Drayton Community News February 19, 2016

THE

SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY NEWS Volume 49 Issue 07

Drayton, Ontario

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638-3328

Friday, February 19, 2016

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Township levy increases by 17.29% total taxes up $121 on average home

Family day fun - Indoor and outdoor activities were enjoyed at the Family Day party at the Moorefield Optimist hall on Feb. 15.

ABOVE: From left: Dawson Gray, Nicholas Vieira and Austin Walter played a game of Pop-a-matic Trouble. RIGHT: Optimist President Glenn Babin commented the ice on the rink was excellent for pick-up hockey and skating. Shovellers were kept busy keeping the ice free of snow. The Optimists also provided hot chocolate, hotdogs and potato chips. photos by Caroline Sealey

Council splits difference on shortfall with Drayton Skatepark Committee

by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON – Council and the Drayton Skatepark Committee will split the difference on a $33,000 funding shortfall in an effort to get a facility built in timely fashion.

Council approved a plan to put a skate park at the Kinsmen Park in Drayton in October of 2014. A funding plan for the facility called for one third of the estimated $100,000 cost to come from the municipality, with a third each to come from community fundraising and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

However the project has been in limbo since December, when the municipality learned its Trillium application was unsuccessful.

At the Jan. 27 meeting, council defeated a resolution proposed by councillor Michael Martin that would have seen the municipality contribute an additional one-third to cover the shortfall.

On Feb. 9, Dahl Atin of the skate park committee asked council to consider pitching in half the shortfall, if the committee raised the other half. “Our committee has been

fundraising and gaining support for this project for four years,� states a letter from Atin and co-organizer Jo-Anne Brown. “The community often asks us about the progress of the skate park. We do not want to wait for another Trillium Foundation application to be approved or rejected.�

Atin pointed out the committee has already raised the original one-third share it had pledged. “Our community is very much supporting us,� she told council. She added the committee considered other options, such as reducing the size of the proposed facility to lower costs or setting up portable ramps at the old arena property or PMD arena parking lot. “What I think these options fail to provide us with is a facility for our older youth, which I think is a third of our township,� she stated. (A recent comparative study of Ontario municipalities by BMA Management Consultants indicated 37 per cent of Mapleton residents are 19 or under.) She said the committee’s goal would be

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best “achieved by a permanent concrete pad.� Atin said the committee has also considered offering naming rights for a major contributor.

Councillor Marlene Ottens agreed the naming rights might help attract a major donor. She also suggested “another easy way to fundraise a large amount of money is a hold a raffle for a big ticket item.�

Councillor Dennis Craven suggested council could consider contributing the extra money “if they get the other half fundraised.�

Neil Mayor However, Driscoll suggested a firm commitment from council would give the committee “their second goal.�

CAO Brad McRoberts pointed out the 2016 budget contains an allocation of $20,000 for the municipality’s 50/50 fundraising program and a portion of that could be used to top up the skate park fund.

A resolution that council commit funds from the 50/50 account to match the remaining outstanding portion of the skate park funding passed unopposed.

by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - Council here approved a 2016 budget with a 17.29 per cent increase in the local levy at the Feb. 9 meeting.

The township will raise $5,882,236 through the levy, up $867,303 from the 2015 levy of $5,014,933.

The blended tax rate increase, including township, county and school board taxes, is 2.91%, while the township tax rate increase is 9.7%.

The total increase in the tax bill (including county and school taxes) on an average residence assessed at $300,000 will be $121. The home’s total 2016 tax bill of $4,150 would include a township portion of $1,454, a county portion of $2,073 and education taxes of $623.

Properties on which assessment changed between 2015 and 2016 will face a higher increase. For example, on a property with a 2015 assessment of $308,628, increased to $319,373 this year, the owner would see an increase of $264.

Total township spending in 2016 will be $8,960,853, up just over $1 million from $7,946,473 last year.

Township revenues are budgeted at $3,078,617 this year, compared to $2,931,810 in 2015. Revenues in this year’s budget take into account a reduction of $126,000 in the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund contribution from the province.

Included in the budget is $600,000 for the reconstruction of King, Queen, Market and Wortley streets in Drayton in conjunction with Wellington County’s reconstruction of Main Street. The county is planning a public open house on the project, which includes storm sewers and bridge rehabilitation, on March 2 from 6 to 8pm at the PMD arena community hall.

The budget also contains: - $30,000 for a dehumidifier at the PMD arena; - $30,000 for replacement of a lawnmower for the parks department; - $60,000 from reserves for a columbarium at the Drayton Cemetery; and - $20,000 in yet-to-be designated funds under the township’s 50/50 program, which sees costs of community projects shared with local groups and service clubs.

The capital budget also includes $7,150 for the first installment on an $18,000 three-year expenditure on new computers, tablets and servers.

The budget includes an increase in roads reserve contribution from $225,000 to $250,000 and an increase of $25,000 from operating to reserve for PMD arena floor refrigeration system.

The budget contains a 1.2% cost of living wage increase for township employees, which will also apply to council members. Overall, township wages costs will go up by an estimated 6.9%.

CAO Brad McRoberts says the wage cost increase is due to a number of factors, including: - increased overtime based upon previous years’ actual figures; - individual increases for staff as they progress annually through the job grid based upon satisfactory or better performance evaluations; - creation of new senior positions for existing staff as part of organizational restructuring (i.e. new lead hand position, etc.); and - pay equity adjustments.

Early in the budget process, councillor Michael Martin proposed money be set aside for the acquisition and installation of an audio/video system to record all public meetings of council and allow them to be posted on the Mapleton

Township website.

CAO Brad McRoberts told the Community News in an email that council has not decided if it will proceed with the initiative, but made an allowance for it in the budget.

He said the capital cost would be “minimal� if council elects to proceed.

Prior to the passage of the budget resolution, finance director Yufang Du commented “it’s been a long process and we had an intensive public process.�

The township held a total of four budget meetings, which were open to the public, and a budget open house.

Councillor Dennis Craven pointed out that in order to reduce the blended tax rate increase to 2.9%, council lowered a planned contribution to reserves for eventual replacement of the PMD arena floor. “I just want to caution everybody that that’s almost like borrowing from reserves to get it down to two-point-nine,� said Craven.

Councillor Marlene Ottens pointed out that recreation items make up a large percentage of the township’s expenses. “Its right here in black and white that our arenas and parks and all our recreational facilities have over a million in expenses and bring in $290,000 in revenue.�

While stressing she doesn’t’ consider the money “lost,�

Ottens said, “For 10,000 residents that’s $72.50 a person that it costs to have our facilities.

When people wonder where the money goes, that’s where some of the money goes.�

Craven stated, “Certainly we need to do a service review here ‌ I think we need to have a look at our whole operation as to what we’re going to provide.â€? “I agree,â€? said Martin, noting that in 2010 the township Continued on page 3

Mapleton firefighters to take on Minto in sledge hockey game at PMD arena

by Patrick Raftis DRAYTON – Mapleton firefighters will take on their counterparts from the Town of Minto in a game of sledge hockey on Feb. 27.

The game, which will begin at 7pm at the PMD arena, will raise funds for Camp Bucko (for young burn victims) and sledge hockey initiatives in Wellington County. Admission is by donation.

