The Blenheim Vol. 133, No. 52, Monday, December 23, 2013
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The Blenheim News-Tribune will not publish a newspaper on January 1, 2014. It will be back in circulation on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. The Christmas Greeting Edition was published December 23, and was mailed to subscribers. The edition is also now available at local dealers throughout Blenheim, Ridgetown, Erieau and Merlin. Over the holidays, The NewsTribune office will be open Monday, December 23 from 9am to 5pm. On Tuesday, December 24, the office will
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be open from 9am until 12 noon. We will be closed December 25, 26 and 27, 2013. The office will re-open on Monday, December 30 from 9am to 5pm. The office will be open on Tuesday, December 31 from 9am to 12 noon. The News-Tribune will be closed New Year’s Day and will re-open for regular business hours, 9am to 5pm, on Thursday, January 2, 2014. The first edition of the New Year is planned for Wednesday, January 8, 2014.
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The News-Tribune staff would like to thank our loyal customers, readers and advertisers for their continued support throughout 2013. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and very Happy New Year. See you in the New Year! For news stories or story ideas, call the News-Tribune at 519-676-5023 or email us at pl.tribune@southkent.net. To inquire about advertising with us, email us at sales. tribune@southkent.net or pl.tribune@southkent.net
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 02
Don’t forget FREE skating and annual Bell Ringing, on New Years eve Looking for something to do with the family this New Years Eve. Don’t forget to cele-
brate the New Year by ringing the historical old Town Bell in front of the Blenheim Municipal Service
Good patients, Good friends
MAKE IT ALL WORTHWHILE! With sincere appreciation for your valued patronage this year.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Dr. Mark Hare Dr. David Harris and staff
Centre on New Year’s Eve. It has been since the late 1960’s that thousands have come out to ring the bell and ring in the New Year and South Kent Councillors Frank Vercouteren, Art Stirling and Karen Herman are a few of the local dignitaries that hope to see everyone out again this year Vercouteren added we have been doing this for almost as long as I can remember and “it’s always nice to see the many people, the families, the kids come out to ring in the New Year” said Vercouteren who added, “I’m sure we will have another great turnout and am certain some of the firemen, local police and many of their families will come out to ring in this New Year as well.” The old town bell is rich in local history and has been part of the New Year festivities since the late 1960’s. When the Municipal building was torn down, it was purchased by Art and Pete Pegg along with Dell McMillan. After the former Town hall was torn down the old
town bell was located in a storage garage on Maple Street and one year it was brought out of storage and hauled up town where the bell rang and could be heard throughout the community. That’s how the tradition of the “ringing of the bell” started and it’s been an annual event ever since”
said Vercouteren. The bell ringing is slated for New Year’s Eve. Everyone gathers around 11:30. There will be warm refreshments for all who attend. Families are also reminded that a free family skate will be held at the ChathamKent Blenheim Arena from 3:30 to 5:30 on December 31st com-
pliments of the Blenheim Tim Hortons. Free public skates on Friday December 20th from 3:30 to 5:00 and then again on Friday December 27th from 3:30 to 5:00. Free skates are also planned every Friday until March. Season Greetings and Happy New Year!
Welcome The Season The beauty and joy of the holidays is upon us and we want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It’s been a privilege serving you and we hope you’ll visit us again, soon.
Nancy, Paul, Jane, Nelly, Jenny Linda & Heather
56 Talbot Street West, Blenheim
See us on Facebook
www.thelittlechangeroom.com
519-676-8733
Season’s Greetings
from all the staff at Back row: Tracy Shillington, Joyce Morrison, Judy Tomek, Jason Heuvelmans, Wayne Jeffords, Tony Rizzuto, Don Howe, Rodney Holmes, Darrin Charbonneau, Rick Clark Front Row: Lawrie Lewis, Kevin Bartlett, Scott Jeffords, Jay Dee Hack, Shane Walsh Absent: Mark Jay, Denise Thibert, Chris Keskeny
275 CHATHAM ST. N. BLENHEIM
519-676-5495
www.blenheimchev.com
Though holiday travel is rarely hassle-free, many travelers would no doubt admit that enduring long lines at the airport or heavily trafficked highways are prices worth paying for the chance to spend time with their families come the holiday season. But while there’s no way for travelers to guarantee their flights leave on time or the roads stay clear of fellow drivers, there are ways to make the holiday travel less taxing. • Prepare to wait. Check-in lines and lines at security checkpoints tend to be especially long during the holiday season. Travelers should prepare to wait at such lines and leave their homes early enough so they can still make their flights without having to rush through airports at the last minute. If you normally leave your home two hours before your scheduled check-in, then leave an hour earlier to account for traffic en route to the airport and the long lines once you get there. If you make it through the security checkpoint with plenty of time to spare before your flight departs, you can always unwind at an airport coffee shop or restaurant, but arriving too late to the airport will only add stress to an already stressful situation. Drivers also should
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 03
How to make holiday travel less taxing
prepare to wait when traveling during the holiday season. Roads will have more drivers, so travelers should build in traffic jams when estimating how long it might take for them to arrive at their destinations. Sitting in traffic might still be stressful, but it won’t be as stressful if you’re still likely to arrive to your destination on time. • Ship your gifts. Holiday travelers often try to cram gifts into their suitcases or the trunks of their vehicles, reducing the space they have to bring personal items or stretch out in their cars on road trips. Instead of squeezing as many gifts into your suitcase or vehicle as possible, ship the gifts and travel light. Traveling light can save you from having to pay potentially costly baggage fees at the airport,
Wes and Nancy Thompson riding in style in this antique pick up and sending their Christmas cheer during the recent Kinsmen Santa Claus parade.
while drivers will notice passengers tend to be a lot more comfortable and relaxed when they don’t have to share space with bags filled with gifts. • Bring your own food. Hunger can only make flight delays and traffic jams that much worse. When traveling for the holidays, bring along your own food, especially when traveling with youngsters. Pack small meals for kids and some snacks for the flight or the drive. It’s not a safe assumption that there will be food on the flight or that you will have time to grab some snacks in the terminal before boarding the plane. So pack some snacks before you leave for the airport. Drivers also should anticipate traffic jams and should not assume that there will be rest stops along the way where they can pick up beverages, snacks or meals. Drivers also may want to avoid pulling over so they can get to their destinations on time. Packing food and beverages for the trip can save you the trouble of making frequent pit stops to quell hunger and thirst. • Pack some distractions. Whether you’re waiting to board at the gate or driving on a seemingly endless highway, pack some distractions so you or your fellow travelers aren’t left with nothing to do during delays. People traveling via airplane may want to bring along a book or a tablet on which they can play games or watch televi-
sion. Drivers may not be able to take their eyes off the roads, but they can pack books and tablets or video game consoles for their passengers. Children may
find delays or long trips especially uncomfortable, so adults should make sure kids have things to keep them occupied during such excursions.
Holiday travel can be unpredictable and tedious, but travelers can take steps to make the process of getting from point A to point B a lot less taxing.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 04
Emphasize safety when decorating for the holidays
Decking the halls for the holidays is a beloved tradition for many families. A home’s exterior festooned with lights help create a festive holiday mood, while stockings hung by the chimney and a Christmas tree in the living room
bring that holiday cheer inside. Though the holiday season is a festive time of year, it can quickly turn tragic if revelers do not emphasize safety when decorating their homes. When decorating this holiday season, be
Greetings of the Season
Nothing warms us more than thoughts of good friends like you! May your holiday season be filled with all things bright and beautiful, and may your heart be filled with peace and joy this Christmas. Thanks for a great season and a very special thank you to the community for your support of our Golf Tournament.
From our family to yours.
www.mollyandojs.ca
Erieau, Ontario 519-676-8812
sure to employ the following precautions so your holiday season is festive, decorative and safe. • Exercise extreme caution with holiday lights. Many fires may start because of frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked sockets or even loose connections. It’s important that men and women be especially careful when decorating
PEACE HOPE LOVE JOY
Wishing you every happiness this holiday season. We truly value your business and look forward to your continued support.
L.M. STOVER ELECTRONICS
Larry & Charlene
their homes with holiday lights, inspecting each set of lights for damage and discarding any damaged sets. When choosing lights, use only lights that have been certified for outdoor use on your home’s exterior, and never use outdoor lights inside. • Purchase the right Christmas tree. The Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that Christmas trees are involved in hundreds of fires causing an average of 15 deaths each year. In addition, such fires cause an average of $13 million in property damage annually. Though it can be tempting to purchase the most eyecatching Christmas tree you find, avoid acting rashly until you have learned a little about the tree. Artificial trees should be labeled as “Fire Resistant.” Such trees can still catch fire, but they are more resistant to fire than trees without such labels. When buying a live tree, make sure the tree is fresh. The tree should be green, and its needles should be difficult to pull off of branches, which should not be easily breakable. Tap the tree on the ground before purchasing it. If the tree loses a lot of needles upon tapping the ground, it isn’t fresh. Trees that aren’t fresh are more susceptible to going up in flames. • Keep the tree away from heat sources. Though it might seem more idyllic to place your Christmas tree next to the fireplace, it’s a lot more dangerous as well. When choosing a spot for your tree, find a place that is away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and vents. But homeowners also should know that even trees placed away from heat sources can still dry out, creating a fire hazard even if the tree was fresh and healthy when purchased. That’s because Christmas trees can quickly dry out in heated rooms. Monitor the tree’s water levels every day, checking those levels in both the morning and at night before going to bed. This prevents the tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard, and it also helps the tree maintain its aesthetic appeal through the holiday season. • Limit use of candles. Like Christmas trees, candles are a popular yet potentially hazardous decorative item during the holiday season. When decorating with candles, be sure that all candles are extinguished before leaving a room and never leave them burning when you go to bed. Candles should be kept away from any decorative items, including Christmas trees, that can catch fire. Never place candles near curtains, furniture or pres-
ents. Holiday enthusiasts with little children or pets at home might want to decorate with fake LED-light candles instead of traditional candles. Curious kids or excitable pets may not recognize the potential dangers of lit candles and, as a
result, might burn themselves or tips candles over. The holiday season is upon us, and that means scores of celebrants will be decking their halls. Though festive decorations are a part of the season, safety should always come first.
With Our Thanks For Your Patronage To our customers, neighbors, and friends, we’d like to extend our best wishes for a holiday season that is satisfying until the end. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure serving you, and we look forward to your continued friendship.
ROE INSURANCE
It’s Been A Pleasure Serving You! Wishing all of our customers and friends, aseason that satisfies from beginning to end! For your loyal patronage, please accept a hearty portion of our gratitude.
