december 13, 2012 issue

1- December 13, 2012 - St. Thom

as - Elgin Weekly New

s

GreatPeople.GreatCars.

See Page 3

Hand wash and dry, shampoo, vacuum, clean vinyl, glass treatment, vehicle wax, paint sealant, fabric protection.

Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-3pm 175 South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas 519-631-6420

Put the NEW back into your vehicle!

GIFT CERTIFICATESAVAILABLE!

GIFT CERTIFICATESAVAILABLE!

St.Thomas/Elgin

During the city’s Accessible Transpor-tation open house on Thursday, Decem-ber 6, 2012, residents were asked to give their opinion on the city’s accessible transportation. That feedback will help determine what changes the current sys-tem requires from the user’s perspective.

Dave White, Supervisor of Roads and Transportation, was on hand to dis-cuss the plan already in place and what changes could be made to further benefit residents. Feedback being sought includ-ed the parallel transit service (paratransit as its more commonly known) and bus stops and shelters. “It’s important for us

to speak one on one with people so they can ask questions and we can answer them.”

The meeting, held in the St. Thomas Public Library’s Carnegie Room, featured a large map of the city marked with cur-rent routes for bus stops and shelters.

“It’s not a big system, but it keeps with the accessibility standard,” David says. “We try to encourage those with disabili-ties to use the traditional bus services and because of this we’ve made our buses as accessible as we can.”

He urges any residents with concerns about the current system to write in by

January 1, 2013 so that he can collect and compile the information. That way he can bring his assessment to council and they can act on it.

You can write to him at David White, 545 Talbot Street, P.O. Box 520, City Hall, St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V7.

David White, Supervisor of Roads and Transportation with the City of St. Thomas shows off his map of bus routes and shelters in St. Thomas. The map was part of the city’s Accessible Transportation open house.

Aurora Rodriguez, owner of A+ Designs, knows the economy’s a little flat this year, that’s why she wanted to do her part to help put a smile on the faces of St. Thomas residents. It’s also how Farmgate Markets end-ed up with its very first up-side down Christmas tree.

General Manager Tricia Herbert says the tree has inspired many positive com-ments and caused some drivers to pull in just to see the tree.

“This year we wanted to make an effort to do some-

thing different,” says Aurora. “A lot of people are talking about the tree and that’s great.”

Aurora is also part of the decorating committee for St. Anne’s Church.

Farmgate Markets sup-ports local suppliers from Hortons Market and around the county. They feature lo-cally grown produce, when in season, as well as Ontar-io-raised meat. The market is located at 19 Elgin Street and is open Monday through Saturday from 7am – 6pm.

Aurora Rodriguez, along with Tricia Herbert, General Manager of Farmgate Markets have turned Christmas upside down in the store. The eye-catching display has stopped many cars travelling by, says Aurora. This is the first year the market’s had the tree.

Volume 8 No. 32 519-633-1640 • www.theweeklynews.ca

December 13, 2012

Market turning things upside down

Accessibility input neededThe City of St. Thomas wants to hear from you

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 2

Joe Preston MPElgin - Middlesex - London24 First Ave Unit 2, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4M5(519) 637-2255 www.joeprestonmp.ca

Here to assist you with your

Federal Government

Issues

Free Christmas dinnerWorking at Talbot Subs, owner Brian Hansen and

cook Luc Eyndhoven see their fair share of customers who have no place to go for the holidays. That’s why

the guys, along with Destination Church, where they’re both parishioners, will be holding a free Christmas din-ner on December 25, 2012.

The dinner is for people who have no place to go for Christmas. Doors will open at 11am and there will be

Christmas movies and Christmas music playing. “This is a fellowship where people can visit with each other. It’s great for seniors who have no one to celebrate Christmas with,” says Luc.

Food for the event is being donated by a variety of sources, and will be prepared at the church. Luc will cook the turkeys at the church the day before.

This will be the first year the church will be holding this Christmas dinner, which will be run solely by volunteers.

Another program Luc heads at Destination Church is called Stone Soup. This is held ev-ery Thursday. The meal starts at 6pm, but most people show up at 5pm. Each person is asked to contribute one ingredient to put into the pot and a large meal is made from that. This program has been running for more than a year.

Talbot Subs has been open for three years and is located at 349 Talbot Street in St. Thomas.

Wall of fameAlbert J. Riddell is the first person to be inducted to the Timken Centre’s new Wall of Fame. Family and friends in attendance on Thursday, December 6, 2012, included, from left: Ald. Lori Baldwin-Sands, Ald. Jeff Kohler, parents Marie and James Riddell, Laurie Riddell, Patricia Riddell and Ald. Tom Johnston. The wall will honour those who have made a community contribution to business, sports, arts and service to the community. Albert died in 2010 at the age of 59.



s

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 4

2013 capital budget — Part 1

After a request of $9.1 million was put forth to be passed by the city’s finance

committee, $7.2 million was approved. A secondary capi-tal budget meeting is set for March to approve additional items that was not voted on

during this round of delibera-tions. Ald. Tom Johnston was the only member of council to vote against the budget. Pur-chases included in this round include a wedding pavilion for Pinafore Park and HVAC up-grades for the fire station on Wellington Street. Funding for the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital project was decided at a separate meeting.