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Firefighters will compete using sledge hockey equipment provided by the Upper Grand District School Board, which has been operating a program for students at local arenas.

At the Feb. 9 Mapleton council meeting, Mayor Neil Driscoll suggested council members should be prepared to step in and play if there aren’t enough firefighters available for the game.

Driscoll said he has issued a challenge to Minto Mayor George Bridge requiring the mayor of the losing municipality to wear the winning team’s hat at a future council meeting.

Driscoll noted a betweenperiods mini-game between Drayton and Minto Tyke hockey teams is also planned for the evening. “I think we got them beat hands down there, too,� he said.

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PAGE TWO The Community News, Friday, February 19, 2016

Weskate packs PMD arena; more than 1,200 attend two-day competition

DRAYTON - The PMD are- tition without flowers and PAGE EIGHT Thewith Community News, Friday, August 13, Dale’s 2010 and other Blooming 310 skaters abuzz na was from 15 different clubs, ages 3 Fine Things did not disappoint, years old to young adults, put- with donated roses and carnating their best performances tions, a favorite for parents and forward for Skate Canada judg- grandparents to present to their special skater. The Candy Land es to score on Jan. 30 and 31.

More than 1,200 people Café cooked up a nourishing walked through the admissions storm.

“Walking tacos” could be gate to cheer on the competiseen strolling throughout the tors.

Every corner of the arena arena in the hands of hungry was utilized for this event, with spectators and competitors the judges headquarters and throughout the event. The large EMS tucked in the old dressing and accommodating PMD aretold room floors na dressing and MYC’s vendors and knew areas room interactive system Tanis Cowan a great Skate a glitter-filled the tale of and ar- motivates photo she Land-themedwhen Candy opportunity engages parents music event. nurturing family Canada the community eas throughout children, saw it five years ago, after and forflooded Compliments lobby areas. hall and and delivering valuable being introduced to a unique bonds local organizing ward to theexperiences The spectator while program called stands Music were for co-learning Mantler committee achair much of developing overflowing full andChildren firm,Deb fundamental Young (MYC). quality of high regarding the of time. taught private piano understanding the Having music. the event. skating a years, not 15 It’s for A unique of aspect of MYC is lessons Ms.compeTanis, organization as her students call her, was the parent learns along with the looking to expand her teaching child because they are so horizons and her music studio, involved. In fact, Ms. Tanis credits the success of the proand found it through MYC. Ms. Tanis recognized the gram to the parents of her stuprogram’s potential since it had dents.

“I am the teacher once a never been offered in Drayton, it was fun for students, parents week; they are the at-home H;DEL7J?EDI several days a week,” and teacher, and it offered a ‘coach’ RENOVATIONS piano-keyboard program for she said. ! 7::?J?EDI + ADDITIONS An initial goal for each of children as young as 3½ in a +'/$,).$+(*( 519.638.5242 Ms. Tanis’ students is to develgroup setting.

9 :loved H > < Cthe 7idea J > A of 9 group op the+'/$-'&$)&/happy habit of practic“I 519.710.3097 lessons, since it’s always more ing. She encourages her stufun to explore and learn in a dents to practice by giving a group, regardless of the topic,” special “super duper” sticker each week. explained Ms. Tanis.

“Practicing does not need to She also liked that it was a program that was tested, tried be long; 10 to 15 minutes a day start,” she said. and true, being taught by more to HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS inc. than 800R Eteachers S I D E NtoT I over A L & C Ms. O MTanis’ M E Rcreativity C I A L shines 24,000 students on three differ- through by offering several 24-HOUR SERVICE incentives ent continents and EMERGENCY touting extra practice throughout GAS the year to ensure Your OIL, PROPANE and NATURAL EXPERTS Canadian origins, being foundattain their musical ed in 1980.

Sales s Service students s Installation MYC’s mission statement goals. Once students have col519-664-2008 is to “provide the best quality lected enough stickers on their music education to young chil-Unit“happy 11 Henry Street 9 STpractice JACOBS thermomedren by blending the pleasure ters,” they have a party. This and the joy of music making year, to celebrate the 2010 with sound instruction.” Olympics, students earned

“This was the best Weskate I’ve ever attended,” declared a parent from the Durham skating Club.

Skate Canada-Central Ontario host representative Heather Carr sent an email following the event that read: “Wow! What a weekend.

Weskate is over for another year, and it was a success. I know that your committee, family, club and community members have put in countless hours to make this competition a success for every skater and their family in our area.

“You can rest easy tonight knowing you have done an absolutely fantastic job. It has been my pleasure to get to know each and every one of you and work with you. You

are all very hard working, organized people. I wish you and your club many more successes in the coming years. Good luck with your upcoming carnival and the celebration of your 40th year!”

This competition could not be successful without the support of local business. chairperson Sponsorship Kelly Culp reported, “Local businesses, for the most part, are excited to sponsor youth athletics. They are very supportive of the local programs that enhance our community and give kids positive role models and skill-building frames.”

Culp continued, “I would like to thank all our sponsors, advertisers and people who do-

nated products for our skater goodie bags, draw table, or café.

“The Drayton skating club’s program will benefit financially for seasons to come. It was a lot of work, but worth every hour.”

On-ice success The Drayton and District Skating Club achieved success on the ice as well, demonstrating superb skating skills, organizers report.

Results for club skaters are: Culp, silver;at an - Brooke skills and confidence and silHills,Ms.gold - Evan early age” said Tanis. ver;She offers four of MYC’s Cosens, gold; - Amyprograms: music Sunrise, Giles, 5th and - KathrynSunbeam Sunshine, gold; Moonbeam.

Children who 5th; 4th and - Lily Beyers, complete the most advanced and Perrin, - Chloe level of MYC are silver well pregold; for early intermediate pared silvers twostudy Hills - Paige piano studies, or –the of and a 6th; another instrument. two - BriannaisFlewwelling, Sunrise a pre-keyboard a silver; program and movement bronzeand music that- Melanie teaches Giles, musicgold, concepts silver, through bronze; singing, rhythm and games.

ThisCarvill, program is for bronze; - Kinzie children ages 2 Yoon, to 4 andbronze, devel- Dajung ops gold, 4th;awareness, fine gold,listening motor skills,Culp, social interaction, silver bronze, - Sarah confidence and attention span. gold; Children can easily attend with two Klaassen, - Maddie agolds, grandparent caregiver, plus 5th; bronze,or siblings can attend the class as Duimering, Carmen well. bronze, two golds, 7th; The Sunshine gold; Miller, keyboard - Cameron program gearedsilver, towards two - Lizzyis Klosa, children ages 3½ and 4; the 7th; Sunbeam keyboard program silver Jack, two - Mallorie toward ages 5 and 6; and the Moonbeam keyboard program is for ages 7 through 9. All three keyboard programs integrate creative movement, rhythm, singing, music theory and composition for parent and child PALMERSTON in a weekly one-hour ses-sion.