21055 Charing Cross • 519-352-4411 HOURS: Monday & Tuesday 6:00 am - 3:00 pm Wednesday to Saturday 6:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
• Fully licensed under AGCO •
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 05
Gifting those who help us throughout the year
Holiday gift-giving etiquette can be confusing, especially when it comes to gifting those men and women who aren’t necessarily friends or family members, but still help us out in a variety of ways. Deciding how to thank the people who intersect our lives by delivering mail or cleaning the pool can take a little ingenuity. Gifting preferences often vary from region to region. What might be acceptable in a certain area of the country may be frowned upon elsewhere. For example,
in urban areas cash gifts are usually appreciated, whereas rural, closeknit communities tend to give homemade gifts. The rule to remember, above all, is that if a gift is given with good intentions, it should be happily received. That being said, here are some general guidelines for gifting those men and women who help us throughout the year. • Determine your list. Think about the people with whom you interact regularly. The sanitation workers who pick up the trash twice a week and your mail car-
rier may take priority over the hairstylist you visit once every month or two. • Establish a budget. The holiday season can be costly, so set a firm limit on what you plan to give, perhaps between $10 and $20 each, and stick to that budget for each recipient. • Recognize that not everyone is allowed to accept gifts. Some service providers are not allowed to accept cash gifts or presents. Government employees, for example, may be prohibited from accept-
ing cash gifts or gifts that exceed a predetermined amount. With this in mind, gloves or a gift basket may be your best option. • Gift a little more to personal care professionals. Your hairstylists, masseuse or anyone who performs more personal tasks for you may warrant a larger gift. Etiquette suggests giving a gift equal to the price of one session of service, even if that gift is cash. Therefore if your hair cut costs $35, gift $35. • Health and child care employees warrant
Clever ways to give gift cards Gift cards are a staple of the holiday season. Often a go-to gift when other options just do not seem to suffice, gift cards remove the worry about whether or not the item will fit or if it’s the right color or model. Gift cards can make ideal gifts because they are chosen with the recipients’ likes and tastes in mind while allowing recipients to shop without spending their own money. Today’s gift cards are better than those of yesteryear, which typically came with expiration dates and onerous fees. Egift cards, which can be purchased and redeemed online, are among the most convenient of all gift cards. Although gift cards have many positive attributes, it’s difficult to overlook that gift cards are viewed as a safe gift lacking in originality. But the National Retail Federation notes that in 2011, 57.7 percent of survey respondents said they would prefer to get a gift card that year. This ranks gift cards higher than electronics, clothing and accessories as desired gifts. Recipients of holiday cheer seemingly would like to pick out their own presents, which can ease the burden on gift-givers searching high
and low for the perfect gifts. Still, giving a gift card can remove some of the excitement of unwrapping a mystery gift. By employing a few creative tips, gift cards can be fun and unique. Scavenger hunt Have the gift recipient work a little in a clever way for the gift. Plant clues around the house that will gradually lead to the hiding spot where the gift card is stashed. Clues can include witty poetic verses or tie into recipients’ personal interests. Nesting boxes Another way to present a gift card is to hide it inside of a box that looks like any other gift. However, once the person unwraps the gift, he or she will discover another wrapped box inside. This prank can be repeated over and over as many
times as desired until the gift card is unearthed. Gift basket A gift card can be ensconced with other trinkets and tied into a theme. For example, a gift card for a spa massage may be complemented by lotions, massage oil and a terry-cloth robe. These items can all be packaged together in a decorative basket to make the entire gift eye-catching and appealing. Themed wrapping Place the gift card inside of an item that epitomizes the gift. A card for a bookstore can be nestled inside of the pages of a classic book. A gift card to a hair salon can be attached to the end of a hairbrush. For those gifting to a favorite coffee shop, place the gift card inside of an empty coffee mug.
Shopping savvy Offering a gift card as a present is entitling the recipient to a day of shopping. Wrap the card with a reusable shopping tote so that he or she can carry purchases inside. You can monogram the bag with initials or even decorate it. Otherwise, purchase a new wallet and place the gift card inside. Wrap the wallet and encourage the recipient to go on a spree. Special delivery For a creative spin, work with a retailer that offers home delivery service. Ask to have the gift card attached inside of a pizza box or nestled in a bouquet of flowers. When the recipient receives the delivery, he or she will be surprised by the added gift. Gift cards make convenient gifts, but they may not carry with them the panache of other holiday gifts. Dressing up gift cards in creative ways can make them even more appreciated.
special treatment. A private nurse, nanny or nursing home worker should be gifted for the holidays. Avoid cash gifts with health service providers, opting for a
more personal gift that is a token of your affection and appreciation. If gifts are not allowed, consider making a charitable donation in the person’s name.
Here’s hoping your stocking is stuffed with peace, love and joy this Christmas, just as we’re overflowing with best wishes and gratitude for all of you.
Ed Sykes Time out to say
“THANKS!” 519-676-4644 We don’t want to let another minute go by without expressing our gratitude and best wishes to our valued customers and friends.
A Message Of Thanks At The Holidays Thank you to the community for your support. We are deeply grateful for the goodwill you have shown all of us this year. Stay healthy, EAT AN APPLE!
Happy Holidays from everyone at
Delhaven Orchards
BRIAN & STAFF
8182 Talbot Trail, Blenheim 519-676-4475
519-676-2456
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 06
The benefits of putting it on plastic
Murray and Mary Lou Little
MURRAY LITTLE • PLUMBING & HEATING •
With best wishes to all our customers, friends and neighbours at this joyous season. Your trust and goodwill are truly appreciated every day of the year.
Roy, Jamie, Jeff, Tim, Judy, Dan, David, Leo, John, Beau, Ryan, Ziggy, Nelson, Johnny, Terry & Duncan
75 Industrial Ave., Blenheim 519-676-4110
... And hoping your holiday delivers lots of love and laughter. It’s been a pleasure serving you this year and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Thanks!
BJ ELECTRIC Tim Bacik and staff
Many shoppers are fully aware of the dangers of making too many credit card purchases during the holiday season. Though it’s important to avoid accumulating debt, there are advantages to using credit cards throughout the year, including during the popular holiday shopping season. • Cardholders can earn rewards. Paying in cash or with debit cards rarely earns shoppers any rewards. However, many credit card companies now reward responsible cardholders for using their credit cards. Some cards allow cardholders to get a percentage of cash back on each of their purchases, figures that can add up to a significant amount of money over time. Other cards reward cardholders with discounts on air travel or offer gift cards with a predetermined amount of money on them. Some cards even reward especially qualified applicants just for signing up, offering bonuses that can be as high as a few hundred dollars. • Cardholders can pad their portfolios. Shoppers with strong credit histories and a grasp of the financial markets might be able to find a credit card that invests a certain percentage of their purchases. Such cards are essentially the same as cash back cards, only instead of getting the cash back from their credit card companies, cardholders have that cash deposited into an investment account. Such cards typically offer a higher percentage of cash back per purchase than more standard cash back rewards cards. • Credit cards offer more security than debit cards. Security is another advantage of credit cards. When a debit card is used fraudulently, that money is immediately taken out of a cardholder’s account just as it would be when the card is used legally. Though account holders are likely to recover those funds eventually, they do not have those funds at their disposal until the situation is resolved, which can take as little as a few days to much, much longer. However, when credit cards are used fraudulently, cardholders simply notify their companies and the charges being disputed do not need to be paid until the issue has been resolved. Card numbers can be stolen at any time by anyone, be it store clerks at the mall or hackers peeking at your online purchases. Credit cards offer more security than debit cards when making such purchases. • Credit cards offer more insurance than debit cards. Though gifts for friends and family may account for the bulk of holiday budgets, consumers still make additional purchases during the holiday sea-
son. Using credit cards to rent vehicles, purchase airline tickets and buy products for your home may help you save money in the long run. For example, when using a major credit card to rent a car,
chances are that car is already being insured by your credit card provider, which can save you substantial amounts of money on costly rental company insurance policies. Many credit cards also provide
travel insurance to protect cardholders who financed their trips using their credit cards. Such protections can come in handy for consumers who travel a lot during the holiday season.
Ashton Clark,, enjoys a visit with Santa Claus during his appearance in the Kinsmen Santa Claus parade.
Ashley Keck shares here wish list with old Santa Claus.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 07
Many types trees to choose from for Christmas
There are several types of trees harvested for the use of Christmas Trees Here is some of the varieties available Scots Pine An exotic species, often referred to as Scotch pine. A popular Christmas tree with medium length needles, green to blue-green in colour. Excellent needle retention is characteristic. Requires annual shearing and pruning to produce a dense, shapely 8 foot tree, 7-10 years from planting. White Spruce The only Christmas tree native to Ontario, and the traditional
Christmas tree to many. Foliage is short, pointed needles, green to bluegreen. Slower growing than the pines, spruce require 8 - 12 years from planting, with annual trimming, to produce an 8 foot tree. Balsam Fir A native Canadian tree, and long time favourite. Needles are short, flat and blunt, green to blue-green in colour, and have a pleasing, distinctive aroma. Fir trees hold their needles well and are a good choice if the decorated tree is to be left standing for a longer period of time. Annual trimming for 8 - 12 years
is required for good quality trees over 8 feet in height. Douglas Fir A native of the Pacific coast forests and of the Rocky Mountain regions. Needles are single, flattened, soft and relatively short. Colour is dark green above and pale green below. Easily identified by its cylindrical, pointed red-brown bud. An excellent Christmas tree but somewhat difficult to grow in eastern Canada because of its susceptibility to spring frosts. Some plantations have been established in southern Ontario.
Alexie Payne showing her shy side to Santa.
Requires annual trimming for 8-12 years to produce quality 6-7 foot Christmas trees. Fraser Fir An introduced species native to southeastern United States, foliage is similar to balsam fir except needles are darker green and waxy above with silvery lines beneath. Has a very pleasing appearance as a Christmas tree with excellent needle retention. Some plantations have recently been established in southern Ontario. Grows relatively slowly and requires 12-16 years to become a quality Christmas tree. Colorado Spruce The Colorado Blue spruce is a truly beautiful tree which is now in greater demand for Christmas. It has adapted well to Ontario’s climate, but grows more slowly than the White Spruce. Needle colour ranges from dark green to powdery blue with needles that are 1” long. White Pine The White Pine is an excellent Christmas tree that is a favourite of pine buyers. The long soft needles, in bundles of five, are blue-green in colour with just a hint of white . Moderately strong boughs weep gracefully with the weight of ornaments. Years of meticulous shearing create a dense conical tree that stands straight and retains its needles throughout the Christmas season. It prefers sandy soil and tolerates cold winters. Whatever tree you choose let it stand and fall. Decorate with family a tradition that has been part of Christmas for several thousand years.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to my family, friends & neighbours
Jean Cameron
HAPPY
HOLLYDAYS! Alll the e best to o ourr friends and neighbors thiss holiday season. James Stass with his sister Audrey all smiles during their visit with Santa following the recent Kinsmen Santa Claus parade.
Gail Baltzer & Family
We’re dispensing a large measure of good cheer along with our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all our neighbors. We appreciate your trust and we thank you for choosing us.
McIntyre
PHARMACY
49 Talbot St. W., Blenheim
519-676-5467
Ho! ho! ho!
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 08
Simple ways to curtail holiday spending
We hope your Christmas is the most joyous and picturesque yet, celebrated with the love of good friends and family. Our best wishes and heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support.
Ron and Dorian
Ron n Toll’ss Barberr Shop 6659 Middle Line, South Buxton 519-689-4537
From From From the the staff staff & & management management From From Fromthe the the thestaff staff staff staff& & & &management management management management of of ADM we would like to of ADM we would to of ofADM ADM ADMwe we wewould would wouldlike like liketo to to thank thank thank you you for for your your thank thank thankyou you you youfor for for foryour your your your continued continued business continued business continued continuedbusiness business business over over over the years. over over overthe the the years. years. years.
