inside wellington 120409
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Arts, Entertainment, Events, County PageTRANSCRIPT
InsideWellington
THE SECOND SECTION OF THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER - FREE PRESS ~ NEWS WEEKLY
Beth Coleman -No animal is expendableEvents | Arts & Entertainment | County Page
Rockwood Christmas Parade Pages
SECOND SECTION TOTHE WELLINGTON ADVERTISER
DECEMBER 4, 2009
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTFamily & Children's Services of Guelph & Wellington needs
Volunteer Drivers in the city and in the county to provide trans-
portation services to and from appointments for our children and
families. Mileage reimbursed/orientation and training provided.
Especially needed are drivers available before school and again
immediately after school for court-mandated or medical appoint-
ments. For more information about this and other volunteer oppor-
tunities, please contact Eva Marmurek at either 519-824-2410,
ext. 509.
DECEMBER 4Optimist Club of Puslinch, Community Euchre. 7:30pm. At the
Puslinch Community Centre. $3 per person. Refreshments pro-
vided. 50/50 draw. All Welcome.
***
Evangelistic and healing service. Everyone welcome. Paisley
Memorial Church, 40 Margaret St. Guelph, 7pm. Brought to you
by Freedom House Church & Healing Centre.
***
Drop-in Holiday Party at the Aboyne Branch of the Library,
6:30–7:30pm. Songs, crafts, snacks and a visit from Santa! Bring
your own camera.
***
Not So Grand Players presents An Evening of Christmas Cheer.
7pm. Second show December 5, 7pm. Tickets $10 adults, $8 (6-
13yrs), free- (under 5). Fergus Grand Theatre. Donations to CW
Food Bank welcome. For tickets call 519-787-1981.
DECEMBER 5Arthur & District Horticulture Christmas Design Workshop at
Arthur United Church, 9am till approx. noon. Refreshments
served. Watch our flyers for more information.
***
The Artisan Belles are hosting Unique Art & Craft Sales in
Belwood, 12- 4pm. Alpaca items, photo art, quilting & more. See
the Alpacas too. 011405 E-W Garafraxa TL (old 8th line). Call
519-843-1663 for more info.
***
Twin City Harmonizers Presents “ A Musical Winter Wonderland”
–Calvary United Church, 48 Hawksville Rd., St. Jacobs. 2pm and
7:30pm. Tickets $12.50 each (children 12 and under are free) and
can be purchased in advance (519-885-5012) or at the door.
***
"Sparkles in the Willows" Three Willows United Church, 577
Willow Rd., Guelph. 11am- 2pm. Luncheon & Bazaar with Bake
Table, Crafts, Jewellery, White Elephant table. Lunch $6,
Children under 6 free.
***
Christmas Cookie Walk, 10am-12pm at The Church of St. David
and St. Patrick, 520 Speedvale Ave. Guelph. All the homemade
cookies you can fit in a large box, $10 or small box, $5.
***
Christmas Cookie Walk. 10am - Faith Evangelical Lutheran
Church Fergus/Elora - 290 Belsyde Ave. E. Fergus 519-843-5030.
Add some variety to your Christmas goodies!
***
Traditional Bazaar and Bake Sale St. John's Anglican Church
Henderson and Smith Sts. Elora. 9am-12noon.
***
St. John Catholic Women's League Christmas Bazaar & Tea, 1-
3:30pm at St. John Parish Centre, Arthur. Baking, penny table,
country crafts, & many prizes to be won.
***
Knox Ospringe Church annual Christmas Bazaar 9 - 3pm. Corner
of Highway 124 and 125. Hot lunch available. All kinds of crafts
plus gently used. Tables $10 donation call Nora 519-856-4453.
***
Churchill Community Church annual English Christmas Tea 1-4
pm. Scones, Devonshire Cream, jam, sandwiches, sweets, tea and
coffee. $8/person. Churchill Church is located at the corner of the
Erin Third line and the Erin-Halton Townline.
***
Breakfast with Santa. 8-11am. Redwood Restaurant, Clifford.
Free breakfast, Toys, pictures with Santa, balloons, etc. All pro-
ceeds to Children's’ Wish Foundation.
***
Bake Sale & Grandma’s Attic. Elora United Church 9am-1pm.
Crafts, soup & sandwich lunch.
***
Adult / Senior Skating 8-9:50pm. Exhibition Park Arena, Guelph.
Cost $7. Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship! Call 519-
836-1015 for more information.
***
Christmas “Cookie Walk” Sale at St. Joseph’s Parish Centre 460
St. George St. W. Fergus. 12 noon – 2pm. Proceeds to St. Joseph’s
Building Fund.
***
Buffet Lunch and Bake Sale at St. George’s Anglican Church
Harriston. 11am-1pm. $10. Door Prizes. Everyone Welcome.
***
Video Dance Party at Centre 2000, Erin. 7-10pm. Ages 7-14. Two
huge screens, an amazing light show, contests, prizes and much
more. Music and video is content edited and dances are complete-
ly chaperoned. Tickets are $10 each and are available at the door.
***
The Independent Authors & Illustrators of Canada (IAIC) book
fair at the Old Quebec Street Mall in downtown Guelph. 11am-
4pm. In support of needy libraries in Nunavut, IAIC members are
donating copies of their books, and invite the public to contribute
new and gently used books to this worthy cause.
***
Gingerbread Ornament (ages 6 and up) Arthur Library. Make
‘take in time for the holidays. 10-11am. Please register. For this
free event call 519-848-3999 for more information.
***
Michael House Pregnancy Care Centre presents a dramatic read-
ing of: A Carol Christmas by Charles Dickens. Tickets $15 at the
door. 7:30pm at Royal City Church, 50 Quebec Street, Guelph.
DECEMBER 6Enjoy a concert of Christmas music at St. John’s United Church,
Belwood at 7pm. Featuring the St. John’s choir, the Beltones
Quartet and the Hilltop Singers and Journeymen Quartet. Free
will offering.
***
A Christmas Carol – A dramatic reading hosted by The Mount
Forest United Church in partnership with CBC Radio 7pm featur-
ing Dinah Christie and friends. Proceeds to the Mount Forest
Christmas Bureau and Place of Hope, Botswana. Tickets are
$10/adult, $5/child 12 & younger, $25/family available at the
church office.
***
Open Jamboree and Dance at Mount Forest Legion. 1:30-5pm.
Roast Beef Dinner. Everyone Welcome!
DECEMBER 8Puslinch Seniors' Euchre Club 1:30pm. Present and former
Puslinch Township residents are invited to join us for an afternoon
of friendly euchre games at the Puslinch Community Centre on
the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
***
Royal City Quilters Guild, 7pm. Christmas decorations and bake
sale. Three Willows United Church, 577 Willow Rd. Guelph.
***
Wintersingers Tree Treasure Hunt 10am. 5837 Third Line-
Hillsburgh. Come & enjoy a Christmas tree farm. Fresh air, hot
apple cider, hot chocolate, hayrides and a candy cane treasure
hunt. Cost $2 each. All ages. Register with Jane or Anastasia by
calling 519-856-2113.
***
Guelph Arts Council Festive Arts Schmoozefest - 5 -7pm. Come
schmooze with local artists and arts supporters at River Run
Centre. Book a 2-minute spotlight in advance. 519-836-3280.
DECEMBER 9The Scott Woods Old Time Christmas. 7pm, St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church, Fergus. Tickets available at the office or call
519-843-3565.
***
The Alzheimer Society of Guelph-Wellington annual Christmas
Carols by Candlelight. St. George’s Anglican Church, 99
Woolwich St., Guelph. 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the
Alzheimer Society, 111 Macdonell St., Guelph. Adults $15,
Seniors/Students $10, Children 12 and under $5. Call 519-836-
7672 for more info.
***
Grand Quilt guild Christmas meeting will be held at the Royal
Canadian Legion, Fergus. 6:30 - 9:30pm with a Pot Luck dinner,
Fat quarter gift exchange and book sale. Everyone welcome.
DECEMBER 10Arthur Agricultural Society, directors meeting, 8:15pm. Lower
Hall of the Arthur Community Centre. All Welcome.
***
Stone United Church is sponsoring a Chili Supper (hot dogs too)
before the Parade of Lights at Rockmosa Community Centre 5-7
pm.
***
Habitat House Dedication. 211 Isabella St. Arthur. Open House 4-
8pm. Dedication 6pm.
DECEMBER 11Listowel Legion Branch 259 Turkey Meat Draw. Regular Draws
plus Turkeys. $10 per stick (32 chances) 5:30pm start. Music by
Lee.
***
Karaoke - 8pm. Red Chevron Club Guelph, 34 Elizabeth St.,
Guelph. 519-824-1381.
***
The annual Marsville Community Christmas Concert at the East
Garafraxa/Marsville Hall in Marsville. 7:30pm. Two nights!
Adults $7, Children $5. This show sells out every year! Please
PAGE TWO Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009
Continued on page 11
A float from the 2008 Rockwood Parade of Lights.Turn to page 6 for more information on this years parade.
photo by Helen Michel
Uplifting Seasonal Concertby local group MATHIESONTalented organist and sopranosBeautiful solos & duets of classical and traditional music.
