december 20, 2012 issue

1- December 20, 2012 - St. Thom

as - Elgin Weekly New

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St.Thomas/Elgin

Move over Bill Walters, it’s Dutton/Dunwich Mayor Cam-eron McWilliam’s turn to lead Elgin County council. Cameron, who was unopposed in his quest to become Warden, has been Mayor of Dutton/Dunwich since 2010 — his first term. Previously he served as Depu-ty Mayor and prior to that, as a Councillor. Bill, who could have run for a second term, decided against it, citing his already full schedule.

The election meeting was held in the Municipality of Cen-tral Elgin council chambers at 450 Sunset Drive on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 7pm. Outgoing Warden Bill Walters presented Cameron with the Lord Elgin watch and the gavel of office.

Cameron read his accep-tance speech to a packed gal-lery, thanking Bill for his good

humour and leadership that has guided council on many issues.

Going forward, a few key ar-eas of interest Cameron spoke about during his speech in-cluded building on the strong agricultural sector and skilled workforce and the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital redevel-opment. In 2013, Dutton/Dun-wich will be home to a new ambulance base, which Cam-eron says will be a great as-set for West Elgin and show’s a commitment to citizen’s emergency care needs in Elgin County. Updating and main-taining existing infrastructure is yet another initiative on Cameron’s agenda as Warden.

“I accept the position know-ing that there are many chal-lenges ahead. My farming background has taught me that hard work, good business

and team work is what makes any business successful.”

Cameron will also serve on the Dispute Resolution Com-mittee, the joint city-county ad hoc committee on the STEGH redevelopment project, SWEA and the joint city/county Health Recruitment Partnership.

The rest of council were also appointed to committees, in-cluding: Councillors Couckuyt and Mennill — Economic De-velopment and Tourism; Coun-cillors Walters and McIntyre — Dispute Resolutions; Coun-cillor Jenkins —Elgin County Museum; Councillors Walters, Couckuyt and Wiehle — El-gin St. Thomas Public Health; Councillors Ens, McIntyre and Wiehle — Rural Initiatives; Councillors Couckuyt and Ens

— South Central Ontario Re-gion (SCOR); Councillors Ens and Walters — County social/entertainment committee; Tom Marks (citizen appoint-ment) — St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital; Councillor Mennill — St. Thomas-Elgin Public Arts Centre; commit-tee of the whole of council — Waste Management/Liaison; Councillor Marr — Green Lane Community Trust Fund; Coun-cillor Jenkins — Water Ad-visory committee; Councillor Walters —SWEA; Councillors Mennill and Walters — joint county/city ad hoc commit-tee on STEGH redevelopment; Councillor Marr — joint Elgin County/Central Elgin Accessi-bility Advisory committee.

Outgoing Warden Bill Walters congratulates new Warden Cameron McWilliams.

If your backyard is filled with birds, now’s the time to start counting. The Christ-mas Bird Count, a project of the National Audubon Soci-ety in the United States and coordinated in Canada by Bird Studies Canada, will be taking place in St. Thomas on Wednesday, December 26, 2012.

Diane Dobson, organizer of the local portion of the event, says the group’s coverage area will include St. Thomas, Port Stanley, Port Bruce and Sparta. Anyone interested in taking part in the event is asked to pre-register with Diane at 519-631-7557 by Fri-day, December 21, 2012. Pre-registration helps Di-ane keep track of where birds are being tallied as St. Thomas and area will be broken into 12 smaller piec-es. For those who want to join, but don’t want to stray far from home, a backyard bird count is also welcome, she says.

Enthusiastic birders will meet afterwards at 5pm at Knox Presbyterian Church to compile their birding infor-mation and enjoy a potluck dinner, where results from the day will be tallied.

The count, now in its 113th year, will involve over 12,000 Canadian volunteers who will be counting birds from December 14, 2012 to January 5, 2013.

The 113th CBC is expect-ed to be larger than ever, expanding its geographical coverage and accumulat-ing information about the winter distributions of vari-ous birds. Today, volunteers from every Canadian prov-ince and territory, all 50 of the United States, parts of Central and South America, Bermuda, the West Indies, and Pacific Islands, count and record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specified area.

Last year’s count shat-tered records in Canada. A total of 412 counts involving over 12,000 participants tallied 3.9 million birds of 303 species.

The count began in 1900 when Dr. Frank Chap-man, founder of Bird-Lore (which evolved into Audu-bon magazine) suggested an alternative to the holiday “side hunt,” in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most small game, including birds. Chapman proposed that people count birds instead.

Volume 8 No. 33 519-633-1640 • www.theweeklynews.ca

December 20, 2012

Ready, set, count McWilliams acclaimed

A Hummingbird is one of many birds that will be counted dur-ing the annual Christmas Bird Count.

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Mayor Heather Jackson & the members of St. Thomas City Council would like to take this opportunity to extend warm greetings for the season, and wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year

545 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-631-1680

City Hall will close on Friday, December 21 at 4:30p.m. and re-open January 2 at 8:30a.m.

Collision Repair Specialists1 Mary Street east, St. Thomas

519 [email protected]

City of St. Thomas council briefsHVAC upgrades

The Main Fire Station will be getting upgrades from First General Services, who tendered the winning bid at $156,258.01. The project will involve installing four new fur-naces with duct work and air conditioning, the removal of all old boiler parts and piping, and engineering fees. Funds for this project will come from the Federal Gas Tax reserve. The higher than originally estimated cost is due, in part, to the work that will be required to remove the old boiler and install a gas furnace system. Taxes owing

Resident Bill Sandison wrote a letter to council asking if any individual who owes taxes to the city should be allowed to sit on council or have a say in financial matters. CAO/Clerk Wendell Graves responded dur-ing the meeting by saying that council is aware that the tax status of any individual mem-ber sitting on council isn’t a re-quirement under the municipal act, in terms of being eligible to sit on council. Christmas tree drop-off

People looking to get rid of their natural Christmas tree can drop it off at a temporary depot set up at the City’s Public Works

Service Centre at 100 Burwell Road. The depot will be open January 7-11 from 7:30am-3:30pm and January 12 from 8am-noon. Free rides for New Year’s Eve

Free bus rides will be pro-vided by the St. Thomas/Elgin chapter of MADD and other sponsors this New Year’s Eve in the City of St. Thomas. Buses run from 8:15pm to 3:15am and include paratransit, that will have to be pre-booked. This ini-tiative goes hand in hand with the city’s announcement of free parking overnight (except Tal-bot Street) on December 31st so that those drinking can find a responsible way home with-out having to move their cars. Overnight parking now in effect

St. Thomas Police want to remind motorists that the over-night parking by-law came into effect on November 15, 2012. If you’re parked on city streets between 3-5am, you can ex-pect a ticket worth $25 unless you have a properly displayed overnight parking permit.

Smoking in public areasSmokers beware. A harder

crackdown on people who are smoking in public areas and doorways is coming. Ald. Lori Baldwin-Sands brought this issue forward to council. She says in speaking with a citi-zen, that person wondered why there is not more enforcement

on the issue, especially in pub-lic building entrances. January is Alzheimer’s month

Stacy Wraight and Chris Smith of the Alzheimer Soci-ety Elgin-St. Thomas informed

council of the society’s upcom-ing Walk for Memories on Janu-ary 19, 2013. The walk will be held inside at Parkside Col-legiate Institute from 9:30am-noon at 241 Sunset Drive. Pledge sheets are available by calling 519-633-4396.

Central Elgin council briefs By Heather Derks

Stormwater pond savingsCouncil heard from Director

of Physical Services Lloyd Per-rin that a stormwater mgmt. pond once expected to be part of the East Sewer Expansion has been deemed unneces-sary, a development that will reduce the cost of the project by roughly two million dollars. As all reports and assessments required for the Expansion to go ahead have now been received, a 45-day public comment pe-riod is now open until January 31, 2013.

MiII grant programCouncil approved a recom-

mendation that the municipal-ity complete an expression of interest to apply for funding under the province’s Municipal Infrastructure Investment Ini-tiative with regards to the up-coming East Side Stormwater Expansion. If the project quali-fies the grant could offset costs

of the East Sewer Expansion to homeowners.