The holiday season is synonymous with many things, including spending. Spending money is an accepted part of the season for many celebrants, who exchange gifts with loved ones, travel to see family and friends and host holiday parties this time of year. None of those things comes without a cost, and for some consumers, curtailing those costs is an early New Year’s resolution. Part of the danger of holiday spending is that many consumers are already in debt before the season even begins. In a holiday report issued prior to the 2012 holiday season, TransUnion, one of the three main credit reporting agencies, noted that the average credit card debt per buyer in the United States was just under $5,000. That means the average consumer began last holiday season having already accrued a significant amount of credit card debt. Though it might seem impossible to rein in holiday spending, there are ways consumers can do just that and still enjoy a festive holiday season. • Propose a gift exchange. Many families exchange gifts during the holidays, but there are ways to make such exchanges less expensive. Instead of a tradi-
tional exchange in which every member of the family buys a gift for everyone else, propose an exchange in which family members pick names out of a hat and only buy a gift for the person whose name they draw. This saves shoppers time and money, and families still get to enjoy the thrill of putting a smile on a loved one’s face. • Don’t purchase extended warranties. Big-ticket items like televisions and other household appliances make for popular gifts come the holiday season. When purchasing such items, shoppers are often asked by a salesperson if they want to purchase an extended warranty. In theory, extending the warranty seems like a great idea, acting as a safety blanket should something happen to the item down the road. But many appliances already come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and extended warranties often just duplicate coverage already provided by the manufacturer. Some might still be hesitant to pass on the extended warran-
ty, but it’s important to know that many extended warranties often defer to the manufacturer’s warranty, so you may very well be paying, and paying a lot, for something you are unlikely to ever use. • Only buy gifts for children. For many adults, the joy of the holiday season comes not from receiving gifts but from the opportunities to spend time with family and friends. So rather than buying adult friends and relatives gifts, propose that adults only buy gifts for the kids in the family. This saves adults time and money, and the youngsters still get the joy of unwrapping gifts come the holiday season. • Avoid signing up for store credit cards. When shopping at major retailers, consumers are often asked if they want to sign up for store credit cards, an offer that seems all the more enticing when store representatives dangle an immediate discount between 10 and 20 percent just for signing up. Though it might seem like a great deal, instantly earning as much as 20 percent off
your purchase, signing up for store credit cards is not always in consumer’s best interests. That’s because store credit cards tend to come with steep interest rates, meaning consumers must be able to pay off their balances immediately, or they will be forced to pay interest charges that could dwarf the initial savings earned upon signing up for the card. • Give gift cards. Gift cards may seem impersonal, but they can save shoppers money while allowing recipients to truly get something they want. Shoppers on strict budgets can purchase a gift card that fits into that budget, removing the temptation to spend a few extra dollars when they find the perfect gift that costs a few dollars more than they had initially budgeted. In addition, gift cards are great for distant relatives, as they can be included in greeting cards, saving the added expense of shipping. The holiday season and spending seemingly go hand in hand, but there are ways for consumers to cut costs this holiday season.
Wishing Wishing you you aa Happy Happy Holiday Holiday and and AA Safe Safe && Prosperous Prosperous New New Year! Year!
Happy Holidays Wishing all of you the very merriest season, ever!
Don’t forget you Holiday revelers to contact Home James for your late night ride home. Call 519-351 3353 and be safe. Merry Christmas.
Glad Tidings To You and many thanks for your valued patronage.
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Rising Dawn Stables
Sue’s Dog Grooming
Donald, Risa and Ashley Sykes
519-676-1013
and her four legged family.
Did you know?
According to recent holiday travel forecasts, holiday travel has experienced a steady increase in volume over the last half-decade. Despite the sluggish economy, travel during the 2012/2013 endof-year holiday season, defined as the period from Saturday, December 22, 2012 to Tuesday, January 1, 2013, was expected to be its highest since the 2006/2007 end-of-year holiday season, when 93.7 million travelers ventured at least 50 miles from home. Despite the cost of travel, travel volumes have traditionally remained very stable, with only one yearly volume change of 5 percent or greater, which was a 5 percent decline in the 2007/2008 season from a year earlier. One possible reason behind the steady nature of the end-of-year holiday travel season is the season’s length. It remains the longest holiday season of the year, affording travelers more chances to visit friends and family members and/or go on vacations.
Cooper Minnie, chatting it up with Santa.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 09
How to get your home ready for holiday guests
Hosting family members for the holidays is a great way to spend quality time with loved ones during a special time of year. For many families, the holidays are the one time each year when everyone can get together regardless of where they live or how demanding their commitments to work and family can be. When families gather for the holidays, many people often find themselves playing host to distant relatives. Accepting such hosting duties is an act that comes with many responsibilities, including readying the home for overnight guests. The following are a few ways hosts can prepare their homes for holiday
guests. • Take inventory of linens. Overnight guests mean you will need extra bed linens, blankets and pillows. Take inventory of your linen closet now, and inspect each set of sheets to make sure they are still usable. If sheets are ragged or the blankets have thinned, purchase new linens so your guests feel as if they’re at home and don’t get cold overnight. If your linen closet is fully stocked with quality linens, clean them in the days leading up to your guests’ arrival. • Buy some night lights. You might be familiar enough with your home’s layout in the dark, but your guests likely won’t have that same sense of famil-
iarity. Purchase a few night lights for the hallways and restrooms so guests can easily get around should they need to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. • Childproof your home if necessary. Kids can be curious, so holiday hosts without children of their own should childproof their homes before any guests arrive with kids in tow. Move hazardous materials to high shelves that kids can’t reach, and make sure any prescription medications are also out of reach of youngsters. If your home has any steep staircases, consider purchasing some child gates or asking your guests to bring their own gates to reduce the risk of young
kids falling down your stairs. • Stock up on toiletries and other essentials. Replenish your supply of toiletries before guests arrive. Stock up on toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in the days leading up to the holidays. In addition, consider buying kitchen items like paper towels, napkins, plastic cutlery, and paper plates. Paper plates may come in especially handy, saving you the trouble of having to load up the dishwasher after meals in which paper plates and plastic cutlery would have sufficed. • Give your common areas a thorough cleaning. Any common areas of the home, including the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, and restrooms, should be given a thorough cleaning prior to your guests’ arrival. Clean any bedrooms where guests will be staying as well. You don’t need to devote as much time to cleaning your own bedroom or home office, but make sure these rooms are presentable as well. • Clean out the closets. If your hall closets are largely used for storing miscellaneous items, clean them out for the coming days to make room for your guests’ coats, jackets, scarves,
hats, and shoes. Moving these items, be it to the garage, a backyard shed or the basement, can be temporary, but you will
need your closets to serve a more traditional purpose while your guests are in town for the holidays.
Gladstone Farms R.R. #2, 428 Chatham St. S., Blenheim N0P 1A0
(across from the Blenheim Golf Club)
Sweet Potatoes
Wishing everyone a sweet holiday season! Phone: (519) 676-5984
Fax: (519) 676-2234
J.P. and Jackie Gladstone
Thank you for supporting local Ontario produce.
Season’s Season's Greetings! Dear Residents of Blenheim-South Kent, Ben Morand shares a story with Santa during his visit to Erieau’s Firestation 14 recently.
2013 has been both challenging and rewarding. On your behalf I’ve worked hard at bringing new companies and jobs to the Blenheim area. As budget chair and the councillor responsible for starting the service review process, I’ve tried to instill more business-like discipline to municipal finances. And I’ve assisted, when time permitted, the local Blenheim Rotary Club with fundraising for their Talbot Trail Place park project. I want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year. As I have done at Christmas for the past several years, I’ve donated a portion of my councillor honorarium to local community initiatives. This year’s recipients are the Blenheim and Community Senior Centre’s new building fund and the Chatham-Kent Hospice project in partnership with St. Andrew’s Residence. Sincerely,
Art Councillor Art Stirling Ward 2 – South Kent
Casey Couture whispers her wishes in Santa’s during her visit in Erieau recently.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 10
Holiday menu planning for first-time hosts
Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas to my past employees and all my friends, old and new
HARTLEY VIDLER
SHOWROOM SHINE SHOWROOM SHOWROOM SHINE
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas I would like to thank my clients for a productive year.
519-676-4868 Lisa Rose
206 6 Talbott St.. W.. , Blenheim
Have a ONE-OF-A-KIND Christmas Karen Herman & Family
Novice holiday hosts often have a lot on their plates. Whether hosting family or friends or a combination of both, first-time hosts typically want to impress their guests while ensuring they get enough to eat and have an enjoyable evening. Since dinner is such a big part of holiday gatherings, hosts often place extra emphasis on what to serve, and that can be tricky when this is the first time they are hosting. When planning the menu for your holiday soiree, consider the following tips. • Get a head count. Though other factors will influence what to serve, the size of your guest list may ultimately dictate what to serve. For example, a small gathering of four to five people will likely rule out turkey, as even a small turkey will prove too much effort and produce too much extra food. On the same note, a small dish like lasagna might not be doable for a larger crowd, as it will force you to prepare multiple entrees, which means more time in the kitchen juggling the various
cooking duties and less time with your guests. Once you have confirmed just how many guests you will be hosting, you can then choose a main course that suits the size of your guest list. • Decide which type of party you want to host. The type of party you want to host also will influence what you serve. A formal gathering should include an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees. A less formal gathering gives hosts more leeway. For example, whereas a formal gathering may include soup as an appetizer, hosting a less formal gathering allows hosts to put out some snacks or bread for guests to whet their appetites before everyone sits down for the meal. The more formal the gathering, the more formal the menu. Hosts of less formal gatherings may even want to host a holiday pot luck buffet, inviting guests to bring a favorite dish or side dish
while the hosts take care of the main course. • Ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions. Upon being invited to a holiday dinner, some invitees may let hosts know if they have any food allergies or medical conditions that restrict which foods they can eat. Solicit such information from all of your guests, and do your best to cater to each of your guests’ needs. Some guests might be on a gluten-free diet while others may need to limit their sodium intake. You might not be able to meet everyone’s demands. Let guests know if they should bring an appropriate snack if you cannot provide one for them. • Include traditional holiday fare. People have grown to expect certain things from holiday meals, be it sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, brisket for Chanukah or holiday cookies or even eggnog at Christmas parties. When planning the menu, be sure to include at least one of
these traditional items, even asking guests for suggestions. Such fare will give the party a genuine holiday feel, and guests will appreciate seeing some items on your dinner table they have enjoyed at their own holiday celebrations over the years. • Don’t overdo it. First-time hosts want to ensure everyone gets enough to eat, so it’s easy to overdo things and prepare too much food. This can be expensive, and guests may feel obligated to overeat so hosts don’t have to discard any of the food they worked so hard to prepare. Though it might once have been a holiday tradition to overeat, many men and women now prefer moderation, and hosts should keep that in mind when preparing their holiday meals. Hosting a holiday dinner for the first time can be nerve-wracking.But there are a variety of steps first-timers can take when preparing their menus to come off looking like old pros.