December 12, 7:30pmMelville United Church, FergusFreewill OfferingCall 519-846-1496
A UNIQUE gift for the person who
has everything...
... a MEMBERSHIP in the GUELPH HIKING TRAIL CLUB
Contact Kathy at 519-836-9147email: [email protected]
MINTO - Helping animalsis more than a part-time obses-sion for Beth Coleman - it’s alabour of love.
The Minto resident becameinterested in animal rescuesthrough someone at her work-place who was involved in arescue operation. The two hadhit it off and at the time, therewere six puppies classed as pitbulls that had been part of therescue.
Coleman explained afarmer had tried to shoot thestray mother and her pups. Shesaid the dog had held up in thebarn and outsmarted the farm -er, who finally called the dogrescue group.
A young lady and her groupthat ran furkidsrescue.ca inWiarton went and got the ani-mals.
The woman had the dog andpups at her home in Wiarton,where the family built a shedespecially for them.
Coleman’s co-worker askedif she wanted to foster a puppy.She was at first hesitant sinceshe already had three dogs ofher own.
“We drove up to Wiarton,and I agreed to foster one ofthem ... and I’ve been doing itever since,” said Coleman.
She has now been involvedin rescues for the past threeyears. Coleman has not fos-tered any animals in the pastyear because of a complaintlodged by a neighbour. But she
is still involved with all organi-zations involved in dog res-cues.
“It’s a huge, huge partner-ship involving people all overCanada,” she said.
It is weblike and spreadsout forever, she said describingthe contacts of the volunteersand organizations.
“They’re a dedicated groupwho put in a lot of time andeffort, sometimes taking timefrom their families, in order tosave the lives of dogs and otheranimals in need.”
Coleman is still involved indog transports from MountForest to a “no kill” shelter inOwen Sound. She said the shel-ter is run by a lovely woman,Renee Robins, and her family.She and Todd Robins have hadthe shelter since 1999.
Coleman continues to helppets without owners findhomes on a daily basis.
“I’m involved with all sortsof shelters ... right now I’mworking to find places for threedogs in foster or foreverhomes. But they still arrive ona steady basis. I have a specialplace in my heart for Germanshepherds. I acquired my firstGerman shepherd about 15years ago.”
While that beloved petpassed away about two yearsago, “I’ll never be withoutanother, because there’s nomore loyal and loving dog thana shepherd.”
Currently she has two ofthem, plus a shepherd-huskycross and a miniature poodle.
“I do anything and every-thing that is asked of me,” shesaid.
Coleman noted she recentlybecame in volved in the case ofa German shepherd being heldat a shelter in Keswick, whichwas desperately trying to find ahome for it.
“Shepherds don’t do well insmall spaces or behind fences.
To find a forever home for adog is the most wonderful feel-ing in the world,” she said.
“To see a dog happy, con-tent, almost smiling when theyknow they’ve found their peo-ple, is overjoyous. I get goose-bumps ... I have them right nowjust talking about it.”
She said everybody benefitsfrom a rescue.
“The owners are happy, thedog is happy ... and somehow adog has an instinct, I think,when they are rescued and findtheir forever homes. I almost
think sometimes, they appreci-ate it. They know what thesepeople are doing for them, andthey give back a hundredfold.”
Coleman said, “The onlyproblem is, right now, the fos-ters, the shelters and the res-cuers, are bursting at the seemswith dogs, which are given upfor many reasons.”
Due to the current econom-ic climate right now, “We’reseeing more and more familieswho have to give up their
beloved pets due to economiccircumstances. That is proba-bly the saddest things I’ve seenin my life ... is to see a familyhave to let go of their familypet. It’s heart rending.”
She said if a person has theability to save a pet, it does nothave to be a dog or cat. It couldbe a gerbil, a horse and sheeven cited the example of find-ing a home for a pot-belliedpig.
“If you have it in yourpower to save an animal or giveto a shelter or rescue agency or
to provide transport [then doit],” she pleaded.
Foster homes and transportsare two areas groups havefound there is never enoughpeople to help. Even for thosewho do not want a pet full time,there are opportunities to fosterfor a few days or a few months.
“Most rescues will providefood, vet care, transportation ifneeded, toys ... whatever youneed for the dog.”
She stressed a good rescuewill provide the resourcesneeded “to get the dog to itsforever home. We’re alwayslooking for good fosters.”
At the same time, she said,“Sometimes I think it’s some-times harder to adopt an animalthan adopt a child. There areapplications that must be filledout, home checks to be done,and telephone conversations.”
Coleman is also involved indoing home checks, where sheis sent the information provid-ed by the applicant.
“I go out to see if every-thing is as they say, and that it’sa good home,” she said. Sheadded adopting an animal isnot an overnight process; thereis a lot of checking and workinvolved.
For those wanting moreinformation she suggestedcontacting her at [email protected]
“I can send them in the rightdirection.” She has had hun-dreds of contacts for peopleinvolved in different rescues.
“It’s just mind boggling. Ifyou come to a point where youmust give your animal up to ashelter,” Coleman asked peopleto consider using a humane, no-kill shelter like the one inOwen Sound. She added thereare other places that take dogs,and hold them for three days.
“After that time, if the dogsare not adopted or picked up bytheir owners, the dogs are euth-anized. That’s not a very longtime when someone is lookingfor their pet,” she said.
The three-day rule is prettystandard in a lot of shelters,Coleman added. She advocatedspaying and neutering pets. Shealso has concerns with breedspecific legislation in Ontario.
The legislation, she said,considers certain breeds and
looks directly at pit bulls andanything resembling pit bulls.
“It could be full blownlabrador, mastiffs, bulldogs, allthese big dogs that, in thehands of some, are used fortheir own selfish reasons.”
She said that law originatedfrom dog attacks in cities.However, she said statisticsindicate the dogs most likely tobe vicious are small dogs.
“With breed specific lawsthere are hundreds, maybethousands of dogs being putdown in Ontario just becausesomeone says ‘that dog lookslike a pit bull,’ ” she lamented.
There are advocates seekingto change the law to the DogOwners Liability Act, so that itis not the breed that is heldresponsible for its actions - butdog owners.
“If you train your dog to bea killer, it will be a killer ... anydog ... no matter what breed,”Coleman said.
“If you love your dog andmake it part of your family, youinclude it in your life, you giveit no reason to be vicious, youtrain it, your dog will be adog.”
She said breed specific dogshave a bad reputation becauseof the actions of certain people.
“For their own selfish, inhu-mane reasons, they train thesedogs to be killers,” she said.“And then, it is the breed ofdog that pays for the sins, notthe owners.”
Dogs are misidentified andput down every day, she added.
Coleman believes if ownersare responsible for the condi-tion and temperament of theirdogs, that might go a long wayto curbing the puppy mills inthe province, where irresponsi-ble breeders sell dogs that areoften mistreated and genetical-ly disposed towards violentbehaviour. The conditions ofthose operations are oftendeplorable.
“If they were responsible,they would provide decent con-ditions for these dogs,”Coleman said.
For those wanting pets, shesaid, “You must be able to fol-low through with the commit-ment. You can’t just dumpthem somewhere. They’re notexpendable.”
Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009 PAGE THREE
No animalis expendable:Beth Coleman
by Mike Robinson
“To see a dog happy, content,almost smiling when they know
they’ve found their people is overjoyous.I get goosebumps ... I have them right now just talking about it.”
BETH COLEMAN AND FRIENDS
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20Aries, there's no option other than honesty when
a friend seeks your advice. Although your words mayhurt a little bit, they have to be said.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21Taurus, stick to your guns when others try to sway your
opinion. Standing resolute will prove that you are an individualof strong beliefs. Romantic endeavors are put on hold.
GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21There's so much to do but the hours in the day seemshorter than ever, Gemini. The only way to clean offyour plate is to delegate some of the work to others.
CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22Inspiration comes from the strangest sources this week,Cancer. As such, don't underestimate that anything in
your path can't spark a creative moment.
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23There are plenty of ups and downs to sort through, Leo,but it's the status quo that leaves you feeling a bit bored.
Maybe a new friend can provide different perspective.
VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22Start living like there's no tomorrow, Virgo, and you'llstart to appreciate the little things that you may haveglossed over before. New tasks leave you quite busy.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23We can't all be rock stars, Libra, some of us have to becontent working behind the scenes. This applies to yourrole at work. Don't expect to always be in the spotlight.
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22It takes a while to reverse a perception of yourself, Scorpio.
Others are fixated on that other persona that you haveworked hard to change. Be patient; they'll come around.
SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21Marching to the beat of your own drum can often be
inspirational But sometimes it's not helpful for others toconstantly see you going against the grain.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20Bout after bout of feeling under the weather should betelling you something, Capricorn. It is time to take your
health a bit more seriously and proactively.
AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18Aquarius, you have to rest as much as you can becauseyou'll be called upon for a lot of trying tasks in the next
few days. You may need to recuperate for a while.
PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20Cabin fever has set in, Pisces, so find projects around the house that can keep you busy and
your mind off of boredom.
HOROSCOPES- For the first week of December -
Here’s How it Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numericclues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! Find the answer on page 11
PAGE FOUR Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009
Division of labourBruceWhitestone
CANADA’SBUSINESS
Headlines now proclaim that morewomen work than men, and also thatfemales make up 70 per cent of part-time workers (that data is fromStatistics Canada).
The percentage of males in ourworkforce has been declining foryears. For instance, it was 52.7 percent last year and 54.3 per cent twoyears ago. The same trend persists inthe United States, but to a lesserextent, as 49.8 per cent of men are inthe labour market.
The primary reason for that changeis the rise in the service sector and theconcomitant decline of manufacturingand mining. Women are better able toparticipate as employees in services,compared to other categories.Furthermore, women increasingly areentering the workforce as they are get-ting better educated. Witness the factthat women currently outnumber menat many universities and postgraduateschools.
To say that this is long overdue isan understatement. While Moses inthe Five Books Of Moses valuedwomen at 60 per cent of the going rate
for men, author Charlotte PerkinsGilman in Women And Economicswrote that “Despite the rise of same-sex marriages, the deepest forces ofnature have tended to evolve pure,lasting monogamous marriage in thehuman race. But our peculiar arrange-ment of feeding one sex by the otherhas tended to produce a very differentthing. In no other animal species is thefemale economically dependent on themale ... of seeking goods at a man’shands.”
Heretofore, we have had half of thepopulation as non-productive con-sumers of goods. That makes no senseand, fortunately, the situation is evolv-ing, belatedly.
It is difficult to realize that womenin Canada had only obtained the rightto vote less than 100 years ago. Thenumber of women in government, theprofessions and business, has soared.Certainly, no twist of reasoning couldmaintain permanently a condition ofsociety so contrary to logic and thewelfare of the community. The origi-nal necessity of women beinginvolved in child rearing and sustain-
ing a household clearly is diminishingnow, so women at last, long overdue,are able and willing to participate inevery aspect of community life.
Women’s movements were instru-mental in that development, one thatoriginally was triggered by the twoworld wars, when men served in thearmed forces and women were neededto fill the vacuum that created.
This vital and radical change in oursociety is far advanced in Canada andthe United States, but regrettably inother parts of the globe women havemade little progress toward equality.
That treatment of women there isthe gravest form of injustice andharms every aspect of the communityand, of course, the economy.
Women here frequently and logi-cally are choosing those professionsconsistent with motherhood, but theyare branching out to all careers. As wehave made this transition, the implica-tions are for accelerated economicgrowth and a more equitable culture.All but the most chauvinistic malesshould and will be pleased.
Milestones
BUSINESS
Some tips to help make a website redesign work
NardoKuitert
ON THE WEB
You have decided to completelyoverhaul your exist ing website.
Well done. I applaud your courageand dedication, as re vamping yourmain online marketing tool isn’texactly a walk in the park.
And there are certainly risksinvolved, of tak ing one step forwardand then two steps back. Like allmajor undertakings, you need a planand a timeline. Some steps to includein your website re develop ment plansare:
1. Evaluate your current web site,and try to establish its strengths andweaknesses, op portunities and threats.Do not forget to look into your site’sstatistics to see what traf fic is tellingyou. Learning all about your topvisited pages, key words used to findyour site, and visitor navigation pathsare just a few of the informationnuggets that can really help pushthings forward.
2. With all of this infor mation, youcan determine what to do with all ofyour as sets: your text, images, videosand other web components - withoutsacrificing anything al ready estab-lished. Think about your website’spreferred struc ture (information archi -tecture) and adding, deleting andediting of existing website as sets,technical consequences like new filenames (URLs), a new programminglanguage or new features like a blog
or for um (did you visit the Chamberforum already? Visit forum.-cwchamber.ca today).
3. This is the time to dot Is andcross Ts. Were there addi tions to yourold site that were not exactly elegantsolutions? Do you have a custom 404error page? Is there a nice thank-youpage for your con tact forms? And ifyou do have one (well done), thenmake sure that all of that continues towork on your new site. If there everwas a time to fix what is broken onyour website, then this is it.
4. Send moving notices - vir tualones. Submitting a new Googlesitemap is a good start. But most web-site renovations will lead to therenaming of at least a few file names(URLs) - usually many of them. Inthis case, incoming links to the oldpage URL will become dead links.And you don’t want that.
This problem is easy enough tosolve for incoming pay-per-click linksfrom providers like Google AdWords(you just change the destination URLfor your ad; don’t forget), but forother incoming links (from Google’smain search index, for instance) youwill have to do something a little moreinvolved: The 301 permanent redi-rects.
Those will tell browsers andsearch engines that your page hasmoved, and includes an im plicit
request to update the link from the oldto the new address. If you do that, youwill see Google indexing the newURLs soon and abandoning the oldones. Other websites and directorieswill likely not be so proactive, so youshould review your visitor traffic logsfor 404 error messages (page cannotbe found), so you can inform specificother websites of an outdated link ontheir website.
A quick email explaining the situ-ation will often lead to the other web-site adjusting your URL, preventingthe 404 error page from being trig-gered again. And after a while, mostof your 404 error messages will havevanished from your log files.
Make sure to ask your webmasterto add 301 redirects to the pages thatdid not make it to your new site.Google does not like dead links, andwill reward you for your correctivemeasures.
As with any transition, you shouldexpect some setbacks. By implement-ing the advice given in this columnyou will reduce your risks by a signi -ficant factor. It will help you making asmooth transition from the old to thenew - and I am not just talking abouttrading good old 2009 in for 2010.
For more information: contactCentre Wellington Cham ber ofCommerce Dir ec tor Nardo Kuitert [email protected].
Maxine Rybla, of Drayton, haslaunched a new on-line business“Catholic Gifts Canada.” For moreinformation call 519-638-5046 orvisit www.CatholicGiftsCanada.com.
New owners - Merv and NoreenWinter are the new owners ofKringle’s Cafe, 140 Metcalfe Street,Elora. For information call 519-846-0553
New business or location?Please email us the details to
Minding Our Business:[email protected]
CentreWellington
Chamber eventsCentre Wellington Mayor’s
Breakfast is on Jan. 27. More details to follow or phone
the chamber office 519-843-5140 oremail [email protected].
Budget billputs in placewelcome tax
reformCENTRE WELLINGTON TWP. -
The Centre Wellington Chamber ofCommerce and the Ontario Chamberof Commerce are pleased to see leg-islation introduced last week in thepro vincial legislature to put intoplace the tax reform measuresannounced in the 2009 Ontario budg-et.
“The changes introduced in theOntario Tax Plan for More Jobs andGrowth Act will help make business-es in Ontario more competitive andcreate much needed jobs for peoplein Centre Wellington, while fueling amuch stronger economic recovery inthe province,” said chamber presi -dent Michael Weinstein.
The tax reform package includespersonal, small busi ness and corpo-rate income tax rate reductions, salestax har monization and a sales tax re -bate for the most vulnerable in socie-ty.
A recent study by Jack Mintz, ofthe School of Public Policy at theUniversity of Calgary, calculated theimpact of the tax reform package as$47-billion in investment and almost600,000 jobs - that largely as a resultof reducing the marginal effectivetax rate (METR) on new investmentby half.
“The reduction in the METR rateby half makes this one of the mostambitious tax reforms in Canadianhistory,” said alliance member LenCrispino, president and chief execu-tive officer of the Ontario Chamberof Commerce. “Call it the ‘smartMETR’ for On tario - it’s intelligenttax re form that will make companiesmore competitive by reducing layersupon layers of taxation, stimulating amore robust econ omy that benefitsall Onta rians.”
The Centre Wellington and theOntario Chamber have been advocat-ing since 2004 for a tax reform pack-age that includes sales tax harmo-nization and more competitive cor-porate and personal income tax rates.
www.wellingtonadvertiser
.comTel: (519) 843-5410 x530 Fax: (519) 843-7607
Box 189 | 905 Gartshore StreetFergus, ON | N1M 2W8
Gordon & GartshoreGRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINT SOLUTIONS
by Linda ReaderOne of the most successful provin-
cial programs to support entrepreneursand new business owners, the selfemployment benefit (SEB) program,has been discontinued until furthernot ice.
The program, managed by theMinistry of Colleges, Train ing andUniversities, offered men toring andfinancial sup port similar tounemployment in surance payments tounem ploy ed persons wanting to starttheir own businesses.
This is a shame. In my experience,the combination of mentoring andworkshops with business advisors plusthe fin ancial support helps buddingen trepreneurs be more success ful thanif they were to start without the help.
Jane Phillips, manager of theBusiness Enterprise Centre in OwenSound, told me the information she re -ceived from Sheree Mahood, ofEmployment Ontario, was that theunexplained halt with no newapplications being con sidered “wasnot a cancellation - just a pause untilApril.”
