NIGHTLADIES NIGHT

Thursday December 6,

7-9 p.m.

295 Wellington St., St. ThomasCorner of First Ave. & Wellington

519-631-8346

Geerlinks

HardwareOpen: Mon-Fri.7-8, Sat. 7:30-6, Sun. 10-5

25% OFF*

Scratch ‘n’ SaveUP TO

FREE GIFT

FOR THE FIRST 100 LADIES

WIN A CAR FOR THE

WEEKEND

FROM ELGIN CHRYSLER LTD.

Home Owners helping homeowners www.homehardware.ca

*Excludes large appliances and lumber & building supplies sold in the yard.

WIN A $1000

HOME HARDWARE SHOPPING

SPREEDOOR

CRASHER SPECIALS

DOOR PRIZES

Admission is by donations of cash, new toy or new clothing for Elgin/St. Thomas Christmas Shoppe

myFM ON SITE REFRESHMENTS

2006 CHEV OPTRA5-speed, pl, pw, cruise, 77,000 km

$69952006 CHEV COBALT

Auto, air, 77,000 km.

$7495 2008 TOYOTA YARIS

5-speed, 135,000 km.

$79952007 GMC ENVOY

Pl, pw, cruise, 180,000 km.

$86952005 FORD FREESTYLEPl, pw, cruise, 179,000 km.

$69952005 FORD ESCAPE


$6995

2003 GMC JIMMY4 dr, loaded,4x4, 53,000 km.

$74952005 GMC CANYON EXTCAB


$10,9952004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

Reg. cab, longbox, 132,000 km.

$79952003 TOYOTA SIENNA CE


$99952007 CHEVRELET AVEO

Auto, pl, pw, cruise, 97,000 km.

$72952008 FORD FUSION SEL

Pl, pw, cruise,58,000 km.

$12,995

IN HOUSE FINANCING AVAILABLE

GOOD OR BAD FINANCING AVAILABLE!

*All prices are plus HST

Walk inspires festive spiritBy Brian Wilsdon

The music of the season will break the silence of the Carolinian Forest at Springwater on Sat-urday, December 1, 2012 at the annual Can-dlelit Christmas Spirit Walk.

The event, hosted by the Catfish Creek Con-servation Authority in partnership with the Elgin Hiking Trail Club, has grown to attract 600 - 800 people annually.

“It always puts me in the Christmas Spirit,” says long time volunteer John Cerven.

A fire pit at each stop helps keep the perform-

ers warm.This year the Derrick Drover Band will be in

the old school house.Adding to the variety of fun for the young peo-

ple, are a magician and a storyteller.Santa greets the youngsters near the location

of the hot chocolate and cookies.Admission is $5 for adults, while children un-

der 16 are admitted free to the event. No pets please.

The tours start at 6pm, and run every ten min-utes until 8pm.

The entrance is on Conservation Line, just off Springwater Road.

Tours last about one hour, and the walk be-tween stations is only a couple of minutes.

Storyteller Tom Beharrell practices reading the yarn that he will perform at the Candlelit Christmas spirit Walk this Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Springwater. Tours run from 6pm - 8:00pm.

(photo by Brian Wilsdon)

Dear Editor,Pets/Friends for Life (PFFL) wishes to ac-

knowledge and thanks Cindy and Gary Meredith of Gas Tech Solutions for their support in install-ing our new furnace. As a commercial property we did not qualify for a Reliance unit and other furnace suppliers would not consider monthly payments. PFFL is an animal shelter presently housing 156 cats/kittens and we didn’t have $4,535.53 readily available. We rely on the sup-port of the public to survive. Gas Tech stepped up to the plate with the installation and offer of

a monthly payment plan (INTEREST FREE) over one year. The public has not let us down and as of November 19th your kindness has enabled us to pay off this obligation in full.

Please drop in and see where your blessings have been used. Our volunteers would love to introduce you to some of our kitties and you how social they are.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a won-derful 2012.

Jeannie L. SiscoBoard members, PFFL

Letter to the Editor

Ontario limits OxyContin accessThe province of Ontario is working with phy-

sicians and pharmacists regarding appropriate prescribing and dispensing practices to protect Ontarians against the influx of generic OxyCon-tin.

The proposed regulations will help limit ac-cess to easily abused generic Oxy-Contin, protecting patients and those who may be addicted to prescription narcotics. Ontario is also ensuring that patients who legitimately need prescription drugs to manage pain will continue to have access to a wide variety of pain medications, including the more tamper-resistant OxyNeo.

Ontario has already invested $15 million to increase access to opioid addiction services and treatment across the province as well as im-plementing the Narcotics Monitoring System to track all prescription nar-

cotics and other controlled substance medica-tions dispensed in the province.

Ontario has also worked to educate prescrib-ers and partnering with the Centre for Addic-tions and Mental Health to create treatment guidelines for front line workers, doctors and nurses.

Restore with the healing hands of

assageM• 15 years of experience• Call for more information • Online Bookings Available

LORI HENDERSON-GIBBONS Registered Massage Therapist

412 Talbot St.St. Thomas (519) 521-3808www.lorihendersonrmt.com

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

8

As you arrive in Port Stanley the spirit of Christmas is evident as the downtown busi-nesses are beautifully decorated and the new lampposts give a magical feel to the village.

Beginning on Friday evening, the Dickens parade will be held at 7pm with collection of food bank donations en route.

Some merchants will be staying open dur-ing and after the parade until 8pm. Russell House Apparel will match your local food bank donation for a discount in-store. The Storehouse has eco-friendly gifts ideas, James Street has great holiday specials, and check out Van Ijmeren’s sales. Come shop local during the weekend for unique gifts this holiday season.

As well everyone in the community is in-vited to turn Port Stanley into a “Village of Lights” on Friday evening at sundown before the parade. Homes decorated for Christmas will be entered into a contest with a gift prize pack donated by the local merchants.

On Saturday, come and have your pictures taken with Father Christmas who will be in the lobby of the Port Stanley Festival Theatre along with Carollers.

We have many more events for the whole family this Holiday season. The annual Port Stanley Community Choir performances will

be on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at the United Church. For show times and ticket prices check the portstanley.net or port-stanleynews.com. There you will also find information about the Santa Express Train, Dining, Accommodations, and performances being held at Port Stanley Festival Theatre and The Coffee House.

If just passing through Port Stanley, take time to check out this fantastically decorat-ed home at 291 Selbourne Drive! Donations received will benefit “Make-a-Wish” South-ern Ontario! Also look to the west side of the creek for a great holiday light display by the Lions Landing.

As we celebrate this holiday season we wish everyone a Merry Christmas from our homes to yours. Happy Holidays!

Dickens DaysIt is a festive time of year in Port Stanley.

The Port Stanley Terminal Rail launched their holiday season. Come ride the Santa treats train with www.pstr.on.ca. Enjoy a ride through Elgin County in the early win-ter months from the warmth of a heated car with mince tarts and hot apple cider for Santa’s children! Watch your children’s an-ticipation grow as we near our destination to meet Santa. Live entertainment may appear

on some trains. Rides are No-vember 24, 25th, December 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd at 11am and 2:30pm.

The Lions Club along with the Port Stanley Sailors Ju-nior C hockey team is busy putting the final touches on the Christmas display at Li-ons Landing.