Wishing you a season filled with lots of love, laughter and joy.
ho! ho! ho!
Joe & Nellie Venclik and family
The staff of Blenheim Chevrolet sending Holiday Greetiings to all their customers and friends.
We’d like to deliver our sincere best wishes to your door this holiday. May the season bring much happiness, health and good fortune to you and your loved ones.
Dave, Pam and staff
Carey y Leasing BLENHEIM
519-676-0868 Season’s Greetings from Delhaven Orchards where apples are available year round.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 11
Create a gift wrapping area
Nearly as much energy goes into wrapping gifts as purchasing them. Some people excel at wrapping gifts, while others do not enjoy the task at all. Part of the trouble with giftwrapping is the room and tools needed to wrap all of those holiday treasures. But a giftwrap station in a corner of the home that is seldom used can make wrapping presents any time of the year easier and more enjoyable. • Find a place to store gift wrap and the tools needed to wrap gifts. Many people find the back of a closet door
works perfectly. • Install wire hanger racks so the gift wrap
tubes can be stored vertically along the surface of the door.
• Install a folding shelf on a hinge, and use that shelf to do your wrapping. Fold the shelf up when it is not needed and secure it with a latch at the top. • Hang hooks to store tape and scissors. Attach the scissors to the hook with a string so they won’t go missing. • A basket tucked nearby can house bows and ribbons so that they are easily stored until needed. Having the wrapping station so accessible also allows you to take inventory of supplies and restock when necessary.
May your holiday season be filled with good times and fond memories for a long time to come. For your trust in us, we are deeply grateful.
Mark Michael MacKew Professional Corporation
Mark, MaryAnne, Jodie & Marian
Lynn Eskritt
Makaila Eskritt
Lucas Eskritt
Graham Eskritt
Ada Wright
Stephanie MacLean Joe DeMaeyer
Patricia DeBrouwer
Kayla Hartford
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 12
There’s No Place Like Home
for the Holidays!
There’s just no place we’d rather be, At Christmas than with all of thee; For your smiles and winning attitude Fill us with much gratitude; May many blessings come your way As we celebrate the holiday, And to all our friends both far and near, We hope to see you all next year!
Penny,, Elliott andd Georgina
Peifer Realty Brokerage
Penny Wilton - Broker
Elliot Wilton - Sales Representative
Merry Christmas!
The basics of poinsettia plant care Although poinsettias are most often associated with the holiday season, they are actually tropical plants. In spite of their origins, poinsettias can thrive during the holiday season and even last long after the holidays have come and gone. Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America. Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl. The flowering plant was first introduced to the United States by Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, and was subsequently renamed the poinsettia. The flowers of the poinsettia are actually the yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due to the bright red of the bracts, the plant quickly became a popular Christmas plant. It’s important to note that poinsettias grow in a warm climate and therefore must be kept in tropical conditions to ensure the plant’s health. Furthermore, poinsettias bloom in response to shortening daylight hours. That
HAPPY HOLIDAYS From From Our Our Crew Crew to to You! You!
means they will need ample darkness each night in order to simulate the dark nights of short, winter days. To achieve this, you may need to put the plant into a dark closet for 12 to 14 hours each night. During the day, the plant should be in a sunny window where it will have access to bright light. The more light the better. Keep the soil evenly moist. Misting the plant will help it to retain some humidity. Also, fill the overflow saucer on your flower pot with gravel to allow water seeping
through the pot to evaporate from the gravel. Hot temperatures indoors combined with high humidity will help the plant to thrive. Even one day without adequate moisture can cause the leaves to drop. Furthermore, decreasing temperatures can cause leaves to fall off. The goal is to keep the indoor temperature consistent. While many poinsettia plants are discarded after the holiday season, these plants can actually be cut back and saved for next season.
Trimming back any remaining leaves and continuing to care for the plant by keeping it moist can help. To force the blooms next season, start reducing the plant’s exposure to sunlight in mid-September to October. Again, this will mean removing the plant to an area that is shrouded in complete darkness. Even streetlights or indoor lighting can affect blooming. If the plant does not begin to turn color before the holiday season, you may need to purchase a new plant and try again next year.
To Our Customers From All Of Us
Eloise Williscroft
As As we we sail sail into into the the holiday holiday season, season, we we want want to to express express our our gratitude gratitude to to all all the the folks folks who who have have made made this this past past year year enjoyable enjoyable for for us. us. We We value value your your patronage patronage and and look look forward forward to to seeing seeing you you again again next next year! year!
24 Marlborough St., N., Blenheim
519-676-8159 Bob Pickering Patti Melhuish
Kim Bates
Angie Frazee
As we reflect on the year gone by, we recall with pride, the many old and new friends we’ve had the privilege to serve, and we wish you all a holiday filled with much joy and serenity. from: Doug, Dianne, David, Ponch ( Jim), Charlie, Tim, Wendy, Brenda, Kathy & Paul www.erieaumarina.com Tel. (519) 676-4511/(519) 676-4471 • Fax (519) 676-3674 • BOX 40, ERIEAU, ONTARIO
Margarett Eugenio
Pam Labute Tara Richardson
At the close of the current year, We present our thanks for your patronage.
“Have A Great Holiday!” www.dpmins.com
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 13
Happy Holidays
From Our House To Yours!
With glad tidings to our customers, neighbors and friends this holiday season. For your continued support we will forever be grateful.
George and Jane, & Gareth
The Erieau Firefighters Association hosted another very successful children’s Christmas party and pancake breakfast at the local station in Erieau. Close to 100 hundred breakfasts were served up with participants donating either a food item or new or like new toy item. Plenty of toys were then donated to the Chatham-Kent Children Services to provide a wonderful Christmas to kids who may have ordinarily gone without a Christmas. This was the 33rd year for the event in Erieau. Pictured with plenty of toy items were Chief Jim Anderson, Gina Currie and Chad Wood.
With our
Gratitude at the Holidays from Tammi & all the staff
Kettles’ Kettles’ 12 York St. W., RIDGETOWN 519-674-5402
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 14
Dreaming of a White Christmas? Consider a ‘Green’ One Instead
Christmas is a holiday full of joy and celebration. It can also be a time of consumption and stress on the environment. However, holi-
day shoppers and celebrants can easily reduce their carbon footprint this holiday season. During a season in which more is often
more, it can be a challenge to cut back in an effort to protect the planet. But scaling back gifts, food consumption and travel can be effec-
We’ve gathered here to say,
HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY!
For one thing we all know is true, Is we owe our success to each one of you! Lauri Butzer Sharon Campbell Kim Dagenais John Debruyn
Sherry Farquhar Suzi French Iris Keating Laura Koehler Sandy Nichol
Jennifer Scott John Taves Tammy Toll Jolene Turner
11 Talbot St. W., Blenheim 519-676-8104
tive ways to go green this holiday season. * Buy fewer gifts. Christmas gifts show others how much they are cared about. Some gifts are given out of necessity. Others are more of a sentimental statement. It’s easy to express how much you care without overdoing it. Set a limit on the number of gifts each recipient gets. * Organize a “Secret Santa.” An easy way to cut down on gifts purchased is to organize a Secret Santa or holiday grab bag. This means that each participating person only has to purchase one gift. * Be smart about wrapping. Chances are there are plenty of items around the house that can be recycled into gift wrapping for presents. Foil, newspaper, comics, magazines, and even brown mailing paper are all good ideas. For those interested in really going green, skip the wrapping all together. * It’s okay to make gifts. Handmade gifts are thoughtful and can be cherished for years. Individuals who know how to knit or crochet can handcraft scarves or hats. Make a photo album with scrapbooking supplies. Individuals who are handy in the kitchen may want to give baked goods. * Choose battery-free gifts. Discarded batteries are a plague on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 40 percent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. If batteries can’t be avoided, choose ones that can be recharged. * Use LED holiday lights. Keeping lights on for hours on end certainly uses a lot of electricity. Limit the drain on energy by selecting lights that have the least impact. LEDs use less power and last longer than traditional bulbs. When possible, consider the use of solar-powered holiday lights. Plus, don’t leave the lights on when no one is home or the household has gone to sleep. * Decorate a live tree. Christmas tree farms are in the business of regularly planting and harvesting evergreen
trees. That makes live trees a renewable resource instead of plastic trees made from petroleum. What’s more, after the season Christmas trees can be turned into mulch. * Send recycled cards or e-cards. The amount of cards sold in the United States during the holiday season would fill a football field 10 stories high and requires the harvesting of nearly 300,000 trees. Don’t send so many cards and choose mate-
rials around the house that can be turned into Christmas cards for those that you do send. Also, recycle last year’s cards into tags for gifts. * Recycle leftover materials. Chances are large gifts will have enough wrapping paper remaining to wrap other gifts next year. Avoid metallic paper, which is more difficult to recycle. Be sure to break down all cardboard and paper so that it can be put out for recycling.
Trinity Heintz, obviously pleased too see during his visit to town recently.
Santa
Merry Christmas
from our house to yours! May joy fill each room of your home From the cellar to the dome And may faith be at your side Wherever it is that you reside And when the holiday is through May our Christmas wish remain with you!
South Side Landing MARINA & RV PARK
Thee Pickerings Royy andd Joan Jamie,, Maryy Lynn,, Ryan n & Josh Jeff,, Melissaa & Nate
Wishing You and Your Family all the Comfort and Joy of the Holiday Season! janice vandehogen
Happy Holidays Holidays Happy from from Doug Doug and and all all the the staff staff at at
CANADIAN N TIRE
20215 5 Chatham m St.. N.,, Blenheim m 519-676-8181
Canadian Tire Heritage Collection, The University of Western Ontario Archives
C
omplete SCRUB CO. 56 talbot street blenheim at the back of The Little Change Room
519-676-5593
janicev@ciaccess.com
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 15
from staff (left to right) Tracy Ions, Dr. Trevor Henry, Barb Graver and Rhonda Knight
…for giving us your valued business and friendship this year.
HAPPY Y HOLIDAYS!
