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l Construction delay

Port Stanley sewer upgrade project delayed by contaminated groundwater.

Page 5

l Sleeping in

Columnist Mickey Reid expounds on trying for a little extra shut-eye.

melissa schneider For the Weekly News

Passionate parents, students and local politicians pleaded with trustees to save their rural schools, or build new ones during Thames ­Valley District School Board’s ­final Public Input Meeting held May 2-3. Five rural schools are under consideration of closure during the Elementary Pupil Accommodation Review (EPAR) process.

“This review process was too short and parents and communities have worked hard to find alternative solutions. I’m asking you to listen to parents,” said Elgin-MiddlesexLondon MPP Jeff Yurek to trustees and senior administrative staff. He suggested splitting the EPAR process into two separate portions – allowing South Dorchester and Westminster Public Schools to close to create a new school in Belmont, while leaving the other schools status quo, something Central Elgin Mayor David Marr agreed with.

See CLOSURE, Page 3

Page 6

l Top teacher

St. Joe’s science teacher recognized with Prime Minister’s Certificate of Excellence .

Page 8

mike maloney photo

VICTORY DENIED:

Any hopes the St. Joseph’s Rams might have had of finishing out the regular season schedule on a winning note came crashing down on May 8, as they dropped a 7-3 decision at home to the John Paul II Jaguars in TVRA Varsity Boys soccer action.

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City wins appeal in battle over Sutherland building For the Weekly News

In the ongoing Sutherland Press saga, the City of St. Thomas is celebrating a small victory with the Ontario Court of Appeal overturning a lower court decision. The nature of the appeal was that proper notice and not enough specifics were provided to the owners of Sutherland Lofts Inc. in a work order from the

city that called for immediate action on the property that’s been left in a state of disrepair. The city appealed to the higher courts and it was decided they did provide enough specifics so the decision was overturned.

On Wednesday, May 24 the city will once again square off against building owner David McGee and his lawyer Valerie M’Garry in St. Thomas court. With the work order issues resolved, city CAO Wendell

Graves is hopeful this will finally bring closure.

“We will continue to move forward and try to get this issues resolved so we can get Moore Street re-opened,” Graves said.

With only the structural issues up for debate still, Graves said he believes there is enough factual evidence to prove the building is no longer secure. “We’re feeling fairly firm with factual information on the

structure,” he said. The largest concerns for the building appear to be a disintegrating roof as well as the crumbling brick façade.

Full STEAM ahead Only open since last October, the STEAM Education Centre in the former Wellington Street school building is flourishing. Executive Director Jessica Moyes appeared before council May 8 and shared just

t

Closure decision now rests with TVDSB trustees Continued from front

Gateway Project

cilities for the township so he knows a lot about renewal needs. He suggested that renewal needs listed in the Initial Senior Administrative Report were artificially heightened to show a need to build new schools in Belmont and Southeast St. Thomas.

Parent Johnny Wilson agreed there seems to be a vendetta from the Ontario Ministry of Education against rural schools. During this process, his is parent committee encountered many roadblocks and non-answers to questions asked. He suggested that going forward the trustees have the power to change bad plans, asking trustees not to ruin the community’s way of life.

St. Thomas Roundabout at Sunset Drive & Wellington Road

Parents for both South Dorchester and Westminster Central asked trustees to approve plans to build a new school in Belmont. Citing older school buildings and class sizes that are too small, parents for the schools feel like action needs to be taken.

Dave Roberts said as leaders for the school board, trustees are expected to ensure the resources of the board are used in a safe, effective manner. He asked that they consider the new build in Belmont, as continuing with the status quo for South Dorchester and Westminster Central will have failed their kids.

Trustees are scheduled to make a final decision on ­Tuesday, May 23.

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Doug Tarry, of Doug Tarry Homes, also spoke to the crowd. His company worked with the school board to build Mitchell Hepburn Public School. His concerns were about the school board’s math when it comes to new school builds and empty pupil places.

“It would be really nice if you guys would come talk to us,” he said. “I think it would be really dumb to close New Sarum because you’re going to wipe out the empty seats at Mitchell Hepburn in no time. If our numbers (for potential residential growth) hold, and I don’t

see why they wouldn’t, you’re going to need both schools.”

He said in March there were 239 new housing starts in the London/St. Thomas area, a high number caused by an unprecedented scarcity of housing inventory. With phase 1 of Tarry’s newest St. Thomas subdivision just opening, he said the 92 single lots available have already been sold on deposit within the first four days of their release, leading him to believe the housing boom will not calm down any time soon.

Chris Cox, a Springfield parent and community services co-ordinator for the Township of Malahide, said he looks after buildings and fa-

a few of the projects being worked on, including having 80 students from Grade 10 classes at PCI, AVSS and CECI participate in programs that will give them four high school credits in English, science, civics and careers and integrated arts.

In a report from the U.S. Department of Labour, Moyes noted that 65 percent of today’s school children will eventually be employed in jobs that have not yet been created due to rapid changes in technology. That’s one of the main reasons the STEAM Education Centre offers so many advanced programs for children dealing with coding and artificial intelligence. “The STEAM school will transcend the way students have gone to school normally,” she said.

“It’s going to be incredible. “

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

Melissa Schneider

3 The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

St. Thomas council briefs

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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Dowler Karn laces up to lead the RCRR pack again MIKE MALONEY

The Weekly News

The event itself might still be more than four months off, but preparations for the annual Railway City Road Races (RCRR) are well underway.

On May 2, organizers of the event officially announced that Dowler Karn — Esso Fuels would be returning as the presenting sponsor for the 2017 edition of the event slated for Sunday, Sept. 17.

“We are thrilled to have Dowler Karn as our event sponsor again this year,” said RCRR organizing

committee member Nancy Lawrence.

Built initially on the success of the previous Lace Up For STEGH fundraiser, this year marks the fourth time the event has been held under the Railway City banner.

This is also the second year the RCRR will host a half-marathon race in addition to the 5-and 10km runs. The card also includes what organizers call the ChooChoo Challenge for runners aged 10 and under.

In its inaugural year, the half marathon attracted 100 runners

and organizers hope to build on the success of that race again this time around. Unlike the other distances, which start and finish at the CASO Station, the half-marathon gets underway in Port Stanley then winds its way back to the finish line in St. Thomas.

In 2016, the RCRR raised close to $17,000 for the orthopedic program at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Lawrence said as ambitious as it might be, the plan is to beat that number. “The goal every year is to build on the success from the previous year and the numbers continue to grow.”