Helping the flow of traffic

Ald. Campbell was hand-ed the quote of the week title from Ald. Cosens for his “humps are for camels, not for city streets.” This state-ment was a sentiment against using those humps through-out the city as a traffic calm-ing measure. One of the mea-sures already in place to calm traffic in St. Thomas is the on street parking. Ald. Campbell says in no way, shape or form does he support the city’s idea for more humps.

Water troublesOne unlucky couple in St.

Thomas realized they hadn’t been charged yet for their wa-ter usage. Not really a prob-lem, until you count the fact that the couple has owned the home, located in a brand new subdivision, for a year. Mayor Heather Jackson was

upset when relaying this in-formation to council saying she didn’t like the way this situation was handled. “I have some concerns with it: that a) it took a year before we no-ticed from our end that the water meter wasn’t providing a reading, and the other issue I have is that they (residents) didn’t receive a phone call from someone in the water department that they were coming out to look at this wa-ter meter. Someone showed up announced. Contact should have been made prior to city staff just showing up at the door.” The homeowner was told that the city is just going to estimate their usage for the year based on the new meter that was installed in September. They can expect that lump sum bill in January 2013. In the meantime, May-or Jackson will be looking into the situation. So will Director of Environmental Services John Dewancker.

City’s STEGH donationThe City of St. Thomas has

agreed to provide the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospi-tal with $3.5 million over the next 10 years. This is just the city’s share of the project. El-gin County will also have to help fund the redevelopment project.

NEVER CLIMB IN TO A COLD, FROZEN

CAR AGAIN!

STAY WARM THIS WINTERWITH A REMOTE CAR STARTER

Professional installation warrantied for as long as you own your car.

Auto Electronics & Installation930 Talbot St., St.Thomas [email protected]

St. Thomas City Council Briefs



s

Young, brilliant, fresh stylist Jazzett For a short time only, you and a friend can have

10% off any hair services

Wed. Dec. 12, Thurs. Dec. 13, Wed. Dec. 19 & Thurs. Dec. 20.

10%

Dads! bring your Son and you’ll each

save 10%

Man’s haircut Reg. $12

NOW $10.80 each(tax included)

Moms – bring your Daughter and you’ll each get a Free Style

with your hair cut.

Reg. $25

NOW only $15 each

The Hair Cellar80 Ross Street, St. Thomas

519-637-0714Wed. 9-8, Thurs. 9-5, Fri. 9-5, Sat. by Appointment

www.thehaircellar.ca

Call and ask for Dawn or Jazzett

As a three-time diagnosed Cancer survivor, I’ve had many visits to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. At each visit, care and compassion were what I needed, deserved, and received. I always felt I was inprofessional and capable hands.

A hospital is just a building, but it’s who is in that building that makes a world of difference. I knew I hadsome rough times to go through. I knew they would be there for me, and they were.

I was born at our Hospital two months after it opened … lucky me!

I Knew They Would be There for Me

Visit: www.steghfoundation.cawww.stegh.on.ca

Yvonne Taylor, Port Stanley Delivering an excellent patient care experience

Honourable MentionIn a class by themselves, Arthur Voaden Secondary School stu-dents from Mr. Cumming’s class, who collected non-perishable food items under the moniker The Simple Cans, made a sculp-ture for the Yes We Can competition using 614 items. The school had 11 participating teams that donated a total of 1,552 items

CASO Christmas Concert

The Canada Southern Railway Station will be hosting an eve-ning of Holiday Music in Ander-son Hall on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7pm.

Come and enjoy the sounds of the St. Thomas Youth Choir and the Parkside Stage Band as they perform some seasonal favourites. There will be a small admission fee of $3 and a non-perishable item to help those in need.

Proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Canada Southern Railway Station.

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 6

Melanie LangWallacetown “If all goes well and Tremblay’s

resignation had nothing to do with the corruption allegations, he should receive his cheques and pension.”

To the wall, with Al Riddell

A woman with a soft voice left me a voice mail message that I picked up mid-afternoon Thursday

July 6. Something about a Wall of Fame un-veiling at the Timken Centre in St. Thomas at 5:00 p.m. I assumed I was too busy, but something told me to replay the message, and I’m glad I did. Al Riddell, who died in 2010, was to be the first recipient of Wall of Fame recognition at the Timken Centre for his years of community service.

I checked with Melissa. There was a press release from the City of St. Thomas. It had ar-rived at 10:45 that morning. Talk about cut-ting it a bit fine, but the City saves money by not having a public relations department. And it’s good for newspaper people to jump around a bit, rearrange our schedules. It keeps us on our toes.

Even with some of the last-minute scram-bling that went with this event, there was a strong crowd of politicians, friends and fam-

ily. Al’s partner Catherine Merritt, his daugh-ters Laurie and Patricia and their families, and his dad were there. I’d often heard Al talk about his father, and two things stood out right away – it was easy to see where Al got his sense of humor and equally easy to see where he got his contrarian streak. Al had an excellent analytical mind, and he loved to look at the other side of the coin.

Mayor Heather Jackson and Alderman Jeff Kohler paid tribute to his work with United Way, the Chamber of Commerce and the Timken’s Maple Leaf Foundation. Al helped to contribute millions to this community.

But I couldn’t help but imagine Al, sipping a beer with the boys after a hockey game, kidding around about his picture on the Wail-ing Wall or The Wall of Shame. His mind just worked that way.

P.S. Going forward, the main question may be one of wall space. With awards for busi-ness, sports, arts and entertainment, and community service, they may need to find another Al to help them build a larger arena.