Strategic plan prioritiesInformation collected from

the public during the imple-mentation of Strategic Plan sessions has indicated that the following points have been deemed priorities by Central Elgin residents: that operations be made more efficient in all departments in municipal de-partments, that the Port Stan-ley Harbour be a profitable and self-sustaining enterprise, that Central Elgin’s five-year Mas-ter Finance Plan be updated to include multiple year capital budget forecasts, that northern, central, and southern commu-nities within Central Elgin be encouraged to have greater un-derstanding and co-operation, and that our natural areas be protected and promoted.

Field entrance increaseCouncil approved a recom-

mendation that the standard for field entrance access be increased from 12m to 45m, taking into consideration

continued on page 16

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



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Elgin County’s well-illus-trated and beautifully photo-graphed guidebook has land-ed the county an international nod. The guide highlights the best places to find unique, one-of-a-kind art, pottery, and local culinary gems, because it’s one part Elgin Arts Trail guide and one part Savour Elgin, the first combination guide. Katherine Thompson, Marketing and Communica-tions coordinator for the Eco-nomic Development and Tour-ism department for the county, says the guide was combined this year because essentially you’re reaching out to the same market.

“We wanted to highlight all the talented artisans we have in this county and hope to raise the revenue of their gal-leries, studios and stores. Ba-sically the goal of the arts trail and Savour Elgin is to bring more visitors to the area, get them to stay longer and spend more money while they’re

here. It’s tourism, but it’s also economic development. Tour-ism is a very important part of economic development nowa-days.”

The award was for the 2011 version of the guide, and was presented to the county of El-gin by the International Eco-nomic Developers Council. The winning category was special purpose brochure.

It’s a large honour to be recognized internationally, Katherine says, because it will bring more exposure to the county. That’s something council supports. “Elgin is very lucky that we have such a supportive council. They’re

very supportive of economic development and tourism and bringing new business to the area and attracting people. They’re very proactive.”

More than 10,000 copies of the brochure are printed and go out at various lifestyle and trade shows, as well as the London Food Show.

The Elgin Arts Trail was launched in 2010, at the Elgin-St. Thomas Public Library, to showcase the wide-variety of artistic talents the county has to offer. Brochures are avail-able at the County of Elgin building at 450 Sunset Drive.

Elgin County gets third award

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County of Elgin Marketing and Communications coordinator for the Economic Development and Tourism department, Katherine Thompson displays Elgin County’s newest award.

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When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy

Matt. 2:10

from all of our StaffFLOOR& HOME

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THE TURKEY SHOPPE

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From all of us!

During a special meeting held Thursday, December 13, 2012, Bayham council decided to hold a by-election in the spring. The by-election is to fill the seat Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor left empty after resigning early in

November. Cost for the by-election will

run the municipality approxi-mately $16,000. Date for the by-election will be determined at council’s next meeting on Thursday, December 20, 2012.

Mayor Paul Ens and Coun-cillors Wayne Casier and Tom Southwick voted in favour of a by-election, with only Councillor Ed Ketchabaw voting against it.

Cost was an issue in the orig-inal by-election discussions,

with an appeal going out to residents to save their pennies to help buy the by-election.

A by-election is an election that’s held when there is a va-cancy before the current term ends.

Bayham to hold by-election

Professional donationDr. Anthony Cervinka, left, of the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, presents John Mantel, co-chair for the Aylmer Corner Cupboard, Ann Munroe, volunteer at Christmas Care and Al Mintz, co-coordinator of Christmas Care each a cheque for $500. This money was donated by the professional staff at the hospital that included physicians, dentists and midwives.



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“St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital is a pillar of our community. Having quick access to medical care and a 24-hour EmergencyDepartment is critical and a tremendous advantage.

The STEGH is a great facility with highly trained and experienced medical staff. The redevelopment project will assist them toprovide even better care.

Let’s get behind the Hospital Foundation and support the redevelopment project. It’s essential for the future of thiscommunity.”

Ken Verrell, St.Thomas

A Legacy for the Future ...

Our Community ... Our Hospital www.steghfoundation.caRedevelopment Project Updates: www.stegh.on.ca

255 Edward Street, St. Thomas • 519-633-6130The Home Of A�ordable Quality

Contract awarded to local firm

The Elgin St. Thomas Public Health has cho-sen HIRA Limited, a local firm with an excel-lent reputation, for its new headquarters. The board’s decision was based on a transparent and competitive process and on all tenders be-ing under the estimated cost.

“It is with tremendous excitement and con-fidence that our Board of Health confirms the project is moving forward with HIRA Limited,” says Board of Health chair Dave Warden.

The new headquarters will address many lo-cal health needs and priorities. While construc-tion takes places, the Elgin St. Thomas Public Health will continue providing services from

the 99 Edward Street location until the move next year.

Ample community meeting spaces as well as up-to-date clinical services and health re-sources are both part of the design. The lo-cation will ensure accessibility and address ongoing and emerging demands for health services.

Public Health provides services to area resi-dents, professionals and businesses through-out Elgin County. Services include: Skill build-ing and education sessions, home visits for parents by public health nurses, clinical ser-vices ranging from dental to sexual health, inspections and consultations by public health inspectors and partnerships to promote and support health communities.

Christmas dashTeenagers Emily, Tasha, Taylor and Jaime race through Wal-mart to fill their grocery carts with $500 worth of food to donate to Christmas Care. The money is provided by Dynamic Medical Services, a company that provides OHIP billing services. The girls had 15 minutes to get as much food in their carts as possible without going over the surprise total handed to them when they begin the race. The girls collected 455 items, with Tasha winning the dash.

By Keith Currie, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Canada’s federal government has unveiled three new federal programs under Growing Forward 2, Canada’s agricultural policy frame-work. The government says the new programs – called AgriInnovation, AgriMarketing and AgriCompetitiveness – will focus on strategic initiatives in innovation, market development and competitiveness to improve the sector’s capacity to grow and prosper.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) supports the new programs, and we anticipate they have the potential to help farmers in an increasingly complicated world. Too often great ideas about new products or processes die on the table because there is too little support on commercialization of new ideas. The OFA anticipates the new AgriInnovation Program – which is intended to focus on investments to expand capacity to develop and commercialize new products and technologies – will go a long way in answering this need.

The AgriMarketing Program appears to have a broad mandate, and includes developing in-dustry’s capacity to adopt assurance systems to meet consumer and market demands. These

systems may include food safety and traceabil-ity initiatives, such as those that are happening on farms and food processing facilities across Canada at the moment, and have tremendous potential for growth and expansion.

The AgriMarketing program is also expected to support industry in maintaining and seizing new markets for their products through brand-ing and promotional activities. These goals are consistent with some goals in the National Food Strategy, which OFA helped to spearhead with our colleagues across Canada through our federal counterparts at the Canadian Fed-eration of Agriculture. The National Food Strat-egy is a collective vision for Canadian agricul-ture, and includes key objectives that address the need to brand Canadian food as a premium choice at home, and in markets outside of our borders.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture also looks forward to further details on the new Ag-riCompetitiveness Program, which the govern-ment says will help strengthen the agriculture and agri-food industry’s capacity to adapt and be profitable in domestic and global markets. Canadian agriculture’s food safety and produc-tion standards are amongst the world’s highest.

Farmers grow and prosper

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The sky is fallingLast week, it came

to my attention that the façade of the former Sutherland building was crumbling down around residents of the City of St.

Thomas. When I was informed of the situa-tion, I wasn’t quite sure what that person was talking about, until I went out and investi-gated myself. To my disbelief, I merely had to touch the building and it came apart in my hand, adding just one more chunk of brick to the myriad of pieces already lying on the sidewalk (as evidenced in the photos below).

So whose problem is it that this building is in need of repair? Is it the city’s responsibil-ity or the responsibility of the owner, one Mr. David McGee? What happens when someone walking by gets hit by a piece of falling brick? I don’t want anyone to get injured, and I don’t want anyone to get sued. I don’t think the city has the budget for that.

To touch briefly on the background of the situation, in 2010, David McGee, the owner of the building, sued the City of St. Thomas, then Mayor Cliff Barwick and others to the tune of $3 million after the City issued a demolition permit for the structure in June 2008. Some demolition work was completed in the sum-mer of 2008, with council closing the Talbot Street between Princess Avenue and Ross Street for six weeks due to safety concerns.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, David was quoted as saying in the meantime he would work on furthering the building. So far, I’ve seen no evidence to support that claim. The building seems to be falling largely into disre-pair and has gotten so bad now that someone really needs to place some barricades around it so residents don’t get injured while they walk past the degraded structure.