Palmerston Legion Ladies Participating a MYC Auxiliary hostedina Challenge class helps children Euchre on Feb. 1. develop High score was recorded by Henry and Matthew Heidinga. Marie Riff and Bonnie Marquardt placed second and Dorelene and

and 4th; - Erin Schill, gold, bronze, 6th; - Julia Mantler, two gold; - Sierra Martin, two silver and gold; - Krystal Wakelim, bronze; - Adyn Melenbacher, gold and 6th; - Daphne Culp, two bronze, two silver, 6th; - Quinn Melenbacher, bronze, two silver, 5th; - Sarah McIntryre, two silver, bronze, gold, 6th; 5th;fine and - Katie Miller, listening, reading, two Bridget gross motor, Duimering, social skills and silver;proven to enhance gold,been has two gold; Adams, - Mischasocial children’s development inKelsey Flewwelling, and- learning skills, improve jured; and problem solving, memory gold; and- Rebecca, bolster confidence and - Rachel, gold self-esteem. , gold; Frookalso - Molly Ms. Tanis offers a - Hailey Music Pups Metzger, program,silver; which is gold; it is a - Leah MacKay, especially unique since gold; This Martin, - Marissa music program for babies. silver; Samantha is a-playful andNoble, creative music gold; andMyriam movement class for parents Brunet, with- Julia children agessilver; newborn to Martin, ageAngelina 4. Children are introduced silver; Morris, to a- Kandice wide variety of musical Roth, gold; scales, tonal and gold; rhythm patMoore, - Bria terns and instruments that help Gladue, silver; - Harlea to -stimulate musical growth. and gold; Brooke Smith, Each child participates Lee, gold. at his or - Danica her ownCarnival level. Tocoming find outup more about and to view class Club Skating Drayton ThePups videos themusicclass.com 40 years on. celebrating will bevisit successcontinuof any Ice Carnival, at theultimate ice The MYC behindLand the with theliesCandy ing onprogram teacher and Ms. Tanis no 12 iswith March theme, on exception that7pm. rule. It’s obvishows at 2toand ous she is an enthusiastic teacher who cares a great deal for her students.

“Their struggles are my struggles,” she states. “And their triumphs are equally triumphant for me.”

For more information Doug Anderson came visit in www.myc.com, email tanisthird. cowan.myc@sympatico.ca Most lone hands wereor call 519-638-5715. recorded

by Marion Walker and Gord Northcott.

The next challenge euchre is planed for March 7 at 7:30pm, Everyone is welcome.

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Festive fun - Students at Music for Young Children LTD.enjoy a Christmas concert every year. submitted photo paper mittens for five happy spring. Of course, special holipractices. The mittens were days are incorporated into Ms. 8505wall Wellington Road MYC8 classes, such as placed on the studio in the Tanis’ Canada Music Week, shapeMidway of the 5 Olympic rings. between Drayton and Palmerston When the rings were com- Christmas, Valentine’s Day and plete students enjoyed an Easter. Theme days are Olympics music class. This planned as well.

Throughout the year her past year Ms. Tanis encouraged INnot1/2 POLY participate BIN in a the students only YARD to prac- students tice but also to think of others, Christmas concert, and a spring by practicing for pennies. Once recital and have the option to the pennies were all collected participate in the Palmerston they were donated to Camp Canada Music Week Festival and the Drayton Music Bucko, for burn victims.

For the upcoming year she Festival.

CALL FOR DETAILS “Children are so receptive is planning two new incentives; a “Tree of Thanks” incentive to music that it makes sense to around Thanksgiving time and use this medium to spark their Tel.in519.638.2116 a “Seed Incentive” the creativity and develop their

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February 19 - Monthly Euchre, Drayton(ages Legion, 7:30pm.

Sunrise 2-4) 15 Elm Street. All are welcome. *Please note time change* MYC Classes (ages 3-9) February 28 - Jamboree at Palmerston Legion, 1pm, Hot meal: TM 5pm, Information: 343-3749. To register, contact March 4 - Monthly meeting Writer’s Unite, 7:30pm. Studio Factor, Tanis always Cowan 24 Wood Street, Drayton. New members welcome. Glynis 519-638-3215.

519.638.5715 March 5 - Afternoon of Darts 2pm, Drayton Legion, 15 Elm Street taniscowan.myc@sympatico.ca Beginners welcome. No experience necessary. Doug 519-698-2864.

Music Pups also available March 7 - Mapleton Historical*Society meeting, 7:30 p.m., Drayton United Church. Helen Aitkin will be speaking on the history of the Farm Radio Forum. All Welcome. Come share your memories.

March 7 - Challenge Euchre, 7:30pm, Palmerston Legion Upstairs Hall, $5/person. Bring partner. Light lunch provided. All Welcome.

March 8 - Monthly meeting, Drayton Legion, 8 pm. 15 Elm Street.

Everyone welcome. *Note change from Thursday’s to Tuesday’s* March 12 - Jam at the Drayton Legion, 2pm, 15 Elm St, bring your instruments and enjoy an afternoon of great music. All welcome.

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The Community News, Friday, February 19, 2016 PAGE THREE

Drayton blanks Listowel 6-0

Book nook at local rink - Wellington County’s first “book nook” is up and running at the PMD arena in Drayton. Books and magazines from libraries in the county will get extended use at the Drayton site. From left: PMD facility manger Sandra Good, Drayton library branch supervisor Bep Vandenberg, and Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll organized the project. After seeing how a book nook at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford kept children and adults occupied while their family members were participating in activities at the centre, Driscoll thought it would be a good fit for the Drayton arena.

Vandenberg commented the nook contains a variety of magazines to cover interests, from National Geographic to fashion for teens. Toddlers and young readers can find books on hockey and trains and Dr. Suess books, to name a few. The nook was officially opened on Feb. 15. photo by Caroline Sealey

DRAYTON 6 LISTOWEL 0 With Listowel trailing the best-of-three A Division Semi-finals 1-0, Drayton struck early in the first period. Cam Mohle skated into a loose puck and fired a quick wrist shot under the crossbar and Drayton had the lead.

Two quick goals in the final minute of the second period gave Drayton a commanding lead. Cam Mohle added his second with a shot over the glove, and Eric Decker followed with a low wrist shot along the ice.

Drayton added two in the third. Herman Mulder snapped the puck in on the short side, and Decker finished a short-handed break away rush for another tally.

One final rush late in the game gave Decker his third goal for the hat trick and moved Drayton to the A Division Finals.

Continued on page 7

Mapleton council approves 2016 township budget FROM PAGE ONE tax levy was just over $3 million “and this budget puts it up over $5.8 million. So we’ve almost doubled it.

“It’s our responsibility to look at all our services,” said Martin, who also thanked township staff members for their work on the budget through a period when the municipality was replacing department heads in administration and public works.

“I appreciate the work that went into it,” Martin stated.

Mayor Neil Driscoll echoed Martin’s comments, stating, “this is one of the best budget processes we’ve gone through.

The information council asked for, we got it right away … I think that led to this council making some good decision on what we could do with the budget.”

Infrastructure deficit is real However, the mayor expressed concern that, “We’re not attacking our infrastructure deficit at all.”

Driscoll expressed disappointment to see the term “infrastructure deficit” referred to recently as “a buzzword” in a recent issue of Municipal World magazine.