A strange thing happened

On the weekend, a strange thing happened to me. I was recognized. No, not as that woman who eats too much candy, or

is always a little bit late to the party, but as the reporter who writes a regular column in The Weekly News. What a strange, yet pleas-ant, feeling. Recognition is not why journalists do this job. For us, being recognized usually leads to a long chase followed by people with torches and pitchforks. . . We do it because deep down, we have this urge to find the truth. We want to inform you, the readers, on subjects you have an interest in.

So, Mike and I were grocery shopping in Aylmer when it happened. And it definitely wasn’t something I was looking for. I was more concerned with finding the peanut but-ter aisle.

As I was winding my way around the veg-

gies, I saw a woman who appeared to be looking at me. Not me, surely, I thought to myself. She must be looking at someone else. Then I changed aisles. When we saw each other again, there she was with a large, but shy smile on her face. “I enjoy reading your column in the weekly,” she said to me. “Thanks,” I said back. “It’s always nice to know that someone actually reads what I write.”

I also get told that people like the personal items I include in each column. Well, maybe not my mom, who has asked that I stop in-cluding so many mentions of her each week. Time to face the truth mom — you’re a minor celebrity. And if I can’t pull examples from my childhood, well then I might be up a creek with no pens and no paper, or however that saying goes.

For all of you who read this column every week and have a good chuckle at what I write, I can only tell you that I’m humbled to hear I’m so thoroughly enjoyed.

For those of you who don’t read this, my mom thanks you.

Prank goes awryMy heart and my sup-

port goes out to the family of that unfortunate nurse at King Edward VII’s hospital in the other London. Jacin-tha Saldhana took her own

life for connecting pranksters to a nursing sta-tion for the medical condition of the Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton. A couple of morons at an Australian radio station passed themselves off as the Queen of England and Prince Charles. They probed the nurse for in-formation and they got it. I mean, what can the nurse do when she believes she is talking to the Queen? You simply cannot be rude and tell her to go to hell. If it were not the Queen, she still couldn’t tell the caller to go to hell because that would be unprofessional… something these Australian Broadcasters don’t have a clue about. I heard the event in rebroadcast and the Queen sounded exactly like Miss Piggy.

The consequences of the prank have led to worldwide anger and disgust, the possibility of

lawsuits, the suspension of the morning team and the withdrawal of many advertisers on the radio station. I’m sure the DJs were just having fun, but forgot that most pranks have a degree of cruelty in them.

Other than Mrs. Saldhana’s death, there are many layers of meaning in this prank, includ-ing the possibility that Kate’s extreme morning sickness might have led to a miscarriage. How would the Australian buffoons have dealt with that? Meanwhile, Kate is going back to her in-cubating duties, preparing to produce a future king or queen for the Commonwealth. This new youngster will bump Prince Harry down one spot in the line of succession and the idea that it might be a girl has sent British lawmakers back to review legislation about royal succession.

Actually, I am pleased that the media are in-dulging in Baby Mania, because in these times, any positive news is most welcome. The dead and dying in Egypt and Syria are with us for some time to come because either dictator will be hard to remove. We, on the other hand are far from such grief and are waiting patiently for our next monarch.

St.Thomas/Elgin

Terry Carroll

Melissa Schneider Ric Wellwood

Affectionate giant Jimmy the camel covers part of three year-old Van McVeigh’s face as he looks for more treats from the boy being held by his grandpa Ritchie Andrews (not in view). Jimmy was a part of the Animals of the nativity on display at Canadale this past weekend.

Community Snapshot

“I think that it’s a disgrace when public figures abuse their posi-tions, and I hope he gets what he deserves.”

What happenedMontreal’s mayor, Gerald Tremblay, 70, re-

signed from his position in early November amidst multiple corruption allegations and a campaign financing scandal. He will receive cheques totalling more than $216,000 and be entitled to a life-long pension. What do you think he deserves?

“I don’t think he deserves it. That’s quite a bit of money.”

“If he was entitled to his pay out and his pension then he should get it. If he is found guilty of fraud then he should have it taken away or pay it back.”

Alicia MalcolmSt.Thomas

Katalin UngarAylmer

Ron DerksSparta

St.Thomas/Elgin

A Community Newspaper, published by Metroland Media.15 St. Catharine St., (Lower) St. Thomas, N5P 2V7519-633-1640 Fax: 519-633-0558

Terry Carroll - General Manager: [email protected] ......... [Ext. 25]Heather Morgan - Circulation: [email protected] .......... [Ext. 33]Melissa Schneider - Reporter: [email protected] ...... [Ext. 26]Linda Axelson - Sales: [email protected] ....... [Ext. 27]

Chris Heil - Sales: [email protected] ........ [Ext. 23]Laura Bart - Office Manager: [email protected] [Ext. 21]Jim McHarg - Creative Dept: [email protected]

Member of St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, St.Thomas Executives Association, Ontario Community Newspapers Association, Canadian Media Circulation Audit

CMCAAUDITED

Member:

The Weekly News welcomes letters to the editor. Senders must include their full name, and a contact phone number. Phone numbers will

not be published. We reserve the right to edit letters for space and content.