Let’s hope so. This information was unwelcome
news to the 32 as piring entrepreneursnewly enrolled in the first phase of theOwen Sound program. They cannotcontinue.
In Wellington County, the GuelphWellington Enterprise Centre had acontinuous intake model funded bySEB. It, too, is in a hiatus and cannotaccept new applicants. However, JudiRiddolls, executive director of thecentre, has a program of paid mentor-ing. Candidates can pay a small fee forongoing support with their new busi -nes ses.
Riddolls and Phillips agree selfemployment and new busi ness startups have increased during the reces-sion. It is not a surprising trend whenpeople cannot find work. Similarly,ap plications for the Second Careerprogram that supports further trainingat universities and colleges over-whelmed the Ministry with 20,000applica tions in September. It has notbeen cancelled.
“This is all good,” said Phillips.“But we always work ed within ourintake limits and our budget. The‘pause’ is un fort unate because SEBtrains people to be employers, where -as Second Career trains people to beemployees first. And in this economywe need employ ers too.”
Judy Riddolls’ opinion is that smallbusiness start up is the way a lot ofunemployed persons see gettingthrough the crisis. “In a way, they arereluctant entrepreneurs who cannotfind a job and have to do somethingwith their skills to make a living.”
In economic development circles,encouraging entre pre neurship is theway to build sus tainable economies inrural Ontario. In Owen Sound, 400businesses have been through the pro-gram. If each company only employsjust one person, 400 people areemployed - the equivalent of a carplant.
The province’s timing is way off.Let’s hope that this pause is just that -only a pause and the SEB program tosupport business start ups in Ontarioagain in the spring.
Linda Reader can be reach ed atwww.lindareader.com.
Self employmentbenefit program
on hold until April
Following extensive renovations of aheritage stone building at 390 TowerSt. S., Fergus, Dr. Michael Woo andDr. Nan Park hosted an open house.From left are: Dr. Woo, staff membersSarah McConnell and Barb Slater, andDr. Park.
photo by Sherry Clarke
Open House
Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009 PAGE FIVE
Don’t drink and drive.
Avoid the mourning after
FREE PRESS ~ NEWS WEEKLY
THE WELLINGTON ADVERTISERThis message brought to you by ...
TD business expert: cash flow, selling proposition among keys for small business owners
Official Opening
TORONTO - Thinking ofstarting a small business?
Join the club. Forty-one percent of the Canadian workforceis employed by small busines -ses, making that group an influ -ential force on the Canadianeconomy. Although the reces -sion had a negative impact on61% of small businesses, ac -cording to the 2009 TD CanadaTrust small business survey, theextremely high level of opti -mism experienced by smallbusi ness owners (57%) sug -gests that 2010 might be a goodyear to start a new company.
To help ensure success in anew, or continuing, businessventure, follow these top fivestrategies from small businessexpert Christine Morris, vice-president of sales and service,business banking at TD CanadaTrust:
1. Watch your cash flow.What keeps small business
owners up at night? After the
impact of the recession (31%),cash flow tops the list of big -gest concerns (28%). Smallbusi ness owners say they con -tin ually worry about coveringpayroll and being able to paysuppliers.
“Cash flow management isthe single most important as -pect of running a small busi -ness - arguably more importantthan ensuring a good profitmargin,” said Morris. “Withgood cash flow, anything ispossible - hiring good talent,ex pansion, access to credit,and, yes, producing a profit.With out it, it’s almost impos -sible to succeed.”
2. Find a good advisor.“The expression ‘it’s lonely
at the top’ can be very true forsmall business owners. It canbe tough when you are the onerunning the company and thereis no one in the office you canturn to for counsel - or even anoccasional shoulder to cry on,”
said Morris. “Find an advisoryou can trust - someone whowill listen to your unique issuesand provide solid advice onhow to solve problems.”
As an example, small busi -ness owner Marc Nicols, chiefexecutive officer of EquestrianFactory Outlet Inc., turned tohis bank branch in Alliston,when he was looking to expandhis equestrian appar el business.
“My branch’s small busi-ness advisor, Eric Tuninga,gave me the ongoing counseland the TD resources I neededto grow and leverage my busi -ness over the last three yearsfrom one store to a nationalfran chise business with soon tobe 16 locations across Canada.I needed someone who couldgive me advice to help me savetime and money - that’s trans -lated into profitability for mybusiness and my franchisees,”said Nicols.
3. Develop a unique sell-
ing proposition.According to Morris, under -
standing how a business standsapart from the competition canbe key to successful businessplanning, effective marketingand sales. This begins with thedevelopment of a unique sell -ing proposition, or USP, thatdefines a company’s key focus.
Nicols agreed that knowingthe USP is critical. “Our com-pany is Canada’s largest eques-trian apparel retailer that dealswith end-of-season Euro peangoods and up to 70% offMSRP. That’s our USP.”
The top three USPs cited byTD Canada Trust small busi -ness survey respondents are “toprovide the highest level ofservice in our industry” (33%),followed by “to provide thebest products/results in ourindustry” (25%) and “to pro -vide the best expertise in ourindustry” (19%).
4. Formula for success?
Stick to what you do best.“One of the top strategies
for maximizing success is tostick with what you do best andoutsource the rest,” said Mor -ris. “This means that if yourbusiness makes riding boots,focus your efforts on makingthe best boots possible and hireexperts to help you with otherareas of the business you areless experienced in, such asinformation technology sup -port, human resources prac ticesand investing strategies.”
5. Run the business as if youare selling it tomorrow.
The survey showed that themajority of small businessown ers feel they should startthinking about transitioningtheir business two years inadvance (62%) with only 16%planning more than five yearsout. Less than one-quarter(23%) of businesses currentlyhave a succession plan in place,down from 27% in 2008.
“Although transitioningyour business - for example,for sale or to a family member- might be many years away, itis sound business practice tooperate your business everyday as if you are preparing tosell,” advised Morris. “Thismeans always following gen er -ally accepted accounting prin -ciples, staying on schedule forsupplier payments, minimizingdebt and reducing costs where -ver possible.”
The survey polled smallbusi ness owners from acrossthe country to understand theimpact of the recession onsmall businesses.
It was con duc ted by AngusReid Strate gies from Sept. 8 to14, with English and Frenchspeaking small business own-ers (defined as business ownerswith fewer than 20 employees)across Can ada. The sample sizein cluded 1,002 men andwomen.
The Old Quarry Commons is now offi-cially open. The complex is jointlyowned by James Keating ConstructionLimited and the principals of MallotCreek Group Ltd., Bruce Cowper andTito Guglielmi. Old Quarry Commons,a commercial condo complex, is hometo the expanding Mallot Creek Group,with an additional 25 units availablefor lease or ownership. Several of theunits will be occupied in the very nearfuture. The 40,000 square-foot, twostorey complex features three largeparking areas with a path leading tothe Elora Cataract Trail. The impres-sive, open-concept entry featuresmassive local landscape photos.
photo by Sherry Clarke
Rockwood FarmersParade of Lights
December 10th 7:00pmHappy Holidays& Best Wishes
to all!Congratulations
Parade of Lights Volunteers
Rockwood519-856-9306
DOUGLAS S. BLACK, M.A., L.L.B.BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
118 Main St. S., Rockwood, OnBus: 519-856-4555 Fax: 519-856-4680
Email: [email protected]
Proud Supporterof the
RockwoodParade of Lights
Serving Rockwood area since1971
DREXLERCONSTRUCTION
Best wishes for aHappy Holiday Season519-856-9526
Proud to Support the Parade of Lights Volunteers
R.R. # 2, Guelph [email protected]
“Serving Seniors Since 1968”
Eden HouseNURSING HOME RETIREMENT HOME
“A Nice Place to Live”TM
Congratulations on 17 years of Rockwood Parade of Lights
Hope your holidays get upto speed and you
continue to accelerate into the New Year!R.R. #1 Guelph (519) 856-9721
Jim Hume’s Automotivewith glad tidings for you and
your family & friends
is Wrapping up the Year...
JIM’S REPAIR SHOP105 Alma St. 519-856-2564
Congratulations to the dedicated volunteers of the Rockwood Farmer’s
Santa Claus Parade
BD RENTALS175 Alma St. 519-856-9571
Serving Rockwood & Area
Merry Christmas15% off Giftware
on Parade Day Dec. 10th, 2009(519) 856-9486
Watch for our move in January
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Thank you to the Parade of Lights Volunteers
Trailer Sales & Service & Stove Sales Ltd.1-800-283-6966
Warm Christmas Wishes & Congratulations
Parade of Lights Volunteers8690 Well. Rd. 22 RR #4 Rockwood
WOODRILL LTD.Guelph/Marsville
519-821-1018 519-928-1101 800-461-1018
Thank you to all the Parade Volunteers
Indoor and outdoor STORAGE conveniently located on Hwy. 7between Rockwood and Acton.