My question is, who’s going to shoulder the responsibility of fixing this building? Is any-one willing to solve the problem, or is this go-ing to lead to an excessive amount of finger pointing, and no solution? Judging by the size of the chunks of brick falling from the sky, I’d say Chicken Little had it right. The sky in St. Thomas really is falling.

Questions on the omnibus

Well, the monster bill has passed in the Com-mons, thanks to a solid Conservative majority, but not before harsh words

were exchanged on the floor. Government House Leader Peter Van Loan crossed the floor to “have words” with NDP House leader Na-than Cullen and his boss, NDP leader Thomas Mulcair. I guess someone dropped a few “F-bombs,” but that’s not necessarily new in Ot-tawa, even in that occasion that we call Ques-tion Period. Bob Rae, the Interim Liberal Leader called on both men to cool off and apologize for unprofessional behaviour. Neither wanted to look bad in front of the Liberals and the apolo-gies came forth.

Over the course of this year, there have been many questionable words spoken in the Com-

mons, and I have questions about the words “Omnibus Bill.”

I spent nearly 30 years working as a news editor at CFPL in London, and when things got quiet in the News Room I would tell my col-leagues that if the Prime Minister called for my appointment to the Senate, I would take the call right away. They looked at me with disguised pity, even after several other journalists were appointed to the upper chamber, including my friend Mike Duffy. They knew I would never get the call because I had no political affiliation and there is no room in the Senate for a person who would not advance the interests and legislation of any particular party. After some of the things I have said about Mr. Harper’s disregard for tra-dition and openness, I am sure that he won’t be calling me. Still, Senator Wellwood would have had a nice job, with great perks and good money, if I were an Independent. Now it’s my wife who looks at me with disguised pity.

St.Thomas/Elgin

Melissa Schneider

Ric Wellwood

The gift of ChristmasSt. Thomas Professional Firefighters Association (PFA) President Warren Scott, left, presents Al Mintz, co-coordinator of Christmas Care with $1,295 during the Children’s Christmas Party held Sunday, December 9, 2012. The PFA and their families also donated toys that Santa will distribute at a later date. (photo by Tracie Boudreau)

Community Snapshot

“I always support the Salvation Army at Christmas time.”

What happened: Most people associate Christmas time

with giving. It’s important to support the local charities within your community. Have you donated this holiday season? And if so, to what organization?

“Our kids give to the family and children’s services, so we pick a kid and get something from their wish list.”

“Not yet, but we will be making a donation to the food bank next week.”

“We make several donations. To the church, is one, and to the Ca-nadian Cancer Society.”

Bob Zacher, St Thomas

Sarita Vandernaalt, Sparta

Tiana Manners, St. Thomas

June Winchester, St. Thomas

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

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

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THANKS TO OUR 2012 SPONSORS:98.1 FREE FMADVANTAGE FARM EQUIPMENTAL JEWEL PERFECT SIGNSARTHUR VOADEN SECONDARY SCHOOLCANADIAN MOBILE CONCRETE MACHINERYCCI CANADAC.I.B.C. WOOD GUNDY (THOMAS C. FOX)CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF ST. THOMASDOWLER KARN FUELS LTD.GREAT LAKES NEW HOLLAND INC.HEATHER JACKSON, MAYORHURON TRACTORJIM COXJOE PRESTON M.P.J.R. HUBERK & K LOCKSMITHKINSMEN CLUB OF ST. THOMASMAESTRO MUSIC ACADEMYmyFM 94.1O K TIRE AND AUTO SERVICERYCKMAN CONTRACTORS LTDST. THOMAS CITY COUNCILST THOMAS ENERGY INC. / ASCENT GROUP OF COMPANIESST. THOMAS PARKS & RECREATIONST. THOMAS RENT-ALLJEFF YUREK M.P.P.TIM HORTON’SVANDENBRINK FARM EQUIPMENT YARMOUTH METAL FABRICATORSYARMOUTH MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.

P.O. Box 22044, 204 First Avenue, St. Thomas, ON N5R 6AlFor more information: www.fantasylights.org

DATE TIME ENTERTAINMENTFriday December 21 .......7:00 PM ......................Music by FirelightSaturday December 22 ..7:00 PM ............ Sing Along with Susie Q (songbooks provided)Sunday December 23 .....7:00 PM ..........................Austin GagnierFriday December 28 .........700 PM ..............Justin Maki and friendsSaturday December 30 ......6:30PM - ..............................Herma VMSSunday December 31 ........TBA - Watch The Weekly News for details

Join us in Pinafore Park to enjoy the Festive Feeling. On weekends we offer Holiday entertainment. We have 12 new displays this year.

Don’t miss out. On December 31st the lights go out.

The lights are on nightly until December 31.

Our thanks to the public for your support and generosity this season.

We appreciate your attendance and your donations.Thanks also to the Gospel Hall for the lovely basket of goodies you sent and to St. Thomas Christian School for the beautiful

handmade card.

TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A PAIR OF TICKETS!

Ballots must be received by Thursday December 27th at noon to St. Thomas/Elgin Weekly News 15 St. Catharine St., St. Thomas, N5P 2V7. One ballot per address per week. Winners will be drawn December 27th at 4 pm. The 2 WINNERS will be called. Employees, contractors and carriers of The Weekly News not elligible to enter . Winning tickets must be picked up by December 31st at noon.

Name: __________________________

Address: ________________________

________________________________

Phone #: __________________

PLEASE PRINT

ENTRY BALLOT

Fill out the ballot below and enter today!

DON’T HAVE TIME TO BAKE FOR CHRISTMAS? DON’T LIKE TO BAKE - BUT WANT HOMEMADE?

To place an order, call Brenda Burge at 519-878-6249

• Christmas Balls• Oatmeal• Peanut Chews• Monster Cookies• Chocolate Chip and more

• Shortbread• Gingerbread

OPEN Daily 10-3 except Wed. & Sun. at 11 Hiawatha St.

$4 doz. or 2 doz. for $7

Beginning January 1, 2013, a new identifier on Ontario driver’s licences and photo cards will clearly show when card holders turn 19. This will make it easier when trying to identify someone is of legal age when buying al-cohol or tobacco. The iden-tifier will read “age 19” fol-lowed by the exact date the card holder turns 19, all in bold letters. It will be located beside the birth date at the bottom of the card.

“Our government has heard from the retinal sec-tor and public health units across Ontario. We’ve taken action to keep youth in On-tario safe by including the date a person is 19 years of age on Ontario’s driver’s licence and photo cards,” says Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Transportation.

Only driver licences and

photo cards issued after or on January 1, 2013 will have the new identifier. Existing cardholders who wish to have the age identifier ap-plied to their card can pay a replacement fee to have a new card issued.

“Ontario’s new age identi-fication on driver’s licences and photo cards is just one more way we are helping to reduce under-age smoking and drinking and keeping our roads safe,” says Minis-ter of Government Services Dwight Duncan.

Editor,Once again St. Thomas city council is roll-

ing out another band-aid capital budget in the $7 million range that will no doubt result in a tax increase in the 1.5 per cent – 5 per cent range for 2013, all the while ignoring our crumbling infrastructure.

As they pass the midpoint of their elected term in office, other than the purchase of land for a police station that they do not in-tend to build, I can’t think of a single thing they have done to address infrastructure. Alderman Gord Campbell’s defeatist com-ments “We can’t bankrupt this community in order to go ahead and try to move ahead any faster than we are,” go unchallenged by Mayor Heather Jackson and council in chamber.

Our infrastructure deficit of $282 million is clearly beyond council’s comprehension to manage. When you consider construc-tion costs in Ontario have increased 56

per cent in the past decade, doing nothing about infrastructure is unthinkable, indi-cating clearly that council does not have a grasp on how or why to tackle crumbling infrastructure.

In sharp contrast, Belleville’s city council seems almost visionary having undertaken two key capital initiatives: investment in solar energy and investment in infrastruc-ture through their budget cycle. A $4 million capital expenditure on a solar array with a 12 year payback and future revenue gen-erator was announced and facing a grow-ing infrastructure deficit similar to our own, a budgeted plan to borrow $80 million at 3.4 per cent over 20 years for infrastructure projects; $15 million for water, $12 million for wastewater and $53 million for roads, downtown and a new police station.