BLENHEIM VETERINARY HOSPITAL 52 Catherine St., Blenheim
519-676-4968
Let it Snow! Cole Huffman assured “of course I’ve been good all year”.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 16
Wife gives husband the ultimate Christmas gift Christmas came early for Fred Lawrence and a gift from his wife Laura
may well be the gift of a lifetime. Fred is healthy and
again living a normal life because he has one of his wife Laura’s kidneys. The local couple underwent surgery back in August where a kidney transplant was completed. Laura donated one of her kidneys to her husband during a lengthy operation in London. The Lawrences, former owners of Blenheim Electric, have been married for 44 years and they were settling into retirement when Fred’s already failing kidneys started to worsen. “It was ten years ago when doctors discovered my kidneys were not functioning properly”, said Lawrence. At that time, doctors discovered issues through a simple blood test. Over those years the condition was treatable but became worse as time went on. Doctors acknowledged that he
needed dialysis treatments. “They said I had to go through dialysis so obviously I started the process in Chatham”. At first dialysis wasn’t that bad but what started bothering Fred was that it took four hours a day, three days a week and it was something he’d have to do for the rest of his life. Lawrence added, “dialysis is something you have to do, but three days a week, four hours a day, it begins to consume part of your life.” “It’s something you can’t miss, and it got to the point where I had to make sure that if we made travel plans to see our family, wherever it was, we had to make sure we could get into a dialysis clinic as part of our arrangements”. “Not only that, but the dialysis just wears you down, you’re fatigued after the four hours. It was something I knew I didn’t want to continue on with if there was another alternative”. Fred learned that the only way of getting off the dialysis treatments was undergoing a transplant. “We talked to the doctors and both Laura and I talked about it”. The doctors suggested Fred look into possible transplant options with his family members and if he could find a compatible donor, then he could proceed. If he couldn’t find a donor, then he could be placed on a donor waiting list. Laura didn’t hesitate by saying, “I’ll do it!” and she started the testing process. The process was tedious but thorough. Laura indicated, “I have been very healthy, I don’t think our kids (oldest is 41) ever saw me ill, knock on wood, but I have always been very healthy, eaten well, and exercised... that was one of the prerequisites to be a donor”. She added, “once the doctors suggested to Fred to look into a transplant donor, I knew then, if I was a candidate, surely I would donate a kidney to my husband”. She mentioned, “We’ve been married for 44 years, he’s my best buddy”. Both Fred and Laura
spent considerable hours researching the process and relied heavily on doctors from London who they called the transplant team. Laura added, “the first thing that we had to do, was give a blood sample. That was the first real test. Doctors had to make sure that we were compatible.” She said, “to break it down simply, his blood had to get along with my blood, it had to mix without any rejection”. If that didn’t occur then the transplant wouldn’t work. They were compatible and there was no rejection, so that began the process of steady testing. Laura added, “we both endured test after test after test. It was a process, if one test was OK, then we had to go on to the next, it’s a long process but one that has to be completed before the transplant doctors will allow the transplant”. It took almost a year of testing for Laura and Fred to be approved for the transplant. “I can’t say enough about the whole process” said Laura, “doctors were very thorough and I had a team of doctors and Fred had another team of doctors and all of our concerns were very well explained to us. Fred said, “for instance, doctors wanted to be sure that she was healthy enough to be able to donate one of her kidneys. If any test came back that they were not comfortable with, then the transplant could not be approved”. Laura added, “they didn’t want me to donate a kidney if they found something wrong with me”. And Fred’s doctors on the other hand, had to be concerned with his needs. He added, “they wanted to be sure that Laura’s good kidney would be suitable for me even though I had two bad kidneys”. Laura mentioned, “I had to be 100% healthy”. Fred also added, “Obviously there are cases where these transplants have gone on and the one person rejects the donor organ”. He said, “both Laura
and I spent countless hours researching transplants and what can happen. Our doctors were always very straight forward and the testing they put us through was very thorough” Laura said, “the process was time consuming but very positive. She added when the time came that we were approved and we headed to the hospital for the transplant we were both comfortable knowing that these doctors from the London Health Science Centres Renal Transplant and Living Donation Program are the best in the business, and quite honestly, we couldn’t say enough about them”. She joked, “our adult children were a different story the day of surgery... they had both of their parents in the hospital to undergo a major procedure - that was difficult for them”. Son Marty, who is living in Vancouver acknowledged, “yes things were a little stressful on the day of surgery”. He added, “we were able to meet all the medical team involved, and after that we knew that Mom and Dad were in the best possible care, and the day was going to go off without any major setbacks”. Marty said, “what his mother did was inspiring and showed a very special bond”. He mentioned, “for Mom to do what she did, to help my father, it’s definitely a special bond they have. Forty-four years of marriage shows that. Dad is going to be able to enjoy his retirement years, whenever that comes, without having to go get dialysis every other day. Now with Dad having a donated organ from Mom, as a family, all we can hope for each kidney to stay healthy for many years to come.” The operation took approximately six hours for Laura, and another six for Fred but the results were almost immediate once Fred’s new kidney was transplanted and attached”. Laura was in recovery longer than Fred and his recovery was almost unbelievable.
continued on page 17
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 17
Be an organ donor: Give the gift of life continued from page 16 Laura added, “after recovery, of course I was able to go see Fred, and was amazed at how well he looked. It was quite a feeling for me knowing that I could do this for my husband, my best friend”.
Fred indicated that the couple were home within a week and the recovery process was as comfortable as possible. Laura was quick to add, “our recovery was made a lot easier because of all the help we had from family, friends and neigh-
Fred Lawrence, a picture of health, along with his wife Laura. Fred was given a new lease on life as his wife donated one of her kidneys to him during a transplant operation. “Obviously the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for” he said.
bours. We had someone here almost constantly, when we got home, until mid to late September and into early October.” “We both come from large families so when one departed another showed up and we were very well cared for. We would not have been able to do it without the help we received from meals to cleaning the house to yard work, grass cutting and follow up trips to London as neither of us could drive”. Earlier this week both Fred and Laura recalled their experiences and felt they needed to share their story so people realize the importance of organ transplant. They encourage people to consider donating their organs and what a difference it can make for someone else or an entire family for that matter. To register as an organ and tissue donor, you need to be at least 16 years old, be able to provide your date of birth, your health card number and version code (if applicable). Providing an email address when you register is optional. If you do, you will receive a confirmation of registration via email. Your email information is not saved. Fred said, “her gift to me was new life for the both of us, I didn’t want to continue on dialysis. If I did, it was not only affecting the way I lived but it was affecting her as well”.
“I was sick and she couldn’t do the things she wanted to do because she wanted to make sure I was OK. It got to where
we had to live our life around my dialysis”. “Now with this gift”, said Fred, my health “allows the both of us to
enjoy our retirement, this gift has definitely given me a new lease on life. I’d have to say that’s a pretty special gift”.
As we reflect upon the spirit of Christmas, and the miracle of His holy birth, we’d like to join you in celebration and a prayer for peace on earth. Wishing all our friends everywhere, a very joyous and happy holiday season.
20226 Communication Rd., Blenheim, ON N0P 1A0 Tel: 519-676-5825 519-351-9883 Fax: 519-676-8029 lvanderende@handybros.com www.handybros.com
UHER'S S PERFORMANCE S LTD. FEEDS Your Purina Dealer for Chatham-Kent
20970 Harwich Road, R.R. #7, Blenheim
519-676-25833 • 1-888-873-2469 Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and All the Best in 2014! It has been our pleasure doing business with you this year!
Stevee & Alicee Uher,, Familyy and d Staff Please Stop by during the Christmas Weeks for our Annual Informal Open House & Customer Appreciation Goodies and Great In-Store Specials!
WATCH FOR OUR NEW WEBSITE www.uherfeeds.ca AND VISIT THE PURINA WEBSITE www.agripurina.ca
Holiday y Hourss Tuesday, Dec. 24 - 8am-NOON Wednesday, Dec. 25 - CLOSED Thursday, Dec. 26 - CLOSED Tuesday, Dec. 31 - 8am-Noon Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 - CLOSED
FOR FARM EMERGENCIES, Call 676-2583 or 1-888-873-2469 Leader in Equine Nutrition - www.uherfeeds.ca - www.agripurina.ca ®
With shortened working hours during these holidays, please contact us in advance regarding deliveries, special order products, and to schedule bulk orders.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 18
Holly and mistletoe are symbols of Christmas
“Oh, by gosh, by golly it’s time for mistletoe and holly. Tasty pheasants, Christmas presents, countrysides covered in snow.” As exemplified by this holiday hit by Henry Sanicola, Frank Sinatra and Dok Stanford, holly and mistletoe are an integral part of holiday
imagery and tradition. Holly is used to adorn a home in green and red finery alongside evergreen boughs and wreaths. In addition, it has become customary to hang a bouquet of mistletoe under which people are encouraged to share a holiday kiss. While these elements of
With our thanks for your business all year long!
180 Queen St., Chatham
519-354-4446
FULL SERVICE DEPARTMENT 129 Richmond St., Chatham
519-352-8519 www.automo.ca
celebrations are now incorporated into many of the secular and religious components of Christmas, they have very different origins. Holly Holly has been used since the days of the early Pagans as a decoration for midwinter festivities, when it was brought into homes to keep evil spirits away. The ancient Romans also believed that holly prickles drove away evil spirits, and it held a place of honor at December festivals dedicated to the god Saturn. To avoid persecution during the Roman pagan Saturnalia festival, early Christians would participate in the tradition of hanging evilrepelling holly on their homes to appear like the masses. Eventually as the number of Christians grew, the tradition became less of a pagan one and more associated with Christians and Christmas. Some people have inferred that holly and its prickly edges is symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore at his crucifixion, with the red berries representing blood.
representation of divine male essence (and thus romance, fertility and vitality). The plant also
holly should be hung high as well. Now largely associated with Christmas cele-
brations, holly and mistletoe were once part of pagan rituals and ancient superstitions.
Young Nevaeh Lewis, quite settled in with Santa.
Mistletoe Mistletoe was once held sacred by the Norse, Celtic Druids and North American Indians. It is actually a parasitic plant that grows on a wide range of host trees. Heavy infestation can dwarf the growth and kill these trees. In cultures across pre-Christian Europe, mistletoe was seen as a
Jonathan Heintz points out some of his Christmas gift ideas during his recent visit with Santa.
WE KNOW YOU’VE BEEN GOOD… ESPECIALLY TO US! May all your hopes and dreams come true this holiday season and beyond. For helping to make our dreams come true, we’re deeply indebted to each one of you!
Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you! Kathy, Carol, Patty,Trish and Heather
H&R BLOCK® 254 Talbot Street West, No 4 Blenheim, Ontario N0P 1A0
519-676-4006
was thought to be a symbol of peace, and anyone standing below it should receive tokens of affection. When enemies met beneath mistletoe, they had to lay down their weapons and observe a truce until the next day. This is how the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe likely began, and why a ball of mistletoe is now hung in homes during Christmas, a season of peace and affection. Homeowners who hang mistletoe and holly around their homes during the holiday season should be mindful of pets and youngsters around the plants. Mistletoe and holly are considered to be moderately to severely toxic, and ingesting the leaves could be dangerous. Therefore, keep these plants away from curious hands. Mistletoe is commonly hung up high, which should make it less problematic, but
Peace, love and joy this Christmas and in the New Year from all at Glenden House Glenise, Sandy, Colin and Luke
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 19
Most popular Christmas songs
Decorations and shopping are integral parts of the holiday season, but very often it is the music being played over the airwaves that sets the tone for the festivities to come. Christmas music has been enjoyed for decades and certain compositions are widely loved and played year after year. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, who compiles lists of the most popular songs, lists “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Winter Wonderland,”
both of which were written in 1934, as the oldest and most popular tunes. The newest popular song is “Wonderful Christmastime,” composed in 1979. Though personal preference often determines a holiday playlist, the following tunes are of the more popular Christmas songs: • “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” - Mel Torme, Robert Wells • “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” - Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie • “Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas” - Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin • “Winter Wonderland” - Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith • “White Christmas” Irving Berlin • “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne • “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” Johnny Marks • “Jingle Bell Rock” Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe • “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” - Walter Kent, Kim Gannon,
Buck Ram • “Little Drummer Boy” - Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone • “Sleigh Ride” Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish • “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” - Edward Pola, George Wyle • “Silver Bells” - Jay Livingston, Ray Evans • “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Johnny Marks • “Feliz Navidad” Jose Feliciano • “Blue Christmas” Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson • “Frosty the Snowman” Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins • “A Holly Jolly Christmas” - Johnny Marks • “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” Tommie Connor • “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman • “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” - Meredith Willson • “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” - Bob Allen, Al Stillman • “Carol of the Bells” - Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich • “Santa Baby” Joan Ellen Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer • “Wonderful Christmastime” - Paul McCartney “White Christmas” is the most covered Christmas song of all time. There are more than 500 versions in several different languages.