New, secure facility.Call for space, size and availability
519.856.2221 | 8572 Hwy. 7 | RR#4 Rockwood
Happy Holidays
PAGE SIX Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009
Celebrating 30 Years
Celebrating 30 Years
Come see us for our seasonal specials
138 Main St. N., Rockwood519-856-0498 1-888-935-2113
PRE-PARADETHURSDAY, DECEMBER 10Meat Pie & Salad SpecialComplimentary after dinner
Hot Apple Ciderbistro & [email protected](519) 856.2693
ROCKWOOD ELECTRIC LTD.RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
Rockwood 1-877-841-7878 / Elora 519-843-7878
Proud to support the 17th Annual Farmers Santa Claus Parade of Lights.
Serving Rockwood & Areafor 23 years.
Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009 PAGE SEVEN
Call 519-848-2665 to purchase your
Chamber Christmas Dollarsfor that hard to buy for person
www.arthurchamber.ca
Seasons Greetings from theArthur Chamber of Commerce
146 George Street, Arthur
Just in time... the idealChristmas present
“MEMORIES OF ARTHUR &AREA VOLUME 2”
by John WalshPhotos galore & over 40 articles
tracing the history of Arthur Village& surrounding townships.
Available at $15.00In Arthur - Walsh’s Pharmacy,
Village Variety & Public LibraryIn Fergus - Arthur Travel
In Mount Forest - Print One
on purchase of
UMBRA’S MUCHOMIXPHOTOFRAME
Regular $100Open late Friday nights
in December
Save$20
www.theplumberswife.ca238 GEORGE ST, ARTHUR ON 519-848-3641
200 George St., Arthur519-848-2530
Walsh’s Pharmacy Ltd.One stop shopping for all your Christmas needs !
OPEN SUNDAYS Dec. 5, 12 & 19COME IN FOR OUR MOONLIGHT SPECIALS
DECEMBER 1
Shopping local strengthens the entire community
Serving the community since 1952
LONG’SHOME HARDWARE & BUILDING CENTRE1 km East of Arthur on Wellington Rd. 109
519-848-2444
Saturday Dec. 5 10 - 12pm
FREE
10% off Regular priced merchandise
Please bring a Food Bank DonationALSO
Picturewith
Santa
eclectica
Gifts for everyone on any budget.Free wrapping
519•848•3849147 George St., Arthur
Advanced deadline notice for ourChristmas publications
Please note the early deadline for the Dec. 25th and January 1st editions of
The Wellington Advertiserwill be Friday, December 18th at noon
L&M MARKETS 519-848-3630ARTHUR Your local hometown grocer
ParmalatChocolate Milk1 Litre
99¢ Colouring Contest
during the Christmas seasonFri. Dec. 11th 5-9pm
MOONLIGHT MADNESS SPECIAL
OPEN LATEDecember 11thso you can shopfor Cash & CarryDeals forChrsitmas Gift Ideas
192 George Street, Arthur(519) 848-CUTS (2887)
in
Arthur
by Chris DaponteORANGEVILLE - When
the Theatre Orangeville YouthSingers take to the stage - andthe aisles - to open AChristmas Story, it’s hard notto get into the holiday spirit.
The Christmas carols sungby the loveable group of kidswas a great addition to the lat-
est presentation at TheatreOrangeville. But despite theunique start and memorableperformances throughout, inthe end audiences may leavethe Opera House onBroadway less thrilled thanusual.
As was the case with lastyear’s production of A Christ -
mas Carol, the youth singers,while energetic and entertain-ing, were a tad too quiet dur-ing certain moments. That isunderstandable, given the ageof some of the members, but itcan still be frustrating forthose at the back of the theatrestruggling to make out thewords.
A Christmas Story is adapt-ed by Philip Grecian from themovie of the same name, aswell as from the book In GodWe Trust, All Others PayCash.
Directed by Theatre Or -ange ville’s own David Nairn,it relays the story of RalphieParker, a 9-year-old boygrowing up in the 1940s, whodreams of owning an authen-tic Red Ryder BB gun.
Consumed by the idea thegun is the perfect gift, Ralphielaunches an all-out campaignto convince everyone of histheory, but he becomes frus-trated by unforeseen opposi-tion from his parents, histeacher and even Santa Claus.
Adam Bartley is great asRalphie. The 6th grader, whoboasts a sense of timing andan ability to play off otheractors far beyond his years,will be a hit with audiencesfrom the beginning.
The other child actors in theplay, including ChristopherDubois (as Ralphie’s brother,Randy), Samuel Grant (ScutFarkas), Alexander Newall(Flick), Jayde Lavoie (EstherJane), Jacqueline Vandervaart(Helen) and Daniel Reale(Schwartz) are all competentplayers.
Lavoie, in particular, is afine talent at the tender age of11. She is adorable in her por-trayal of Esther Jane, whosepersistent pursuit of an oblivi-ous Ralphie is one of theplay’s finer side plots.
Susie Burnett returns toTheatre Orangeville after out-
standing performances in Kissthe Moon, Kiss the Sun andI’ll Be Back before Midnight.Her talents are again on fulldisplay in A Christmas Story,where she plays Ralphie’smom and illustrates her rangeand ability; this time in a moresupportive role.
Jamie Williams is a real treatas the father, whose ad venturousspirit, penny-pinching ways,obsession with tacky furnitureand propensity for colourful lan-guage will likely remind manyin the audience of their own “oldman.”
What makes Williams partic-ularly impressive in this produc-tion is his hilarious array of bodylanguage and impassioned phys-icality, which manages to jump-start recurring dialogue andjokes that otherwise could growstale.
Terry Hart, who also had amagnificent performance inlast season’s I’ll Be Back Be -fore Midnight, narrates theplay as the adult Ralph. Thisrole seems to be made forHart, who excels at playingthe blue collar, everyday man,but his performance at thepreview show on Nov. 27 lefta little to be desired.
He delivers an enormousamount of material and per-haps he just had an off night,but Hart repeatedly stumbledover his lines and struggled torecover on a few occasions(Cathy Elliot, who plays MissShields, also messed up a fewlines, despite her limited dia-logue). For those who haveseen his other performances,that is totally uncharacteristicof Hart, but that also makes itall the more distracting.
But even a stellar perform-ance from Hart likely couldn’treconcile some of the play’sinherent flaws.
While narration is a vitalcomponent of the play (andthe movie), there is too muchof it here; a fact that’s ampli-fied by the lack of action tocoincide with many of thelonger narrative components.
There are several laugh-out-loud moments - the major-ity of which are provided byWilli ams or occur duringRalphie’s day dreamingscenes - but many of the ongo-ing jokes grow a little tired bythe play’s end.
Vaughn Davis does a finejob with the set design, SteveLucas’ work with the lightingis great and generally, theactors seem to have receivedgreat direction - but there areseveral things in the play thatcould be improved.
For example, while it waslikely not the intention,young er brother Randy’s man-nerisms more resemble a men-tally challenged boy than aquirky, adventurous one. Andthere has to be a better way toportray the scene in which thefamily’s turkey is taken.
Despite its weaknesses, AChristmas Story is a funny,lighthearted tale that will getaudience members in a festivemood. And as long as they’renot expecting the theatricalequivalent of last season’s AChrist mas Carol, that should beenough.
A Christmas Story plays upto six shows a week until Dec.20. For tickets call 519-942-3423 or 1-800-424-1295 orvisit theatreorangeville.ca.
PAGE EIGHT Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009
AND
ENTERTAINMENT
ELORA LEGION BR. 229ComingEvents
519-846-9611
HallRental
Available
GUESTS ARE
ALWAYS WELCOME
email:[email protected]
Fri. Eve. Karaoke with NancySaturday 3pmMEAT DRAWS
ENTERTAINMENT“GREYTONES”
WEEKLY EVENTSMon. & Thurs. Eve- Snooker League
Tues. Eve. - 8-Ball League
Review: Theatre Orangeville’s A Christmas Story a fun, festive tale despite problems
TheOlOlympic Fympic Flamelame
is coming toWellington NorthDecember 28th 2009
TORCH RELAY ROUTEDowntown Mount Forest
12:30 PM
CELEBRATIONS CONTINUEMount Forest & District
Sports Complex1:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM
~ Free Skate ~ Bouncy Castle ~ Games~ Sports Displays & Demos ~ Refreshments
~ Obstacle Course ~ Face Painting~ Snow Building Contest ~ Draws & Prizes ~
Klazz Klown ~ Balloon Animals and much, much more!