MIKE MALONEY PHOTO

Dowler Karn’s Dave Karn and Barb Molinaro pose with committee members Nancy Lawrence, Corinne Roos, Carolyn Johnson and Rob Broadbent.

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Construction crews work to back-fill the excavation at the corner of Bridge Street and Carlow Road on May 3.

Sewer setback in Port Stanley

explained Lloyd Perrin, director of physical services for Central Elgin.

Perrin added that due to the nature of preAn update to the sanitary sewer system vious industrial and commercial activities in in Port Stanley has hit a speed bump that’s the area, the possibility of finding contamination on the site was one that came as no bound to affect the project’s bottom line. real surprise and had been On April 26, work on factored into the project’s the installation of new planning. sewer lines at the corFor now, the corner of ner of Bridge Street and Bridge Street and Carlow Carlow Road came to a “Once we get the Road has been back-filled halt when the presence of treatment plant on and will be re-opened to light hydrocarbons were discovered in groundwa- site and set up and the traffic. Carlow Road south of Bridge Street remains ter being pumped from ­dewatering ­process closed, but the detour the excavation. started, we can start route remains open for After consultations betraffic wishing to access tween the Municipality digging again.”

McAsphalt and the boat of Central Elgin and the launch.

Ministry of Environment, Lloyd Perrin It’s expected to take up Energy and Climate Physical Services to four weeks to get the Change (MOEECC), a temporary treatment plant decision was made to Central Elgin on site and up and running bring in a portable waste as well as obtain the rewater treatment plant to handle the contaminated water, even though quired operating permits from the ministry, the concentration of contaminants was be- noted Perrin. By re-arranging the project’s low established guidelines for what can be construction timetable and possibly adjusting the working hours, he thinks a planned released into the environment.

Originally projected to cost an estimated completion date of early July could still be $1.8 million for the new pumping station possible. and associated sewer work, the cost of treat- “Once we get the treatment plant on site ing the contaminated groundwater could and set up and the dewatering process startadd as much as another $200,000 to that bill, ed, we can start digging again.”

Mike maloney

The Weekly News

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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This late-sleeping beauty The frayed threads of life MICKEY’S World Mickey Reid

Some of life’s pleasures are scarce.

Sleeping in is one of them.

My readers with young children may as well skip over this column topic. It doesn’t pertain to you. Those whose partners don’t share the same schedules, you will have to figure this option out for yourselves.

I’m only the messenger.

I rarely get the chance for this luxury and look forward to the opportunity, even counting the days. “Sleeping in” doesn’t mean the same thing to everybody. 9 a.m. may be a late hour to rise for some, while snoozing to noon is an amazing achievement for others.

There are aggravating, unanticipated barriers to staying in bed a little longer. As I enjoy the quiet stolen hours, the clang of an early garbage truck shatters the silence.

Defiantly disregarding the noise, I drift off again only to be awakened minutes later by its natural progression. The recycle truck.

Inevitably, other commotions arise. Birds begin singing non-stop at 4 a.m., continu-

ing in volume as the day progresses. My energy-fuelled neighbour mows the lawn at daybreak.

Pets, whose only sense of time exists in their stomachs, are relentless (and ingenious) in their attempts to get you up.

Meticulous planning is needed when a chance to sleep longer presents itself.

Staples such as eye masks, earplugs and room-darkening curtains are handy. Extra slumber can be disrupted by automatically timed items. Remember to turn off pre-set work alarms, programmed coffee makers, and televisions. (I like my TV’s alarm feature, but rudely waking to world disasters sets a whole new mood for the day).

Also, invoking the privacy feature on your cell phone ensures only your personalized callers can interrupt your bonus siesta. It’s OK to be choosy.

Dr. Oz advised about a study revealing every hour of sleep beyond seven increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. My calculations suggest I’m just making up for those many short five-hour nights. I’ve personally determined that there is no such thing as “over sleeping.”

I admit there is a bit of guilt associated with sleeping in — thinking about what other things you could be doing instead.

But that’s easily justified I need my beauty sleep.

Does this scenario resonate with you? For whatever reasons have you lost contact with people you cared about in your life. A death HEALING A HEART’S loss does not have to be the reason for reconLOSS necting, but at this time in her life she had the Barbara J. Saunders time and fewer commitments that enabled her to make different choices.

I once spoke with an individual who was “Weave the frayed threads of my life trying to put her life back together after the back together.” Can you picture your frayed death of someone dear to her. This took a threads? Were there times when life came lot of time and effort on her part. Often she unravelled and the people you would have did not know what to do or where to turn for liked to connect with were not there for you help. She did know that no one could do it due to whatever reason? for her.

Reconnecting may be as easy as a phone Over time this woman decided that it was call, letter or Facebook message. Perhaps time to reconnect with her past; a past aspect you have been contacted by someone who of her life that included friends whom she is trying to weave the frayed threads of their had not seen in many years. Through contact life back together. Do you ponder what to do with family, other friends and social media or welcome the reconnection of this person in venues such as Facebook she started her your life? process as she stated of, “weaving the frayed When heartfelt connections are made threads of my life back together.” they never die in your heart, no matter how She said new relationships, raising a fam- old you are. Life is too short to miss being ily, job and general life commitments neces- connected to people who care about you and sitated the withdrawal from some friendship whom you care about. Go ahead and take connections. She made it clear that it was a care of your “frayed threads”. time or distance concerns; she could not be Barbara J. Saunders is a grief counsellor/ everything to everyone.

Thanatologist.

Always journey forward

Courage to fight the bully

criticism is deemed “inappropriate.” Is it possible that we are not to display inappropriate behaviour to a bully? Even when we As I are right, do we have to submit to a bully? see it It is possible to maintain our indepenRick Wellwood dence if we reduce our economic dependence on our neighbour to the south.

At least once in our lifetime we have been We have to expand trade with Europe and Asia as well as the Pacific nations. Most of cautioned against bullying, whether as a bully or a victim of such aggression. It may South America would be ideal for a strong trade relationship for any commodity. Softhave begun in a schoolyard or in the halls wood lumber would be welcome. I have of high school. enjoyed wines from Chile and Argentina.

Some people are shamed out of this beThe channels are open and need more haviour and others still use the strong-arm active trading than we have done so far. tactic to get what they want.

We can’t wait for President Trump to be At the moment, Canada is in a dispute over softwood lumber, something that has impeached and open to litigation.