Greetings of the Season ...And many thanks
for your generous support all year long.
Greetings from Brian and Mary Ann Erieau
519-676-8584
Merry Christmas!
from the staff of
BMO
Bank of Montreal
Aimeee June Pattyy Heynin nck Marilenaa Naclerio Wilmaa Stepniak Rogerr Kellam
Dan n Moniz Daphnee Thatcher Sarah h Groenewegen Kimberlyy Jackson Daphnee Knights
39 Talbot Street West, Blenheim
From:
Season Greetings from Phillips Skid Steer Service.
Aug, Leitha and family, Cathy, Brayden, Cullen, Kaitlyn, Emily and Marlee
170 Talbot St. W., Blenheim
•519-676-8801•
All The Best at the Holidays! I know I couldn’t have asked for better customers than you –
From:
Theresa, Diane, Tammy, Candice, Kris, Sarah, Jenna, Ashley, Danielle S., Steven, Danielle B., Kary, Matt and Aug
thanks!
Members of the Glad Tidings Church sending Christmas wishes to everyone this holiday season. Don’t forget their annual Nativity scene held Saturday and Sunday evening December 21st and 22nd.
Marg Rea
170 Talbot St. W.
(Beside Aug’s Video)
519-676-8800
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 20
The etiquette of exchanging gifts with coworkers
Greetings of the Season As we wrap up another year, we’d like to wish our friends everywhere, a very happy holiday season filled with lots of warm wishes and wonderful surprises. Thank you so much for your loyal support.
Orford Sand & Gravel
With OUR GRATITUDE Because you deserve it!
With OUR THANKS Because you make it all worthwhile.
With BEST WISHES for a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Glad tidings to you wherever you travel this wonderful holiday season and beyond.
PH: 519-351-5666
Al, Marion, Mike & Mark www.almarhomeimprovements.com
Many offices host a gift exchange during the holiday season. Professionalism should always be a top priority when gifting coworkers, and some men and women may want to brush up on gift-giving etiquette before exchanging gifts with fellow employees. Long before any gifts are exchanged, research your firm’s policies on gift-giving. An employee handbook or a visit to the human resources department is a good place to start. When in doubt, inquire among more seasoned workers. Many companies put dollar limits on gift values, while others have strict policies forbidding such exchanges, as it’s easy for gifts to create discomfort around the office or give the impression of favoritism. Gift exchanges also depend on the relationship between employees and their supervisors. Close, friendly relationships may warrant gift exchanges, especially if everyone else is on board with the idea. Gifting a boss is not necessary, but employees who have a close working relationship with their supervisors may want to purchase a professional gift to indicate their appreciation of a supervisor’s support. These can include picture frames, gloves, scarves, books, and personal interest items. Steer clear of personal gifts or ones that can be taken the wrong way. Inappropriate gifts should always be avoided. Decorative gifts that do not focus on any particular religion or holiday, inspirational books, calendars, plants, and publications that cater to a particular interest likely won’t raise anyone’s ire. However, selfhelp gifts, perfumes, lotions, or overly personal gifts may give recipients the wrong impression. While homemade foods were once popular gifts, many companies now discourage such gifts because they may trigger various food
allergies. Gift cards tend to be universally acceptable, but only when they do not exceed the agreedupon spending limit. Grocery store gift cards can help employees offset some of the costs of entertaining, and gift cards to popular department stores may help offset holiday spending. Whenever any giving between coworkers takes place, care should be given to ensure all the gift values are equivalent. Coworkers who are especially close and want to give a more meaningful gift should exchange those gifts on their own time and not during office hours. Tenure can also dictate gift-giving. Employees who have been with their companies longer than their coworkers may receive a more personalized gift. Employees who receive gifts from their bosses should not feel obligated to reciprocate. Employees should also keep in mind that personal thank-you notes are courteous, professional and appreciated.
Merry Christmas from Country Farm Seeds.
Brett Reaume and staff from Westside Performance and Auto Value sending Merry Christmas wishes.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 21
Finding time during the holiday season
Perhaps no time of year is as busy as the holiday season, when social engagements and holiday shopping combine to dominate so much of what is normally our free time. Additionally, holiday travel and late nights spent at work to make up for lost time also cut into our free time, leaving many people in search of ways to add more hours to the day. Though there’s no way to make a day last longer, there are ways to save some time this holiday season. • Go it alone. Holiday shopping can be very time consuming, but shoppers who decide to shop alone may find themselves more productive and focused on the task at hand. Rather than going from store to store and checking items off multiple shopping lists, shoppers who shop singularly can devote all of their attention to their own lists. • Shop online. Another way to save time when shopping for
the holidays is to shop online. This saves you the time it takes to drive to and from the mall and walk around multiple stores, all the while saving you from the often frustrating and timeconsuming experience of finding a parking space. In addition, you can shop online at any time of day. So rather than just eating lunch at your desk on your lunch hour or spending the last hour before you go to bed for the night idling away on the couch, you can make more efficient use of that time by doing some holiday shopping. • Plan ahead. Whether shopping for holiday gifts, taking the family to buy a Christmas tree or organizing a holiday dinner with friends, the more you can plan ahead of the holiday season the less time you will waste once the season hits full swing. For example, when choosing a weekend to go Christmas tree shopping, inform others a few weeks in
advance and let them know you want to go early to avoid crowds. This saves you time and might just help you land one of the best trees on the lot.The same principle of planning can be applied to other aspects of the holiday season as well. Planning a meal early allows you to gradually stock up on menu items, saving you the hassle of rushing to the store at the last minute or planning a menu in the days before the party when you will already have enough on your plate. • Don’t shy away from shortcuts when hosting holiday dinners. Hosting a holiday dinner is a big undertaking, one that often finds hosts spending a significant amount of time in the kitchen. But hosts can save time by taking some shortcuts regarding the menu. For instance, when hosting an especially large meal, don’t be afraid to buy some premade side dishes from a local grocery store or buy a bakery
cake rather than whipping up your own homemade dessert. Guests will understand if you cut some corners in an effort to save some time, and the food will likely be just as delicious. • Stay home. Travel is a big commitment come the holiday season, but what about staying home this season? If the time commitment of traveling is something you truly want to avoid this year, invite some friends and family over to your home instead. You might be more busy on the day of the holiday, but you will save yourself the travel days you usually build into the holiday season. Parents of young children might prefer to stay home so they can create their own unique holiday memories, while those without children might just appreciate some peace and quiet during this hectic time of year.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Local M.P.P. Rick Nichols on hand to send Merry Christmas wishes during the recent Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade.
Members of the YBC Bowling leagues as well as Game On Sports hoping everyone has a very Merry Christmas.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 22
Potted Christmas Trees Christmas trees are the quintessential decoration of the holiday season, often erected in front windows gleaming with decorations, trinkets and lights. Much thought goes into selecting a tree and turning it into the centerpiece of a celebration. Holiday celebrants with no personal preference may struggle with the decision to buy an artificial or real tree. Those who opt for a real tree may think their only options are the cut trees available at local tree lots. But those interested in a tree that will last far beyond the holiday season can select a pot-
& LAUNDROMAT
72 Talbot St. W.
519-365-8497
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Jim & Mary Ann and family BARBER SHOP / DRY CLEANING HOURS Sunday & Monday CLOSED Tuesday - Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 3pm
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!
Your Friendship...
makes it all worthwhile! To our many good friends & customers, our very best wishes this holiday season!
BRUSH MACHINERY AND BRUSH INDUSTRIAL
A warm thank you and holiday greetings to all our friends and customers
BLENHEIM
The Cherry Tree 59 Talbot St. W., Blenheim
519-676-1300
Greg & staff
Rick, Greg, Glenda, Kim, Darryl, Liz, Marshall, Justin, Lincoln & Bryan
CLOSED AT NOON December 24th December 31st
CLOSED
519-676-5426
December 25th December 26th & New Years Day
ted Christmas tree, all the while adding an ecoconscious element to their holiday celebrations. Selecting a live tree is an environmentally sound choice. Trees that have their roots intact can be transplanted outdoors after Christmas. This reduces the waste associated with tree disposal and provides various benefits to the environment, as the trees act as a natural air filter while providing shade and wind barriers. An evergreen tree, which remains lush and green all year long, is also an ideal habitat for backyard creatures. Trees help control excessive moisture issues in the soil by drawing up water for survival, and can help prevent erosion of soil in more arid climates. Caring for a potted tree takes a bit more effort than a standard cut tree. There are a few steps that need to be taken to ensure its postChristmas survival. You can purchase the tree several weeks in advance of the holidays, provided you water the tree frequently and keep it outdoors in the cool weather in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Select a tree variety that is hardy to the specific zone in which you live and will acclimate to the climate and soil conditions. A local nursery should be able to guide you to the right evergreen. Because you intend to plant this tree after the holidays, it is a good idea to choose the location where the tree will eventually grow and dig the hole as early as possible before the ground freezes and becomes difficult to excavate. Consider digging the hole in the autumn and then filling it with leaves or a tarp until the time comes to plant the tree. Roughly two weeks before Christmas, you will need to transition the tree for indoor use. Neglecting this step may result in shock to the tree, which can cause it to wilt or die. Place the tree inside of a garage or a shed where it is generally warmer than outside but not yet room temperature. After this twoweek period, move the tree inside where it will have a place of honor for festivities. Do not leave the tree inside the house for more than 10 days. It will need to be moved back into the garage and then outside before planting. Many evergreens are durable, and the majority of the decorations you use on the tree should not harm it. But be careful not to tug or break branches. Use small lights that do not generate much heat; otherwise, you risk damaging the boughs with burns. When the tree is indoors, it’s also essential to keep it in an area that gets filtered sunlight and is away from heating vents that may dry it out. A
spot in front of the front window may be the best location. Potted Christmas trees make an ecofriendly addition to holi-
day traditions. They can be planted year after year, adding some aesthetic appeal to the backyard while benefitting the environment.