The benefits are obvious and the potential tax increase to their ratepayers is estimated to be in the 1.5 per cent

– 5 per cent range. Given the anticipated tax burden to the St. Thomas and Belleville residents are identical, what is so different between the two cities?

Mayor Neil Ellis leads with “We owe it to the future of our community to start building a better Belleville and now is the time to get started.”

Belleville’s council, who are not bereft of ideas, stumped by infrastructure or married to the status quo, have a plan to confront the issues declaring “Now is the time to take proactive steps towards making these problems part of our past instead of our in-evitable future.”

Is that really too much to ask from Mayor Heather Jackson and our council?

Bill Sandison

St. Thomas

Letter to the EditorOntario ID easier to identify

St. Thomas Police are investigating a suspicious fire. On Oc-tober 2nd at approximately 1 am, suspects used paper from a recycling bin and set it on fire at the base of a wooden utility pole in a large bushed area. This occurred at the Fellowship Christian Reformed Church 641 Elm Street. There was no damage as a result of the fire, but the fire could have spread quickly to surrounding homes.

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.

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15 St. Catharine Street, St. Thomas • 519-633-1640

The Best of The Holidays from our Family to Yours!The Best of The Holidays from our Family to Yours!

295 Wellington St., St. ThomasCorner of First Ave. & Wellington

519-631-8346

GeerlinksHome Owners helping homeowners www.homehardware.ca

Open: Mon-Fri.9-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5Closed Dec. 25 & Dec.. 26

Fridges.......... $399Dishwashers..$319Stoves........... $329Washers........ $429Dryers........... $299Sofas............ $499Chairs........... $199Recliners....... $299Dinettes.5 Piece.$299Box.&.Mattress.Set.Queen.............. $499Mattress.39”..$149Chests.2 colours..$199Night.Tables..$129

Sofas, Chairs, Loveseats, Lamps, Tables, Dinettes, Sofabeds, Bedrooms, Mattresses,

Fridges, Stoves, Washers, Dryers, Freezers, Dishwashers

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by Tim Harvey

The St.Thomas Youth Choir performed their Christmas Concert at the CASO Station Friday, December 14, 2012. The choir, formed in 1990 under the direction of Hugh Van Pelt, continues under Rob Cairns, who has been the director since 2001.

The choir is comprised of youths age 12 to

19 who have performed locally, and also in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the Neth-erlands, Germany, France, Italy and Canada’s East Coast. According to Mr. Cairns, they are planning to tour Ireland next summer. The choir is currently looking for new members. Anyone interested can contact them through www.styc-stcc.info for more information and a schedule of upcoming events.

Choir tours around the world

The St. Thomas Youth Choir strike a pose during their Christmas Concert at the CASO Station on December 14, 2012.

[photo by Tim Harvey]



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WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From our family to yours... the very best of the season. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

From left to right: Jim D’Avirro, Kyle Holmes, Dave Bowen, Alex Valeiro, George Fischtner, Donna Fischtner, Bill Saxton, Yvon Fillion,

Absent: Jose Flores

Where Accidents Unhappen

A special greeting at Christmas time to express our

sincere appreciation for your confidence and loyalty. We extend our best wishes for a happy and healthy Holiday Season.

Elgin Mall, 417 Wellington Street, St. Thomas519-633-6300 • 1-888-849-2789

www.elgintravel.ca • email: [email protected]

Merry Christmas...

and Happy New Year

30 Burwell Rd.,St. Thomas519-631-1030

By Kirk Barons

New playground equipmentNew playground equipment will

be installed next year at Aylmer’s Immanuel Christian School on Caverly Road according to Princi-pal Keith Cameron. He notes that the current equipment built in the early 1990’s no longer meets the safety code. The proposed equip-ment is designed mostly for the 2 to 12 year old age bracket and includes a new play structure, new swing set, and a pyramidal climber or other “signature” piece of play equipment for 8-12 year olds. The expected replacement cost is around $50,000. Some fund-ing has been generated and more fundraising is scheduled for the spring. Corner Cupboard financing

Greg Currie of Aylmer is still or-ganizing donations to help finance the cost of the rent of the build-ing that houses the Aylmer Corner Cupboard (behind Aylmer Flooring on John St. north). He notes that he has had a total of 150 contribu-tors in the three years he has been involved in the project - of which about 70 are currently active. This year’s total to date (end of Novem-ber) is over $4,000. Last year’s to-tal was over $8800. The boxes are located at: The Perc, Campbell’s Office Supplies, North Tim Horton’s and Studer’s Variety.”No Wiebe family Christmas meal

John Wiebe of Springfield, whose family has sponsored a Christmas dinner for the community the past three years, said he is not putting on a meal this year because of an insurance issue. The Wiebe fam-ily had been serving their dinner at the Immanuel Christian School gymnasium just before Christ-mas and had made plans for this year’s turkey meal until two weeks ago. They were then informed by school officials that because of recent changes they now had to have insurance for such an event. Mr. Wiebe decided that they didn’t want to pay the insurance and can-celled their plans. Mr. Wiebe hadn’t considered another venue for this year but suggested they may put on a summer barbecue instead.Aylmer Council briefs:

On Monday, December 10, coun-cil presented a 45-year pin and a town watch to Marg Smith for 45 years of service with the town.

Also on Monday, December 10, council agreed to continue to use social media as a means of mar-keting and promoting the Town.

At a special Finance meeting Fri-day, December 7, Council defeated a motion to purchase a new 2013 Aerial fire truck for $833,000 by a 4-3 vote and instead voted to be-gin funding $80,000 in reserves annually with plans for a purchase at a future date.

Aylmer and East Elgin News

Children will have help through the grieving pro-cess, thanks to a new program started by Se-renity House Hospice. The Kids Grief Group will start Tuesday, January 8, 2013 in the Elgin Mall Community Room from 4-5:30pm every second and fourth Tuesday until April 23, 2013.

Pre-registration for the program is required by call-

ing 519-637-3034. Chil-dren should be between the ages of five to 12 years old. Through this program chil-dren will learn what normal grief is, how to grieve in a healthy way and how to un-derstand death and dying.

Information about other bereavement support pro-grams can be found online at www.serenityhousehos-pica.ca.

CorrectionIn the United Way story published

in the December 6th edition of The Weekly News, the story incorrectly stated that 20 per cent of funds raised by the St. Thomas-Elgin United Way is given to people who have migrated out of the county. It should have read that 20 per cent is given to people still in the county, but with no known home address. All money raised stays in the community. The Weekly News regrets the error.

New program helps children grieve

Social services hot topic in town

The state of social services in Ontario brought MPP Toby Barrett, PC Critic for Community and Social Services and MPP Jeff Yurek together in St. Thomas on Monday, De-cember 10, 2012. The meeting, held at the Elgin Business Resource Centre, brought together providers of socials services from across Elgin County and London.

Toby has been conducting a number of similar meetings across the province to gather insight from front line social services providers.

“It was great to be here with my colleague Jeff Yurek and Mayor Heather Jackson to discuss how we can im-prove the delivery of social services in the province. It’s important that we figure out the best model to deliver services in an accountable manner to those most vulner-able,” says Toby.

The meeting utilized the recently released recommen-dations from the Commission for the Review of Social As-sistance in Ontario to structure and drive discussion. The Commission, chaired by Frances Lankin released their fi-nal report this fall. The Commission’s report recommend-ed ways to remove barriers and increase opportunities to for people to work. Recommendations include consolidat-ing Ontario Works and ODSP under the same program and orient benefits based on individual cases.

1. You type faster than you think. 2. Someone at work tells you a joke and you say “LOL”. 3. You keep begging your friends to get an account so “we can hang out”. 4. You double click your TV re-mote. 5. You check your email but forget you have real mail (snail mail). 6. You have a vanity license plate with your screen name on it. 7. You no longer type with proper capitalization, punctua-tion, or complete sentences. 8. You can actually read and follow all the names of the cast that scrolls up on your TV screen at the end of a movie.

9. When someone says “What did you say?” you reply “Scroll up!”

10. You don’t even notice any-more when someone has a typo.

10 Ways To Tell You’ve Been Online Too Long

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Jeff Yurek, Jenn and Maggie wish you a

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year

Jeff Yurek, M.P.P.

Elgin-Middlesex-London

750 Talbot St. (Caso Station) Suite 201, St Thomas, On. N5P 1E2

519-631-0666 Email: [email protected]

Glad tidings to you wherever you go this holiday season.

We appreciate you visiting us this past year.