“It’s not a buzzword it’s a

true fact – and until we get our MPs and MPPs out to our rural municipalities and show them the trouble we’re in, I don’t think they’ll realize the true state of our affairs, honestly.”

“I sometimes think one of

our biggest problems can be summed up in three letters – G-T-A,” said Craven.

“If we keep working this hard and getting things done in terms of getting our budget done, we can take this munici-

pality places,” said Driscoll, just before asking for a vote on the budget.

Council passed the budget unanimously.

Councillor Lori Woodham was absent.

Close but ... - Cai Petan, 3, of Owen Sound, took his best shot, but ended up landing wide of the target during a break in the competition action at the Alma Optimist Plunger Toss on Feb. 6. photos by Patrick Raftis

Total council remuneration up $11,400

by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - The cost of paying elected officials in the township rose about $11,400 in 2015, compared to the previous year.

A report presented at the Feb. 9 Mapleton council meeting included a remuneration summary for all council members last year.

The total cost to local taxpayers for council wages and expenses came in at $96,793, up about 13.3% over the $85,406 paid out in 2014.

As in most municipalities, the mayor’s costs were the highest among council members. Mayor Neil Driscoll received total remuneration of $18,563, including a salary of $17,078. In 2014, Mayor Bruce Whale’s salary and expenses totaled $16,485. However, in 2014, Whale’s term of office ended in November, as he did not seek reelection in October

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and was replaced by Driscoll.

Driscoll also had 2015 meeting per diems of $1,250, and meal expenses of $235.

The remuneration of the other councillors are listed below in the following order: salary, meeting per diem fees, convention and seminar per diems, registration, hotel costs, mileage and parking, and meal costs: - Dennis Craven, $13,283, $3,120, $430, $1,466, $882, $71, $154, for a total of $19,406; - Michael Martin, $13,283, $3,660, $670, $1,949, $955, $432, $297, for a total of $21,246; - Marlene Ottens, $13,283, $1,990, $550, $787, $826, $0, $206, for a total of $17,642; and - Lori Woodham, $13,283, $2,800, $860, $1,736, $945, $38, $285, for a total of $19,947.

Committee remuneration Mapleton also has three committees whose members receive remuneration and expenses. The total cost for all three committees in 2013 was $3,250.

Maryborough housing board members received the following amounts for attending meetings: William Cummings $300, Vaughn Doig $450, Alexander Vallance $150, Lois Donaldson $400 and Virginia Franklin $200.

The parks and recreation committee had five members who received the following remuneration: Carla Schott $100, Dahl Atin $150, Jason Jack $150 and Cindy Martin $200.

Economic development committee members received the following: James Craig $250, Lucas Rogerson $250, Liz Samis $200 and David Taylor $250.

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Wellington Road 8 (Main Street) Reconstruction and Main Street Bridge Rehabilitation, Drayton, Township of Mapleton - County of Wellington Contract CW2016-014 The County of Wellington and Township of Mapleton invite you to an Open House to review plans, schedule, access, closures and general work of the Wellington Road 8 (Main Street) Reconstruction and Main Street Bridge Rehabilitation project. The Open House will be held on Wednesday, March 2 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the PMD Arena Community Hall in Drayton.

The work includes the reconstruction of Main Street from Wellington Road 11 (Wellington Street) to the PMD Arena. Storm and sanitary sewers, watermain, curb, sidewalk and asphalt road are all included as part of the reconstruction. The Main Street Bridge will also be rehabilitated at the same time.

The tentative schedule for the completion of all work is from this spring to the end of summer.

The project is in partnership with the Township of Mapleton.

Mark Eby, P.Eng. Construction Manager Engineering Services Roads Division County of Wellington T 519.837.2601

PAGE FOUR The Community News, Friday, February 19, 2016

TOWNSHIP OF MAPLETON

THE

COMMUNITY NEWS Published by W.H.A. Publications Limited P.O. Box 189, Drayton, Ontario, N0G 1P0 24 Wood St., Unit B, Drayton (inside Studio Factor) Telephone 519-638-3066 Fax 519-638-2875 drayton@wellingtonadvertiser.com Published on Fridays Deadline: Monday at 10am Subscriptions $52 plus HST in Canada W.H. Adsett, Publisher Chris Daponte, Editor Patrick Raftis, Reporter Caroline Sealey, Office Manager Alicia Roza, Graphic Designer

GENERAL POLICY

Persons wishing information regarding circulation, rates and additional service, etc. should feel free to contact the staff. The Publisher accepts responsibility for claims and honours agreements made by himself or by regular staff on his behalf. No responsibility is accepted for actions of persons not in the employ of the paper, or otherwise over whom the Publisher has no control. All advertising accepted is done so in good faith. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowances for signatures, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisements will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold.

Advertising is merely an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time.

Ontario Community Newspaper Association

Canadian Community Newspaper Association

STAFF Office Manager: Caroline Sealey OFFICE HOURS: Monday and Tuesday 9am-12pm, Thursday 9am-3pm DEADLINE: MONDAY 10AM

YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER Editor’s Note: Due to strong interest in the topic of the 2016 Mapleton Township budget, we are turning our editorial space over to our letter writers for the second time in the past four weeks. While one of the letters below exceeds our normal guidelines for length, we note it is a response to the writer of three previous Letters to the Editor on the same topic.

Letters to the Editor Writer speaks for many Dear editor: In the 18 or so years of being in the Mapleton area I finally look forward to checking out the Community News just to read Mike Minogue’s letters. I don’t know this man but I admire his guts for saying the things a lot of us say and think but do nothing about it (myself included).

More power to ya, buddy!

Keep writing.

Shirley Mackay RR 2, Alma Response to budget concerns Dear Editor: Mapleton council received Mike Minogue’s letter to the editor (Jan. 29 issue of the Community News) regarding 2016 budget as a separate correspondence to council on Jan. 24. We provided a formal response to Mr. Minogue’s questions and concerns on Feb. 3.

I feel it is important to share our honest and factual response with readers of the Community News. The following is an excerpt of the response. Mr. Minogue’s original comment or question is repeated in quotations followed by our response in italics: 1. “First, to be creating the 2016 budget based on the 2015 budget and not the 2015 actuals is a practice only performed in government. How a budget can be created without knowing your actual revenue and expenses is beyond me.”

Response: The actuals, adjusted for inflation, for the years 2012 through 2015 (2015 was projected based on Jan. to Sept. actuals) were used to determine projected 2016 expenses. Actual revenues for the period 2012 through 2015 (projected based January to September) are also considered, however, conservatively they will usually be based upon the most current year as revenues are a function of current

policies, rates, etc.

2. “Second, as your article titled “Agriculture drives local building boom” states, permits of $384,517 were issued in 2015, which is $150,000 more than budgeted in 2015, yet that surplus is nowhere to be found in the 2016 budget and levy calculation.”

Response: Under the Building Code Act surplus revenues for building department revenues must be allocated to an operating reserve for that department and cannot be transferred to general revenues. The purpose is to ensure that during downturns in the economy the building department does not become an operating burden on the general tax base. During a slower building year when revenues do not meet expenses the department will draw from those operating reserves.

3. “Thirdly, the value of this construction of $58.5 million in 2015 equates to additional tax revenues of $236,813, again nowhere to be found in the 2016 budget and levy calculation.”

