St. Thomas Nov 24, 2016 by St.Thomas/Elgin Weekly News

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Brewing up festive fun

WHITNEY SOUTH The Weekly News

(Clockwise from left) Stephanie Pennacchietti, marketing and communications co-ordinator for Railway City Brewery; Tom Marks, United Way campaign chair; Darryl Lawrence, Railway City Brewery general manager; and Bobbi-Jo Gardiner, development officer for the United Way Elgin-St. Thomas sample some of the selections in preparation for their beer tasting event Friday, Dec. 2.

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WHITNEY SOUTH PHOTO

With the holidays just around the corner, the United Way Elgin-St. Thomas and Railway City Brewery are partnering for an event meant to help spread the cheer across the community. Over the first weekend in December, beer aficionados will get the chance to give back, but not only by picking up a pack of Railway City Brewery’s Cranberry Festive Lager, but also during a beer and food event on Friday, Dec. 2. “It’s an open house event . . . with a lunch and dinner,” said Bobbi-Jo Gardiner, development officer for the United Way Elgin-St. Thomas. “We’ll be having some food and some beer tasting, will all the proceeds going to the United Way.” It’s not the first time the two have teamed up, as the brewery has lent a helping hand before with everything from bottle drives, to donating a portion of the sale of certain beers to the cause. See PARTNERING, Page 4

OFA elects new president at annual general meeting MELISSA SCHNEIDER

For the Weekly News

Delegates at the annual Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Annual General Meeting celebrated OFA’s 80th anniversary and learned about the combination of technology and agriculture Nov. 20-22. Joe Dales, senior vice-president at farms.com, spoke to the crowd about the future of farming and how farms will operate going forward. “Innovation is a mindset,” he said. “Farmers have a choice — technol-

ogy can be disruptive or used as a strategy for your farm.” He said most farmers know how far they’ve come since the days of their grandparent’s farms, something he calls pretty impressive. Former OFA president Don McCabe addressed the crowd with a list from A-Z on what OFA has worked on in the past year. Topics ranged from the domestic phosphorous action plan, drought, green energy, MPAC assessments and natural gas, to the pollinator strategy and value-added processing. “This illustrates the breadth and depth of what our organization is

doing,” McCabe said. “It’s been a Charles Dickens year for Ontario farmers — the best and the worst of times.” To formally celebrate the 80th anniversary, OFA gave out three $3,500 bursaries to eligible applicants from an OFA background, who demonstrated volunteer and industry related accomplishments, and are attending an agriculturally related post-secondary education. The three winners, chosen from 54 applicants included Logan Emiry, Cassidy Smith, and Elgin County’s own Anita Rastapkevicius, the newly crowned Queen of the Furrow.

After the votes were tallied, “We may only be 1.4 percent of Keith Currie was elected the new the population, but the collective OFA president with a margin of voice of the province’s biggest in151-96. dustry needs to be heard.” Currie said the OFA is on the forefront of technological advancements, and that the time for MONDAY agriculture to be united has never - FRIDAY been more prevalent than it is toSPECIALS day. While he acknowledged that Senior’s Breakfast Special agriculture has built its own walls, Open: he will work to change that by re$4.99 Sun-Thurs coffee included building relationships. Mentorship 8am-8pm Early Bird Breakfast being a key component in board Fri-Sat $4.99 life, he will work with the 17 other Until 11am 8am-9pm board of director members to bring 960 Talbot St., St. Thomas agricultural awareness to Ontario.

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

One year later, LENSLA still ﬁghting erosion control MELISSA SCHNEIDER For the Weekly News

The landowner group dedicated to preserving Elgin County’s portion of the Lake Erie shoreline celebrated its one-year anniversary. The Lake Erie North Shore Landowner Association (LENSLA) was formed in November 2015 after a new shoreline management plan was adopted by the four local conservation authorities — Kettle Creek, Long Point Region, Catﬁsh Creek and Lower Thames Valley. Kyle Cronk, LENSLA president and high bluffs property

owner, drove along the shoreline from Norfolk to Chatham-Kent delivering letters asking concerned residents to band together to stand against a plan he deemed unfair. “All the people on the lakeshore seemed to come together to take a stand against the plan,” he said. “We weren’t going to let our $34 million fall into the lake. Managed retreat is not what we’re about and it wasn’t right.” The group recently celebrated its successes with a supper at the Port Stanley Legion. Since they started, two conservation authorities have reversed their decision to support the report.

The plan was funded by the four authorities, with some help from the province, as a response to the high levels of erosion occurring along the lakeshore. The 166-page report created by Baird & Associates cost about $190,000. Secretary treasurer Dominique Giguere called on members to keep up the pressure on the remaining conservation authorities by being in attendance at their meetings to make sure the issue stays at the forefront while Cronk said LENSLA is monitoring, watching and holding people accountable. “LENSLA has morphed to a

group of concerned citizens that will be watchful of blatant policy violations.” The group plans to start heading west to make some trails into the other end of the county leading into Chatham-Kent. “Our constitution says we will hold people accountable. We have a big challenge ahead of us at Kettle Creek, but with support from you we have exposed numerous shoddy practices and will continue to do so,” Cronk said. Also in attendance at the anniversary meeting was Sue Haskett from the Bluewater Shoreline Residents’ Association.