Peter Yurek, B. Sc. Phm. Ed Yurek, Phm. B.

519 Talbot St. St. Thomas 519-631-3330FREE DELIVERY ON EVERYTHING WE SELL

Holiday Hours:Dec. 24, 9-4

Dec. 25 & 26 CLOSED

Dec. 27 & 28, 9-9Dec. 29, 9-6

Dec. 30, 10-4Dec. 31, 9-4

Jan. 1, CLOSED

Reg. Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9-9, Sat. 9-6, Sun 10-4

Warmest Wishes for a

Happy Holiday

Season and a Wonderful New Year!

From Harold, Bonnie, Dan & Staff

Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas

ESTABLISHED IN 197439 Vineden Drive, St. Thomas

519-633-2906

ESTABLISHED IN 197439 Vineden Drive, St. Thomas

519-633-2906

BOB ALLENHORTICULTURAL SERVICES

As we re ect on another successful year, we’d like to o�er our thanks to the people of St. Thomas and Area for their continued support, and to

wish everyone a wonderful Christmas Season.

HomegrownWhen one speaks of “home-

grown” in the context of crimi-nal law, it usually brings to mind potted plants under high intensity lights. However, in the case of St. Thomas crimi-nal lawyer Nicole Keating, it is a reminder of the many young people raised here who are now making their mark in the professional world. Nicole’s le-gal career began in law school at Western, followed by a brief

association with a couple of London law firms. She soon discovered that working on tax and employment disputes left her bogged down and un-fulfilled. Hardly any of those cases ended up in court, and clients seldom emerged ahead when legal fees were taken into account.

So about a year ago, draw-ing on the positive experiences she had while working criminal cases at the legal clinic at West-ern, Nicole decided to make a

switch. She joined a St. Thomas firm specializ-ing in criminal law, and since then has become a fixture in the criminal courts of both St. Thomas and London. Although her location and the job description will not

change, Nicole will leave that firm before year-end to allow herself some greater flexibility and independence.

It is clear when you talk with her that Nicole has found both her niche and passion in the criminal law field. She has also been able to forge several valuable alliances here and in London. She especially enjoys the opportunity to advocate for those who are caught up in the criminal law because of unfor-tunate mental health or addic-tions issues. High on the job satisfaction scale, is Nicole’s ability to connect those people with appropriate resources in the community.

Not to be forgotten of course is the rush that accompanies a victory for a client in court, even though in her latest triumph, the

judge found it difficult to decide whether it was her client or the complainant who was fibbing the most.

Away from the courtroom, Ni-cole spends a lot of her spare time as a fundraiser and vol-unteer with All Breed Canine Rescue, a London-St. Thomas organization dedicated to sav-ing, fostering and placing aban-doned dogs and those found in puppy mills. She was also bitten by the travel bug after spending a couple of years in Japan awhile back, but con-fesses that the demands of a law practice can make tak-ing extended time off difficult. Such are the life and trials of this homegrown local profes-sional product, one of whom we can all be most proud.

Justice Corner

By Bob Upsdell

Museum has 1812 ChristmasA fun way to mark the 200th anniversary

of the War of 1812, the Elgin County Mu-seum has unveiled a Christmas tree deco-rated entirely with miniature artifacts repre-senting the war.

Curator Mike Baker says visitors may be surprised to learn that the war lasted three years, and that the worst was yet to come. In 1814 there was Lundy’s Lane and in 1813, the Battle of Chrysler’s Farm and the Battle of Lake Erie, a key British defeat that caused their withdrawal from Detroit and led to the Battle of the Thames near Cha-tham and the death of Tecumseh. South-western Ontario was hit the worst, as US

troops raided the settled areas on numerous occasions, spreading loss and destruction in 1814.

Many craft stores and heritage site gift shops were scoured to find miniature ver-sions for the tree of everything from canons to soldiers to three-masted ships.

There are a few items that require some explanation such as miniature beehives. “We looked at the written compensation claims from the settlers who had been raid-ed by US troops and their sympathizers dur-ing the war and beehives regularly appeared on the lists.” “Likely because it was a cheap form of sugar” says Baker and bees were important to a farm-based existence.



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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

There is no safe time, type, or amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy.

This season, ask for a mocktail instead.

For more information, please contact519-631-9900

www.elginhealth.on.ca

Employment Services Elgin

400 Talbot St., St. ThomasP: 519.631.5470

Mon-Thurs8:30am-6pm • Fri 8:30am-4pm

Aylmer Community Services25 Centre Street, Aylmer

P: 519.765.2082Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm

Tues 9am-6pm

West Elgin Support Services160 Main Street,

West LorneP: 519.768.0020

Mon-Fri 9am-5 pm

This Employment Ontario program is funded by the On-tario Government

www.jobselgin.ca

Happy Holidays from Employment Services Elgin

Terry Lanning

Joyce Wilson

Ron Fish

Shawn Jackson

Greg Machan

Dave Somerville

MyraPettit

DavidPettit

Holiday open houseProgram Coordinator Lynn Davis, left, with Heather Mudford, volunteer coordinator, celebrated Seren-ity House Hospice’s second annual Christmas open house at the CASO station. Heather’s mom made the Christmas wreath that was later won by Lesley Buchanan. In addition to the open house, the ladies are collecting Pennies For Hospice, which is an ongoing program.

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The Corporation of the Municipality of

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mayor Bill Walters and Council extend their best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Holiday Garbage and Blue Box Collection There will be no garbage and blue box recyclables collection on Christmas Day and

Boxing Day.

If your waste would normally be collected on:

• Monday, December 24th, it will be collected on Saturday, December 22nd;

• Tuesday, December 25th, it will be collected on Monday, December 24th;

• Wednesday, December 26th, it will be collected on Thursday, December 27th;

• Thursday, December 27th, it will be collected on Friday, December 28th; and

• Friday, December 28th, it will be collected on Saturday, December 29th.

There will be no waste collection on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1st. If Your waste is

normally collected that day, it will be collected on Wednesday. Waste will be collected one

day later than normal for the balance of that week.

Christmas and New Year’s Holiday - Municipal Office Closing The Central Elgin Municipal Office will be closing at 12:00 noon on Monday, December 24th, 2012 for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The office will re-open at 8:30 am on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013. Throughout the holidays, urgent matters can be reported to the Municipality through the Municipality’s main phone number, 519-631-4860. This number is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

HAVE YOU GOT YOUR NEW PINK TAGS?

2013 Garbage Bag Tag Distribution Property owners can pick up their 2013 garbage bag tags in the Central Elgin Municipal Offices in the Elgin County Administration Building, 450 Sunset Drive, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm excluding holidays. The Municipal Office will close at noon on Monday, December 24th and re-open on Wednesday, January 2nd. 2013 bag tags can be picked up throughout next year. Proof of residency is required to pick up your garbage tags. If you are a tenant and wish to pick up tags for the property you rent, a letter from your landlord is required. Persons unable to pick up their tags can authorize in writing a friend, neighbour or family member to pick up their tags. Farmers must provide proof of a valid Farm Business Registration number to obtain additional tags

CASO Train Station 750 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

6:00pm to 2:30amDinner

at 7:00 pm Catered by

James Meadows

Entertainment by The Chris Murphy Band

Local residential rides provided between

11:30 pm and 2:30 am

Tony Milles, AMPMortgage Broker

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

[email protected]://tonymilles.com

By Tim HarveyRocking for more than 20 years, the Senior

and Juniors choirs of Central United Church know how to put on a show. During the annual Carols by Candlelight 2012 concert, members accepted donations that are destined for the Caring Cupboard and the Community Dinner program.

Marie Findlay, choir member, says that any-one looking for more music should catch the

Messiah’s Misfits performance at the church on December 19, 2012. The upbeat concert, she says, will be fun for the whole family. Proceeds will go the Central United Techni-cal Fund, to update and maintain the church’s sound system.

The concert was well attended and featured both the junior and senior choirs as well as some individual performances capped off with refreshments in the fellowship hall.

Christmas concert rocks

Skate park in worksTalks are underway to find a location for the city’s new

skate park. Cost of the facility is expected to be $600,000, with $300,000 raised by the committee, $204,000 from the city and $96,000 through development charges. Lo-cations being discussed include the Joanne Brooks Me-morial Park on Inkerman Street, Jonas Street Park, Wilson and Elm Street and Third Ave, close to the Timken Centre.