We can respect the title of president, but been going on for years. It always seems to go to arbitration. Canada has won all of respecting the man himself is not a requirethese decisions, and the U.S. ignored those ment. A Canadian statesman, concerned decisions as if they were never made in the about Trump’s ignorance of environmental protections, referred to the “leader of the first place.

It seems we can expect America to refuse Free World” as an idiot and moron.

Soon, other statesman will work up the honoring the arbitration. They are big, courage. strong and self-involved. Any Canadian Founded in 2009 by Terry Carroll

Something to think about Pastor Cusick On a trip down from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea in the land of Israel, you will find Bedouin people who are primarily shepherds. I recently saw a video that helps explain the shepherding techniques in Israel. When I had seen the Bedouin people with the flocks, it looked like they were living in a desert. One immediately wonders how the flocks survive. Well, I learned how.

The rich pasture land of Israel is used for farming. Shepherds use what initially appears to be desert, barren lands.

Of particular note would be the side of mountains — if you look closely, you will see the tracks or paths made by the sheep as they walk along.

What looks like total barrenness actually is not. For right beside the larger stones and rocks, moisture from the winds and early morning dew gathers and produces a few blades of grass.

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The sheep will move along these paths and eat mouthfuls of grass all day long.

There are no ‘pasture lands’ as such, but they find enough blades of grass as they forage among the rocks on the side of mountains.

It is interesting that David — who wrote most of the book of Psalms in the Bible — wrote what is probably the most famous of the Psalms — Psalm 23.

In this Psalm he states, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Now, most sheep never see the green pastures that we envision. What they do see is the tuft of grass among the rocks. Shepherds guide the sheep to their daily feed. There was no sense of — stay here — there is ample feed for a week! No they had to keep moving. Rabbis teach that worry is dealing with tomorrow’s problems on today’s pasture.

The green pastures are not everything you need for the rest of your life — they are what you need for today. Part of life is understanding the necessity of journey. Part of spirituality is understanding journey and moving forward. Stay where you are and you will run out of food. And that, is something to think about.

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Steve Bond

May has been designated National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness month. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is estimated that one in 3,600 children are born with CF in this country, and every week the disease will claim another Canadian life.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, meaning that the person has the disease from birth. It occurs when a child inherits two defective copies of the gene responsible for CF, one from each parent.

Approximately one in 25 Canadians is a CF carrier, carrying only one defective version of the gene responsible.

Carriers do not have, and can never get, CF. In most cases, they are not even aware they are carriers until they have a child with the disease. When two carriers have a child, there is a 25 percent chance the child will be born with CF, 50 percent chance the child will not have CF, but will be a carrier, and a 25 percent chance the child will not have CF and will not be a carrier With each pregnancy, the risks are

mike maloney photo

FEET IN ACTION: Close to 70 people made the most of the first sunshine in days to take part in the annual Mandarin MS Walk on May 7. Kicking off from Parkside Collegiate Institute, particiapants had the choice of making their way around either a two- or five-kilometre course winding its way through Pinafore Park before ending up back at the school. While the final numbers had yet to be tabulated by organizers, they hoped to raise an estimated $18,000 in support of the MS Society of Canada.

The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

health talk

exactly the same. Two carrier parents may have several children with cystic fibrosis or none at all.

In Ontario, (and some other provinces) newborn screening is performed in hospital. This is accomplished by a simple heal blood test. If the test is positive, it does not confirm diagnosis. It simply means that further testing is required.

Although CF affects many systems of the body, it primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, a build-up of mucus causes increasing breathing problems. It may be difficult to clear bacteria from the lungs, leading to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damage the lungs. Mucus and protein also build up in the gut making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. The pancreas is affected leading to diabetes.

Thanks to early detection and treatment, half of all Canadians with cystic fibrosis are expected to live into their 40s and beyond.

Locally, the Emily Morgan Foundation provides financial assistance in Emily’s name. They also are running a golf tournament on Saturday, May 20.

For more information about this incredible girl and the tournament, I suggest you check out their webpage, www. emilymorganfoundation.com.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

Cystic fibrosis — taking your breath away

7

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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St. Thomas teacher receives national recognition Mike maloney

The Weekly News

When you first meet Kathy Cepo, there is no mistaking the fact that whether it’s in front of a class teaching chemistry or working with the robotics team at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, she is one of those teachers that really loves her job.

Just how much of that enthusiasm and passion she has been able to instill upon her students over the past 17 years was recognized last week when Cepo was awarded with a Certificate of Excellence at the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.

One of 11 national-level recipients of the awards for 2016/17, Cepo was presented with her Certificate of Excellence

by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a former teacher himself, during a ceremony held at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa on May 3.

Nominated back in January by fellow St. Joseph’s teacher and friend Michelle Mas-

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saro, Cepo actually found out in April that she had won the award, but had to keep the news under wraps until it was officially announced last week.

Born and raised in St. Thomas, Cepo found her way back to St. Joe’s about 12 years ago where she has taught science and chemistry since then. She was also instrumental in getting the school’s robotics team — Team 4526 Renaissance Robotics — up and running five years ago.

“I’ve always loved science. I just thought that science was the best way to learn about yourself and how we fit into the world,” said Cepo.

She readily admits that she couldn’t do what she does without the support of her family and colleagues at work.

“You cannot win an award like this in isolation,” she said. “I had the opportunity to win this award because I work at an amazing school — St. Joseph’s Catholic High School. It has the best teachers, the most innovative and inspiring teachers that I have worked with and because of them, I am a better teacher.”

Any teacher who’s around one place long enough eventually gets known for a particular quirk or trait.

Asked for one familiar to the students at St. Joe’s and her answer comes with a big smile. “I think it’s for being excited,” said Cepo. “I get excitable about what I’m teaching because if I’m not excited about it, there is no way they are going

mike maloney photo

2016/17 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence recipient, Kathy Cepo.

to be excited about it either. So if they can see I’ve got passion for what I’m doing, I definitely think it will pique interest in those kids.”

On her first day back from Ottawa after receiving the award, the school held a surprise assembly in Cepo’s honour complete

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with flowers and a small presentation of their own.

“That was really nice because at the end of the day, why am I doing this? I’m doing it for them and not for me,” remarked Cepo. “To see that they appreciate it has been amazing.”

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Munching with the Mayors

Every day, the Elgin Eat2Learn student nutrition program provides support for local schools that run breakfast and snack programs for their students.