Response: Once the building construction is completed (i.e. occupancy), MPAC is notified and they will undertake an assessment of the building construction to revise the assessment. This process can take six months to two years to be completed by MPAC. As such not all of the $58.5 million of building construction will be assessed at that value and would not be included in the 2016 budget or levy calculation until MPAC completes their assessment and provides the updated assessment to the township. Our levy calculation is current as of the most recent MPAC update.

4. “Fourth, regardless of any levy increase the township is contemplating ... I suspect all of Mapleton’s, MPAC assessment is increasing by over 2%.

Continued on next page

Community Information Page

7275 Sideroad 16, P.O. Box 160, Drayton, ON N0G 1P0 Phone: 519-638-3313, Fax: 519-638-5113, Toll Free: 1-800-385-7248 www.mapleton.ca

Mapleton’s Green Legacy Continues in 2016 The Township of Mapleton will again be offering a “Tree Day” where tree seedlings will be made available, free of charge, to residents of the Township of Mapleton. Property owners can pre-order up to a maximum of 50 trees (subject to availability) in bundles of 10.

Pre-ordered trees by contacting the Township of Mapleton Municipal Office at 519.638.3313

SPECIES AVAILABLE:

Deciduous

Deciduous

• Birch, Paper • Cherry, Black • Dogwood, Silky • Elderberry, Common • Elm, American

• Maple, Silver • Maple, Sugar • Oak, Bur • Oak, Red • Tamarack

Coniferous

• Cedar, White • Pine, Red • Pine, White • Spruce, Norway • Spruce, White Donations to the food bank are appreciated.

Pick-up your trees on Saturday, April 23, 2015 Moorefield Sand Shed, 5 Hilwood Drive, Moorefield From 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

2016

DOG TAGS

2016 tags are now available at the Municipal Office Every owner of a dog within the Township is required to obtain a license before the 1st day of March, or within 21 days of becoming a dog owner. Registering your dog(s) demonstrates responsible pet ownership and helps with the identification and safe return of your pet.

Fees:

First Dog Second Dog Third Dog

$20.00 $30.00 $45.00

After March 1st First Dog Second Dog Third Dog

$25.00 $40.00 $55.00

If your dog is picked up by the Township’s Canine Control Officer and it does not have a current tag, you may incur additional fees and charges.

The municipality has a responsibility to all tax payers to ensure animal control services are funded from the collection of dog licenses and not from the general tax levy.

Number of Dogs: No owner/occupier of a premise in the Township shall keep more than three (3) dogs on one property.

If you require further information regarding kennel licenses, please contact the Municipal Office.

PUBLIC

SKATE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

The Township of Mapleton has a fantastic new opportunity designed to increase your community exposure and provide active affordable fun for everyone with the Public Skate Sponsorship Program.

We feel that the most important aspect of our program is that it allows all individuals, including those who do not participate in organized ice activities, an opportunity to come out for a free skate and enjoy the use of our facilities.

Individual public skates can now be sponsored for $79.00 per hour Non-Prime or $103.32 per hour Prime excluding taxes. We will take requests for preferred dates and times for your sponsorship, on a first come basis. March Break 2016 (March 14 – 18) is quickly approaching!

CALL SANDRA GOOD, ARENA MANAGER AT 519.638.3333 FOR MORE INFORMATION!

IMPORTANT DATES Tuesday, February 23, 2016 1:00pm Tuesday, March 1, 2016 6:00pm Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Tuesday, March 15, 2016

7:00pm 6:00pm

Council Meeting CANCELLED Mapleton Youth Action Council, Drayton Library Regular Meeting of Council Mapleton Youth Action Council, Drayton Library

The Community News, Friday, February 19, 2016 PAGE FIVE

MAPLETON MUSINGS Column courtesy of Mapleton Historical Society

Wellington co-operative medical services With the universal health care we enjoy today it is rather difficult to image that only 70 years ago people were covering all cost associated with their health care. Some would have purchased a private medical insurance plan from a commercial company. Some employers were offering group plans for their employees.

Since the early 1900s there have been many farmer’s organizations: The Farmers Association, The Grange, the Farmer’s Clubs, sponsored by the government, the United Farmers Organization, and the United Co-operatives of Ontario to name some.

Eventually these organiza-

tions merged into the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

One of the results of the work of this organization was that Co-operative Medical Services were organized throughout the counties of Ontario so that individuals could have a prepaid hospital plan.

Wellington Co-operative Medical Services was founded in 1947, to provide hospital insurance for the individual and employee groups.

The co-operative was governed and managed by a board of directors, elected from among the members. At that time, for premiums of $8.50 per year for a single member and $17 per year for a family plan, the hospital plan provided $3 per day for a hospital stay

plus $10 for the use of the operating room, and $10 for drugs and laboratory services in the hospital.

Within the next 10 years rising costs for hospital services as well as increased membership in the co-op meant increases in premiums.

In 1952 the Wellington Co-operative Medical Services began to offer a comprehensive medical plan for students at the Ontario Agricultural College, the Ontario Veterinary College and the Macdonald Institute (now the University of Guelph). That year, the cooperative offered the first catastrophe plan for an additional premium of $1 and $2 per year.

Surgical plans were offered in 1953.

The office for Wellington County Medical Services was moved to Drayton in 1956.

Mabel McClanahan was the manager. The office was in the Lambert block on Wellington Street.

As of Jan. 1, 1959 the Ontario Hospital Plan was offered by the government and the Medical Co-operatives could no longer offer hospital coverage. Wellington Co-operative Medical Services continued in business and actually grew because of the demand for medical and surgical coverage.

In 1961 the federal government established a Royal Commission on Health Services. The commission’s report was presented in June

1964. The Medical Care Act was passed in 1966. The premise was to provide universal health care.

Thus in a 1967 report from the Wellington Co-operative Medical Services the writer asks the questions: When will Medicare come and what will happen to medical cooperatives? The report goes on to say the directors assure the members that coverage would be available as long as there was a need.

There was also a comment that there were plans for a merger of a number of county co-operative medical services.

We haven’t been able to find exactly when the Wellington Co-operative Medical Services amalgamated with others.

However, the Wellington Trust was established with the surplus funds from the former Wellington Co-operative.

When the Drayton and Community Citizens Association was formed in 1971 to build a medical clinic, the community was canvased for donations. The Wellington Trust matched each dollar donated to a limit of $20,000.

That medical clinic on Wood Street served the community well until the need for a larger, more up-to-date facility resulted in the present clinic on Wellington Street South.

No doubt the balance of that trust fund has been used to help fund other medical needs within the county. submitted by Jean Campbell

Mayor responds to concerns raised about 2016 Mapleton Township budget FROM PREVIOUS PAGE This property value assessment translates directly to a 2% increase, or $110,000, in revenue to the township, nowhere to be found in the 2016 budget and levy calculation.”

Response: Any increase in assessment is included in the levy of 17.29%. The municipal tax rate increase, currently projected at 9.73%, accounts for: 1) the additional tax revenue from increased assessment; and 2) increases required to support budget requirements.

