1- January 31, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News

After 7 incredible years, it’s time for

a well deserved rest...

GOING OUT OF BUSINESSINVENTORY LIQUIDATION

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat. 8am-3pmwww.new2youauto.ca

St.Thomas/Elgin

Volume 8 No. 40 519-633-1640 • www.theweeklynews.ca

February 7, 2013

Health unit gets new home

The new Public Health building is right on schedule, so says Dave Warden, Chair of the Board of Health for Elgin-St. Thomas.

“It’s our hope to be moved in by mid-November of this year. Child and Family Services take over that [former] build-ing on December 31, 2013.” Family and Children Services of St. Thomas and El-gin will be moving into the building that currently houses the health unit on Ed-ward Street, where they have been oper-ating from for the past 20 years.

What this new building means for residents is upgraded services, as staff will finally have the room to run the in-creased number of programs the public health departments deals with. An ear-lier report identified a need for 30,000 square feet of space to have programs run effectively. Dave says various proper-

ties were looked at during the process, but the new site at 1230 Talbot Street was chosen because it’s still accessible to residents, and at just under three acres there will be room for future needs and expansion, if necessary.

Elgin County Warden Cameron Mc-William congratulated board of health members and staff, telling them how im-portant it is that the city has good health and welfare in order to make it grow.

So far, the project is coming in on budget. Ten million dollars was set aside to see the project through from begin-ning to end, including the $6.8 million construction tender awarded to local construction firm HIRA General Con-

tractors in November 2012. The same company is responsible for building the Husky – Car/Truck stop near Belmont and Presstran Industries - Expansion. “Everything’s right on budget and will remain that way,” says Dave. “I will make sure that it stays on budget.”

Two of the main factors for determin-ing the best site included if it was ac-cessible (on a bus route) and that it was clean.

Ground for the new building was bro-ken on January 30, 2013 and architects, HIRA representatives, local officials and members of the Board of Health and Public Health were in attendance.

Emissions test

MPP Jeff Yurek

Drive Clean not useful - Yurek

If you’re one of the drivers caught in the new rules for Ontario’s Drive Clean program, MPP Jeff Yurek can sympathize. “I think at this point they should be taking the money that’s invested in this program and use it elsewhere to help our econo-my turn around.”

The program, started 13 years ago under then Premier Mike Har-ris, now collects $30 million from automobile owners in Ontario. This number comes from the 2012 Au-ditor General’s report. A report that Jeff says questions the effective-ness of the program. The number of phone calls he’s received on this issue this month alone backs that question. “I’ve had numerous calls, emails and Facebook messages concerning the emissions testing. I tell you, all of last year I may have gotten one or two, so the fact that the Auditor General came out with her report at the end of 2012 and now my office is receiving numer-ous complaints on the program, that raises quite a bit of red flags.”

Ron Buchanan of Ron’s Auto, a licensed e-test facility, sees things differently. “First of all, the program is viable and it is needed. People do no maintain their vehicles.” He says the point of the program is “to

See EMISSIONS/page 2

Good growingMore space needed for gardens

Long-term food sustainability that has low impact is what Brigitte Cosens wants. That’s why Brigitte, a founding member of the Commu-nity Gardens group in St. Thomas, is looking to open a third green space in the City of St. Thomas. It’s also why she needs input from residents on where it would be possible to have such a garden.

A nurse by day, and health-con-scious at all times, Brigitte found herself, along with husband Mark, attending a meeting in London held to gauge the interest in setting up a community gardening program in St. Thomas. There she met a few like-minded individuals and so the group was formed. The first garden location the group acquired was on Isabel Street in St. Thomas. When that didn’t work out, they moved to their permanent homes at Kains and St. Catharine and First Avenue.

Anyone who knows of a good lo-cation for a third garden can call Brigitte at 519-637-6390 or email her at stthomascommunitygarden@hotmail.com

Currently the group, started in 2010, has 52 gardeners, more than 100 people who visit the site and two pieces of land on which to gar-den. Each piece of land is divided into 10 by 10 plots, as well as some

See GOOD GROWING/page 2

With monetary donations up over Christmas, but food donations down overall, Car-ing Cupboard Manager Brian Burley wants to thank every-one who donated, stressing that without donors, there

would be many people in the county who would go home hungry. So far St. Thomas has been fortunate in that area.

Since 2008, the food bank has had a 16 per cent rise in need, not including this Janu-

ary, one of the busiest Brian can remember.

“This January, just this month, it was the busiest Jan-uary we’ve ever had. I know Christmas is hard on every-one, so it doesn’t surprise me

that it’s up, but it’s the busiest one yet and I hope it doesn’t stay at this level.”

If the numbers stay high, Brian says the Caring Cup-board will have to look at

St.Thomas/Elgin

Real Estate Brokerage527 Talbot Street, St. Thomas,

519-637-2300www.elginwebsite.com

Nick Visscher Broker of Record

Call/text 519-933-4714www.elginrealty.ca

263 Chestnut StreetSpotless 2 storey with main floor family room.

$219,900.00

519-633-6500

SUPER SPECIALSChinese New Year

(February 10) & Valentine’s Day

See page 5 for details or call 519-633-6500

From left, are: Mike Miedema, Hira Vice President, Justin Harper, Hira Senior Project Manager, Cynthia St. John, Executive Director, ESTPH, Heather Jackson, Mayor of St. Thomas, Jack Couck-uyt, Mayor of Aylmer and vice chair of the Board of Health, Dave Warden, Board of Health Chair, Elgin County Warden Cameron McWilliam, Tom Bes, Hira Project Manager, Dr. Frank Warsh, Acting Medical Office of Health for ESTPH and McMichael Ruth, architect with Tillman Ruth Robinson.

Caring Cupboard thanks community

See CARING CUPBOARD/page 2

of the new Elgin St. Thomas Public Health buildingCold weather hasn’t slowed construction at the site

Janu

ary

31, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

2

clean up the atmosphere one car at a time, not hurt people.”

For shop owners that have bought into the equipment needed to perform e-tests, as well as having their mechanics go through certification to do the testing done, the cost of this program is high. Ron says when the program first came out in 2001, equipment cost around $70,000. Now that equipment is scrap under the new rules that have changed e-tests from tailpipe to scanning your vehicle’s computer via on-board diagnostic testing. New equipment cost Ron very close to $20,000. If the program ends, there will be no reimbursement for the equipment. “I’m looking at six blue certificates that each of my guys went through. I’ve got four guys that can test, and one licensed to do repairs. The licensing alone was a couple of thousand dollars.”

Jeff says the program, which was originally de-signed for car manufacturers to build more fuel-efficient cars, has done what it was designed to do, and should now be scrapped. “There was a time when it first came on the market that it was needed. Now it’s not really needed. Our cars are better built now.” His party plans to lobby the Lib-eral government and, barring an outright cancel-ling of the program, Jeff says that if the PC party forms the next government, they will just end the program outright.

Emissions Test Caring CupboardContinued from front page

Continued from front page

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

Our next Info Session takes place on Feb 12 at 9 am. Drop by 300 South Edgeware or call Kevin at:

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

Newest SEB Business Start-ups for Elgin include:• Kim Cooper - Cooper Paralegal• Dave Masschaele - DCM Plumbing• Miranda Arbeau - Arbeau Paralegal

NEED A BUSINESS LOAN?

EBRC can provide loans up to $250,000. Our current loan portfolio includes:

• Retail flower shops • Trade Service • Manufacturing • Automotive • Value Added Agri-business And more – add yours to the list!

Call Glenn for information on our

loans programs:

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

BE YOUR OWN BOSS!it’s time to

519-633-7597 ext 333

519-633-7597 ext 337

TUESDAY:1 Large

Deluxe Pizza

$11.95+tax

WEDNESDAY:2 Medium

Pizzas4 toppings

$22.95+tax

FAMILY SPECIAL: 1 Large Pizza &

1 Loaf ofGarlic Bread Plain

$16.95+tax

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

with coupon only

$

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

communal garden plots. Each plot comes with a $30 suggested do-nation to make sure plots are well maintained. It also covers the cost of water and insurance for both current locations, as well as any future loca-tions, as the group is funded solely

through its membership. The group has also held various workshops ranging from canning to seeding.

“We’re a 30/70 mix of avid gar-deners and people just experiment-ing and learning. There are folks who have never put a seed in the ground.

That’s essentially what community gardens are about. It’s a great mix of expertise. I’d like to see that continue to happen.”

Groups that have partnered with Community Gardens include: Elgin St. Thomas Public Health, the On-tario Works department, the Ontario Mental Health Association, the Teen Centre, and Community Living Elgin.

staying open longer or another day. Right now they’re open Mon-day and Thursday from 9:30am-3pm and Tuesday from noon-3pm.

Food donations provided at Christmas time should last the Caring Cupboard until Spring, but baby formula and personal hy-giene items are still needed.

Brian says the Caring Cupboard owes thanks to their donors, whether they donate on a regular basis or not. As well, he would like to recognize all of the businesses and schools that arrange for food drives to support the community.

“Our community should recog-nize business partners like Hough-ton and Houghton Ontario Land Surveyors for donating the use of a cargo van, Messenger Freight Systems for free transportation; the Corporation of the City of St. Thomas for the temporary use of the Horton St. Market to store donations from our holiday food drive; The Weekly News, MYFM for free advertising, the St. Thomas Times Journal; the Knights of Co-lumbus for preparing “homemade” soups; St. Thomas Dog Owners and Kit & Poodle for soliciting and bagging free pet food; Giant Tiger, Real Canadian Superstore, Metro and FreshCo for allowing dona-tion drop boxes in their stores; The Forever Legacy Foundation for do-nating gift cards; St. Thomas Tire for free services, Christmas Care for donating their campaign’s left-over product and Coca-Cola Canada for free product.”

Donations are accepted year-round.

Goodbye penny

As of February 4, 2013, Canada will become one more country on a growing list of countries that are phasing out the one cent coin. Canada will move to a new round-ing system, where any amount ending in 1, 2, 6 and 7 cents will be rounded down — to the nearest five cent amount, while amounts ending in 3, 4, 8, 9 will be round-ed up to the nearest five cent in-crement. Amounts ending in 0 and five cents remain unchanged.