The season kicks into high gear with the traditional Dick-ens’s Day parade at 7pm on Friday, November 30th.The parade will end at Mackie’s where Santa will be available

for wish lists and pictures. The Port Stanley BIA’s Christmas theme

this year is “Village of Lights.” View and tour an AMAZING holiday light display featuring over 60,000 lights with music at a home residence at 291 Selbourne Drive, Port Stan-ley! Donations received will benefit Make-A-Wish Southwestern Ontario! The display will be lit from November 30th to December 31st. Sunday to Thursday 6-9pm, Friday and Saturday 6-10pm.

The Lioness and Lions will be hosting Pho-tographs with Father Christmas on Dec 1st and 2nd. Bring your kids, your grand kids, your dog and your neighbor’s kids to the Lobby of the Festival Theater in Port Stanley. Lions and Lioness in period costume along with MyFm will be serving hot cider to warm your hearts. Come between 11am and 3pm to have your children photographed with Fa-ther Christmas. Take home the memory on a “free” DVD provided by jersey photogra-phy. Aylmer’s own Traci Kennedy, Canadian Country Music Artist will be on site singing Christmas carols.

Dickens Days Merchant Specials!

Please join the merchants of Port Stanley for Dickens Days 2012! The festivities begin November 30th with the Dickens’s Days pa-rade at 7pm. Van Ijmeren will be open late and will feature 20 per cent off everything in the store including sale items for the entire weekend!

Russell House and The Storehouse will feature a food bank discount all weekend for those who bring in a contribution to the food bank!

Dickens Days at James Street Home De-cor. Come celebrate starting on November 30th, open until 8pm. Enjoy 10 per cent off you entire purchase all weekend (excluding wreaths), and fill out a ballot for a chance to win a great prize!

At the Port Stanley Festival The-atre, it’s a swinging kick off to the holiday season for the whole family that will have you singing along as the Colin Stewart’s “Memories Band” lead singers Colleen Aynn and one of Port Stanley’s favorite entertainers Derek Marshal through your favorite Christmas Classics, big band hits and pop songs from yesterday and today. Limited engagement – don’t miss out! Brought to the PSFT by C2 En-tertainment Productions. www.psft.on.ca for more details.

Don’t forget that the Kettle Creek Inn has 20 per cent off all food every Friday. Why not visit them before or after the parade?

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Port Stanley! Shop local this holiday season.

519.782.4353portstanleytheatre.ca

Purchase your 2013 Season Subscriptionbefore December 21,2012and pay our 2012 prices!

5 pack Season Subscription

4 pack Season Subscription

Before December 21st, 2012

Before December 21st, 2012

After December 21st, 2012

After December 21st, 2012

*add HST/handling to all prices

GIVE THE GIFT OFCOMEDY THIS HOLIDAY!

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

SUNSETSUNSETAUTO SALES

• TIRES• BRAKES• EXHAUST• TUNEUPS• ALIGNMENTS FINANCE • TRADE • LEASE

REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES & MODELS

6500 SUNSET ROAD, ST. THOMAS 5196311000

(Beside Elgin View Restaurant)

Oil Lube & Filter Special

FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR CENTRE

$22.95(Plus Tax/Most Cars)

WE DO SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Dicken’s Days Festivities in Port Stanley

9- N

ovember 2

9, 2

01

2 - S

t. Thom

as - Elg

in W

eekly New

s

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

RESTAURANT ONLY4 Topping Large

Pizza with FREEsalad for 4

$18.95 + tax

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

with coupon only

NEVER CLIMB IN TO A COLD, FROZEN

CAR AGAIN!

STAY WARM THIS WINTERWITH A REMOTE CAR STARTER

Professional installation warrantied for as long as you own your car.

Auto Electronics & Installation930 Talbot St., St.Thomas [email protected]

Toth JewellersDIAMONDS • WATCHES • GIFTS

559 Talbot Street, St.Thomas 519-631-9620

20%OFF20%OFF

All Watches

50th Anniversary Collection

Until January 31, 2013

Citizen, Seiko, Bulova, Rotary,

Timex

Caravelle by Bulova


Reg. $149.95

Caravelle by Bulova


Reg. $149.95

OVER 600 WATCHES IN STOCK

Aylmer Santa Claus Parade 2012

The 2012 Aylmer Santa Claus parade was held Sat-urday, November 24, 2012. The turnout for the event was great, with kids wait-ing patiently for Santa, who was riding on the final float of the parade.

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

10

Congratulations to all the Golden Hammer

Award Winnersfrom

10 Sparling Rd., St. Thomas519-808-5640

JAKE ZACHARIAS E X C AVA T I N G I N C .

Excavating, Trucking,

Land Clearing, Septic Systems

Thank you to all our employees, trade partners and suppliers who

helped us win three Golden Hammer Awards!

www.hayhoehomes.com

Congratulations to the Golden

Hammer Winners!

www.sttenergy.com 519-631-5550email: [email protected]

For the last 17 years, the St.

Thomas & Elgin Home Builders’

Association has honoured builders

and suppliers for their

efforts in the design and market-

ing of residential structures.

Winner: Elgin Floor OneSponsor: Hennessey Gibson Hogan LLP

Presenter: John Hogan Recipient: Nick Lavertu

Winner: Donwest Construction Limited Sponsor: RBC Real Estate Markets

Presenter: Bill Thomas Recipient: Art Pol

Winner: Coleman-DiasSponsor: St. Thomas Rent-All Sales & Service

Presenter: Jeff CampbellRecipient: John Dias & Stefanie Coleman-Dias

Supplier of the Year

Most Outstanding New Production Home

Under $250,000

Most Outstanding Residential

Outdoor Living Project

Winner: Hayhoe Homes Sponsor: AGM Surveying & Engineering

Presenter: Blair ShrubsallRecipient: Clare Kielstra

Presenter: Brian LippoldRecipients: John Gundry, Donwest Construction Ltd.,

Peter DeBoer, MP Custom Homes, Janelles Heyer-man, Hayhoe Homes, Donna Smith, Hayhoe Homes

Sub-Trade of the Year

Most Outstanding

Model Home

Sales Award

Winners (sales in excess of

$3 Million)

g

Home Builders strive for excellence

The St. Thomas & Elgin Home Builders’ As-sociation (STEHBA), incorporated in 1962, is a professional body composed of local companies that strive for excellence within the residential construction industry.

The old adage about strength in numbers is true in the residential construction industry. Due to the strength of STEHBA and its parent organizations on the provincial and national levels, a positive re-lationship has been built with all levels of govern-ment – thus ensuring the stability of the housing industry in which members work.

Comprised of builders, renovators, land de-velopers, suppliers, sub-trades, manufacturers, financial institutions and professionals – from small to large firms – STEHBA members account for more than 80 per cent of the residential con-struction activity in St. Thomas and area.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 Golden Hammer Awards

Winner: Carranza MasonrySponsor: Reliance Home Comfort

Presenter: Brian Lippold – STEHBA PresidentRecipient: Victor Carranza

11

- Novem

ber 29

, 20

12

- St. Th

omas - E

lgin

Weekly N

ews

Congratulations to all the

participants!

