inside wellington 012712

Second Sectionjanuary 27, 2012

INSIDEWELLINGT ON

Anita Stewart: A celebrationof Canadian cooking

WOMEN INBUSINESS

EVENTS SPORTS

RURAL LIFE

FINANCIAL PLANNING

the Second Section of the wellington advertiSer - free preSS newS weekly™

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTThe Victoria Park Seniors Centre in Fergus has a wide variety of programs for all including bus trips, fitness, computer, dance, health and wellness, arts and music, general interest and everyday drop in programs. Registered programs may be taken by anyone over 18 years old. Don’t be disappointed register early for all programs and seminars. Check out our website at www.centrewel-lington.ca or call 519-787-1814.

***55 Plus Seniors Club at The Salvation Army Fellowship Hall. 1320 Gordon St. Guelph. Wednesdays, Noon–2pm. Bag lunch, conversation, fellowship, exciting programs. Bring own Mug, coffee/tea provided. Info. Cathy Kelly 519-856-0969.

***Celebrate Your Freedom to Read at Wellington County Library, Fergus Branch. Celebrate the freedom of words. Set a word-bird free! Decorate a bird with a word and symbolically free it. The birds will be flown in the library throughout February.

FRI. JAN. 27Roast Beef Dinner, Knox Presbyterian Church, Palmerston. 2 Sittings - 4:30 & 6pm. Adults $12 and Children under 10 years $6. Take out available.

***Harriston Legion Branch 296. Chicken Breast Dinner. 5-7pm. Tickets $12, Children under 12 $6, Preschoolers Free. Come on out and enjoy a home cooked comfort food meal. Call 519-338-2843.

***Alma Optimist Beef BBQ, 5-7pm, Alma community Hall. Adults $12, kids $4.

***Elora Fergus Contra Dances last Friday of each month. 8-10:30pm. Highland Rugby Club Field House, 150 Albert St. West, Fergus. Admission $10. per person at the door. No partner or previous experience necessary! Similar to square dance. Contact Janice Ferri 519-843-9971.

***Harriston and District Horticultural Society will be hosting a “Luncheon Extravaganza”. 11:30-1:30pm at Harriston United Church. $10.

SAT. JAN. 28 Arthur Legion Karaoke 8:30pm.

***Rainbow Chorus Waterloo Wellington Winter Concert. A Broadway Celebration “Rainbow & Broadway” 8pm. Harcourt United Church, 87 Dean Ave. Guelph. Advance Tickets are $15 for Adults or $20 at the door. Students/Seniors $15 and $5 for children under 12. Tickets available from chorus members or by calling 519-829-2225.

***Adult/ Senior Ice Skating. 8-9:50pm. Exhibition Park Arena, Guelph. Cost - $7/ person ($10 on band nights). Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship! Contact 519-836-1015.

***Frosty Frolics at the Hillsburgh Branch Library, 98B Trafalgar Rd., Hillsburgh. Children in JK to Grade 1 are invited to join us from 10:30-11:30am as we curl up with some warm winter reading, make a craft and enjoy a snack. Please register. 519-855-4010.

***Open Cribbage Tournament by Optimist Club of Puslinch, 12pm, Puslinch Community Centre. $20 per team entry, cash prizes for top twenty teams. Contact Ken Williams 519-763-0309.

***Treasure Shop 9am-12pm, Held by Grace Christian Fellowship. Free good used clothing for all ages. At Bethel Baptist Church, 675 Victoria Terrance, Fergus.

***Scrapbooking and crafts day at Ospringe Presbyterian and Community Church. 9am. 519-856-4453 for more information.

***Pull out those skates and let’s try out the skating rink at Guelph City Hall at our first Guelph Hiking Club Skating Party. We will skate from 7:30-8:30pm and then meet at the Albion for some refreshments. Non-skaters are welcome to watch and/or meet us at the Albion after 8:30. The ice rink is located in front of City Hall on Carden Street. Please call Jane Shifflett 519-822-3229 to tell her you are coming.

SUN. JAN. 29 Bigfoot Lives! Please call the Guelph Lake Nature Centre at 519-836-7860 to register. Join us for an afternoon of snowshoe fun. We will provide the snowshoes (kid sizes as well as adult) and a quick lesson. During our hike, or if snow conditions do not permit snowshoeing, we will practice our tracking skills. Snowshoes are limited so please call to reserve space. $10/adult, $5/child, $25/family of 4.

***Palmerston Legion Jamboree 1-5pm.

WED. JAN. 31C.W. Probus Club 10am. Aboyne Hall - Wellington Museum. Speaker: Chris Wood, General Mgr. Region of Waterloo International Airport. Topic: Waterloo International Airport and Future Development. All retired seniors welcome; membership available.

THURS. FEB. 2Belwood Lions Jamboree- 7:30pm, Belwood Hall. Come and Play, Sing, Dance & just enjoy the Entertainment. Admission $5pp. (Performing musicians: FREE). Call 519-843-7011 for information.

***Grief Support Group. 7-9pm every Thursday for 13 weeks end-ing April 26. Calvary Baptist Church presents GriefShare support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. A 13 week Christ-centered video and discussion series to help you on the journey of grief. Compassionate facilitators with experience in loss. Call Karen or Bob Atkinson for more information 519-824-0667.

***Introducing a Brand New Book Club for Kids! Wellington County Library, Fergus Branch. The “Believe it or Not Book Club” for kids in Grades 1-4. Weird and wonderful stories, crafts, food and fun for all! 4-5pm. Please register 519-843-1180.

FRI. FEB. 3Community euchre sponsored by the Optimist club of Puslinch, 7:30pm at the Puslinch Community Centre. $3 per person. Lunch provided. 50/50 draw. All welcome. For information call Neil Smith at 519-837-3838.

***Pub Night/Meat Roll. Harriston Legion Branch #296. For more information call 519-338-2843.

SAT FEB. 4Alma Optimist Plunger Toss. 9am at Alma Cow Palace. For more info. call Coach Jim 519-846-5124.

***Adult/ Senior Ice Skating. 8-9:50pm. Exhibition Park Arena, Guelph. Cost - $7/ person ($10 on band nights). Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship!

***Fergus Legion Mixed Cribbage Tournament. $1000 prize. $20 per team. 11:30 registration, start 1pm sharp.

***Crown Cemetery Annual Meeting. 1pm. Duffs Church, Puslinch. For more info. contact Darlene Harrietha, 519-822-0874. All Welcome.

***Fergus Agricultural Society 176th Anniversary Dance. Elora Legion 8pm. $10 per person. Music by Bill Beattie & Friends. Door prizes, lunch provided.

***Bid Euchre Tournament. Guelph Legion 57 Watson Pkwy. South. Registration 11am. 1pm start. Forms are at the Legion. $10 per person. Lunch, refreshments available. For more info. call Judy at 519-856-9013 or Helen at 519-856-4434.

***Classic stand-up comedy night Dinner & show fundraising event. Guelph Place, 492 Michener Road. Dinner & show: $45. 5:30pm doors open, 6:30pm dinner is served. Show only: $20. 7pm doors open, 8pm show begins. All proceeds go to Michael house preg-nancy care centre. For tickets call Paul 519-821-7643, Don 519-546-7354 or Michael House 519-766-7675.

***Fergus Legion Jam Session 2-5pm. Everybody welcome.

***The Douglas Sloan Memorial Curling Bonspiel at the Guelph Curling Club with dinner following at Three Willows United Church. For further info. please e-mail [email protected].

***Upper Grand Trailway Winter Carnival 1-3 pm. Meet at the Kiosk on the Upper Grand Trailway. Demonstrations of skijoring with dogs. Lots of free activities – snowshoes, skis and skijoring equipment will be provided or bring your own. Can for more info. Donna Steele 519-928-5755.

SUN. FEB. 5Elora and Salem Horticultural Society’s 15th Annual Garden Conference. 9am - 3:30pm at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, located on County Road 18, between Fergus and Elora. Speaker Topics from ‘thinking like a

PAGE TWO Inside Wellington - Second Section of the Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

Continued on page 11

Held at Grand River Raceway 7445 Wellington County Rd. 21, Elora

SundayFebruary 12, 2012Games start at 1pm - Doors open at 11am

share the wealth package $15 - main program package $25(both packages are required - extra strips available)

www.ferguselorarotary.com

Held under lottery license #M634122.FERGUS ELORA ROTARY FOUNDATIONStaffed by: Centre Wellington Rotary Club

and Fergus Elora Rotary Club

“Proceeds to localCommunity projects”

Inside Wellington EventsSend your Non-Profit/Charitable

event info to: [email protected]

20-25 words, 4 weeks prior to event dateWould you like to advertise in

Inside Wellington?email: [email protected]

Do you have a story idea or photosyou would like to share?

email: [email protected]

Questions?Contact Jane McDonald in

Customer Service, call 519.843.5410

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f i le name 9759CBSAdmatCEfa.ai

application adobe i l lus tr at or 10.0

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3 8 7 r i c h m o n d s t . e a s tt o r o n t o • c a n a d a • m 5 a 1 p 6t e l 4 1 6 3 6 7 1 9 9 9

f inal ar t

date

11/13/06

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magenta

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Call 1 888 2 DONATEfor more information or to book an appointment.www.blood.ca

Here’s your opportunityto save lives.

Admat C - English

colour infor mation



docket number 9759




date nov 13, 2006


f inal ar t

date

11/13/06



f inal ar t



pr ints 4 colours


magenta

target colours

yellow

black

Pantone

485

Pantone

562

cyan



Admat C - English

colour infor mation



docket number 9759




date nov 13, 2006


f inal ar t

date

11/13/06



f inal ar t



pr ints 4 colours


magenta

target colours

yellow

black

Pantone

485

Pantone

562

cyan



CENTRE WELLINGTON DONOR CLINICS

FERGUS Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, 550 Belsyde Ave, Fergus

Tues. Feb. 21st, 2pm-8pm Clinic Sponsored by: Fergus Lions club

Elora Community Centre- 60 David St. WWed., Feb. 1st, 3pm - 8pm Clinic Sponsored by: Optimist Club of Alma

The number of new donors is declining.Regionally, Canadian Blood Services needs 1,200 new donors in February. Make it your resolution to save lives this year.