Watch when online shopping Online shopping saves shoppers the trouble of waiting in long lines while offering the convenience of aroundthe-clock hours. With a few clicks of the keyboard or scrolls on a tablet, shoppers can typically find just about any product or service they desire. But additional fees and service charges that can quickly accumulate also are a part of online shopping. However, shoppers can mitigate such costs by identifying potential fees and learning how to keep them manageable. Shipping Shipping costs are a burden to online shoppers. Even when prices are low, shipping costs can offset those savings, especially for lastminute shoppers forced to select overnight or two-day shipping. Before completing checkout, check the estimated shipping costs to determine what the final cost will be. Avoid retailers who charge high fees or limit your shipping options. Watch for specials that advertise free shipping, and stick with retailers that offer free or reduced shipping on particular days or times, then do the bulk of your shopping during those discounted periods. Some retailers offer free shipping to a store location. This affords consumers the convenience of shopping online without the added cost of having merchandise delivered to your home. Poor return policy Before buying any items online, familiarize yourself with the return and exchange policies of the retailer. Although many sites post sizing
charts and dimensions for furniture and other products, sizing mistakes can be made, and you may be responsible for the shipping costs when returning or exchanging items. Shop with retailers who have lenient return policies, including accepting exchanges or returns at area stores. Otherwise, rely on companies that include return labels and take care of the cost of exchanges. Restocking fees Read the fine print when shopping online. Although rare, some retailers charge a restocking fee for returned items, particularly electronics. This fee may be 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price. Identity theft The potential for identity theft is another concern when shopping online. Reputable retailers employ security measures to safeguard shoppers’ personal information. Encrypted data, identifiable by a “locked” icon on the check-out page, protects billing information from hackers. Although no system is entirely impenetrable, encrypted sites are generally safe. Never enter personal information unless a site is encrypted. It will cost you time and maybe even money to refute fraudulent purchases, and such issues may negatively affect your credit rating, even when they’re not your fault. The Internet may be a good place to buy items at attractive prices from the convenience of home. However, shoppers should be aware of any hidden charges that can offset the benefits of shopping online.
Open by Appointment during the Holidays!
519-676-8201
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 23
Tips on holiday gift giving etiquette Deciding on and paying for holiday gifts can be a challenge under the best circumstances. But then there are the inevitable "sticky situations" that can leave even the most experienced gift-givers scratching their heads. In the hopes of dodging major gift gaffes this holiday season, here are eight tips for gracious giving and receiving. * Review your gift list each year to determine if any relationships have changed and require a shift in your gift-giving plan. * Don't ask non-family members on your gift list what they would like. This not only spoils the surprise, but puts pressure on recipients to gauge how much you want to spend and requires them to get you something in return. * Don't feel obligated
to match what others spend. Buying gifts based on what others spend is both unnecessary and can lead to excessive expenditures. * For workplace gifts, adhere to the company's policies and make sure that gifts are given out of appreciation, not expectation. * Including a gift receipt is a good idea and avoids potentially awkward situations when an item doesn't fit or doesn't work. * Give holiday tips to those individuals whose service you count on throughout the year, such as hairstylists, babysitters, dog walkers, etc. An easy rule of thumb for holiday season tips is to double the usual tip. For household employees, give one week's pay. * If someone surprises you with a gift, the best
Cohen and Benson Deschrver visit with Santa during the Erieau firefighters annual Christmas breakfast held at the Erieau Station 14 recently.
bet is to respond honestly. Let the giver know that you are surprised, touched and appreciative as well as a bit embarrassed that you don't have a gift in return. Then let it go and add his/her name to your gift list for the following year. * Don't arrive at holiday gatherings emptyhanded. A small gift, bottle of wine or contribution to the evening's edibles is the right way to thank your hosts for their invitation. * Acknowledging gift givers is a must, but formal, written thank you cards are optional. While handwritten notes are always preferable and greatly appreciated, emails are increasingly acceptable -- especially for young people.
* Regifting is now considered a (mostly) acceptable practice, as long as it's done thoughtfully, tastefully and within the following guidelines: - The regifted item should not be homemade or made especially for you. - The item should be new, unused and in its original packaging, along with instructions. - Be sure to remove all previous wrapping and gift tags. - Don't regift to friends or family members who have a reputation for returning things they don't like. You don't want to be asked for a gift receipt. - Make certain that the original giver and the new recipient will never cross paths.
Joyous Noel It is friends like you who have made our business possible… and we are deeply grateful for your patronage and friendship. And when we say “Merry Christmas & Happy New Year” it comes straight from the heart.
Safe and Happy Holidays to All! Adriana, Mathew, Guido & Dan
9110 TALBOT TRAIL, BLENHEIM 519-676-5310
Boxing Day folklore Boxing Day takes its name from the ancient practice of opening boxes that contained money given to those who had given their service during the year. It was also the day when alms boxes, placed in churches on Christmas Day, were opened. The money was then given to the priest or used to help the poor and needy. Another name for Boxing Day used to be Offering Day. The earliest boxes of all were not box shaped, as you might imagine, nor were they made of wood. They were, in fact, earthenware containers with a slit in the top (rather like piggy banks.) These earthenware ‘boxes’ were used by the Romans for collecting money to help pay for the festivities at the winter Saturnalia
The Collier kids J’esaviour, Faith and Destanni share a chat with Santa and his helpers during their visit following the annual Blenheim Kinsmen Santa Claus parade.
celebrations. During the seventeenth century it became the custom for apprentices to ask their master’s customers for money at Christmas time. They collected this money in earthenware containers, which could be opened only by being smashed, and on Boxing Day the apprentices would eagerly have a ‘smashing time’, hence the expression, seeing how much they had collected. A later tradition, and the one which has survived to this day, was the distribution of Christmas ‘boxes’, gifts of money to people who had provided services throughout the year – the postman, the lamplighter, parish beadles, parish watchmen, dustmen and turn-cocks – which happened on the day after Christmas Day.
It may be cold outside, but our spirits are warmed as we recall the many fine folks who we’ve had the pleasure to meet this year. We sincerely value your business and wish you all the very merriest holiday season followed by a simply spectacular year. Thanks! Mickey, Cheryl, Tammy, Adam, Dave, Lonny, Rick, Greg, Dan, Steve and Jonathan
B.D.F. BROOKE DESIGN & FABRICATION INC.
Greatview Orchards and FARM MARKET
Christmas Blessings Greatview Orchards and FARM MARKET 1/4 Mile East of Cedar Springs on No. 3 Highway
519-676-5493
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 24
SYKES TRUCKING LTD. SYKES AGGREGATES
Greetings of the season are headed your way. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and thank you for your valued business.
Sykes Families
It may be cold outside, but our spirits are warmed as we recall the many fine folks who we’ve had the pleasure to meet this year. We wish you all the very merriest holiday season followed by a simply spectacular year. Thanks!
Staff and volunteers
Meals On Wheels
Eating smart over the holidays The holiday season is dominated by parties, family gatherings and festive foods. Overindulgence in rich foods and drink during the holiday season, compounded by cold weather that can make it difficult to exercise, often leads to weight gain by the end of the holiday season. But focusing on diet and exercise during the holiday season can help you avoid unwanted weight gain and provide more energy as the season progresses. The following are some effective ways to sail through the season
Magical
Christmas Greetings
May your holiday come alive with beautiful moments and memories
Rob Vandersluis
without gaining weight. • Don’t scrimp and sacrifice all of the time. The body is a powerful machine, but it does not always work the way that we want it to. According to nutritional experts, rather than metabolizing food on a daily basis, the body is geared to work over longer periods of time. That means you can balance out a high-calorie day by eating less food and/or lighter fare on the days before and after those days when you anticipate overeating. • Fill up before you go out. If you are worried about high-calorie foods and drinks that are often served at parties or holiday gatherings, eat before going to the event. Hunger may cause you to overeat and fill up on the wrong kinds of foods. Instead, eat a low-calorie snack that’s high in protein and high in fiber before leaving the house. Eating beforehand may help you avoid the chips and dips. • Get plenty of sunshine when possible.
Lack of sunlight can attribute to winter blues, which may lead some people to rely on comfort foods. Such foods are typically rich in carbohydrates, fats and sugars. Spending time outdoors in the sun each day can improve your mood and get you off of the couch. • Fill up your plate with the right mix of foods. Don’t deny yourself when faced with a big holiday dinner. Rather, fill the plate with a good mix of foods. Devote more space to lean proteins, such as roasted turkey or chicken. Even lean ham is good. Devote much of the rest of your plate to roasted vegetables and whole grains. Take only small portions of highfat foods like candied yams or bread stuffings. You will still satisfy your craving, but you won’t be overdoing it. • Skip the spirits for the most part. Alcoholic beverages are loaded with empty calories. Many people would rather reserve bonus calories for a piece of pie
or a rich brownie. Limit yourself to one drink per day. • Exercise every day. It can be easy to push exercise aside when you’re busy with holiday tasks. But soon your metabolism may slow down in response to your body’s suddenly more sedentary lifestyle, leading to weight gain. Aim for some sort of daily exercise, whether you decide park further away from stores at the mall or take the stairs instead of the escalator. Don’t relegate exercise to a New Year’s resolution. Inactivity will only mean you have to work harder in the future to shed those unwanted pounds you packed on during the holiday season. Weight gain may be another part of the holiday season for many men and women. But individuals concerned about adding extra pounds can stop the pattern of gaining weight during the holiday season by making smart choices throughout the season.
Inexpensive ways to wrap or present special gifts Holiday shoppers spend billions of dollars each year on gifts for friends, family and coworkers. But holiday shoppers also spend substantial amounts of money dressing up those gifts with bows and wrapping paper. Shoppers may not want to spend much more on wrapping paper, bags and other ways to dressup their gifts, and by employing a few tricks of the gift wrapping trade, they may not have to. The following are some frugal, yet flashy, ways to wrap presents this holiday season. • Children’s artwork: Over the course of a school year parents can accumulate dozens of original pieces of art from their children’s time in the classroom. Instead of relegating those pictures to a memory box or temporary glory on the refrigerator, turn them into unique gift wrap. Pair these pieces of art with colored
ribbon, and everyone who gets a unique masterpiece will feel special. • Newspaper: Recycle newsprint and comics into wrapping paper. Encourage everyone to wrap in newspaper for a cohesive look come Christmas morning. • Cloth: Leftover cloth from Halloween or cloth purchased to create homemade curtains can be turned into giftwrap for awkward-shaped gifts. Use decorative ribbon to seal the bundle shut. • Brown paper: Brown paper tied with twine or ribbon is inexpensive and can easily be recycled after use. Use a marker to put the names of gift recipients on each package to save on gift tags as well. • Glass jars: Use mason jars when wrapping smaller gifts, including gift cards, to give them an arts-andcrafts feel. • Fabric gift bags: If you’re handy with a nee-
dle and thread, sew sacks out of leftover fabric to make gift bags of various sizes. • Cookie tins: Find unique cookie tins from yard sales or leftover tins from holidays past and use them as gift boxes. • Recipes: If you will be giving a cookbook or food-themed gifts, print recipes that can be used as gift wrap and then later used to make certain dishes. • Baby linens: From blankets to wash cloths, use baby linens to wrap infant-themed gifts for new parents. • Baskets: Wicker baskets are available in various shapes and sizes. They can be used to make a gift collection and then reused over and over again. There are many creative and inexpensive ways to wrap gifts this year instead of relying on preprinted and often expensive wrapping paper.
As we reflect upon the many people we’ve had the privilege to serve this year, we realize that we’re doubly blessed to have your friendship and support. We wish you and your family all things merry and bright this holiday season!