Wanted:Volunteers, Sporting Groups,
Organizations & Individuals to participatein this historic event
FOR MORE INFORMATIONThe Township of Wellington North
519-848-3620www.wellington-north.com
EXPERIENCE OLYMPIC HISTORY
The leg lamp and BB gun - Susie Burnett, Adam Bartley, Jamie Williams and Terry Hart star in the Theatre Orangeville production of A Christmas Story, which plays until Dec. 20. Bartley plays 9-year-old RalphieParker, who wants nothing more for Christmas than the Red Ryder BB gun made famous by comic and commercial cowboys like the one played by Hart. submitted photos
Cox Creek CellarsEstate Winery
Highway 6 North at Wellington Cty. Rd. 22519-767-3253
11th Annual OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, December 12th 11- 6 pm Sunday, December 13th 1- 4 pm
We welcome you to join us at the Winery:• Wine Tasting • Winery Tours• Cheese, Crackers, Refreshments• Unique Christmas Gift Ideas
PLUS Specials throughout the store!Discover Fine Local Wine at Wellington County’s First Estate Winery
Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009 PAGE NINE
AND
ENTERTAINMENT
Big bad wolf - Lionel, the Chief Forester (Des Baxter) looks on, as the Big Bad Wolf in disguise (Nick Holmes) threatens Granny Girdle (DaleJones), in Red Riding Hood, a traditional English pantomime playing at Century Church Theatre in Hillsburgh until Dec. 6. Tickets are atErin and Hillsburgh libraries, from the box office 519-855-4586, or at the door.
Not So Grand Players readyfor another show of
Christmas CheerFERGUS - The Not So
Grand Players will soon be hit -ting the Fergus Grand Theatrestage with their presentation ofAn Evening of ChristmasCheer.
The family-oriented varietyshow will include guests PaulHock, students from Perfor -mance Studios, pupils fromJohn Black School, and theman in red himself, SantaClaus.
The Not So Grand Playershave been entertaining thelocals for over 25 years andhave contributed thousands ofdollars to community organiza -tions. The Centre WellingtonFood Bank will be the mainrecipient of the profits of this
show,and theatregoers are en -couraged to bring along a non-perishable food item to donateat the door.
Original cast members Con -nie Dickinson, Bruce and Flor -ence Arkell, Guy Haskell, andTerry Wilson will be joined bynewer members of the troupeto provide an evening of song,laughter, and fun for all.
Show dates are Dec. 4 and5. Show time is 7pm.
Tickets are $10 for adult ,$8 for children 6 to12 and 5and under are free.
Tickets are available onlineat www.fergusgrandtheatre.caor at the box office 519-787-1981.
Fergus branch library has many activities
The Fergus branch of theWellington County library sys -tem has a number of activitiescoming.
Drop-in seasonal crafts areon Dec. 5, 12, and 19.
Visit Children’s Ser vicesany time during open hourseach Saturday before Christ -mas and create a beautifulChristmas tree decoration.
There is no cost, and theevent is suitable for all ages,but adult supervision required.
Christmas story time is onDec. 18, from 10:30 to 11 am.
It features refreshments,activities, stories, songs and aspecial guest visitor. It is freeand open to all ages.
There is an open house onDec. 18 from 10am to 5pm.
Celebrate with cider, treats,and holiday cheer.
Century Church Theatre seeks talent for showcase
Murder mystery dinner theatre
set for restaurant
FERGUS LEGION Br.275519-843-2345www.ferguslegion.ca
Hall Rental & Catering Available
Saturday Dec. 5 3-6pm “Crippled Ducks”
Mon. - Euchre - 7:30pmTues. - Crib & Darts - 7:30pm
Thurs. - Bingo - 7:00pm
ENTERTAINMENT
WEEKLY EVENTS
Sun. Dec. 13 9am-Noon BREAKFAST
New CDStories & Songs
Requested favorites from the
Scott Woods ShowSongs & Stories - Stories like Teddy Bear, Deck of Cards,
Touch of the Master’s Hand.Classic country songs like Crazy Arms, Hey Good Lookin’,
Folsum Prison Blues and some fun songs too!
An Excellent Christmas Gift$20 (not available in stores)
McLeod Music Productions519-843-3173
519-833-2114 ext 31
Call for Birthday Packages!
Gift Certificates!
NOW PLAYING“2012”
(14A)Call for dates & times519-833-2114 ext #31
erincinema.caTickets: Children $4.25, Adults $9
ERIN – The Erin Com mu -nity Theatre presents its thirdannual dinner theatre at Dav -id’s Restaurant here.
This year’s mysteriouscom edy, The Piper of Grim -mgilliedhu, runs Dec 4, 10, 11,and 18 at 7pm. Tickets are$39.95 plus tax. Call 519-833-5085 to reserve or 519-833-2224 for information.
The show is written byHills burgh’s Susanna Lamy.This is her third play for dinnertheatre and also the third yearECT has partnered with Dav -id’s Restaurant. Erin’s KathrynDeLory is in the director’schair once again.
Perched on a windsweptprecipice above the sea, soli -tary Grimmgilliedhu Castle, inthe Scottish Hebrides, is open -ing its weathered doors to tour -ists. The first group has arrived
from Canada with Eager Bea -ver Tours to celebrate Christ -mas and Hogmany in the Hig -hlands. But as guests settle in,past grudges are resurrectedand an ancient mystery callsout to be resolved.
Audience members will becalled upon to help solve an -oth er crime. Guess the guiltycharacter for a chance to win apair of tickets to ECT’s spring2010 production.
David’s Restaurant is locat -ed at 20 Shamrock Road inErin. Arrive at 7pm for cock -tails and seating. To reservecall 519-833-5085. For infor -mation, visit www.erin live -
theatre.com or call 519-833-2224.
The troop advises to makereservations. It added extrashows this year because theevent is known to sell out.
ELORA LEGION BR. 229ComingEvents
519-846-9611
HallRental
Available
GUESTS ARE
ALWAYS WELCOME
email:[email protected]
Fri. Eve. Karaoke with NancySaturday 3pmMEAT DRAWS
ENTERTAINMENT“GREYTONES”
WEEKLY EVENTSMon. & Thurs. Eve- Snooker League
Tues. Eve. - 8-Ball Leauge
HILLSBURGH - TheCentury Church Theatre here ispresenting a showcase of localperformers and specialty actsand is looking for performers
All acts must audition for aplace in the showcase. Ten willbe chosen from those whoaudition and they will performon the Saturday night show -case.
Successful acts will be noti-fied on Dec. 11 and a dressrehearsal will be held Dec. 12at 1pm.
All ages and talents are wel-come to audition.
Acts with performers fromages 13 and under auditionfrom 6pm to 8pm
Acts with performers ages14 to adult will audition 8 to10m.
Each act must supply itsown music on CD or accompa-niment.
Audition performancesshould last 2 to 3 minutes andconsist of one number or per -formance
Performers chosen for theshowcase must be prepared topresent between 10 to 15 min-utes of entertainment.
Auditions Dec. 9 and 10 run6 to 10pm and will be held atHillsburgh Century Theatre,Trafalgar Road.
The show runs Dec. 12 at7pm, and general admission is$10.
Proceeds will go to theCentury Church Theatre bur -sary for deserving high schoolstudents entering the perform -ing arts.
Monday December 21st - 5:00 pmTuesday December 22nd - 5:00 and 7:30 pmSt. John’s Anglican Church36 Henderson Street, EloraTickets: $35 ea.
PAGE TEN Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009
Faces of Farming calendar unveiled; two county residents are featured
ELMIRA - On Sunday Nov.15, students from Gorge KarateDojo travelled to an event host-ed by the Elmira Karate Dojo.
This event, or Shiai inJapanese, is a tournamentwhere students test their skillsin three different areas: Kata,Kumite (sparring) and Kobudo(weapons).
Winners from Elora are:Natalia Van Esch - 1st KataPeeWee Kids (6 & under)Yellow Belt; Molly Farquhar -1st Kumite Junior Kids (7-9yrs) Yellow Belt; Annie
Farquhar - 1st Kata SeniorKids (10-12 yrs) Yellow Belt;Mackenzie Nelson - 1stKumite Junior Kids OrangeBelt; Blair Bauman – 3rdKumite Junior Kids OrangeBelt; Andrew Gardner - 3rdKumite Senior Kids OrangeBelt; Francesca Van Esch – 1stKata and 3rd Kobudo JuniorKids Green Belt; Alex Rock –2nd Kumite Senior Kids GreenBelt; Michael Corbett – 3rdKumite Senior Kids GreenBelt; Susan Stimpson – 1stKumite Women (adults 16+)
Green Belt; Ethan Aguirre –2nd Kata Senior Kids BrownBelt; Philippe Campbell – 1stKata Teens (13-15 yrs) BrownBelt; Ret Giles – 1st Kumite,1st Kobudo and 2nd KataTeens Brown Belt; NathanBeer - 3rd Kata, 3rd Kumiteand 3rd Kobudo Teens BrownBelt; Tiffany Morris – 1stKumite Women Brown Belt.For more information on GorgeKarate Dojo and CanadianNaha-te Goju Karate pleasevisit www.cngk.ca.
Local participation in Elmira Shiai 2009
Back Row: Sensei Bill Stimpson, Ethan Aguirre, Philippe Campbell, Susan Stimpson, Sensei Dave Lyons, MiddleRow: Blair Bauman, Michael Corbett, Francesca Van Esch, Alex Rock, Front Row: Annie Farquhar, Molly Farquhar,Natalia Van Esch Absent from Photo: Mackenzie Nelson, Andrew Gardner, Ret Giles, Nathan Beer and Tiffany Morris.
photo submitted
Calendar farmers - Two women from Wellington County were among those chosen for the fifth annual Faces of Farming calendar that is now on sale across Ontario to promote agriculture and farming. Leftis the January picture and the other is for October.