She spoke on the impact erosion is having where she lives and what residents have been doing to prevent it. John Gillespie, who sat on the Sauble Bayﬁeld Conservation Authority’s steering committee, also talked about erosion prevention methods being used in his area. “I envision that there can be erosion control done on the north shore of Lake Erie so that we can look like the bluffs in Scarborough, but we need your support,” Cronk said. “We do a lot of work but we’re invested in it not just for our benefit, but for yours.”

Friday November 25th 7pm - Dicken’s Night-time Christmas Parade Route starts at Foodland and ends at GTs. Port Stanley Sailors Hockey Team will be collecting canned. Sponsored by the Port Stanley Lions & Lioness. Following the Parade - Cookies and visit with Santa at Mackies. Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa!

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

Elgin County OPP investigate mischief case in St. Thomas The Elgin County OPP is currently investigating a case of mischief at Canadale Nurseries. Police received a report someone had cut large holes into the poly greenhouses on the north side of the property at 269 Sunset Dr., sometime between 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and 7 a.m. Nov. 14. Damage is estimated at between $500 to $1,000. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Elgin County OPP at 519-631-2920 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

Partnering for the community t

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

Continued from front

Gardiner went on to add though this will be a first for the organization, she hopes the open house will become an annual event. “A lot of little things have progressed to this partnership,” she said. “They’re really a great supporter of this community so it was only natural that we would call of them and see what we could do together to bring awareness to not only United Way, but the brewery as well.” For Stephanie Pennacchietti, marketing and communications coordinator for Railway City Brewery, the enduring partnership just makes sense. “Our community gives so much to us that we need to give back,

and we try and do that as much as we can,” she said. “So, the perfect way for us to do that is through the United Way, because it’s directly going back into places in our community.” The beer and food tasting event will take place Friday, Dec. 2 from 12-2 p.m. and 4 -6 p.m., while any Cranberry Festive Lager purchased over the weekend will see 25 cents from each can sold going to the United Way. “We’re going to have food and we’re very excited,” said Pennaccheitti. “We’re just happy to be giving back. St. Thomas has done so much for us and we wouldn’t be here without the support of this community. What better time to do it than during the holiday season?”

(Clockwise from left) Lloyd Churchill, Great Expansion campaign treasurer; John Geurtjens, vicepresident of operations for FCC; Paul Jenkins, executive director, STEGH Foundation; Hilary Pincombe, FCC relationship management associate; and Richard Gruener, FCC marketing program manager.

WHITNEY SOUTH PHOTO

Great Expansion gets $17,500 bump from Farm Credit Canada

WHITNEY SOUTH The Weekly News

Helping to sew the seeds of a healthy community, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has joined numerous other businesses and individuals across Elgin County by

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supporting the Great Expansion. On Nov. 18, representatives from FCC presented members of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) Foundation with a cheque for $17,500, to aid with the project. “Making a positive impact where our customers and employees live and work is an important part of who we are at FCC,” said John Geurtjens, vice president of operations. “Having the opportunity to show our support for this community through the expansion of this hospital means a lot to me.” The Great Expansion will enable STEGH to keep pace with a dynamic and changing healthcare system, and provide the community with a local state-of-the-art healthcare facility. As a provincial

leader in ER wait times, hospital representatives say the Great Expansion will only improve an increasingly high-performing hospital. Construction of a new threestorey tower is already well underway, and the new addition will house an emergency department, surgical suites, and a permanent home for the hospital’s mental health unit, as well as a medical devicereprocessing department. Completion of the new addition is expected in late 2017. In addition, the STEGH Foundation is also raising money for a new CT scanner. “Farm Credit Canada has supported many worthy community projects across Canada, and we are grateful that they are able to support STEGH’s Great Expansion,” said

Ken Monteith, campaign chair. “Farm Credit Canada understands the importance of strong healthy communities now, and for the future, and that means investing in our community hospital, and we are very grateful for their support.” The foundation is leading the $16-million capital campaign to help fund the Great Expansion, and thanks to the assistance of organizations like the FCC, has raised $15 million to date. “It’s such a fortunate day for our organization, and beyond that the community, because it just moves us that much closer to our goal,” said Paul Jenkins, STEGH Foundation executive director. “Things are going well, but clearly there’s still more to go and this helps us get that much further.”