To make this a bit clearer, if

we assumed that there was no MPAC assessment increase at all, we would need a tax rate increase of 17.29%.

5. “Fifth, the average price of gas is currently below $0.90, with no horizon for oil to climb back to its previous highs. I suppose Mapleton Township must be the only people not saving money from lower gas prices today and for the foreseeable future, as savings from lower fuel costs are nowhere to be found in the 2016 budget and levy calculation.”

Response: You are correct

photo by Caroline Sealey

are allocated to tax-based expenses. Departments such as building, Close to Home, water and wastewater are separate cost centres and either funded through external funding (provincial health care funding), user fees (water and wastewater) or revenue/expense neutral (i.e. building department).

For the full version of our response we direct readers to our Feb. 9, 2016 council agenda at the township’s website.

The budget process began at a staff level in September 2015 with council sessions open to the public on Nov. 3, Dec. 9, Dec. 14 and Jan. 6.

These sessions were subsequently followed by a wellattended public open house on Jan. 14. Notice of the proposed 2016 budget approval was also published in the Community News on Jan. 22, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12, providing opportunities for comments, questions and/or requests to speak to council on the budget at the Feb. 9, meeting. No requests to speak to council were received and only one additional letter other than Mr. Minogue’s was received.

HURRY IN AND START SAVING TODAY!

OF Fall in love this February!

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The 2016 budget was approved by council unopposed on Feb. 9. I welcome any and all opportunities to discuss council’s decisions at

any time to ensure all residents understand the reasons behind the decisions we make.

Mayor Neil Driscoll, Township of Mapleton

GREGG DAVIDSON County Councillor, Ward 2 Mapleton

DID YOU KNOW...

Wellington Road (WR) bridges in Mapleton are expected to be reconstructed in 2016: WR8-Main St. Drayton, WR10-Wyandot Bridge and WR86-Conestogo River Bridge

Questions or Concerns: email greggd@wellington.ca or phone or text 226-929-7481 Stay informed, follow me on Twitter @GreggTDavidson

BUY 6 GALLONS

Family Day skate - Greg and Megan Leavitt travelled to the PMD arena in Drayton from Elora to enjoy a Family Day skate.

Skaters from the community and as far as Waterloo filled the rink during the afternoon skate sponsored by RBC.

that fuel prices are lower, however, for budgeting purposes, we cannot speculate on longterm fuel prices remaining low.

Should we account for lower fuel prices and fuel prices rise as quickly as they declined, the township would have a deficit.

We, as council, cannot support speculation on commodity prices during our budgeting process.

6. “Finally, the 2016 budget wages are slated for an increase of 7.18%, compared to the expected average of 2.5% across Canada, which equates to an extra $100,000 in expenses, not to mention CPP and EI contributions to match.

Clearly the township is taking care of its own, while the rest of us are expected to pay for these ridiculous tax hikes out of our disposable income.

The township is getting richer, while its constituents are getting poorer.”

Response: Our estimate of wage increases across the board are 6.96% and are a combination of several factors: - inclusion of estimated overtime based upon previous actuals; - increase for personnel as they progress annually through their various steps in the job grid based upon satisfactory or better performance evaluations; - cost of living increase of 1.2%; - creation of more senior positions, with higher levels of responsibility, for existing staff as part of organizational restructuring; and - pay equity adjustments.

Not all wage increases

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Home Hardware Building Centre 7873 Wellington Road 8, 1km east of Drayton Mon-Fri: 7:00am - 6:00pm Sat: 8:00am - 4:00pm Phone: 519-638-2420 Fax: 519-638-5015

www.marspan.com

PAGE SIX The Community News, Friday, February 19, 2016

By Laurie Langdon

Mercy on Earth as it is in Heaven When God’s will is done on Earth as it is in Heaven, (Mt. 6:10) God, who is rich in mercy, makes you alive together with Christ. (Eph. 2:4-5) Now, and in his kingdom, you discover that God is wealthy in everything, rich in every virtue and fully resourced in every measure.

Consequently, as you experience his kingdom rule on earth, you realize that you also are wealthy in everything, rich in every virtue and fullyresourced in every measure.

Essentially, you have everything. And, because you have everything, you have everything to give away. You have become a resource and reservoir of mercy.

Your experience with this has become a reality because God has extended his arms to you, pulled you out of your prison and drawn you into himself. Now, within His intimate embrace, you are receiving everything He is.

There, for example, trouble works for you as, that which may have been your enemy before, now serves to draw you closer still to the Father - the place of your creation, your inheritance, your wholeness and your life, the place of

ductive, contributing members of society.

Single mothers who have been struggling to cope and make ends meet have been blessed as you have clung to them, prodded and encouraged them, turned on their light and opened up their door, supported them and supplied them with your time, energy and resources. Consequently, their lives are restored. They can trust men again. They can pursue love again. They have dignity again.

You have reached out to the fatherless child. Daily you affirmed him and shown him the virtue of unconditional and unbending love. He has received a father and a friend

mercy is abundant. Those who could be treated harshly receive nothing but care and forgiveness. Those in very bad or desperate situations receive kindness and help. Those who offend you, especially those subject to your power, receive nothing but lenient and compassionate treatment.

You revisit again and again the side streets of your world to help any poor man dwelling there.

Many have seen hopeless circumstance turned to productive living as you have stretched out your hand to help them once more to their feet.

Because of your compassion they have regained hope and returned again to become pro-

your rest.

There your misery has been turned into joy.

You, once afflicted, seeking aid, miserable and in distress, are now kind toward others who are like you once were.

You, once in need of counsel, hope, help and strength, are now a fountain to others who are like you once were. You, once imprisoned, now work to release others from their places of confinement. You, once having a character that needed forging, have become a “forger” for others. You, once needing training to walk the new road, have become a teacher and a helping hand for others.

Now, and in your world,

and he now has a hope and a future.

You are touching the ugly, the smelly, the unwanted, the poor, the sick, the weak, the unfortunate and those who have been treated unjustly.

You are giving them a home, a safe place to heal, a place of refuge where they are free to learn to walk, to fall down and to try again.

God’s rule has been restored to your world and His spirit is flowing into and out of you.

You are His hands and feet and you are His heart of compassion to the weak, the poor and the unfortunate.

God’s mercy has come to your Earth, just as it is in Heaven.

Seminar speaker to focus on finding The Real You DRAYTON - A broad range of life experiences have enabled Shawn Groen to help students and youth cope with anxiety and depression.

Groen will be the guest speaker at a two-day semi-

nar, The Real You, held at the Drayton Reformed Church on Feb. 19 and 20.

Groen focuses on anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, pornography, life transitions, grief and trauma.

Mohlecrest Construction Ltd. Jordan Mohle

(519) 504-1837 mohleconstruction@gmail.com mohlecrest.ca

Renovations Additions Agricultural Roofing Reshingle Steel Roofing Custom Framing Decks Fences Etc.

LOVERS OF THE

BIRDS Tundra swan

(formerly whistling swan) Soon many Mapleton residents may have the thrill of seeing magnificent tundra swans. They reach their arctic nesting grounds well before spring thaw. The tundra swan is the most widespread of three swans in North America. The mute swan was introduced from Europe in the early 19th century. They are found along the shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie. Native trumpeter swans were hunted nearly to extinction, with modest success at reintroduction. Swans have a slow and graceful habit.