While primary funding for Eat2Learn comes from the Ministry of Children and Youth ­Services through the Ontario Student Nutrition Program, they wouldn’t be able to do what they do without addition support from various other community partners including the municipalities themselves. In recognition of Education Week, Eat2Learn invited local mayors out to some of those schools to take part in its Munching with the Mayors event.

The idea of the initiative was to give the politicians a better understanding of just how their financial support for the program helps

local students explained Eat2Learn community co-ordinator, Charlotte McDonald.

One of those taking part was Dutton ­Dunwich Mayor Cameron McWilliam who stopped in at Dunwich-Dutton Public School on May 4. McWilliam soon found himself put to work chopping fruit and vegetables for snack trays destined for every class in the school of over 320 students.

“It’s important that people get nutritious meals and that they understand where their food comes from and make sure that every one has a nutritious snack to learn,” said ­McWilliam. “It’s been proven that when you have a well-fed mind, you have better grades, do good at school, and in life.”

By Mike Maloney

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

Under the watchful eyes of snack program co-ordinator Kim Wichert, Dutton Dunwich Mayor, Cameron McWilliam puts his cutting skills to the test during a Munching with the Mayors event at DunwichDutton Public School on May 4.

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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Pierre Elliott Trudeau students, including (from left) Kurt Oberas, 11, Owen Poppleton, 7, and Harrison Halpenny, 6, made glitter bottles with food colouring and sparkle glue.

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Wellness fair offers kids insight into stress

dents at Pierre Elliott Trudeau (PET) French Immersion, in St. Thomas, held The Weekly News 323 Talbot St. 519-631-1530 their second wellness fair on April 27.

There was a time, not all that long Involving eight different activity staSt.Thomas/Elgin ago, when the idea of talking to elemen- tions, the fair, according to Grade 4 tary school kids about stress would have teacher Tyler Kennedy, provided stuseemed a ridiculous. dents with insights into the school’s apAs important discussions around men- proach to mental wellbeing. tal health have become more prevalent, “We follow this model called feed the impact stress and anxiety can have all four, which is emotional, spiritual, on children as young as four years old mental and physical. We try to tap into has forced parents and teachers alike to all four of those areas to promote good start those very conversations. mental health in the school,” he said.

But whether it’s teaching kids about “We’re trying to show them they can science, languages or mental health, learn, but it doesn’t have to be just sit it’s always easier to share those lessons and preach at them.” while having some fun.

The kids circle around to all the variThat was one of the reasons why stu- ous stations, which either promote ways to stay healthy, or provide strategies for reducing stress.

For example, at one station, the students created a glitter bottle out of water, Axel and Link are 4 years old. They are pug and spaniel mixes, very food colouring and glitter friendly and social. They love each other and we want to keep them glue. together in a new home. Being pugs, they are full of energy and They were then shown personality! A fenced yard is a must for these two boys, and a family how to use the bottle in who will keep them busy with lots of activity. They are fully vetted. practicing mindfulness.

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“The idea is if we can Speakers create better mental health around the school we’ll see the grades go up,” Kennedy Subwoofers Elgin Veterinary Clinics said. “So we’re connectElgin Animal Hospital – 9789 Sunset Rd. St. Thomas ing the mental wellbeing to GPS/DVD 631-0430 • www.elginanimalhospital.com our academic performance. the general idea of Talbot Animal Clinic - 930 Talbot St. St. Thomas 175 South Edgeware That’s the fair.”

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lars of character development, the environment, physical activity and nutrition — was a big part of putting the fair together.

Committee co-chair Kari FergusonMcCaw said mental wellness is something that cannot be addressed enough.

“It’s a critical need; it’s everywhere.

Kids need to know its OK to talk about their feelings, to say when they’re not OK,” she said. “If we start them young, talking about their emotions, talking about their day, talking about things that upset them, it will help them learn coping skills that will benefit them the rest of their lives.”

From his perspective, Kennedy said it’s important to focus on mental health, even for the young students at PET, which includes senior kindergarten to Grade 6 (ages 4-12).

Of course, he’s quick to add that what stress looks like to someone in Grade 6 is going to be different than someone in kindergarten.

But the potential impacts are equally severe.

“Under stress they start to doubt themselves, they start to shut down. They’re unwilling to take risks anymore because of self-doubt,” he said. “The fear of being wrong is a huge problem. It’s OK to make mistakes. That’s how we learn.

The little guys for sure won’t talk, become nervous, have socialization issues . . . it’s my belief that’s what happens when they’re dealing with stress.”

Ferguson-McCaw said she talks with kids regularly about how they feel when they’re stressed, what stress is, and how their bodies feel when they’re feeling stressed.

“It’s easy for them to communicate their heart pounds really hard or they feel sick or feel sad or feel like they have to run away and be by themselves or a support person to talk to,” she said.

“I think it’s very different from when I was a kid; we just didn’t talk about it. I think we’ve come a long way.”

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BUGGIES AND BUNNIES: Motivated by a desire to help local children, the team at Off-Road Addictions recently held a fundraiser called “Bunnies and Buggies.” During the event, they collected donations of toys, colouring books, art supplies, and Easter baskets for some of the younger patients who spent Easter in the Women’s and Children’s unit at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH). Pictured here accepting the donation on behalf of the STEGH Foundation is Sue Warden, flanked

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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Theatre wraps up season with a sip of southern comedy

Wooten and Nicholas Hope, The Savannah Sipping Society is a story about four southern women, The Aylmer Community Theatre all with their own problems, but (ACT) is getting ready to wrap drawn together by fate. Misadvenup its 2016/17 season with some ture, laughter, and lasting friendsouthern hospitality spiked with a ship ensue as the four get their lives back on track. generous helping of comedy.

Written by Jessie Jones, Jamie Directed by ACT stalwart Peter Leack, the play, which is set in current times, stars three faces familiar to local audiences, Judy UP • Blinds Jacoletti, BarTO • Shades bara Warnock and Sue Evert, • Shutters as well as newKaren • Quilting Supplies • Fabrics • Sewing Supplies comer UPHOLSTERY SALE • Quality Window Treatments • Custom(regular Blinds Lewis. in •stock only. & Shop at Home Service “We’re dealShadesmaterials & Drapery Installation price) ing with four Since women from 1960 the south — Mike maloney

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one from Oklahoma, one from Texas, one from Georgia and one from Louisiana — all single, all in mid-life,” explained Leack. “They find themselves on their own asking what are they going to do to get their lives kick-started again.