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

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The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

Mickey still soldiers on When someone is dying activities just weren’t appealing . . . camping, picnics, running, hiking or anything which required a backpack. Not once did a travel MICKEY’S WORLD brochure illustrating cozy cabins or walking trails make it to the coffee table. Unlike me, he could effortlessly stow Mickey Reid away or bundle up any unwieldy item within minutes. I would consistently wrestle with It’s interesting the ways your partner’s every aggravating cord from garden tools career can influence your life. My husband, to the vacuum cleaner. There was nothing I John, had retired after 15 years in the Cana- couldn’t tangle dian Armed Forces. He’d look at me in amazement after But he never really left. discovering numerous macramé knots in our He was only a civilian on the outside. garden hose, (acutely aware of how precisely Ingrained habits are hard to break. Everyone he’d coiled it). He would whistle softly and was always addressed as “ma’am” or “sir.” sigh, “Oh my, what’s happened here?” I Friends thought he was the most well-man- would hang my head in shame. nered guy in town. I don’t claim to know much about “army” He carried a unique skill set, repairing food, but my sister insisted this was the most literally anything with methods reminiscent probable reason he loved my cooking. She of Red Green’s duct tape solutions. I was explained, “If you put stones in hot water, stunned to see him fire up an ancient, aban- he’d declare it great soup.” doned barbecue scheduled for the scrap bin. Sadly, John is no longer with us to defend I’m still hazy on how that was accomplished, my cuisine. No tent or camping equipment but once the flames died down, it never is stored in the shed. I’ve since upgraded to worked better. a more powerful car — still without armour The transition to our small sedan was quite plating or even all-wheel drive. a letdown from his previous vehicles. It was Last week I was completing a fall garden sadly obvious to him that our car lacked the cleanup. There, laying defiantly in the middle most essential features—armoured plating of the yard, was a long extension cord, and off-road, multi-terrain capabilities. jumbled and looking like Medusa’s hair. Career experiences can sometimes be facI whistled softly, and sighed, “Oh my, tors in leisure and vacation choices. Certain what’s happened here?”

HEALING A HEART’S LOSS Barbara J. Saunders

When someone is dying what do you do? What can you do? Depending on the situation and especially the individual, there is a lot that can be done when someone is dying, but who is willing to visit the dying person? Often, when someone is dying this is the time when friends and family stop coming over for visits. The list of reasons, excuses or whatever it is, is not important at the moment. For those who are sitting on the fence wondering should I go for a visit or not, or if you are someone who steps up to the plate, no matter what; here are a few ideas to consider and adapt as your own. Consider the senses of sight, sound, smell and touch. The sense of taste may not be appropriate for some at the end of life; since their body is shutting down they do not eat or have the desire and need as we do.

Positive about positivity SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Winter of our discontent

hunkering down with warm clothes and snow tires. On the road I don’t worry about me, but am concerned about drivers who zip along AS I over icy roads and speed up through fog SEE IT patches and wicked blizzards. Yes, the snow Rick Wellwood will go, but I am more concerned about the other elements of discontent. The incoming president has delivered a When I looked out the window and saw litany of threats during the campaign and the fresh blanket of snow on the car and everywhere else, my mind turned to William we must prepare for the death of free trade agreements, all renegotiated in favour of Shakespeare’s Richard III and the line that the United States and to the disadvantage begins, “Now is the winter of our disconof trading partners. Even with an agreeable tent.” and bright prime minister, we can see the The snow joins the wars in the world’s trouble spots, the fight over unwanted pipe- rise of discrimination south of the border. He will abandon the proposed wall along the lines, the discrimination against the indigenous job-seekers and the rise of a person who Mexican border, but new rules will make it is probably the world’s most successful con difficult to ever come to America, the country man. At times like these, we must seek posi- that Donald Trump is “making great again.” The wars in all the trouble spots on five tive elements wherever we can find them. The snow will come and go all winter and continents will continue as long as they are being fought as a surrogate contest among be gone in early May. Since I don’t ski or the super powers. It will be a long winter. skate and would be lousy at curling, I am

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Bring pictures that spark a conversation or are there to look at. I remember a friend who enlarged family photos and stuck them to the hospital wall so her father could easily see them from his bed. Play music that has meaning to the individual. Sharing stories and memories may be a one-way conversation, but talk anyway. Often, the sense of hearing is the last to go. For some people, specific smells elicit special memories. Flowers and plants may signify gardens and the memories that come with that. Smells can also be associated with holidays and special occasions. Your presence with a dying person can offer a sense of calm. No words need to be said; just knowing they are not alone is enough. Knowing someone cares speaks volumes. Many of us will either need to receive or provide support to a loved one. Consider what you would want support to look like if you were dying and share this with your family. Have that conversation. Barbara Saunders is a grief counsellor/ thanatologist.

Pastor Cusick The Huffington Post recently produced an article entitled 9 Habits of Highly Emotionally Intelligent People. Emotional intelligence is — according to this article, “How we manage behaviour, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions that achieve personal results.” Emotional intelligence helps you process self-awareness and self-management. Oxford Dictionary defines emotional intelligence as: “The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.” Having said all that, I wanted to note the first of the nine habits from the Post. Here it is: People who have a high emotional intelligence are relentlessly positive. Being relentlessly positive, according to the article, is something that is not only in the realms of possibilities, it’s also something anyone can do. Not everyone can sing opera.