Call 1-888-2DONATE.

Aberfoyle school offers second read-a-thon

ABERFOYLE - “Quiet please, reading in prog-ress” will be a familiar sign and phrase for February at Aberfoyle Public School.

The school council has announced the launch of its second annual Read to Succeed read-a-thon program from Jan. 31 to March 1.

Students will raise money by obtaining pledges to reach their daily reading goals. School officials says it is an opportunity to encourage good reading habits and strengthen the students’ literacy skills.

Special activities will be scheduled at the kick-off assembly on Jan. 31 and the guest list includes:

- children’s singer and songwriter Eddie Douglas from Fat Flea Music;

- illustrator, writer and broadcaster Kevin Sylvester;

- author Richard Scrimger; and

- illustrator Robin Baird Lewis.

School officials thanked a number of sponsors who donat-ed to the campaign: TD Canada Trust, Meridian Credit Union, RBC, CIBC, Bank of Montreal, Concast Pipe, TransX, RLB Accounting Group and Dufferin Aggregates.

In addition, a special guest appearance from Olympic ath-lete Valerie Hould-Marchand (silver medalist, synchronized swimming) will be arranged by RBC through its Olympian program.

Funds raised will be used to purchase math, literacy and technology resources.

ELORA - It is difficult to say if Anita Stewart is more passionate about food or people - but it is easy to suggest she is very focused on her country.

The recent Order of Canada recipient, only weeks past that announcement to honour Stewart for her contributions to Canadian culture and the food industry, is currently focused on promoting the country and its food.

She is working with the Canadian Tourism Commission to promote a new award for United States writers and pho-tographers who visited last year and promoted Canadian food and culture by publishing about it.

The deadline for entries was the end of the month, and she already has good ones from New York magazine and the Huffington Post, among oth-ers. There is a possibility of expanding those awards to Great Britain and Australia.

Stewart’s world is one of food and friends - and she is deeply steeped in Canadian culture. She can talk about the latest developments in food television or muse about the early days in New France with equal aplomb. She said when Quebec fell to the British, all the nobles living there headed back to France - leaving their peasant countrymen on their own. She smiles at the idea because the peasants did well and “ate far better than the ruined nobles in France.”

Stewart knows about Quebec peasants, Canadian history and eating habits. She has an undergrad degree in psychology from Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University) and a masters degree in gas-tronomy from the University of Adelaide in southern Australia. That includes a dissertation on The Evolution, Development and Promotion of Quebec as a Culinary Region.

The peasants survived with-out their overlords. And, she said, “That is what our food-ways are all about

- survival.”Stewart knows it first hand.

She has roots in Wellington County, with her parents run-ning a Home Hardware in Mount Forest.

She lived in the small vil-lage of Milliken, now swal-lowed by Toronto sprawl, and came to Elora in 1973. Her family ran a store on Geddes Street and she admits that through the years money was not plentiful. One way to save cash was to learn to cook sim-ply and cheaply, something her rural background prepared her to do. Discovering that simple and cheap cooking could also be delicious was the beginning of a journey into the world of food.

One of the founders of the Elora Co-op Preschool, she edited Cookies and Juice, a handmade cookbook of recipes

that sold for $5 and had a press run of about 500. It sold out and she never looked back. She is proud the pre-school, still operating today, never needed government funding.

Stewart remembers fondly she started her career “back-wards” as a food writer. Most cookbook authors begin by writing a recipe column and turning them into a book. She began with books and later wrote a syndicated food col-umn.

Since those early days, Stewart’s many food credits include being president of Flavours Canada, being the culinary awards advisor to the Governor General’s awards in Celebration of

the Nation’s Table, a Doctor of Laws honorary degree from the University of Guelph, being the food ambassador last year for the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association, a recipient of Cuisine Canada and the University of Guelph Food Culture award in 2009, induction as a lifetime mem-ber into the Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks and so many other honours they could fill a kitchen table.

Her speaking engagements have taken her all over, from emcee and host of Canada Brand Breakfast at the Calgary Stampede in 2010 to emcee and host of the same breakfast at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, as well as the Canada Media Marketplace in New York City - among a list longer than one for groceries for a big family.

If all that is too academic, Stewart has been over the side of icebreakers into work boats in the North Pacific and visited every manned lighthouse on that coast and met their keep-ers. She travelled by dog sled and snowmobile to Cree hunt-ing camps in northern Quebec and has been to Hibernia, the most easterly bastion of Canadian cuisine in North America. Among her adven-tures are scuba diving for sea cucumbers and urchin in the Straits of Juan de Fuca and bucktail flyfishing for salmon in the Discover Passage.

Despite those adventures, Stewart gives the appearance of a homebody

in a cozy house replete with gas range and a wood fire-place. She said flatly that liv-ing in Elora is a key to her suc-cess and the people around her are responsible for all of that.

She lives what she talks, too. She mentions Elora chefs such as Roger Dufau, of Drew House, and Resa Lent, of the Desert Rose vegetarian restau-rant, among those who helped her along the way - and she misses greatly Alex Sgroi, who ran a restaurant in Elora.

Her coffee mugs come from local potters, and her glass plates are made locally. One of her many cookbooks features a brioche by Elora resident Peter Skoggard on the cover.

“These are people who have been a part of my life,” Stewart said. “The Farmers Market Cookbook came out of friend-ships. The community aspect of how I evolved is extremely important. I couldn’t have done it otherwise.”

Drop by Stewart’s home in Elora at the right time and one might find her taking a cake (using her mom’s recipe) from the oven, and icing it with, what else, a maple syrup icing. Her mom, Anne MacDonald, announces that Stewart got it exactly right.

Stewart sees nothing wrong with the turning of chefs into celebrities. She credits food television for promoting what the stars prepare. “The Food Network did a huge service to the industry. It made food sexy. It made food interesting.”

She noted Canadian Living magazine, with myriad reci-pes from across the country, also had a big influence on Canadian food and cooking habits. One reason she likes the idea of celebrity is the way it can be used to promote food.

“For example, when people like Chris Jess [chef and teach-er at Centre Wellington District High School] said, ‘I’d really like to teach cooking at high school’ - he had a lineup, of students eager to learn.”

Her three sons are involved in some way with the food industry.

Her favourite food memo-ries include “Eating - and sur-viving - scorpion pizza that my son Jeff made in his home-built clay oven. In addition to his teaching and administrative duties at Niagara College, he’s a specialist in insect cookery. His kids particularly enjoy cricket candy.”

She remembers “having my son Paul barbecue his twin brother Mark’s freshly caught Chinook salmon with a thick smear of pesto before serving it with grilled pep-pers and a bottle of Gray Monk Pinot Gris at a table surrounded by grandchil-dren.” Mark is a fishing guide and also cooks.

Stewart herself start-ed the Worlds Longest Barbecue in 2003 to pro-mote Canadian beef dur-ing the mad cow disease industry crisis. It is still running, as Canada Food

Day, on the August long week-end.

She said Canada does not have a specific “cuisine” like France or Italy. “It couldn’t possibly. To explain the culi-nary reality of our great north-ern nation, I would have to use words such as regionality, sea-sonality, ethnicity, tenacity and vision. It’s an incredible smor-gasbord. Nine Italys fit into Ontario alone, so how could anyone think of one particular cuisine representing such an enormous nation?”

She said, “Above and beyond all else, Canadian cui-sine is about celebrating our magnificent differences, our roots and our ethnicity. It’s about possibilities, and how we as a people continue to welcome immigrants from all over the planet ... It’s about branding ourselves ‘Canadian’ and giving our producers an unmistakable edge that no other nation can emulate.”

She eats just about every-thing, but said exercise is key to keeping her trim figure.

“I’m an omnivore, but hav-ing said that, the move towards less meat, more veggies is one that I embrace. I love Michael Pollan’s dictum: ‘Eat food, not too much, mainly plants.’

“And now such an ideal is entirely possible to achieve. The array of flavours, courtesy of the countless great immi-grant cooks and a plethora of young chefs who are currently re-writing Canadian cuisine, is magnificent.

“Twenty years ago, garam masala, Thai chilis, white asparagus, purple carrots, heri-tage pork, heirloom tomatoes and artisan cheeses were virtu-ally unknown. Today, the pal-ate has broadened; it no longer has to be ‘meat and potatoes.’”

On being Canadian“There’s a quote that I

can’t attribute to any particular author, but it goes like this: ‘When the forms of the old cul-ture die, the new culture is cre-ated by a few who are unafraid to feel insecure.’

“I am proud of Canada. But the word ‘Canadian’ has another inherent meaning; it’s one of very hard work. This nation wasn’t built by a bunch of wusses, and it behooves us to remember that our ances-

tors were among the most cou-rageous men and women in global history. Whether they were black Loyalists escaping slavery, or starving Irish peas-ants, or Scots swept away in the Clearances, there was only a frozen, often danger-filled mystery ahead of them.

“The roads we now travel so easily were once deer trails into a forest, or buffalo runs across the Prairies, or First Nations’ trading routes that wove their way through the continent in one large culinary spider web that we have yet to emulate.

“Like taking an ox cart over the rutted mud on the Garafraxa Road into the Queen’s Bush, Canada continues to be built by strong men and women who are aren’t afraid to face an unknown - but guaranteed exciting - future.”