They all have individual problems, which reveal themselves through the course of the play.”

ACT veteran Judy Jacoletti plays the role of “southern belle,” Randa Covington.

“She is a very hard-working lady, doesn’t know very much about relationships in the world because she dove into building a career for herself. Having some family issues, she is very jealous of her brother and her grandmother doesn’t see her as valuable as her brother,” explained Jacoletti.

“Then I just come upon some really interesting ladies in an unusual situation and make some good

mike maloney photo

Cast members (from left) Judy Jacoletti, Karen Lewis, Barbara Warnock and Sue Evert run through their lines during early rehearsals for The ­Savannah Sipping Society.

friends that I never thought was possible.”

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act, but consistently found life getting in the way of those aspirations.

Now the stars have finally aligned and she’s taking her shot.

Finding all three co-stars supportive through the rehearsal process, the one thing she is worried about when it comes time to actually appear on stage is “Will I have enough time to change wardrobe behind the curtains,” said Lewis with a laugh.

The biggest challenge really, she added, is assuming the outgoing nature of her character. “I’m not usually the go-getter, the fireball.

I think it is forcing me out of my shell.”

The Savannah Sipping Society opens Thursday, May 11 and runs through Saturday, May 20 at the Old Town Hall Theatre in Aylmer.

For times and further ticket information, visit the ACT website, www.aylmertheatre.ca.

Police nab heavy equipment thieves

Local police forces including the OPP, Strathroy Caradoc and St. Thomas police services have arrested six people in connection to a number of heavy equipment thefts.

An investigation was launched back in January after several pieces of heavy equipment were reported stolen. In addition to the arrests, more than $220,000 worth of stolen goods have been recovered including two skid steers, a mini-excavator and a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle.

Among those charged is 49-yearold Reno Brush from St. Thomas

who faces nine counts of theft over $5,000 and one of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

51-year-old James McGrath from West Lorne faces the same charges as well as one of possession of property obtained by crime and another for having an obliterated vehicle identification number.

The charges have not been proven in court.

Anyone with information can contact the OPP at 1-888-3101122. Or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

13

Home&Garden

Surviving a home reno with your sanity intact

FA R M M A R K E T

as much routine as possible, things will go much more smoothly. Keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and after-school lessons, etc. the same as they always were, as much as possible.

Expect the unexpected. Even if your renovation team says the job will take six weeks, there’s a good chance that Murphy’s Law will kick in and you’ll end up looking down the barrel of a two-month renovation. Things happen, and it’s important to arm yourself with a healthy measure of being able to roll with the punches.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to keep things in perspective. When things seem to be taking long than expected, costing more than you thought, and when eating food out of the microwave on your coffee table is no longer an adventure, try to focus on the fact that it will be all worth it in the end. You are renovating your home so that it serves our family better, and if you keep that goal in mind, things will go much more smoothly, even in the face of the upheaval that can come from trying to live through a renovation project.

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The decision to undertake a home renovation is not a small one. Aside from the expense and time involved, there’s a good degree of disruption involved in giving your home a new look. Here’s how to survive a home renovation project with your wits still about you.

Whether you stay with family, take up residence in a hotel, or plan a strategically timed vacation, one of the best ways to survive a renovation is to simply not be home during the process. Living in a construction zone is anything but fun, and if you can vacate the premises during your renovation, that’s the best-possible scenario.

Unfortunately, moving out entirely during your renovation isn’t always possible. Whether for financial reasons or simply because of logistics, sometimes it makes more sense to stay home. If that’s the case, the first order of business should be to find another way to do things. Confused?

Let me explain. Say for example you’re having your kitchen renovated. How are you going to cook? Relocate your microwave to another room, cook on your BBQ, and embrace the idea of sandwiches for dinner. If it’s your main bathroom that’s being renovated, you may need to take sponge baths for awhile and let the whole family use your ensuite bath.

Next, it’s important to keep the dust corralled. Construction is dusty business! Keep the construction area sectioned off from the parts in which you’re still living. This can be as simple as putting up some plastic sheeting from the hardware store, sealed with painter’s tape. In many cases, your construction team may do this for you, but if not, feel free to do it yourself.

Keep up with routine as much as possible, especially if you have kids. Although there will almost certainly be an amount of chaos during a renovation, if you can keep to

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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As the weather warms up, most families start to spend more time outside. Before you set up camp on your deck for the summer, however, there’s some maintenance that should be done. Because your deck is exposed to the elements all winter, by the time spring comes around it’s probably going to need a little facelift. Here are a few things you can do to breathe some life into your deck this spring and keep it protected and beautiful all summer long.

Power wash the deck If mold and mildew accumulates on your deck, rot can soon follow. Avoid this by first removing surface debris from between the boards and sweeping the deck thoroughly.

Then, using a product designed for cleaning the type of deck you have (whether it’s wood, composite or vinyl) give the deck a thorough cleaning and allow it to thoroughly dry.

Add a sealer A sealant will protect your deck from wear and tear, water damage, and sun fading.

Choose from a clear sealant, which will allow the wood’s natural finish to shine through a tonal sealer which adds a wash of colour and some UV light while still allowing the natural woodgrain to shine through a semi-transparent stain that offers some colour but not full coverage, or a solid stain, which offers opaque coverage and maximum weather protection.

Once you choose your sealing product, it’s time to prepare the deck. Be sure to wear

a mask, gloves, and eye protection when staining and/or sealing your deck, to protect yourself.

Check the forecast It’s best to choose a time period when you are likely to have sunny skies, no rain, and mild, but not hot, temperatures. Ideally, you’ll need a two-day period to complete the process.

Sand the deck This is an important step, as it prepares the surface of the deck to receive the sealer and removes any residue left behind by the cleaning process.

Fix any issues If you notice any missing screws or nails, now is the time to fix them. If the nails are protruding a lot, it’s a good idea to remove them entirely, replacing them with shorter ones. If the nails are only slightly raised, it may be safer to hammer the protruding portion back into the wood.

Apply the sealant Using a roller, apply the sealant in an even, thin coat. You may need to apply a couple of coats for the desired amount of coverage. Resist the temptation to go for a thick coat instead; the results won’t be as good.

Once you’ve sealed your deck, be sure it stays off limits for two days so the stain/ sealant can fully cure. Once that time has elapsed, your deck will be fully protected and ready for another season of outdoor living!

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Throw Canada the best birthday party ever!