Phone: 519 633-0691 Fax: 519 633-0652

E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.donwest.ca

Congratulations

to all the winners ofTHE GOLDEN HAMMER AWARDS

STORE HOURS: Mon - Fri: 8AM - 5:30PM Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm Closed Sunday

Thank you for honouring us as Supplier of the Year

We are proud to be a memberof the St. Thomas & Elgin Homebuilders Association

Winner: Coleman-Dias3 Construction Inc.

Sponsor: Geerlinks Home Hardware & Building Centre Presenter: Harry Geerlinks

Recipient: John Dias & Stefanie Coleman-Dias

Presenter: Stefanie Coleman-Dias and Maruice Dillon

Recipient: Art Pol

Winner: Doug Tarry Homes Limited

Sponsor: Union Gas Ltd. Presenter: Gerry BoxRecipient: Nicole Ooms

Presenter: Stefanie Coleman-DiasRecipient: Shane Tarry

Recipient: Victor Carranza

Presenter: Stefanie Coleman-DiasRecipient: Russell G. Crosby

Presenter: Brian LippoldRecipient: Stefanie Coleman-Dias

Winner: Doug Tarry Homes Limited

Sponsor: Rogers Communications Inc.Presenter: Jim DowdallRecipient: Shane Tarry

Builder of the Year

Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 Golden Hammer Awards

Renovator of the Year

Maurice Dillon Award

Leadership in

Environmental Excellence

President’s Award of

Merit

George C. Scott Award

Past President’s

Award

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

12

(Some

conditions

apply)

519.633.90420r 1-800-897-0596

940 Talbot StreetSt. Thomas

• Many windshield replacement claim costs are only slightly higher (and sometimes less!) than your insurance deductable• GO GLASS! is committed to keeping insurance premiums affordable while saving you time and money• Call GO GLASS! before submitting any windshield replacement claim• Mobile Service at no extra charge• FREE Pick-up and Delivery • Over 30 years of Experience

Our Strong Relationships with Insurance Companies is the backbone of our CALL BEFORE YOU CLAIM Program

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

HealthTalk

519 TALBOT STREET, ST. THOMAS 631-3330PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION AVAILABLE

CONVENIENT HOURS: Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-6:00pm,

Sunday 10am-4pm

Apprenticeship awards presented

The efforts of local employers who are helping to address the skilled trades shortage by sup-

porting apprenticeship training were recognized at an Awards dinner in London.

A dozen businesses from across Elgin, Mid-dlesex and Oxford counties were nominated for an award at the 8th annual Apprenticeship Em-ployer Recognition Awards Ceremony at Fan-shawe College, Thursday, November 22, 2012.

“The dinner provides an opportunity to pro-mote the importance of the apprenticeship pro-cess as well as acknowledging the employers who support hiring apprentices,” says Rod Bil-lard, co- chair of The Apprenticeship Network. “The winner of each category is then forwarded on to provincial nominations where we get to highlight the accomplishments of the employers in Southwestern Ontario.”

Employers are the backbone of the appren-ticeship system, he adds. Working together with school boards, Employment Ontario agencies, community colleges and other partners, they make apprenticeship a cornerstone of post-secondary education in Ontario.

Rod says, “With continued support of the employers in these communities, we hope to

increase the awareness of the importance of hiring apprentices.”

Employers are judged on how many years they have been training apprentices and their involvement in the community, which can in-clude career fairs in schools and in the com-munities they serve.

Ojibwa one step closer to home

In a major step towards her final off-load, the Heddle Marine barge carrying HMCS Ojibwa was safely moved into the slip specially built for the off-load. Challenging weather and an even more challenging creek bed had delayed the operation for two days.

Many interested spectators braved the biting cold to watch the careful grooming of the creek bed to exacting standards. “No one is going to take any chances here,” says Dan McNeil, Proj-ect Coordinator. “We are going to do this right.” Finally, late Sunday afternoon the Heddle Marine team, assisted by the Nadro Marine tug Miti-Mo began the slow process of manoeuvring the barge into the slip. Giant lights created a sur-

real scene as darkness fell and work progressed against the night sky.

Ojibwa’s journey began in Halifax in May and will culminate with an overland move to her new home at the site of the Elgin Military Museum of Naval History in Port Burwell, Ontario. Mammoet Canada Eastern will begin their preparations for the overland portion of the move early Monday morning. The roll-off took place Tuesday morn-ing.

Ojibwa, Canada’s first Cold War Oberon Class submarine, will open as a museum in the sum-mer of 2013. For more information about HMCS Ojibwa and this historic move, visit the Muse-um’s web site at www.projectojibwa.ca.

HMCS Ojibwa in the Port Burwell harbour. (photo by Gale Steadman)

Law of the result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won’t work,

IT WILL!!!

13

- Novem

ber 29

, 20

12

- St. Th

omas - E

lgin

Weekly N

ews

ROY INCH & SONS now Service Experts wishes everyone a HAPPY HOLIDAY!

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS, 24/7 © 2012 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. Service Experts and the Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning logo and design are registered or common law trademarks of Service Experts LLC.

Offers cannot be combined with any other offers. Some restrictions apply. Call for details. *Speak to one of our professional Residential Sales Consultants for qualifying systems and indoor air quality packages. **Includes

up to $650 in Ontario Power Authority rebates, which expire December 31, 2012.

Applies to the purchase of a complete heating and air conditioning system with approved credit, made through a Service Experts consumer credit program. Minimum payments required; deferred interest for 12 months. Visit ServiceExperts.ca for full financing terms and

conditions. Potential savings may vary depending on age and condition of equipment, personal lifestyle,

system settings, equipment maintenance, and installation of equipment and duct system. ®™Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by

LoyaltyOne, Inc., and Service Experts. Promo Code: 31183

We take the worry out of fixing, maintaining or replacing your old home comfort system. And with our exclusive, 3-Year, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee,

we ensure your complete satisfaction on every new system we sell, in writing-

OR YOUR MONEY BACK. Simply put, it’s the

Best Guarantee in The Business™

$50 OFF A PLUMBING OR HEATING

SERVICE CALL • 24/7 Emergency Service • Certified, professional techs • Written 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

$50 OFF PRECISION TUNE-UP

• Regularly $125, now only $75 • Help prevent costly breakdowns • Save energy and money • Help extend equipment service life

OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2012

• PLUS up to $650 in rebates** • PLUS no interest for a full 12 months • PLUS save up to 50% on energy bills • PLUS earn up to 500 bonus AIR MILES™ reward miles with complete system purchase



With purchase of a select* Lennox® furnace and A/C system or indoor air

quality package

519-681-2450 1-866-397-3787www.RoyInch.com

FREE FURNACE UPGRADE44583 Dexter Line

15 min. south of St. ThomasHOURS: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. CLOSED SUNDAYS

Service • Parts • Accessories

All Major Brands• Factory Trained

Technicians• Full Machine Shop

• Pick-up and Delivery Available

Dean ParkerService Technician AT

V’s

• M

otor

cycl

es •

Sno

wm

obile

s •

Pow

er P

rodu

cts

#1Area’sServicing Dealer

519-782-7155www.advancedyamaha.com

Compare & Save!Compare & Save!