Other countries to adopt this method include: Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and Sweden.

Currently pennies cost more to make than they are worth, costing the government $11 million a year to bring the supply in from Win-nipeg, where they are produced. It costs 1.6 cents to make each penny.

Pennies taken out of circulation will be melted, and the metal re-cycled. When pennies were first made in Canada in 1908 they were made from copper, tin and zinc.

Good growingContinued from front page

Brigitte Cosens showcases the Community Gardens sign at the Kains and St. Catha-rine Street location. The artist is Heather Keating.

What has one head, one foot and four legs?...A Bed.

The first rule of holes: If you are in one, stop digging.

3- January 31, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News

HELP!

KIDS & TEENS NEED YOU

Please contact:Marnie Merritt now at ext. 291 for details

on our March 21st PRIDE Training

Be a foster/foster to adopt parent today

Paw PrintsFebruary is Pet Dental

Health Month!Adam Mahovlich, BSc. DVMVeterinarian, Partner/Owner

This month, veterinarians will be educating their clients about oral care for their pets. Your pets teeth are vitally important to their overall wellbeing and should be examined on a regular basis. Just like us, regular clean-ings are necessary to help maintain your pets health and promote an overall good quality of life.Here are some fun dental facts about our animal friends:• Adult dogs have 42 teeth – 20 on top and 22 on the bottom• Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth – 16 on top and 14 on the bottom• Pet Rabbits, hamsters, and mice have teeth that continue to grow their entire life, and must chew on hard surfaces to wear them down• Mammals have the most developed teeth in the animal kingdom

• Teeth are the hardest part of your body• Elephant tusks are actually modified teeth• A male African Elephant’s molars can be more than a foot long, and weigh around 10lbs each• Sharks constantly grow and lose teeth – up to 20,000 in their lifetime• Giraffes have the same number of teeth as humans do – 32• Dolphins have more teeth than any other mammal (some dolphins have over 200), and scientists can tell the age of a dolphin by counting the rings on their teeth.

If you haven’t done so yet, call us and book a dental

check visit today!Happy Dental Month!

Elgin Veterinary ClinicsElgin Animal Hospital – 9789 Sunset

Rd. St. Thomas 631-0430www.elginanimalhospital.com

Talbot Animal Clinic - 930 Talbot St. St. Thomas 633-5970

www.talbotanimalclinic.com www.facebook.com/elginanimalhospital www.facebook.com/talbotanimalclinic

February is Pet Dental Health Month!

SIFTONFUNERAL

HOMEThe Sifton Family Since 1926

We Offer a Full Range

of Funeral Planning Options

L. Brent SiftonThird Generation

118 Wellington Street, St. Thomas

519-631-1160

Huge talent found in Miniature Art

The Rotary festival

is comingWith over 300 participants

from St. Thomas, this year’s Rotary Music Festival is shap-ing up to be a good one. The festival runs February 25, 2013 - March 1, 2013, with a concert and awards presen-tation at the Salvation Army Citadel on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 7pm.

Programmes will be printed shortly and will be available through the library, Maestro Music Academy and the Cen-tral Academy of Music.

The festival is followed by a Keynotes Concert and Awards on Friday, April 12, 2013. The public is welcome to attend all performances.

The festival, started in the early 1950s, is an annual event. A true community event, as a number of musicians represent their community.

Classes will be held at the Fellowship Christian Church (strings, instruments, band), St. Thomas Christian Church (vocals) and the Salvation Army Citadel (piano and choirs). Friday, March 1, 2013 is the competitions for the tro-phies and the Cuniffe scholar-ship.

Contact information is Ron Somerville, Chairman of the Rotary Music Festival Com-mittee. He can be reached at 519-631-0852 or www.rota-rystthomas.org/musicfestival

Hire a youthEmployers looking to help

create student jobs can now apply online to receive fund-ing through the Canada Sum-mer Jobs program at service-canada.gc.ca/csj2013

Applications for the fund will be taken from February 1 - February 28, 2013. Cri-teria for proposals include jobs that support local pri-orities, jobs with a salary that contribute to the student’s income, service to local com-munities, and employers who hire priority students (disabili-ties, Aboriginal students and students who are members of visible minority groups). Be-fore completing an applica-tion, employers must consult the Canada Summer Jobs Ap-plicant Guide and review local priorities for their area.

Funding will be available to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses. To qualify for these job opportunities youth must be between the ages of 15 to 30 years old and be a full-time student in-tending to return to school in the fall.

Art enthusiasts filled the Portside Gallery on Main St. in Port Stanley to view the 11th annual Miniature Show and Sale on Sunday, February 3rd. The exhibit, which runs for the rest of the month, features work by local artists. The defining feature of

this show is the restriction that the art must be less than 16 square inches in size.

About 90 pieces of art are cur-rently on display. The works were judged by St. Thomas artist Josepha van den Anker. One Best in Show ribbon and three Honourable Men-tion ribbons were awarded.

By John Morrow Weekly News Correspondent

Why do birds fly south for the winter? Its easier

than walking! First place honours went to Ethel Mitrovic for her clay sculpture, “Pride,” depicting a pride of lions. (photo by John Morrow)

Janu

ary

31, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

4

Come and Cheer on

Your Stars!

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

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

EXCITING JR. B HOCKEY AT ITS BEST!Thursday, February 7, 2013Force Iron and Metal Night

Chatham Maroons vs. Stars @7:00pm

 Sunday, February 10, 2013Wendy’s Night

Sarnia Legionnaires vs. Stars @7:00pm

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

Saturday, February 168:00pm - 11:00pm

Port Stanley Arena- 332 Carlow Road

Cash Bar • Evening Attire

Door Prizes & Complimentary Late

Night Sandwich Buffet

SPECIAL FEATURE: “DANCE DEMO”

with Michael Murphy

Tickets: $60/couple in advance or $65/couple at the door.

Available at: www.musicandmemories.org/storkclub

and at The Wharf Restaurant in Port Stanley,

or by calling Sharon at (519) 633-6202sharonlechner@rogers.com

Featuring

THE SAHARA SWING BAND

Rick McCaw was not only a great ballplayer – he also was the driving force behind the re-surgence of fastball in St. Thom-as. His accomplishments were feted when he was inducted posthumously January 31 into the St. Thomas Wall of Fame in the Sports category at the Tim-ken Centre.

In 1967, men’s fastball was all but extinct in St. Thomas af-ter the action moved to London. Rick was determined to bring ball back to the Railway City. In 1974, he was the kingpin in the formation of the St. Thomas Memorial Fastball League, his friend and fellow fastball orga-nizer Art Johnson told a large crowd at the Timken Centre. Rick revitalized the sport in the city, bringing home regional and

provincial honours.When he was starting the

Memorial league, no obstacle was too large. To raise funds, they launched a programme with advertisers, ran ham and turkey raffles, lined up sponsors and won money at tournaments. They needed a tractor for the diamond on Saturdays, so Rick made arrangements to have the City leave a tractor on weekends for the league.

“He was a natural,” Art said. “He could hit, throw and run. He had a big upper body and a sweet swing. If it wasn’t for the farm work, he could have made it to the majors.”

Rick McCaw was inducted into the Legends of Fastball last year, shortly after he died. In addition to being a phenom-

enal hitter, he was an outstand-ing centre fielder. His obituary noted, “He was especially proud to be a member of the 1970 Canadian Champion London T.V. Cable and the 1974 Ontario and Memorial League Fastball Championship teams.”

His grandchildren Lily Wraight, Mariah McCaw and Jake Rick unveiled the plaque at the Tim-ken Centre.

Mariah played softball last year, and Jake plays competitive hardball out of London.

Jake’s position? Centre field.

Sport hero inducted into Wall of Fame

Grandchildren Jake Rick (left), Lily Wraight and Mariah McCaw at the unveiling of Rick McCaw’s photograph during his induction into the Wall of Fame.

Interested in walking? Enjoy cycling? Then Elgin St. Thomas Public Health has the group for you. Monthly meetings are be-ing held by a group of citizens interested in encouraging pro-

moting running, walking and bicycling in Elgin County. The next meeting is Monday, Febru-ary 11, 2013 from 6-8pm at Elgin St.Thomas Public Health, located at 99 Edward Street in

St. Thomas. The group plans to meet

the second MOnday of each month.

Objectives of the new

committee will include promot-ing the safe use of trails and pathways, advocating active transportation, building a com-munity culture that supports ac-tive transportation and building a healthier community.

For more information or to become involved contact Erica Arnett, Health Promoter, at 519-631-9900 ext 1247.

Time to get active

Random Acts of KindnessThe Black Sheep sign company supports Random Acts

of Kindness Day. This board was located on Wellington Road in St. Thomas. Knox Presbyterian Church, also on Wellington Street, held a Sunday sermon entitled Pay It Forward.

Family and friends attending the recent Port Stanley Skating Club “Gala on Ice” event were entertained by 50 soloists; an interpretive couples team, and 45 skaters from the three Port Stanley Waves synchro teams. Admittance to the event was by donation of non-perishable goods for the local Port Stanley food bank, which netted approximately 300 items and a generous donation of cash. Helping are Convener Marilyn Brown (middle) and gathering up the do-nated food are solo skaters Hope Simon (left) and Alexis Tully (right).

5- January 31, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News

Toth JewellersDiamonDs • Watches • Gifts

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

One dozen long stemmed Red Roses$39.99

Pick Up Only • While supplies last

Roses not her thing? We also

have mixed flower

arrangements!Surprise your Sweetheart on Thursday, February 14

Order by phone, website, or come in

1258 Talbot Street ( At Centennial) St. Thomas519-637-5777

www.petalsoflove.ca • www.petalsoflove.net

648 Talbot Street, St. Thomas 519-633-6547 www.ansellsawards.com

Engravable Gifts

from the ordinaryto the extraordinary

The possibilities are endless…

Open Monday to Friday

9am-5:30pm

Chocolates...are you serious?

...and I thought you really cared.