If you’ve always wanted to throw a Canada Day party, 2017 is the year to do it! With our home and native land turning 150 this summer, there are more than a few reasons to celebrate.

What’s the key to having the best Canada Day party? Being prepared. Here are a few of the things you’ll need to throw an event to remember.

Ample seating If you’re having a Canada Day party, you’re probably going to be outside most of the time. Be sure that all your guests have a place to sit! Think about where people congregate, and create seating groupings that go along with that. If you’re having lots of kids and seating is at a premium, grab some blankets and spread them on the grass with excited cries of “picnic time!” If you are really short on chairs, however, consider renting a few to make sure everyone has a comfortable place to take a load off.

Decorations When it comes to Canada Day, red and white is the obvious theme choice!

Head to the dollar store to find plates, napkins, cutlery, and containers such as buckets and baskets in plain red and white, and then get a few party decorations with a decidedly Canadian flair, such as Canada Day banners, maple

free party, make as much of the food leaf adorned balloons, and more. as possible ahead of time. Since you’re Fire pit/Fire Table Summer evenings can get cool, so probably serving BBQ food, you can having a way to warm up is always a make all of the sides ahead of time good idea. As an added bonus, you (salads, cornbread, fruit/veggie trays, can use the fire pit to roast wieners etc.) and then just grill up the main or make s’mores! Before you get a fire events when the time comes. For a table or fire pit, however, be sure your nod to Canada’s culinary tradition, why city bylaws allow for them. In some not serve butter tarts? jurisdictions, they are not allowed.

Fun for the kids Your adult guests are likely content to sit around chatting, eating, and enjoying a beverage or two, but the kids will quickly get bored. And as every parent knows, there’s nothing worse than a bored kiddo looking to go home. Consider providing something fun for the younger set to do. This can be something as simple as some bubbles to blow or sidewalk chalk, YOUR or you can get your PinterFULL-SERVICE DEALER FEATURING KITCHEN AID, est on and create a largeMAYTAG & WHIRLPOOL Factory trained technicians 7 APPLIANCES on staff serving London, scale backyard board game St. Thomas & Area to keep the kids occupied.

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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Let your garden show its national pride this Canada Day! The entire country is gearing up for Canada’s sesquicentennial this July. With such an important event on the horizon, why not plant your garden in a way that will herald Canada’s birthday in the most patriotic of ways? These red and white plants will give your garden a distinctly Canadian flair this summer.

Hydrangeas come in a wide variety of colours, but to give your garden a true shot of white colour, Pee Gee hydrangeas are a great choice. They bloom from mid-summer until late fall with their beautiful white blooms and unique texture.

Another stunning white flower is the Diana Rose of Sharon, which also blooms all summer and into the fall. Plant this robust flower in a spot where it will get full sun and in which it will have lots of room to spread, as it can have a spread of about 8 feet side to side at maturity. To add a bit of patriotism to your garden, consider planting the Canadian Shield rose.

For another dash of that oh-so-Canadian red hue, a Scarlet Flowering Quince is a good option. They are robust growers with a long season, and will offer your garden a shot of an eye-catching crimson hue. As a bonus, these are relatively easy to grow, so even if your

thumb isn’t as green as you wish it were, you can still get some beautiful results. Consider planting Scarlet Flowering Quince as a backdrop for other plants, as it grows to a height of about four feet and will spread quite wide when fully grown.

Geraniums are another good option, as they come in both red and white options and add an interesting texture to your garden as well.

Perennials in both red and white are a pretty choice for your patriotic garden, too.

On the red side, choose from things like daylilies and coral bells. For a crisp pop of white, Shasta daisies fit the bill beautifully.

If you are looking to plant a tree to honour Canada’s big day, a Royal Red Maple will give you a majestic tree full of fiery red leaves – and what’s more Canadian than a red maple leaf?

This spring, plant a garden that will sing your Canadian pride loud and clear. When choosing flowers and plants for your garden, be sure to choose those that are not only in our patriotic colours, but also that will have similar growing seasons and conditions, so your entire Canada Day garden blooms at the same time.

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

17

Home&Garden It all starts with the soil

If the soil isn’t right, your garden is never going to be the best it can be. No matter how green your thumb, if your soil isn’t the right texture, nutrient balance, and composition, your garden won’t be the envy of your neighborhood.

For general gardening purposes, the soil should have a crumbly texture and be comprised of mostly equal parts sand, clay, silt, and organic matter. The easier the soil is to dig through, the better the plants’ roots will be able to penetrate the soil. Crumbly soil will also allow for good drainage while still being able to hold on to the appropriate amount of water that the plant needs.

The first step toward improving your garden’s soil is to understand the soil you currently have. To determine the kind of soil that’s in your garden today, do what’s known as the squeeze test: Add a few drops of water to dry soil. Squeeze the soil into a ball and the try to form a flat ribbon from the

soil. If the soil fall apart, your soil is sandy. If you can create a ribbon that is about an inch long, the soil is loamy. If the soil sticks together and you can create a ribbon that is longer than two inches, the soil has a high clay content.

Now that you know what kind of soil you have, it’s time to make some improvements. Adding organic matter the soil, regardless of the kind of soil it is, will help to improve it by adding nutrients, and improving the texture and aeration. Kitchen compost matter, leaves, and sawdust are the great choices for organic matter.

Use manure with caution, as it can contain weed seeds, which you definitely don’t want in your garden! Spread your organic matter over the soil evenly an till it into the soil to a depth of about 10-12 inches. Organic matter doesn’t provide balanced fertilization, however. To boost nutrition and foster robust plant growth, many home gardeners like to add commercial fertilizer as well.

In addition to fertilizing the soil, it’s also a good idea to know the pH level of it. Most plants will flourish best in soil that has a neutral pH level. Test your soil using a pH testing kit, available at most garden centres. Note, however, that you can only alter your soil’s pH temporarily, in most cases. It’s usually more effective to choose your plants according to the soil you have, rather than trying to alter your soil according to what you want to grow.

A beautiful garden starts with good soil. To achieve soil perfection, first understand what kind of soil you have. Then, nourish the soil with fertilizer and plant according to pH level of the soil. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, robust garden full of healthy, thriving plants.

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

1st Sparta Beavers, Cubs and Scouts planted over 1,000 trees on the Cronk property on Old Dexter Line on May 6.