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Restore with the healing hands of

assageM• 15 years of experience• Call for more information • Online Bookings Available

Lori Henderson-Gibbons Registered Massage Therapist

412 Talbot St.St. Thomas (519) 521-3808www.lorihendersonrmt.com

FORMER DAILY

RENTAL

Call or See terry Metcalf or Jerry Nevill today10 Progress Drive, St. Thomas • 633-7703

For a test drive see Terry or Jerry or call 519-633-7703 today

2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN6 cyl. automatic 5 door van, full Stow ‘n Go seating, dual zone front air, rear seat air, ps, pb, pw, pm, pl, cruise control, six safety air bags, am/fm cd player with six speakers, 54,000 kms, Balance of Factory Warranty 5/100,000

$16,995

Compare & Save!Compare & Save!

Ju Jubes $1.89/lb

Hot Chocolate Powder $1.99/lb

Cranberries (dried) $4.99/lb

Bridge Mix (Lowney’s) $5.45/lbM & M’s $6.79/lb

Pistachios $7.99/lb

Sale runs: December 21st to 27th

While Supplies Last. We reserve the right to limit quantities

647 Talbot St., St. Thomas 519-633-4421 www.scoopsandcakes.

Cake DeCoraTing ClaSSeS Basic – January 16th

Flowers and Cake Design – January 14thFondant and gumpaste – January 17th

advanced gumpaste Flowers – January 15th

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and healthy

& prosperous New Year!We would like to take this opportunity to thank

all our customers for their patronage in 2012From the management and staff at...

Baking Pans 20% off

Thank you for your support throughout the year from

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

HOURS Dec. 17 – 22, 9 to 5 • Dec. 24, 9 to 3

Closed Dec. 25 and 26 • Dec. 27 – 29, 9 to 5Closed Dec. 31 to Jan 6

Regular hours 9-5 begin Jan. 6

519-631-6004www.familyflowers.ca

Season’s GreetingsFrom all of us at Gillies-

the guys who �x Santa's sleighFrom all of us at Gillies-

the guys who �x Santa's sleigh

A draft cycling strategy has been released for public feedback. The plan, available until January 29, 2013, outlines potential improve-ments to cycling infrastructure, public education and legislation. Ontario is looking for public input on how to encourage and improve cycling safety across the province.

“An over-arching vision for safe cycling is a critical step for-ward for our province, and the Share the Road Cycling Coalition is pleased to see the government take this step. We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Chiarelli, officials in the Ministry of Transportation and indeed those across government to develop a robust strategy for Ontario. Public input is critical and we encour-age all of our stakeholders across the province to participate in this important process,” says Elea-nor McMahon, CEO and Founder, Share the Road Cycling Coalition.

Part of what’s being looked at includes: Creating a provincial cycling network to connect desti-nations and establish recreational cycling and tourism routes, pro-viding cycling safety and bike maintenance information with any new bike sold and supporting municipalities in the development of local cycling networks, includ-ing making cycling infrastructure eligible for funding under the Mu-nicipal Infrastructure Strategy.

“The Ontario Draft Cycling Strategy is welcomed, given that

many municipalities are looking at how to fit cycling safely into the mix. AMO looks forward to work-ing with the Province to finalize a strategy that serves our commu-nities’ transportation goals and safety needs,” says Russ Powers, President, Association of Munici-palities of Ontario.

Between 1988 and 2009, cyclist fatalities were down 70 per cent and major injuries were down 64 per cent.

Cycling strategy moves ahead

Ladies night out

Shriners Al Graystone, Mike Brown, John Robinson and Andy Anderson were on hand During the Geerlinks Home Hardware Building Centre’s Ladies Night Out on Thursday, December 6, 2012. (photo by Mark G.)

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105 Fairview Ave., St.Thomas

Christmas EveService at 6:30pm

Everyone welcome to

join us in this lovely time of

worship!

Hincks Street at Wellington Street 519-631-2414

Minister: Rev. Mavis Currie

Organist and Choir Director: Dr. W. D. Carroll

Knox Presbyterian Church

December 23rd 10:30am - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Theme: “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”December 24th

6:00pm - Christmas Eve Service for Young Families8:00pm - Lessons and Carols

December 30th10:30am - Sermon: “A magnificent 2013”

Please join us to worship - We’re Celebrating 175 years!

Knox Presbyterian Church Fingal

Join us for singing stories, communion

and joy: 7pm.Joint service between

Knox, Shedden and Frome United

Churches.

PLAINS BAPTIST CHURCH

Fairview Rd. atSparta LineANNUAL

CHRISTMAS EVE

SERVICE7P.M.

Join Us!

December 24Come and join our

Christmas Eve & Carols by Candlelight Service

Carol Sing - 7:30 pm Traditional Candlelight

Eucharist - 8 pmMusic Director: Brian May

Special Music will be provided bySt. John’s Singers & Guests of

Studio Arts Rock School

20 Flora St., St. Thomas519-631-7368

Priest: Rev’d Jim Innes

St. Mark’s United Church Grace United Church

Minister: Rev. Jim EvansJoint Music Ministry: Rob Earnshaw, Pat Baker, Paul Bodkin

38 Aldborough Ave., St. Thomas N5R 4T1Telephone 519-631-5705 Grace UC 519-631-7096

Advent Service of Love, December 23, 10amChristmas Eve Service, December 24, 7pm

Music Sunday, December 30, 10amAll services are at St. Mark’s United Church

Everyone Welcome

St. Andrew’s United Church60 West Ave., St. Thomas

December 23rd Service 10:30amCelebrating Christmas Love

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 5pm Communion

Everyone Welcome 519-631-4558

St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church20 Morrison Drive, St. Thomas, ON

Christmas Mass ScheduleMonday, December 24th - 4:30pm, 7:30pm, 10pm

Tuesday, December 25th - 10am

New Year’s Mass ScheduleMonday, December 31st 4:30pm

Tuesday, January 1st - 10am

Trinity Anglican ChurchThe Church with the Purple Steeple

Corner of Southwick & Wellington • (519) 631-7000

Christmas Eve Services7pm - Christmas Pageant & Eucharist11pm (BCP) Candlelight EucharistFather Jawn Kolohon Officiating

Liz Rae Minister of Music No Service December 25th

519-631-7000

God's Peace be WithYou Always

First United ChurchCorner of Curtis & St. GeorgeYou are invited to join us

Christmas Eve for7pm: Worship with Children’s Pageant

11pm: Worship with Candlelight Communion

ALL WELCOME

Christmas EvE EuCharist

DECEmbEr 24 at 7:00pm

St.Hilda’S-St.luke’S anglican cHurcH185 elm Street, St. thomas

519-631-0504

Christmas Day bluE EuCharist

DECEmbEr 25 at 10:00am

www.efbc.net

Christmas CantataSat. Dec. 22 - 7pm

Sun. Dec. 23 - 10:45amChristmas Eve

Services 4 & 6 pmFellowship Time 5pm

Living Hope Community Church

Living Hope Community Church

80 Curtis St , St. Thomas 519-637-4195Pastor David Howlett

Sunday morning service 10:00amDec 24th Christmas Eve 7pm

God loves you. He wants you to know Him.“COME”

80 Curtis St , St. Thomas 519-637-4195Pastor David Howlett

Sunday morning service 10:00amDec 24th Christmas Eve 7pm

God loves you. He wants you to know Him.“COME”

Christmas Eve Services 7pm - Family Service featuring

our Children’s Pageant 9:30pm - Candlelit Service with special music and Communion

Christmas Day Service - 4pm Please join us for these

spirit filled services135 Wellington Street, Corner of Wellington

& Moore

519-631-3503

A Church For Our Community345 Fairview Avenue, St. Thomas

Christmas Day at 10 AM

Everyone Welcome!

“COME AND WORSHIP”First Christian

Reformed ChurchSunday at 10 AM

Candlelight Service December 23, 7 PMDramatic Presentation and Carols“Role Call of the Light Bearers”

320 Elm Street

New Sarum Baptist ChurchHwy 74 & 3 519-765-1108 Pastor Phil Butler

Christmas Eve Service at 7pm

Candles, Carols & Readings

Regular services are scheduled at 11:15am on December 23rd & 30th

All Welcome

Sunday, December 23rdChristmas Carol Sing-a-long at the Bradley Street Church

of God at 7:00 PMRefreshments following

Monday, December 24thChristmas Eve Programat the Bradley Street Church

of God at 6:00 PM

You are invited to join us for our special Christmas services!