Jelly Beans (regular and Christmas)

$1.69/lb

Peanuts, blanched (salted and unsalted)

$2.30/lb

Glazed Pineapple

$3.19/lb

Cranberries (dried)

$5.29/lb

Milk Chocolate Almonds

$5.29/lb

Dark Chocolate Almonds

(60% cocoa) $6.15/lb

Mixed Nuts (salted

or unsalted) $7.99/lb

Pecans (pieces or

halves) $10.99

Sale runs: Nov 30th to Dec 6th

While Supplies Last. We reserve the right to limit quantities

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

Let us Bake for You! Squares - Mixed Platter or by the Dozen

We take ordersOpen Sundays Noon – 4pm

until December 23rd

Heather Vedova and Jane Major, volun-teers with the Animal Aide Association of St. Thomas-Elgin, sported festive cat ears as they greeted eager shoppers at the Port Stanley Community Christmas Bazaar held in the Port Stanley Arena on Saturday, November 24, 2012. Most of the money earned at the bazaar will be used to provide spay and neuter ser-vices for cats offered for adoption. More Christmas shopping is available at Tab-by’s Treasures located next door to the Animal Aide shelter at 333 Talbot St. in St Thomas. For information contact ani-malaide.org.

(photo by John Morrow)

Cool Christmas cats

Christmas CheerJayden Ramsay, one, Sheldon Ramsay, eight, Brendan Ramsay, five, Santa Claus, Ethan Yohnicki, six days, and Amy Yohnicki share in the festive good cheer on Saturday Novem-ber 24th at the 5th Annual Sparta Country Christmas.

(photo by Heather Derks)

AVSS concert

The Arthur Voaden Second-ary School Off Broadway Singers will be performing Seasons of Sound, Broadway to Beatles in the school’s auditorium on December 11 and 12 at 7pm. The show will include songs from A Chorus Line, Footloose, Grease, a 50/60’s rock and roll medley and The Beatles. There will also be a few Christmas songs added into the mix.

A five-piece band will be back-ing the voices in the choir. Tickets are $10/adults and $5/seniors and students. They can be purchased at the door on the day of. The school is located at 41 Flora Street in St. Thomas.

Oliver’s law of public speaking – A closed mouth

gathers no feet!

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

14

We invite you to discuss Funeral Preplanning at any time

with any one of our qualified Funeral Directors

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

Allan HughsonOwner/Funeral Director

Owen BoughnerLicensed Funeral

Director

Gary HughsonOwner/Funeral Director

Craig Harwood Licensed Funeral

Director

David Gifford Licensed Funeral

Director

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.

Come and Cheer on

Your Stars!

Sunday, December, 2012

Sarnia Legionnaires

vs. Stars @ 7:00pmAdults $9 • Seniors & Students $7.00

Kids (6-12) $5.00 (Under 5: Free)Ticket details: stthomasstars.pointstreaksites.com/view/stthomasstars

EXCITING JR. B HOCKEY AT ITS BEST! The Lamaze class included a tour of the pediatric wing of the hospi-

tal. When a new baby was brought into the nursery, all the women

tried to guess its weight, but there was only one man who would

venture a number. “Looks like 9 pounds,” he offered

confidently. “This must not be your first,” one

woman beside him said. “Oh, yes,” he said. “It’s my first.”

“Then how would you know the weight of a baby?” she asked. He

shrugged. “I’m a fisherman.”

Harvest timeFerguson Farms in Fingal took advantage of the nice November weather to harvest their corn on Wednes-day, November 21, 2012.

Slice of ChristmasTara Rowan (left) and Trina Miedema, owner of A Slice of Aylmer Deli & Imports, paint the store’s win-dows for Christmas on Thursday, November 22, 2012.

Planning starts again at library

At the regular Library Board meeting, on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 the board agreed to hire a consultant to facilitate a num-ber of intense sessions over a two day span in January 2013. A visioning session will be held during the regular board meeting on January 16, 2013. Members of the public will be invited to attend an afternoon or an evening session and one session will also be held with the staff.

As part of the Library Activities report, staff up-dated the board on the previous month’s activi-ties, including a very successful haunted library program which attracted more than 400 little spooks and goblins. The Friends of St. Thomas Public Library 7th annual trivia night was also a

success with over $700 raised. The board was pleased to learn that the lower ramp leading to the John and Dorothy Palmer Youth Library has been re-opened, after the project to replace the railings was completed.

15

- Novem

ber 29

, 20

12

- St. Th

omas - E

lgin

Weekly N

ews

Property assessments coming 2012 Property Assessment Notices will be mailed to more than 32,000 area property owners as part of this fall’s province-wide assess-ment update

City of St. Thomas area homeowners will see the assessed value of their property increase by an average of 1.4 per cent in 2013.

“Residential property values have increased by an average of approximately 6.8 per cent in St. Thomas since 2008 when the last As-sessment Update was delivered,” says Brenda Slater, Municipal Relations Representative in the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s (MPAC) London office.

Because of the four-year phase-in program, property owners will see an average assess-

ment increase of 1.4 per cent in 2013. The phase-in program does not apply to decreases in assessment that are applied immediately for the 2013 property tax year.

Residential property values have increased by an average of approximately 11.6 per cent in Elgin County communities outside of London. With the four-year phase program, property owners will see an average increase of 2.4 per cent for the 2013 taxation year.

An increase in assessment does not neces-sarily mean an increase in property taxes. If the assessed value of a home has increased by the same percentage as the average in the munici-pality, there might be no increase in the property taxes paid by property owners.

Since 2008, waterfront property in Elgin County has increased in value by approximately 5.2 per cent. With the four-year phase-in, prop-erty taxpayers will see an average decrease of 0.70 per cent for the 2013 property tax year.

Farmland in Elgin County has also increased by approximately 51.9 per cent. With the four-year phase-in, property taxpayers will see an average increase of approximately 12.9 per cent.

According to Larry Hummel, MPAC’s Chief As-sessor, values increased for all categories of ag-ricultural land in every area of the province. The increase is based on a number of factors includ-ing that farmland in many parts of the province remains in high demand.

Under Ontario law, farm homes and one acre of property on which the home sits are taxed at the same rate as residential property in the mu-nicipality. The maximum tax rate for farmland is 25 per cent of the residential tax rate and mu-nicipalities can adjust the tax rate so that it is lower than 25 per cent of the residential rate.

“Our values reflect the local real estate mar-ket and confirm that most homeowners in the area have seen an increase in the value of their property over the past four years,” Brenda says.

MPAC’s role is to accurately assess every property in Ontario. “Property owners should ask themselves if they could have sold their

property for its assessed value on January 1, 2012. If the answer is yes, then their assess-ment is accurate. If not, we are committed to working with them to get it right,” says Brenda.

Property owners can check the accuracy of their assessment at www.aboutmyproperty.ca. This website allows owners to easily compare the value of their property to others in their neighbourhood and community. Registration information is included with every notice mailed this fall.

If property owners believe their assessment is not correct, they have the option of filing a Re-quest for Reconsideration and MPAC will review their assessment free of charge.

Hours will be extended at MPAC’s London of-fice during the Notice mailing period this fall. Property owners can also call MPAC’s Customer Contact Centre toll free at 1-866-296-MPAC (6722).

SCOTT LEWIS AUTO“ NAME YOU CAN TRUST”

6728 SPRINGFIELD RD.IN MT. SALEM

PHONE # 519-765-3834GENERAL REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES AND MODELS

USED CARS • GOVERNMENT CERTIFIED EMISSION REPAIRS

Makeover your home this holiday season with Hunter Douglas window fashions.