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Not everyone can play for the Leafs (well, maybe that’s not true). But, there is an innate ability within everyone to be relentlessly positive. The article says there are two things needed to accomplish this. First, one’s attention and second, one’s focus. Being positive boils down to a choice. Being positive does not require perfection, or external props, or helps. Within each person’s mind, heart, and persona there lies enough ability to be relentlessly positive. As noted this requires attention and focus. Learning to pay attention and focus. This is utilizing your time and efforts on things that you can control. Ask yourself an interesting question. How much time, effort, and emotion did you expend on the U.S. elections? There was absolutely NOTHING about the elections that you could control — NOTHING. Relentlessly positive people expend their energies and time on things that are within their power and their focus. Family, condition of yard, junk in the garage, bank accounts, children — these things one can control. One’s ability to give attention and focus on things is the beginning place of being relentlessly positive. And that, is something to think about.

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The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

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The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

St. Thomas players to represent Team Canada in Cuba Two local players from the St. Thomas Cardinals Major Peewee Team are getting the opportunity to represent Canada in a Goodwill Games tour of Cuba in January. Tanner Moir and Alex Foshay, both 13, will join 15 other players from the London District Baseball Association for the trip. Chosen by invitation-only tryouts, the team was put together by coaches from London, and is made up of players from London West, London Badgers, Wyoming, Tillsonburg, East London, and St. Thomas. The tour will feature a number of games in the Veradero region, but the

trip is meant to be about more than just competitive baseball, as the team will also spend time focusing on helping the children of Cuba get ahead both in the game and in the classroom. The life-learning experience will also involve taking much-needed donations to Cuba for local youth, including handing out supplies and baseball gear. Many of the young baseball players from the surrounding communities of Matanzas and Holguin are considered the very best in the world in talent, but very deprived in equipment and resources. Both St. Thomas players are required to pay their own way, and will

be organizing fundraisers and donations, including an event at Boston Pizza on Monday, Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Personal and company sponsorships are welcome, and would include a tax receipt from the organizing committee for their support. New or gently used equipment and school supplies are graciously accepted as well. Those wishing to donate can call 519-709-4284 or email dfoshay13@ gmail.com. For more information on the Goodwill Tour Games, visit www.caribbeanbaseballgoodwilltours.com.

Local baseball players Tanner Moir and Alex Foshay are getting the opportunity to represent Canada in a Goodwill Games tour of Cuba this January.

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the other growing seasons are over. What’s more, because real trees are organic and biodegradable, they can be mulched at the end of holiday season and used to fee plants. They create no waste. Although you may think that being able to use the same tree year after year makes it a more environmentally sound option, consider this: Some studies have shown that you’d have to use that same tree for more than 20 years for it to even compete with a real tree in terms of environmental impact. Very few people keep their trees that long. And when it comes time to trade in your tree for a new one, you won’t be able to recycle the old one. Which means your tree will inevitably end up in a landfill some day. Also, Artificial trees are made from a type of plastic, a process that causes the release of toxic chemicals during production, which negatively

impacts the environment, as does the fact that many of them are made in factories far from the stores in which we buy them. One final point in favour of a real tree: There is absolutely nothing more Christmassy than the scent of a real tree filling your home with its unmistakable aroma! You’ve not been welcomed home during the holiday season until you’ve been met with the scent of a real evergreen as you cross the threshold on a frosty day. When it comes time to buy your Christmas tree this year, give some serious thought to buying a locally grown tree. Although it is certainly true that artificial trees may be more affordable and lower maintenance than a real tree, you can rest easy knowing that by buying a real tree you are investing in your community and in the planet.

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professional athletes, or other news items such as local drug arrests. Teens are more likely to have either exhealth perimented with drugs and alcohol, or know talk people who have. They may have more Steve Bond specific questions about drugs. This provides an opportunity to understand your child’s feelings and beliefs, but also to highlight As parents, we talk to our kids. We ask areas such as legal and health issues. It is them about school, which YouTube videos important to be non-judgemental and open they’re watching, about their friends. in the conversation. As your teen becomes How many of us are comfortable having more independent and they, or some of their serious talks about subjects such as drug friends, start driving, it may be a good time use? It is imperative that we educate ourselves to enter into a verbal contract or understandso we can have the talk before our kids find ing with them. For example, if they or someone they are with has been drinking or using themselves in a risky situation. drugs, they know they can call for a ride-no For younger kids, look for “teachable questions asked. moments” — like when watching a movie One growing concern we are seeing in our and the actor is smoking, you can talk about how nicotine is a drug, how it affects people, city and country is the rise of bootleg narcotand the negative health effects of cigarettes. ics — fentanyl and carfentanil. These are extremely powerful and dangerous narcotics (You can also mention how tobacco com(carfentanil is used to sedate animals such panies pay the movie companies to place as elephants). When ingested they can lead smoking in movies) to respiratory arrest and death. A dose the For older kids (8-12) perhaps start the size of a poppy seed is enough to be lethal. conversation by asking what they know. Reading about issues such as this with your Open-ended, non-judgemental questions are best, and allow you to fill in any gaps or teen can lead to a better understanding of the dangers of drug use. So talk to your kids — misinformation. You may need to do some research on your own to do this. You can talk but more importantly — listen to them. Take care of yourselves and each other. about current events such as steroid use by