To submit a letter to the editor, please email to [email protected] fax to 519-633-0558 or mail to The

Weekly News, 15 St. Catharine Street, St. Thomas ON, N5P 2V7.



s

TUESDAY:1 Large

Deluxe Pizza

$11.95+tax

WEDNESDAY:2 Medium

Pizzas4 toppings

$22.95+tax

FAMILY SPECIAL: 1 Large Pizza &

1 Loaf ofGarlic Bread Plain

$16.95+tax

RESTAURANT ONLY4 Topping Large

Pizza with FREEsalad for 4

$18.95 + tax

519-631-0845Open for lunch: Mon – Fri 11:30 - 1:30 Take-out & home delivery

with coupon only

$

Breakfast supports Alzheimer SocietyBy Tim Harvey

One of the Elgin Chapter of the Alzheimer Society’s major fund-raisers for the year, Breakfast with Santa at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre, went quite well, organizers say.

Yvonne Street expected about 300 people to attend and advised that last year they raised over $1,800.

For a donation of $6 each child received breakfast, a visit with Santa including a picture with him as well as a treat, face painting and crafts. Adults could also get break-fast and for a small donation as picture as well.

Event coordinator Chris Smith has been working at this event for the last five years. According to Chris this is one of the major fund-ing events for Alzheimer’s and re-lated Dementia for the Elgin Chap-ter each year.

Live entertainment for the event was provided by Traci Kennedy, Carol Beechey and John Millard.

The society will be hosting the Walk For Memories on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Parkside Col-legiate Institute.

Three year-old Shyla Monahan, from St.Thomas, visits with Santa during the Breakfast with Santa held at the St.Thomas Seniors Centre Sunday, December 2, 2012.

(photo by Tim Harvey)

St. Thomas Police are investigating the theft of a bicycle. On Friday, October 12th the victim visited a friend on East Street at 7:40pm. He locked the bike with an aircraft combo lock to the railing. At 8 pm he returned and found his bike and lock gone. The bike is described as a ‘Specialized’ Rock Hopper mountain bike, 21 speed, red and white in colour, it had fat

tubing, a white seat and disc brakes. A witness saw a white man kick the rail breaking it and freeing the bike fleeing southbound on East Street. Value of the bike is $1,800.

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 8

DAILY SPECIALSSunday – Roast Beef Dinner with Yorkshire Pud-ding, includes soup, your choice of potato and vegetable.Monday – Grilled porkchop dinner with creamy mushroom sauce. Comes with your choice of soup, tea or coffee and Pudding for Dessert.Tuesday – Beef of Chicken Pot Pie with Salad. Comes with your choice of soup, tea or coffee and Pudding for Dessert.

Wednesday – All You Can East Pasta. Your choice of Spaghetti, Fusilli or Penne noodles with Meat sauce, Marinara or Mushroom Sauce. Includes a Side Salad (Garden or Caesar) and a Slice of Garlic Toast.Thursday – Half Roasted Chicken Dinner. Comes with your choice of soup, tea or coffee and Pudding for Dessert.Friday – Fish & Chips. Comes with your choice of soup, tea or coffee and Pudding for Dessert.

Exit 195, Highway 74 & 401 Home of the Big Canada Flag 519-644-0200

Wine show a St. Thomas first

The St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce is holding its first ever St. Thomas Uncorked event. With tickets selling fast, Rob Mise, chair of the member services commit-tee recommends ordering your tickets fast.

The event will be held Saturday, January 26, 2012 from 6:30-10pm at the St. Thomas Pub-lic Art Centre at 301 Talbot Street.

Tickets are $25 plus taxes and include five wine samples, and hot and cold hors d’oeuvres.

Rob says the event will be exciting, fun and educational. “We had a hole in January, and wanted to come up with an event that was new and exciting. Looking at what’s hot these days, and from the LCBO, wines are taking off this year.”

Tickets can be purchased by calling the chamber at 519-631-1981.

Christmas winnersBusiness After 5, the Christmas edition, took place at St. Anne’s Centre on Wednesday, December 5, 2012. Twelve prizes were handed out including $50 Esso giftcards, $100 Staples giftcards and $200 Century Sound giftcards. Winners included, from back, left: Andrew Buttigieg, Laurel McTavish, Doug Maguire, Donnagene Nichols-Sjaarda, Don Perry and Greg Machan. From front, left: Brian R Wilson, Brian Burleigh, Barb Walters, Allan Weatherall and Geoff Warren. Congratulations to all the winners. Next Business After 5 will be held in January at Arthur Voaden Secondary School.



s

My wish is that everyone have a safe and won-derful Christmas with their family and friends, and that everyone gets all the Christmas presents that they wanted throughout St. Thomas. I also wish my mother, brother and dad a happy Christmas.

Anij Sparenberg, 10

My wish is that our politicians remember who put them in their position and vote for what is best for their constituency and not their party or their own personal agenda. This includes federal, pro-vincial and municipal governments.

Geri Claridge

Law of close encounters - The probability of meeting someone you know INCREASES dramatically when you are with someone you don’t want to be seen with.

Back to blackAnimal Aide maintenance supervisor Shelly Smith holds three year-old Mrs. Black, one of the many cats ready for adoption. The shelter held its open house, with hot dogs by Franks for the Memories, on Thursday, December 6, 2012. Animal Aide is always looking for volunteers. Anyone interested can call 519-633-3788.