Bradley Street Church of God5 Bradley Street, Aylmer

Tuesday, December 25thChristmas Service

at the Bradley Street Church of God at 10:30 AM

St. Thomas Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)

451 Wellington St., St. Thomas, 519 631-7490

St. Thomas Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)

Celebrate with us:Candlelight Service

December 24th at 7:00pmChristmas Service

Sunday, December 23rd., at 10:30amSermon: “Christmas Lights”



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St.Thomas/Elgin

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SIFTONFUNERAL HOME

118 Wellington St., St. Thomas 519-631-1160

We wish you and your family a Christmas full of shared blessings

and a New Year full of hope and happiness.

The Sifton Family

FUNERAL HOME118 Wellington St., St. Thomas

519-631-1160

We wish you and your family a Christmas full of

shared blessings and a New year full of hope

and happiness.

The Sifton Family

45 Metcalfe Street, St. Thomas 519.631.9393 Fax: 519.631.2563

“Next Best Place To Home”

45 Metcalfe Street, St. Thomas 519.631.9393 Fax: 519.631.2563

“Next Best Place To Home”

Book a tour of the residence with Lori Lackey and we’ll treat you to lunch. What better way

to find out why our residents say Metcalfe Gardens is…

“The Next Best Place to Home”

www.diversicare.ca

By Tim HarveyOn December 11 2012, 52 volunteers from

the Golden K Kiwanis Club in St.Thomas, and 10 students from Arthur Voaden Second-ary School, packed potatoes for Christmas Care. Ken Verrell a Kiwanis member said he has been organizing this event for the last 25 years. According to Mr. Verrell, the Golden K Ki-wanis club and the Union South Yarmouth Op-timist club jointly purchased over 7500 pounds

of potatoes. They are then packed into 5 pound bags and will be distributed along with other non perishable food and presents to over 1600 people who have registered with Christmas Care in the St.Thomas area. Any food that may be left over will go to the Caring Cupboard. Next week Ken will have manned by Kiwanis mem-bers help to deliver the Christmas Care family packages. This is the 13th year Students have helped volunteer for this event.

Potatoes packed for Christmas care

Volunteers from the Golden K Kiwanis Club in St.Thomas, and Arthur Voaden Secondary School, pack potatoes for Christmas Care. (photo by Tim Harvey)

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the fact that larger pieces of farm equipment need more room to en-ter fields. Mayor Bill Walters spoke

about the lack of opportunities for these vehicles to pull off the road so that the motoring public can proceed past and that due to wet conditions it is sometimes necessary for them to remain on the shoulder to be loaded which also restricts the flow of traffic. Deputy Mayor Dan McNeil commented that increasing the size of field entrances despite the addi-tional cost to the municipality is “a good compromise. We don’t want to get into widening roads.”

Gun Club competitions a goCouncil granted a noise by-law ex-

emption to the St. Thomas Gun Club so that they can hold trap shooting competitions beginning at 9am on Jan. 27th and May 19th 2013.

175 Sunset Drive St. Thomas 519-631-3600

42043 Ron McNeil Line - St.Thomas 519-633-6767

Merry ChristMas & a happy New year!

Mark & Shelly Haycock

Yes they canMiss Thorton’s (back, middle) junior and senior kindergarten students, along with Early Childhood Educator Mrs. Van Velzer, receive the Yes We Can first place trophy from The St. Thomas/Elgin Weekly News General Manager Terry Carroll. Locke’s Public School won the competition that helped raise food that was donated to the local food bank. The school raised a total of 2,500 non-perishable food items with Miss Thorton’s class contributing 435 items. Second place was Mr. Leasa’s grade 7/8 class with 260 items.

It seems only fitting that St. Thomas businessman Jeff Campbell has risen to the role of President of the Canadian Rental Association (CRA).

As CRA President, Jeff wants to continue the solid work of recent boards, which have

guided the CRA to tremendous growth.

“As part of my new role of President, one of the main goals of the association will be to execute an aggressive pub-lic relations and social media campaign in 2013 to help to

raise the awareness of the CRA and educate the public further about the rental industry,” says Jeff, who takes over the post after serving as the CRA’s vice-president.

After serving in various posi-tions with the Association, Jeff,

who owns St. Thomas Rent-All, was named the 2013 President of the CRA, a not-for-profit industry trade association de-voted to promoting the success of its members and advancing the growth of the rental indus-try.

Participation in the CRA is a family tradition for Jeff. His fa-ther, Ross, became a member of the CRA when he opened St. Thomas Rent-All in 1978. Jeff started with his parents Ross and Marion that same year.

Jeff knew early in life he would follow in the footsteps of his father, who worked in the rental business in London be-fore opening St. Thomas Rent-All on Elm Street 34 years ago. Jeff worked with his father be-fore taking over the business in the late 1980s.

Jeff’s passion for the in-dustry and the community he serves runs deep.

Jeff will replace current CRA President Ed Dwyer.

Central Elgin council briefs continued from page 2

CRA president announced

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Season’s Greetings

from...

I was at an event a couple of weeks ago when the host asked the partici-pants the fol-lowing ques-tion. “What is your most memorable

Christmas?” Quickly I scanned through my 54 Christmas’. I thought of the one when we were stranded in Sarnia, dur-ing a blizzard, and the desk re-ceptionist was an Oriental guy with a afro with a perm. It just looked funny! Then I thought of one spent in Florida. No snow seemed weird. I thought of the ones where we bought our kids presents that took me hours to assemble.

But, the one that stands out in my memory was back in my col-lege days in 1976. My parents and I traveled over to England, the country of their birth, to visit family. We went to stay with my Uncle Ben and Aunt Edie. Uncle Ben, back then, was a chaplain at a mission in Lowestoft called: The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. It was here that we spent my most memorable Christmas. Here at the mission, led by my Un-cle Ben, fishermen spent their Christmas ‘away from home.’ The life of a professional

deepsea fisherman is demand-ing and often means being away from family for extensive periods of time. But that Christ-mas, a family atmosphere de-veloped as the staff cooked and prepared the Christmas feast. Uncle Ben conducted a special worship service, and we all chipped in, cleaning, cooking, and serving these men. I com-pletely forget if we exchanged gifts. . . I suppose we did, but it really didn’t matter. And that is something to think about.

Something to Think About by Pastor Cusick

My favourite ChristmasThat’s the spirit

5th St. Thomas Pathfinders Taylor Goold, left, and Brianna Beattie help pack items for Christmas Care on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. (photo by Mark G.)

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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. Em-phasis on functional 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.

Thursday, December 20, Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Everyone Wel-come. 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.

Wednesday, January 2, 7pm, Dutton Dun-wich Community

Centre, Dutton Lions Bingo, cash prizes in-cluding $500 Jackpot.

Thursday, January 3, Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Ev-eryone Welcome for info 519-631-4558.

Field Naturalist Meet-ing, Friday, January 4, 7:30pm, Knox Church, St. Thomas. Presen-tation by members. Info 519-631-5279.

Saturday, January 5, “Messy Church” 4:30-6:30pm, all ages learning to-gether, Epiphany Story, Supper pro-vided, St. Andrew’s United Church. Ev-eryone Welcome. 519-631-4558.

Wednesday, Janu-ary 9, Bible Ques-tions 10:30am, St. Andrew’s United Church, everyone is welcome. For info 519-631-4558.

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.

Thursday, January 10, Kickers 6pm, St. Andrew’s United Church, mid week group ages 5-13, games, music, craft. Everyone welcome, for more info 519-631-4558.

Sunday, January 13, 9am-1pm in the Lions Den, behind Dutton Dunwich Community Centre, Dutton Lions full

breakfast for only $6.

Tuesday, January 15, Creating into a Mys-tery/Prayer Shawl Group, 10:30am, St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. For info 519-631-4558. Every-one is Welcome.

Thursday, January 17, Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Ev-eryone Welcome, for info 519-631-4558.

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.

Friday, January 18, Chili Cook-off, 5-6:30pm, movie to follow. St. Andrew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Every-one Welcome, info 519-631-4558.

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.

Wednesday, Janu-ary 23, Bible Ques-tions, 10:30am, St. Andrew’s United Church, everyone is welcome. For info 519-631-4558.

Thursday, January 24, Kickers, 6pm, St. Andrew’s United Church, mid week group ages 5-13, games, music, craft. Everyone welcome, for more

info 519-631-4558.