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Authoriz ized by the St. Thomas Elg in Food Bank the Caring Cupb oarrd 803 Talbot St. St Thomas

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

How we should talk to our kids about drugs

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Public Sale Notice Singer Professional P-1250 Flatbed sewing machines

SINGER SEWING CO. has sold us 3 skids of this simple basic model. It features: • drop in bobbin • 7 extra pressure feet • 6 utility stitches (zig zag) • multiple zig zag • blind hem • hem stitch • buttonhole With a motor almost double the amperage of a normal sewing machine, much more power to sew with, stainless steel work bed, heavy duty frame, its flatbed design means it can be used as a portable with sealed bottom and suction feet or will fit in older flatbed cabinets, even singer treadle stands.

perfect for a senior, simple and basic for a young person starting out, or for anyone that wants a basic simple, machine for mending and such. This is a discontinued model and returns to warehouse are considered as is, we have taken every machine out of the factory box and refurbished them, making sure everything is perfect and guaranteeing them for two years parts and labour. Made in a factory in Brazil Singer built in 1955. These are not the same as big box store machines made in Asia. Parts are a plenty for this machine as model versions of this machine were made for over 25 years. Even attachments and bobbins from a 1910 Singer sewing machine will fit this machine!

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

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255 Edward Street, St. Thomas

WHITNEY SOUTH Photo

HEALTH FOR LIFE SOCK DRIVE: Playing in the snow is a lot of fun . . . but sitting in class with wet feet is not — and that’s exactly the idea behind Dr. Denise Colledge’s 2016 sock drive. Over the past eight years, the office has collected about 6,500 socks to help keep kids’ feet warm and dry. Anyone wishing to donate is encouraged to drop off socks of any colour or size at 172 Centre St., St. Thomas until Friday, Dec. 23. For more information, call the office at 519-633-6565.

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1 6

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

holiday shopping: Lisa Dunseath (left), owner of Fabulous Finds, along with Genevieve Scarfone, owner of Seed Confections, were just two of the vendors taking part in the St. Thomas General Hospital’s annual holiday market. Held Nov. 18 in the hospital atrium, the market offered up holiday shopping opportunities with the help of 25 local vendors, along with various raffle prizes to help visitors satisfy their gift-buying responsibilities.

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

WHITNEY SOUTH Photo

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Miller’s

What makes many people dread the thought of Christmas shopping? For most of us, it’s the hustle and bustle of crowds, the challenge of having to find a parking spot, and the never-ending quest to find the perfect unique gift, poor customer service, and the impersonal nature of shopping at big-box stores. What’s the answer? Instead of heading to the mall this holiday season, do your shopping at a slower, more enjoyable pace in Aylmer. Aylmer offers the perfect answer to every one of those holiday-shopping annoyances. First, because it has that small-town feeling, you won’t be battling crowds when you set out to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. You park your car once and leisurely stroll around, taking in the sights and sounds of the season, as you peruse the many beautiful boutiques and stores the town offers. When you need a break, there are many wonderful restaurants and coffee shops where you can sit, enjoy a snack or a meal, and soak in the holiday atmosphere. When you shop in Aylmer’s independently owned stores and boutiques, you can be assured that the gifts you are buying are as unique as their recipients. From handmade pieces to carefully curated items, artwork to clothing, there is something here for everyone on your list. For unique home décor items, be sure to check out Aylmer Garden Centre and Spare Moments Crafts Supplies. For your holiday groceries and those special sweet treats, Aylmer offers options such as No Frills, ValuMart, Spicer’s Bakery and Country Flavourites. Campbell’s Gifts, Aylmer Home Hardware, Creative Creations, Prime Ingredient and Victorian Elegance are all wonderful destinations for gifts for everyone on your list. And don’t forget your four-legged family members! Pet Valu has everything

you’ll need to make their holiday merry, too! For that truly special someone in your life, the gift of jewellery is always a hit. O’Neil’s Fine Jewellery and Orser Jewellers both offer a beautiful selection of fine jewellery pieces. And if you are looking for a one-stop shopping destination with smalltown charm, Durkees department store is the answer. Finally, don’t forget to treat yourself to a little luxury amid the busy holiday season, too: Butter Me Up offers a wide selection of bath and body products. All of these store owners are as proud to be a part of the Aylmer community as they are eager to make your shopping experience a memorable one, you can be assured of the kind of personal customer service you can only get from a smaller store. This holiday season, forgo the frustration of battling the crowds at the malls and big-box stores. Head to Aylmer and discover the joy of Christmas shopping as it was meant to be.

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

MON-WED 8-8 • thurs-fri 8-9 sat 8-6 • suN 10-5

Watch fOr NEW hOurs startiNg DEc 5th

of Aylmer/Malahide 72nd Annual Aylmer Kinsmen

Santa Claus Parade

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

SILVER BELLS

Saturday November 26th at 2:00 PM

Seasons Greetings from OPEN YEAR ROUND!