HAIR DESIGN

9 P r i n c e s s A v e . , S t . T h o m a s 5 1 9 - 6 3 3 - 4 1 0 0

For other offers and specials, visit kingsbuffet.com or call 519-633-6500 1063 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

Free Gifts & New Authentic Foods for Chinese New Year

Come Join Us Sunday, February 10 - ALL DAY

Book your Reservation Now for these

Dates!

LUCKY DRAW5 – 1st Prizes

($150 value each)20 – 2nd Prizes

($40 value each)50 – 3rd Prizes

($10 value each)

LUNCH OR DINNER

St.Thomas

F i n d T h e P e r f e c t

Janu

ary

31, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

6

Shubenacadie, Nova Sco-tia, Wiarton, Ontario and Punxsutawney, Pennsylva-nia, as far apart as they are geographically, share many

things in common. They are all communities of between one and two thousand residents and all would be quickly forgotten if they had not in-vented the idea that a certain large rodent could predict weather. Immediately, national and inter-national attention was paid to all three commu-nities by those people who believe in the Easter Bunny. Then again there are those people who are so desperate to escape a cold winter that they turn to any potential source of hope.

We can judge the state of our civilization by seeing that respectable national and interna-tional media will send reporters and complete camera teams to provide “live coverage” of a fat, lazy rodent being prodded from his hole to squint at the outside world. It is an odd thing to do, but sometimes a welcome distraction of the seri-

ous problems that the world faces in the Middle East, organized crime and political corruption. The groundhogs that live in the cages at these communities are pampered and fed. They don’t even have to be males. At one time, a rodent shortage forced the Wiarton people to display a female, giving great care that no one should view its posterior and discover the deception.

I know I am going to be labeled a heretic by true believers, but I confess I don’t think there is a rodent living that can communicate weather statistics to anxious humans. They feel cold a little less than we do because of their fur coats, but they are as helpless as we are in the relent-less onslaught of nature. Believers say if the rodent emerges to see its shadow, we will only have six more weeks of winter. Personally I be-lieve that and I also believe if it doesn’t see its shadow, we can expect winter for another month-and-a-half. If there was anything special or gifted about groundhogs, then why aren’t they running for Parliament?

St.Thomas/Elgin

On a cold evening in January, I knew I was in a little bit of trouble when my daughter and two grand-daughters arrived at our

door with birthday card and hot fudge sundaes in hand. Right. It was my lovely wife Nancy’s birthday.

I hadn’t forgotten. Not exactly. The day of this celebration was on the calendar in our kitchen. Nancy and I had made plans to go out the fol-lowing weekend.

But still . . .That particular day in January had started out

to be “one of those days,” and it didn’t give up that status until the card and ice cream arrived. Newspapers in the 21st Century are sometimes viewed as old school. Technology has meant for lots of changes in the last quarter century, but in the newspaper world, news and advertising are not quite instantaneous. We’re not tweeting our newspaper. We still have to send the pages (now electronically) to a press where they are printed. The papers are trucked back to us. We

hand-insert flyers and have drivers drop bun-dles to carriers who go door-to-door.

While some of this is labour-intensive, the work is also remarkably fast-paced, even at a community newspaper. Fast-paced, and ab-sorbing. Sometimes, we get so absorbed that other, important events escape our attention.

What I’m about to say next is factually accu-rate, even if I’m not proud of it. When our oldest daughter was born, I was out delivering news-papers from our Volkswagen, the vehicle that doubled as a “truck” at the time to bring papers back from the printers. (I cut my teeth at a small paper in Peterborough). Nancy had been doing cut-and-paste layout, standing at tables, right through her first pregnancy. This newspaper thing is a bit of a family problem, and that may have helped when I mumbled “Happy Birthday” before going to bed.

P.S. Mistakes. They do happen, no matter how obsessively we work. Last week, we promoted a West Lorne Optimists’ Adult Fur Night February 23. More fun than a Fun Night?

Possibly.

So what’s this we hear about phasing out the penny? Pennies build up fast, are dirty, can be found lying in most of the streets around this area and they

cost more to make than they’re worth. These are some of the many reasons the government would like to see them end. On the other side of the debate, and something I never thought of until someone brought it up, how do we teach children to count money without them? Yes, we can teach them five-cent increments, but that’s not the same, is it?

In other news. . . It’s unbelievable that developers of a new con-

dominium complex in the Town of Aylmer didn’t plan well enough to foresee how many parking spaces would be needed for the new structure. How is that even possible?? That said, if council allows them to rent 15 permanent spaces from the parking lot downtown at $500 each/month,

those of us who live in Aylmer will see a reduc-tion in our taxes, right?

In other news. . . It’s not very often these days you hear a story

that moves you enough to spread the word. This is exactly what happened in the case of three-year-old Londoner Mason Smith and his be-loved toy, a stuffed lamb in a homemade purple coat named Lambie. Mason is blind, and up until Lambie was lost, he carried his compan-ion everywhere. An impassioned plea for the lamb’s safe return from mom Ashlee Smith on Kijiji now has over 47,000 views and Londoners are still scouring the town to find the toy. In the meantime, American company Douglas Cuddle Toys out of New Hampshire, who originally cre-ated the toy, has offered to restart production and mail two to Mason. There is still a $500 re-ward for the lamb’s whereabouts and for those of us travelling to White Oaks Mall in London in the near future, let’s keep our eyes open. We might find Lambie yet!

“Jobs, taxes, the government wasting money, there are too

many things that are a priority to be able to pick just one.”

What Happened: Newly elected Kathleen Wynne recently took calls from Ontarians regarding what her top priority should be as incoming Premier during an over-the-phone inter-view. What do you think the top priority should be for our new Premier?

“My hope is that she is able to help find balance between the parties so that we can move

forward on any issue.”

“Assault rifles. I think that would be a major thing to look into.”

“There are a lot of things to take care of but settling the

teacher situation needs to be done.”

Pat Griffin, Central Elgin

Jena Downen-Dempsey, St. Thomas

Ron Hall, St. Thomas

Louisa Zavitz, Sparta

St.Thomas/Elgin

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

Terry Carroll - General Manager: terry@theweeklynews.ca ......... [Ext. 25]Nelson Parreira - Advtg. Manager: nparreira@metroland.com ...... [Ext. 24]Melissa Schneider - Reporter: editor@theweeklynews.ca ...... [Ext. 26]Linda Axelson - Sales: linda@theweeklynews.ca ....... [Ext. 27]Chris Heil - Sales: chris@theweeklynews.ca ........ [Ext. 23]

Shari Cole - Sales: shari@theweeklynews.ca ......... [Ext. 33]Circulation - Starmail: ........................................ 519-451-1500Laura Bart - Office Administrator: laura@theweeklynews.ca ....... [Ext. 21]Jim McHarg - Production: design@theweeklynews.ca

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

CMCAAUDITED

Member:

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

Melissa schneider ric wellwood

Does it make cents? About five Emergence of a rodent

Terry carroll

Little mistakes do happen

Jamming country style John Doucette , guitar, and Marlene Smith, keyboard, were among 50 performers at the Railway

city Music Jamboree Saturday, February 2, 2013 at June Rose Callwood Public School on Edward Street. Held every second Saturday night, proceeds are donated to the school to supplement school trips. (photo by Brian Wilsdon)

7- January 31, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News Call Rebecca for your

complimentary meet and greet!

519.495.5057www.kitandlepoodle.com

Licensed, insured and bonded. Certified in pet first aid and CPR.

Services:- Pet sitting, including overnight in your home- Dog walking- Pet transportation- Pets for Seniors Program

We invite you to discuss Funeral Preplanning at any time

with any one of our qualified Funeral Directors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Owen BoughnerLicensed Funeral

Director

Gary HughsonOwner/Funeral Director

Craig Harwood Licensed Funeral

Director

David Gifford Licensed Funeral

Director

Williams Funeral Home has proudly served

the families of St. Thomas & Area with care

and professionalism for over 116 years. From

the very beginning, the Hughson family

and the staff of Williams Funeral Home has

continued to meet the needs of the families

we have had the honor to serve. We unite

the time honored traditions that have served

our families over the years with the willing-

ness and ability to grow toward meeting the

needs of those we serve.

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

Friday march 8 2013th

@ 8 p.m.

FOR TICKETS CALL 519.782.4353OR ORDER ONLINE @portstanleytheatre.ca

$25plus tax/handling

302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley

V ALDYDon’t Miss the

Legend

PortStanleyFestivalTheatre

Sponsored By:

Citizen Input survey

Council received the results of a Citizen In-put survey taken in No-vember and December of 2012 ranking satis-faction on certain key services provided by the municipality. Of the 58 surveys collected, consensus seemed to be that participants were generally satisfied with the services they deemed most impor-tant such as fire and rescue and drinking water. A common com-plaint listed in the sur-vey was the high cost of property taxes and a recurring recommenda-tion was the addition of compost collection to the curbside pickup.

Tax bill streamlining

Council received a report from Director of Finance Karen DePrest explaining the upcom-ing changes to the tax and utility billing sys-tem designed to make the process run more efficiently. Changes in the 2013 year include a switch to a single bill for addresses that have both a capped and non-capped as-sessment. This bill will also coincide with the dates of the bi-monthly utilities billing dates, re-sulting in what DePrest called “one stop shop-ping” for ratepayers, or a single trip to the mu-nicipal building instead of multiple.

No new tires for fire trucks yetFor the second time

Council heard a report from Fire Chief Don Crocker detailing the recommendation made by the Ontario Associa-tion of Fire Chiefs that the tires on emergency vehicles should be re-placed after a seven year life span to prevent potential blowouts that could occur while sub-ject to vigorous driving conditions en route to an emergency. Accord-ing to Chief Crocker, six vehicles would need to be addressed under this recommendation at a cost of $28,000. While Council did re-ceive a suggestion from staff that the existing tires could be repur-posed for use on other, non-emergency mu-nicipal vehicles, Mayor Walters commented that “we need some additional budget in-formation from Chief Crocker as to how many vehicles this is going to affect per year before we go ahead with re-placing them.”Alternate county fire coordinatorCouncil voted to

approve the appoint-ment of Fire Chief Don Crocker as a second Alternate to the County Fire Coordinator, mean-ing that in instances where both the County Fire Coordinator and the other alternate are away, Chief Crocker will be trained and at-the-ready to oversee man-agement of all county response vehicles on occasions of extreme urgency.