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 10

44583 Dexter Line15 min. south of St. ThomasHOURS: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. CLOSED SUNDAYS

Service • Parts • Accessories

All Major Brands• Factory Trained

Technicians• Full Machine Shop

• Pick-up and Delivery Available

Dean ParkerService Technician AT

V’s

• M

otor

cycl

es •

Sno

wm

obile

s •

Pow

er P

rodu

cts

#1Area’sServicing Dealer

519-782-7155www.advancedyamaha.com

My one Christmas wish is for a fancy Christmas stocking with mon-ey in it for seven days of “comfort and joy” so I could. . .

Monday – Bless an underprivi-leged friend

Tuesday – Replace my sink that has a three-inch hold in it (and a bucket underneath)

Wednesday – Replace my 1980’s cracked and leaking kitchen tap

Thursday – Buy groceries (instead of using the food bank)

Friday – Replace my 1980’s winter coat of many colours

Saturday – Replace my 1970’s fridge (or stove)

Sunday – (bliss) Snuggle under a new, handmade, cozy, warm, quilt

Country bumpkin from Dutton

PC Party fundraiserGeri and MP Joe Preston along with MPP Jeff Yurek and wife Jennifer attended the PC Party Fundraiser for Jeff Yurek held at the German Canadian Club in Aylmer on Saturday, December 8, 2012. The fundraiser included a dinner and silent auction.



s

Tony Milles, AMPMortgage Broker

direct 519-207-8669fax 519-488-4734

[email protected]://tonymilles.com

AVSS Instrumental Music Night hits high note

Arthur Voaden Second-ary School’s Instrumental Music Night was held on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 7pm. AVSS Guitar Ensemble members, from left, are: Bradley Koyou-nian, Hope Redford, Brenda Welch, Greg Freeman, Nic Beecroft, James Callowhill, Kristen Morand, Tyler Whit-ney, Courtnie Yeo, Trent Beecroft, Bailey LePage, Sean Gorman.

AVSS Jazz band members, from left, back, are: Nic Beecroft, Tyler Whitney, Chris Abel, Zach Peddie, Charissa Murray, Sam Rycroft, William Jaskot, Kaitlin Baughman, Trent Beecroft. From left, front, are: Jenna Mitchell, Brad Koyounian, Hope Redford, Courtnie Yeo, Bailey LeP-age, Robert Gillis, Malcolm Robertson, James Cal-lowhill.

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 12

Win $500 in FREE Groceries

at the grocery store of your choice!

Find the

Visit www.ywcapathways.com to complete a survey by

December 15th 2012 for your chance to win.

We want to hear from you! What do you need to support a stable standard of living? How can we work together to support economic security and prosperity?

Have your voice heard! Contact the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin at 519-631-9800 for more information or to join the effort.

16 Mary St. St. Thomas ON N5P 2S3

Students at Arthur Voaden Secondary School aren’t tak-ing Bill 115 lying down. On Monday, December 10, 2012 students, led by classmates Stan Hindley and Brandi Parent-Quinn, walked out of classes to protest the lack of extracurricular activities in

schools. “We lost everything that

we had for extra curriculars. This isn’t about me, my little brother just started at Voaden this year and now there’s no school dances or basketball games or anything. It isn’t fair.”

Under the proposed two-year contract public elemen-tary and high school teachers on strike could be ordered back to work. This is why they started work-to-rule, which means that teachers will no longer be volunteering to help with extracurricular activities. This means the end of sports games, and student dances for the foreseeable future.

This walkout was just one of many planned in South-western Ontario.

Bill 115, or the Putting Students First Act, passed in provincial legislature on Sep-tember 11, 2012. December 31 is the deadline for unions and school boards to reach an agreement.

Groups of students at Park-side Collegiate Institute and Central Elgin Collegiate Insti-tute also participated in the walk-outs.

Students at AVSS walked out to protest the teacher’s newly imple-ment work-to-rule strategy.

Student’s voices heard around town

My memory’s not the greatest, so I’ve changed all my on-line passwords to “in-correct.” Now when I log-in and type the wrong password, my computer reminds me, “Your password is incorrect.”

Law of logical argument - Anything is possible IF you don’t know what you are

talking about.Law of gravity - Any tool,

nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least

accessible place in the universe.



s

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 14

The November meeting of the Shedden W.I. was held at the home of Brenda Silcox. Pat Palmer opened the meet-ing with a readying about the song entitled “How much is

that doggy in the window,” to correspond with the evening of musical tidbits that would follow. The roll call was to name your favourite type of music or song and answers

varied in style. The business portion of the meeting was held and then the meeting was handed over the Brenda Silcox and Beth Vicary, who shared with us their love of music over the years. Beth began by passing around sheet music, some of which was l00 years old and had belonged to her father, which is where the family music love began for her.

Some titles shared were “Hills of Home,” “Yes, we have no bananas,” “Three Darlin Daughters,” and “I’m a lonely little petunia in an onion patch,” by the Happy Gang. Beth also shared some opera music that is her fa-vourite. Brenda Silcox then shared the history of “What a Friend we have in Jesus”

which was written in l855, but didn’t receive any rec-ognition until years later. As well, she shared the story of “Waltzing Matilda” which was sung by the troops dur-ing WWII. A short sing-a-long ended the meeting.

Lunch was served and a time of fellowship followed. The next meeting will be held at the home of Ethel Miner-Clare on December 19. All are welcome.

Christmas is a time for wish-ing. Santa will keep asking the question: “And what would you like for Christmas?” And thousands

of people all over the world will keep wishing and asking for that special toy.