This Weekend

Walk-in Specials

A Store Full Of Gift Ideas! Make your holiday decorating easy… • Christmas Trees Potted & Fresh Cut • Poinsettias • Fresh Cedar Rope • Secret Santa Gifts • Festive Containers

• Birch Poles • Wreaths • Gift Cards • Sinamay Bows • Stocking Stuffers

Canadian Diamonds ELLE Fossil Kameleon Lampe Berger and more

O’Neil’s Fine Jewellery 29 John Street North, Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2A7

Mon-Sat 9-5 Sun 12-4

8467 Imperial Road South, Aylmer

Gay Lea Dairy Heritage Museum 7th AnnuAl ChristmAs Open hOuse

Saturday, December 3rd 10am – 4pm Crafts for kids Light Refreshments Donation of non-perishable food item is appreciated 48075 Jamestown Line, R. R. 2, Aylmer Just off Imperial Rd., south of Aylmer 519-773-2955 www.dairyheritagemuseum.ca

519-773-8969

(519) 773-8121

www.oneilsjewellery.ca oneils@amtelecom.net

Sp Moments Spare C Craft Supplies In Business 25 Years Christmas Boughs • Poinsettias • Birds • Owls Ornaments • Felt Squares • Delta Paints Animal Eyes • Beads • Yarn • Wool Miniatures & Every Day Craft Supplies

530 Talbot St. E., Aylmer 519-765-3550

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5:30; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-5; Sun. closed.

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

Aylmer Garden Centre

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

SILVER BELLS

of Aylmer/Malahide Aylmer Garden Centre offers shoppers a personal touch Owned and operated by Nancy and Ken Sproul, with the help of their daughter Suanne Chambers, Aylmer Garden Centre will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2017! This is truly a family-run, local business. In fact, Nancy, Ken and Suanne were all born and raised in the Aylmer community! Their love for their hometown shows in their passion for their business. Nancy and Ken purchased the business in 1997. Prior to that, Nancy and Ken were farming and running their own lawn maintenance company. Looking for a change in career that would still allow them to pour into the business their passion for nurturing and growing things. A garden centre seemed like a natural fit. Since then, the business has grown into what it is today, offering 11 greenhouses to serve their customers. Every year, they offer an increasing variety of healthier

and stronger plants. One thing remains constant, however: Their commitment to providing the very best customer service to every customer who walks through their doors. From helping customers select the right plants for their gardens to helping customers carry their purchases to their vehicles, it’s the personal touches that make shopping at Aylmer Garden Centre truly a memorable experience. Aylmer Garden Centre is open year round, offering spring annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs in the spring and fall décor such as mums, pumpkins, straw, and gourds in the fall. At this time of year, they have beautiful fresh-cut trees such as Fraser and Balsam Firs. They also offer a beautiful selection of pine boughs, cedar ropes, porch containers, wreaths, gifts, home décor items, and ladies’ accessories.

Scratch and Save Customer Appreciation Event

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Victorian Elegance

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The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

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Aylmer Retirement Residence is located in the heart of downtown and provides affordable, retirement living for those who do not require nursing home care but who feel more comfortable in a supportive environment. A 31-unit, retirement home serving the communities of Elgin Middlesex, provides retirement living in a relaxed setting, in a secured environment. We encourage residents to bring personal items and make YOUR SPACE YOUR OWN! Our friendly and professional staffs are looking forward to welcoming you to your new home.

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

• Safety walk in tubs on all 3 floors • Transport lift between floors • State of the art call bell system • Sprinkler System • Fire prevention and security • State of the art nurse call bell system • Monitored Emergency Response System • Wander Detection and Monitoring

ECM recieves ‘Holy Grail’ of St. Thomas artifacts WHITNEY SOUTH

The Weekly News

You look Puzzled.

A rare cigar box that once contained Jumbo brand cigars from the Honsinger cigar factory on Talbot Street Just trying to returned to Elfigure out how gin County on Black Friday lasts Nov. 17 in the hands of Cana2 WEEKS !! dian Museum of History (CMH) President and CEO Mark O’Neill. After spotting a local newspaper column on the box where it was described as the “Holy Grail of St. Thomas

artifacts,” O’Neill immediately called the Elgin County Museum, offering to lend the item, which was featured in the CMH’s virtual exhibit on cigar boxes. The museum was more than pleased to accept the loan and has since developed a show illustrating the extent of cigar making in the region and the use of Jumbo, Barnum’s famous circus elephant, as an advertising tool. According to curator Mike Baker, getting the chance to bring Jumbo home has been nothing short of exciting. “It’s just more proof of how big this Jumbo story was,” he said. “It’s hard for us to imagine even going back 100 years to the kind of hold an elephant had on the imagination % of the average person. He’s our VRM, 5 Year Term first superstar.” Canadian Mortgage For O’Neill, Expert Centres who admitted he wasn’t aware of the immense Call 519-631-6401 popularity of www.centum.ca/ the pachyderm, jeff_kohler Jeff Kohler handing the ciMortgage Agent

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

whitney south Photo

President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History Mark O’Neill, along with Mike Baker, curator of the Elgin County Museum, show off a rare Jumbo cigar box, on loan for at least the next year.