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1,000 new trees planted Melissa Schneider

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Over 1,000 trees were planted by 1st ­ parta Beavers, Cubs and Scouts on Kyle S and Isabel Cronk’s farm on Old Dexter Line on May 6.

Trees were donated by the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) and John and Pat Watterworth of Watterworth Farms in West Elgin. An Elgin County sponsor for the One Million Trees Challenge, Watterworth Farms provided 300 maple trees to Cronk, while CCCA supplied long-needle pine trees, oak trees as well as a few other native species.

“I just like to be a little bit of an environmentalist and do good things for the environment,” Cronk said.

Since 2011 the Cronks have planted over 2,000 trees on their property.

Pam Helmer, who has been the 1st Sparta Beavers, Cubs and Scouts leader for the past

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14 years said each year her troop goes out to plant trees. “It’s a Scouts Canada program that we participate in every year.”

Though the weather wasn’t the greatest — it was cold and rainy — the group still had fun tree planting and capped off their day with a barbeque held at the Cronks.

Kyle, who has purchased trees from CCCA in the past, was thankful the conservation authority donated trees to the scout group.

He added it was important to him to plant the trees not just as an erosion barrier, but also because it was good for the environment.

“It’s nice to have the trees suck up some of the water we have to hold the soil in place,” he said. “It’s not just good for the environment, today it’s good for the scouts. Planting trees is good for everyone.”

The Watterworth’s participation in the One Million Trees Challenge started April 2 and saw the farmers give over 550 trees away in the first two hours. They then took orders for more trees they will provide in the fall. Trees will be given to anyone who wishes to plant them, with the only request being that in return people take and submit pictures of where their tree has been planted.

Sparta resident David Harding also got in on the tree planting fun, wearing his original uniform from 1956 when he was a 16-year-old Scout Master with the 1st Minden Scout group. “You are never too old to be part of a great event,” Harding said.

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19 The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

TRAINING THE TRAINERS: Eight members of the St. Thomas Fire Department recently spent four days upgrading their training on a variety of different water rescue techniques. Working with an external training agency specializing in teaching water rescue, the purpose of the exercise was to provide local firefighters with the necessary skills to conduct the ongoing training for the department itself. Subjects addressed during the course included flat water rescue, swift water techniques, rescues in water close to dams and the use of various types of specialized equipment such as the department’s inflatable Rapid Deployment Craft.

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Melissa Schneider For the Weekly News

Canadian Blood Services is issuing a plea to local residents to help stop a donation shortfall in the area.

With monthly clinics running at the St. Thomas Timken Community Centre and Memorial Arena, Kristen Ungar, territory manager donor relations for Ontario and Nunavut is urging interested donors to check out their website at www.blood.ca to determine eligibility to donate.

“St. Thomas and the surrounding community is so supportive, but we do need some more new donors,” Ungar said. “We are encouraging people who are 17 and older to become a blood donor for the first time.”

Blood donations are typically counted as units, with Ungar explaining that someone in a severe car crash could need up to 50 donors to save their life.

“A lot of people give because they knew someone who needed blood products,” she said. “If you’re afraid of needles it’s no big deal and our staff is great.

They will take good care of you.”

The next clinics will be held Wednesday, May 17 at the Timken Centre from 2:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 3 at the Memorial Arena from 9 a.m. until noon. Ungar stresses the organi-

zation will need 120 signed up for the Timken Centre and 58 donors at the Memorial Arena to ensure enough blood is available when it’s needed.

Once blood is collected it’s taken back to the lab in Brampton, screened, processed and sent back out to local hospitals.

“A lot of the blood we collect in St. Thomas comes right back into the community and is used at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital,” Ungar said.

There is also a need for more volunteers in the area, with Canadian Blood Services running clinics in high schools, as well as doing student presentations.

The organization also runs the one match registry for potential stem cell donors.

The local centre is now run in London and from there, Ungar explained, staff manage the mobile clinics that will travel to place such as Elgin County.

Ungar, who has been with the company for five years said her job is rewarding. “When I’m out in the community talking about blood donation it’s an easy pitch in a way because you know you’re doing a good thing,” she said. “We meet a lot of the people who’ve needed blood and they’re so grateful to those who donate.”

Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can call 1-888-2DONATE.

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

20

Group aims to improve the quality of living and dying

SEAN MEYER

The Weekly News

The theme of National Hospice Palliative Care Week, which runs May 7-13, is living well right to the end of life.

That difficult goal has long been the mandate of South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and was one of the reasons for establishiwng a Palliative Care Outreach Team for Elgin County some 18 months ago.

This specialized team includes local physicians with an interest in palliative care, nurse practitioners, care co-ordinators, palliative pain and symptom management consultants, hospice and bereavement volunteers, and spiritual care support.

The aim of palliative care —

sometimes referred to as hospice palliative care — is to relieve suffering, while improving quality of living and dying. The palliative approach to care has been explained as offering services to patients soon after diagnosis and throughout the individual’s illness journey.

It’s an approach Donnabeth Sweetland knows full well.

Sweetland, manager of the Oxford/Elgin Palliative Care Outreach Team, said it is an approach to health care that has been formalized through this increasingly popular fulsome approach.

“I would be cautious myself in saying all of the sudden this outreach team is brand new. It’s really just formalizing what we have here, being a little more co-ordinated,” she said. “There has been a lot of work done around quality end of

life. I would say confidently there have been more informal practices.

Now it is enhancing what we already have. “ In the last 18 months, the team has worked with more than 400 patients and families in Oxford and Elgin. Sweetland estimates a little under half that number would be from Elgin County.

Many people with serious lifelimiting illness, according to Lisa Penner, South West Hospice Palliative Care Lead, are not aware of palliative care services, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, psychosocial counselling and spiritual support because they are not identified as dying or within their last months or weeks of life.

To help change this, a free event highlighting the team, along with

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many other aspects related to hospice palliative care, was held at the Knights of Columbus in St Thomas on May 9.

“The event is like a dialogue, but a die-alogue,” Sweetland said. “It’s about getting people more comfortable talking about death and planning for it. Having the information they need to make decisions; knowledge is power.”

Becky Ahrens, hospice and bereavement co-ordinator at VON Canada, said the team concept is “very important” and represents something local advocates has been working towards for some time.

When the team came together last January, she said it allowed individuals — or their families — to customize specific health care needs.

And that process was helped

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“Not all family doctors are comfortable or experienced with palliative care so they have the option of transferring care to one of our six physicians across Elgin,” Ahrens said. “We are really trying to help the community to understand that this isn’t all about end of life; it’s about quality of living while you’re alive.”