Silhouette® window shadings play with light and give your home that special holiday sparkle.

From November 12th to December 19th, 2012**, receive $40 for each Silhouette® window shadings purchased.

The Holiday

Home Makeover Event

A touch of elegance

**Not valid on previously placed orders.

*See this participating dealer for details

manufacturer’s

Rebate*

WALLPAPER LOFT1026 Talbot St. St. Thomas

519-631-1187wallpaperloftstthomas.com

THE TURKEY SHOPPE

10882 Sunset Rd. Just N. of Talbotville

519.633.0527wwwturkeyshoppe.com

ORDER YOUR FRESH

CHRISTMAS

TURKEY

OR ROAST

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

Turkey BaconTurkey Meat Loaf

Mayor Heather Jackson was on hand to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Tru Hot Yoga on Friday, November 23, 2012. Staff members, from left, are: Owner Kayla Carr, Lynn Sutherland, Melanie Knapp, Jody Bennett and Rose Shepherd.

Now that’s hot!

Law of the bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the

telephone rings.

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

16

There is no safe time, type,

or amount of alcohol to

drink during pregnancy.

This season, ask for a

mocktail instead.

For more information, please contact519-631-9900

www.elginhealth.on.ca

WANTED7 HOMES THAT NEED ROOFING

7 homes in your area will be given the opportunity of having an INTERLOCK

metal roofing system installed on their home at a reasonable cost. This lifetime

product is capturing the interest of homeowners across the country who want to

know this will be the last time they will have to re-roof their home. Our product is

environmentally friendly and comes with a lifetime transferrable Lifetime Limited

Warranty with an excellent choice of colours to complement your home and is

going to be introduced to your local market. Your home can be a show place in

your neighbourhood and we will make it worth your while if we can use your home.

1-866-601-7366Toll-Free 24 hours 7 Days a week

www.ontarioroof.com

Your hockey fixThe Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni

Charity Hockey Game held at the East Elgin Community Complex on Saturday, November 24, 2012 not only filled the venue, but helped raise funds for Aylmer Minor Hockey and the B.A.D. Girls Hockey Asso-ciation. Toronto Maple Leaf alumni went blade to blade with the Aylmer All-Stars. The game ended with a score of 12-7 for the Leafs alumni. Local hero Jack Valiquette scored five goals.

[left] Aylmer All-Star coaches Ted Kidder and Joel Falkenham at the pre-game dinner at Cy’s Lanes.

[above] Toronto Maple Leaf alumni Ric Nattress and Gary Leeman discuss strategy on how to beat the Aylmer All-Stars.

Leaf legend Jack Valiquette and 67 year-old Al Spicer after the game. Head referee (and Leaf alumni) Dave Hutchison waves to the crowd after doing a great job refereeing,

commentating and having fun with the crowd.

Santa’sFavourites

Santa’sFavourites

Santa’sFavourites

The Weekly News presents a list of Christmas Gift ideasalong with the name of the businesses where these items may

be purchased. See each of these advertisers’ ads in this edition of The Weekly News.

Sterling Silver JewelleryToth Jewellers

80” LED TVCentury Sound Sales & Service

Remote Car StarterCentury Service

Coloured GemstonesMuscat Jewellers

Pocket WatchesToth Jewellers

Home Theatre SystemCentury Sound Sales & Service

Watches & Sterling Silver

Muscat Jewellers

A doctor answered his phone late in the evening and heard the familiar voice of a colleague on

the other end of the line. “We need a fourth player for poker,” said his

friend. “I’ll be right over,” whispered the doctor. “Where are you going at this hour?” demanded his wife

as he was pulling on his coat. “I’m sorry, honey,” he replied, “but I

have an emergency call.”“Is it serious?” his wife asked. “Oh yes, very serious,” said the doctor gravely. “In fact, there are three

doctors their already!”

17

- Novem

ber 29

, 20

12

- St. Th

omas - E

lgin

Weekly N

ews

• Mutual Funds• GICs• Investment Advice• Insurance*

130 Centre Street, St. Thomas, ON N5R 2Z9

Tel: 519-631-4724 Fax: 519-631-0557

www.dundeewealth.com

Karin Barrie, MBA, CFP®, R.F.P., CLU

Certified Financial PlannerDundee Private Investors [email protected]

*Insurance products provided through Dundee Insurance Agency Ltd.

• Certified Financial Planner

• Stocks & Bonds

• GICS

• Mutual Funds

• Tax Strategies

130 Centre Street, St. Thomas, ON N5R 2Z9

Tel: 519-631-4088 or 1-866-643-5536

www.dundeewealth.com

Ellen Luft, CFP®Investment AdvisorDWM Securities [email protected]

Gail Dennis

www.accountingwithyou.com • [email protected] South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas, ON N5P 4L1

519-633-7597 (Ext. 405) Cell # 226-236-2321

Prosperity Coach for Your Business and You

Are your monthly and year-to-date revenuesand expenses on track with your budget?

We can work with you in preparing a budgetthat will identify the money leaks.

Call Gail Dennis today.

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

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

JEFF YUREKM.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE750 Talbot St. (CASO Station) Suite 201 – 2nd floor,

St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E2519-631-0666 Email: [email protected]

Availableto assist

you

Make sure you don’t miss this valuable advertising opportunity! Call us today at 519-633-1640

On September 11, 2012, the Ontario Liberal government passed Bill 115, the Putting Students First Act, 2012.

Bill 115 is undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unprecedented. It takes away the democratic rights of teachers and education professionals to bargain collectively.It places the government beyond the reach of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Ontario Labour Relations Act, and even the courts.It takes local decision-making away from school boards and puts it in the hands of the provincial government.

That’s why we’re standing against Bill 115. It sets a dangerous precedent for all Ontarians. In fact, the government has already threatened other public sector workers with similar legislation.

As teachers, we teach your children to stand up for their principles. Today, we ask you to do the same.

What can you do to help?Join us in standing up for democratic rights. Let your MPP know that Bill 115 must be repealed.

IF YOU WORK IN ONTARIO, THIS IS YOUR FIGHT.

This message brought to you by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of OntarioStopBill115.ca

Is your life moored?Mooring a boat is always a tricky

thing, especially in stormy weath-er. Last summer I was awakened by my wife calling, “The boat is gone!” My wife had worked a night shift and had gone to check

on our boat that I had moored near the shore-line. In the storm, the two mooring lines had snapped, and she broke loose. I quickly tossed on my wet suit and went running down to the

lake to see the boat jammed up on the shore. Luckily, it had run ashore with minimal dam-age. Although it was early, about six o’clock in the morning, another buddy of mine was up get-ting ready to leave his cottage. I conscripted his help, got my trailer, and we managed to get the boat out. With a little sanding, a fresh coat of paint and two new rudder gudgeons, we will sail again next near.

This is what I learned from that incident — your mooring is only as good as these three

things. First, you need a secure anchor, some-thing that will hold the vessel. Second, you need good rope. Third, you need a secure cleat on your boat. I had two of the three, which still meant I lost! I had one anchor that was still securely jammed between a crack in a rock cliff in about five feet of water. The cleat on the boat and foredeck was still secure. But, I had two pieces of shaggy, torn rope. I had the wrong kind of rope.