Three guys are stranded on a desert island when they find a bottle with a genie in-side. She tells them they get one wish each. The first guy wants to be off the island and back home with his family — poof — he’s gone. The sec-ond guy wants his job back at the sub sandwich place — poof — he’s gone too. The third guy is left all alone. He keeps thinking and thinking and can’t really come up with anything. Finally, he comes up with a solution. ‘I wish those other two guys were here to help me decide’ — poof — welcome back!

Apparently, there is an old Inuit Eskimo curse that says: “May you get everything you wish for.”

What about approaching this season differently? What about wishing for less and giving more? I heard another person once say, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” While at first you may think that person has been drink-ing too much spiked eggnog, perhaps the guy knew what he was talking about. Real freedom may be found in hav-ing less. Real freedom may be found in giving. And that is something to think about.

Something to Think Aboutby Pastor Cusick

The Weekly News presents a list of Christmas Gift ideas along with the name of the businesses where these items may be purchased. See each of these

advertisers’ ads in this edition of The Weekly News.

Canadian Diamond Engagement Ring TothJewellersRemote Car Starter CenturyService2013 Season Theatre Subscription PortStanley FestivalTheatreWatches andSterling Silver MuscatJewellersBraven Wireless Speakers CenturySound Sales&Service

Gift Certificatefor Hair Services HairCellarCanadian Diamond Pendant TothJewellersNew Limited Edition Prints PeterRobsonStudiosSamsung iPod Docks CenturySound Sales&ServiceColoured Gemstones MuscatJewellers

Real freedom comes with less

Murphy’s law of lockers - If there are only 2 people in

a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

Shedden Womens’ Institute update

The coffee law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of

hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something

that will last until the coffee is cold

Learning to SkateHayley Chartrand (left) and Genevieve Taylor are all smiles as they learn to skate at the St Thomas Skating Club. They are part of the Skate Canada learn to skate program that the club offers. Skate Canada is soft launching this program over the next two years in order to get all clubs teaching the new program. The St. Thomas club is very proud to announce its whole staff has been certified and we are currently providing this new and excit-ing CanSkate Program and the skaters are loving it.



s

ff

fd

d

d

Fender Guitars and Amps

$119$119From aslow as

New with Warranty

Maestro Music323 Talbot St.

519-631-1530The Complete Music Store

Get in Tune ChristmasChristmasfor

By Tim HarveyThis year marked the

10th annual Christmas Bazaar at Caressant Care Nursing Home. Staff, resi-dents and their families contributed to the ba-zaar’s success.

A silent auction, with gift certificates and draws for a basket of grocer-ies were just a few of the ample opportunities available to support the home during the event on Saturday, December 1,

2012. Katherine Rosz, Direc-

tor of Nursing, said the benefits from the bazaar go to providing funding to defer costs for the resi-dents for outings, bingo and special events such as a tour of the Fantasy of Lights at Pinafore Park.

Residents are also aim-ing to bring back the quilt-ing project. Each resident would make a section of quilt that is then assem-bled and put up for sale.

Bazaar benefits residentsLoraine Tuff, Joanne Therrien, home care assistant, Lisa Maciver, personal support worker and Marisa Maciver are volunteering at the 2012 Caressant Care Christmas Bazaar at Caressant Care Nursing Home on Mary Bucke Street in St.Thomas.

(photo by Tim Harvey)

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 16

St.Thomas/Elgin

The Weekly News will publish:December 24, 2012

and January 3, 2013Thanks to our advertisers, readers and insert customers

for your patronage over the past year

Don’t forget to book your Christmas Greeting Ads for our December 20 issue! Deadline: December 14. Call 519-633-1640 today!

Dan McNeil, retired Rear Admiral and Project Coordinator for project Ojibwa accepts a $300,000 donation to the Elgin Military Museum from Andrew Gunn on behalf of the Dorothy Palmer Estate. The cheque presen-tation was made during the Lighting of the Ojibwa, a traditional Christmas ceremony of the Royal Canadian Navy.

TURKEY RAFFLESt. Thomas Centennial Sports Club president

Robin Wilkinson shows one of 40 turkeys that were given away during the club’s Christmas Turkey and Ham raffle on Saturday, December 8, 2012. Turkeys were from Oegema Turkey Farms in St. Thomas. The raffle has been going for 40 years. A fundraiser for the sports club, money raised will be also be put back into the community through donations to minor sports in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

Lighting of Ojibwa

MP Joe Preston and MPP Jeff Yurek don their Project Ojibwa toques during the first “Lighting of the boat” ceremony held in Port Burwell on Friday, December 7, 2012.



s

Pictured on a poster located at the corner of John and Talbot Street, you will see the work and dedication of the Aylmer Performing Arts Council (APAC). The poster highlights up and coming Canadian musicians who will be per-forming in Aylmer in the near future.

The council, now working on its seventh season, is doing its best to bring big name acts to residents in Aylmer and surrounding areas.

Comprised of nine volunteer members, they are in charge of shows that run from Septem-ber to April at the Old Town Hall at38 John Street South.

Upcoming shows include Lily Frost and The Debonairs in January, Alex Cuba in February and Quartetto Gelato in April.

Becky Waite, new volunteer member on the council, says the non-profit, charitable orga-nization is only able to put these shows on

with the amazing sponsorship the group re-ceives from the community. “Our main goal is to have a large variety of quality music. At the beginning of each season we’re already plan-ning for the next season.” Becky joined the council after being recommended by friend Kevin Morrell, owner of Minerva Art Gallery.