gar box over was something of an honour. “The Canadian Museum of History is proud to be able to share objects from its National Collection with museums around the country,” he said. “Working with regional museums and communities to share our collections, particularly in

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areas where these objects have a local connection like the Jumbo cigar box at the Elgin County Museum, highlights their resonance and the importance of our tangible heritage. ” For more information of current exhibits, or for museum hours, visit www.elgincounty.ca/ museum

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The Weekly News

For almost 20 years, Murray Adlam has been lending his voice to those in need, performing at charity concerts across Elgin County. Specializing in everything jazzy, from Frank Sinatra to Tony Bennett, this time the St. Thomas resident will be taking the stage Sunday, Nov. 27 for Christmas Dreams — An Afternoon of Classic Songs of the Season. “We’re hoping it’s going to put everything in the Christmas mood, and maybe get ahead of a lot of the other things going on at this time of year,” Adlam said. The festivities will get underway at 2:30 p.m. at New Vision Community Church (38 Aldborough Ave. in St. Thomas) and will include performances by the New Vision Choristers, pianist Rob Earnshaw, and trumpeter Gene Corless.

Proceeds will go to the church, which cause I enjoy entertaining people,” he is in the midst of a building project. said. “The music keeps going . . . and “Between architects and everything, if people like to listen to me, that’s my you need a little bit of funding,” said way of helping to give back.” Adlam. “Hopefully this will go to help Tickets are $15 in advance ($17 at the on that.” door) and can be purchased at Brian’s Adlam has been singing and enter- Family Hair Care, or by calling 519taining his whole life, and the baritone 631-2110 or 519-631-6128. has four CD recordings out, with the help of Juno-nomWe provide families with respectful inated producer Don Baker. and affordable funeral, memorial and “I started recording becremation services. Free, no-obligation cause I would be doing preplanning and prepayment consultation these shows and people is available. would ask if I had a CD, and For more information, please call or I didn’t,” he said. Shawn Jackson visit our website. As with the Christmas recording that will be available with this show, all of the proceeds go to help others. “I’ve had some radio play, which I’ve been grateful for, but really I just do it be- 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas 519-631-0570 www.shawnjacksonfuneralhome.com

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CorreCtion In the Michaels ad starting on November 18, 2016, the sale price of 8 1/2” x 11” Value Pack Paper is incorrectly printed. The correct price is 60% OFF, Sale $2.79 Each. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Super clean, fully loaded black beauty

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This young kitten was found alone, tired, and hungry on the streets of St. Thomas. What a sweetheart she is! She just wants a home to call her own, and never to be homeless ever again. She is fully vetted. Adoption fee applies.

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Sat. & Sun Dec 10 & 11: 10am-4:30pm

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

WHITNEY SOUTH

Since 1983!

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

Giving the gift of music and song

Wonderland

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

New Year’s Eve celebration with

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United Way impact more than just dollars band Tom had lost their jobs, their vehicle was in need of repair, and as part of their assistance from Ontario Works, the couple To many people, the United Way’s annu- was expected to gain some volunteer expeal fall giving campaign is a way to support rience in hopes of it eventually leading to those in need. employment. But for Cathy MacVicar, the funds given That might sound like a complicated situto United Way Elgin-St. Thomas helped lit- ation, but add to it the couple lives in Roderally turn her life around. ney, nearly the western boundary of Elgin Four years ago MacVicar and her hus- County. Without access to transportation — and the Rodney grocery was even closed at the Traveling this Winter? store time — life would have been We’ll help you be ready. extremely difficult. That’s where the West Elgin See us for your Winter Tire & Rim needs Community Health Centre, in West Lorne, and the United Way-funded, volunteer driver program Gift To Ride comes in. “In order to get back and forth, we needed help. Through that experience we found part-time work and eventually fulltime . . . which is because of United Way,” MacVicar said. “I feel it’s a necessary thing, something that’s really needed for people here who don’t have TIRE REBATES Until Dec 15th. around transportation. It’s a big help.” Inquire in Store Fred Rees agrees the volunteer driver program provides an essential service, but he knows it from a different perspective than MacVicar does — from behind the driver’s FIXED RIGHT. wheel. Rees has been a volunteer EVERY TIME. driver with the health centre GUARANTEED. for more than two years. 165 Edward St., St. Thomas ON N5P 4A8 A retired factory worker, as

SEAN MEYER The Weekly News

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well as a widower, Rees said he wanted to do something with his extra free time and decided that should be helping make a difference in people’s lives. “I feel it’s very important. Those people who have no access to transportation, but with this program they can get it,” he said. “I really love driving, I get to meet a lot of people, I get out in the community, I think it’s a really good program for me too.” Bobbi-Jo Gardiner is excited whenever she hears stories such as those shared by MacVicar and Rees. Gardiner, development officer at United Way Elgin-St. Thomas, said those stories show just how meaningful the annual fundraising campaign is. The Gift To Ride program, for example, represents a $9,000 investment by the organization — a mid-range cost considering the agency’s largest individual investment is $36,000. “What I like about this program is it’s very unique and it solves a very real barrier individuals in rural areas face on a daily basis — access to services,” she said. “People who have mental health concerns can receive the counselling they need, if they need a medical appointment they can get there, even visiting with a friend, which decreases isolation; it just fills a huge gap.” This year’s campaign, scheduled to wrap up in February 2017, is currently “progressing well,” Gardiner said. She is quick to praise the local United Way team for building on the agency’s connection with the winder community. “I would say our connection is very strong this year,” she said. “We have a great team, they’re doing a phenomenal job; we’re hearing a lot of positive feedback. We’re so thankful for that.”