A bookstore owner tells the story of his in-

terpretation of our culture in the following way. Imagine a nice quiet lake, and in the lake there is a boat that is tied up to a dock. It seems so picturesque, so calming and so serene. How-ever, as you look at the scene before you, you notice the dock is floating--it is not secured to anything. The storeowner confessed: “That’s our society. We’ve tied our lives to the dock, but the dock isn’t tied to anything.”

This leads me to ask — What is your life tied to? What is securing your life? Your family? Your marriage? And that is something to think about.

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

18

Has your life been af-fected 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 Welling-ton Street, St. Thomas. Phone 519-434-2613.

The MS Society of Canada is looking for people who live in the St. Thomas area to participate in the Multiple Sclero-sis self-help group. For info call Carrie Chun, 1-800-268-7582 ext. 3133.

Pearce Williams Needs Your Vote for the Aviva Community Fund! Our Idea: World Camp teaching youth about poverty around the world. Visit Avi-va’s website for info.

Indoor Playground, Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hincks St., for children 0–5 yrs and their caregiver. Every Wednesday 9:30-11:30am. Drop In. Free. Call 519-631-2414 for more info.

Port Stanley Public Library features the work of Guild artists Pat Curtis and Jean Johnson through November, at 302 Bridge St. Call 519-782-4241 for hours.

November 29, Ad-vent Family Event Potluck, 6pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave., info 519-631-4558. Ev-eryone Welcome.

Fundraiser, Thursday, November 29 at A&W, 1010 Talbot Street, $1 from every Teen Burg-er donated to OECYC, supporting Chil-dren’s Mental Health.

Health and Wellness Night at St. James Church, 44936 Fer-guson Line, Novem-ber 29, 7pm. Topic: Healthy Eating Out, Speaker: Cathy Macpherson. Ev-

eryone Welcome.

Fundraiser. Thursday, November 29 at A&W St. Thomas, 1010 Tal-bot Street, $1 from every Teen Burger donated to OECYC, supporting Chil-dren’s Mental Health.

Funding Available for amateur sport projects in Elgin County. Application forms on the Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation website. Deadline Nov 30.

November 30, Spa-ghetti Dinner, Odd Fel-lows & Rebekahs Hall, 54 Moore St. Doors open 4pm, serving 5-7pm. Adults $7, Child 6-12 $4, 5 and under free. Call for Info 519-631-3494.

Sparta Community Bingo, Friday, Novem-ber 30, Sparta Public School, 7-8:30pm. Freewill Donation for Literacy Program at the School. For all ages. Questions call 519-775-2524.

Rotary Music Festival registrations are now due. Deadline No-vember 30. Festival Syllabus is at Maestro, Library or Rotary web-site. Festival dates Feb. 25-March 1. Con-tact 519-637-3528.

Port Stanley Public Library, 302 Bridge Street, features work of Guild artists Kim Hughson and Sine Maule through De-

cember. Call 519-782-7472 for hours.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Dufflebag Theatre. Dec. 1, 2pm. Aylmer Old Town Hall The-atre, $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 519-773-8220. Presented by Kids & Company.

Grace United Church Closing out Basement Sale, Books, kitchen items, stacking chairs, tables, Christmas Decoration, 3 pianos, small organ, various treasures. Freewill of-fering. Dec. 1, 9-12.

Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale, Saturday December 1, 10am-2pm, Caressant Care on Mary Bucke, 4 Mary Bucke St. Bake Table, Silent Auction Table, Raffle Table. Everyone Welcome.

Christmas Gospel Concert, Roy LeB-lanc & Central United Junior Choir, Dec 1, 7pm. Central United Church, Tickets $20. OK Tire, 18 Elgin St or Central United Church, 519-631-3503.

Valleyview Home, Yuletide Bazaar, Satur-day, Dec. 1, 9am-2pm, Home Baking, Pie Table, order for Xmas, Jewellery, Stained Glass, Quilting, Can-ning, Avon, Home Decor, Pointsetta’s.

Christmas Craft Show, Port Stanley Legion 410, Saturday, De-cember 1 and Sunday, December 2, 10am - 4pm. Fabulous items. Breakfast Sunday for $5. Free Admittance.

Candy Cane Christmas Craft Sale, Fabulous Vendors, Port Stanley Legion Branch 410. Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, De-

cember 2, 10am-4pm. Sunday Breakfast $5.

Wanted: Parade en-tries for the Fingal Optimist Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, Dec 2 at 2 pm. Please call Steve Garvin at 519-764-2436 to enter.

December 2, Candles of Hope, 7:30pm, Musical Reflection, St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave., a celebration of remembering loved ones. Info 519-631-4558. All welcome.

Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, Decem-ber 2, 9am-noon, St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre. Contact the Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas for tickets or at the door.

The Annual Christmas Carol Sing, The Old St. Thomas’ Church 55 Walnut Street, Sunday, December 2, 3pm. Voluntary Col-lection to Salvation Army Family Ser-vices. Dress Warmly.

Elgin County Railway Museum, Christmas Express Party, Sunday December 2, 1-4pm, $5/adult, $2/child (2-12 years), under 2 free. 225 Wellington Street

St. 519-637-6284.

Celebrate the Won-der performed by the Talbotville United Church Community Choir, Sunday Dec 2, 4pm, Talbotville United Church. Chili supper to follow, freewill donations.

Dec 2, Candles of Hope, 7:30pm, Mu-sical Reflection at St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave., a celebration of Re-membering loved ones. Info 519-631-4558 all welcome.

Turkey Raffle, Mon., Dec. 3, 7pm. St. Thomas Legion, Br. 41. 24 John St. Ev-eryone welcome.

Tuesday, December 4, Creating into a Mystery/Prayer Shawl Group, 10:30am at St. Andrew’s United Church 60 West Ave. For info 519-631-4558. Every-one is Welcome.

St. Thomas Seniors Centre Annual Christ-mas Luncheon, Wed. Dec 5. Door prizes and Live Entertain-ment. 11:30am. Tickets $15 Advance. 225 Chestnut St.

Wed. Dec. 5, 7pm, Dutton Dunwich Community Centre the Lions host their non-profit bingo.

Elgin Business Wom-en’s Network, Dec 5, Glitz & Glitter Potluck Christmas Celebra-tion at CASO, 750 Tal-bot, networking at 6pm, rsvp on-line or call 519-637-3777.

Arthur Voaden Christ-mas Concert. Fea-

turing Guitar En-semble and Jazz Band. Thursday, De-cember 6, 7pm. Arthur Voaden Auditorium. Tickets $5 at the door.

Thursday, December 6, Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm at St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Every-one Welcome. For info 519-631-4558.

Elgin Theatre Guild presents “Cinderella the Pantomime”. De-cember 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at 7:30pm & December 9 & 16 at 2:00pm. Tickets $15. 40 Princess Avenue.

Christmas Turkey Chip Bingo, MCP in Spring-field, Friday, Decem-ber 7, 7pm. Never play the same pattern twice. Over 50 priz-es. Corner Cupboard game with a donation.

Field Naturalist Meet-ing, Friday Dec. 7, 7:30pm, Knox Church, St. Thomas. Speaker Greg Balch on South-ern Ontario Wildlife. Info 519-631-5279.

Turkey and Ham Raf-fle, Centennial Sports Club, 41 Jonas Street, Saturday, December 8, 1-6pm. All Welcome.