Chatham-Kent Station 18
BLENHEIM FIRE DEPARTMENT A simple wicker basket can provide a great way to present a gift
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 25
Holiday tradition, Canadian style: Maple Yule Log at this point if desired, or frozen after adding whipped cream topping.) Topping and Garnishes: In chilled medium bowl, whip cream with maple syrup until firm peaks form. Completely cover top, sides and both ends of rolled cake
with cream. With fork, make tree bark marks on surface. Dust with cocoa if using. Cover and refrigerate or wrap well and freeze until serving time. Transfer from freezer to refrigerator 1/2 hour before serving. Serve with your choice of garnishes.
At the Holiday Season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. It is in this spirit we say ...
THANK YOU AND BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Sincerely, The Staff & Management at
67 Talbot St., West Blenheim, ON N0P1A0 tel 519.676.4334 www.pib.com
This holiday tradition is even more Canadian with the addition of pure Ontario maple syrup. Spread maple syrup-flavoured whipped cream on the maple sheet cake and roll up. This can be made up to 3 weeks ahead, assembled and frozen.
Preparation Info: Preparation Time: 30 minutes Baking Time: 12 minutes Serves: 10 to 12
Ingredients: Cake: 1 cup all-purpose or cake-and-pastry flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 4 Ontario Eggs 1/4 cup Ontario Maple Syrup 1 cup brown sugar, not packed
Icing sugar Filling: 1 cup whipping cream 2 to 3 tbsp Ontario Maple Syrup Topping: 1-1/2 cups whipping cream 1/4 cup Ontario Maple Syrup Garnishes: Cocoa, shaved chocolate and whole cranberries. Preparation Instructions: Line 17- x 11-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Spray with no-stick vegetable spray. Set aside. In small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt to blend well. In large bowl and using electric mixer, beat eggs and maple syrup until slightly thickened. Gradually add brown sugar, beating until thick.
Sift flour mixture over egg mixture in 3 additions, folding in gently after each addition. Spread evenly in pan. Bake in 400°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown and firm to the touch. Sift about 2 tbsp icing sugar onto clean tea towel in even layer. Invert cake and pan onto towel. Remove pan; carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together (begin at short or long edge, depending on whether you want a longer thin or shorter thick Yule log). Cool completely on rack. Filling: In chilled medium bowl, whip cream with maple syrup until firm peaks form. Unroll cake and spread filling evenly over cake. Roll up, using towel to help. (Cake can be wrapped and frozen
Here’s hoping every happiness comes your way throughout this holiday season and beyond.
Staff & Management
RWP
at
RESISTANCE WELDING PRODUCTS LTD.
A Message of Thanks At The Holiday Season
We’re feeling merry this holiday season, And your kind friendship is the reason For your support we’re grateful, too Because we wouldn’t be here without all of you!
from the staff at
Salon SIMPLICITY “Your One Stop Beauty Shop” 116 Talbot St. W., Blenheim • 519-676-9339
All of us at Bayside Brewing Company would like to thank our friends and customers for your continued support of our micro-brewery and restaurant. We have had an exciting year, and are pleased that we were able to expand our brewing capacity and introduce our delicious Bronze Back Ale. We look forward to more adventures in Erieau in 2014. Warmest wishes for a safe and happy Christmas Season. Cheers!
Nancy y and d Ken,, Frank k and d Josette,, Morgan n and d the e stafff off Bayside e Brewing g Co.. and d Bayside e BrewPub.
r” “Ho Ho HO what a bee
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 26
M E R R Y
and
H A P P Y
N E W
Y E A R !
OPEN SKATE Please Please join join my my family family and and II at at
THAMES THAMES CAMPUS CAMPUS ARENA ARENA on on Thursday, Thursday, December December 26, 26, 2013 2013
Rick Nicholls, MPP Chatham-Kent-Essex
FREE SKATE SKATE for for aa FREE between between 3pm 3pm and and 4pm. 4pm.
Hope Hope to to see see everyone everyone there! there!
Take the stress out of holiday hosting this Christmas season Gatherings with friends and family are a big part of the holiday season. Many people travel during the holidays to spend time with distant relatives, but those same people often want to gather with those loved ones who live nearby as well. Thus an abundance of gatherings comes in December, when office parties, dinners with family and festivities with friends have a way of dominating the last five weeks of the year. All of those gatherings translate to a lot of holiday hosting, and hosts can easily feel overwhelmed as they try to juggle hosting duties with everything else that comes along during this time of year. The following are a few steps holiday hosts can take to make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun. • Enlist help. Just because a holiday party is at your home does not mean others can’t pitch in or will be unwilling to help. If you plan to decorate for the party, invite a friend over to assist. When hosting a holiday dinner party, ask guests to bring certain items to save you some work. Ask one guest to bring some dessert, saving you the time it takes to visit the local bakery or bake your own desserts, and ask others to provide side dishes. This drastically reduces the time it will take you to shop for groceries and cook the meal, leaving you more time to spend with friends and family, both during the party and in the days leading up to the festivities. • Plan well in advance. The earlier you begin planning the party, the less stress you’re likely to feel as a host. Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain snacks and beverages, have no expiration dates, so buy such items well in advance of the party. This leads to
one less task to tackle in the weeks and days leading up to the party. Planning early also affords you ample time coordinate with guests and decide who will be responsible for certain party tasks. Planning a party at the last minute can be stressful, so if you know you will be handling hosting duties this holiday season, start preparing for the party as soon as possible. • Hire a cleaning service. One of the more difficult parts of holiday hosting is cleaning the house before guests arrive. A thorough house cleaning can take up a substantial amount of time, which tends to be hard to come by during the holiday season. To avoid a late night cleaning session or the need to spend a valuable weekend afternoon hard at work around the house, hire a cleaning service to come and clean your house in the days before the party. Such services can clean your home in a fraction of the time it might take you to do so on your own, and this removes one of the more timeconsuming and arduous tasks from your to-do list. • Have a theme for the party. Holiday hosts may worry about how to entertain their guests throughout the party. A theme party makes it easier to entertain guests, who can show up decked out in holiday
pajamas or sweaters or bring along a favorite unique compilation of holiday songs for a singalong. Such themes set a tone for the party right away and often make it easier for guests to unwind immediately. Seek suggestions for a theme from your guests to make the party even more fun. • Pass the buck. Hosting a holiday dinner party? Consider passing the hosting duties on to a local restaurant, especially if your friends and family members are on board with the idea. If your schedule is especially hectic this holiday season, then move the party from your home to a local restaurant, where the staff can worry about accommodating your guests and you can simply relax and have a good time with your loved ones. When choosing a restaurant, look for one with a menu that features something for everyone. Entree selections should include a pasta dish, a beef dish, a seafood dish, a poultry dish, and vegetarian fare. Holiday hosting is meant to be fun, but hosts often find themselves scrambling to prepare for the party as it draws closer. Planning early, seeking help and input from your guests and delegating certain tasks can help ensure hosts have as festive a time as their friends and family members.
Tips on preventing identity theft The holiday season is a joyous and busy time of year. Decking the halls, catching up with old friends and holiday shopping make this time of year especially hectic. Though the season is generally jolly, there are those people who take advantage of the hectic nature of the holiday season, preying on busy holiday shoppers who may be understandably distracted as the season progresses. As a result, shoppers and holiday revelers should heed the following precautions to ensure this holiday season is as safe as it is festive. 1. Exercise caution at ATMs. Thousands of dollars change hands at stores and banks this time of year. Potential thieves know that ATMs make good places to target victims withdrawing funds for purchases. Shoppers should choose ATMs that are well lit and withdraw money only when banks are open. If that’s not possible, avoid using ATMs in remote locations or dark alcoves. Keep your eyes fixed on your surroundings and be aware of the people in your vicinity. Promptly pocket your money and do not openly display your cash. 2. Keep purchases out of view. When shopping, keep your purchases hidden from prospective thieves. Make frequent
trips to your car when shopping and store merchandise in the trunk of your car or in a cargo area with a cover drawn. Once items have been brought home, keep them well out of sight, stored in closets or away from windows. 3. Only park in well-lit lots. Finding a parking space at a busy mall can be difficult, but be picky when choosing spots. Try to park in a well-lit area in a busy location and be aware of the surrounding vehicles. If you feel uncomfortable going back to your car, ask a security guard to escort you. 4. Shop in groups. Go to the store with a group of friends. There is safety in numbers and having more eyes to look out is to your advantage. Thieves are less likely to approach a group of people than a solitary person. 5. Carry minimal items. Always keep your hands free to ward off any people in the event of an attack. Bags and packages weighing you down make you an easy target. 6. Leave extra credit cards at home. Carry only what you need on a shopping excursion. Do not carry your entire wallet or extra credit cards. This only puts you at greater risk of identity theft or fraud should you lose your wallet.
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 27 Zachary and Kierra Brown, sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa and his helpers Samantha and Allison.
SEASON'S GREETINGS During this holiday season and every day of the year, we wish you all the best.
Bob Simpson Financial Advisor .
45 James St., Unit 6 Blenheim, ON N0P 1A0 519-676-0870
www.edwardjones.com
Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund
ho! ho! ho!
Welcome e Home!
F-150 0 the e home e off Canada’s s #11 Selling g Vehicle!
301 Richmond Street, Chatham 1-888-538-8904 www.victoryford.ca
BLENHEIM NEWS TRIBUNE, MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013 - 28
...and thank you for your patronage this past year. Tim and Valerie Flanagan & All the staff at Blenheim Sobeys
We are very proud to have had the opportunity to sponsor
many community events and organizations throughout 2013. These organizations contribute so much to our community and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts at this special time of year. •Lions Club •Blenheim Minor Hockey •WJ Baird School •Seniors Fair •Terry Fox Run For Cancer •Trot to the Beach •South Kent Trails •Relay for Life •Blenheim Food Bank •Rotary Club •Salvation Army •Blenheim District High School •United Way Poor Boy Lunch •Royal Canadian Legion Br. 185 •Golden Acres Curling Club •Blenheim Blades •Blenheim Figure Skating •Blenheim & Harwich Fire Dept. •Erieau Firefighters •Canadian Cancer Society •Easter Seals •Food Kitchen - Word of Life Church
•Tim Hortons Childrens’ Foundation •Blenheim Youth Centre •St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League •Blenheim Leisure Centre •Community Living •Blenheim Air Cadets •Rondeau Yacht Club •Children’s Treatment Centre •Communities In Bloom •Run For The Cure •Breast Cancer Association •Goodwill •Randolf Churchill I.O.D.E. •Merlin Public School •Beavers and Cubs •Blenheim Open •Blenheim Kent Golden Eagles •Gymnastics Club •Heart & Stroke Foundation •Blenheim United Church •Molly & OJ’s Golf Tournament
•Blenheim Foxtales •Rondeau Rod & Gun Club •Art On The Boulevard • Children Safety Village • Wildwood • Knights of Columbus •Women’s Outdoor Workshop •Western Union BBQ •Eau Buoy Galley •Wildwood Car SHow •St. Joseph’s School •Ridge House Museum •St. Mary’s Parish •St. Luke’s United Church Mission Trip •Merlin 4-H Club •Break the Grey •Sun Life Open •Brain Tumor Foundation •Shrewsbury Maple Syrup Festival •Knights of Columbus •Blenheim Open
•Youth Literacy
20210 Communication Road, Blenheim 519-676-9044
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