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE THREE

Elora’s Anita Stewart:

Food from across the country,and right here at home

by David Meyer

Big slice - Lucky are those who get treated to a banana cake freshly baked by Anita Stewart and slathered in maple syrup icing. It’s her mom’s recipe. photo by David Meyer

That’s cooking - Anita Stewart is a prodigious writer of cookbooks, and they focus strongly

on elements of cooking from right across Canada.

“This nation wasn’t built bya bunch of wusses, and it behooves usto remember that our ancestors were

among the most courageous men and women in global history.”

- Anita Stewart on being a Canadian.

The following is Anita Stewart’s recipe for a hearty meal in cold weather.

Winter Onion Soup 2 tbsps (30mL) unsalted

butter 4 cups (1 L) chopped or

thinly sliced cooking onions 2 branches fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 4 cups beef stock 1 - 12 oz/341 mL bottle

wheat beer such as Blanche de Chambly

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

12 thin slices crusty baguette, toasted

1 ½ cups (375 mL) grated, high-quality old cheddar

Melt butter over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot. Add onions, cooking and stir-ring frequently until beginning to brown, about 10 – 12 min-utes. Add thyme, bay leaves, beef stock and Blanche de Chambly. Season lightly with salt; grind in pepper to taste.

Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until onions are very tender. Remove thyme branches and bay leaves.

Ladle into four oven-proof onion soup bowls. Place three toasted slices of baguette on each and sprinkle generously with cheese. Broil till bub-bling and melted. Carefully transfer to napkin-lined serv-ing plates. Serve immediately (serves four).

PAGE FOUR Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

Wellington Hearing Care has been a welcomed presence in the Wellington region for almost four years. Doctor of Audiology, Lynne McCurdy, opened the clinic with a mission to provide exceptional and professional hearing services in a friendly atmosphere.

Research has shown that patients reported their number one concern when seeking hearing care services is that their provider be knowledgeable. Lynne has over 22 years experience and is the highest trained professional, with a doctor of audiology degree. Together with you, Lynne will determine which technology is best and then make all the necessary adjustment to

maximize the performance of your new hearing aids.

Wellington Hearing Care is also proud of the fact that they are a locally owned and operated hearing clinic and not part of a chain or big box store.

The main office in Guelph is located in the Hartsland Plaza (Kortright and Edinburgh), with a satellite clinic at Wellington Terrace in Fergus (call for dates) or visit their website at www.wellingtonhearing.com.

LYNNE P. McCURDYDOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

Providing Exceptional & Professional Hearing Service

160 Kortright Rd. W. (at Edinburgh)519-766-HEAR (4327)

www.wellingtonhearing.com

In BusinessBusiness

Wendy Gottmers, has been operating Southern Belles Catering since 1987.

She started catering two years after opening her restaurant called Scarlett’s, in downtown Fergus in 1985. That’s where the Southern Belles name came from, for Scarlett, of Gone With The Wind fame, was a southern belle.

Wendy is presently operating the catering business, and working with Victoria Park East Golf Club in Guelph, as Banquet Manager. She works with several well known chefs, namely Stephen Vaughan, to produce high quality breakfasts, luncheons, dinners and hors d’oeuvres. Her management skills are used extensively in wedding

planning and staff services.Wendy is also well known

in Wellington County as a Cooking School Instructor, teaching classes within the structure of the U.G.D.S.B. Continuing Education programme, as well as privately, in her professional kitchen located in Belwood.

You can contact Wendy at 519-843-7334 (Belwood) or at Victoria Park East Golf Club 519-821-2211. Check out the website at [email protected]

WENDY GOTTMERS

Southern Hospitality

Catering Service in Guelph, Fergus, Elora, Belwood,

Centre Wellington areas.

[email protected]

519-821-2211

Shannon Curran is the new owner of Sew What?!, located at 208 St. Andrew St. West in Fergus.

Shannon holds an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design from Fanshawe College.

While working at Sussman’s in Arthur for the last six years Shannon gained valuable experience in alterations, in addition to custom design experience from running her own home based business - Shay Sews - for the past 3 years.

Now as the new owner of Sew What?!, Shannon looks forward to working with you, whether you require alterations or wish a custom made dress or ensemble.

Call to book an appointment or just come on down to the store for all your sewing needs in a comfortable studio setting.

Products & Services: - Custom order designs - Flower girl dresses - Wedding dress alterations - Suit jacket

adjustments - Euro hems - New zippers

- Hems

You dream it, we do it!

SHANNON CURRAN

Custom Sewing,Alterations & Repairs

208 St. Andrew St. W. Fergus, ON(519) 787-6618

[email protected]

Education is Key!

The retail environment is so much more than sales. For Kathryn Pollock, her most important role at Pollock Pools and Spas is education, which begins with hot tub ownership. Pollock Pools and Spas carries the Beachcomber Hot Tub.

Beachcomber is commit-ted to low-cost hot tubs with maximum jetting therapy and low-cost operation. Under-standing water care is essen-tial for the health and safety of everyone using a hot tub.

During the winter months,

Kathryn and her staff partici-pate in educational programs to better help customers enjoy their pools and hot tubs. They are always learning about healthier and more energy ef-ficient ways to optimize the customer’s experience with their hot tubs and pools. They have been installing pools in the area since 1987 and now offer fiberglass pools. For more information, drop in and see Kathryn, or any of her educated staff to assist you in finding the right pool or Beachcomber Hot Tub.

61 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph • 519-780-1777 • www.pollockpools.com

Stephanie is the proud co-owner of Erin’s latest Main Street feature Brighten Up, the Centre for Life-Long Learning and Discovery.

Stephanie holds Bachelor degrees in Theatre Studies and History from the University of Guelph, and her Bachelors of Education in Intermediate and Senior Education at Queen’s University.

Stephanie loves to be an active member in the community, and is excited to return to Erin with her partner Chris Bailey to open up a centre focused on spreading her passion for learning and self-discovery. Brighten Up carries educational and special interest products for all

ages. They have the books, magazines, games, puzzles, toys, DVDs and other related items to stimulate your mind at all stages of life. Stephanie manages the education side of the business, where students of all ages can access tutoring in a variety of subject areas, as well as seminars and guest speakers on educational and special interest topics.

Their mission is to make learning and discovery fun for everyone.

STEPHANIE GIUGOVAZ EDUCATION DIRECTOR AT

BRIGHTEN UP IN ERIN ONTARIO

Brain Power:Life Long Learning & Discovery

(519) 833-9258 www.brightenup.ca

Pearly Whites is an Independent Dental Hygiene and Denture Clinic located in the village of Erin. Kelly Kirk RDH is the owner with 25 years experience and Bethanie Huen DD has four years. Services include teeth scaling and polishing, custom sport guards and bleaching trays. Dentures: standard and precision, partials, and relines.

At Pearly Whites, we strive to provide you with the utmost in quality care in a professional and cozy environment. It is our pledge that we will do our best to earn your confidence by allowing your interests to come first.

We offer, prompt, flexible hours (including

same day denture repairs) referral to dentist and direct insurance billing. Discount to seniors.

First visit special: Teeth cleaning with custom bleaching tray $150.00 Free denture consultation. Pearly Whites (519) 833-9788 49 Waterford Drive, Erin k i r k p e a r l y w h i t e s @gmail.com www.pearlywhitesdentalhygiene.com

KELLY KIRK RDH

Independent Dental Hygiene & Denture Clinic

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE FIVE

AND

ENTERTAINMENT

GUELPH - Clifford The Big Red Dog Live is coming to the River Run Centre.

This family-friendly show is part of this season’s TD Canada Trust Family Series.

This year marks Clifford’s 50th birthday as one of North America’s most loved chil-dren’s book and television characters.

In this show, Clifford will come to life in a family musi-cal full of lessons, laughter, song and dance.

Created by author Norman Bridwell, Clifford became a household name shortly after the first book was published in 1963 by Scholastic Books.

Today, the Clifford series of books is considered part of children’s classical literature, embraced by children, parents and teachers alike, with 126 million units in print.

The popularity of Clifford The Big Red Dog skyrocketed when the animated television series from Scholastic Media first aired in 2000, becoming the top-rated show on PBS Kids for several years as well

as the number one children’s series for ages 2 to 5 on net-work television.

The new 50th anniversary live musical stage produc-tion celebrates with a North American tour making stops in more than 50 cities.

The story unfolds as Clifford and his friends from Birdwell Island - Emily Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone - embark on a new adventure, learning many valuable lessons along the way.

Clifford will share his “be big ideas” to share, play fair, have respect, work together, be responsible, truthful, kind, help others, believe in yourself and be a good friend.

The show is produced by Mills Entertainment in coop-eration with Scholastic Media, directed by Mark Fleischer, and featuring music and lyrics by Dennis Scott.

It is recommended for ages three to eight.

The show is on Feb. 5, with two performances taking place at 1 pm and 4 pm. Tickets are available at www.riverrun.ca.

Clifford The Big Red Dog coming to River Run Centre on Feb. 5

Clifford comes to town - Clifford the Big Red Dog Live is set to appear at the River Run Centre for two performances on Feb. 5 in a show celebrating 50 years of the beloved dog and his friends. This show is one of 50 stops in North America. photo submitted

ABOYNE - In honour of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the Wellington County Museum and Archives invites everyone to explore the coming exhibit Richard Pierpoint: Slave, Soldier, Settler.

It tells Pierpoint’s life story from slavery, through two wars and as one of the earliest set-tlers in Wellington County.

Born in West Africa in 1744, Pierpoint was captured

and sold into slavery in 1760. Escaping after 20 years,

he fought with the British in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, earning his free-dom and land grants in Upper Canada.

In his long life of 94 years, Pierpoint took every opportu-nity to create independence and identity for other freed men.