Central elgin CounCil Briefs

By heaTher derks Weekly News Correspondent

aylmer and east elgin news

Otter Valley Naturalists ClubThe next meeting of the Otter Valley

Naturalists Club is Monday, February 11 at 7pm at the Port Burwell Public School. The topic is: ‘On Safari in East Africa’ with Tony and Gillian Davey who will talk about Kenya, Tanzania and beyond in a photo and video presentation.

Alex Cuba at O.T. HallLatin singer Alex Cuba will appear

at the Aylmer Old Town Hall Theatre on Thursday February 7 in a special weekday performance as part of the Aylmer Per-forming Arts series. Tickets are $25 and are available at Campbells II. Alex Cuba is on an eight country tour to promote his new album – Ruido En El Sistema / Static in the System. Ruido climbed to number six on the iTunes U.S. Latin chart. In November Cuba took home his second Latin Grammy Award – for Best Tropical Song, “Toma Mi Vida”. Alex won Canada’s first ever Latin Grammy award in 2010 as Best New Artist.

Apt. complex needs town parking sites

Golden Community Builders, which is constructing the soon to be completed 39-unit Aylmer Trillium Park apartment complex at John and Sydenham Streets, asked Aylmer Council Monday for 15 spaces in the town parking lots down-town. In a letter to Council Monday, HG Rempel, Chair of GCB, noted that the town currently offers assigned spaces for 24/7 in the two downtown lots for $450 each and explained that GCB is con-cerned about parking for residents who do not have an indoor space, needs 15 spaces by March 1st, would prefer them in a block as close to the complex as possible, and would pay $500 each for them. 

Aylmer Spitfires in playoffsAylmer Spitfires snapped a five game

losing streak by winning twice on the final weekend of the Niagara Western Junior C hockey regular season. Aylmer won 5-4 in Woodstock and edged Simcoe 5-4 at home   to finish at 12-22-4 – good for fourth spot in their five team division. The Spits opened their playoffs this past weekend against Simcoe – travelling there Friday and hosting on Saturday - in

the best of seven series.Aylmer minor ball news

Mike Holmes, new President of Aylmer Minor Baseball, provided the following information: “There will be baseball in Aylmer this year, albeit in a reduced ca-pacity. As many people thought Aylmer ball folded we may lose some of our older kids to the new Springfield orga-nization and surrounding centers.  The programs we will be running this year are Blast Ball (2009/2010 birth dates), T-Ball (2006/2007/2008 birth dates) and Rookie Ball (2006/2005/2004 birth dates).  All divisions this year will be house league. I believe it is important to be able to offer baseball programs in Aylmer and give kids the opportunity to play baseball in their own community. 

By kirk Barons Weekly News Correspondent

What has wheels and a trunk but no engine?

An elephant on roller skates.

Janu

ary

31, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

8

$25 for $50 towardsRunning Shoes orRunning Wear atRunners’ Choice

50%

$16 for Dinner for Twoat

The Knotty Pine Restaurant(Up to a $36 Value)

56%WagJagJagJag.com

CHECK OUT

THESE DEALS

63%

$39 for a Haircut, Blow-Dry, Con-ditioning Treatment and Your

Choice of a Half Head of Foils or Root Retouching from Rapture

$20 for $40 towards Men’sFormal Attire, Rentals, Dry

Cleaning, Accessories and More from Bud Gowan Formal Wear

50%

$29 for 15 Tans and aLotion Sample at

Sunseekers Tanning and Spa(a $70 Value)

59%

WagJag Customer Service 416.687.5848 or 1.855.4.WAGJAG.

To feature your business, please call 519.649.2000

WagJag Customer Service 416.687.5848 or 1.855.4.WAGJAG.

To feature your business, please call 519.649.2000

Discover Ireland from Coast to CoastShamrock Royal Ireland Tour

(Air Included)

50%

50% off Rose Cake PopBouquets from

London Edible Art(2 Options)

Don’t delay. Call us today!

www.jobselgin.ca

In 2012, 556 employers across Elgin County have benefited... you can too!Financial incentives may be available!

Employment Services Elgin400 Talbot St., St.Thomas

P: 519-631-5470Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am-6pm

Fri. 8:30am-4pm

Aylmer Community Services25 Centre St., Aylmer

P: 519-765-2082Mon.-Fri 9am-4:30pm

Tues. 9am-6pm

West Elgin Support Services 160 Main St.,

West LorneP: 519-768-0020

Mon.-Fri 9am-5pmThis Employment Ontario Program is

funded by the Ontario Government

ALL SERVICES ARE FREE!

Kerry Kerr, President of the Busi-ness Women’s Curling League, in Aylmer, pushes her rock down the ice in hopes of landing it in the house on Wednesday, January 30, 2013. The ladies curl Wednesday nights from 7-9 or 9:30pm at the Aylmer Curling Club at 119 Pine Street East. Any woman interested is more than welcome to come out and observe or participate.

In the house

Youth grants available

St. Thomas marketing company Fourward Thinking is the 2012 recipient of the Helen Le-Frank Entrepreneurial Award.

Th award, launched in 2007 by the Elgin Busi-ness Resource Centre (EBRC), is named after Helen LeFrank, a long-serving EBRC manager who retired in 2007. Helen encouraged young people in business, and was always a keen pro-

moter of small business in general. Criteria for the award includes being 29 or

younger, living in Elgin County, priority to appli-cants who business is located in Elgin County and the willingness to work with a business mentor for one year while attending a business workshop. Part-time and seasonal businesses are also eligible.

Applications for this and other grants are avail-able online at www.elginbusinessresourcecentre.com or from the EBRC office on South Edgeware Road.

9- January 31, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News

For dreams to be achieved and goals met, retirement planning is essential. Contributing to an RRSP is the means to this end. Let us help

you successfully plan the retirement you desire and deserve. Talk to us today about your financial goals.

DWM Securities Inc.

Ellen Luft, CFP® Steven Knipe, CIM®

Reach Your Retirement Goals

130 Centre Street St. Thomas, ON

519-631-4088

Investment Advisors

Prosperity Coach for Your Business and Youwww.accountingwithyou.com • gail@accountingwithyou.com

300 South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas, ON N5P 4L1519-633-7597 (ext.405) cell # 226-236-2321

Everyone’s Investment Plan is a unique, individual puzzle

Your RRSP investment for your 2012 tax return can be designed to maximize your

tax deduction?

In retirement, you’ll primarily rely on pensions and savings to coveryour expenses. None of us know for sure how long we’ll need thosesavings to last and mistakes like not investing wisely or withdrawingtoo much money can be difficult to fix.

I can help you understand where you are today, determine theincome you’ll need in retirement and recommend changes to help make it last your lifetime.

Let’s talk about growth potential, tax efficiency, guarantees on your capital and innovative payout strategies. Call me today to get started on your plan.

TMTrademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.MP1684 (01/2011)

How to makeyour incomelast a lifetime

Mary Gillick, CFP EPC Executive Financial ConsultantInvestors Group Financial Services Inc.254 Pall Mall Street Suite 100, London, On N6A 5P6Ph. (519) 679-8993 Toll Free 1(888)679-8993Mary.gillick@investorsgroup.com

Mary Gillick_4x5.4_Ad_0111 1/19/11 8:54 PM Page 1

Is paper currency a dying breed? What about checks and savings bonds? Many of the currency that has survived throughout centuries may

eventually go the way of the dinosaur.There’s no denying how daily life has been

transformed by technology. With the proliferation of e-mail, online shopping, text messaging, social networking, and the myriad other digital avenues that fill up a person’s day, the concept of writing something on paper -- or paying for something with paper -- may seem archaic. After all, now you can wirelessly transfer funds from one bank ac-count to another or pay for items with the click of a mouse.

Still, the general public has been hard-pressed to give up on paper money altogether. But other alternatives are chomping at the bit, and it may not be too long before all money is digitalized, or before the world reverts back to gold, silver or another currency that has actual intrinsic value. Even now, some ATMs in areas like the United Arab Emirates and in India dispense gold and silver coins, diamonds and even jewelry. Just last year, Mumbai became the first city in the world to launch a machine that dispenses diamonds.

Consumers are increasingly turning to debit and credit cards to pay for products in stores and online. The rise of mobile credit card readers at-tached to smartphones and tablets has enabled everyone from small business owners to regular individuals to collect money by swiping a credit or debit card and having the funds automatically deposited into an account of choice. Wallets are being redesigned to be more compact for front-pocket use since many people now carry only

cards in their wallets.Although it once seemed like paper currency

would always be around, such a concept is quick-ly falling by the wayside. The United States De-partment of the Treasury announced that paper checks for Social Security payments would be a thing of the past starting in 2013. Recipients can have the money deposited electronically in a bank account. For those without accounts, de-posits can be loaded on a Direct Express Debit MasterCard to be used for purchases just like any other debit/credit card.

Many people already have witnessed the phas-ing out of government tax refund checks. A large

number of people file their income taxes via the Internet, receiving any refunds electronically. Pay-roll and other benefits are increasingly becoming digital-only as well.

Even paper savings bonds are being reduced. Private-sector employees can now join the fed-eral employees who were able to invest in sav-ings bonds by purchasing them through payroll deductions.

Removing paper currency in all forms has its share of pros and cons. The U.S. government has said that taxpayers will save about $300 million the first five years after the changeover to digital social security checks. By not having to send out

more than 100 million checks, the federal gov-ernment will save millions on postage and print-ing costs. Electronic currency also benefits the environment.

People may now notice that e-mail purchase receipts have started to appear with more fre-quency as well. Major retailers like Sears and K-mart enable shoppers to pick whether they want a digital or paper receipt. Smartphone apps are being created to store and organize receipts. In England, Peter Perkins, the general manager of the Tesbury’s grocery chain, has said the store plans to phase out paper receipts by 2020. Elec-tronic receipts and currency are poised to reduce human error and keep things organized.