Shows run on Saturday, with a few on Fri-day night. Most shows sell out quickly. Tickets for shows can be purchased through the hot-line at 519-765-3039 or online with Paypal at www.artsinaylmer.com. Tickets are $25 per show or $100 for a season’s pass.

Becky notes that performances are fit for all ages. Last year’s season included perfor-mances by groups such as Royal Wood and High Valley.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call the hotline and leave a message.

Big names come to small town

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 18

Has your life been affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, AL-ANON is for

you! We will help. Call 519-434-2613 or 1-888-4al-ANON.

Troubled by someone else’s drinking? We will help! Alateen - Mondays at 6:30pm, St. Thomas Christian Church, 451 Welling-ton Street, St. Thom-as. Phone 519-434-2613.

Dance, Karate, Soc-cer, Basketball, ages 4-15, Jan to May. Locke’s & Morrison gyms on S. Edge-ware, starting at $60. Jumpstart subsidies available. Locke’s Morrison Commu-nity Assn. (LMCA) 519-488-6449.

Fitness classes

for active seniors. Emphasis on func-tional mobility. Active Abundance fitness program includes social time. Tuesday afternoons start-ing January. Contact Elizabeth Windo-ver 519-851-9460.

Port Stanley Public Library, 302 Bridge Street, features work of Guild artists Kim Hughson and Sine Maule through De-cember. Call 519-782-7472 for hours.

Elgin Theatre Guild presents “Cinderella the Pantomime”. De-cember 13, 14, 15 at 7:30pm & Decem-ber 16 at 2:00pm. Tickets $15. 40 Princess Avenue.

Faith Christian Academy presents

a children’s musi-cal drama, Your Re-deemer Has Come, 345 Fairview Ave, December 13, 7pm. No tickets needed, free-will offering.

Thursday, Decem-ber 13, Kickers,

6pm, St. Andrew’s United Church , mid week group ages 5- 13 , games mu-sic craft. Everyone welcome. For more info 519-631-4558.

St. Thomas Stamp Club Meet-

ing, December 13, 7pm. Community of Christ Church, 105 Fairview Av-enue. Info Rick Badgley 519-637-8432. Everyone Welcome To Attend.

Free Movie Fri-day at St. Thomas Public Library featuring “Katy Perry: Part of Me” Friday, December 14, 6pm. Carnegie Room, lower level.

Dec. 14, Beef Sup-per, Odd Fellows & Rebekahs Hall, 54 Moore St. Doors open 4pm, serving 5-7pm. Adult $10,

child 6-12 $5, un-der 5 free. Tickets at door, eat in/take out. 519-631-3494.

Fellowship Church presents “Merry Christmas?” in sup-port of Talbot Teen Centre. Dec 14, 7pm, Dec 15, 4pm, Talbot Teen Cen-tre. Dec 16, 11am, Fellowship church. 519-633-3623.

Friday, December 14, Meal & Movie “Christmas Dog”, 5:30pm. RSVP at St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave, everyone welcome. 519-631-4558.

Free “Novel” Crafts: Book Wreaths, St. Thomas Public Li-brary, Fri. Dec. 14, 2pm. Call 519-631-6050 for info and registration.

Belmont Lions Tur-key Bingo, Belmont Community Cen-tre, December 14, 7pm. All welcome.

5th Annual Celtic Christmas with “The Sheridan Band”. Saturday, December 15, 7:30pm. Central United Church, 135 Wellington St. $10, call 519-633-6118. All pro-ceeds to charity.

Eastern Star Bake Sale & Chili Lunch, Saturday Dec. 15, Dutton Seniors Center,185 Cur-rie St. Dutton 10am-1pm. Chili Lunch $5 per per-son. All Welcome.

Handel’s Mes-siah presented by

Choral Connection, Saturday, December 15, 7:30pm at Centre St. Baptist Church. For more info. please call 519-633-6385.

Open House/Pet Adoption Day at the shelter, with rescue groups. See you at City Animal Services, 100 Burwell Road, Saturday, Decem-ber 15, 11am-3pm.

Port Stanley Com-munity Choir Christ-mas Choir, Sun-day December 16, Port Stanley United Church, 2:30 & 7:30 pm Donations ac-cepted at the door.

VON and Seren-ity House present “A Time to Remember”, December 18 at Knox Church. RSVP to Lynn at Seren-ity House before Dec. 11, 519-637-3034.

Tuesday, Decem-ber 18, Creating into a Mystery/Prayer Shawl Group, 10:30am at St. An-drew’s United Church 60 West Ave. For info 519-631-4558. Ev-eryone is Welcome.

“A Misfits Christ-mas”, Wednes-day, December 19, 7pm, Central United Church. Sing car-ols with The Mes-siah’s Misfits (Cen-tral’s Praise Band). Free Will Donations. 519-631-3503.

Lego Club, St. Thomas Public Library, Wednes-day, December 19, 4pm, lower level. Free! For ages 5+.

Thursday, Decem-

ber 20, Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Every-one Welcome. For info 519-631-4558.

Tea & History Se-ries, John Kenneth Galbraith Reference Library, Dutton, Fri-day, December 21, 2pm. A Pioneer Christmas Celebra-tion with the Backus Page House Museum.

Field Naturalist Box-ing Day Bird Count, Wednesday, Decem-ber 26. Day finishes with potluck dinner at Knox Church , St. Thomas at 5:30pm. Info 519-631-7557.