Historical documents, accompanied by murals cre-ated by award-winning painter

Meredith Blackmore, will pro-vide insight into the life of early black soldiers and settlers in Upper Canada.

Richard Pierpoint: Slave, Soldier, Settler opens Feb. 4. and will run throughout the year in honour of the anniver-sary of the War of 1812.

On Feb. 5, as part of the museum’s Spring Lecture Series, there will be a presen-tation about Pierpoint’s life at 2pm.

The galleries are open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and 12 to 4pm on weekends and holidays.

For more information on this exhibit visit www.wcm.on.ca.

New exhibit looks at life of Richard PierpointAd deadline for Inside Wellington Thurs., 12 noon

GUELPH - The Guelph Youth Singers (GYS) have invited three school choirs - Mitchell Woods PS, Westwood Public School, Resurrection Christian Academy - and the Guelph Youth Music Centre’s Kids Chorus to “When Children Sing – a Choral Event” on Feb. 16.

The event will comprise daytime rehearsals with the participating school choirs and Kids Chorus and an evening concert by the choirs along with the choirs of Guelph Youth Singers.

Linda Beaupré, the con-ductor and artistic director of

GYS, will visit the schools and Kids Chorus in advance of the event for workshops to help the choirs work on massed choir pieces.

School choirs and Kids Chorus will perform their own solo songs, and each choir of GYS will be represented throughout the program.

All proceeds from the con-cert will be donated to the bur-sary fund of the Guelph Youth Music Centre. These bursaries are issued to children in the Guelph area to take part in local arts programs in the City of Guelph.

Guelph Youth Singers is an

award-winning organization featuring 90 youths aged six through 18. They host auditions in December and early January for this month’s entry and in April, May and June for the September entry.

The Feb. 16 performance of “When Children Sing – a Choral Event” takes place at New Life Christian Reformed Church. Tickets are $5 per per-son at the door.

For more information about this show or to book an audi-tion, contact the GYS office at 519-821-8574 or visit their website at www.guelphyouths-ingers.com.

Guelph Youth Singers invite school choirs to perform at ‘Choral event’ on Feb. 16

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GUELPH - A special pre-sentation at Guelph’s Ignatius Jesuit Centre will help partici-pants make a deeper connec-tion with their environment.

Miriam MacGillis will present Embracing Earth: Living a Mutually-Enhancing Relationship with Earth on Jan. 26.

MacGillis is a Dominican Sister of Caldwell, New Jersey. She lives and works at Genesis Farm, an organic farm and Earth Literacy Centre

in Blairstown, New Jersey, which she co-founded in 1980 with the sponsorship of her Dominican congregation.

In 2005, MacGillis received the Thomas Berry Award and in 2007 was named among the planet’s top 15 green religious leaders by Grist magazine. She lectures extensively and has conducted workshops in Canada, the U.S.A., Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

This year, MacGillis is participating at the Organic

Agriculture Conference, held at the University of Guelph’s University Centre, at its Keynote Forum and as a semi-nar presenter.

The conference runs from Jan. 26 to 29.

The talk will be held on Jan. 26 at 7:30pm at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph in Loyola House.

For more information con-tact Miriam Koopman 519-824-1250 extension 258, or at [email protected].

Jesuit Centre hosts speaker on Jan. 26

PAGE SIX Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

BUILD YOUR SAVINGSYOUR MONEY. YOUR GOALS. YOUR PLAN.

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Retiring on life insurance? How does that work?by Dan Allen

People probably have a cur-rent need for life insurance to protect their families by pro-viding continuing income and financial security in the event of death.

And they probably want to

create a investment nest egg that allows them to retire with a tax efficient income.

And when that final day comes, they probably want to have achieved the most effec-tive growth for their estate in a tax-sheltered environment that preserves assets for the future use and benefit of the next generation.

There is a way to do all three and the keys to achieving these objectives are:

- creating an immediate tax-free death benefit; and

- maximizing investment growth in a tax-sheltered envi-ronment, providing the oppor-tunity to access tax-efficient funds to supplement retire-ment.

Within limits set by leg-

islation, values in certain life insurance policies accumulate on a tax deferred basis. Those values are created when people deposit more than the actual cost of the insurance plus the growth of these excess depos-its. Depending on the amount of life insurance purchased, people have the potential to build a great deal of value with-in the policy, with the growth exempt from annual taxation.

The accumulated value in an exempt life insurance policy is an asset.

Policy holders can access the value of that asset in order to provide retirement income in two ways:

- make periodic withdraw-als from the policy; and

- use the policy as collateral

security for a tax free loan.A similar strategy using

surplus corporate cash to fund a corporately owned life insur-ance policy provides similar benefits with potentially more tax advantages.

Providing for heirs and for one’s self in retirement can be a challenge. Life insurance can be an important component of a personal financial plan to help protect the family today and provide for retirement in the long term. For more infor-mation on using life insurance to fund retirement, see a quali-fied, insurance licenced finan-cial advisor.

Dan Allen is with The Heritage Group Private Financial Services Inc., in Guelph.

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by Don ReedThe legendary baseball

manager Yogi Berra famous-ly quipped, “It’s déjà vu all over again” in the early 1960s following back to back home runs from Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.

Many financial market pun-dits and prognosticators are channeling Yogi Berra head-ing into 2012. The consensus is headlines in 2012 are going

to look a lot like 2011, domi-nated by debt woes in the U.S. and Europe, a downturn in the world’s economies, and, final-ly, depressed equity markets.

The naysayers would have us believe the three Ds of eco-nomic gloom – debt, downturn and depression – are not only staying for dinner but spending the night too.

They’ve got it wrong. On the contrary, expect 2012

to mark a turnaround in the equity markets and for oppor-tunistic investors to reap the rewards. Smart investors will make money. The markets have been beaten up in the lat-ter half of 2011 – and therein lies the value creation for stock pickers (ie. fund managers) and, by extension, mutual fund investors.

A look at 2011Equity returns were look-

ing strong through the win-ter and spring until political shenanigans in the U.S. and Europe side-swiped the mar-kets. International debt woes sparked a sickly summer and fall on the markets.

In Washington, D.C., the Barak Obama White House and Republican-dominated congress remain at loggerheads on debt reduction. The crisis is sad and comical – at press time, Republican lawmakers faced a torrent of criticism after blocking a comprehen-sive plan to extend a tax-break for 160 million Americans.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the leaders of the Euro zone are struggling to resolve the fiscal woes of their weakest members, particularly Greece and Italy. In late December, the European Central Bank weighed in, providing near-ly half a trillion euros (about $664 billion) in cut-price loans to more than 500 banks to ease credit crunch woes.

With gold and fixed income assets like government, corpo-rate and global bonds beating the returns of weaker equities,

2011 was a defensive year. All major stock indices were in negative territory, includ-ing Asia, Europe, the emerg-ing markets and Canada’s own resource heavy TSX composite index.

U.S. stocks were a note-worthy exception with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up about 4% in Canadian dol-lar terms. The U.S. large cap equity index is well diversified and less sensitive to business cycles when compared to the resource rich TSX.

The good news is….Volatility is returning

to normal levels. The VIX (Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of the S & P 500 options index. It is often referred to as the “fear index” as it is a forward look-ing gauge of the volatility and expectations impacting the world’s biggest equity market.

The VIX’s long term aver-age is 20. It peaked at a whop-ping 81 in November, 2008 in the midst of the subprime mort-gage credit crisis that humbled the titans of Wall Street. The VIX retreated through 2009 and 2010 and then climbed again this past summer, spik-ing at 48 in August.

Near the close of 2011, the VIX had retreated to the low 20’s, suggesting volatil-ity has subsided and, slowly but surely, we will return to some normal equity trading patterns. Roiling daily markets and steep peaks and valleys are

poisonous when it comes to investor confidence.

Markets abhor uncertainty while good news stokes gains. After months of baby steps, the Euro-zone can be expected to finally reach a definitive debt agreement in the first half of 2012. Europe is a life boat and it is in the inter-est of all nations, including Italy, Greece and the reticent United Kingdom to keep the ship afloat. Stay tuned.

Mixed views on the U.S.The debt stalemate may

fester though 2012 and we may have to wait until 2013 for any significant developments. But a double dip recession in the world’s largest economy is looking increasingly unlikely. Corporate America is cash-rich, retail spending is up, con-sumer confidence is improv-ing, gas prices are steady and businesses are re-stocking shelves and warehouses. Those are all positive indicators the U.S. is on the mend.

Emerging economiesThe outlook remains

positive for the emerging economies of Asia, Latin America and South America. Collectively, they have made huge strides over the past decade to restore economic growth and improve corporate balance sheets.

Debt levels in emerging markets are a fraction of the world’s more mature econo-mies and fast-growing mid-dle class means consumer spending will remain strong. Expect emerging markets to

speed along at about 5% to 8% growth in 2012. The Chinese economy may cool slightly, but will nevertheless record a steady 8% to 9% growth.

Nowhere to go but upThe 2011 correction has

presented some excellent buy-ing opportunities for those “buying on the bottom.” Share prices of some of the world’s best blue-chip companies may be down but the fundamentals that drive long term returns remain solid. These well man-aged global companies are sit-ting on billions in cash; dollars that will fund future growth, share buy-backs or dividend increases. This is all good news for prospective investors.

It’s back to basics in 2012Dismiss the short-term

market noise and remain focused on long-term goals. A well diversified investment portfolio can take advantage of new opportunities in emerging markets. Dollar-cost averaging – making small investments on a month-to-month basis – will bring long-term stability and smooth out the market’s highs and lows.

Advice is a key component of our dynamic marketplace, and Canadians overwhelming-ly choose to invest and manage their financial decisions with the help of advisors. Without the counsel of a profession-al advisor, investors can be influenced by a wide range of issues.