Sunday, Dec. 9, 9am-1pm, the Lions serve a full breakfast, all you can eat, $6 in the Lions Den behind the Dutton Dunwich Community Centre.

Ham & Turkey Bingo, Sunday, Dec. 9. Doors open 12:30pm. St. Thomas Legion, Br. 41. 24 John St. Ev-eryone welcome.

Holiday Concert, St. Thomas Youth Choir

and St. Thomas Chil-dren’s Choir sing songs of the season. Dec. 9, 3pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Freewill offering. All welcome.

Carols by Candlelight, Sunday, Dec. 9, 7pm. Central United Church , 135 Wellington, Carol Singing, Spe-cial Music by choirs. Freewill donation-Caring Cupboard & Community Dinner.

Parkinson Support Group, Meeting Tues-day Dec. 11, 2-4pm., Knights of Columbus, 265 Wellington St. Info 519-631-9313.

All ladies are in-vited to Perkday, Tuesday, December 11, 10am, Fellow-ship Church. Spe-cial guest Stepha-nie from Heritage Gardens. Info 519-637-0283.

Seniors Christmas Dinner, Wednes-day, December 12, 11:30am-approx. 2pm, Dutton Dunwich Community Cen-tre. For advanced sale tickets contact Lion Dianne Purcell at 519-762-3341.

Circle of Moms play-group with the On-tario Early Years Centre for preschool-ers and their caregiv-ers. Wed, Dec 12, 9:30-11:30am, Tal-botville United Church. Info 519-633-7325.

Wednesday, Decem-ber 12, Bible Ques-tions, 10:30am at

St. Andrew’s United Church, everyone is welcome. For info 519-631-4558.

Faith Christian Acad-emy presents a chil-dren’s musical drama, Your Redeemer Has Come, 345 Fairview Ave, December 13, 7pm. No tickets need-ed, free-will offering.

Thursday, Decem-ber 13, Kickers, 6pm, St. Andrew’s United Church, mid week group ages 5- 13, games mu-sic craft. Everyone welcome. For more info 519-631-4558.

Dec. 14, 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.

Fellowship Church presents “Merry Christmas?” in sup-port of Talbot Teen Centre. Dec 14, 7pm, Dec 15, 4pm, Talbot Teen Cen-tre. Dec 16, 11am, Fellowship church. 519-633-3623.

Friday, December 14, Meal & Movie “Christmas Dog”, 5:30pm. RSVP at St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave, everyone welcome. 519-631-4558.

Gourmet hot dogs sold on siteby Franks For The Memories

333 Talbot St.St. Thomas, Ont. N5P 1B5(519) 633-3788

[email protected]

FRIENDS, FAMILY &FURBABIES OPEN HOUSEThursday, December 6, 4–9pm2013 Fundraising Calendars Available

THE HAIRCELLAR

519-637-0714www.thehaircellar.ca

80 Ross St. St. Thomas

Wed. 9-8, Thurs. 9-5, Fri. 9-5Sat. by appointment only 9-1

Haircuts Men’s $10Ladies $13 BIG

SALE50%OFF

MONDAYDEC 3

OPEN 9AM-7PM FOR SALE DAY

7 First Avenue, St.Thomas519-633-7300

THRIFTSTORES

DOROTHY JACKSON

Sunday Dec. 2 from 2-4 p.m.

at St. Thomas Christian Church, 451 Wellington St.

Food Bank donations in lieu of cards or gifts

would be appreciated.

Celebrating 95 Active YearsOpen House for

519-633-8530

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

Registered Massage Therapist – Wendy Baker Reiki Master – Laura Dunn

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

www.westendwellness.net

Wellness is theFocus of each

Treatment!WSIB & MVA Welcome

Since 1963

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY

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

519.631.1012

St. Mark’s United ChurchGrace United Church

Minister: Rev. Jim EvansJoint Music Ministry: Rob Earnshaw, Pat Baker, Paul Bodkin

38 Aldborough Ave., St. Thomas N5R 4T1Telephone 519-631-5705 Grace UC 519-631-7096

Joint Advent Service each Sunday at St. Marks, 10:00am

All are welcome to join in the special celebration of Advent

St. Andrew’s United Church

60 West Ave. Rev. Joan Golden

Worship Service 10:30am

Everyone Welcome519-631-4558

Candles of Hope Service 7:30pm

Trinity Anglican ChurchThe Church with the Purple Steeple

Wednesday Morning Eucharist 10am9:00am (BCP) Holy Communion10:30am (BAS) Holy Eucharist

and Sunday SchoolThe Reverend

Canon Brenda Clark OfficiatingLiz Rae Minister of Music

519-631-7000

Knox Presbyterian ChurchHincks Street at Wellington Street

519-631-2414Minister: Rev. Mavis Currie

Organist and Choir Director: Dr. W. D. CarrollDecember 2nd., 2012 - 10:30am

Sacrament of Holy CommunionFirst Sunday of Advent

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

EVERYONE WELCOME

Continued on next page

19

- Novem

ber 29

, 20

12

- St. Th

omas - E

lgin

Weekly N

ews

5th Annual Celtic Christmas with “The Sheridan Band”. Sat-urday, December 15, 7:30pm. Central United Church, 135 Wellington St. $10, call 519-633-6118. All proceeds to charity.

Port Stanley Commu-nity Choir Christmas Choir, Sunday Decem-ber 16, Port Stanley United Church, 2:30 & 7:30 pm Donations accepted at the door.

VON and Seren-ity House present “A Time to Remem-ber”, December 18 at Knox Church. RSVP to Lynn at Seren-ity House before Dec. 11, 519-637-3034.

Tuesday, December 18, Creating into a Mystery/Prayer Shawl Group, 10:30am at St. Andrew’s United Church 60 West Ave. For info 519-631-4558. Every-one is Welcome.

Thursday, December 20, Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm at St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Every-one Welcome. For info 519-631-4558.

Field Naturalist Box-ing Day Bird Count, Wednesday, Decem-

ber 26. Day finishes with potluck dinner at Knox Church , St. Thomas at 5:30pm. Info 519-631-7557.

Field Naturalist Walk, Tuesday, January 1, Walk at Fingal Wildlife Manage-ment Area, 34469 Fingal Line. Meet at the gates at 10am. Info 519-633-4235.

Field Naturalist Meet-ing, Friday, January 4, 7:30pm, Knox Church, St. Thomas. Presen-tation by members. Info 519-631-5279.

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. 10/13. 519-633-2419.

2013 Walk for Memo-ries, Saturday, Janu-ary 21, 9:30-noon, Parkside Collegiate, inside. Contact the Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas for pledge sheets, 519-633-4396.

Apartment for RentBEL PARC, our senior’s citi-zen building in Belmont is of-fering a one-bedroom apart-ment for only $620 per month, including utilities. Stove and fridge supplied. 519-644-1994.

Christmas IdeasGET READY FOR CHRISTMAS. Treat someone to something special. Gift Certificates for Mas-sage, Hot Stone or Reflexol-ogy available. Call Aylmer Heal-ing Waters 519-773-8102.

ComputersWILSDON 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.

Dog BoardingIN-HOME DOG BOARDING. Peace of mind by providing lov-ing care in MY HOME while your dog is away from their home. Call Rose 519-633-6637.