A significant concern with regard to electronic currency and receipts is the likelihood of identity theft, as data breaches occur with some frequen-cy. In September 2012, some major financial institutions, including like Bank of America and PNC Bank, found their Web sites were sporadi-cally inoperable due to a cyber attack that may have been tied to an Islamic terrorist group. This isn’t the first time a technical terrorist attack has occurred. These situations often open the eyes of people who realize how susceptible personal information can be when only backed by digital numbers and codes. It’s hard to stash zeros and ones under your mattress for safe-keeping.

Also, unlike paper money that limits what thieves can take, digital breaches can lead to en-tire accounts being wiped out if the breach is not noticed in time. Other personal information, such as spending habits and shopping patterns, may be deduced from electronic information stored with accounts, raising questions about privacy.

f i n a n C i a l P l a n n i n g

Will paper money become obsolete?

Janu

ary

31, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

10

Love Your Room!

Benjaminmoore.caWALLPAPER LOFT

1026 Talbot St. St. Thomas519-631-1187

Save $14

519-631-1187St Thomas

1026 Talbot StWALLPAPER LOFT

Back to business for Ontario politics

As Ontario’s elected representatives prepare to head back to the legislature on February 19, On-tarians look forward to a productive spring ses-sion following a four month hiatus. Most of the Queen’s Park business that was active through-out 2012 died on the legislative table when the government was prorogued in October 2012. That leaves a clean slate for new business in 2013 – including agriculture.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) looks forward to working with incoming Premier Kathleen Wynne on issues relevant to Ontario farm families. As the province’s largest accredited general farm organization, the OFA is proud to be

the voice of Ontario farm families. The OFA had the opportunity to reach out to Wynne about the four key issues the OFA is tackling for the com-ing year. We received some honest answers from her on each issue, and look forward to continuing that dialogue and further developing Wynne’s re-lationship with agriculture in the months to come.

On behalf of Ontario agriculture, the four areas of focus OFA will be addressing with Premier-Designate Wynne and Liberal party policy mak-ers in the upcoming legislative session include Ontario’s agriculture and food strategy, energy, regulatory modernization and investing in rural Ontario. OFA is proud to work on behalf of On-tario’s farmers by advocating for issues that mat-ter to agriculture.

OFA representatives have also been hard at work meeting with all political parties about OFA’s legislative agenda, and we are pleased to see all three parties embracing OFA’s priorities. In the coming months, we intend to see that support grow by having a stronger presence at Queen’s Park, and we will introduce some new lobby tools to encourage our grassroots members to take up the torch during constituency days in their own rural communities. 

The Ontario agri-food industry contributes $33

billion annually to the Ontario economy and represents 10 per cent of the province’s entire workforce with 700,000 jobs. The OFA is encour-aged that the industry is garnering the support it deserves from our provincial representatives, and we are committed to growing those relationships to enable prosperous and sustainable farms. We congratulate Premier-Designate Kathleen Wynne and look forward to getting back to work with the Ontario legislature on the business of agriculture.

By Mark wales President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The Ontario agri-food industry contributes $33 billion annually

to the Ontario economy

EFA awards dinner

Exemplary support of ag-riculture in Elgin County was recognized during the Elgin Federation of Agriculture’s (EFA) annual awards dinner. The din-ner was held Saturday, February 2, 2013 at St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas. The EFA, according to President Fons Vandenbroek, is an affiliate of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and is dedicated to farmers helping farmers. Each year they offer several awards to people in Elgin County.

The 2013 recipient was the Aylmer Express, with John Hueston and his son Brett on hand to receive this year’s award. This year there was no applicant for the Hall of Fame Award. One of the previous win-

ners was the late John Wise.

This award is given in partner-ship with the Elgin Business Re-source Centre in St.Thomas and was represented by General Manager John Regan, Jim Hunt-er and Marilyn Crewe. Accord-ing to Marilyn Crewe the EBRC has been a partner for over 10 years.  The other award was the Elgin County/Kettle Creek Agri-cultural Conservation Scholar-ship Award. This was created by Elgin County Junior Farmers Alumni, Elgin Federation of Ag-riculture and the Kettle Creek

Conservation Authority and, ac-cording to the OFA website, is

given to Elgin County or Ket-tle Creek watershed residents, between the ages of 17-30 who are entering or currently pursuing agriculturally-related studies with an emphasis on compatibility with the natural environment at a post second-ary institution.  

This year’s recipient was 20 year-old Kari Huras, who is currently a student at Ridgetown College/University of Guelph studying Veterinary Technology.

By TiM harvey Weekly News Correspondent

2013 Elgin Federation of  Agriculture Awards, from left: Marilyn Crewe – Elgin Business Resource Centre, Fons Vandenbroek – President EFA, Brett Hueston  - Aylmer Express, John Hueston – Aylmer Express recipient of the Agri-Busi-ness Award, Jim Hunter - Elgin Business Resource Centre, Bill Luyks – Vice President – EFA, Kari Huras – recipient of the Elgin County/Kettle Creek Agri-cultural Conservation Scholarship Award, and John Regan – General Manager Elgin Business Resource Centre. (photo by Tim Harvey)

11- January 31, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News

THE TURKEY SHOPPE

10882 Sunset Rd. Just N. of Talbotville

519.633.0527www.turkeyshoppe.com

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

Turkey Vegetable Soup

Turkey SchnitzelTurkey

Meatballs

SMOKED TURKEY

Bacon - PepperettesKielbasa - Jerky

& Cold Cuts

ROUGH ROAD AHEAD

Unless we act NOW!Help us avert a social service crisis. The

needs far exceed the dollars we have collected so far this year. Families and

individuals will not have access to services because of lack of funding. This will have a

profound effect on the quality of life in Elgin/St.Thomas. Even if you have already

contributed to the United Way, we ask that, if possible, you find it in your heart to make

an additional contribution. Please help us ensure that no

one is left behind.

UNITED WAY ELGIN-

ST.THOMAS EMERGENCY

APPEAL

q $10 q $20 q $30 q $50 q $100 q $365 q Other $________This is a one-time Gift by way of: q Cash/Cheque q Credit Card

Credit Card #: ____________________ Expiry Date: ____________My Name: ________________________________My Address ____________________________________________Signature ________________________________

Your signature is required for all payment options

Char

itabl

e Re

gist

ratio

n #

1188

9717

RR00

01

YES! I would like to support the United Way Emergency Appeal With a contribution of

United Way Elgin-St.Thomas300 South Edgeware Rd.,St. Thomas ON N5P 4L1

Mark Your Calendars!Relay For Life - St. Thomas

June 7 - 8, 2013St. Joseph’s Catholic High School

Team captain and Crew RallyEveryone Welcome! Bring a Friend!

Learn about what’s new for this year’s Relay! Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 6:30p.m.

Knights of Columbus Hall, 265 Wellington Street

or contact the Elgin Middlesex Unit at 519-432-1137

or call Martin Trethewey at 519-808-5607

Register your team today atrelayforlife.ca/stthomas

St.Thomas/Elgin

Presented by the Brain Injury Association of London & Region

Please visit www.braininjurylondon.on.ca for more information

St. Thomas-Elgin Brain Injury Support Group

When: Wednesday February 13, 2013 at 6:30-8:30 pmWhere: The Real Canadian Superstore 2nd Floor Community Room 1063 Talbot Street, St Thomas ON

Join us the 2nd Wednesday of each month for information sessions aimed at supporting and educating those affected by brain injury.

Managing EmotionsDr. Patrica Doris - Registered Psychologist

St. Thomas’s Junior Men’s team will be heading to Fort McMurray, Alberta to com-pete. The team, known as Team Squires, will play in the 2013 National Junior Championships from Janu-ary 31 to February 10. Club Past President Tom Devaney coaches the team.

Aaron Squires, the team’s skip/vice, started his curl-ing career in grade three, playing in the Little Rocks

league. Members of the St. Thomas Curling Club have raised more than half of the estimated $4,400 needed for this trip and over 100 members were present to wish the team good luck at Nationals.

In St. Thomas, youth curl-ers have represented the St. Thomas club at the National and Provincial level four times since 2008.

St. Thomas team in national championship

Aaron Squires - Skip/vice, Jason Camm - Fourth, David Easter - second, Curtis Easter - Lead.

The finalists of the St.Thomas Lions Effective Speaking Contest on Febru-ary 2, 2013, happily display their Certificates of Achievement awarded to them for their excellent presentations. The top three finalists will proceed to the District Finals in Chatham on March 24, 2013. The St.Thomas Lions have provided on opportunity for competitive public speaking to the students of St.Thomas for over 10 years. From front, left, are: Second place: Erika Marks, Third place: Kamryn Bridgett,  First place: Claire Watts. From back, left, are: Honorable Mentions: Jessica Reeves,  Megan Gahan (all finalists attend Lockes Public School).

Effective speakingWhy do Americans choose

from just two people to run for president and 50 for

Miss America?

Janu

ary

31, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

12

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

Here to assist you with your

Federal Government

Issues

REGISTRATIONFebruary 16

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Timken Community

Centre(in the gym)

For information visitwww.stthomasminorbaseball.com

St.Thomas/Elgin

We always get great response from our ads in The Weekly News, but we were over-whelmed by the volume of business generated through our recent Boxing Week Sale. We truly appreciate that so many people chose to shop locally and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Heil of The Weekly News for his professionalism and continued personal service.

Antoine - Owner of Antoine’s Home Furnishings

15 St. Catharine Street, St. Thomas 519-633-1640

Zut alors, but the French are a fickle bunch.

Bernard loves Su-zanne but he is married Jacqueline. Jacquline is married to Bernard but is in love with Robert. Robert loves Jacqueline but he is also Bernard’s

best friend. Suzanne is Bernard’s mistress. Su-zette is the hired cook. And some how the two Suzys get mixed up. Sound confusing? It is only the beginning of Aylmer Community Theatre’s upcoming production of Marc Camoletti’s play “Don’t Dress For Dinner.” The

situation goes from absurd to zany in this fast-paced farce set in a country home outside of Paris. 