Don Reed is the CEO of Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. and a regu-

Equity markets are expected to bounce back in 2012

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Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE SEVEN

At Collins Barrow, we value your individuality, talents and ideas. We knew you could reach your potential! The Partners of Collins Barrow wish to congratulate the following successful UFE Writers for 2010:

The Future is Yousee the possibilities...

Each year, Collins Barrow’s young professionals challenge themselves to explore their passion for accounting. Success in the UFE demonstrates the high level of knowledge, analytical ability, integrative thinking and professional judgment that is expected by the profession and clients. As future Chartered Accountants, you have met the highest standards of financial expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership. The CA profession’s commitment to excellence and the public interest provides the crucial foundation for this trust.

Across Canada, we are very pleased with the accomplishments of our 63 successful UFE writers (85%). You should be proud having reached this significant milestone in your career. Congratulations and best wishes for future success as you apply what you have learned and continue to reach your potential.

With a CB Life, the best is yet to come.

Kindest regards,

Dean Woodward

Collins Barrow National Chair

Omar Al-Farouki (Ottawa)

Devesh Bhagani (Toronto)

Alyson Conrad (Peterborough)

Peggy Doody (Kingston)

Sheri Gascon (Sudbury)

Thomas Horn (Red Deer)

Samantha Kelley (Calgary)

Richard Leung (Vancouver)

Steven Mariasine (Edmonton)

Maria Mironenko (Vaughan)

Anita Ng (Edmonton)

Patrick Ouellette (Leamington)

Jeffrey Ross (Vancouver)

Adam Stepa (Calgary)

Cary Walkin (Toronto)

Christopher Wong (Peterborough)

Roxane Beaulieu (Sudbury)

Derek Blum (Calgary)

Alexandra Cortesis (Peterborough)

Sean Foley (Calgary)

Laura Hargrave (Peterborough)

Meghan Huang (Toronto)

Jessica Krupicz (London)

Andrew Leung (Vancouver)

Claudio Martellacci (Toronto)

Michelle Misener (Toronto)

Christina Nguyen (Toronto)

Tony Pham (Edmonton)

Kristine Samonte (Calgary)

Travis Thornhill (Red Deer)

Lingya Wang (Ottawa)

Judy Wu (Ottawa)

Sebastien Beitel (Toronto)

Marianne Brouwer (Peterborough)

Kathleen Crochetiere (Montreal)

Tara Fong (Calgary)

Nicole Hawkes (Calgary)

Shelina Jamal (Ottawa)

Jens Lankers (Red Deer)

Lee MacKillop (Vancouver)

Travis McClinchey (Toronto)

Amanda Naveda (Ottawa)

Cathy Nichols (Montreal)

Phillip Pottie (Halifax)

Neha Sethi (Toronto)

Carina Tong (Red Deer)

Melissa West (London)

Angela Yeung (Vaughan)

Joey Belanger (Canmore)

Gloria Chu (Calgary)

Cheryl Dolliver (Ottawa)

Marco Frate (Montreal)

Vivian He (Edmonton)

Stephanie Kari (Sudbury)

Ashley Larson (Red Deer)

Rhona Mak (Edmonton)

Kimber Meister (Canmore)

Jason Neely (Toronto)

Daniel O’Grady (Halifax)

Julie Reddick (Toronto)

Wendy Slack (Calgary)

Junaid Usmani (Toronto)

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Kindest regards,

Dean Woodward












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Judy Wu (Ottawa)




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Running a small businessis hard enough

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(NC)—The holiday decora-tions are all packed away, the New Year’s resolutions made, and spring is around the corner. Before you know it, tax season will be here.

Before you start filing your taxes, here are 10 ways that may help you reduce your tax bill and may even land you a refund.

For individuals:1.Plan ahead: Make sure

to gather your receipts and NETFILE code, register for My Account, and sign up for direct deposit before April 30. Submitting your income tax and benefit return before the tax-filing deadline means you can avoid having to pay late-filing penalties.

2. Tax-free savings account: A tax-free savings account (TFSA) is one great way to save money, since you don’t pay tax on any income you earn from investments in your TFSA.

3. Registered retirement savings plan: Any income you earn in a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is exempt from tax, as long as the funds stay in the plan. RRSPs help you save for your retirement and get a break at tax time too.

4. Public transit tax credit: If you or someone in your fam-ily is a regular user of public transit then you may be able to claim a non-refundable tax credit based on the cost of eli-

gible transit passes.5. Pension income splitting:

If you are receiving income from a pension, you can split up to 50% of eligible pension income with your spouse or common-law partner to reduce the taxes you pay.

6. Students: Are you still in school? Students can claim the tuition, education, and textbook amounts. Have you graduated recently? You may be eligible to claim the interest you paid on your student loans.

7. Child care expenses: For those who have children, you may be able to claim child care expenses that you or your spouse or common-law partner paid so that either of you could work, do research, or go to school.

8. Home buyer’s tax cred-it: If you’re a first-time home buyer you may be eligible to claim $5000 on the purchase of your new home, which can save you up to $750.

For people who are self-employed:

9. Hiring an apprentice: Did your business employ an apprentice? A salary paid to an employee registered in a prescribed trade in the first two years of his or her apprentice-ship contract qualifies for a non-refundable tax credit for the employer.

10. Creating child care spac-es: Did your business (which is not mainly a child care services

business) create licensed child care spaces for the children of your employees? If so, you may be eligible for an invest-ment tax credit for the child care spaces you created.

More tips on how best to prepare your 2011 income tax and benefit return can be found online at www.cra.gc.ca/get-ready.

10 ways to reduce your tax bill

ELORA - As the New Year begins a number of scheduled rate changes and new rules take effect.

On the income tax side, all the tax brackets and credit thresholds will be higher by at least the calculated inflation factor, which is 1.028% feder-ally and 1.033% provincially. At the federal level the basic personal amount, which is the amount we can all earn tax free moves to $10,822 from$10,527 and the low tax bracket moves to $ 42,707 from $41,544.

The highest tax rate will now only kick in on taxable income above $132,406.

For seniors, the thresh-old for clawback of Old Age Security will increase to $69,562 from $67,668 but the rate of 15 cents per dollar of the threshold amount remains the same.

There are some new tax

credits from the last year’s Federal budget to keep in mind when filing 2011 tax returns.

The Children’s Art Tax Credit is for enrollment in a prescribed program of artistic, cultural, recreational or devel-opmental activities. A non-refundable credit on up to $500 can be claimed, but if the same expenses are eligible for the Child Care Expense Deduction or the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit then you cannot double up your claim.

Also new is the Volunteer Firefighter’s Tax Credit, the Family Caregiver Tax Credit (for 2012 only) and some minor changes to Medical and Tuition Tax Credits.

Lastly, the Revenue Agency interest rate on overdue taxes, installments and payroll remit-tances for the period Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, 2012 has been set at 5%. Historically this is not a

high rate but in most cases it is not tax deductable so you should arrange your affairs to avoid interest if possible.

This column was prepared by the Elora branch of Collins Barrow, Canada’s larg-est association of Chartered Accountancy firms.

Know your tax changes for 2012

(NC)—Online investors know that building a healthy portfolio takes time and careful consideration. The good news is: it doesn’t have to be com-plicated.

While it’s important to set goals and to stay focused on them, experts in this field say it’s also important to periodi-cally re-evaluate your invest-ment strategy and portfolio.

So where should you start?“Through research and dis-

cussions with our clients, we discovered the greatest demand was for guidance on portfolio management tools that enable them to monitor performance, along with long-term portfo-lio building techniques,” says Michael MacDonald, vice-president of strategy for RBC Direct Investing.

“While many investors have benefited from portfolio management services through traditional advice based chan-nels, now they can do the same thing online, on their own, using our portfolio manage-ment tools,” MacDonald said.

Through specialty websites like www.rbcdirectinvesting.com, individuals have access to an abundance of tools that provide self-directed investors with ideas and validation of their portfolio decisions. This includes easy online access to

resources, education, and guid-ance to help investors make informed decisions.

While investors may not realize how much free infor-mation is available to them, MacDonald stresses that they should carefully evaluate what online resources and tools are most useful to them. Ideally, an online brokerage should pro-vide tools and resources to help investors:

• Define their long- and short-term goals and chart progress towards achieving their objectives;

• Determine whether their portfolio has the appropriate asset mix to meet their invest-ment objectives;

• Assist with rebalanc-ing from a current asset mix, towards the stated asset mix goal – and assess how chang-ing these holdings affects the portfolio before making any decisions about buying or sell-ing in the market;

• Practice online investing: this might involve offering a mock account where individu-als can buy and sell a wide range of investments and moni-tor performance over time, without any risk.

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LAS VEGAS, NV - Fergus native Patrick Anderson has once again been named to the Wheelchair Basketball Canada team for 2012.

Anderson, once widely regarded as the best wheelchair basketball player in the world, made his return to the national team last summer after taking two years off of international competition.

He was officially added last week to the roster of 26

athletes selected to represent Canada’s senior men’s and women’s national wheelchair basketball teams at the London Paralympic Games this sum-mer.

“We want to reestablish Canada as the world leader in wheelchair basketball, and we are confident in the talented teams our coaches have assem-bled,” Wheelchair Basketball Canada director Paul Zachau said.

The athletes were selected from a pool of 37 who attend-ed a week-long selection camp Jan. 9 to 13 in Las Vegas.

The 2012 men’s roster includes 11 returning players, nine of whom have Paralympic experience. The men’s team is

the defending Paralympic sil-ver medalist, and is looking for its third gold medal and fourth consecutive podium finish in London.

“Our goal is to win the gold in London and to do that we’ve got competitions lined up against the best teams in the world, definitely all top five teams. And we plan on pushing our athletes a lot harder over the next eight months in terms of fitness and tactical prepara-tion,” said men’s head coach Jerry Tonello.