TORONTO - Patricia Bar -ker of Fergus won $50,000play ing Instant Bingo recently.
"I was shocked,” saidBarker. “It took a while to getit” at the Toronto prize centre.The 44 year-old plans to shareher windfall with family.
The winning ticket was pur-chased at Mac's, located on St.Andrew Street East in Fergus.
PATRICIA BARKER
Report on environment: Credit watershedprovided $371-million in services
Development costs are shifted to residents, taxpayers; other lost assets are irreplaceable
MISSISSAUGA - A reportreleased last week by thePembina Institute and CreditValley Conservation found thatthe Credit River watershed pro -vides services worth more than$371-million to area residentseach year.
"One of the key aspects ofvaluing ecological services isthe idea that Mother Naturedoes for free what we wouldotherwise have to pay millionsto do through technology andinfrastructure," said Jeff Wil -son, of Credit Valley Conserva -tion, the agency responsible formanagement of the watershed.
The watershed's naturalcapi tal - the stock of naturalassets, such as water, forests,wetlands, and wildlife -provide the ecological services,in cluding water filtration, re -moval of carbon from the at -mos phere, and air purification.
Looking at water andwaste water treatment alone, itwould cost more than $237-million every year to replace
the nat ural filtering power ofland and wetlands in the CreditRiver watershed with man-made wat er treatment systems.
The report, Natural Credit:Estimating the Value of NaturalCapital in the Credit RiverWatershed, is intended to helppeople better understand thevalue of preserving and invest -ing in natural spaces. In turn, itis important the value of natu-ral capital is accounted forwhen natural space is devel -oped.
Currently, when develop -ment happens, many of thosecosts are shifted to residentsand taxpayers. Other lost value,such as the loss of pollinators,simply cannot be replaced.
“Because the value of nat -ural capital doesn't show up onanyone's balance sheet, we endup using ecological resourcesin very inefficient ways,” saidMike Kennedy, Senior Re -source Economist with thePembina Institute. “We arehighlighting the importance of
considering all social costs andbenefits of land use policydecisions, especially whenregions start to become highlypopulated.”
While the report considersspecifically the Credit Riverwat ershed in the westernGreat er Toronto Area (andincluding Erin in WellingtonCounty), the benefits of eco-logical services are similar forcommunities across Canada.The report’s authors consider ita call to all levels of govern-ment to give greater considera-tion to natural capital whenmaking land-use decisions.
“There is increasing evi -dence that the benefits of con-servation are beginning tooutweigh the benefits of busi -ness-as-usual development,”said Wilson.
Ferguswoman wins
$50,000
GUELPH – Farmers fromacross Ontario recently un veil -ed the fifth annual Faces ofFarming calendar.
The calendar, produced bythe Ontario Farm AnimalCouncil (OFAC) andsponsored by many Ontarioagribusi nes ses and commoditygroups, celebrates the hardwork, dedi cation and values ofOnta rio’s farming community.
This year’s calendar feat -ures a record number of On -tario farmers and farm families– 45 in all. The unveiling was
held in conjunction with theOntario Harvest gala event.
The 2010 Faces of Farmingcalendar shows the diverse nat -ure of Ontario agriculture. Thisyear’s farmers represent allsec tors of agriculture – fromtraditional products like dairy,beef, chicken, pork, turkey,goats, soybeans, and corn tounique items like bison, cauli -flower, azuki beans, peas, sun -flowers and more. Participantsalso come from all corners ofOntario.
This year’s cover photo fea-
tures all 30 members of theBarkey family, dairy farmersfrom Oshawa. That was thelargest group ever photo -graphed for the calendar.
OFAC’s vice-chairman Dav-id Murray said the Barkey fam-ily epitomizes everything thatthe calendar stands for.
“Like countless other farmfamilies in Ontario and all ofthe others in this calendar, theBarkeys are great farmers andenvironmentalists. They’re alsoavid volunteers in many diff er -ent organizations. It is families
like these that make up theheart of our rural commu -nities.”
Participating in the calendarinitiative was a rewardingopportunity, said Glenn Bark -ey. “Our family was surprisedbut excited to be asked to beinvolved in the calendar,” saidBarkey.
He added, “We have hadour family and farming in -tertwined for over 200 years inthis province.”
Janet Smaglinski is anotherof the calendar’s participants
and a crop farmer from the Ot -tawa Valley. “I think that peo -ple will be surprised when theylook through the calendar andsee what the modern farmerlooks like,” said Smaglinski.“Participating in this calendarwas an exciting opportunity toshow the consumers how proudI am of the crops we grow onour farm.”
There were two farmerschosen from WellingtonCounty.
The October illustrationfeatures Nicole, a mother of
five young children. She andher husband raise dairy goatsand many other types of live -stock on their farm.
The January 2011 illus -tration features Lisa, who wasraised on a beef cattle farm inthe Ottawa Valley. She nowlives on a cash crop farm nearGuelph with her husband andthree boys.
The OFAC is the voice foranimal agriculture, represent -ing 40,000 livestock and poul -try farmers, associations andbusinesses in Ontario.
Registration for programs starts December 7th, 2009
Look for your copy of the
delivered withThe Wellington Advertiser
DECEMBER 4TH ISSUEIf you do not receive your copy of
the WinterCommunity Guide, please pick up a copy at the
Fergus or Elora Recreation Offices
wintercommunity
Ad deadline is Monday at [email protected]
DECEMBER 11reserve tickets in advance by calling Earl Lennox at 519-928-
3457.
DECEMBER 12The annual Marsville Community Christmas Concert at the East
Garafraxa/Marsville Hall in Marsville. 7:30pm. Adults $7,
Children $5. Please reserve tickets in advance by calling Earl
Lennox at 519-928-3457.
***
Christmas Celebration Concert with the Liberation Choir, Sunday
7:30pm at the Drayton Reformed Church, 74 Wellington St.
Drayton. Freewill Offering for the Palmerston Hospital
Foundation.
***
Adult / Senior Skating 8- 9:50 Exhibition Park Arena, Guelph.
Cost $7. Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship! Call 519-
836-1015 for more information.
***
Christmas in Concert- Performances are free; no ticket necessary
3:30 & 7:30pm & Sunday 3:30pm. Koinonia Christian Fellowship
(850 Sawmill Road, Bloomingdale). 519-744-7447. www.kcf.org.
***
Uplifting Seasonal Concert, by local group “Mathieson” 7:30pm,
Melville United Church, Fergus. Freewill. Call Dan 519-846-
1496.
***
Until December 14 - I Heard the Bells. 7pm (Doors open at
6:30pm) Central Pentecostal Church, 7674 Colborne St. Elora.
Free admission, child care available.
DECEMBER 13Cats Anonymous Rescue & Adoption - Christmas Open House:
from 10am-3pm in Marsville (east of Fergus). Call 519-855-6850.
***
Handel's perennial favourite returns to the Village of Elora. 267
years after its premier, Messiah remains not only a Christmas stan-
dard but, a Singers tradition. This concert always sells out quick-
ly so, be sure to order your tickets early. 3pm. Knox Presbyterian
Church, Elora $40. 1-888-747-7550.
***
"Hanging of the Greens" celebration and potluck. Faith
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 290 Belsyde Ave. E. Fergus. 10am.
All are welcome.
***
"A Christmas Carol In Bethlehem", a cantata by the joint choirs of
Knox-Elora and St. Andrew's, Alma, 7:30pm. at Knox
Presbyterian Church, Elora. Freewill offering. Refreshments &
fellowship following.
DECEMBER 14Annual Christmas Carols by Candlelight St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church, Arthur. 7:30pm. Please come out and join
us.
DECEMBER 17Family Christmas Evening (all ages) Arthur Library. Drop-in. 7–
8 pm for family fun of: stories, crafts, songs & more. No registra-
tion required but Christmas colours encouraged! For this free
event call 519-848-3999 for more information.
***
Jamboree St. John Parish Centre 160 Georgina St. Arthur, Ontario.
(Next to St. John Church) 7pm. For cancellation info. due to
weather call 519-848-6723.
DECEMBER 18Victoria Park Seniors Drama Group's Christmas Performance:
"Ebenezer Scrooge" 2pm. all welcome!
***
Brighton Chapter No 201 Order of the Eastern Star in Fergus is
holding a euchre at Fergus Masonic Hall, 310 St. Andrew St. W.
at 7:30pm. Light lunch provided. All are welcome. Cost is $5.
Contact Muriel Brown 519-787-0554 for further information.
***
Shepherd's Play! 7pm & December 19, 2pm. Enjoy a magical per-
formance of the nativity in a barn above the cows, by the Trillium
Waldorf School community. Admission is by donation; pay what
you can. Don't forget warm clothing and blankets! Venue:
Fourfold Farm Barn, #7682 4th Line Nichol Rd., Elora.
DECEMBER 19Adult / Senior Skating 8 - 9:50 Exhibition Park Arena, Guelph.