“Get” Your Gadget eBook Workshop, St. Thomas Pub-lic Library, Satur-day, December 29, 10am. Call 519-631-6050 for info and registration.

Field Naturalist Walk, Tuesday, January 1, Walk at Fingal Wildlife Manage-ment Area, 34469 Fingal Line. Meet at the gates at 10am. Info 519-633-4235.

Field Naturalist Meeting, Friday, January 4, 7:30pm, Knox Church, St. Thomas. Presenta-tion by members. Info 519-631-5279.

Golden Rescue Wish-bone Lottery, Dinner for two anywhere in the world, includes all expenses, VIA Rail to Quebec City for 2. Tickets $40 or 3/$100. Draw Jan. 10. 519-633-2419.

St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre, Chicken and Ribs dinner. Friday January 18. Din-ner 5pm. Tickets $15 Advance. Sign up early this one always sells out.

2013 Walk for Memo-ries, Saturday, Janu-ary 21, 9:30-noon, Parkside Collegiate, inside. Contact the Alzheimer Society Elgin-St. Thomas for pledge sheets, 519-633-4396.

STCCS Dinner & Auc-tion. Feb 9, St Anne’s Centre. Dinner 5pm & Dessert/ Live Auc-tion 7pm. Dinner $25 per person or Dessert $10 per person. Tick-ets 519-633-0690.

Valentines Dance in support of Stork Club, Saturday, Feb-ruary 16, Port Stan-ley Arena featuring Sahara Swing Band. Includes complimen-tary late-night sand-wich buffet. Tickets 519-633-6202.

Non-profit groups, send your Community Billboard announce-ments (25 words or less per item by text email, no attach-ments or email/web-sites in ad) to [email protected]

7 First Avenue, St.Thomas519-633-7300

FURNITURE,CLOTHING,

SHOES, HARDWARES,APPLIANCES,

ETC.Donations gratefully

accepted

M-F 9-5, Sat. 9-3

THRIFTSTORES

From Professionalsyou can Trust!Contact us today

for a free estimate:

637-3542(519)

[email protected]

Call us today!

226-234-6229www.elginrepair.com

PRE-SEASON SPECIAL!$76Only

Grease, oil change, new plug, tire presure, lube all cables,

check belt tension.

Is Your

Ready?Snowblower

Most models

Registered Massage Therapist – Wendy Baker Reiki Master – Laura Dunn

519-207-251718 East St., St. Thomas

www.westendwellness.net

Wellness is theFocus of each

Treatment!WSIB & MVA Welcome

Join us in celebration of the true

spirit of Christmas

Reach over 30,000addresses with your word ad!

Call 519-633-1640

Today!



s Christmas IdeasGET READY FOR CHRISTMAS. Treat someone to something special. Gift Certificates for Mas-sage, Hot Stone or Reflexol-ogy available. Call Aylmer Heal-ing Waters 519-773-8102.

ComputersWILSDON COMPUTER SERVICES - Basic setup, operating system install/upgrade, internet setup/repair, Tune-Up, recommended safety suite, rescue disc, data

transfer, data backup. In-Home service available. Call Sara or Ian Wilsdon 519-633-9638.

Services OfferedTHINKING OF HARDWOOD, Unbeat-able prices, expert installation, free estimates. Call Rob Waldroff Cus-tom Carpentry. 519-269-3776.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – Drinking is your business. Help-ing you to stop is ours. Call 519-633-0430 or Write P.O. Box 220001, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4P5.

ABBOTT, PEARL YVONNE of Elgin Manor, St. Thomas, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2012 in her 82nd year. A funeral ser-vice was held December 8, 2012. Shawn Jackson Funeral Home.

HALL, MILDRED of St. Thomas, passed away Friday, De-cember 7, 2012 in her 97th year. A funeral service was held December 10, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

JOYCE, DOROTHY JEAN (NEE KNIGHT) of Rodney, passed away Friday, December 7, 2012 at the age of 84. A funeral service was held De-cember 12, 2012. Rodney Chapel of Denning Funeral Directors Ltd.

McLEAN, MOYRA of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, De-cember 9, 2012 in her 59th year. A public memorial service was held December 12, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

ROBERTSON, JOYCE M. (NEE ACRES) passed away Sun-day, December 2, 2012 in her 81st year. Arrange-ments entrusted to the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home.

SAO- SOK of St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, Decem-ber 9, 2012 in her 48th year. A funeral service will be held December 15, 2012 at 1pm. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

Don’t forget to wish your

family, friends and customers A

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year!We’ll feature special

pages in our December 20 issue!Call 519-633-1640

today to make sure you don’t miss this

opportunity to send greetings to everyone!

St.Thomas/Elgin

SIFTONFUNERALH O M E

Sifton Family Owned Since 1926We offer a full range of funeral planning options

519-631-1160118 Wellington Street, St. Thomas

How about this one mom?

Six year-old Saige Davis holds up a Poinsetta while looking

at the colourful Christmas flowers available at Canadale Nurseries. (photo by Brian Wilsdon)

Dece

mbe

r 13,

201

2 -

St. T

hom

as -

Elg

in W

eekl

y Ne

ws

- 20

december 13, 2012 issue

Documents

thomas residents

aurora rodriguez

christmas tree

city of

map of bus routes

bus stops

david white

farmgate markets end