“We are really confident we are on the right path and we are going to bring home the gold medal,” said Johnson.

For more information visit www.wheelchairbasketball.ca.

PAGE EIGHT Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

sports

Michigan bound - The Centre Wellington Fusion novice A team earned a spot in the International Silver Stick championship in Michigan after winning the provincial title in the playoffs in Brampton on Dec. 28. The team played in Michigan Jan. 21 to 22 but results were not known by press time. submitted photo

Anderson to again lead national squad

by Kelly WaterhouseELORA - There’s a new

game in town and when the arena lights come on and the ball drops, Jim and Jackie Ranahan will realize a dream 10 years in the making.

Centre Wellington Ball Hockey kicks off its opening season in March and organiz-ers are looking for players of all skill levels from age 5 to 65.

“I wanted to give the fami-lies in this community a reason to get outside and play,” said Jim Ranahan, who purchased four acres in Salem to build a proper outdoor facility specifi-cally for the sport.

The rink is the full arena, standard size for ball hockey, which is 30 per cent smaller than an ice hockey rink.

Ranahan built his arena complete with NHL regulation boards made in Waterloo, and the arena floor is make of a synthetic tile system that offers non-slip safety and a cushion support factor, plus proper drainage of the floor surface regardless of weather.

The rink is also wheelchair accessible.

“We want parents to feel

they are bringing their kids to a safe, controlled environment,” Ranahan said.

“This will be a strictly non-contact recreational facility, where anyone can learn the competitive game of hockey in a safe way.”

That will include education-al starter leagues for children

ages 4 to 6 years old.The facility, located on

County Road 18, just west of County Road 7 in Salem, will be open seven days a week in all seasons.

Youth leagues will play summer, spring and fall. Men, women and co-ed leagues will play all four seasons.

“I want people to feel like when they join this league, they belong,” Ranahan said.

Key to the organization, Ranahan said, is accessibility.

“The cost will be $140, plus tax, a season,” which Ranahan said will include 12 games and a round of playoffs.

“The whole point of this

sport is that not everyone can afford hockey,” Ranahan said.

“But this sport requires no specialized equipment. You need a helmet with a face mask, gloves, shin pads, run-ning shoes and a hockey stick [without wooden blades] and you are good to go.”

Goalies will need full equip-

ment, Ranahan added.Centre Wellington Ball

Hockey is affiliated with ball-hockey.com, an organization that includes six leagues across Ontario, from Kingston to Niagara to Orillia.

“Our affiliation with ball-hockey.com ensures our cred-ibility in the sport and lets people know we are a legiti-mate, organized, controlled sport with governing rules of play,” Ranahan said.

Similar to some ice hockey leagues, ball hockey is played in three 10-minute periods with stop time, in standard five-on-five play. Teams will consist of 11 players.

Centre Wellington Ball Hockey will include a small clubhouse with an office, changing facility and a pro shop. Ranahan hopes the environment will be a family-friendly place for people to get together.

Moreover, he hopes to expand the club to add a second rink in 2015.

To register a team, volun-teer or learn more about Centre Wellington Ball Hockey, visit www.cwballhockey.com.

Local couple to open new outdoor ball hockey rink in March

There’s a new game in town - Centre Wellington Ball Hockey is set to begin in March with ball hockey leagues for youths, men, women and co-ed leagues. The all-season facility will run seven days a week in the outdoor arena designed for the sport of ball hockey, including a specialized playing surface, above right. submitted photo

whatever the season.whatever the sport.

send us your photos, ideas or write-ups.

[email protected]

we want your

sports

by Chris DaponteWELLINGTON CTY. -

Halfway through the National Hockey League season, county natives Nick Spaling and Jamie McGinn are both on pace for career years.

As of Jan. 20, Spaling, orig-inally from Drayton, had reg-istered 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) for the Nashville Predators, to go along with 10 penalty minutes, 62 shots on goal and a plus-one rating.

The 23-year-old’s 2011-12 point total surpasses his previ-ous high of 14, which he tallied in 74 games last season.

Fergus native Jamie McGinn, also 23, has similar stats thus far this season for the San Jose Sharks: 16 points (nine goals and seven assists), 15 penalty minutes, 78 shots and a plus-10 rating.

McGinn, drafted in the sec-ond round (36th overall) in the 2006 NHL draft, leads the sharks with 93 hits and is also on pace to set a personal best in games played. In the 2009-10 season he played in 59 games, registering a career-high 13 points.

This season he has played in every one of San Jose’s games, whereas he spent parts of the previous three seasons with

the Sharks’ American Hockey League affiliate in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The career-high point totals for McGinn and Spaling are impressive considering both play primarily checking roles on their team’s third lines; McGinn on left wing and Spaling at centre.

Spaling, drafted in the sec-ond round (58th overall) in the 2007 NHL draft, is third on the Predators in face-off wins

and has continued the trend he established in last season’s NHL playoffs - he is this sea-son’s co-leader in Nashville for game winning goals.

Spaling also has an impres-sive streak going: the Predators have yet to lose in regulation when he scores a goal (13-0-1, including playoffs).

His play has earned the praise of coach Barry Trotz and also his teammates.

“Even though he’s a young guy, he plays like an experi-enced player,” Predators goalie Pekka Rinne told the Nashville Tennessean earlier this season.

“You can use him in almost any situation. He plays on the (penalty kill) and scores goals.”

McGinn has also drawn considerable praise in San Jose.

“We’ve really liked Jamie McGinn’s game this year,” Sharks coach Todd McLellan said in an interview last week with the San Jose Mercury News.

“[He] goes down and works below the goal line and is strong against the boards. That’s his spot, that’s where he’s comfortable.”

For more information on the two players visit http://predators.nhl.com or http://sharks.nhl.com.

McGinn, Spaling on pace for career years

JAMIE McGINN

Fergus native one of 12 named to

men’s wheelchair basketball team

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE NINE

Agricultural Information Contact Centre | 1-877-424-1300 | www.ontario.ca/omafra

The OMAFRA ReportA weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agri-

culture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Con-tact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA Website: www.omafra.gov.on.ca

FARM PETS AND FOOD SAFETY by Don Blakely, OMAFRA

Even though we have great affection for our farm pets, when it comes to food safety we have to realize they can be an issue. Both farm cats and dogs are carriers of pathogens and parasites and can pass those on when in contact with food products. For example, many farm cats eat rodents which can contaminate their feces with pathogens and parasites and their cleaning habits keep the cycle of pathogens moving through their bodies. If you produce ready to eat food products farm cats must be prevented from walking on such particularly when food products are in storage. Farm dogs can also present food safety issues as they can pick up pathogens when walking through the barn or from eating things like calf manure. Dogs that eliminate their waste in field production areas present a food safety risk as it can then contaminate produce it lands on or be stepped on by workers and tracked about the area further spreading the pathogens. So if you are concerned about marketing safe fresh farm produce, keep farm pets out of the areas where you grow, process, store and sell your produce.

ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN by John C. Benham

If you don’t have a completed Third Edition Environmen-tal Farm Plan then here is your chance to make yourself eligible for the next Cost Share program. The next Environmental Farm Workshop is planned to be held in the OMAFRA meeting room on Monday, February 6th to be completed on Monday, February 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. Lunch and refreshments are provided. No costs to you! Several farmers are signed up

already. Take advantage of this workshop in the less busy season to be ready for the new EFP to be announced this fall. Complete your EFP at this workshop - it will be recognized for 5 years even if a new book is introduced.

During my inspections to complete each claim form for the Cost Share, I see some great ideas. Recently while inspecting a new fuel storage, I learned this farmer had a hand wind timer in the electric line to shut off the electricity to his fuel pump. His source was in a locked shed. When he wanted gas he set the timer for a few minutes and it shut off automatically. Simple, but effective.

Give John a call at 519-846-3394 or sign up yourself online at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org/workshops/.

FACTSHEETS and PUBLICATIONS 11-045: TSSA Field Approval of Oil-Fired Maple Syrup Evap-

orators 11-043: An Overview of Organic Pork Production, Agdex,

440/10; replaces 07-027, which should be recycled.11-005: Farm Pesticide Storage Facility, Agdex 748/607, re-

places 07-059, which should be recycled.2011 Performance Trials Reports Now Available: The Ontario Forage Crop Variety Performance 2012 Brochure

is now available. The PDF version of the Brochure can be viewed and downloaded online at: www.GoForages.ca.

2011 Soybean Variety Trials are available from the Ontario Oil and Protein Seed Crop Committee at: http://www.gosoy.ca/OSVT_2011_Report.pdf.

2011 Ontario Winter Wheat Performance Trials from the On-tario Cereal Crops Committee are available on-line at: http://www.gocereals.ca.

The 2011 Hybrid Corn Performance Trials Report, produced by the Ontario Corn Committee (OCC), is now available at: http://www.gocorn.net/v2006/CornReports/2011cornreport/2011performancetrials.html.

Growers who are unable to access the trial results from the website, may call OMAFRA’s Agricultural Information Contact

Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or email: [email protected]. To order OMAFRA factsheets and publications: Visit any OMAFRA Resource Centre or Service Ontario loca-

tion or visit the Service Ontario website at: www.serviceontario.ca/publications or call 1-800-668-9938.

COMING EVENTS:Jan. 27- Fergus Agricultural Annual Meeting to be held at Bar-

rie Hill United Church. For further information, please contact Wendy Whittaker, 519-856-9621.

Rural Life

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Straight Talk. Experience that Delivers.Harry McLaren, MBA Sales RepresentativeDirect: 519-820-3473 | www.harrymclaren.com

RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage238 Speedvale Ave. W. Guelph ON519-836-6365

WELLINGTON COUNTY - “The cities will never stop needing the country.” That’s one of the quotes from Rebecca Grose’s essay in her applica-tion for the 2011 CKNX Radio Farm Advisory Board (FAB)bursary.