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R E C Y C L E

MELISSA SCHNEIDER

For the Weekly News

Over 100 people attended the Elgin Federation of Agriculture’s November meeting, where the primary topic of discussion surrounded the recently released 2016 Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) statements farmers received. Karen Russell, Jennifer Ward, and Wayne Williams represented the London branch of MPAC and answered questions for farmers about their assessment notices.

Across Ontario, MPAC assesses and classifies more than 5 million properties worth approximately $2.3 trillion. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, marks the deadline for Request for Reconsideration for farmers who feel they have been wrongly classified. There were three major changes to MPAC’s system during the last assessment — improving the sales verification process for farmer-tofarmer sales, increasing the sales period from three to five years to six to eight years, and simplifying the geographical area used to ad-

just for local conditions. MPAC uses the building permits they receive from municipalities as key information in the assessment process. Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Senior Researcher Ben LaForte spoke with farmers after MPAC’s presentation, telling them the next step is to get in touch with their elected county council representatives because they have the power to lower the farm tax ratio. “There will be a shift of tax burden of more of the total taxes coming off farmland,” LaForte

said. “What will be very helpful is if everyone in this room, and perhaps three other farmers or neighbours you know, call your county councillors. The more calls they get, the bigger the issue will become.” He said more calls to county council will put the issue on everyone’s radar. LaForte, who has given many presentations to county federations, said Elgin’s was by far the most well-attended event. “At OFA, what we can do is grab the assessment numbers in Elgin

— kind of show what the increase of the tax burden onto the farmclass will be as a result of these huge assessments of farmland,” he said. “Probably residential is not going up 70 percent, I’ll say that much.” Ed Ketchabaw, president of the Elgin Federation of Agriculture said the board has been down this road with county before with the 2012 assessment. He urged farmers to call on their county councillors because lower tier municipalities don’t have that kind of decision-making power.

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

Farmers urged to contact city councillors over MPAC statements

Get Involved!

Businesses, school classes, service club, organizations, neighbours, individuals….

BEST CANNED GOODS SCULPTURES CONTEST Prizes will be awarded for the best sculpture in School Class division, Business division and Other division. Submit your photo to editor@theweeklynews.ca by noon December 1st, 2016. Winning photos will be published in the December 8th edition of the St.Thomas/Elgin Weekly News.

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St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

It’s easy to get involved! 1. Collect canned food for the food bank in your community and build a “Canned Goods Sculpture” with these cans. 2.Take a photo of your “sculpture.” 3. Email this photo as a high res. unretouched JPG to: editor@theweeklynews.ca 4. Once your photo is submitted, take down the “sculpture” and donate the canned goods to the food bank in your community

St. Thomas - Elgin Weekly News

The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

Celebrate Incredible. Help us recognize the junior citizens who make our communities better. Nominate someone age 6–17 for a 2016 Ontario Junior Citizen Award! Annaleise Carr, 2012 and 2014 Ontario Junior Citizen, Simcoe, ON At 14, Annaleise Carr was the youngest person ever to swim across Lake Ontario. Two years later, Annaleise swam across Lake Erie. Combined these efforts raised awareness and hundreds of thousands of dollars for Camp Trillium, a family camp for children with cancer. Her book, Annaleise Carr: How I Conquered Lake Ontario to Help Kids Battling Cancer, inspires others to take on great challenges and help their fellow citizens.

Santa in St. Thomas

Thanks to some evening ﬂurries, the stage was set for the Optimist Club of St. Thomas annual Santa Clause parade on Nov. 19, which saw droves of bundled-up spectators lining Talbot Street for a glimpse of the big man himself. This year’s theme, Christmas Melodies, encouraged participants to design a ﬂoat depicting their favourite holiday song. 2016 Winners: Best Commercial — Presstran Industries Best Overall — Formet Industries

ST. THOMAS/ELGIN WEEKLY NEWS

Do you know someone who is involved in worthwhile community service, is contributing while living with a limitation, has performed an heroic act, demonstrates individual excellence, or is going above and beyond to help others? If so, nominate them today!

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Nominations are open until November 30, and nomination forms are available from this newspaper, and the Ontario Community Newspapers Association at www.ocna.org or 416-923-7724 ext. 4439. Sponsored by:

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Best High School — Central Elgin Collegiate Institute Most Unusual — Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles Best Children’s under 18 — Step Above Dance and Music Studios Most Photogenic — Coad Heating, Air & My Fireplace Best Theme — Salvation Army - sponsored by the St Thomas Downtown Development Board Best Elementary — Lockes Public School

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The Weekly News - Thursday, November 24, 2016

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