Help Wanted27 YR. OLD U.S. BASED CONSUM-ABLES MANUFACTURING COM-PANY seeking driven, motivated, goal-oriented, marketing execu-tives to expand customer base and increase customer shopping memberships. Paid in U.S. dol-lars converted at 1.2%. www.We-bExecTeam.com 519-319-5012.

RURAL DRIVERS. Reliable contract drivers with own vehicle, valid

driver’s licence and insurance to deliver newspapers to rural Elgin mail boxes on Thursdays. Small vehicle is best. Newspaper bun-dles dropped at your residence. Call The Weekly News at 519-633-1640 x 33, quote “Mail Box Driver,” and leave your contact information.

Items for SaleLIMOGES CHINA. Dinner, breakfast and bread & butter plates. 4 cov-ered serving bowls, 2 uncovered, 4 platters, dessert dishes, saucers, elegant teapot, cups and saucers, creamers & sugar bowls, salt and pepper, jam dish/spoon and more. $425. Please call 519-633-1471.

Scrapbooking SaleSALE, STAMPING, CARD-MAKING, SCRPBOOKING HOBBY. Giving up hobbies. All supplies MUST GO! More Savings! Friday, No-vember 30, 4-7pm and Saturday, December 1, 9am-noon SHARP each day. CASH only. 42531 Sparta Line West, Union. Call 519-637-2874 for more information.

Services OfferedTHINKING OF HARDWOOD, Unbeat-able prices, expert installation, free estimates. Call Rob Waldroff Cus-tom Carpentry. 519-269-3776.

RENOVATION ISSUES GOT YOU DOWN? We like your kind of prob-lems! No job is too small for us! Call now! K.G. Construction, 519-631-9332. [email protected]

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

SIFTONFUNERALH O M E

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

519-631-1160118 Wellington Street, St. Thomas

BERGEN, ISAAC of Aylmer, passed away on Sunday, No-vember 25, 2012 in his 44th year. A funeral service will be held at The Old Colony Mennonite Church, Aylmer on No-vember 29, 2012 at 2pm. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

GALLOWAY, MARION DOREEN of St. Thomas, passed away Wednesday, November 21, 2012 in her 81st year. A funeral ser-vice was held November 23, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

GOODING, RALPH M. “DICK” of St. Thomas, former-ly of RR #8, St. Thomas, passed away Tuesday, Novem-ber 20, 2012 in his 88th year. Cremation. A memorial ser-vice was held on November 23, 2012. Sifton Funeral Home.

GRANGER, GLORIA MILDRED of Extendicare, Port Stan-ley and formerly of St. Thomas, passed away on Satur-day, November 24, 2012 in her 85th year. A funeral service was held November 28, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

KLACHAN, STANLEY PAUL of Aylmer, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2012 in his 84th year. A funeral mass was cel-ebrated November 24, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

LONG, DAVID HERBERT of St. Thomas passed away Wednesday, Novem-ber 21, 2012 in his 68th year. No visitation. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

McKNIGHT, KENNETH of St. Thomas, passed away on Sun-day, November 25, 2012 in his 72nd year. A funeral service was held November 28, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

MOYES, GEORGINA (WHISKEN) of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, November 18, 2012 in her 81st year. A private family service. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

PARACHONIAK, DANIAL KEITH of St. Thomas, passed away Monday, November 19, 2012 at the age of 56. A funeral ser-vice was held November 24, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

PINNEGAR, GERALD “JERRY”, passed away Sunday, No-vember 25, 2012 in his 81st year. A funeral service was held November 28, 2012. Shawn Jackson Funeral Home.

PROCUNIER, IRENE KATHERINE (COTT) of London, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2012 in her 88th year. A celebration of life was held November 26, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

SCOTT, RETA MAE RUTH (SIMS), passed away on Saturday, Novem-ber 24, 2012 in her 89th year. A funeral service was held Novem-ber 27, 2012. Rodney Chapel of Denning Funeral Directors Ltd.

WEBB, EVELYN (PENNER) of St. Thomas, passed away Friday, November 23, 2012 in her 78th year. A pri-vate family memorial. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

WHITE, HAROLD R. of St. Thomas, passed away on Tues-day, November 20, 2012 in his 83rd year. A funeral ser-vice was held on November 26, 2012. Sifton Funeral Home.

Non-profit groups, send your Community Billboard announcements (25 words or less per item by text email, no attachments or email/websites

in ad) to [email protected]

Reach over

30,000 addresses with your classified word ad! Call 519-633-1640

today and....

GET REACH!

Nov

embe

r 2

9, 2

01

2 -

St.

Th

omas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

20

2Oth2Oth

DATE TIME ENTERTAINMENTSaturday December 1 ...................6:30 PM ........Bob FinlaySunday December 2 ......................6:30 PM ........ The HummingbirdsFriday December 7 .......................6:30 PM ........Michael WarrenFriday December 7 ....................8:00 PM ........ Traci KennedySaturday December 8 ..................7:00 PM ........Double LSunday December 9 ....................6:00 PM ........Music for Young ChildrenSunday December 9 .....................7:30 PM ........ The Bee SingersFriday December 14 ...................6:30 PM ........Christian Community School ChoirFriday December 14 .....................7:30 PM ........Captain CorbinSaturday December 15 ...............6:30 PM ........Santa’s NightSunday December 16 ................6:30 PM ........ John & CarolSunday December 16 ...................7:30 PM ........ TBA - Watch The Weekly News for detailsFriday December 21 ..................7:00 PM ........Music by FirelightSaturday December 22 .............7:00 PM ........Sing Along with Susie Q (songbooks provided)Sunday December 23 ................7:00 PM .......Austin GagnierFriday December 28 ....................700 PM ......... Justin Maki and friendsSaturday December 30 .................TBA - ............Watch The Weekly News for detailsSunday December 31 ...................TBA - ............Watch The Weekly News for details

THANKS TO OUR 2012 SPONSORS:98.1 FREE FMADVANTAGE FARM EQUIPMENTAL JEWEL PERFECT SIGNSARTHUR VOADEN SECONDARY SCHOOLCANADIAN MOBILE CONCRETE MACHINERYCCI CANADAC.I.B.C. WOOD GUNDY (THOMAS C. FOX)CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF ST. THOMASDOWLER KARN FUELS LTD.GREAT LAKES NEW HOLLAND INC.HEATHER JACKSON, MAYORHURON TRACTORJIM COXJOE PRESTON M.P.J.R. HUBERK & K LOCKSMITHKINSMEN CLUB OF ST. THOMASMAESTRO MUSIC ACADEMYmyFM 94.1O K TIRE AND AUTO SERVICERYCKMAN CONTRACTORS LTDST. THOMAS CITY COUNCILST THOMAS ENERGY INC. / ASCENT GROUP OF COMPANIESST. THOMAS PARKS & RECREATIONST. THOMAS RENT-ALLJEFF YUREK M.P.P.TIM HORTON’SVANDENBRINK FARM EQUIPMENT YARMOUTH METAL FABRICATORSYARMOUTH MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.

P.O. Box 22044, 204 First Avenue, St. Thomas, ON N5R 6AlFor more information: www.fantasylights.org

Entertainment subject to change

November 29, 2012 Issue

Documents

Transcript of November 29, 2012 Issue