The essay was one of the factors that led to the selection of the Alma-area student as this year’s bursary winner from an impressive list of 18 applicants.

Grose is a student at Kemptville College in the agri-culture - equine option pro-gram. Her resume includes 64 4-H clubs, work in community groups and a strong interest in equine therapeutic riding pro-grams.

Grose says her long-term goal is to have her own thera-peutic riding operation. She says the impact that kind of a program can have on handi-capped young people is amaz-ing.

She’s also continuing her love for 4-H with plans to become a junior leader in the coming year to add to her long-time involvement with that organization.

The $1,000 CKNX Radio FAB bursary is awarded annu-ally to a student from mid-western Ontario in a post-secondary, agriculture-related program.

The bursary recognizes community involvement, con-tributions to agriculture and an interest in and desire to be part of the provincial agriculture industry.

Alma student awarded CKNX bursary

Bursary award - Rebecca Grose recently received a bursary from the CKNX Radio Farm Advisory Board’s Ray Baynton. submitted photo

GUELPH - Grain Farmers of Ontario has announced its 2012 March Classic theme.

Building on the associa-tion’s vision, the theme for this year’s conference is Driving Ontario’s Grain Industry to Global Leadership.

The March Classic is the largest grain-focused confer-ence in eastern Canada, draw-ing upwards of 500 attendees from farms across Ontario.

This year the event will be held on March 19 at the London Convention Centre and Grain Farmers of Ontario is already anticipating a packed house.

“We have an excellent line-up of speakers this year and hope to provide insight into future opportunities and trends for Ontario’s farmers,” said John Cowan, VP of strategic development at Grain Farmers of Ontario.

To register for the March Classic or to get further details, including a bus schedule, visit www.gfo.ca/marchclassic.

Grain Farmers of Ontarioannounce

March Classic 2012 theme

Jan. 28 - Celebrate Chinese New Year - Treat & Crafts

Feb. 4 - Marvelous MushroomsFood Demo with Julie from

Windy Field Mushrooms

PAGE TEN Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

Heat Solar

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Insulation expert offers 12 energy-related predictions for 2012 in Canadaby Stephen Koch

Does Canada need more energy supply or more insula-tion?

Clearly, that is a gross sim-plification but it is estimated that almost a third of Canada’s current energy consumption is used for heating and cooling buildings and homes.

The number could be cut in half with proper conservation initiatives.

That is the context for my 2012 Canadian energy conser-vation predictions - within an insulation context.

1. Rising energy costs will make the payback period for installing insulation even quicker. Despite a slower new home construction market and a slowing of insulation for those applications, it will be a record year for insulation used for home and industrial retrofits to deal not only with new homes but to upgrade the vast amount of under insulated existing homes.

2. More Canadian commu-

nities will adopt “solar ready” new home construction regu-lations like Campbell River B.C. That will make the future installation of solar hot water appliances, for instance, easier and less expensive.

3. More real estate agents will increasingly educate them-selves on energy efficiency. Take the Calgary Real Estate Board, which has an on-line directory on its Go Green web-site listing agents who have passed a series of courses to help inform consumers of choices and rebates offered by governments.

4. A record year for homes to meet higher energy efficien-cy standards in Canada than ever before. That is in large part because the new Ontario Building Code, that came into effect Jan. 1. But also across Canada more and more home builders are adopting ever higher standards of green building. One of the easiest ways to meet this standard is through the intelligent applica-

tion of various cost effective insulation products.

5. As companies faced with flat sales results will be forced to focus more on cost controls, reviews of energy efficiency practices will become more frequent. Expect more utilities and provincial governments to expand incentive programs for the commercial and industrial sectors, especially where they can be demonstrated to reduce peak period electricity load.

6. White or reflective roofs and green roofs (which have seen widespread use in warm-er climates to reduce cooling costs) will be increasingly embraced across the country to combat summer cooling bills.

7. Adoptions of technol-ogy (the evolution of the pro-grammable thermostat) used to remotely control energy consumption when demand is highest, while at the same time allowing customers to individ-ually manage their electricity costs in real-time. The speed of adoption will be dependent on

smart meter deployment and will be controlled by phone based applications.

8. Banks and financial insti-tutions will see the reduced operating costs for more energy efficient homes and buildings. Those incentives will help off-set the up front costs of retrofits and help provide more dispos-able income for the building or home owner. Green mortgages can be expected to proliferate.

9. A rise in small businesses doing customized installations of weatherization, insulation and caulking. An evolution of the local “handyman.”

10. Discussions about “energy independence” or “energy security” at the com-munity, provincial and national level will become more preva-lent.

11. As for building codes, in 2012 for the first time, we expect the national building code to include energy effi-ciency measures for homes. That will make it much easier for provinces to adopt a build-

ing code that will help reduce operating costs for the home owner.

12. An increased profile for energy conservation in the pub-lic policy debate. It will shift from thrift to how conservation can offset demand and reduce the need for investment in new generation and peak consump-

tion.Stephen Koch is the exec-

utive director of NAIMA Canada, the association for North American manufacturers of fibre glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products doing business in Canada. Its role is to promote energy effi-ciency.

Specializing in Energy Efficient Housing since 1986

• Passive/Active Solar• Super Insulated Draft Free Shell• Fine Craftsmanship• Cost Competitive• Continuous Client Involvement

Rockwood, Ontario 519-856-9306 • www.bradenhomes.ca

Custom Home Building & Renovations

(NC) - Keeping a home at a comfortable tempera-ture becomes an increasingly expensive proposition with steadily rising energy costs.

With the full force of win-ter here, Ontarians can keep air leakage and energy loss in check with a mini energy audit of their home that includes the following quick steps.

Check for draftsAir leakage (especially in

the basement, on the main floor or through a windward-facing wall) can make a home drafty, uncomfortable and difficult to heat, no matter how much the thermostat is turned up.

Address air leakage by plugging the biggest leaks first, such as in the attic and around electrical holes, plumb-ing vents, basement rim joists (where the foundation meets the wood framing), recessed lighting, windows and doors.

Check insulationWith conventional fibre-

glass or cellulose insulation,

settling and sagging can com-promise its performance and lead to a big hit on energy bills.

Look for gaps and signs of moisture problems in insula-tion, especially in the attic, in the basement and in the room over the garage.

If planning home improve-ments or an addition, consider installing an insulation/air bar-rier for complete air sealing and energy savings of up to 50 per cent over conventional insulation.

Check your furnaceHow old is the furnace?

If it pre-dates 1992 it might only operate at about 55 to 78 per cent efficiency. A new Energy Star-qualified furnace can operate above 90 per cent efficiency as a result of more efficient heat exchangers and electronic ignition.

Upgrading right might allow for taking advantage of ecoEnergy retrofit grants through federal government programs.

Important tips oncontrolling air leakage,energy loss in the home

(NC) - Canadian homes are a great measuring stick of how far people have progressed in the past 20 years, especially when it comes to their efficien-cy in terms of saving energy and money.

Here are the top three inno-vative technologies to improve the efficiency of homes.

Home automationIt wasn’t that long ago that

an automated home was a focus of science fiction. Today, add-ing the convenience and con-trol of the indoor climate, light-ing, electronic media and home security, is increasingly afford-able and accessible through home PCs, smart phone and

tablet applications.With home monitoring sys-

tems people can track energy and water usage in real time, spot sources of energy loss and make immediate adjustments.

InsulationIf a home is more than

10 years-old, there’s a good chance it has fibreglass or cel-lulose insulation behind its walls. While these were once the insulations of choice, there are many holes in these tech-nologies.

Since they are difficult to install perfectly and can sag or settle over time, they can leave gaps and seams. It’s like leav-ing a window open 24 hours a

day in the freezing cold.Experts say insulation

advancements, like those from leading innovator Icynene, have developed spray foam insulation options that won’t settle, sag or leave any gaps.

Spray foam acts as an air barrier and can deliver up to 50 per cent energy savings over older insulation options, while making homes healthier, quieter and more comfortable (compare insulation options at www.icynene.com).

Appliances and HVACAppliances and heating/

cooling systems are essential in Canadian homes, and not sur-prisingly, they are constantly

undergoing improvements. New energy-efficient

refrigerators use less than half the energy of models that are 12 years old and use 75 per cent less energy than those produced in the late 1970s. (source: National Resources Defense Council).

Conventional, natural-draft furnaces made before 1992 might only operate between 55 to 78% efficiency. Upgrading to a new induced-draft con-densing furnace can increase efficiency to above 90 per cent as a result of more efficient heat exchangers and electronic ignition (source: Mother Earth News).

Top three innovations to improve home efficiency

ConservationEnErgy

Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, May 6, 2011 PAGE FIFTEENInside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012 PAGE ELEVEN

plant’ to incorporating ‘art’ in our gardens; displays; door prizes. Pre-Registration is required as seating is limited. Admission, $35 per person, includes a hot lunch. For info. call 519-846-0642.

***St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Arthur. Roast Beef Dinner. 4:30-6pm. Adults $12. Tickets: reservation only before Feb. 3. Call Bea 519-848-2839 or Jeanette 519-848-6858.

***Centre Wellington Women’s Expo. 1-4pm. Elora Community Centre, 60 David Street, West, Elora. Exhibits, demos, speak-ers etc. Free. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

WED. FEB. 8 Rockwood & District Lioness, Euchre & Bridge Night. Rockmosa Community Centre, Rockwood, 7pm. $5 a person. Lunch & Prizes to follow.

***The Grand Quilt Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 275, 500 Blair Street, Fergus. All are welcome - doors open at 7pm and meeting concludes at 9:30pm.

***Euchre. Harriston Legion #296. Start at 8pm. Light Lunch pro-vided. $5per person. Bring a Partner. For more information call 519-338-2843.