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MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS, CHURCH OR ORGANIZATION IS PART OF THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME BOOK. RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW! Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday in 2017! The Weekly News wishes to honour this momentous occasion by releasing a souvenir program. This souvenir program will be filled with lots original editorial on the people and places of Elgin County and how we helped to shape this great nation!

This editorial will all be locally written, and includes sections on our local cities and townships, military history, businesses, as well as lots of photos and personal stories from all over Elgin County. Best of all the St. Thomas/Elgin Weekly News will be publishing 10,000 copies of this fully glossy program and donating them to local charities for them to sell at local events, with those charities keeping all the proceeds of their sales!

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

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The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

Presenting

23

www.williamsfuneralhomeltd.com • 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519) 631-0850 Thurs, May 11, 18, 25 - Talbot Trail Toastmasters, 7pm - 8:30, Elgin Mall St. Thomas. in Community Rm. Guests welcome to visit for free. Have fun, build confidence, grow speaking & leadership skills employers & groups need. Interesting, inspiring talks. c/o Malcolm (226) 777-2464 May 12 - 7:30 -11:30 “PUT ON YOUR DANCIN’ SHOES” Dance to Sixty’s Band “Shades of Black”.

Porter Hall - 20 Flora Street. Lunch, Door Prizes, Cash Bar -$20/person. Call St. Hilda’s-St. Luke’s Church for tickets 519-631-0504 May 12 - Scrumptious Roast Beef Dinner, Odd Fellows Hall, 54 Moore St., St. Thomasserve 5-7pm, Adults $12.00, 6-12yrs $5.00, for info, contact: Susan 519-631-3494 May 12 - GRAB & GO Roast Pork Dinner at New Vision Community Church, 38 Aldbor-

ough Ave., Pick-up 4:30 - 6:00 pm., Pay at door $12.00 May 13- Charity BBQ with all proceeds going to the Arthritis Society. Home Hardware, 295 Wellington Street from 11:00-4:00.

May 13th - 8 a.m. to noon. St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Colborne Street, Port Stanley will be holding their annual Plant and Bake Sale. Please join us for some great buys. For information call 519-782-3971.

May 13 - 8am-12pm, Elgin County Railway Museum’s Yard Sale! 225 Wellington Street. Visit, rent a table, or donate items! $5 per table, email president@ ecrm5700.org to reserve.

May 13 - 7pm Steel Spirit III feat.

Golden Harps Steel Orchestra, St. John’s Church, 20 Flora St., tickets $20.each @ church office. contact: Dawn 519-631-7368

May 13 - Annual Spring Plant Sale, 7:30 a.m., at Horton Farmer’s Market, St. Thomas. Sponsored by the St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society.

May 13 - Union United Church: Books, Blooms and Bake sale from 9am to noon. 6008 Stone Church Rd, Union. We will have perennial plants, books, baking and vendors.

Enjoy a coffee or tea while you browse. Proceeds from our sale will go to Church community outreach.

May 13 - Spring Market and Plant Sale, 9:00 - 12:30 at Knox Presbyterian Church, St Thomas (55 Hincks Street). Perennial and house plants, sapling trees, hanging baskets, Mother¹s Day gifts, bake table, Summer reading table, spring products such as honey and maple syrup.

Coffee Break and lunch available. Something for everyone!

May 14 - St Thomas Legion Mother’s Day Breakfast!! 10 am - 1 pm, 24 John St. 519.631.0026. $8 p/person $5 kids 10 & under. Serving bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, home fries, toast, and beverage. Free Carnation flower for Moms!!

May 17 - Corners Corners, 45045 Fruit Ridge Line, start at 6:30 PM for more info call 519 637 0914, St. Thomas Field Naturalist Club May 19 - BBQ Dinner and Dance, St. Thomas Seniors Centre, Live

Entertainment ‘BlackStone’ May 24 - Port Stanley Arena, Port Stanley Lioness Club “Quartermania Auction”, Doors open at 6:00 PM. Auction begins at 7:00 PM, $5.00 admission includes one bidding paddle. Extra paddles are available for $2 each. Contact Lioness Mary Lou MacKinnon or any Lioness member for tickets or more information May 24 - Hawk Cliff South end of Fairview Ave., start at 6:30 PM for more

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Manor Cambridge on Saturday, April, 29, 2017 in her 87th year.

HIEBERT - Peter of Aylmer passed away at Niagara Falls on Sunday, April 30, 2017 in his 49th year.

JEFFERY - Robert Samuel of St. Thomas, passed away on Monday, May 1st, 2017, at the L.H.S.C. (Victoria Campus), at the age of 91.

Simple & eleganT

JONES - Phyllis Essie nee (Hounsome) of St. Thomas, passed away peacefully , on Friday , May 5th , 2017, at Elgin Manor, at the age of 95.

MACDONALD - Mary of St. Thomas, passed away peacefully at her home, on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017, at the age of 63.

MAEDEL- Donald Arthur, passed away at his residence surrounded by his loving family on

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CLAUS – Warren, with sadness, we announce the passing at L.H.S.C.-Victoria Campus on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the age of 32.

CUMMINGS - Thelma Eileen of Aylmer passed away at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in her 96th year.

DERAPS - Laureen Gisele of St. Thomas, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017, at the age of 68.

GREENSIDE, JOAN (nee BROOKS), of St. Thomas, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Cremation. No public visitation or funeral service. Sifton Funeral Home HARDY - John Larry It is with great sadness the Hardy family announce the passing of John on May 3, 2017 at the age of 76 after a long battle fighting cancer.

HART - Joan Favoretta (nee Wood) passed away at her residence, People Care Hilltop

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Wednesday, May 3, 2017 in his 92nd year.

MILLER – William of Dutton, peacefully, at his residence in Dutton on May 2, 2017, in his 83rd year.

ROSSOL – Edward, June 13, 1957 – May 4, 2017 SCHRAM- Arthur William “Big Bullfrog” passed away peacefully at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Monday, May 1, 2017 in his 79th year.

VANDENBOOM – Maria Antonia Theresia “Mary” Vandenboom (nee van den Bogaard) passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Sunday, April 30, 2017 in her 87th year.

WALKER - Mrs. Gladys Eileen of St. Thomas, formerly of Ancaster, passed away peacefully at her residence, Elgin Manor, on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017, in her 99th year.

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

Death Notices

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, May 11, 2017

24

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