“Don’t Dress for Dinner” is directed by Ronald Sawyer and features the acting tal-ents of Susan Evert, David Leeson, Sandra Loponen, Gregory Mate,

Evan Thompson and Barbara Warnock.”Don’t Dress for Dinner” will preview on Thursday, February 14, 2013 with discount tickets, $10 for adults and $5 for students. The show will open on Friday, February 15th at 8pm. Immediately following the performance there

ACT offers Gallic giggles

Dave Leeson as Bernard and Sue Evert as Suzanne in ACT’s production of Don’t Dress for Dinner.

will be a public adjudication by Ross Stuart as this per-formance will be judged for the Western Ontario Drama League in the Out of Festi-val competition. There will be a performance at 8pm on Saturday, February 16th. After the show there will be an informal meet and greet with the cast and crew of the production where bev-erages and hors d’oeuvres will be served. There will be a 2pm matinee on Sunday, February 17th and there will be additional 8pm per-formances on Wednesday, February 20th, Thursday, February 21st and Friday,

February 22nd. Please note there will not be the usual second Saturday evening performance.

Performances will be held at the fabulous Old Town Hall Theatre, 38 John Street South, Aylmer, Ontario. 

Regular tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for stu-dents.

Tickets are available from The Prime Ingredient, Camp-bell’s II, or Aylmer Video or at the door prior to the per-formance.

Tickets can be reserved by phoning (519)765-3039 or contacting www.aylmertheatre.ca

By colleen sawyer Weekly News Correspondent

After the show there will be an informal meet and greet with the cast and crew of the production

Van Gogh’s FamilyThe famous artist Vincent Van Gogh had a really large family. Here’s a list of some of his lesser

known relatives: •The brother who bleached all his

clothes white...Hue Gogh•The sister who wore a mini skirt

and liked to dance...Go Gogh•The really obnoxious brother

...Please Gogh•The uncle who worked at a

convenience store...Stop N’ Gogh-His dizzy aunt...Verti Gogh

13- January 31, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News

7 First Avenue, St.Thomas519-633-7300

FURNITURE,CLOTHING,

SHOES, HARDWARES,APPLIANCES,

ETC.Donations gratefully

accepted

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

THRIFTSTORES

Bassets Are Best!Meet Wendell, a 4 yr old basset hound mix.

He is a real character, lots of fun, and comical.To meet Wendell and all our homeless pets:

www.allbreedcaninerescue.petfinder.com519-633-6226

See us on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/2506221007/

AdoptCats / Dogs

www.arfontario.com

Apartments for Rent

APARTMENT , Main floor of house, 2 bedrooms, lots of old-style character with modern amenities, must be seen to be appreciated. $700 plus utilities. Please call 519-207-2141.

Articles for Sale (Misc.)

Pet Supplies/Boarding/Service

Pet Supplies/Boarding/Service

Pet Supplies/Boarding/Service

From Professionalsyou can Trust!Contact us today

for a free estimate:

637-3542(519)

st.thomas@mollymaid.ca

Computers

WILSDON COMPUTER SERVICES - Basic setup, operating system install/up- grade, 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.

Pets/Other

Pet Supplies/Boarding/Service

Pet Supplies/Boarding/Service

Pet Supplies/Boarding/Service

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

Since 1963

kielstra.caFREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY

Photography

GET YOUR PHOTOS. TAKEN IN YOUR HOME. Now also booking Wed- dings for 2013. Call Tim Harvey at White Pine Pho- tography, 519-775-2591, or info@whitepinephotography.ca

Pets/Other

Domestic Help Available Handy Person

Doors & Windows Doors & Windows Doors & Windows

Support Services

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

Health/Beauty/Fitness

MADE YOUR resolutions? Don't know what to do next? We can help! Active Abun- dance 'Martial Arts Based Fitness, Nutrition Based Wellness'.Contact Elizabeth Windover 519-851-9460.

Adjustments: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad on the first insertion. For multiple insertions of the same ad, credit will be made only for the first insertion/ Credit given for errors in connection with production on ads is limited to the printed space involved. Cancellations must be made by 1 p.m. two business days prior to publication date. Cancellations must be made by telephone. Do not fax or e-mail cancellations.

Call (519) 649-2600 • Fax: (519) 649-2608 • stthomasclassads@metroland.com

Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Telephone Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm

15 St. Catharine Street, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 2V7 www.theweeklynews.ca

Adjustments: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad on the first insertion. For multiple insertions of the same ad, credit will be made only for the first insertion/ Credit given for errors in connection with production on ads is limited to the printed space involved. Cancellations must be made by 1 p.m. two business days prior to publication date. Cancellations must be made by telephone. Do not fax or e-mail cancellations.

Call (519) 649-2600 • Fax: (519) 649-2608 • stthomasclassads@metroland.com

Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Telephone Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm

15 St. Catharine Street, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 2V7 www.theweeklynews.ca

Home Improvements by

The "Honey-Do"

ManWe'll do the jobs

on your list!George Ethier

george.ethier@gmail.com

Home519-633-2696

Cell519-857-9891

Rental?Deliver your message to more than 30,000

households inSt. � omas & Elgin!

Do you have a

Tel: 519-649-2600 Fax: 519-649-2608stthomasclassads@metroland.com

Fax: 519-649-2608stthomasclassads@metroland.com

Free KidsKlassifi eds

• 20 words or less• Personal property of children 12 years and under

(Kids toys, games, sports equipment, etc.)• Some restrictions apply

Deliver your message to more than 30,000

households inSt. Th omas & Elgin!

Hiring?

Tel: 519-649-2600 Fax: 519-649-2608stthomasclassads@metroland.com

Let the Weekly News recruitment sta� help you achieve your hiring needs.

Deliver your message to more

than 30,000 households in

St.   omas & Elgin!

Are you

To Place an ad in Classifieds please callCall 519-649-2600 • Fax: 519-649-2608stthomasclassads@metroland.com

333 Talbot St., St. Thomas, ON N5P 1B5

(519) 633-3788www.animalaide.org

Janu

ary

31, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

14

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 Wel-lington Street, St. Thomas. Phone  519-434-2613.

Union, Free Drop-In Play-group for children 0-6 and their Caregivers.  Crafts, toys, story time, and so much more. Every Friday 9:30-11:30am at the Union Sports Club.  OEYC 519-631-9496.

Belmont, Free Drop-In Playgroup for children 0-6 and their Caregivers. Crafts, toys, story time, and so much more. Every Thursday 9:30-11:30am at the Belmont HUB. OEYC 519-631-9496.

Exchange student. Do you have teenagers at home?  Hosting a Rotary international exchange student for 3 months could be a wonderful experience for every-one. 519-637-0045.

Pearce Williams Christian Centre is looking for en-thusiastic and dependent Board members who can help bring the future vi-sion to life.  If interested call 519-764-2317.

Grief Share is a weekly support group for those grieving the death of someone close to them. Runs  weekly on Thurs-days until May 30, 7-9pm at Fellowship Church.

Port Stanley Public Li-brary, 302 Bridge Street, features the work of Guild members Sandra Eng-land and Roxanne Jervis through February. Call 519-782-4241 for times.

Kids Creative Cuisine , ages 9-13, learn to cook simple, kid friendly meals while learning safety tips for the kitchen. Feb 7 to Mar 14.  Call YWCA 519-631-9800.

Thursday, February 7, Euchre Games & Des-sert, 2pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Everyone Welcome for info 519-631-4558.

Feb. 8, Beef Supper, Odd Fellows & Rebekahs Hall, 54 Moore St. Doors open 4pm, serving 5-7pm. Adult $10, child 6-12 $5, under 5 free. Tick-ets at door, eat in/take out. 519-631-3494.

Grab & Go Chicken Di-vine Dinner, Friday, Febru-ary 8, St. Mark’s United Church, 38 Aldborough Ave., Pick-up 4:30-6:30pm. Pay at door $12.

STCCS Dinner & Auction. Feb 9, St Anne’s Centre. Dinner 5pm & Dessert/ Live Auction 7pm. Din-ner $25 per person or Dessert $10 per person. Tickets  519-633-0690.

Red Cross Babysitting Course, ages 11+, learn to care for children & basic first aid. $50 in-cludes manual. Feb 9 & Mar 15. 9am-4pm. Call YWCA 519-631-9800.

Vendors Wanted. HBBA sponsored Health & Well-

ness show, February 9, 10-4pm, Timken Center. All health and wellness relat-ed vendors welcome. Call Wanda 519-207-1115.

Public Speaking Compe-tition, Saturday, Febru-ary 9, 9am. St. Thomas Legion, Br. 41, 24 John St. For info/register  call Ron at 519-631-9285.

February 9, Victorian Tea, 2-4pm, bake table, St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Every-one Welcome. Info 519-631-4558. Grow-ing Youth Fund Raiser.

Ham & Turkey Bingo, Sun-day, February 10. Doors open 12:30pm. St. Thom-as Legion, Br. 41. 24 John St. Everyone welcome.

Sunday, February 10, 9am-1pm, Lions full breakfast for $6, in the Lions Den, be-hind Dutton Dunwich Community Centre.

Tues, Feb 12, Euchre Club, St. John’s Church of Flora St. Do you love to play Euchre?  Meet people? Have a great time?  We play every Tuesday 2-4pm. Freewill offering. 519-631-7368.

Pancake supper, sausage and fruit cup, Knox Presby-terian Church, 55 Hincks St., Tuesday, February 12, 5-7pm.  Adults $6, under 12 $3, preschoolers free.    Info 519-631-2631.

Pancake Supper, First United Church, 7 Curtis St., Tuesday, February 12, 4:30-7p.m. Adults $6, 10 years & under $2, 5 years & under free.

Stack’em High Pancakes & Sausage, Tuesday Feb-ruary 12, 5-7pm,  St. John’s Church on Flora St.  Beverage, fruit cock-tail or homemade pie.  $6, Children $3,  under 5 – Free.  519-631-7368.