Thursday, January 31, Euchre Games & Dessert, 2pm, St. An-drew’s United Church, 60 West Ave. Ev-eryone Welcome, for info 519-631-4558.

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.

Vendors Wanted. HBBA sponsored Health & Wellness show, February 9, 10-4pm, Timken Center. All health and well-ness related vendors welcome. Call Wan-da 519-207-1115.

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

Billboards (25 words or less per item by

text email, no attachments

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,

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Is Your

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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

333 Talbot St. St. Thomas, Ont. N5P 1B5

(519) 633-3788www.animalaide.org

We are selling 3 different calendars this year. What a great gift. Buy one for each family member while helping our shelter cats.

100% of the proceeds go to Animal Aide!

112 Curtis St., St. Thomas www.crossfitelgin.com

For a FREE Instructional

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SpikezThis well-mannered,

supreme cuddler will be an awesome family addition who loves

his kids and cats too! Spikez is neutered, fully vaccinated, dewormed,

micro-chipped and received Revolution.

Visit our website to apply.

www.arfontario.com

Christmas Office Closure

The offices located at the Elgin County Administration building,

450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, will close at noon on

Monday, December 24, 2012, and reopen on

Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.The offices include:

•AdministrativeServices, CommunityandCulturalServices (Library,Archives,Museum)•EconomicDevelopment andTourism•FinancialServices (InformationTechnology)•ProvincialOffencesand TicketPaymentCentre•HumanResources•BranchLibrariesthroughoutElginwill closeonDecember24,2012at1:00p.m. andreopenonThursday,January3,2013.(Pleaseconsultyourlocalbranchforhours)

Grandpa Langs & Grandma Vowels, Uncle Lloyd, Uncle Harvey, Aunt Bea,

Uncle Ken, Uncle Bus, Uncle Pat, Uncle Bob, Aunt Illeen, our nephew Billy, & our parents, Isaac & Mary

Langs. Thought of often & remembered always.

Have a safe & happy holiday,Rebecca, Kit & LePoodle Pet Services

519-495-5057www.kitandlepoodle.com

Whisker TicklesCat Sitting Service

[email protected]

ComputersWILSDON COMPUTER SER-VICES - Basic setup, operat-ing system install/upgrade, internet setup/repair, Tune-Up, recommended safety suite, rescue disc, data trans-fer, data backup. In-Home service available. Call Sara or Ian Wilsdon 519-633-9638.

Homes for SaleBANK FORECLOSURE PROPERTIES & DISTRESS

SALE HOMES. Free list-ings sent to you BEFORE they are on the public sys-tem. FreeStThomasInfo.com

PhotographyFOR ALL YOUR PHO-TOGRAPHY needs con-tact Mark G., 519-641-9034 or find me online at [email protected].

Services OfferedALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – Drinking is your busi-

ness. Helping you to stop is ours. Call 519-633-0430 or Write P.O. Box 220001, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4P5.

THINKING OF HARDWOOD, Unbeatable prices, expert installation, free estimates. Call Rob Waldroff Custom Carpentry. 519-269-3776.

Merry Christmas to all of our Customers!



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BARWICK, ETHEL (BARNATT) of Caressant Care Home, St. Thomas, passed away Monday, December 17, 2012 in her 100th year. A funeral service will be held De-cember 20, 2012 at 11am. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

BROOKS, ROSS EUGENE of Terrace Lodge, Aylmer, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 in his 80th year. A funeral service was held December 14, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

CHARLEBOIS, BARBARA COLLEEN of St. Thom-as, passed away Monday, December 10, 2012 at the age of 57. No visitation. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

DADSON, FLORENCE of St. Thomas, passed away on Sun-day, December 16, 2012 in her 98th year. A funeral ser-vice will be held December 20, 2012 at 1pm. Visita-tion from 11am-1pm. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

FRIES, MRS. MARGARET (nee MacKENZIE) of St. Thomas, passed away Friday, December 14, 2012 in her 95th year. There will be no public visitation at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Angels’ Roman Catholic Church, St. Thomas on December 21 at 10am. Sifton Funeral Home.

GELDHOF, GERMANIE of Delhi and formerly Aylmer and area, passed away Monday, December 10, 2012 in her 95th year. Cremation has taken place. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

HUYTAN, OREST of St. Thomas, passed away Monday, De-cember 17, 2012 in his 87th year. Visitation December 20, 2012 from 7-9pm. The funeral service will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, 151 Edward Street, London, on De-cember 21, 2012 at 11am. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

LAIDLAW, JOHN HUNTER of Caressant Care Home, St. Thomas and formerly of Toronto, passed away Friday, December 14, 2012 in his 89th year. A private family service held. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

MAGDIC, JAGICA “JACKIE” of St. Thomas, passed away Thurs-day, December 13, 2012 in hr 73rd year. Mass of the Christian Burial was held December 17, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

McMILLIN, MARION of Caressant Care Nursing Home, St. Thomas, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2012 in her 90th year. A funeral service was held December 19, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

PERRY, GLEN “RED”, of St. Thomas, passed away on Friday, De-cember 14, 2012 in his 74th year. A public memorial service will be held in the chapel of the Valleyview Home, 350 Burwell Road, St. Thomas on January 4, 2013 at 4pm. Sifton Funeral Home.

PUTNAM, JEAN of RR #4, Aylmer, passed away on Wednes-day, December 12, 2012 in her 79th year. A funeral service was held December 15, 2012. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

SMITHSON-HEDDEN, DOROTHY of Parkhill and formerly of London, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2012 in her 76th year. A grave side service will be held at a later date. H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home.

THOMPSON, ALVIN J. of Valleyview Home, St. Thom-as and formerly of Appin, passed away Tuesday, Decem-ber 11, 2012 in his 83rd year. A funeral service was held December 15, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

WESTAWAY, LAURENCE HENRY of Terrance Lodge, Aylmer, passed away December 11, 2012 in his 85th year. A funeral service was held December 14, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

WHITCROFT (GRIFFIN), MARIE “CAROLL” of St. Thomas, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2012 in her 51st year. A funeral service was held December 18, 2012. Williams Funeral Home Ltd.

SIFTONFUNERALH O M E

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

519-631-1160118 Wellington Street, St. Thomas

A clinically trained and experienced Individual & Couples Therapist

Offices in London and St. Thomas519-280-7795

Be much more effective, healthyand happy in all aspects

of your daily life.

Jim InnesCounselling

You do have options

Successful counseling and therapy is a collaborative process that benefits from theactive participation of clients and therapist.

One-year anniversaryTanjay/Alia celebrated its one-year anniversary in Elgin Mall on Wednes-day, November 28, 2012. Pictured are, from left: Mary Dodge, Darlene Twynstra, Lynda Seeley, Shannyn Kelly, store manager Barb Atkinson and Candace Ireland. On hand for the celebrations were Mayor Heather Jackson and local singer Stephanie McIlroy.

Trudy Kanellis and Wayne McKinnon present 600 special dictionaries to Southwold Public School grade 3 students. A project of Rotary District 6330, this is the third year for this project. Each dictionary becomes the personal property of a child in Elgin County, and rotary members teach the children how to use them. The schools are very pleased to participate in the project.

Dictionaries distributed

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Christmas in jeopardy update

In the December 6, 2012 edi-tion of The St. Thomas/Elgin Weekly News, there was a story titled “Christmas in jeopardy for local family” about a woman named Melissa, who has three children she was trying to provide a Christmas for. The article stated a bank account would be forth-coming, and now that it’s ready, here is the information.

Those wishing to donate can go to any TD Canada Trust and ask that your money be do-nated to Melissa’s account un-der Homeless Happens Helping Hands. The account number is 00026428478.

Music of the night

The Holy Angel’s Parish Traditional Choir was among eight performing groups at the annual Candlelit Christmas Spirit Walk at Springwater Sat-urday night. Over 800 people took in the event that featured music of the season, plus a magician and a story teller, the Derrick Drover band in the school house, and hot chocolate and a visit with Santa.

(photo by Brian Wilsdon)

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

fee, your boss will ask you to do something that will last until the

coffee is cold

december 20, 2012 issue

Documents

elgin county council

west elgin

outgoing warden bill

thomas elgin weekly

tral elgin council chambers

lord elgin watch

walters joint countycity

new warden cameron mcwilliams