Cost $7. Join us for fun, exercise, music and friendship! Call 519-
836-1015 for more information. Fergus Brass Band playing cen-
ter ice.
***
Guelph Chamber Choir – Handel’s Messiah - 8 pm, River Run
Centre Guelph. Tickets: 1-877-520-2408 - Adults $30 / $25, 4
tickets for $100, Students $10.
DECEMBER 20Listowel Legion Branch 259. Sunday Brunch at Parkview
Gardens, 10am - 2pm. $5 per plate.
***
Annual Christmas Cantata performed by area choirs. St. Mary’s
Roman Catholic Church, Mount Forest 2:30pm and St. John’s
Roman Catholic Church, Arthur, December 21, 2009 at 7:30pm.
Admission - Free will offering and food bank items.
***
Children and Youth Present the “Christmas Story." Join us at Faith
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 290 Belsyde Ave. E. Fergus. 10am
service. All are welcome.
DECEMBER 21Victoria Park Seniors Centre: Christmas Social with the VP
Ensemble (hot apple cider & Christmas goodies!) 1:30pm. No
charge!
DECEMBER 24Ballinafad United Church invites you to Christmas Eve in the
Stable. 6:30pm. 4917 Eighth Line, Erin. Just north of Halton/Erin
Townline. Come celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. A por-
tion of the proceeds will go to local food banks. Dress warmly. For
info. Contact 905-877-4743.
***
Knox Church Elora, Christmas Eve Service, 11pm. Guest speak-
er Kees Vandermey. Everyone welcome.
DECEMBER 30We will be holding our regular La Leche League meetings the last
Wed. of every month at 7:30pm at 60 Woodlawn Rd. In the town
hall room. We also offer daytime meetings at the same location
the second Friday of every month at 1pm. Children always wel-
come. Call Nicole for more info. 519-836-0800.
DECEMBER 31Elora Legion Branch 229- Dance. Featuring “Country Versatiles”.
110 Metcalfe St. Elora.
***
Listowel Legion Branch 259. New Year's Eve Dance - Parkview
Gardens. Dance to ZAMM. 9pm - 1am. $10 per person. Pot Luck.
***
New Year’s Eve Dance 8 pm Everyone Welcome. The Royal
Canadian Legion Colonel John McCrae Memorial Br. 234, 919
York Rd., Guelph. Inquiries 519-822-1565.
JANUARY 8Optimist Club of Puslinch, Community Euchre. 7:30pm. At the
Puslinch Community Centre. $3 per person. Refreshments pro-
vided. 50/50 draw. All Welcome.
JANUARY 13Rockwood & District Lioness Euchre & Bridge Night. Rockmosa
Community Centre, Rockwood at 7pm. $5 a person. Lunch &
prizes to follow.
JANUARY 19The Schizophrenia Society, Guelph and area monthly meeting.
7:30pm at the Evergreen Centre, 683 Woolwich Street. Anyone
touched by or interested in schizophrenia is welcome. Info. 519-
822-8781.
JANUARY 31Open Jamboree and Dance at Mount Forest Legion. 1:30-5pm.
Roast Beef Dinner. Everyone Welcome!
FEBRUARY 5Optimist Club of Puslinch, Community Euchre. 7:30pm. At the
Puslinch Community Centre. $3 per person. Refreshments pro-
vided. 50/50 draw. All Welcome.
FEBRUARY 10Rockwood & District Lioness Euchre & Bridge Night. Rockmosa
Community Centre, Rockwood at 7pm. $5 a person. Lunch &
prizes to follow.
FEBRUARY 13EWCS and Erin and District Lions Club are hosting the Mayor’s
Valentine’s Dinner and Dance –$75 each, catered by David’s
Restaurant, and dancing, with music provided by the Itchy and
Scratchy Band. Door prizes, silent and live auctions, opportunity
to meet with the mayors from both the Town of Erin and the
Township of Guelph Eramosa. For ticket information please call
Sue at 519-833-9696 x 226.
FEBRUARY 16The Schizophrenia Society, Guelph and area monthly meeting.
7:30pm at the Evergreen Centre, 683 Woolwich Street. Anyone
touched by or interested in schizophrenia is welcome. Info. 519-
822-8781.
SEND YOUR NON-PROFIT/CHARITABLE EVENT INFO TO
[email protected] words, 4 weeks prior to event date.
Inside Wellington - Second Section of The Wellington Advertiser, Friday, December 4, 2009 PAGE ELEVEN
LCD TV’sHighland Sight & Sound
125 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus 519-843-2050Open Tues.-Sat.
Satellite Systems
Installed from $69.99 Programming from $20 per month
StarChoice remotes from $29.99
SatelliteHigh-Speed
Internet Service
Mercer Masonic Lodgeinstallation held recentlyMichael Pearse has just been installed as Master of Mercer
Masonic Lodge of Fergus. Installing Master was his father
Raymond Pearse, assisted by many members from Lodges in
Guelph, Erin, Georgetown, Drayton, Harriston and Elora.
Special guests were Earl Schneider, District Deputy Grand
Master of Wellington District of the Grand Lodge of Canada in
the Province of Ontario, and Chrisa Brown, a present Grand
Lodge Steward and many Past Grand Lodge members.
Other Mercer Officers invested were Immediate Past Master
Morgan Ramage, Senior Warden Robert Meiklejohn, Junior
Deacon Raymond Pearse, Director of Ceremonies Roy Knapton,
Senior Steward Jeff McClennon, Junior Steward Neil Wilson ,
Organist Adrian de Vries, Inner Guard Frank Barkhouse, Tyler
Robert Wilson, Historian John Carter.
Mercer Lodge was instituted in 1876 and meets the fourth
Wednesday of the month at the Fergus Masonic Centre, 310 St.
Andrew Street East, Fergus.
A pot luck dinner and awards evening finished the year for theHarriston and District Horticultural Society.
The evening started with the singing of the national anthem. Doug Gray gave the blessing of the food. Special guests were
Mayor David Anderson and Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen.Gray reported the society had good numbers of entries in the
flower and vegetable shows this year.The Mildred Newman mem orial award for the best design in
the August flower show went to Irene Fudger.She also won the golden trowel award for the most points in all
flower shows. Mary Cuculich received the Rhoda Cameron memorial award
for best design in the spring show.Gray presented Faye Bink ley with a framed certificate of mer-
itorious service.A thank you letter was read from Jenna Haelzla, who won the
society’s bursary.
Harriston society heldyear end awards meeting
New to yourCommunity?be sure to call
Patti Klein519-843-7055
Our hostess will bring
gifts and greetings,
along with helpful
community information.www.welcomewagon.ca
PAGE TWELVE Inside Wellington - Second Section of the Wellington Advertiser - Friday, December 4, 2009
www.wellington.ca FEEDBACK - How are we doing?Do you have an idea for an upcoming issue?
Andrea Ravensdale, Communications Officer(519) 837-2600, ext. 2320* or [email protected]
*ALL CALLS CAN BE MADE TOLL FREE TO 1-800-663-0750.
County of WellingtonAdministration Centre74 Woolwich St.Guelph, ON N1H 3T9
REMEMBRANCE DAY ATWELLINGTON TERRACE
17th Annual Farmer’s Santa Claus Parade of LightsTHURSDAY DECEMBER 10, 7:00 P.M.
Through the streets of Rockwood | www.rockwoodfarmersparade.org
ROCKWOOD’S FARMING COMMUNITY PRESENTS:
Wellington Terrace honoredthe WW2 veterans on
Remembrance Daywith the support of local legions.Dr. John Ewen, Medical Director,escorts resident Donald Lewis
to lay a wreath.
On November 25, County Councillor Bob Wilson was honoured bythe Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for his 25 years of
service in municipal government.
During a special banquet at the Ontario Southwest MunicipalConference in London, the County Ward 6 Councillor received his
25 years of service pin. Councillor Wilson’s family, members ofCounty Council and staff were on hand to support him.
Congratulations
ROADS WINTER MAINTENANCE 2009/10
Winter is here! On November 7, the County of Wellington began its winter roadmaintenance programme. County plow trucks are ready and on stand-by for the accu-mulation of snow.
For winter road conditions on Wellington County Roads, please contact Central Garage24/7 at: (519) 821-2090 or 1-866-799-4166. This number is available until April 10,2010.
Watch for the flashing blue lights of county plow trucks. When approaching them frombehind, slow down, stay back and be patient DO NOT PASS around them.
QUESTIONS?Contact the Engineering Services, Road Division at: (519) 837-2601*
Christmasat the Museum & Archives
The
County of Wellington“Connecting Citizens with County News”
NOVEMBER COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
• On November 9th, The County, along with Citizenship and ImmigrationCanada, and the Government of Canada, officially launched the Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program.
• On November 25th, Councillor Bob Wilson was honoured by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for 25 years of service in Municipal Government.
• Mike Elrick and Vanier Correctional Centre for Women were honouredwith the 2009 Green Legacy Awards of Excellence.
• Members of Council each spoke and reflected on the year.
COUNCILLOR BOB WILSONHONOURED