Port Stanley United Church, Pancake Sup-per, Tuesday, February 12, 4:45-7pm. Adults - $8, Children 5-12 - $5.

Drum Circle, Tuesday February 12, 7pm at St. John’s Church on Flora St.  Our jam ses-sion requires absolutely no experience and is  for everyone.  All ages wel-come.  519-631-7368.

Feb 12, Pancake Supper, Central United Church, Wellington & Moore Sts. First Seating 4:30pm Second 6pm. Entertain-ment by Kim Ladd. Sau-sage, Beverage, Dessert Incl. 519-631-3503.

Parkinson Support Group, Meeting Tuesday February 12, 2-4pm. Knights of Columbus, 265 Wellington St. Info 519-631-9313.

Pancake Supper, Shrove Tuesday, Feb 12, 5-7pm, Fellowship Church, 641 Elm St.  Pancakes, Sausages, Fruit, Syrup toppings. Adults/$6, children 3-12/$3, Fam-ily 4/$15. Mission Honduras fundraiser.  

February 12, Pancake Supper, 5-7pm, with Maple Syrup, at St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Free will offer-ing. Info 519-631-4558.

February 12, All-You-

Can-Eat Pancake and Sausage Supper, 5-7pm. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 271 Elm Street. Adults $6, Children 4-12 $4. Info 519-631-9053.

Pancake Supper, Febru-ary 12, St. Hilda’s-St. Luke’s, 185 Elm St., 5-7pm, $6 Adults, $3 Children, Pancakes, Sau-sage, Dessert and Bev-erage. 519-631-0504.

Talent Registration, Feb-ruary 12, 4-8pm, St. Thomas Senior Center for the Easter Seal Telethon March 3. Sponsored by Lions Club of St. Thomas.

Shrove Tuesday Pan-cake Supper, Feb. 12, 5-6:30pm, St. Anne’s Centre.  Pancakes, Sau-sages, beverage & des-sert.  $6 adult; $3 child 12 & under, available at Church Office or at door. 

Pancake and Sausage Supper, Trinity Angli-can Church with the Purple Steeple, Tuesday February 12, 5-7pm, $6, Children $2.50 or $20. Max/Per Fam-ily. Info 519-631-7000.

Cancer Relay for Life Team Captain/Crew Rally, Feb. 13, Knights of Columbus, 6:30-8pm. Information/Ideas on 2013 Relay. Team registration/Prizes. RSVP Martin 519-806-5607.

Wednesday, February 13, Bible Questions 10:30am at St. An-drew’s United Church, everyone is welcome. Info 519-631-4558.

New! Cat Owner Chat and Outreach (STDOA), Wednesday, Febru-ary 13, 7-9pm, Elgin Mall Community Room. Free. Preventative Nu-trition, Diabetes, TNR info, Lost Pet Recovery.

Women’s committee meeting Wed., Feb. 13, at the Art Centre 10:30am, coffee and talk on Ian McLean’s exhibit “Eas-ily Distracted”. Call the Art Centre 519-631-4040 for further info.

Take Your Sweetie To Lunch, 4th Annual  “Heart and Stroke Soup’s On  Challenge”,  Febru-ary 14 at St Annes, 11-1:30pm. Tickets only $5. Come Hungry.

Thursday, February 14, Kickers, 6pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, mid-week group, ages 5-13, games, music, craft. Everyone welcome. Info 519-631-4558.

St. Thomas Stamp Club Meeting, February 14, 7pm. Community of Christ Church, 105 Fairview Av-enue. Info Rick Badgley 519-637-8432. Every-one Welcome To Attend.

Karaoke, Friday, February 15, 7-10pm. St. Thomas Legion, Br. 41. 24 John St. Everyone welcome.

St. Thomas Seniors Cen-tre, Roast Beef and Yorkies Dinner, Friday February 15, Tickets $10 Advance $12 day of. Dinner at 5pm.

Comedy in Motion with Bob Cates and a silent auction, Faith Church, 345 Fairview Ave, Friday, Feb 15, 6:30-8:30pm. Tickets available at the church. Adults $15, Fam-

ily $35. 519-633-0976.

Valentines Dance in sup-port of Stork Club, Sat-urday, February 16, Port Stanley Arena featuring Sahara Swing Band.  In-cludes complimentary late-night sandwich buffet. Tickets 519-633-6202.

Valentine’s Dance,  Sat-urday, February 16, Live Band, Cash Bar, Lunch provided. St. John’s Par-ish, 20 Flora Street. For tickets & info, contact St. Hilda’s-St. Luke’s Church. 519-631-0504. 

Cancer Relay For Life Val-entines Dance, Sat. Feb. 16, 8pm-1am, Knights of Columbus. $10/ea or $15/couple. Music, midnight buffet, silent auction, prizes. Contact Brad 519-280-5937.

Field Naturalist Walk, Sunday, February 17, 1:30pm, Fingal Wild-life Management Area. main parking area.    Info 519-631-5279.

Family Day in Sparta, Monday February 18, 11am-3pm, free draws, and games, free hotdogs at Tearoom, conditions apply. Donations for Car-ing Cupboard accepted.

Tues. Feb 19, Euchre Club, St. John’s Church of Flora St. Do you love to play Euchre? Meet people? Have a great time?  We play every Tuesday 2-4pm. Freewill offering. 519-631-7368.

Tuesday, February 19, Creating into a Mystery/Prayer Shawl Group, 10:30am, St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave.  Info 519-631-4558.  Everyone is Welcome.

February 20, Lenten Lunch Noon Hour Recital Program, featuring Bob Towers at Trinity Anglican Church with the Purple Steeple Lunch following, Soup and Sandwiches $7.

Elgin Business Womens Network, February 20 meeting at St Thomas Roadhouse, 837 Tal-bot Street, networking 6pm, dinner 7pm.   Tips for 2013 with Sharon Lechner, RSVP online.

Home Alone Safely, ages 9-12, learn the basic skills to be safe while alone in the home. Feb 21 to Mar 21. Call YWCA 519-631-9800.

Thursday, February 21, Thursday Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm at St. Andrew’s Unit-ed       Church , 60 West Ave. Everyone Welcome. Info 519-631-4558.

Roast Beef Supper. St. John’s Church on Flora St., Friday February 22, 5-7pm.  Fill your plate for  $12 which includes dessert.  All that and we will clean up, too.  Fantastic. 

Port Stanley Lioness Club, Chili Cook Off, Fri-day, February 22, Port Stanley Arena. Chili Tasting 6-7:30pm. Adults - $9, Children 6-12 - $5, Under 6 Free.

St. Thomas Rotary Mu-sic Festival takes place February 25 to March 1 at 3 venues. Awards competition March  1 at

Salvation Army. Infor-mation 519-631-0852.

Friday, February 22, Meal & A Movie, 5:30pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave.  Please R.S.V.P. Info 519-631-4558. Everyone Welcome.

St. Thomas Stamp Club Philatelic Exhibi-tion, Saturday February 23,  9:30am-5pm. Com-munity of Christ Church, 105 Fairview Avenue. Free Parking and Admis-sion. Everyone Welcome.

Tues. Feb 26, Euchre Club, St. John’s Church of Flora St. Do you love to play Euchre?  Meet people? Have a great time?  We play every Tuesday 2-4pm. Freewill offering. 519-631-7368.

Drum Circle, St. John’s Church on Flora St.  Tues-day, February 26, 7pm.    Family friendly.  Instru-ments available.  Abso-lutely no experience nec-essary.  519-631-7368.

February 27, Lenten Lunch Noon Hour Recital Program, featuring Angus Sinclair at Trinity Anglican Church with the Purple Steeple Lunch following, Soup and Sandwiches $7.

Wednesday, February 27, Bible Questions, 10:30am at St. An-drew’s United Church. Everyone is welcome. Info 519-631-4558.

Thursday, February 28, Kickers, 6pm at St. An-drew’s United Church, mid-week group, ages 5-13, games, music, craft. Everyone welcome. Info 519-631-4558.

Thursday, February 28, Turkey Dinner, 5-6:30pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Tickets 519-631-5363 or 519-631-4558. Everyone Welcome.

St. Thomas Stamp  Club Meeting, February 28, 7pm. Community of Christ Church,105 Fairview Av-enue. Info Rick Badgley 519-637-8432.  Every-one Welcome To Attend.

Port Stanley Public Li-brary, 302 Bridge Street, features the work of Guild member Candy Macmani-man through March. Call 519-782-4241 for times.

Field Naturalist Meeting, Friday, March 1, 7:30pm, Knox Church, St. Thom-as. Presentation by Sue Southon on Arctic Adven-tures Info 519-631-5279.

6th Annual Pies & Purses Fundraiser Auction, Sat-urday, March 2 at St. John’s Church.  Doors open 6:30pm, sale starts 7pm.  Auctioneer Al Hughson.  Free admis-sion 519-631-7368.

Murray Adlam’s “Songs From The Heart”, Satur-day. March 2, 7:30pm, St. Mark’s United Church, 38 Aldborough Ave. Tickets $12. advance, $15. at

door. Call 519-631-2110.

March 6, Lenten Lunch Noon Hour Recital Pro-gram, featuring George Hildt at Trinity Anglican Church with the Purple Steeple Lunch following, Soup and Sandwiches $7.

March 13, Lenten Lunch Noon Hour Recital Pro-gram, featuring Elizabeth and Ted Rae at Trin-ity Anglican Church with the Purple Steeple Lunch following, Soup and Sandwiches $7.

March 20, Lenten Lunch Noon Hour Recital Pro-gram, featuring William

Lupton at Trinity Anglican Church with the Purple Steeple Lunch following, Soup and Sandwiches $7.

Canadian Cancer Society, free 6 week program for cancer survivors and care-givers: “Living Well beyond Cancer”.  Every Tuesday 6-8:30pm starting March 26. Call 519-432-1137.

March 27, Lenten Lunch Noon Hour Recital Pro-gram, featuring Dr. Wayne Carroll at Trinity Anglican Church with the Purple Steeple Lunch following, Soup and Sandwiches $7.