THURS. FEB. 9 Arthur Agricultural Society Meeting 7:30pm. Upstairs Hall, Arthur Community Centre. All Welcome.

***Into The Peruvian Amazon. Guelph Field Naturalists. 7:30pm, University of Guelph Arboretum. Patrick Moldowan, PhD Candidate, University of Guelph, shares his photographs and discusses his travels to the Peruvian Amazon. Visitors always welcome.

***Introducing a Brand New Book Club for Kids!!! Wellington County Library, Fergus Branch. The “Believe it or Not Book Club” for kids in Grades 1–4. Weird and wonderful stories, crafts, food and fun for all! 4–5pm. Please register 519-843-1180.

FRI. FEB. 10 “A Taste of Italy” Pasta Dinner, Puslinch Community Centre. 6pm. Hosted by: Rotary Club of Guelph South. Adults - $15, Children (5-12 yrs.) - $10, Children (5 & Under) - $2. For ticket info. contact: Margaret Nixon: 519-824-0852. Proceeds to Support Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre.

SAT. FEB. 11 Hoot and Howl. Please call the Guelph Lake Nature Centre at 519-836-7860 to register. 7-9 pm. This is a great way to spend an evening with your family. We will be going out on a night hike to look for owls and coyotes. There will be a short introductory slide show before we head out on the prowl. Bring your flashlight and dress warmly.

***Adult/ Senior Ice Skating. 8-9:50pm. Exhibition Park Arena,

Guelph. Cost - $7/ person ($10 on band nights). Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship!

***Celebrating Valentine’s Day at Barrie Hill United Church. 3 course roast beef dinner and entertainment. For tickets contact Tim at 519-763-2661. Ticket price $25 each. Proceeds to the Barrie Hill Kitchen Renovation Fund. 5702 Wellington Rd. 29, R. R. #5 Rockwood.

***Maryhill K of C and CWL Valentine Supper. Two seatings 5:30, 7pm. Adults $15, children 11 and under $7. Advance tickets only. Please specify desired seating. Call Mike Runstedler 519-648-3394 or Doug Zinger 519-648-2939.

***Valentine Soup & Sandwich Luncheon & Bake Sale. Knox Calvin Church, Harriston. 11am-1pm. Adults $8, 10 years & under $4.

***The Minto Arts Council Presents a special double bill concert with Dan Jeffares, lead guitar/singer of The Bearcats and Melissa Bel, Canada’s newest Blues Diva. Harriston United Church, Fellowship Hall at the corner of Young and John Streets in Harriston. 8pm. $15 per person. For ticket info. phone 519-327-8529.

SUN. FEB. 12 Sundays @ 3 Series. The Kevin Ramessar Trio. A Unique Valentine – the lyricism of classical guitar, the passion of jazz and the power of a rock anthem. 3pm. Admission at the door: $20/Students $5. Dublin Street United Church, 68 Suffolk St. W. Guelph. 519-821-0610.

MON. FEB. 13 The Harriston and District Horticultural Society meeting. Harriston-Minto Community auditorium. Speaker Jeff Davis. Lunch. Everyone welcome.

WED. FEB. 15 Waterloo Rural Women Day. Calvary United Church, St. Jacobs. Speakers: Andrea Gal: “Rural Women a Hundred Years Ago”. Peggy Bauman: “Farm Family Dynamics”. Pre-registration required, contact 519-664-3794 ext. 237.

THUR. FEB. 16Introducing a Brand New Book Club for Kids! Wellington County Library, Fergus Branch. The “Believe it or Not Book Club” for kids in Grades 1–4. Weird and wonderful stories, crafts, food and fun for all! 4–5pm. Please register 519-843-1180.

FRI. FEB. 17Euchre, Harriston Legion #296. Start at 8pm. Light Lunch pro-vided. $5 per person. Bring a Partner. For more information call 519-338-2843.

***Evergreen Seniors Community Centre 20th Anniversary. All are welcome to join for an open house celebration of the ribbon cut-ting of the Centre. Light refreshments will be provided. 1-3:30pm at 683 Woolwich St. for more information please call 519-823-1291.

FROM PAGE TWO

Inside Wellington EventsSend your Non-Profit/Charitable

event info to: [email protected]

20-25 words, 4 weeks prior to event date

whatever the season.whatever the sport.send us your photos, story ideas or write ups.

it’s your sport. it’s your newspaper.

submit online:www.wellingtonadvertiser.com

or send to [email protected]

we want your

sportsARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, though you always have energy to burn, this week isn’t about

pushing personal boundaries. It’s about working collectively with oth-

ers for a common goal.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21Life is only as boring as you make it, Taurus. This week when you feel the doldrums setting in, get up and try a new activity that is sure to bring

some excitement.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21Gemini, whether you’re working for your

own agenda or the greater good, stay informed when you deal with others to

see if they’re receptive to your ideas.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22Cancer, you won’t be timid this

week, but work associates will not be hearing much from you, either.

You’re being selfish with your energy because it’s dwindling.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23Leo, jump start your social life and

host a party or go out for some fun. This week should be fun for everyone

who hangs out with you.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22Virgo, if you’re in a relationship with someone special, you will be fighting for equality but also for greater levels of commitment. Your partner may be

receptive.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23Libra, it’s one thing to have good man-ners, but it’s another thing to capitu-late to what someone asks each and

every time. You have a voice, so speak up and make your opinions known.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22A work project may be stretching

out a little further than you’d hoped, Scorpio. It’s leading to restlessness, but teamwork can turn the routine

into something engaging.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21You’re ready to take a fashion risk, Sagittarius. Inspired by the runway

and passersby, go window shopping and find a look that appeals to you.

The results may be surprising.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20Capricorn, be assertive when express-ing an important opinion this week. Your message will be loud and clear, and it will make a significant impact.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18Aquarius, although you are great in a group setting, you’re equally as

impressive all on your own. Step out solo and experience a change of

pace this week.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20Feelings of uncertainty transform

into something much more tangible, Pisces. Now you know what has been

bugging you.

HOROSCOPES- For the first week of February-

Here’s How it Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! Find the answer below.

Kortright at Edinburgh, Guelph 519-821-9802www.swanbathandkitchen.ca

BATH & KITCHEN CENTRE

Bathrooms by...

See our NEW website

FEEDBACK - HOW ARE WE DOING?Do you have an idea for an upcoming issue?

Andrea Ravensdale, Communications Manager519.837.2600 x 2320* or [email protected]

*ALL CALLS CAN BE MADE TOLL FREE TO 1.800.663.0750

ALTERNATE FORMATS OF THIS PUBLICATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.For more information, contact: Jennifer Cowan, Accessibility Clerk, at: 519.837.2600 x 2373* or [email protected]

PAGE TWELVE Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, January 27, 2012

February 8 9:00 am Police Services Administration Centre, Guthrie Room

1:00 pm Social Services Administration Centre, Guthrie Room

4:30 pm Information, Heritage and Seniors Wellington Terrace, Board Room

February 9 9:00 am Land Division and Planning Administration Centre, Keith Room

February 14 9:00 am Roads Administration Centre, Keith Room

1:00 pm Solid Waste Services Administration Centre, Keith Room

February 21 10:00 am Economic Development Administration Centre, Guthrie Room

1:00 pm Administration, Finance and Personnel Administration Centre, Guthrie Room

February 23 10:00 am County Council Administration Centre, Council Chambers

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTRE, 74 WOOLWICH STREET, GUELPH

WELLINGTON TERRACE, 474 WELLINGTON ROAD 18, FERGUS

PLEASE CALL DONNA BRYCE, COUNTY CLERK, AT: 519.837.2600, EXT. 2520* TO CONFIRM MEETING DATES AND TIMES, AS MEETINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

FEBRUARY 2012 COMMITTEE MEETING DATES

FREE WORKSHOPSAT THE WELLINGTON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTREThe Wellington County Employment Resource Centre (ERC) develops and offers dynamic employment and life skills related workshops for Wellington and Guelph residents.

February Workshops include:

· Job Search Strategies

· Résumé Essentials

· Résumé Enhancement

· Interview Skills

· Introduction to Computers

· Word Processing

· Internet Beyond Job Postings

· Cover Letters

· Creative Problem Solving

· Cold Calling

· Career Decision Making

· Online Applications

· Healthy Lifestyles

· Effective Communication

To register for workshops, or for more information, contact the ERC:138 Wyndham Street, in downtown GuelphT: 519.823.7887E: [email protected].

WELLINGTON RESIDENTS You can recycle all of your household batteries for free!

There are many convenient drop-off locations:

•selectedHHWdepotsatfiveCounty waste facilities,

•HHWeventdays(startinginMay, watch County page for dates and locations),

•Countylibrariesforalkalinebatteries, or search makethedrop.ca for more locations.

Please separate rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries before dropping them off.

Great job Wellington residents! You recycled an estimated 16,057 kg of batteries in 2011.

WHAT’S NEW AT THEWELLINGTON COUNTYLIBRARYLooking for a good book?

Want to know what other people are reading?Here’s a list of the 15 hottest titles at Wellington County Library in the last 3 months!

Check online for availability, and to place your request.

Explosive Eighteen, by Janet Evanovic

Winter Garden, by Kristin Hannah

The Litigators, by John Grisham

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

The Drop: a novel, by Michael Connelly

The Affair, by Lee Child

The Amazing Voyage: the thirdadventure in the Kingdom of Fantasy, by Geronimo Stilton

Kill Alex Cross, by James Patterson

Son of Stone, by Stuart Woods

Shock Wave, by John Sandford

Secret Daughter, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Red Mist, by Patricia Cornwell

Only Time Will Tell, by Jeffrey Archer

Longing, by Karen Kingsbury

11/22/63: a novel, by Stephen King

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