Voice: tundra call (not a whistle) is a high pitched, quivering oooo-whoo, described as a yelp, woop, yodel or beautiful bugling.

It is often heard at night as family groups pass overhead. Size: 1.5m/4 -4 ½’. ID: large, stark-white plumaged bird (immature is gray); long neck held straight up; black webbed feet and long legs; black bill usually with yellow lore (spot).

Habitat: migrates, stopping on shallow lakes, wetlands, fields and pastures. Migration occurs both diurnally and nocturnally.

Eastern birds winter as far south as North Carolina. Status: Early fur traders extirpated them from Ontario. Swan skins were used for ladies’ apparel. Severe degradation of major wintering sites also reduced populations to mere shadows of past numbers. Today more than 200,000 cross North American skies. Now tens of thousands of tundra swans migrate over our province.

Uncommon to abundant migrant from late February to mid-April.

Much less spectacular is the late October to early December migration. Feeding: migrating swans stop to feast on waste grain and aquatic vegetation. Long necks enable them to dabble and glean the surface for aquatic vegetation,invertebrates, tubers, roots and waste grain. Resources: National Geographic Atlas Bird Book and Birds of Ontario.

Until next month, Susan Warren

BEER’S SEEDS LTD.

7708 16th Line, Mapleton R.R.#4 Arthur ON, N0G 1A0

Producers of Premium Quality Birdseed for Wild and Domestic Birds Phone: (519) 848-3488 or 1-800-265-9166 Fax: (519) 848-3857 Email: beersseeds@sympatico.ca

and encouraged during breaks for individuals to speak with Groen on a one-to-one basis.

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

On Feb. 20 parents of youth in Grades 8 to 12 are invited to join the seminar. Topics will include learning how to identify signs of anxiety and depression in teens. The seminar runs from 9:30am to 12:30pm with snacks and drinks provided.

As with the youth event, parents will be able to meet with Groen on an individual basis during breaks.

For more information on the seminars contact the Drayton Reformed Church at 519-638-2035.

His educational background includes an undergraduate degree in theology from Redeemer University College and a Masters of Divinity in Marriage and Family Counselling from Tyndale Seminary.

He is currently employed

by Shalem Mental Health Network, Hamilton and Durham regions as a counsellor.

On Feb. 19, students in Grades 8 to 12 are invited to come and “learn about their true identity in Christ and the struggles they may experience along the way.” The event runs from 7:30 to 9:30pm.

Opportunities will be provided

The Drayton Legion’s 2015 Remembrance Day Poster, Essay and Poem Contest winners were recently presented with certificates.

Winners from Community Christian School included Intermediate Essay second place Karissa Geerlinks, left, and third place Moriah McCracken. photos by Caroline Sealey

Decision Drivers of Canada SEE THINGS YOU DON’T SEE.

UPCOMING DRIVING COURSE: March Break (4 days): March 14-17, 2016, 9:00am-2:30pm

Only Area Driving School that offers 11 Hrs of in-car instruction!

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE ROAD TEST PACKAGE. Driving Simulator offered in Drayton MTO Approved Beginner Driver Education Course Provider

The Drayton Legion’s 2015 Remembrance Day Poster, Essay and Poem Contest winners were recently presented with certificates.

Winners from Community Christian School included, from left: Junior Essay second place Stephanie Mohle, third Gena Koetsier and first Shawna Rumph.

10 WELLINGTON ST. NORTH UNIT 1, DRAYTON

519-638-9990

www.decisiondrivers.ca

Charity

Moorefield Optimist Club

WING NIGHT

Presents the 1st Annual Father’s Day

ATV & Garden Tractor Pull

Sledge Hockey Game

Sunday June 21st, 2009 @ 1:00pm Moorefield Community Center Registration begins at 11:30 am All ages are welcome to pull!

Stock Garden Tractor Classes Up to 650 lbs 650 - 750 lbs 750 - 950 lbs 950 - 1200 lbs 1200 - 1350 lbs OPEN CLASS

Modified Garden Tractors Up to 750 lbs 750 - 950 lbs 950 - 1150 lbs 1150 - 1350 lbs OPEN CLASS

2 & 4 wheel drive ATV Class Up to 750 lbs 750 - 900 lbs 900 - 1100 lbs OPEN CLASS

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

5:00pm - 9:00pm at the Moorefield Community Centre Eat in/take out

$5.00 per pull

(Only 2 Classes per Tractor/ATV) **JOYRIDING = AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION*

General Admission is $5.00/person **DAD’S are ½ Price!** Ages 5 & under are free with Adult admission *Food Booth on site* *General Pull rules apply* For more info call Neil @ 519-638-3252 or McKague Trucking @ 519-392-6353

vs for Camp Bucko (Burn Camp for Kids of Ontario)

Saturday, February 27th, 2016 7:00pm PMD Arena, Drayton

Admission: Donation

Door Prizes

Licensed Event LLBO

Drayton Christian Reformed Church Sharing God’s Grace and Hope 88 Main Street East, Drayton

www.draytoncrc.org

LENT

Sunday, February 21 at 10am Rev. Vic Vandermolen leads morning worship

The Community News, Friday, February 19, 2016 PAGE SEVEN

NDCHL report

CLASSIFIEDS

FROM PAGE THREE FLORADALE 6 COMMUNITY 2 Community, in a must-win situation, scored in the first minute of play on a hard wrist shot by Kevin Gingrich. Tony Martin assisted.

Floradale tied the game late in the period. Braedon Gingrich teed up Dan Martin who blasted a slapshot that bounced over the goaltender.

Community regained the lead when Kevin Gingrich left a wide open net for Tony Martin to roll the puck in.

Seconds later, a power play goal tied it for Floradale. Ryan Martin won the face off to Tim Martin who rifled a slapshot to the back of the net.

Floradale took the lead as the second period ended. Corey Wideman sent the puck to Dan Martin who snapped a low wrist shot into the short side.

Floradale added a goal

by Corey Wideman, then put the game away with another midway through the third.

Javon Martin teed up Josh Brohman for a slapshot. A final goal in the dying seconds by Josh Brohman moved Floradale into the finals.

MISSIONARY 6 BETHEL 2 Missionary scored a pair of unanswered goals in the first by Curtis Bults and Pat Landman Assists went to Dave Arndt and Dustin Bults.

Missionary added two in the second. Tom Chambers and Dustin Bults scored, assisted by Dave Scholten and Landman.

Bethel also scored a pair in the second. Ben Wideman scored a goal and assisted on the other by Matt DeVitt.

Two more goals in the third period put the game away for Missionary. Dustin Bults and Dave Scholten scored the final goal, assisted by Curtis Bults and Tom Chambers.

HELP WANTED

Help Wanted

KEYHOLDER POSITION CASHIER Nights and weekends.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Invites applications for a Board Member or a Board Community Member

90 Wellington St., Drayton, ON N0G 1P0

Do you want to make a difference? Do you have the passion and professional expertise to make an impact on the future of healthcare services in our community? If you answered yes, then please consider joining NWHC. North Wellington Health Care (NWHC) invites applications for Directors on its volunteer Board and community members for its Board Committees. NWHC is looking for interested leaders to help guide it through unprecedented growth and change that will come from expanded services and the construction of our Emergency Room/Ambulatory Care Project at the Mount Forest Louise Marshall Hospital site.