The Nale Family and

Kingway Quartet Gos-pel Concert, Saturday, April 20, 6pm, East Elgin Community Com-plex, 531 Talbot Street W., Aylmer, 519-773-7302. Freewill offering.

Wanted. Craft and garden vendors for Port Stanley Legion 410 Spring Show May 4. Please contact Gloria 519-637-3292.

Former Clark/VME Em-ployees are planning the Last Reunion at Pinafore Park, Sunday, August 4. For registration details phone Penny to reg-ister  519-633-1422.

Community Bulletin Board9:00am (BAS) Holy Communion

10:30am Holy Eucharist and Sunday School

Father Jawn Kolohon OfficiatingLiz Rae Minister of Music

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICEFebruary 13, 10am & 7pm

519-631-7000

Trinity Anglican ChurchThe Church with the Purple Steeple

Knox Presbyterian ChurchHincks Street at Wellington Street

519-631-2414Minister: Rev. Mavis Currie

Organist and Choir Director: Dr. W. D. Carroll

February 10, 2013 - 10:30am

Sermon: “Expect Delays”Won’t you please join us! We’re celebrating 175 years!

COME AND WORSHIP WITH US, EVERYONE WELCOME

DUNCAN, ISABELLA of St. Thomas, passed away Thurs-day, January 31, 2013 in her 82nd year. A private fam-ily service was held. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

GIBBONS, MARY JOSEPHINE “JO” of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2013 in her 79th year. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Angels’ Church, February 7, 2013 at 10am. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

JOHNSON, CATHERINE ANN of RR #1, Port Stanley, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at the age of 65. A funeral ser-vice was held February 2, 2013. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

MENNILL, MARJORIE of Aylmer, passed away Friday, Feb-ruary 1, 2013 in her 89th year. A funeral service was held February 4, 2013. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

NIELSEN, RUTH SALLY (JUNG) of St. Thomas, passed away Friday, February 1, 2013 in her 91st year. A pri-vate family service. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

OKOLISAN, JOHN of Rodney, passed away on Saturday, Febru-ary 2, 2013 at the age of 91. A funeral service was held Febru-ary 6, 2013. Rodney Chapel of Denning Funeral Directors Ltd.

PINCOMBE, ELIZABETH “BETTY” RUTH of Elgin Manor, St. Thomas, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2013 in her 89th year. A funer-al service was held February 2, 2013. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

PLEASANCE, BESSIE “DOROTHY” of Valleyview Home, St. Thomas

and formerly of Newmarket and Kettleby, Ontario, passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2013 in her 105th year. A memorial ser-vice will be announced in the spring. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

RESKA, HANS ALFRED (JOHN) of RR #5, Aylmer, passed away Thursday, January 31, 2013 in his 86th year. A funeral ser-vice was held February 4, 2013. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

STECHYSHYN, DONNA of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the age of 82. A memo-rial service to be announced. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

WIELER, SUSANA of Aylmer, passed away Thursday, Janu-ary 31, 2013 in her 62nd year. A funeral service was held February 3, 2013. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

SIFTONFUNERALH O M E

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

519-631-1160118 Wellington Street, St. Thomas

St. Andrew’s United Church

60 West Ave. Rev. Joan Golden

Worship Service 10:30am

Transfiguration

Everyone Welcome519-631-4558

Watch for your M&M Meat Shop Flyer, now included with The Weekly News(in select areas)

15- January 31, 2013 - St. Thomas - Elgin W

eekly News

Natural Gas and DishwasherHookups

4th Generation BusinessSince 1962

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

519-633-0107

SERVICE TOALL MAKES

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 • rblaxall@sympatico.ca

Rob Blaxall: President

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

GIC RATES

1 Year Rate— 1.75%

3 Year Rate— 2.30%

5 Year Rate— 2.55%

* All rates are on an annual basis and are subject to change without prior notice.

For more information contact Ellen Luft, CFP® or Steven Knipe, CIM®, Investment Advisors.

DWM Securities Inc. 130 Centre Street

St. Thomas, Ontario 519-631-4088

1.85%

2.30%

2.55%

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

www.gamble-ins.com

Chris HoganCOMMERCIAL INSURANCE

Use Vacuum

FREE160 Burwell Road, St. Thomas 519-631-5502

Best Car Wash & Auto Detailing in TOWN!!!

For 5 minutes after purchase of car wash

•MutualFunds

•GICs

•InvestmentAdvice

•Insurance*

130CentreStreet,St.Thomas,ONN5R2Z9Tel:519-631-4724Fax:519-631-0557

www.dundeewealth.com*Insurance products provided through Dundee Insurance Agency Ltd.

KarinBarrie,MBA, CFP®, R.F.P., CLU

CertifiedFinancialPlannerDundeePrivateInvestorsInc.

kbarrie@dundeewealth.com

St.Thomas/Elgin

Something to think about by Pastor Cusick

Evasive Happiness

Everyone wants to be happy.  Happiness, however, can be rather evasive, because happi-ness is contingent upon some-one or something else.  People often confuse happiness with joy.

Happiness is the feeling of an accomplished feat such as “I hiked around Dalewood conver-sation area.”  Happiness is the feeling of a new vehicle — find-ing the right one, the right color, and the great price.  Happiness is the job promotion.  Happiness is winning the lottery.  Happi-ness is arrival of grandchildren, a paid off mortgage, another cruise, or retirement.  Happi-ness, however, is also the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  Because happiness is related to things, people, stuff, or activi-ties — sooner or later happiness turns to sadness.  The retiree gets bored or has to move into assisted living.  The mortgage free house needs $35,000 of updates.  The cruise ends.  The new vehicle turns old and rusty

all by itself.  Happiness walks away smiling and grinning at you.  Now, you are left to find happiness elsewhere.

G. K. Chesterton calls joy “the gigantic secret of the Christian.”  Joy, compared to happiness is a gift given by God.  It comes as a surprise!  As a matter of fact, C. S. Lewis wrote an auto-biography called: Surprised by Joy.  Joy is not a commodity or an emotion that is produced by circumstance.  Joy is a gift that arises out of two things.  First of all, a relationship with God and second, serving that same God.  And that is something to think about.  

Transportation is something that many of us take for granted. However, for a can-cer patient who doesn’t have a ride to their treatment appointment, it can be a major stress factor at a time when such complica-tions can be overwhelming.

One of the more unique Canadian Cancer Society’s support programs is also one of the most vital to the St. Thomas community. The Volunteer Driver Program is possible be-cause of a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time and vehicles to trans-port cancer patients to their appointments at cancer treatment facilities.

These volunteers know what community is all about and some of them have ex-perienced cancer themselves. One of the wonderful volunteers is Liz Tofflemire, who has been volunteering for 10 years. She is very aware that there are many seniors in St Thomas who no longer drive, have no way of

getting to their treatments, have no family or cannot afford the gas or the daily parking . She says: “If wasn’t for this service, clients might not be able to receive their treatments or would decide not to take treatment if they had to get there by themselves or pay for gas and parking. It’s just a very necessary service. At the same time, I enjoy feeling ap-preciated for doing something which is so easy. It is so much fun meeting and talking with such very interesting people.”

One of these interesting people is Cathe-rine Neff, a longtime resident of St. Thomas and as a cancer patient she has depended on volunteer drivers to get to her treatment appointments in the St. Thomas area for many years. Catherine describes the drivers she’s had over the years as being good hu-mored and compassionate.

“I’ve had many different drivers over the years, but they’ve all been so kind and help-ful to me,” says Catherine. “They look after me and help me get into the car. When I get to the cancer clinic, they help me out again

and make sure I get registered. I’ve had no complaints with any driver I’ve ever had; they’ve all been wonderful and very nice. I drove for years and years, but when you get to be my age I don’t drive anymore and you can’t always depend on family. I think it’s wonderful that this program is provided for us. It’s a godsend for people like me.”

There are many people like Catherine in the St. Thomas area who depend on the Volunteer Driver program and many who would otherwise have no other way to get to treatment. Volunteer drivers provide a cru-cial service to people in St. Thomas just by giving of their time.

The Society is very fortunate to be able to count on so many compassionate volun-teer drivers, says Julia De Paz, Community Services Coordinator. However, as the need for transportation increases, St. Thomas’s volunteers are in much demand. If you want to be part of this team, please call 519-432-1137.

Volunteer drivers a true community asset

By Joanna cornish Canadian Cancer Society Media Volunteer

St Thomas Police are investigating a theft. On January 10th, at 845 pm, the victim arrived to Goodlife Fitness at the Elgin Mall, where he went to the men’s locker room and hung up his coat on a coat rack. The victim completed his workout by 10pm and discovered his coat, cell phone and keys had been stolen. The coat was a unique, one of a kind, Philadelphia Fly-ers coat. The coat was black and orange in colour, with a Flyers logo on it.

Janu

ary

31, 2

013

- St

. Tho

mas

- E

lgin

Wee

kly

New

s -

16

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

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

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

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

Visit elginmall.com

for more exciting offers!

eLGiN trAVeLSee the Worlds

Most Idyllic Islands!Give the Gift of

Romance this Season in the Maldives!

Straddling the equator, washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the

Maldivian archipelago has 1,190 small and low lying coral islands slung over 90,000

square kilometers of tropical sea offering an astounding variety of attractions that is

unparalleled anywhere else. Your package including round trip flights

from Toronto to Male, meet and greet service on arrival, seaplane transfer from Male to Kuredu Island, 7 nights accommo-dation at Kuredu Island Resort in a Garden

Bungale, all inclusive which includes a free sunset cruise, snorkeling lesson,

windsurfing lesson, canoe equipment, and golf driving range.

Package price $2899* per person - tax included, double occupancy -

(Based on Aug 1 – Dec 6th departures) For more information, or pricing on al-

ternate dates or overwater bungalows, please contact

elgin travel & cruises at 519-633-6300, or

email sales@elgintravel.ca

Contest: February 4 - 13, 2013

Enter the contest by listening to MyFM throughout the day and when a Neil Diamond

song is played on the radio, stop by

and fill out a ballot with the title of the song and time of day it was played.

The mall will be CLOSED on Family Day

Monday, February 18