This year, the Board is especially, but not exclusively, seeking leaders with experience in: • Capital Project Management • Health care quality and performance improvement • Strategic Planning To read the position description for a Board Director or for a community member, and to obtain a copy of the application, go to http://nwhealthcare.ca/about-us/board-directors For further information, please contact Mary MacDonald by phone (519) 323-3333 x 2256 or email mmacdonald@nwhealthcare.ca Send your application, a letter of introduction, and your resume by Monday, February 29, 2016 at 12 noon to: Kelly Ward, Chair Nominating Committee of the Board c/o Mary MacDonald North Wellington Health Care 630 Dublin Street Mount Forest ON N0G 2L3 mmacdonald@nwhealthcare.ca Fax: (519) 323-2955

IS LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED

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EMPLOYMENT OPPS. MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! Indemand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

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OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK 9-9

IN MEMORIAM

LARRY GEISEL May 2, 1951 - February 22, 2014

For my dear husband Larry Another year has come and gone, yet my love for you only grows with each passing day.

I give thanks to God for each moment we shared together on our journey in this world.

You were God’s special gift of love to me that filled my life with joy. I can never thank God enough for you and long for the day when we will be together again in His house forever (Psalm 23:6)

With deepest love, Donna

DO YOU NEED TO BOOK AN AD FOR

Caroline at The Community News would be happy to help you with this!

Call Caroline at 519.638.3066

or email drayton@wellingtonadvertiser.com

PAGE eight The Community News, Friday, February 19, 2016

Norwell offers assistance with literacy test

The Drayton Legion’s 2015 Remembrance Day Poster, Essay and Poem Contest winners were recently presented with certificates.

Winners from Community Christian School included Intermediate Black and White Poster Honorable Mention Rebecca Mohle.

Primary poster winners - The Drayton Legion’s 2015 Remembrance Day Poster, Essay and Poem Contest winners were recently presented with certificates. Winners from Community Christian School included, from left: Primary Colour Posters winners, front, first in Grade 1 and third in Primary Sydney Rumph, third for Grade 2 Owen Vanderlaan, third for Grade 1 Kandace Roth; back, second overall and second Grade 3 Joel Rumph, third Grade 3 Iris Nieuwland, first Grade 2 Reid Hessels, first Grade 3, and first in Primary and second in zone Kealey Parker. photos by Caroline Sealey

PALMERSTON - Norwell District Secondary School is offering a Pass the Test program to help students prepare for the upcoming Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.

This course will run after school from 3:15 to 4:30pm on Feb. 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and March 1, 2, 9, 22, 29 and 30. The school will be providing late buses for students attending this program.

The bus will take students to Drayton, Moorefield, Harriston and Clifford.

Parents of students interested in attending the program are asked to contact the school.

County approves trail funding

The Drayton Legion’s 2015 Remembrance Day Poster, Essay and Poem Contest winners were recently presented with certificates.

Winners from Community Christian School included, from left: Intermediate Poem second place Nicole Hiddema, first (and first in Zone) Karissa Geerlinks, and third Peter de Gelder.

GUELPH – Wellington County will provide the Town of Minto with up to $7,171 under the county trail funding program for improvements to the Clifford Trail and Palmerston Trail.

The program is scheduled to end on Nov. 30, 2018.

County council approved a planning committee recommendation to provide the requested funds at the Jan. 28 meeting. Both trails are identified in the county’s Active Transportation Plan.

Kinsmen request reduced rental rate for annual farm show in Drayton The Drayton Legion’s 2015 Remembrance Day Poster, Essay and Poem Contest winners were recently presented with certificates. Winners from Community Christian School included, from left: Junior Black and White Poster Honorable Mention Kristen Duimering, third Kamryn Rumph, second Gena Koetsier.

by Patrick Raftis DRAYTON – Mapleton council is considering a request for a reduction in PMD arena complex rental fees for the 2016 Drayton Kinsmen Farm Show.

Chad Mackay of the Drayton Kinsmen attended

March Break 0 | Crafts, Stories & Elves Thurs, Mar 17 » St Patricks day 9:00-3:3 door | Bring your own lunch | Clothes pin wreath | Scroll saw an elf hst Snacks provided | Age 7 to teen | $45+ 0 | fun & fact, ok mostly fun -3:3 9:00 way its on Fri, Mar 18 » Easter project | Bring your own Pysanky Eggs, mosaic, small scroll saw | $45+hst lunch | Snacks provided | Age 7 to teen d St, Drayton 519.638.0888

| donnahirtle@gmail.com | 24 Woo

February 19-20, 2016

Opportunities will be provided (and encouraged) during the breaks to speak with Shawn individually.

This will be available for both the Youth and Parent Seminars.

the Feb. 9 council meeting to request council cap the fee for use of the facilities for the event, planned for March 30 and 31, at $2,600.

In 2015 the Kinsmen also requested, and council agreed to, a reduction of the fee to $2,600.

CAO Brad McRoberts advised council the normal rental cost for the two days would total $4,975. He also noted an amount similar to the group’s requested discount had been accounted for in the 2016 budget.

Mayor Neil Driscoll, whose business exhibits at the farm show, declared a conflict of interest on the issue.

We live in such a wonderful, caring and giving community!

The Drayton and Community Food Bank

would like to thank all local businesses and organizations that donated this past Christmas: Drayton Kinettes, Conestogo Agri Systems Ltd. Employees, Peel Maryborough Mutual Ins. Company, Jack Financial, Mapleton Fire/Rescue, The Wellington County O.P.P. Area Schools & Area Churches, and Food Bank Volunteers and everyone else who donated food or gave a monetary donation

The Drayton & Community Food Bank

519-504-2346

Councillor Dennis Craven was appointed mayor pro-tem during the discussion.

“We’ve heard for a long time the theatre (Drayton Entertainment) has put Drayton on the map, but I have a feeling that the farm show has put Drayton the map every bit as much,” said Craven.

Mackay pointed out the show generates a large percentage of the club’s income.

“The vast majority of our funding is derived from the farm show,” explained Mackay, adding, “all of the proceeds are spent in our community and we’re requesting the rental rate be reduced to $2,600 to allow us to dedicate more funds to various worthy causes that we support.”

Craven noted council has already had a few similar requests from other local organizations and said township staff have recommended council defer the request until the next meeting pending receipt of a staff report on a proposed donations policy.

“We want to encourage the farm show to continue for sure,” said Craven. “We just feel, and staff feel, that we should have a policy that we can look at when we get these requests.”

McRoberts explained that staff have also been looking at the operation of the Drayton Kinsmen Farm Show and “there might be some opportunity to work with them in terms of reducing our staff costs.”

Council agreed to defer the request to the next meeting, which will be held on March 8.

The Feb. 23 council meeting has been cancelled to allow council members to attend the annual Ontario Good Roads Association/Rural Ontario Municipal Association convention, which runs from Feb. 21 to 24 in Toronto.